SPORT Wednesday 27 June 2018 PAGES | 20-210-21 PAGPAGE | 24

Germany seekseek AgonyAgon for Australia big win too seal as PeruPe bow out of last 16 spot Cup oon high note

Messi and Rojo on target as Argentina avoid shock exit 201820018118 FFIFAIFA WORLDWORWORLD CCUCUPP - GGROUGROUPROOUP ANALYSISANANALYSLYYSSISS AFP M W D L GF GA PTS

GROUPGROUP A : Marcus Rojo’s stunningnning ffinishinish ffourour minutminuteses from time kept and Argentina’stina’s World Cup hopeshopes URUGUAYURUGUAAY 3 3 0 0 5 0 9 alive to see off 2-1 yesterday and set uupp a llastast 16 meetmeetinging ARGENTINAARGENTINA NNIGERIAIGERIA RRUSSIAUSSIA 3 2 0 1 8 4 6 with France. SAUDI AARABIARABIARA 3 1 0 2 2 7 3 Messi’s first goal of the tournament gotot the two-timetwo-time winnerswinners EGYPTE 3 0 0 3 2 6 0 off to a perfect start in Saint Petersburg,, butbut Victor MosesMoses’s’s 551st1st 2 1 minute penalty had ’s menen headed fforor a humhumili-ili- GROUPGROUP B ating group stage exit until Rojo’s late intervention.ervention. MESSIMESSI - 114'44' MMOSESOSES - 51' PPENEN SPASPAININ 3 1 2 0 6 5 5 The Manchester United defender, whoho had escaescapedped MMARCOSARCOS ROJROJOO - 886'6'' PPORTUGALORTUGAL 3 1 2 0 5 4 5 conceding a second Nigerian penalty momentsments earlearlierierr IR IRANIRANN 3 1 1 1 2 2 4 after a controversial VAR review, thunderedered homeome YESTERDAY'SYESTERDAAY'S RESULTSRESULTS MOROCMOROCCOOROCCCO 3 0 1 2 2 4 1 ’s cross to send the under-fire-fiire Sam-Sam- GROUPGROUP C AUSTRALIAAAUSTRSTRALIA 0-1 PERUPERU paoli running down the sidelines amid wildlld sscenescenes GROUPGROUP C GROUP C of celebration. DEDDENMARKENME MARRK 0-0 FRANCEFRANCE FFRANCERANCE 3 2 1 0 3 1 7 Messi missed a penalty in a 1-1 drawrawaw witwithh GROUPGROUP D DENMDENMARKARK 3 1 2 0 2 1 5 Iceland and was largely bypassed inn a 3-3-00 NIGERIANIGERIRIA 1-21-2 ARGENTINAARA GEENTINENN INA PERUPERU 3 1 0 2 2 2 3 GROUP D thrashing by Croatia that saw calls for Sampaolimpaoli ICELANDICELAND 1-21-2 CROATIACROROATIA AAUSTRALIAUSTRALIRALIALIA 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 to be sacked before their final group game.mee. However, Argentina avoided the abyss by thehe TODAY'STODAY'S FIXTURESFIXTURES GROUP D skin of their teeth to fight another day againstnstst ththe GROUP F CCROATIAROATIA 3 3 0 0 7 1 9 highly-fancied French in Kazan on Saturday.day.y KOREAKOREA REP.REPEP.. VS GERMANYGEGERMGERERMANY AARGENTINARGENTINA 3 1 1 1 3 5 4 Sampaoli made five changes from the CroaCroatiaroatia 5.00PM5.00PM GGROUPROUP F NIGERIANIGI ERIA 3 1 0 2 3 4 3 game, with veterans of the Albiceleste’s runun to MEXICOMEXICO VVSS SWEDENSWEDENN IICELANDCELANDLAN 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 the final four years ago Gonzalo Higuain and 5.00PM5.00PM Angel di Maria returning, but it was the recallcall GROUPGROUP E GROUPGROUP E of Ever Banega in midfield that provided thehe SERBIASERBIRBIBIA VS BRAZILBRAZILL BRAZILBRAZILAZIL 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 9.00PM9.00PM launchpad for Messi. SWITZSWITZERLANDITZERLANDN 2 1 1 0 3 2 4 The Sevilla playmaker was restoredd toto GROUP E SWITZERLANDSWWITZERLRLAND VS COSTACOSTTA RRICAICCA SSERBIAERBIA 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 bring some order to an Argentine midfieldielld 9.00PM9.00PM CCOSTAOSTA RICARICAIC 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 overrun by Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic and Lukauka Modric and proved his worth inside 15 minutes.utes. Banega’s brilliant pass over the top off the GGROUPROUP F MEXICOMEXICO 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 Nigerian defence picked out Messi’s run per-per- GEGERMANYERMANY 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 fectly and, after cushioning the ball on his thigh,thigh,h, the five-time world player of the year erasedrased SWSWEDENEDEN 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 the frustrations of his World Cup so far withith an SOUTH KORKOREAEA 2 0 0 2 1 3 0 arrowed right-foot finish into the far corner.ner.r Modric claimed Croatia “cut off Messi”essi” iinn GROUPGROUP G Nizhny Novgorod five nights ago, but he wasasas backack EENGLANDNGLAND 2 2 0 0 8 2 6 to close to his Barcelona best at the heartrtt ofo aallll BELBELGIUMGIUM 2 2 0 0 8 2 6 Argentina’s best moves in a positive first 45 miminutes.nunnuteuteu s. TUNISIATUNIN SIAA 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 Higuain just couldn’t flick the ball beyondeyondonndd PPANAMAANAMA 2 0 2 1 1 9 0 the onrushing Francis Uzoho from a defencefencee splitting pass before Uzoho then tipped a MeMessiessis GROUP H free-kick onto the post. JAPANJAAPAN 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Argentina escaped just before the breakreakea SSENEGALENEGALAL 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 when no penalty was given for Rojo’s highhigh COLOMBIACOLOOLOMBIA 2 1 0 1 4 2 3 challenge on . POLANDPOLANDD 1 0 0 1 1 5 0 Nigeria felt that injustice was rectified justjust five minutes after the break, though, whenhen this time Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir diddid point to the spot when Javier Mascheranoano tangled with Oghenekaro Etebo at a corner.ner.r Moses confidently stepped up to sendenendd the wrong way on his interna-rnnaa- tional debut and Argentina back to square one.oone. Messi produced a magical performancecee in Argentina’s final qualifier with a hat-trickck in Ecuador just to get his country to Russia. But he couldn’t recreate those heroicscs asas Nigerian defenders swarmed around him eeve-ve- rytime he was hopefully shovelled the ballll bbyy Argentine team-mates. There was further VAR controversy whenwhhen Nigeria were denied a second penalty whenwhen Rojo headed onto his own arm before substitutebsstituit te fired wide. Ighalo missed another glorious chance whenwwhen heh e shot too close to Armani and Nigeria weree mammadede ttoo pay for their profligacy from the most unlikelykeelyy source.source. Sergio Aguero had been thrown on frfromrroomthm ththeeebe bebenchnchh to jjoinoin Messi and Higuain in attack, but it wass RRoRojRojoojo who proproducedduceced a Argentina’sAArArgentina’s MarcosMarcos RojoRoojo (foreground)(forregeggroround)u celebratesceceleleleebrab tes striker’s finish on his weaker right foot too sparkssppark deliriousdeliriousiou scenesscecenes after scoscoringring thetheirir ssecondeeconco d gogoalall wwithith LionLionelneel MMessiessi durduringing theiththeirr of celebration among the tens of thousandsnddss ofoffAr ArgentinesArgentines in the FIFAFIFFIFIFAIFA 2012020188 WorldWorldd CupCCuupup - GroupGroup D matchmam tchh againstaaggaig nst NigeriaNigeria at ttheheh stands. SaintSaininttP PePetersburgtersburgg StaSStadiumtadium in SainSaintnt PePPetersburg,tersbbuurg, RuRussiassia yesyesterday.esterdday. 18 SPORT WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE 2018

France, Denmark qualify for last sixteen after dull draw AP

MOSCOW: A game no team needed to win became the game no fan would want to watch. France and Denmark produced the DENMARK FRANCE World Cup’s first 0-0 draw at the 37th attempt amid boos and whistles from 0 fans yesterday. 0 The slow-paced game was out of step with a vibrant tournament. But it advanced both teams to the round of 16 unbeaten, with the bonus of no players suspended and no serious injuries. The draw would always have ensured that outcome, and became inev- itable in the second half. Events else- where in Group C made this game all but irrelevant. Peru beat Australia 2-0 in Sochi at the same time, meaning the Danes would have advanced even if they lost to France before 78,011 at the World Cup’s signature Luzhniki . France, already sure to advance with two opening victories, goes into the round of 16 as the Group C winner and Denmark as runner-up. The two teams were happy, and so were the thousands of Denmark fans who stayed to dance and cheer in an empty stadium. Less happy were the neutral fans in the crowd. Many Russians cheered the host team’s name and whistled mis- placed passes and slow play as the game progressed with Denmark protecting its France’s forward Kylian Mbappe (centre) one point for a draw. controls the ball as he is marked by Denmark’s It was the longest a World Cup had defender Mathias Jorgensen during the 2018 gone without a goalless draw since 1954, FIFA World Cup Group C match at the Luzhniki a tournament of 26 games which all Stadium in , yesterday. delivered at least one goal. Deschamps rested six starters to put out a team that barely tested Denmark 33-year-old made his only save in the 1-0 win over Peru. A second yellow card Thomas Lemar went off the anchored by veteran captain Simon goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel until 54th minute, spilling Christian Eriksen’s before the semifinals triggers a one- field 10 yards (meters) away from any Kjaer, and a high-class goalkeeper in substitute tried two long- free-kick before pouncing on the loose game ban. player. Kasper Schmeichel. Even the top World range shots. ball. Perhaps sensing it was time to make Only in the final 20 minutes, when Cup teams will have difficulty scoring It was a mostly forgettable first France’s first-choice goalkeeper and entertainment midway through the first Fekir and Kylian Mbappe came off the against the Danes. major tournament start for France goal- captain, Hugo Lloris, was among those half, fans created a wave that made bench, did France show more pace and France has won Group C and will keeper Steve Mandanda, who has been given the day off. three laps of the stadium. direct intent. They met a solid Danish open the round 16 on Saturday afternoon a backup at two World Cups and three and Blaise Matuidi were obvious choices Whistles and jeers got louder after defense content with the draw. in Kazan, playing the Group D runner- European Championships. The to sit after collecting yellow cards in a a misplaced pass in the 64th by France Denmark has a tough defense up. Argentina. Fans upset at ‘worst World Cup game ever’ AFP France and Denmark is the first Cup, while others reacted more goalless draw of the lightheartedly. “The Denmark MOSCOW: Football fans across tournament. France game is like a boring the globe reacted with humour “A record that surely will date where the guy who asks a and anger at the “worst World never be beaten.” Most others girl what’s the capital city of Cup game ever” as Denmark were far less charitable. China,” joked one Twitter user. and France played out the first “Wow! This Denmark- Another said: “I once locked 0-0 of the tournament France game is officially the myself in the stairwell between yesterday. worst match of this World Cup!! my flat and the front door for France got the point they Feel bad for the people who three hours without a phone or needed to clinch top spot in Group actually took time off work and a book. That was more exciting Denmark’s coach Age Hareide (right) and players applaud their fans at the end of the 2018 C and Denmark also qualified for paid to watch this nonsense,” than this.” FIFA World Cup Group C match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow yesterday. the last 16 in a soporific affair. But one outraged observer, in India, “France and Denmark - such that did not stop the French fans wrote on Twitter. great pastries, such terrible watching in Moscow jeering their From England, another football,” added another own team’s lack of ambition, Twitter user agreed: “Feel sorry observer, while some online while on social media the reaction for the fans that have gone to posted GIFs of people falling We did what we had to, was more rabid. watch the DENFRA game, asleep. , the former pathetic from both sides (espe- Even the official FIFA World England striker and now a BBC cially France). It’s not even a Cup Twitter account hinted at says Denmark coach Age television presenter, stuck to the friendly, it’s just a kickabout.” boredom: “Lots of huffing and AFP facts, tweeting: “The 37/38th Several called it the worst game puffing, but..... Both sides stupid if we opened up. We did not qualify), Peru, played the game of the World Cup between they had ever seen at a World progress to round of 16.” played to get the result and we best football,” Hareide said. MOSCOW: Denmark coach Age did it.” Fans from both sides “We sacrificed everything to Hareide said his team did what started whistling and jeering as get the point and take us to the needed to be done to earn a the game drew to a disap- next level.” Denmark could have point in a lacklustre 0-0 draw pointing close. only been denied qualification with Group C winners France “You need to do what you had they lost to France and had yesterday and advance to the need to do but for the team this Australia beaten Peru in the World Cup Round of 16. has been wonderful. Our goal match being simultaneously It was the first goalless draw was to come here and to played in Sochi. after 36 matches at the World progress to last 16,” Hareide The Danes are now likely to Cup, with neither France nor said. face Croatia, who are leading Denmark even remotely inter- France were already assured Group D and play Iceland. ested in attacking as the point qualification but wanted to go “They are really very good, suited both and left Australia, through in top spot to avoid a really, really good,” Hareide said Denmark’s Kasper who lost to Peru in the other likely last-16 clash with in-form of the Croats, who have beaten Schmeichel passes his game, out of contention for a Croatia while Denmark will play Argentina and Nigeria in their gloves to fans after the top-two finish. the runner-up of Group D, two group matches so far. 2018 FIFA World Cup “We just needed one point, which also includes Argentina, “They are a really, really Group C match at the right?,” Hareide said. “We were Nigeria and Iceland. good team. They look strong. We up against one of the best “We had a tough group, one have taken a look at Croatia. We Luzhniki Stadium in counter-attacking teams in the of the toughest I believe. The have seen them play and they Moscow, Russia, yesterday. world. We would have been team that got three points (and are very strong,” Hareide said. WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE 2018 SPORT 19

Croatia’s midfielder Milan Badelj scores the opening goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D match against Iceland at the in Rostov-On-Don yesterday.

Croatia down Iceland to top group

AFP Zlatko Dalic rested most of the Just before the break, a drive urged on by fans chanting their Sigurdsson had ballooned a side that thumped Argentina by Alfred Finnbogasson whistled famous Viking thunderclap, penalty over the bar against ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA: 3-0, with only captain Luka past the post. Then on the stroke almost equalised within Nigeria, but this time dispatched Croatia secured first place in Modric and the winger Perisic of half-time Gunnarsson forced minutes. his shot into the roof of the net Group D yesterday after a hard- keeping their places. CROATIA ICELAND an acrobatic save from Kalinic. First, a flick-on from with Kalinic diving the wrong fought 2-1 win over gallant Needing a point to make Ten minutes into the second another Gunnarsson long throw way.But as Iceland strained for Iceland in Rostov, setting up a certain of top spot, Croatia dom- period the match turned when found Sverrir Ingason whose the winner and a berth in the last-16 tie with Denmark. inated early on, with Real 2 1 Fiorentina striker Milan Badelj header was tipped over by last 16 it was Croatia who While most eyes were on Madrid pair Modric and Mateo BADELJ - 57' SIGURDSSON - 76' first clipped the bar with a long- Kalinic. threatened, free-kicks by Perisic Argentina and their do-or-die Kovacic dictating the tempo PERIŠIĆ - 90' range drive, then made no Moments later Ingason, who and Rakitic worrying match with Nigeria in Saint without creating clear chances. mistake a minute later. plays for Rostov, went even Halldorsson. Petersburg, Croatia wrapped up Midway through the period dangerously across the goal- The 29-year-old got his right closer but his header hit the Then on 90 minutes, Perisic top spot in Group D in Rostov- it was the Nordic side, who had mouth by the industrious foot over a deflected cross and crossbar. delivered the final blow. on-Don thanks to a slick beaten Croatia in qualifying for Magnusson. fired a superb volley wide of On 73 minutes Bjarnason Sent into space on the left of second-half volley by Milan Russia, who took control, Everton’s Sigurdsson tested Iceland goalkeeper Hannes fluffed a close-range oppor- the area the Inter Milan winger Badelj and a late strike by Ivan threatening from set-pieces and Lovre Kalinic from a free-kick, Halldorsson to give Croatia the tunity but Iceland’s lifeline blasted a shot that ended both Perisic, sandwiching a penalty interceptions. while Birkir Bjarnason, who suf- lead. arrived a minute later when the game and Iceland’s World equaliser by Gylfi Sigurdsson. On 25 minutes a trademark fered a nosebleed early on, had Iceland had to claim their Dejan Lovren handled a cross Cup and put Croatia through to Croatia were already long throw from Iceland captain shots blocked in quick first ever World Cup victory to by Sigurdsson in the penalty a match against the Danes in through to the last 16 and coach Aron Gunnarsson was headed succession. have a chance of advancing and, area. Nizhny Novogrod on Sunday. shouldn’t shoulder Brazil’s World Cup hopes: Tite AFP who says the 26-year-old needs read too much into the super- course, when you have to have more time to rediscover his form star’s tears. Brazil’s inability to a cool head and to keep a MOSCOW: Brazil coach Tite says after three months out. keep their emotions in check standard. their off-form superstar Neymar “He is a gifted player, but contributed to their spectacular “We are aware of the emo- shouldn’t be expected to outside his normal standards, or implosion at the 2014 World tions and the pressure, we have shoulder their World Cup hopes he wouldn’t be playing like this. Cup, when they were slaugh- to be able to assess heart, head and called on the Selecao to keep “This is an evolution, if you tered 7-1 in the semi-finals by and reasoning. emotions in check against Serbia look at the heat map of his last eventual winners Germany. “But emotion isn’t always in today. two games, it has increased The fear is the same thing sync with imbalance - not at all.” Brazil need only a point in considerably. could happen again during the Serbia captain Aleksandar Moscow from their final group “Maybe he will be at the top high-pressure knock-out stages Kolarov described facing Brazil game to be sure of reaching the of his game in the next match. in Russia. at the World Cup as the highlight knock-out stages, while a win is “We shouldn’t place the However, Tite compared of his career but said his team almost sure to put them in the whole responsibility on his Neymar’s tears to his own had no fear and possessed the last 16 as Group E winners. shoulders.” weeping for joy after Brazil beat mental fortitude to force an Despite having only just Back in Brazil, fans crave a Ecuador last August to qualify upset. returned from a lengthy layoff first World Cup title since 2002. for the World Cup finals. “If Brazil are talking about after a fractured foot, the world’s However, the South “I want to say to the whole pressure on them, then you can most expensive player is the American giants have yet to Brazilian nation - I cried on the imagine what kind of pressure centrepiece of a Brazil side des- impress in Russia after drawing phone to my wife after we beat is on us,” the Roma defender perate to win the World Cup. 1-1 with Switzerland before Ecuador, just because I was said. “But this is part and parcel Neymar wept after scoring needing two late goals last happy,” said the Brazil coach of football, we can cope with it. Brazil’s forward Neymar takes part in their shaky 2-0 win over Friday to seal a 2-0 win over tongue-in-cheek when asked “I think the mental element, in a training session at the Luzhniki Costa Rica last Friday and is the Costa Rica. about Neymar’s tears. the psychology will be the Stadium in Moscow on the eve of the subject of constant scrutiny in Neymar cried after scoring “I am very careful about decisive factor in the match. If 2018 FIFA World Cup Group E match Russia. Brazil’s second goal in the 97th associating reasons with we enter with a belief we can against Serbia. “Neymar is only in the minute in Saint Petersburg, but emotions. win and are mentally prepared recovery stage,” warned Tite, Tite warned reporters to not “There are moments, of to win we will win it.” Mexico happy to be dreamers during World Cup AP today it would win its group with Yesterday in advance of El goal in Mexico’s 2-1 win over be its seventh consecutive spot in this final group stage game fits a perfect record, something it has Tri’s final Group F match against South Korea on Saturday. With in the round of 16. right into this team’s mentality, YEKATERINIBURG, RUSSIA: never achieved in its long World Sweden, he doubled down. one more, he can become Mex- That’s mostly because Hernandez said. With back-to-back victories to Cup history. “The best thing to do with ico’s all-time leading scorer in nothing is settled yet in Group F. “This is the group of death,” open the World Cup, including It’s exactly the kind of big dreams is to share them with World Cup play with five, If Sweden beats Mexico on Hernandez said. “People can say one over defending champion dreams that 30-year-old people who are dreamers,” he breaking a tie with Luis Wednesday and Germany beats whatever they want there, but Germany, Mexico’s national team forward Javier Hernandez was said. “We are brave enough not Hernandez. South Korea, three teams would we have a magnificent oppor- has already been anointed by criticized for prior to the tour- only to dream, but to work on Javier said no one inside be tied atop Group F with six tunity to break that ceiling and some back home as the best in nament when he said winning those dreams so that we can Mexico’s locker room is disap- points, sending it to tiebreakers to demonstrate that we can do the country’s history. this year’s World Cup was a make them true.” Hernandez pointed about not having already that start with goal difference. this after working hard. And let’s If Mexico beats Sweden possibility. notched his 50th international earned its place in what would Having something to play for let football speak for itself.” 20 SPORT WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE 2018 WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE 2018 SPORT 21

$$!  % & South Korea’s goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo in action during a training session held in Saint Petersburg yesterday.   '()*      Germany seek big win to seal last 16 spot Fh“h6 rh REUTERS champions now need to beat South and will add even more players who four years ago had just won overall to his name, has yet to score Korea by two goals or more to who were absent in 2014 to his promotion from the third division, in Russia. He is also feeling the VATUTINKI: Germany look set to guarantee they qualify, or they next line-up against South Korea is also likely to start in the place pressure from 22-year-old Brandt, rely on players who did not win the must better Sweden’s result in the today. of the suspended Jerome Boat- who has only had two brief substi- 2014 World Cup to carry them past other group game against Mexico The Germans have so far failed eng, another World Cup winner tute appearances so far but made South Korea in their final Group F to secure a top two finish. to live up to their expectations as who was sent off against an impression and hit the post     match today and into the knock- The South Koreans, after two title favourites and were it not for Sweden. against Sweden while also looking          out stage. defeats, would have to beat Ger- those players hungry for World Cup Holding midfielder Rudy, who far more dangerous than Mueller.          A shock 1-0 opening loss to many by more than two goals while success, they might already have started against the Swedes, broke Loew sounds like he is keep- !"# !" Mexico was followed by a last-gasp hoping Sweden lose to Mexico to been booking their return flights had faced a barrage of criticism for his nose in that game, but should ing his options open. 2-1 victory over Sweden, with have any chance of advancing. to Frankfurt. his opening match performance. he be fit to play he would proba- “It is about using all possibili-    #$ players like Marco Reus, “We have a lot of alternatives, Reus, who missed the 2014 Instead Reus, time and again, bly be picked ahead of Khedira, ties. Those players who did not Sebastian Rudy and Julian that is the structure of our squad,” tournament after being injured in sliced past the Swedish defence who admitted his own perform- play will definitely still be needed,” Brandt providing much of said Germany coach Joachim Loew. their final warmup game, should with his speed and was a constant ance in their opener against Mexico he said. their spark in the Loew had already benched start once more after his fine per- threat while also scoring the equal- was bad. That may not sound like a vote latter. World Cup winners Mesut Ozil and formance against Sweden. iser in their win. Thomas Mueller, a winner in of confidence in his 2014 champi- Srpr‡ The world Sami Khedira after their first game He has quickly ousted Ozil, who Central defender Niklas Suele, 2014 with 10 World Cup goals ons, but it’s not 2014 any more. €rr‡vt† !" ''( &    #$ '' &    #$ +","  )" / - !"  Sweden take on high-flying - *"" "  .- +",% .- Pressure on Serbia in crucial . +"-)"% .0 % # '   Mexico in must-win match

Germany coach Joachim Loew AFP during a training tie against ‘improving’ Brazil $$!  % & session in YEKATERINBURG: Sweden coach Janne Moscow, Russia AP after the break against Costa Rica and Andersson must find a way to pick up his 234 ' yesterday. made Brazil play more aggressive, has $$!  % & deflated players following their devastat-      MOSCOW: Already fragile after strug- a right thigh injury and his status is ing defeat to Germany in a World Cup @xh‡r viˆ t6 rh`rxh‡r viˆ t gling through its opening two World Cup unknown. Willian would be likely to 5'6 Group F that stands tantalisingly poised. matches, Brazil needs to improve. start for Costa.      Sweden were on course for the last 16 Luckily, the five-time champions Paulinho has also not been his strong Tƒh ‡hxT‡hqvˆ€H‚†p‚ until stepped up with a won- head into their final group match against self and the midfielder could lose his derful winner in the fifth minute of injury Serbia at Stadium in Moscow place in the starting lineup. time to rescue the reigning champions 2-1 today knowing a draw is enough to Brazil coach Tite didn’t offer many in a Saturday-night thriller. Switzerland eye knockouts berth advance to the round of 16. answers. His options include midfield- It left Group F on a knife-edge going control of the group, but they still need a Brazil opened the tournament with ers Fernandinho and Renato Augusto, into the final round of games today, when point to make absolutely sure of reaching a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, and then but he could play strikers Gabriel Jesus Sweden face Mexico in Yekaterinburg the knockout rounds.    0 over already-eliminated Costa Rica got two injury-time goals to pull out a and Roberto Firmino together. If he went while at the same time Germany play Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa said       2-0 victory over Costa Rica. with that lineup, Coutinho would replace loss to Switzerland, and midfielder South Korea in Kazan. Mexico are determined to secure the result 10          That second match was a roller- Paulinho. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic knows the squad Mexico have six points and one foot in they need to make sure of top spot, reveal- 2   23 coaster, and Neymar finished it by Brazil has also recently trained with has a tough match against Brazil. the knockout rounds, with Germany and ing that the squad is fired by criticism they !"# !" dropping to his knees and sobbing on defender Marquinhos as a right back “Yes, we definitely need a miracle. 2 3  2   the Swedes both on three points and with received from home fans before arriving the field at the end. He has since because starter Danilo is injured and That is what can make us beat Brazil the same goal difference and having scored in Russia.  .) ! / 0 defended the tears, which were of both replacement Fagner has little interna- and get through to the next stage,” he !"# !" the same number. The Mexicans were booed during a relief and frustration, and insisted he is tional experience. said. “I always say that those that believe  4) 25)+ Sweden will progress if they better friendly win over Scotland at the Azteca determined to lead Brazil to success at Coutinho scored two of Brazil’s three in miracles can make them happen. We Germany’s result. Stadium. this year’s World Cup. goals in the tournament, while Neymar are Serbian, nothing is impossible. With Several Sweden players were left Several members of the squad, includ- But anything short of a strong out- has only scored once. a bit of luck, we can produce a prone on the turf such was the late, excru- ing Ochoa, were also lambasted for their Srpr‡ ing against Serbia could put the squad Over the last 10 matches, Coutinho miracle.” ciating nature of the defeat to Germany. presence at a farewell party attended by €rr‡vt† !"1 REUTERS natural beauty. on edge. Brazil has been disappointed has outplayed Neymar. The Barcelona Serbia beat Costa Rica 1-0 in its Andersson said: “The whole group is around 30 prostitutes. with its play so far, and Neymar and midfielder has scored nine goals in the opening game, and Milinkovic-Savic The two also Srpr‡ still alive so we will have to lick our “We always knew we would have to ''0  .)  ! /  NIZNHY NOVGOROD: After enjoy close diplo- already have yellow last 10 matches, more than Neymar’s said Brazil has shortcomings in its wounds and come back for the last game.” fight all the way to the last game,” Ochoa €rr‡vt† !" ''1  .)  ! /  winning a politically-charged matic ties. cards.cards. five.f defense.defense. The 55-year-old, who accused Ger- said. InjuriesInjuries are alsalsoalso CoutinhoCoutinhoo hashas also also outsco outscoredsc redd Be Belgiumlgium “CostaCos RicRicaca andaand SSwSwitzerlanditzeitzerlzerlrlandand shs showedowed '( 25)+   4) match against Serbia, Switzer- In football many’sman backroom staff of “rubbing it in “We remember everything this squad +"," land are unlikely to face the terms, there are anan ississue.ue. DoDouglasuglasglass strikerstrikestrik rRr RomeRomeluluu Luk Lukakuaku anandddE EgypEgyptt fforfor-- theyey ccouldould ffaceacea eBr BrBrazil,”azil,”azilaza MiMilin Milinkovic-Savicinkovkovick vicc-c-Savic '''' 225)+5)+   4) 4) our ffaces”, also needs to deal with the del- has been through. We haven’t forgotten same hostility when they face also similarities, Costa,osta, whwhow ward MohamedMohamed SalahSalah.. said. “II bebelbelieveievee tthat,hat, ttoo,oo,ooo anandd II bebelieveelieve icateicate fall-out surrounding his winger hearing the boos at the Azteca, and that / )"  already-eliminated Costa Rica with both coun- camcame oonn SerbianSerbian mmoramoralelle was was affec affectedted by by a a22-1 2-1 1 thatthat t wwee will knockknocknock themtthemm dowdodown.”own.”o ” +","+"," JimmyJimm Durmaz. has strengthened us mentally,” Ochoa said. 0 !" 1 in Group E of the World Cup tries tending to && )"  DDurmaz, born in Sweden to Assyrian West Ham United striker Javier Her-  *"" " & today. punch above parentsparen who emigrated from Turkey, was nandez became the first Mexican player & !!"" & .- +",% .& Switzerland, needing a their weight. subjectedsubje to racial hatred and death threats to score 50 goals for his country -- in 104 ./- +"-)"% .0& draw to reach the last 16 of the Switzerland -- *"" "*""" "  on socialso media for giving away the foul appearances - with his strike against South tournament, have a number and Costa Rica .0 +",%+",% . ththatat lled to Kroos’s late winner. Korea. % # '   of ethnic Albanians in their are making their .1/ +"-)"%+"-)"% .-.- TheT 29-year-old was moved to read As West Ham fans know well, the squad and they were given a fifth World Cup Swiss players taking out a statement to reporters at the team’s 30-year-old can be hit and miss, yet “Chi- % #% # '  '   hostile reception by Serbian appearances part in a training BlackBlack Sea coast base in Gelendzhik on Sun- charito” seems to reserve his best Mexico have six points and fans in Friday’s dramatic 2-1 since 1990, and session yesterday. daday,y, saying of the abuse: “Who does such performances for the green of Mexico. win in Kaliningrad. both got beyond things?th “He’s a great goalscorer, but offers a one foot in the knockout Clearly fired up, goalscor- the group stage in “It is completely unacceptable.” lot more than that,” said Mexico team- rounds, with Germany and ers Granit Xhaka and Xherdan 2014. $$!  % & The biggest problem for Mex- mate Miguel Layun. the Swedes both on three Shaqiri both celebrated with Both have small domestic ico, who will have the majority of “He’s an incredibly dynamic player. a gesture which appeared to competitions with 10 teams in  ' 7 4 the Yekaterinburg Arena behind He makes four or five runs when others points and with the same imitate the eagle displayed on Switzerland’s Super League      themth today, will be complacency. might just make one. goal difference and having Albania’s flag. Both players and 12 in Costa Rica’s Primera Iv“u’I‚‰t‚ ‚qT‡hqvˆ€ A deserved 1-0 victory over Ger- “And he’s always in the right place at scored the same number. could be suspended by world Division, and both are export- many was followed by a 2-1 win the right time,” the Porto defender told governing body FIFA before ers of players. against the Koreans to put them in FIFA.com. today’s match. Costa Rica have seven Serbia refuses to recognise home-based players in their the independence of its former 23-man squad while Switzer- province Kosovo, whose 1.8 land have one - FC Basel’s /   1 million people are mostly eth- Michael Lang. 3  2    2 nic Albanians. Kosovo broke If anything, there is a risk 3   2     2 Sweden’sSwS goalkeeper Robin Olsen taking part in a training away from Serbia 10 years that Switzerland could be too !"# !" sessionsesse at the Yekaterinburg Arena, in Yekaterinburg, ago. relaxed for the match although !)5 ) yesterday,yesyees on the eve of their FIFA 2018 World Cup There should not be any that suggestion was dismissed GroGGroup F match against Mexico. similar problems against the by midfielder Gelson Central Americans on Fernandes. Wednesday. Although they are “We know how much more than 9,000km apart and quality they have - they will Srpr‡ speak different languages and play with their hearts, it is €rr‡vt†'' !)5 +/  ") !" have different cultures, the their last game, they are proud ''6 !)5 +/  ") two small, rugged nations are to be in the World Cup,” he considered similar in many said. +"," ways, with Costa Rica often “They are proud to repre-  )"  labelled as the Switzerland of sent their country and their  !" 0 Central America. first two games were very / *"" " & Both are renowned for close, so we mustn’t start .1 +",% . Brazilian forward Neymar handles the ball during a training political stability, neutrality thinking it is going to be an +"-)"% session at the Yug Sport Stadium in Sochi yesterday. % #.0 '  .1 and tranquillity as well as for easy game.” 22 SPORT WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE 2018

England’s Jos Buttler during nets in Birmingham, Buttler to open innings yesterday. for England in Aussie T20

AFP Rajasthan Royals. He has form in white-ball cricket. Paul Farbrace, deputising opened once before for The wicketkeeper- as head coach in place of BIRMINGHAM: Jos Buttler England in his 61 T20 inter- batsman was named man-of- Trevor Bayliss for this one-off will be promoted to open the nationals, making an the-series after England’s 5-0 match and next month’s three innings in England’s lone unbeaten 73 off 49 balls - his rout of world champions Aus- T20s against India, confirmed Twenty20 international highest T20 score for England tralia, with his brilliant 110 the 27-year-old Buttler’s pro- against Australia at Edgbaston - when Sri Lanka were beaten not out sealing a dramatic motion by telling reporters at today, team management has by eight wickets at South- one-wicket win in the fifth Edgbaston yesterday: “He will confirmed. ampton in 2016. one-day international at Old open tomorrow (today). Buttler was one of the Buttler has usually been Trafford on Sunday. “You want to get your stars of this season’s deployed as a middle-order That century crowned a best strikers facing as many Twenty20 Indian Premier batsman by England but, brilliant series where Buttler balls as possible. The form League after being promoted having been recalled to the scored 275 runs in total, he’s in, the way he’s playing, to open and scored a tour- Test side earlier this season, including scores of 91 not out it makes sense to get him at nament record-equalling five they are now determined to and 54 not out, at an extraor- the top of the order,” Far- successive fifties for the cash in on his recent brilliant dinary average of 137.50. brace added.

Federer to defend Murray in no rush to decide Hopman Cup title on Wimbledon participation REUTERS AFP “My health and my body are which is not easy. PERTH: World number two my priority right now,” insisted “I’m not putting any pressure Roger Federer says he will EASTBOURNE: Andy Murray Murray, who spent 11 months on on myself to make that decision defend his Hopman Cup (pictured) has still to decide if the sidelines with a hip injury after one match here or two mixed teams title in Perth he will compete at Wimbledon that required surgery in January. matches, because I don’t need along with Switzerland team- next week even after recording “I will make that decision when to. I can decide when I want.” I’m not putting any pressure on myself to make mate Belinda Bencic, seeing his first win in almost a year I’m ready. The 31-year-old Murray added: that decision after one match here or two the tournament as perfect when beating Stan Wawrinka. “If I feel like I’m in good “The match with Nick was two matches, because I don’t need to. I can decide preparation for the Australian Former world number one enough shape, I’ll do it. If I don’t, hours 45 minutes, and the slams, Open. Murray won 6-1, 6-3 in the south then obviously I won’t play. I’m you have to be prepared for four when I want: Andy Murray Federer has won the last coast English town of Eastbourne coming back from a very hours. That (against Kyrgios) two Australian Open titles - inin MMondayonday duduringring a warm-warm-upup seriouss eri ous obviouslyobviously coucouldld hhaveave ggoneone Games.G the defending champion always the first Grand Slam of the event for WimbledonWimbledon,, the last of ininjuryjury another couplecouple of sets ppoten-oten- “It’s a really good test for me. creates pressure,” said Federer, year which starts in Perth on tennis fourfour majomajorsrs stistillll playedplayed on tially,tially, anandd I ddidn’tidn’t ffeeleel grgreateat the I would have played, in the space who was quick to shrug off his December 29. grass.grass. It took him jjustust an hour followingfollowing day.”day.” ofo a week, 10 days, three loss to Coric which ended a “Hopman Cup is obvi- andand 17 minminuteute to defeat Murray,Murray, aalsolso thethe 20120122 US excellente players. Another match 20-match win streak on grass. ously the perfect prepa- Wawrinka,Wawrinka, witwithh tthehe Scot’s OpenOpen winner, faces British risinrisingg againsta someone as good as Kyle “Regardless of whether I ration for the Australian victory raising hopehopess hhee coucouldld star KylKylee EEdmunddmund in tthehe secosecondnd is a really positive thing for me.” won or lost in Halle I will be one Open and it worked so well competecompete at Wimbledon, where roundround at Eastbourne today.today. Meanwhile, Roger Federer of the favourites at the last couple of years, I he wwonon the secosecondnd of hhisis ttwowo In Murray’sMurray’s absence,absence, aimsa to extend his personal dom- Wimbledon.” can’t wait to come back,” men’s singlessingles titles in 20172017.. Edmund has become the BritisBritishh inancein of Wimbledon by Federer won his first Wim- said Federer. But mmatchesatches in GrandGrand numbernumber one, not tthathat MurMurrayray claimingc a ninth title at the All bledon -- and maiden Slam title Federer and Bencic will Slams are the best of five set waswas especially worried about the EnglandE Club. -- in 2003. be joined by last year’s beaten contests andand MurraMurray,y, wwhoho llostost lossloss ooff thatthat particuparticularlar Despite his 37th birthday fast Since that time he has added finalists, Angelique Kerber to Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in designation. approaching,a and having been seven more at the All England and World No.3 Alexander threethree on thethe grassgrass ofof London’sLondon’s “I“I don’tdon’t carecare so muchmuch aboutabout stunnedst by Borna Coric in the Club with Nadal winning twice, Zverev. Queen’sQueen’s Club last week beforebefore those sort of tags, but certainlycertainly HalleH grasscourt final last Novak Djokovic three times and beatingbeating Swiss star WawrinWawrinkaka in a llotot hhasas cchangedhanged since tthehe last weekend,w Federer will still start Andy Murray taking two titles. two after accepting a latelate timetime we played,” said Murray,Murray, WimbledonW as the overwhelming Lleyton Hewitt, back in wildcardwildcard entry into EastEast-- thethe reireigninggning ddoubleouble OOlympiclympic favouritefa to clinch a 21st major. 2002, was the last man outside bourne, was wary of champion after winningwinning Federer set new records 12 the modern-day ‘Big Four’ to win gettinggetting carried gold at bbothoth the monthsm ago when he defeated a the championship. “Hopman Cup away. LondonLondon 22012012 hobblingh Marin Cilic in the final, Hardly surprising then that is obviously the andand Rio becomingb both the tournament’s Federer cannot see any great 20162016 oldesto champion and first to upheaval anytime soon, even perfect preparation claimc eight titles. tipping Nadal -- and his notori- for the Australian That victory came after he ously unreliable knees on a grass Open and it worked decidedd to skip the entire clay- court -- to go deep in the so well the last courtc season, a strategy he tournament. repeatedre this year as the Swiss “I think Rafa is one of the couple of years, I sitsi at home watching Nadal romp big favourites,” said Federer can’t wait to come to an 11th French Open. who famously lost the 2008 back: Roger Federer “I’m really going to love final to his Spanish goingg to Wimbledon but being counterpart. Movistar trio to Joshua told to face Povetkin or attack Tour de lose WBA heavyweight title

AFP France summits WBA President Gilberto title in 2016 and has made five Mendoza, in a statement issued defences, taking his record to 21-0 AFP LONDON: Britain’s world heavy- yesterday, said: “Today the WBA with 20 knockouts. weight champion Anthony Joshua requested an answer from Anthony Wilder, 32, improved to 40-0 PARIS: Spanish cycling team Movistar has been given a 24-hour deadline Joshua’s team regarding his fight with 39 knockouts when he have confirmed an impressive three- to agree a fight with Russia’s Alex- with the mandatory challenger knocked out previously unbeaten pronged climbing attack of Nairo ander Povetkin or risk being Alexander Povetkin. Cuban Luis Ortiz in the tenth round Quintana, Mikel Landa and Alejandro stripped of one of his titles. “The WBA have allowed over in Brooklyn, New York, on March Valverde in their bid to unlock Sky’s grip Joshua added the World Boxing a month extension to negotiations 3. on next month’s Tour de France. Organisation heavyweight belt to with Povetkin and also ongoing Povetkin demonstrated his The 28-year-old Colombian Quintana the World Boxing Association and discussions with Deontay Wilder. considerable punching power with was second in both 2013 and 2015 and International Boxing Federation “It appears the Wilder team a fearsome knockout of Britain’s third in 2016, having also won the Giro straps he already held when he have not returned the contract for David Price on the undercard of in 2014 and the Vuelta in 2016. beat New Zealand’s Joseph Parker the fight and therefore we are Joshua’s win over Parker at Car- Landa, who was fourth in 2016 while in Cardiff in March. requesting a date for the Joshua diff’s Principality Stadium. riding for Sky, does not have the same Since then Joshua’s promoter, versus Povetkin fight with imme- Best known for staging Wales track record as Quintana and has yet to Eddie Hearn, has been trying to set diate effect.” rugby union internationals, the fulfil his potential. up a unification bout with World Given talks with Wilder appear Principality -- which has a Veteran Valverde, meanwhile, will Boxing Association heavyweight to be stalled while his management capacity of over 73,000 -- could be charged with keeping the peace and champion Deontay Wilder, but has seek “clarification” over the terms also play host to a Joshua-Pov- likely target the podium and a major stage not yet managed to do a deal with of a fight contract, a contest with etkin clash. triumph. the American’s camp. Povetkin may well represent the Were that fight to take place Also on the roster is the Paris-Nice But the WBA are tired of ‘next best bout’ for London 2012 later this year, it would likely mean champion Marc Soler, a 24-year-old who waiting and have now told Joshua Olympic champion Joshua, who is any bout between Joshua and Britain’s world heavyweight can both time-trial and climb at the top he must fight Povetkin, their man- unbeaten as a professional. Wilder would be delayed until champion Anthony Joshua level. datory challenger. Joshua, 28, won his first world 2019 at the earliest. WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE 2018 SPORT 23 42 athletes complete graduation at Aspire

THE PENINSULA “I’d also like to congratulate four of our graduates who DOHA: Aspire Academy, weren’t able to attend tonight’s yesterday celebrated the gradu- Graduation because they are ation of its biggest batch of preparing for the IAAF World student-athletes to date, U20 Championships including 42 graduates who 2018; these are our athletes specialised in athletics, Omar Ibrahim, Khalil Badawai, gymnastics, football refereeing, Moaz Ibrahim and Saoud Al fencing, squash, shooting and Humaidi.” table tennis. Addressing the graduates, he The graduation crowns added: “I’m here to tell you to Aspire Academy’s efforts over continue what you’re doing, and the past 11 years and com- to work hard, be competitive, a mitment to support Qatar’s sig- leader and make everyone nificant developments in the proud. You’re going to face a very sports field. difficult chapter in your life. The This year’s graduates now expectations are tremendous and join a long list of local sports that puts a lot of pressure on stars, some of whom have people.” achieved international-acclaim “You come from a country in their respective fields, with a small population, and that including Mutaz Barshim, Akram makes your ability to compete Afif, Ashraf El Seify, Fahad Al on the world stage all the more Abdulrahman, Abubaker Haydar, challenging and impressive. The Ahmed Bedir Magour, Abdullah Student-athletes of Aspire Academy celebrate during their graduation ceremony in Doha, yesterday. pressure we put on ourselves can Al Tamimi, Almoez Ali and many be good but overwhelming. It’s others. back gold, silver, and bronze Olympic Committee (QOC) Sec- Director General at Aspire Aspetar and local sports federa- truly magnificent when Qatar This year’s class brings the medals to Qatar and were retary General, Jassim Rashid Al Academy, Badr Al Hay, Director tions along with the proud makes it to the semi-finals in an total number of Aspire Academy crowned championships at Buenain. of Education and Student Affairs parents of student athletes. Asian championship, or when graduates to 325 full of talent and various tournaments. Other attendees included of Aspire Academy, and Jassim Speaking in his welcoming one of you wins Gold or finishes promise. The graduation ceremony Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Al Jaber, School Principal at remarks, Bravo, said: “I’d like to in the top 8 at the Olympics, Some of them have already took place in the Aspire Dome Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aspire Academy. congratulate all the student-ath- these are things that you and proven themselves in various and was attended by a number Aspire Zone Foundation, Ivan They were joined by letes and their families who are your colleagues are achieving local and international sports of senior officials, including the Bravo, Director General of Aspire members of Aspire Zone Foun- with us today and I wish them a and that’s tremendously competitions as they brought Guest of Honour, the Qatar Academy, Ali Salem Afifa, Deputy dation, Aspire Academy and successful night in the future. impressive,” he added. Sri Lanka Samba, Barshim in spotlight seal win to level series as DL reaches halfway mark AFP

THE PENINSULA Norwegian gains his revenge. BRIDGETOWN, Another Qatari athlete, DIAMOND LEAGUE: FACTS AND FIGURES BARBADOS: Kusal Perera DOHA: Qatar’s Abderrahman IAAF-Athlete-of-the-Year battled through a painful Samba is one of the biggest Mutaz Barshim has been simi- IAAF Diamond League records (4) chest injury in partnership stories to emerge from this year’s larly dominant. After a world- Men’s 400m hurdles: 47.57 Abderrahman Samba (Qatar) with namesake Dilruwan IAAF Diamond League (DL) leading 2.40m in Doha, the high Doha Perera to guide Sri Lanka to which has reached the half-way jumper also won in Eugene and Men’s 400m hurdles: 47.48 Abderrahman Samba (Qatar) an historic series-levelling point in the road to the final. Oslo, but world indoor four-wicket victory over the Six meetings have already champion Danil Lysenko is Men’s 400m hurdles: 47.41 Abderrahman Samba (Qatar) West Indies in the third and taken place this year and a getting closer to Barshim with Stockholm final Test at Kensington Oval similar number to go before the each meeting. Women’s discus: 71.38m Sandra Perkovic (CRO) Doha in Barbados yesterday. series reaches its climax at the Sandra Perkovic is another Meeting records (24) Set a target of 144 and finals in Zurich and at athlete who got off to a flying Doha: Lyles (200m), Gardiner (400m), Samba (400m hur- resuming on the fourth day the end of August. start in the IAAF Diamond at the overnight position of dles), Morris (pole vault), Perkovic (discus) Already this year there has League. The Croatian discus 81 for five, Sri Lanka reached Shanghai: Miller-Uibo (200m), McNeal (100m hurdles), Lyu been several record-breaking thrower produced an IAAF their goal for the loss of one performances, a clutch of intense Diamond League record of (javelin), Gardiner (400m), Kinyamal (800m) additional wicket to become rivalries developing, and several 71.38m in Doha to win by almost Eugene: Crouser (shot put), Rohler (javelin), Semenya the first Asian team ever to win new stars emerging on the world five metres. (800m), McCartney/Suhr (pole vault) a Test match at Caribbean level with Samba been a Sprinting events produced Rome: Kiyeng (3000m steeplechase), Perkovic (discus), cricket’s most iconic venue. standout. most of the highlights in Eugene Samba (400m hurdles) That wicket, which fell in In the men’s 400m hurdles, as Noah Lyles blazed to victory Oslo: Samba (400m hurdles), Walsh (shot put) the very first over of the Samba has been in top form. The in the men’s 200m in a world- Stockholm: Tsegay (1500m), McNeal (100m hurdles), Morris afternoon to West Indies Qatari broke the IAAF Diamond leading 19.69 and Olympic 400m (pole vault) Samba (400m hurdles), Dacres (discus) captain Jason Holder, ushered League record with 47.57 in champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, in Kusal, whose further par- Doha, the first meeting of this Lyles’ training partner, won the ticipation in the match was year’s series, which merely set women’s 400m in 49.52. in serious doubt when he the tone for the rest of his The shot put rivalry between injured himself crashing into campaign. Olympic champion Ryan Crouser the advertising boards when Chased by world champion and world champion Tom Walsh Mutaz Barshim, after a world-leading 2.40m attempting to take a catch Karsten Warholm in his next has been another highlight of the in Doha, also won in Eugene and Oslo. nearing the end of the West three IAAF Diamond League year so far. Crouser won in Indies second innings the appearances, Samba won in Eugene with 22.53m, just three previous night. Rome (47.48), Oslo (47.60) and centimetres shy of the IAAF Both Kusal and Dilruwan Stockholm (47.41), twice Diamond League record, but had made only minimal con- improving on the mark he set in Walsh gained revenge in Oslo tributions previously in the Doha and taking down the Asian with 22.29m as both men threw 8.83m in the long jump. At 2.1m/s, Earlier in the series, Echev- account have been watched in three-match series, with the record in the process. beyond 22 metres. the tailwind was agonisingly just arria had been beaten by world 2018, while combined social all-rounder Dilruwan having Warholm has been just a But perhaps the biggest a fraction over the allowable limit, champion Luvo Manyonga in media impressions are nearing been dropped for the second couple of strides behind Samba talking point of the 2018 IAAF but it confirmed that the teen- Rome. Many comparisons have 22 million. Test while there was specu- in their three clashes this year Diamond League came in ager’s victory at the IAAF World already been made between this But for all the excitement in lation that Kusal, the experi- and it seems as though it’s just a Stockholm when Cuba’s Juan Indoor Championships Bir- new rivalry and the memorable the 2018 IAAF Diamond League enced but out-of-form matter of time before the young Miguel Echevarria sailed out to mingham 2018 was not a fluke. performances from long jump so far, there is still a long way to opening batsman, would legends Carl Lewis and Mike go. 2916 points have been have been omitted from this Powell. awarded across the first six final Test were it not for the Echevarria isn’t the only new meetings; 2988 points are up for suspension of Dinesh Chan- star to emerge this year. Armand grabs throughout the next six fix- dimal for ball tampering in Duplantis has continued his rise tures as athletes try to earn a spot the previous match. – quite literally – in the pole in one of the two finals. SCOREBOARD vault and won in front of his And with collegiate stars home crowd in Stockholm. such as Michael Norman, Rai West Indies (I Innings) ...... 204 Sri Lanka (I Innings) ...... 154 British sprinter Reece Benjamin and Sydney West Indies (II Innings)...... 93 Prescod, Kenyan 800m runner McLaughlin having turned pro- Sri Lanka (II Innings) Wyclife Kinyamal and US fessional, the rivalries are only D Gunathilaka c Bishoo b Holder ...... 21 middle-distance runner Shelby going to get more intense as the M Udawatte lbw Roach ...... 0 Houlihan have also notched up season goes on. D de Silva b Holder ...... 17 surprise victories in this year’s Following a brief mid- K Mendis lbw Holder ...... 25 series. season pause after Stockholm, R Silva c Smith b Holder ...... 1 N Dickwella b Holder ...... 6 So far in 2018, athletes have the IAAF Diamond League con- D Perera (not out) ...... 23 set four IAAF Diamond League tinues in Paris on Saturday June K Perera (not out) ...... 28 records, 24 meeting records, 19 30 before heading to Lausanne, Extras (B-8, LB-15) ...... 23 national records, six area records Rabat, Monaco and London in Total (40.2 overs, 6 wickets) ...... 144 and 34 world-leading marks. July. Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-30, 3-48, 4-50, 5-74, The world-wide reach of the Birmingham will then host 6-81 IAAF Diamond League has also the last of the ‘qualifying’ IAAF To bat: S Lakmal, K Rajitha, L Kumara Abderrahman Samba of Qatar competes and wins the men’s 400m Bowling: K Roach 10-1-33-1, S Gabriel 9-1-26- achieved impressive figures. Diamond League meetings in 0, J Holder 14.2-4-41-5, M Cummins 6-1-17-0, D hurdles event during the Rome IAAF Diamond League athletics More than 4 million minutes August with the 2018 champions competition on May 31, 2018 at the in Rome. Bishoo 1-0-4-0 of action on the official IAAF being decided at the finals in Result: Sri Lanka won by four wickets Diamond League YouTube Zurich and Brussels. WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE 2018 SPORT 24

Agony for Australia as Peru bow out of Cup on high note

AFP

RUSSIA: Australia’s World Cup ended Australia’s Tim Cahill with a whimper as goals from Andre looks dejected after PERU AUSTRALIA Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero gave Peru the match against Peru, a 2-0 victory in the teams’ group finale yesterday. 2 0 yesterday. CARRILLO - 18’ The Socceroos needed a win to GUERRERO -50’ stand any chance of reaching the last 16 for the first time since 2006, but they were undone by Carrillo’s 18th- minute strike and Guerrero’s goal early in the second half at the Fisht Stadium. They go home without a win, joining Peru in being eliminated in Group C. However, for the South Americans there was only elation at ending their long wait for a victory in the competition. Peru were already out before this game but they still had a huge trav- elling support, clad in the country’s distinctive white and red colours. They made up the majority of the 44,073 crowd in sauna-like conditions by Russia’s Black Sea coast, and the stadium exploded when Carrillo scored their first goal at a World Cup since 1982. making it out of Group C -- the Danes beyond the dive of Mathew Ryan, to It was their first win in nine games played out a 0-0 draw in Moscow that become the first player to score for at the tournament since they defeated allowed them to advance behind the Peru at the World Cup since Guillermo Iran 4-1 in Argentina in 1978, and they French. La Rosa 36 years ago. will now hope to build on their per- For the Socceroos it is a third con- Australia played most of the formances in Russia after finally secutive World Cup in which they have football in the first half, however, with coming in from the international failed to make it beyond the group Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic pulling wilderness. stage. Bert van Marwijk’s team took the strings at times. Rogic, the languid Whatever Australia did would ulti- just one point, against the Danes, in Celtic playmaker, came closest to mately have been in vain as they between defeats at the hands of France scoring, but after dribbling into the needed Denmark to lose against and then Peru. area his effort was saved by Pedro France to maintain any chance of The Dutchman did not bow to the Gallese. pressure back home to give veteran Yet their hopes of turning the tide forward Tim Cahill a start in the game, in the second half were dealt a with Tomi Juric preferred to the hammer blow five minutes after the 38-year-old up front in the absence break as Peru increased their of the injured Andrew Nabbout. advantage, Christian Cueva setting up Cahill came on early in Cahill came on early in the second Guerrero to hook a shot beyond Ryan. the second half but was half but was unable to score the goal After only being cleared to play in unable to score the goal that would have seen him join an elite this World Cup at the last minute fol- group of players -- including Pele and lowing a long legal battle against a that would have seen Cristiano Ronaldo -- to have found the doping ban, the moment was partic- him join an elite group of net at four World Cups. ularly sweet for Peru’s veteran captain. Peru’s forward Andre players -- including Pele Australia were already two goals The final score was a painful one Carrillo celebrates after and Cristiano Ronaldo -- to down, and heading for the exit, by the for Australia, but it was hard to scoring the opening time Cahill was introduced. begrudge the Peruvians this win, espe- goal during the Russia have found the net at four Guerrero set up Watford winger cially their army of supporters who 2018 World Cup match World Cups. Carrillo to volley in a fine goal from have lit up the tournament and will be against Australia in 16 yards, low into the far corner missed as they now depart. Sochi, yesterday. Queiroz fumes after defeat, says Iran deserved to beat Portugal REUTERS to see if it was a red card, then As it happened, Iran goalkeeper decided to hand the Portuguese Ali Beiranvand saved Ronaldo’s SARANSK: Iran coach Carlos captain a yellow. effort. Queiroz reacted angrily after a 1-1 “An elbow is a red card. The “The VAR is not going well. draw with Portugal on Monday Only one winner could rules do not say what if it is Ronaldo There are a lot of complaints. We doomed his team to elimination come out in this game or Messi. It is a red card. The deci- must know who is reffing the game, from the World Cup, saying they sions must be clear,” Queiroz said. who is making the decisions.” he had deserved to win. and it should have been Pressed on whether he thought said. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo Iran. We deserved to referees treated stars such as “VAR gives no room for human should have been sent off for what win. I am a bad loser, I Ronaldo leniently, he said. mistakes. Before we accepted he said was an elbow in the face of am proud but frustrated: “You need to ask them.” “I am human mistakes as part of the Morteza Pouraliganji, and Iran not in a good mood, as you can see. game. The refs on the pitch are like should have been awarded at least Carlos Queiroz There could have been at least one Pilate washing their hands.” one more penalty. more penalty against Portugal, at Queiroz, who has said he will quit Queiroz also implicitly criticised least one. his post after six years at the helm the refereeing and renewed his Quaresma put Portugal ahead on “Five guys sitting upstairs and following this tournament, paid attacks on the VAR system. the stroke of halftime, Iran fought they don’t see an elbow. Give me a fulsome tribute to his players, staff “Only one winner could come back and a stoppage-time penalty break.” Asked what he thought of and to the Iranian fans who have out in this game and it should have by Karim Ansarifard secured a the refereeing, Queiroz said: “I have turned up in Russia in huge been Iran,” Queiroz told reporters. draw. a clear opinion but I need to numbers. Iran’s Portuguese “We deserved to win. I am a bad But with Spain and Morocco measure my words. I have to be “We have learnt a lot here, we coach Carlos loser, I am proud but frustrated.” drawing 2-2 in the other Group B careful.” have gained respect from people,” Queiroz reacts Victory over Portugal in their match, it was not enough. Queiroz, who has also coached he said. “The Iranian players are during the Russia final Group B match would have Queiroz was incensed by an Portugal and South Africa at World very courageous. I try to get the 2018 World Cup seen Iran through to the knockout incident in the 80th minute when Cups, poured scorn once again at spirit of Portuguese bull-fighters Group B match stage. The underdogs played with Ronaldo sent Pouraliganji to the the VAR system, which was used to from them. How they go into the against Portugal huge heart in a drama-filled match. ground. award a dubious penalty to ring and dominate the animal with on Monday. After a lovely strike by Ricardo The referee consulted the VAR Portugal. courage.”