SPORT Sunday 17 June 2018 PAGEE | 2121 PPAGEAGE | 24 Germany startrt titletitle TechnologyTechn helps defence againstgainst FranceFranc beat gritty MexicoMexico AustraliaAustr 2-1

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS

GROUP C FRANCE 2-1 AUSTRALIA

GROUP D ARGENTINA 1-1 ICELAND

GROUP C PERU 0-1 DENMARK

GROUP D CROATIA 2-0 NIGERIA

TODAY'S FIXTURES

GROUP E Samara Arena COSTA RICA vs SERBIA 3.00pm

GROUP F Luzhniki Stadium GERMANY vs MEXICO 6.00pm

GROUP E Volgograd Arena BRAZIL vs SWITZERLAND Iceland’s goalkeeper 9.00pm Hannes Halldorsson saves a penalty taken by Argentina’s Lionel Messi during their World Cup Group D match played Own goal and at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia penalty ensure yesterday. victorious start for Croatia No joy for Messi as gutsy AGENCIES KALININGRAD: An own goal and a penalty gave Croatia a comfortable start to their World Cup campaign Iceland hold Argentina as they beat a limp Nigeria 2-0 in their Group D clash at the Kalin- ingrad Stadium yesterday. REUTERS first of several uncomfortable were on messi to respond but he celebrations with their fans and In Russia’s sleepy European moments for a decidedly shaky was generally kept at arm’s now will have real belief that exclave of Kaliningrad, the much- MOSCOW: Tiny Iceland made Argentine defence. length by the rugged but con- they can get out of Group D that hyped youngsters of Nigeria a stunning impact in their first- The South Americans trolled Iceland defenders. also contains Croatia and struggled to ignite against Croatia’s ever World Cup on Saturday looked more assured in attack, The great man was given the Nigeria. midfield technicians. when they held 2014 runners- ARGENTINA ICELAND though, and went ahead when ultimate opportunity after “This match was a kind of a A diving header from Mario Man- up Argentina to a pulsating 1-1 1 1 Aguero turned tightly in the box Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson got milestone for this team,” said dzukic was deflected into his own draw but Lionel messi’s tour- and smashed in an unstoppable entangled with Aguero in the Hallgrimsson, who vowed pre- net by Nigeria midfielder Ogh- nament began wretchedly as he AGUERO - 19' 23' - FINNBOGASON shot. box, only for Halldorsson to fly tournament that his team would enekaro Etebo after 32 minutes to saw his penalty saved by Hannes Iceland stunned the stadium to his right and palm his not sit back. hand Croatia the half-time lead, Halldorsson. but glorious major tournament soon afterwards though when mediocre strike clear. “We are bluntly honest in doubled by Luka Modric's successful Sergio Aguero gave the two- history. keeper Willy Caballero palmed Iceland then defended our ability. With a team like penalty kick in the 71st minute. time world champions the lead “People say we celebrate Gylfi Sigurdsson’s low shot superbly, almost fanatically, with Argentina it is just a fact they It was awarded after Nigeria after 19 minutes before Iceland, when we won a point -- wait straight into the path of Halldorson making another fan- have players with superior skills. defender William Troost-Ekong had showing the same commitment and see how we celebrate when Finnbogason, who swept the tastic full-length save from sub- “I think for everyone it is wrestled Mandzukic to the ground and self-belief that saw them we’ve won a game,” said Iceland ball into the unguarded net. stitute Cristian Pavon in the more enjoyable to play this way right in front of the referee, stun the soccer world with their coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. After Cristiano Ronaldo’s dying moments. and achieve something than to wrapping both arms around the run to the Euro 2016 quarter- Man of the match Hall- hat-trick in Portugal’s 3-3 draw Iceland’s players rushed to play in a different way and not striker as they jostled for space in finals, hit back four minutes later dorsson said he had done his with Spain on Friday, all eyes the stands to share their achieve anything.” the Nigeria box. through Alfred Finnbogason. homework on messi, who has It was the fifth penalty awarded Argentina, playing in all- now missed four of his last seven in the four World Cup matches black and roared on by the vast penalties for club and country. played yesterday. majority of the crowd in a “I looked at a lot of penalties With rivals Argentina and rocking Spartak Stadium, even- by messi and I also looked at Iceland only managing a 1-1 draw tually took command, delivering how I had been behaving in pre- earlier Saturday in Saransk, both wave after wave of attacks in the vious penalties, so I tried to get sides had a chance to take control second half. into their mindset, how they of Group D. Yet they actually created few would be thinking about me,” he clear chances either side of the said. poorly-struck 64th-minute Frustrated Argentina coach penalty by messi, who drew a Jorge Sampaoli tried to remain blank despite a remarkable 11 upbeat. “We need to be strong shots during the match. as a group, believe in ourselves Iceland, by far the smallest and know we have all the tools country by population to to beat anybody,” he said. appear at a World Cup and Iceland signalled their intent CROATIA NIGERIA inspired by their “thunder- from the kick off, sending seven 2 0 clapping” fans, ran and battled men charging into the box to Croatia score their opening goal against Nigeria through an own goal during their 2018 World tirelessly as they wrote another challenge as the ball was ETEBO - 32' OG Cup Group D match played at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad, Russia yesterday. unlikely chapter in their short pumped long, leading to just the MODRIĆ - 72' PEN 18 SPORT SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2018

Peru pay the penalty as Poulsen nets match winner for Denmark

AFP the Danes started to push forward. Midfielder had SARANSK, RUSSIA: their first chance when his long-range ruined Peru’s first appearance at a effort went over on 27 minutes. World Cup finals for 36 years yesterday Denmark had to bring on Ajax’s DENMARK PERU with the winning goal for Denmark to Lasse Schone with 36 minutes gone seal a 1-0 victory in Saransk. when central midfielder William Kvist Poulsen made amends for con- was stretchered off. 1 0 ceding a first-half penalty that was A yellow card was shown to Peru POULSEN - 59' awarded after the referee consulted midfielder Renato Tapia for sending the VAR system, but which Peru mid- tumbling just outside the fielder Christian Cueva blasted over area, but drilled the the crossbar. free-kick off the wall. With France having beaten Aus- When Poulsen clipped Cueva’s tralia 2-1 in Kazan earlier in Group C, boot on 45 minutes, referee Bakary RB Leipzig’s Poulsen showed great fin- Gassama checked with the Video ishing to hit the winner on 59 minutes Assistant Referee and pointed to the to the dismay of the overwhelmingly spot for the second penalty awarded Peruvian crowd in the 40,502-capacity through the system of the day after stadium. France had also benefited against The win extends Denmark’s Australia. unbeaten run to 16 games without Cueva took the spot-kick himself defeat and end Peru’s 15-match but his effort ballooned over the bar. unbeaten streak. Just moments after Peru wasted Peru veteran Paolo Guerrero, who a clear chance, when Cueva squared only made it to the tournamenbt after to Andre Carrillo who failed to connect, late reprieve for a drug ban, came on Denmark scored. for the final 30 minutes but his efforts The ball was quickly moved at the Mordovia Arena came to no avail. forward and when Poulsen went one- Authorities in Lima estimate on-one with Gallese, the darting Dane around 25,000 fans flew to Russia to hit the net on 59 minutes. see their team’s return to the World Guerrero was in the thick of Peru’s Cup and Saransk was a sea of Peru bid to get level and his header fell shirts. into Schmeichel’s arms five minutes Their chants were near-deafening later. on occasion, as were the whistles each Tottenham midfielder Christian time Denmark had the ball or dared to Eriksen, who netted 11 goals in quali- attack. fying for Denmark, had to busy himself As a result, Peru dominated the in defence to snuff out Guerrero- opening 25 minutes. inspired attacks. Edison Flores, Andre Carrillo and With just over ten minutes left, Yoshimar Yotun all kept Denmark Guerrero again went agonisingly close Denmark’s forward Yussuf Poulsen celebrates after scoring keeper busy. when he pushed his shot past the post against Peru during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C match After weathering the early storm, as Denmark held on. at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk, yesterday. Iceland’s ‘zombie film’ Ronaldo 1, Messi 0 ‘keeper outwits Messi in World Cup duel

AFP four in their opening games REUTERS failed to find the net with 11 shots. “We wanted to use spaces behind in Russia, highlighting the His penalty added to a run that them -- but it’s difficult when you MOSCOW: Cristiano efficiency of the Portugal MOSCOW: Hannes Halldorsson started with a miss for Barcelona don’t have the ball.” Croatia and Ronaldo has emphatically forward. Messi’s fans say used to make zombie films for a in La Liga last August. Nigeria will have to watch out, won the first round of his Ronaldo, at 33, is slowing living but it was watching videos It was a contrast to long-time though. World Cup duel with eternal down. that let Iceland’s goalkeeper rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Real “People say we celebrate rival Lionel Messi -- revelling Yet who is hotly tipped outwit Lionel Messi and save a Madrid, whose hat-trick in Por- when we won a point,” he said. in the adulation after his to win the next Ballon D’Or? penalty yesterrday that gave his tugal’s 3-3 draw with Spain on “But wait and see how we cele- dramatic hat-trick while the Who has just won a third side a shock World Cup point. Friday includedd a penalty and a brate when we’vewe ve won a Argentine flopped againsta Champions League crown on “I did my homework,” the free kick. Ronaldoldo wwasas oonn HHaHall-ll- gamegame.”.”. Iceland.IcelI andand. the bounce? And who is a 34-year-old who plays in the dorsson’s mind ffororr ootherthererr reareasonssons MessiMessM i knkneweww hhee had to reigning European Danish league told reporters after on Saturday, however,hohowweevever, whenwwhen findfinfiindnd somsomethingommethietheteth ngg sspecialppe to champion? If the man from stopping a 64th-minute spot kick asked why Icelandersandeders celebratedcelce ebraatedt matchmmaatatcttcchhth ththee PoPPortugueseorturtugrrtugu on Madeira does pick up the that pegged Argentina to a 1-1 so much when theytthheey onlyoonly drew.drew.w. SaturdaySSaatua urrdrdaddayy bbubututt endedenndnd up 2018 Ballon D’Or, that would draw and added to a miserable “Are you Cristianoisstiaiaianon Ronaldo’sRonaldodo’sos squanderingssqsqusquaquuanndnderderddeerriiningngg a goggoldenolldldedenn chance give him six to his great run of four misses from seven this uncle?” he askededd theththee reporterrreporterter--r -- to writew ririteitee his ownoowwnn headlineshehead as rival’s five, edging him ahead past season for Messi. Ronaldo dismissedissssseseed IcIcelandcelelanllanndasd ass he failedfaaileleed too convertcoonnveert fromfrf the in their personal race. “I looked at a lot of penalties “small minded”edd”” wwhenhehenhenen ththetheyheyheeyy penaltypenpenanaltllty spot.spspotott. It is too early to draw by Messi and I also looked at how cheered a 1-1 drawraww withwitithh PortugalPPortPorortrtrtuugugaugalgalgagal Then,TThenn, withwwithh jjustuustt sseconds conclusions in Russia. The I had been behaving in the last in their first matchttchch att EEuEuroururoo 2202012016.010166.. remainingremare aininng ini MoMMoscow,oscco the tournament has only just penalties. So I tried to get into “We were playinglaayyiyinngg againstagaagagaaiinnnsstt oneononee BarcelonaBarBarcB eloelona manmmaan stoodsts ooood over a started and Argentina -- their mindset, how they would be of the best teamsms inin thetthhhee wwoworworld,ororld,ld, directdirdirerecttf free-kick,free--kickickk k, mirroringmim despite being held by Iceland thinking about me.” “I had a good against one of thehhe bestbesesstt pplplaplayerslaylalayayeerserrsrs inn thetth oppoopportunityppoortunrtunityity RRoRonaldooonnaa had on the Nordic nation’s World feeling it would go this way the world,” said Halldorsson,HHaaallldldooorrsssssososonsonn, whowwhho theththe prevppreviousviouioouoususu eeveveningveenininn ngg against Cup debut -- could con- today,” he said of his dive to his also stopped a dangerousaannnggeerrooouuuss CristianCCriCrririststiastistiattiiaan Spain.SpSpaiaiinn.. ceivably go on and lift the right to stop Messi’s uninspired Pavon curler nearar tththehe eenendnd anaandnddwa wawwasas RonaldoRRoRononnaalldldodoo ppupuffeduffffeedd out his on Friday, has now joined an trophy. But while Ronaldo effort. named man of ththehee mmamatch.atchch.ch.. cheeks,chcheheeekksks,, hihhithitcheditcchhedd uupp hhisi shorts elite group of players to have revels in wearing the red of With the five-times world “So, yes, wewe cele-ccecelelele- andananndd aararrarrowedrrroowwededd hhihisiis seset-piecee found the net at four consec- Portugal and is feted at player of the year stepping up to brated.” Coach HeimirHeiimmmir intointi toto tththehehe nenetet ttoo sseasealaall hhis 51st utive World Cups. home, Messi can too often restore Argentina’s lead in the Hallgrimssononn careerccaaarrreeerr hat-trickhaat--trriccck anda pull The 30-year-old Messi appear cowed in the famous Group D opener, tiny Iceland’s promised thatat PortugalPPorPoorttuuggagall leleveleeveel at 3-3. often edges Ronaldo in the blue and white stripes of his first ever appearance at the World more is to come.. Inn contrast,coon debate about who is the best country. And, amazing as it Cup finals, Halldorsson admitted Satisfied att MMeMessi,essssii, withwi the player in the world, with may appear to many neu- that he felt the pressure. denyingg scoressccorcore ata 1-1, both men vying for trals, he has his critics in “For me, as a goalkeeper from Argentina noo ddrodrdroveroovve hhihisi free- supremacy on the same stage Argentina, who accuse him little Iceland and at the first game space despitee kickkkicickickk sststraightt in Spain’s La Liga. The of failing to replicate his Bar- at a World Cup, to face the best 72-percent pos-- intointiinntoto thetthhhee wall, Argentine is a magician at the celona brilliance. In 2016 he player in the world at a penalty session, he evenn bootingbboboooooottiinngg the ball heart of the Barcelona team retired from international is,” -- he gave a long pause -- “a mused on missededd intoiinntnton o thtthehhee air in while Ronaldo has trans- duty after Argentina’s Copa big moment.” “It’s a dream come chances thataatt frffrustrationruuussttrrratt as formed himself from a America final defeat by Chile, true to save a penalty, especially might have givenen thehe ffinfinalinnaal wwhistle twinkle-toed winger at Man- only to reverse his decision if it helps us get a big point,” he victory. soundedsosouounddedd sseconds chester United and in his weeks later. added, as Iceland now aim to But withithh later.lalater.r early Real Madrid days, into It would be no surprise if reach the next round from a group trademark darkdark Ronaldo,Roon a devastating finisher. Ana- Messi retires after this World also featuring Croatia and Nigeria. humour, the part-partt- whoo aalso scored lytics firm Opta Sports Cup, particularly if Argentina Argentina coach Jorge Sam- time coach andd ffull-ull- from the pointed out that Messi had 11 fail to fulfil sky-high expec- paoli refused to blame Messi, who time dentist, conceded:d d penaltylt spot attempted shots to Ronaldo’s tations back home. SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2018 SPORT 19

Spain players show support for De Gea after blunder against Portugal AP back up by themselves,” Costa said. SOCHI, RUSSIA : David De Gea “He knows he has our had a forgettable World Cup support. He is one of the world’s debut as goalkeeper for Spain but top players. We know of his quickly turned his focus to the quality, how great he is. All I can bigger picture for the national do is give him a hug. I’ve had team. many bad games myself. This is “We didn’t even lose,” he said a family. The people may not after Spain’s 3-3 draw with Por- think it is from the outside, but tugal to open Group B. we are a family. We have to De Gea had a blunder late in move on and show that we are the first half that allowed Cris- a family.” tiano Ronaldo to score the De Gea seemed to appreciate second of his three goals on a rel- the support from Costa, noting atively basic shot. It was Ronaldo there had been criticism of the who made De Gea’s first World striker for his lack of goals prior Cup match miserable from start to the Portugal game. to finish night. “It’s football,” said De Gea, Ronaldo scored from the “one day you are worthless, the penalty spot in the opening next you are very good. We have minutes, and he finished his per- to move on.” formance with a perfect free kick Spanish coach Fernando in the final moments to earn the Hierro, given the job 48 hours draw for Portugal. But it was that before the World Cup began, middle goal, on the cusp of Spain’s goalkeeper David De Gea (right) fails to block a second goal by Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (not in picture) during gave no indication he was con- halftime, which a goalkeeper the the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B match at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on Friday. sidering any sort of change to stature of De Gea should stop - backups Pepe Reina or Kepa even if one of the world’s best Arrizabalaga. players is taking the shot. final, but it was still a big blunder De Gea acknowledged his important match against Iran teammate on Twitter reading, “We don’t have any doubts The ball was well struck with on the biggest stage. performance wasn’t stellar but coming up. If we win, we will be “You’re the best, period.” Spanish about De Gea and he doesn’t Ronaldo’s left foot, but De Gea It was also the second noted the game was over and taking a big step toward captain Sergio Ramos tweeted, have any doubts about himself failed to properly stay in front of mistake by De Gea in a short Spain must now ready to play qualifying.” “It’s not about never failing, it’s either,” Hierro said. the attempt and let it slip through period. Although he was fantastic Iran on Wednesday. Fans were irritated with De about never giving up.” “We know being a goal- for a 2-1 Portugal lead. this season playing for Man- “Mistakes can happen to Gea’s mistake, but he was quick Diego Costa, who scored two keeper requires special psy- The gaffe wasn’t on the same chester United, De Gea also anyone. It was a difficult ball,” to receive support from current of Spain’s three goals, also chology. We know that it’s a dif- level of the mistakes made by allowed a soft goal in Spain’s De Gea said. teammates, both country and expressed confidence in his ficult position to play. But we Liverpool goalkeeper Loris warm-up match against “We have to keep training club. Juan Mata sent a message goalkeeper. harbor absolutely no doubts, Karius in the Champions League Switzerland. and keep working. We have an to his Manchester United “The great players can get quite frankly.” Ronaldo out to prove he can thrive in Russia

AP said the 33-year-oldd Ronaldo, who I did some became the oldest to scorescore a hhatat ttrickrick homework SOCHI, RUSSIA: After conquering at the World Cup. because I knew Europe with his club and his country, The World Cup hasn’tasn’t beenbeen wherewhere this was a situation Cristiano Ronaldo is out to show he can Ronaldo has impressedssed tthehe most, that could come up. also dominate on the world stage. though. While he was crucialcrucial forfor Por-Por- It was a long shot but The Portugal forward hasn’t been tugal when it won the EuropeanEuropean CCham-ham- at his best in past World Cups, but his pionship for the first time two years it happened: Iceland opening hat trick in Russia is a sign that ago, and has been nearlyarly unstoppaunstoppableble goalkeeper Hannes things are starting to change. with Real Madrid in tthehe CChampionshampions Halldorsson on his Ronaldo carried his national team League in recent seasons,ons, RonaRonaldoldo hhadad penalty save from on Friday, scoring all three goals in a only one goal in each ooff the last three Lionel Messi 3-3 draw against Spain in Sochi. World Cups. “I’m happy, it’s my best per- He had yet to pproduceroduce a formance in a World Cup,” Ronaldo blockbuster World Cupup per-per- Messi misses said after the Group B match. formance like the manyany he a penalty and After only one game in Russia, had over the years wwithith somehow, Ronaldo has already doubled his total Real Madrid in thehe somewhere, I think goals from previous World Cups. And Champions League, a with matches against Morocco and Iran tournament in whichh Ronaldo may be coming up, he is already in good he is the all-timee winking: Former position to contend for this year’s leading scorer with 1200 England striker Gary “Golden Boot” trophy. goals - 20 more thanhan Lineker on Twitter In the last 10 World Cups, only once Lionel Messi. has the top scorer had more than six Ronaldo had nine goalsgoals in thethe fourfour goals in a single tournament - Brazil European Championshipships in which he forward Ronaldo in 2002 with eight. played, including threeree in tthehe tittitle-le- When the referee Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez winning campaign inn France. One of went to see the ended up with six goals in Brazil four his goals opened the wwayay fforor tthehe team’s video, for me it was years ago. 2-0 win over Wales inn the sesemifinals.mifinals. because there was a Ronaldo’s third goal at Fisht “Cristiano has ggreatreat physicalphysical penalty. I was already Stadium was a remarkable 88th- strength but his mentalal strengtstrengthh is very minute free kick that salvaged the impressive as well,” PortuPortugalgal coach thinking about how draw. The perfectly taken shot - with Fernando Santos said.d. I would take it: the ball going over the wall and into “He has played at thethe hhighestighest llevelevel Antoine Griezmann the top corner - was the talk of the for a long time now.” Ronaldo’s perper-- after he was awarded World Cup on Friday. formance against Spainain came despitedespite a historic, but “When you play against a player him arriving in Russiaa surrounded bbyy controversial, penalty like Cristiano Ronaldo, that kind of distractions about his cclublub ffutureuture anandd thing can happen,” Spain coach a tax-fraud accusationation back in by VAR Fernando Hierro said. “With Cristiano, Madrid. one moment of inspiration can be On the eve of the mmatcatch,h, SpanishSpanish I hoped that maybe enough.” The goal allowed Ronaldo to media reported that RonaldoRonaldo agreedagreed one time there would join Ferenc Puskas as Europe’s top to plead guilty and payy a ffineine ooff €18.8m be a very honest international scorer with 84 goals, ($21.8m). Earlier, he hadad already been matching a record that was set more criticized for not sayingying whether he referee, and in that than six decades ago. Ronaldo’s first would continue at Realeal MadridMadrid afterafter moment, goal had already allowed him to the World Cup. that he wouldn’t go to become the fourth player to score in “People who criticizeticize himhim must the video four World Cups, joining Pele, Miroslav have some kind of a problem,”problem,” Spain screen: Australia Klose and Uwe Seeler. He celebrated striker Diego Costa said.d. “Every“Every season that goal by apparently implying he is he is scoring 40 or 50 goagoals.ls. Cristiano coach Bert van the greatest player of all time. is Cristiano, there’s nothingothing else to saysay Marwijk wasn’t “This is the work of many years,” about him.” so impressed by the decision 20 SPORT SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2018 SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2018 SPORT 21

   Swiss determined to stop !"#$%&'$(#)"*     Neymar’s Brazil begin World Cup quest  Brazil ‘playing like Brazil’

AP a player like Neymar for the full Switzerland’s coach Vladimir Petkovic AFP brilliant strike in a win in Austria line-up in Rostov-on-Don, for with the sacking of coach Julen 90 minutes. What we need to (right) and captain Stephan Lichtsteiner last weekend. what will be his first game at a Lopetegui on the eve of the com- ROSTOV-ON-DON: Switzer- do is keep our concentration (left) react during a training session in SOCHI: For three months, a “AfterAft three months, and hav- World Cup since being taken off petition, Neymar and the land’s coach and captain have and close all the gaps on the Tolyatti, Russia. wholewhole nation ffearedeared it it mi mightght not not inging pplayedlay just a game and a half, with a fractured vertebra in Bra- Brazilians are relaxed and at told fans not to expect an enter- pitch.” happen,happen, but Neymar will will take take to to hehe is alalready playing at a high zil’s win against Colombia as home in pleasant surroundings taining game against Brazil. Playing in their fourth con- the fieldfield wiwithth hishis Br Brazilianazilian t eamteam-- level.level. NNobody expected that. Not hosts in the 2014 in Sochi.  ) )*  Their goal is simply to deny secutive World Cup, the Swiss mates when they kick off their eveneven hhim,”i Thiago Silva, a close quarter-finals. The lush green coastline and space to the Brazilians. are aiming for a spot in the quar- World Cup campaign against friend oof Neymar’s and a club And Neymar’s importance in sea views are reminiscent of Bra- %#(% +, - %$%% “I’m not here to have a lovely terfinals. The team narrowly SwitzerlandSwitzerland today.today. teammateteamma at PSG, said in a report this new-look team -- he is one zil, the Selecao have been game, but to win,” coach missed out twice in 2006 and The world’s most expensiveexpensive on BrazilianB website of only six survivors from four enjoying dining with views out    Vladimir Petkovic said yester- 2014, and takes on Serbia and playerplayer appears toh haveave recovere recoveredd Globoesporte.Globoes years ago -- is clear from the over the Black Sea, and they also .! !/ day. “Brazil has developed Costa Rica in the group stage. fully fromfrom thethe fracturedfractured footfoot thatthat The 26-year-old, who saw comments of his teammates in have access to the beach. enormously (since 2014). Their Petkovic refused to reveal requiredrequired an operation in MarcMarch,h, hishis titimeme on the sidelines as one Sochi. It augurs well for Tite’s side style of game is much more his starting lineup, but the coach withwith the only slight concern being ofof the lolowest points in his career “Neymar is great, thanks to as they prepare to face a Swiss European. I respect that. But I’m has packed his midfield in recent hishis possipossibleble llackack ooff matcmatchh soso ffar,ar, has looked in excellent God,” goalkeeper Alisson replied outfit ranked sixth in the world here to focus on my players and friendly matches and opted for fitness.fitness. spiritsspirits tthis week as Tite’s Brazil to one question about their tal- in their first Group E game impose our style of game.” Haris Seferovic as a solo striker. SinceSince susufferingffering tthehe injuryinjury inin squadsquad ssettle into their Russian isman, while Gabriel Jesus spoke before tackling Costa Rica and Brazil returns to World Cup That strategy has seen Die Nati Paris SSaint-Germain’saint-Germain’s ggameame basebase ---- the speculation about his of his admiration for the former Serbia.   matches after its crushing 7-1 to win 14 out of their last 17 games against Marseille in late Febru-Febru- clubclub ffuture,ut and links with Real Barcelona man. Winning a sixth World Cup     Germany as hosts four years ago, and rise in the rankings above ary,ary, NeNeymarymar hhasas manamanagedged Madrid,Madrid seem far away right “I got to know Neymar per- is the objective, but Neymar will #$%& !"  .! and players have conceded that France, Spain, and Italy. justjust 129 minutes on the now.now. sonally at the Olympics. He also have personal aims. the Swiss - ranked sixth in world A former coach at Lazio, the #$$' !"  .! field. NeymarNey has been laughing treated me very well, and not a brother, lifts you on the field. Last weekend he scored his - will be hard to break down in Bosnian said he had tweaked the Group E match today. But those minutes andand jojokingk with his teammates only me, also my family and You run more for your friend.” 55th international goal, moving    training schedules to cope with camecame in BrBrazil’sazil’s on thethe ttraining pitch in the Black friends too,” he said. Brazil came to Russia among level with Romario in Brazil’s all- Swiss captain Stephan Lich- the heat in Rostov that hit 30 rrecentecent warm-uwarm-upp SeaSea reresortso of Sochi, and took time “He is important off the field the favourites as they look to put time list. There are now only two   tsteiner said defenders would be degrees Celsius (86 degrees friendlies,friendlies, with a to signsign autographs and pose for as well. He is always giving firmly behind them the 7-1 semi- players left ahead of him.    deployed to limit the movement Fahrenheit) yesterday. goalgoal ffromrom tthehe picturespicture with supporters at an advice.” final humiliation against A great tournament and he of Brazil winger Coutinho and But the Swiss have not com- bbenchench againsagainstt open training session on “That is very important. I Germany four years ago. could catch Ronaldo’s tally of 62,    star forward Neymar. plained about the weather. CCroatiaroatia and Tuesday.Tuesday really believe that having a good While fellow contenders before eventually targeting the     “We’ll play our fullbacks “It’s hot. But we’re not look- thethenn a He will be in the starting relationship, considering one as Spain have threatened to implode 77 scored by Pele.      down the wings, and use them ing for excuses,’ Lichtsteiner as a weapon,” he said. “It’s prac- said. “We’re here to win the  '   tically impossible to neutralize game.”

After three months, andd     having playeded -)."*/%0)1$2-) just a gamea andnd a a Germany start title      half, he (Neymar)ymar)     is already playingaying at a high level.el. Nobody expectedected defence against Mexico that. Not evenen him: him: Thiago Silva AP  ) )* , MOSCOW: No one doubts %$$$ %$$ +, - %%1% Germany has a wealth of talent at    its disposal for the World Cup - so much that Leroy Sane, Premier -- , 23 Brazil’sBrazilB il’ss forforwardorwardd NNeymareymaaar League young player of the year, tatakesta papartpart iinn a a tr trainingaininga g SerbiaSerbia loolookk to unsettle Costa didn’t even make the squad. sessssessionessessios n atat tthehe Ros Rostovtovv The world champion’s prob- AAreArenana inin RosRRostov-on-Donstov-on-D-DoDonD lem this year has been getting all yestyesteyesterday,esterrday,d , oonn thet the eve evevee ofo of of its talent to work together on the RuRRussiaussssia 22018018 WWo Worldrldldd RicaRica wwithith MMilinkovic-Savic the field, and Germany has just     Cupup GGrGrouproupoupu EE matc matchtch one win in its last six friendly      , againsagainstt SSwSwitzerland.wiwitzerlanerland. games, 2-1 over Saudi Arabia last #$%0#$%0 -  23 REUTERSREUTERS under-20s World Cup in 2015, week. #$$(# -  23    Milinkovic-Savic only has four The German title defence SAMARA:SAMARASA A : Serbia will come uupp caps due to failing to impress starts with a familiar foe in    againsagagainstainst one of the WorlWorWorldorld Cup’s Cup’s 3("$2"%&)5$" former coach Slavoljub Muslin, Mexico. toughesttougheoughest defdefensiveensivee unitsits in     who lost his job partly because When the two teams met in   + Costa Rica ttodayoday bbutut coacoachch    he didn’t make the most of the Russia last year in the Confeder-    + Mladen KrstaKrstajicjic wiwillill loolookktok to midfielder. ations Cup semifinals, the    , midfieldmidfield dynamodynamo Se Sergejergrgejgej M Milink-ilink- “Milinkovic-Savic was at Germans put a swift end to any      ovic-Savicovic-So avic ttoo uunsettlensettle tthehe odds with Muslin before the Mexican hopes of taking the tro- +    + CentralCentral AmerAmericans.ericans.ican match against Israel in 2016, phy. Leon Goretzka scored twice Milinkovic-SavicMilinkili koicSovic-Savic iiss onene ofof when he came into the manag- in the first eight minutes on the  '   thehe mo mmostst sousoughtght afafterter tatalentslents in in er’s office to ask why he hadn’t way to a 4-1 win in Sochi. Europe,EuroEurope, whoswhosee stocstockk wwillwill onlyonlyy been picked,” explained Serbian Now they clash today at Mos-  ) )* + riseris ifif he ddeliverseliversinRs inin RRussia.ussia. journalist Milos Markovic. cow’s vast Luzhniki stadium in one Thehe LaLaziozio mmanan hhasas beenn 4 4(# +, - '&% “Muslin claimed Milinkovic- of the biggest draws of the group linkedlink with manym ooff EuroEurope’spe’s Savic didn’t fit in his system but stage.    top clubs,cclubs,s, iincludingncluding ManManches-ches- my personal view is that he “We can’t underestimate them German players training in Moscow ahead of their World Cup 2018 Group F match against Mexico. ter UnUnitedU ited aandnd JuvJuventus,entus, afteraftafter $3(.))($*4 couldn’t find a mechanism to even though we managed to beat playingplayinp ggapi a pipivotalivotalvvo ro rolele i nin the thee Ital Ital--    cope with a temperamental them decisively last year at the could lead them into an early ditioning coach at Manchester City never-ending waves of new tal- ianian siside’sde’s qqualificationuaualifualifiu cation forforrt tthehe young player.” Confed Cup,” midfielder Sami rematch of the 2014 semi-final - cuts a frantic figure on the touch- ent such as Julian Brandt and Timo ,   EuropaEuropEuroo LeaguLeague.eae gue.e Since Krstajic took over in Khedira said in comments via the match with Brazil. line and his temper has Werner, who have both emerged DespiteDeDespitD e havihahavingingg oonlonlyy four +   October, Milinkovic-Savic has German Football Federation. Germany goalkeeper Manuel occasionally gotten him into trou- since then, as well as the World capsapsp ttoo hhiss namename,name, thethe 2323-year--year-    featured three times, including “We’re taking this task very, very Neuer insists he’s fit to play at the ble. Osorio was banned from last Cup debut of Marco Reus, who oldo llo looksoks sesett tto sstarttartta iinnan a    + the most recent friendlies seriously and even more seriously World Cup even though he’s year’s Gold Cup after shouting at would have played in 2014 if not Germany’sGermanGer y’s MaManuel Neuer in action during a midfieldmidmidfield thrththreeree wiwit withh expe experiencedrienrienced ,    against Chile and Bolivia. because it’s our first game at this missed most of the season with a the fourth official when Mexico for injury. trainingtrainin ng sessessioneessioio in Moscow yesterday, on the pairpa NNemanjaemanjaemannja MaticMatiic andand LLukauka  '   Milinkovic-Savic, who is World Cup.” hairline fracture in his left foot. wasn’t awarded a penalty during However, Germany’s lost eveve of theirtheirhe W World Cup 2018 opener against MilivojevicMilivojevicje iin the Group Group E E cla clashsh nicknamed ‘the Sergeant’ for his Mexico’s fans are divided over He played just four games all the third-place game against Por- many of its dressing-room lead- MexicoMiMexicMMexMexico.e . in SaSamara.Sama ara.aar dominating displays, combines coach Juan Carlos Osorio, who led season for Bayern Munich, but tugal at the Confederations Cup. ers from 2014 and Neuer is CostaCoo RicaR bboastoastastt oonene of thet e behbehind Aleksandar Mitrovic on a powerful, all-action style with the team to first place in qualify- returned to action for Germany’s Germany’s 23-man World Cup captain. But he has been occupied most m miserlyiserlyiserliseri y defende defencesfe cescese co comingmingingngg iinton into SundaySun but Krstajic refused to put lethal technique. ing but has presided over some friendly against Austria earlier this squad includes just 10 of the play- by his own injury problems, and theth WoWWorldrld CuCCup,up, concconcedingcedingccedidingd jjustjusju extraextext pressure on the pair. “The fans can’t wait to see him high-profile defeats in tournament month. Neuer played the full 90 ers who lifted the trophy in 2014. that has transferred more of the eighteigightgh goalsgoagoa inn 10 10 qualifqualiquaqqualificationaalificatioatiotion “They are they are young, up in action,” stressed Markovic. play. minutes. Against Saudi Arabia, That’s partly due to the seemingly burden of leadership to Khedira. matches.matchematcmatchechhes.s andand coming ambition players, who “There is a universal opinion Finishing on top of Group F Neuer and understudy Marc- TheirTTh defendefensdefensiveefensnsiveve oororganisationganisaan ationtion are proving themselves,” Krstajic that he could be our ‘wow factor’ could be crucial for both teams. Andre ter Stegen played 45 anda reresiliencer siliens li ce wwas as alsoa so bebehibehindeh nd toldtto reporters. and a difference maker.” Brazil is widely expected to minutes each. their historhishhistohistoricistoritistors oricc rurunn toto ththee quarquarter-ter-terer- “I do not see inordinate pres- All eyes will be on Milinkovic- finish first in Group E against Costa No one could accuse Oso- finalsfinalfiinalsal inn 20 220140144 and a d coachachch OscarOsOscOscaca suresurur on them, even through many Savic on Sunday as he looks to give Rica, Serbia and Switzerland, and rio of lacking passion during RamirezRamireRRamRamirer zzw will onceoonncee againagaagaingain bebe loolook-k- peoplepeopee want to (put pressure on Serbia the perfect start to their that would put Brazil in line for a games. ingng to buildb d fromromr theebae bbabackckk i inn them)ththet but they know what to do World Cup campaign and perhaps second-round game against Group The Colom- RusRussiaRussRussiRRussia.ussiai ..M MiliM Milinkovic-Savic,nkovicnkk vicvivici -Savic-SSavicavavicv c, whowh and are fully focused.” adding several more million onto F’s second team. If the Germans bian - a scoredcoredcorreded 121122go2 g gogoalsalsala inin SiSSerieSe Serieerieie AlAAla A laslasttts sesea sea-- Despite being highly rated his transfer fee in the close drop points against Mexico, it former con- sononon fo fororrL LaziLazio,o,oow,,w wwilwilll likelik likelyk lyy plapplayy afteraftt helping Serbia to win the season. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2018

South Africa Federer regains world No.1 ranking beat England AFP Federer stands 10-3 over to clinch rugby S’Hertogenbosch ATP Raonic, Wimbledon finalist in STUTTGART: Roger Federer 2016 against Andy Murray. and WTA results Test series staged a 6-7 (2-7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) The Swiss, who owns 20 AFP comeback yesterday over Nick Grand Slam singles titles, needed Men’s semi-finals Kyrgios to reach the Stuttgart to fight all the way against Richard Gasquet (FRA x2) bt Bernard Cup final and take back the Kyrgios, playing his first event Tomic (AUS) 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-2 BLOEMFONTEIN: South Africa world number one ranking. in two months due to injury. Women’s semi-finals took a winning 2-0 series lead The 36-year-old Swiss will Federer dropped the opening Aleksandra Krunic (SRB x7) bt Coco over England by winning a full- resume his place at the top of the set in a tiebreaker but roared Vandeweghe (USA x1) 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), blooded second Test 23-12 in ATP rankings for the sixth time back in the second with a pair of 7-6 (7/1) Bloemfontein yesterday. in his career tomorrow, breaks to level at a set each. Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) bt Viktoria Kuz- Switzerland’s After trailing by 12 points beginning a record 310th week The third set was tight all the mova (SVK) 7-5, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4 Roger Federer early on, South Africa clawed to at the summit of the men’s game. way into the tiebreaker, with a 13-12 half-time advantage and returns the ball His upward move will leave Federer erasing a 3-1 deficit. Stuttgart Cup results dominated a second half in which to Nick Kyrgios Rafael Nadal on second as the The heavy crowd favourite England rarely looked like (x indicates seed). in their semi- countdown to Wimbledon inten- at the Weissenhof Club earned scoring. Semi-finals final match at the sifies with a fortnight left prior a match point with a high A crucial score came on 50 Roger Federer (SUI x1) bt Nick Kyrgios ATP Mercedes to the start of the grasscourt overhead backhand winner and minutes when South Africa were (AUS x4) 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) Cup in Stuttgart, major. finished off the popular victory awarded a penalty try after the Milos Raonic (CAN x7) bt Lucas Pouille southwestern “I feel great, I’m very happy,” seconds later to the roar of fans (FRA x2) 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) England scrum crumbled under Federer said, adding that playing after just under two hours. Germany, pressure close to their tryline. for the ranking in a smaller event Federer, who has now yesterday. It was the 300th Test win by gives the achievement more passed Nadal twice since Feb- the Springboks since they emphasis. ruary to take back the number “These kind of matches (for with each match, I’m there at the The Canadian saved the lone debuted in 1891 and a wonderful “It feels different to do it one spot, said the excitement the top spot) don’t come around important moments in the break point he faced while way for loosehead prop Tendai here, I feel really good about it. factor of the rankings dogfight so often. It’s great for the fans games, that’s an important breaking Pouille twice. “The Beast” Mtawarira to cele- Getting there, especially with 7-6 cannot be overlooked. that it’s been going back and thing.” “Reaching the final is an brate his 100th cap. in the third-set tiebreaker added “My season starts now. I’m forth (between himself and The 35th-ranked Raonic beat important step for me,” he said. Winning also lifted South extra drama. I’m happy I was playing next week (Halle) and Nadal). It’s quite fun at the the second-seeded Pouille for “There is a big difference Africa four places in the world able to stay calm and play good Wimbledon. We will see about moment.” the third time without a loss in between playing a semi and a tankings to third. tennis at the end.” Canada (the Masters event in Raonic, plagued by injury the series and said he is not final. I’m making positive England suffered a fifth Test Top seed Federer will play August). I don’t have much over the past few seasons, is allowing any thoughts of Queen’s progress, I’m happy with it and loss in a row as they once again for the 98th title of his career (schedule) wiggle room, I’m making his Stuttgart debut. The club next week or Wimbledon hope to keep it up tomorrow.” failed to build on a promising today against Milos Raonic. playing as much as possible. Canadian seventh seed feels his enter his mind. Raonic played his last final start during which they ran South The Canadian hammered 19 “There was not a lot of talk game is starting to fire again. “I’m just concentrating on in May, 2017, losing in Istanbul Africa ragged. aces to eliminate defending about number one over the past “I have nothing to complain the job to hand, trying to do it to Marin Cilic. His last grass final The losing streak under coach champion Lucas Pouille 6-4, 7-6 four years, it’s been exciting over about, everything is going pos- well. If I can play well, I’ll be came at 2016 Wimbledon in a Eddie Jones began last February (7/3). the last few months. itive,” he said. “I’m playing better having my chances on the grass.” loss to Andy Murray. in Scotland and France, Ireland and South Africa (twice) have beaten the Red Rose since. South Africa captain and loose forward Siya Kolisi said: “It does feel good. It was really tough Murray to put hip to the test at Queen’s -- but we knew what we were coming into. The most important AFP after pulling out of the Australian range of motion in my hip which unpredictable as well. The pos- Murray admits it will be a tense thing is the crowd -- thank you Open. But he has been practising can happen when you’re tired itive is that there probably won’t moment when he gets back on so much for coming out in Blo- LONDON: Former world regularly for the past fortnight and the hip’s a bit angry. be loads of long points.” the court to face Kyrgios, with emfontein. It was really important number one Andy Murray admits and a final workout on Friday at “That wasn’t the case. That Murray had only been seen the match set for tomorrow or for us.” he will be battling his nerves as Queen’s Club with fellow Briton was all positive and I pulled up on court during an exhibition for Tuesday. Asked about a second under- well as his body when he finally world number 79 Cameron pretty well from that, so then I charity against Roger Federer “Well it’s obviously eleven whelming start in a row, Kolisi returns to action after almost a Norrie convinced him to return. decided to go for it.” last November, and one exhi- months since I last competed. So said: “I don’t know why. The year’s hiatus at Queen’s Club “I’ve been practising the last Murray, whose other Grand bition set against Roberto obviously I’m looking forward coach always tells us that all he next week. couple of weeks and obviously Slam title came at the 2012 US Bautista Agut in Abu Dhabi in to it. There are a lot of doubts wants is intensity. As long as we The 31-year-old Scot has not building up each day. I started Open, faces temperamental but December. though as well when you’ve not have intensity, we can control the played a competitive match since playing sets about a week ago,” talented Australian Nick Kyrgios The two-time Olympic played for a long time,” Murray game. The most important thing he was knocked out of the Wim- Murray said yesterday. “So, I in the Queen’s first round. singles champion had previously said. “Coming back from injury is the character of the boys... bledon quarter-finals last July as played probably seven or eight He has never lost to Kyrgios put off his planned return by you’re always kind of second coach Rassie Erasmus is a great a hip injury brought a painful sets, and I wanted to feel how I in five meetings, yet would not withdrawing from the Rosmalen guessing yourself. leader, he keeps us calm.” end to his season. felt the following day after have picked him as his first even and waited until 30 minutes “You never know exactly England captain and centre Murray -- who had targeted playing a couple of sets with Cam opponent after such a long before the Queen’s draw yes- when you’re going to be ready, Owen Farrell said: “We lost the grass court season for his Norrie. lay-off. terday before confirming his but I’m looking forward to momentum in that second part return as he seeks a third Wim- “I got tested by my physios “He’s got a brilliant serve and participation. getting back out there and com- of the first half again. We will bledon title -- underwent this morning to make sure I obviously he’s very, very tal- And, after such a long and peting, and hopefully playing have to make sure we look back surgery on his hip in January hadn’t stiffened up and lost any ented,” Murray added. “He’s frustrating rehabilitation period, well.” at it and see where we went wrong -- but there was some big moments in that game where we England beat England’s Liam were not composed enough. Plunkett (left) Sri Lanka fury as “I know the 2019 World Cup Australia celebrates taking is a part of the big picture. We the wicket want to learn our lessons now, by 38 runs of Australia’s ‘ball-tamper’ row start winning now. We are going Shaun Marsh to have to regroup for next week,” he said. AFP (not pictured) at Sophia Gardens, threatens Test Under-pressure Jones Cardiff, Britain, demanded a great start from his CARDIFF: England beat Australia team to dent the confidence yesterday. AFP by 38 runs to win the second England won by South Africa gained from a dra- one-day international in Cardiff matic 42-29 first Test win in 38 runs to lead yesterday and to take a 2-0 lead GROS-ISLET, SAINT LUCIA: An apparent ball-tampering contro- Johannesburg last weekend. the five-match in the five-match series. versy threatened play on the third day of the second Test between And he got it as tries by series 2-0. Australia, set an imposing 343 the West Indies and Sri Lanka yesterday with only an hour’s play wingers Mike Brown and Jonny to win, remained in the hunt possible on a bright, sunny morning after the Sri Lankans initially May, one of which Farrell con- while opener Shaun Marsh was refused to take the field. verted, lifted the tourists into a making 131 before being bowled Following concerns raised by umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould 12-0 lead on 13 minutes. out for 304 as the world cham- SCOREBOARD about the condition of the ball nearing the end of the second day, Brown and May went over in pions suffered a seventh defeat England Australia the Sri Lankans were advised before the start of play yesterday the opposite corners as England in eight ODIs. J Roy c Paine b Tye ...... 120 T Head c Hales b Wood ...... 19 that they could not continue with the existing ball. made a superb start, looking like Earlier, dashing opener Jason J Bairstow c Paine b K Richardson ...... 42 D Short c Root b Ali ...... 21 This resulted in Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal declining a team fed up with the criticism Roy made 120 and stand-in A Hales b J Richardson ...... 26 S Marsh b Plunkett ...... 131 to lead his team onto the field with the West Indies set to continue of four consecutive Test losses captain Jos Buttler 91 not out in J Root c Short b Stoinis ...... 22 M Stoinis b Plunkett ...... 9 their innings at 118 for two in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings total since February. J Buttler (not out) ...... 91 A Finch lbw b Rashid ...... 0 an England total of 342 for eight S Billings b Tye ...... 11 G Maxwell c Willey b Ali ...... 31 of 253. Animated discussions then ensued involving match referee As was the case last Saturday, after Australia captain Tim Paine M Ali c Agar b J Richardson ...... 8 A Agar st Buttler b Rashid ...... 46 Javagal Srinath and the Sri Lankan pair of coach Chandika Hathu- the Springboks defence was in won the toss and fielded. D Willey c and b K Richardson ...... 11 T Paine c Rashid b Plunkett ...... 15 rusingha and team manager Asanka Gurusinha and it appeared disarray early on, struggling Roy returned to the scene of L Plunkett run out (Short/Tye) ...... 1 A Tye c Billings b Rashid ...... 10 for some time that the day’s play at least and possibly the rest of whenever the Red Rose took the one of his greatest disappoint- A Rashid (not out) ...... 0 J Richardson c Roy b Plunkett ...... 2 the match might be in doubt. ball wide. ments to score a century as Extras (LB5, W5) ...... 10 K Richardson (not out) ...... 0 However it was after these deliberations that the Sri Lankans But just like last weekend, England piled up 342 for eight. Total (8 wkts) ...... 342 Extras (LB13, W7) ...... 20 agreed to the change of ball and to continue playing although it is captain and flanker Siya Kolisi Did not bat: M Wood Total (all out) ...... 304 England were set for a Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-113, 3-179, 4-239, 5-289, Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-77, 3-99, 4-110, 5-164, understood that they will be contesting the ball-tampering charge. rallied his team and they were colossal total at 253 for four off 6-300, 7-325, 8-332 6-260, 7-292, 8-293, 9-303, 10-304 Five penalty runs were added to the West Indies total. back in the game on 24 minutes 40 overs. But Australia, without Bowling: J Richardson 10-0-64-2 (1w); K Richard- Bowling: Willey 7-0-40-0 (1w); Wood 9-1-57-1 After initially appearing to be prepared to resume the match, when number eight Duane Ver- their injured Ashes-wining pace son 8-0-56-2 (1w); Agar 9-0-52-0; Stoinis 10-0-60- (4w); Plunkett 9.1-1-53-4 (1w); Ali 10-0-47-2; Root the Sri Lankan cricketers then hesitated even as they were making meulen barged over to score. attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat 1; Tye 9-0-81-2 (3w); Short 4-0-24-0 4-0-24-0; Rashid 8-0-70-3 (1w) their way out to the middle. Further discussions ensued which Fly-half Handre Pollard con- Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, brought Srinath onto the field while the West Indies contingent, verted and slotted a close-range checked the run-rate. headed by team manager Rawl Lewis, coach Stuart Law and captain penalty soon after to trim the It was just over a year ago Warner to play CPL for St Lucia Jason Holder, appeared bemused by the entire situation. England lead to 12-10 with 30 that struggling Surrey opener Unconfirmed reports coming out from these deliberations minutes gone in a frenetic first Roy, 27, was dropped from the GROS ISLET: Banned Australian batsman David Warner will play suggest that the Sri Lankans were reluctant to continue the match half. England side. Roy regained his for the St Lucia Stars in the Caribbean as he continues under the cloud of suspicion of ball-tampering. A minute before half-time, place in the England line-up and his attempt to rebuild his reputation after the ball-tampering scandal, The International Cricket Council (ICC) confimed that a five- Pollard attempted a 60-metre yesterday took advantage of a it was announced yesterday. run penalty had been added to the West Indies total. penalty and to the delight of the good pitch to score his fifth The 31-year-old was handed a one-year ban from international “The ICC can confirm the match officials in the second Test Free State Stadium crowd the ball hundred in 60 ODIs. and state cricket by Cricket Australia for his role in helping to devise between West Indies and Sri Lanka changed the ball and awarded sailed over the bar for a 13-12 It was also his first at this level a plan to rub sandpaper on the ball during a Test match against South 5 penalty runs to West Indies,” the ruling body tweeted. half-time advantage. since he made an England record Africa in March. Lunch scores: Sri Lanka 253 (D. Chandimal 119 n.o., K. Mendis Cape Town will host the 180 against world champions Warner has already agreed deals to play in lower-level Aus- 45, S. Gabriel 5-59, K. Roach 4-49) West Indies 154-3 (D. Smith dead-rubber final Test next Australia in Melbourne in January. tralian grade cricket and at a tournament in Canada in July. 60 n.o., S. Lakmal 1-16) Toss: Sri Lanka Saturday. SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2018 SPORT 23

Fiji crush Rugby: Sexton stars as Ireland end Georgia 37-15 to win Pacific 39-year wait on Australian soil Nations Cup

AFP AP Ireland’s Johnny Sexton kicks a penalty against the Wallabies during the second MELBOURNE: Fly-half Johnny SUVA, : Scrumhalf Henry Sexton starred as Six Nations rugby Test match in Melbourne yesterday. Seniloli scored two first-half tries champions Ireland beat the and his replacement Frank Wallabies 26-21 yesterday to end Lomani added two in the second a 39-year drought in Australia half as Fiji overwhelmed Georgia and take their three-Test series 37-15 yesterday to win the Pacific into a decider. Nations Cup for the fourth Sexton, recalled after sitting consecutive year. out last week’s defeat in Georgia led 15-10 at halftime , proved the difference but Fiji scored 27 unanswered with two conversions and four points in the second half to com- penalties as Ireland won their plete a convincing victory. first Test in Australia since 1979. Centers Jale Vatubua and Semi The Irish, stung 18-9 a week Radradra also scored second-half ago, made eight team changes tries, former league star Radradra and frustrated the Australians touching down in injury time to into errors to take the series to a cap a strong test debut. decider in Sydney next week. Both teams came into yester- The Wallabies scored three rday’s match with a narrow win tries to two but the world in the first round of the four- number two-ranked Irish con- nation tournament; Fiji beat trolled the ball at the breakdown 24-22 to take five cham- and profited from Australia’s pionship points and Georgia beat ill-discipline. Tonga 16-15 for four points. Sexton controlled the game Georgia looked strong in the for Ireland in his recall after first half but Fiji brought its big, making way for understudy Joey ball-handling forwards and backs Carbery in Brisbane last week. into the match in the second half “It felt like we had a lot of the to take control and end Georgia’s ball and obviously it’s a lot easier seven-match winning streak in with the ball, but at other times international games. The teams we needed to be better with our will next meet at the Rugby World discipline,” Sexton said. Cup in Japan in October 2019. “It’s very pleasing to get a Coleman a possible fractured the crossbar in the second Ireland dominating territory and try and a Sexton conversion “This is the level we need to win. It’s a hard place to win in cheekbone. minute. possession. But the Wallabies pushed the Irish out to a 23-14 play every game and we managed Australia, so it’s all down to next Ireland led 16-14 at half-time But Ireland took quick were awarded a penalty try lead, which Sexton extended to do it in today’s game,” Fiji week now.” and clinched the Test with a advantage of winger Marika when a rolling maul was illegally with a penalty in the 66th captain said. Skipper Michael Hooper said charging try from front-rower Koroibete’s yellow card for a brought down and Cian Healy minute. “We know we will get Georgia it was a frustrating Test match Tadhg Furlong -- his first for lifting tackle when Conor Murray was yellow-carded, reducing There was a late flurry by the again in 2019 and that will be a for the Wallabies. Ireland -- in the 54th minute. put wing Andrew Conway over Ireland to 14 men. Wallabies, with Tupou scoring different game. “We gave away a lot of pen- The Australians fought back in the right-hand corner to level The Wallabies suffered a after Irish replacement front- “But it’s a boost for us as a alties, the Irish capitalised on with a late converted try to the scores in the seventh minute. blow when Genia went off late rower Jack McGrath received a new team and for some of the that. I thought they played a good Taniela Tupou, but the Irish Sexton kicked the Irish to a in the first half, to be replaced by yellow card for a deliberate new players.” pressure game and got the better defence held firm to close out the 13-7 lead with two penalties Nick Phipps. knock down. Radradra was a strong runner of us tonight,” Hooper told win. from Australian indiscretions Ireland lost prop Healy with Ireland were on an unbeaten in midfield and had a hand in the reporters. The Wallabies got off to a before Koroibete returned to the a knee injury shortly after the run of 12 internationals until last second try scored by Seniloli. The home side paid dearly flying start when Bernard Foley’s field. break, and wing Keith Earls lost week, but they have now ended Wingers Nemani Nadoli and for their defeat with scrum-half inside ball put Kurtley Beale into Sexton landed another the ball over the try-line as a a losing streak of 11 straight Tests Vereniki Goneva were also pow- Will Genia suffering a suspected a gap and the inside-centre beat penalty for a deliberate scoring opportunity went against the Wallabies in erful with the ball in hand and broken arm and lock Adam two Irish tackles to score under knockdown by Caleb Timu, with begging. But Furlong’s first Test Australia. lock enlivened the match with his offloading skills. Italy beat Earlier, Tonga built a 28-6 lead then held on with 13 men to Japan 25-22 beat Samoa 28-18 in a match All Blacks seal series between the first-round losers. Tries to wingers Viliami in 2nd test to Lolohea and Cooper Vuna gave Tonga a 17-6 lead at halftime and level series they reinforced that advantage over 14-man France with a second-half try to Nili Latu. AP Scrumhalf Sonatane Takulua AFP Barrett in mid-air and the All holes in the All Blacks’ inside converted all three tries. But kicked two conversions and three KOBE: Italy clung to a shrinking lead Blacks fly-half crashed head- channels. Anthony Belleau and France refused to yield and they penalties for 13 points. in the second half to beat Japan 25-22 WELLINGTON: first into the turf, later failing a Kelian Galletier tormented the pressured the All Blacks Tonga will face Fiji in Lautoka in the second rugby Test yesterday beat France 26-13 to clinch concussion Test. All Blacks, while Geoffrey Dou- throughout the second half, next weekend while Samoa and level the two-match series 1-1. their three-Test series in Australian referee Angus mayrou all but scored when he preventing them from moves on in two weeks to Rugby Tries to winger Tommaso Ben- unconvincing fashion yesterday Gardner produced the red card lost the ball diving for the line. unleashing the pace and World Cup qualifying matches on venuti, captain Leonardo Ghiraldini after the luckless visitors had a as France, who complained bit- But for all their enterprise, accuracy that stunned the the back of successive losses in and flanker Jake Polledri gave Italy man sent off on 12 minutes and terly over a crucial yellow card France only had a Morgan tourists a week ago. the Pacific Nations Cup. a 19-3 lead early in the second half. saw two tries disallowed. in the opening Test, saw their Parra penalty to show for their The numbers evened out at “We didn’t get the outcome But Japan rallied strongly with tries ’s early red hopes of an upset evaporate. early domination and even 14 a side for 10 minutes just we wanted in terms of wins but I to center Will Tupou and backrower card for a dangerous challenge But they battled bravely, before they were reduced to 14 after the three-quarter mark think we can take huge positives cut the margin to 19-17 on Beauden Barrett effectively claiming 70 percent of pos- men their lineouts and scrums when All Blacks replacement out of this,” Samoa captain Chris after 66 minutes. sealed the defeat for France, session in the second half of were looking fragile. scrum-half TJ Perenara was Vui said. Italy flyhalf Tommaso Allan who were smashed 52-11 in last what was a messy, error- Once Moody had put the All yellow-carded. “We’ve shown that we can kicked two penalties to stretch his week’s opener in . riddled game. Blacks on the scoresheet, Ben In his absence, France play rugby but it’s just those silly team’s lead to 25-17 and Italy held on But Les Bleus toughed it out Fall’s departure had an Smith danced his way through replacement hooker Pierre errors that cost us.” despite a try in the last minute to and after turning at 21-6 down, immediate impact when All some ineffectual defence to Bourgarit, on debut, crossed the Japan fullback Kotaru Matsushima. they won the points battle in the Blacks prop Joe Moody stood at score their second try while line but was called back for a Japan won the first test 34-17. second half, capped by sub- first receiver in the next play Ryan Crotty, Rieko Ioane and double movement. For the second week in a row, stitute Cedate Gomes Sa’s richly and galloped 23 metres for a Anton Lienert-Brown com- The All Blacks’ only points Japan produced a strong second-half deserved try after the final try. bined to put Jordie Barrett over in the second half came with 21 performance but on this occasion it siren. In the opening exchanges, on the stroke of half-time. minutes remaining when was not enough to overturn Italy’s France were leading 3-0 the French backed their Damian McKenzie, McKenzie weaved his way large early lead. when Fall took out Beauden attacking instincts to expose Beauden Barrett’s replacement, through to put Jordie Barrett In the first test, Japan led 17-14 at over for his second halftime, then pulled away steadily try. in the second half. It was coura- Italy took the lead in the 18th geous performance minute when fullback Jayden by France in which Hayward made a strong break near they won the admi- halfway and linked with flanker ration of the New Sebastian Negri to create a try for Zealand crowd for Benvenuti, converted by Allan. the way they fought Ghiraldini scored in the 25th valiantly to stay in minute to make the lead 12-0 before the game and con- scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka gave trolled much of the Japan its first points from a penalty. second half. Italy led 12-3 at halftime and There was also a extended its lead to 19-3 with Polle- degree of sympathy dri’s try, under the posts, early in the when Sam Cane, second half. New Zealand’s captain cast as a villain over Allan converted. Sam Whitelock holds the a tackle in the first France’s Kelian Galletier reaches Japan scored its first try through Gallaher Trophy after Test that left French for the ball with team-mate Paul Tupou after good work among its the second rugby Test wing Remy Gross Gabrillagues (back left) and New outside backs in the 60th minute. match against France with two facial frac- Zealand’s Scott Barrett (right) Mafi drove over only five minutes at Westpac Stadium in tures, escaped with during the second rugby Test later and Japan had reduced the lead Wellington yesterday. only a penalty for a to two points and seemed to be fin- late charge on match at Westpac Stadium in ishing more strongly. scrum-half Parra. Wellington yesterday. SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2018 SPORT 24

Griezmann, Pogba on target as France squeeze past Australia

AP

KAZAN, RUSSIA: Technology twice helped France at the World Cup yesterday as the 1998988 champions laboured to beatatt a gritty Australia 2-1 in theirhheeeiir FRANCE AUSTRALIA opening game. The French team was giggivenivvveen 2 1 a controversial penalty kick,kiicckk, 62' PEN - Jedinak eventually converted by Antoineoinnee Griezmann - 58’ Griezmann in the 58th minute,tee, Pogba - 81 after the referee watched the replay of a foul on the sideline. Paul Pogba later scored the winning goal in the 81st minute, and goal-line technology was used to confirm the ball had crossed the line after bouncing down off the crossbar. “I’m not going to complain about the use of video today,” France coach Didier Deschamps France’s forward said. Antoine Griezmann “It helped correct a (right) is tackled by mistake.” Pogba had been unim- Australia’s defender pressive until the goal, but the Joshua Risdon giving Manchester United midfielder a penalty opportunity set up a 1-2 with substitute to France during the Olivier Giroud and beat Aus- Russia 2018 World tralia goalkeeper Mat Ryan to Cup Group C match give France the victory. at the Kazan Arena in Australia captain Mile Kazan, yesterday. Jedinak had briefly equalized from the penalty spot in the 62nd after France defender Samuel Umtiti handled the ball in the area. After a balanced first half in the Group C match at the Kazan Arena, France was he went to see if there was a after four shots in the first eight survive the group stage, will secure the three points with a Giroud delivered the assist awarded the first penalty fol- penalty I immediately thought minutes the French failed to get need two good results to escape good pressing toward the end. that led to Pogba’s goal and lowing a VAR review. about how I would take it.” a single shot on target in the elimination. Australia delivered a gritty Matuidi added some strength After checking images of a Griezmann hit a powerful shot remainder of the first half. The French did not impress display that bodes well for its and pace in midfield after tackle from behind by Joshua that left Ryan stranded, four It’s the ideal start for France, in the final third of the field and next two matches. The team’s France looked bereft of ideas in Risdon on Griezmann, referee minutes before Jedinak then whose ambition is to finish at their defense often looked defense is solid and they were that sector for long spells. Andres Cunha pointed to the sent France goalkeeper Hugo the top of a group that also shaky. unlucky in the end. They also Kylian Mbappe became the penalty spot. Lloris the wrong way to put the includes Peru and Denmark. A Umtiti made a clumsy have a skillful and inspired play- youngest player to represent “When I received the knock teams level following Umtiti’s win against the South Americans mistake when he jumped to maker in Aaron Mooy. France at a World Cup at 19 I believed there was a penalty,” clumsy foul. next would allow France coach clear a ball with both arms Giroud and midfielder Blaise years, 178 days. He was 10 Griezmann said. “The referee France had controlled pos- Didier Deschamps to rotate his raised and touched the ball with Matuidi had a big impact after months younger than Bruno did not bow his whistle, so I session and circulated the ball players for the final game. his hand to concede a penalty. coming in as substitutes during Bellone, who played at the 1982 moved on with that. But when well before the interval, but Australia, whose goal is to But the French showed guts to the second half. World Cup in Spain. Baby Bleus ‘must do better’, says Deschamps AFP performance at the Kazan decision at the World Cup to Arena yesterday, Peru will hand France a lifeline. KAZAN, RUSSIA: Didier fancy their chances of causing Following an under- Deschamps has told France they an upset when they face a side whelming opening half, Antoine “must do better” after escaping brimming with talent but Griezmann stepped up to beat a humiliating draw with Australia lacking “fluidity” and “speed” goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from in a 2-1 World Cup opener in key departments against a the spot on 58 minutes after Uru- decided by VAR and goalline tough Socceroos side. guayan referee Andres Cunha technology. “It’s the World Cup, it’s the used video footage to ascertain The tournament’s second- first match. But, yes, we must do the Atletico Madrid star had youngest team arrived in Russia better, and we can do better,” indeed been fouled by Australia with lofty ambitions 20 years said Deschamps. efender Josh Risdon. Although after Deschamps captained Les Struggling to break down Australia captain Mile Jedinak Bleus to the 1998 World Cup title a tough and physical Socceroos levelled from the spot four at the Stade de France. defence in a frustrating first minutes later following a But going on their half, it took a first, historic VAR handball by Samuel Umtiti, France snatched a lucky win when Manchester United star Paul Pogba’s deflected shot looped over Ryan in the 81st minute. The “job got done”, reflected Deschamps. But after highlighting France’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (left) celebrates with coach Didier Deschamps during the Russia 2018 opening match jitters, Des- World Cup Group C match against Australia at the Kazan Arena in Kazan, yesterday. champs refused to hit out at his misfiring front line of Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and 19-year- up well for the rest of the group. Although Griezmann wrote during the game. old Paris Saint-Germain star “It was a difficult, compli- himself into the history books “But we have nearly a week Kylian Mbappe. cated match against a tough Aus- by becoming the first player to before meeting Peru, so we hope “It was nothing to do with the tralian side. score at the World Cup from a to rectify that.” fact we have a lot of young “But we lacked speed in VAR verdict, he suggested some France last played a south France’s defender players,” said Deschamps in terms of moving the ball around of France’s World Cup débu- American side three months ago, Benjamin Pavard defence of a squad which, after or getting forward and that ben- tants had suffered stage fright. a 3-2 defeat to Colombia in Paris. (left) marks Nigeria, is the youngest at the efited Australia’s game. “For a lot of our players it Deschamps added: “Peru Australia’s forward World Cup. “It wasn’t a great start for us... was their first match (at the have a lot of quality. They’re a Mathew Leckie “In our last four World Cup we should have pressed them a World Cup), but we know that, proud side who play with during the Russia campaigns we’ve only won our little higher, but even then we technically, we didn’t play to our passion, and I’ve been told 2018 World Cup opening match once (in 2014, weren’t flowing well. potential,” he said. there’s 30,000 Peruvians in Group C match at against Honduras). “Australia might not be a “It was important to start Moscow. the Kazan Arena in “We’ve got the job done, top European side but we can’t with a win but we know there “We played Colombia in Kazan, yesterday. because the first match is always say they don’t have some are a lot of things to improve, we March, so we know the South very important, and this sets us quality.” struggled to find each other American mentality.