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Ali's quarter-final World Cup date

June 9 - 14, 2010
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Schoolboy Ali Nabeel Mirza Ahmed will be trotting out on to the pitch in South Africa alongside one of football's greatest players in a World Cup quarter final clash.

That is the amazing prize the soccer-mad Bahraini 10-year-old has won in the latest customer draw staged by fast food giants McDonald's.

Ali, who attends Al Maaref School in Juffair will be accompanied by his father, Nabeel, a banker.

He said: "I can't believe my luck. My uncle entered my name in the draw after enjoying a meal and a few days later he called me up and told me to pack my things as I was going to South Africa with my dad!"

Dream prize winner Nabeel said: "My dad watched the World Cup Final in Germany in 2006 and now it's my turn to go to the tournament!

"I hope the match I will watch will feature England against Germany. I want to hold Wayne Rooney's hand as he is my favourite Manchester United player. But I will be supporting Argentina most of the time."

This year, around 1,408 children between the ages of six and 10 from around the world will get the opportunity to experience the 2010 FIFA World Cup first-hand thanks to McDonald's Player Escort Programme, which forms part of the fast food chain's official sponsorship role and commitment to promote the game through various community initiatives.

Ali, from Barbar, who has two sisters, Shoor, two, and Jood, seven, will walk out on the pitch holding the hand of a star footballer at the start of one of the quarter-final clashes on July 3. He will be flying out with his father on an all-expenses paid trip on July 1 and the prize includes three-nights stay at a fancy hotel, an array of planned sightseeing activities and tours, uniform for Ali representing the team he will walk out with and match gift souvenirs.

His mum Bahia will also be joining the happy duo on their trip. She said: "He has been on cloud nine ever since he heard the news. He immediately told his friends at school and whoever he could get hold of. Although the trip is for three days we might stay a bit longer and make a family vacation out of it."

Grandfather Mirza Ahmed Ali, a retired banker, said: "We are a sport-loving family and always have been. While my son and grandson will be watching the match live, I will be in my basement with all my friends watching the game on our big screen cheering them on!"







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