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Wednesday, July 4, 2018 FOOTBALL Shawwal 20, 1439 AH Sweden reach GULF TIMES last eight aft er edging past Switzerland SPORT Page 2

REPORT COL (3) 1-1 (4) ENG England end penalty jinx to edge Colombia in shootout Crossbar and Pickford save one each for England in penalties after Kane and injury time Mina header ensure 1-1 draw

AFP Moscow

ngland edged Colombia 4-3 on penalties to halt a run of fi ve successive shootout defeats at major tournaments and book a quarter-fiE nal clash against Sweden at the World Cup. Harry Kane fi red England ahead with his tournament-leading sixth goal just before the hour in Moscow, converting a penalty after he was hauled down by Carlos Sanchez at a corner. Gareth Southgate’s team looked to be heading into the last eight in regulation time until Yerry Mina equalised with a 93rd-minute header as the giant Co- lombian defender scored for the third game in a row. Neither team could fi nd an advantage in extra-time and so a bad-tempered match went to a nailbiting penalty shootout. David Ospina dived superbly to his left to repel Jordan Henderson’s third penalty for England, but Manuel Uribe hit the crossbar before Jordan Pickford saved from Carlos Bacca. Eric Dier drilled home the decisive spot-kick as England won for just the second time in eight penalty shootouts and reached the quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time since 2006. “To get knocked down at the end like we did with that goal in extra time, you know, it’s diffi cult to come back from that. But we did,” Dier said. “We were ready for that. We knew what we had to do, we stayed calm, we stuck to our plan, we never panicked all the way through extra time. “We knew that if it has to go to pen- alties, it has to go to penalties. We were ready for that.”

JAMES RODRIGUEZ BLOW Colombia were dealt a huge blow before kick-off as James Rodriguez failed to shake off a calf injury, the Bayern Mu- nich midfi elder not even fi t enough for England’s players celebrate after winning World Cup round of 16 match against Colombia in a penalty shootout at Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. (AFP) a place on the bench. The 26-year-old was the Golden Boot winner with six goals in Brazil four Penalty shootout years ago, when Colombia reached the 1-1 (aftererer eextraxtra time) quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time. COL Score ENG Kane, Raheem Sterling and Dele Alli were among nine players recalled for 3 Falcao 1-0 England after Gareth Southgate rested 1-1 Kane 3 the majority of his fi rst-choice side for 3 Cuadrado 2-1 their fi nal group game against Belgium. 2-2 Rashford Kane scored a combined fi ve goals in 3 the wins over Tunisia and Panama, and 3 Muriel 3-2 the Tottenham striker went close when 3-2 Henderson 2 his looping header back across goal 2 Uribe 3-2 landed on the roof of the net. Sterling then did well to spin past the 3-3 Trippier 3 imposing Davinson Sanchez although 2 Bacca 3-3 his left-footed strike was charged 3-4 Dier 3 down, while Kieran Trippier curled wide from a free-kick. Wilmar Barrios was booked for lean- ing his head into the chest of Jordan Colombia’s players are dejected after Henderson as the game grew into an losing the penalty shootout against increasingly fi esty aff air. England in the FIFA World Cup round Pickford made his fi rst save from of 16 match against England at Spartak a fi zzing long-range eff ort from Juan Stadium in Moscow yesterday. (AFP) Fernado Quintero, while Jesse Lingard sliced over after Colombia half-cleared a cross. Manuel Uribe’s spectacular long-range A member of the Colombia coach- strike. ing staff appeared to deliberately barge England manager Gareth Southgate But Mina rose powerfully to meet Sterling as the Manchester City player celebrates yesterday’s win. (Reuters) the resulting corner, with Trippier only QUARTER-FINALS headed towards the half-time at the in- able to help the ball in via the underside terval, escaping with just a telling-off . pina, lifting his penalty just over the of the crossbar in the third minute of Kane made the breakthrough on 57 Arsenal goalkeeper’s outstretched leg. added-on time. minutes after he was wrestled to the Alli nearly added a second when his Substitute Danny Rose almost struck ground at a corner by Carlos Sanchez, diving header at the far post fl ashed an extra-time winner when his angled Uruguay Brazil Sweden Russia the same player who was shown the over the bar, with Lingard appealing for shot whistled beyond the far post, and July 6 July 6 July 7 July 7 fi rst red card of the tournament in a 2-1 another spot-kick after he was caught Eric Dier headed over unmarked at a Nizhny Novgorod, 5pm Kazan, 9pm Samara, 5pm Sochi, 9pm loss to Japan. by Davinson Sanchez. corner before England’s luck deserted The England captain faced a lengthy Juan Cuadrado blazed over with 10 them again in all too familiar fashion. France Belgium England Croatia wait as several Colombia players pro- minutes to play, and it appeared Co- Then, unlike so many times be- tested to the referee but he kept his lombia’s hopes were up when Pick- fore, luck fi nally smiled on them in the nerve to beat north London rival Os- ford made a terrifi c save to turn behind shootout. Sweden are through to the World Cup last eight for the fi rst time since 1994 in the United States 2 Gulf Times Wednesday, July 4, 2018

REPORT SWE 1-0 SUI FOCUS Honda and captain Hasebe call time on Sweden reach last international career

Reuters could. I did the best I could.” Rostov-on-Don, Russia Honda, who scored 37 times in 98 appearances for his country, was used as an impact player off eisuke Honda and cap- the bench in his third World Cup eight aft er edging tain Makoto Hasebe and had a couple of chances to have announced their grab a winner for Japan before retirement from inter- the dramatic denouement. nationalK football following Ja- “I’ve always said if you’re in pan’s elimination from the World this competition you should be in Cup at the hands of Belgium on to win it, and I hope the younger Monday night. generation of players carry on Honda, 32, came off the bench that spirit,” said Honda. past Switzerland late in the last-16 clash with Hasebe, once heralded by Roberto Martinez’s side, but was former Japan head coach Al- unable to prevent his side from berto Zaccheroni as one of only Emil Forsberg’s deflected shot earns a scrappy 1-0 win over Switzerland slipping to an agonising 3-2 loss. two “true captains” he had “Today we showed how we can ever managed along with Paolo proceed as Japanese football,” Maldini, has also decided to step the former AC Milan midfi elder down from international duties. told reporters after the match. The midfi elder, who plays in “I might have fi nished my ca- Germany for Eintracht Frank- reer for the national team, but furt, made 114 caps for Japan. I’m happy because we have many “I would like to express my young players following us, and gratitude to my colleagues who I think that they will make new fought together for about 12 and history for Japanese football.” a half years since 2006, and to Japan held a two-goal lead be- all the Japanese people who sup- fore Jan Vertonghen, Marouane ported me so much,” the captain Fellaini and Nacer Chadli secured said in a post on Instagram. a dramatic win for Belgium. “The time I walked with you “This is the last World Cup is an important treasure for me. for me,” Honda added. “That’s Thank you from the bottom of the reality. To be perfectly hon- my heart!,” he added. est, I wanted to take everyone to Japan’s squad was one of the the next round but I couldn’t get oldest at Russia 2018, with an the job done. I did everything I average age of over 28.

Japan fans hold pictures of Keisuke Honda inside the stadium before the match against Belgium on Monday. (Reuters)

Japan’s oracle octopus turned into sashimi Sweden’s Emil Forsberg (second from left) celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against Switzerland in Saint Petersburg, Russia yesterday. (AFP) Reuters successfully predicted Japan AFP defl ected off the unfortunate Manuel Sebastian Larsson in midfi eld. im Dzemaili snatched at Steven Zuber’s Samara, Russia would lose that match but he Saint Petersburg, Russia Akanji, means Sweden are through to the After back-to-back penalty shoot-outs, pull-back. was unfortunately not around World Cup last eight for the fi rst time Brazil versus Mexico and Belgium’s pulsat- At the other end, Albin Ekdal was even to see his prophecy come true. since 1994 in the United States. ing comeback against Japan, there was al- closer, and completely free, when he n octopus who suc- Abe added that another weden reached the World Cup Their route to the quarters has not been ways a danger this last-16 tie would strug- sidefooted Lustig’s cross over. cessfully predicted all octopus will be used to predict quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time in easy and, what they have lost in the indi- gle to deliver, even on low expectations. Rather than let loose, both teams tight- Aof Japan’s World Cup future matches at Russia 2018. 24 years after Emil Forsberg’s de- vidual brilliance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, It was a contest that lacked quality, ened after the interval, and Forsberg’s group stage matches has been “I’m glad all the forecasts fl ected shot earned a scrappy 1-0 they appear to have gained in grit, deter- particularly in the fi nal third, where both goal came out of the blue. With space on killed and turned into sashimi, turned out correct and Japan winS over Switzerland yesterday. mination and collective spirit. teams were often painfully imprecise. the edge of the box, his dummy did for according to local media moved on to the knockout This was far from a classic at the Saint Their next opponents would be foolish Victor Lindelof slipped on the ball in Granit Xhaka before the shot was helped reports. stage,” Abe told the Mainichi Petersburg Stadium and if Colombia or to take them lightly. the fi rst 10 seconds and that set the tone in by the outstretched foot of Akanji. The mollusc, named Rabio, Shimbun newspaper before Ja- England’s players were watching on from The one blemish on the victory was a for the fi rst half, which was largely a col- Switzerland twice went close to grab- chose the winners of Japan’s pan’s loss to Belgium in the last Moscow, they could be forgiven for feel- yellow card for defender Mikael Lustig, lection of mishit passes, heavy touches bing an equaliser, as Djourou’s header matches during an experiment 16. “I hope Rabio’s successor ing bullish about their prospects in the who will now be suspended for the quar- and skewed shots. dribbled agonisingly across the goal-line in a paddling pool. will accurately tip the results of last eight. ter-fi nal in Samara on Saturday. There were chances and Sweden had and substitute Haris Seferovic drew a late Despite gaining national atten- all games.” Switzerland’s Michael Lang was sent Both sides had been hampered by sus- most of them. Marcus Berg blasted over save from close range. tion for its success, however, Rabio is not the first oracle off in injury-time for a last-ditch push on pensions here too, with Switzerland more when set free early on and then saw his Olsson was pushed in the back by Lang the fisherman who caught octopus to predict World Cup Martin Olsson and referee Damir Skomi- badly aff ected. They were without both fi nish blocked following a poor clearance with only Sommer to beat in injury-time, Rabio, Kimio Abe, sent him to matches. na downgraded his penalty to a free-kick Fabian Schaer and captain Stephan Li- by Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. with Skomina initially awarding a penalty market before Japan’s third German invertebrate Paul the on the edge of the area. But the game was chtsteiner at the back, prompting Johan After a slow start, and Lustig’s foul on but changing his decision to a free-kick match against Poland. octopus correctly predicted six already up. Djourou and Lang to come in. Josip Drmic, Switzerland grew in confi - after he consulted the replay. Lang’s red The giant Pacific octopus had World Cup games in 2010. Forsberg’s second-half strike, which For Sweden, Gustav Svensson replaced dence and should have scored when Bler- card stood and Sweden held on.

BOTTOMLINE Upsets and tears, Asia makes an impact but little progress

Reuters managed to scale only twice: when Cup if you cannot fi nd the net. Kazan, Russia South Korea reached the semi-fi nals The South Korean players were in on home soil in 2002, and their cousins tears when they realised that their 2-0 in the North got to the last eight at the win over Germany in Kazan would not outh Korea hammered the Ger- 1966 World Cup in England. send them through to the last 16, but mans, and Japan very nearly did A contingent of fi ve Asian countries defeats in their fi rst two matches had the same to Belgium, but Asia’s competed in Russia for the fi rst time, left them with only the slimmest of representatives are once again and at least there were four victories chances. headingS home before the business end to celebrate — a stark contrast with the Japan likewise might have felt un- of the World Cup gets going. 2014 fi nals when the continent went lucky on Tuesday morning, but they The Samurai Blue looked like provid- winless. only made it to the second round be- ing the biggest shock yet of a tourna- Japan’s victory over 10-man Colom- cause they had fewer yellow cards in the ment riddled with upsets when they bia in their opening fi xture was the fi rst group stage than Senegal. led the richly talented Belgians 2-0 competitive win for the continent over Asia will host the World Cup for the with half an hour to play on Monday, a South American side, while South second time in Qatar in 2022, when only to lose 3-2 in the last minute of Korea’s defeat of the defending cham- automatic qualifi cation for the hosts stoppage time. Understandably, the pions in their fi nal group match was means the continent could be repre- Japanese were shattered by the end to simply extraordinary. sented by six teams. their dream of reaching the last eight Iran also opened with a smash- China will still need a serious upturn for the fi rst time and becoming Asia’s and-grab raid of a win over Morocco in fortunes if it is to join the many Chi- fi rst World Cup quarter-fi nalists since but they were always up against it in a nese sponsors in Qatar, and it may even the continent hosted the tournament group that also featured Spain and Por- have to wait until the fl oodgates open in 2002. tugal, while Saudi Arabia beat Egypt in for the mooted 48-team World Cup in “This is football. It is a bitter pill to a fi nal fi xture that was the deadest of 2026 for a place on football’s biggest swallow, but a result that we have to ac- dead rubbers. stage. cept,” Shinji Kagawa said. Only Australia, part of the Asian At the very least, though, the per- “I wanted to create a new chapter in confederation since 2006, were unable formances of Japan and South Korea history, but we have realized what a big to register a victory, once again illus- might stop Asia being the fi rst point of wall in world soccer we have to climb.” trating that organisation and fi ghting call for those who want to argue that It is a wall that Asian teams have spirit will not get you far at the World the World Cup is already too big. Japan’s Shinji Kagawa looks dejected after the loss to Belgium during the match in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on Monday. (Reuters) Cavani was the top scorer for Uruguay during their qualifying campaign with 10 goals and fi nished ahead of Messi and Neymar 3 Gulf Times Wednesday, July 4, 2018

SPOTLIGHT KEY MAN Stop Mbappe! Cavani would be Uruguay’s tactic vs France huge loss if he fails to for quarter-fi nal

Reuters to cloud Griezmann’s desire to Nizhny Novgorod help France into the semi-fi nal, though. “He knows it is the World Cup. In the World Cup, it ruguay will seek to is a diff erent mentality,” he said. make French game summon up all their “We know it’s a special game for famous defensive spirit us, I don’t know for him. He’s a in Friday’s quarter-fi nal really good player, he’s brilliant againstU France to shackle the Eu- with the left foot.” Uruguay striker has a painful calf swelling but not a muscle tear, boosting his ropeans’ lighting-fast teenage Midfi elder Diego Laxalt said top-scorer Kylian Mbappe. Uruguay would dig deep into chances of facing France where he plays his club football for Paris Saint Germain The South Americans have its so-called “Garra Charrua” conceded just one goal — the fi ghting spirit — named after a Reuters the other one came from behind. joint lowest in the tournament ferocious South American war- Sochi, Russia That was an incredible play, they with Brazil — in four straight rior tribe — to stop France. “We Edinson Cavani scored a stunning have never scored like that be- wins on their way to the show- know they have a strong attack. brace to lead Uruguay to a 2-1 win over fore.” down in Nizhny Novgorod. We need to go out with a lot of Portugal on Saturday and set up a ruguay’s Edinson Cav- It is his ability to power down But 19-year-old Mbappe has sacrifi ce... be solid at the back, quarter-final clash against France. (AFP) ani has always played the fl anks or provide a defence- announced himself as one of the deny them space to maximize second fi ddle to his splitting pass to set up a fellow world’s hottest talents with three their speed,” he told a news con- more illustrious attack- forward, that makes Cavani a big goals, including two against Ar- ference. “We want to stop them Uing colleagues at country or club threat — and potentially such a gentina and an amazing 70-me- playing, make their strikers un- level but the long-haired marks- big loss. Add his fi nishing prow- tre sprint that ended with him comfortable, that’s our weapon. man emerged out of those shad- ess, as was evident during his winning a penalty. “About Making them respect us.” ows with his twin strike in the second goal against Portugal, Mbappe, everybody knows he’s Uruguay’s own impressive World Cup round of 16 last week. and Cavani has the qualities to a really good player, he’s like front line may be without Edin- Cavani scored a stunning rival any top player in the world. (Thierry) Henry a few years son Cavani, who suff ered a calf brace to lead the South Ameri- But the 31-year-old has always ago,” Uruguay’s own hotshot injury after scoring two fabulous cans to a 2-1 win over European had to do something special to Luis Suarez told reporters after goals against Portugal in the last champions Portugal on Saturday be the centre of attraction in his training yesterday. “But I think 16. “He is fi ghting for fi tness. and set up a quarter-fi nal clash career, fi tting himself into diff er- we have a really good defence to “About Cavani, we don’t know, against France. He dominated ent positions for the La Celeste, control him — but not just one we’re just waiting for a few days,” the headlines but acclaim for the either for long-serving Uruguay player, the (whole) France team.” Suarez said. “His signifi cance, goals has been quickly replaced forward Diego Forlan, who forced As well as Mbappe, Uruguay both for my play and for the by concerns about the injury him to the wings, or for Suarez. will have another tricky French team, is key because of the class he sustained in the 74th minute It has not been any diff erent at forward, Antoine Griezmann, to of player he is.” against Portugal. his club PSG either. With Swe- contend with. That duel comes Suarez revealed he had spoken The player has a painful calf den’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading with a twist, given Griezmann’s to Argentina captain and Barce- swelling but not a muscle tear, the attack, Cavani always had to aff ection for Uruguay and lona teammate Lionel Messi after the country’s football federation play a secondary role. When the friendship with their two central his exit from the World Cup, but (FCF) said on Monday, boost- Swede joined Manchester Unit- defenders Jose Gimenez and Di- declined to give details. “I spoke ing his chances of facing France ed, Cavani fi nally had the chance ego Godin at Atletico Madrid. as a friend — obviously that stays where he plays his club football to prove his worth and did not Suarez did not expect that between us.” for Paris Saint Germain. A scan disappoint. showed swelling in Cavani’s left He fi nished the 2016-17 sea- calf muscle but no torn fi bres, son with 47 club goals, only be- the FCF said in a statement. “The hind Lionel Messi in the leading player remains in pain. He will leagues in Europe. With Brazilian continue to do individual work Neymar arriving from Barcelona and rehabilitation. His evolution the next season for a world record is being monitored,” it said. fee, the focus again shifted off The Portgual game had been Cavani, possibly explaining his billed as a showdown between early ugly public spat with Ney- Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronal- mar over penalty-taking duties. do. Yet Cavani stole the limelight The goals have, however, not early when he switched play a dried up and Cavani is now part long cross to Suarez and contin- of a feared attacking trio along- ued his run to head home a pin- side Neymar and French striker point deep cross from the Barce- Kylian Mbappe. Cavani has now lona forward and give Uruguay a overtaken Ibrahimovic as the seventh-minute lead. club’s all-time top scorer. The goal featured superb link- Cavani was also the top scorer play between the two forwards, a for Uruguay during their World combination that would be Uru- Cup qualifying campaign with guay’s strongest weapon against 10 goals and fi nished ahead an attack-minded team like of players such as Argentina’s France. “There was a cross to the Messi, who had seven, and Bra- left, then a cross to the right — zil’s Neymar, who had six. With there is no scheme against that,” his strikes against Portugal, his Portugal coach Fernando Santos tally in Russia reached three. All France’s forward Kylian Mbappe (left) and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are said of the goal. “Their strikers of Uruguay is hoping he has the in good spirits during a training session at the Glebovets stadium in were very strong; one was there, chance to add more. Istra, some 70km west of Moscow yesterday. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE FOCUS Argentina supporters left in Maradona off ers to coach Argentina for free Russia wonder what to do AFP Buenos Aires Reuters Kazan iego Maradona wants to return to the position of rgentina may have been knocked Argentina coach and is out of the World Cup in Russia, but willing to work for free, plenty of their frustrated fans re- asD Jorge Sampaoli faces pressure main, holding tickets to fi nals they to resign following their World expectedA their team to feature in — while Cup travails. Speaking on his hoping desperately that bitter rivals Brazil “Hand of God” television show, get eliminated. the 57-year-old Maradona, who With Argentina runners-up in Brazil four coached Argentina for two years years ago and quarter-fi nalists at the previ- from 2008-10, said it was painful ous two World Cups, a number of their sup- to see the current state of the na- porters had understandably planned for a tional team. long stay. But their 4-3 defeat to France in “I would return to leading the Kazan condemned them to their earliest exit national team and I would do it since the 2002 tournament, leaving more With Argentina runners-up four years ago and quarter-finalists at the previous two World for free, I wouldn’t ask for any- than a few itineraries up in the air. Cups, a number of their supporters had understandably planned for a long stay. (AFP) thing in return,” Maradona said Days after masses of blue-and-white- on his programme, which runs Diego Maradona’s own World Cup coaching campaign in 2010 had shirted supporters marched to Kazan Arena Tables of Argentine fans did just that at their own team and Brazil, but we only sup- on Venezuelan channel Telesur. ended in an ignominious 4-0 thumping by Germany in the singing “champions of Russia”, Buenos Aires the local ‘Twin Peaks’ bar, watching gloom- port Argentina. Honestly, we are only moved Sampaoli is resisting intense quarter-finals in South Africa. (Reuters) man Enrique Mayol cut a more subdued ily as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 to set up a quar- by Argentina and that’s it. Argentine football pressure to resign following Ar- fi gure as he wandered the town centre on a ter-fi nal tie with Belgium in Kazan on Fri- is what runs in our veins.” gentina’s 4-3 defeat to France sack him. “Hopefully God will a player, leading Argentina to sweltering day. day. When Brazil’s talisman Neymar scored For Mariano Nayar from Buenos Aires, the on Saturday during a World Cup give me the strength to return World Cup glory in 1986 and “This is very tough. In Argentina we are his goal, a couple of middle-aged Argentines pain of seeing Lionel Messi’s World Cup exit campaign that was fraught with to the bench,” said Maradona, again to the fi nal four years later. fanatical about football. The issue of losing promptly rose from their seats and shuffl ed still lingered as he trudged around town with tension and disputes. whose own World Cup coaching But his coaching career has been is very tough, especially being here, it alters toward the exit in disgust. two sweaty compatriots. “It hurts, it hurts, it The coach is believed to have campaign in 2010 ended in an far less glamorous despite his your life plans,” said Mayol, who is left with They are more likely to cheer on Belgium hurts, because our expectations were to get lost the support of his play- ignominious 4-0 thumping by stint in charge of the national a ticket to the France-Uruguay quarter-fi nal on Friday, but Leandro Garay, from Escobar to the fi nal,” he said. ers with some claims attribut- Germany in the quarter-fi nals in team, in which he presided over in Nizhny Novgorod on Friday. “We had in Buenos Aires province, said it was tough “We have the best player in the world so ing team selection and tactics to South Africa. “I’m 57, watching a record-equalling 6-1 defeat to foreseen going to play the quarter-fi nals in to support any team left in Russia. “We Ar- we always bet on him, but sadly this time we captain and star Lionel Messi. my country, which was beaten by Bolivia. Nizhny and we had to change the tickets be- gentines are a bit diff erent in that regard,” he did not have a very well-structured team. Sampaoli, though, has another a team that isn’t one of the best His last two jobs were in the cause of what we had been assigned. But we said near the Kazan Kremlin, the city’s main Sadly, we have to watch it on TV now, but four years to run on his contract, in the world — it really hurts to United Arab Emirates, most re- carry on, and it’s an event which takes place tourist site. we will enjoy it anyway. We like football. In meaning the Argentine Foot- see everything that we’ve built cently failing to guide Fujairah to every four years, and it’s fantastic, and we “We only support Argentina. Other fans Argentina we are fans by nature so we will ball Association (AFA) would destroyed so easily.” promotion from the Emirati sec- want to carry on watching football.” support their own team and Argentina or enjoy it anyway.” have to pay a reported $15mn to Maradona was a genius as ond division last season. It is the fi rst time in the post-Soviet era that Russia have reached a World Cup quarter-fi nal 4 Gulf Times Wednesday, July 4, 2018

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS We have not Aft er great escape, been practising penalties, says Belgians eye Brazil Russia’s Akinfeev

Reuters Khimki, Russia

ussia goalkeeper Igor without pressure Akinfeev, who saved two penalties to carry his team past Spain and intoR the World Cup last eight, ‘I don’t think anyone expects us to go through to the semi-finals’ has not been practising spot kicks with his teammates, he said yesterday. The Muscovite twice denied Spain from the spot on Sunday, including kicking away Iago Aspas’s fi nal shot to help his team win the shootout 4-3 fol- lowing a 1-1 draw on Sunday. “We defi nitely have not trained in it (penalties),” he told report- ers at their base on the outskirts of Moscow. Akinfeev said the team had hoped to beat Spain in regular time and not have to history, and we want to write go to penalties. “But the game new history now. We will try and was long and all the emotions fi ght. This tournament shows were gone in those 120 minutes,” that we are sincere in what we are he said. The Russians, whose doing, and that is why it is going win triggered wild celebrations so well so far.” Russia’s win over around the country, next face the 2010 world champions has Croatia in the last eight, and Ak- boosted the confi dence of what infeev said the euphoria would was the lowest-ranked team go- now need to subside. “Let’s all ing into the tournament, and has put it all aside, please, and con- whetted the hosts’ appetite for centrate on the next game,” he more success. It is the fi rst time said. in the post-Soviet era that Rus- “The team created a holiday sia have reached a World Cup that evening. But it is already quarter-fi nal.

RECOVERY Marcelo, Costa back in training for Brazil AFP in their last group match, and Sochi, Russia Mexico in the last 16 on Monday. Brazil won both games 2-0 and now face Belgium in the last razil were given a boost eight in Kazan on Friday. Marcelo in the build-up to their missed the Mexico game with a World Cup quarter- back problem, with Filipe Luis fi nal against Belgium as fi lling in at left-back in his ab- MarceloB and Douglas Costa both sence. Tite’s squad are due to took part in training yesterday. train at their base in Sochi on The Juventus winger Costa Russia’s Black Sea coast for the has only featured once in Brazil’s last time today, before heading Japan’s Gen Shoji (left), goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima (centre) and Yuto Nagatomo are crestfallen as Belgium’s players celebrate their winning goal in Rostov-on-Don. (AFP) campaign in Russia so far, com- to Kazan ahead of the Belgium ing off the bench in the 2-0 vic- clash. Midfi elder Casemiro will Reuters being favourites”, said Martinez. left them at sea. On 65 minutes, Martinez py to go through,” said Belgium captain tory against Costa Rica in their miss that game due to suspen- Moscow Only once they were 2-0 behind with threw on West Bromwich Albion winger Hazard, who was the man of the match. second group outing. He suf- sion, with Fernandinho of Man- half an hour to play and “nothing to lose” Nacer Chadli and Marouane Fellaini, the “To be fair, we were thinking it was like fered a thigh injury in that game chester City expected to replace did the Red Devils “almost enjoy the op- towering Manchester United midfi elder. two years ago against Wales,” added Haz- and missed the wins over Serbia him in the starting line-up. t took a great escape in injury time to portunity of getting back into it”, he add- Within 10 minutes, after a lucky goal ard. “But we have players who can change get there after being two goals down ed. So against Brazil, “we can really enjoy from Tottenham Hotspur full-back Jan the game and they came off the bench to to Japan, but Belgium can now view it from the fi rst second.” Vertonghen, Fellaini had headed the make the diff erence.” their quarter-fi nal against Brazil free He refused to take questions on his tac- equaliser. As extra-time loomed, a quick “During the fi rst half we were quite Iof the weight of expectation. tics, praising the Japanese and the “hun- throw out from goalkeeper Thibaut good, but things went wrong at the start “When you play against Brazil, you ger” of his own players, though Belgians Courtois, a run through the middle by of the second half, both goals were avoid- need to understand they are the best team at home are asking plenty of questions Kevin De Bruyne to feed Thomas Meu- able, but the reaction we showed was in the competition,” coach Roberto Mar- about the strength of his three-man de- nier on the right and a cross that Lukaku great,” said Hazard. The victory em- tinez said after a fi nal charge up the park fensive line and the sharpness of an at- deftly left for Chadli had the Belgians in phatically answered any questions about four minutes into stoppage time gave Bel- tacking force which had knocked in nine heaven in just 10 seconds. the Belgians’ fi ghting spirit. “These are gium a 3-2 win and a tough date in Kazan in three games in the group phase. “Miracle men,” was the simple head- the type of matches we need, so we are all on Friday. “We can enjoy it from the fi rst Brought in from Everton after quarter- line in Brussels’ Le Soir. Friday’s encoun- very happy,” Hazard added. “It’s going to minute,” the Spaniard said, describing fi nal disappointments at the last World ter with Brazil will test whether they be magnifi cent playing against Brazil and the fi xture as a childhood dream for foot- Cup and Euro 2016 to provide some Pre- can make good on tactical and technical we need to rest and regenerate.” ballers. “I don’t think anyone expects us mier League collective steel to a “golden promise but the ‘miracle’ of Rostov sug- Meunier, too, admitted that he had to go through to the semi-fi nals.” generation”, Martinez silenced any critics gests Martinez has brought mental steel thought, “It’s all over.” Against Brazil, he In a goalless fi rst half on Monday, where with a double substitution. and strength in depth. said: “We’ll have more tough moments. the Japanese gave a side ranked third in Yannick Carrasco and Dries Mertens Captain Hazard confessed it felt like But it will be a great game. It’s now or the world by FIFA no space and threat- had danced past lesser opposition in sup- Euro 2016 all over again, when a couple never for Belgium do show we have the ened on the break, his players displayed port of Eden Hazard and striker Romelu of key injuries saw the Belgians surrender talent and what they call the ‘golden gen- Brazil’s players joke with teammates Danilo (centre) and Marquinhos “a fear of not being able to fulfi l the tag of Lukaku but the Samurai Blue’s pressing 3-1 to modest Wales. “We are just so hap- eration’.” during a training session at the Yug Sport Stadium in Sochi. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE Germany coach Loew stays in job despite World Cup debacle

AFP fi nished bottom of their group yet could all face the axe after use those who were playing well Berlin after defeats to Mexico and South poor displays. There are, how- regularly. Other complaints in- Korea in Russia. Shortly before ever, reports of player disgrun- cluded the choice of Germany’s the tournament, Loew signed a tlement in other quarters. isolated World Cup base in ermany coach Joachim contract extension until the 2022 Frankfurt-based newspaper south-west Moscow which many Loew will remain in his World Cup. FAZ quoted unnamed Germany players hated, and the clumsy job despite the World Loew said: “I am very grateful players who said the squad was handling of the pre-World Cup Cup holders’ shock for the confi dence that the DFB deeply divided between senior scandal involving Mesut Ozil and Gelimination in the group phase in has again shown in me and I feel and younger players in Russia. Ilkay Gundogan. Russia, the German Football As- a lot of support and encourage- Timo Werner and Julian Brandt, The players’ loyalty to Ger- sociation (DFB) said yesterday. ment despite the justifi ed criti- both 22, were given less playing many was brought into question The DFB said Loew, who has cism of our elimination. I am time than the players who won on the eve of the World Cup after been in the job for 12 years, had still hugely disappointed, but the World Cup in 2014. they met Turkey President Recep told German football chiefs he now my team and I would like to There was also reportedly re- Tayyip Erdogan, whom Gundog- wanted to carry on and oversee get started on the rebuilding. I sentment about the special status an presented with a jersey signed the “rebuilding” of the national will analyse with my team, hold given to captain and goalkeeper “to my president”. team. discussions and draw conclu- Manuel Neuer, who played all Both players were booed by Loew, who won the World Cup sions before the start of the new three group games, ahead of Bar- German fans during pre-World with Germany in Brazil in 2014, season. That all takes time, but it celona ‘keeper Marc-Andre Ter Cup friendlies, which overshad- was told he continued to enjoy will be done by the time interna- Stegen, even though the Bayern owed preparations for the fi nals. “the support of the entire leader- tional matches start in Septem- Munich player had just returned Ozil refused to comment on the ship” despite the team’s failure to ber.” after he was sidelined by a foot controversy during the World progress from the fi rst round for Senior players in the Germany fracture for eight months. Cup, while Gundogan gave a sin- the fi rst time in 80 years. team including Sami Khedira, The report said that was “a gle interview in which he said the The DFB said Joachim Loew, who has been in the job for 12 years, had told German football chiefs he In one of the biggest shocks Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller problem for some players” as furore was “a diffi cult experi- wanted to carry on and oversee the “rebuilding” of the national team. (AFP) in World Cup history, Germany have given Loew their backing, Loew had said he would only ence”. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 4, 2018 5 SPORT

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Algeria, Tunisia consider joining Real deny Neymar Morocco in future World Cup bid

Reuters “When we look at our cities, Algiers with the sporting and cultural bid as Ronaldo facilities present, we are able to consider that we can host ma- lgeria and Tunisia are jor world events,” he said. consider joining Mo- Argentina, Uruguay and rocco in a joint North Paraguay last year launched a African bid to host three-nation South American theA 2030 World Cup, govern- bid to host the 2030 tourna- ment offi cials said. ment, seeking to mark the cen- rumours swirl Morocco last month lost out tenary of the fi rst World Cup, to a joint North American bid hosted by Uruguay in 1930. European champions and La Liga giant refutes claims by Spain’s national broadcaster in the vote for the 2026 fi nals There have also been hints and immediately signalled its about a British bid, with the intention to try again, despite Football Association holding having bid fi ve times and come talks last month with the other up short each time. home nations about the possi- “Algeria will study a possi- bility of joining forces, accord- ble candidacy of the Maghreb ing to reports. countries for the organisa- Morocco and Tunisia played tion of the World Cup,” Alge- at the World Cup in Russia but ria sports minister Mohamed were eliminated at the group Hattab told reporters. stage, while Algeria reached “An application from the the second round in Brazil four Maghreb with Morocco, Alge- years ago. A FIFA vote to decide ria and Tunisia can be achieved the 2030 hosts is not expected through existing infrastruc- before 2022, when the World ture as well as future projects. Cup is headed to Qatar.

Kidnappers free father of Nigerian World Cup skipper Obi: police The father of Nigerian World Cup skipper John Mikel Obi who was kidnapped last week has been freed, police said yesterday. “Michael Obi, the father of the (Super) Eagles captain, has regained his freedom,” the spokesman for Enugu state police in southeast Nigeria, Ebere Amaraizu, said late Monday. Amaraizu said the senior Obi’s captors did not hurt him after seizing him at gunpoint last Thursday evening in Enugu, but Brazil’s forward Neymar celebrates scoring the opening goal they forced him to walk for about five kilometres (three miles) during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 match against barefoot in heavy rain. Mexico at the Samara Arena in Samara on Monday. (AFP) He said the Eagles skipper paid a ransom of 10 million naira (about $28,000) to obtain the release of his father, who is in his sixties. No arrest has been made but police are on the trail of the abductors, he said. Obi senior has been kidnapped once before, in the central city of Jos in 2011. Kidnapping of promi- nent and rich people and their families is common in southern Nigeria. The victims are usually released unhurt after a ransom is paid.

AFP that the claim came from sourc- a year. Ronaldo, who had shined Chambers ready to fi re for Gunners Madrid es it considered to be the “most in the World Cup before his Por- NBA reliable”. tugal side was beaten by Uruguay aft er signing new contract The report came hours after on Saturday, cast doubt over his England international defender Calum Chambers is willing to bat- eal Madrid have dis- Neymar’s Brazil saw off Mexico commitment to Real after winning tle to gain a first choice place at Arsenal after signing a long term missed as “absolutely 2-0 in the World Cup last 16 the Champions League in May. contract yesterday. Cousins agrees to join untrue” reports of in Russia to set up a tantalis- “It was very nice to be in Ma- The 23-year-old - whose international career has stalled since join- a 310 million-euro ing quarter-fi nal clash with drid,” he said, adding that “in the ing Arsenal from Southampton in 2014 with the last of his three caps ($360-million)R bid for Paris Belgium. next few days I will give an an- coming four years ago - says he is keen to prove he is worthy of a Warriors for one year Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Neymar Despite Real’s strong rejec- swer to the fans”. regular run out for the first team to new manager Unai Emery. that sparked rumours he could tion, the transfer rumour mill He later walked back the Although he played at right-back occasionally under Emery’s pred- Reuters Angeles Lakers, for whom the serve as a replacement if super- swirled at the possibility of a statement, but doubts over his ecessor Arsene Wenger he is normally a centreback and will com- New York big man had been considered a star Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the galactico swap, following hints future at Madrid have lingered. pete with the likes of veteran French international Laurent Koscielny likely target after they missed Spanish giants. that both Neymar and Ron- Should Madrid secure a possible and new Greek arrival Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who signed on out on Paul George. The colossal transfer claim, aldo could be unhappy at their Neymar transfer it would open Monday for a reported fee of £17.7million ($23.3million). ree agent centre De- Cousins told ESPN’s The which would dwarf the 222 mil- star-studded clubs. Neymar, the door for Ronaldo to move “I’m really proud, really pleased and excited for this season and Marcus Cousins has Undefeated that he was hurt lion-dollar deal that made Ney- 26, moved to PSG last year and and could also impact on Welsh what lies ahead,” he told Arsenal Player. agreed to a one-year, that he had no off ers, in- mar the world’s most expensive went on to score 19 goals in just winger Gareth Bale’s future. “I’ve really enjoyed it, it is a great club and there have been ups and $5.3 million contract cluding from the Pelicans. player last year, was made by 20 league games before suff ering Bale may also leave after withF the Golden State Warri- He made the decision to join downs but that is football, that is a career. Spain’s public television station a foot injury in February that re- helping Real to a third straight “I’ve met some great people here and I’m really excited about the ors, according to multiple re- Golden State after conversa- TVE on Monday evening. quired surgery in Brazil. Champions League win with two future and I want to kick on and prove to everyone the player I can ports on Monday. tions with president of bas- Real were quick to knock it He only returned to France in goals against Liverpool. be.” According to an ESPN re- ketball operations Bob Myers down, saying in a statement they May, fuelling speculation that he Real Madrid has also been Chambers was loaned out to Middlesbrough in their ill-fated battle port, Cousins narrowed his and former Team USA team- had not been consulted by TVE could seek to leave the club after thrown into fl ux after coach to retain their Premier League status in the 2016/17 campaign and choices to the Warriors and mates Stephen Curry, Kevin before the broadcast. just one season. Zinedine Zidane stepped down preferred to remain with the Gunners despite Leicester being keen Boston Celtics before picking Durant and Draymond Green. “Real Madrid have made no Yesterday Spanish newspaper in June having steering the club to sign him last summer. He ended up playing 24 times for Arsenal Golden State. His salary rep- “This is my ace of spades,” off er of any kind to PSG or the Marca claimed Madrid talisman to a third successive Champions last term and was especially prominent in their run to the Europa resents the taxpayer mid-level Cousins told The Undefeated. player,” added the European Ronaldo is interested in joining League trophy. League semi-finals. Emery said Chambers would definitely figure in exception. The news comes “This is my chess move.” champions, the home of Ronaldo Juventus, after Tuttosport said His replacement Julen Lo- his side in the forthcoming season. less than 48 hours after re- Cousins, who turns 28 in since 2009. he had reached an agreement petegui said in June that Ronaldo “I’m delighted Calum has extended his stay with us,” Emery told the ports said Cousins planned to August, is recovering from a TVE stood by its reporting with the Italian club on a contract is a player he wants “at his side Arsenal website. meet with New Orleans Peli- torn left Achilles tendon sus- however, saying on its website until 2022 worth 30 million euros always”. cans, his old team, and the Los tained in January.

MELEE IN MANILA Aussies ‘feared for safety’ aft er #basketbrawl AFP In chaotic scenes, a white- saying sorry to Australia. played” and was taking respon- Manila shirted attacker appeared to “As hosts, we regret having sibility for his own actions. slam a chair onto an Australian breached the bounds of tradi- “My hope is that this experi- player as he was set upon by up to tional Filipino hospitality,” it ence provides a springboard for ustralia’s “bruised and a dozen people, and a fan threw a said in a statement. “As the na- discussion regarding the secu- battered” basketball chair at another Australian team tional team representing fl ag and rity surrounding these games,” team said yesterday member. The game eventually country, we likewise extend our said the South Sudan-born Mil- they feared for their resumed with just three men apologies to the people.” waukee Bucks centre, who was safetyA and sought embassy help on the Philippines team but it But Japeth Aguilar, one of the ejected from the match. to escape after a brutal on-court was soon abandoned at 89-53 to expelled Filipino players, tweeted The Filipino players drew fur- brawl involving players, fans and Australia after two more home a personal apology to the Aus- ther criticism on social media offi cials during their World Cup players fouled out. tralians, adding: “There was no after several players were pho- qualifi er against the Philippines. “We had our players and team excuse for how we responded.” tographed taking a smiling group Basketball’s governing body management and our coaches Moore said the visitors kept selfi e, apparently after the fi ght. FIBA opened disciplinary pro- in fear of their physical safety,” their players and coaches court- Former NBA player Luc Long- ceedings against both teams Basketball Australia chief execu- side after the game and sought ley, now part of Australia’s after the astonishing melee in tive Anthony Moore told a news help from the Australian em- coaching staff , has been singled Manila, where players and of- conference. bassy to get the team safely out out for praise after he rushed fi cials kicked and pounded a “Are we going to be able to get to their bus and their hotel. to break up a mass brawl. The prone Australian player and both out of here unscathed?” “Physically our players are 49-year-old Longley, the fi rst sides exchanged fl ying kicks and Moore said the Aussies “ac- fi ne, they’re, you know, bruised Australian to play in the NBA, punches. cept our responsibility for our and battered,” Moore said. “Our raced in to protect the stricken Thirteen players were ejected role in last night’s incident” and athletes and coaches actually guard Goulding from his swarm after the all-in fi ght between the were waiting for the sport’s gov- stayed on the court for a consid- of attackers. Gilas Pilipinas and the Boom- erning body’s fi ndings and sanc- erable amount of time, (it was) The player’s agent Daniel ers in the third quarter, which tions. “What we don’t accept is the safest place for our players Moldovan praised Longley for was hashtagged #basketbrawl the action whereby fans and offi - and our coaches,” Moore said. his actions on his response to as footage and condemnation cials actually get involved in the FIBA tweeted that it was a video of the brawl posted on went viral. What was already a fray,” he said. opening disciplinary proceed- Twitter. “Horrifi c vision..... Luc bad-tempered game erupted in ings against both teams, adding: Longley might have just saved the third quarter when Philip- Selfie sparks anger “The decision(s) will be commu- Chris Goulding’s life. The assist- pine player Roger Pogoy knocked The Philippine basketball nicated in the coming days.” ant coach grabs a chair and pum- Australia’s Chris Goulding to the federation off ered its apologies Thon Maker, one of two NBA mels it down on his head while ground and Daniel Kickert re- yesterday to “Filipino basketball players on the Australian side, multiple cowards stomp on taliated by fl attening Pogoy with fans and to the basketball com- tweeted Tuesday he was “deeply him. This is very hard to watch,” Philippine and Australian players brawl during their FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier at the Philippine arena a fl ying elbow. munity”, but stopped short of disappointed in the actions dis- Moldovan said. in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila, on Monday. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 4, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING Froome says ‘huge weight’ lift ed as cleared for Tour ‘This was a nightmare scenario for any clean athlete. It was challenging to a level I’ve never experienced before’

AFP climbed off (a turbo trainer) and im- ‘Wires get a little bit crossed’ London mediately just started googling to learn If Froome wins he will become only what I could about Salbutamol, about the third rider in history – along with thresholds.” Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault – to our-time Tour de France Froome won the Vuelta and went on be the reigning champion in all three of champion Chris Froome said to add the Giro this year, storming to cycling’s Grand Tours. yesterday that being cleared of victory with a remarkable 80-kilome- Frech icon Hinault, known as the doping allegations had lifted tre (50-mile) breakaway in the moun- “Badger”, told AFP prior to Froome’s aF “huge weight” from his shoulders, tainous 19th stage that turned a defi - being cleared that the peleton should describing the saga as “like your worst cit of more than three minutes into a go on strike if the British rider starts. nightmare”. 40-second lead. However Froome said he would not The British rider had been barred give the fi ve-time winner the cold from taking part in world cycling’s ‘It doesn’t get much worse’ shoulder. biggest race, which gets underway on Tour organisers dropped their op- “I can’t say anything bad about Ber- Saturday, until organisers dramatically position to Froome racing mere hours nard,” he said. lifted the ban on Monday. after the Swiss-based UCI confi rmed “He’s one of the great champions. Froome, 33, told the Times in a in- it had cleared Froome of doping sus- “I imagine with age sometimes your terview he felt dizzy last year when picions. wires get a little bit crossed, but if I see a lawyer from the sport’s governing “These were severe allegations,” said him I’ll very happily explain it all in a body, the Union Cycliste Internation- Froome. “For an athlete it doesn’t get bit more detail... because he certainly ale (UCI), informed him he had record- much worse,” he said. got the wrong end of the stick.” ed more than the allowed dose of the “This was a nightmare scenario for So driven is Froome that he said he legal asthma drug Salbutamol during any clean athlete. It was challenging to will not leave the Tour even if his wife September’s Vuelta a Espana. a level I’ve never experienced before. Michelle, who is eight months preg- “It has been like your worst night- “For any athlete, to go through nant, goes into labour. The baby is due mare,” said Kenyan-born Froome, something like this, it can defi ne your on August 1, just a few days after the speaking to The Times from his apart- career. Tour reaches its climax in Paris. ment in Monte Carlo. “If you’ve done something wrong, “I’ll hopefully be back in time but “It was the phone call I never that stays with you forever. So it’s a there are no guarantees,” he said. thought I would ever receive. huge weight off my shoulders.” “I’ve had teammates miss births to “Tim Kerrison (his Team Sky Aus- Froome said he has received endless stay and support me in the Tour so if I tralian coach) was walking around and calls, including from school friends was in that position I couldn’t let them I told him, ‘I can’t believe what I just from South Africa, telling him they down. heard’. knew the truth would come out in the “Michelle understands that 100 “You do everything right then this end. He is expected to face a hostile re- per cent. It’s a huge sacrifi ce but that nightmare. I actually felt dizzy. I ception from some Tour spectators. comes with the territory.”

RUGBYFroome under no illusions as he seeks to make history ritain’s four-time Tour de career,” Froome said in a statement re- ment that reputation even further.” France champion Chris Froome leased by Team Sky. “I’ve never started Brailsford, who prior to Froome’s says he is entering unknown the Tour de France after riding the Giro Vuelta controversy had to weather a territory as he bids to add a fi fth d’Italia and it has meant a completely storm over star rider Bradley Wiggins Bwin in the world’s greatest cycling race. diff erent approach to my season. and the use of therapeutic use exemp- The 33-year-old Kenya-born rider “But I learnt a lot from riding the tion (TUEs)forms, said he expected the – who if successful would join Belgian Vuelta straight after the Tour de France two debutants in the team, 21-year-old legend Eddie Merckx as the only cy- last year which has given me confi dence Colombian Egan Bernal and Italian Gi- clists to win four successive Tour de coming into this race. anni Moscon, 24, to shine. France – earned a late reprieve to line- “I want to make history with a fi fth “It is a team of real versatility and one up when he was cleared on Monday of Tour de France win and fourth consec- that balances youth with experience,” an alleged doping off ence emanating utive Grand Tour. I am under no illusion he said. “They (Bernal and Moscon) are from last year’s Vuelta d’Espana, which about the challenge, but I am feeling both very talented bike riders and will he won. ready and I couldn’t ask for a better have a lot to off er. Froome heads the Team Sky line-up team to support me.” “It is also fantastic that Luke Rowe announced on Tuesday with faithful Dave Brailsford, the principal of will be riding the Tour again as our road lieutenant Geraint Thomas – perhaps Team Sky, said there would be no ex- captain after his serious accident last in his fi nal Tour with the team – among cuses if Froome comes up short as he summer (he suff ered a double fracture the seven teammates who will aid his is in peak shape and the team has been of the leg last August when he went challenge and add it to the Giro d’Italia selected as the ideal one to adapt to the white water rafting at his brother’s stag crown he won in May. challenges of this year’s route. weekend in Prague). Froome is targetting a record-equal- “We go into the Tour with a lot of “It is testament to his ability and de- ling fi fth Tour de France title – joining confi dence,” said Brailsford. termination that he has come back so Merckx, French duo Bernard Hinault “Chris is in great shape after the Giro strongly.” and Jacques Anquetil and Spaniard – mentally and physically – and the TEAM: Chris Froome (GBR), Egan Miguel Indurain – as well as a fourth whole team want to build on the success Bernal (COL), Jonathan Castroviejo consecutive Grand Tour victory. “The we had in Italy. (ESP), Michal Kwiatkowski (POL), Gianni last twelve months have been the hard- “Chris is already one of the greats of Moscon (ITA), Wout Poels (NED), Luke est but also the most incredible of my the sport. This is a chance for him to ce- Rowe (GBR), Geraint Thomas (GBR).

FOCUS GOLF South Korea’s Park withdraws McDowell pulls out from Open qualifi er aft er clubs go missing

Reuters “Clubs still not on way from Paris. Established from Asian Games, mulls future that they are in the black hole known as CDG,” he London AFP added. The 147th Open begins on July 19. Seoul ormer US Open champion Graeme Mc- Host South Korea takes top seed Dowell has withdrawn from a British for LPGA International Crown outh Korea’s fading Open qualifying event yesterday be- Host South Korea, led by world number one poster boy Park Tae- cause his clubs have been lost after an Air Park In-bee and second-ranked Park Sung-hy- hwan insisted he wasn’t FranceF fl ight from Paris where he was competing un, was made top seed on Monday for October’s about to retire as he an- at the French Open. LPGA International Crown team event with de- nouncedS his withdrawal from The 38-year-old from Northern Ireland trav- fending champion United States second. next month’s Asian Games, say- elled from Charles de Gaulle airport to Manches- The fi nal rosters of eight teams of four women ing he wasn’t in good enough ter for a 36-hole qualifi er at St Annes near Black- each was determined based upon the women’s shape despite non-stop training. pool, bidding for a spot at this year’s third major world rankings, with the nations having been The 28-year-old former Olym- at Carnoustie later this month. selected earlier for the biennial event that debut pic champion, who has laboured “I have offi cially withdrawn from @TheOpen with Spain winning in 2014. Japan was seeded to recover from a doping ban qualifying tomorrow at St Anne’s Old Links. I third followed in order by England, Australia, imposed in 2015, said he needed cannot give 100% without my own equipment Thailand, Sweden and Taiwan for the October 4-7 time to consider his future. which has been mishandled by @AirFrance and tournament at the Jack Nicklaus Club in Incheon “Even if I have been training must turn my attention to @DDFIrishOpen this City. Fourth-ranked Ryu So-yeon and seventh- non-stop since 2016, I recently weekend,” he tweeted. ranked Kim In-kyung complete the South Korean came to realise I am not in a good “Lots of you wanting to know why I don’t grab roster on the toughest team to make. shape to achieve good results,” a set off the rack and give it my best shot to get in “It’s going to be crazy,” Ryu said. “Golf is such a Park said in a statement released @TheOpen... popular sport in Korea, and especially a lot of Ko- by his agency. “Of course I could do this, but wouldn’t be fi r- rean players dominating on the LPGA, is wom- “I and my company, therefore, ing on all cylinders and there are 6 spots up for en’s Golf is such a big thing in Korea. It’s going to have decided to stay away from grabs next 2 weeks at @DDFIrishOpen and @ be a lot of pressure, but I think that’s why we are the Asian Games,” he said. Park, ScottishOpen.” good at it. I think we can handle it and hopefully nicknamed “Marine Boy”, became Former world number four McDowell, who is we can get the Crown.” Asia’s fi rst Olympic champion in now 175th in the rankings, has cut his losses to fo- The Americans’ lineup will include fi fth-ranked the men’s 400m freestyle when cus on the Irish Open, which begins on Thursday Lexi Thompson, world No 8 Jessica Korda, 13th- he took gold in Beijing in 2008. to think about the future course those medals and banned for 18 in the preliminary rounds, failing in County Donegal. The Scottish Open is sched- ranked Cristie Kerr and 19th-rated Michelle Wie. Park, also South Korea’s fi rst of my activities,” he said. months after testing positive for to add to his career tally of four uled to start in Gullane the following Thursday. Thai sisters Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, ranked Olympic swimming medallist, Park won a silver and fi ve an anabolic steroid in out-of- Olympic medals. Park also swept Three Open places are up for grabs at both third and ninth respectively, lead their homeland’s won the 100m, 200m, 400m and bronze medals at the 2014 Asian competition controls before the the gold medals in the 200m, tournaments for the leading non-exempt players squad with other top players for teams including 1,500m freestyle at the national Games in Incheon, where the Games. 400m and 1,500m freestyle at who secure top-10 fi nishes. “Flew into Manches- Australia’s 10th-ranked Minjee Lee, Japan’s 12th- Asian Games trials in April. swimming competition was held After the ban was lifted, Park the 2006 Asian Games, and won ter last night from Charles de Gaulle (Airport) and ranked Nasa Hataoka, Sweden’s 15th-ranked Anna “I’m not considering retire- at the Park Tae-hwan Aquatics entered three events at the 2016 the 100m, 200m and 400m free- my golf clubs are untraceable,” McDowell, the Nordqvist, England’s 23rd-ranked Charley Hull ment yet but I’d like to have time Centre. But he was stripped of Rio Olympics but was eliminated style at the 2010 Asian Games. 2010 US Open winner, earlier wrote on Twitter. and Taiwan’s 43rd-ranked Teresa Lu. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 4, 2018 7 SPORT

CRICKET WIMBLEDON Sharapova out in fi rst round, Records tumble Djokovic advances as Finch hits 172 against Zimbabwe Australia took 75 from the Powerplay, with Finch doing the bulk of the scoring

Australia captain Aaron Finch plays a shot against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club yesterday.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his first round match against Tennys Sandgren of the US yesterday.

Agencies Wimbledon

ormer champion Mar- ia Sharapova was knocked out of Wim- bledon in the fi rst round Fyesterday by world number 132 and fellow Russian Vitalia Dia- tchenko. It was Sharapova’s fi rst ever defeat in the opening round tle at the All England Club. at the All England Club and it Djokovic, 31, is seeded 12th came as she made her return to here — his lowest Wimbledon the tournament after a three- seeding — but after a problem- year absence. atic 12 months since pulling out She went down 6-7 (3/7), of last year’s tournament with 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 having led by a an elbow injury there are signs set and 5-2. Diatchenko, who that the former world number came through qualifying, will one is coming back to form. He face Sofi a Kenin of the United was clinical against the 57th- States for a place in the last 32. ranked Sandgren who was Meanwhile, Novak Djoko- making his Wimbledon debut AFP the bulk of the scoring while Short was content to turn Stretching out to hit a full delivery from Muzarabani, vic did his best to fi nish off his and who had played only one Harare the strike over to his big-hitting partner. he over-balanced and kicked his own stumps to be out hit fi rst-round match at Wimble- Tour match on grass prior to When the team hundred came up halfway through the wicket. don in time for Court One fans arriving in London. 10th over, Finch had 74 runs to his name, while Short had While Muzarabani fi nished with two wickets to his to head off to watch England’s When he moved a double slew of records tumbled as Australia destroyed managed just 19 from the 24 balls he had faced. name, left-arm spinner Tendai Chisoro was the only World Cup clash with Colom- break ahead in the third set Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the Twenty20 tri-se- Short soon began to fi nd the middle of his own bat, bowler to escape severe punishment. bia yesterday. The Serbian just the end seemed imminent but ries at Harare Sports Club yesterday. though, and took a brace of sixes off Ryan Burl’s legspin to It appeared Zimbabwe might make a fi st of their huge failed but a 6-3 6-1 6-2 defeat Sandgren rescued one break Australian captain Aaron Finch powered his take his strike rate to over a run a ball. chase when openers Solomon Mire and Chamu Chibhab- of American Tennys Sandgren to delay the inevitable before Away to 172, a new world record high score in T20 inter- Finch, meanwhile, brought up his second T20I hun- ha rushed past 40 in the fourth over, but once they were was an impressive way to kick Djokovic fi nished with a fl our- nationals, and his opening partnership with D’Arcy Short dred at the end of the 14th over, taking just 50 deliveries. dismissed regular wickets quickly stalled the innings. off his challenge for a fourth ti- ish. put up 223, another world record. Four overs later, his 15th four took Australia’s score to Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar raced through four Australia reached 229 for 2, the highest total ever 200, and Finch then moved beyond 150 with a swipe to overs conceding just 16, while Andrew Tye’s seamers scored against Zimbabwe in a T20I. deep midwicket. were even more eff ective. TENNIS Finch cracked his fi rst six in the fourth over of the He then surpassed his own world record high score of Tye took 3 for 12 as Australia infl icted one last record morning, and with his third he brought up a 22-ball half 156 with his ninth six. against the host Zimbabwe, who slumped to their larg- century. Short eventually fell swinging across the line at fast est-ever defeat in T20Is. That was his fastest in Twenty20 internationals. bowler Blessing Muzarabani to be caught for 46, while Zimbabwe will take on Pakistan today in the tri-series’ Nadal critical of Australia took 75 from the Powerplay, with Finch doing Finch fell in bizarre circumstances in the fi nal over. next match. shot clock plan T20 ICC unveils tougher sanctions for ball Reuters tampering, sledging London

Dublin: The International orld number one Cricket Council (ICC) yes- Rafael Nadal Kuldeep, Rahul power terday unveiled tougher took a swipe at sanctions for ball tamper- plans to introduce ing and sledging in a bid to Wa shot clock at Wimbledon improve on-field behaviour next year after speedily mov- in the sport. ing past Israel’s Dudi Sela in India to big victory the fi rst round. The changes come in the wake of a ball-tampering The US Open is set to in- AFP scandal in South Africa in troduce a shot clock this year Manchester March that saw Steve Smith so that the 25 seconds allowed stripped of the Australian between points is strictly en- captaincy and suspended forced and Wimbledon is likely uldeep Yadav claimed his maiden from international and to follow suit. Twenty20 international fi ve- domestic cricket for a year. Nadal, who has often fallen wicket haul and KL Rahul struck foul of the slow-play rule dur- tory of our sport went that Teammates David Warner his second century in the format ing his career, said he could not quick.” asK India began their tour of England with an and Cameron Bancroft support the move. Nadal pointed to his epic impressive eight-wicket victory at Old Traf- were also banned. “I’m 32. I don’t know for four hour 48 minute Wimble- ford yesterday. “It is vital that there is a how long I’m going to play. don fi nal against Roger Fed- Left-arm spinner Yadav fi nished with strong deterrent to both Hopefully for a long time. But erer in 2008 — a match widely 5-24 as England were restricted to 159-8 af- players and administrators is something that is not both- considered the best fi nal ever ter they collapsed from 94-1 following India to ensure we have high ering me,” the Spaniard said played at the All England skipper Virat Kohli’s decision to insert the standards of conduct in our when asked for his opinion Club. He said speeding up hosts at the toss. game,”said ICC chairman in his news conference after tennis could water down the Jos Buttler was the only England batsman Shashank Manohar. a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win on Tues- drama, although in fact Grand to cause the India attack any trouble on his Ball tampering will now be day which took less than two Slams now allow 25 seconds way to 69 from 46 balls before he also fell India’s Kuldeep Yadav (C) celebrates taking the wicket of England’s Jonny Bairstow at Old considered a level-three hours on Centre Court. between points rather than victim to the beguiling spin of Yadav. Traff ord cricket ground in Manchester yesterday. off ence, for which the maxi- “In terms of the sport, de- the 20 seconds of 10 years ago. India then confi dently chased down the mum sanction is 12 suspen- pends. If you want to see a “I don’t remember an emo- total in 18.2 overs as Rahul — dropped on Test challenges ahead during the remainder Buttler could initially only stand and sion points, the equivalent quick game without thinking, tional match that the total 17 by Jason Roy — mixed fi nesse with some of the English summer. watch at the other end as Kuldeep Yadav to six Test matches or 12 well done. time of the match has been two brutal hitting as he whacked fi ve sixes and 10 India removed Roy in the fi fth over when caused havoc with his guile and clever use of one-day internationals. “If you want to keep play- hours,” Nadal said. fours en route to an unbeaten 101 off 54 balls. he mistimed a pull shot off seamer Umesh googlies as England collapsed from 95-1. ICC Chief Executive David ing in a sport that you need to “All the matches that have England’s form in ODI cricket has seen Yadav (2-21) through midwicket and ended Alex Hales was his fi rst victim after his think, you need to play with been important in the history Richardson added: “There them climb to number one in the world in up chopping on to his stumps for a 20-ball pedestrian innings of eight runs from 18 de- more tactics, you want to have of our sport have been four that format, but their T20 side remains a 30. However, Buttler continued to play con- liveries was brought to an end when he was is a clear desire here to long and good rallies, then hours, fi ve hours. work in progress. fi dence and swagger — a switch-hit for four bowled following an attempted slog-sweep. reclaim cricket’s unique of course you are going the “To play these kind of After they whitewashed Australia 5-0 in off Yuzvendra Chahal being the most eye- India’s fans were on their feet waving their proposition as a game that wrong way. matches you need time be- their ODI series and won the only T20, hopes catching of his strokes. fl ags on a sun-drenched evening in Man- people can trust in and for “But seems like sometimes tween points because you can- were high against India. He brought up his half-century — seven chester when England skipper Eoin Morgan us all to live the spirit of is only about the business, not play points in a row with However, their explosive top order toiled balls more than his record-breaking fi fty (7) skied a delivery from Yadav and into the cricket in a way that is rel- so... I can’t support this, long rallies, with emotional against Yadav which will be of particular against Australia off 22 — with a six off hands of India counterpart Kohli at deep evant in the 21st century. no. Because I don’t feel the points, having only 25 seconds concern for the respective limited overs and Hardik Pandya heaved over deep square. midwicket. matches that stay for the his- between points.”

Wednesday, July 4, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS WIMBLEDON Brave Barshim Nadal kills curse of narrowly misses 100 club world record as Kvitova Having won the event with a world leading jump of 2.40 metres, the ebullient Qatari crashes out took a shot at Sotomayor’s mark of 2.45 by aiming for 2.46 in front of a capacity crowd

Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus reaches for the ball during her first round match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic at Wimbledon yesterday.

AFP women’s seed to lose in the fi rst London round. Number four Sloane Stephens and fi fth seeded Elina Svitolina orld number one were eliminated on Monday. Rafael Nadal France’s Caroline Garcia, breezed into the seeded six, was also beaten Tues- Wimbledon second day, going down 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 to Wround yesterday but fellow two- Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic. time champion and title favour- There was also similar carnage ite Petra Kvitova crashed out. in the men’s top 10. Nadal cruised to a 6-3, 6-3, After sixth seed Grigor Dim- 6-2 win over Israel’s Dudi Sela as itrov was sent packing on Mon- the Spaniard returned to action day, it was the turn of Roland for the fi rst time since claiming Garros runner-up Dominic his 11th French Open title. Thiem and Belgium’s David Gof- Nadal, the Wimbledon cham- fi n to pack their bags. pion in 2008 and 2010, also man- Austrian seventh seed Thiem aged to avoid falling victim to a retired with a back injury against player ranked outside the world Cypriot veteran Marcos Baghda- top 100 for what would have tis, trailing 6-4, 7-5, 2-0. been the fi fth time in his last six Goffi n, the 10th seed, slumped visits to the All England Club. to a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Aus- “It’s great always to play here tralia’s Matthew Ebden. Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim grimaces after injuring his ankle during his world record attempt of 2.46 metres at the Istvan memorial meet in Szekesfehervar, Hungary. in Wimbledon, especially on Argentine fi fth seed Juan Mar- Centre Court,” said Nadal after tin del Potro made it nine fi rst By Sports Reporter But despite producing his fi nest leap hope that’s not going to be so bad that’s day, bounced back admirably, propelling seeing off world number 127 Sela. round wins in nine appearances Székesfehérvár, Hungary. at that height, he narrowly missed the all I can say for now. Will know more af- himself to the No. 8 spot all-time, a slot “I’m just happy to be through at the tournament, easing past mark. He had two more tries – neither as ter the check up tomorrow and the doctor he now shares with all-time greats Roger of course and yes, this match Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk 6-3, close as his initial attempt – in the proc- opinion.” Kingdom and Allen Johnson. gives me positive feelings.” 6-4, 6-3. utaz Barshim injured his an- ess hurting his ankle. His appearance at tomorrow’s Dia- Running in lane six, Shubenkov was Nadal, the 17-time major win- World number one Simona kle as he bravely went for the It was a stark reminder of the challeng- mond League stop in Lausanne is now virtually even with world and Olym- ner, has not got past the fourth Halep started her challenge for a 25-year-old world record of es that lurk when an athlete pushes his very much up in the air. pic champion Omar McLeod, two lanes round since fi nishing runner-up fi rst Wimbledon title with a 6-2, legendary Cuban high jump- body to its absolute limits in any would- World indoor champion Danil Lysenko to his inside, over the fi rst fi ve hurdles. to Novak Djokovic in 2011. 6-4 win over Japan’s Kurumi Mer Javier Sotomayor at the Istvan Gyulai be world record attempts. fi nished second on countback at 2.32m Shubenkov began to chisel together a Eight seed Kvitova, who was Nara. Memorial meeting on Monday night. The severity of his injury isn’t known over Brandon Starc and Donald Thomas. small lead by the sixth barrier, one the the bookmakers’ favourite to Halep has arrived at the All Having won the event with a world at the moment, but in a message to IAAF Meanwhile, Sergey Shubenkov pow- Jamaican hit hard, knocking him out add the 2018 title to her 2011 and England Club on a high after fi - leading jump of 2.40 metres, the ebul- Barshim did confi rm he twisted his ankle. ered to a 12.92 victory in the 110m hur- slightly off balance, momentarily out of 2014 victories, was stunned 6-4, nally winning her maiden Grand lient Qatari world champion took a shot “I think that’s my best attempt ever on dles. his lane, and entirely out of contention. 4-6, 6-0 by unheralded Belaru- Slam crown at the French Open at Sotomayor’s mark of 2.45 by aiming 2.46m WR,” Barshim wrote on his Insta- Shubenkov, who was forced to the Shubenkov then forged on to the third sian Aliaksandra Sasnovich, the last month. for 2.46 in front of a capacity crowd in gram account. “Good competition but sidelines after a false start at the Paris leg sub-13 of his career, and the second in 13 world number 50. She will face China’s Zheng Székesfehérvár, Hungary. unfortunately ended up with an injury. I of the IAAF Diamond League on Satur- days. Kvitova has won fi ve titles in Saisai in the second round. 2018, including the grass-court Spain’s Garbine Muguruza tournament at Birmingham last opened her title defence with a FOOTBALL weekend, while amassing an 6-2, 7-5 win over British wild WTA Tour-leading 38 match card Naomi Broady. victories. Third seed Muguruza, 24, “When I was kind of younger, I next faces Belgium’s Alison Van played better on the Grand Slams Uytvanck. than the other tournaments. Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, who Now is the time when I’m playing famously stunned Nadal at the Atletico Madrid’s Gabi signs better on the other tournaments tournament in 2014, marked his than the Grand Slams,” she said. 50th match at the majors with “So I make a promise that I go- a 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (5/7), ing to be very patient and I go- 6-3 win over Denis Istomin of ing to try to break it again for the Uzbekistan. Kyrgios, seeded 15, two-year deal with Al Sadd other side.” hammered down 42 aces and un- Kvitova is the fourth top 10 leashed 78 winners. By Sports Reporter Doha Lopez still gets his kicks aft er 66 tletico Madrid captain Gabriel Fernandez has signed a two-year deal with Qatar giants London: Spaniard Feliciano Al Sadd. He will partner the legendary Xavi Lopez has not beaten Roger Hernandez at the club when the new season Federer in 13 attempts but he begins.A finally got one over him yester- The 34-year-old Spaniard, who midfielder arrived day without even needing to lay in Doha on Monday, can extend the contract to a third a glove on the Swiss great. season provided both parties agree to renewing the Impressive as it was there was deal. Fernandez was received at the Hamad Interna- nothing particularly noteworthy tional Airport by Al Sadd officials Turki al-Ali, general about Lopez’s straight-sets win “When I was about to break the manager of the club, Mohamed Ghulam al-Balooshi, over Federico Delbonis but just record, I thought, wow, I’m going sports director of the club, and Ahmed al-Ansari, me- by walking on court he stole to beat Federer at something,” dia officer. Fernandez said he was thrilled to feature away one of Federer’s many the 36-year-old Lopez told for Al Sadd in the new QNB Stars League season that records. reporters after his 159th Grand kicks off in August. It meant he took his run of con- Slam singles match. “It is a new challenge for me. I have decided to play secutive appearances in Grand “It’s only a number. I’m really in Qatar especially after many years of playing in the Slam tournaments to 66, taking proud of my consistency. It’s Spanish league,” Fernandez said. him ahead of Federer’s 65. not about the number of Grand “I am trying to play this game with all strength and The way the elegant left-hander, Slams played. It’s about how great motivation,” he added. “This is a new experience ranked 70, eased past Delbonis many years I have been playing for me to play in a new club,” he said. suggests a streak that began at the top level. “I have seen many places in Doha and I have seen at the 2001 French Open could “This is the most important the preparations (Qatar is making) for hosting the continue for the foreseeable thing.” Perhaps surprisingly for 2022 FIFA World Cup, including the Khalifa Interna- He said: “I will try very hard to consolidate the con- Fernandez, known as Gabi, began his career at future — even if his immediate a player with such a thorough- tional Stadium, which is a great football venue. I am cept of European thought in Qatar and try to help Qa- Atletico Madrid before moving to Getafe and Real Wimbledon prospects look in bred grasscourt game, Lopez quite sure of the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup tari players to develop during this period.” Zaragoza. He returned to the Spanish capital in 2011 peril with Juan Martin del Potro has never been past the quarter- in Qatar,” he told the club website. He added: “My goal with Al Sadd will be to compete helping the side win the La Liga, the King’s Cup and waiting for him in the second finals at Wimbledon or indeed The Spanish star said that he plans to employ all his and win titles. The AFC Champions League quarter- the European Champions League twice and reaching round. any other Grand Slam. experience to support Qatar and Qatari football. finals will be our first stop.” the Champions League fi nal on two occasions.