FOOTBALL | Page 2 BOXING | Page 7 Aft er Russia, Revived focus shift s Pacquiao stuns to next WC Matthysse hosts Qatar to win crown

Monday, July 16, 2018 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 3, 1439 AH Modric GULF TIMES wins World Cup’s best player award SPORT Page 5 THE MANTLE PASSES

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani holds a football as Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) react during a symbolic transfer of the authority to Qatar to host the World Cup 2022 at the Kremlin in yesterday. At right, the Amir addresses the audience.

Les Bleus beat Croatia 4-2 for second World Cup title with luck and class

DPA Moscow

rance had a little luck before show- ing their class as they claimed a second World Cup title yesterday, 4-2 over cou- Frageous but tiring Croatia. An own goal from Mario Mandzukic and a penalty from man of the match Antoine Griez- mann, given after intervention from the video referee, put up 2-1 at half-time, with Ivan Perisic getting a temporary equaliser. and Kylian Mbappe wrapped up matters after the break. Mandzukic scored Croatia’s second after a major blunder from France keeper . France were a little lucky because Mandzu- kic’s own goal came after a soft free-kick when Griezmann fell under a challenge, and the pen- alty was also disputed when the ball hit Perisic’s hand off a corner kick. Croatia then ran out of steam in the second half, after having played extra-time in the past three games, as France coasted home in the highest-scoring fi nal since England’s 4-2 extra-time win over West Ger-

France took the lead out of the blue in the 18th. Griezmann lobbed the soft free-kick into the penalty area from a half-right position, and the ball went into the top left corner off Mandzukic’s head as a group of players rose to meet the ball many in 1966. France won their second title, following 1998 — when they had beaten Croatia 2-1 in the semi- fi nals — and made up for the disappointment of losing the 2006 fi nal to Italy on penalties, and the Euro 2016 decider at home to Portugal. Mbappe was the fi rst teenager to score in a World Cup fi nal since Brazil’s Pele in 1958, and Didier Deschamps became the third man to lift the trophy as player and coach — joining Ger- many’s and Mario Zagallo of Brazil. Croatia were impressive in their fi rst-ever fi nal and runners-up is their best-ever result under the eyes of Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Emmanuel Macron of France and Kolin- da Grabar-Kitarovic of Croatia; and His High- ness the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- mad al-Thani, among the 78,011 crowd. Coaches Deschamps and Zlatko Dalic fi elded unchanged line-ups as the fi nal started after a France’s Hugo Lloris lifts the trophy as they celebrate winning the World Cup in Moscow yesterday. short closing ceremony featuring US star Will Smith among others. Croatia showed no early ball went into the top left corner off Mandzukic’s back on top and for good another 10 minutes France’s fi rst shot on target in the fi nal as rain via Griezmann, beating Danijel Subasic into the nerves and confi dently dominated the action in head as a group of players rose to meet the ball. later in the fi rst VAR decision in a World Cup fell and a thunderstorm approached. Croatia left corner after having a fi rst shot blocked. the French half, without however threatening Croatia battled back, like in the previous fi nal. A corner from Griezmann hit the arm of came close to a second equaliser three minutes Mbappe scored the fourth from outside the as Raphael Varane headed a cross out of danger three games, levelling 10 minutes later. France Perisic when attempted a near- after the restart when Lloris tipped Ante Rebic’s box six minutes later to match Griezmann on ahead of Mandzukic. failed to clear a free-kick, the ball fell to Perisic post fl ick on, and Argentine referee Nestor drive over the bar. four goals before Lloris gifted Croatia their sec- France took the lead out of the blue in the 18th. who rounded Ngolo Kante and rifl ed home into Pitana harshly awarded a penalty, after a long France, now with more space, made it 3-1 in ond in the 69th, taking up a back-pass and then Griezmann lobbed the soft free-kick into the the right corner from the edge of the box. review, which Griezmann calmly slotted home. the 59th. Pogba played a long ball across half the losing the ball to Mandzukic who scored from penalty area from a half-right position, and the Modern technology then helped France go It was his fourth goal of the tournament and fi eld to the fast Mbappe and received a pass back short range. There was just one goalless draw (France vs Denmark) at the 2018 World Cup. The only edition which had none was in 1954 2 Gulf Times Monday, July 16, 2018 Focus Qatar 2022

Here’s a lowdown of what to expect from Arab world’s first ever World Cupup Aft er er Russia, Russia, ith the Russian greatest sporting showpiece. on-arrival arrangementsments wiwiththh World Cup con- 90 countries. World Cup focus cluding yester- DATE day, the attention now turns to Qatar Whas turned to Qatar which will Local offi cials originally want- HOME TEAMM host the 2022 edition. Qatar ed to stage the tournament at South Africa in 201010 aarerer so ffafarr By Gulf Times team and agencies won the bid to host the world its traditional June/July slot the only hosts whoo havehave failedfailled Cup in 2010 beating off stiff but, even though organisers to survive the groupup sstagetage bbutut ermany came out of its shell, South Af- competition. In the eight pledged cooling technology Qatar would be keeneen to aavoidvooid rica exceeded expectations and Russia years since then Qatar has em- in all stadiums, the desert cli- the same fate in fourfour years’years’ changed negative perceptions when they barked on a massive develop- mate, with summer tempera- time. Automaticallyally enenterednteerreed all hosted the World Cup. Now it’s the ment drive, building gleaming tures of more than 40 degrees as hosts, Qatar’s nationalational teamteaam Gturn of Qatar to show the world what it is capable stadiums, roadways, a metro Celsius, prompted FIFA in 2015 will make its debutt atat thethe glo-glloo- of. For sure, it will be an event like no other. system and other infrastruc- to move the tournament to the bal stage after neverer pprprevious-revioouus- The fi rst Arab country to host the event are plan- ture. late European autumn, when ly qualifying. ning eight new stadiums for the tournament, with Here are some of the facts temperatures average 25-30 Qatar are currentlyntltly rarrankedankked one completed, two more due this year and the rest about Qatar. degrees. FIFA announced the 98th in the FIFA llistist anandnd aalal-- scheduled to be fi nished by 2021. None is more than dates for the tournament on A replica of the World Cup trophy is seen at a shop in Souq Waqif Khater said it wouldouuld bebe “a 35km from the centre of the capital Doha and all Friday — November 21 to De- in Doha on Friday. (Reuters) phenomenal triumph”mph” ifi Qa-Qa- serviced by a brand new metro system. HOST cember 18. tar could emulatee RuRRussiassssia bbyy Furious construction is visible everywhere in The Gulf nation of Qatar is rah 15km south of the capital, lead to an earlier start. reaching the quarter-fiartrter--fifi nnals.aals. Qatar with gleaming new stadiums and infra- the smallest host of the show- and the four Doha venues. Or- There has been sspeculationpep ccuulation structure projects in full swing. case tournament, covering an VENUES ganisers pledge to reduce the that former Spainn greatgrg eaeat XaviXaaviv “We are ready based on the path we have set,” area of 11,500 square kilome- Qatar plans to stage the tour- size of several stadiums post- FANS/FAN-FEST could become coach.chch. said Hassan al-Thawadi, the secretary-general tres and with a population of nament in eight stadiums. World Cup for use in the do- Qatar hopes to lure tens of of the Qatar 2022 organising committee (SC), in 2.7 million, some 600,000 of The biggest venue is under mestic league and as training thousands of fans to the tour- Moscow with a delegation of more than 100 offi - whom live in the capital, Doha. construction in Lusail City, facilities. nament but the presence of SPORT cials shadowing the Russians. Rich with natural gas and oil some 15km north of Doha. The huge contingents of mostly The World Cup is thetheh biggestbigi geest FIFA have confi rmed that the tournament will reserves, Qatar has the high- stadium will seat more than Latin American fans in Mos- sports event ambitiousitioousu QQatarattar be hosted from November 21-December 18, 2022, est per-capita income in the 80,000 people and host the EXPANSION cow has already prompted has landed so far. TheThehe coun-couo n- but whether it will be a 32-team event or expand to world. opening match and the fi nal. The South American confed- them to rethink the site of try also hosted the 22020060066 AAsiansiian 48 remains to be decided. Ruled by His Highness the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, eration has requested a pos- the main fan fest in Doha’s Al Games and has stagedaaggeedd oror beenbeeen “It will be a common decision taken between Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- 35km north of Doha, is to seat sible expansion to 48 teams. Bidda Park, near the central awarded world championshipsmppiioonshiips FIFA and Qatar and we are now studying the fea- mad al-Thani, Qatar is the fi rst 60,000. All other arenas are Organising committee (SC) harbour promenade. in major sports,, iincludingnncludiing sibility of expanding it to a 48-team World Cup. nation from the Muslim world to have a capacity of 40,000 assistant secretary-general Al-Khater acknowledged handball (2015), boxingoxo ining (2015)(20115) However, all preparations are on the basis of 32 chosen to host the world’s for the World Cup: Al Rayyan Nasser al-Khater has said it that “a city can be very quickly cycling (2016), ggygymnasticsymmnastiics teams,” al-Thawadi added. 20km east of Doha, Al Wak- would be “doable” but that a overwhelmed by big crowds” (2018), athletics (2((2019)20019) aandnnd Changing the timing of the tournament will dis- change must be decided upon but has pledged “a city World swimming (2023). DDohaoho a alalsolso rupt major league seasons and has set FIFA on a by early 2019, before the start Cup,” which is “going to be hosts annual men’ss aandndn wwom-omm- collision course with the powerful European clubs of qualifying. Options include present everywhere”. en’s tennis tournaments.memennts. but Qatar argues that it could lead to more exciting the familiar 32-team group He also said that Qatar The Aspire Sportsts AAcAcademyademmy football. “Players will be mid-season, not at the end stage after 16 teams gain direct hopes to attract more Eu- is a popular traininginng sitesite forfoorr of their seasons, at a time when they can be at their entry and the others are de- ropean fans than Russia be- athletes and teams ffromroom wiwith-th- peak of their performance levels,” al-Thawadi said. cided in 16 play-off matches; cause the Qatar World Cup is in the country and aabroad.brb ooaad. Qatar is also expected to relax certain laws for or using the 2026 format with “unique and a very diff erent Arguably Qatar’s best- visiting fans to ensure they replicate the party at- 48 teams in 16 groups of three type of World Cup.” known athlete is Mutaz Essa mosphere of past tournaments. teams and knock-outs It is not yet decided Barshim, the reigning high- “We are well aware of the wonderful opportu- starting with the last 32. whether Qatar will also jump world champion and nity the World Cup presents to change opinions An expansion would introduce a fan ID sys- 2016 Olympics silver medal- and defl ect stereotypes. We will be a welcoming however tem because it has visa- list. nation,” al-Thawadi added. Out of the four semi-fi nalists, England are the only one without an own goal. Mandzukic’s own goal was Croatia’s fi rst this tournament 3 Gulf Times Monday, July 16, 2018

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Putin off ers to share Chance for Qatar to organising lessons with 2022 host Qatar

IANS attended by FIFA President Gi- Moscow anni Infantino. showcase its capabilities “I am sure that our friends from Qatar will carry out the DPA FIFA president Gianni In- 40-plus degrees in summer. where “in one day you can watch gional hub and easily reachable he President of Russia 2022 FIFA World Cup at the same Moscow fantino, said, “You could bring Well-travelled coach Bora Mi- two matches” because of the from all parts of the world. Vladimir Putin yesterday level. And of course, we are ready some people to talk with each lutinovic, who managed Qatari short distances between stadi- Another question-mark is off ered to give 2022 FIFA to share the experience we have other who have communication club Al Sadd from 2004-2005, is ums. the host team, which has never World Cup host Qatar gained hosting the tournament I think it is going to be a problems. Maybe it is easier to impressed with the technology Local organisers will hope to qualifi ed for the World Cup. Tthe opportunity to share Rus- this year with our friends from unique opportunity. The discuss football than problems,” he experienced in Doha’s Khalifa provide an Arabian Nights ex- “If our team reaches to as far sia’s organising lessons learned Qatar,” Putin said. fact that it is unique and Infantino said. International Stadium. perience, although al-Khater as Russia has reached, [it] would through hosting the 2018 World Infantino enthusiastically a very diff erent type of Al-Khater has said a 48-team “Before a match I would be has already said that the huge be a phenomenal triumph for Cup. proclaimed “We have all fallen in World“ Cup is going to catch eve- event would be “doable,” with a asked: ‘Bora, what sort of tem- amount of fans will make them us,” al-Khater said. Putin spoke to His Highness love with Russia... in four years, ryone’s curiosity,” Qatar 2022 decision expected in early 2019. perature do you want for the reconsider their fanfest location Russia reached the quarter- the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- we will all fall in love with Qatar.” Supreme Committee Assistant For now, though, the plan is for match tonight?’ I said I don’t in Doha. fi nals, and its acclaimed organi- mad al-Thani during a ceremony Earlier this week, FIFA’s presi- Secretary-General Nasser al- 32 teams to play in eight stadiums, care, and they said, ‘So you want “It’s in the wrong spot. It sation of the 2018 event will give at the Kremlin to symbolically dent confi rmed the 2022 World Khater has said. with four of them in the capital 22 degrees, perfect’ — so they just would get in the way actually Qatar something to think about transfer the World Cup hosting Cup in Qatar is to take place from The interview with four me- Doha and none of the others more switch on the air conditioning and of [the] free fl ow of people,” he over the next four years. powers to Qatar, which was also November 21 to December 18. dia outlets, including DPA, was than 35 kilometres away. you get 22 degrees. That’s a great said. “They’re going to give us a run a rare public appearance, with Qatar has pledged experience,” he said. He added that he hoped to see for our money, it’s going to be a Qatar’s activities concen- state-of-the-art facili- Milutinovic expects “a dream more fans from Europe in Qatar high bar to beat,” al-Khater said. COLLABORATION trated in Moscow and St ties, including cooling World Cup” after many stayed away Khalifa International Stadium in Petersburg between July 7 systems in the arenas, al- from Russia, with Doha will be hosting matches and 15. though the November and Doha’s air- through to quarter-finals at the “We wanted to make December temperatures port a ma- 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. sure that we were also very don’t average above jor re- FIFA to closely respectful, we didn’t want 30 degrees Cel- to be sort of too obvious so sius, far we decided to leave it un- lower til towards the end of the then work with Qatar tournament,” al-Khater the said. IFA President Gianni Infantino held a meet- ing with the Supreme FCommittee’s Managing Director, HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani. Infantino said FIFA would work with Qatar to ensure the 2022 tournament will be a grand success. “We already work very closely with Qatar 2022, and the expe- family-friendly.” rience here in Russia made the SC Secretary-General Hassan bonds even stronger. The shad- al-Thawadi said: “This has been owing programme provided a an unparalleled learning oppor- fantastic opportunity to share tunity for everyone involved in knowledge and exchange experi- the preparations for Qatar 2022. ence,” said Infantino. We’ve also had the pleasure of He added: “Qatar’s public in- interacting with football fans teractions in Moscow and Saint from all over the world and given Petersburg have ignited excite- them an idea of the kind of hos- ment among the global football pitality they can expect in four community and the reaction has years’ time.” been fantastic, with fans and Al-Thawadi added: “We con- the general public very keen to gratulate Russia on hosting a (From left) Computer-generated designs of Al Thumama Stadium, Education City Stadium, Al Wakrah Stadium, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, Al Rayyan Stadium and Al Bayt Al Khor engage with Qatari culture and memorable World Cup and look heritage. The activities show- forward to following this success case the fact that Qatar will host in 2022 with another fantastic a unique tournament – one that experience for football fans eve- is compact, welcoming to all and rywhere.” (SC.qa) In , 90,000 people watched the World Cup fi nal on vast TV screens next to the Eiff el tower 4 Gulf Times Monday, July 16, 2018

PICTURE GALLERY

At the final whistle, France players celebrate after winning the World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. (AFP)

With the World Cup trophy in hand, France’s Paul Pogba takes a moment to thank the heavens. (Reuters)

France Coach Didier Deschamps is the toast of players.

A nice gesture from France players as the champions form a guard of honour for the forlorn Croatia players during the presentation ceremony after the World Cup final in Moscow. (Reuters) and know how to celebrate in the rain.

A tearful Croatia’s President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic consoles Croatia Luka Modric as France Despite the heartbreak of losing the World Cup final, Croatia players break into smile as they pose with their silver medals. (Reuters) President Emmanuel Macron (left) looks on during the presentation. (Reuters)

France’s forward takes his daughter on Croatia’s fans react as they watch the broadcast of the World Cup final in Zagreb, Croatia. (Reuters) a victory lap.

A pitch invader gives a high five to France’s Kylian Mbappe. (Reuters) France fans celebrate in front of the Eiff el Tower after France triumph. (Reuters) Kylian Mbappe became the fi rst teenager since the great Brazilian Pele in 1958 to score in a World Cup fi nal 5 Gulf Times Monday, July 16, 2018

SPOTLIGHT ACCOLADE Modric wins We showed mental Golden Ball, quality: Deschamps Mbappe Young Player award ‘The win is not about me, it’s the players who won the game’ AFP He scored twice against Tu- Moscow nisia in England’s fi rst match in Russia and then bagged a hat- trick in a 6-1 romp against Pan- roatia captain Luka Mo- ama. Manager dric won the Golden rested Kane for the third group Ball award for the World game against but the Cup’s best player de- captain returned to score from Cspite being on the losing side the penalty spot against Colom- to France in a thrilling fi nal in bia in the last 16. Moscow yesterday. Modric was He failed to add to his tally in named man-of-the-match three England’s next three games — times in Croatia’s seven games in the 2-0 quarter-fi nal win over Russia, but even the Real Sweden, the 2-1 semi-fi nal loss midfi elder was powerless to stop to Croatia nor the 2-0 third- France’s fi repower and the rise of place play-off defeat by Belgium. 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe. Joining Griezmann and Mbappe The Paris Saint-Germain for- on the four-goal mark were Rus- ward won the young player of the sia’s Denis Cheryshev, Portugal’s tournament award after scoring and Belgium’s his fourth goal of the competi- Romelu Lukaku. tion in the fi nal, which France won 4-2. Belgium captain Eden AWARDS Hazard fi nished second in the BEST PLAYER Golden Ball: Luka running for the Golden Ball, with Modric (Croatia) France’s , Silver Ball: Eden Hazard (Belgium) France’s coach Didier Deschamps celebrates who also scored his fourth goal Bronze Ball: Antoine Griezmann with his son Dylan after the World Cup final at the of the tournament in the fi nal, (France) Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow yesterday. (AFP) coming third. TOP GOALSCORER Golden Boot: Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois Harry Kane (England), six goals won the Golden Glove award Silver Boot: Antoine Griezmann for the best goalkeeper. Despite (France), four goals* Griezmann and Mbappe getting Bronze Boot: Romelu Lukaku on the scoresheet, England’s (Belgium), four goals* Harry Kane claimed the Golden * Griezmann takes silver boot on Boot for his six goals. The Tot- number of assists tenham star topped the chart by BEST GOALKEEPER Golden Glove: two goals ahead of a group in- Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) How marvellous! It’s a young team, country and football has that power. We millions and millions of French. I hope for tence about that penalty: You don’t give a cluding Griezmann and Mbappe, BEST YOUNG PLAYER FIFA Young who are on the top of the world. can be proud of ourselves. It was a great only one thing, arriving tomorrow in Paris penalty like that in a World Cup fi nal. The who both scored in France’s 4-2 Player: Kylian Mbappe (France) Some are champions at the age of privilege to have raised the trophy as cap- to see the streets full. Many French peo- French did not surprise us, we let in two defeat of Croatia in Sunday’s FAIREST TEAM FIFA Fair Play 19. We did not play a huge game tain, and I thank all my team mates for ple criticised me because they thought soft goals coupled with an own goal and a fi nal. Kane is the fi rst England Trophy: but“ we showed mental quality. And we allowing the French team to win, for al- that I did not feel French. (Hernandez was penalty. What we had in terms of luck in player to win the coveted prize MAN OF THE MATCH (FINAL): scored four goals anyway. They deserved lowing me to lift this trophy that has such born in Marseille but moved to Spain as a this tournament, we lacked today. When since 32 years ago. Antoine Griezmann (France) to win. The group worked so hard and we rich history.” child and plays for Atletico Madrid). But you concede four goals you cannot expect had some tough moments along the way. France captain Hugo Loris as soon as Didier Deschamps called me, I to win the game.” It hurt so much to lose the Euro two years have worn this shirt with pride.” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic ago, but it made us learn too. The win is “I do not know where I am! I am re- France full back not about me, it’s the players who won ally happy. It was a very diffi cult match, “That I think was a critical moment. the game. For 55 days, we have done a lot Croatia had a great game. We came back “We have no regrets because we were We came back to 1-1 and then the penalty. of work. It is the supreme coronation. We and we managed to make the diff erence. the better team for much of the game. Then 3-1, 4-1. But when you look at it, at are proud to be French, to be Blues. The We cannot wait to lift the Cup and bring Unfortunately, some clumsy goals swung 4-1 we never stopped playing football. victory in the match belongs to them. it back to France.” it their way. They will be celebrating but We still believed. We gave everything and Vive le Republic.” France striker Antoine Griezmann: we can hold our heads high. When the this is why our people are proud now in France coach Didier Deschamps emotions settle, we will be able to ana- Croatia.” “I’m very happy. The road was long but lyse more clearly. I am proud of the (best Croatia defender Dejan Lovren (on “I don’t want to talk about me but it was worth it. We are proud to make the player) award. The incredible fan support the VAR penalty awarded to France) what I remember is my own history and French happy. We had this role to help makes me even happier. You know that that adventure is linked to these players’ them forget all their problems. We play despite the defeat you’ve achieved some- “We played our hearts out and have adventure. I had the immense privilege for that kind of thing. I do not just want thing big.” no regrets. What we have accomplished to live through this 20 years ago, and in to be in football but rather to be world Croatia captain Luka Modric will be remembered forever and we can France, but what the players have just champion. I want to do even better, but be proud of ourselves. That includes our done is just as beautiful, just as powerful. world champion is already good.” “We can’t help feeling that we were overall conduct, our performances and I have a son who is 22 now. When we were France goalscorer Kylian Mbappe: the better team today, there were small our fans who represented the country in champions he was too young to under- details today which went for France, as the best possible way along.” stand. His generation now have this hap- “We made France shudder. We hope Griezmann said, the important thing is to Croatia full back Sime Vrsaljko piness to live through.” they are proud of us. Thank you! It’s ex- win. We were so near, we played our best France coach Didier Deschamps, traordinary. It’s a kid’s dream. I’ve lost my match in the whole World Cup.” “Emotion, emotion, big emotion. who lifted the World Cup as national voice! Today, I said we were 90 minutes Croatia midfi elder Ivan Rakitic Looking at the score now after the game, I team captain in 1998 on home soil from going in history for life and we’ve think that it’s justice. We need to say con- done it. That’s wonderful.” “We are sad but proud at the same time. grats to the French players, coach. I think “It’s nice to see the French people joy- France midfi elder Paul Pogba We played well but the penalty knocked the best team won today.” ous, to see them with a smile, to see them the wind out of us and after that it was Davor Suker, president of the Luka Modric (left) poses with the FIFA Golden Ball award as Kylian with tears. That’s how we like to see our “We will celebrate with all the French, very diffi cult. I just want to say one sen- Croatian Football Federation Mbappe poses with the FIFA Young Player award. (Reuters)

TEEN SENSATION BOTTOMLINE Mbappe is game’s Croatia coach tells his players to be proud Reuters new global star Moscow Reuters a BBC pundit at the tournament, Moscow believes the Paris St Germain roatia coach Zlatko Dalic told his forward can become one of the players they should be proud of greats of the game. their sensational World Cup run eenager Kylian Mbappe “There is so much to come and their performance in the fi - confi rmed his status as down the road. He is shaking up nalC yesterday despite losing 4-2 to France the new star of interna- the market. With Ronaldo mov- at the Luzhniki Stadium. tional football with a su- ing (to Juventus) and (Paris St The Croatia players were given a stand- Tperb goal and impressive display Germain’s) Neymar being linked ing ovation by their fans after taking the in France’s 4-2 World Cup fi nal with other clubs, where is it fi n- game to the French for the entire 90 min- triumph over Croatia yesterday. ishing with this kid?” utes, dominating much of the match but At the end of a World Cup in The striker, who joined PSG falling to an own goal, a penalty awarded which Cristiano Ronaldo and Li- from Monaco in a multi-million by VAR and two second-half strikes. onel Messi headed home after the dollar deal among the biggest The 51-year-old gathered his play- fi rst knockout round and Brazil- the game has seen, showed his ers in a circle on the pitch and told them ian Neymar failed to deliver, the fi nishing ability on the biggest they should in no way consider the defeat game perhaps needed a new tal- stage of all with a low drive in the a failure. “Of course, we are downcast, ent to excite the global public. 65th minute for his team’s fourth but I told them ‘hold your heads up high. Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic (centre) and players are dejected after the World Cup final defeat. (AFP) The 19-year-old from Bondy, goal. He ended the game dancing You have no reason to feel dissatisfi ed, on the gritty north-east outskirts around the fi eld in delight with you have given your all and you have to be of an entire match more than France. “But that in no way diminishes France’s looked like Croatia might not qualify for of Paris, has provided it with his his team mates as he celebrated proud of your performances at this tour- They again came from behind on Sun- win. Maybe we were a bit unlucky, in the the World Cup, said he was going to take terrifying pace, superb touch becoming a world champion nament’,” he told a news conference. day when Ivan Perisic fi red home an an- fi rst six games we were favoured by luck. some time to consider his future. and clinical fi nishing in ample “I’m very happy. The road “’Chin up lads, if somebody had of- gled shot in the fi rst half but they were 4-1 It was maybe the best game we played in “It was beautiful working with the lads evidence. With his goal, Mbappe was long but it was worth it. We fered us to be runners-up at the start of down when Mario Mandzukic punished a the tournament but... against a quality (but) I never make decisions overnight,” became the fi rst teenager since are proud to make the French the tournament, that would have been mistake by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the team like France, you cannot let in four he said. “At this moment I’m not thinking the great Brazilian Pele in 1958 to happy. We had this role to help fantastic’. ‘Sometimes in football you 69th minute to make amends for his early goals.” about anything but getting safely home to score in a World Cup fi nal. them forget all their problems. lose, that’s football, but we were dignifi ed own goal. Dalic said he thought overall VAR was Croatia.” Mbappe, who netted four goals We play for that kind of thing,” in our victories and we must be dignifi ed Dalic thought the 18th minute own goal good for the game. “Don’t take this as me Dalic said the success of a team rep- in Russia, was also voted the said the forward. “I do not just in defeat, we have to respect the score- and the France penalty, awarded seven a saying something bad about the ref- resenting a country of only 4mn people young player of the tournament, want to be in football but rather line,’ that was the message to my players.” minutes before halftime for a Perisic eree,” he added. “I respect the referee, he showed what could be done with a dream recognition of his excellent per- to be world champion. I want to The Croatians had come back from a handball after the referee viewed the TV made the decision he thought was right. and lots of hard work. formances, particularly in the do even better, but world cham- goal down in their previous three games, footage, had been the turning points. “I On VAR, when it goes in your favour it’s “I’m proud of my players, I’m proud of knockout stages. Former Germa- pion is already good. We’re going slogged their way through six periods of don’t talk about referees but let me say good, when it goes against you it’s bad.” my team, I’m proud of my country,” he ny World Cup player and coach to celebrate, we’ve been working extra time and two penalty shootouts to this one thing: In a World Cup fi nal, you Dalic, who took up the national team concluded, leaving the press conference Juergen Klinsmann, working as all season.” get to the fi nal — playing the equivalent do not give such a penalty,” he said. reins only nine months ago when it room to a round of applause. Playmaker Eden Hazard, currently at Chelsea, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid 6 Gulf Times Monday, July 16, 2018

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Euphoria over, back to reality for Belgium squad get Southgate’s England

Reuters St Petersburg

hero’s welcome on t could have been the great- est day of their lives but England’s World Cup squad Ireturned home yesterday with the euphoria that surround- ed their run to the last four having dissipated and familiar, less exhil- arating, challenges lying ahead. World Cup return The begins in just four weeks and Gareth Southgate’s squad, players who ‘I hope we made you proud. We showed the world that we are Belgium’ were being hailed as national he- roes just a few days ago, will re- turn to the day job and the strug- Reuters gle for starting places at their Brussels clubs. Gareth Southgate In a league where a large ma- jority of the players are imported does not even know where he will elgium’s soccer team received from Europe and beyond, being a be playing next season. a hero’s welcome in Brussels member of the England squad is His club Chelsea loaned him yesterday, after achieving their no guarantee of fi rst-team foot- out to Crystal Palace last term and Bbest-ever World Cup result in ball. a change of manager at Stamford Russia. It makes life tough for the Eng- Bridge adds to the uncertainty he Belgium beat Panama, Tunisia and land manager, who, even at the faces. England in the opening round, staged height of their World Cup opti- Those who can be confi dent of a dramatic comeback against Japan in mism, noted the unique issue fac- regular football are found at Tot- the last-16 and fought past Brazil in the ing him. tenham Hotspur — where Harry quarter-fi nals. “We only have 33 % of the Kane, Dele Alli and Kieran Trip- Their dreams of World Cup glory, league to pick from. So that is still pier are established fi rst-teamers. however, were shattered by France in a huge problem for us,” he said. Outside the Champions League the semi-fi nals, but another win against So for all the talk of England clubs, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford England on Saturday sealed third place. being stronger at the European is a clear number one at Everton Belgium, who bettered their fourth- Championship in two years time, and Harry Maguire is at the heart place fi nish in 1986, were greeted by tens Southgate knows it is not as sim- of Leicester’s defence. of thousands of enthusiastic fl ag waving ple as just adding experience to There is an undeniable air of fans, some climbing street signs and traf- his side. The situation is par- optimism around the England fi c lights to catch a glimpse of the players ticularly hard for those players at team though and Football As- who rode in on open-top buses along the the biggest clubs — none of Mar- sociation Technical Director Dan streets of central Brussels, before head- cus Rashford, Phil Jones or Jesse Ashworth summed up the view ing to the city’s picturesque Grand Place Lingard are guaranteed a regular that gaining experience is now square. starting spot under Jose Mour- the key. After being treated to some fries, Bel- inho at Manchester United. “We’ve got some good players gium’s national delicacy, at Brussels town Fabian Delph, John Stones and in our senior team and some good hall, the team moved to the balcony over- Raheem Sterling will all have a technical players in our develop- looking the sun-drenched renaissance battle on their hands to appear ment pathway as well,” said Ash- square, where a crowd of thousands had regularly on the Manchester City worth. been waiting since the early morning, team sheet alongside their Eng- “We’re probably a little bit clad in the country’s tricolour fl ags. land teammate Kyle Walker, who short on big-game experience, a “When we were in Russia, we received is a fi xed presence at right back. bit short on number of national many messages that you believed this Sterling may have scored 18 caps and we’re a bit young for team would make history. I hope we made goals in 33 appearances in last what a winning national team you proud. We showed the world that we year’s title-winning campaign, looks like,” he said. are Belgium,” Belgium manager Roberto but while he was in Russia, City Much of the optimism over Martinez told the crowd. manager complet- England’s future stems from the Some of Belgium’s key players will now ed the signing of Algerian winger success of the junior teams. Last have diffi cult decisions to make about Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City year, England’s junior teams won where they play their club football next for a reported club record fee of the Under-20 World Cup, the season. 60mn pounds ($79mn). Under-17 World Cup and the Un- Playmaker Eden Hazard, currently at Liverpool midfi elder Jordan der-19 European Championship. Chelsea, has been linked with a move to Henderson was an essential part But there is long-standing Real Madrid and burnished his already of their run to the Champions concern over how much playing lofty reputation with several strong per- Belgium’s players (Top L-R) Michy Batshuayi, Axel Witsel and Youri Tielemans celebrate at the balcony in front of thousands of League fi nal last season but he too time those youngsters will get at formances in Russia with three goals and supporters at the Grand-Place, Grote Markt in Brussels yesterday. Belgium finished third at the World Cup. faces expensively-recruited com- their clubs. two assists in the tournament. petition in the shape of Brazilian Phil Foden, the talented cap- After scoring the second goal in Bel- Cup with a series of dramatic saves told Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws. By scoring 16 goals in seven games, Bel- Fabinho and Guinean Naby Keita. tain of that Under-17 team, has gium’s 2-0 win over England on Saturday, against Brazil in the quarter-fi nals, is also Midfi elder Nacer Chadli could also be gium also forced an electronics retailer to It is even harder for emerging been highlighted by many as a Hazard said he was considering leaving reported to be on Real’s radar. set to leave West Bromwich Albion, who refund the purchase price of fl at screen talent. possible answer to the lack of a Chelsea. “Wherever I go, Hazard has to come. were relegated from the Premier League televisions for thousands of customers. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who creative midfi elder in Southgate’s In what could be another blow for the We won’t let each other go no more. Oh last season, amid rumoured interest from The retailer had launched a promotion ended the tournament with a squad but the 18-year-old faces Stamford Bridge club, keeper Thibaut well, we shall see. Holidays fi rst, then I’ll Turkish side Besiktas and French club Ol- before the World Cup promising to pay promising display in the third- a daunting challenge even to get Courtois, who kept Belgium in the World think about it with my people,” Courtois ympique Lyonnais. out if Belgium scored more than 15 goals. place playoff defeat to Belgium, into Manchester City’s midfi eld.

FOOTBALL EXTRA

Rooney makes Ronaldo arrives in Turin triumphant MLS debut in 3-1 DC United win ahead of Juve unveiling said. “Stalwart, high quality, AFP Washington made some great passes and got AFP and won four out of the last fi ve editions on the end of some. Good balls in Turin with Real. the box. That’s what we expected Juve haven’t won the competition since ngland career goals lead- from him.” 1996 but reached the fi nal in 2015 and er Wayne Rooney was The $500mn Audi Field, al- ristiano Ronaldo has landed in 2017, where they were bested by Barcelo- thrilled at his triumphant ready nicknamed “Wayne’s Turin ahead of his offi cial unveil- na and Ronaldo’s former club Real Madrid EMajor League Soccer de- World,” features a Rooney-dom- ing as Juventus’ superstar sum- respectively. but on Saturday, assisting on a inated front banner declaring mer signing today afternoon, the ’s side were ef- goal in DC United’s 3-1 victory “This is Our House.” Dozens of SerieC A champions announced yesterday. fectively knocked out of the Champions over Vancouver. fans sported his number 9 United “Now arriving in Turin: @Cristiano!” League by Ronaldo in the last two sea- The 32-year-old striker, star jersey and a cheer erupted when the club wrote on its Twitter account, sons, with the Portuguese scoring a brace attraction in the opening match he took the fi eld for warmups. alongside a photo of Ronaldo with his in the 2017 fi nal and slotting home the for United’s new 20,000-seat “It has been easy (adjusting). girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez in front of controversial stoppage-time penalty that stadium, entered in the 58th I’m enjoying it,” Rooney said. “It the private jet that brought him to Italy at thwarted an incredible Juve comeback minute. was a great atmosphere. People Turin’s Caselle airport. from three goals down and saw them exit Former Manchester United star in the city have given me a lot of Juventus then posted a video of the at the quarter-fi nal stage. Rooney helped set up Paul Ar- freedom to be me, which hasn’t plane landing and the player disem- That’s without forgetting the double he riola’s goals in the 69th and 80th always been the case.” barking with his entourage before being bagged in the fi rst leg as Madrid ran out minutes after Argentine midfi eld- Ten minutes into the second whisked off by club offi cials in a car with 3-0 winners in Turin — which included er Yamil Asad provided United the half, fans began chanting “We blacked-out windows. an incredible scissor kick second that led lead for good in the 27th minute. want Rooney” and moments lat- Ronaldo was expected to land in It- to the Allianz Stadium rising to its feet in “Excellent. It was a great vic- er he replaced Darren Mattocks aly today morning after surprising the appreciation. tory,” Rooney said. “I thought we to an ovation from the crowd of world and asking for a 100 million-euro There the fi ve-time Ballon d’Or win- Juventus are hoping that Ronaldo’s ar- “I say this as a fan, Cristiano Ronaldo is played some fantastic football. It 20,504, Olsen limiting his time ($116mn) move from European champi- ner will sign a four-year contract worth rival will push Juventus into world foot- an incredible signing,” Juventus midfi eld- was a big night for the club open- until he regains top fi tness. ons Real Madrid, with daily Repubblica a reported 30mn euros a season in a deal ball’s big league. er said on Instagram ing the stadium and it was impor- “I was just as eager to get on the reporting that as many as 20,000 fans that Italian media says will cost Juventus Fresh from their seventh title in on Wednesday. tant to get the win.” pitch as they were to see me on the were expected to greet him at the airport. a total of 350mn euros. as many years and four straight domestic Analysts Banca IMI claim that “Ju- Rooney, who played for home- pitch,” Rooney said. “They were However Ronaldo, who won four of La Repubblica reports that Ronaldo doubles, the “Old Lady” of Italian foot- ventus will benefi t from increased ticket town Everton last year, signed a 3 great. I hope we can give them a the last fi ve Champions Leagues with his will meet the team — who have begun ball has struggled to turn domestic domi- sales, which we estimate at an additional 1/2-year deal worth $13mn with few more wins.” former club, will now head for the Allianz pre-season training — on Monday after- nance into European success. 5-7mn euros per season, and in general all United on Tuesday. In the 69th minute, Rooney Stadium for medicals today before facing noon, but will join them offi cially later in Ronaldo meanwhile has scored 120 brand-related activities”, such as mer- “We were very sharp in the sec- sparked a series of passes that set journalists’ questions at a media confer- the month when they begin their summer Champions League goals, more than any- chandising, marketing and sponsorship ond half, especially when Wayne up Arriola’s blast into the bottom ence scheduled for 1630 GMT. tour of the United States. one else in the history of the competition, on a scale that is diffi cult to estimate. came on,” United coach Ben Olsen left corner for a 2-0 lead. Gulf Times Monday, July 16, 2018 7 SPORT

BOXING CYCLING Degenkolb strikes again as Porte Revived Pacquiao crashes out of Tour

Reuters the overall win, last year’s Roubaix, France runner-up Rigoberto Uran lost one minute 28 seconds on his main rivals after wo years after suff er- crashing about 30km from the stuns Matthysse ing a career-threaten- fi nish. Australian Richie Porte ing accident, former pulled out after an early crash. Paris-Roubaix cham- Monday’s fi rst rest day, after pionT John Degenkolb claimed an 800-km transfer by plane his maiden Tour de France win to the Alps, will be much ap- on his favourite terrain when preciated by the riders, who he tamed the cobbles and crossed the line in Roubaix, powered to victory on yester- their faces covered by a mix- to claim crown day’s ninth stage. ture of dust and sweat af- The German, who won the ter three and a half hours in ‘I knocked him down and that’s a bonus for being patient in the fight, and working hard in training’ Queen of the Classics in 2015, scorching heat. was one of three riders to jump The Tour is, however, over away from the main pack 19km for Porte, who was taken to Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao (right) punches Argentina’s from the line and he was the hospital with a suspected Lucas Matthysse during their world welterweight boxing fastest in the fi nal sprint, beat- shoulder injury after hitting championship bout at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur ing overall race leader Greg van the asphalt 10 kilometres into yesterday. (AFP) Avermaet of Belgium. the stage – the second time Another Belgian, Yves Lam- in a row that the BMC rider paert, took third place after a crashed out of the race. 156.5-km ride from Arras fea- Defending champion Chris turing 21.7km of bone-shaking Froome fell off his bike as cobbled sectors, some of them he tried to avoid a rider who featuring on the Paris-Rou- crashed before him, but never baix route. lost his composure and fi n- “It is very emotional, I went ished with all the main title through such a diffi cult period contenders. so today is pure happiness,” France’s Romain Bardet, said Degenkolb, who suff ered who was third overall last year, several fractures and a serious suff ered three punctures but fi nger injury after he and some managed to limit the dam- team mates were hit by a car age, only losing seven seconds during a training ride in Janu- to Froome and the four-time ary 2016. champion’s Sky teammate Ge- “But my team and my fam- raint Thomas. ily supported me. In Germany Froome attacked as soon as they say those who have had a Bardet punctured for the last brush with death live longer. time just at the end of the last “I’ve had bad luck, but I al- cobbled sector, ways had the will to come back but the Frenchman, who to my best.” at some points was lagging Frenchman Warren Barguil, 40 seconds behind, benefi ted a former team mate of De- from huge pulls by his team- genkolb’s who was also in the mates Tony Gallopin and Ol- 2016 accident in Spain, said: iver Naesen. “Everybody was saying he Twice runner-up Nairo was fi nished, I’m so happy for Quintana and his Movistar him.” teammate Alejandro Valverde, as well as 2014 champion BAD DAY FOR URAN Vincenzo Nibali fi nished in Among the contenders for Froome’s group. Reuters “I knocked him down and Kuala Lumpur that’s a bonus for being patient You cannot say I’m 39! Bubbling Pacquiao has secret of youth in the fi ght, and working hard in training.” Young-again Manny Pacquiao victory of his legendary career Matthysse, who came in with anny Pacquiao put Pacquiao set the pace early, was in ebullient form yesterday can be laid at the door of con- a reputation as a big puncher, on a dominant dis- probing for openings and mov- after he leapt back into the ditioning coach Justin Fortune, had no answer to Pacquiao’s play to stun defend- ing menacingly around the ring global boxing spotlight with a who told AFP before the fight blistering speed and he ing champion Lucas as he dropped Matthysse for seven-round knockout of WBA that “the old Pacquiao” was dropped to his knee at the end MMatthysse with a seventh-round a fi rst time in the third round welterweight champion Lucas back thanks to a new training of the fifth round for a count knockout and claim the WBA with an uppercut after a fl urry of Matthysse. Pacquiao will be 40 programme. after being visibly shaken by welterweight title in Kuala punches had forced the Argen- in December but was beaming “We changed things up this a barrage including a left to Lumpur yesterday. tine onto the defensive. as he told reporters afterwards: time,” said Fortune. “We did a the temple. And referee Kenny The 39-year-old Filipino leg- Unable to gain a foothold “Do I look 39? whole bunch of diff erent work. Bayless stopped the fight giv- end looked focused and busy against Pacquiao’s swarming at- “At 39 years old, I’m still OK, I’m We were shocking his system ing Pacquiao victory by TKO from the opening bell and had tacks, Matthysse (39-5-1) looked still fine. When you see me in back into working. “It’s a diff er- (technical knockout) after 2min the 15,000 fans at the Axiata to land on the counter but was training, you can tell I’m like 28, ent style of training - shorter, 43sec of the seventh when Arena on their feet when he sent forced to take a knee towards 27 years old,” Pacquiao said. faster and more intense. So Matthysse sank to his knees his Argentine opponent to the the end of the fi fth round when “You cannot say I’m 39 years his body reacts diff erently. So following a fierce right-left canvas three times in total with he was visibly shaken by a right old! You can say I’m 28, 27 that’s why he looks like the combination. It was Pacquiao’s an array of clubbing blows. hook to the temple. years old.” old Pacquiao.” Pacquiao, who 39th KO win of his fabled The southpaw dropped his Referee Kenny Bayless called Pacquiao certainly seemed Fortune said had been initially 23-year career but his first opponent for the fi nal time with off the fi ght after two minutes to have been drinking from stubborn to change his ways, since he beat Miguel Cotto in a brutal uppercut and the win, and 43 seconds of the seventh the fountain of youth as his acknowledged that the new November 2009, almost nine his fi rst inside the distance since round when Matthysse buckled speed, agility, lightning quick training regime had paid off . years ago. 2009, improves the eight-divi- following another stiff uppercut movements and punching “This is true,” said Pacquiao. “He’s a great fighter,” said Mat- sion world champion’s record to and spat out his mouthguard as power magically returned from “This training is very special. thysse whose win-loss record 60-7-2. he was being counted. the first bell to overwhelm the Because basically my team fell to 39-5 (36 KOs). “I’m surprised. Matthysse is The win, in his fi rst bout since 35-year-old Argentine. told me to stop training (too “He’s a great champion. You a very tough opponent,” Pac- losing the WBO welterweight It was a stark contrast to the much).” Pacquiao knocked win some, and you lose some. quiao said in a post-fi ght inter- title to unheralded Australian flat, lacklustre Pacquiao who down the Argentine as early as “Today was my turn to lose, view following a performance in Jeff Horn in Brisbane a year ago, had lost his title on points in an the third round with a stunning but I lost to a great fighter which he showed glimpses of the gives Pacquiao his 11th world ugly brawl with Australian jour- left uppercut that thudded and a great legend in Manny Germany’s John Degenkolb celebrates as he crosses the finish spectacular form that catapulted title in an incredible career that neyman Jeff Horn a year ago. around the Axiata Arena in Pacquiao. I lost, but I walk away line to win the ninth stage of the 105th edition of the Tour de him to the top of global boxing has made him a national hero in Much of the credit for the 60th Kuala Lumpur. The 35-year-old with my head raised.” France cycling race between Arras and Roubaix, northern France, over a decade ago. his native Philippines. yesterday. (AFP)

MOTORCYCLING Marquez wins in Germany for ninth year in a row Reuters diffi cult. RESULTS Berlin “Nine victories in a row here is incredible. Liebe dich (I love you) MotoGP Kalex) 16.005. Sachsenring.” 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 41min 5.019sec, World championship standings onda’s MotoGP cham- Rossi said he had made no 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) at 2.196, 1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Kalex) 148 points, pion Marc Marquez mistakes but Vinales was not 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 2.776, 4. 2. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 141, 3. Alex Mar- triumphed for the happy with his afternoon, with Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati Pramac) 3.376, quez (ESP/Kalex) 113, 4. Joan Mir ESP/Kalex) ninth year in a row in the Yamaha still not handling to 5. Alvaro Bautista (ESP/Ducati Angel Nieto 95, 5 Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA/Kalex) 93, 6. HGermany yesterday to stretch his his liking. Team) 5.183, 6. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 91, 7. Xavi Vierge lead over Italian great Valentino “It’s always the same problem 5.780, 7. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 7.941, (ESP/Kalex) 79, 8. Marcel Schrotter (GER/Ka- Rossi to 46 points ahead of the on the electronics on the exit of 8. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 12.711, 9. Johann lex) 73, 9. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Speed) 72, European summer break. the corner,” he said. “It’s impos- Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) 14.428, 10. Brad- 10. Mattia Pasini (ITA/Kalex) 63. Rossi fi nished second, 2.196 sible to battle the Ducatis, I lost ley Smith (GBR/KTM) 21.474 Moto3 seconds behind, with Span- seven or eight laps fi ghting with World championships standings 1. Jorge Martin (ESP/Honda), 39min ish Yamaha teammate Maverick them while I could be a second 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 165 points, 2. 36.427sec, 2. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/KTM) at Vinales third at the Sachsenring faster,” he said. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 119, 3. Mav- 2.515, 3. John McPhee (GBR/KTM) 2.571, 4. circuit. Marquez’s run of wins at the erick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 109, 4. Andrea Marcos Ramirez (ESP/KTM) 2.936, 5. Aron Marquez led from pole posi- eastern circuit started in 2010 Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 88, 5. Johann Zarco Canet (ESP/Honda) 3.028, 6. Jaume Masia tion, also his ninth in a row in when he was in the 125cc catego- (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) 88, 6. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/KTM) 3.341, 7. Jakub Kornfeil (CZE/KTM) Germany, but fell behind fast- ry (now Moto3). (ESP/Ducati) 85, 7. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati 3.532, 8. Philipp Oettl (GER/KTM) 4.886, 9. starting compatriot Jorge Loren- He then won in Moto2 in 2011 Pramac) 84, 8. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Raul Fernandez (ESP/KTM), 10. 6 71 Ayumu zo before retaking the lead from and 2012 and is on a sequence of Honda) 79, 9. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) 75, Sasaki (JPN/Honda) 5.486. the Ducati rider with 18 laps re- six in MotoGP. 10. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati Pramac) 57 World championship standings maining and pulling away. It could be the last German Moto2 1. Jorge Martin (ESP/Honda) 130 points, 2. Lorenzo was also reeled in by grand prix at the Sachsenring, 1. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 39min 46.306sec, 2. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/KTM) 123, 3. Aron Rossi before struggling for grip however, with speculation that Joan Mir (ESP/Kalex) at 0.779, 3. Luca Marini Canet (ESP/Honda) 92, 4. Fabio Di Giannan- and fading to sixth. the race could switch to the (ITA/Kalex) 0.933, 4. Miguel Oliveira (POR/ tonio (ITA/Honda) 91, 5. Enea Bastianini (ITA/ “It was quite tough, especially Nuerburgring due to contractual KTM) 2.143, 5. Sam Lowes (GBR/KTM) 6.376, Honda) 84, 6. Gabriel Rodrigo (ARG/KTM) in the beginning because the issues. 6. Marcel Schrotter (GER/Kalex) 6.513 7. Xavi 65, 7. Jakub Kornfeil (CZE/KTM) 61, 8. Andrea start was not perfect,” Marquez The Spaniard has 165 points Vierge (ESP/Kalex) 15.544, 8. Simone Corsi Migno (ITA/KTM) 60, 9. Marcos Ramirez (ESP/ said. after nine races to Rossi’s 119. (ITA/Kalex) 15.674, 9. Fabio Quatararo (FRA/ KTM) 57, 10. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (ITA/Honda) “I lost two positions and then The next race is at Brno in the Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez celebrates with the trophy on the podium after Speed Up) 16.004, 10. Jorge Navarro (ESP/ 46. to overtake Ducati riders is quite Czech Republic on August 5. winning the German GP yesterday. (Reuters)

Monday, July 16, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

WIMBLEDON CRICKET Vince called into England squad for Ruthless Djokovic India ODI fi nale outclasses Anderson JAMES VINCE to end title drought ‘I had any moments of doubt and didn’t know if I could compete’

AFP 3. London As he no longer plays white- ball cricket for England, An- derson would have missed the ampshire captain ongoing one-day international James Vince has been series with India even if he had called into England’s been fully fi t. squad for the third and Anderson, who has taken 540 decidingH one-day internation- Test , is aiming to prove al against India at Headingley his fi tness for a fi ve-match series tomorrow. at home to India which begins at The England and Wales Edgbaston on August 1. Cricket Board said Sunday that Vince’s call-up would allow Sri Lanka postpones new Dawid Malan to play for the Li- T20 cricket league ons, England’s A side, in their Sri Lanka’s cricket authorities four-day match against India A yesterday announced the indefi - in Worcester starting today. nite postponement of the coun- In addition, 2019 World Cup try’s league scheduled hosts England have also released for next month and said revised Surrey paceman Sam Curran dates will be decided by a new from their ODI squad to play for board. the Lions. The Lankan Premier League Vince, 27, has played 13 Tests (LPL) was due to start on August an fi ve one-day internationals 18, but an interim management but has yet to nail down a place body appointed last month de- in the England side despite im- cided to delay the tournament, pressing at county level. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a England, the world’s top- statement. ranked ODI team, levelled their “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to three-match 50-over series inform that the LPL (T20) has against India at 1-1 with an 86- been postponed indefi nitely, un- run win at Lord’s on Saturday til an elected body is constituted that featured a century from star at the SLC,” the statement said. batsman Joe Root. In late May, Sri Lanka’s Court of The Lions match comes ahead Appeal suspended elections for of England’s fi ve-Test series the crisis-ridden cricket board. against India starting at Edgbas- Sports minister Faiszer Mus- ton on August 1. thapha appointed a competent Alastair Cook, England’s all- authority to run the board un- time leading Test run-scorer til elections are held within six but no longer a white-ball in- months. ternational cricketer, has been Board elections were scut- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic holds the winners trophy after beating South Africa’s Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 in the Wimbledon final yesterday. (AFP) included in the Lions side as has tled following a petition by a seam-bowling all-rounder Chris former secretary of SLC Nishan- Reuters and didn’t know if I could com- fortnight and against Rafael thinking was fuzzy as the errors spent a ferocious two hours and Woakes. Surrey opener Rory tha Ranatunga who argued that London pete,” Djokovic said on court. Nadal in an epic semi-fi nal fl owed. 21 minutes on Saturday playing Burns will captain the team at outgoing president Thilanga “It’s my fi rst Grand Slam fi nal completed on Saturday he Djokovic, who made only one the remaining two sets of a bru- New Road. Sumathipala was unsuitable for in a couple of years and this is looked like the player who has unforced error in the fi rst set, tal, two-day, fi ve-setter against re-election. ovak Djokovic proved the best place to come back. It’s spent 223 weeks of his brilliant picked over the carcass with rel- Nadal, looked weary. England’s Anderson makes Sumathipala was pitted conclusively he re- very, very special.” career as world number one. ish. His survival instincts got -taking return against Ranatunga, a younger mains one of the big- A fi rst Wimbledon men’s fi nal In truth he never had to The ruthless Serb broke in the him out of trouble, though, and England great James Anderson brother of Sri Lanka’s 1996 gest beasts in men’s in the professional era featuring scale those height against the fi rst game and twice more in a he pulled away in the tiebreak, took two wickets on his return World Cup-winning captain Ar- Ntennis by outplaying South Af- to players aged 30 or over was no 32-year-old Anderson who for 29-minute fi rst set and although clinching victory on his second with Lancashire’s 2nd XI yester- juna Ranatunga, in the election. rican giant Kevin Anderson to classic. The last drops of Wim- two sets was clearly suff ering Anderson off ered more resist- match point when Anderson day after more than a month out The Ranatunga brothers ac- claim a fourth Wimbledon title bledon drama had been used up the eff ects of having spent 21 ance in the second set the out- netted a return. of action with a shoulder injury. cuse Sumathipala of violating yesterday. in the two longest men’s semi- hours on court just to reach his come was the same as Djokovic Anderson’s dream of becom- The 35-year-old paceman, International Cricket Council The 31-year-old put two years fi nals ever played at the All Eng- fi rst Wimbledon fi nal. pulled the 6ft 8ins eighth seed ing the fi rst South African to win England’s all-time leading Test regulations by holding offi ce de- of turmoil behind him to beat a land Club. But Djokovic did not Anderson stunned Roger Fed- from corner to corner. Wimbledon may have turned wicket-taker, took two for 32 spite alleged links to gambling. battle-weary Anderson 6-2 6-2 care about that. erer in the quarter-fi nals, saving The faint-hearted probably to dust, but he will be reward- in 14 overs as Nottinghamshire Sumathipala acknowledges 7-6(3) on a sweltering Centre Having dropped to his lowest a match point to win in fi ve sets, wanted Anderson to be put out ed with a career-high top-fi ve were dismissed for 126 on the that his family is involved in Court and add a 13th Grand Slam ranking since 2006 and without then beat John Isner 26-24 in the of his misery. But he is made of ranking and the respect of eve- fi rst day of a three-day friendly gambling, but says he has noth- trophy to his bulging cabinet. a title of any description this fi fth set in a semi-fi nal serve- sterner stuff . ryone who witnessed his incred- at Old Traff ord. ing to do with the business and It was clear what it meant to year – the world number 21 en- a-thon which, at six hours 36 Firing himself up after vir- ible feats of endurance. It was Anderson’s fi rst ap- has not violated the ICC code of the Serb as he ended a two-year tered Wimbledon in the unusual minutes, was the second longest tually every point he began to “I don’t feel as fresh as I did pearance since deciding to take conduct. The court intervention Grand Slam title drought by get- position of being an outsider. tennis match of all time. threaten an unlikely comeback at the start of the week,” he said. some time out from cricket to in the cricket board last month ting his hands back on the tro- His elbow was hurting, his in the third – having two set “But I’d have given another 21 rest after a longstanding shoul- came as four Sri Lankans were phy he also raised in 2011, 2014 CAUGHT FIRE legs, which he described as like points when Djokovic served at hours to get to play in the fi nal der problem fl ared up during implicated in an alleged match- and 2015. But his game caught fi re jelly after the Isner epic, would 4-5 and three at 5-6. here so it really meant a lot to England’s second Test victory fi xing scandal exposed in an Al “I had any moments of doubt throughout a sun-drenched not move properly and his Suddenly Djokovic, who me.” over Pakistan completed on June Jazeera documentary.

SPOTLIGHT Holder wraps up Windies rout of Bangladesh AFP SCOREBOARD Kingston, Jamaica West Indies 1st innings: ...... 354 3-53 (Paul), 4-60 (Powell), 5-64 (Hope), 6-97 Kamrul Islam lbw Holder ...... 0 Bangladesh 1st innings: ...... 149 (Hetmyer), 7-122 (Chase), 8-124 (Holder), 9-129 Abu Jayed b Holder ...... 0 kipper Jason Holder pro- West Indies 2nd innings (overnight 19-1) (Cummins), 10-129 (Gabriel) Extras (b-4, lb-2, nb-2) ...... 8 duced another devastat- K. Brathwaite b ...... 8 Bowling: Abu Jayed 8-1-21-1 (1nb, 1w), Mehidy Total (42 overs, all out) ...... 168 ing burst of bowling as D. Smith st Nurul Hasan b Shakib Al Hasan 16 Hasan 11-2-45-2, Kamrul Islam 2-0-3-0 (1nb), Fall of wickets: 1-2 (), 2-40 the West Indies complet- K. Paul st Nurul Hasan b Shakib Al Hasan ..13 Shakib Al Hasan 17-5-33-6, Taijul Islam 7-0-24-1. (), 3-52 (), 4-67 edS a 2-0 series win over Bang- K. Powell lbw Shakib Al Hasan ...... 18 (), 5-121 (), ladesh on Saturday, romping to S. Hope lbw Taijul Islam ...... 4 Bangladesh 2nd innings (target 335) 6-121 (Nurul Hasan), 7-138 (), a 166-run victory inside three S. Hetmyer lbw Abu Jayed ...... 18 Tamim Iqbal lbw Holder ...... 0 8-162 (Shakib Al Hasan), 9-168 (Kamrul Islam), days at Sabina Park. R. Chase b Mehidy Hasan ...... 32 Liton Das c Hope b Paul ...... 33 10-168 (Abu Jayed) Chasing a daunting target S. Dowrich not out ...... 12 Mominul Haque lbw Chase ...... 15 Bowling: J. Holder 13-3-59-6, S. Gabriel 9-2-29- of 335 after the hosts were dis- J. Holder st Nurul Hasan b Mehidy Hasan ....1 Shakib Al Hasan b Holder ...... 54 1, K. Paul 7-0-34-1 (1nb), M. Cummins 5-1-20-0 missed for 129 in their second M. Cummins b Shakib Al Hasan ...... 1 Mahmudullah c Hope b Chase ...... 4 (1nb), R. Chase 8-4-20-2 innings, Bangladesh slumped to S. Gabriel b Shakib Al Hasan 0 Mushfiqur Rahim b Holder ...... 31 162 all out off just 42 overs. Extras (b-1, lb-2, nb-2, w-1) ...... 6 Nurul Hasan lbw Holder ...... 0 Result: West Indies won by 166 runs West Indies captain Holder Total (45 overs, all out) ...... 129 Mehidy Hasan c Smith b Gabriel ...... 10 Series: West Indies win 2-0. was responsible for most of the Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Brathwaite), 2-28 (Smith), Taijul Islam not out ...... 13 carnage, taking six for 59 in the second innings to fi nish with match fi gures of 11 for 103. He took six for 33 with his left- up at all as a team. We contin- Iqbal leg-before without scor- proved to be the fi nal session of “We played as a team and dif- arm spinners to engineer the ue to have this problem when ing. Liton Das played positively the match. Only when Mush- ferent players stood up at diff er- West Indies’ second innings col- we play away from home and I for 33 but fell in the penultimate fi qur Rahim partnered Shakib in ent times,” said Holder, named lapse from their overnight posi- am really disappointed that we over before tea, caught by Shai a 54-run fi fth-wicket stand did Man of the Match and Series. tion of 19 for one. didn’t show any of the fi ght that Hope in the gully off debutant Bangladesh show any degree of “It’s all about heart, about Shakib then off ered the lone we are known for.” Keemo Paul. competence at the crease. It took putting in the eff ort every day to meaningful resistance with a When he was eighth out, Worse was to follow with the the return of Holder for another ensure that we are able to come topscore of 54 as the wickets bowled fi ttingly by Holder, the interval just seconds away when spell to breach Mushfi qur’s de- away with the results and the tumbled around him. home side knew the match was Roston Chase, brought on to fences for 31. performances that we wanted.” “I knew coming back as cap- in their grasp, along with a pro- bowl his off -spin in the final over In the West Indies second in- Holder’s opposite number, tain it would be tough but I motion up the international of the afternoon period, caught nings, Chase topscored with 32 Shakib al Hasan, fought with didn’t expect it to be this tough,” rankings to number eight. Mominul Haque plumb in front as the hosts struggled to build Jason Holder of West Indies holds the winners trophy after winning both bat and ball in a vain at- said Shakib. Earlier, Holder initiated the and then accounted for Mah- on a huge fi rst innings lead of 205 the second Test against Bangladesh at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica, tempt to stave off defeat. “Our batting just didn’t show collapse by trapping Tamim mudullah at the start of what runs. on Saturday. (AFP)