CRICKET | Page 3 NFL | Page 5 ‘Sad’ Cook Brady fairytale To Advertise here quits as as Patriots Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 England fi ghtback seals Test captain Super Bowl

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 FOOTBALL Jumada I 10, 1438 AH Man United coach GULF TIMES Mourinho taunts Chelsea in style wars SPORT Page 11 QATAR SUPERSTOCK 600 Al-Naimi, al-Sulaiti share honours in second round ‘This is a good fight for the championship and I hope next time, there will be more fight to show people how challenging and competitive this championship is. I would like to thank QMMF and LCSC for organising this great championship’

By Sports Reporter Doha

n the second round of Qatar Su- perstock 600, the exciting and thrilling battle that we saw in the opening round, continued between IMashel al-Naimi and Saeed al-Sulaiti. After the Superpole, it was clear that al-Sulaiti would push very hard to win as the registered the best lap time, 2:04.578, and grabbing his fi rst-ever pole position at Losail International Circuit. “I am very happy to get my fi rst pole position at Losail and I feel very good today on the bike. So I will push to the limit for the victory,” said al-Sulaiti after the Superpole. In the fi rst race, al-Sulaiti took the lead during almost half of the race, with al- Naimi very close to him. In the fi fth lap, QSTK Race 2 podium. al-Naimi overtook al-Sulaiti but stayed in front only for one lap, as al-Sulaiti re- lap, they were riding so close that both of me,” said al-Naimi. gained the fi rst position in the next lap. bikes touched, al-Naimi went wide and “This is a good fi ght for the champi- Al-Sulaiti knew that al-Naimi was al-Sulaiti went on to win the race. onship and I hope next time, there will faster than him on the straights so he “I am very happy with this win. I have be more fi ght to show people how chal- pushed to the limit to create as much been training very hard and fi nally got the lenging and competitive this champi- gap as possible from al-Naimi, in order result. I tried to push from the beginning. onship is. I would like to thank Ooredoo to reach the last corner with the maxi- Because in the fi rst race, my plan was to for their support, as well as QMMF and mum diff erence but al-Naimi managed go and then let Mishal stay behind me but LCSC for making this great champion- to pass him with just two laps to go and it didn’t work. So, in the second race it ship,” added al-Naimi. take the victory. was a really tight fi ght from the beginning Al-Malki against fi nished in third “The race was good. I had a good Saeed al-Sulaiti and Mishal al-Naimi during their close finish in the second race of the QSTK at the Losail Circuit. until the last lap. In the last lap, in the fi rst and Ali al-Shammari in fourth. start and was leading the fi rst fi ve laps corner we touched. I want to say sorry to “It is a very competitive and strong and then I saw Mishal right behind was very fast, and he didn’t do any mis- him. I was a bit aggressive but this is rac- championship with very fast riders as me so I Iet him lead for a few laps and take in the race. With this wind I had ing and we are fi ghting for the victory,” Saeed, Mishal and Nasser who have a stayed behind him to study him a bit. I more advantage in the straight line and said al-Sulaiti. lot of experience in international races. did that and it worked as I was able to I caught him so I stayed in front until I am having tough battles with Fahad overtake him. I was trying to increase the chequered fl ag,’ said al-Naimi. ‘THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT’ and Ali al-Qubaisi, who have similar the gap towards the end of the race but The third place was for Nasser al- “In the end we fi nished very close and I timings. I am feeling better with every then the weather changed. This meant Malki. “I had a good start but in the fi rst am really happy that I won. Of course I round and my timing is improving. more wind and I was losing fractions corner I lost the gear so I went off the will try to win again in the next round. Thanks to QMMF and LCSC for this of a second and he caught me again. He track. When I came back there were too I would like to thank everybody who championship and their support,” said overtook me with two laps to go. In the many riders in front of me and then I is supporting me. I would also like to al-Shammari. last lap, I tried to overtake him again tried to pass some riders during three thank QMMF and LCSC for their sup- Trophies were presented by QMMF but he knew the spot I was planning laps but in the end Mishal and Saeed port and also for organising this great President Abdulrahman al-Mannai, to overtake him and unfortunately we created a big gap and I couldn’t get championship,” added al-Sulaiti. LCSC General Manager & Vice-Presi- passed one of the overlapped riders and close to them. The weather changed in “It was a very good race. I struggled dent Khalid al-Remaihi and QMMF Gen- I lost more time again and I could not the middle of the race so I didn’t want a lot to be in the front but today it was eral Secretary Abdulrazaq al-Kuwari. overtake him,” said al-Sulaiti. to take any risk, keep the rhythm and very diffi cult to be in front of Saeed. To- Al-Naimi is leading the champion- “I suff ered a lot because of this fi nish in third place on the podium,” day he really pushed to the limit. In the ship with 95 points; al-Sulaiti is second weather. I had problems with my arm said al-Malki. last lap, I tried to overtake him in the with 85 points and al-Malki third with band from the second lap onwards. I In the second race, the win went to straight, but when I arrived to the fi rst 64 points. Al-Shammari is fourth with tried to push but I could not,” he added. al-Sulaiti just 0.012s ahead of al-Nai- corner my gear didn’t engage. And our 50 points. “‘I stayed behind Saeed until three mi. After the start of the race, al-Naimi bikes touched and I went wide. I tried to The next round will take place dur- laps and before the last lap I tried to see took the lead for four laps but Saeed recover and I pushed in the last lap. In ing the Grand Prix of Qatar, from 23rd where I can overtake Saeed, this time he QSTK Race 1 podium. overtook him in the fi fth lap. In the last the end his front tyre was barely in front to 25th March.

FOOTBALL/AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE El Jaish meet Bunyodkor, Sadd away to Esteghlal

By Sports Reporter However, having twice reached the last four of Xavi will be pulling the strings in Doha the continental tournament in 2008 and 2012, the midfi eld for Qatar’s Al Sadd. the Uzbek side will be hoping a squad brimming with youthful talent will help recapture former glories. fter posting their best AFC Champions Meanwhile, with a total of four Asian cham- League performance to date in reach- pionships between them, the play-off show- ing the 2016 semi-fi nals, Qatar’s El down between Qatar’s Al Sadd and Esteghlal at Jaish will be looking to build on last ’s Azadi Stadium is certain to be one to Ayear’s campaign. savour with a place in Group A on the line. To do so, though, they must fi rst overcome In the AFC Champions League era, today’s Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor in today’s vital play-off hosts Esteghlal have represented Iran seven clash. Runners-up in last season’s Qatar Stars times — second only to Sepahan — although League, El Jaish also enjoyed a superb continen- the two-time Asian Club Championship win- tal campaign before their fi nal four elimination ners have not gone further than the semi-fi nals by Al Ain. (2013). With former Barcelona midfi elder Seydou Like Esteghlal, Al Sadd missed out on the Keita skippering the side, Sabri Lamouchi’s men 2016 edition but the Qataris — continental will be hoping for another successful stint in champions in 1989 and 2011 — will be keen to ’s premier club competition. return to the highest level of Asian club football. By way of contrast, Bunyodkor have endured And with former Barcelona veteran Xavi pull- a tough time in recent years, having failed to ing the strings in midfi eld, 2017 could be a cam- progress beyond the Group Stage since 2014. paign to remember for the side. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, February 7, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS: Britain and Spain advance but rain halts Argentina ‘I’m very happy. Roberto was exceptional to get two points. I have had some Results wrap Davis Cup World Group results from At (hard, indoor) beautiful experiences this weekend and hope for more of the same in the future’ yesterday: Japan 1 France 4 Nicolas Mahut (FRA) bt Yoshihito At Buenos Aires (clay, outdoor) Nishioka (JPN) 6-1, 1-1 -- retired Argentina 2 Italy 2 Yasutaka Uchiyama bt Pierre-Hugues Carlos Berlocq (ARG) bat Paolo Herbert (FRA) 6-4, 6-4 Lorenzi (ITA) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 At Ottawa (hard, indoor) At Frankfurt (hard, indoor) Canada 2 Great Britain 3 Germany 1 Belgium 4 (CAN) bt Daniel Evans Steve Darcis (BEL) bt Alexander (GBR) 7-6 (7/3), 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) Zverev (GER) 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) Kyle Edmund (GBR) bt Denis Shapo- Ruben Bemelmans (BEL) bt Mischa valov (CAN) 6-3, 6-4, 2-1, default, Zverev (GER) 7-5, 6-1 hitting umpire with ball

At Melbourne (hard, outdoor) At Nis (hard, indoor) Australia 4 Czech Republic 1 Serbia 4 Russia 1 Jiri Vesely (CZE) bt Sam Groth (AUS) Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt Konstantin 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 Kravchuk (RUS) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 Jordan Thompson (AUS) bt Jan Satral Fifth match not played at Serbia (CZE) 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 request, point given to Russia

At Birmingham (hard, outdoor) At Osijek (hard, indoor) United States 5 Switzerland 0 Croatia 2 Spain 3 (USA) bt Adrien Bossel Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) bt Franko (SUI) 6-3, 7-5 Skugor (CRO) 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 7-6 Steve Johnson (USA) bt Antoine Bel- (8/6) lier (SUI) 6-4, 6-3 Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) bt Nikola Mektic (CRO) 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, 6-4

Canada’s Denis Shapovalov sorry for ‘letting country down’ with angry outburst Canada’s Denis Shapovalov (right) was left mortified after joining tennis’s hall of infamy on Sunday, off ering an apology and promising that he would learn from his momen- tary explosion of temper that left a Davis Cup umpire needing a visit to hospital. Shapovalov, one of the brightest young talents in the game at 17, said he was “ashamed” after he inadvert- ently struck chair umpire Arnaud Gabas in the left eye with a ball he smashed away in anger during the Britain’s Kyle Edmund celebrates during his singles match against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. Canada-Great Britain tie in Ottawa. The incident happened in the third AFP (7/3), 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) victory over time champions Spain rallied from a Andreas Seppi will meet in the decisive set of the deciding rubber with the swelling to the left eye was sent to Paris Dan Evans to level at 2-2 for Canada, 2-1 overnight defi cit to knock out last singles match. tie locked at 2-2 and Shapovalov, hospital for a precautionary evalu- which was without injured world year’s runner-up. Holders Argentina are without Juan the Wimbledon boys champion, two ation. number four Milos Raonic. Roberto Bautista Agut had earlier Martin del Potro and Federico Delbon- sets and a break of serve down to Shapovalov issued an instant apol- ritain was defaulted into the Britain won Saturday’s doubles fought off a spirited challenge from is, the men who won the reverse singles Britain’s Kyle Edmund. ogy after the match, saying: “I feel in- Davis Cup quarter-fi nals Sun- match. Franko Skugor, winning 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), to beat Croatia in last year’s fi nal. The teenager was immediately credibly ashamed and embarrassed day while Spain edged Croatia Edmund lost to Pospisil in Friday’s 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) to level the contest. defaulted for “unsportsmanlike and I just feel awful for letting my to advance and defending singles and Shapovalov fell to Evans. “I’m very happy. Roberto was ex- DARCIS LEADS BELGIUM conduct”, with Britain handed a 3-2 team down, for letting my country championB Argentina battled Italy into “It’s a shame that it has happened ceptional to get two points,” said 26th- In Frankfurt, Steve Darcis knocked off victory in the tie. down, for acting in a way that I would a decisive fi fth match at a rain-hit tie. that way and I feel for the young lad ranked Carreno Busta, who atoned for German teenager Alexander Zverev Yesterday, the International Tennis never want to act. Canada’s Denis Shapovalov hit chair because he’s a great talent and he has Friday’s shock loss to world number 223 in four sets to send Belgium into the Federation said in a statement: “I can promise that’s the last time I umpire Arnaud Gabas in the face with learned a harsh lesson today,” British Skugor in the opening singles rubber. quarter-fi nals and a potential show- “Referee Brian Earley, who witnessed will do anything like that. I’m going a ball and was defaulted in the deciding Davis Cup captain Leon Smith said. “I “I have had some beautiful experi- down with the reigning champions. the incident, declared an immedi- to learn from this and try to move match, handing Britain’s Kyle Edmund thought Kyle, from what we saw Friday ences this weekend and hope for more Darcis, who famously dumped Nadal ate default of Mr Shapovalov for past it.” a 6-3, 6-4, 2-1 triumph and giving to the way he came out today, he was of the same in the future.” out of Wimbledon in 2013, dropped the unsportsmanlike conduct. British captain Leon Smith said he Britain a 3-2 victory in the fi rst-round absolutely fantastic.” Rafael Nadal sat out after reach- fi rst set to 19-year-old Zverev before It was clear that Mr Shapovalov did could not help but feel sorry for tie at Ottawa. Britain, the 2015 champions play- ing the fi nal of last month’s Austral- rallying for a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) not intend to hit Mr Gabas. the youngster. “I feel for the young “It was a strange way to fi nish,” Ed- ing without top-ranked Andy Murray, ian Open, but the 14-time win to hand Belgium an unbeatable 3-1 Shapovalov sought out the umpire in lad. He’s a great talent and he has mund said. “I’ve never been part of advanced to a quarter-fi nal matchup champion could well return for an lead. the referee’s off ice and apologised. learned a harsh lesson,” said Smith. something like that.” April 7-9 against France with that April showdown with former world The Belgians, who were playing Gabas, who suff ered bruising and People still remember how the Shapovalov, a 17-year-old Israeli- winner facing either Spain or Serbia in number one Djokovic. without world number 11 David Gof- British player Tim Henman was born Canadian, apologized to Gabas in a September semi-fi nal. Serbia swept to a 4-1 victory over fi n, then completed the job with Ru- defaulted in a Wimbledon doubles the referee’s offi ce as the umpire was Russia in Nis as Dusan Lajovic beat bel Bemelmans brushing aside Mischa match in 1995 when he struck a ball being treated for bruising and swelling SPAIN TO FACE SERBIA NEXT Konstantin Kravchuk 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in Zverev 7-5, 6-1. which accidentally struck a ball girl. of his left eye before being taken to a Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta swept a truncated fourth rubber before the In ties that were already settled by More recently, in the 2012 Queen’s nearby hospital. Croatian journeyman Nikola Mektic in hosts conceded the fi nal match. Sunday, the United States, the 32-time final in London, Argentine David Nal- “No one is nicer or carries them- straight sets to clinch a 3-2 victory and Heavy rain in Buenos Aires inter- champions, fi nished off Switzerland bandian kicked out at an advertising selves better for a 17 y/o than Shapo- set up a mouthwatering quarter-fi nal rupted Sunday’s fi rst match before 5-0 in Birmingham, Alabama, while hoarding at courtside in frustration, valov,” Canadian teammate Vasek Po- clash with Novak Djokovic’s Serbia. Argentina’s Carlos Berlocq defeated 28-time champions Australia rounded which bloodied a line judge’s shin. spisil tweeted. “Everyone can see that Carreno Busta defeated world Italy’s Paolo Lorenzo 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, out a 4-1 win over the Czech Republic Head referee Arnaud Gabas from It cost him a 10,000 Euro today was an accident.” number 319 Mektic 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, 6-4 3-6, 6-3, to level the tie at 2-2. and France completed a 4-1 victory France, with his swollen eye. ($10,720.00) fine. Pospisil had blasted 25 aces in a 7-6 in the deciding rubber in Osijek as fi ve- Argentina’s Guido Pella and Italy’s over Japan.

GOLF: PHOENIX OPEN Matsuyama defends title with playoff win Reuters the fourth extra hole. appointed to lose the playoff , said he my game.” St.Augustine, Florida Twelve months ago, he edged Ameri- was happy to fi nd some form. South African Louis Oosthuizen (65) can Rickie Fowler at the same hole. “It’s disappointing, just the way I fi nished third, one stroke behind, while Matsuyama is the fi rst back-to- fi nished (in regulation) birdie-birdie South Korean An Byeong-hun, who had apan’s red-hot Hideki Matsuyama back winner of the Phoenix Open since to not come out on top, but it’s been a been three strokes clear with nine holes maintained his sizzling run of Johnny Miller in 1974-75. while since I’ve been in contention. I to play, ran up four bogeys after the turn form, successfully defending his He had several opportunities over the think it was at Colonial back in May... for a 73 and sixth place, three shots off JPhoenix Open title with a gripping closing stretch to seal victory in regu- I am thrilled to death with the state of the pace. playoff victory over American Webb lation but narrowly missed birdie putts Simpson at the TPC Scottsdale in Ari- from 15, nine and 19 feet at the 16th, USPGA Tour Phoenix Open scores zona on Sunday. 17th and the last. Matsuyama clinched his fi fth win in Leading final-round scores from the 66, Kang Sung 68-65-74-66, Zach his last nine starts worldwide when he KEPT THE FAITH USPGA Tour Phoenix Open at par-71 Johnson 70-66-70-67, John Peterson sank a 10-foot birdie putt on the fourth Asked how he stayed patient after those TPC Scottsdale (x-won at fourth play- 66-72-63-72 playoff hole, the driveable par-four squandered chances, he replied: “I just off hole, USA unless noted): 274 - Daniel Summerhays 71-65-71- 17th, where Simpson could only par. had faith and belief that there was go- 67, Brian Stuard 71-67-68-68, Russell The duo had fi nished the 72 regula- ing to be a chance to win it and luckily 267 - x-Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 65- Henley 71-69-66-68, Kevin Na 68-70- tion holes on 17-under 267, Matsuyama I made it.” 68-68-66, Webb Simpson 67-71-65-64 68-68, Jon Rahm (ESP) 70-69-65-70, narrowly missing a birdie putt at the Matsuyama, who began his hot 268 - Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 68-67- Shane Lowry (IRL) 69-68-66-71, last to card a fi ve-under 66 and Simp- streak by winning the Japan Open in 68-65 Brendan Steele 65-67-70-72, Phil son closing with a best-of-the-day 64. October, is expected to rise from fi fth 269 - Rickie Fowler 67-68-69-65, J.J. Mickelson 68-70-65-71 It was Matsuyama’s fourth ca- to fourth when the world rankings are Spaun 71-64-67-67 275 - Charley Hoff man 72-67-69-67, reer win on the PGA Tour and Shigeki updated on Monday. 270 - An Byeong-Hun (KOR) 66-66- Billy Horschel 70-71-65-69, Ol- Maruyama (with three) is the only other Simpson, seeking his fi fth victory on 65-73 lie Schniederjans 71-67-70-67, J.B. Japanese player with multiple victories the PGA Tour, vaulted into contention 271 - Daniel Berger 71-66-66-68, Mar- Holmes 67-70-71-67, Brian Harman on the US circuit. with a brilliant closing round high- tin Laird (SCO) 67-66-65-73 69-67-70-69, Troy Merritt 74-66-65- “It was a struggle, especially that lighted by an eagle at the par-fi ve third 272 - Jordan Spieth 70-68-67-67, Matt 70, Camilo Villegas (COL) 71-68-65-71, playoff , but I am really happy to win,” and he booked his place in the playoff Kuchar 64-69-69-70, Graham DeLaet William McGirt 69-67-66-73, Marc Matsuyama, 24, told CBS Sports via an with a birdie-birdie fi nish. (CAN) 67-69-65-71 Leishman (AUS) 68-69-65-73, Michael interpreter after claiming the Phoenix Hideki Matsuyama of Japan poses with the trophy after winning the Waste The 2012 US Open champion parred 273 - Adam Hadwin (CAN) 71-66-70- Kim 69-66-66-74 Open title for a second year in a row at Management Phoenix Open on the fourth playoff hole at TPC Scottsdale. all four of the extra holes and while dis- Gulf Times Tuesday, February 7, 2017 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS Cook, one of English ‘Sad’ Cook resigns sport’s quiet achievers as England captain ‘It’s been a huge honour to be England captain. Stepping down has been incredibly hard, but I know this is the correct decision for me and at the right time for the team’

AFP London File picture of England’s Alastair Cook. lastair Cook resigned as Eng- land Test captain yesterday af- Reuters eventually persuaded him his ter a record 59 matches in the London time was up as captain, yet over- role, saying it was “a sad day” all it was hard not to agree with butA the right decision for the team. Monday’s salute from predeces- Yorkshire batsman Joe Root is the lastair Cook was never sor Andrew Strauss. strong favourite to take over with an an- the most innovative “He’s led the team with deter- nouncement expected in the next fort- England cricket cap- mination, conviction and a huge night, as England build towards the Ash- Atain, his batting was amount of pride and his record es in Australia at the end of the year. designed to soothe rather than stands for itself,” said Strauss, Cook, England’s leading scorer in Tests stir the blood and his personality now director of England Cricket. with 11,057 runs, became captain in August was so cautious that it was little “He deserves to be seen as one 2012 and led his country to Ashes glory on wonder he never featured when of our country’s great captains.” home soil in 2013 and 2015 as well as series fl ashy sports awards were being The latter assertion is up for wins in India and South Africa. handed out. debate. “It’s been a huge honour to be England Yet after stepping down from Cook’s winning percentage captain and to lead the Test team over the the test captaincy after 4-1/2 of 40.67 at the helm is only the past fi ve years,” Cook, 32, who intends years on Monday, there could still fourth best of the six captains to to carry on playing Test cricket, said in a be no real argument about Cook, have led England in more than 40 statement. in his own quiet, undemonstra- tests, even though he oversaw an “Stepping down has been an incredibly tive fashion, having become one era featuring world-class players hard decision, but I know this is the cor- of the great achievers of modern from Pietersen, Graeme Swann, rect decision for me and at the right time English sport. James Anderson and Stuart for the team.” With the minimum of fuss Broad to Ben Stokes and Joe Root. Cook’s decision to stand down follows and maximum solidity at a time On a personal level, though, he England’s 4-0 series defeat in India at when he had to deal with plenty maintained the highest stand- the end of last year, which put pressure of turmoil within the team, Cook ards, his superb temperament on him to quit. moulded himself into an impres- propelling him to become Eng- The England and Wales Cricket Board sive, respected leader while still land’s most prolifi c batsman — (ECB) said a “proper process” had started managing to remain a towering and the 10th most prolifi c from to appoint a successor, with the team not batsman, England’s all-time top any country — with 11,057 runs in Test action again until July. File picture of England’s Alastair Cook (R) with Joe Root during their Test series against Pakistan. scorer in test annals. in 140 tests. Cook, who also led England in a record Not that everyone in Eng- After taking over as captain in 69 one-day internationals between 2010 lege and I hope to carry on as a Test play- “We expect to be able to make an an- kistan of topping the ICC Test rankings. land perhaps quite recognised 2012, perhaps his fi nest achieve- and 2014, is the country’s most capped er, making a full contribution and helping nouncement before the team head to the He went 35 Test innings without a cen- the magnitude of what he was ment were the three centuries he Test skipper and has scored more Test the next England captain and the team West Indies on 22nd February.” tury between May 2013 and March 2015, achieving. compiled in England’s fi rst test centuries than any previous captain. however I can.” A classically elegant left-handed but the milestones have continued to “Alastair Cook is the fi rst series win in India in 28 years, a He was named Wisden Cricketer of the opening batsman, the square-jawed stack up. Englishman to 10,000 Test runs feat that looks even more monu- Year in 2012 and ICC (International Cricket ‘ONCE IN A GENERATION’ Cook took charge of the England Test He was the fi rst England batsman to – but most Poms haven’t seen a mental in light of this winter’s Council) World Test Captain in 2013. England’s director of cricket Andrew team following Strauss’s retirement from reach 10,000 and then 11,000 Test runs single one,” ran one headline in thrashing. He tendered his resignation to England Strauss said Cook had made a “fantastic the game in August 2012. and sits 10th in the all-time list, 4,864 Australia’s Daily Telegraph last Now, still just 32 and freed and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman contribution” and “deserves to be seen as In his fi rst tour as captain he led England runs behind the record held by the great year, referring to how his feats from captaincy pressures, Cook Colin Graves on Sunday. one of our country’s great captains”. to a fi rst series win in India in 28 years, hit- Sachin Tendulkar. tended to remain under the radar could continue to do serious “It’s a sad day personally in many “We now move on with the process of ting centuries in the fi rst three Tests. Cook’s mentor Graham Gooch, the since no live cricket is shown on damage to that top-10 test list ways, but I want to thank everyone I’ve appointing the right successor,” Strauss His fi rst Ashes series in 2013 ended former England captain, told BBC Radio free-to-air television in England. while also helping his obvious captained, all the coaches and support said. “There are a number of established in triumph and after a harrowing 5-0 5 Live he had tried to convince the Essex The newspaper had a point. successor Joe Root ease into the staff and, of course, the England sup- players who are playing formal or infor- whitewash in Australia in 2013-14, Eng- man to stay in the role. Cook’s consistent excellence role of captain. porters and the Barmy Army who follow mal leadership roles and whilst we’ve land regained the urn in 2015. “This type of sportsman only comes has often been under-appreci- It would be no surprise to see us home and away and have given us un- rightly not spoken to anyone in relation Cook oversaw a historic series win once in a generation, maybe less,” Gooch ated compared to the box-offi ce Cook go past Ricky Ponting, cur- wavering support,” Cook added. to the Test captaincy so far, we can now in South Africa in 2015-16 and last year said. “He’s a great man and he’s still got razzmatazz of others like Kevin rently second on the list with “Playing for England really is a privi- talk fully and openly within the team. England came within one win against Pa- great things to do for his country.” Pietersen, a dazzling talent but 13,378 runs, even if Sachin Ten- one which cast a long shadow dulkar’s world record mark of over the Essex man’s reign. 15,921 looks insurmountable. Still, Cook leaves his job, able One suspects Root, a rare and Cook steps down - what they said to look at a fairly remarkable brilliant talent, could bring a resume that features 24 wins in daring approach to the job that “Thanks Skip!” “Timing in life is everything... “As England captain you’re more than “This type of sportsman only comes a record 59 tests in charge, Ashes was beyond Cook. Cook’s long-time England team-mate and once again Alastair Cook has got just a leader. once in a generation, maybe less. victories at home in 2013 and Yet now that he can sit back Stuart Broad on Twitter, alongside a pho- it spot on... You’re also an ambassador for your He’s a great man and he’s still got 2015 as well as series wins in In- and refl ect on a job well done, tograph of Cook lifting the Ashes urn A great man who I hope plays on for country and I don’t think anyone great things to do for his country. dia and South Africa. Cook, England’s ‘Captain Sensi- many more years.” can doubt what a great and fantastic My one abiding memory of Alastair There were jarring setbacks, of ble’, should content himself that “Congratulations on everything you Former England captain Michael ambassador for the game and the Cook batting was when I took a course, like the whitewash Ashes he led with dignity, toughness, have achieved Cooky. Vaughan country Alastair Cook has been. photo of the scoreboard in 2010 defeat in Australia and the 4-0 gentlemanly spirit — and lots Many more runs to come!” He’s been a very dignified captain of when Alastair Cook was 235 not out loss to India over the winter that and lots of runs. Cook’s county Essex “Sad to see Cooky step down! Always England.” (against Australia in Brisbane).That’s backed me and gave me the support Ex-England captain Nasser Hussain, what he brings to the England team Cook - at a glance “He will be remembered as the most I needed. speaking on Sky Sports News and I hope he continues that.” successful captain and not only as a Top man.” Cook’s mentor Graham Gooch, another Scored an unbeaten 104 on Passed Graham Gooch’s 8,900- great leader, but also as a genuinely England all-rounder Moeen Ali “Thanks for all of your hard work former England skipper, on BBC Radio test debut against India at run tally in 2015 to become nice bloke. Captain Cook, it’s been a pleasure to 5 Live Nagpur in 2006. England’s most leading run Everybody who has played with him “I’m surprised he’s stepped down watch you marshal the troops with Scored 766 runs in seven in- scorer in Tests. and under him won’t have a bad word but he’s a great man and a brilliant such skill and pride.” “#BringBackKP” nings during the 2010-11 Ashes Led England in 59 Tests. He is against him.” ambassador for the sport! Lots more The famous England supporters club A mischievous reaction from Kevin ‘KP’ tour to help England to their England’s most prolific Test Former England bowler Matthew Hog- runs from Cooky in an Eng shirt.” the Barmy Army, which is usually see Pietersen, who found himself frozen out first series win in Australia for batsman with 11,057 runs in gard on BBC Radio 5 Live Former England batsman James Taylor travelling with the team of the team during Cook’s captaincy. 24 years. 140 Tests.

BOTTOMLINE Sri Lanka skipper Bangladesh’s Imrul Mathews to miss ruled out of historic Australia tour India Test

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Bangladesh suff ered a blow Mathews will miss the up- before their maiden Test Australia confi dent keeper coming Twenty20 series in match in India when opening Australia after injuring his batsman Imrul Kayes was hamstring against South ruled out yesterday due to Africa last month. injury. Mathews sustained the injury “Imrul pulled his thigh muscle Wade will be fi t for India tour in a Twenty20 international at while fielding today during Reuters ances were convincing enough not to Wanderers on Jan. 22, when the two-day warm-up match Wellington warrant a call-up for Nevill, who has he completed a half century against the India A team,” been in fi ne form with the bat in domestic despite limited mobility to said chief selector Minhajul cricket. lead Sri Lanka to victory by Abedin. ustralia are confi dent wicket- “He was a bit rusty when he only got 10 three-wickets. “He suff ered the same injury keeper Matt Wade will be fi t for minutes notice at Eden Park,” Lehmann The selection committee will in New Zealand, so we thought the upcoming test tour of India added. “(But) he kept well (in Hamilton).” meet on Tuesday to decide on it appropriate that he did not and have no plans to call up an- Wade will be assessed after his fl ight the composition of the squad continue.” otherA gloveman as a precaution, accord- and his match fi tness tested in warm up and who should replace him Uncapped batsman Mosaddek ing to coach Darren Lehmann. matches in the UAE and . as skipper, Sri Lanka Cricket Hossain has been called in as Wade, who took over as fi rst choice “Unless something fl ares up during the (www.srilankacricket.lk) said a replacement. wicketkeeper from Peter Nevill last No- Dubai leg or tour game, we’ll stay status on its website. Imrul did not bat during the vember, missed two one-day internationals quo. The bonus with the squad is you’ve The Sri Lankans will start the two-day match against India against New Zealand last week because of got someone who can keep pretty well. tour against a Prime Minis- A, which ended in a draw. back spasms despite being initially named That’s handy, having that just in case ter’s XI in Canberra on Feb. It was the only warm-up as stand-in captain for Steve Smith. something happens.” 15 before Twenty20s against fixture before the Test in Hy- Lehmann, though, said Wade had al- Wade was required as stand-in cap- a weakened Australia team derabad, the first to be played ready departed for the pre-series training tain in New Zealand because Smith suf- in Melbourne, Geelong and by Bangladesh on Indian soil camp in the United Arab Emirates. fered an ankle injury but Lehmann said Adelaide. since the tourists gained full “He’ll be fi ne. He’s got on the plane,” he the Australia skipper was already in Dubai The series has been some- Test status 17 years ago. told reporters in Hamilton. and batting. what devalued by the fact Soumya Sarkar is expected to “If there was any doubt, he wasn’t go- File picture of Australia’s Matthew Wade. Australia, who last won a test in India that Australia’s top players open the innings along with ing to get on the plane. So that’s a good in 2004, start the series on Feb. 23 with will be in India preparing for a Tamim Iqbal when the one-off thing.” Auckland and Hamilton by middle or- en sick during the third test against Paki- the fi rst test in , which will be fol- test series rather than playing match gets underway on The 29-year-old Wade was replaced der batsman Peter Handscomb, who also stan in January. lowed by matches in Bangalore, against the Sri Lankans. February 9. behind the stumps for the defeats in stood in when the wicketkeeper was tak- Lehmann said Handscomb’s perform- and Dharamsala. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, February 7, 2017 NFL

MVP Hunt for Brady’s prized Super Bowl jersey Houston: The jersey worn might end up on an Internet by Tom Brady during his epic auction site. “You’d better look Brady stands alone Super Bowl performance was online,” Kraft is heard to say. feared stolen from the New USA Today reported that Brady England Patriots locker room, searched for the shirt without US media reports said yester- success following the dramatic day. Brady’s No.12 shirt van- 34-28 overtime win. ished in the chaotic aftermath “It was right here. I know of the Patriots’ comeback win exactly where I put it,” Brady aft er Super Bowl epic over the Atlanta Falcons. said of the jersey’s last known NFL.com posted a locker whereabouts. However, one room video of Brady informing local television channel said a ‘He was motivating us the whole game, even when we were down’ Patriots team owner Robert Patriots equipment manager Kraft that “someone stole my had secured the shirt safely game jersey.” following Brady’s record- Kraft suggests that the shirt breaking display.

FOCUS No tailgating, but no lack of celebration

Reuters which raises funds for hunger Houston relief, to the exclusive Bootsy Bellows soiree in a private club tucked in a corner of downtown. espite the absence of Fergie, Usher, Snoop Dogg, tailgating, there was no Cee-Lo Green and Busta Rhymes, shortage of partying for actor Jon Hamm and Ludacris Sunday’s Super Bowl, were among party-goers and asD what has grown to become a even Patriots owner Robert Kraft virtual US national holiday was rocked out on stage with rapper set to kick off at Houston’s NRG Flo Rida on at the Fanatics Super Stadium. Heavy security sur- Bowl party. Taylor Swift dazzled rounding the suburban Houston a packed crowd at Club Nomadic site for the NFL title clash be- for the DirecTV bash. tween the New England Patri- Some $350mn was expected ots and Atlanta Falcons shut the to pour into the city’s economy. door on tailgating as fans had to Tickets prices just before kick- park remotely and ride buses to off on the online resale mar- the 73,000-seat stadium. ket were ranging from $2,700 But ticket holders were already apiece to over $5,000, and one in full party mode after a diz- needed more money, of course, zying weekend of high-energy to keep the party vibe going fun in the city centre by an es- helped by 115 concession stands timated 140,000 out-of-town in the stadium. “It’s expensive! visitors that poured in and those I paid nine dollars for a pretzel!” able to make it to the private par- joked Jon Ostrowski, a Pats fan ties dotted around the Texas oil who made the trip from Atlanta capital. There was something for with a childhood friend from everyone, from the NFL Experi- Connecticut. The Super Bowl ence that catered to family fun, to party, of course, stretches be- booming dance clubs. yond Houston. Americans will A-listers, movie stars, and consume more food on Sunday business titans fi lled VIP parties on any other day of year except New England Patriots’ Tom Brady (centre) holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as head coach Bill Belichick (right) looks on after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime to clinch across the city, from the Maxim Thanksgiving, going through the Super Bowl 51 title at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday. The Patriots won 34-28. (AFP) bash to the Taste of the NFL, 1.3bn chicken wings.

AFP milestone of a fi fth ring, that confi rmed spoken safety, said Brady’s performance that he had carried the team, hailing Houston his place at the head of the quarterback had ended the debate about his standing the Patriots’s mentality and tight-knit pantheon. Down 28-3 in the third quar- among the best quarterbacks. “He just locker-room bond. “We all brought each ter, Brady and the Patriots looked dead proved to you guys that he is the greatest, other back,” Brady remarked. “We’re in ith four Super Bowl victo- and buried. period,” Chung said. “So all of you haters the locker room with each other every day ries in his previous six ap- A bruising fi rst half had seen Brady get need to shut up and just own up to it that and we know what we’re all about. That’s pearances, Tom Brady had roughed up relentlessly by Atlanta’s ag- he is the greatest. We all saw that today.” what it comes down to.” already carved himself onto gressive pass rush. He was sacked fi ve Wide receiver Chris Hogan said Brady Head coach Bill Belichick, who picked Wthe Mount Rushmore of quarterback times in the game, and hit many times had refused to concede defeat even as Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 icons. But after inspiring the New Eng- more. “There was a lot s**t tonight. And the Falcons romped into a 25-point lead. draft, declined to be drawn into ranking land Patriots to the greatest comeback I got hit pretty hard,” Brady told journal- “The entire time, there wasn’t a moment the quarterback’s performance, empha- in Super Bowl history, the 39-year-old ists later as he tried to recall the details of where he looked like he knew this thing sizing victory had been a team eff ort. earned a monument all to himself. his game. But, like many other times in was over,” Hogan said. Brady, who fi n- “Tom has had a lot of great ones; to- Brady’s fi fth Super Bowl win on Sunday his career, Brady’s sheer will carried him ished the game with 466 passing yards, a night was one of them,” Belichick said. night wiped away any lingering doubt that through what had been a brutal ordeal, new record for the Super Bowl, has long “There were a lot of great players playing the veteran deserves to be regarded as the until he could sense the tide turning in his maintained that he is not interested in out there tonight.” best quarterback the sport has seen. The team’s favor. “He was motivating us the the glory of his standing in the game. “I But for Danny Amendola, the long- pulsating victory took Brady one clear whole game, even when we were down,” don’t think anything about, you know, serving Patriots receiver, there was only of his childhood idol, Joe Montana, and Patriots running back James White con- personal legacy,” he said in the build-up one verdict. “He was the same as he al- Terry Bradshaw of the Pittsburgh Steel- fi ded to reporters afterwards. “He just to Sunday’s fi nale. “I never thought I’d ways is, cool, calm and collected,” Amen- ers, who both won four Super Bowls. Yet willed us to another victory,” said White, play professional football. Didn’t think dola said of Brady’s second-half display. it was the manner of Brady’s fi fth Super who scored three touchdowns. I’d play any professional sports.” “He’s the leader, the general, the best ever New England Patriots fans react while watching the fourth quarter Bowl triumph, as much as the statistical Patrick Chung, the Patriots’s out- Brady shied away from suggestions and that is the end of the story.” of Super Bowl game in Boston, Massachusetts. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Lady Gaga lights up Super Bowl with inclusion message

AFP Houston

ady Gaga dazzled the Super Bowl on Sunday with a high- tech, tightly choreographed half-time show celebrating LAmerican diversity and unity as she chose the power of showbiz over direct provocation. Performing at American football’s title match — generally the most watched US television event of the year — the pop diva electrifi ed NRG Stadium in Houston with a pulsating medley of her greatest hits. From the outset, Gaga served notice this was no ordinary halftime show — she began her performance from the lip of the stadium, an army of 300 drones forming a twinkling American fl ag in the sky. Then she took fl ight. The singer, clad in a sparkling silver bodysuit and knee high boots, leapt feel good,” she said. She opened with With just 13 minutes at her disposal, from the edge of the retractable roof This Land is Your Land, the anthem by Gaga could not pull off many costume onto the stage with the help of some leftist folk legend Woody Guthrie that changes but by the end had stripped sturdy wires — and the performance has come to be seen as an alternative off her metallic dress to perform in hot was nonstop from there. Ahead of the national anthem for the United States. pants, football shoulder pads — and the show, all eyes were on Lady Gaga to see Gaga then mixed up her biggest songs stiletto-heeled boots. whether she would use the platform to — from Just Dance and Poker Face to She even changed her makeup, us- rip into President Donald Trump at a Born This Way — an anthem of inclu- ing peel-off crystals to alter her look tense time in US politics. sion in which she speaks of acceptance to match her choice of song. In keep- Even with Vice President Mike Pence of people regardless of ethnicity or sex- ing with her recent theme of family Singer Lady Gaga performs onstage at the Super Bowl Halftime Show at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday. (AFP) in attendance, Gaga — a sworn foe of ual orientation. connection, Gaga shouted out to her Trump — kept with the game’s guide- She was backed up by an upbeat, parents as she sang her recent ballad Given that the Super Bowl is the most of drones. “The potential for these light pop standards in duet with 90-year- lines to steer clear of overt politics. ethnically diverse cast of dancers, who Million Reasons and played the piano. coveted advertising venue of the year, show drones is endless,” Intel executive old crooner Tony Bennett. Lady Gaga Instead the singer, known for her auda- at one point joined in a group hug. Her dancers made up for Gaga in the drone army — designed by chip- Josh Walden said in a statement, saying will open the tour on August 1 in Van- cious outfi ts, delivered what seemed to “No matter gay, straight or bi... You’re terms of outfi ts, switching from fl ashy maker Intel — ended in another show the company planned to explore more couver and play 47 stadiums and arenas be a more subtle message. Lebanese / You’re orient,” she sang. club attire to placid white. Gaga literally of Americana, commercialism, as they ways to use the technology. across North America and Europe until “How are you doing tonight, Texas? “Whether life’s disabilities left you dropped the mic — and caught a foot- created the logo of sponsor Pepsi. Hours after the Super Bowl, Lady the end of the year. She was also an- How are you doing tonight, America?” outcast, bullied or teased / Rejoice and ball at the end of the show as fi reworks Intel described the half-time show Gaga announced a world tour, her fi rst nounced as a headliner in September of Gaga asked. “We’re here to make you love yourself today!” shot into the air. as the most elaborate televised use ever in three years other than concerts of the latest Rock in Rio festival in Brazil. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 7, 2017 5 NFL

SPOTLIGHT Brady fairytale as Patriots fi ghtback seals Super Bowl Brady rallied the Patriots brilliantly to overturn a 28-3 third quarter deficit, completing a thrilling win against Falcons

AFP Houston KEY

om Brady inspired the great- MILESTONES est comeback in Super Bowl history on Sunday as the New Here are some of the key England Patriots stunned the milestones in the Patriots’ win. TAtlanta Falcons 34-28 in an epic over- time duel. In an extraordinary fi nale to Most Super Bowl games — 7, Tom the most challenging season of his ca- Brady reer, Brady confi rmed his right to be re- Most Super Bowl games as Head garded as the best quarterback gridiron Coach — 7, Bill Belichick has ever seen with a fi fth Super Bowl Most Super Bowl Games won by crown. Head Coach — 5, Bill Belichick Brady rallied the Patriots brilliantly Most points in a Super Bowl game — to overturn a 28-3 third quarter defi cit, 20, James White completing a thrilling win on a night of Most passing yards in a Super Bowl improbable drama at Houston’s NRG game — 466, Tom Brady Stadium. Brady, 39, collapsed to the Largest deficit overcome, winning turf with emotion after James White team — 25 points, New England burrowed over from close range to score Patriots the winning touchdown on the opening — Tied Records — drive of overtime. Most Super Bowl Games won by a “We all brought each other back,” player — 5, Tom Brady Brady said. “We never felt out of it. It Most touchdowns in a Super Bowl — was a tough battle.” The win capped a 3, James White tumultuous season for Brady, who was banned at the start of the campaign for PAST 10 SUPER BOWL WINNERS four games over the “Defl ategate” saga. Read as: Year, Teams, Host and City National Football League commis- 2017 New England Patriots 34 Atlanta sioner Roger Goodell — widely viewed Falcons 28, Houston as Brady’s arch-nemesis — was sub- 2016 Denver Broncos 24 Carolina jected to deafening boos as he present- Panthers 10, Santa Clara ed the Patriots with the Vince Lom- 2015 New England Patriots 28 Seattle bardi Trophy. Brady, who threw for 466 Seahawks 24, Phoenix yards and two touchdowns, shrugged 2014 Seattle Seahawks 43 Denver off suggestions that the win amounted Broncos 8, New York to a personal redemption. “This is all 2013 Baltimore Ravens 34 San Fran- positive,” he said. “It took a lot of men- cisco 49ers 31, New Orleans tal toughness. We’re going to remember 2012 New York Giants 21 New England this for the rest of our lives.” Patriots 17, Indianapolis The Falcons meanwhile were left 2011 Green Bay Packers 31 Pittsburgh shell-shocked after snatching a defeat Steelers 25, Dallas from the jaws of victory which ensures 2010 New Orleans Saints 31 Indiana- they remain on the list of teams never polis Colts 17, Miami to have won a Super Bowl. “There’s 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers 27 Arizona nothing you can really say,” said de- Cardinals 23, Tampa jected Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. 2008 New York Giants 17 New Eng- “That’s a tough loss. Obviously very land Patriots 14, Phoenix disappointed, very close to getting done what we wanted to get done, but LAST 10 SUPER BOWL MOST it’s hard to fi nd words tonight.” VALUABLE PLAYER WINNERS: The Patriots had looked dead and February 5, 2017 — Tom Brady (New buried after the Falcons scored three England) fi rst half touchdowns and an early score New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and wide receiver Julian Edelman celebrate after winning Super Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday. (AFP) February 7, 2016 — Von Miller (Denver) in the third quarter to power 25 points February 1, 2015 — Tom Brady clear. No team had ever come back from Super Bowl crown. They had appeared The misfi ring Patriots off ense again made it 28-12 and when Brady hit Dan- Another two-point conversion fol- February 2, 2014 — Malcolm Smith more than 10 points to win the Super to be roaring to the championship with squandered their next possession and ny Amendola for a six-yard touchdown, lowed to make it 28-28 and take the (Seattle Seahawks) Bowl before, and the Patriots looked to quarterback Ryan pulling apart the Atlanta were back on the charge, pow- with a successful two-point conversion game to overtime for the fi rst time in February 3, 2013 — Joe Flacco (Balti- be heading for a crushing defeat as the Patriots in the fi rst half. The Falcons ering forward with a nine-play drive to follow, it had suddenly become a Super Bowl history. The Patriots won more Ravens) Falcons ran riot. scored touchdowns through Devonta that ended with Ryan lobbing a six- one-score game. Now the Falcons were the toss and elected to receive and with February 5, 2012 — Eli Manning (New But Brady, who had looked a pale im- Freeman and Austin Hooper before yard pass to Tevin Coleman for a touch- fl ustered and a crucial drive faltered momentum clearly on their side, there York Giants) itation of himself for much of the game, Robert Alford picked off Brady for an down. and the Patriots won the ball back. was only going to be one outcome. February 6, 2011 — Aaron Rodgers suddenly fi red into life in the second 82-yard interception score. New England grabbed what looked An epic drive hinged on a logic- Brady, just as he had done in his fi rst (Green Bay) half to produce a performance that will The Patriots could only muster a like a consolation score when Brady defying 23-yard reception to Julian Super Bowl victory in 2002, nervelessly February 7, 2010 — Drew Brees (New go into National Football League folk- Stephen Gostkowski fi eld goal to go into found running back White to make it Edelman, who somehow gathered a led his team forward and soon they Orleans) lore. The Falcons, who had gone into half-time 21-3 down. A shell-shocked 28-9. But Gostkowski missed the extra defl ected pass to put the Patriots in en- were camped on the Atlanta line. February 1, 2009 — Santonio Holmes the game boasting one of the most po- Brady looked bereft after his intercep- point afterwards, and it seemed as if all emy territory. Brady marched his team It was left to White to score his third (Pittsburgh) tent off ences in history, were left dis- tion blunder and it got worse for the Atlanta had to do was ride out the clock. forward and White scampered in from touchdown of the night to clinch an Feb. 3, 2008 — Eli Manning (NY Giants) traught and still waiting for their fi rst Patriots early in the third quarter. But a further Gostkowski fi eld goal one yard to make it 28-26. amazing victory.

ROUND-UP FOCUS Falcons ‘ran out Triumph paves road to New England dynasty

Reuters “They’re all sweet, they’re all diff erent. Houston We’ve done pretty good over the last few of gas’ in painful years. We were in the AFC championship last year and won the Super Bowl two om Brady and the New England years ago so I don’t think anyone is feel- Patriots engineered the greatest ing bad for the Patriots.” loss, says coach comeback in Super Bowl history Indeed, the Patriots have reached the to claim a breathtaking 34-28 playoff s in 16 of the 17 years, missing only Tovertime victory over the Atlanta Falcons in 2008 when Brady suff ered a season- Reuters Houston on Sunday, cementing their status as true ending knee injury in his team’s open- a NFL dynasty. ing game. Since 2002 that Patriots have With the victory, Brady becomes the fi ve Super Bowl wins in seven trips to the he Atlanta Falcons came fi rst quarterback to win fi ve Super Bowl championship game. agonizingly close to championships and, at 39, the second Their victory on Sunday added another winning their fi rst Su- oldest at his position to win the NFL’s chapter to the Patriots legacy as Brady per Bowl title on Sunday, biggest prize. And while Brady claims engineered a jaw-dropping comeback Tand head coach DAN QUINN each one is special, Sunday’s may be the from a 28-3 third quarter defi cit to steal admitted the 34-28 overtime loss sweetest as it was his fi rst since serving a the title and deny Atlanta a maiden Super to the New England Patriots was four-game ban this season handed down Bowl. hard to take. “No doubt that was by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for Their success has become known as a tough one for us,” said Quinn. it was hard for us to deal with.” his role in the Defl ategate scandal that “The Patriot Way,” a no-nonsense ap- “That’s a hard one in the locker That said, Quinn was proud of surfaced two years ago. proach preached by Belichick, who also room.” The Falcons looked head- the way his team battled together Brady, Patriots head coach Bill Beli- picked up his fi fth Super Bowl victory to ed for a romp, turning the Patri- in their quest for their fi rst NFL chick and owner Robert Kraft shrugged move past Chuck Noll (Pittsburgh Steel- ots over twice in the fi rst half on title in the 51st season for the off suggestions of revenge as motivation ers) for most by a coach. the way to a 21-3 lead at inter- Falcons. “I am proud of the fi ght while the Patriots played the season with The trophies, statistics and records mission. A third-quarter touch- that these guys have. The broth- a massive New England-against-the- accumulated over the last 15 years stamp down made it 28-3 for Atlanta, erhood that this group has built, world chip on their collective shoulders. the Patriots, love them or hate them, as but the Patriots refused to give it’s as strong as I’ve seen,” he While Brady would not qualify his ti- an NFL dynasty. Making their unmatched up and scored a remarkable 31 said. Quinn, in his second season tles, Kraft was clear about where Sun- success even more impressive is it has unanswered points for the great- as the Falcons head coach after day’s stunning victory ranks. “Two years come during the age of the salary cap est comeback ever in a Super winning a Super Bowl as defen- ago, we won our fourth Super Bowl down which makes sustained excellence harder Bowl or any postseason game. sive coordinator for the Seattle in Arizona and I told our fans that was the James White of the New England Patriots scores the title winning touchdown in than ever. Quinn felt the Falcons were Seahawks, lamented the team’s sweetest one of all,” said Kraft. overtime against the Atlanta Falcons in Houston, Texas. (Reuters) “No I don’t get into that,” Belichick worn out by the end by the pres- inability to get a stop when they “But, a lot has transpired during the said when asked where his team ranks sure the Patriots applied. “I think needed one during the Patriot’s last two years and I don’t think that needs ing Goodell during the trophy presen- as outside their borders the Patriots are in NFL history. “Rank them whatever. for sure we ran out of gas some,” late rally. any explanation. I want to say to our fans, tation, it was also clear this Super Bowl viewed by many as cheaters. Tonight we earned the championship, Quinn said. “They executed ter- “We knew it was going to come our brilliant coaching staff , our amazing was something special. Goodell, who has “Thank you to all our fans. Everyone these guys played like champions when rifi cally. That was one of the down to the end for sure, and just players, who are so spectacular this un- been conspicuous in his absence from back in Boston, New England, we love it counted most in the fourth quarter and things that we don’t talk about at the end for them to have the equivocally the sweetest.” New England’s home games since the you. You’ve been with us all year. We’re overtime. It’s about this team and what with them a lot, is the way they scores back-to-back, that was For Patriots fans at NRG Stadium who Defl ategate scandal, has long been held bringing this sucker home,” said Brady as this team accomplished. It isn’t about can execute. When they got hot, the diff erence for sure.” took massive delight in roundly boo- as a villain by the team’s supporters, just he raised the Vince Lombardi Trophy. anything else.” Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, February 7, 2017 SPORT

NBA MLB Royals agree to terms with Retiring Pierce gets a pitcher Hammel

By Rustin Dodd The Kansas City Star

n the days after tragedy, as the Royals and hero’s welcome and a Kansas City wrestled with the death of start- ing pitcher Yordano Ventura, general manager Dayton Moore made it clear that the franchise Iwas prepared to fi ll the on-fi eld hole. Moore did not know how it would be done. The loss and pain was all too fresh. But the organization would fi nd a way forward, he said. For now, the grieving process continues. But legend’s exit in Boston Moore and the front offi ce moved aggressively on Sunday to fi ll the hole in the club’s starting rota- tion, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with free ‘Truly great to play for the best fans in the world for 15 years and they showed it tonight’ agent starting pitcher Jason Hammel. The deal was fi rst reported by Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal late Sunday night. It includes a guaran- teed $16 million over two years, pending a physical this week, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan. The specifi c terms of the contract were not yet known as of late Sunday, but the deal is likely to be signifi cantly backloaded, limiting the fi nancial cost in 2017. Moore was not able to be reached for comment late Sunday, though club policy prohibits team of- fi cials from commenting on deals until contracts are offi cial. Hammel, 34, is coming off a season in which he posted a 3.83 ERA and recorded 144 strikeouts in 166 2/3 innings for the Chicago Cubs. As spring training loomed, he remained the best available free agent starting pitcher on the market. Since 2014, Hammel has exceeded 500 innings pitched while posting a 3.68 ERA. He will likely slot into the middle of the rotation, behind left-hander Danny Duff y and right-hander Ian Kennedy. Left-hander Jason Vargas is also positioned as a rotation lock in his fi rst full season back from Tommy John surgery. Right-hander Nathan Karns could enter spring training as a favourite to win the fi nal spot in the rotation, but he will likely draw heavy competition from left-hander Matt Strahm, who also projects as an option at the back end of the bullpen. The move comes just one week after the club completed a deal for slugger Brandon Moss. At a news conference on Wednesday, Moore hinted that the Royals were looking for ways to shore up the starting rotation. “We’ll do something,” Moore said. “I think we’ll do something. I got a feeling. I don’t know what, but certainly before spring training.” By late Sunday, that something was a deal for Hammel, the top arm on the market. The prospective signing also represents a mild shift in off season philosophy. All off season, Royals offi cials have stated that the club’s payroll would not exceed the club record of more than $140 mil- lion in 2016. But that could change after deals for Moss and Hammel. LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce sits on the bench during a time out in the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Entering Sunday, the Royals owed close to $128 million for 18 players, according to Star projec- AFP ovation during a video highlight nowhere loves him more than Boston. off illness and stitches for his ninth The NBA-worst Nets fell to 9-42 tions, a number that includes $8 million owed to New York display, fans chanting “We Want “I’ve been enjoying every mo- triple-double with 15 points, 11 as- while the Raptors improved to 31- second baseman Omar Infante and $3.25 million Paul” and “Thank You Paul” much ment of it,” Pierce said. sists and 11 rebounds, sparking the 21, fourth overall in the Eastern for Ventura. The Royals may receive some relief of the second half. “Great fans. They have enjoyed Raptors over the Brooklyn Nets Conference. on Ventura’s contract through an insurance policy, etiring NBA star Paul Their screams were rewarded everything I have been able to do. 103-95. though the contract status may take months to Pierce made an emotional when Clippers coach Doc Rivers It’s great to come in here one last Prior to the NBA matinee match- Westbrook scores 42 in win sort out, according to club offi cials. In addition, farewell appearance in called upon Pierce with 20 seconds time and get all this attention.” up, Raptors coach Dwane Casey NBA scoring leader Russell the Royals were on the hook this off season for $6 Boston on Sunday, sinking remaining and he responded by Isaiah Thomas scored 28 points said Lowry was feeling “under the Westbrook scored 42 points to million in buyouts for Kendrys Morales, Edinson theR fi nal basket for the Los Angeles making a 3-pointer, extending his to lead the Celtics, who took a weather” and the Raptors point power the Oklahoma City Thun- Volquez, Kris Medlen and Luke Hochevar. Clippers in their 107-102 loss to run of having never gone scoreless club-record 52 3-point shots and guard added to his misery during der over visiting Portland 105-99. As the off season began last October, the Royals the Celtics. in Boston. made 16 of them, while the Clip- the game, needing four stitches The star playmaker averages 30.8 appeared unwilling to open the coff ers and make Pierce, a 10-time NBA All-Star, “I’m thankful he gave me that pers, who never led, had 23 points on his right forearm after colliding points a game for Oklahoma City, a splash in free agency, citing the need to control played 15 seasons for the Celtics opportunity and that I got out here each from Blake Griffi n and Jamal with a camera attached to a stan- which improved to 30-22, seventh cost. In an eff ort to fi nd that payroll relief and re- and was the 2008 NBA Finals Most and made a bucket,” Pierce said. Crawford. chion near the basket. in the Western Conference. plenish the organisation’s assets for the future, Valuable Player in leading Boston to “Truly great to play for the best The Celtics improved to 33-18, Lowry played 40 minutes for the Damian Lillard led the Trail they dealt closer Wade Davis to the Chicago Cubs the title. fans in the world for 15 years and second in the Eastern Conference Raptors, who were without star Blazers with 27 points as Portland for outfi elder Jorge Soler, saving close to $7 million The 39-year-old forward kissed they showed it tonight. They just by two games to defending NBA DeMar DeRozan for a seventh game slid to 22-29, one loss behind Den- in 2017 salary. They shaved off another $2 million the middle of the Boston Garden showered me with love.” champion Cleveland, and stretched due to a right ankle sprain. ver for the eighth and fi nal West or so by exchanging outfi elder Jarrod Dyson for court before making a rare start for Pierce, second on the Celtics all- their win streak to seven games. Jonas Valanciunas led the Rap- playoff spot. Karns, who is under club control through 2020. the Clippers, playing the fi rst fi ve time scoring list, has averaged 20.0 The Clippers fell to 31-20, fi fth in tors with 22 points, making 9-of-17 But with a hole in the rotation, and a pivotal minutes as the Celtics seized a 15-6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and the Western Conference. shots from the fl oor, and shut down Results season on the horizon, the Royals appear poised to lead. 1.3 steals a game for his 18-year NBA Brooklyn’s Brook Lopez, who had Celtics 107 Clippers 102 allocate resources toward Hammel, a former 10th- Pierce shed tears from the bench career, including stops in Brooklyn A hard-earned triple double 20 points for the Nets, who suf- Raptors 103 Nets 95 round pick who has pieced together the best run of as the crowd gave him a standing and Washington as well as LA. But Toronto’s Kyle Lowry shrugged fered their ninth consecutive loss. Thunder 105 Trail Blazers 99 his career in his early 30s.

NHL Rangers score 4-3 home win against Flames

By Steve Zipay “They’ve been winning lately and have The teams had traded power-play Newsday a lot of confi dence,” said Lundqvist, who goals in the fi rst. With Dan Girardi whis- made 29 saves, “but we came out in the tled for a trip as he broke up a stretch third and it looked like we made up our pass at 5:26, Lundqvist’s clearing pass n a strange Sunday matinee that mind that we wanted these two points.” was intercepted, and Dougie Hamilton’s had everything from follies to With the score tied at 1 after 20 min- point shot went by a screen by Nick fi ghts, somehow the Rangers found utes, the Rangers never seemed to have Holden at 6:59. some answers in the third period, the puck for more than a few seconds, as The Blueshirts responded when Matt Iand skated out of Madison Square Gar- the Flames stifl ed their off ense, forcing Stajan was off for tripping Zibanejad just den with a 4-3 victory over the Calgary giveaways. 44 seconds later. Elliott blocked Derek Flames. The Blueshirts off ense was choppy; Stepan’s shot from the left side, but the After a second period that coach Alain nothing was smooth about their game. rebound came to Rick Nash at the top of Vigneault called “awful from both sides Their third shot of the period came with the crease and he snapped the puck over ... there was nothing going on and no 5:45 left. It was up to Lundqvist to keep the goalie’s glove at 8:54 for his 15th of plays being made,” and ended with the Calgary, with far better scoring oppor- the season. score 1-1 after 40 minutes, the Rangers tunities – but just eight shots – at bay. A tenth of a second had prevented beat goaltender Brian Elliott three times The transformation came suddenly the Rangers from a 2-1 lead in the fi rst. and held the Flames to two goals. in the third, engineered by two 20-goal A back-to-the-net defl ection by Nash As a result, the Blueshirts escaped scorers. Grabner gave the Blueshirts a zipped under the crossbar but was over- with two points and a much-needed win 2-1 lead with his 23rd goal of the season turned on review. The red light went on, at home, where they had lost fi ve of the at 1:54. He initially missed a shot but re- but replays showed that time had run last seven. trieved the puck, and got it to J.T. Miller, out. “That’s what happens when things “We wanted to get a win in any fash- who fed Brady Skjei and the rookie found aren’t going in for you,” Nash said. For- ion and start this (four-game) home Grabner in the lower right circle. Kreider tunately for the Rangers, enough went stand off on the right foot,” Rangers cap- used defenseman Dennis Wideman as right in Sunday’s fi nal twenty minutes. tain Ryan McDonagh said. a screen coming down the left side and “I thought we were the better team,” In the third, Michael Grabner and fi red over Elliott’s glove at 8:20 for his said Flames forward Mikael Backlund. Chris Kreider scored, sandwiched 21st goal to snap a 2-2 tie. “They came out hard in the third and around a goal from Calgary’s Troy Brou- “We weren’t happy after the sec- took charge.” wer, and underrated Jesper Fast scored ond, too many mistakes,” said Fast, who the decisive goal at 11:33 before the struck for this fourth goal, on another Results Flames made Henrik Lundqvist sweat pass from Miller, who had forced a turn- Capitals 5 Kings 0 by trimming the lead to one on Matthew over, from the right post to the slot. “Al- Rangers 4 Flames 3 New York Rangers right wing Michael Grabner (R) celebrates scoring a goal with teammates during the third period Tkachuk’s score a minute later. most had an empty net,” Fast said. Oilers 1 Canadiens 0 (shootout) against the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Tuesday, February 7, 2017 7 SPORT

ALPINE SKIING Waveriders to face Warriors today American star Vonn IANS jeet Singh, Parvinder Singh and Santa Singh to fi re up. Title holders are undoubtedly strong con- osts tenders for the title. They have are set to face de- a solid line-up in Mink van der fending champions Weerden, Jacob Whetton, S.V. Jaypee Punjab War- Sunil, Matt Gohdes and young goes head-to-head riorsH in the fi fth edition of the Armaan Qureshi who have Hockey India League (HIL) at shown what they are capable of the Shivaji Stadium here today. on a good day on the fi eld. While Delhi are yet to regis- The team will also expect ter a win in the league and are a lot more from their senior currently placed at the bottom players like Robert van der of the points table, the defend- Horst, who is playing his maid- ing champions will be eyeing a en HIL, Mark Knowles and with Swiss hope Gut victory this time as they nar- Sardar Singh who have a lot of rowly lost their last match to fi re-power in them. the . Commenting on the up- ‘The big challenge is to rehab my leg and get back as soon as possible. I’m here to ski’ After playing three games coming match, skipper Sardar in the season so far, Delhi have Singh said: “I think it was un- four points with one draw fortunate that we lost against against Ranchi Rays and two Kalinga Lancers. We came back losses against Dabang Mum- very strong in the last quarter bai and Kalinga Lancers. On though we conceded goals in the other hand, the defend- the fi rst half.” ing Champions led by stalwart “I think our defenders did well Captains Sardar Singh and Mark in terms of not letting Kalinga Knowles are currently placed Lancers score more goals in the second from the bottom of the second half. I am sure the team points table with six points. is ready for a good fi ght against The Delhi Waveriders led by Delhi Waveriders. We need to be expert drag-fl icker Rupinder consistent in our performance.” Pal Singh will be hoping to lev- “We are working on ironing erage the home ground advan- out some minor mistakes we tage and will be rooting for their did in the previous match and I junior Indian team’s World Cup am confi dent the team is eager heroes Mandeep Singh, Har- for a good show,” he added.

India to host women’s Asia Cup India will host two international events in 2017 - the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and FIBA U-16 Women’s Asian Champion- ship - the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) announced. The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup will be held from July 23 to 29 in Bengaluru while the FIBA U-16 Women’s Asian Champion- ship will be held from October 22 to 28 in Hyderabad, a BFI statement said. Fourteen teams will take part in both events, with eight teams in Division A and six in lower Division B. This will be the first time since 2009 that India will host a major International Basketball Federation (FIBA) event. “FIBA has allotted this event to India with utmost confidence and sup- port, based on the steady increase in on-court quality of the Indian national teams over the past two years,” the release said. The men’s national teams made it to the quarter-finals in the 28th FIBA Asia Championship in 2015 and again to the quarter-finals, bagging an all time best seventh place in the FIBA Asia Challenge 2016. (IANS)

Accused Hickey bows out as Irish chief Pat Hickey formally left as president of the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) yesterday in a long statement reflecting on 28 years in the role — but failing to acknowledge a ticketing scandal. AFP hopefully with my training I’ll my leg and get back as soon as an athlete to watch so many ath- downhill training runs at The 71-year-old was due to step down following last year’s St. Moritz, Switzerland get my confi dence back.” possible. I’m here to ski. letes getting injured, including the World Ski Championships Olympic Games, but was arrested in Rio de Janeiro as part of an Gut was last season’s overall “It’s here I made my fi rst po- myself.” were cancelled on Monday be- investigation into an alleged ticketing scam. World Cup winner, and Vonn dium, so I’m obviously really Other rivals to Vonn and Gut cause of bad weather in St He was allowed to return to Ireland in December after being merican star Lindsey admitted that she was a “a great happy that I’m back here.” include Ilka Stuhec, who claimed Moritz. detained by the Brazilian authorities in August and has vowed to Vonn and Swiss hope competitor and has had a great Vonn said injuries were part the fi rst super-G of her career at Heavy overnight snow cou- clear his name, saying he is “totally innocent”. Lara Gut will set up a season so far”. and parcel of ski racing, noting Cortina d’Ampezzo, when Vonn pled with wind and low-lying “Since 1989 it has been my great honour and privilege to lead mouth-watering world “Everyone’s going to be pull- the absence of male competitors trailed in out of the top 10. fog and cloud gave organisers this great Irish sporting institution as president,” Hickey said in a championshipsA in St Moritz ing for her here in Switzerland!” Aksel Lund Svindal, Ted Ligety, Italian Sofi a Goggia should no choice but to cancel the fi rst statement sent to AFP. when they go head-to-head in While Vonn recovers from a Steve Nyman and Valentin Gi- also be in the reckoning for a po- chance racers would have had to “As you will remember, at the beginning of 2016 I announced the women’s opening super-G broken arm and injured hand, raud Moine. dium fi nish while Austria’s Anna look at the courses. that Rio would be my last Games as president and that I would today. Gut is working to get her leg back “I don’t know what you can Veith is also back with a venge- The men have a second train- stand down immediately after the Games. Both Vonn and Gut come into in shape after a fall in the Cortina do to change it. It’s a risk of our ance after a long injury lay-off . ing session today ahead of to- “Accordingly, the time has now come to pass the Irish Olympic the race on the back of a cou- super-G on January 29. sport, but I hope the injuries be- “It’s great to have Anna back,” morrow’s super-G, with a third torch to a new generation and I wish nothing but the best of luck ple of crashes on the World Cup “I’m 100% fi t,” maintained come less,” she said. said Gut. Veith seems to have re- and fi nal session scheduled for and success to the new president, off icers and executive com- circuit, but the pair have both the Swiss racer who stormed to “It’s kind of like car racing, gained the form which saw her Friday ahead of Saturday’s blue- mittee of the OCI.” vowed that nothing would be prominence as a teenager at the we’re always going to fi nd a way win the overall World Cup titles riband downhill. Hickey did not mention the alleged ticketing scam but he left in the changing room come 2009 worlds in Val d’Isere. to go fast no matter what rules in 2014 and 2015 under her maid- The women now go straight thanked his wife Sylviane for supporting him “through thick and the secondary speed event of the “I’m better, there’s nothing you change, our goal is to win en name Fenniger before being into today’s super-G, with two thin”. February 6-19 world champs. injured or broken. It could have races and skiers will always be sidelined with a serious injury. more downhill training runs The OCI will elect a new president on Thursday, but Hickey said “My body is pretty sore from been better: to have gone skiing pushing the limit to fi nd that set for tomorrow and Thursday, he would not be able to attend the extraordinary general meet- hitting the nets two too many for a week rather than spending success. Downhill training cancelled with a downhill run making up ing on health grounds. times,” acknowledged Vonn. it with the physio! “I don’t know what the solu- because of weather part of Friday’s medalling alpine He is recovering from a recent medical procedure on his heart. “The super-G is right away, so “The big challenge is to rehab tion is, but it’s defi nitely hard as The men and women’s fi rst combined event.

SPOTLIGHT Race against time won, now Gut ready for Worlds

DPA an expectant nation is looking to now accustomed to, and St Moritz St Moritz, Switzerland Gut to kick-start a medal rush remains a special place for her. over the 13-day schedule. No wonder she said she “loves” At her press conference in the coming back to St Moritz when wiss favourite Lara Gut Swiss team hotel an overfl ow area it was at this resort she had her is a strong home hopeful was required for journalists as fi rst podium and fi rst victory as a for the world champion- Gut declared herself, if not fully teenager. ships in St Moritz but after fi t, then fi t enough to compete And winning gold today, the aS crash last week, the 25-year old in German, French, Italian and fi rst of her scheduled four races is now relishing just being at the English. which also includes downhill, su- start. She did concede that standing per-combined and giant slalom, When Gut clipped a gate in too long was problematic but “on would make it fi fth time lucky at the Cortina super-g last week, the piste it’s a minute and I can ski her fi fth championships after pre- she recovered quickly and skied for a minute.” viously collecting three silver and down the slope unaided, if a little The 25-year-old Gut is not only a bronze. gingerly. the reigning overall World Cup “I just have to ski fast, that’s my It was only afterwards that the champion but has won two small goal,” she said. “If at the end of the true nature of bumps and bruises globes in super-g and leads the day I know I did my best that’s al- she suff ered emerged. discipline standings with three right. “This week has gone a bit dif- race victories this season. The super-g fi eld is likely to ferently as planned,” Gut told She dismissed the notion that contain strong competition for journalists Sunday. “My shoulder the hopes of the Swiss team are on Gut from record World Cup win- is okay, hand is okay and leg is her shoulders despite “crazy” me- ner Lindsey Vonn, Liechtenstein’s okay, quite blue but blue spots are dia attention in the build-up. Tina Weirather and the downhill nothing special.” “I don’t have the feeling I’m at season-dominator Ilka Stuhec but The week has been spent not the start alone,” she said. “We’ll that is no reason to panic. focusing on form or strength but all give our best. “I going to be focused on my with a team of therapists working “I don’t feel the pressure, I have Skiing and doing what I can,” she on her leg – and her attendance nothing to lose, defend or to save.” said. shows the fi rst race has already Gut is out to enjoy her home “There’s nothing to invent, been won. world championships, though nothing to fi nd, no answer to fi nd With the women’s super-g her experience means there are in the sky. I just have to ski and opening the race program today, few courses in the world she is not show what I can [do].” Swiss favourite Lara Gut. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, February 7, 2017 RUGBY

OBITUARY Fierce competitor Westhuizen loses fi nal battle

Reuters he made plenty of those for rugby fans The Boks won that fi nal 15-12 in Cape Town around the world. what was the defi ning moment of Van At 6-foot-1-inches (1.85 metres) tall der Westhuizen’s career, and later led and almost 90 kilograms (198 pounds) to a friendship with Lomu, who died outh African World Cup winner during his heyday, Van der Westhuizen from a heart attack related to his kid- Joost van der Westhuizen, was larger than the average scrumhalf, ney disorder in November 2015. counted among rugby’s great- but also had great speed and a wicked “When he was on song he could fl ip est scrumhalves, died yesterday side-step that helped him to score 38 a game and win it almost single-hand- atS the age of 45. tries in 89 tests for the Boks between edly. He was a magic player,” Justin Van der Westhuizen was diagnosed 1993 and 2003, a record for the coun- Marshall, the rival All Black scrumhalf with motor neurone disease (MND) in try that stood for 13 years before being for much of Van der Westhuizen’s ca- 2011 and given two-and-a-half years surpassed by Bryan Habana. reer, said in 2012. to live, but led a brave fi ght for not just He remains the most prolifi c scrum- Born in Pretoria, Van der West- his own life, but also greater awareness half in international rugby for his tries huizen played for his home Blue Bulls and understanding of the debilitating tally. His ability to fi nd gaps in opposi- union from 1993 until his retirement condition. tion defence characterised his role in a decade later, and also featured in the Much admired for his career as a the team, not just as the link between 1999 and 2003 World Cups. rugby player, which included a winners forwards and backs, but as a potent at- He was inducted into the Interna- medal in the 1995 World Cup, he was lat- tacking weapon and points machine. tional Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007 and er vilifi ed and fi nally feted in retirement. His size and bravery made him un- at the time of his retirement was the Having admitted extra-marital yielding defender too, with his most most capped Bok of all time. aff airs and drug use that for a time memorable tackle coming in a tense He went on to become a respected soured his popular image in the coun- 1995 World Cup fi nal in Johannes- TV pundit but endured controversy in try, he would go on to create the J9 burg when rampaging giant New Zea- 2009 when he confi rmed allegations Foundation, a charitable organisation land wing Jonah Lomu, who had burst of an extra-marital aff air and drug use. that he leaves as potentially his most through a number of Bok defenders Van der Westhuizen married South important legacy. already and looked certain to score, African singer Amor Vittone in 2002, “Life is not measured by the amount clashed head-on with Van der West- though the pair later separated af- of years lived, but by the amount of huizen and was hauled to the ground in ter the allegations became public. He memories created,” Van der West- a display of courage that became folk- is survived by his son Jordan, 13 and huizen said after his diagnosis. And lore in South Africa. daughter Kylie, 10.

FOCUS Former Wallaby Higginbotham Wales must improve charged with police assault in all areas against

Reuters The Australian Sydney (ARU) said it had been informed England, says Howley of the matter. “The ARU integrity unit has subsequently launched ormer Australia forward an investigation into the inci- ‘We use the word relentless, with and without the ball, there were aspects of Scott Higginbotham has dent,” ARU chief Bill Pulver said Fbeen charged with assault- in a statement. “As the matter our game today when we weren’t relentless. We’ll have to put England under ing an off icer after being arrested is currently with Queensland at a police station in Brisbane Police, no further comment will more pressure than we did against Italy. That’s going to be the challenge’ in the early hours of Sunday be made at this time.” morning. Higginbotham last year The 30-year-old Higginboth- signed a long-term deal to return am, who played the last of his 32 to the Queensland Reds, who he tests in 2015, was charged follow- helped to the 2011 Super Rugby ing an incident at the Brunswick title, after two seasons at the Street police station in Fortitude Melbourne Rebels and a spell in Valley, Queensland Police said. Japan. The Reds host South Af- “The 30-year-old has been rica’s Sharks in their Super Rugby charged with one count each season-opener at Lang Park on of assaulting police and being February 24. found in a police establishment At his best a highly eff ective without a lawful excuse,” said a ball carrier, Higginbotham’s indis- police statement. cipline on the pitch probably cost Fortitude Valley is an area him the chance to win more Wal- known for its lively bar scene labies caps. The former number and local media reports said one eight, who had only resumed of Higginbotham’s friends had training with the Reds last week earlier been arrested for urinating after playing two seasons in in public. The incident apparently Japan, has been stood down until arose when Higginbotham, after the police matter is resolved, the his friend’s arrest, allegedly tried to club said. He is due to appear in intervene and had to be restrained. the Brisbane Magistrates Court A taser was drawn but not used. on February 21.

SPOTLIGHT Wales inspired by bonus-point mentality to top Six Nations

Reuters times in a row before Italy’s stout Rome defence fi nally persuaded him to give the ball to goalkicking maes- tro Leigh Halfpenny, who kicked ales just missed out four straight penalties to calm on scoring a bonus the visitors’ nerves. point in the fi rst Having fi nally scored a try Wales coach Rob Howley looks on round of the Six after an hour, Wales could have WNations championship but their locked down the match, espe- as his team trains before Sunday's Six Nations match against Italy at thirst for one helped put them on cially with a slippery ball and an the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. (AFP) top of the table on Sunday night. Italian captain, , For the fi rst time this season, always threatening to bust the tournament is employing a through the Welsh line. AFP George North after both received knocks that we can go into the next game with a conceding 15 penalties to Wales’s fi ve. bonus-point system that oper- Instead, Wales went hunting for Rome against Italy. Biggar failed to return after little bit more belief and confi dence.” “We have to make sure we change the ates in professional competitions the four tries — even though they half-time at Stadio Olimpico with injured Wales were expected to coast against perception of people who look at us so across Europe and the southern could have risked further injury to ribs and North took a blow to his thigh but an Azzurri side they had beaten 22 times that we’re offi ciated on a level playing hemisphere. their key winger, George North. nterim coach Rob Howley called on played on, in obvious discomfort. in 24 encounters, scoring over 60 points fi eld,” said O’Shea. Italy’s transgressions At the end of the opening Even though North was hob- Wales to “improve in all areas” before “We use the word relentless, with and on each of their last two Six Nations remain “one of the many things we have weekend, Wales topped the table bling with a corked right thigh facing England after overcoming a te- without the ball, there were aspects of our meetings. But Italy’s shock 20-18 upset of to get our heads around,” added O’Shea. on points diff erence after a 33-7 with fi ve minutes left on the dious fi rst half to secure a 33-7 win over game today when we weren’t relentless,” South Africa in November was a reminder After Halfpenny hit three penalties in victory against lowly Italy, while clock and the game was already ItalyI in their Six Nations opener on Sunday. added Howley. “We’ll have to put England of their marked improvement under Irish succession Wales were 12-7 ahead before the other weekend’s winners, won, he wanted to carry on Wales sit top of the table on points dif- under more pressure than we did against coach Conor O’Shea and for nearly an the hour. England and Scotland, scraped and ended up going over for a ference after a weekend that saw Scot- Italy. That’s going to be the challenge.” hour Wales were on the back foot. Lovotti’s walk to the sinbin on 60 min- narrow wins. 60-metre try in the 78th minute, land stun Ireland and England snatch a Howley was quick to put the Welsh Italy had a 7-3 half-time lead thanks utes virtually ended all hope of an Italy That would have been the Wales’ third try. comeback win over France. But Howley, performance into perspective. “We know to Edoardo Gori’s try and a fi ghtback as the visitors ran in late tries likely outcome even without a Of course, there must have standing in for Warren Gatland while he how tough it is to come to Italy. The con- conversion, Leigh Halfpenny hitting a thanks to Jonathan Davies, Liam Wil- bonus-point system, but Wales been a temptation for Howley is on British and Irish Lions duty, said ditions made it even tougher and we’re penalty for the visitors, and a battling de- liams and North. coach Rob Howley said after the to bring him off with a view to that Wales would need to lift their game pleased, but we’ll move on quickly and fensive display that had the Welsh attack “They’re very disappointed because I win in Rome that the incentive of next weekend’s big clash against before tackling Grand Slam champions focus on the next one,” he said. “As I said frustrated. felt there was a real opportunity at half- a bonus for scoring four tries had champions, England. “It (North’s England on Saturday in Cardiff . to the players before the game, it’s im- But a superb second-half display pro- time,” added O’Shea. “We drained the en- put his players in a particularly decision) gave us a good insight “We want to improve in all areas,” said portant for us to start competitions well. duced 30 unanswered points as Italy, hand- ergy out of ourselves by our ill discipline.” aggressive mindset from the start. into what the players were think- Howley, who will await assessments on We haven’t (won our opening game) since icapped by being sent to the Ireland are the next opponents for Italy Captain Alun Wyn Jones opt- ing like. They were eager to get the fi tness of fl y-half Dan Biggar and wing 2014 so I’m glad from that perspective sinbin on the hour, paid for ill discipline — on Saturday, also in Rome. ed for an attacking lineout three the bonus point,” Howley said. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 7, 2017 9 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Since his release from an assault Deeney — from jail to charge, the 28-year-old has rebuilt his life and is Watford’s riches captain now

AFP ticularly close to the man he called his London father, Paul Anthony Burke — his bio- logical father left home early on. He has a tattoo which bears Burke’s date of atford striker Troy birth and death. Deeney’s “light bulb” mo- It was to Burke that Deeney’s ment came when the cell thoughts turned when Watford gained door slammed and he con- automatic promotion to the Premier Wtemplated a 10-month jail term for af- League in the 2014-15 season. fray fi ve years ago, he told AFP. “I just cried,” admits Deeney. “I re- The 28-year-old, locked up for as- member I found out on the bus that we saulting a student outside a pub, en- got promoted as other results went our tered prison with words from his way — everyone went crazy.” mother ringing in his ears — that it was He added: “I always wanted to be a at times like that she wished he had not footballer and always liked the idea of been born. playing in the Premier League. I had But Deeney rebuilt his life and his ca- played in League One (the third tier) reer and two years after he was released with Walsall, then the Championship. having served three months, he was “My dad and granddad would be appointed Watford captain, a role he so proud. I rang my wife (Stacey and retains to this day. mother of their two children, Myles and “The light bulb moment for me came Amelia) and said I’m going there to his when the door closed and my real world graveside. had stopped,” Deeney, who lost his fa- “However, at 6 in the evening it was ther just before the attack which sent shut so I went out with the team. him to prison, told AFP. “Then the next morning I went with “It was survival mode after that. a thermos of tea to the cemetery and People will go ‘right yeah survival had a cup of tea and sat there talking to mode’ and say that’s a bit drastic but it his gravestone.” was that. Deeney, who has set up his own “All my feelings and emotions cut foundation to help seriously ill children off as I said to myself ‘you’ve got to get and distributes football kit to young- through this next few months’. sters on the tough estate where he once “I didn’t have enough time to sulk lived in Birmingham, says he has used or cry and do all the things you would his prison experience to advise young think are natural reactions. off enders. “If my mum died now I’d be a mess. “I would probably stay away from I’d be crying all over the place and talking in prisons because I had a career drinking loads of beer like everyone else going in and I had one going out,” said would. I didn’t have that luxury.” Deeney, who invited two of the prison Deeney said incarceration trans- guards to the Championship play-off formed him for the better. fi nal in 2014 as a way of thanking them “I always knew I would come out for encouraging him to go to the prison better but it was about how I went gym and keep fi t. about doing it,” said Deeney. “I can’t resonate with a lot of people “Part of the course was alcohol de- there as there are a lot who have lived pendency which was compulsory if I on that same road (crime) and once was to be eligible for a tag (to wear on they are out they go back to doing the early release). same thing. “I got into speaking, I used to be “Driving out there in a Range Rover closed and have a lot of anger in me, at probably doesn’t sit well with them,” the group sessions. added Deeney, who nevertheless stays “I still speak to a psychologist. Peo- in touch with two of the inmates he ple feel sorry for themselves and think considers friends. the world owes them something and Deeney spoke to AFP after speaking then you realise it’s not that bad.” at Sport Industry NextGen in partner- Deeney, now a teetotaler, was par- ship with Barclays. In this January 25, 2014, picture, Watford’s Troy Deeney celebrates his goal during their FA Cup fourth round match against Manchester City in Manchester. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE SERIE A Low-budget village team Juve visit lowly Altach tops Austrian league Crotone, set on

Reuters Altach, Austria extending lead he Alpine village of Altach boasts one supermarket, a DPA squad so I’ll be able to rotate.” small bakery, a furniture shop, Rome Bologna and visiting AC Milan also one restaurant — and a team meet tomorrow following a cancelled Tthat sits proudly on top of the Austrian game, both seeking to forget poor football league. game in hand at troubled weekend outings. Despite not having spent a single Crotone tomorrow off ers Ju- The eighth-placed Devils suff ered a cent on transfer fees this season and ventus a chance to establish third straight defeat, being edged 1-0 having seen their coach up sticks and a comfortable lead at the top at home by Sampdoria Sunday, and join a bigger club, Altach spent the ofA the Italian Serie A as they pursue a look to reduce a fi ve-point gap from the winter break two points clear at the record sixth consecutive title. Europa League zone. top of the Austrian Bundesliga. Beating the second-last newcomers Coach Vincenzo Montella misses the They have enjoyed emphatic wins would push the Bianconeri nine points injured Riccardo Montolivo, Giacomo over traditional powers Rapid Vienna clear of Napoli, with Roma possibly go- Bonaventura, Mattia De Sciglio and and Austria Vienna and drawn with ing second with a seven-point gap if Luca Antonelli, as the squad got just Salzburg, who enjoy the fi nancial they beat Fiorentina today. two goals in the last three games. backing of energy drinks giants Red The front-runners treated home fans “Everybody has to improve, includ- Bull. to a 1-0 defeat of in-form Inter Milan ing the forwards,” Montella said. “We To describe them simply as the Aus- late Sunday, clinching a 28th consecu- must continue to think positive be- trian Leicester City would not do them Altach’s Cashpoint Arena stadium, off ering excellent views of the surrounding mountains, holds only 8,000 people tive win at the Juventus Stadium to im- cause goals will come. What’s more justice. As sporting director Georg although that is still more than enough to accommodate the population of the entire village. (Reuters) prove their own league record. important is that everyone here shows Zellhofer pointed out, even last sea- Juve appeared to have switched gears their dedication.” son’s shock Premier League winners “We are a healthy club, we pay our ians to offl oad him. cannot match off ers from bigger Aus- after a 2-1 loss at Fiorentina in mid- Bologna had a bad Saturday at home, are giants compared in comparison. bills on time and we don’t overpay. He then played for Salzburg, Iraklis trian clubs, let alone ones from abroad. January, clinching three wins with a being hammered 7-1 against Napoli to Altach’s Cashpoint Arena stadium, We ensure that whatever we do, we do and Karlsruhe before joining Altach Coach Damir Canadi was lured to 5-0 goal balance as Gonzalo Higuain, end a good run of two wins and a draw. located next to a motorway but off er- it well,” said Zellhofer, who said that in 2012, where he has settled. “He is a Rapid Vienna in November and re- Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic They sit, however, safely in 14th place ing excellent views of the surrounding signing the right players was often typical story for us, he has enormous placed by Werner Grabherr, who kept played together up front. with a 13-point cushion from the drop mountains, holds only 8,000 people down to a “gut feeling”. potential,” said Zellhofer. the team at the top but could not con- But tactician Massimiliano Al- zone. although that is still more than enough “I go through my network, through Boris Prokopic was another exam- tinue on a long-term basis as he lacked legri may tweak his formation tomor- to accommodate the population of the my colleagues,” added Zellhofer, him- ple. a coaching licence. He now works in row as the schedule remains packed FIXTURES entire village. self a former player and coach. “I have “Prokopic was a top player, he had the marketing department. with Champions League action due to Today The team, which had never played developed a feeling for which players an knee injury at Innsbruck but with Martin Scherb has since taken over resume later this month. AS Roma v Fiorentina in the top fl ight until two seasons ago, can fi t in, which players are suitable us, he could once again play on the big the team. “We’ll need to pick up points against Tomorrow gets by on an annual budget of around for the club.” stage and fi nancially it made sense for Meanwhile, Dmitri Oberlin, their Crotone on Wednesday,” Allegri said, Crotone v Juventus 6.8mn euros — less than many top In particular, Zellhofer said he us,” said Zellhofer. top scorer with nine goals, returned “and rest a few of the lads. I have a great Bologna v AC Milan players earn. looked for players whose career has Altach are one of only a few teams to his parent club Salzburg when they A quick look at the squad does not stuttered but still have potential. from the Vorarlberg region, which has decided not to extend his loan. provide any obvious reasons to their Nearly all are signed on free transfers. more in common with Switzerland That means Altach will eff ectively Icardi, Perisic banned for referee off ences success either. “We look at players who want a sec- across the border than distant Vienna, be making a new start when the Bun- Many are journeymen profession- ond chance... players for who things to reach the top tier. desliga resumes at the weekend but Inter Milan pair Mauro Icardi and placed Napoli, Inter endured a frus- als who joined Altach when they were didn’t work out elsewhere,” he said. They fi nished third in their debut Zellhofer refused to be downhearted. Ivan Perisic were handed two- trating end to what had been one of still in the second tier and there are no “We look at what went wrong before top fl ight season in 2014-15 to qualify “We are not about one player, this match bans for offences against the the best league games of the season, precocious teenagers or even big name and take it from there.” for the Europa League, where they is a real team even though Oberlin was referee during their 1-0 defeat to Ju- with their Champions League qualify- veterans enjoying a swansong. One case was Cameroon forward reached the fi nal qualifying round. the fans’ favourite,” he said. “Even if ventus, Serie A officials announced ing hopes taking a hit. Instead, Altach’s success is down Louis Ngwat-Mahop whose topsy- Last season saw them fi nish eighth, we fi nish fourth or fi fth, that will be a yesterday. Croatia Perisic was shown to a combination of prudent manage- turvy career saw him make a single, something Zellhofer said he was per- huge success for us.” As Juventus secured an 18th win of a straight red card for comments he ment, shrewd player signings and a two-minute appearance for Bayern fectly happy with. As to whether they can go on and the season on Sunday that pushed made to the referee in the fourth and lack of pressure to perform compared Munich before confusion over his But with many small clubs, success win the title, he replied: “Dreaming is them six points clear of second- last minute of added-on time. to the so-called traditional clubs. French passport prompted the Bavar- has undesired consequences as Altach allowed....but it will be diffi cult.” Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, February 7, 2017 FOOTBALL

COPA DEL REY LIGUE 1 Monaco must handle Refreshed Barca spotlight, says Jardim AFP mas Meunier back after the pair Paris missed Saturday’s game, while the hope is to have goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and holding mid- onaco coach Le- fi elder Marco Verratti fi t in time onardo Jardim said for next week’s European clash at his free-scoring home to Barcelona. seek to continue side must cope with “We must progress every Mbuilding pressure after opening match and the team’s progres- up a three-point lead over their sion is done through matches, title rivals in the hunt for a fi rst by preparing well for them, play- Ligue 1 crown since 2000. ing well and winning them,” said Radamel Falcao scored twice Emery. “It’s the best preparation as Monaco outclassed Nice 3-0 for everything. on Saturday to pull clear of their “The tiredness is normal. Cup dominance Cote d’Azur rivals at the top, When you play lots of matches, with reigning champions Paris every three days right now, you Saint-Germain also three points need players to be at 100%. How ‘It is in the hard games where our pride comes out’ behind. you look after them is very im- “It’s harder to hold on to fi rst portant.” AFP place than to chase it down,” said Tomorrow, Nice will look to Madrid Jardim ahead of today’s trip to shake off just their second defeat Montpellier. of the season at home to a Saint- “I’m very focused on ourselves, Etienne side buoyed by a 2-0 win olders Barcelona have a fourth that’s the most important thing. over bitter rivals Lyon in Sun- consecutive Copa del Rey fi nal We’re working to be ready match day’s Rhone derby. in sight when Atletico Madrid after match. You can’t think about The defeat capped a dismal visit the Camp Nou today with the others. We’re in fi rst and our week for Lyon after they were Hthe daunting task over overturning a 2-1 aim is to keep hold of it.” bundled out the French Cup by semi-fi nal, fi rst leg defi cit. Monaco remain alive in four Marseille, while star striker Al- Stunning solo goals from Luis Suarez competitions, having already exandre Lacazette hinted his fu- and Lionel Messi put Barca well in com- qualifi ed for April’s League Cup ture lies elsewhere come the end mand of the tie before half-time at the fi nal against PSG, and face Man- of the season. Vicente Calderon on Wednesday. chester City in a fortnight’s time “I think the right time has ar- And both are well-rested for the return in the Champions League last 16. rived. I think this summer is as Suarez sat out Saturday’s 3-0 win over They also hit the 100 goal pla- the time to change the air and Athletic Bilbao, whilst Messi took a rare teau for the season at the week- see something else,” Lacazette break for the fi nal 25 minutes after net- end while Falcao’s return to form said on Sunday in an interview ting his 31st goal of the season. is a notable factor behind Mo- broadcast on Canal Plus. “It is important to realise that to reach naco’s emergence as a genuine Dimitri Payet is in line for his our three objectives we need the whole threat to PSG’s four-year reign. fi rst start following his contro- squad,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique with “He’s a top class player. My versial return to Marseille when his side going for a second treble of league, staff and I have put together a they take on slumping Guin- Cup and Champions League in three years. way of managing him so he can gamp. One key member of the Barca squad rediscover his form, but the will be missing for Atletico’s visit, quality has always been there,” FIXTURES though, as Neymar is suspended. Jardim said following the win Today Messi will also have to be careful as a over Nice. Caen v Bordeaux yellow card would rule him out of the fi - Montpellier v Monaco nal should Barca advance. BARCA ON THE HORIZON Paris Saint-Germain v Lille The hosts are also likely to also be PSG left it late before securing Tomorrow without Gerard Pique and Rafi nha. a 3-1 win at Dijon and next host Angers v Rennes Pique came off at half-time after pick- a Lille side bolstered by a raft Bastia v Nantes ing up a groin strain, whilst Rafi nha broke of new signings in the January Lorient v Toulouse his nose in a collision with Barca ‘keeper transfer window. Lyon v Nancy Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the weekend. Coach Unai Emery is keen to Metz v Dijon However, Andres Iniesta and Sergio get attacking midfi elder Angel Nice v Saint-Etienne Busquets are close to returning from Di Maria and full-back Tho- Marseille v Guingamp hamstring and ankle injuries respectively. Atletico were a team transformed in the second-half of the fi rst leg as they roared REPORT back into the tie after the introduction of Fernando Torres at the break. Antoine Griezmann halved the arrears, whilst Torres and Kevin Gameiro all came Saint-Etienne beat close to levelling near the end. Torres’s impact continued as he scored his fi rst La Liga goals since September nine-man Lyon with a double in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Leganes. “We know the game on Tuesday will in fi ery derby be extremely diffi cult, but it is in the hard games where our pride comes out and we hope to experience one of those magic nights on Tuesday,” said the former Liv- erpool and Chelsea striker. However, the size of the task awaiting Diego Simeone’s men is underlined by the fact Torres scored twice the last time they won at the Camp Nou during in his fi rst spell at the club in 2006. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (centre) celebrates a goal with teammates Luis Suarez (left) and Andre Gomes during the Copa del Rey Atletico will also be without suspended (King’s Cup) semi-final first leg match against Atletico Madrid in Madrid on February 1, 2017. (AFP) captain Gabi. Defender Lucas Hernandez returned to and Celta Vigo. extra time to prepare handed them an un- FIXTURES training on Sunday after he was arrested Celta had the weekend off as their La fair advantage. SEMI-FINAL, SECOND LEG in the early hours of Friday morning on Liga clash with Real Madrid was post- The Basques, though, have home ad- Today suspicion of domestic violence. poned after high winds caused structural vantage and are full of confi dence after Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (2000) — However, the Frenchman is unlikely to damage to their Balaidos stadium. virtually securing their place in the top Barcelona lead 2-1 from first-leg be involved in Simeone’s squad. Alaves even made a petition to the fl ight for next season with a 4-2 win at Tomorrow Tomorrow’s other semi-fi nal is more Spanish Football Federation to have the Sporting Gijon on Sunday despite resting Alaves v Celta Vigo (2000) — Scores level delicately poised at 0-0 between Alaves second leg postponed, claiming Celta’s a swathe of key players. at 0-0 from first-leg

BOTTOMLINE Saint-Etienne’s Kevin Monnet-Paquet (left) in action against Lyon during their Ligue 1 match in Saint-Etienne on Sunday. (AFP)

AFP since the beginning of the season Hamsik chases Maradona record as Real date looms Paris and just what was needed in a derby,” said Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier. “There was a AFP push takes priority: “It was crucial for us aint-Etienne infl icted lot of determination, with a col- Rome to win, especially after our (1-1) slip-up at a third league defeat in lective force. The players really Palermo last week. four matches on falter- went after this victory.” “We wanted to score as many goals ing bitter rivals Lyon and Both sides suff ered French arek Hamsik says he re- as possible. We started really well, in six bolsteredS their European aspira- Cup last-32 exits in midweek, mains in awe of Argentina minutes we’d already made the diff er- tions with a 2-0 victory in Sun- although Lyon were boosted by legend Diego Maradona but ence.” day’s tempestuous Rhone derby. the return from injury of leading the Slovakia midfi elder won’t Napoli are the most prolifi c scorers in Kevin Monnet-Paquet scored scorer . Mhold back as the former Napoli hero’s 115- Serie A, banging in 55 goals in 23 games a ninth-minute opener at Saint- But an early defensive blunder goal club record comes into sight. And coach Maurizio Sarri hasn’t even Etienne’s Stade Geoff roy Gui- from Emanuel Mammana proved Hamsik and Dries Mertens struck welcomed Arkadiusz Milik back yet. chard and Romain Hamouma fatal for Lyon as Saint-Etienne memorable hat-tricks in a 7-1 rout at The Polish striker hit four league goals slotted in a second on 22 minutes won back possession on the edge Bologna on Saturday as Napoli boosted in a handful of opening league games be- as Les Verts closed to within a of the area with Monnet-Paquet their hopes of a fi rst title since Maradona fore succumbing to a cruciate knee liga- point of fourth-placed Lyon. fi ring through the legs of Antho- inspired the southerners to the second of ment injury while on international duty The visitors fi nished with nine ny Lopes. their two titles in 1990. last October. men as substitute Rachid Ghezzal Tolisso headed against the The Slovakian international’s fi rst Se- He is being primed to return in time for and Corentin Tolisso were dis- crossbar after he was left un- rie A hat-trick took his Napoli tally to 111 the daunting trip to Real next week. missed in stoppage time to further marked from a Nabil Fekir cross, goals in nine seasons, only four short of “What a game! I can’t wait to play sour a dreadful evening for Lyon. but a rash decision from Lopes the record Maradona set during a suc- against Genoa,” Milik wrote on Facebook. “It was a negative result and resulted in the hosts grabbing a cessful but controversial spell in 1984- Napoli are now unbeaten in 12 consec- the behaviour was unworthy of second goal shortly after. 1991. utive Serie A games and 17 matches in all a derby notably in the fi rst half,” The Lyon goalkeeper raced The big win, with Mertens grabbing his competitions. complained Lyon coach Bruno out of his box to try and cut out third hat-trick of the season, left Napoli But for Naples-born former Italy de- Genesio of the fi ery clash. a through ball but lost out to six points shy of leaders Juventus after fender Fabio Cannavaro, who played “All defeats are diffi cult but it’s Hamouma, who calmly skipped the Turin giants’ 1-0 win over Inter Mi- for Napoli at the start of his career be- even harder to swallow in a derby round the Portugal international lan. fore spending three seasons with Real in because pride is at stake.” to double Saint-Etienne’s lead. But Napoli are up to second and morale great Argentine’s 25-year-old record. I will target it in the future.” 2006-2009, they will soon face the acid Saint-Etienne, who face Man- With the visitors heading to- is high a week before the Italians face Real “It was my fi rst hat-trick in Serie A and With nine goals in 23 appearances — test. chester United in the Europa wards a third straight loss to Saint- Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu for the I’m delighted,” Hamsik, who sports a mo- seven less than Serie A’s surprising new “Napoli’s visit to the Bernabeu will be a League last 32 this month, have Etienne at Le Chaudron (The fi rst leg of their Champions League last- hican style haircut and numerous body leading scorer Mertens — and 15 games test of their maturity,” Cannavaro told La won three games in a row in Ligue Cauldron), Lyon capitulated in the 16 tie. tattoos, said. remaining in the league Hamsik should Gazzetta dello Sport. 1, while Lyon’s Champions League closing stages as Ghezzal picked Maradona’s name remains inextricably “Maradona is unique, there are no have time to fi nish his season on a per- “No one can question Real’s interna- hopes look doomed after falling 12 up two yellow cards in quick suc- linked to Napoli but Hamsik will not let players like him, but I want to overtake his sonal high. tional pedigree but it will be interesting points behind the top three. cession before Tolisso saw red for a sentiment get in the way as he eyes the record. I could target it this year but if not But for the 29-year-old Napoli’s title to see how Napoli’s game stands up.” “This was surely our best start wild lunge at Fabien Lemoine. Gulf Times Tuesday, February 7, 2017 11 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Leaked e-mails Rodgers hails Hoops hat-trick tarnish golden hero Dembele boy Beckham Former England captain is said to have sworn in e-mails to his PR team after being told he would not be knighted because of concerns about his tax aff airs

AFP newspapers for telling her family she London would be receiving the award before the offi cial announcement.

avid Beckham’s squeaky- BRAND BECKHAM clean image as a British cul- Born in Leytonstone, east London, tural icon has taken a batter- Beckham was a member of the fabled ing following the leaking of “Class of 92” crop of young players expletive-strewnD e-mails in which he who emerged at United, along with apparently raged about not receiving a Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt knighthood. and Gary and Phil Neville. The former England football cap- Blessed with an extraordinarily ac- tain is said to have sworn in e-mails to curate right foot, Beckham was re- his PR team after being told he would nowned for his dead-ball prowess and not be made “Sir David” by Queen his seemingly limitless stamina, as Elizabeth II because of concerns about well as his ever-changing hairstyles. his tax aff airs. He won six Premier League titles, A spokesman for the 41-year-old two FA Cups and the 1999 Champi- AFP start to 29 games. said the e-mails, released by the Foot- ons League with United, creating both Glasgow “I always think that the mark of the ball Leaks website, were “hacked and injury-time goals as Alex Ferguson’s really great teams is that they start well doctored” to give a “deliberately inac- side stormed back to beat Bayern Mu- and fi nish strongly,” former Liverpool curate picture”. nich 2-1 in the fi nal. eltic manager Brendan manager Rodgers added. But there has been a backlash After his relationship with Ferguson Rodgers lauded the impact “We try to impress our style at the against Beckham from sections of deteriorated, he joined the Real Ma- of striker Moussa Dembele start of a game and no matter how Britain’s tabloid media. drid “Galacticos” to great fanfare in after he came off the bench to tough it is, we have to keep going to the Yesterday’s Daily Mail spoke of 2003, but would win only one league Cfi re the Hoops to a 5-2 victory over St very end. the “Shame of Saint Becks”, with a title during his time in Spain. Johnstone. “That is the type of mindset and columnist pronouncing him “a foul- Beckham moved to Los Angeles The French forward replaced Gary winning mentality we are trying to cre- mouthed, determined egotist” who Galaxy in a trailblazing trans-Atlantic Mackay-Steven in the 59th minute ate here.” had used charity work as part of an move in 2007 and won two MLS Cup with the Scottish champions trailing “increasingly desperate” bid for a titles, whilst also spending time on 2-1 after a Keith Watson header and WRIGHT FURIOUS knighthood. loan at European giants AC Milan and Dedryck Boyata’s own goal cancelled St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright Reports which emerged on Friday PSG. out Liam Henderson’s opener. was furious with the performance of said the former Manchester United and He captained England for six years The former Fulham striker levelled the match offi cials after claiming his Real Madrid star refused to put his own and played at three World Cups, his 115 from the spot with his fi rst touch before side were denied two strong penalty money into his humanitarian 7 Fund caps making him his country’s third fi ring his side in front with a low drive appeals at 2-1 up. and tried to obtain reimbursement from most-capped player behind Peter and completed his hat-trick after Scott “I am extremely disappointed for my the UN children’s agency Unicef for ex- Shilton and Wayne Rooney. Sinclair had made it 4-2. players as I thought they were magnifi - penses met by his sponsors. “If you had told me as a young boy “We are glad he is back as there is cent,” Wright said. Outspoken television host Piers Beckham has maintained a high nation from the 1998 World Cup, but I would have played for and won tro- only so long we can play without a “They deserved a better perform- Morgan told his 5.47mn Twitter fol- profi le since retiring from the game in fought back to become England cap- phies with my boyhood club, Man- striker,” said Rodgers, who has been ance from the referee. We should have lowers the revelations were “sick- May 2013 following a brief stint with tain. chester United, proudly captained and without Dembele and fellow striker had two penalties. When Scott Brown’s ening” and exposed Beckham as a French side Paris Saint-Germain. Reports of an extra-marital aff air played for my country over one hun- Leigh Griffi ths in recent weeks. knee makes contact with Danny Swan- “fraud”. He continues to carry out char- in April 2004 were dismissed and did dred times, and lined up for some of “You could see the diff erence in the son and not the ball, that’s a penalty, Beckham has not spoken publicly ity work and fronts several advertising not tarnish Beckham’s image as a lov- the biggest clubs in the world, I would team the minute he came on and he be- and he doesn’t give it. since the story broke, although he was campaigns. ing husband to pop star turned fashion have told you it was a fantasy,” he said came a reference point with everyone “Then Joe Shaughnessy is dragged pictured cradling his fi ve-year-old He has faced problems fi nding a sta- designer Victoria Beckham and father in 2013. able to move around him. down when the ball is in the air from a daughter Harper on the Instagram ac- dium deal for the football club he plans to their four children. Beckham’s global celebrity turned “He was really enthused to come on corner in the penalty box. count of his son, Brooklyn. to launch in Miami, but Major League Beckham received an OBE from the him into a one-man marketing phe- and he’s a big game player. We have “As for Celtic’s penalty, I genuinely Cynics said even that was a crass at- Soccer chiefs confi rmed recently that queen in 2003, a lower honour than a nomenon with a glut of lucrative en- seen that in his time here already. don’t know how he could give it. It has tempt to show his best, fatherly side at the team remains in line to become the knighthood. dorsements. “He has an inherent belief in his own hit his hip and could have touched his a time of bad headlines. league’s 24th franchise. His wife also received an OBE in the He is the face of fi rms including ability. He knows where he wants to get elbow, but I don’t know how he could He has managed to shake off previ- 2017 New Year Honours list despite Adidas, fashion chain H&M and Haig to, but he also knows that he is at a big have seen it. MIAMI PROJECT ous scandals, both on and off the pitch. her label being threatened with clo- Whisky and his shared fortune with club. “That should not happen at this level For a man who takes such care of his He became a national pariah after sure after failing to fi le company ac- Victoria, dubbed “Brand Beckham”, is “It is a great chance for him to play of football. Granted, Celtic could go on public image, it is likely to be a deeply his dismissal against Argentina was counts. believed to exceed £500mn ($624mn, under pressure where you have to win to win the game without that decision distressing situation. unfairly blamed for England’s elimi- She was criticised in British tabloid 582mn euros). virtually every game and you get the as they have so much talent. chance to win trophies.” “But the decision changes the whole Dembele, linked with a £40mn dynamics of the game. With the right BOTTOMLINE ($49.9mn, 46.3mn euros) move to Eng- decisions on another day we may have lish Premier League leaders Chelsea in held on for a draw, but that was taken the January transfer window, now has out of our hands. 23 goals for the season. “There were three teams out there. Celtic’s strong fi nish to Sunday’s Celtic were excellent. We were excel- Mourinho taunts Chelsea in style wars game left them 27 points clear of Aber- lent, but unfortunately the third team deen at the top of the Scottish Premier- (the match offi cials) were way below ship as they extended their unbeaten that standard today.” AFP “We missed the fi rst big chance but Leicester, United Kingdom scored the next one. That is the story of the game,” he said. “We didn’t play better than in many Getting kicked into action brings out the best ose Mourinho took a swipe other matches. We were solid, but we at his old club Chelsea as the scored goals. in Hazard Manchester United boss ac- “It makes all the diff erence. In the Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has no problems being one of the most fouled cused the Premier League lead- second half you are in emotional and players in English soccer’s top flight as the physical aspect of the game, he ersJ of lacking style. tactical control. says, brings out the best in him. Hazard has been at the heart of Chelsea’s Mourinho’s side cruised to a 3-0 vic- “You kill the emotion of the oppo- rise to the top of the table, having scored 10 goals and provided six assists tory at Leicester on Sunday and he was nent and the whole game looks diff er- in his 23 Premier League starts. “But it’s true, when I get a lot of kicks, I feel quick to highlight the diff erence be- ent.” really in the game. And when people don’t touch me, it tells me I’m not doing tween the dominant United display and Having left Mkhitaryan out at the well. No good,” Hazard told the Guardian. “I’m not saying I like to be kicked, what he perceives as the more prosaic start of the season, Mourinho is now but it’s good for me to feel I am in the game. Definitely. A motivation. I try to eff orts of Antonio Conte’s men. convinced the Armenian has adapted be this kind of player: the type who does something whenever he gets the Frustrated by criticism of the cau- to the Premier League. ball.” Manager Antonio Conte’s demanding personality has forced Hazard tious nature of his teams when he was “If a player isn’t playing sometimes to develop his all-round game and the fleet-footed forward admits he is now in charge at Chelsea, Mourinho made it can seem the manager is disturbing reaping the benefits. “These days I’m always trying to have lots of touches, it clear that he is unimpressed the way them, but that is not true,” he said. to be involved and to play my football for 90 minutes. The manager asks the Blues, currently nine points clear “Sometimes the best way to protect a lot of me. A lot,” he said. “When we don’t have the ball, he wants me to at the top, and also Tottenham and the player is not to play him. Henrikh defend, to close inside and when we do have it I have to counterattack and Liverpool, have been praised despite is one of these cases, you see the magic be free, always trying to do some ‘magic’. With experience, you improve. I’m employing safety-fi rst philosophies. things he does.” a better player now, more complete than I was when I was player of the year.” “My team is playing very well but Meanwhile, Leicester manager Chelsea, who have a comfortable nine point cushion over second-placed Tot- for many years in my career, especially Claudio Ranieri insists he still has tenham Hotspur after 24 games, travel to face Burnley on Sunday. in this country, when my teams were the backing of his players after their ruthless and phenomenal defensively fourth successive defeat left them one I listened week after week to people point above the relegation zone. Ignore the papers, Martial tells Man Utd fans saying that was not enough, despite Reports have suggested the Ital- winning the title three times,” Mour- ian has lost some support among the Out-of-favour Manchester United forward Anthony Martial took to Twitter inho said. troubled champions, but he is ada- yesterday to tell fans to ignore speculation he could be on his way out of the “This season it looks that being mant they are together and can still club. British newspaper The Sun claimed Martial, 21, could join Paris Saint- strong defensively and good on the avoid crashing out of the league a year Germain at the end of the season after struggling to convince manager Jose counter attack is art. That is a big his demise as Chelsea boss last sea- fi elder who tormented Leicester with after their shock title triumph. Mourinho of his worth. But the France international told his close to 800,000 change in England. son, which came following a defeat at his subtle passing and clever move- “Everybody is frustrated. Of course Twitter followers: “Dont listen (to) the papers it’s wrong thanks. Come on “We are Manchester United, we Leicester. ment. we aren’t happy, we are very sad,” he United.” Martial joined United from Monaco in September 2015 in a deal with want to play attacking football. This is “The last time I was in this chair I said. a reported potential worth of up to £58mn ($72mn, 67mn euros). He was the way the fans want us to play. was sacked a day later,” he said with EMOTIONAL “I have said if the players don’t want United’s top scorer last season with 17 goals in all competitions, but has found “But I don’t want to be a manager of a smirk before bringing an end to his Mkhitaryan scored United’s opener me they can go to the owner, but they the net only six times this season and has not featured in the club’s last three a team that doesn’t win matches. We post-match press conference at the and set up the third for Juan Mata after have not. Premier League games. Mourinho hit out at Martial and his entourage in have to score goals. Today we did and King Power Stadium. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had doubled the “We are together, solid like last sea- December after the player’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, said the former Lyon that made the diff erence. Today was Mourinho’s buoyant outlook was a visitors’ lead. son but without the results. That is the youngster was a target for Sevilla. “Anthony has to listen to me and not his very important.” contrast to his sulky demeanour fol- Mourinho acknowledged the fi rst hard thing. agent,” Mourinho said. “With Martial, every day I read the newspaper. ‘Martial Mourinho’s claims seemed a little lowing last week’s draw against Hull goal had been crucial as it boosted his “We will fi ght until the end. Leices- goes to Sevilla’, ‘Martial goes on loan’, ‘Martial is not happy’. Martial has to harsh, but he was in typically mis- and the key to his mood swing was team’s belief and shattered Leicester’s ter is a club used to fi ghting. I’m confi - listen to me. He is a player with amazing conditions to be a top player.” chievous mood and even referenced Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the United mid- already fragile morale. dent about this.” Tuesday, February 7, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT WELL PLAYED Cameroon look to the future aft er Cameroon break unlikely triumph AFP final. I think we took a bit of a Libreville blow to the back of the head in the first half but the substitu- tions changed the match in ameroon celebrated the the second half,” said forward most improbable of vic- Clinton N’Jie. Ctories at the Africa Cup of Defender Michael Ngadeu, Egypt hearts to Nations on Sunday which coach one of the stars of Cameroon’s hoped would pave run, heaped praise on his the way towards a bright future Belgian coach, under whom the for his team. Indomitable Lions have been It was the first time a team beaten just once since his ap- had come from behind to win pointment last year. the final since 1994 and it was “He is a magician. The team a first continental title for Cam- has been reborn under him,” lift Cup of Nations eroon since 2002, their fifth in said the Slavia Prague defender, total. The triumph, witnessed who scored the opener in the by a crowd in the Gabonese semi-final against Ghana. “A lot It’s the fifth Nations Cup crown for the Indomitable Lions, their first since capital made up of a majority of them didn’t believe in him, I’ll of Cameroonians, completed a admit. A lot of Cameroonians 2002, and the first time they have beaten Egypt in the final in three attempts remarkable journey for a side criticised him. But today I think who had been written off prior he is the hero. He should get to the tournament. a medal for what he has done. Eight players, notably the He has given us this solidarity, Liverpool defender Joel Matip this mentality. He has given us a and the Schalke striker Eric ‘joie de vivre’.” Choupo-Moting, had refused Cameroon were the first call-ups to the squad, leaving African nation to make a major Broos to work with a young and impression at the World Cup inexperienced side. and for a long time were the That team had already leading footballing force on the eliminated hosts Gabon, much- continent, but those days had fancied Senegal and Ghana en seemed behind them following route to the tournament finale, recent struggles. where they claimed Cam- Their last Cup of Nations eroon’s first win against Egypt final appearance had been in in a Cup of Nations final at the 2008, when a side featuring third attempt. Samuel Eto’o lost 1-0 to Egypt in “I brought in some new young Accra, Ghana. Eto’o, now 35, was players and we started working. among the crowd in Libreville We did a good job and now on Sunday and later tweeted: today we have a team,” said “Champions of Africa!! Today Broos after the match. His man the Cup of Nations, tomorrow management has been remark- the Confed Cup!!!” able and it was notable that two Cameroon will now represent substitutes scored the goals. Africa at the Confederations Nkoulou, the Lyon defender, Cup in Russia in June, where started only once during the they will be in a group with tournament and came on as a Chile, Australia and world first-half replacement for the champions Germany. injured Adolphe Teikeu. They have a crucial double Aboubakar, the powerful header with Nigeria to come centre-forward currently in August and September as playing for Besiktas in Turkey, they look to qualify for the 2018 Forward (left) also started only one game in World Cup and they will also celebrates with teammates after his Gabon, but he had scored the host the next Cup of Nations 88th-minute stunner helped Cameroon decisive penalty in the shoot- in 2019. beat Egypt 2-1 in the final of the Africa out against Senegal in the last “We are still not on the high- Cup of Nations on Sunday night. (AFP) eight and his winner in the final est level. We need to be much was stunning. better, but it’s already a great “It is the best way to win a beginning,” said Broos. AFP The Argentine was desperate to win last time a side came from behind to win Madagascar, Mauritius, Sao Tome e Princ- Libreville a trophy after a career tainted by rotten the trophy was in 1994, when Nigeria beat ipe and South Sudan will get the ball roll- luck in fi nals at club level, including back- Zambia 2-1. ing with two-leg ties between March 20 to-back defeats in the UEFA Champions Hugo Broos’s side also lost centre-back and 28. incent Aboubakar came off the League with Valencia at the start of the Adolphe Teikeu to an apparent groin injury The other 44 contenders for 15 places bench to score a stunning winner last decade. just after the half-hour mark, with Nkou- in Cameroon come on board during June with two minutes left as Cam- But Cuper said: “The sadness I have is lou taking his place. when the fi rst round of group games takes eroon fought back to beat Egypt not because I lost another fi nal, it’s be- The Lyon defender has been out of fa- place. V2-1 in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations fi nal cause there was so much hope especially vour at this tournament, only starting in Among the most attractive mini- on Sunday night. among the people in Egypt and I am sorry Cameroon’s fi nal group game against Ga- leagues is Group E, which comprises Ni- Arsenal midfi elder for the players who put in so much eff ort.” bon. But thrown on here through neces- geria, South Africa, Libya and the Sey- had given Egypt the lead midway through Egypt have been derided at times for a sity, it was he who pulled his side level in chelles. Former champions Nigeria and the fi rst half and Egypt looked to be on defensive approach under Cuper, but they the 59th minute. South Africa were notable absentees from course to win an unrivalled eighth Cup of played their part in this rarest of things — a Egypt failed to fully clear their lines the 2017 tournament having failed to qual- Nations crown in their fi rst appearance at genuinely entertaining fi nal. following a corner and captain Benjamin ify. Nigeria came a distant second behind the tournament since 2010. The Pharaohs had signalled their intent Moukandjo crossed from the left for Nk- Egypt in one group and South Africa fared But , who had come off within two minutes as a delightful cush- oulou, who soared above Ahmed Hegazy to even worse in another, trailing Cameroon the bench in the fi rst half, headed in the ioned pass by set up Ab- head past from six yards. and Mauritania in third place. equaliser just before the hour mark and dallah El Said, but his fi rm shot was well Cameroon were revitalised by that Neighbours Congo Brazzaville and fellow substitute Aboubakar slammed in held by Fabrice Ondoa in the Cameroon goal, a partisan crowd lifted, but Jacques the Democratic Republic of Congo are the winner in the 88th minute. goal. Zoua fi red wastefully wide and Moukandjo in Group G with Zimbabwe and Liberia. That sparked bedlam in a near-capac- Egypt then opened the scoring midway blasted over from an excellent position as Having fi nished a disappointing fourth in ity crowd of more than 38,000 in Gabon’s through the fi rst period with a superb team extra time began to seem inevitable. Gabon, Ghana tackle Ethiopia, Kenya and capital, made up in its majority by Cam- goal. Then Aboubakar, who had been intro- Sierra Leone in Group F. eroonian supporters. and Salah combined on the duced at the start of the second half, con- There will be 12 four-team groups and It is a fi fth Cup of Nations crown for the right and the latter played the ball into El- trolled a long ball forward with his chest all the winners after six matchdays go to Indomitable Lions, a fi rst since 2002, and neny in space in the area, the midfi elder on the edge of the area, poked it over the Cameroon, plus the best three runners- the fi rst time they have beaten Egypt in the taking a touch to control and another to head of and volleyed low past El up. Cameroon qualify automatically fi nal in three attempts. steady himself before blasting high past Hadary. as hosts, but will compete in the qualify- “I am very happy that we won the Cup Ondoa at his near post. ing competition to gain precious match of Nations today and I am happy for the It was a brilliant fi nish from the mid- practice. players — this is not a group of football fi elder who was returning to the side after Next Cup of Nations The central African nation are stag- players, they are a group of friends,” said missing his team’s last two games due to a kicks off in March ing the competition for a second time, 47 Cameroon’s Belgian coach Hugo Broos. calf injury. years after they fi rst hosted it. Much about Egypt fell just short on their return to The odds were now very much against As the curtain fell on the Africa Cup the Cup of Nations has changed since the the competition after a seven-year ab- Cameroon. The last Cup of Nations fi nal of Nations in Gabon, teams were already 1972 tournament, including an increase in Cameroon players lift their Belgian coach Hugo Broos as they cel- sence, and the defeat will be especially to feature more than a single goal came in preparing for the fi rst 2019 qualifi ers next qualifi ers from eight to 16 and far greater ebrate after beating Egypt 2-1 to win Africa Cup of Nations. (AFP) painful for their coach Hector Cuper. 2004, when Tunisia beat Morocco 2-1. The month. Minnows Comoros, Djibouti, media coverage. EGYPT SALUTES TEAM ‘DIGNITY’ AFTER AGONISING LOSS AFP ons... We’ll meet at the World Cup,” Coach Cuper sorry for the privately owned Al-Masry Al-Youm “The sadness I have newspaper added. letting Egyptians down is not because I lost President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ex- Egypt coach Hector Cuper was another fi nal, it’s he Egyptian president and pressed his “great appreciation” to the apologetic towards the supporters of newspapers applauded the players on their “dignified performance” his side after the Pharaohs threw away because there was so T“dignity” of the national football in Gabon. “Despite the result of the game the lead to lose 2-1 to Cameroon in the much hope especially team, calling them champions despite the national team has won the apprecia- Africa Cup of Nations final. agonisingly losing the Africa Cup tion of the entire Egyptian people and The defeat was the latest in a long among the people in of Nations final 2-1 to Cameroon on the respect of all football fans around line of painful final defeats for Cuper in Egypt and I am sorry Sunday night. the world,” Sisi said in a statement. his career — the Argentine had notably Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny Thousands of fanatical Egyptians lost two UEFA Champions League fi- for the players who gave Egypt the lead midway through gathered in front of massive screens nals with Valencia and a Cup Winners’ put in so much eff ort.” the first half and they looked to be on in the suburbs in western Cairo, as Cup final with Mallorca in the past. —Hector Cuper, Egypt coach course to win an unrivalled eighth Cup they did all over the country, blowing “Congratulations to Cameroon for of Nations crown in their first appear- Vuvuzelas and waving Egyptian flags. the victory. They played well,” said the ance at the tournament since 2010. The Vuvuzela horns fell silent at the veteran Argentine. But Cameroon hit back and Vincent final whistle. “The sadness I have is not because I Aboubakar came off the bench to “I’m in shock,” said 30-year-old lost another final, it’s because there was score a stunning winner with two min- engineer Ayman Abou el-Nour, who was so much hope especially among the utes left to break Egyptian hearts. watching the game with his wife and two people in Egypt and I am sorry for the “We have lost with dignity” read the children. “We needed something to bring players who put in so much eff ort. headline of the privately owned Al- us happiness. Our problem now is that we “We have finished this competi- Shorouk newspaper. don’t have anything to make us happy.” tion with a defeat but I think they “The Pharaohs have lost 2-1 in the Egyptians, grappling with skyrocket- did a great job. I’m just sorry that we finals after a dignified performance,” ing prices and political turmoil, hope couldn’t give happiness to the people said the state-owned Al-Akhbar news- next year’s World Cup will off er some of Egypt because I imagine that there paper. The private Al-Watan newspa- more respite. “We have lost the cup was a lot of expectation among them. per chimed: “The cup was lost but we but we still have a chance to reach the I’ve lost another final? I’m not going won the national team.” World Cup. That is the big dream,” said to say I’m used to it but it’s one more “You have honoured us, champi- 20-year-old student Ahmed Alaa. for me!”