SPORT Saturday 23 June 2018 PAGEE | 1818 PAGPAGE | 19 Musa deliverslivers ArgentinaArge fans for Nigeriageria shoshockedck but still against Icelandeland dredreamingam Cup glory

Brazil’s scores their second goal against Costa Rica during their FIFA 2018 World Cup Group E match played at the Saint Petersburg Stadium yesterday. Brazil won 2-0.

Coutinho, Neymar strike late as Brazil secure first victory

AFP

SAINT PETERSBURG: It took until virtually the last kick after 96 minutes of frustration, but Neymar and Brazil have lift-off BRAZIL COSTA RICA at the World Cup. For most of a sunny 2 0 afternoon in Saint Petersburg, COUTINHO - 90'+1' the world’s most expensive NEYMAR- 90'+7' player battled against his own lack of match sharpness, an inspired Keylor Navas in the Costa Rica goal and referee Philippe Coutinho Bjorn Kuipers. scored the opening However, once Philippe goal in stoppage time. Coutinho broke the deadlock in stoppage time, Brazil’s swagger returned. Neymar broke down in The relief of sealing Bra- tears moments after zil’s first win in Russia was all tapping home Douglas too visible as Neymar broke Costa’s cross for a 2-0 down in tears moments after victory. tapping home ’s Brazil’s cross for a 2-0 victory. Philippe “Not everyone knows Coutinho what I went through to get (second, YESTERDAY'S RESULTS here. Even parrots can talk, right) scores but walking the walk... not their first everyone does it,” Neymar GROUP E goal against BRAZIL 2-0 COSTA RICA posted on Instagram, hitting Costa Rica back at those who criticised yesterday. him for an often self- Group D indulgent performance NIGERIA 2-0 ICELAND against Switzerland in Bra- appealing for free-kicks against frustrations grew at Brazil’s lack remains to be seen as the pre- “He needs some time to zil’s tournament opener. Costa Rica. of ability to finish as much as at tournament favourites made resume his high standard. Group E “I cried out of happiness, Even when the experienced Costa Rica’s resistance. heavy work of a Costa Rica side Before then there is a team that SERBIA 1-2 SWITZERLAND overcoming, grit and desire to official did give Neymar the When he curled wide a glo- that have now lost their past has to be strong and not depend win.” benefit of the doubt, technology rious chance midway through four games. on him,” said . Still haunted by losing 7-1 did not. A penalty originally the second half, he hid his face Much will depend on how There remains the risk the TODAY'S FIXTURES in the semi-finals at their own awarded by the referee was inside his blue Brazil shirt in quickly Neymar gets back up to South Americans will have World Cup four years ago -- a rescinded after Kuipers anguish. speed. boarded their plane home by GROUP G game Neymar missed through watched a replay of Neymar’s Thankfully for Neymar, This was just his fourth the time he peaks again. BELGIUM VS TUNISIA injury -- this threatened to turn clash with Giancarlo Gonzalez Brazil found inspiration when appearance since breaking a However, Brazil now look 3.00PM into another nightmare for the 15 minutes from time. they needed it most and fol- bone in his foot against Mar- likely to reach the knockout five-time winners. Moments later, Neymar was lowing Coutinho’s opener, seille in February and only the stages in Russia. They are on GROUP F Battered and bruised by the booked for petulantly punching Costa presented him with an second time he has completed four points with Serbia to come SOUTH KOREA VS MEXICO Swiss, Neymar’s appeals for the ball in front of Kuipers as open goal deep into stoppage the full 90 minutes. in their final Group E outing 6.00PM more protection did not impress Costa Rica players sprawled out time that he could not miss. Brazil coach Tite has next week. Kuipers, who consistently told on the turf time-wasting. How much an emotional admitted his star man could They have bought them- GROUP F the Paris Saint-Germain star to Neymar’s temper victory proves to be a launch need five games under his belt selves, and Neymar, precious GERMANY VS SWEDEN get to his feet instead of threatened to boil over as his pad rather than a false dawn to get back to his best. time. 9.00PM 18 SPORT SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2018

Musa delivers for Nigeria against Iceland as Argentina get a lifeline

AFP

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA: struck twice to become the first Nigerian to score at two World Cups yesterday as the NIGERIA ICELAND Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-0 win over Iceland, who missed 2 0 a penalty. AHMED MUSA-49', 75' The African side will secure a spot in the knockout stage if they beat Argentina on Tuesday in Group D’s final round of fixtures. A draw would be enough to eliminate the Argentines but would leave Nigeria’s fate hinging on the outcome of Iceland’s game against Croatia. Musa, who came into the starting line-up in place of , announced himself with two of the goals of the tour- nament so far. Musa’s sweetly struck half- volley fired Nigeria into the lead just after half-time before he added a second with 15 minutes to go to make the Group D game safe. Iceland got a lifeline in the 82nd minute with a VAR- awarded penalty but dead-ball specialist Gylfi Sigurdsson blazed over the bar. With Croatia heading the Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa scores their second group on six points Nigeria knew goal against Iceland in the FIFA 2018 World a second defeat would mean Cup Group D match at Volgograd Arena, in elimination and Iceland started Volgograd, Russia, yesterday. brightest after coach Heimir Hall- grimsson changed to a 4-4-2 from the 4-5-1 he had used in the - Gylfi Sigurdsson struck it The match became a back for Bryan treatment, a bandage and a The African side will 1-1 draw with Argentina. smoothly round the wall but stalemate until 10 minutes before Idowu at the start of the second change of shirt after sustaining a secure a spot in the Alfred Finnbogason, who 19-year-old goalkeeper Francis half-time when Iceland came half and Nigeria came out full of nasty cut. knockout stage if they scored the equaliser against Uzoho was able to make the save close to opening the scoring but running. forced Hannes Argentina as a lone striker, was high to his right. Leon Balogun’s glancing header The tireless Moses was Halldorsson into a fine fingertip beat Argentina on joined up front by Jon Bodvarsson Nigeria, with captain John Obi just did enough to thwart Gylfi released down the right and his save with a wickedly dipping Tuesday. A draw would and the pair quickly made an Mikel sitting deeper in midfield Sigurdsson and Birkir Bjarnason cross was met by Musa who teed shot from distance in the 58th be enough to eliminate impact. than against Croatia, slowly lurking at the back post. up the ball deftly with the outside minute. Captain Aron Gunnarsson worked their way into the game And on the stroke of half-time of his right foot before unleashing Musa made the game safe the Argentines but launched a long throw into the with a constant Finnbogason came within a an unstoppable half-volley into with his second, controlling a long would leave Nigeria’s box and, after Bodvarsson had threat on the right flank. whisker of doubling his World the roof of the net. ball without breaking stride and fate hinging on the made a nuisance of himself, a The pace inevitably dropped Cup tally when he flashed wide As he wheeled away in cele- beating Kari Arnason before push gave Iceland a free-kick just with the temperature still a sti- Gylfi Sigurdsson’s whipped in bration his knee caught Ragnar rounding Halldorsson and pow- outcome of Iceland’s outside the area. fling 31 Celsius at the 6:00 pm free-kick. Sigurdsson in the back of the head ering his shot past two covering game against Croatia. - Unstoppable half-volley (1500 GMT) local time kickoff. Gerhot Rohr brought on wing and the Iceland defender needed defenders on the line. Simeone slams Argentina “England is still a place where a naughty boy who comes from nothing can live his dream.” -- England forward in a very personal interview in The Players’ Tribune takes a dig at the British tabloids who have made a lot of the Manchester ‘anarchy’, takes jab at Messi City star’s lifestyle. REUTERS minimal impact at tournament in magnificent goal -- and Dalic said “It’s overwhelming that five, six times the population of our Russia and missed a penalty that his captain and number 10 country died in this one city in just six months.” -- Iceland fan NOVGOROD: Atletico Madrid against Iceland in the Group D had outshone his opposite number. Heidar Gudjonsson awe-struck in Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad. coach (pictured) opener, while his rival Cristiano “Everything is known about The World War Two Battle of Stalingrad is among the bloodiest in said Argentina look lost and have Ronaldo has scored four times for Luka, he plays every match for the history, it left the city in ruins and around two million Nazi and Soviet no leadership after the 3-0 loss to Portugal. squad at the highest possible soldiers and civilians dead. Croatia which left them on the “Messi is very good but he is level,” he added. verge of a disastrous early exit very good because he is accom- “To score a goal in such a “Catastrophe” -- Argentina’s press stick the boot into Lionel from the World Cup, in an audio panied by extraordinary foot- match against Messi... It’s a reward, Messi and his teammates after the shambolic 3-0 loss to Croatia. message leaked to Spanish and ballers. If you have to choose that Messi did nothing and he Argentine radio stations. between Messi and Ronaldo in a (Modric) did everything for “I see a team that is lost.” -- Atletico Madrid’s Argentinean Simeone’s sensational tirade, normal game, who would you Croatia. coach Diego Simeone in a scathing critique of his homeland’s World reported to be an audio message choose?” said Simeone. “It is a reward for Luka, great Cup campaign. sent on mobile platform WhatsApp The Atletico coach appears to motivation. You could see by his to Atletico assistant coach German be talking to his assistant Burgos, reaction after the goal what it “Everyone is aware that this is our first ‘final’, it’s annoying ‘Mono’ Burgos, emerged hours a former goalkeeper, when he crit- meant to him.” that it comes so early, but it’s self-inflicted.” -- World Cup holders after Argentina’s heaviest defeat icises Argentina keeper Willy Croatia will secure top spot in Germany’s team director Oliver Bierhoff squaring up to the enormous in a World Cup group stage since Caballero for gifting the opening Group D by avoiding defeat against pressure Joachim Loew’s side now finds themselves under after the 1958. goal in the game to Croatia winger Iceland in their final match in 1-0 opening defeat by Mexico. Simeone’s press spokesman Ante Rebic. Rostov next Tuesday. and Atletico’s head of communi- Simeone said: “The goalkeeper Dalic knows that could prove “We were broke. Not just poor, but broke.” -- Belgium striker cations did not respond to requests has done this before hasn’t he crucial as it would likely see his Romelu Lukaku on how football was his passport out of poverty. asking to verify the audio. German, he did it against Spain, team avoid France in the last 16 “What’s happening to the team against Italy when they hit the ball in dangerous areas. and instead face Denmark or Aus- “He has 15 lungs.” -- Paul Pogba tribute to his tireless France right now is what has happened post, and if you slip up like that in “We were good. There was tralia, although he will rest players teammate N’Golo Kante. to Argentina in these last four dis- a World Cup, it’s a goal.” neither chance, room or time (with that are one booking from a graceful years: anarchy, no lead- Meanwhile, Coach Zlatko the ball) for Messi,” said Dalic suspension. “It’s going to be a little harder to focus on the race because ership from the players, coaches Dalic said that Argentina star Messi yesterday. “I would like that we are the we will be watching it.” -- British Formula One world champion or directors. The team is lost,” was left “powerless” by his Croatia “All was set for Messi to have first in the group, this is my wish, Lewis Hamilton revealing he’ll have difficulty keeping his eyes on the former Argentina international players in the stunning 3-0 victory neither room nor time. The main and we will hopefully achieve road at the French Grand Prix on Sunday with England in action in Simeone can be heard saying. on Thursday that sent them into thing was to block the flow of the that,” said the 51-year-old. Russia. “Right now in the dressing the World Cup knockout stage. ball to him. “In any case against Iceland room they are coming to blows. Croatia outclassed the South “He felt powerless, his body we have to take care about the “That’s a tricky question, because I say it’s working, it’s going Someone needs to stand up and Americans, as five-time Ballon language was showing that he was last-16 phase. We have to take care to go against us tomorrow. If I say it’s not working, it’s going to fight.” Simeone also appeared to d’Or winner Messi struggled to powerless.” of ourselves. We have five or four go against us tomorrow.” call into question the true quality make an impact in a match when Real Madrid’s Luka Modric players who are on yellow cards... Belgium coach Roberto Martinez on whether he believes VAR is of Argentina’s usual talisman his team were dominated in mid- produced a masterful display in So there will be changes to the working. His final conclusion is the new system works “extremely , who has had a field and failed to get him on the midfield -- capped with a team.” well”, even if there are a few early teething problems. SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2018 SPORT 19

Argentina fans shocked but still dreaming of World Cup glory

AFP undermined by a broader crisis the automatic qualification afflicting the Argentine game, places soon after Claudio Tapia MOSCOW: The 2014 World Cup tangled up with politics and a was elected president as part final in Brazil was supposed to power struggle in the AFA of a leadership shake-up at the be Lionel Messi’s crowning (Argentine Football Association) AFA. moment, the chance for him to management that broke out in , with the take his place alongside Diego 2014. blessing of Messi, pleaded for Maradona in Argentina’s The AFA was placed under patience as he was drafted in pantheon of heroes. administrative supervision in as Argentina’s third coach in two Instead, defeat by Germany 2016, days before the Copa years. set in motion four years of chaos America Centenario final, after “We are starting a new era, in the international set-up that being hit by corruption allega- we need to improve and con- has brought one of the great tions and rows over TV rights. solidate an idea and that takes footballing nations to its knees Former AFA head Luis time,” Sampaoli said after his and leaves the South Americans Segura quit after he and six appointment. staring at a ignominious early other AFA directors were While an inspirational Messi exit in Russia. indicted on suspicion of embez- clinched qualification in the diz- Barring an unlikely zlement over the distribution of zying heights of Quito last sequence of results, this gilded broadcasting revenues. October, the obvious faultlines generation of players looks like Worse was to come as Messi were badly exposed in an being forever remembered for abruptly announced his inter- embarrassing 3-0 loss to Croatia a succession of bitter defeats. national retirement following a on Thursday that leaves the Argentina’s struggles in penalty shootout loss to Chile, team on the brink of a World Russia should come as no sur- Argentina’s second Copa Cup exit. prise after their pre-tournament America final defeat in two “We lost very badly, they preparations were wrecked by years, citing frustration at the really humiliated us this time,” controversy and poor form, way the game was run in the said 22-year-old Joaquin, at a coupled with a reliance on a country. fanzone in Buenos Aires. top-heavy, limited squad. Former Barcelona boss “I can’t remember a worse They found themselves at promptly performance from us at a the centre of an Israel-Pales- resigned as coach, blaming World Cup,” former Argentina tinian spat over the cancellation power squabbles with the AFA, defender Pablo Zabaleta, who of a World Cup warm-up match an organisation branded a started the 2014 final, said in following an unconvincing qual- “mafia” by , his role as a pundit for the ifying campaign. who pointed the finger at its BBC. The game against Israel, late president, Julio Grondona. “Everyone is so angry at planned to take place in Jeru- Messi’s future became home. They were really poor.” salem, was called off after a practically an affair of state Argentina must now beat campaign by the Palestinians when Argentina’s President Nigeria in their final Group D following its relocation from the Mauricio Macri called on him to match and hope other results northern city of Haifa. stay. go their way. It meant they arrived in “Lionel Messi is the greatest Messi’s failure to match the Russia with a 4-0 win against thing we have in Argentina and achievements of Maradona, who 104th-ranked Haiti in May as we must take care of him,” Macri single-handedly carried the their only outing since an said shortly after the player’s team to victory in the 1986 ominous 6-1 loss to Spain in bombshell announcement. World Cup, will otherwise never Argentina’s forward March. Martino’s replacement, be forgotten. Lionel Messi reacts Argentina almost failed to Edgardo Bauza, ultimately “Messi, who keeps winning during the Russia qualify for the World Cup in the helped convince Messi to for Barcelona, who continues to 2018 World Cup first place. They were on the reverse his decision weeks later, deliver triumph after triumph Group D match brink of missing out on the finals the Barcelona star conceding his for Barcelona, has given us against Croatia for the first time since 1970 “love” of his country was “too nothing but defeats and at the Nizhny before Messi’s hat-trick against great”. sadness,” said Miguel Angel Novgorod Stadium Ecuador dragged them over the Bauza lasted less than year, Gutierrez, a 50-year-old in Nizhny Novgorod line. jettisoned in April 2017 with Argentina supporter in Buenos on Thursday. The team have been Argentina languishing outside Aires.

Criticism of England urges media to help team my lifestyle is ‘unbelievable’: AP Walker said. “We knocked it on the head at that.” says Sterling MOSCOW: A photo of a scribbled The revelation was the first REUTERS team lineup, spotted in the hands indication the squad had that of an assistant coach, threatens Raheem Sterling could be to sour the unusually cordial dropped after struggling to make MOSCOW: England and World Cup relations between the an impression in the opening win Manchester City England team and its traveling against Tunisia on Monday and Raheem Sterling is baffled by media pack. Marcus Rashford could lead the the constant criticism of his Four years after the team attack with captain . lifestyle by a section of the leadership banned reporters for Southgate, though, wasn’t media which convinces the snooping on closed training ses- planning to disclose the starting 23-year-old that “they hate sions in Brazil, the latest prying XI until Saturday when England what they don’t even know.” took place in open training. flies to Nizhny Novgorod to play Sterling, who started While counterparts had their Panama the following night. England’s opening World Cup lenses tracking the players “Obviously any time, if we win over Tunisia in Group G before Sunday’s game against were to give the opposition the on Monday, has received Panama, the Evening opportunity of having our team, negative media coverage over Standard newspaper’s Jeremy it’s a disadvantage to us,” his allegedly “lavish” Selywn snapped a piece of paper Southgate told Talksport radio spending habits, including in the hands of Steve Holland station. “So of course our media when he bought his mother a showing players in formation. has to decide whether they want house in 2016. Now the England camp is to help the team or not. Given The former Liverpool actually asking media: Are you that was just a squad list, it forward was most recently with us or against us? doesn’t make any difference to criticised for a tattoo of a gun FROM LEFT: England’s defender Kieran Trippier, forward Raheem Sterling, defender Trent Alexander- “Try to keep it to yourself us really.” on his leg, which was a Arnold, midfielder , forward Harry Kane and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek take and don’t bring it out to the In keeping with his relaxed symbol to mark the death of world, because it’s not going to persona, Southgate went on to part in a training session in Repino during the Russia 2018 World Cup tournament yesterday his father at a young age but help us come the later stages of emphasize that the incident was was misconstrued by the the tournament,” defender Kyle “no drama.” Jamie Vardy taking on a reporter session in which photographers the then-England coaching staff, media and led to an uproar. Walker said Friday. “You guys A former England defender, at pool, even as the media and cameramen are invited to including Gary Neville. “You know, it’s sad that I have to do your little bit. So if you Southgate has tried to reduce the defended the right to publish take pictures. You may not agree The publication of the even have to say this, but I’m could just please help us with friction between reporters and Holland’s handwritten notes. with it being published, but there lineup at this tournament - going to say it anyway,” that, it would be polite.” players by giving more access to “Let’s just be clear on one was certainly no hiding in even without the need for Sterling wrote in a column for Holland apologized to the players - even after news con- thing,” tweeted Matt Law, a bushes.” spying “undermines the rela- The Players’ Tribune https:// squad at training on Friday in ferences. The squad and jour- football writer for the Daily Tel- At the 2014 World Cup, some tionship and trust with the www.theplayerstribune.com/ Repino, near St. Petersburg. nalists have been competing at egraph newspaper. reporters did find vantage points team,” according to Neville, en-us/articles/ “We had a bit of banter with pub sports in Russia. That con- “The pic of the England team in to watch private who is working in Russia as a raheem-sterling-england-it- him about, and that was it,” tinued on Friday, with striker was taken in an OPEN training training sessions, which irritated TV pundit. was-all-a-dream. 20 SPORT SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2018 SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2018 SPORT 21

Hummels unlikely Rampant Germany look to Son under Germany’s forward pressure to save to play today: Loew Mario Gomez takes part in a training session at Park Arena in Sochi REUTERS Rudiger but Loew said he would wait until tomor- keep stellar record intact yesterday. Korea’s hopes row to see Hummels’ condition. SOCHI :Germany central defender Mats Hummels Sweden are joint top of the group after beat- REUTERS points from their remaining group player has to do what they arere as askedskskkeeedd AFP is unlikely to feature in their second World Cup ing South Korea in their opener, and victory over matches against Sweden and South Korea to in their positions and if theyheyey stssticktiiccckk South Korea are Group F game against Sweden today after hurt- Germany would almost certainly see them advance MOSCOW: Germany’s phenomenal if they are to progress. to that everyone can set up oror scoscscorecooorerree SAINT PETERSBURG: South teetering on the brink after a 1-0 defeat by ing his neck in training, Germany coach Joachim to the knockout stage. Mexico, also on three, play World Cup consistency means the reign- We have two important Tepid and lacklustre against Mexico, goals.” Korea’s Son Heung-min is bear- Loew said. South Korea in the other group match. ing world champions have not been the Germans showed none of the For the Swedes, however,er,err,, itt is is a ing the weight of expectation at Sweden left them The world champions, who suffered a shock The opening defeat has sent shockwaves back eliminated in the tournament’s group tasks to complete and we strengths that carried them to the 2014 golden opportunity to advance,e,e knoknowknknow-w- the World Cup just as heavily as needing at least a opening loss to Mexico, must avoid another defeat home in Germany and Low said that was stage for the last 80 years - but that could have to win both games. title and to victory in each of their 10 ing their opponents are under extremextreextremextrextremremr e , Cristiano draw, and probably which could see them crash out at a World Cup understandable. all change today. We want nothing else but World Cup qualifiers. pressure. Ronaldo and Harry Kane. a win against Mexico group stage for the first time in 80 years. “It was no doubt a painful defeat against Mex- In every World Cup since 1938 Ger- success: Thomas Mueller Instead, they were easy prey for their “We will do everything weca can,an, anand andndd Even Lionel Messi, whose bid “Mats Hummels will most likely not be able ico. We made many mistakes but we have many have made it past the group stage. opponents who outsmarted them with a be as smart as we can with thee ballbbal ballall anand andd to add a World Cup to his career today to keep any to play because he injured his neck in training processed them, talked about them and trained They did not compete at the 1950 tour- series of quick breaks. without it,” said Sweden wingerngenger Emilmilil collection has become something hopes of progressing yesterday and it has not improved until today,” to avoid them.” nament as they were banned from Now they have their backs to the wall Forsberg, whose team won theiriri openeope openerpen r of a communal objective for foot- from Group F alive. Low told reporters in Sochi yesterday. “There is absolute focus and concentration entering following the World War Two. second Group F match in Sochi’s Fisht and German fans are bracing for what 1-0 against South Korea. ball, enjoys the support of a “He has not trained and obviously there are and tomorrow we must deliver. There will be a Not even five-times champions Bra- Stadium they will be painfully aware that could be their biggest shock in decades. A draw could also be enoughh foo forr SwSwe Swe-- star-studded Argentinian side, still a few hours but usually these things do not reaction (to the Mexico defeat).” zil can boast such a record, with the South defeat by the Scandinavians could mean “We have two important tasks to den but for the Germans only threereeree p oiointsointpointsints from Angel Di Maria to Javier journalists are employed in Lon- improve considerably overnight and tomorrow Loew said forward Mario Gomez was likely Americans having failed to get out of their the end of one of the longest World Cup complete and we have to win both will do. Mascherano to Sergio Aguero. don, where they wait to speak to we need fit players. I think it makes no sense (for to start but did not clarify if he would join Timo group in 1966. records. games,” Germany’s Thomas Mueller said. “The longer the match goes,thh thee morem moree For Son and South Korea, the the forward after every Totten- him to play).” Werner in attack or if he would operate as a lone But when coach Joachim Loew’s men A shock 1-0 opening loss to Mexico “We want nothing else but success. desperate they will get if theyy havehavhaven’taven’tn pressure is shared in the kind of ham fixture in the Premier A likely replacement for Hummels is Antonio striker against the tall Swedish defenders. take to the pitch against Sweden for their means they probably need at least four It does not matter who will play, every scored,” Forsberg said. unequal measure that perhaps League. But for all the attention only Salah would know with he receives, the 25-year-old, who Egypt, before his own tournament moved to Germany when he was was hampered by injury. 16 and made his name at Ham-   South Korea are teetering on burg and Bayer Leverkusen, is the brink too, after a 1-0 defeat humble, driven and immensely  !"# by Sweden left them needing at popular with his team-mates.      least a draw, and probably a win, Tottenham’s training ground, Sweden’s Forsberg can      against Mexico today to keep any based nearby in Enfield, has hopes of progressing from Group housed Korean chefs, invited in F alive. by Son in the hope of ingratiating Son blamed himself for the his team-mates to bulgogi (bar- opening loss. “I’m still disap- becued beef), japchae (stir-fried hurt Germans in crunch tie pointed about my performance,” noodles) and Samgyetang (a type he said. “I feel very, very sorry for of chicken soup). AFP Bayern Munich defender Hummels and his inter- The Germans came early to Sochi to accli-     my team-mates because if we But for Spurs, Son plays national teammates are well placed to comment matise to the heat as they look to stave off The reigning world champions don’t score, it’s my fault, because behind Kane, and alongside Dele SOCHI: An early German exit from the World Cup on Forsberg’s ability. talk of a crisis following their 1-0 defeat to          I need to take the Alli and Christian Eriksen. He is a seems unthinkable, but that could be the grim real- The 26-year-old has come to Russia on the back Mexico, with which they began their trophy have not been eliminated in the     responsibility.” key player, but not the star. ity for the reigning champions unless they get the of two outstanding seasons in the with defence. tournament’s group stage for the Responsibility is one take, For now, though, South Korea better of Sweden today. RB Leipzig, and on Saturday evening, at the Fisht In contrast, the Swedes -- who stunned Italy last 80 years.   "  pressure another. Son is a star in need Son to deliver in Rostov Still, at least they know exactly where the dan- Stadium by the Black Sea, he will come up against in a play-off to qualify -- travel down the coast  his home country, to the extent against Mexico, the team that have ger is coming from. a German side featuring his club colleague Timo from their peaceful base in the resort of Gelendzhik he has to wear a disguise when inflicted the shock of the World The main creative threat in Janne Andersson’s Werner. in rather more buoyant mood after beating South In every World Cup since 1938 he leaves the house and Korean Cup so far by beating Germany. principally solid, unspectacular side lies in the Korea 1-0. Germany have made it past the shape of Emil Forsberg, one of the most talented If Mexico beat the Koreans earlier on Saturday, group stage. wide attackers in Europe. a draw for Sweden against the Germans would   ! 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP - GROUP ANALYSIS “I’m a big fan of Emil Forsberg, he’s a great probably condemn Joachim Loew’s side to an early   ! MATCHES WINS DRAWS LOSSES GF GA POINTS player,” said Germany defender Mats Hummels on exit in Group F -- Sweden could then play against The world champions, who suffered $%&  "   Thursday when asked if anyone in the Scandina- the Mexicans in their final game knowing a point a shock opening loss to Mexico, must $%$    " GROUP A vians’ side could make it into the World Cup would take them both through. RUSSIA 2 2 0 0 8 1 6 avoid another defeat which could  $% &'$  $ holders’ line-up. The Germans have work to do after a disjointed URUGUAY 2 2 0 0 2 0 6 opening performance. see them crash out. (( '! ** EGYPT 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 Worryingly, they were especially exposed at   ! ++ SAUDI ARABIA 2 0 0 2 0 6 0 full-back, with posted missing time A draw could also be enough for  ** and again on the right. Mexico’s goal came from ()!!! Sweden but Germans need three ( GROUP B their left-winger Hirving Lozano. ) )*!+)# )( points. * PORTUGAL 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Forsberg, who has been linked with a big- ) )*!,'!# )* money move to the , did not stand # '    SPAIN 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 out against South Korea as Sweden won thanks to IR IRAN 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 an penalty. MOROCCO 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 So he may feel he has something to prove against Germany. GROUP C “We don’t play as Mexico play, we are not the FRANCE 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 same type of players,” was captain Granqvist’s Belgium brace for Tunisian attack DENMARK 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 assessment of the game. He said the team needed AUSTRALIA 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 to stay solid, as they did in qualifying matches, AFP “This team has really high-tempo play, PERU 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 especially against Italy and France. they’ll try and find players running behind, use “We need to be very compact when we win MOSCOW: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez good speed,” he said. the ball, have our own offensive game, create revealed yesterday that he has been keeping “It’s a team that forces you to concentrate GROUP D some chances, and keep the ball as much as one eye on next week’s blockbuster clash with every second. CROATIA 2 2 0 0 5 0 6 possible.” England in the lead-up to the Red Devils’ “But we need to be ourselves. I’m looking NIGERIA 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Forsberg has replaced the now retired Group G match against Tunisia. at how we can improve on how we played ICELAND 2 0 1 1 1 3 1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the biggest star in Barring major upsets, the June 28 tie against Panama.” ARGENTINA 2 0 1 1 1 4 1 the Swedish side, even if he against Gareth Southgate’s men in Kalinin- The Red Devils’ best run at a World Cup is lacks the dominant personal- grad will decide who tops the group and third place in 1986 but they are regarded as ity of Zlatan. Martinez was wary of England’s threat. dark horses for the title in Russia. GROUP E With Forsberg joined in He indicated Belgium will be particularly It is possibly the last chance to shine on the BRAZIL 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 the Swedish set-up by Wer- vigilant during set-pieces, noting that 60 per- world stage for a “golden generation” of Bel- SWITZERLAND 2 1 1 0 3 2 4 der Bremen full-back Ludwig Augustinsson and cent of goals at the tournament so far had gian talent, including , Eden SERBIA 2 1 1 0 2 2 3 Hamburg Albin Ekdal, as well as former come from dead-ball situations, including both Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Romelu Lukaku COSTA RICA 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 Hamburg striker Marcus Berg, there are plenty of of Harry Kane’s strikes in England’s 2-1 win and Dries Mertens. familiar faces for the Germans. But that familiar- over Tunisia. While Martinez said many of his players GROUP F ity works both ways. “England are very strong in dead-ball sit- were “at a good stage in their careers”, he MEXICO 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 “Emil reads a lot about football on the net and uations,” he said. played down the golden generation tag, say- knows good German, so I’ve been getting him to “They use a lot of bodies, up to six in the ing Belgium had achieved nothing yet in SWEDEN 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 help in our preparation of the game,” team scout box and they’ve got fantastic movement and Russia. GERMANY 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 Roger Sandberg told Swedish newspaper fantastic delivery.” “The World Cup does not respect genera- SOUTH KOREA 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 Aftonbladet. But Martinez was not allowing the Eng- tions, the World Cup doesn’t respect individual Forsberg came through just ahead of the young land match to distract him from his immediate names, it only respects winning teams,” he said. GROUP G Swedish generation that won the under-21 Euro- priority in Moscow today against Tunisia, a Martinez added that Kompany and fellow BELGIUM 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 pean Championship in 2015. team he picked as a potential surprise pack- defender Thomas Vermaelen were “medically ENGLAND 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 For Germany, a core remains from the last age ahead of the tournament. ready” after suffering injuries, but lack the TUNISIA 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 meetings between these teams, memorable con- “We respect Tunisia’s threat but they’re a match fitness to start against Tunisia. tests in the qualifiers for the last World Cup: team that need to come out and win the game, Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul said his young PANAMA 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 Germany won 5-3 in Stockholm after throwing away so they’ll make it very, very open,” he said. squad were nervous in their first appearance a four-goal lead to draw 4-4 in . “In that respect, if we look after our per- on the World Cup stage against England but GROUP H So will their extra experience make the differ- formance we’ll get settled into that sort of they would be more confident against JAPAN 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 ence in Sochi? game.” Belgium. SENEGAL 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 Sweden’s midfielders Jimmy Durmaz and Emil Forsberg in action during a “Maybe it’s a good thing for us, but it’s not a Belgium are ranked third in the world, “Our team is capable of unlocking the Bel- COLOMBIA 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 training session at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi yesterday, on the eveguarantee, it’s not anything we can rely on,” behind only Germany and Brazil, but Martinez gium defence... perhaps the sense of fear will Belgium’s players attend a training session at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow yesterday, on the eve of their FIFA World Cup 2018 Group F match against Germany. insisted Hummels. POLAND 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 said there was no room for complacency be absent tomorrow and we will be able to of their FIFA 2018 World Cup Group G match against Tunisia. against Tunisian, ranked 21. deliver,” he said. 22 SPORT SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2018 Baghdad wins King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot THE PENINSULA before being strongly pressed by say which one it would be,” he LONDON: Baghdad, owned by Corgi on the run to the line. said. Mohammed bin Hamad bin “I had six good horses in this I said to the owner Khalifa Al Attiyah, claimed a race and I couldn’t really sep- beforehand that I wasn’t abso- narrow victory after a thrilling arate them”, said the winning lutely sure about him because Baghdad (left), owned by climax to the King George V trainer, Mark Johnston. he’s not the biggest for a mile Mohammed bin Hamad bin Stakes at Royal Ascot on “And throughout the race I and a half horse and we didn’t Thursday. couldn’t separate them either know how much he was pro- Khalifa Al Attiyah in action Baghdad hit the front racing because five of the six were trav- gressing, but he’s tough and at Royal Ascot on Thursday. inside the final two furlongs elling really well and I couldn’t stayed every inch of the trip.”

India perfectly placed for success UCI to ban analgesic in England, says captain Kohli Tramadol

REUTERS from 2019 AFP NEW DELHI: Ideal sched- uling and a month growing PARIS: The International accustomed to English condi- Cycling Union (UCI) is to tions mean India will have a ban analgesic Tramadol strong chance against the and tighten rules on hosts in the test series, captain glucocorticoids -- a class Virat Kohli said yesterday. of corticosteroids, from The Indian side will begin next year. their tour by playing two The UCI said in a Twenty20 matches against statement released that Ireland, starting from June 27. it would impose the The visitors, currently the measures for in-compe- top-ranked Test team, will tition use starting in then face England in three 2019, following a report T20s and three ODIs before from the World Anti- playing a five-Test series. Doping Agency (WADA) “We are looking forward that numerous riders are to playing difficult cricket. using the drug. That is the only way we can “The UCI has decided improve as a team,” Kohli told to ban the in-compe- a news conference tition use of Tramadol for yesterday. health reasons,” the gov- “We are looking to erning body added fol- change the trend of teams not lowing a meeting of its Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri (left) watches as captain Virat Kohli speaks during a press conference in New Delhi, yesterday. being good travellers. These steering committee at are exciting times for Indian Arzon, France chaired by cricket.” body president David India last travelled to Lappartient. England under MS Dhoni for The organisation said a tour in 2014, when they lost Tendulkar: Scrap two new-ball it had made the ruling the Test series 3-1, but India owing to possible side- will look to make amends effects: “dizziness, loss of under Kohli. ODI rule to revive reverse swing alertness, drowsiness, or “The last time we played physical dependency and (in England) we felt that col- risks of addiction to REUTERS lectively as a team we didn’t question the rule. opioids.” perform consistently in all “The game needs to find a Tramadol is on a three skills,” said Kohli, who NEW DELHI: India batting great suitable white ball that swings at WADA list of products also told reporters he was Sachin Tendulkar (pictured) says the start and must abandon the under surveillance excited and fully fit for the tour. cricket should revisit the rule of Having 2 new balls use of two balls per innings, to without actually being “Because of that, the using two new balls in one-day in one-day cricket is allow for the return of reverse banned. batsmen feel the extra games in order to revive the a perfect recipe for swing - two fundamental skills With regard to gluco- pressure, or the bowlers feel moribund art of reverse swing in of the game that provide as much corticoids, riders’ doctors the pressure because they feel the format. disaster as each ball entertainment as any number of will have to declare their batsmen aren’t doing Bowlers have often found is not given the time sixes belted into the Nottingham use and a mandatory enough.” themselves short-changed since to get old enough night sky,” he wrote in the Times. minimum eight-day Kohli also commented on the 2011 decision to have one to reverse: Sachin Stuart Broad was not part of break from racing. a call by former Indian new ball from each end which, the team at Nottingham and the The UCI said that batsman Sachin Tendulkar to many believe, has rendered the Tendulkar England pacer also demanded a “glucocorticoids can scrap the rule allowing two already batsman-friendly format balance between bat and ball. trigger undesirable side- new balls in ODIs to revive even more lop-sided. the time to get old enough to “I find reverse swing really effects which, in the case the moribund art of reverse The decision meant the ball reverse,” Tendulkar, who retired produce many attacking fast exciting to watch, I’d like to see of an accident or medical swing in the format. never gets old enough to generate in 2013 with more than 34,000 bowlers..They all very defensive it back in the white ball game,” emergency, can be life “I think it’s [the current reverse or aid the spinners, while international runs against his in their approach...always looking he tweeted. threatening,” hence its situation] is brutal for the being easier to score off in the name, tweeted yesterday. for change ups..totally agree with India captain Virat Kohli also action. bowlers,” Kohli said. death overs. England’s marauding “We haven’t seen reverse you @sachin_rt reverse swing is sympathised with the “brutal” WADA published “I have played ODI cricket batsmen drove home the point in swing, an integral part of the almost vanished.#SAD,” he plight of the bowlers. data on June 13 which when there was only one new the ongoing ODI series against death overs, for a long time. tweeted. “I have played ODI cricket showed the drug’s ball allowed and reverse Australia by amassing 342, a world #ENGvsAUS” Former Pakistan England batsmen clobbered when there was only one new presence in 548 of swing used to be a massive record 481 and 314 in their last captain Waqar Younis, one of the 21 sixes and 41 fours as they ball allowed and reverse swing 12,554 samples from factor in the latter half of the three matches. best exponents of reverse swing, became the first team to reach used to be a massive factor in the cyclists across 2017, innings, which I think as a “Having 2 new balls in one supported his long-time Indian 450 in one-day cricket at Not- latter half of the innings, which I much higher than in batsman was more chal- day cricket is a perfect recipe for rival. tingham, prompting former think as a batsman was more other sports. lenging,” he said. disaster as each ball is not given “Reason why we don’t captain Mike Atherton to challenging,” Kohli said. Golf: McIlroy joins Garcia at Challenge in Sun City AFP the European circuit and the long time,me, so I am exciteexcitedd winning it fforor tthehe fourthfourth lengelenge is a huge week on my Nedbank Challenge will offer a about playingplaying it,”it,” he time.time. sschedulechedule anda the penultimate JOHANNESBURG: Four-time $7.5m (about 6.5m euros) prize added in a sstatementtatement “So the NedbNedbankank eventevent bebeforefor we battle it out for Major winner Rory McIlroy fund. releasedsed by tthehe GolfGolf CChal-hal- the Race to Dubai title,” the star (pictured) of Northern Ireland McIlroy proved a huge organisers.sers. added. I am looking forward will compete in the Nedbank Golf crowd-puller near Johannesburg “I havehave alwaysalways hadhad FormerFormer world number one to going back to Sun Challenge at South African resort last year when he featured in the a greatat time in South McIlroyMcIlroy wowon his first Major, the City. I have always Sun City from November 8 to 11, South African Open and finished Africa whetherwhether it bbee UUSS OOpen,pen, in 2011, and his other had a great time in the organisers said yesterday. runner-up to Graeme Storm of playingg ggolfolf tournamentstournaments,, successessuccesses camec in the US PGA This is the latest boost for the England. going oonn sasafari,fari, or visivisitingting ChampionshipChampions (2012, 2014) and South Africa whether penultimate Rolex Series event “I am looking forward to some of tthehe cities,”cities,” hhee the British OpenO (2014). it be playing golf on the European tour Race to going back to Sun City,” said said. TheThe IrishmanIris fired a first- tournaments, going on Dubai after 2017 US Masters McIlroy, whose last appearance “I hhaveave been for-for- roundround 64 ThThursday in the US PGA safari, or visiting some champion Sergio Garcia of Spain on a course designed by South tunate to win tthehe RaceRace TravelersTravelers CChampionship to trail earlier agreed to take part. African golf legend Gary Player to Dubaibai on threethree occa-occa- AmericanAmerican co-leaders Zach of the cities: Rory The Rolex Series is confined was 10 years ago. sions aandnd tthishis yyearear I want to JJohnsonohnson andan Jordan Spieth by McIlroy to the premium tournaments on “I have not been there in a give mysmyselfelf eveeveryry chchanceance of oneone ststroke.roke. SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2018 SPORT 23

Roger Federer of Switzerland clenches his fist after defeating Australia’s Federer holds off Ebden Matthew Ebden in Halle, yesterday. to reach Halle semi-finals AFP then sealed his semi-final place QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS he beat Japan’s Yuichi Sugita 6-2, HALLE: Roger Federer stepped as Ebden returned long. 7-5. The American, ranked 109, up his grass game as the start of The victory was the 18th in a Denis Kudla (USA) bt Yuichi Sugita (JPN) 6-2, 7-5 had never been past a quarter- Wimbledon looms, holding off row on grass for the 36-year-old Roger Federer (SUI x1) bt Matthew Ebden (AUS) final on the lawns - which he Australian Matt Ebden 7-6 (7/2), Federer, who last lost on his 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 achieved at Queen’s club, London

7-5 in their quarter-final at the favourite surface in an opening Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x4) bt Karen Khach- five years ago.

ATP Hale tournament yesterday. match in Stuttgart a year ago, Kudla improved to 17-14 on anov (RUS) 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 With his world number one although the 20-time Grand Slam grass over his career as he put ranking on the line, the Swiss is champion atoned last weekend, out Sugita, the No. 52 who sparing no effort to make sure winning the Stuttgart tournament was enough as Federer hit a stunned third seed and Roland he lifts a tenth title at the event for the first time. backhand service return winner. Garros finalist Dominic Thiem in tomorrow. Now Federer is having to In the second set, Ebden the second round. Failure to win the grass title work to win at Halle, the broke Federer twice and served Kudla saved a set point at would send rival Rafael Nadal German replica venue which for the set at 5-4 only for the 5-2 down in the second set and back to the top spot. mimics the All England club, and Swiss to break back for a second has reached the final four The first set yesterday was then make his final preparation time. without the loss of a set as he decided in a tiebreaker while the at Wimbledon itself before that After Federer held to love he continues the best week of his Swiss had to twice recover from tournament starts on July 2. then broke Ebden again to finish tennis life at age 25, Kudla fired a break down in the second to Ebden did not make it easy the match by winning four his sixth ace on match point to secure a tight victory in 88 for Federer, staying with the straight games. complete his victory in just minutes. Swiss into the first-set tiebreaker. Federer will next take on qual- under 90 minutes, as he broke Federer set up match point The Aussie double-faulted to ifier Denis Kudla, who scored the his Japanese opponent four with a flicking backhand pass and hand over four set points but one best grass victory of his career as times. Kyrgios slams 32 aces to book Murray takes Cilic clash in Queen’s semis wildcard into Eastbourne AFP QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS REUTERS hoping to building on that LONDON: Nick Kyrgios blasted Marin Cilic (CRO x1) bt Sam Querrey (USA x5) 7-6 next week at Devonshire 32 aces for the second successive (7/3), 6-2 LONDON: Andy Murray Park.” match as the brash Australian Nick Kyrgios (AUS) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 7-6 (pictured) will continue his After defeat by Kyrgios, powered into the Queen’s Club (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) comeback next week after former world number one

semi-finals with a 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA) asking for a wildcard into the Murray cast doubt on his (7/3) win over Feliciano Lopez 7-5, 6-1 pre-Wimbledon Eastbourne fitness for Wimbledon, yesterday. International event. saying he was unsure Kyrgios ended Lopez’s reign The Briton returned to whether he would have been as Queen’s champion with his champions against Sam Querrey. action at Queen’s Club this able to play a best-of-five- latest astonishing display of big- Chasing his second Queen’s week after almost a year set match. serving at the Wimbledon title, Cilic eased into the semi- away with a hip injury but He did impress, however, warm-up event. finals, needing only a modest 10 lost in the first round of the pushing the Australian to The 23-year-old had also hit aces for a 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory Fever-Tree championships three sets and he will look to 32 aces in his second round over 2010 winner Querrey. to Nick Kyrgios. further test his movement victory against Kyle Edmund, The 29-year-old was beaten “I’m looking forward to and gain some match setting a personal-best for a by Lopez in last year’s final, but getting some more time on sharpness at the ATP 250 three-set match. against Querrey it was business the grass courts at East- event on the south coast. Kyrgios needed only two sets as usual for Cilic, whose serve has bourne this week,” the three- Twice Wimbledon to reach that mark against been virtually untouchable this times Grand Slam champion, champion Murray joins Spanish veteran Lopez as he set week. who had surgsurgeryery in JanuaJanuary,ry, fellowe ow three-times t ee t es GGrandad up a semi-final showdown with Cilic had won all five of his saidsaid in a statement.statement. SlamSlam cchampionhampion StaStann top seed Marin Cilic. previous encounters with “I“I pplayedlayed WawrinkaWawrinka of SSwit-wit- It is the sixth time in his Querrey, including a semi-final Davis CCupup zerlandzerland in acceptingaccepting career that Kyrgios has served success en route to the Queen’s there in a wiwildcardldcard at tthehe over 30 aces, with his highest total title in 2012. 20062006 andand I knowknow event, whichwhich is thethe coming when he blasted 37 in his The Croatian also got the thethe courts anandd lastlast tournamentournamentt famous Wimbledon upset of better of Querrey in the Wim- facilitiesfacilities therethere beforebefore WimbledonWimbledon Rafael Nadal in 2014. bledon semi-finals last year and aarere excellent. It starts on JulyJuly 2. The world number 21 now once again he was too powerful wwasas googoodd to get has a tournament-leading 82 aces for the American. Australia’s Nick Kyrgios back to compe-compe- in his three matches at Queen’s Cilic, who finished as Aus- reacts during his ttitionition at this week. tralian Open runner-up in quarter-final against QQueen’sueen’s Cilic is no slouch when it January, is running into form on Spain’s Feliciano Lopez this comes to the power serves and grass just in time for Wimbledon, at the ATP Queen’s wweek,eek, the Croatian remains on course where he suffered an injury- Club Championships aandn d for a fourth Queen’s final after plagued final defeat against Roger in London, yesterday. II’m’ m winning his battle of the former Federer last year. Hamilton outpaces rivals in French GP practice AFP his Red Bull team-mate and Grand Prix. ahead of the Ferraris of Finn In Montreal, Hamilton, the LE CASTELLET, FRANCE: Kimi Raikkonen and champi- reigning champion driving on Defending world champion onship leader German Sebastian one of his favourite circuits, fin- Lewis Hamilton outpaced his Vettel. ished only fourth as rival rivals in two eventful practice Hamilton was the first driver We can do better, we Sebastian Vettel, in a Ferrari, sessions yesterday ahead of this to dip into the 1:33’s and then can all squeeze more won and took over as leader of weekend’s French Grand Prix. clocked 132.539 to move seven- juice out of ourselves the title race. The McLaren driver was tenths clear of Ricciardo at the top. and out of the car: Mercedes, who won the con- quickest in both the morning and This was clear evidence not structors title last year, have afternoon sessions, ending up only of Hamilton’s pure pace, but Lewis Hamilton struggled for consistency this seven-tenths clear of in-demand also his innate ability to learn a year. Australian Daniel Ricciardo who new circuit very quickly. “We can do better, we can all was second for Red Bull. The team did not reveal if he run as his car, which had burst squeeze more juice out of our- The session, run in hot con- was using a revised or updated into flames, was not repaired selves and out of the car,” he ditions with track temperatures engine. in time. said. “Montreal was a very, very hitting 48 degrees Celsius (188 Behind the two Ferraris, In a busy and incident average weekend degrees Fahrenheit) and a gusty Frenchman Romain Grosjean packed afternoon, Mexican performance-wise. wind, was interrupted when was sixth for Haas ahead of Sergio Perez of Force India, “I think we’ve got to make Mexican Sergio Perez’s Force Bottas, two-time champion Raikkonen, Alonso and Grosjean sure we are in tip-top shape India car lost a wheel at speed Lewis Hamilton drives during the second practice session at the Spaniard Fernando Alonso of all had “offs” without damaging moving forward. We had really through turns five and six. Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France, yesterday. McLaren, Dane Kevin Magnussen their machines. good meetings afterwards, The wheel detached from the in the second Haas and Meanwhile, Hamilton said he people were openly critical of car and bounced clear down the Frenchman Pierre Gasly. is happy with Mercedes team themselves and there were great straight as Perez came to a halt. team-mate Finn Valtteri Bottas, seventh after he was unable to Swede Marcus Ericsson, chief Toto Wolff’s “open and discussions where the team was He was unhurt, but the session who was second in opening complete the second session. who had a high-speed crash in critical” approach to team able to be open with each other was red-flagged and halted tem- practice, suffered a water leak This allowed Dutchman Max his Sauber at the end of the meetings - and admitted he was and say honestly, ‘this could be porarily. Hamilton’s Mercedes in the afternoon and wound up Verstappen to take third behind morning session, was unable to “very average” at the Canadian better.’ SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2018 SPORT 24

Last-gasp Shaqiri goal seals Switzerland win over Serbia AFP

KALININGRAD, RUSSIA: A last-minute Xherdan Shaqiri breakaway goal handed Swit- zerland victory yesterday as they came from behind to defeat Serbia 2-1 in Kaliningrad. The win puts Switzerland in pole position to make it out of a tough Group E that contains five-times winners Brazil but they were pushed all the way by the Serbs. It was a sweet victory for Shaqiri and fellow Swiss goals- corer Granit Xhaka, who along with team-mate Valon Belrami were booed relentlessly by Ser- bia’s fans throughout. Shaqiri, Xhaka and Belrami trace their roots to Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, a fact which had stoked tensions before the match. Both Shaqiri and Xhaka pointedly celebrated their goals by making an eagle gesture with their hands, viewed as a symbol of defiance. Serbia raced out of the blocks, funnelling possession to Southampton winger Dusan Tadic on the right flank, who troubled Switzerland with his crossing all match. An Aleksandar Mitrovic header forced a smart save from Swiss keeper Yann Sommer after four minutes. Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri scores the second goal during their World Cup Group E match against Serbia at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad, Russia, yesterday. Seconds later, Tadic took the ball past left-back Ricardo Rod- riguez, cut back on his favoured bicycle kick that went the same up. Nemanja Matic the break and were in a bid to force a winner, and left foot and delivered a majestic way minutes later. missed a glorious rewarded with a spec- Gavranovic forced a smart save cross that Mitrovic duly buried Switzerland, who came to chance to double the tacular equaliser from Stojkovic from a close with his head. Russia ranked ahead of the likes lead just before the courtesy of Xhaka’s range effort with 10 minutes In a frenetic first half, Swit- of France and Spain, felt their break when Tadic’s 52nd-minute remaining. zerland had more of the ball but way into the game as the first- in-swinging corner SERBIA SWITZERLAND piledriver. But it was Stoke City were sloppy with it, giving away half progressed. found him unmarked They had the better winger Shaqiri who struck the possession in advanced posi- On the half-hour mark, at the back post but 1 2 chances in the second decisive blow, breaking tions and sending Serbia on the Steven Zuber cleverly teed up the Manchester period, with Shaqiri’s through Serbia’s offside trap MITROVIC - 5 break. Blerim Dzemaili but the Hof- United midfielder XHAKA - 52 curling effort from the to slot home calmly as the 90 Lazio’s highly rated Sergej fenheim man got his feet in a couldn’t sort his feet SHAQIRI - 90 edge of the area minutes wound down. Milinkovic-Savic fizzed a right- muddle and Vladimir Stojkovic out. grazing Stojkovic’s bar Serbia will now need some- footed shot narrowly wide of was able to parry away. Matic said during the on the hour mark. thing from their final Group E Sommer’s right post on 15 But it was Serbia, who beat build-up the team were game with Brazil fouled star Coach Vladimir Petkovic match against Brazil, while a minutes, and Mitrovic almost Costa Rica 1-0 in their Group E expecting a “hellish” encounter forward Neymar 10 times alone. brought on attackers Breel draw against Costa Rica would scored with a spectacular opener, who nearly went in two with the Swiss, who in their Switzerland grew in stature after Embolo and Mario Gavranovic see Switzerland through.

Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa celebrates with a I can win Musa vs Messi duel, team staff member at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D match against Iceland in declares Nigeria’s goal hero Volgograd, yesterday. AFP African side will secure a spot in especially the way they came out elimination but now qualifi- the knockout stage alongside firing in the second half after cation is in their own hands. VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA: Deadly Croatia if they beat Argentina. Iceland put them under the Iceland started brightest but Ahmed Musa struck two A draw would be enough to pump in the first 45 minutes. Nigeria, with captain John Obi stunning goals to sink Iceland eliminate the Argentines but “What I like in my young Mikel sitting deeper in midfield 2-0 yesterday and then would leave Nigeria’s fate resting team is humility, solidarity and than the defeat against Croatia, promised to do the same to on the outcome of Iceland’s fighting spirit. I thought before slowly worked their way into the Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Tues- game against Croatia which this World Cup we were here to game as Victor Moses posed a day’s Group D showdown. kicks off at the same time. learn,” said the German. constant threat on the right The Leicester City striker, Musa also scored twice for “I think this team will be flank. currently on loan at CSKA Leicester in a 4-2 pre-season ready in 2022 and this World Rohr brought on wing-back Moscow, became the first friendly defeat against Messi- Cup is coming early, but we have Tyronne Ebuehi for Bryan Nigerian to score at two World inspired Barcelona two years a good chance to win against Idowu at the start of the second Cups as the Super Eagles secured ago and said he always scores Argentina.” Musa, who came into half and Nigeria came out full a crucial win over Iceland, who when up against the Argentine the starting line-up in place of of running. missed a penalty. superstar. Alex Iwobi, announced himself The tireless Moses was He scored both goals in “I can remember four years in magnificent style with two of released down the right and his Nigeria’s group stage 3-2 defeat ago when Messi played in Brazil the goals of the tournament. cross was met by Musa who to Argentina in Porto Alegre, I scored two goals,” he recalled. Musa’s sweetly struck half- teed up the ball deftly with the Brazil, four years ago and is rel- “And when I transferred to volley fired Nigeria into the lead outside of his right foot before ishing the chance to do it again. Leicester I played against Bar- just after half-time before he unleashing an unstoppable But this time he hopes it will celona and he’s on the pitch and added a second with 15 minutes half-volley into the roof of the knock out the South I scored another two goals. to go to make the game safe. net. Americans. “So I think next game any- Iceland got a lifeline in the Musa made the game safe “I think scoring against thing can happen -- possibly I’m 82nd minute with a VAR- with a breathless second, con- Argentina isn’t that difficult for going to score another two awarded penalty but dead-ball trolling a long ball without me,” he smiled after his man-of- goals,” he laughed. specialist Gylfi Sigurdsson blazed breaking stride, beating Kari the-match performance in - Fighting spirit - Nigeria over the bar. Arnason then rounding Hall- Volgograd. coach Gerhot Rohr was full of With Croatia heading the dorsson before powering his “We know the importance praise for his side, who are the group on six points Nigeria knew shot past two covering defenders of the game. It’s do or die.” The youngest at this World Cup, a second defeat would mean on the line.