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Thursday, June 28, 2018 FOOTBALL Shawwal 14, 1439 AH Brazil outclass GULF TIMES Serbia to set up clash with Mexico SPORT Page 2

REPORT KOR 2-0 GER

Germany had made it past the REPORT MEX 0-3 SWE group stages at every World Cup since 1938. Not any more Swedes punish Reuters Loew sprung changes after the Kazan, Russia break, bringing on Mario Gomez and Thomas Mueller, who was Mexico but both dropped from the starting side, hampions Germany but a collective paralysis seemed crashed out of the World to have taken hold. Cup after suff ering a go through stunning 2-0 defeat by FREE HEADER aC tenacious South Korea yester- Off ered a free header from close day that eliminated them in the in with minutes left on the clock, Reuters coach Janne Andersson said. opening round for the fi rst time Mats Hummels missed the ball Yekaterinburg, Russia For Mexico, the lacklustre in 80 years. completely, a perfect snapshot performance in Yekaterinburg Germany would have pro- of an afternoon of serial ineff ec- marked a reality check. gressed with a win at the Kazan tiveness going forward. wedish fans explod- “I have to say that we qualifi ed Arena but barely looked capable Toni Kroos, the hero in the 2-1 ing with joy as their because we beat Germany and of scoring against the Koreans, win over Sweden, tried desper- tall captain from the Korea, but nevertheless I am very let alone going on to successfully ately to spark his side in the sec- county of Scania hurt,” coach Juan Carlos Osorio defend the title they won in Bra- ond half but was denied by South smashesS home a penalty is a told reporters. “I wasn’t too happy zil four years ago. Korea’s Cho Hyun-woo in the familiar sight, but it is An- with the way we defended at all.” In the fi nal frantic minutes 88th minute, one of a number of dreas Granqvist and not Zla- After pressing hard for most of in front of 41,835 fl abbergasted fi ne saves by the keeper. tan Ibrahimovic they have the fi rst half and wasting numer- fans, Kim Young-gwon and Son Kim Young-gwon broke been cheering at the World ous chances, Sweden fi nally found Heung-min fi nished off Joachim the deadlock in Cup in Russia. the net when left back Ludwig Au- Loew’s Germany side with two added time Sweden sprang a surprise gustinsson charged up the fi eld in stoppage-time goals to condemn when he with a 3-0 thumping of the 50th minute and angled home them to fi nishing bottom of the found himself Mexico, breaking their op- a left-footed volley. group on three points. alone in front ponents’ resistance after a Twelve minutes later, captain The Germans, who have won of goal after a scoreless fi rst half and guar- Andreas Granqvist kept his con- four World Cups and fi nished corner and poked anteeing that both teams centration in the face of deafen- runners-up four times, entered the ball home from advance to the World Cup ing boos and whistles from the this year’s tournament heavily close range. last 16 at the expense of Mexican fans to blast a penalty backed to retain their title. The goal was defending champions into the top left corner after Hec- Instead, they will head home ruled out off side on Germany. tor Moreno had brought down after a scarcely believable fail- fi eld but confi rmed It marked a remarkable Marcus Berg. Mexico’s misery was ure, having been unable to break by use of the Video swing in Swedish fortunes after complete when the ball trickled in down the South Koreans and af- Assistant Referee. the crushing disappointment of off the leg of Edson Alvarez for a ter a shock 1-0 loss to Mexico in South Korean losing to a stoppage-time goal tame own goal on 74 minutes. their opening group match. celebrations went from Germany’s Toni Kroos four Loew struggled to explain it. up another notch days ago. “I cannot say why this was for when Son sprinted “I’m so incredibly proud, us,” he told reporters. “It was a to retrieve a long moved almost, by the thought bit of overconfi dence ahead of ball, and with of how we performed in the Mexico — that we can press the Germany’s cap- match. They were so disci- button and win. It turned sour. I tain and keeper plined, so loyal in every- must take responsibility for this. Manuel Neuer thing they did,” The entire German football lost, having gone up- the team lost.” fi eld to try to help The South Koreans, who had his side score, the Sweden’s Andreas no idea of the score in the other Tottenham forward Granqvist (left) match, rejoiced as if having won fi red a low shot into celebrates with his the tournament, while 11 German the net to wrap up teammates after players hoped the ground would the win and leave the they beat Mexico swallow them. Germans distraught. in Yekaterinburg, Sweden won the group after “We need to con- Russia, yesterday. thrashing Mexico 3-0 to also gratulate our oppo- (Reuters) deny South Korea a spot in the nents,” Loew said. knockout stages. “We didn’t deserve Once the Swedes had taken the to win the title again, lead in their concurrent match, the we didn’t deserve to Korean players thought Germany equation grew grim for Germany. get into the last 16.” win was enough to go through

Coach Loew to consider position South Korea’s players were the result from Yekaterinburg. aft er Germany’s ‘deserved’ exit unaware they had been “We did not know (the Sweden eliminated from the World Cup score), it was only after the Germany coach Joachim “This is hard to say at this when the final whistle went game was over that we knew,” Loew said he would take time point, it’ll take a couple of after their remarkable 2-0 win Cho told a news conference. to consider his position after hours,” Loew said when asked over Germany which also sent “All the Korean players and the defending champions if he would be staying on. the champions crashing out of the head coach here, we were tumbled out of the World Cup “I’m shocked that we didn’t the tournament, goalkeeper playing for the Korean people. in the opening round for the manage to pull it off . I really Cho Hyun-woo said. It was only after the match was first time since 1938 yesterday. had the feeling that the team, The stoppage time goals from over that we knew the score, The 58-year-old, who took they really wanted to go Kim Young-gwon and Son He- that was why a lot of us cried.” over in 2006 and recently forward. I’m incredibly disap- ung-min which gave Korea their Korea coach Shin Tae-yong signed a contract extension pointed by this elimination first win in this World Cup after said he had mixed feelings through to 2022, said he was but I will think about it calmly.” Germany’s Mario Gomez, Mats two defeats sparked jubilant after the win over Germany taking responsibility for the Team manager Oliver Bierhoff Hummels, Joshua Kimmich and scenes among Korea’s players as it was not enough to take premature exit after losses to said, “Jogi signed a contract Thomas Muller react during the and Cho said he and his team- them through. “I feel great but Mexico and South Korea in the extension so I assume that will match against Korea in Kazan mates thought they were going at the same time I feel a little group stage. be the case.” yesterday. (Reuters) through until they learned of bit empty,” he said. Mexico qualify for the knockout stages for the seventh consecutive World Cup despite the loss to Sweden 2 Gulf Times Thursday, June 28, 2018

REPORT SRB 0-2 BRA FOCUS Thiago, Paulinho Shock and scorn as steer Brazil into KOs Germany As Group E winners, Brazil will now face Mexico in Samara on Monday make an exit AFP Moscow

razil eased into the World Cup knockout stages after defeating Serbia 2-0 here yesterday, with superstar Neymar sparkling in a winB which sets up a last 16 clash against Mexico. Paulinho put Brazil ahead with a su- perb dinked fi nish on 36 minutes before Neymar swung in a cross for Thiago Silva to header the Selecao’s second goal with 22 minutes left in Moscow. Having opened his Russia 2018 account with the second of Brazil’s two late goals in Friday’s 2-0 win over Costa Rica, Ney- mar was again impressive. After the tearful emotion of Saint Pe- tersburg, Neymar cut a more joyful fi gure Germany fans react to the loss against South Korea in Berlin. (Reuters) after this win, blowing kisses to the crowd as the fi ve-time champions celebrated. AFP Germany had needed a clear As Group E winners, Brazil will now Berlin win to move into the last 16, but a face Mexico in Samara on Monday, with series of wasted chances saw the group runners-up Switzerland taking on team fi nish last in Group F. Sweden in St. Petersburg on Tuesday. rom chants of “good- In the pre-match build-up Brazil coach bye” to stunned silence, ‘VERY SAD’ Tite said Neymar alone can not “shoulder Germany fans reacted Chancellor Angela Merkel, the responsibility” for his team’s World with dismay to their de- speaking at a Berlin event about Cup hopes. Ffending champions’ humiliating artifi cial intelligence, expressed However, the 26-year-old seemed World Cup exit yesterday after a her sadness in a “discussion” content to carry Brazil’s attack, motoring fi rst-round loss commentators with a robot named Sophia, who through Serbia’s midfi eld and crashing an called a “historic disgrace”. noted how successful the Ger- early shot just wide of the post. Brazil’s Paulinho (right) controls the ball during the World Cup match against Serbia at Spartak Stadium in Moscow yesterday. (AFP) “Our World Cup nightmare man team had been in the past. The match at Moscow’s Spartak Stadi- has come true,” screamed the Merkel responded: “Yes, that’s um began at a ferocious tempo and Brazil Brazil conjured the opener from noth- an hour left, only to be let down by poor vic guided a powerful header straight at Bild daily. true seen over a long timeframe. left-back Marcelo was an early casualty, ing when a beautifully lofted pass from fi nishing. Alisson from a corner. Even before the fi nal whistle But tonight we’re all very sad.” limping off after ten minutes to be re- Philippe Coutinho found Paulinho, who Ljajic stumbled to take a return pass However, Brazil made sure of the win blew in Russia’s Kazan Arena, Her spokesman also shared the placed by Filipe Luis. fl icked the ball over Stojkovic’s reach on after a charging run into Brazil’s box and when Neymar swung in a free-kick and supporters in Berlin had begun shock of a nation in a sympathet- Neymar had the best chance of the 36 minutes to make it 1-0 at the break. then fi red over shortly after. his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Thi- leaving the city’s so-called fan ic tweet. opening half hour when he forced Serbia Serbia repeatedly struggled to contain Then with his defence beaten, Brazil ago crashed home his header, unmarked mile, disappointed by Germany’s “Not our World Cup — How goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic to palm his Brazil’s fl eet-footed attack. goalkeeper Alisson palmed a save straight at the near post, on 68 minutes. lacklustre performance against sad! There will be other tour- shot away. Manchester United midfi elder Neman- at Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the Serbia for- With one eye on the last 16, Tite took South Korea in a match heavy naments where we can cheer Tempers frayed when Serbia midfi elder ja Matic was the next Serbian midfi elder ward could only head the ball back into the off Countinho with ten minutes left while with missed opportunities. again,” Steff en Seibert wrote. Adem Ljajic scythed down Neymar, in full to be booked when he fouled Manchester grateful arms of the Brazilian shotstopper. Neymar twice went close to scoring the Those who remained applaud- Former Germany goalkeeper fl ight on the left fl ank, to earn a booking City star Gabriel Jesus on 48 minutes. To cap Serbia’s frustrations, Sergej Selecao’s third late on, but the Brazil ed sarcastically when South Ko- Oliver Kahn, who was a losing on 33 minutes. Serbia’s brightest spell came with half Milinkovic-Savic fi red wide, then Mitro- coach can be happy with his star forward. rea’s Son Heung-min scored a World Cup fi nalist in 2002, said: late second goal into an empty “The national jersey must feel net. like it weighs a million tonnes to REPORT SUI 2-2 CRC Calls of “Raus (Out)” and the players right now.” “Auf Wiedersehen (goodbye)” But others were less generous. rang out from the fan zone as the “This is a shock for German weight of the 2-0 loss sunk in. football. There’s going to be a “These aren’t world cham- sea-change... No one expected pions, they didn’t fi ght at all,” this,” said seasoned commenta- fumed 27-year-old Oliver tor Bela Rety from public broad- Switzerland through to last 16 Fischer, wearing a Germany jer- caster ZDF, speculating about sey. the future of head coach Joachim AFP “We absolutely deserve to be Loew. Nizhny Novgorod, Russia out. We had no fi ght, no courage, Former Germany star Mario no ideas!” Basler slammed the national Others erupted into tears and team’s sub-par performance. witzerland moved through to the buried their heads in their hands “If you can’t win this game, World Cup last 16 yesterday, after as a sense of disbelief spread you don’t belong in the fi nal 16,” a draw over Costa Rica but will be through the crowd at Germany’s he tweeted. without captain Stephan Lich- largest public viewing area. Sports website Kicker dubbed tsteinerS because of suspension. “Speechless,” read a one-word the match a “historic debacle” A 93rd minute own goal by the unfor- tweet on the German team’s of- that called for a radical rethink. tunate keeper Yann Sommer from a Bryan fi cial Twitter account, summing Continuing with Loew is Ruiz penalty gave the central American up the national mood. “hardly imaginable”, it wrote. side a deserved 2-2 draw on a night of late The defeat was the fi rst time Despite the heartache, not all drama in Nizhny Novgorod. four-time champions Germany Germany fans despaired. That wiped out a Swiss lead which had have been knocked out of the “We were too slow, we de- lasted only two minutes after substitute World Cup group stages since served to lose,” admitted Laura Josep Drmic slotted home to apparently 1938. Kabinsky, who watched the give the Swiss an undeserved victory. The country now joins a small match at Berlin’s fan mile and Earlier Blerim Dzemaili had thumped but unlucky club of title defend- donned a necklace in the black, home in the fi rst half to give Switzerland ers who crashed out of the fi rst red and gold of the German fl ag the lead against the run-of-play in the round at their next World Cup, a for the occasion. 31st minute against the team who fi nished feat last achieved by Spain at the But the 20-year-old student bottom of Group E. last World Cup in 2014. was determined to look on the That goal was cancelled out by Kendall “It’s a historic disgrace,” Der bright side. Waston’s header in the 56th minute, the Spiegel weekly said, decrying “Let’s see if we can do better at central Americans fi rst goal of the tour- Germany’s “weak game” against the European Championships in nament. Switzerland’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer dives for the ball off a penalty kick during the match against Costa Rica in Nizhny Novgorod, a plucky South Korea. two years’ time,” she smiled. The draw ensured Switzerland fi nished Russia, yesterday. Sommer ended up scoring an own goal. (AFP) second in the group behind Brazil. But Switzerland will be left counting He was one of three players who had es- Switzerland took the lead when Dze- to the post by Sommer. the cost after yellow cards for experi- caped a ban going into the match after the maili emphatically converted from close Four minutes later Colindres hit the bar enced defenders Lichtsteiner and Fabian controversial “double eagle” goal celebra- range after a fi ne headed knock-down by with a fi ne shot which beat the excellent Schaer means they will miss the game tions in the fevered 2-1 victory over Serbia. Breel Embolo. Sommer but hit the bar. against Sweden in Saint Petersburg on Then late on Schaer also received his It was the only goal Switzerland have so Campbell and Oviedo also went close July 3. second yellow card of the tournament, far scored in the fi rst-half at the tourna- as the Costa Ricans dominated. Lichtsteiner received a yellow card for a also ruling him out of the Sweden match. ment. But fi nally they were rewarded by de- late tackle on Daniel Colindres in the 37th The point was no more than Costa Rica The goal was harsh on Costa Rica after fender Waston’s header from a second- minute. deserved for a fi ne performance. a frantic start saw them go close on sev- half corner. It was the Arsenal player’s second yel- They continually stretched the Swiss de- eral occasions, hitting the post and bar. The goal ensured that Costa Rica would low of the tournament after being booked fence in the fi rst half and looked the most As early as the sixth minute, Celso not be the only team who did not score at in the opening game against Brazil. likely to take all three points in the second. Borges’ header was brilliantly turned on this World Cup.

Standings

P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts Group A Group C Group E Group G Uruguay 3 3 0 0 5 0 9 France 3 2 1 0 3 1 7 Brazil 3 2 1 0 5 1 7 England 2 2 0 0 8 2 6 Russia 3 2 0 1 8 4 6 Denmark 3 1 2 0 2 1 5 Switzerland 3 1 2 0 5 4 5 Belgium 2 2 0 0 8 2 6 Saudi Arabia 3 1 0 2 2 7 3 Peru 3 1 0 2 2 2 3 Serbia 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 Tunisia 2 0 0 2 3 7 0 Egypt 3 0 0 3 2 6 0 Australia 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 Costa Rica 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 Panama 2 0 0 2 1 9 0

Group B Group D Group F Group H Spain 3 1 2 0 6 5 5 Croatia 3 3 0 0 7 1 9 Sweden 3 2 0 1 5 2 6 Japan 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Portugal 3 1 2 0 5 4 5 Argentina 3 1 1 1 3 5 4 Mexico 3 2 0 1 3 4 6 Senegal 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Iran 3 1 1 1 1 1 4 Nigeria 3 1 0 2 3 4 3 South Korea 3 1 0 2 3 3 3 Colombia 2 1 0 1 4 2 3 Morocco 3 0 1 2 2 4 0 Iceland 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 Germany 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 Poland 2 0 0 2 1 5 0 Making their fi ft h appearance in the World Cup, Tunisia have yet to get beyond the group stage. 3 Gulf Times Thursday, June 28, 2018

PREVIEW ENG vs BEL KALININGRAD, 9PM Cahill warns England against England coach Gareth Southgate must now decide whether to looking too far ahead rotate his side, and by how much

England’s players share a light moment during a training session yesterday. (AFP) KEY FACTS

WHERE: Kaliningrad Stadium CAPACITY: 33,973 WHEN: Today, 9pm

„ England and Belgium have both progressed to the round of 16 after convincing victories in their two opening matches against Tunisia and Panama in Group G. „ England’s 6-1 win over Panama was their biggest victory in a major tour- nament, while Belgium scored five goals in a single World Cup match for the first time in their 5-2 win over Tunisia. „ England striker Harry Kane leads the race for the World Cup Golden Boot with five goals so far, while Belgium counterpart Romelu Lukaku is level with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo on four goals. „ Lukaku’s brace against Tunisia made him the highest scoring Bel- gian at major international tourna- ments, scoring seven goals across the 2014 World Cup, 2016 European Championships and the current tour- nament. The 25-year-old has scored 17 goals in his last 11 appearances for Belgium. „ Belgium playmaker Eden Hazard has been directly involved in 23 goals in his last 21 appearances for his nation, scoring 11 and providing 12 assists. „ England captain Kane’s hat-trick against Panama made him the third player for his country to score three AFP at, the form I was in, I felt I would’ve goals in a single World Cup match Kaliningrad, Russia played. It was a huge blow.” after Geoff Hurst in 1966 and Gary Only six of Belgium’s 23-man squad Lineker in 1986. have not played in England’s Premier „ Kane is also the first player to ngland and Belgium are per- League but if the teams are holding score two or more goals in their first haps better connected than any back in Kaliningrad it will not be out of two World Cup appearances since two countries at the World Cup politeness. The winner of the match, Poland’s Grzegorz Lato in 1974. because of the sheer number of and therefore the group, is likely to face „ Both the sides are equal on points playersE with Premier League experi- a tougher path through the knockout and goal diff erence but England are ence but for defender Gary Cahill the stages, with Brazil potentially waiting currently leading the group due to link is not a happy one. in the quarter-fi nals. the team’s higher fairplay ranking. If Cahill, who could start in today’s “The discussions have been to go the match ends in a draw, the team fi rst-against-second clash in Group and win the game and that’s the truth,” with the better fairplay ranking, G, was pushed in the back by Belgian Cahill said. “You can’t look too far decided by the number of red and winger Dries Mertens during Eng- ahead. We were looking in the Euros (in yellow cards accumulated, will top land’s fi nal friendly before Euro 2012. 2016) at playing France in the stadium the group. Launched into the shoulder of goal- and it was going to be a fantastic occa- „ England have had two yellow cards keeper Joe Hart, Cahill broke his jaw sion, and then it never got to that. You so far, while Belgium have had three. and was ruled out of the tournament. can look too far down the line.” The winner of the group will take on Six years later, in March, Cahill was England were beaten by Iceland in the runners up of Group H, which on holiday in Dubai after being left out the last 16 but their momentum was could be Japan, Senegal or Colombia. of Gareth Southgate’s England squad, arguably lost the game before, in a Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne (left) and Belgium’s Eden Hazard attend a training session in Kaliningrad. (AFP) The runners up from the group will and he bumped into Mertens in a res- goalless draw with Slovakia, when face the winners of Group H. taurant. “He took the time out to come coach Roy Hodgson made six changes (Moussa) Dembele? Who for me is one manager to decide and I’m sure he’ll England’s next game, depending on over and apologise for that, which for to a side that had just snatched a last- of the best midfi elders in our league.” have a conversation with him about where they fi nish. “We want to obvi- Previous meetings: The two sides have me was dead and buried, and I actually minute win over Wales. Kane will be hoping he is spared that. But Harry has an opportunity to ously keep him fi t but we’re not talking met on 21 occasions, with England respected him a hell of a lot for doing Gareth Southgate must now decide the shuffl e as he looks to continue his do something that not many people about a 60-game season here,” Cahill getting the better of Belgium 15 times. that,” Cahill said. whether to rotate his own side, and by charge towards winning the tourna- have ever done, which is win the Golden said. “We’re talking about a hand- They have played twice at World Cups, “Obviously I was literally going on how much. “Both teams are going to ment’s Golden Boot. He sits top of the Boot. So I’m sure he will want to play.” ful of games. “He’s in good form, he’s with a 4-4 draw back in 1954 and a 1-0 the plane, that was a huge time for me, make changes,” Cahill said. “They are charts on fi ve. “Put yourself in his situ- There is no sign of fatigue in Kane’s banging the goals in. Again, we’re talk- win for England in 1990. I felt like I was in condition to start at carrying a few knocks but it doesn’t ation, I would want to do the same,” blistering start in Russia and he would ing about momentum. Ultimately, the that tournament. I felt the age I was matter. Who’s going to come in? Cahill said. “That will be down to the have either three or four days before manager will decide.”

PREVIEW PAN VS TUN SARANSK, 9PM SPOTLIGHT Panama, Tunisia fi ght for third place ‘Strange match’ awaits Reuters Saransk, Russia KEY FACTS England and Belgium WHERE: Mordovia Arena, Saransk Reuters A second yellow would mean they anama and Tunisia have been the fall-guys in CAPACITY: 41,685 St Petersburg would be suspended for the round of 16 the two top-scoring matches of World Cup WHEN: Today, 9pm game. Southgate acknowledges there is a 2018, but both teams will hope to show they „ Panama and Tunisia both lost their balance to be struck between keeping his have learnt some lessons from their eff orts in first two matches in Group G and are ngland and Belgium, already side fresh and injury-free and maintain- PRussia before they head home after their Group G match qualifi ed from World Cup Group ing the momentum they have gained, contesting third place before they today. Tunisia, ranked 21st in the world and representing head home.Panama have conceded G, meet today in what Belgian particularly from the 6-1 crushing of the Arab world as well as Africa, are probably more anx- nine goals in Russia and Tunisia midfi elder Marouane Fellaini Panama. ious to salvage some pride from the campaign. Panama, saysE could be a “strange match”. De- “I’ve got to think through all of those seven. making their debut in the tournament, at times have „ Panama’s 6-1 defeat by England pending on the outcome of other games, things: competition for places, players seemed happy enough just to be here. and Tunisia’s 5-2 to loss to Belgium it may not be an advantage to fi nish top who need match minutes, and keeping This will be the fi rst time the two nations have faced were the highest-scoring games of of the group, but both sides insist they the unity of the squad,” said the England each other and a robust game can be expected, with both the tournament. This is Panama’s first won’t take such calculations into ac- manager. Harry Kane’s involvement is sides prone to indulge in wrestling bouts in defence. appearance in the World Cup finals. count. one of the tricky decisions facing South- The North Africans played well enough in their opening „ Felipe Baloy’s 78th minute goal What is likely, however, is that Bel- gate. game against a stuttering England, going down 2-1 to a for Panama against England was gium coach Roberto Martinez and his The England captain has scored fi ve late Harry Kane goal, but they then got thumped 5-2 by their first World Cup goal ever. The English counterpart Gareth Southgate goals in two games, including his hat- a rampant Belgium. Panama’s players joke around during training in 37-year-old Baloy was also the fourth- will rest some of their regular starters trick against Panama, and while his Making their fi fth appearance in the World Cup, Tu- Saransk, Russia, yesterday. (Reuters) oldest player to score in the World and give match time to back-up squad manager will be reluctant to leave him nisia have yet to get beyond the group stage, but secur- Cup after Cameroon’s Roger Milla players. Both teams have beaten Tunisia on the bench, his centrality to England’s ing third place in the group would be a shred of compen- Sochi then 6-1 to an England team hitting its stride in aged 42 in 1994, Sweden’s Gunnar and Panama to reach six points and se- hopes is such that he may be wary of him sation. After the Belgium match, Tunisia coach Nabil Nizhny Novgorod, their celebrations when Felipe Baloy Gren aged 37 and 236 days in 1958, cure passage to the last 16, so the antici- picking up an injury. Maaloul said Arab football still had a lot of catching up scored against England might have given the impression and Mexico’s Cuauhtemoc Blanco pated battle between the two strongest Topping Group G means playing who- to do to present a challenge at the highest level. they had won the game. Coach Hernan Dario Gomez aged 37 and 151 days in 2010. sides in the group has lost its edge. ever will have fi nished second in Group Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Egypt all failed to move said that Panama, ranked 55th by FIFA, had learned „ Tunisia are making their fifth ap- “I think it will be an interesting game, H earlier on Thursday — Colombia, to the next stage in Russia. Maaloul said. “We need two some harsh lessons and should use the baptism of fi re pearance in the World Cup. They have a 50-50 game, and both teams are quali- Senegal or Japan. But the path to the more generations to reach (the top) level of performance as a foundation for improvement. The Colombian spoke failed to make it out of the group fi ed so it will be a strange game,” said quarter-fi nal could see a match against in terms of fi tness and physical strength. We are far from humbly and honestly after the drubbing by England. stage each time. Tunisia were the Fellaini, who plays in England for Man- Germany or Brazil for the winner — a the required level,” Maaloul said. “I’ve really enjoyed watching the games at this World first African country to win a World chester United, having made his name question which will be determined be- Captain Wahbi Khazri also said the gap between Eu- Cup and been very, very happy to be here. It’s just such Cup finals game, beating Mexico in for another Premier League club Ever- fore England and Belgium clash in Ka- ropean and Arab teams was too wide. “The level was a pity that we’ve been knocked out,” said Gomez, who Argentina in 1978. Since then they ton. liningrad. too high, too elevated over the two games,” Khazri said. coached his native Colombia at the 1998 fi nals and Ec- have drawn seven and lost six. Martinez has suggested he could make This will be the fourth meeting of the Coming from a continent that boasts perennial power- uador four years later. wholesale changes to his side but at the two nations in major tournaments. They houses Brazil and Argentina and from a country where “We are making history. We can be an example. We Previous meetings: This will be the very least is expected to rest defender have drawn twice in group stage games, baseball is the most popular sport, “los Canaleros” (Ca- can leave a legacy for Panama in the future. It’s pivotal to first time the two sides have played Jan Vertonghen, winger Thomas Meuni- and their last-16 match in the 1990 nalmen) of Panama always had more modest ambitions. be at a World Cup. It’s one of the most wonderful things each other. er and midfi elder Kevin De Bruyne, who World Cup saw England win 1-0 after Overwhelmed in their fi rst match 3-0 by Belgium in that can happen in your career.” have all picked up a yellow card. extra-time. Colombia failed to qualify from 2002 to 2010, and their previous two campaigns, in 1998 and 1994, ended at the fi rst hurdle. 4 Gulf Times Thursday, June 28, 2018

PREVIEW JPN vs POL VOLGOGRAD, 5PM SPOTLIGHT Japan coach wary of Japan aim to keep Lewandowski threat AFP gograd Arena. “I am sure Poland Volgograd, Russia will play for pride. Lewandowski is a world-class marksman and I am sure he will come out wanting apan coach Akira Nishino to score a goal. So we have to be Honda’s dream alive called on his players to mentally prepared for that.” play smart football against Nishino also expressed surprise Poland in the heat of Vol- at encountering such fi erce heat gogradJ today and be wary of the and humidity on arrival in Vol- “world-class” Robert Lewand- gograd, where temperatures are owksi if they want to reach the expected to be nudging close to World Cup last 16. 40 Celsius. “I was surprised how against Poland Poland are already eliminat- humid it was,” he said, adding ed and Bayern Munich striker that his players need to be clever Lewandowski is yet to fi nd the in possession and conserve their target in Russia. But Nishino said energy in the sapping conditions. Nishino’s side need only a point against the Poles in Volgograd to make it to the his side could aff ord no compla- Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima cency if they want to secure the looks set to retain his place de- knockout stages, thanks to a late equaliser from Honda against Senegal point they need in expected fur- spite his blunder that led to Sen- nace-like conditions to reach the egal’s opening goal and he agreed knockout phase from Group H. stopping Lewandowski would Japan’s players attend a training session KEY FACTS “There’s no such thing as be key. “I know that Poland is on the eve of their Group H match against a match that doesn’t matter,” full of good players starting from Poland in Volgograd, Russia. (AFP) WHERE: Volgograd Arena Nishino told reporters at the Vol- Lewandowski,” said Kawashima. CAPACITY: 43,713 WHEN: Today, 5pm Japan will qualify for the next round by avoiding defeat against FOCUS Poland. Japan will top the group if they win and Senegal fail to beat Colombia. Pekerman ‘optimistic’ If Japan lose, they will still qualify if Senegal beat Colombia. However, if Colombia and Senegal draw and as Colombia seek win Japan lose then the Samurai Blue will be eliminated due to the South AFP coached his native country at American’s superior goal diff erence. Samara, Russia the 2006 World Cup, produced a Should Senegal and Japan both tactical masterstroke against the draw or lose by the same score, Poles when he aligned left-foot- they will be split on fair play points: ose Pekerman has refused ed Juan Quintero and Rodriguez Senegal have five yellow cards to to entertain the prospect in a three-man midfi eld to dev- Japan’s three. of seeing Colombia’s stut- astating eff ect. The group winner will face the tering World Cup cam- Both players were decisive in runner-up in Group G, which will paignJ end with their fi nal Group goals scored by Monaco striker be either Belgium or England. The H clash against Senegal yester- Radamel Falcao, Barcelona de- group runner-up will face the win- day. Despite following a disap- fender Yerry Mina and Juventus ners of Group G, again either the pointing 2-1 defeat to Japan with winger Juan Cuadrado during Belgians or English. a decisive 3-0 win over Poland, an impressive performance that Japan have reached the Round Colombia need to beat the on- suggested more is to come from of 16 twice before in their history, form Africans in Samara if they the south Americans. in 2010 and as hosts in 2002. After are to avoid what would be seen “We are doing everything to scoring against Senegal in the previ- as an embarrassing exit. stay (in the competition), we are ous game, Japan midfielder Keisuke “We came here for more, so it very optimistic,” added Peker- Honda is the only Japanese player wouldn’t be a good result for us man, who was in charge four to find the net at three World Cups not to reach the second round,” years ago when hosts Brazil beat and is the top-scoring Asian player in Pekerman said. Elimination Colombia 2-1 and ended their tournament history with four. “isn’t something we’re even hopes in the semi-fi nals. Poland, who are already elimi- considering,” he added. With Senegal and Japan both nated, have not progressed from the After years of struggling to on four points, Colombia and World Cup group stages since 1986. progress to the latter stages, Senegal could both progress with James Rodriguez’s tournament- a draw but only if Japan lose to PREVIOUS MEETINGS: Japan have topping six goals steered Colom- Poland. If Japan and Senegal both won both previous encounters with bia to their best ever fi nish of the win, Colombia will be eliminated Poland, most recently a 2-0 victory for quarter-fi nals in Brazil four years and who tops the group will be the Samurai Blue in a pre-World Cup ago. But with only three points to decided on goal diff erence and friendly in 2002. their name in Russia, anything then goals scored. less than a win against Aliou Cis- But Pekerman said Colombia se’s Senegal side would see ‘Los will not be aiming for anything AFP their World Cup hopes seemed in disar- glumly on the bench as Japan secured an opening 2-1 reverse against Senegal. Cafeteros’ (Coff ee Makers) exit less than a win. “It’s clear this is Volgograd, Russia ray. The Japan Football Association took their spot in Russia with a home win “Right now we realise we didn’t do well the tournament. a decisive match and that victory a massive gamble to sack Bosnian coach against Australia. enough but that is something we cannot Colombia failed to qualify is what will secure our qualifi ca- Vahid Halilhodzic in April following a Before leaving for Russia, the outspo- overcome,” said the prolifi c Bayern Mu- from 2002 to 2010, and their tion,” he said. “There’s a great kira Nishino might be forgiven string of poor performances and reports ken striker whose goals at the 2010 World nich striker on Tuesday. Lewandowski, previous two campaigns, in 1998 mood in the squad and we have to for pinching himself if Japan of friction with senior players. But it has Cup in South Africa shot him to fame, who has been unable to make a mark in and 1994, ended at the fi rst hur- be optimistic after our perform- get the draw they need against paid off handsomely and the doubters took the opportunity to stick the boot the tournament, hinted at international dle. Pekerman, an Argentine who ances against Poland.” eliminated Poland today to have been silenced by Nishino’s tightly- into Halilhodzic. “To submit myself to retirement when he said that the Japan reachA the last 16 of the World Cup. Just organised Japan playing with pace, guile the kind of football Halilhodzic played in clash would be “for some of us... our last over two months ago he wasn’t even in and no little skill to remain undefeated at order to get picked, that would be shame- game for the national team”. charge of the Blue Samurai and their most the top of Group H in Russia. ful for me,” he said. “I’m proud that I’ve His strike opponent Honda, who is recognisable player Keisuke Honda was Indeed, the former AC Milan and CSKA stayed true to myself.” as famous for his bold statements as his far from certain of being on the plane to Moscow striker Honda may not have Past meetings between Japan and Po- haircuts and goals, said he would not Russia. been at the World Cup at all had Halil- land give little clue as to today’s outcome back down from past predictions that he Now coach Nishino’s side need only hodzic still been in charge, so poison- at the Volgograd Arena. They have played and Japan would lift the famous golden a point against the Poles in Volgograd to ous had their relationship become. But just two friendlies with Japan winning trophy. “I know I promised the Japanese make it to the knockout stages, thanks the instantly recognisable bleach-blond, both times, the last in 2002. people we would win the World Cup,” he to a late equaliser from Honda against spiky-haired livewire has been born again Poland skipper Robert Lewandowski said before leaving for Russia. Senegal. It followed the fi rst World Cup as an impact substitute under Nishino. urged his team to salvage some pride after “I have not forgotten that. Frankly win by an Asian country against a South Honda, who now plays for Pachuca in a sorry World Cup campaign saw them that’s why I want to go to the World Cup American side when Japan overcame 10- Mexico, became the fi rst Japanese player the fi rst European side to be eliminated. and show how much it means to me to man Colombia 2-1. to score in three World Cups after he The Poles came to Russia with high hopes fi ght for the title.” A win or draw today Even a defeat may be enough if Senegal climbed off the bench to secure the 2-2 of reaching the knockout phase for the for the Blue Samurai and the 32-year-old beat Colombia, however Japan have their draw in Yekaterinburg. It was very dif- fi rst time since 1986, but a 3-0 defeat to Honda, on probably his fi nal World Cup fate in their own hands just months after ferent last August when Honda had sat Colombia confi rmed their early exit after hurrah, can keep the dream alive. Colombia’s coach Jose Pekerman. (AFP)

PREVIEW SEN vs COL SAMARA, 5PM Mane critical to Senegal hopes in Colombia showdown AFP Cisse. “He can do better, but today he Samara, Russia Senegal’s Sadio Mane was better than against Poland and he KEY FACTS takes part in a training needs to do better against Colombia.” WHERE: Samara Arena, Samara which is either Belgium or England. session. (AFP) If there was something of a negative CAPACITY: 41,970 The group runner-up will face the enegal must cut out the defen- vibe around Senegal, Colombia are go- WHEN: Today, 5pm winners of Group G, again either sive errors and fi nd a way to get ing in the opposite direction. the Belgians or English. Sadio Mane fi ring like he does They became the fi rst South Ameri- Senegal will qualify for the next Senegal’s only previous World for Liverpool if they are to tame can side to lose to an Asian one at a round by avoiding defeat and they Cup appearance saw them go on to ColombiaS today and reach the World World Cup when they were beaten could even finish top of the group reach the quarter-finals in 2002. Cup last 16. Coach Aliou Cisse was crit- 2-1 by Japan in their opener. But there if they draw and Japan lose at the They are one of only three ical of his pacy and powerful side after were mitigating circumstances — they same time against Poland in Vol- African countries to have pro- their 2-2 draw with Japan on Sunday, played most of the game with 10 men gograd. A draw could also be good gressed that far. Coach Aliou Cisse saying their opponents were the better after Carlos Sanchez was dismissed for enough for Colombia to advance captained Senegal in their 2002 team, and called on forward Mane to handball. to the next round, although only if campaign and is one of only two step it up. Colombia coach Jose Pekerman was Japan lose to Poland. African coaches at the tournament “Frankly, we were not very good,” also unable to call on the services of the Colombia will qualify if they win in Russia — Nabil Maaloul of Tunisia concluded Cisse, Senegal captain in injured James Rodriguez from the start. and in the process leave Senegal in being the other. their run to the quarter-fi nals in 2002, But the midfi elder, one of the stars of peril, although the Africans could Colombia are playing in their their only previous appearance at a tails up following a classy 3-0 win over scored the opener it had a large dose of the World Cup four years ago, when Co- lose and still advance on goal fifth World Cup, with their quarter- World Cup. Cisse was particularly un- abject Poland. Going into the fi nal round good luck about it. The 26-year-old, lombia marched to the quarter-fi nals, diff erence if Japan are beaten by a final appearance at Brazil 2014 — happy with the way that Senegal twice of games in Group H, Japan and Senegal coming off the back of a successful sea- returned against the poor Poles with an heavier margin. The group winner where they lost to the hosts — their threw away the lead in Yekaterinburg. have four points, Colombia have three son at Anfi eld that saw Liverpool reach impressive performance. will face the runner-up in Group G, best performance. Substitute Keisuke Honda’s leveller, and pointless Poland are already elimi- the Champions League fi nal, was pe- Radamel Falcao, Yerry Mina and Juan 12 minutes from time, was an especially nated. It means that a draw for Cisse’s ripheral after that. Cuadrado all scored in a stylish victory, poor goal to give away as goalkeeper side will be enough to progress. Belgium Cisse, who needs to fi nd a way to get but Pekerman hinted afterwards that he Previous meetings: The two sides have met once before when Senegal Khadim N’Diaye fl apped at a cross. Vic- and England await whichever two teams Mane more involved, was unimpressed. might tinker for Senegal. “When I make travelled to Argentina to meet Colombia, who were based there, in a friendly tory would have all but propelled Sen- make it out of Group H. “A player like Sadio Mane is a player the starting line-up, I do it taking ac- warm-up ahead of the 2014 World Cup. Senegal came from two goals down egal into the last 16, but they now face a Senegal were far from convincing with a lot of expectations and he is one count of the whole context in which we at halftime to draw 2-2 in Buenos Aires. Colombia side in Samara who have their against Japan and even though Mane of the players under the spotlight,” said fi nd ourselves,” the Argentine said. Australia did not score a single goal in open play in Russia, their only two goals in three matches coming from penalties 5 Gulf Times Thursday, June 28, 2018

SPOTLIGHT Messi suff ered more than ever to reach WCup last 16 ‘It was due to the situation and what we were playing for. It is a huge joy for everyone Maradona ‘fi ne’ aft er scare, for the diff icult days we lived after the last defeat. Luckily we achieved our objective’ chided for obscene gesture

Former Argentina forward Diego Maradona (C) celebrates in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.

St. Petersburg: Argentina great adulation from fans, unveiling a Diego Maradona said yesterday poster of himself and seemingly he was fine after appearing to falling asleep at one point. take ill during the South Ameri- Then, after Marcos Rojo’s cans’ roller-coaster World Cup 86th minute winner secured win over Nigeria on Tuesday, but Argentina’s place in the last 16, found himself in hot water again he made a middle-finger gesture after making an obscene gesture with both hands. at the game. “From the hands of God, to the “I want to let you know I’m fine, fingers of shame”, read one Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after I’m not nor was I hospitalised,” headline in Latin America, refer- the match against Nigeria on Tuesday. the 57-year-old said via Insta- ring to Maradona’s “Hand of God” gram. goal against England at the 1986 AFP Messi when asked if it was the most tense “I have teammates I know very well at match was our fault not his.” Maradona, who was seen being World Cup. Saint Petersburg match of his career. the back and up front. It will obviously be Argentina’s success was also accompa- helped to walk from his seat The Argentine is no stranger to “It was due to the situation and what we very diffi cult.” nied with a good slice of fortune and more amid the excitement of Tues- controversy, having once shot at were playing for. It is a huge joy for every- Sampaoli had been fi ercely criticised af- controversy over the VAR system used to day’s game in St. Petersburg, said journalists with an air rifle, and relieved Lionel Messi admit- one for the diffi cult days we lived after the ter a 3-0 defeat to Croatia on Thursday left review contentious decisions. a doctor had suggested he left at has battled cocaine and alcohol ted the stress at the prospect of last defeat. Luckily we achieved our objec- Argentina on the brink of an embarrassing With the score at 1-1, Nigeria thought halftime after his neck hurt and addictions. crashing out of the World Cup at tive.” Messi’s quest for World Cup glory early exit. And despite changing his tactics they should have had a second penalty he felt he might faint. Gary Lineker, who played for Athe group stages was the worst faces a much tougher test on Saturday as and making fi ve changes to free up Messi when Rojo headed the ball onto his arm “But I wanted to stay, because it England in the 1986 game and he had ever experienced after Marcus Argentina face a highly-fancied France to have a more infl uential role, he refused inside the area. was all or nothing. How could I is now a pundit for the BBC, said Rojo’s late strike beat Nigeria 2-1 to send side in the last 16. to take credit for the victory. Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir reviewed leave?” he said. Maradona had gone too far with Argentina into the last 16. The Barcelona star will come face-to- “A coach who has to train Leo knows the incident, but stood by his original de- “A kiss for you all, sorry for the the gesture. Messi opened the scoring in Saint Pe- face with club team-mates Samuel Um- that everybody surrounding him needs to cision not to award the spot-kick. fright, thanks for putting up with “Diego Maradona perhaps let tersburg with his fi rst goal of the tourna- titi and Ousmane Dembele and is aware of make him feel secure,” Sampaoli said. “I don’t understand how that wasn’t a me, Diego is around for a bit himself down with his celebra- ment, but Victor Moses’s early second- the improvement needed to make the last “We need to make passes to Leo so he penalty, for me it was a clear penalty,” said longer!” tion,” he said. “You understand half penalty made it another nervous eight. can create chances. If not we suff er, we Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel. During the game, Maradona how he’s euphoric, that’s for sure, night for the fi ve-time world player of the “They are a very complete team. They know we have the best player in the world “Maybe the referee has given the fi rst drew attention with his antics but this kind of reaction, really year and under-fi re coach Jorge Sampaoli. have top players individually,” added Mes- and we have to benefi t from that. one and he doesn’t want to give the second in the stands — lapping up the Diego?” “I don’t remember such suff ering,” said si. “It is for that reason I said the Croatia one.”

BOTTOMLINE Not the ‘Australian way’: Socceroos take fl ak AFP the more adventurous approach Sydney employed by Postecoglou. “We threw out a plan of four Callow Nigeria will get stronger years and went with a completely with age, says coach Rohr ustralia’s footballers diff erent strategy and in the end, were urged to redis- we should be looking at it and St. Petersburg: Nigeria paid cover their cutting edge saying, ‘When we went at these the price for the inexperience and sense of direction teams, we showed what we could in their squad when they were asA they headed home after a win- do it,’ but we didn’t do it enough,” eliminated from the World Cup less World Cup where they failed Foster said. in heartbreaking style by Ar- to score any goals from open play. “That wasn’t the Australian gentina on Tuesday, but defeat National media called it a way, no... that wasn’t what we’re in St Petersburg will serve as “meek exit” as the Socceroos, capable of in terms of a football a valuable lesson, their coach under caretaker coach Bert van country. I can’t accept that.” Gernot Rohr said. Marwijk, lost 2-0 to Peru to fi n- With veteran Tim Cahill wide- Nigeria, who have the young- ish bottom of Group C — their ly expected to retire after only a est team at the tournament, third straight failure to reach the cameo appearance in Russia, and came into the match needing knock-out rounds. the emergence of exciting pros- to avoid defeat to hope- The reigning Asian champions pect Daniel Arzani, there is likely fully progress to the knockout only scored two goals in three to be a changing of the guard un- rounds and, but for Marcos matches, both penalties drilled der Arnold. Rojo’s late strike, would have in by captain Mile Jedinak, high- “Brave? Unlucky? Perhaps, but held on for a deserved draw lighting their lack of a top-class Russia has exposed the Socceroos instead of losing 2-1. They set about the task of striker. to the brutal World Cup realities,” Australia’s Tim Cahill greets fans at the end of the match against Peru on Tuesday. “It’s a big disappointment,” stifling the South Americans Graham Arnold will now take said the Sydney Daily Telegraph, Rohr told reporters. “My team with aplomb until a late lapse over for his second stint as coach adding that their lack of a goals- gave their best. They played of concentration allowed Man- after Ange Postecoglou walked corer was “ruthlessly exploited”. Proud Iceland depart Russia with heads held high a very good second half and chester United defender Rojo out in November, a turn of events “Is Australia’s player pool missed qualifying by just a to turn in Gabriel Mercado’s which prompted Dutchman van too shallow and did this team Moscow: World Cup debutants Lionel Messi’s Argentina but that I couldn’t be more proud of the few minutes. These kind of cross in the 86th minute and Marwijk’s hiring as an interim do as well as could be expected Iceland proved they can compete would be their only point as they players but we are disappointed matches build the character of snatch victory for Argentina. measure. of them? Is the A-League doing against the top teams and the finished bottom of Group D. to not go through. It’s a beautiful the team. “It is what it is. It just wasn’t to “There are valuable lessons to enough to aid the Socceroos?” Nordic nation’s players will depart “We have not played many games game but sometimes it’s really “In the end Argentina were be,” Nigeria’s skipper Jon Obi be learned. At this level you need National broadcaster ABC said Russia with their heads held high like this against a strong team tough.” pushing, pushing, pushing. And Mikel said. “It’s a young team a quality number nine, someone that “Australian football needs even if they failed to win a single like Croatia and created as many Unlike in their first two matches they have great players. This is and in four years most of the who can take their chances. If clarity, ambition, direction, reju- game, coach Heimir Hallgrimsson chances as we did,” Hallgrimsson against Argentina and Nigeria championship level and we are players will be ready for this you don’t you will get punished,” venation”. said on Tuesday. told reporters after his team’s 2-1 where they were more solid at the not ready for that now. It was tournament. said The Australian’s football “Mile Jedinak described a feel- The smallest nation by population loss to the group winners. “I’m back, it was Iceland who were on also down to a little bit of luck “We have a group of boys writer Ray Gatt. ing of ‘emptiness’ after the tour- ever to qualify for the tournament, proud off the performance and the front foot and had the best of and we didn’t have it today.” who want to improve... and “To go through the tourna- nament-ending loss to Peru, and Iceland’s giant-killing perform- character we showed. We left the chances against the Croats. Nigeria fell behind to an early this is very good for Nigerian ment without scoring a goal in it’s a feeling most Socceroos fans ances in Euro 2016 sent an early everything behind on the pitch, They had 17 attempts on goal to goal from Lionel Messi, who football.” open play pretty well sums it up.” will share,” national broadcaster warning that they would not be there’s no percentage left in the Croatia’s 13 on Tuesday, and not opened his account in Russia Rohr said the players who had TV commentator Craig Fos- ABC said. in Russia just to make up the batteries in the dying minutes. being able to come away from with the tournament’s 100th taken Nigeria to the brink of ter criticised van Marwijk’s tac- “Not just for the meek exit in numbers. “The players showed what they’re Russia with a victory probably re- goal, but the Africans equalised the knockout stages would tics after the Dutchman — who Sochi, but for the overwhelming They began their campaign all about, we had chance to mained the only disappointment from the penalty spot six min- show much greater maturity at took the Netherlands to the 2010 sense this is a footballing country brightly with a 1-1 draw against progress till the dying minutes. for Hallgrimsson. utes into the second half. the next World Cup. World Cup fi nal — abandoned without a sense of direction.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, June 28, 2018 SPORT

GOLF/FRENCH OPEN FOOTBALL UEFA bans AC Milan from Europa League Fleetwood defending next season

AFP quirement,” which bars clubs Lausanne from taking on debt to fund day-to-day obligations like wages or transfer fees. EFA said yesterday it The break-even rule is title at ‘diff erent’ had banned AC Mi- meant to prevent “the accu- lan from the Europa mulation of losses leading to League next season unmanageable debt,” accord- forU violating fi nancial fair play ing to UEFA. rules after the club took on UEFA’s concern over AC risky levels of debt. Milan’s stability has risen “The club is excluded from since it was purchased by participating in the next UEFA Chinese businessman Li Ryder Cup course club competition for which it Yonghong from Silvio Ber- would otherwise qualify in the lusconi for 740 million euros ‘The course seems so diff erent. It’s so set up now for the Ryder Cup in September... next two (2) seasons,” UEFA ($918mn) in April last year. said in a statement. The club spent more than it’s like diff icult to get your bearings a bit. It’s a great Golf course but it’s very diff icult’ The Italian club has al- 200 million euros on new ready qualifi ed for the Europa players in the summer and League from 2018-2019 so the have a high-interest loan of ban will take eff ect from then. 300 million euros from US However, AC Milan can ap- hedge fund Elliott Manage- TOMMY FLEETWOOD peal the decision at the Court ment. of Arbitration for Sport, Milan fi nished sixth in UEFA, European football’s the Serie A last season and governing body, said. qualifi ed for the second-tier UEFA announced last Europa League for a second month that the seven-time consecutive season missing European champions had out on the money-spinning failed to convince offi cials Champions League. they are fi nancially sound and The decision makes AC referred the case to the adjudi- Milan the highest profi le club catory chamber of its fi nancial banished from Europe, fol- control unit to recommend an lowing Spanish club Malaga, appropriate punishment. Red Star Belgrade and Tur- In their ruling announced key’s Galatasary who were Wednesday, adjudicators banned for a year in the past found that AC Milan was in for failing to meet fi nancial breach of “the break-even re- criteria.

NBA Durant informs Warriors he’s opting out of contract

Reuters Durant, look what he did for New York us last year, he did us a great service (taking less than a max off er). He’s earned the right to AFP bit,” said the 27-year-old. fi rst time since 1993. “I thought Matchplay specialist and hero 1966, but never won after the age evin Durant is sign whatever deal he wants. Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France Spaniard Rahm, ranked fi fth there were going to be at least of the 2012 ‘Miracle of Medinah’ of 28. opting out of his “I just want him to sign in the world, is another man ex- four or fi ve,” he added. – Ian Poulter is bidding to fur- He had an outstanding record contract with the a deal. But want him to be pected to spearhead the Euro- “And if it wasn’t the players ther boost his hopes of qualify- at the British Open, though he Golden State Warri- happy and want him to know efending champion pean Ryder Cup challenge. that were already in guaranteed, ing automatically for the Euro- never lifted the Claret Jug. ors.K Durant signed a two-year, that we want him as long as he Tommy Fleetwood is But the 23-year-old said he maybe the people who are on pean team after an impressive After fi nishing third in 1962, $51 million deal last summer. wants to be here. He’s earned keen to land an early was looking forward to playing the edge (of gaining a Ryder Cup return to form this season. he tied with New Zealander Bob The deal includes an opt-out that, to kind of lay out the blow for Europe ahead the French Open, not as a scout- place).” The 42-year-old could be giv- Charles after 72 holes at Roy- clause for the 2018-19 season, terms. He can do whatever ofD September’s Ryder Cup when ing exercise for the Ryder Cup, Justin Thomas, the world en a wildcard by captain Thomas al Lytham in 1963, one stroke which he reportedly intends he wants. That shouldn’t be a he tees off at the French Open but because it remains one of the number two, is the top American Bjorn if he fails to qualify, while ahead of Jack Nicklaus. The Brit- to exercise in order to negoti- long negotiation. Our goal, to today. top events on the tour and a per- contender in what he said was Poulter’s fellow Englishman ish Open used a 36-hole playoff ate a new deal with the War- be honest, is to try to keep the Jon Rahm of Spain and Fleet- sonal favourite. a “tremendous” French Open Tyrrell Hatton will also be look- at the time, and Charles pre- riors. ESPN reported Tues- whole thing together, so that’s wood, two of Europe’s leading “It’s probably one of my fa- fi eld. The USPGA champion said ing to enhance his credentials vailed easily by eight strokes. day that Durant informed the the pieces of the puzzle we’ve stars, line up in a strong fi eld at vourite courses all year, not only a lot of Americans were unable for a rookie appearance in the Rodgers also fi nished fourth Warriors of his decision. got to try to fi gure out.” Le Golf National, the widely- on the European Tour but world- to make it to Europe because of 12-strong side. at the 1966 British Open won by However, Durant has said Last off season, Durant acclaimed course which hosts wide,” he said. scheduling issues, but that many Nicklaus. His best result in an he plans to return to Golden took roughly $10 million less the 42nd Ryder Cup in just under “It’s a great Golf course but of those would be visiting the Rodgers, a playoff loser at American major was equal third State, and ownership has al- than what a max salary would three months’ time. it’s very diffi cult. It’s fair, you course outside Paris before trav- 1963 British Open, dies at the 1962 U.S. Open. ready committed to making have earned him on his deal World number 10 Fleetwood, can think your way around it elling to the British Open next Phil Rodgers, a fi ve-times “I’m not sure that I could have a pact Durant approves of for with Golden State so the team runner-up at the US Open ear- and if you’re smart enough, you month. PGA Tour winner who also lost handled being a major cham- next season and beyond. could re-sign Andre Iguo- lier this month, said he was glad can actually get a score but to “So it’s not like they are not a playoff at the British Open, has pion,” Rodgers told Golf.com in In the euphoria of claiming dala and backup point guard to be back at the challenging win you need to play extremely going to see the course before- died at the age of 80, the PGA 2008. “I couldn’t have handled another NBA title, Warriors Shaun Livingston. By opting French course but noted that it good.” hand,” he added. Tour announced on Wednesday. the responsibility.” general manager Bob My- out, Durant could sign a four- had a new look about it. Rahm said he had originally Former Masters champion Rodgers, who had been bat- But Rodgers’ earned a ma- ers made inference to a blank year max contract for about “The course seems so diff er- thought there would be more top Sergio Garcia is aiming to play tling leukemia for many years, jor assist for helping resurrect check off er from the Warriors. $158 million. Durant was an ent. It’s so set up now for the Ry- Americans at the course, where his ninth Ryder Cup in Septem- died at his home in San Diego, Nicklaus’s short game in time for “Sometimes you don’t ne- All-Star for the Warriors yet der Cup in September... it’s like they will be attempting to win ber, having been a key member California. Rodgers recorded his the Golden Bear to win the 1980 gotiate,” Myers said. “I’d love again this season, averaging diffi cult to get your bearings a the title on European soil for the of six winning teams already. tour victories between 1962 and U.S. Open. to have him for 10 years. Kevin 26.4 points, 6.8 rebounds.

CHAMPIONS TROPHY HOCKEY India go down fi ghting 2-3 to champions Australia IANS quick to assist Eddie Ockenden the ball was free before Australia defence under further stress. It Breda, The Netherlands whose cross was well picked up drove it in. With Australia lead- seemed as though the compact- by Sharp to defl ect past Indian ing 2-1, India showed positive ness the Indian team showed goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh. intent as they won a penalty cor- against Argentina was missing. ndia went down 2-3 to World India were quick to respond ner two minutes into the second Sreejesh was up to the task No. 1 Australia in a hard with an improvised attack that quarter. However, the chance again when he made an eff ec- fought third round robin fetched them a penalty cor- was not capitalised. tive save off Australia’s sixth match of the Men’s Hockey ner, but a miss-trap off Sardar India won yet another penalty penalty corner attempt, but IChampions Trophy Breda 2018 Singh’s injection saw the eff ort corner, their fourth, in the fol- India’s overall performance in yesterday. being missed. India earned an- lowing minute but Harmanpreet the third quarter was not at par Varun Kumar (10th minute) other penalty corner through Singh drove the fl ick straight with Australia. Going into the and Harmanpreet Singh (58th) Lalit Upadhyay but again the into Australia’s fi rst rusher. The fi nal quarter, a goal continued to scored for India. Young forward ball bounced off before being following minutes saw both elude India. Two excellent shots Lachlan Sharp (6th minute) had trapped but the possession re- teams trade penalty corners, on goal by Sardar Singh followed given defending champions mained with India. but Sreejesh kept his team in the by Vivek Sagar Prasad in the fi rst Australia an early lead while Tom It was S.V. Sunil’s brilliant game with brilliant saves. six minutes of the fourth quarter Craig (15th) and Trent Mitton cross to an unmarked Varun With Sunil and Manpreet Singh were well saved by a very alert (33rd) scored the other goals. Kumar that helped India equal- being sent away with a green and Australian goalkeeper. With a place in the fi nal at ise. Varun made no mistake in a yellow card respectively, Aus- India made a strong comeback stake, the match began with picking it up well and fl icking tralia took advantage of fewer with just two minutes left for an action-packed fi rst quarter it past Australian goalkeeper India players on the pitch as they the fi nal hooter when they won with both teams keeping each Tyler Lovell. Australia however, beat the defence to score their back-to-back penalty corners. other on the edge. It were Aus- ended the quarter one goal up as third goal through Trent Mitton Harmanpreet converted India’s tralia who drew fi rst blood with Tom Craig converted a penalty off a Tom Craig assist. eighth penalty corner attempt, a splendid goal by Sharp. corner. It was messy defensive Australia dominated the pro- narrowing the gap to 2-3. The Indian defence was hood- work by India. Though Sreejesh ceedings as they won their fi fth India will face World No.3 Bel- winked when Jake Whetton was blocked the fi rst two attempts, penalty corner, putting India’s gium today. India and Australia players vying for the ball during their Champions Trophy match yesterday. (FIH) Gulf Times Thursday, June 28, 2018 7 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Back on top, Nadal aims to end Serena seeded 25th Wimbledon woe

AFP adapting physically and in my London tennis to the surface. “I will certainly arrive at Wimbledon with less prepara- afael Nadal remains tion, but I’m going with con- for Wimbledon, the king of clay, but fi dence high because I played the world number one very well through the whole arrives at Wimbledon clay-court season.” harbouringR only slender hopes Nadal has been preparing of winning the tournament for for Wimbledon by training the fi rst time since 2010. for the past week on the grass Nadal extended his incredi- courts of the Mallorca Open ble record on the red dirt of Ro- near his home in Manacor. Federer tops men land Garros earlier this month During that training block as he crushed Dominic Thiem he suff ered a scare after ap- ‘I think if it was a diff erent player, not her, I think she would not be seeded. It’s just to win his 11th French Open pearing to twist his ankle. title. The Spaniard has enjoyed But Nadal, who hasn’t because she won it many times and she’s Serena Williams. So I think that’s why’ another golden period on his played a competitive match favoured clay this year, claim- since the French Open, ap- ing the Monte Carlo, Barcelona peared to recover quickly and and Rome titles as well as his will take part in exhibition latest triumph in Paris. matches near London this That dominant streak ex- week in a bid to hone his grass tended Nadal’s impressive game. Even so, his absence renaissance after two years of from Queen’s and the subse- injury woe. He has won three quent lack of grass game-time of the last fi ve Grand Slams, raises doubts about his chanc- taking the French Open two es of a third title at Wimble- years in a row and lifting the don, which starts its 150th US Open trophy in 2017. edition on Monday. But, while the 32-year-old’s Nadal did receive a boost on superiority on clay is un- Sunday when he regained top questioned, Nadal has found spot in the ATP rankings from it far harder to transfer that Roger Federer after his old ri- dominance to the All England val’s surprise defeat against Club’s lawns in the latter stag- Borna Coric in the Halle fi nal. es of his career. The 17-time Nadal reached fi ve succes- Grand Slam champion won the sive Wimbledon fi nals from most recent of his two Wim- 2006 to 2011 – discounting his bledon titles eight years ago 2009 absence due to injury – and hasn’t been past the last the tournament has become a 16 since 2011. Nadal has ad- house of horrors for him lately. mitted in the past that he fi nds His tale of woe started in 2012 it hard to make the transition with a stunning loss to world from clay to grass. number 100 Lukas Rosol. The low bounce on grass There was worse to come threatens to aggravate the knee for Nadal in 2013 when unh- injuries that have plagued him eralded Belgian Steve Darcis for years. With that in mind, dumped him out and a year Nadal decided to withdraw later Nick Kyrgios, ranked 144, from last week’s Wimbledon infl icted yet more misery on warm-up at Queen’s Club to the Spaniard. rest his aching body after the Dread-locked Dustin Brown gruelling clay campaign. was the next player outside the “I had a very intense cam- top 100 to send Nadal home paign on clay and my body early in 2015 and last year’s needed rest because drastic calamity came against Lux- changes are not good,” Nadal embourg journeyman Gilles said. “I had to spend time Muller in a fi ve-set marathon.

Seven-time champion Serena Williams granted a discretionary seeding. Defending champion Roger Federer (rifgt) is the men’s top seed.

Reuters en’s singles with 2017 cham- She reached the fourth round this is a little bit of a diff erent TOP 10 SEEDINGS London pion Garbine Muguruza at three, before pulling out shortly before story,” she said at the Eastbourne while defending men’s cham- her match against Russian Maria championships. pion Roger Federer is number Sharapova. “Why should I not be seeded if Men he spectre of seven- one seed despite Spaniard Ra- While many have said Wil- I have the right to be? 1 Roger Federer (SUI) times Wimbledon fael Nadal taking over as world liams, who has played only seven “I think if it was a diff erent 2- Rafael Nadal (ESP) champion Serena Wil- number one this week. competitive matches since giv- player, not her, I think she would 3 Marin Cilic (CRO) liams facing world When the seedings committee ing birth to daughter Alexis Ol- not be seeded. It’s just because 4 Alexander Zverev (GER) Tnumber one Simona Halep in the met on Tuesday, the thorny is- ympia last September, should she won it many times and she’s 5 Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) Wimbledon fi rst round was re- sue of whether to break from the not be penalised for taking time Serena Williams. So I think 6 Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) moved yesterday as the Ameri- current WTA rankings, the usual out to start a family, others say that’s why.” 7 Dominic Thiem (AUT) can was named as the 25th seed. criteria for seeding the women’s seeding her is unfair. The men’s seeds show a few 8 Kevin Anderson (RSA) Debate has raged over wheth- draw, and elevate Williams was One of them, Slovakian tweaks from the ATP rankings 9 John Isner (USA) er the 36-year-old, 23-times top of their agenda. former Australian Open fi nal- with Wimbledon using a formu- 10 David Goff in (BEL) Grand Slam champion, who is It reserves the right to change ist Dominika Cibulkova, is the la designed to take into account Women down at 183 in the WTA rank- the women’s seedings to “pro- player most disadvantaged by results on grasscourts. 1 Simona Halep (ROM) ings following maternity leave, duce a balanced draw” and Wil- the decision to seed Williams, as Last year’s runner-up Marin 2 Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) should be bumped up into a liams, whose protected ranking she is 32nd in the rankings and Cilic is number three seed de- 3 Garbine Muguruza (ESP) seeded position. does not guarantee a seeding, would have taken the last seeded spite a world ranking of fi ve, 4 Sloane Stephens (USA) The decision by the All Eng- clearly is a special case. spot. while three-times champion 5 Elian Svitolina (UKR) land Club committee means At the French Open last Cibulkova could now poten- Novak Djokovic is 12th seed – 6 Caroline Garcia (FRA) Williams, winner in 2016 but month, when her ranking was tially face Halep, or Williams, in fi ve spots higher than his rank- 7 Karolina Pliskova (CZE) absent last year because of preg- 451, she was not seeded and the fi rst round. ing. Apart from Williams, 2016 8 Petra Kvitova (CZE) nancy, will avoid big names until came up against Australian 17th “I think it’s now right that men’s runner-up Milos Raonic 9 Venus Williams (USA) at least the third round. seed Ashleigh Barty in the sec- WTA off ers a protected ranking. is the biggest riser with a 13th 10 Madison Keys (USA) Rafael Nadal celebrates during his match against Gilles Muller at Halep is top seed in the wom- ond round, winning in three sets. I think that’s good. But I think seeding from a ranking of 32. Wimbledon on July 10, 2017. (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE Sharapova at crossroads AFP the US Open last year, it was in Sharapova’s last event before her should talk about her relation- London some style. 15-month doping ban kicked in. ship and her boyfriend that was Wearing a diamond-encrust- Adding spice to this year’s Wim- married and is getting a divorce ed black number, she knocked bledon, the two clashed off the court and has kids,” she said in refer- here will be perfectly- out then world number two at Roland Garros when Williams ence to Patrick Mouratoglou, timed put downs, gush- Simona Halep fi rst up on the described claims made against her who is still Williams’s coach but ing photo spreads, tired way to the last 16. At this year’s by Sharapova in her autobiography was reportedly her boyfriend at tabloid moans about the French Open, she comfortably as “100 percent hearsay”. the time as well. Tgrunts and a stream of questions disposed of sixth-ranked Karo- Sharapova fi red back: “When Fifteen years after making her about Serena Williams. lina Pliskova for the loss of just you’re writing an autobiography, Wimbledon bow as a 16-year- It can only mean one thing: three games before running out I don’t think there is any reason old, Sharapova knows that with a Maria Sharapova is back at of steam in a quarter-fi nal defeat to write anything that’s not true.” game made for grass, a return of Wimbledon. to reigning Wimbledon cham- On the eve of Wimbledon just the Wimbledon title is mea- Three years after her last ap- pion Garbine Muguruza. fi ve years ago, they were trad- gre. She has been back to the fi - pearance at the All England Club, The fourth round in Paris ing barbs again when Williams nal only once since 2004, losing and 14 years since the Russian should have pitted her against gave an explosive interview to 6-3, 6-4 to Petra Kvitova in 2011. won the title, launching the gig- Williams but fans were denied a Rolling Stone magazine. “She There have also been some gling teenager into the fi nancial 22nd meeting between the pair begins every interview with ‘I’m embarrassing howlers - in and media stratosphere, Shara- when the American withdrew so happy. I’m so lucky’ – it’s so 2008, losing to Alla Kudryat- pova’s career is at a crossroads. injured. Williams has loomed boring,” said Williams without seva, ranked 154, then to world Now 31, Sharapova missed large in the Sharapova story. namechecking the Russian. number 45 Gisela Dulko in 2009 2016 Wimbledon as she sat out The American lost to her in “She’s still not going to be and to Michelle Larcher de Brito, a doping ban while injury scup- the 2004 fi nal at the All England invited to the cool parties. And, a 131st-ranked Portuguese qual- pered her plans to play the quali- Club and at the Tour Champion- hey, if she wants to be with the ifi er in 2013. fying tournament 12 months ago. ships that same year. Since then, guy with a black heart, go for it.” Now ranked 24 in the world, She is without a Slam title in however, Sharapova has lost 18 The ‘black heart’ was a not Sharapova heads to Wimbledon four years, her fi fth and most re- on the bounce to her career-long so subtle reference to Bulgarian without any competitive grass- cent coming at the French Open nemesis. tennis player Grigor Dimitrov, court action having pulled out of in 2014 while she has won just a rumoured former boyfriend Birmingham last week. “I need one trophy – a low-key end-of- Public battles of Williams, who was then dat- to take care of my body and make season aff air in Tianjin – since That run includes a semi-fi - ing Sharapova. A few days later, sure I stay healthy,” said the Rus- her return from suspension. nal defeat at Wimbledon in her Sharapova aimed a trademark icy sian who still managed to get some However, there have been last appearance at the tourna- riposte at Williams who is now a time on Centre Court this week. fl ashes of vintage Sharapova ment in 2015. Williams was also seven-time Wimbledon winner. She wasn’t practising but was giv- along the way and when she re- the victor in the quarter-fi nals “If she wants to talk about ing Canadian ice hockey legend turned to Grand Slam tennis at of the 2016 Australian Open, something personal, maybe she Sidney Crosby a guided tour.

Thursday, June 28, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET TENNIS Edmund cuts short Murray comeback, India cruise to win Wozniacki wins

AFP khstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin Eastbourne, United Kingdom next, said on court. “I’ve looked up to Andy so much and he’s looked after me yle Edmund lived up and really been good for me so over Ireland in their to his billing as Brit- it’s a bit of a weird feeling. I ain’s new top dog as was a bit nervous towards the he cut short Andy end.” KMurray’s comeback with a 6-4 Murray moved well but 6-4 win to reach the quar- could make little impression ter-fi nals of the Eastbourne on Edmund’s serve having championships yesterday. squandered break points in the Edmund’s rise to 18th in the second game of the match and 100th T20 match rankings has coincided with he was frequently sent scamp- compatriot Murray’s year out ering trying to return Ed- ‘Pretty good and can’t complain. We were pretty good with the bat. Great eff ort with a hip injury which has mund’s venomous forehand. seen him drop to 156th in the He was given a standing from Rohit and Dhawan although the last over by Ireland was spot on’ world. The 23-year-old Ed- ovation as he left the court and mund admitted that it had will now go away and make been a ‘weird’ feeling taking a decision about whether to on his Davis Cup team mate play at Wimbledon where he and the man who had men- won the title in 2013 and 2016. tored him in his early days on In the women’s tournament the ATP Tour. the top seeds fl ourished in the Murray, playing only his seaside sunshine with number third match back as he tries one Caroline Wozniacki recov- to prove his fi tness for Wim- ering from a slow start to oust bledon, made things awkward local favourite Johanna Konta and fought tenaciously but 4-6 6-1 6-4 on a packed centre had no answer to Edmund’s court. Fourth seed Angelique ferocious forehand. Kerber thrashed American A service break in the open- Danielle Collins 6-1 6-1 to set ing game proved enough for up a clash with seventh seed Edmund in the fi rst set and he Daria Kasatkina who defeated broke twice to race into a 5-2 in Anastasija Sevastova 6-4 6-4. the second before a late wob- Fifth seed Jelena Ostapenko ble. But he held steady at 5-4 overpowered Romanian Mi- to claim his fi rst career win haela Buzanescu 6-1 6-2 and against the three-times Grand will face Poland’s Agnieszka Slam champion and become Radwanska who was given a the fi rst British player to beat walkover by former Wimble- Murray for 12 years. don champion Petra Kvitova “It was a bit of a tough after the third seed withdrew match, mentally, playing Andy with a hamstring injury. but I had to try to view it as Wozniacki will face Austral- another match,” second seed ian eight seed Ashleigh Barty Edmund, who will play Kaza- for a place in the semi-fi nals.

India’s Kuldeep Yadav (left) celebrates with Yuzvendra Chahal after taking an Ireland wicket during the first T20 match at Malahide, Ireland. (Reuters) India’s Rohit Sharma in action as Ireland’s Stuart Poynter looks on. (Reuters)

AFP prise the opposition. It presents was entirely due to Ireland pace crowd, he didn’t even stay to the “England are playing good Dublin an opportunity for those lower bowler Peter Chase who took end of the innings, caught sec- cricket and it will be challenging down the order to go in and bat the wickets of MS Dhoni, Rohit ond ball by Thompson. for me. If you’re bowling in the Great Britain’s Andy Murray reacts during his second round at the top. Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Ireland lost the big-hitting right areas and using variations, match against Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund at the Nature Valley ndia celebrated their 100th “In the next games, we will last over, although Hardik Pan- Paul Stirling early and had it will be diffi cult for any team,” International at Eastbourne yesterday. (Reuters) T20 international with a 76- play the guys who din’t play to- dya fi nished it with a straight scored 43 from the six powerplay he said. Ireland captain Gary run victory against Ireland day. We’re going to give everyone six, the 12th of the innings, to go overs against the India pacemen. Wilson gave credit to India for in front of around 5,000 a go in this series. The manage- with 16 fours. Sharma fi nished But leg spinner Yuzvendra their superb show. “World-class Pakistan to continue playing home games in UAE Iof their adoring fans at a sun- ment and me as captain decided just three runs short of his third Chahal took a wicket with the side, aren’t they? The two lads kissed Malahide yesterday. it. There’re no mysteries and T20 century, from 61 balls, and third ball, the fi rst of his three had a big opening stand. I did not Pakistan will continue playing its international ‘home’ games After posting 208-5, having looking everyone to give game Dhawan, dismissed for 74 from victims, as did Kuldeep Yadav expect it to spin like it did in the in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at reduced costs, Pakistan been put into bat, India restrict- time,” he said. just 45 deliveries, gave one of who fi nished with 4-21 to win second innings. Credit to them. Cricket Board (PCB) has said after reaching an agreement with ed Ireland to 132 for nine, but It was 2007 when India last three catches on the boundary the man of the match award. “Possibly, I could have bowled its Emirati counterpart. the fi rst game of the two-match visited Ireland and three years to Stuart Thompson who had an James Shannon dominated the spinners more. In hindsight, Pakistan has been hosting most of its international matches in series was all about the occasion since the teams last met, at the eventful day in the fi eld - he also the Ireland batting after being that’s always the thing, isn’t Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah since 2009 when a gun and gre- and the 9,000 supporters left 2015 World Cup when Rohit dropped Sharma on 66 and 73. dropped on 17 by Sharma, bring- it? Simi has had a good tour of nade attack injured six Sri Lankan players in Lahore, while killing well satisfi ed. Sharma and Jasprit Dhawan put The fall of the second wicket, ing up a 29-ball 50 before he was Netherlands and played spin eight Pakistanis. Uncertainty arose following reports that the “Pretty good and can’t com- on 174 for the fi rst wicket in their Suresh Raina, led to the biggest leg before to Yadav for 60, hav- very well. The way Shannon Afghanistan Premier League would be played in UAE in October, plain. We were pretty good with eight-wicket victory. roar of the day for the entrance ing hit fi ve fours and four sixes. played was particularly pleasing. coinciding with Pakistan’s home series against Australia and the bat although the last over by It took them only 16 overs to of MS Dhoni and fans went ec- “First trip to UK, and started Chase and Rankin bowled well at New Zealand. “The PCB and ECB (Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Ireland was spot on. Great eff ort score 160 together on Wednes- static when he hit his fi rst ball for well. I think the wicket was good the death,” he said. have held fruitful discussions on matters of mutual interest,” a from Rohit and Dhawan. Look, day, the fourth highest in T20 four and a six shortly afterwards. to bat on and was turning a bit. joint statement read. we’ve already announced we internationals and just fi ve runs Kohli needs just 17 runs to The wristspinners get more turn Brief Scores: India 208/5 (Rohit “The ECB has committed to a significant reduction of the costs will experiment with the middle short of India’s best between become the quickest to 2,000 and use variations. Whenever we Sharma 97, Shikhar Dhawan 74; to Pakistan Cricket Board of holding tournaments with immedi- order a lot,” India captain Virat Sharma and KL Rahul, set just runs in T20 internationals but bowl, me and Chahal talk a lot. Peter Chase 4/35) beat Ireland ate eff ect.” Kohli said. six months ago against Sri Lan- he delayed his arrival until the Chahal bowled fi rst and said the 132/9 (James Shannon 60; The agreement also states that the ECB will not host any league “Even in the next few T20 ka. The only surprise was that dismissal of Sharma with just wicket was slow and asked me to Kuldeep Yadav 4/21, Yuzvendra during Pakistan’s international or domestic T20 matches in the games, even in England, we will India added just 48 more runs three balls remaining. But, much bowl a bit quicker,” man-of-the Chahal 3/38, Jasprit Bumrah UAE. look to throw in guys and sur- in the last four overs but that to the disappointment of the -match Kuldeep Yadav said. 2/19) by 76 runs.

DAY-NIGHT TEST Sri Lanka beat West Indies to draw series AFP SCOREBOARD er,” said a delighted Dilruwan Bridgetown, Barbados in savouring the victory. “That West Indies 1st Innings - 204 experience and knowledge of Sri Lanka 1st Innings - 154 each other’s games helped a lot usal Perera battled West Indies 2nd Innings - 93 because it was challenging. The through the consider- Sri Lanka 2nd Innings - overnight 81-5 pitch was bit uneven.” able discomfort of a D. Gunathilaka c Bishoo b Holder ...... 21 For Holder it was a cruel fi - painful chest injury in M. Udawatte lbw Roach ...... 0 nal twist of fate in a match in Kpartnership with namesake Dil- which he excelled all-around. D. de Silva b Holder ...... 17 ruwan Perera to guide Sri Lanka K. Mendis lbw Holder ...... 25 His dismissal of Kusal Mendis, to an historic series-levelling R. Silva c Smith b Holder ...... 1 leg-before without adding to his four-wicket victory over the N. Dickwella b Holder ...... 6 overnight score of 25, was his West Indies in the third and fi nal D. Perera not out ...... 23 fi fth wicket of the innings and he Test at Kensington Oval in Bar- K. Perera not out ...... 28 fi nished with innings fi gures of bados on Tuesday. Extras (b-8, lb-15) ...... 23 fi ve for 41 and a match analysis of Set a target of 144 and resum- Total (40.2 overs, 6 wickets) ...... 144 nine for 59. ing on the fourth day at the over- Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Udawatte), 2-30 (Gunathilaka), 3-48 (de Silva), Holder also contributed a top- night position of 81 for fi ve, Sri 4-50 (Silva), 5-74 (Dickwella), 6-81 (Mendis) score of 74 in the West Indies fi rst Lanka reached their goal for the Bowling: K. Roach 10-1-33-1, S. Gabriel 9-1-26-0, J. Holder 14.2-4-41-5, innings of 204 and was just one loss of one additional wicket to M. Cummins 6-1-17-0, D. Bishoo 1-0-4-0 of four batsmen to get into dou- become the fi rst Asian team ever Result: Sri Lanka won by four wickets. ble-fi gures when they crashed to to win a Test match at Caribbean 93 - their lowest-ever total in a cricket’s most iconic venue. Test innings in Barbados - on the That wicket, which fell in the er Dilruwan having been dropped ering the storm from the West third evening. very fi rst over of the afternoon to for the second Test while there Indies fast bowlers in an unbro- He was the obvious choice as West Indies captain Jason Holder, was speculation that Kusal, the ken seventh-wicket partnership “Man of the Match,” small con- ushered in Kusal, whose further experienced but out-of-form of 63. Kusal fi nished unbeaten solation for his team failing to Jason Holder (left) of West Indies and Suranga Lakmal of Sri Lanka receives the trophy from David Hinds participation in the match was opening batsman, would have on 28 with Dilruwan on 23. It was fi nish the job. of Sandals at the end of Day 4 of the 3rd Test at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. (AFP) in serious doubt when he injured been omitted from this fi nal Test Dilruwan who made the winning “We just did not have enough himself crashing into the adver- were it not for the suspension of hit, hoisting Holder over mid-off runs in the second innings,” ing next week.” none of the other bowlers could Kemar Roach and seamer Miguel tising boards the previous night. regular captain Dinesh Chandi- for the boundary that sealed only Holder refl ected. “We missed Despite that early success, match their skipper’s probing ac- Cummins lacked potency when Both Kusal and Dilruwan had mal for ball tampering in the pre- Sri Lanka’s second Test victory in some chances in the fi eld but it which raised hopes for the West curacy and penetration. it was most needed for the home made only minimal contribu- vious match in St Lucia. the West Indies. won’t put us down because we Indies mowing through the tail Shannon Gabriel failed to add side to clinch their fi rst series tions previously in the three- However, they both played “Me and Kusal play for the have a quick turnaround for the in the same manner of 24 hours to his series-leading tally of 20 victory in six years against a team match series with the all-round- with great determination, weath- same club so we know each oth- series against Bangladesh start- earlier in Sri Lanka’s fi rst innings, wickets while the experienced ranked higher than themselves.