Qatar Coach Piazza Quits

WEDNESDAY, JulY 6, 2016 VOluME XI ISSuE NO.22 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 26 | WEIGHTLIFTING KEEPING FAITH BOUND FOR RIO QATAR’S FIRST Lekhwiya management retains Djamel Qatar’s Faris Ibrahim books berth at Rio ENGLISH SPORTS Belmadi as coach and decides not Games by finishing third at the Junior WEEKLY to tinker with the team too much. World Championships in Georgia.

Test of mettle

P 20 | POSTER DIMITRI PAYET

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Qatar have a lot to learn from Iceland’s French adventure

HE majestic march of Iceland at Euro 2016 in the country! full professionalism, from treatment room to might’ve ended in quarterfinal, but they Like Iceland, we too have a small pool of tal- canteen, where a private chef was hired, to the Tleave behind their French adventure as a ent. The similarities don’t end there. If winter is airports, where the team chartered flights for model that can be replicated by smaller nations long and harsh in Iceland, we battle the sum- big matches for the first time in history. More including Qatar. mer heat. Both countries have invested heav- importantly, he taught his players to have faith Qatar Football Association (QFA) President ily on infrastructure. Iceland have 11 full-sized in his system and that, despite the odds, they Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani has indoor fields and 22 artificial pitches across the could beat anyone if they stuck to it. In short, already acknowledged there were many lessons country. When it comes to fans too, it was more he imported a winning culture to a squad not our nation could learn from Iceland’s remarkable or less the same story until recently, with sparse accustomed to one.” performance. Indeed, their rise has been amazing. crowd attending matches. True, only 100 per cent professionalism can help They were ranked 131 in the world in 2012 and Iceland don’t even have a fully professional Qatar develop a strong team in time for the 2022 now they’re 34! Like the QFA chief pointed out, domestic league. But most of their national team FIFA World Cup. For that, we need to entrust the it’s the commitment and determination shown members play outside as professionals and that responsibility with proven professionals. by all stakeholders that helped Iceland scale the makes a huge difference. Credit should be given heights, in such a short time. to Iceland’s joint-coaches Lars Lagerback and Following Iceland’s stunning win over England Heimir Hallgrimsson, who’s a part-time den- in the round of 16, there was a funny online troll, tist. It’s Swedish Lagerback, hired in 2011, who classifying their population based on various brought about wholesale changes. parameters like gender, age, occupation, etc, According to a journalist who observed the Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi finally suggesting there were only 23 footballers team from close quarters, “Lagerback wanted Editor-in-Chief

Punish the offenders if Arabi are infamous for the hir- they’re proven guilty ing and firing of coaches and if INBOX they continue doing it, things won’t It’s unfortunate that Somali coach improve. Jama Aden was arrested for alleged They should keep faith in new

Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar drug trafficking, with Qatari athlete Uruguayan coach Gerardo Pelusso Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 Musaeb Abdulrahman Balla also and give him a longer term. I think Managing Editor Kumar Ravi WEDNESDAY, JuNE 29, 2016 VOLuME XI ISSuE NO.21 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com P 6 | FOOTBALL P 26 | RAMADAN EVENTS CHANGE AT ARABI’S HELM THE GRAND FINALE Doha QATAR’S FIRST Veteran Uruguayan coach Gerardo Sharq emerge as winners of the finding himself in trouble ( that’s the only way to restore the Senior Editor/Writer ENGLISH SPORTS Pelusso replaces ex-Italy and Chelsea Al Wajba Palace football tourney Aswin Abraham star Gianfranco Zola at Al Arabi. by beating Barzan in the final. WEEKLY Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 FOLLOW US Senior Sports Writer Stadium Plus, June 29). club’s lost glory. N Ganesh e-mail: [email protected] Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Qatar vehemently opposes drug Mohammed Shehab, Doha. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 SPECIAL STORY e-mail: [email protected] P 19 | FOOTBALL abuse in sports and if at all Balla is Mohammad Amin-ul Islam ‘This is the end for me’ P 28 | BEACH VOLLEYBALL Sarath Pookkat Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 Rio calling! involved, he should be punished. Congratulations Hakan e-mail: [email protected] Photographers Mohan Talal Al Jaber, Doha.

Vinod Divakaran Boxer Hakan Erseker’s qualification Fadi Al Assaad Keep faith in Pelusso for the Rio Olympic Games (Doha

P 20 | POSTER Stadium Plus Mohammed Dabboos CHILE , June 29) should give COPA AMERICA PAGES 22-23 CHAMPS Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution A K BijuRaj UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 Al Arabi’s sacking of Italian coach the sport in Qatar a big fillip. Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Gianfranco Zola (Doha Stadium The Qatar Boxing Federation P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Publishing and Distribution Plus Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press , June 29) was expected as the should be appreciated for the Joice Michael club management wasn’t satisfied development work, particularly e-mail: [email protected] www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Technical support Abdul Naser M with their eighth-place finish in after reviving its activities in 2014. Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar the Qatar Stars League last season. Hosting the World Championships Arabi looked impressive at times, last year has also helped in pro- www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar © Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of with Zola putting in a lot of hard moting the sport. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. work. But they fizzled out in the end. Medhat Hassan, Doha. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 3

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Qatar have a lot to learn from Iceland’s French adventure

Vinod Divakaran Boxer Hakan Erseker’s qualification Fadi Al Assaad Keep faith in Pelusso for the Rio Olympic Games (Doha

P 20 | POSTER Stadium Plus Mohammed Dabboos CHILE , June 29) should give COPA AMERICA PAGES 22-23 CHAMPS

A K BijuRaj UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 Al Arabi’s sacking of Italian coach the sport in Qatar a big fillip. Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Gianfranco Zola (Doha Stadium The Qatar Boxing Federation Publishing and Distribution Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press Plus, June 29) was expected as the should be appreciated for the Joice Michael club management wasn’t satisfied development work, particularly www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Technical support Abdul Naser M www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar with their eighth-place finish in after reviving its activities in 2014. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar the Qatar Stars League last season. Hosting the World Championships Arabi looked impressive at times, last year has also helped in pro-

© Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of with Zola putting in a lot of hard moting the sport. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. work. But they fizzled out in the end. Medhat Hassan, Doha. 4 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 5 Extra time

The Champions League? Of course, it’s an important aim, but there’re others. Our goal is to continue progressing, improving and growing. With the current team, I think we can achieve big things. MAN ON A mission Unai Emery, Paris Saint-Germain coach. Newly-unveiled manager Jose Mourinho targets United’s domination. NASSER AL ATTIYAH

ššGerardo Martino EW Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho announced his STAR OF THE WEEK Nreturn to English football on Argentina coach Tuesday by reminding the world that he is a proven winner who will tell his Martino resigns players to forget the past three years of under-achievement and instead RGENTINA head coach Gerardo target success. Martino announced his resig- DSP/Mohan In a news conference at Old Trafford, Anation on Tuesday, deepening Mourinho covered a wide range of issues the chaos in the frustrated squad, a from transfer targets to the need for month before the Olympics, after its Wayne Rooney to continue playing as a star striker Lionel Messi also quit. striker and the departure of Ryan Giggs. In a statement published by the He seemed determined to deflect Argentina Football Association (AFA), ‘I don’t like to attention away from himself to ‘the big- Martino said he and his coaching staff gest club in the world’. The 53-year-old, quit due to management disputes in change my gun’ who described himself as ‘the Special ššJose Mourinho the association and difficulties in get- One’ and then ‘the Happy One’ during ting the squad together in time for the ATAR’S sports icon Nasser similar media conferences to announce Olympics. Saleh Al Attiyah, who excels his arrivals at Chelsea in 2004 and 2013, titles in 2013, to their former position front and not in midfield where England The blow came less than two weeks Qin rallying and shooting, is a adopted a more serious approach. of dominance. manager Roy Hodgson employed him after Messi said he was quitting follow- fitness freak to the core. The London “I want everything — to win matches, “There’re some managers who won in at the European Championship. ing defeat to Chile in the Copa America Games bronze medallist spoke about to play well and score goals, I don’t want the title 10 years ago, some haven’t won The Portuguese also addressed the Centenario’s final — which sparked the reason behind choosing two sports to concede goals,” he said. a title ever. The last time I won the title sudden departure of Giggs from the demonstrations by fans desperate for disciplines, importance of fitness as Improving on last year’s fifth place was one year ago. So if I’ve something club after 29 years, denying that the him to stay. well his penchant for guns. would not be sufficient, he said, indicat- to prove, imagine the others.’’ decision had been down to him. “ The crisis in the national squad laid ing that he intended to return United, Turning to Rooney, Mourinho sug- “It’s not my responsibility that Ryan bare managerial squabbles in the AFA ЂЂHow did you take up two entirely who won the last of their 20 league gested the 30-year-old’s future lay up isn’t in club,” he said. that are blamed for disrupting the organ- different sports? isation of Argentina’s favourite sport. ЃЂI started rallying well before I began Martino’s decision was “due to the lack shooting. I wanted to do something that UEFA are not happy with Gareth on the Parc des Princes pitch after of clarity in the naming of new leaders would help me with my rally driving, Keep children Bale and other Wales players the 1-0 win over Northern Ireland for the association and the inconven- especially my focus. That’s how I ended parading their children on the Euro became one of the images of Euro iences in forming a squad to represent up taking skeet shooting. off the pitch! 2016 pitch in Paris after their last 16 2016. Other players also had their the country in the coming Olympic win over Northern Ireland. children on the pitch. Games,” an AFA statement said. ЂЂIs it true that you never change “It’s always cute when the kids “We aren’t 100 per cent against Argentinian media said Martino, who your guns? are there. But it’s a European it, but we’re cautious. We’ve to ЃЂ Championship not a family party,” guarantee security. There’re also took over the team after the 2014 World I don’t like changing my gun. I’ve been said UEFA Operations Director certain safety issues behind it. Small Cup, was frustrated at clubs not releas- using the same one for the last seven Martin Kallen. kids five, six years old. If something ing players for the national squad in ALLYSON FELIX years. The weight has to stay the same, Bale hugging his daughter Alba happens what do you do,” he said. ššGareth Bale with his daughter. time for the Olympics. or else it effects how it sits on your shoulder, and thus your aim. I consider the gun LLYSON Felix’s quest for a piece of were in peril after a freak training accident with the fastest time in the world this year, a part of me because if you aren’t con- Olympic history remains intact after in April, when she dropped onto a 49.68sec, to book her ticket to Brazil. nected to it, you won’t be able to shoot Ashe emerged from two months of medicine ball during a gym session and Felix’s veteran coach Bobby Kersee 100 per cent. Serena and Venus on injury to produce one of the greatest runs tore ligaments in her right ankle. later described the win as the four-time of her life at the US track and field trials. The injury left her unable to walk Olympic gold medallist’s greatest ever ЂЂCould you tell us something about The 30-year-old from Los Angeles has properly, severely disrupting her performance. your fitness routine? course for title clash set her sights on the notoriously difficult preparations for the Olympics and Felix, the reigning Olympic 200M ЃЂI wake up at 5am and do fitness train- double of 400 and 200M at next month’s sweating on her fitness heading into the champion and 400M world champion, ing. Athletes require a lot of concentra- Games in Rio de Janeiro. US trials at Hayward Field in Oregon. is also targeting gold in the 4x100 and tion. And it can be lost if your physical IX-TIME champion Serena Wil- match at the All England Club. Felix’s hopes of completing the double But Felix surged to victory last Sunday 4x400M relays. fitness doesn’t match your mental focus. liams reached her 10th Wimble- Venus made the semifinals for the Sdon semifinal on Tuesday with first time since 2009 by beating world a 6-4, 6-4 win over Russia 21st seed No.96 Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan Inside Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. The 34-year-old world No.1’s win In the semis, Venus will take on sets up the enticing prospect of a final Australian Open champion Angelique showdown with sister Venus, a five- Kerber, who beat Romania’s fifth seed time champion who is also through Simona Halep 7-5, 7-6 (7-2). SEMIFINAL LINE-UP to the last four. It is the 11th time that the sisters Serena Williams (USA) vs The defending champion, who is bid- have advanced to the semifinal of the 18 28 30 Elena Vesnina (RUS) ding for a record-equalling Open era same Grand Slam event. At 36, Venus Angelique Kerber (GER) vs 22nd Grand Slam title, will face Russian is the oldest women’s semifinalist since Venus Williams (USA) world No 50 Elena Vesnina, who defeated Martina Navratilova in 1994. Slovak 19th seed Dominika Cibulkova š šSerena Williams 6-2, 6-2, for a place in Saturday’s title » Earlier report on page 30 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 5

The Champions League? Of course, it’s an important aim, but there’re others. Our goal is to continue progressing, improving and growing. With the current team, I think we can achieve big things. Unai Emery, Paris Saint-Germain coach. NASSER AL ATTIYAH STAR OF THE WEEK DSP/Mohan

‘I don’t like to change my gun’

ATAR’S sports icon Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, who excels Qin rallying and shooting, is a fitness freak to the core. The London Games bronze medallist spoke about the reason behind choosing two sports disciplines, importance of fitness as well his penchant for guns.

ЂЂHow did you take up two entirely different sports? ЃЂI started rallying well before I began shooting. I wanted to do something that would help me with my rally driving, especially my focus. That’s how I ended up taking skeet shooting.

ЂЂIs it true that you never change your guns? ЃЂI don’t like changing my gun. I’ve been using the same one for the last seven ALLYSON FELIX years. The weight has to stay the same, or else it effects how it sits on your shoulder, and thus your aim. I consider the gun LLYSON Felix’s quest for a piece of were in peril after a freak training accident with the fastest time in the world this year, a part of me because if you aren’t con- Olympic history remains intact after in April, when she dropped onto a 49.68sec, to book her ticket to Brazil. nected to it, you won’t be able to shoot Ashe emerged from two months of medicine ball during a gym session and Felix’s veteran coach Bobby Kersee 100 per cent. injury to produce one of the greatest runs tore ligaments in her right ankle. later described the win as the four-time of her life at the US track and field trials. The injury left her unable to walk Olympic gold medallist’s greatest ever ЂЂCould you tell us something about The 30-year-old from Los Angeles has properly, severely disrupting her performance. your fitness routine? set her sights on the notoriously difficult preparations for the Olympics and Felix, the reigning Olympic 200M ЃЂI wake up at 5am and do fitness train- double of 400 and 200M at next month’s sweating on her fitness heading into the champion and 400M world champion, ing. Athletes require a lot of concentra- Games in Rio de Janeiro. US trials at Hayward Field in Oregon. is also targeting gold in the 4x100 and tion. And it can be lost if your physical Felix’s hopes of completing the double But Felix surged to victory last Sunday 4x400M relays. fitness doesn’t match your mental focus. Inside 18 28 30 6 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 7 Football Defender Juma moves to Arabi from Rayyan

ARDWORKING left-back and midfielders Mohammed Khalifa Mohammed Juma joined Al Al Kuwari and Mohammed Shaaban. HArabi from Al Rayyan last week. Ahmed Fathi, who played as a defender Juma enjoyed a productive season- and holding midfielder last season, is Keeping faith long spell at Al Rayyan, where he played also likely to sign a new deal this week. Lekhwiya management places its trust on Algerian coach Djamel consistently well in their triumphant “We’re keen to retain all our experi- ššShaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Qatar Stars League campaign. He is the enced and important players because Belmadi and decides not to tinker with the team too much as the second left-back Arabi have signed in we believe that’ll give our team a lot the pre-season after Rami Fayez. of stability,” said Arabi Football Head “I’m happy to have signed for Arabi, Salah Al Mulla. AFC and UEFA to cops aim to regain the Qatar Stars League title next season. We’re currently negotiating a Arabi had finished a disappointing foreign striker and are seeking improve current eighth in the QSL last season which to complete his contract at the said Lekhwiya Sports Club General I played for Rayyan and forced the club to part ways with partnership N Ganesh Secretary Adnan Al Ali. earliest so that former Chelsea and Italy star Lekhwiya will camp in Austria he can start succeeded to win the Gianfranco Zola. They have HE Asian Football Confedera- from July 13 to 30 to prepare for the preparing QSL title. I want to do named Uruguayan Gerardo tion (AFC) and UEFA further forthcoming season. Al Ali said they with the the same with Arabi. Pelusso as his replacement. Tstrengthened their partnership EKHWIYA may have endured their would play four friendly matches, squad right Arabi have been the bus- last week after concluding progressive poorest Qatar Stars League (QSL) including against La Liga side Eibar from day one iest Qatari club so far in the discussions on ways to improve the Lcampaign since making it to the on July 29. of our training who’re one of the leading clubs in Qatar pre-season and already signed current Memorandum of Understanding top flight for the first time six seasons “We’ve asked all our players to be pre- camp. We’ve asked and have a strong fan base. It’s an honour Uruguayan centre-back Federico (MoU) between the two confederations ago, yet the management is not ready sent at the training camp. Our Qatar all our players to be present. to play for such a big team,” said Juma. Platero and Chilean midfielder Luis in Paris, France. to tamper much with the team. internationals will leave for the national Our Qatar internationals will “Moving to Arabi is an important Antonio Jimenez. FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samba š Lekhwiya, who started as overwhelm- šDjamel Belmadi team camp towards the end of July to leave for the national team step in my career. I played for Rayyan While Brazilian striker Paulinho has Diouf Samoura was present to lend ing favourites to defend the QSL title last prepare for the 2018 World Cup qual- camp towards the end of July last season and succeeded to win the been retained, Nigerian Imoh Ezekiel her support to both confederations. season, ended up fourth in the stand- ifiers in September.” to prepare for the 2018 World QSL title. I want to achieve the same was brought back from his loan deal AFC President Shaikh Salman bin ings and thus missed out on an AFC contract at the earliest so that he can Speaking about next season Al Ali Cup qualifiers. with Arabi. at Belgian club Anderlcht. The man- Ibrahim Al Khalifa underlined the Champions League berth for the first start preparing with the squad right said, “We’ll try to regain the QSL title, “It’s also a huge motivation to give agement, however, is likely to let go importance of the joint meeting. , Lekhwiya General Secretary. time since their debut in 2012. from day one of our training camp,” that’s our aim.” he said. DSP Adnan Ali my best. I didn’t have any hesitation one of the two players after the train- “The AFC and UEFA have enjoyed But the cops have kept faith in Algerian when the offer came,” said Juma. ing camp, the details of which are yet a long-standing partnership, and the coach Djamel Belmadi, who helped Arabi, meanwhile, have also renewed to be announced. The Reds are still MoU exemplifies the spirit of solidarity them win their maiden Emir’s Cup. the contracts of goalkeeper Masoud on the lookout for an Asian overseas and unity of world football. Together, Lekhwiya have also retained talented Zeraei, defender Mohammed Salem, player. DSP we’re committed to leverage on the South Korean midfielder Nam Tae-Hee, excellent momentum we’ve built in Tunisian forward Youssef Msakni and recent years to further develop and Spaniard Chico Flores, a former Swansea promote the beautiful game.” Left-back Musaab Mahmoud impressive spell with them three defender. The current MoU, which will run Musaab is returned to Al Rayyan on a free seasons ago, after Mohammed Striker Alain Dioko will leave after a transfer last week, following the Juma left for Arabi. through to 2019, has paved the way for rather forgettable six-month spell. The back with end of his contract with El Jaish. A versatile player, who can the development on matters of com- He was on loan at Al Arabi last also play as a left winger, mon interest, which include compe- the Lions season. Musaab had represented many titions, member associations’ devel- Rayyan seized the opportunity other Qatari clubs including Al opment, technical, refereeing, futsal Lekhwiya have retained to sign Musaab, who had an Sadd and Al Khor. DSP South Korean Nam, as well as women’s football. Tunisian Msakni and Spaniard Chico Flores. Arch installed at Qatar’s Congolese, who emerged as one of the most lethal strikers in Qatar football at Al Ahli, had moved to Al Gharafa World Cup Stadium last summer and then to Lekhwiya in January on a swap deal with Slovakian MAJOR milestone has been Mansoor Al Mohannadi said, “The suc- winger Vladimir Weiss. achieved at the Khalifa In- cessful installation of the last piece of Among local players, young for- A ternational Stadium with the arch at the Khalifa International ward Ismail Mohammed and sea- the installation of the last segment of Stadium shows the progress of reno- soned defender Mohammed Mousa its emblematic arch of this historic vation of the stadium. have been retained. stadium. “The next step will be the installation Forward Abdulkader Ilyas is expected It marked the start of the countdown of the roof. We’ve been able to achieve to join from El Jaish, with defender towards the completion of the reno- this thanks to the productive co-oper- Dame Traore moving in the opposite vation and upgrade works at the pro- ation of all parties involved.” direction. posed host venue for the 2022 FIFA Supreme Committee for Delivery After Belmadi’s decision at the start World Cup matches through to the and Legacy Project Manager for of the season to play lanky Mohammed quarterfinals. Khalifa International Stadium and Al Muntari as spearhead flopped and Dioko The last segment to be placed was Bayt Stadium-Al Khor City Mohemed failed, Lekhwiya are planning to sign a 22-metre piece installed at a height Elamin Ahmed said, “This is a major a star striker this time. of 120 metres. milestone for us that’ll allow the start “We’re currently negotiating a foreign Khalifa International Stadium Project of the installation of the roof mem- DSP Photo striker and are seeking to complete his ššLekhwiya players are all joy after winning the Emir’s Cup. Manager at Aspire Zone Foundation brane.” DSP ššAn artist’s impression of the Khalifa International Stadium. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 7

Defender Juma moves to Arabi from Rayyan

MAJOR milestone has been Mansoor Al Mohannadi said, “The suc- achieved at the Khalifa In- cessful installation of the last piece of A ternational Stadium with the arch at the Khalifa International the installation of the last segment of Stadium shows the progress of reno- its emblematic arch of this historic vation of the stadium. stadium. “The next step will be the installation It marked the start of the countdown of the roof. We’ve been able to achieve towards the completion of the reno- this thanks to the productive co-oper- vation and upgrade works at the pro- ation of all parties involved.” posed host venue for the 2022 FIFA Supreme Committee for Delivery World Cup matches through to the and Legacy Project Manager for quarterfinals. Khalifa International Stadium and Al The last segment to be placed was Bayt Stadium-Al Khor City Mohemed a 22-metre piece installed at a height Elamin Ahmed said, “This is a major of 120 metres. milestone for us that’ll allow the start Khalifa International Stadium Project of the installation of the roof mem- Manager at Aspire Zone Foundation brane.” DSP ššAn artist’s impression of the Khalifa International Stadium. 8 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 9 Football

ROAD TO SEMIFINAL

PORTUGAL WALES GERMANY FRANCE Drew Iceland 1-1 Bt Slovakia 2-1 Bt Ukraine 2-0 Bt Romania 2-1 Drew Austria 0-0 Lost to England 1-2 Drew Poland 0-0 Bt Albania 2-0 Drew Hungary 3-3 Bt Russia 3-0 Bt Northern Ireland 1-0 Drew Switzerland 0-0 Bt Croatia 1-0 Bt Northern Ireland 1-0 Bt Slovakia 3-0 Bt Ireland 2-1 Bt Poland 6-4 Bt Belgium 3-1 Bt Italy 7-6 Bt Iceland 5-2 1-1 after extra time 1-1 after extra time Tie-breaker score 5-3 EURO 2016 RECORD Tie-breaker score 6-5 EURO 2016 RECORD Won 4 Won 4 EUO 2016 RECORD Drew 0 Drew 1 test of mettle Won 2 Lost 1 EURO 2016 RECORD Lost 0 Drawn 3 Goals for 10 Won 4 Goals for 11 Portugal take on Wales in the first semifinal while big boys Lost 0 Goals against 4 Drawn 1 Goals against 4 FORM GUIDE ššMichael van Praag Goals for 6 Lost 0 France and Germany fight in the other last-four clash. PORTUGAL Goals against 5 Top scorer Goals for 7 Top scorer Goals against 1 Portugal have reached the semifinal Top scorers without winning any of their five games 3 4 UEFA finds new ĈĈWales and Germany drawn all three group games, beaten Gareth Bale Top scorer Antoine Griezmann miss key players through inside 90 minutes or putting up a truly Croatia in extra-time and squeezed convincing performance. But, with a 2 solution for Cristiano Ronaldo Average possession Average possession suspension and injuries past Poland on penalties. Things strong defence and the permanent 2 Nani Mario Gomez are yet to click for them, and by threat that Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo hooligan trouble could strike at any moment, they extension for captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Average possession 47% Average possession 56% Toby Davis and Patrick Vignal With Ronaldo’s Real Madrid team- have proved to be extremely difficult mate Pepe marshalling an increas- opponents to beat. They have not lost Keir Radnedge in 12 competitive internationals since 54% Best performance so far 63% Best performance so far ingly assured defence, they will be Fernando Santos took over at the start Semifinal 2016 Winners 1984, 2000 tough to break down. of the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. EAL Madrid duo Gareth Bale Meanwhile, France showed The team revolves around Ronaldo even Best performance so far Semifinal record Best performance so far Semifinal record and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of against Iceland they could score though he sometimes appears to be an EFA believes it has found a solu- Runners-up 2004 N/A Winners 1972, 1980, 1996 Won 2 overbearing presence on his team-mates. Rthe most expensive players in plenty of goals, but their defence once Lost 2 tion to be better prepared as it the world, will be on the opposite sides again looked porous and is a real WALES Semifinal record Killer stat Semifinal record Last semifinal 2000 Utries to avert or control hooligan when Wales take on Portugal in the first worry for coach Didier Deschamps. Won 1 Wales have scored 10 goals Won 5 Bt Portugal 2-1 trouble at future Euro Championships. semifinal on Wednesday while it will They are yet to face a top European Wales initially rode on the shoulders of Lost 3 from 59 attempts, the best Lost 2 The European body joined with the Gareth Bale, but the burden of attacking Last semifinal 2012 conversion rate among the Last semifinal 2012 Killer stat be another test of Germany’s mettle nation and that whether this tour- responsibility seems to be spreading Council of Europe to construct a renewed as they face hosts France in the second nament is a success or a failure Lost to Spain 2-4 semifinalists. Lost to Italy 1-2 France’s previous two Euro convention on “an integrated safety, through the team with captain Ashley (in tie-breaker) semifinals on home turf on Thursday. will depend on how they fare security and service approach at foot- Williams, Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Killer stat witnessed 14 goals. They lost It is the first time Wales have made against Germany, who have Vokes scoring in their superb quarterfinal Killer stat Joachim Loew’s side boasts 4-5 to Yugoslavia in 1960, but ball matches and other sports events.” it to the round of four but for Portugal, a record for beating them in victory over Belgium. Midfielder Joe Allen Cristiano Ronaldo is one goal the best defensive record beat Portugal 3-2 in extra time An original formulation was drawn up it will be their fourth semifinal in the the knockout stages of major has played the deep lying playmaker shy of Michel Platini’s all-time among the semifinalists, in 1984. after the Heysel disaster in 1985 when role to perfection, while centre last five editions. Only once, when they tournaments. Euro record of nine. having conceded just once. 39 Juventus fans were killed in a hoo- back Williams has grown in stature. hosted the tournament in 2004, have Germany have a different problem, Midfielder Aaron Ramsey, however, will ligan eruption before the European they overcome the last-four hurdle, but with some of their key players injured. be suspended for the semifinal against Champions Cup final against Liverpool only to be beaten in the final by Greece. They will be without holding midfielder Portugal. in Brussels. That Wales, playing their first major Sami Khedira and striker Mario Gomez, UEFA’s Stadium and Security GERMANY tournament in 58 years and first ever while also missing central defender Mats Griezmann leads Committee Chairman Michael van semifinal, are arguably the form team Hummels through suspension. Germany will be a different team from Wales, Portugal may Praag insisted that improved co-opera- coming into the match, will make Captain Bastian Schweinsteiger also the one that beat Italy when they take France 1-2-3 tion with police authorities would help on hosts France in Thursday’s semifinal. Portugal wary. is doubtful for the game, nursing a knee make a difference at future main events. Their backline will be missing suspended Antoine Griezmann became the first Chris Coleman’s men have revelled ligament injury. Mats Hummels. Coach Joachim Loew player to score four goals at Euro 2016 want Germany to win He also defended UEFA’s response to in their underdog status to win their could return to a four-man backline with and has two team-mates behind him the trouble-hit Euro 2016 tie between group, which also included England, Benedikt Hoewedes partnering Jerome in the adidas Golden Boot rankings. Russia and England in Marseille. Russia and Slovakia, ease out British FIXTURES Boateng in the centre with Jonas Hector ALES and Portugal do not Van Praag, one of the leading candi- rivals Northern Ireland in the last 16 and All matches start at 10pm Doha time and Joshua Kimmich as full-backs. Loew need any more incentive dates to replace disgraced and banned SEMIFINALS will also be without his only out-and- GOLDEN BOOT LEADERS sweep past heavy favourites Belgium in July 6 Portugal vs Wales Lyon Wwhen they face off in Lyon Michel Platini as UEFA president, said, šĈFrom top, Toni out striker Mario Gomez, who has 2 assists, the quarters. July 7 Germany vs France Marseille Antoine Griezmann (FRA) 4 goals on Wednesday but, well, here is some “Despite significant progress over the Kroos, Paul Pogba, been ruled out with a muscle injury 345 minutes FINAL Portugal are yet to win a match at the Gareth Bale and he sustained in the quarterfinal. 2 assists, anyway. past two decades, violence still remains July 10 Saint-Denis Olivier Giroud (FRA) tournament inside 90 minutes, having Cristiano Ronaldo. Midfielders Sami Khedira and Bastian 300 minutes It could be enough to secure another as one of the most challenging issues 2 assists, Dimitri Payet (FRA) 3 goals Schweinsteiger are also doubtful after 377 minutes tournament. The deal is this: If Germany football has to face. suffering injuries against Italy. 1 assist, beat France on Thursday, then who- Van Praag rejected a suggestion that Gareth Bale (WAL) 443 minutes ever wins the first semifinal between UEFA should have recognised the threat FRANCE 2 assists, Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) 2 goals Wales and Portugal will seal a place to law and order posed by the England- COACHES SPEAK 510 minutes France’s form and that of forward at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Russia game in Marseille bearing in Antoine Griezmann have gone hand in Russia. mind the reputation of both countries’ in hand, with both improving as the I’m not worried about It’s scary, it’s tense, it’s France had a good We’re looking better, tournament progressed. The speedy World champions Germany have an hooligans and violence involving local being the ugly duckling loads of pressure — and game against Iceland. but Germany remains Atletico Madrid attacker, now the automatic spot in the now traditional troublemakers at the 1998 World Cup. or someone who feels it’s fantastic. I’m looking They’re now brimming Germany. They’re the tournament’s top scorer with four tournament held the year before a World If the convention improves even only goals, will be France’s most dangerous Cup as a prelude. pre-event intelligence and co-opera- sorry for himself. I’m forward to it because with confidence, playing best team in Europe and weapon against Germany, although Hosts Russia are also assured of a tion, then it will be worth its weight interested about getting I believe in the players at home. They’re the world, and the only ones 2017 CONFEDERATIONS CUP they have other attacking talents such berth, along with the six winners of in paper. to the final.Would I like and team. I know they’re favourites. We respect totally controlling the as Olivier Giroud and Dimitri Payet. The QUALIFIED TEAMS confederation competitions or, in the Russia The Council of Europe — its own entity, us to be pretty? Yes. But, good, and I just want France, that’s clear, but situation, with technical hosts boosted their confidence with a scintillating performance against Iceland. case of Germany winning Euro 2016, Germany not an off-shoot of the European Union COACHES SPEAK in between being pretty them to go and show independent of our quality everywhere, from Australia Coach Didier Deschamps seems to the runners-up. — has 47 members. Representatives of Chile and being at home, or again how good they’re, personnel situation, we the goalkeeper to the have found the right formula in a 4-2-3-1 The eight participating teams will be 14 countries were present for the for- being ugly and being and we’ll see what know exactly what we’ve forwards. We’ll fight for Mexico formation, with Griezmann playing close drawn in two groups, with the top two New Zealand mal signing. here, I prefer to be ugly. comes out at the end. to do. our chances. to Giroud up front. Deschamps’s worries in each advancing to the semifinals. TO BE DETERMINED Russia was represented by Deputy are clearly at the back. France/Wales/Portugal Fernando Santos, Portugal. Chris Coleman, Wales. Joachim Loew, Germany. Didier Deschamps, France. It will be held between June 17 and Minister of Sport Natalia Parshikova. July 2, 2017, in four host cities. Winners of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations No British representative was present. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 9

ROAD TO SEMIFINAL

Keir Radnedge 54% Best performance so far 63% Best performance so far Semifinal 2016 Winners 1984, 2000

Best performance so far Semifinal record Best performance so far Semifinal record EFA believes it has found a solu- Runners-up 2004 N/A Winners 1972, 1980, 1996 Won 2 Lost 2 tion to be better prepared as it Semifinal record Killer stat Semifinal record Last semifinal 2000 Utries to avert or control hooligan Won 1 Wales have scored 10 goals Won 5 Bt Portugal 2-1 trouble at future Euro Championships. Lost 3 from 59 attempts, the best Lost 2 The European body joined with the Last semifinal 2012 conversion rate among the Last semifinal 2012 Killer stat Council of Europe to construct a renewed Lost to Spain 2-4 semifinalists. Lost to Italy 1-2 France’s previous two Euro convention on “an integrated safety, (in tie-breaker) semifinals on home turf security and service approach at foot- Killer stat witnessed 14 goals. They lost Killer stat Joachim Loew’s side boasts 4-5 to Yugoslavia in 1960, but ball matches and other sports events.” Cristiano Ronaldo is one goal the best defensive record beat Portugal 3-2 in extra time An original formulation was drawn up shy of Michel Platini’s all-time among the semifinalists, in 1984. after the Heysel disaster in 1985 when Euro record of nine. having conceded just once. 39 Juventus fans were killed in a hooligan eruption before the European Champions Cup final against Liverpool in Brussels. UEFA’s Stadium and Security Griezmann leads Committee Chairman Michael van Wales, Portugal may Praag insisted that improved co-opera- France 1-2-3 tion with police authorities would help Antoine Griezmann became the first make a difference at future main events. player to score four goals at Euro 2016 want Germany to win He also defended UEFA’s response to and has two team-mates behind him the trouble-hit Euro 2016 tie between in the adidas Golden Boot rankings. Russia and England in Marseille. ALES and Portugal do not Van Praag, one of the leading candi- need any more incentive dates to replace disgraced and banned GOLDEN BOOT LEADERS Wwhen they face off in Lyon Michel Platini as UEFA president, said, 2 assists, Antoine Griezmann (FRA) 4 goals 345 minutes on Wednesday but, well, here is some “Despite significant progress over the 2 assists, anyway. past two decades, violence still remains Olivier Giroud (FRA) 300 minutes It could be enough to secure another as one of the most challenging issues 2 assists, Dimitri Payet (FRA) 3 goals 377 minutes tournament. The deal is this: If Germany football has to face. 1 assist, beat France on Thursday, then who- Van Praag rejected a suggestion that Gareth Bale (WAL) 443 minutes ever wins the first semifinal between UEFA should have recognised the threat 2 assists, Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) 2 goals 510 minutes Wales and Portugal will seal a place to law and order posed by the England- at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Russia game in Marseille bearing in in Russia. mind the reputation of both countries’ World champions Germany have an hooligans and violence involving local automatic spot in the now traditional troublemakers at the 1998 World Cup. tournament held the year before a World If the convention improves even only Cup as a prelude. pre-event intelligence and co-opera- Hosts Russia are also assured of a tion, then it will be worth its weight 2017 CONFEDERATIONS CUP berth, along with the six winners of QUALIFIED TEAMS in paper. confederation competitions or, in the Russia The Council of Europe — its own entity, case of Germany winning Euro 2016, Germany not an off-shoot of the European Union the runners-up. Australia — has 47 members. Representatives of Chile The eight participating teams will be 14 countries were present for the for- Mexico drawn in two groups, with the top two New Zealand mal signing. in each advancing to the semifinals. TO BE DETERMINED Russia was represented by Deputy It will be held between June 17 and France/Wales/Portugal Minister of Sport Natalia Parshikova. July 2, 2017, in four host cities. Winners of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations No British representative was present. 10 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 11 Football

FIVE KEY POINTS

FAST AND FURIOUS ICELAND IMPRESS DIFFICULT CHOICE SHAKY DEFENCE HELMETS AND FUN After a series of wins that It was another never-say-die Difficult to choose which of The only worry for Didier With Viking-like horned helmets, needed last-minute goals, France Iceland performance, but they the French players is most on Deschamps must be his big beards, and a serious sense took control of the game from looked jaded as if they have not form heading into the crunch defence. How did they fall for of fun, Iceland’s fans charmed the start. Olivier Giroud fired the had time to recover from their semifinal against Germany and the Aron Gunarsson throw everyone. Before last Sunday’s hosts ahead in the 12th minute, glorious 2-1 win over England. that must please French coach that led to Iceland’s first goal? match, several thousand the first time France have scored Captain Aron Gunarsson had one Didier Deschamps. Man-of-the- Substitute Sverrir Ingason had a gathered at bars outside Paris in the first half. And they never of the rare threatening moments match Olivier Giroud scored clear chance for a second that nightspot Moulin Rouge for let Iceland hit back. Paul Pogba, with his trademark long throw-in two great goals from his only produced a world-class save by what most already suspected French toast! who headed the second goal, into the France penalty area and two chances, rising majestically France goalkeeper would be one last party in Coach Didier Deschamps finds the right recipe as France crush Iceland 5-2 in the quarterfinal. played fast and furious after a Jon Dadi Bodvarsson volleyed above the Iceland defence to Hugo Lloris. France. They had plenty to cheer disappointing start. With two the ball just over. His throw head his second before he was Birkir Bjarnason in the stadium with the goals goals in the final two minutes eventually led to Iceland’s goal taken off. Antoine Griezmann was completely from Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and of the half by Dimitri Payet and by Kolbeinn Sigthorsson. Even brutally exposed the Iceland unmarked when Birkir Bjarnason. Iceland left never got past the last eight at the finals The result was that Griezmann scored COACHES SPEAK Antoine Griezmann, France killed when losing badly, they poured defence with his chipped goal. he headed with a lot of positives and maybe Patrick Vignal since their 2000 triumph, managed to twice to secure a place in the quarter- off their opponents. forward looking to score. Iceland’s second some English Premier League get almost everything right, has a lot to finals. goal. contracts for their players.

do with Deschamps’ methods. Deschamps opted for the same system The grey-haired winning machine, against Iceland, surprising many by pre- FTER tweaking his formation who has kept tinkering with his squad ferring the powerful Moussa Sissoko to and starting lineup, France since the start of the tournament, seems the speedy Kingsley Coman on the right. We did all we had to in the first half. Acoach Didier Deschamps seems to have found what he was looking for. With a showdown against Germany Afterwards we let up a little, and I to have found the perfect formula at Deschamps had experimented in ear- already in mind, Deschamps chose to really wanted to protect ‘Future will be bright for Iceland’ just the right time. lier games, alternating between differ- make substitutions in the second half and (Olivier) Giroud and Thanks to his shrewd tactics, his team his team looked more vulnerable, drop- (Laurent) Koscielny. turned on the style to outplay Iceland ping their guard twice to allow Iceland They were facing a “Iceland’s future looks good,” said out- not beating England, but you could see John Irish 5-2 last Sunday and advance to an appe- Paul Pogba rose to the to limit the damage. possible suspension going Swedish coach Lars Lagerback. they would be competitive and would tising semifinal battle with Germany. France, who had struggled on their and it would’ve been “There’re some young players, and if end up in a final tournament,” UEFA’s France got plenty of goals, some sim- occasion and crowned a path to the last eight, needing late ral- everyone stays in good clubs, the future interim General Secretary Theodore convincing display with really stupid to lose a ple and some beautiful. Dimitri Payet lies and scoring all their six goals before player in such a game. looks really positive.” Theodoridis said. and Antoine Griezmann again showed a superb headed goal. last Sunday’s match in the second half, CELAND’S run to the quarterfinals Much of the success story has been As the country starts the next goal of their class, each scoring fine goals. followed Deschamps’ orders by taking Didier Deschamps, France. showed that a Nordic island known for down to the Icelandic football associa- qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, some Man of the match Olivier Giroud also the game to their surprise opponents šš Olivier Giroud Iits volcanoes and pioneering geother- tion’s decision to create the infrastruc- of those younger players will be needed. played his part. The old-fashioned, but ent systems and dropping key play- straight away. “It’s some kind of a mental thing that mal power has the potential to generate ture for people to play the game all year Older heads such as midfielder Kari efficient centre-forward scored twice ers, such as Pogba and Griezmann, to As a result, Iceland found themselves happened to the players. plenty of talented footballers too. round despite the cold weather. Arnason or defender Ragnar Sigurdsson and was involved in two other goals. the bench. 0-2 down less than 20 minutes into the We weren’t using our Two-goal Giroud At the start of the 24-team tournament are likely to have passed their peak by Paul Pogba, too, rose to the occasion. The coach’s masterstroke came at half- game. brains, we didn’t play few would have predicted a nation of 2018 and others like Eidur Gudjohnsen The gifted midfielder, who had been time in the 2-1 win over Ireland in the France, who know all about losing our normal way. Part back in limelight just 330,000 people, 100 football profes- In addition to a strong will have retired. But the Icelanders have criticised for below-par performances, last 16 when he pushed Dimitri Payet to Germany in the semifinals, having of it is that France sionals and only amateur clubs, would shown their potential with a defeat of crowned a convincing display with a wider and Griezmann closer to Giroud done it twice — at the 1982 and 1986 ORWARD Olivier Giroud, jeered knock out England on their way to the defence, Iceland Austria and draws with Portugal and were very good. superb headed goal. up front, switching from a 4-3-3 to World Cups — are not yet where they by France fans barely a month last eight. showed they also had Hungary in the group stage and a 1-2 The fact that France, who had 4-2-3-1 formation. want to be. Lars Lagerback, Iceland. Fago, won them over last Sunday “It’s something no one expected us a killer instinct. knockout victory over England. with what he described as his best per- to do, which is good because it gives None of those results was a fluke for a formance for his country in a major kids back home hope that this is possi- young team which was solid and organ- tournament, scoring twice in the 5-2 ble,” said Swansea City midfielder Gylfi More investment is now likely. ised throughout. In addition to a strong win over Iceland. Sigurdsson. “We’ve 10-15 players who’re To some, Iceland’s arrival on the defence, Iceland showed they also had The 29-year-old did not want to dwell at a really good age. The future will be European scene is not a surprise. a killer instinct as their eight goals in for too long on his own display and bright for Iceland.” The country’s youth teams have increas- five games highlighted. said that the team’s achievement in The performances have provided the ingly qualified for top tournaments. The Losing master tactician Lagerback reaching the semifinals, where they current squad with a perfect stage to dis- Under-21s are just behind France in cur- will be a loss. Qualification for the World face Germany on Thursday, was more play their talents and Icelandic players rent Euro qualifications, having beaten Cup will be tougher than the Euros with important than his official Man of the will have more opportunities to move the French 3-2 in September. Europe having just 13 spots allocated Match award. to Europe’s bigger clubs. “You could see it coming — maybe instead of the 24 for this tournament. “I’m pleased, nothing more than that,” said Giroud. “I don’t know if that’s my best performance for France because I’ve played some other good games but in a major tournament, such as Euro 2012 and the World Cup in Brazil, that is my best. I felt good from the start.” Giroud just made the squad after recov- ering from a lean spell at Arsenal with a strong finish to the English Premier League season. He was jeered off the pitch by France fans in a 3-2 win in Cameroon in a pre- tournament friendly before silencing critics with two goals in a 3-0 win over Scotland in Les Bleus’ final warm-up for the Euros. A true fighter, if not an artist, Giroud had an extra problem with the French fans, many of whom felt he had been

REUTERS/ Carl Recine picked only because Karim Benzema ššAntoine Griezmann scores France’s fourth goal against Iceland. was left out. ššIceland players applaud the crowd for its wonderful support. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 11

FIVE KEY POINTS

FAST AND FURIOUS ICELAND IMPRESS DIFFICULT CHOICE SHAKY DEFENCE HELMETS AND FUN After a series of wins that It was another never-say-die Difficult to choose which of The only worry for Didier With Viking-like horned helmets, needed last-minute goals, France Iceland performance, but they the French players is most on Deschamps must be his big beards, and a serious sense took control of the game from looked jaded as if they have not form heading into the crunch defence. How did they fall for of fun, Iceland’s fans charmed the start. Olivier Giroud fired the had time to recover from their semifinal against Germany and the Aron Gunarsson throw everyone. Before last Sunday’s hosts ahead in the 12th minute, glorious 2-1 win over England. that must please French coach that led to Iceland’s first goal? match, several thousand the first time France have scored Captain Aron Gunarsson had one Didier Deschamps. Man-of-the- Substitute Sverrir Ingason had a gathered at bars outside Paris in the first half. And they never of the rare threatening moments match Olivier Giroud scored clear chance for a second that nightspot Moulin Rouge for let Iceland hit back. Paul Pogba, with his trademark long throw-in two great goals from his only produced a world-class save by what most already suspected who headed the second goal, into the France penalty area and two chances, rising majestically France goalkeeper would be one last party in played fast and furious after a Jon Dadi Bodvarsson volleyed above the Iceland defence to Hugo Lloris. France. They had plenty to cheer disappointing start. With two the ball just over. His throw head his second before he was Birkir Bjarnason in the stadium with the goals goals in the final two minutes eventually led to Iceland’s goal taken off. Antoine Griezmann was completely from Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and of the half by Dimitri Payet and by Kolbeinn Sigthorsson. Even brutally exposed the Iceland unmarked when Birkir Bjarnason. Iceland left Antoine Griezmann, France killed when losing badly, they poured defence with his chipped goal. he headed with a lot of positives and maybe off their opponents. forward looking to score. Iceland’s second some English Premier League goal. contracts for their players.

‘Future will be bright for Iceland’

“Iceland’s future looks good,” said out- not beating England, but you could see John Irish going Swedish coach Lars Lagerback. they would be competitive and would “There’re some young players, and if end up in a final tournament,” UEFA’s everyone stays in good clubs, the future interim General Secretary Theodore looks really positive.” Theodoridis said. CELAND’S run to the quarterfinals Much of the success story has been As the country starts the next goal of showed that a Nordic island known for down to the Icelandic football associa- qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, some šš Olivier Giroud Iits volcanoes and pioneering geother- tion’s decision to create the infrastruc- of those younger players will be needed. mal power has the potential to generate ture for people to play the game all year Older heads such as midfielder Kari plenty of talented footballers too. round despite the cold weather. Arnason or defender Ragnar Sigurdsson Two-goal Giroud At the start of the 24-team tournament are likely to have passed their peak by few would have predicted a nation of 2018 and others like Eidur Gudjohnsen back in limelight just 330,000 people, 100 football profes- In addition to a strong will have retired. But the Icelanders have sionals and only amateur clubs, would shown their potential with a defeat of ORWARD Olivier Giroud, jeered knock out England on their way to the defence, Iceland Austria and draws with Portugal and by France fans barely a month last eight. showed they also had Hungary in the group stage and a 1-2 Fago, won them over last Sunday “It’s something no one expected us a killer instinct. knockout victory over England. with what he described as his best per- to do, which is good because it gives None of those results was a fluke for a formance for his country in a major kids back home hope that this is possi- young team which was solid and organ- tournament, scoring twice in the 5-2 ble,” said Swansea City midfielder Gylfi More investment is now likely. ised throughout. In addition to a strong win over Iceland. Sigurdsson. “We’ve 10-15 players who’re To some, Iceland’s arrival on the defence, Iceland showed they also had The 29-year-old did not want to dwell at a really good age. The future will be European scene is not a surprise. a killer instinct as their eight goals in for too long on his own display and bright for Iceland.” The country’s youth teams have increas- five games highlighted. said that the team’s achievement in The performances have provided the ingly qualified for top tournaments. The Losing master tactician Lagerback reaching the semifinals, where they current squad with a perfect stage to dis- Under-21s are just behind France in cur- will be a loss. Qualification for the World face Germany on Thursday, was more play their talents and Icelandic players rent Euro qualifications, having beaten Cup will be tougher than the Euros with important than his official Man of the will have more opportunities to move the French 3-2 in September. Europe having just 13 spots allocated Match award. to Europe’s bigger clubs. “You could see it coming — maybe instead of the 24 for this tournament. “I’m pleased, nothing more than that,” said Giroud. “I don’t know if that’s my best performance for France because I’ve played some other good games but in a major tournament, such as Euro 2012 and the World Cup in Brazil, that is my best. I felt good from the start.” Giroud just made the squad after recov- ering from a lean spell at Arsenal with a strong finish to the English Premier League season. He was jeered off the pitch by France fans in a 3-2 win in Cameroon in a pre- tournament friendly before silencing critics with two goals in a 3-0 win over Scotland in Les Bleus’ final warm-up for the Euros. A true fighter, if not an artist, Giroud had an extra problem with the French fans, many of whom felt he had been picked only because Karim Benzema was left out. ššIceland players applaud the crowd for its wonderful support. 12 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 13 Football COACHES SPEAK Conte leaves behind a fantastic group

REUTERS/ Christian Hartmann something. Football can lottery. However, a top side go through stepped up the pressure and equalised š šMembers of the German team celebrate their victory. bring you joy and can leave and I think they’re the best side in the 13 minutes later with a penalty and they a bad taste in your mouth. world from every angle. We believed could even have snatched a winner. The players will always have we could do it, obviously afterwards “Football can bring you joy and can a place in my heart. in the dressing room we were hugely leave a bad taste in your mouth. These disappointed.” players will always have a place in my Antonio Conte, Italy. ššAntonio Conte Conte now takes the reins at Premier heart,” Conte added.

‘We made our hits and misses people proud’ EARS rolled down the cheeks of Gianluigi Buffon, but the legend- Germany defeat Italy in an erratic penalty shoot-out, their first ever Hector had ‘heart Tary Italy keeper said there were “no regrets” despite the Azzurri missing victory against Azzurri in a major competition, to enter semifinal. in his mouth’ a golden chance to beat Germany to a Euro 2016 semifinal spot. Cologne defender Jonas Hector, “The tears are for my disappointment. other Euros shoot-out in the 1996 sem- The German drama, however, was who scored the decisive spot-kick, It was a magical experience that revived admitted his nerves had been Karolos Grohmann ifinal until last week. far from over. Thomas Mueller, who something in all of us, but it has come jangling. Instead of a masterclass, however, has never scored a goal in a Euro, but “I knew I had to take one at some to an end,” an emotional Buffon said. ššGermany’s Joshua Kimmich celebrates with friends and family after the game. their fans in Bordeaux were treated to has 10 to his name in World Cups, had point and I had my heart in my After their quarterfinal finished 1-1 some unusually bad penalty-taking, his effort saved. mouth,” Hector said. “It’s hard to put in regulation time and neither team T WAS always going to take some- with the Germans missing three and Defender Andrea Barzagli gave Neuer it into words, but I’m overjoyed that it scored in extra-time, Italy’s bid to put thing special for the Germans to the Italians four in their 6-5. It ended no chance and Ozil proceeded to rattle went in. There weren’t many people two forgettable World Cup campaigns Ibeat Italy for the first time in a major their losing run to Italy that includes the woodwork as Germany looked to be left.” New heroes to the fore behind only unravelled at shoot-out. The 26-year-old slotted the ball tournament, but they did it with their the 1970 World Cup final, two semifi- sliding towards elimination. But Italy’s low past the diving Italian “It’s a shame. When a team (Germany) worst penalty shoot-out ever last week. Pelle was way off the mark, despite tell- goalkeeper Gianluigi misses three penalties out of five and Germany, renowned for their fine ing Neuer he would chip it. Substitute Buffon with Germany’s ERMANY coach Joachim Loew only made his national team debut in you still don’t manage to win it becomes ššGianluigi Buffon penalty-taking skills over the decades, Mesut Ozil put Germany Julian Draxler rose to the occasion to ninth penalty to and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer May, found the net in sudden death. complicated,” said Buffon. must have felt confident enough when set up sudden death. settle a marathon Gpraised the team’s less experi- Minutes later, Jonas Hector, with the final whistle of extra-time sounded ahead before a penalty Neuer did his duty and saved Bonucci’s shoot-out. enced players for stepping up to convert just 19 international caps to his name, of their Euro 2016 quarterfinal against from Leonardo Bonucci second penalty of the evening, but the in their dramatic penalty shoot-out converted the decisive penalty to give Italy had to endure heartbreak after coming agonisingly Italy. forced extra-time. joy was short-lived as Schweinsteiger against Italy, firing the world champions Germany a 6-5 victory. Italy gain many close to beating favourites Germany, but the underlying Mesut Ozil had put them ahead in sent his effort over the bar. into the Euro 2016 final four. “Usually, we’ve good penalty takers, image of the former world champions will definitely be a the 65th minute before a penalty from Three more Italians and Germans Something had to give in Bordeaux although they haven’t scored today,” new admirers positive one. The 2-0 defeats of Belgium and Spain were Leonardo Bonucci forced extra-time. nals and the 2012 Euro last-four loss. scored from the penalty spot before as last week’s 1-1 draw meandered to Loew said. among the best performances of any side in France. The title favourites had only failed With captain Bastian Schweinsteiger Neuer denied Matteo Darmian to finally penalties, with Italy’s immense 4-0 “The experienced players missed and They not only muted their critics, but gained many twice from the spot during shoot-outs, inexplicably choosing the goal on the give his team another match point. record against their rivals in tourna- the youngsters scored. “It was great that new admirers with their infectious team spirit. The usual Italian values of defensive discipline and organisation were with Uli Hoeness’s 1976 miss costing Italian fans’ side, Lorenzo Insigne took It was young full-back Jonas Hector, ment knockout matches being jeop- youngsters like Kimmich and Hector, married with a determination and hunger. them the Euro title and Uli Stielike miss- Italy’s first spot-kick and gave them the who made the long march to the spot. ardised by Germany’s astonishing five in their first major tournament, kept “I’m proud to have been part of a great group and to ing at the 1982 World Cup. lead, sending Neuer the wrong way. He remained cool and composed as consecutive shoot-out triumphs. their nerves on such a stage have restored the national shirt to a highly respected Since Hoeness’s miss, the Germans Toni Kroos kept his cool to level and the ball slipped under Buffon’s body While experienced hands Thomas “Takers one to five were clear quite place, receiving the support of all Italians,” said Leonardo had become the masters, subsequently Italy substitute Simone Zaza, brought and into the net for Germany’s first Mueller, Mesut Ozil and captain Bastian quickly,” Loew added, of the epic shoot- Bonucci. “(Antonio) Conte, over two years — and especially winning four out of four in the World on with the final kick in extra-time, tournament win over Italy after eight Schweinsteiger missed their spot-kicks, out. “Then you’ve to let players choose at this European Championship — brought Italy back into Cup and beating England in their only fired his penalty wildly over the bar. failed attempts. inexperienced Joshua Kimmich, who depending on their feelings.” fashion.” www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 13

COACHES SPEAK Conte leaves behind a fantastic group

It was a drama — extra-time League side Chelsea after two years at and with two Angus MacSwan the helm of the Italian national side. sides on the While his Azzurri squad was not filled highest with the array of talent, they surpassed tactical expectations by beating fancied Belgium, level. The NTONIO Conte bowed out as knocking out holders Spain and tak- penalties Italy coach after a Euro 2016 ing their old rivals Germany down to missed were Ashoot-out defeat by Germany the wire. even more sounding almost broken-hearted that After a Germany win seemed inevi- dramatic. We were lucky. he was leaving behind a “fantastic” group of players. Joachim Loew, Germany. He heaped praise on them for their We believed we could do performance against the Germans which it, obviously afterwards ended in a 5-6 quarterfinal loss on penalties after the game finished 1-1 fol- in the dressing room, we The players have left a lowing extra time. were disappointed. significant mark on this “It was a tough match from every per- tournament and shown spective. We showed heart to overcome that with desire and hard the obstacles,” Conte said. “It’s a shame table when Mesut Ozil fired them into work, you can achieve to go out in this fashion because it’s a the lead in the 65th minute, the Italians something. Football can lottery. However, a top side go through stepped up the pressure and equalised bring you joy and can leave and I think they’re the best side in the 13 minutes later with a penalty and they a bad taste in your mouth. world from every angle. We believed could even have snatched a winner. The players will always have we could do it, obviously afterwards “Football can bring you joy and can a place in my heart. in the dressing room we were hugely leave a bad taste in your mouth. These disappointed.” players will always have a place in my Antonio Conte, Italy. ššAntonio Conte Conte now takes the reins at Premier heart,” Conte added.

‘We made our people proud’

EARS rolled down the cheeks of Gianluigi Buffon, but the legend- Tary Italy keeper said there were “no regrets” despite the Azzurri missing a golden chance to beat Germany to a Euro 2016 semifinal spot. “The tears are for my disappointment. It was a magical experience that revived something in all of us, but it has come to an end,” an emotional Buffon said. š šGermany’s Joshua Kimmich celebrates with friends and family after the game. After their quarterfinal finished 1-1 in regulation time and neither team scored in extra-time, Italy’s bid to put two forgettable World Cup campaigns New heroes to the fore behind only unravelled at shoot-out. “It’s a shame. When a team (Germany) misses three penalties out of five and ERMANY coach Joachim Loew only made his national team debut in you still don’t manage to win it becomes and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer May, found the net in sudden death. complicated,” said Buffon. ššGianluigi Buffon Gpraised the team’s less experi- Minutes later, Jonas Hector, with enced players for stepping up to convert just 19 international caps to his name, in their dramatic penalty shoot-out converted the decisive penalty to give Italy had to endure heartbreak after coming agonisingly against Italy, firing the world champions Germany a 6-5 victory. Italy gain many close to beating favourites Germany, but the underlying into the Euro 2016 final four. “Usually, we’ve good penalty takers, image of the former world champions will definitely be a Something had to give in Bordeaux although they haven’t scored today,” new admirers positive one. The 2-0 defeats of Belgium and Spain were as last week’s 1-1 draw meandered to Loew said. among the best performances of any side in France. penalties, with Italy’s immense 4-0 “The experienced players missed and They not only muted their critics, but gained many record against their rivals in tourna- the youngsters scored. “It was great that new admirers with their infectious team spirit. The usual Italian values of defensive discipline and organisation were ment knockout matches being jeop- youngsters like Kimmich and Hector, married with a determination and hunger. ardised by Germany’s astonishing five in their first major tournament, kept “I’m proud to have been part of a great group and to consecutive shoot-out triumphs. their nerves on such a stage have restored the national shirt to a highly respected While experienced hands Thomas “Takers one to five were clear quite place, receiving the support of all Italians,” said Leonardo Mueller, Mesut Ozil and captain Bastian quickly,” Loew added, of the epic shoot- Bonucci. “(Antonio) Conte, over two years — and especially Schweinsteiger missed their spot-kicks, out. “Then you’ve to let players choose at this European Championship — brought Italy back into inexperienced Joshua Kimmich, who depending on their feelings.” fashion.” 14 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 15 Football Hero Robson-Kanu is looking for a club

AL Robson-Kanu put Wales into “During the course of the season, I’ve a major tournament semifinal made the decision to run my contract Shattered Hfor the first time in their history down and take my future into my own with a superb goal last week, but he has hands,” he said, adding that a move a challenge beyond facing Portugal — would be good for his family’s future. finding a new club. That future can surely take him to On the day his contract expired at grander surroundings than Reading’s English second-tier club Reading, the Madejski Stadium. 27-year-old striker got a boost for a He was man of the match for a per- CV that a month ago looked like tak- formance that included a Cruyff-like ing him nowhere fast as he battled an shimmy with his back to goal that opened ankle injury to even make the Euro up the space for him to give Wales a 2016 squad. 2-1 lead in the second half after they “I’ve been at Reading for 12 years, had gone behind in an early Belgian have given them a lot of service and onslaught. have been very loyal,” Robson-Kanu, “The ball’s coming to my feet,” the dreams who got Wales’ second goal in their matter-of-fact Londoner said of the cross Belgium’s super-talented bunch of players fall short of expectation shock 3-1 victory against Belgium, he received from Aaron Ramsey. “I said of his decision to quit the team was able to turn in the box and yet again as they lose to spirited Wales in the quarterfinal. that signed him as a schoolboy. put it in the back of the net.”

ĈĈPoor display leaves coach the most accomplished centre back a roaring comeback. Wilmots’s position in doubt. in the English Premier League, but Captain Ashley Williams headed then also lost Thomas Vermaelen to home Aaron Ramsey’s corner to level suspension and Jan Vertonghen, who the scores before second-half goals Mark Gleeson and Mitch Phillips injured an ankle in training, for the from Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes ŠŠWales’ Hal Robson- Kanu celebrates last-eight clash. ensured Wales a historic place in the last REUTERS/ John Sibley after scoring against Twice now the tantalising prospect four while Belgium yet again returned šĈŠBelgium players look dejected after their defeat against Wales. Belgium. of a disparate nation of some 11 mil- empty handed. ALES’ Euro 2016 victory lion people, starkly divided along lan- Captain Eden Hazard and fellow mid- over Belgium, officially the fielder Kevin de Bruyne have proven capa- Wsecond-best team in football, ble of match-winning performances at COACHES SPEAK LOST & WON showed again that you can have all the Belgium, under Wilmots, club level, but they failed to make any They’re having a Wales of a time! attacking talent in the world, but if you mark on the plucky Welsh, who reduced had a similarly frozen are weak at the back you will be found to them to anonymity at times in the WALES MORE THAN BALE out at the highest level. performance two years quarterfinal in Lille. Fans partied long into the night, at Wales lost their first five matches, a dis- Injuries and a suspension forced ago at the World Cup. There had been a similarly frozen per- Belgium achieved their pre-match aim of keeping Toby Davis home in Wales and in the streets of Lille, mal run that included a 1-6 thrashing Real Madrid star Gareth Bale quiet, yet Chris Belgium coach Marc Wilmots to start formance two years ago at the World Coleman’s men showed they are far from a one- revelling in what commentators called by Serbia which prompted the man- the quarterfinal with Jason Denayer Cup when Belgium were eliminated If you work hard enough and man team with a rousing response from going the greatest feat in Welsh football history. ager to consider his future. at centre back and the inexperienced guage lines, uniting to produce a team at the quarterfinal stage by Argentina. you’re not afraid to dream then behind to an early goal. “The position we find ourselves in 21-year-old had the sort of horror night of world beaters has turned sour and the The 2018 World Cup in Russia offers you’re not afraid MID the celebrations and eu- now is incredible, because four years that is likely to haunt him for the rest taste after last week’s 1-3 loss to Wales a third chance for this generation, but to fail. I’m not BELGIUM LACK KILLER TOUCH phoria of reaching their first Coleman’s first victory ago we were as far away from it as it is of his career. is decidedly bitter. Belgian football must now decide how afraid to fail. Amajor tournament semifinal, possible to be,” said Coleman. Despite having arguably the most talented array of as Wales boss came Belgium had come into the tour- Radja Nainggolan gave them an best to coax a consistent level of per- Everybody attacking talent on show in France, Belgium were Wales coach Chris Coleman was quick “This is uncharted territory for us, nament without Manchester City’s early lead with a thunderbolt, but they formance from players who have so far fails. I’ve had made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as to recall the dark days at the start of his against Scotland in we’ve never been here before, but all injured Vincent Kompany, possibly could not prevent Wales from staging under-achieved in national team colours. more failures their dominance at the start of both halves went managerial reign. October 2012. I can do is keep reminding the players than I’ve had largely unrewarded. Premier League stars Romelu The ruthless 3-1 victory over Belgium never to forget where they came from Lukaku and Eden Hazard were wayward, while team propelled Wales into the last four and what we had to do to get here.” successes. Marouane Fellaini somehow missed the target of Euro 2016, capping a dramatic return Four years ago, however, victories of Coleman’s first victory as Wales boss with a header from point-blank range. Chris Coleman, Wales. to the international main stage after any sort were much harder to come by. came against Scotland in October 2012, FIVE THINGS LEARNT RAMSEY TO THE FORE 58 years of missing out on a big tour- In fact, after Coleman succeeded the a 2-1 win delivered courtesy of two goals nament. late Gary Speed as Wales coach in 2012, from Gareth Bale. THREE TIMES UNLUCKY NAINGGOLAN ROCKET WARRIOR WILLIAMS KANU DELIGHT The one negative of a historic night for Wales was A strong Belgian start The Red Devils’ pressure Wales captain Ashley Released by Reading The strategy was good...I Ramsey’s second yellow card of the competition that will rule him out of the semifinal. Ramsey’s looked sure to be paid dividends in Williams had been a after just three goals didn’t stop shouting rewarded on seven spectacular style when major doubt due to a in England’s Second importance can’t be overstated on the night. He minutes only for three Radja Nainggolan shoulder injury picked Division this season, at my players. We’ve a set up Wales’ first two goals, adding to the goal- desperate blocks on the connected sweetly to up in the 1-0 last- Hal Robson-Kanu now communication problem. I’m scoring threat that saw him notch the opener in KNOCKOUT BLOW Welsh line to save Chris hammer a rising drive 16 win over Northern has two in two starts. not a magician. Wales’ 3-0 thrashing of Russia in the group stage. Coleman’s side. Wayne into the top corner Ireland. However, His intricate turn away Just when Wales looked I’ll take a bit Hennessey smothered from 25M for his second his determination to from a makeshift happy to settle on their of a holiday. I WILMOTS OUTCOACHED AGAIN Yannick Carrasco’s goal of the tournament. play through the pain Belgian defence before lead to see out the Belgium coached Marc Wilmots seemed to initial effort before Joe barrier proved vital slamming past Thibaut dying moments, they won’t make look short of ideas as Wales were the better Allen and Neil Taylor when he stooped to Courtois of a flowing grabbed a third when a decision organised side despite the disparity of talent on put their bodies on the head Aaron Ramsey’s Welsh move was fitting Sam Vokes, only on the when the show. Belgium failed to break down the mass line to deny Thomas corner for a deserved of the achievement in field six minutes after adrenaline’s ranks of red-shirted defence and always looked Meunier and Eden equaliser after a strong booking Wales’ place replacing Robson-Kanu, pumping. I need susceptible to Wales’ threat at set-pieces and on Hazard’s efforts. Welsh response to in their first ever major powered home Chris the counter-attack. going behind. tournament semifinal. Gunter’s cross. some time to think. Marc Wilmots, Belgium. šŠWales team members are all joy after their win against Belgium. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 15

Hero Robson-Kanu is looking for a club

AL Robson-Kanu put Wales into “During the course of the season, I’ve a major tournament semifinal made the decision to run my contract Hfor the first time in their history down and take my future into my own with a superb goal last week, but he has hands,” he said, adding that a move a challenge beyond facing Portugal — would be good for his family’s future. finding a new club. That future can surely take him to On the day his contract expired at grander surroundings than Reading’s English second-tier club Reading, the Madejski Stadium. 27-year-old striker got a boost for a He was man of the match for a per- CV that a month ago looked like tak- formance that included a Cruyff-like ing him nowhere fast as he battled an shimmy with his back to goal that opened ankle injury to even make the Euro up the space for him to give Wales a 2016 squad. 2-1 lead in the second half after they “I’ve been at Reading for 12 years, had gone behind in an early Belgian have given them a lot of service and onslaught. have been very loyal,” Robson-Kanu, “The ball’s coming to my feet,” the who got Wales’ second goal in their matter-of-fact Londoner said of the cross shock 3-1 victory against Belgium, he received from Aaron Ramsey. “I said of his decision to quit the team was able to turn in the box and that signed him as a schoolboy. put it in the back of the net.”

ŠŠWales’ Hal Robson- Kanu celebrates REUTERS/ John Sibley after scoring against šŠBelgium players look dejected after their defeat against Wales. Belgium.

LOST & WON They’re having a Wales of a time!

WALES MORE THAN BALE Fans partied long into the night, at Wales lost their first five matches, a dis- Belgium achieved their pre-match aim of keeping Toby Davis home in Wales and in the streets of Lille, mal run that included a 1-6 thrashing Real Madrid star Gareth Bale quiet, yet Chris Coleman’s men showed they are far from a one- revelling in what commentators called by Serbia which prompted the man- man team with a rousing response from going the greatest feat in Welsh football history. ager to consider his future. behind to an early goal. “The position we find ourselves in MID the celebrations and eu- now is incredible, because four years BELGIUM LACK KILLER TOUCH phoria of reaching their first Coleman’s first victory ago we were as far away from it as it is Amajor tournament semifinal, possible to be,” said Coleman. Despite having arguably the most talented array of as Wales boss came attacking talent on show in France, Belgium were Wales coach Chris Coleman was quick “This is uncharted territory for us, made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as to recall the dark days at the start of his against Scotland in we’ve never been here before, but all their dominance at the start of both halves went managerial reign. October 2012. I can do is keep reminding the players largely unrewarded. Premier League stars Romelu The ruthless 3-1 victory over Belgium never to forget where they came from Lukaku and Eden Hazard were wayward, while team propelled Wales into the last four and what we had to do to get here.” Marouane Fellaini somehow missed the target of Euro 2016, capping a dramatic return Four years ago, however, victories of Coleman’s first victory as Wales boss with a header from point-blank range. to the international main stage after any sort were much harder to come by. came against Scotland in October 2012, RAMSEY TO THE FORE 58 years of missing out on a big tour- In fact, after Coleman succeeded the a 2-1 win delivered courtesy of two goals nament. late Gary Speed as Wales coach in 2012, from Gareth Bale. The one negative of a historic night for Wales was Ramsey’s second yellow card of the competition that will rule him out of the semifinal. Ramsey’s importance can’t be overstated on the night. He set up Wales’ first two goals, adding to the goal- scoring threat that saw him notch the opener in Wales’ 3-0 thrashing of Russia in the group stage.

WILMOTS OUTCOACHED AGAIN Belgium coached Marc Wilmots seemed to look short of ideas as Wales were the better organised side despite the disparity of talent on show. Belgium failed to break down the mass ranks of red-shirted defence and always looked susceptible to Wales’ threat at set-pieces and on the counter-attack.

šŠWales team members are all joy after their win against Belgium. 16 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 17 Football

Young Sanches COACHES SPEAK vindicates Plenty of positives for Poland Santos’s faith OLISH fans had bittersweet first time, Poland could not repeat their in a tournament since finishing third feelings about their quarterfinal last-16 win on penalties over Switzerland at the World Cup in 1974 and 1982. ORTUGAL coach Fernando San- Pexit, frustrated by the shoot-out and fell to their first defeat after for- “Pride. Success. Respect. You are “Some of my players have tos turned to teenager Renato loss to Portugal but still rejoicing in mer captain Jakub Blaszczykowski had heroes!,” wrote Polish tabloid Fakt. Paradox of reached this stage for the PSanches in a bid to bring some their team’s best run in a major tour- his spot-kick saved. Other local media described defeat first time and their heads fluency to the midfield in their quar- nament for decades. Yet it was a far cry from the embar- by Portugal as a “cruel loss”. terfinal and was handsomely rewarded are up in the clouds because Playing in the European rassing group-stage exit when they co- “Big game without a happy end,” for the decision. they’re dreaming of what’s Championship knockout stages for the hosted Euro 2012, and their best result wrote Gazeta Wyborcza. Sanches, who only made his profes- happening. They’re playing for “To drop out of the championships sional debut last October, was given his their country, have reached without a defeat. It happened to Poles,” portugal first international start and responded the semis and anything can the paper added. with a performance which belied his happen now. It’s a dream There were also kind words for youth. for me, but I Blaszczykowski, known affectionately The 18-year-old ran the Portugal imagine it’s in Poland as ‘Kuba’, who missed the midfield, scored his team’s goal and even bigger decisive penalty, but scored the win- coolly stepped up to take their second for my ner against Ukraine and the only goal spot kick in the shootout. players. against Switzerland. Portugal’s midfield has been a head- “Kuba gave a lot! This time it didn’t Fernando Santos, ache for Santos throughout the tour- Portugal. nament, failing to provide Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo with the ammu- Poland could not nition they need to run at defences, and the line-up against Poland was repeat their last-16 the nearest the coach has come to win on penalties over a solution. Switzerland. Sanches, with his boundless energy, was the key, popping up in deep positions to start moves work! Congratulations to all of the boys. and in attack to create chances. The players put a lot of heart There’s a hope for the future. You suf- He capped his performance in the into the quarterfinal. We haven’t fered and we suffered along with you. 33rd minute when he slipped the ball lost a match at this tournament Thank you!” said former Polish goal- to Nani, collected a back-heeled return, and had our chances. But we keeper Jerzy Dudek. sidestepped a marker and rifled home need to look with optimism Current keeper Lukasz Fabianski a shot from just outside the area. into the future provided one of the most touching There was no hint of nerves at the because we’ve moments for Polish fans when he end, either, when he calmly scored in made another criticised himself and almost broke

REUTERS/ Yves Herman REUTERS/ Yves the shootout. step forward. This into tears in an interview with Polstat ššPortugal’s Pepe, right, vies with Poland’s Artur Jedrzejczyk. “I was just thinking about scoring, championship Sport TV. I was very cool. I went up has begun a “I believe that I won’t exaggerate, to the ball and did what I fantastic era but I’ve huge misgivings to myself Portugal enter semifinal after beating Poland on penalties, but again always do, picked a side of emotions that in those two shootouts I didn’t and then put it there,” that we want help the team. In situations like this look far from convincing and are yet to win a match in regular time. he said. to continue you just count so much on the goal- Portugal’s other heroes bringing to the keeper,” he said. ŠšRenato were Pepe, a rock at the fans. The strong performance in France have reached the final once and the sem- the last 16 at the World Cup. Sanches centre of the defence, means Polish fans can look forward to REUTERS/ Michael Dalder , Brian Homewood ifinal three times. Portugal are unbeaten in 12 competi- and goalkeeper Rui Adam Nawalka ššPoland’s Robert Lewandowski piggybacks Jakub Blaszczykowski as he celebrates his the 2018 World Cup qualifying cam- But there has been something strangely tive matches under his leadership, but Patricio. Poland. goal against Portugal. paign with a renewed sense of hope. unsatisfying, and even exasperating, their nine wins during that period have As for Ronaldo, he about their performances at Euro 2016. all been by single-goal margins. is likely to face more ORTUGAL continue to be a para- Their style of play is not especially Their line-up suggests they should be criticism. FIVE THINGS LEARNT dox at Euro 2016, reaching the defensive, they do not commit more capable of more. Three-time World Player Once again, he Psemifinals without ever giving fouls than anyone else and their aver- of the year Cristiano Ronaldo, former wasted a free kick the kind of uplifting performance that age of 19 goal attempts per game is the Manchester United winger Nani, mer- with a hopelessly WONDERKID SANCHES LEWANDOWSKI SCORES RONALDO SHACKLED EXTRA-TIME SPECIALISTS CAVING UNDER PRESSURE their talented team should be capable of. fourth highest at the tournament. curial forward Ricardo Quaresma and ambitious attempt Portugal’s Renato Sanches Robert Lewandowski gave Cristiano Ronaldo endured a Portugal and Poland went Jakub Blaszczykowski suffered Coach Fernando Santos was natu- On the other hand, their second-round midfielder Joao Moutinho have shown on goal from marked his first start for his Poland a dream start as the frustrating 120 minutes as the to extra-time for the second the agony of missing the crucial rally delighted after his side overcame only the odd flash of their abilities. 40M before country with the equalising goal. Bayern Munich striker fired his Real Madrid superstar was kept time in as many matches in penalty in the shootout. The Poland on penalties in the quarterfinal Instead, Portugal have become a team seeing three At 18 years and 317 days, the new country ahead in the second in check by Poland’s defence. France. Ricardo Quaresma’s Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bayern Munich signing became minute. Portugal right-back Portugal were unfortunate not 117th-minute strike against could only watch on in despair after a 1-1 draw, yet, as far as the neu- who are difficult to beat, even more diffi- chances go Ronaldo, Nani and the third youngest goal scorer in Cedric Soares misjudged a to be awarded a penalty when Croatia in the last 16 had edged as Patricio flung himself to his trals were concerned, it was another Quaresma have shown cult to watch, and the talk after matches begging. European Championship history — bouncing cross field ball and Michal Pazdan cynically Portugal to a 1-0 victory, while left to claw away Poland’s fourth soporific display. is invariably about unity, hard work and At least, he was pre- behind Wayne Rooney and Swiss Kamil Grosicki raced in behind to barged Ronaldo over as Poland overcame Switzerland spot-kick. Ronaldo, Sanches, Renato Sanches equalised for only the odd flash of commitment. pared to stand up and record-holder Johan Vonlanthen. pick out Lewandowski who side- the two competed for 5-4 on penalties following Moutinho and Nani had all Portugal in the 33rd minute after Robert their abilities. They are also clinical in penalty be counted during the Sanches, who joined Bayern footed a low cross past Portugal a cross on the half-hour a 1-1 draw in Saint-Etienne. scored, with Lewandowski, Lewandowski gave Poland the lead in shootouts and converted all five spot- shootout. from Benfica for last month, also goalkeeper Rui Patricio. It was mark. Ronaldo spurned The quarterfinal match was Arkadiusz Milik and Glik the second minute. kicks against Poland. In the semifinal shootout eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Lewandowski’s first goal and a glorious opportunity the sixth time in European converting for Poland before record as the youngest player snapped a run of seven matches when he failed to make Championship history that a Blaszczykowski’s miss left the In some ways, it seems harsh to criti- tie against Croatia was dire and the sec- “We’re a team with great character. against Spain four years ago, to start a game for Portugal at a without a goal. The goal was also any contact with game featuring Portugal door open for Quaresma to rifle cise a Portugal team whose recent record ond hour of the match against Poland I continue to say I’m only going home Ronaldo was criticised for wait- major tournament. He also kept the second fastest in tournament Joao Moutinho’s had gone to extra-time. home the winning penalty and at the European Championship puts lulled Marseille’s Stade Velodrome into on July 11,” said Santos. ing until the last penalty, by which his cool to calmly sweep home his history, second only to Russia’s superb flighted Only the Dutch have send Portugal into the last four. many bigger countries to shame. near silence. Ronaldo was equally upbeat. time his side had already lost 2-4. penalty in the shootout. Dmitri Kirichenko’s effort after through ball on done it more often, The Portuguese have reached the quar- It has been pretty much the same story “Maybe nobody gave us much of a This time, he strode forward 67sec against Greece in 2004. 85 minutes. playing extra-time on terfinal on all seven occasions they have since the amiable Santos took over in chance, but we’re in the semifinals and to take the first one, fired the ball seven occasions. taken part. In the last five tournaments September, 2014, having led Greece to now anything is possible,” he said. emphatically into the net. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 17

COACHES SPEAK Plenty of positives for Poland

OLISH fans had bittersweet first time, Poland could not repeat their in a tournament since finishing third feelings about their quarterfinal last-16 win on penalties over Switzerland at the World Cup in 1974 and 1982. Pexit, frustrated by the shoot-out and fell to their first defeat after for- “Pride. Success. Respect. You are “Some of my players have loss to Portugal but still rejoicing in mer captain Jakub Blaszczykowski had heroes!,” wrote Polish tabloid Fakt. reached this stage for the their team’s best run in a major tour- his spot-kick saved. Other local media described defeat first time and their heads nament for decades. Yet it was a far cry from the embar- by Portugal as a “cruel loss”. are up in the clouds because Playing in the European rassing group-stage exit when they co- “Big game without a happy end,” they’re dreaming of what’s Championship knockout stages for the hosted Euro 2012, and their best result wrote Gazeta Wyborcza. happening. They’re playing for “To drop out of the championships their country, have reached without a defeat. It happened to Poles,” the semis and anything can the paper added. happen now. It’s a dream There were also kind words for for me, but I Blaszczykowski, known affectionately imagine it’s in Poland as ‘Kuba’, who missed the even bigger decisive penalty, but scored the win- for my ner against Ukraine and the only goal players. against Switzerland. “Kuba gave a lot! This time it didn’t Fernando Santos, Portugal.

Poland could not repeat their last-16 win on penalties over Switzerland.

work! Congratulations to all of the boys. The players put a lot of heart There’s a hope for the future. You suf- into the quarterfinal. We haven’t fered and we suffered along with you. lost a match at this tournament Thank you!” said former Polish goal- and had our chances. But we keeper Jerzy Dudek. need to look with optimism Current keeper Lukasz Fabianski into the future provided one of the most touching because we’ve moments for Polish fans when he made another criticised himself and almost broke step forward. This into tears in an interview with Polstat championship Sport TV. has begun a “I believe that I won’t exaggerate, fantastic era but I’ve huge misgivings to myself of emotions that in those two shootouts I didn’t that we want help the team. In situations like this to continue you just count so much on the goal- bringing to the keeper,” he said. fans. The strong performance in France means Polish fans can look forward to REUTERS/ Michael Dalder , Adam Nawalka ššPoland’s Robert Lewandowski piggybacks Jakub Blaszczykowski as he celebrates his the 2018 World Cup qualifying cam- Poland. goal against Portugal. paign with a renewed sense of hope.

FIVE THINGS LEARNT

WONDERKID SANCHES LEWANDOWSKI SCORES RONALDO SHACKLED EXTRA-TIME SPECIALISTS CAVING UNDER PRESSURE Portugal’s Renato Sanches Robert Lewandowski gave Cristiano Ronaldo endured a Portugal and Poland went Jakub Blaszczykowski suffered marked his first start for his Poland a dream start as the frustrating 120 minutes as the to extra-time for the second the agony of missing the crucial country with the equalising goal. Bayern Munich striker fired his Real Madrid superstar was kept time in as many matches in penalty in the shootout. The At 18 years and 317 days, the new country ahead in the second in check by Poland’s defence. France. Ricardo Quaresma’s Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bayern Munich signing became minute. Portugal right-back Portugal were unfortunate not 117th-minute strike against could only watch on in despair the third youngest goal scorer in Cedric Soares misjudged a to be awarded a penalty when Croatia in the last 16 had edged as Patricio flung himself to his European Championship history — bouncing cross field ball and Michal Pazdan cynically Portugal to a 1-0 victory, while left to claw away Poland’s fourth behind Wayne Rooney and Swiss Kamil Grosicki raced in behind to barged Ronaldo over as Poland overcame Switzerland spot-kick. Ronaldo, Sanches, record-holder Johan Vonlanthen. pick out Lewandowski who side- the two competed for 5-4 on penalties following Moutinho and Nani had all Sanches, who joined Bayern footed a low cross past Portugal a cross on the half-hour a 1-1 draw in Saint-Etienne. scored, with Lewandowski, from Benfica for last month, also goalkeeper Rui Patricio. It was mark. Ronaldo spurned The quarterfinal match was Arkadiusz Milik and Glik eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Lewandowski’s first goal and a glorious opportunity the sixth time in European converting for Poland before record as the youngest player snapped a run of seven matches when he failed to make Championship history that a Blaszczykowski’s miss left the to start a game for Portugal at a without a goal. The goal was also any contact with game featuring Portugal door open for Quaresma to rifle major tournament. He also kept the second fastest in tournament Joao Moutinho’s had gone to extra-time. home the winning penalty and his cool to calmly sweep home his history, second only to Russia’s superb flighted Only the Dutch have send Portugal into the last four. penalty in the shootout. Dmitri Kirichenko’s effort after through ball on done it more often, 67sec against Greece in 2004. 85 minutes. playing extra-time on seven occasions. 18 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 19 Football

FIFA slams chief Ibrahimovic can’t wait to work Infantino in memo

HE governance of new FIFA with former boss Mourinho President Gianni Infantino and This lifestyle have drawn criticism in an internal memo of world football’s LATAN Ibrahimovic completed governing body, published online by his move to Manchester United the Swiss weekly SonntagsZeitung. Pep dream Zlast week and said he was ready The 11-page memo, dated May 23 to create “more special memories” at last, concerns the first two months of the Old Trafford club. Infantino’s presidency and its unnamed United did not disclose any contract author sent the document to Sindisiwe details, but British media reported that Mabaso-Koyana, acting chair- the flamboyant Swedish striker had person of FIFA’s audit and is no signed a one-year deal to join up again compliance committee. with the Premier League club’s new “It’s my duty to report manager Jose Mourinho. potential cases of United have not paid a fee to sign breaches of regula- the 34-year-old, who was out of con- tions,” the author tract after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. wrote. “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United and I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier ššZlatan Ibrahimovic, left, with Jose Mourinho. pipe dream! šĈRyan Giggs League,” he said in a club statement. Chelsea release “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career New Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is so far and have some great memories. in the world and a player who always Falcao and Pato Giggs bids adieu I’m now ready to create more special Ibra is one of the best gives 100 per cent. confident of proving himself in the English Premier League. memories in England,” he added. “He has won the most important HELSEA opted against renewing to Old Trafford “It goes without saying that I can’t wait strikers in the world and league championships in the world contracts for strikers Radamel to work with Jose Mourinho once again. a player who always of football, now he has the opportunity CFalcao and Alexandre Pato, as ĈĈGuardiola’s City debut is have said that I’ll find it hard to play YAN Giggs is leaving Manches- He’s a fantastic manager and I’m ready gives 100 per cent. to play in the best league in the world well as goalkeeper Marco Amelia. against Bayern on July 20 the football I like to play in England, ter United after 29 years at Old for this new and exciting challenge.” and I know he will grasp this oppor- Colombian Falcao, who was signed so I said to myself, ‘Why not?’ That’s RTrafford, the Premier League Ibrahimovic has won titles in four tunity and will work hard to help the on a season-long loan from Monaco last why I’m here, because I want to try,’” club said last week. different countries in a career which He has scored 392 goals in 677 games team win titles.” July, netted just once in 12 appearances Ken Ferris he added. The 42-year-Welshman played 963 began with his hometown team Malmo and won a trophy in each season since Ibrahimovic retired from internation- last season and was sidelined through Guardiola’s City debut is against Bayern games for United, winning 13 Premier in 1999 and has included spells at Ajax 2001. als after Sweden’s Euro 2016 exit, hav- much of the campaign with on July 20 at the Allianz Arena before League titles and two Champions Amsterdam, Juventus, Inter Milan, where “Zlatan needs no introduction. The sta- ing won 116 caps and scored 62 goals. a thigh injury. he takes his new squad to Asia for their Leagues in a glittering career before he played under Mourinho, Barcelona tistics speak for themselves,” Mourinho He left PSG, having made 180 appear- Brazilian forward Pato EW Manchester City manager pre-season tour. hanging up his boots in 2014. and AC Milan. said. “Ibra is one of the best strikers ances and netting 156 goals. joined on loan in January Pep Guardiola has no inten- “We’ve to find a way to win He worked in coaching roles with from Corinthians until Ntion of ditching the methods and if we win one game, the managers David Moyes and Louis van the end of last season and that brought him success in Spain and next week we’ll say, ‘OK, let’s Gaal after Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, will leave the club after Germany and wants to prove it is pos- try and do the same things but decided not to seek a role along- scoring once in two sible to win in the Premier League by this week’ — and if we win side Jose Mourinho who took over the Spain coach Del Bosque games. Italian 34-year- playing attractive football. again, we’ll say, ‘let’s do the top job in May. old Amelia, who has Guardiola won two Champions League things that won us those “After 29 seasons at Manchester United never featured for the trophies, three La Liga titles and two two games’ and so on,” as a player and assistant manager, I announces retirement first team, ends his stay King’s Cup crowns as Barcelona coach he said. know winning is in the DNA of this club at the club after join- before two domestic doubles followed “I’ve been told it’ll be — giving youth a chance, and playing ing in October 2015. at Bayern Munich. hard to do that in the attacking and exciting football,” Giggs PAIN coach Vicente del Bosque foes Italy in the last 16. Premier League, but said in a club statement. has decided to retire from foot- “What was always going to be the Rakitic flees we did it at Barcelona “It’s healthy to have high expectations, Sball management after the de- most difficult was to win the title again,” I’ve no preconceptions and Bayern Munich it’s right to expect to win. Manchester fending champions were knocked out he said. holiday home and people may say, United expect, deserve, nothing less,” of Euro 2016 by Italy. Del Bosque led his country to their Neymar extends about coming to ‘Yes, that’s because it he added. “Of course, I’ve no intention of con- first World Cup title in 2010 and followed after attack Barca contract England or the football was Barcelona and “This is why it’s a huge decision for tinuing (as Spain coach),” the coun- that triumph by clinching Spain’s second Croatia and Barcelona in the Premier League. Bayern — it won’t me to step away from the club that try’s World Cup-winning manager said successive European Championship RAZILIAN striker Neymar has midfielderIvan Rakitic cut be possible to do that in has been my life since the age of 14. It last week. two years’ later. short his summer holidays extended his contract with Barce- England’ and I just say hasn’t been a decision that I’ve made “It was a decision I had taken before- after his villa on a Croatian Blona until June 2021, the Catalan He took over at City from Manuel OK, let’s try.” lightly. However, the time feels right and hand. I still have a contract until July island was attacked, local club said in a statement last week. Pellegrini, who guided the club to one Guardiola was ear- although I’ve no immediate plans to 31 when I’ll retire from football.” media reported last week. The 24-year-old has a buyout clause Premier League title and two League lier presented to about step into management, it’s where Spain, who were trying to win their Rakitic and his family of €200m for the first year of his con- Cups in his three years in charge. 7,000 City fans at the I want to be.” third straight European title, lost 0-2 left the island of Ugljan tract, €222m for the second, and €250m after an unknown attacker “I’ve no preconceptions about com- Etihad Stadium to Italy in the last 16. threw a stone and broke a for the remaining three years. ing to England or the football in the where he con - “It was difficult to win again,” said window of the house where Neymar, who joined Barcelona from Premier League. I want to learn as much ducted a question the 65-year-old. “We didn’t have a they were spending the Brazilian club Santos in 2013, as possible,” he said last Sunday. and answer ses- good performance against Italy, but holiday following Croatia’s scored 31 goals in all com- “I’ve an idea of how we’ll play, but sion and was asked the group stages were good.” elimination from Euro petitions last season to when I arrived in Germany with Bayern if he would sign Lionel Spain won their opening two games 2016, the Vecernji list daily help Barcelona win the Munich, I had some ideas of how the Messi. against the Czech Republic and Turkey, reported. La Liga title. “We tried to persuade him team would play, but changed them The Spaniard replied, “He’s not but lost their final group match to to stay, but they decided as I went along. I know how hard the a bad player this guy. Messi has to stay Croatia, who pipped them to top spot to leave,” local official Premier League is and some people in Barcelona for the rest of his career.” in the section leaving Del Bosque’s Karlo Novoselic told the şĈPep Guardiola team with a tricky clash against familiar ššVicente del Bosque newspaper. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 19

FIFA slams chief Ibrahimovic can’t wait to work Infantino in memo

Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

22 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 23 Futsal ‘We expect Asian teams to do well at World Cup’

šЂDouglas Pierrotti ЂЂHow about the future of futsal INTERVIEW in Asia? ЃЂAsia is becoming one of the strong- Magnus coach est regions in the world for futsal. We IFA Competitions Division Director expect teams from the continent to do lauds his players Jaime Yarza lauded the standard well at the next World Cup in Colombia. Fof the Intercontinental Cup and AGNUS Futsal assistant coach Qatar’s organisational ability, saying it ЂЂHow do you rate Qatar’s organi- Douglas Pierrotti said their should help realise the clubs’ dream sation of the event? Magnus opus triumph at the Intercontinental of having a FIFA-approved World Cup ЃЂThe venue — Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya Magnus Futsal win the Intercontinental Cup M Cup proved that they were progressing in the near future. Arena — was fantastic, it had got every- by beating Carlos Barbosa in all-Brazilian final. on the right track. thing. I would take it as it is to Colombia “We won the Brazilian League in ЂЂHow do you look at the just-con- for the World Cup because it’s really 2014 and now the Intercontinental cluded Intercontinental Cup? world-class. ĈĈThe winners take home latter coming up with an exceptional Cup. We’ve some of the best players ЃЂI think the clubs in football and fut- €75,000 as prize money effort to deny Mithyue De Linhares. in the world with us and our young- sal are quite important actors in sport. Barbosa looked better in defence in sters are benefiting from their pres- Bringing the best teams in the world to We hope Intercontinental the first session, yet Magnus went up ence. All teams aspire to play against Qatar was a very good move. We hope this N Ganesh through Diego Rodrigo. Skilful Falcao us and it’s a great sign. tournament becomes more and more Cup, to be held in Doha swirled a free-kick past the defensive “Even when we fell behind, we stayed important every year. in the next four years, wall, and though Bassani parried it, the confident. We played a quality game, becomes more important. ball fell perfectly on the path of Diego, considering that Barbosa are a top- AGNUS Futsal, who glowed in who tapped it home. notch side,” added Pierrotti. DSP orange and black, boasted four- Soon at the other end, Bruno Dias Obviously, being the first tourna- Mtime World Futsal Player of the had back-to-back chances to equalise, ment, public attendance wasn’t as good Year Falcao in their ranks and caught but he messed up both. as we had expected. I’m sure the Qatar the imagination of the Doha crowd with Quick exchanges followed and the ‘We didn’t have Football Association (QFA) will take their stylish all-round game, emerged game remained even before Magno suf- all necessary steps to make it a big- as the club world champions last week. fered a setback, losing Andre Thiago to experience’ ger success next year. As they kept singing and dancing after a red card. Barbosa capitalised on the putting it past Carlos Barbosa 4-3 in two-minute numerical advantage and ARLOS Barobsa coach Mar- ЂЂIntercontinental Cup isn’t a FIFA- extra time in an all-Brazilian final of equalised through Rodrigo Montenegro quinhos Xavier said his play- recognised tournament yet. Do you the Intercontinental Cup at the Ali bin in the 32nd. Cers’ lack of experience at the think you could achieve the status Hamad Al Attiya Arena, Magnus looked The extra time started on a speedy international level cost the team victory. one day? every bit the deserving champions. note and Mithyue scored to make it 2-1 “It was an exciting game and we were ЃЂFirst of all, this is a politi- After winning an energy-sapping sem- for Magnus while Eduardo Reis equal- determined to win. cal decision. It’s not up to me ifinal against FC Barcelona Lassa in tie- ised for Barbosa. We did a very good to decide, but obviously I’m breaker the previous night, Magnus Leandro Simi then converted a pen- job and were strong convinced with the growth had to be smart with their running and alty to make it 3-2 for Magnus and with contenders for the of the sport. Clubs will have rotation of players as Barbosa had it Barbosa going all out, Edison Machado title until the last their own World Cup at easier while seeing off Al Rayyan 3-0 looked to have virtually killed the game minute, but our some point, I’m optimis- in the other last-four tie. And Magnus with a neat finish. Still, Murilo Saad lack of experience tic about it, I don’t know did it perfectly. found time to pull one back, though cost us the game,” how long it’s going to The final, which started on a low-key they could not do any more damage said Xavier. take. The decision to note, gathered tempo as it wore on. and ran out of time. He said Barbosa had a bright future. organise the event in After regulation time ended 1-1, the Qatar Football Association Vice- “We’ve a young squad and must Doha in the next five

game came fully alive in six-minute President Saud Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi DSP/Mohan always think about our youngsters,” years augurs well for extra time, which produced five goals. gave away the prizes at a ceremony šĈMagnus Futsal players are all joy on the podium. added Xavier. DSP the sport. DSP Goalkeepers Tiago De Melo (Magnus) attended by FIFA Competitions Division and Deividi Bassani (Barbosa) were Director Jaime Yarza and other officials. kept busy right from the start, with the The winners got richer by €75,000. DSP AWARDS Qatar’s Rayyan ‘Positive image for Qatar’ Winners finish fourth Magnus Futsal Qatar’s Al Rayyan finished fourth OURNAMENT Director Abdul- time we stage the tournament. at the Intercontinental Cup. lah Al Saai expressed happiness “We congratulate Magnus Futsal on €75,000 Best Top scorer Best player In the third-place play-off, goalkeeper Twith the successful organisation winning the tournament. We also con- Rayyan went down Wilde Gomes Marlon of the six-day Intercontinental Cup. gratulate Qatar’s Al Rayyan on a job Thiago De 1-6 to Spain’s (FC Barcelona Araujo (Carlos “We’re happy to see the response of well done,” he said. Melo (Magnus Lassa) Barbosa) FC Barcelona Futsal) Lassa. everyone. We’ve been applauded by FIFA “Last, but not the least, I thank my €3,000 €4,000 Jesus and the Asian Football Confederation team for their sincere efforts in organis- €3,000 Alcardo (fifth, for the way we organised the event. I ing a top-class event. Everyone worked 38th), Angel promise we’ll put up an even better so hard to make it a success. Velasco (14th, 27th), Esteban Guerrero (20th) and show next year,” said Al Saai, who is “I applaud the various committees Fair play Wilde Homes (35th) scored for also the head of Qatar Futsal and Beach which worked tirelessly. The tourna- FC Barcelona Lassa the winners while Carlos Vagner Soccer Committee. ment created a positive image of Qatar conceded an own goal in the “We’ve many tricks up our sleeve. in front of everyone associated with it,” šĈSaud Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi presents the trophy to Magnus Futsal captain Rodrigo Hardy. 30th. DSP šЂAbdullah Al Saai Fans will definitely enjoy more the next he added. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 23

‘We expect Asian teams to do well at World Cup’

ARLOS Barobsa coach Mar- ЂЂIntercontinental Cup isn’t a FIFA- quinhos Xavier said his play- recognised tournament yet. Do you Cers’ lack of experience at the think you could achieve the status international level cost the team victory. one day? “It was an exciting game and we were ЃЂFirst of all, this is a politi- determined to win. cal decision. It’s not up to me We did a very good to decide, but obviously I’m job and were strong convinced with the growth contenders for the of the sport. Clubs will have title until the last their own World Cup at minute, but our some point, I’m optimis- lack of experience tic about it, I don’t know cost us the game,” how long it’s going to said Xavier. take. The decision to He said Barbosa had a bright future. organise the event in “We’ve a young squad and must Doha in the next five always think about our youngsters,” years augurs well for added Xavier. DSP the sport. DSP

Qatar’s Rayyan ‘Positive image for Qatar’ finish fourth

Qatar’s Al Rayyan finished fourth OURNAMENT Director Abdul- time we stage the tournament. at the Intercontinental Cup. lah Al Saai expressed happiness “We congratulate Magnus Futsal on In the third-place play-off, Twith the successful organisation winning the tournament. We also con- Rayyan went down 1-6 to Spain’s of the six-day Intercontinental Cup. gratulate Qatar’s Al Rayyan on a job FC Barcelona “We’re happy to see the response of well done,” he said. Lassa. everyone. We’ve been applauded by FIFA “Last, but not the least, I thank my Jesus and the Asian Football Confederation team for their sincere efforts in organis- Alcardo (fifth, for the way we organised the event. I ing a top-class event. Everyone worked 38th), Angel promise we’ll put up an even better so hard to make it a success. Velasco (14th, 27th), Esteban Guerrero (20th) and show next year,” said Al Saai, who is “I applaud the various committees Wilde Homes (35th) scored for also the head of Qatar Futsal and Beach which worked tirelessly. The tourna- the winners while Carlos Vagner Soccer Committee. ment created a positive image of Qatar conceded an own goal in the “We’ve many tricks up our sleeve. in front of everyone associated with it,” 30th. DSP šЂAbdullah Al Saai Fans will definitely enjoy more the next he added. DSP 24 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 25 Volleyball

Qatar can make Piazza steps down as Qatar coach it to Tokyo, says HE Qatar Volleyball Association his two-decade coaching career. at the FIVB World League and though spiker Ribeiro (QVA) and national coach Roberto The 48-year-old had a prior spell at they could not advance past the group TPiazza mutually agreed to part Modena Volley, where he served as an stage, they beat strong teams like Tunisia, ING spiker Renan Ribeiro ways last week. assistant to former Al Rayyan coach Greece and Puerto Rico. believes Qatar can qualify Piazza, who replaced Argentinian Juan Daniele Bagnoli. The QVA is already on the lookout for Wfor the 2020 Olympics in Manuel Cichello in March on a one-year Modena are one of the most successful Piazza’s successor and Bagnoli, who was Tokyo. deal, was relieved of his duties after the Italian clubs and have won the national in contention for the top job before Piazza The 26-year-old has been a con-

DSP/ Vinod Divakaran DSP/ Vinod Italian expressed his interest to return to league and cup a record 12 times apiece. took over, is one of the leading candi- sistent performer for Qatar, who are š šRoberto Piazza his country, where he has spent most of Under Piazza, Qatar made their debut dates. DSP ranked 31st in the world and fourth in Asia. They missed out on making it to next month’s Rio Games, but Ribeiro said it would be different next time. “If you look at the average age of our side, then you’ll realise that ours is a In the World League, we relatively young team. There’s plenty of scope for improvement. Our long-term just wanted to be strong goal is to qualify to the 2020 Olympics. competitors and we proved I’m sure we can make it. In the mean- that. I think at both the Asian time, we’ve many short-term goals,” Cup and Arab Championship, said Ribeiro. we can be optimistic about a Ribeiro, who did exceptionally well at Morale-booster podium finish. the FIVB World League in Thessaloniki, Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Qatar Volleyball Greece, added, “At the World League, Association President. our team gained in confidence after Qatar’s convincing performances at the FIVB World League augurs every match. I’m happy with our overall performance. I’m sure we’ll do bet- well for them ahead of the Asian Cup and Arab Championship. ter in the upcoming Asian Cup and Arab Championship”. DSP ššRenan Ribeiro

and experience. While the tried-and- şšQatar’s Sajith B Warrier tested trio of Ali, Ibrahim Saeed and Chigbo John Renan Ribeiro remained the nucleus, smashes against youngsters Waddie Raimi (Al Sadd) and Venezuela. Mohammed Abdulrahman (Al Arabi) ATAR failed to progress to the gave variety to their attack. ‘World League a good knockout stage of the FIVB Libero Mohammed, who replaced QWorld League, but they can take injured Suleiman Saeed, also proved plenty of positives from their maiden his worth in both rounds. experience for us’ appearance. That also augurs well for “We used to struggle for replacements them ahead of the Asian Cup and Arab in the past, but now we’ve a fine pool of Championship, to be held in the com- talent to pick from. Our reserve players ENIOR Qatar international his attack down the middle made the ing months. are ready to play their part whenever Ibrahim Saeed said Qatar were difference in the second. Tough task for After a disappointing start in the World Sricher by experience after their “I’m satisfied with our overall show Qatar at Asian League’s opening round in Ljubljana, FIVB World League debut. at the World League. After all, we were Slovenia, Qatar gradually picked up Our reserve players The tall spiker was a key player in competing in it for the first time. We U-20 C’ship momentum and looked an improved the Gulf side’s resounding win in the should keep the momentum,” added team in the second at Thessaloniki, Greece. are ready to play their last match against Puerto Rico. Ibrahim. DSP Altogether, Qatar played six matches, part whenever the “We could win only one match in the Qatar will fight it out with defending champions winning and losing three each. situation demands. first round in Slovenia, but managed Iran, Hong Kong and “Our team did well but, for sure, we two victories in Greece. We showed to Turkmenistan in Group could’ve done much better. We’ve a everyone that if we play to our strengths, C at the 18th Asian Men’s lot of potential. The most important the situation demands,” said former Under-20 Championship thing is we’ve won three matches and international Mubarak Eid. beginning in Chinese Taipei on Saturday. gained a lot of confidence,” said cap- Next up for Qatar is the Asian Cup to We showed to everyone tain Ali Ishaq as he summed up Qatar’s be held in Thailand from September 22 Qatar’s best performance is a third- campaign. to 28 and the Arab Championship in that if we play to our strengths, we can beat place finish at home in Qatar’s squad was a blend of youth Jordan in October. But first, Qatar need 2004. to quickly appoint a new coach after any opponents. Sixteen teams are QATAR’S RESULTS Italian Roberto Piazza parted ways with competing in the ROUND ONE (SLOVENIA) the team last week on mutual agreement. biennial event held under Bt Tunisia 25-22, 25-20, 23-25, 25-20 Qatar’s best performance so far we can beat any opponents on any the aegis of the Asian Lost to Venezuela 27-25, 15-25, 25-27, 23-25 is a fourth-place finish at the Asian stage. The World League was a good Volleyball Confederation. Lost to Slovenia 15-25, 21-25, 25-18, 18-25 Iran had defeated China ROUND TWO (GREECE) Championship in Tehran a year ago. experience for us,” said Ibrahim. in straight sets in the final Bt Puerto Rico 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 QVA President Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi In the match against Puerto Rico in Manama last time. Bt Greece 25-21, 25-17, 26-24 believes the team is capable of improv- at the Alexandrio Melathron Hall in South Korea, with Lost to Slovenia 21-25, 18-25, 20-25 ing on that. Thessaloniki, Ibrahim was outstand- six titles, are the most “In the World League, we just wanted ing. In addition to scoring a match- successful team in NEXT MAJOR to be strong competitors and proved high 14 points, his blocking was excep- history, with Iran triumphing five times, COMPETITIONS FOR QATAR it. At both the the Asian Cup and Arab tional as he accounted for five out of SEPTEMBER 22 TO 28 and Japan and China Championship, we can be optimis- his team’s total nine. Asian Cup Thailand thrice each. DSP OCTOBER 20 TO 26 tic about a podium finish,” said Al It was his stunning performance that

Arab Championship Jordan Mawlawi. DSP FIVB Photo/ helped Qatar clinch the first set while www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 25

Qatar can make it to Tokyo, says spiker Ribeiro

ING spiker Renan Ribeiro believes Qatar can qualify Wfor the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The 26-year-old has been a consistent performer for Qatar, who are ranked 31st in the world and fourth in Asia. They missed out on making it to next month’s Rio Games, but Ribeiro said it would be different next time. “If you look at the average age of our side, then you’ll realise that ours is a In the World League, we relatively young team. There’s plenty of scope for improvement. Our long-term just wanted to be strong goal is to qualify to the 2020 Olympics. competitors and we proved I’m sure we can make it. In the mean- that. I think at both the Asian time, we’ve many short-term goals,” Cup and Arab Championship, said Ribeiro. we can be optimistic about a Ribeiro, who did exceptionally well at podium finish. the FIVB World League in Thessaloniki, Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Qatar Volleyball Greece, added, “At the World League, Association President. our team gained in confidence after every match. I’m happy with our overall performance. I’m sure we’ll do better in the upcoming Asian Cup and Arab Championship”. DSP ššRenan Ribeiro

şšQatar’s Chigbo John smashes against Venezuela. ‘World League a good experience for us’

ENIOR Qatar international his attack down the middle made the Ibrahim Saeed said Qatar were difference in the second. Tough task for Sricher by experience after their “I’m satisfied with our overall show Qatar at Asian FIVB World League debut. at the World League. After all, we were The tall spiker was a key player in competing in it for the first time. We U-20 C’ship the Gulf side’s resounding win in the should keep the momentum,” added last match against Puerto Rico. Ibrahim. DSP “We could win only one match in the Qatar will fight it out with defending champions first round in Slovenia, but managed Iran, Hong Kong and two victories in Greece. We showed to Turkmenistan in Group everyone that if we play to our strengths, C at the 18th Asian Men’s Under-20 Championship beginning in Chinese Taipei on Saturday. We showed to everyone Qatar’s best that if we play to our performance is a third- strengths, we can beat place finish at home in 2004. any opponents. Sixteen teams are competing in the biennial event held under we can beat any opponents on any the aegis of the Asian stage. The World League was a good Volleyball Confederation. Iran had defeated China experience for us,” said Ibrahim. in straight sets in the final In the match against Puerto Rico in Manama last time. at the Alexandrio Melathron Hall in South Korea, with Thessaloniki, Ibrahim was outstand- six titles, are the most ing. In addition to scoring a match- successful team in high 14 points, his blocking was excep- history, with Iran triumphing five times, tional as he accounted for five out of and Japan and China his team’s total nine. thrice each. DSP It was his stunning performance that helped Qatar clinch the first set while 26 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 27

The Qatar Sailing and Marine Sports Inaugural Federation will host the inaugural GCC Rowing Championship at Katara in November. Ali GCC Rowing Jomaa Abu Jalouf, who won a bronze at the GCC Beach Games in Doha last year, is the key At a glance at Katara name in the Qatar squad.

WEIGHLIFTING CYCLING Worlds’ 100-day countdown begins

HE Qatar Cycling Federation the event more popular as it was cir- their wholesome support,” said Sheikh Faris seals last week celebrated the 100- culated throughout the world media. Khalid, who is also the president of Tday countdown to the UCI Road We’re prepared to host the world’s best the QCF. World Championships, to be held in championship ever,” said Organising Qatar will become the first coun- Doha from October 9 to 16. Committee Chairman Sheikh Khalid try in the Middle East and second in The Torch tower at the Aspire Zone bin Ali Al Thani. Asia, after Japan in 1990, to host the was lit up, and messages and images “I want to thank the Qatar Olympic Road Worlds, which were first held depicting Qatar’s rich cultural herit- Committee, Ministry of Interior, Qatar in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1921. age were displayed on it to mark the Tourism Authority, Ashghal, Ministry More than 1000 riders from 75 coun- occasion. of Transport and Communications, tries are expected to vie for honours Rio berth “The 100-day countdown has made Aspire Zone and other partners for in the Qatari capital. DSP The Qatari qualifies by finishing third in 85kg clean and jerk at the Junior Worlds in Tbilisi.

had finished fourth in the men’s above- Mohammad Amin-ul Islam 105kg weight class in Sydney. “It’s a good news and we’re really happy. We wish Faris good luck at the Olympics,” said Qatar Weightlifting ATAR’S Faris Ibrahim booked and Bodybuilding Federation (QWBF) a berth at the Rio Olympics General Secretary Ibrahim Mohamed ššMoussa Shanan Qby finishing third in 85kg Kafoud. clean and jerk at the IWF Junior World QWBF Technical Secretary Marone Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, Amadou said, “Faris is a talented lifter. TENNIS last week. He’s among the world’s top 16. We can The 18-year-old accumulated 346 expect some good results. The federa- Qatar keen to do tion will organise outstation trainings for him so that he can prepare well for well in Tehran We’ve worked hard to bring this top Qatar has been organising the Tour of championship to Qatar. We’re hopeful Qatar for men and women for many Faris is a talented lifter. the Games.” Qatar had some fine lifters a dec- ATAR are eyeing a good show of making it one of years now. The country is He’s among the world’s ade ago, but dwindling interest in the at the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania the most distinctive set to become the first top 16. We can expect sport has resulted in a lack of top-notch QZone Group III qualification events in the cycling in the Arab region to some good results. competitors. Faris’s feat may revive the tournament, to be held in Tehran, Iran, world. host this top event interest and attract youngsters in the from July 11 to 16. Sheikh Khalid bin Ali for professional road country to the sport. Kafoud said the A five-member squad comprising Al Thani, 2016 Doha UCI cycling. points while China’s Jiawen Liu (365) QWBF would take more efforts to incul- Mohammed Nasser Al Khanji, Jabor Road World Championship Brian Cookson, and Italy’s Antonino Pizzolato (360) cate interest in schoolchildren. Al Mutawa and Shanan brothers — Organising Committee Chairman. International Cycling Union President. won gold and silver respectively. “We want to organise international Mubarak, Moussa and Abdullah — Asaad Saif Said, who clinched a bronze events in future to popularise the sport. reached Tehran last Monday to fine- in the men’s 105kg at the 2000 Sydney Regular competitions will also help Games, is the only Qatari lifter to win local weightlifters gain valuable expe- WORLD C’SHIP SCHEDULE š šFaris Ibrahim in action at the IWF Junior World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. an Olympic medal. Jaber Saeed Salem rience,” said Kafoud. DSP The experience of Doha will be exciting, Sunday, October 9 playing in the ITF and Women’s team time trial Men’s team time trial Futures events abroad says ace British rider Monday, October 10 BEACH VOLLEYBALL should help our players. Women’s junior individual time trial

Men’s Under-23 individual time trial

REAT Britain’s former world 1.2km of cobblestones. Tuesday, October 11 QOC fetes national team after Olympic qualification tune their preparation for the clay- champion Mark Cavendish, The event will finish at the 15.3km Men’s junior individual time trial court event. who won the Tour of Qatar circuit on The Pearl, which was used G Elite women’s individual time trial The nine-team tournament will be earlier this year, said the 2016 UCI for a stage of the 2016 men’s Tour of Wednesday, October 12 HE Qatar Olympic Committee “We must build on this success and played on a best-of-three format, with Road World Championships in Doha Qatar. Many riders felt the 24 rounda- Elite men’s individual time trial last week honoured the national make the sport more popular in Qatar. two singles to be followed by doubles. would be exciting. bouts on it would make the race highly Tbeach volleyball team that quali- We’re indeed proud of our team’s great “Our players have been training The route for the Worlds, presented technical, with Cavendish saying that Friday, October 14 fied for the Rio Games by winning the performance in Australia. I hope they hard. The experience of playing in the early last year, is made up of an 80km it would add to the excitement. Junior women’s road race Continental Cup in Cairns, Australia, put up a good show in Rio as well,” said ITF and Futures tournaments abroad loop through the desert and a finishing “The people who write on internet Men’s Under-23 road race recently. Al Mohannadi, who heads QVA’s beach should prove handy for them,” said circuit in Doha city centre, including forums are going to Saturday, October 15 Qatar beat China in the final to book volleyball academy in Al Gharafa. team manager Khalid Ghanem want echelons, but Junior men’s road race a berth at the quadrennial event for the Two pairs represented each partici- Al Kholaifi. we aren’t robots. Elite women’s road race first time. pating country at Cairns, with Jefferson Cambodia, Hong Kong, We’re not going to do Sunday, October 16 QOC Secretary General Dr Thani Pereira partnering Cherif Younousse Iran, Singapore, Syria, that for 260km, no mat- Elite men’s road race Abdulrahman Al Kuwari was the chief to form Qatar’s premier duo and Julio Turkmenistan, Singapore and ter who’s there. So it’s guest at the function attended, among Junior teaming up with Ahmed Tijian. the Pacific Oceania team, which quite a nice circuit. I think others, by Qatar Volleyball Association Jefferson and Cherif, who had won the represents the island nations except you’ll be surprised by how (QVA) President Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi FIVB World Tour event in Kish Island in Australia and New Zealand in the Oceania exciting it’ll be as a World and General Secretary Mohammed Ali Iran earlier this year, are likely to travel region at the Davis Cup, are the other Championship,” Cavendish Al Mohannadi. to Rio. DSP šš Qatar national beach volleyball players with Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, sixth right, and other officials. teams in the fray. DSP told www.cyclingnews.com. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 27

CYCLING Worlds’ 100-day countdown begins

HE Qatar Cycling Federation the event more popular as it was cir- their wholesome support,” said Sheikh last week celebrated the 100- culated throughout the world media. Khalid, who is also the president of Tday countdown to the UCI Road We’re prepared to host the world’s best the QCF. World Championships, to be held in championship ever,” said Organising Qatar will become the first coun- Doha from October 9 to 16. Committee Chairman Sheikh Khalid try in the Middle East and second in The Torch tower at the Aspire Zone bin Ali Al Thani. Asia, after Japan in 1990, to host the was lit up, and messages and images “I want to thank the Qatar Olympic Road Worlds, which were first held depicting Qatar’s rich cultural herit- Committee, Ministry of Interior, Qatar in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1921. age were displayed on it to mark the Tourism Authority, Ashghal, Ministry More than 1000 riders from 75 coun- occasion. of Transport and Communications, tries are expected to vie for honours “The 100-day countdown has made Aspire Zone and other partners for in the Qatari capital. DSP

ššMoussa Shanan

TENNIS Qatar keen to do well in Tehran We’ve worked hard to bring this top Qatar has been organising the Tour of championship to Qatar. We’re hopeful Qatar for men and women for many ATAR are eyeing a good show of making it one of years now. The country is at the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania the most distinctive set to become the first QZone Group III qualification events in the cycling in the Arab region to tournament, to be held in Tehran, Iran, world. host this top event from July 11 to 16. Sheikh Khalid bin Ali for professional road A five-member squad comprising Al Thani, 2016 Doha UCI cycling. Mohammed Nasser Al Khanji, Jabor Road World Championship Brian Cookson, Al Mutawa and Shanan brothers — Organising Committee Chairman. International Cycling Union President. Mubarak, Moussa and Abdullah — reached Tehran last Monday to fine-

WORLD C’SHIP SCHEDULE The experience of Doha will be exciting, Sunday, October 9 playing in the ITF and Women’s team time trial Men’s team time trial Futures events abroad says ace British rider Monday, October 10 should help our players. Women’s junior individual time trial

Men’s Under-23 individual time trial

REAT Britain’s former world 1.2km of cobblestones. Tuesday, October 11 Mark Cavendish tune their preparation for the clay- champion , The event will finish at the 15.3km Men’s junior individual time trial court event. who won the Tour of Qatar circuit on The Pearl, which was used G Elite women’s individual time trial The nine-team tournament will be earlier this year, said the 2016 UCI for a stage of the 2016 men’s Tour of Wednesday, October 12 played on a best-of-three format, with Road World Championships in Doha Qatar. Many riders felt the 24 rounda- Elite men’s individual time trial two singles to be followed by doubles. would be exciting. bouts on it would make the race highly “Our players have been training The route for the Worlds, presented technical, with Cavendish saying that Friday, October 14 hard. The experience of playing in the early last year, is made up of an 80km it would add to the excitement. Junior women’s road race ITF and Futures tournaments abroad loop through the desert and a finishing “The people who write on internet Men’s Under-23 road race should prove handy for them,” said circuit in Doha city centre, including forums are going to Saturday, October 15 team manager Khalid Ghanem want echelons, but Junior men’s road race Al Kholaifi. we aren’t robots. Elite women’s road race Cambodia, Hong Kong, We’re not going to do Sunday, October 16 Iran, Singapore, Syria, that for 260km, no mat- Elite men’s road race Turkmenistan, Singapore and ter who’s there. So it’s the Pacific Oceania team, which quite a nice circuit. I think represents the island nations except you’ll be surprised by how Australia and New Zealand in the Oceania exciting it’ll be as a World region at the Davis Cup, are the other Championship,” Cavendish teams in the fray. DSP told www.cyclingnews.com. DSP 28 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 29 Motorsport Boss Wolff threatens to impose team orders

ERCEDES boss Toto Wolff threatened to impose ‘team Morders’ on Lewis Hamilton crash and Nico Rosberg, however unpopular the move, after yet another collision between the battling Formula One title rivals in Austria. The team-mates have clashed three times in the last five races — in Spain, ššAndreas Mikkelsen celebrates his win. Canada and the Red Bull Ring — as their ššToto Wolff championship duel heats up. Wolff said something had to change. “It’s unpopular, it makes me puke, collision, it was clear it was eventually Heartbreak for Tanak šĈLewis Hamilton in action because I like to see them race, but if going to happen, it wiped out both cars at the Austrian Grand Prix. the racing isn’t possible without con- and from my naive thinking I thought & win! tact that’s the consequence,” he said to myself: ‘Okay they’ve learnt the les- as Mikkelsen wins Lewis Hamilton wins the Austrian Grand Prix and closes gap with Nico of a move that would force the driv- son, seen what the consequences are ers to hold position after a given point and it’s not going to happen any more’. Rosberg despite a last-lap collision with his Mercedes team-mate. of the race. “But here we go, it happens again. So ORWAY’S Andreas Mikkelsen puncture robbed me of victory,” said “In Barcelona I was much more at the only consequence is to look at all won a drama-filled Rally of Po- Tanak. ease with it,” said Wolff. the options and one option is to freeze Nland as overnight leader Ott He lost just over 40sec, handing the ĈĈHamilton’s victory was the causing the collision and a reprimand problem,” the surprised Briton, who “We had gone 30 races without the order at a certain stage of the race.” Tanak finished a heartbreaking second lead to Mikkelsen who stormed through 250th in F1 by a Briton for continuing with a damaged car. started on pole, shrugged when asked I don’t feel it was after suffering a puncture. to his second WRC win by 26.2sec, with “I was on the outside, it wasn’t me about the noise. controversial really. I don’t Ford Fiesta’s Tanak, dreaming of a New Zealand’s Hayden Paddon third EWIS Hamilton was booed on the that had the crash,” said the Briton, “I left a lot of room on the inside and feel bad about it either. I first victory, had gone into the final day for Hyundai at 28.5sec. podium after a last-lap collision who now has three wins to Rosberg’s I guess he locked up and crashed into was on the outside, it wasn’t RESULTS with an 18sec advantage on Mikkelsen “I’m sorry for Ott. I told him before me that had the crash. I FORMULA ONE Lwith Mercedes team-mate Nico five this season, over the team radio. me. I think he had a problem with his 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes 1:27:38 in a Volkswagen Polo. this stage that I know how he feels — it Rosberg handed the triple Formula After nine of the season’s 21-race brakes potentially. I’m here to win. left a lot of room on the 2. Max Verstappen (NED) Red Bull at 5.7 happened to me in Sweden, but that’s One world champion a dramatic first calendar, Rosberg has 153 points to That’s all.” inside and I guess he locked 3. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari 6.02 the way rallying is and you’ve to take it 4. Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes 26.7 Austrian Grand Prix victory last Sunday. Hamilton’s 142. Dutch teenager Max Verstappen fin- up and crashed into me. 5. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Red Bull 30.9 Overnight leader Tanak in your stride,” said Mikkelsen. Championship leader Rosberg, who ished second for Red Bull at their home I think he had a problem WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP “We pushed so hard all weekend. We had been chasing an Austrian hat-trick track with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen 1. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) Volkswagen 2:37:34 of Ford Fiesta finished a gave everything. It was all about luck with his brakes potentially. 2. Ott Taenak (EST) Ford at 26.2 after wins in 2014 and 2015, nursed his third after team-mate Sebastian Vettel disappointing second and we were the lucky ones. A rally I’ll Max Verstappen finished I’m fighting for the World 3. Hayden Paddon (NZL) Hyundai 28.5 damaged car over the line for fourth crashed out when a rear tyre exploded Championship. I’m here to 4. Thierry Neuville (BEL) Hyundai 29.3 after suffering a puncture. never forget,” Mikkelsen added. place with his advantage cut to 11 points. second for Red Bull, with and sent him into the barriers. 5. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) Volkswagen 33.8 Championship leader Sebastien Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen win. That’s all. I never gave up. “I’m gutted, it’s unbelievable,” said Hamilton’s victory was the 250th in I pushed all the way. I knew I Ogier of France finished in sixth place the German, accusing Hamilton of ending up in third place. F1 by a British driver since the cham- STANDINGS Mikkelsen was 16.5sec adrift going at 40.3sec in a race he is happy to put needed those points. I knew FORMULA ONE turning in and causing the accident pionship started in 1950 and the 46th that I’ve some incredible fans DRIVERS CONSTRUCTORS into the final two specials stages only behind him. that broke his front wing as the slow- of his career. 1. Nico Rosberg (GER) 153 1. Mercedes 295 for the Estonian to suffer a puncture to “In these dreadful conditions the here supporting. Some of burning race suddenly exploded into The crowd, small in comparison to Australian Daniel Ricciardo was fifth 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 142 2. Ferrari 192 his front type in the penultimate stage only possible satisfaction was to fin- them have come a long way. 3. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 96 3. Red Bull 168 controversy and acrimony. the previous two years with rows of for Red Bull with Britain’s Jenson Button on a track made muddy and slippery ish,” he said. So I did everything I could to 4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 96 4. Williams 92 Hamilton disagreed and so did the empty seats in the grandstands, made finishing sixth for McLaren. 5. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 88 5. Force India 59 by heavy rain. “But I can now go on into the sec- stewards who gave Rosberg a mean- their disapproval evident with whistles Frenchman Romain Grosjean was not give up. WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP “It’s so hard to have allowed a first ond half of the championships with 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) VW 143 1. Volkswagen 196 ingless post-race and boos as Hamilton was interviewed seventh in a Haas ahead of Spaniard Lewis Hamilton 2. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) VW 92 2. Hyundai 135 victory to slip through my fingers like the equivalent of a two-race victory 10sec time on the podium. Carlos Sainz in a Toro Rosso and Finland’s 3. Hayden Paddon (NZL) Hyundai 72 3. M-Sport 100 that. I was in control. I was the fast- lead,” added Ogier, who had won the penalty for “That’s not my problem, it’s their Valtteri Bottas for Williams. 4. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) VW 68 4. Volkswagen II 99 ššSebastien Buemi est special after special. And then the two previous editions in Poland. 5. Daniel Sordo (ESP) Hyundai 68 5. Hyundai II 78 Buemi clinches Formula E title Rosberg in war of words with Hamilton again Switzerland’s Sebastien Buemi won the second Formula E electric championship, with the title HAMPIONSHIP leader Nico five races. who laid the blame at his door and even settled when he set the fastest lap Rosberg set himself at odds “I’m just extremely frustrated because questioned whether there was some of the final race in London. Cwith Formula One stewards I had the win in the bag,” said Rosberg, deliberate intent as he struggled with The Renault eDams driver collided with Brazilian title rival and his Mercedes team-mate Lewis who limped home in fourth place. brake problems and Hamilton closed in. Lucas Di Grassi, who had started Hamilton after another costly collision “The collision completely took me by While the team’s non-executive chair- the day on equal points, on the first at the Austrian Grand Prix. surprise. I didn’t expect Lewis to turn man Niki Lauda found fault with Rosberg, lap but won thanks to the The German, who had led before he in. I can say that for sure I didn’t drive telling that “Lewis did nothing wrong”, two extra points awarded for and Hamilton drove into each other on into anybody, because I had the car team boss Toto Wolff made clear he was fastest lap. the last lap, was handed a 10sec pen- fully under control at all times,” added angry with both his drivers. Frenchman Nicolas Prost, alty — which did not change the fin- the German. “Nico was with a car that was hand- Buemi’s team-mate and son of four-time Formula One champion ish order — for causing the collision. “Apparently he said in a TV interview icapped, trying to brake late and not Alain Prost, won the two races at He made clear to reporters, before that I was in his blind spot so maybe on the line that was the normal line, London’s Battersea Park. the officials’ decision, that he consid- that’s why he turned in.” and Lewis came from outside where Buemi was beaten to the title by ered race winner Hamilton to blame Rosberg’s comments contrasted with first contact was made. It takes two to Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr in the š for their third coming together in those of some British television analysts make contact,” he said. šNico Rosberg inaugural championship last year. ššAndreas Mikkelsen competes in the Rally of Poland. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 29

Boss Wolff threatens to impose team orders

ERCEDES boss Toto Wolff threatened to impose ‘team Morders’ on Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, however unpopular the move, after yet another collision between the battling Formula One title rivals in Austria. The team-mates have clashed three times in the last five races — in Spain, ššAndreas Mikkelsen celebrates his win. Canada and the Red Bull Ring — as their ššToto Wolff championship duel heats up. Wolff said something had to change. “It’s unpopular, it makes me puke, collision, it was clear it was eventually Heartbreak for Tanak because I like to see them race, but if going to happen, it wiped out both cars the racing isn’t possible without con- and from my naive thinking I thought tact that’s the consequence,” he said to myself: ‘Okay they’ve learnt the les- as Mikkelsen wins of a move that would force the driv- son, seen what the consequences are ers to hold position after a given point and it’s not going to happen any more’. of the race. “But here we go, it happens again. So ORWAY’S Andreas Mikkelsen puncture robbed me of victory,” said “In Barcelona I was much more at the only consequence is to look at all won a drama-filled Rally of Po- Tanak. ease with it,” said Wolff. the options and one option is to freeze Nland as overnight leader Ott He lost just over 40sec, handing the “We had gone 30 races without the order at a certain stage of the race.” Tanak finished a heartbreaking second lead to Mikkelsen who stormed through after suffering a puncture. to his second WRC win by 26.2sec, with Ford Fiesta’s Tanak, dreaming of a New Zealand’s Hayden Paddon third first victory, had gone into the final day for Hyundai at 28.5sec. RESULTS with an 18sec advantage on Mikkelsen “I’m sorry for Ott. I told him before FORMULA ONE 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes 1:27:38 in a Volkswagen Polo. this stage that I know how he feels — it 2. Max Verstappen (NED) Red Bull at 5.7 happened to me in Sweden, but that’s 3. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari 6.02 the way rallying is and you’ve to take it 4. Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes 26.7 5. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Red Bull 30.9 Overnight leader Tanak in your stride,” said Mikkelsen. WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP “We pushed so hard all weekend. We 1. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) Volkswagen 2:37:34 of Ford Fiesta finished a gave everything. It was all about luck 2. Ott Taenak (EST) Ford at 26.2 disappointing second 3. Hayden Paddon (NZL) Hyundai 28.5 and we were the lucky ones. A rally I’ll 4. Thierry Neuville (BEL) Hyundai 29.3 after suffering a puncture. never forget,” Mikkelsen added. 5. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) Volkswagen 33.8 Championship leader Sebastien Ogier of France finished in sixth place STANDINGS Mikkelsen was 16.5sec adrift going at 40.3sec in a race he is happy to put FORMULA ONE DRIVERS CONSTRUCTORS into the final two specials stages only behind him. 1. Nico Rosberg (GER) 153 1. Mercedes 295 for the Estonian to suffer a puncture to “In these dreadful conditions the 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 142 2. Ferrari 192 his front type in the penultimate stage only possible satisfaction was to fin- 3. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 96 3. Red Bull 168 4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 96 4. Williams 92 on a track made muddy and slippery ish,” he said. 5. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 88 5. Force India 59 by heavy rain. “But I can now go on into the sec- WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP “It’s so hard to have allowed a first ond half of the championships with 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) VW 143 1. Volkswagen 196 2. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) VW 92 2. Hyundai 135 victory to slip through my fingers like the equivalent of a two-race victory 3. Hayden Paddon (NZL) Hyundai 72 3. M-Sport 100 that. I was in control. I was the fast- lead,” added Ogier, who had won the 4. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) VW 68 4. Volkswagen II 99 ššSebastien Buemi est special after special. And then the two previous editions in Poland. 5. Daniel Sordo (ESP) Hyundai 68 5. Hyundai II 78 Buemi clinches Formula E title Rosberg in war of words with Hamilton again Switzerland’s Sebastien Buemi won the second Formula E electric championship, with the title settled when he set the fastest lap of the final race in London. The Renault eDams driver collided with Brazilian title rival Lucas Di Grassi, who had started the day on equal points, on the first lap but won thanks to the two extra points awarded for fastest lap. Frenchman Nicolas Prost, Buemi’s team-mate and son of four-time Formula One champion Alain Prost, won the two races at London’s Battersea Park. Buemi was beaten to the title by Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr in the ššNico Rosberg inaugural championship last year. ššAndreas Mikkelsen competes in the Rally of Poland. 30 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 31 At a glance

CRICKET TENNIS ICC defers plans of radical shake-up

ššDustin Johnson REUTERS/ Juan Medina ššMark Cavendish celebrates after winning the third stage. LANS for a radical shake-up of international cricket, including GOLF Pthe creation of two divisions in CYCLING Test cricket and a new one-day league, ON TRACK! are to be “worked through” at a Sep- Johnson extends Roger Federer wins 306th Grand Slam match tember meeting of the International Cavendish wins stage 3, his sizzling run Cricket Council (ICC), it was announced en route to reaching Wimbledon quarterfinal. last week. USTIN Johnson followed up his The global governing body’s annual Sagan leads overall US Open victory in style, taking meeting concluded in Edinburgh with OGER Federer remained on track withstood the challenge of Nick Kyrgios, Dadvantage of a late stumble by few major decisions taken on a crammed for a record eighth Wimbledon sweeping aside the mercurial Australian Jason Day to secure a one-stroke victory agenda that could yet reshape world Meanwhile, further reform of the ICC RITISH rider Mark Cavendish (Tinkoff) retained the overall leader’s Rsingles crown after beating high- 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 to reach his ninth straight at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational cricket. to undo the system established two joined France great Bernard yellow jersey after taking fourth place flying Steve Johnson 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the quarterfinal. in Akron, Ohio, last Sunday. But amid concerns from smaller years ago when much money and power BHinault in second place of the to stay in the hunt for a sixth green jer- fourth round last Monday. Murray will face Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Long-hitting Johnson stormed home nations such as Bangladesh that they was invested in the sport’s ‘big three’ all-time list of Tour de France stage sey for the points classification. In the quarterfinals, Federer will play Tsonga, the 12th seed, who progressed with a 66 to finish at six-under-par 274 risked permanent exile to the ‘second nations of England, Australia and India, winners when he pipped Andre Greipel Cavendish, who looked beaten with Croatian ninth seed Marin Cilic who when his rival Richard Gasquet retired while fellow American Scott Piercy (70) division’, the ICC deferred a decision is under way. It was also decided that for his second victory in this year’s race. 50M left after Greipel’s second acceler- advanced after his opponent, Japanese with a back injury. Tsonga was leading birdied the last to claim second place on a new landscape for the interna- ICC will apply for the inclusion of wom- Riding for the Dimension Data team, ation, threw his bike well to add to his fifth seed Kei Nishikori, retired injured 4-2 in the first set. on five-under. tional game. It will hold a workshop at its en’s cricket at the 2022 Commonwealth Cavendish beat German Greipel by less victory in the opening stage. while trailing 1-6, 1-5. Giant killer Sam Querrey, who stunned World No.1 Day mostly struggled with Dubai headquarters in early September. Games in Durban, South Africa. than a tyre’s length to snatch his 28th “I’ve won by more, I’ve won by less,” Despite considerable pre-match world No.1 Novak Djokovic in the third his swing and it finally caught up with career Tour win at the end of a 223.5- said Cavendish, the most successful hype about Johnson, there was to be round, became the first American man to him at the par-five 16th, where he ran km ride from Granville. sprinter in Tour history. no party for the American, as Federer reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal for five up a double-bogey. Day (72) finished Belgian Eddy Merckx, like Hinault “Normally, I know when I win or I reached his 14th Wimbledon quarterfi- years after beating Frenchman Mahut three shots behind Johnson, equal third a five-time Tour winner, still tops the lose. When I crossed the line, I kind nal — a professional era record he now 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. with Americans Jordan Spieth (67), Matt Root leads the list of stage wins with 34. of knew that I got it, but anything can shares with Jimmy Connors. The Swiss In the last eight, Querrey will play Kuchar (66) and Kevin Chappell (67). way as England World champion Slovakian Peter Sagan happen,” he added. maestro also drew level with Martina Canada’s Milos Raonic, who overturned Meanwhile, Thongchai Jaidee romped Navratilova on a record 306 Grand Slam a two-set deficit to beat Belgium’s David to a four-shot victory in the 100th French crush Sri Lanka singles match wins as he is yet to lose Goffin 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Open at Golf National while Rory McIlroy a set in this tournament. had to settle for third place. TAR batsman Joe Root returned SWIMMING “I hope I can win Wimbledon one QUARTERFINAL LINE-UP Elsewhere, Canadian Brooke to form with a fluent 93 to lead Roger Federer (SUI) vs Marin Cilic (CRO) more time. I’m happy about my game. Henderson went wire-to-wire to suc- England to a crushing 122-run Sam Querrey (USA) vs Milos Raonic (CAN) S Phelps leads young gang to Rio I’ve been able to rise to the occasion Andy Murray (GBR) vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) cessfully defend her title at the Portland victory over Sri Lanka in the fifth and and play well,” said Federer. Lucas Pouille (FRA) vs Tomas Berdych (CZE) / Classic. Henderson carded a final round final One-Day International in Cardiff. ššRoger Federer Meanwhile, world No.2 Andy Murray Jiri Vesely (CZE) of 71 for a 14-under-par 274 total and a Root, short of runs in the Test series MERICAN ace Michael Phelps Olympic champions Tyler Clary, Matt four-shot victory over Stacy Lewis (69). which England won 2-0, shared a 109- will lead a crop of new faces to Grevers, Cullen Jones and Natalie Coughlin run fifth-wicket stand with Jos Buttler ARio as the US Olympic trials could not find their way to Rio as the to lift the hosts to 324 for seven from ended last Sunday. meet finished with only two American their 50 overs. Phelps and old foe Ryan Lochte, the men, Josh Prenot (200M breast) and David Willey took four wickets and 31-year-old pillars of US swimming Ryan Murphy (100M back), at the Liam Plunkett three as England bowled who between them have amassed top of the rankings, and just two END OF A RUN Stunned Djokovic vows out Sri Lanka for 202 to win the one- 33 Olympic medals, will again pro- women in Katie Ledecky (200, Djokovic was bidding to win a day series 3-0. The first match ended vide the foundation for a 45-mem- 400, 800M free) and Lilly King fifth successive Grand Slam title and in a thrilling tie while the third one ber squad, that includes (100M breast) atop to come back stronger become just the second man to was abandoned due to rain. 30 newcomers. the lists. achieve the feat. Don Budge won six in a row from 1937 Wimbledon to the OVAK Djokovic insists he will he trudged off Court One humiliated 1938 US Championships. come back stronger than ever after the big-serving Querrey’s 7-6 (8-6), Djokovic was on a 30-match Blake clinches a double Nafter Sam Querrey ended the 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) third-round victory winning streak at the Grand Slams, an ATHLETICS world No.1’s bid for tennis immortality condemned the Serb to his earliest Open-era record for consecutive wins. in injured Bolt’s absence in one of Wimbledon’s greatest upsets. Wimbledon exit for eight years. Victory would have taken him level with Rod Laver on 31 on the all-time Olympic double silver medallist Yohan Blake Djokovic arrived at the All England “I believe in positive things in life. I list, six behind the record set by Don Felix, Gatlin unstoppable completed the sprint double at the Jamaican managed to win four Grand Slams Budge in 1938. Championships when he easily won the men’s 200M. in a row. I want to try to focus on In the absence of the injured Usain Bolt, Blake The world No.1 had reached the that rather than on failure,” he ORLD champion Allyson world medallist Trayvon Bromell in covered the field by the 120M mark, before pulling It’s not the first time quarterfinal of his last 28 Grand Slams. said. “Certainly it’s not the first Felix and Justin Gatlin pow- 9.80. Bromell, 20, was second in 9.84. away to win in 20.29sec, his best time since finishing that I’m losing in a Grand time that I’m losing in a Grand Djokovic had not lost in the third Wered to the fastest times LaShawn Merritt powered away from second to Bolt at the London 2012 Olympics in Slam match, or any Slam match, or any match for that round of a Grand Slam since losing in the world this year to book their the field in the final 50M to win the 19.44sec. Behind Blake, Nickel Ashmeade and Julian Forte match for that matter. matter. I know what to do. It’s disap- to Germany’s Phillip Kohlschreiber at tickets for the Rio Olympics at a high men’s 400 in the year’s best time of 43.97. Roland Garros in 2009. finished in second and third respectively, leaving pointing, of course. Losing at a Grand standard US trials which concluded at The decathlon title went to Oregon Forte’s Olympic hopes hanging in the balance. Slam hurts more than any other tour- The Serb had not lost before the Oregon last week. native Ashton Eaton, whose winning The Jamaica Athletics selection committee is set to Club last week hoping to win a third nament. There’s no doubt about that. quarterfinal at Wimbledon since 2008 Felix shook off an ailing ankle to win total of 8,750 points is superior to the meet on Thursday to pick the team and decide if Bolt, when he was beaten by Marat Safin in successive Wimbledon title and move I’m not happy to lose a match. But I’m the women’s 400M in 49.68sec before personal bests of any of his rivals des- who has a medical exemption, replaces Forte in the the second round. a step closer to winning the first calen- going to move on from this hopefully Gatlin claimed the 100M over fellow tined for Rio. 200M. Bolt pulled out of the championships, citing a dar Grand Slam since 1969. But instead as a stronger player.” ššNovak Djokovic minor hamstring tear. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 31

CRICKET ICC defers plans of radical shake-up REUTERS/ Juan Medina ššMark Cavendish celebrates after winning the third stage. LANS for a radical shake-up of international cricket, including Pthe creation of two divisions in CYCLING Test cricket and a new one-day league, are to be “worked through” at a Sep- tember meeting of the International Cavendish wins stage 3, Cricket Council (ICC), it was announced last week. The global governing body’s annual Sagan leads overall meeting concluded in Edinburgh with few major decisions taken on a crammed agenda that could yet reshape world Meanwhile, further reform of the ICC RITISH rider Mark Cavendish (Tinkoff) retained the overall leader’s cricket. to undo the system established two joined France great Bernard yellow jersey after taking fourth place But amid concerns from smaller years ago when much money and power BHinault in second place of the to stay in the hunt for a sixth green jer- nations such as Bangladesh that they was invested in the sport’s ‘big three’ all-time list of Tour de France stage sey for the points classification. risked permanent exile to the ‘second nations of England, Australia and India, winners when he pipped Andre Greipel Cavendish, who looked beaten with division’, the ICC deferred a decision is under way. It was also decided that for his second victory in this year’s race. 50M left after Greipel’s second acceler- on a new landscape for the interna- ICC will apply for the inclusion of wom- Riding for the Dimension Data team, ation, threw his bike well to add to his tional game. It will hold a workshop at its en’s cricket at the 2022 Commonwealth Cavendish beat German Greipel by less victory in the opening stage. Dubai headquarters in early September. Games in Durban, South Africa. than a tyre’s length to snatch his 28th “I’ve won by more, I’ve won by less,” career Tour win at the end of a 223.5- said Cavendish, the most successful km ride from Granville. sprinter in Tour history. Belgian Eddy Merckx, like Hinault “Normally, I know when I win or I a five-time Tour winner, still tops the lose. When I crossed the line, I kind Root leads the list of stage wins with 34. of knew that I got it, but anything can way as England World champion Slovakian Peter Sagan happen,” he added. crush Sri Lanka

TAR batsman Joe Root returned SWIMMING to form with a fluent 93 to lead SEngland to a crushing 122-run victory over Sri Lanka in the fifth and Phelps leads young gang to Rio final One-Day International in Cardiff. Root, short of runs in the Test series MERICAN ace Michael Phelps Olympic champions Tyler Clary, Matt which England won 2-0, shared a 109- will lead a crop of new faces to Grevers, Cullen Jones and Natalie Coughlin run fifth-wicket stand with Jos Buttler ARio as the US Olympic trials could not find their way to Rio as the to lift the hosts to 324 for seven from ended last Sunday. meet finished with only two American their 50 overs. Phelps and old foe Ryan Lochte, the men, Josh Prenot (200M breast) and David Willey took four wickets and 31-year-old pillars of US swimming Ryan Murphy (100M back), at the Liam Plunkett three as England bowled who between them have amassed top of the rankings, and just two out Sri Lanka for 202 to win the one- 33 Olympic medals, will again pro- women in Katie Ledecky (200, day series 3-0. The first match ended vide the foundation for a 45-mem- 400, 800M free) and Lilly King in a thrilling tie while the third one ber squad, that includes (100M breast) atop was abandoned due to rain. 30 newcomers. the lists.

ATHLETICS Blake clinches a double in injured Bolt’s absence

Olympic double silver medallist Yohan Blake Felix, Gatlin unstoppable completed the sprint double at the Jamaican Championships when he easily won the men’s 200M. In the absence of the injured Usain Bolt, Blake ORLD champion Allyson world medallist Trayvon Bromell in covered the field by the 120M mark, before pulling Felix and Justin Gatlin pow- 9.80. Bromell, 20, was second in 9.84. away to win in 20.29sec, his best time since finishing Wered to the fastest times LaShawn Merritt powered away from second to Bolt at the London 2012 Olympics in in the world this year to book their the field in the final 50M to win the 19.44sec. Behind Blake, Nickel Ashmeade and Julian Forte tickets for the Rio Olympics at a high men’s 400 in the year’s best time of 43.97. finished in second and third respectively, leaving standard US trials which concluded at The decathlon title went to Oregon Forte’s Olympic hopes hanging in the balance. Oregon last week. native Ashton Eaton, whose winning The Jamaica Athletics selection committee is set to Felix shook off an ailing ankle to win total of 8,750 points is superior to the meet on Thursday to pick the team and decide if Bolt, the women’s 400M in 49.68sec before personal bests of any of his rivals des- who has a medical exemption, replaces Forte in the Gatlin claimed the 100M over fellow tined for Rio. 200M. Bolt pulled out of the championships, citing a minor hamstring tear. 32 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 33 Movers&Shakers Kaleidoscope

Barcelona rope in Dortmund’s away Ben Arfa Emery’s first French defender kit unveiled major signing at PSG ARCELONA have agreed a €25m UMA unveiled the new Borussia move for France defender Samuel Dortmund away kit for the BUmtiti from Olympique Lyon, the P2016-17 season last week. TTACKING midfielder Hatem Born in Clamart, outside Paris, the Spanish giants announced last week. It features a horizontal three-colour Ben Arfa joined Qatar-owned 29-year-old had said several times that Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu block design, in black, yellow and AParis Saint-Germain from Ligue he would love to play for PSG. said, “We’ve reached an agreement with dark gray. Dortmund’s club emblem 1 rivals Nice on a two-year contract, “Signing with PSG is a very happy and Lyon to sign him, but it has to be nego- features on the left side of the chest becoming the French champions’ first a proud moment. I’ll do my utmost to tiated with the player. as an embroidered badge and the major signing under new coach Unai represent my new team to the best of Cameroon-born Umtiti, 22, is cur- Puma logo is on the right of the Emery. my abilities and to make our support- rently with the France Euro 2016 squad jersey, which is a combination of Ben Arfa, a rare talent who has strug- ers proud,” said Ben Arfa. and won his first cap in last Sunday’s design and functionality. gled for consistency over the years, scored PSG last week also signed Belgium quarterfinal against Iceland. Dortmund star player Marco Reus 17 goals for Nice last season to help defender Thomas Meunier and Polish Umtiti’s technical ability and pin-point said, The jersey is comfortable and them a finish a surprise fourth in the midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak from passing means he is widely expected keeps me cool on the pitch.” French League. FC Bruges and Sevilla respectively. ššHatem Ben Arfa to fit in at a top team. The replica jersey is available at www. puma.com, PUMA stores, BVB club Mkhitaryan to play for United shops and sports goods retailers. RMENIA midfielder Henrikh instrumental in helping Dortmund ššSamuel Umtiti Mkhitaryan has joined Man- return to the Champions League and Achester United from Borussia his good form helped carry them to ššNolito Dortmund. second in the Bundesliga and to the Track your rider The 27-year-old became the English German Cup final. Kuznetsova slams Premier League team’s third high-pro- at Tour de France City sign Nolito file signing since the appointment of Russia’s Rio ban MIA’S TRIBUTE Jose Mourinho as manager in May, fol- ANS are finding it easier to from Celta Vigo lowing defender Eric Bailly and striker USSIAN tennis player Svetlana follow their favourite riders at the Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford. Kuznetsova blamed politics for Fongoing Tour de France, thanks PAIN forward Nolito joined Man- Mkhitaryan made his professional Rthe decision to ban her coun- to new GPS tracking technology. TO A LEGEND Each of the 198 riders’ bikes carries chester City from Celta Vigo on debut for FC Pyunik in his home country’s track and field athletes from the Sa four-year contract. try in 2006 at the age of 17 and moved Rio Olympics. a GPS tracking device that will The 29-year-old scored 39 goals in to Ukrainian side Metalurg Donetsk Russia’s track and field team has been REPARATIONS are Ali’s career, including photographs Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa communicate with those fitted to 103 appearances for Celta Vigo since in 2009 before switching to Shakhtar suspended from international competi- underway for the opening of from his exhibition bout at the Doha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the other riders and to their team joining the club in 2013, before spells Donetsk the following season. tion since November following a World P‘Muhammad Ali: Tribute to a Stadium in 1971 and memorabilia curated by 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and cars. at Granada, Benfica and Barcelona. His success as a goal scoring midfielder Anti-Doping Agency report. Legend’, an exhibition dedicated to spanning his journey to the 1960 Sports Museum, which will open in a The information will be analysed Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder earned him a move to the Bundesliga “This is, for me, politics. Suddenly the boxing great (1942-2016), which Rome Olympics; his world title- permanent home at the revamped by a digital analytics platform run by Mikel Arteta has joined Manchester in July, 2013, Dortmund paying a then everything has to go against Russia. will open at the Museum of Islamic winning bout against Sonny Liston Khalifa International Stadium. Dimension Data, who also sponsor City manager Pep Guardiola’s coach- club record $30.6m for his services. In Russia, they’re all bad, and all the Art (MIA) on Wednesday. in 1964 and his fight against Leon Ali, whose boxing feats and one of the Tour teams, and then be ing staff. Last season, Mkhitaryan was ššHenrikh Mkhitaryan world is good,” said Kuznetsova. The exhibition, at MIA’s fourth Spinks in New Orleans in 1978. political activism made him one of uploaded to a cloud which fans, floor eastern gallery, will present a The exhibition is organised under the best-known figures of the 20th media and commentators will be unique collection of artefacts from the patronage of Qatar Museums century, died last month. able to access.

Olympic and world 800M Arsenal have agreed to sign Striker Isaac Success has champion David Rudisha 21-year-old Japan forward joined Watford from Spain’s scraped into the Kenyan team Takuma Asano from J-League Granada on a five-year deal for VISION NEXT 100, for the Rio Olympics after side Sanfrecce Hiroshima, subject a club-record transfer fee, the finishing third in the east African to a medical and regulatory English Premier League side nation’s trials. The 27-year-old, processes, the club said. Several announced. The 20-year-old from Rolls-Royce enduring a poor season, was teams have been chasing Asano, scored six goals in 30 La Liga passed on the final bend by who has five caps after making appearances for Granada last youngster Ferguson Rotich and his international debut in August season, as they finished one OLLS-ROYCE recently launched Torsten Müller-Otvos. surprise winner Alfred Kipketer. last year and is expected to be a point above the relegation VISION NEXT 100, a car that Director of Design Giles Taylor Rudisha, also the world record part of the Japan’s football squad zone in 16th position in the holder, finished third in 1:44.23. for Rio Olympics. table. Rdefines the future of luxury added, “With the Rolls-Royce VISION Can’t douse the mobility. NEXT 100 we were mindful not to Codenamed 103EX, the model is dwell on the past. We wanted to be Olympic torch! the first ever pure ‘Vision Vehicle’ of as innovative as possible and at the Former world No.1 Defender Former FIFA President Tiger Woods Martin Demichelis Joao Rolls-Royce. same time transcend the design has withdrawn from the has left Manchester City at Havelange, the Brazilian who MAN has been arrested “The grand arrival of the VISION history of the marque.” British Open stating on July 14, the end of his contract, the helped Rio de Janeiro’s winning organisers the Royal & Ancient English Premier League club bid to host the Olympic Games, for trying to extinguish the NEXT 100 boldly points to a bright The Rolls-Royce design team, led Golf Club said. The news was said. The 35-year-old made has been hospitalised with AOlympic torch by throwing future for our marque where by Director of Design Giles Taylor merely a formality as there was 17 starts for City last season pneumonia, a spokeswoman a bucket of water over it as it our patrons’ individual demands have distilled four key never any indication that Woods as he struggled to make an said. Havelange, 100, was being passed through his farming town of for complete and authentic tenets — Personal Vision, the would be healthy enough to impact, with former manager treated at the Samaritano Maracaju in central Brazil. personalisation will be met through Effortless Journey, the Grand play in the event at Royal Troon Manuel Pellegrini preferring hospital in Rio. “The patient’s Police arrested the 27-year-old for an exquisite fusion of technology, Sanctuary and the Grand Arrival in Scotland. The 40-year-old Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas condition is stable and showing has not competed in almost 11 Otamendi to cover for the gradual improvement,” a damaging public property, the officer design and hallmark Rolls-Royce — in creating the new concept car months. injured Vincent Kompany. statement from the hospital said. said. The Olympic flame continued to craftsmanship,” said Rolls-Royce that epitomises the future of luxury burn, video footage showed. Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer mobility as a whole. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 33 Kaleidoscope

Dortmund’s away kit unveiled

UMA unveiled the new Borussia Dortmund away kit for the P2016-17 season last week. It features a horizontal three-colour block design, in black, yellow and dark gray. Dortmund’s club emblem features on the left side of the chest as an embroidered badge and the Puma logo is on the right of the jersey, which is a combination of design and functionality. Dortmund star player Marco Reus said, The jersey is comfortable and keeps me cool on the pitch.” The replica jersey is available at www. puma.com, PUMA stores, BVB club shops and sports goods retailers.

Track your rider MIA’S TRIBUTE at Tour de France ANS are finding it easier to follow their favourite riders at the Fongoing Tour de France, thanks to new GPS tracking technology. TO A LEGEND Each of the 198 riders’ bikes carries a GPS tracking device that will REPARATIONS are Ali’s career, including photographs Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa communicate with those fitted to underway for the opening of from his exhibition bout at the Doha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the other riders and to their team P‘Muhammad Ali: Tribute to a Stadium in 1971 and memorabilia curated by 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and cars. Legend’, an exhibition dedicated to spanning his journey to the 1960 Sports Museum, which will open in a The information will be analysed the boxing great (1942-2016), which Rome Olympics; his world title- permanent home at the revamped by a digital analytics platform run by will open at the Museum of Islamic winning bout against Sonny Liston Khalifa International Stadium. Dimension Data, who also sponsor Art (MIA) on Wednesday. in 1964 and his fight against Leon Ali, whose boxing feats and one of the Tour teams, and then be The exhibition, at MIA’s fourth Spinks in New Orleans in 1978. political activism made him one of uploaded to a cloud which fans, floor eastern gallery, will present a The exhibition is organised under the best-known figures of the 20th media and commentators will be unique collection of artefacts from the patronage of Qatar Museums century, died last month. able to access.

VISION NEXT 100, from Rolls-Royce

OLLS-ROYCE recently launched Torsten Müller-Otvos. VISION NEXT 100, a car that Director of Design Giles Taylor Rdefines the future of luxury added, “With the Rolls-Royce VISION Can’t douse the mobility. NEXT 100 we were mindful not to Codenamed 103EX, the model is dwell on the past. We wanted to be Olympic torch! the first ever pure ‘Vision Vehicle’ of as innovative as possible and at the Rolls-Royce. same time transcend the design MAN has been arrested “The grand arrival of the VISION history of the marque.” for trying to extinguish the NEXT 100 boldly points to a bright The Rolls-Royce design team, led AOlympic torch by throwing future for our marque where by Director of Design Giles Taylor a bucket of water over it as it our patrons’ individual demands have distilled four key passed through his farming town of for complete and authentic tenets — Personal Vision, the Maracaju in central Brazil. personalisation will be met through Effortless Journey, the Grand Police arrested the 27-year-old for an exquisite fusion of technology, Sanctuary and the Grand Arrival damaging public property, the officer design and hallmark Rolls-Royce — in creating the new concept car said. The Olympic flame continued to craftsmanship,” said Rolls-Royce that epitomises the future of luxury burn, video footage showed. Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer mobility as a whole. 34 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 35

Spot shots Ĉ INTERCONTINENTAL FUTSAL CUP DSP/Mohan www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 35 DSP/Mohan 36 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 37

www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.instagram.com/dohastadiumplus Society www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST Certificate of INSTAGLOW appreciation Ĉ INTERNATIONAL BORIS BECKER cristiano 1d The German tennis player becomes Doha Stadium Plus Editor- 1985 youngest Grand Slam winner. in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 THURSDAY, JULY 7 Mohannadi presented a GOLF certificate of appreciation EPGA at Scottish Open, Castle and memento to Shaheen Stuart; USPGA at Greenbrier Mohammed, who is Classic; LPGA at US Open, San leaving the weekly after Martin, California (end July 10) his decade-long service as FOOTBALL the Head of Information Euro Cup semifinal in Technology Department. Marseille; Europa League first New Manchester United manager qualifying round, 2nd leg Jose Mourinho spoke about his SATURDAY, JULY 9 desire to revive their lost glory after BOXING he was unveiled at Old Trafford on Tuesday. United, with 20 league Tyson Fury vs Vladimir Omar is the fastest kart racer! Klitschko, WBA Super and titles, are traditionally the most WBO heavyweight titles in dominant force in England, but they ATHLETICS Manchester have been going through a terrible Omar Aswat won the European Championships in SUNDAY, JULY 10 phase after Alex Ferguson retired inaugural Red Bull Kart Amsterdam (till Sunday). in 2013. Twitter world was excited 1.6m likes Fight held at Doha about the former Chelsea boss’ CRICKET cristiano Mood Exhibition and Convention return to English football. Centre last week. The Scotland vs Afghanistan, 2nd 15-year-old excelled with ODI at Edinburgh. af85 1w his speed and reflexes, and CYCLING won an all-expense-paid Tour de France (till July 24). SoccerLimey trip to attend the regional @SoccerLimey final of the Red Bull Car FOOTBALL #MUFC Think Mourinho already Park Drift in Oman in Euro Cup semifinal in Lyon; showing English drive-by media December. Ahmad Fakhro Champions League, first qualifying round, 2nd leg. that there’s a new sheriff in town. 1-0 and Ahmad Shaheen Al Mohannadi finished second TENNIS Daniel Taylor and third respectively in ATP and WTA at Wimbledon @DTguardian the 10-day long event. (till Sunday). Mourinho says he was “never Hala Hayek sent the good at hiding behind words and details and photographs. philosophies.” Van Gaal, take note . . FOOTBALL Akhlaq Hanif Euro Cup final in Paris. ORIS Becker, who represented the then West Germany, became @Akhlaq1386 MOTORSPORT #Mourinho’s first press conference the youngest player to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament Tusker emerge B British Formula One Grand Prix all about certainties than Bwhen he clinched the Wimbledon title at 17 years, 227 days, 18.3k likes MONDAY, JULY 11 possibilities. Could have done with on July 7, 1985. Division champs a smile here & there but excellent Becker was also the first German ever and unseeded player to win af85 Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how TENNIS start! the coveted title. Tusker beat Centurion by eight runs to climb it, go through it, or work around it. -MJ in a thrilling final to clinch the Qatar WTA at Bucharest and Gstaad 7 9 4Becker dominated the match from the start, but took 3hr, 18min to #roadtorio (till July 17); ATP at Hamburg, Krishna Tarun Airways B Division Twenty20 title at overpower eighth seed American Kevin Curren 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. Newport, USA and Bastad (till @krishnatarun16 the West Bay ground. Batting first, July 17). 8 4 For2 Becker, 1 it was the first of the three Wimbledon victories, the begin- It’ll be interesting to see how he andymurray 4d Tusker made a modest 127 for eight. uses Wazza upfront with an already1 8 ning of his5 love for the place and the Centre Court which he later called In reply, Centurion were all out for 119 full bucket of attackers. Hope his living room. His other triumphs came in 1986 and 1989. despite a fighting 47 by Adnan, who 2 9 7 8 6 Mourinho gets best out of Wazza. Becker’s record was broken by USA’s Michael Chang in 1989 when was adjudged man of the match. #MUFC 3 5 Qatar Cricket Association General he won the French Open at 17 years, 110 days. Secretary Manzoor Ahmed awarded 7 2 4 the winners. YOUR WINDOW TO THE Jamshaid Ahmad sent the details 3 7 9 and photograph. WORLD OF SPORTS 6 9 SUDOKU-532 1 6 8 7 9 4

Sudoku is a number- 8 4 2 1 Ђ ЂWho won the Golden Boot award at the placing puzzle Solution-531 Euro 2012 Football Championship? based on a 9x9 1 8 5 grid with several 9 1 5 3 7 6 4 2 8 given numbers. 2 9 7 8 6 The object is to 4 8 7 2 1 5 9 6 3 place the numbers Name 1 to 9 in the empty 2 3 6 8 9 4 1 7 5 3 5 squares so that each 7 5 9 4 8 1 2 3 6 SEND YOUR ANSWER TO row, each column 7 2 4 25.1k likes [email protected] Phone No and each 3x3 box 8 4 2 6 3 9 5 1 7 andymurray Nice to meet one UKs best ever boxers contains the same Carl “the cobra” Froch after yesterday’s match.. He’s and be the lucky winner to get number only once. 3 6 1 7 5 2 8 4 9 3 7 9 e-mail got some great stories he also fought in front of 80 three months’ subscription of 5 9 3 1 2 7 6 8 4 6 9 thousand people at wembley #legend DSP magazine for free. 1 7 4 9 6 8 3 5 2 6 2 8 5 4 3 7 9 1 1 6 8

9 1 5 3 7 6 4 2 8 4 8 7 2 1 5 9 6 3 2 3 6 8 9 4 1 7 5 7 5 9 4 8 1 2 3 6 8 4 2 6 3 9 5 1 7 3 6 1 7 5 2 8 4 9 5 9 3 1 2 7 6 8 4 1 7 4 9 6 8 3 5 2 6 2 8 5 4 3 7 9 1 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, July 6, 2016 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW

BORIS BECKER cristiano 1d The German tennis player becomes 1985 youngest Grand Slam winner.

New Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho spoke about his desire to revive their lost glory after he was unveiled at Old Trafford on Tuesday. United, with 20 league titles, are traditionally the most dominant force in England, but they have been going through a terrible phase after Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Twitter world was excited 1.6m likes about the former Chelsea boss’ cristiano Mood return to English football.

af85 1w SoccerLimey @SoccerLimey #MUFC Think Mourinho already showing English drive-by media that there’s a new sheriff in town. 1-0

Daniel Taylor @DTguardian Mourinho says he was “never good at hiding behind words and philosophies.” Van Gaal, take note . .

Akhlaq Hanif ORIS Becker, who represented the then West Germany, became @Akhlaq1386 #Mourinho’s first press conference the youngest player to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament all about certainties than Bwhen he clinched the Wimbledon title at 17 years, 227 days, possibilities. Could have done with on July 7, 1985. 18.3k likes a smile here & there but excellent Becker was also the first German ever and unseeded player to win af85 Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into start! a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how the coveted title. to climb it, go through it, or work around it. -MJ 7 9 4Becker dominated the match from the start, but took 3hr, 18min to #roadtorio Krishna Tarun overpower eighth seed American Kevin Curren 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. @krishnatarun16 8 4 For2 Becker, 1 it was the first of the three Wimbledon victories, the begin- It’ll be interesting to see how he andymurray 4d uses Wazza upfront with an already1 8 ning of his5 love for the place and the Centre Court which he later called full bucket of attackers. Hope 2 9 his7 living8 6 room. His other triumphs came in 1986 and 1989. Mourinho gets best out of Wazza. Becker’s record was broken by USA’s Michael Chang in 1989 when #MUFC 3 he5 won the French Open at 17 years, 110 days. 7 2 4 3 7 9 6 9 SUDOKU-532 1 6 8 7 9 4

Sudoku is a number- 8 4 2 1 placing puzzle Solution-531 based on a 9x9 1 8 5 grid with several 9 1 5 3 7 6 4 2 8 given numbers. 2 9 7 8 6 The object is to 4 8 7 2 1 5 9 6 3 place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty 2 3 6 8 9 4 1 7 5 3 5 squares so that each 7 5 9 4 8 1 2 3 6 row, each column 7 2 4 25.1k likes and each 3x3 box 8 4 2 6 3 9 5 1 7 andymurray Nice to meet one UKs best ever boxers contains the same Carl “the cobra” Froch after yesterday’s match.. He’s number only once. 3 6 1 7 5 2 8 4 9 3 7 9 got some great stories he also fought in front of 80 5 9 3 1 2 7 6 8 4 6 9 thousand people at wembley #legend 1 7 4 9 6 8 3 5 2 6 2 8 5 4 3 7 9 1 1 6 8

9 1 5 3 7 6 4 2 8 4 8 7 2 1 5 9 6 3 2 3 6 8 9 4 1 7 5 7 5 9 4 8 1 2 3 6 8 4 2 6 3 9 5 1 7 3 6 1 7 5 2 8 4 9 5 9 3 1 2 7 6 8 4 1 7 4 9 6 8 3 5 2 6 2 8 5 4 3 7 9 1 38 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Hearsay ALL SPORTS, ONE STADIUM Mourinho, Real in Pogba tug-of-war

ANCHESTER United are keen and there would then be a bidding war. to strike a deal with France Even if United offer a higher fee than Barcelona sound Mmidfielder Paul Pogba, but Real, Pogba may still prefer to play for the English side not only have to outbid the European champions rather than yxyxyxyxyx yxy out Rodriguez Real Madrid by meeting the player’s for United. xy xy xyxyxxyy wage demand of €300,000 a week, they In that case, Mourinho will have to use PANISH League champions also have to convince him. the influence of the player’s agent Mino yxyxyxy yxyxy Barcelona have shown interest While Jose Mourinho’s United and Real Raiola, who brokered the deal for the Sin Switzerland international are both interested in Pogba, Juventus Portuguese to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic Smalling rushed Ricardo Rodriguez as they are looking are keen to hold on to him. United and on a free transfer from PSG and had set for a full back. Real would have to match Juventus’ the transfer of Borussia Dortmund’s to hospital in Bali Barca have already made two enquiries €100m valuation in the first instance, Henrikh Mkhitaryan to United. to Rodriguez’s current club VfL Wolfsburg FTER the disappointment in to see what it would take to sign the Euro 2016, England defender player, with coach Luis Enrique favour- AChris Smalling’s vacation in ing a move for the 23-year-old. Bali, Indonesia, too turned out to be a Barcelona had been considering bad one as he was rushed to the hos- Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian, pital after he became unwell, fell and but may have changed their mind after hit his head causing a nasty cut on watching Rodriguez at the Euro 2016. his eyebrow. Manchester United confirmed the 26-year-old England centre-back fainted after feeling the effects of food poisoning. England’s new The club said, “We can clarify Chris Smalling has had food poisoning dur- Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution hope is in US ing his holiday which resulted in him P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. fainting. He was taken to hospital.” Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 EENAGER Jack Harrison remains Sources close to the player have said e-mail: [email protected] something of an unknown quan- that, contrary to reports, the incident Ttity in his homeland England, but did not involve neither a surfboard nor Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 with the team’s unimpressive campaign jellyfish stings. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] at the Euro 2016, the Football Associa- tion might just be interested to know more about thim. The 19-year-old, Arsenal want Lukaku who hails from Bolton, spent his formative years NGLISH Premier League run- £65m for Lukaku, who was part of TO OUR PUBLICATION at the Manchester ners-up Arsenal held transfer Belgium’s European Championship United academy Etalks with both Romelu Lukaku campaign, but they would be willing before continuing and Alexandre Lacazette as manager to let him leave for around £40m while Subscribe his education in the United States. Arsene Wenger wants to have a new Lyon’s Lacazette would cost around Yes, send to me He currently represents Chelsea’s striker before their pre-season tour £38m. sister club New York City in the Major in America later this month. Lacazette has attracted the attention Name: ...... League Soccer and has proved him- The Gunners had recently missed of Wenger after he scored 21 goals in self as one of the most talented players out on the signing of Leicester ace Ligue 1 last season. Wenger has seen Company: ...... in a side which has names like Frank Jamie Vardy. him play for Lyon on a number of occa- Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa. Everton are demanding a staggering sions over the past few seasons. Address: ......

Telephone: ...... Samuels sues Musa to join Leicester Fax: ...... Aussie Lawson e-mail: ......

Marlon EST Indies cricketer NGLISH Premier League cham- appearances for the Super Eagles. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or DD payable to Estad Al Doha. Samuels filed a defamation pions Leicester City have agreed He scored twice in Nigeria’s 2-3 loss Wcase against Geoff Lawson Ea record deal with CSKA Moscow to Argentina at the 2014 FIFA World Cup for ‘objectionable’ comments made forward Ahmed Musa. in Brazil, becoming the first Nigerian against him by former Australian The 23-year-old, who joined Russian to score twice in a World Cup. SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) fast bowler. side in 2012 and scored 54 goals in 168 CSKA Moscow coach Leonid Slutsky According to Samuels, the com- games, has earlier turned down offers admitted that Musa, who plays as a SEND THIS TO ments were made by Lawson in a from Southampton, Everton and West winger or striker, is literally on his way radio podcast, ‘Big Sports Breakfast’ Ham. out. The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus on April 4, a day after the Jamaican had Musa made his international debut “If you look at the way things are done P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] led his team to their second World T20 against Madagascar in September, over there, you’ll see he’s a player just triumph in Kolkata, India. 2010, and has scored 11 times in 58 made for English football,” said Slutsky. ALL SPORTS, ONE STADIUM

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Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected]

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SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) SEND THIS TO The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

The management, Editor-in-Chief and staff of Doha Stadium Plus extend heartiest congratulations and greetings to

His Highness His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Father Emir Emir of the State of Qatar

and to all the honourable people of Qatar on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr We hope for more returns of this memorable occasion and wish that Qatar always enjoys security, welfare and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Emir.

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