Friday 47 Sports Friday, June 22, 2018 SNIPPETS Mbappe sends France through as Peru knocked out of WCup Teenager Mbappe becomes France’s youngest World Cup goalscorer YEKATERINBURG: Teenager Kylian Mbappe became France’s youngest World Cup goalscorer as they beat Peru 1-0 yes- terday to reach the last 16 and condemn the South Americans to an early exit. France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, join Uruguay and hosts Russia in the knockout rounds with one group game to go. Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe- aged 19 years and 183 days-underlined his rich talent and claimed his place in the French record books when he poked home in the first half. ’ side face Den- mark on Tuesday with top spot in Group C up for grabs but progression to the next stage assured. In contrast, Peru face Australia with their fate sealed and just pride to play for in front of their passionate and large fol- lowing that has decamped to Russia. Some Peru fans were in tears even before kick-off- a generation of Peruvians have never known their country in the World Cup before. EKATERINBURG: France’s forward Kylian Mbappe (C) vies for the ball with Peru’s The South Americans’ last appearance midfielder Yoshimar Yotun (L) and Peru’s defender Miguel Trauco (R) during the was in 1982 and they made this like a home Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between France and Peru at the game, ensuring their red and white domi- Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg yesterday. — AFP nated the Yekaterinburg Arena. That in- cluded the two enormous temporary stands that stretch high above both ends, exposed told his side, disappointing in beating Aus- Giroud, his shot took a deflection and looped to the elements, where Peru fans bobbed tralia 2-1 in their opener, to go long and use over Gallese, allowing Mbappe to stab into and bounced to keep warm. Giroud’s physicality. Peru’s best outlet in the an open net. New-found confidence ran , the Manchester United mid- first half was rampaging full-back Luis Ad- through the French and Hernandez should fielder who a few days ago called himself vincula, who had the beating of defender have made it 2-0 just before the break. “the most criticised player in the world”, down France’s left flank. As in the first half, Peru made the better flashed a drive wide and defender Raphael Peru, unfortunate to lose 1-0 to Denmark start to the second and midfielder Pedro Varane did likewise from a header. in their first game, took until the half-hour to Aquino arrowed a long-distance rocket With 15 minutes gone, Pogba and France have their first serious chance, with recalled onto Lloris’s upright. But for all their pos- began to impose themselves. Antoine Griez- skipper Paolo Guerrero stinging the legs of session, Peru-in their distinctive white kit mann drove straight at goalkeeper Pedro Hugo Lloris. France captain Lloris, making his with red sash-caused the French defence Gallese after -starting in place 100th appearance for his country, was a by- few problems. Barcelona centre-back of Ousmane Dembele-set up the Atletico stander for long periods. On 34 minutes was imperious alongside Real forward. Deschamps had clearly France went in front. Pogba cleverly played in Madrid’s Varane. — AFP

he has worn since childhood when he plays in Russia, hoping they World Cup superstitions bring the good fortune that has long eluded the Three Lions at in- ternational tournaments. “I’ve had the same shinpads since I was putting a spell on players 11. They are battered (but) I am very superstitious,” the Tottenham midfielder told Fifa.com.

MOSCOW: Some players believe World Cup success is earned BEST FOOT FORWARD through exercise, diet and endless practice drills-others are con- Some players such as England’s Phil Jones do not like stepping vinced it’s a matter of wearing lucky underwear. Players and on white lines, while Brazil defender Marcelo always runs onto the coaches can be a superstitious bunch and often have a ritual or pitch right foot first. The habit is so ingrained that during training item of clothing they believe is a charm that has contributed to a in Rostov-on-Don he left the pitch and re-entered after realising winning run. he had accidentally led with his left foot. They range from former Colombian keeper Rene Higuita’s in- “Everybody likes to enter with the right foot, right? I’m no dif- sistence on wearing blue underpants to current German striker ferent,” he laughed when quizzed by reporters. Morocco coach Mario Gomez’s habit of only using the far-left urinal to relieve Herve Renard has worn a white shirt on the sidelines since he took himself before a match. Zambia to a surprise victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012. Gomez’s Germany teammate Julian Draxler gives himself a He is doing so again in Russia, although it has not proved so spritz of scent before a big match. “Sometimes my teammates ask lucky this time as Morocco will be heading home after the group me if I’m not right in the head,” the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder stages. France are convinced superstition played a part in their said. “Every player has a ritual before a match and I usually hold 1998 World Cup win, when ’s teammates rubbed my bag in my locker and I throw on two or three sprays of perfume. the goalkeeper’s bald head for good luck. It gives me a feeling of happiness.” Sports psychologist Dan Abra- Defender planted a big kiss on Barthez’s pool- hams, author of the book “Soccer Tough”, said so many match-day ball pate before every match, right up to the final against Brazil. factors are beyond a player’s control that adopting a ritual or lucky Perhaps the strangest example of the power of suggestion help- charm provides something to focus on and take charge of. ing a team to World Cup glory is Argentina’s triumph in 1978. In an “Logically, these kinds of rituals aren’t linked to performance,” era of short shorts and long hair, Argentina’s star striker Mario Kem- he told AFP. “However, if a player creates the perception that they pes was a dedicated follower of fashion, sporting a stylish horseshoe are, then the action can become a hinge factor for how a player moustache and flowing locks. But Kempes failed to find the net in feels,” said the specialist, who works with club the group stages, prompting coach Cesar Luis Menotti to offer a Bournemouth. England’s is using the same shin guards suggestion to the forward nicknamed “El Matador”. —AFP