WORLD CUP | Page 3 TENNIS | Page 7 Kane says Serena to England’s face Kerber run just in fi nal of the start Wimbledon

Friday, July 13, 2018 FOOTBALL Shawwal 29, 1439 AH Dalic: The GULF TIMES coach who has come from nowhere SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Croatia will be We left everything ready for France out there: Southgate

AFP Tottenham star rarely looked in fi nal, says Dalic like adding to his six goals Moscow against Croatia. “I think he’s given abso- ‘This is fantastic. Two players played with half a leg, but it didn’t show. In extra-time anager Gareth lutely everything for the team,” Southgate said Southgate said of the 24-year- nobody wanted to be substituted. This shows character and is what makes me proud’ England “left eve- old England captain. Mrything out there” “I think now is the time for AFP after falling to an extra-time us to be strong as a group and Moscow defeat by Croatia in the World take the time to refl ect on the Cup semi-fi nal on Wednesday. performance a little bit over the England were hoping to reach next couple of days. cstatic Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic a fi rst World Cup fi nal since “He’s captained the team is confi dent tiredness will not be 1966, but let an early lead slip to brilliantly over the tournament an issue for his side when they face lose 2-1. and I can’t ask for more from France in the World Cup fi nal de- “I think in the fi rst half we him.” Espite once again coming through extra time were really good and maybe we It was England’s best per- to beat England on Wednesday. could have got another goal,” formance at a major tourna- Croatia came from behind to win 2-1 in Southgate told ITV. ment since Southgate was part the semi-fi nal clash in Moscow, with Mario “I can’t ask for more from of the team that reached the Mandzukic claiming the winner in the the players. I think knockout semi-fi nals at Euro ’96. 109th minute after Ivan Perisic had earlier football is about fi ne margins England arrived at this World cancelled out Kieran Trippier’s free-kick and when you have good spells Cup with the least experienced opener. against fi ne sides you need to squad in terms of caps, but Dalic’s side were clearly exhausted, but take your chances. Southgate said the agony of los- they managed to fi ght on to the end of two “Tonight we weren’t quite ing was just as strong despite hours of gripping football to take the coun- there but we will learn from surpassing limited expecta- try of just over four mn people into the fi nal that. We left everything out tions. for the fi rst time. there.” Southgate said the play- “We all feel the pain of the However, the biggest concern looking ers were deeply disappointed, defeat. Did we expect to be in ahead to Sunday’s game is bound to be fa- but that his young team could this position? I don’t think real- tigue, with Croatia having also required ex- achieve great things in the years istically any of us did,” he said. tra time and penalties to come through ties to come, with the European “But when you’ve got to this against Denmark and hosts Russia in the Championship just two years point, and we’ve played as well past two weeks. away. as we have, you want to take “It’s impossible to say any- those opportunities in life.” “We played better than we did thing to make the players feel “There will in time be a lot against Argentina. I told the play- better at this moment in time,” of positives to take,” he added. ers before the game there was no he said. “It’s very hard to put that into pressure — we have reached the “We have to be proud of what context and a bit too soon really, semi-fi nals, enjoy your football we’ve achieved. I don’t think because I think you have to suf- and this was exactly what we did’ anyone could have given any fer the result a little bit. It’s too more. easy to move on quickly.” France will have had 24 hours longer to “Players had run out of steam England will return to their prepare for the game after edging out Bel- but that’s partly their age — Repino base near Saint Peters- gium 1-0 in 90 minutes in Saint Petersburg they’re still physically matur- burg ahead of tomorrow’s third on Tuesday. three prior knockout rounds — England Luzhniki Stadium as Croatia recovered Cup as a fan. With such a modest popula- ing. Croatia have hardened place play-off against Belgium, “This is fantastic. Two players played twice won in extra-time in 1990 before los- from a shaky opening half hour. tion, they are the smallest country to get warriors whose understanding a repeat of their fi nal group with half a leg, but it didn’t show. In extra- ing on penalties to West Germany in the Among the best was Marcelo Brozovic, to a World Cup fi nal since Uruguay back in of big matches at times came to match. time nobody wanted to be substituted. This semi-fi nals. the Inter Milan midfi elder brought into the 1950, and in the modern game it is a stag- the fore. “The honest thing is it’s not shows character and is what makes me Dalic was only appointed as Croatia line-up to provide extra steel in front of the gering achievement. “The players have to go a game any team wants to play,” proud. Nobody gave up,” said Dalic, whose coach towards the end of their qualify- defence. “For Croatian football and Croatia as a through big matches and ex- Southgate admitted. “We have team have played the equivalent of one ing campaign, leading them to Russia via a “We were the better team in all aspects of country this is history being written,” said periences to become a team two days to prepare and we’ll match more than the French. play-off win against Greece. the game,” said Dalic. the 51-year-old Dalic. that can win. They have to use want to give a performance of “We prepared to get to the fi nal and we He described France as a “top-drawer “We played better than we did against “We are going to play England in the this experience for benefi t and huge pride. want to play it. Going to extra-time might team with fantastic players”, but his own Argentina. I told the players before the game League of Nations (in October) and we I know that what’s happened “Of course it’s going to be be a problem along with the fact France side have earned their place in the fi nal, there was no pressure — we have reached don’t have a proper stadium to play that over the last few weeks will a really diffi cult task over the have had an extra day to recover but there their victory over England coming after the semi-fi nals, enjoy your football and this game. But we have our hearts, our pride and make them a stronger team.” next 24 hours to get everyone will be no excuses,” he added. they earlier destroyed Lionel Messi and Ar- was exactly what we did.” our players and that is what is really impor- Harry Kane looks set to claim mentally back to where we want “We have to play as if this were the fi rst gentina with a 3-0 win in the group stage. Croatia now have the chance to take re- tant to us.” the Golden Boot as the World them for a game like that. That game in this tournament.” Luka Modric has been inspirational venge on France after losing 2-1 in Paris He will just be hoping that all of them are Cup’s leading scorer, but the will be the challenge.” No team has ever made it to the World throughout their run, yet there were nu- when the sides met in the semi-fi nals back fi t enough for one last eff ort against a fear- Cup fi nal after going to extra-time in all merous outstanding performances at the in 1998 — Dalic travelled to that World some French side. Croatia on fi re aft er World Cup ‘miracle’

AFP “We can be proud and happy... we don’t is in World Cup final! Bravo our heroes, friends and said she intended to “party Zagreb want to stop here,” Croatia’s star player bravo! Deep bow!,” said the Vecernji List till dawn”. Luka Modric told HRT paper online. “Play my Croatia, when I see you my “Only great teams can be so courageous The paper noted that in a “drama of heart is on fire!,” a popular song was ears and cries of joy, hugs and and make a comeback afer trailing 1-0 extra-time Croatia beat England and on played all day long on radio stations chants, firecrackers and flares — against England,” Mandzukic said. Sunday it will decide with France who while waiters, shop workers, TV present- Croatia was on fire late Wednes- “We were losing and we returned, we plays the best football on the planet. ers and nurses donned red-and-white Tday after their victory against were like lions.” “Well, that’s Croatia, don’t have any jerseys. England set up a first ever appearance Local media praised the players as doubt about it.” Some stores closed early to enable em- in a World Cup final. heroes. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of fans ployees to watch the match, with various “Croatia in World Cup finals! It is so beau- “Perisic and Mandzukic heroes — Miracu- throughout the country, from the concerts, plays and cinema screenings tiful! Miracle of all miracles in Russia!” the lous Croatia shocks England and makes northen port of Rijeka to Dubrovnik in cancelled. state-run HRT television commentator it to the World Cup final for first time in the south, or in the eastern city Osijek, For the past few weeks Modric’s side Drago Cosic shouted ecstatically. history!” said the Tportal website. celebrated the victory on the streets and have been feted as national heroes for Croatia beat England 2-1 in extra-time “Dalic’s team played another dramatic squares, singing popular fans songs and their run to the last four in Russia. thanks to a Mario Mandzukic goal in the match and with a new miraculous victory waving Croatia red-white-blue flags. They matched the feat of their predeces- second period of extra-time to book a made its fans proud again!” “This is a highly emotional evening! I’m sors in 1998 who reached the semi-finals date with France in Moscow on Sunday. “Bravo! Everyone should celebrate... so proud, a big victory for all of us!” said in the country’s first World Cup as an Thousands of fans gathered at the Dalic’s Fiery Ones achieved the biggest Fran Kulic, 23, celebrating with friends in independent nation. country’s largest fan zone in Zagreb’s success in Croatian football history!,” downtown Zagreb. But on Wednesday night Dalic’s players England manager main square, braving intermittent rain to commented Sportske Novosti paper Milena Bacic, a 36-year-old teacher, did even better, securing a historic first Gareth Southgate. cheer on the “Fiery Ones” (Vatreni) on a online dressed in red-and-white jersey with World Cup final for the country of about giant screen. “We brought down the English! Croatia Modric’s name was dancing with her four million people. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic took UAE club Al Ain to the fi nal of the AFC Champions League in 2016 2 Gulf Times Friday, July 13, 2018

SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS Tactical switch transforms Croatia Dalic: The coach from zero to hero who has come from nowhere He has earned respect for brave decisions like sending home striker Nikola Kalinic because he refused to come off the bench complaining of a back problem

DPA Moscow

ne of the great contrasts be- tween the two teams contesting Sunday’s World Cup fi nal will be in the rival dug-outs as Didi- erO Deschamps tries to outwit Zlatko Dalic. If Deschamps wins he will join Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer in an elite group to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach, having captained Les Bleus to the 1998 trophy. Success for Dalic would still leave some people asking “Zlatko who?” The 51-year-old has come from no- where to lead Croatia to their fi rst ever fi nal. Dalic was not the fi rst choice to Croatia’s midfielder Luka Modric and forward Mario Mandzukic replace Ante Cacic last October when celebrate their win over England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow Croatia changed coach ahead of the last on Wednesday. qualifying group game against Ukraine amid fears they would miss out on going Reuters With Trippier and Young fac- to Russia. Moscow ing a double threat, England’s He led them to a 2-0 victory over midfi eld began to be stretched Ukraine, setting-up a play-off against with Jordan Henderson tak- Greece, which was duly won. Dalic was roatia ruthlessly ex- ing on an unmanageable work- born in Livno, now Bosnia and Herze- posed England’s limi- load and Jesse Lingard and Dele govina. tations in the second Alli more pre-occupied with He is not one of the heroes of the great half of the World Cup helping out the defenders than Yugoslavia team from the 1990 World Csemi-fi nal on Wednesday as asking questions of Croatia’s Cup, and he watched the Croatian class Zlatko Dalic’s side fought back back-line. The momentum of of 1998 reach the semis (against France) to secure a famous 2-1 extra- the game had changed and when as a fan. time victory. Perisic equalised for Croatia in “I was in France for the fi rst three While it is players who win the 68th minute it was no real games as a supporter. Then I had to travel matches there can be little surprise. back to prepare for the next season,” he doubt that a tactical switch from England had no answer — recalled Wednesday. He doesn’t have an the canny Dalic transformed the neither on the fi eld as their impressive coaching history from back game. passing game was replaced by in Croatia where he never got a top job. Pushing wide players Ante hasty clearances and long balls He also worked in Saudi Arabia and the Rebic and Ivan Perisic into more forward nor on the bench as United Arab Emirates (UAE). advanced roles was not the most Southgate was unable to make He took UAE club Al Ain to the fi nal of complex move but it was one the switches that might have the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that turned the match on its changed the game. Champions League in 2016, but they head. Gareth Southgate’s Eng- “The general all-round per- eventually sacked him and there is little land had made it to the last four ception was that this is a new- else on his CV to suggest he would out- by playing a brand of progres- look England who have changed think the world’s top coaches in Russia. sive passing football and there their ways of punting long balls His success has not always been cer- was enough of that in the open- upfi eld but when we pressed ebral. His leadership has come from the ing 45 minutes, after Kieran them it turned out that they heart. He has earned respect for brave de- Trippier’s fi fth-minute goal, to haven’t,” Croatia full back Sime cisions like sending home striker Nikola keep them comfortably on top. Vrsaljko said. Kalinic because he refused to come off Croatia struggled from the When things clicked for the bench complaining of a back problem outset. They gifted England a Croatia they had the quality of in the fi rst group game against Nigeria. huge amount of space in mid- Modric and Rakitic, who fi nally Croatia have looked to be running on fi eld and allowed wing-backs began to dictate the tempo and empty since the fi rst knock-out round Ashley Young and Trippier to fl ow of the game as many had and three times now they have needed push forward and provide op- expected they would. at least extra-time to win. They have tions. Southgate’s only response drawn strength from an uncompromising More worryingly for Dalic, the was to take off Sterling for Mar- leader, who has said “I can’t teach these basic qualities of his side sim- cus Rashford, keeping the same players football. I am in charge of other ply were not there. The passing formation and failing to tackle things. They have accepted that. Maybe was too often inaccurate, the the areas in which Croatia were they didn’t have full trust at fi rst but they defence struggled to cope with dominating. have gained confi dence.” the pace of Raheem Sterling and England’s lack of a genuine His walking-wounded centre-forward there was precious little support creative midfi elder is not a new Mario Mandzukic has had to put in ex- for Mario Mandzukic in attack. problem and Southgate has tra running because the squad is one For a team who have been done well to devise a system striker short, but he found the strength consistently well-organised and that can compensate for that to conjure up the winner in Moscow on eff ective throughout this tour- weakness. Wednesday to send the side to the fi nal. nament, it was a strange state But his inexperienced team Players will seemingly do anything of aff airs but crucially they were were unable to recapture the for Dalic. When full-back Sime Vrsaljko able to turn it around and Eng- passing and movement and it picked his manager up and threw him land had no answer. was simply their fi ght that took down on the turf at the Luzhniki Stadium Rebic and Perisic were pushed them into extra time. after the fi nal whistle against England it higher and with Luka Modric Croatia were looking like the seemed like show of aff ection from one and Ivan Rakitic clearly un- team who beat Argentina 3-0, of the many Croatian players who cannot der instructions to feed them their tails were up and Mand- believe they are one match from making quickly, Trippier and Young zukics’s opportunist fi nish se- even more history. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic and midfielder Luka Modric celebrate after winning the semi-final against England on Wednesday. suddenly had their hands full. cured a victory few could deny “Zlatko has shown confi dence in us The early success of the wide- was deserved. from the start when others didn’t. That is football federation vice-president and fans. Dalic has brought them together in to settle the score. But we don’t seek re- men in pushing back England’s They now they have the the secret behind our success,” defender Dinamo Zagreb chief executive Zdravko an unlikely success story. They will all venge, this is sports. We will concentrate wing-backs, also gave the op- chance to use their tactical in- Dejan Lovren said. This is not an easy Mamic for siphoning off funds from the be behind him on Sunday when he com- to play the best game of the tournament,” portunity to Croatia’s full backs telligence and mental strength time to coach Croatia. transfer of top players including Luka pletes an incredible month in Russia. he said. Sime Vrsaljko and Ivan Strinic against a formidable France The conviction of former Croatian Modric had divided the nation’s football “Maybe the dear God gives us a chance to get forward more. team on Sunday.

BOTTOMLINE Wide variety of tactics bring World Cup to life

Reuters make up the group, said that individual coun- of the Champions League, but all these players from game to game and within the games.” Whereas only one out of 45 corners produced Moscow tries still managed to keep their own distinc- have been brought up in their own countries so “Just think of the way Belgium played against a goal in the Champions League, the ratio at the tive playing styles even though most players are they have a certain mentality about them and Brazil — the way they approached that game and World Cup dropped to one in 30 and the use of based with European clubs. you still see a variety of styles.” the way (manager) Roberto Martinez set them the video assistant referees (VARs) had played a he wide variety of playing styles em- “In the Champions League last year, it was Roxburgh also praised teams for their fl ex- up was fantastic.” part in this, said Roxburgh. ployed by the 32 teams at the World basically three schools of football among the ibility, singling out Belgium’s approach against Meanwhile, the infl uence of Manchester City “This shows the incredible attention to detail Cup, plus the so-called Guardiola ef- top teams, three philosophies,” Roxburgh told Brazil when they courageously threw down the manager Pep Guardiola had made itself felt. which has gone into set plays... and the general fect, has helped make the tournament reporters. gauntlet with an ultra-attacking lineup and won “Clearly Pep Guardiola has had an impact on speed of action, the speed of thought,” he said. Tin Russia a memorable one, according to FIFA’s “Here you get this incredible variety of styles, 2-1. a lot of players and people and coaches,” he said. “Delivery is everything. We have seen high technical study group. of schools of thought and schools of football and “What impressed me most (was) tactical fl ex- He defi ned the Guardiola style as “having a quality delivery, then you get the movement and Former Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh, that makes things incredibly exciting. ibility. In the past you might have rigid struc- high-level possession game — but not for the fi nishing ability to go with this... the coaches one of a number of prominent ex-coaches who “Yes, we have globalisation and the eff ects tures,” he said, adding that there was “fl exibility sake of it — very much in a penetrating style.” have to be complimented.” Croatia are the fi rst team to avoid defeat aft er trailing in three knockout matches at a single World Cup 3 Gulf Times Friday, July 13, 2018

FOCUS No more tears or pain now — this young England team deserve our applause Unheralded bunch went further than those before who were considered more talented, more golden, more authentic

By Barney Ronay all-consuming piece of escapism. In The Guardian tough times back home football has felt like a warm embrace, like a rush of chemical pleasure, like the best night eave the fl ags out. Have another out you’ve had in ages. glass. Take another look, if you There will, of course, be that urge can, at those moments from to give all this some wider meaning. It Kaliningrad to Moscow when has been an odd feature of England’s Lthis capable England team played progress at this tournament that so above itself and turned a drowsy, toxic many have latched on to the idea of a summer back home into something moral dimension to victory, the no- else. tion that England have won matches Let’s not have any anguish this time. because their methods are righteous, England’s four and a half weeks at the their hearts pure, and not, say, because World Cup deserves a little better, even Mateus Uribe didn’t hit his penalty after a 2-1 defeat by Croatia in Moscow kick two inches lower at the Spartak that was decided deep into extra time. Stadium. And no tears even at the memory of Sport is a chimera, it drags stories that goalscoring start when for a few along in its wake. Champions are often moments the planes fl ew backward blackguards. Losers are often nice. through the sky, the cats barked, the Sport and its storylines are just a deco- police horses meowed and England did ration, a picture on the wall. seem to be heading towards their fi rst But it can still provide something World Cup fi nal on foreign soil. uplifting. It is hard not to feel part of the Gareth Southgate’s team played to enthusiasm for this team comes from a their limits at the Luzhniki Stadium, as feeling of relief. A lot of young English they had against Colombia and against people have been told for the last few Tunisia all those millions of years ago years that times are hard, that their lives in the midge-mists of Volgograd. are set one way and that things were In the end England found a superior always, always better in the past. opponent here, a team with deeper Watching this England team – and gears and with a mania to run right to yes, it is of course just a football team – the end. Croatia came out like warriors has seemed to provide a diff erent kind in the second half, the craft and win- of script. A young, unheralded bunch ning habits of Luka Modric and Ivan of players have gone further than Rakitic starting to intrude like a fi rm those before who were more obviously hand on the elbow as the game ticked talented, more golden, more authen- down. tic, fi nding ways to succeed through By the start of extra time it was a teamwork and energy and a refusal to case of counting who could still run. be cowed. England looked done, cooked. Harry It is hopeful to see this, to look at Alli Kane limped gamely. Jordan Hend- or Harry Maguire or Jordan Pickford erson kept on chugging about like a and say, well, people told them that cavalry captain on a dying pony. Jesse England manager Gareth Southgate and his players applaud fans after the World Cup semi-final loss to Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Wednesday. (Reuters) they probably couldn’t do it either. Lingard and Dele Alli found weird Football isn’t real life. It is a separate depths of energy, running on fumes. With fi ve minutes gone the evening land’s game. On the touchline Gareth foot jammed in the door for a return to extra time. The goal felt like it was world packed with hammy emotions The Luzhniki had been full to capac- seemed to be heading their way. Alli Southgate looked calm, striding about this stadium on Sunday. coming, even before Mario Mandzukic and big fat wet notes of drama, always ity at kick-off , the light above the lip was fouled on the edge of the box. in his waistcoat, stroking his whiskery Except they didn’t start again after peeled off the back of John Stones and straining to mean a great deal more of the roof fading to powder blue. The Kieran Trippier has been getting closer chin and resembling once again a very the break. Croatia were suddenly driv- fi nished smartly. than it does. But it can provide a little crowd was swollen by 10,000 England all tournament. As the ball dipped clever cartoon badger who drives an ing the game, pressing England back And so: exit music. England’s World inspiration along the way, another fans who made it here by lay-overs and and curled and bulged the net the air old-fashioned car and plays the violin. on the fl anks, fi nding holes that had Cup summer is done. How will we kind of story. England in a semi-fi nal, nights spent on airport benches, and seemed to rush out through the roof, Raheem Sterling ran hard but lacked previously been concealed. The equal- remember those four weeks spent with a likeable team led by the great who pegged out the bed-sheet bivouac then rush right back in as England’s edge. Harry Kane missed a chance he iser came from the right, Ivan Perisic watching Harry and Dele and Harry Gareth, has been exactly this. No tears at one end, the familiar pageantry of fans basked and bumped and rolled would normally gorge himself on like a sticking a leg up above Kyle Walker’s from the dust of Samara to the semi- this time. There is St Petersburg on painted fl ags, a tour of Albion from over each other in puppyish joy. starving man. And at half-time and 1-0 dipped head to defl ect the ball in. detached oddity of Kaliningrad? Saturday to follow. But they are, fi nally, Exeter to Hartlepool. For 20 minutes this felt like Eng- up England really did seem to have one On we went into a bruising, draining Above all, this has been a dreamy, coming home.

HOPE SPOTLIGHT Kane says World Cup semi-fi nal Forlorn but proud, fans applaud run just the start for young England England despite loss to Croatia AFP London AFP credit for moulding his young Moscow side, not only with a commit- ment to play attractive and at- n initial wave of ela- tacking football on the fi eld, but tion turned to heart- arry Kane says Eng- a fresh open attitude with fans break as 30,000 fans land restored pride and media off it. in London’s Hyde Park during their run to the “This team is very special,” onA Wednesday watched England World Cup semi-fi nals said Kieran Trippier, who had lose an early lead in the World Hand can use the tournament as a got England off to a yingfl start Cup semi-fi nal against Croatia springboard for sustained suc- in the semi-fi nal with a fi fth- and come up short once again. cess for a talented young gen- minute free-kick to open the “I’m really, really sad,” said a eration. scoring. tearful Laura Russon, 31. “But I’m Playing in their fi rst World “It all comes from the man- still 100 percent proud of them.” Cup semi-fi nal for 28 years, ager. Unbelievable manager... I Crowds of glum-looking fans England blew a golden oppor- can’t speak highly enough of him. swiftly streamed out of the ven- England supporters react at an outdoor screening of the World Cup tunity to reach their fi rst fi - He sets the tone, he brought this ue, as some stayed behind to ap- semi-final in Hyde Park in London on Wednesday. (AFP) nal since 1966, surrendering a team together. Everybody knows plaud the young team’s surpris- 1-0 half-time lead to lose 2-1 how close our team is and that all ing success in Russia. IT worker, reminisced about ballot held Monday afternoon by to Croatia after extra-time in comes from him.” Early on in the game, optimism watching England lose their last organisers the British Summer Moscow on Wednesday. Trippier was one of many had ruled. semi-fi nal, in 1990 to then-West Time (BST) festival. The tournament’s top goals- England players with limited Under the clear blue skies of a Germany “on a wooden TV bal- London Mayor Sadiq Khan, corer with six goals, Kane him- international experience before beautiful summer’s evening, fans anced on a Coke machine” while who helped organise the event, self missed a huge chance to give England’s Harry Kane huddles with teammates before extra time in the tournament who went onto celebrated an early England goal at university. asked for a family-friendly at- England breathing space in the the World Cup semi-final against Croatia on Wednesday. (Reuters) shine in Russia. in their fi rst semi-fi nal appearance “Times have changed — it was mosphere after instances of dis- fi rst half. And he expects a “great fu- in 28 years — a prospect which had 28 years ago,” he said, noting order following England’s quar- But he believes even brighter big semi-fi nal. It’s to go again “It’s massive that we had a ture” for England, with most seemed virtually impossible at the the current team’s style diff ered ter-fi nal victory over Sweden on days lie ahead for the third- and try to achieve our dreams.” good tournament and restored of the current squad still young tournament’s outset. from the individual stars like Paul Saturday. youngest squad on show in Rus- In their run to the last four, pride in the nation. The fans enough to be around for the “This is the fi rst time in my life “Gazza” Gascoigne who grabbed “The atmosphere’s been ab- sia. England re-engaged with a fan- are excited to watch us play and 2022 World Cup. England have made it anywhere headlines then. We haven’t really solutely electric,” said Michael “It hurts now but I know base disaff ected by decades of that’s how we have to keep pro- “There is a great future go- near this far,” said 23-year-old got the players now, but we’ve Grant, 36, a London property de- when we look back there are a failure at international tourna- gressing,” added Kane. ing forward, trust me, with this Murad Huseynov, draped in a red got the team,” he said. veloper. “A lot of people haven’t lot of positives, (a lot of) expe- ments, most notably in a hu- “We should be proud and team,” added Trippier. and white St George’s fl ag. “It experienced anything like this in rience we can take. That’s the miliating exit to Iceland at Euro hold our heads up high because “In the future for sure with feels like history.” ‘ABSOLUTELY ELECTRIC’ a long time.” aim, in two years’ time in the 2016. we’ve come a long way from two this manager, with these play- Over half the current squad The Hyde Park screening was the As fans left Hyde Park — now Euros to go again and win big World Cup fever swept the years ago. Even out there the ers, the team is only going to were not even born when Eng- largest of its kind for an England a sea of rubbish — 27-year-old tournaments,” said the Totten- nation back home and even after fans singing after a defeat, it’s a progress and I’m sure we can go land last played a semi-fi nal in game since 1996, when the coun- Henry Ludlam was optimistic for ham Hotspur striker. the defeat, thousands of Eng- proud feeling.” far in the next tournaments. world football’s top tournament, try hosted the European Cham- what lies ahead for England. “We’ve shown we can do well land fans at the Luzhniki stadi- “We’ve got a great team spirit, while manager Gareth Southgate pionship and the team made the “It’s such a young team and in these tournaments and the um stayed behind long after the ‘SPECIAL’ SOUTHGATE great chemistry, a very young was born four years after their semi-fi nals. there’s so much chemistry for the aim is now not to wait another fi nal whistle to give their side a England manager Gareth team. We can succeed and do last fi nal in 1966. The 30,000 free tickets were future,” he said. “In four years, 20-odd years to get to another rousing send-off . Southgate has taken much of the the country proud.” Shaun Bailey, a 48-year-old snapped up within minutes in a we’re going to be unstoppable.” No coach has ever taken charge of more France games at the World Cup than Didier Deschamps (11) 4 Gulf Times Friday, July 13, 2018

FOCUS AMENDS France out to rectify Euro 2016 mistakes Mental strength in fi nal: Pogba

Reuters time or penalties. Moscow Croatia needed spot kicks to advance against Denmark in the last 16 and against Russia in the rance are determined not quarter-fi nals. They then came carried Croatia to to make the same mis- from a goal down against Eng- takes they did two years land on Wednesday to win 2-1 in ago in losing the Euro extra time. F2016 fi nal when they take on That is not a sign of a strug- Croatia for the biggest prize in gling team, according to Pogba, football, midfi elder Paul Pogba but one that has a lot of talent. said yesterday. “The Croats had a very dif- France face the Croats in the fi cult match and they were be- fi nal, says Lovren World Cup fi nal at Moscow’s hind. But they are mentally very Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday, but strong. There are two teams in they are rejecting the favourites the fi nal, a Cup and there are 90 ‘We knew we could write history. Now there is only one game left to make it forever’ tag which cost them dearly two minutes more. years ago, he said. “For us, we are not the fa- The French beat Germany in vourites. We stay as we are from the Euro 2016 semi-fi nal setting the start of the tournament. We up an encounter in Paris against have no doubts, we play together, then-underdogs Portugal, who that’s our strength. We are chas- stunned them 1-0 in extra time ing something and will do every- to win the continental title. thing to succeed.” “We are conscious of the situ- France, world champions in ation, we do not want to make 1998 after beating Croatia in the the same mistakes like two years semis, are in their third World ago. We want to work for it, to Cup fi nal. It is unknown territory give everything we have to take for Croatia however. this Cup home,” Pogba told re- “For sure the Croats they want porters. the star (for winning the title) “I think at the Euro we thought they have had a good run. They it was already a done deal, the want to win. But I have no star mentality was not the same as either although there is one on now. I cannot lie that when we my shirt. I want mine.” beat Germany we thought that Pogba said while Croatia mid- was the fi nal. I know the taste of fi elder Luka Modric was their losing a fi nal. I don’t want it to driving force the French plan happen again. would not be limited to stopping “Against Portugal we thought the Real Madrid playmaker. we had won it before the start of “The Croats are not just Mo- the game. That will not happen dric. They have (Mario) Mand- again.” zukic, (Ivan) Rakitic and (Ivan) France have been improving Perisic,” Pogba said. throughout the tournament and “Even their defenders are out- have beat Argentina, Uruguay standing players. I don’t think and Belgium in the knockout there is a plan just for Modric. rounds without needing extra The plan is to win the match.”

Croatia’s Dejan Lovren (left) and Domagoj Vida celebrate their victory in the World Cup semi-final against England at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Wednesday. (Reuters)

AFP Bosnian War broke out in 1992. Lovren and his teammates have al- from? Maybe it is our time for revenge.” Moscow His family eventually settled back in ready gone further than Croatia ever Having seen off Argentina, Uruguay Croatia and the Liverpool defender be- have before at a World Cup, but can and Belgium in 90 minutes and had an lieves a tough upbringing and fi erce de- become legends if they gain revenge for extra day’s rest following their semi-fi nal roatia have relied on mental sire to make the nation of just over four France’s semi-final victory in the 1998 on Tuesday, France will be heavy favour- strength to defy limited resourc- mn people proud are key motivating fac- World Cup. ites to make amends for defeat to Portugal es and become the smallest na- tors. French right-back Lilian Thuram on home soil in the fi nal of Euro 2016 on tion in 68 years to reach a World “I think it is our mentality. We went scored his only two goals in a storied 142- Sunday. CupC fi nal, said defender Dejan Lovren. through again a lot... wars, all these cap international career in that semi-fi - However, Croatia have grown used to Zlatko Dalic’s men have taken the long things, and even now the situation is not nal 20 years ago. beating the odds, and will relish the role road to a meeting with France in Moscow the best. But it is unbelievable how many “I think now in many years people will of underdogs once more. France’s Paul Pogba (left) and Antoine Griezmann take part in a on Sunday after three lots of extra-time talents we have in sports,” Lovren told remember us, not the ‘98 team. This is “France are defi nitely the favourites, training session in Istra, Russia, yesterday. (AFP) and two penalty shootouts in the knock- reporters after Croatia ended England’s what I wanted, this is why I’m proud and I there is no hiding from that, but we like out phase to squeeze past Denmark, Rus- World Cup dreams with a 2-1 semi-fi nal deserve this.” added Lovren. that,” added Lovren. “We like to be the sia and England. win. “I was only nine. I remember my mum underdogs from day one. SPOTLIGHT Born to Croatian parents in the Bosnian “We knew we could write history and was screaming and she was crying af- “Without being arrogant. I think if you city of Zenica, Lovren was forced to fl ee to we did it. Now there is only one game left ter the France game. People were talking are in the fi nal, you are the two best teams Germany at just three years old when the to make it forever.” about Lillian Thuram, where did he come in the world.” Walker proud to FOCUS have answered Modric, Mbappe, Kane, Hazard are England doubters Reuters “You see the emotion there on Moscow people’s faces. We’ve all grown up watching England and to rep- resent your country at a semi- top candidates for Golden Ball award ngland defender Kyle fi nal of a World Cup, there’s no Walker could not hide better feeling.” DPA the pain of the crush- Expectations were low head- Moscow Modric Mbappe Hazard ing 2-1 defeat by Croatia ing into the tournament, but afterE extra time denied them a that did not make it any easier place in the World Cup fi nal but to accept defeat by Croatia, who ionel Messi won the Golden Ball as he could take solace from restor- fought back with goals from Ivan best player of the 2014 World Cup, ing pride in the national team Perisic and Mario Mandzukic although his Argentina team were and proving critics wrong. after Kieran Trippier’s free kick beaten by Germany in the Rio fi - “We’re absolutely gutted but had given England an early lead. Lnal. I think we have to take it on the “We’ve always had targets And the award from the 2010 edition in chin. I think we’ve shown char- and we’ve achieved them but South Africa went to Diego Forlan from acter and desire, and I think we wanted to go the whole way. Uruguay, even though his team only fi n- we’ve brought the nation togeth- To be in a semi-fi nal — you can ished fourth. er,” Walker told reporters. smell it. Tripps scoring the free The last player from a World Cup win- “We’ve brought English fans kick, you kind of think it’s writ- ner to win the award was Brazil’s Romario back in love with the English ten in the stars for you to go to the in 1994 in the US, with a player from the team.” fi nal and hopefully do something title-winning team only taking the award France in what could be his last World Argentina. Pele swiftly congratulated him in stoppage time in their opener against England’s players had been special,” Walker added. at 10 of the past 20 World Cups. Cup at age 32. He has scored two goals but Mbappe said Pele was “on another Tunisia. Captain Kane can raise his tally criticised for their recent tour- Nonetheless, he was touched FIFA’s technical study group decides in Russia and rebounded from missing level”. Mbappe can cap his tournament in the third-place match against Belgium nament showings after a group by the reaction of England’s sup- the winner and the award is presented af- an extra-time penalty against Denmark with the title against Croatia Sunday. “I on Saturday, if he is fi elded. stage exit in the last World Cup porters who stayed behind to ter Sunday’s fi nal. by converting in the ensuing shoot-out. always said he is very good. I am happy and being knocked out of Euro applaud the players off the pitch Other World Cup awards are: the Gold- Croatia icon Davor Suker has said he that he is French. He has the potential to 2016 by tiny Iceland. Walker said in the Luzhniki Stadium, in con- en Boot for tournament top-scorer, the would give Modric three votes if he could reach the level of Messi and [Cristiano] EDEN HAZARD that a sense of vindication was trast to being booed and whistled Golden Glove for best goalkeeper and the and Ivan Rakitic simply named him “the Ronaldo,” Deschamps said. Belgium have a wealth of talent, with the the biggest thing he would take after losing to Iceland. Fair Play Award for the team with the best best player in Croatian history.” Accord- likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku away from Russia. “I was there in France, in the disciplinary record at the June 14-July 15 ing to FIFA, no player has covered more and Dries Mertens, but Chelsea attacking “It’s proving people wrong. Iceland game, and it was com- tournament. ground at this World Cup than Modric’s HARRY KANE midfi elder Hazard still stands out — and There’s nothing better, when pletely diff erent to that. For With Messi, Brazil’s Neymar and reign- 63 kilometres. The Tottenham Hotspur forward tops the not only because he is captain. He pulls people are writing you off and them to still be singing when ing Best FIFA Men’s Player Cristiano Ron- scoring charts in Russia with six goals the strings and dictates the tempo, which saying you’re not fit to wear the we’re seeing friends and families, aldo long eliminated, others have become and his infl uence on the young England was especially seen in the prestigious shirt, slagging people off, it’s chanting our names and singing leading candidates for the Golden Ball: KYLIAN MBAPPE team is so big that he could take home quarter-fi nal win against Brazil. Hazard kind of saying: Well there you the manager’s name, is com- The French teenager has taken the World the Golden Boot and Golden Ball award has two goals and two assists in Russia go — have that back at you,” he pletely diff erent,” he said. Cup by storm with his skill and speed, on Sunday, even though England’s title and coach Roberto Martinez has heaped said. “It’s enjoyable, we all love to LUKA MODRIC scoring three goals so far. The Paris dream ended in the semi-fi nals. “Harry praise on him, calling Hazard “a great “But we do it for ourselves as play the game and fans love to The diminutive Croatia and Real Madrid Saint-Germain forward became the fi rst Houdini,” the Daily Mail and the Daily captain, a real leader. He is always natu- well. To represent your country, support it. So it’s hats off to us. playmaker can crown his career — which teenager since Brazilian legend Pele in Express said, in reference to the famous ral in the way he behaves and I really like I can’t tell you how proud I am Unlucky we couldn’t bring it already boasts a host of club honours — 1958 to get a brace in a World Cup match, escapologist, after Kane got England on that. He always wants the ball, however to share the dressing room with home for them, but hopefully with the title in Sunday’s fi nal against which he did in France’s 4-3 over Messi’s track by completing a brace for a 2-1 win the game is going.” those players. there’s time in the future.” Gulf Times Friday, July 13, 2018 5 SPORT

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Juventus take aim at Europe’s big guns Conte fi nally sacked with Ronaldo coup

AFP torious “Calciopoli” match- Rome fi xing scandal, building on the domestic dominance re- established by former Italy talian champions Juven- coach Antonio Conte between by Chelsea, Sarri in tus are aiming for top spot 2011-2014 and making Juve a in Europe after pulling off force on the continent. Napoli expecting compensation of around £4.5million for Sarri, who is under contract what is being called the Conte famously lamented I“deal of the century” to snatch Juve’s limited spending capac- AFP superstar striker Cristiano Ro- ity compared to the giant in- London naldo from Real Madrid. vestments being made in clubs Once the stomping ground such as Paris Saint-Germain of the likes of Zinedine Zi- and Manchester City, liken- he long-running saga dane and Michel Platini, the ing the chances of an Italian over Antonio Conte’s fu- league has lacked the stardust team getting to a Champions ture appears to have been of Spain’s La Liga and the Pre- League fi nal to eating at a 100- resolved with Chelsea mier League. Ronaldo’s arrival euro restaurant with 10 euros Tsacking him as manager and ap- puts all eyes on Serie A and in your pocket. pointing Maurizio Sarri, accord- gives Juve a chance of going all Allegri showed that Juve ing to media reports yetserday. the way in Europe. could go toe-to-toe with the The BBC said the 48-year-old “It’s a very big signing which big boys, and after splashing Italian’s two year reign – which marks a step up for everyone at out on domestic stars Gonzalo brought league success in 2017 the club,” said coach Massimil- Higuain and Miralem Pjanic in and the FA Cup last season – iano Allegri, who has guided previous seasons, the club is was ending although they added Juve to the last four of their now fl exing its muscles beyond Chelsea would not comment. seven straight league titles. the Alps. However, Conte’s appar- “I think that the club has “There is only one thing that ent dismissal drew a response done something extraordinary this monstrous player can not from Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas, for Juventus and all of Italian aff ord: to lose the Champions who liked a tweet a Chelsea fan Football.” League in his new colours,” posted about Conte having been The signing of the 33-year- wrote Italian daily La Repub- sacked although the Spanish old is the fi rst time since his blica on Wednesday. 2010 World Cup winner subse- Brazilian namesake moved The paper says that “the re- quently claimed he had liked it from Barcelona to Inter Milan percussions of this operation by accident. in 1997 that an Italian club has are unimaginable ... This is Conte leaves with the best win signed a contender for the title something that has never been percentage 65.1% of any of Chel- of world’s best player, and the seen before in Italy, a kind of sea’s managers in the Premier transfer is aimed at taking Juve global industrial merger” be- League era. to the top of the European pile. tween “the Juve empire, sup- Former banker Sarri, 59, will Ronaldo has scored 120 ported by a holding company be Chelsea’s ninth full-time Champions League goals, in Exor that generated 1.4 bil- manager since Roman Abram- more than anyone else in the lion euros in profi ts in 2017” ovich bought the club in 2003. history of the competition, and Ronaldo’s empire, “which Conte – who had a year to run and won four out of the last is an incredible advertising on his contract – is seen to have fi ve editions with Real. and fi nancial machine”. contributed to his own demise Analysts Banca IMI claim by falling out both with the play- ‘New beginning’ that the arrival of Ronaldo will ers and the board as the sheen of “The arrival of Cristiano strengthen the Juventus brand the title victory quickly disap- Ronaldo at Juve brings us back globally. They claim that “Ju- peared. to those prestigious 80s/90s ventus will benefi t from in- His intense training methods when Italy collected top play- creased ticket sales, which we angered senior players and he ers: from Zico to Falcao, from estimate at an additional 5-7 alienated the board with dis- Platini to Maradona ... the ar- million euros per season, and paraging treatment of Spanish rival of the fi ve-time Ballon in general all brand-related striker Diego Costa and constant d’Or winner represents a new activities”, such as merchan- carping over the club’s failure to beginning,” wrote Il Messag- dising, marketing and spon- replace top players with those of Chelsea manager Antonio Conte celebrates winning the FA Cup at the Wembley Stadium in London on May 19, 2018. (Reuters) gero on Wednesday. sorship on a scale that is dif- similar ability. Last season, Allegri also led fi cult to estimate. However, while present play- Coach of the Year in 2016-17. Juventus to their fourth con- “Since yesterday, Football ers may have had issues with The main reason for the pro- secutive Italian Cup, with the television rights are theoreti- Conte, former Chelsea legend longed saga has been compen- City’s Mahrez eyes Champions League glory double taking their Scudetto cally worth 30 percent more. John Terry, who left after the sation. Conte is due a reported Manchester City’s new signing made the decision to come team, the country’s Football total to 34. It’s a pity that they have al- league title winning campaign £9million ($11.9million) if he re- Riyad Mahrez has set his sights here, because I want to be part association announced yester- But they haven’t won a ready been sold (until 2021), had nothing but praise for him. mains out of work for the season on winning the Champions of this.” Mahrez was wanted day. The 47-year-old replaces Champions League since 1996 but there are means of recov- “Thank You Boss,” Terry post- and with the major jobs such as League after completing his by Man City manager Pep Adam Nawalka, whose highly- and despite reaching the fi nal ering,” wrote La Repubblica. ed on Instagram alongside a pho- Real Madrid and the Italy national switch from Leicester City. Guardiola in January but the fancied national squad were in 2015 and 2017, lag way be- “Just think of the next Ital- to of the two of them holding the post – which he occupied for two Manchester City, who won the club did not meet Leices- eliminated in the group stage hind seven-time winners and ian Supercup to be played in Premier League trophy. years till after Euro 2016 – fi lled it Premier League last season ter’s valuation of the player, of the World Cup in Russia. fellow Serie A behemoth AC the Middle East: before it was “Great man, Great manager. is likely he will sit the year out. with a record-breaking tally prompting the Algerian to Brzeczek was a midfielder who Milan in Europe. just an insignifi cant cup, but I wish you every success in the Napoli are also expect- of 100 points, faltered in the hand in a transfer request and captained Poland, won 42 caps, Allegri has masterminded with CR7 there it’s an event future.” ing compensation of around Champions League, losing to skip training. “Maybe it could scored four goals and was part the second phase of Juve’s re- you buy unseen,” concludes Sarri has been favourite to £4.5million for Sarri, who is un- Liverpool in the quarter-finals. have happened sooner but it’s of the team that were runners- birth from the ashes of the no- the newspaper. succeed his compatriot after im- der contract even though he is no Yet Mahrez, who joined Man destiny, it happened like this,” up at the 1992 Olympics in pressing as manager of Serie A longer their coach. City on Tuesday for a fee he added. “If I moved sooner, Barcelona. side Napoli, who have replaced Sarri is believed to have agreed reported by British media to maybe I wouldn’t have been him with former Chelsea han- to bring former Chelsea favour- be 60 million pounds ($79 mil- happy. Now I’m very happy to Fulham beat Chelsea to sign dler Carlo Ancelotti. ite Gianfranco Zola – whose lion), feels that they have the have moved to City.” Ivory Coast star Seri Sarri, who split his time be- managerial career has stalled af- tools required to lift European “I don’t want to talk about the Ivory Coast international Jean tween banking and playing foot- ter a series of failures – along as club Football’s elite trophy next past too much. Now I’m here Michael Seri signed for Fulham ball before he took up coaching one of his backroom staff . season yesterday. and it’s the most important.” yesterday, chosing the Premier aged 40, has not won a major Sarri has also presented a list “It’s a club who wants to Mahrez could make his Premier League new boys over Chelsea honour in three years at Napoli of players he would like to sign. win this type of trophy,” the League debut in City’s opening and German side Borussia but has guided the club to fi n- They reportedly include Brazil- 27-year-old said at a news game at Arsenal on August 12. Dortmund. The 26-year-old ishes of second, third and second born Italy international midfi eld- conference. “The Champions midfielder signed a four-year again. er Jorginho from Napoli, CSKA League is for big clubs. City Former Poland captain contract – with the option of a The chainsmoking former Moscow’s Russian playmaker are a big club with everything Brzeczek takes over as coach further year – with Fulham pay- Empoli manager – who will have Aleksandr Golovin and Italian needed to try to win the Cham- Former Polish international ing Ligue 1 side Nice a reported to restrain himself on the touch- defender Daniele Rugani from pions League.” Jerzy Brzeczek was appointed £25million ($33million, 28.2mil- line in England where smoking Juventus, the side that edged Na- “That’s why I’m here, why I head coach of the national lion euros). A poster saying ‘Ronaldo chose Turin’ is seen in downtown Turin, is banned – was named Serie A poli in the Serie A title race. Italy on Wednesday. (Reuters)

NBA Lakers built to match up with Warriors: Pelinka Reuters them at their own game, so that the players that Houston has. Rockets, Ennis agree to two-year deal Los Angeles is why we wanted to add these “And we identifi ed with, if you elements of defense and tough- look at KCP was a guy that is a The Houston Rockets and free agent forward James Ennis have ness and depth and try to look at tough defender and shooter, Josh agreed to a two-year contract, according to multiple reports he Los Angeles Lakers’ areas where we will have an ad- Hart has proven to be a pit bull of Wednesday. The deal will reportedly be for the minimum salary, and slew of free agent ad- vantage.” a defender and can make shots, Ennis will have a player option for the second season. ditions around signing In addition to bringing in Rondo historically has been a te- Ennis joins the Rockets following the departures of small forwards LeBron James have been James, the Lakers have signed nacious, tough guy, steals. Luc Mbah a Moute and Trevor Ariza in free agency this month. Tmade in an attempt to give the Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson “We wanted that mental- Both players had major roles on the team that reached the Western star forward a diff erent way to and JaVale McGee and re-signed ity and we identifi ed it. Lance Conference finals last season, playing both forward positions and try to topple the Golden State Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Stephenson, he will agitate you, switching defensively in small lineups. Warriors. Rondo, Stephenson and McGee he will get under you, he will The 6-foot-7 Ennis helps to fill the defensive void left by the exit of Lakers general manager each have multiple seasons of cause you to get out of your game Mbah a Moute and Ariza. Ennis also provides a deep-threat pres- Rob Pelinka told reporters on playoff experience to their cred- and can play in the open court ence, having sunk 35.9 percent of his 3-point shots in his career. Wednesday that the moves the it, with McGee being a part of and score.” Between 45 games (14 starts) with the Memphis Grizzlies and 27 team has made have been with the Warriors’ past two NBA title Pelinka added that the other games (eight starts) with the Detroit Pistons last season, Ennis aver- defensive versatility and playoff teams. four spots in the team’s starting aged 7.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. experience in mind, as opposed “We did not want to go out fi ve around James will be up for Ennis, 28, has career averages of 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per to trying to add as much fi re- and just sign specialists, ‘Oh, grabs, meaning Rondo and rising game across his four seasons in the league. A second-round draft power as possible to try to keep this guy can just shoot,’” Pelinka second-year player Lonzo Ball pick of the Atlanta Hawks in 2013 out of Long Beach State, he up with the Warriors. said. will compete for the point guard started his NBA career with the Miami Heat and also had a brief stint “If your goal is to win a cham- “We wanted tough two-way job. with the New Orleans Pelicans. pionship, you’ve got to look at players that can defend with a Ball, who is dealing with a torn All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns can become a restricted free the way the champs are assem- level of toughness and also make meniscus in his left knee, is ex- agent next summer, but the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly bled and how you can give your- shots. Listen, the road to the pected to be 100 percent ready are trying to sign him long before that happens. self the best chance to take them NBA championship has to go for training camp, Pelinka said. The Athletic reported Wednesday that Towns and the Timberwolves down,” Pelinka said. “(President through the team that won last “We feel like we are going to are talking about the possibility of him signing a maximum rookie- of basketball operations) Earvin year, and we all know the guys have an open training camp in level deal. The Timberwolves selected Towns with the No. 1 pick in (Johnson) and I had a conversa- up north have a special group. terms of competing and fi guring the 2015 NBA Draft, and he hasn’t disappointed. He hasn’t missed a tion, and LeBron echoed this But one of the ways to attack out what is that best fi ve to win game in three seasons and has career averages of 21.6 points and sentiment: I think to try to play what they have is with defensive and go deep into the playoff s and 11.7 rebounds in 34.9 minutes per game. A 7-footer, he shoots 83.6 the Warriors at their own game toughness. I think we saw that in give ourselves a chance to win a percent from the foul line. is a trap. No one is going to beat the Houston series with some of championship,” Pelinka said. Gulf Times 6 Friday, July 13, 2018 SPORT

CYCLING/TOUR DE FRANCE SPOTLIGHT The heat is on: IOC braces for scorching Martin takes stage Tokyo Olympics

AFP Tokyo

okyo Olympic organ- win as several Tour isers insisted yester- day they would take no chances with the Tsafety of athletes competing in the fi erce summer heat at the 2020 Games. The International Olympic “There is the potential for Committee (IOC) was given delays while surfers wait for contenders suff er a timely reminder of Japan’s better waves. There might also vulnerability to natural disas- be delays at the rowing be- ‘It was diff icult because there was a headwind, so going solo was risky’ ters this week as heavy rains cause of winds. battered the west of the coun- try, leaving more than 200 ‘Frugal’ dinner people dead. “We want to make sure there “I was here as the fl oods are areas for athletes and of- impacted,” IOC vice president fi cials to be looked after where John Coates told reporters on it’s air-conditioned, and we the fi nal day of a three-day need to make sure there is visit. “We expressed our sor- medical attention available.” row and condolences to those Coates promised that events aff ected. I certainly hope there such as the marathon would are no such natural disas- begin early to beat the blazing ters during Games — but I am summer heat, adding: “It’s a mindful we have to prepare for likelihood that has to be pre- extreme heat here.” pared for.” Coates, who is also chair- Coates, who pronounced man of the IOC’s Coordination himself “terribly impressed” Committee for the 2020 Tokyo with the quality of the Olympic Games, added: “Japan is not the venues already fi nished or un- fi rst country to host a Games in der construction, also pledged extreme heat and it is a natural to further cut costs from the consequence of it being July and $12 billion Olympic budget. August, I’m afraid.” Offi cials will look to slash Local organisers did little to a further $100 million off the dampen fears earlier this year cost of the Games through when they announced that measures such as reducing the marathon runners at the 2020 operation period of the Games Olympics would face a brutal village by two days, he said. uphill fi nish in outlining the Coates has repeatedly urged race route. Tokyo 2020 to tighten their Organisers will take meas- purse-strings due to fears ures to alleviate the risk of their ballooning budget could heatstroke for competitors and dissuade other potential host spectators, including coating cities from bidding for the Ol- pavements with a substance ympics. to reduce the surface tempera- Local organising chief Yo- ture in Tokyo, where the mer- shiro Mori, who earlier Thurs- cury regularly tops 35C (95F). day announced the torch relay “We emphasised that when will start in Fukushima, an Ireland’s Daniel Martin celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the sixth stage of the 105th edition of the Tour de France cycling race yesterday. (AFP) we went to see the surfi ng ven- area devastated by the 2011 ue,” said Coates, noting that tsunami and nuclear disaster, Reuters RESULTS AFTER SIXTH STAGE fans and water sprays would revealed that Tokyo’s welcome Mur De Bretagne, France also be set up for spectators dinner for IOC offi cials re- STAGE 6. Adam Yates (GBR/MIT) 3 at 3. MOV) 51. moving to venues or waiting in fl ected a commitment to sav- 1. Dan Martin (IRL/EAU) 181 km in 7. Bauke Mollema (NED/TRE) 3 3. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/ 9. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 52. security lines. ing money. reland’s Dan Martin claimed 4hrs 13min 43sec 8. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) 3 BMC) 5. 10. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 53 victory on the sixth stage of 2. Pierre-Roger Latour (FRA/ 9. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) 3 4. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/QST) 11. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC) 53. the Tour de France with a ALM) at 1sec 10. Primoz Roglic (SLO/LNL) 3 6. 12. Mikel Landa (ESP/MOV) 55. Pedrosa to retire at end of MotoGP season brutal attack in an uphill fi n- 3. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/ OVERALL 5. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/QST) 12. 13. Adam Yates (GBR/MIT) 1:02. Iish as several top riders lost time MOV) 3 1. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/BMC) 6. Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) 18. 14. Chris Froome (GBR/SKY) 1:02. Spanish rider Dani Pedrosa is to retire from MotoGP at the end yesterday. 4. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/QST) 3 22hrs 35min 46sec 7. Rigoberto Uran (COL/EFD) 45. 15. Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) of the season in November, bringing down the curtain on an 18- The Team UAE Emirates rider 5. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 3 2. Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) 8. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/ 1:03. year career in grand prix motorcycling. The 32-year-old Honda jumped away from the main veteran made the announcement at the German Grand Prix pack inside the fi nal kilometre yesterday. and never looked back, beating oberto Uran was 11 seconds be- 43 seconds while Team Sky will a punchy climb that suited his Alaphilippe to win and snatch “Next year I won’t compete in the Championship, I’ll finish my France’s Pierre Latour by one hind Martin but it was worse for also be able to play the Geraint abilities. the yellow jersey but the Fleche career in MotoGP this season,” he told reporters at the Sachsen- second and Spain’s Alejandro Frenchman Romain Bardet, who Thomas card as the Welshman, “I thought about it (his second Wallonne champion failed to ring. “It’s a decision I’ve thought about for a long time, and it’s a Valverde by three. ended 31 seconds off the pace who won the Criterium du Dau- place in 2015) all day. It was good deliver, coming home a disap- hard decision because this is the sport I love,” he added. Belgian Greg van Avermaet after having to swap bikes with a phine last month, sits in third to fi nish second back then but pointing fourth. “But despite having good opportunities to keep racing, I feel like hung on for dear life on the 2-km team mate following a mechani- place overall 59 seconds ahead of this time I was coming for vic- “I had good sensations but I don’t live racing with the same intensity as before and I now climb at an average gradient of cal problem just before the last the four-times Tour champion. tory,” said Martin. nothing outstanding, I was at my have diff erent priorities in my life.” 6.9 percent to retain the overall climb. Dutchman Tom Dumoulin, “It was diffi cult because there maximum. My team did a bril- His factory team last month signed triple MotoGP world cham- leader’s yellow jersey. “A spoke broke and I had to the 2017 Giro d’Italia champion, was a headwind, so going solo liant job all day and I wanted to pion Jorge Lorenzo from Ducati as Pedrosa’s replacement for While Australian Richie Porte, swap bikes with Tony (Gallopin). suff ered a puncture with vefi was risky.” fi nish it off ,” he said. next season. Italian Vincenzo Nibali and Brit- Then I had to chase and that ef- kilometres to go and ended the The fi rst 179km of the stage His Quick-Step Floors team Pedrosa, whose top flight career has been plagued by injuries ain’s Geraint Thomas all crossed fort was fatal,” AG2R-La Mondi- day 53 seconds behind the win- were dull with none of the fa- blew up the peloton with 104km and operations, has spent his entire grand prix career with the the line three seconds off the ale rider Bardet told reporters. ner. vourites daring to make a move, left with a sudden acceleration Japanese manufacturer since his 125cc debut in 2001. pace after the 181-km ride from “It’s never good to lose time. Martin came home second even when the peloton went up as crosswinds blew, but after be- He was 125cc champion in 2003 and took 250cc crowns in 2004 Brest, defending champion There are a lot of twists on the the last time a Tour stage ended the fi nal hill a fi rst time with ing briefl y trapped behind, twice and 2005. He is also a three times runner-up in MotoGP and has Chris Froome was fi ve seconds Tour and this time luck was not in Mur de Bretagne and he ad- 16km to go. runner-up Nairo Quintana and won 31 grands prix with Honda in the top flight as well as 23 in further back. on our side.” mitted he had been obsessed Thousands of French fans had 2014 champion Vincenzo Nibali lower categories. Last year’s runner-up Rig- Bardet now trails Froome by about winning here this time on been waiting for France’s Julian made it back to the bunch.

BOXING ‘Pacquiao beware! I’m going home with my belt’ AFP Kuala Lumpur Fury to be unleashed on Italian Pianeta Francesco Pianeta, who has world champion when he beat orld welterweight challenged twice for the Klitschko on points to take champion Lucas world heavyweight title, will the World Boxing Association Matthysse saluted be former world title-holder (WBA), International Boxing Manny Pacquiao Tyson Fury’s next opponent in Federation (IBF) and World Won Thursday but vowed to beat Belfast on August 18 promoter Boxing Organisation (WBO) the Filipino boxing legend when Frank Warren announced belts in November 2015. they square off on Sunday. yesterday. “Tyson had been out of boxing “He is a great champion but he The 33-year-old Italian, who for a long time and Pianeta is still hasn’t faced ‘The Machine’,” has won 21 of his 40 fights a good opponent for what is Argentina’s Matthysse told re- by knockout, will, accord- Tyson’s second fight back after porters at a packed press confer- ing to Warren, provide much his break,” said Warren. ence in Kuala Lumpur ahead of stiff er opposition than Sefer “He needs rounds under his their WBA title clash. Seferi, who lasted just four belt before moving on to the “If he decides to retire after I rounds in what was Fury’s next level and this fight will do beat him then that is his decision, Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse smiles during a press conference in Philippine’s Manny Pacquiao smiles with his son Israel during a press comeback fight in June after that and make him work for I am here to defend my title.” Kuala Lumpur yesterday. (AFP) conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. (AFP) over two-and-a-half-years his win.” Veteran Pacquiao, who is out of the ring. Pianeta’s two chasing a 60th win of his long “When I saw his fi ght against ‘He punches a lot harder’ any elbows, anything like that,” work for Lucas to be a champion. world title challenges ended in career, will turn 40 in December Teerachai it was a good fi ght,” “This guy Matthysse is a lot said Fortune. And Matthysse’s He is not going to come here and knockouts, lasting six rounds and has not fought since losing said the Filipino, who has won better than Jeff Horn, he punch- trainer Joel Diaz hit back at ac- give up his belt.” with Ukrainian great Wladimir his WBO welterweight belt to world titles in an unprecedented es a lot harder,” Australian For- cusations that his fi ghter was Now in the twilight of a 23-year Klitschko but then got a right Australia’s Jeff Horn in Brisbane eight weight divisions in more tune, a former heavyweight who only in Asia to pick up a big pay professional career, Pacquiao (59- pummelling from Uzbekistan’s a year ago. than 20 years as a professional once fought Lennox Lewis, told day. “We got everything ready 6-2, 38 KOs) has not stopped an Ruslan Chagaev and was Knock-out specialist Mat- fi ghter. “I believe we can cre- AFP. to go. Lucas Matthysse is not opponent for nine years as he jug- counted out in the first round. thysse has fi nished 36 of his 39 ate good action in the ring so the “We are expecting the same here for a paycheck he is here to gles his boxing career with being an “The Seferi fight is history and wins inside the distance and won fans will be happy.” sort of methods as Horn,” added take his title back to his people,” elected Pianeta is a far better operator the vacant WBA belt after an Pacquiao was thrown out of Fortune, who said the appoint- said Diaz of his fi ghter who has a senator. Pacquiao, who is idolised than him,” said Warren. eighth-round stoppage of Thai- kilter by Horn’s rough-house ment of experienced American 39-4 record. by tens of millions in the Philip- “His level of opposition tells land’s Teerachai Sithmorseng in tactics a year ago and the Filipi- referee Kenny Bayless would Matthysse’s last defeat came pines, defi ed calls to retire after the you that.” January. no’s conditioning coach, Justin ensure Matthysse couldn’t get against Ukrainian Viktor Pos- Horn defeat, but said in May that Warren added Pianeta was an His action-packed style, said Fortune, said they had prepared away with anything illegal. tol for a WBC super lightweight his performance in Sunday’s fi ght ideal opponent for 29-year- Pacquiao, was one of the reasons for similar from the aggressive “He’s a very fair ref and he world title fi ght in October 2015. could well determine his future in old Fury — who was crowned the fi ght attracted him. Argentine. won’t stand for any head butts, “It cost us 14 years of hard the ring. Gulf Times Friday, July 13, 2018 7 SPORT

TENNIS Serena to face Kerber in her 10th Wimbledon fi nal In only her fourth tournament since the arrival of her daughter Olympia in September, the 23-time Grand Slam champion is closing in on her first major title since becoming a parent AFP London

erena Williams reached her fi rst Grand Slam fi - nal as a mother just 10 months after giving birth asS the seven-time champion marched into her 10th Wimble- don title match with a 6-2, 6-4 rout of Julia Goerges yesterday. On 20-match winning streak at Wimbledon, Williams will face German world number 10 Angelique Kerber tomorrow in a repeat of the 2016 showpiece won by Williams. In only her fourth tournament since the ar- rival of her daughter Olympia in September, the 23-time Grand Angelique Kerber beat Jelena Ostapenko in the semi-final. (Reuters) Slam champion is closing in on her fi rst major title since becom- keep going for the rest of my ca- set, the contest had already been ing a parent. reer,” Serena added. sapped of any drama and mo- German 13th seed Goerges was After all the controversy about ments later the title favourite sent packing in only 70 minutes the decision to seed Williams was waving to the crowd in cel- on Centre Court. It was a cathar- 25th at Wimbledon despite her ebration. tic moment for the 36-year-old, position at 181 in the WTA rank- Earlier, Kerber raced into her who endured severe labour com- ings, she has proved the tourna- second Wimbledon fi nal and plications that left her needing ment’s offi cials were actually fourth Grand Slam showpiece life-saving operations. too conservative. Williams, who as the German crushed former “It’s crazy. I don’t even know missed Wimbledon last year due French Open champion Jelena how to feel. I didn’t expect to to her pregnancy, won the grass- Ostapenko 6-3, 6-3 in 67 min- do this well in my fourth tour- court Grand Slam on her previ- utes. The 30-year-old hit only 10 nament back,” Williams said. ous two visits in 2015 and 2016. winners but that was all it took to “I had a really tough pregnancy Twenty years after making her get the job done as Latvian 12th delivery. I had to have multiple Wimbledon debut as a preco- seed Ostapenko shot herself in surgeries and almost didn’t make cious teenager and 16 years since the foot with 36 unforced errors. it to be honest. I’m just enjoying her fi rst title at the All England “I was just trying to move good every moment of this. This was Club, Serena remains the pre- and take my chances. I’m so ex- not inevitable for me.” eminent force in the women’s cited,” Kerber said. “It’s such a The American star will have game. In a testament to her re- great feeling to be back in the history in her sights against Ker- markable longevity, the former fi nal. Playing on Centre Court is ber as she tries to equal Margaret world number one has now made always great.” Court’s record of 24 Grand Slams at least one Grand Slam fi nal for Referencing her dismal form singles titles. An eighth Wim- the last 12 years. last year, Kerber added: “2017 is bledon title would also move her Serena had lost only one of her over and I’m really happy about past Steffi Graf into second place 10 previous Wimbledon semi- that. We are in 2018! I’m really on the list of female Wimbledon fi nals and the 11th followed a fa- happy and proud to be in a Grand champions, behind nine-time miliar script. When a panicked Slam fi nal. These are the matches winner Martina Navratilova. Goerges error wrapped up the I was working for since I was a Serena will go into her 30th fi rst set, Serena’s dominance was kid.” Grand Slam fi nal — her fi rst since so total that the American, whose It will be Kerber’s fi rst Grand winning the 2017 Australian emotions are usually on full dis- Slam fi nal since she won the sec- Open — holding a 6-2 lead in her play, barely acknowledged the ond of her two major titles at the head to head record against Ker- moment. 2016 US Open. Kerber, who also ber. “She is clearly a really good By the time a Goerges drop- won the Australian Open in 2016, grass-court player. But whatever shot drifted into net to present is bidding to become the fi rst happens it’s a great moment for Serena with the decisive break German woman to win Wimble- Serena Williams of the US is delighted after beating Germany’s Julia Goerges 6-2, 6-4 in the women’s singles semi-final at the 2018 Wimbledon me and incredible motivation to in the sixth game of the second don since Graf in 1996. Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, yesterday. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Nadal braced for ‘complex’ Djokovic Bryan and Sock reach AFP men’s doubles fi nal London Reuters turned to fellow American Sock London for the Wimbledon fortnight. afael Nadal described long-time Just by reaching the semi-fi nal rival Novak Djokovic as “one of Bryan, 40, guaranteed a return to the more complex” players he’s merican doubles great the number one spot in the ATP ever met as they prepare to clash Mike Bryan reached his doubles rankings and became the forR the 52nd time today with a Wimble- fi rst Grand Slam fi nal oldest man to hold the number don fi nal spot at stake. World number without twin brother one spot. Yesterday he and Sock one Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion BobA yesterday when he and Jack were cruising before losing two at the All England Club, trails Djokovic, Sock beat Briton Dominic Inglot tiebreaks but eventually ran out the 2011, 2014 and 2015 winner, 26-25 in and Croatian partner Franko 6-3 6-1 6-7(11) 6-7(4) 6-4 win- a rivalry which began at Roland Garros Skugor in a fi ve-set thriller at ners to set up a fi nal against 12 years ago. Along the way, they have Wimbledon. The Bryan broth- South Africa/New Zealand team fought out a series of classic and epic bat- ers have won a record 16 Grand Raven Klaasen and Mark Venus tles including Djokovic’s 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, Slam titles together but with Bob who beat Briton Joe Salisbury 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 Australian Open fi nal vic- suff ering with a hip injury Mike and Denmark’s Frederik Nielsen. tory in 2012. At fi ve hours and 53 minutes, it was the longest fi nal ever at a Slam. The following year, Nadal downed the Serb, who was world number one at the Qatar’s Farid wins silver time, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 9-7 in the semi- fi nals in Paris, this time in four hours and 37 minutes. “It’s always a big challenge to face Novak,” said 32-year-old Nadal who is back in the semi-fi nals at Wimbledon for the fi rst time since 2011 when he fi n- ished runner-up to Djokovic. “He is one of the more complex play- ers that I ever saw in our sport. You know that you can’t win against him if you Spain’s Rafael Nadal beat Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in a thrilling five-setter in the quarter-finals. (AFP) don’t play very well.” Nadal is chasing an 18th Grand Slam feated by players outside the top 100. in the quarter-fi nals. “At the same time, men are in the semi-fi nals at Wimbledon title which would put him just two be- Djokovic’s 2017 Wimbledon campaign I’m trying to use the experience and for the fi rst time. Anderson is the fi rst hind Roger Federer who was sensation- ended in a quarter-fi nal retirement with memories that I have of being in the fi nal South African to make the last-four since ally knocked out in the quarter-fi nals by an elbow injury which led to surgery and stages of Grand Slams, just take things Kevin Curren in 1983. Isner had never got Kevin Anderson. For his part, Djokovic precipitated a worrying dip in form and very simple, day by day.” past the third round at Wimbledon before is eyeing a 13th major after making the confi dence. When he lost in the French Nadal had not dropped a set at the this year while a run to the last-eight at semi-fi nals of a Slam for the fi rst time Open quarter-fi nals to world number 72 tournament until the quarter-fi nals the 2011 US Open had been his previous since fi nishing runner-up at the 2016 US Marco Cecchinato last month, he even where he fought back to defeat Juan Mar- best at the majors. Open. This time last year, few would have suggested he was ready to skip Wim- tin del Potro 7-5, 6-7 (7/9), 4-6, 6-4, The surprise presence of Anderson and expected to see either man back in the bledon this year as his ranking slipped 6-4 on Wednesday. That four-hour and Isner means this year’s Wimbledon semi- last-four at the All England Club. Nadal to 22, his lowest since August 2006. But 48-minute epic put him into his sixth fi nals will feature players all over the age was knocked out in the fourth round, los- the 31-year-old has been rejuvenated at Wimbledon semi and 28th at the majors. of 30 for the fi rst time in the Open era. ing 13-11 in the fi nal set to Luxembourg Wimbledon, sweeping into the semi-fi - Today’s other semi-fi nal pitches An- Their clash, however, may not be easy on Qatar’s Mariam Farid celebrates after winning the silver medal journeyman Gilles Muller. nals for the eighth time. “My results were derson, the eighth seed who lost to Nad- the eye. Isner hasn’t been broken in 95 in triple jump at the West Asia Athletics championship at the On four of his previous fi ve visits to not up to the standard that I had before,” al in last year’s US Open fi nal, against service games and has fi red 161 aces. An- Amman International Stadium in Jordan. south-west London, he had been de- said Djokovic after beating Kei Nishikori ninth-seeded American John Isner. Both derson has 123 aces to his name.

Friday, July 13, 2018 GULF TIMES CRICKET

FIRST TEST ODI SERIES Pakistan braced Karunaratne ton for Bulawayo test AFP likely to open the bowling with Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Mohamed Amir. At the other end of the or- der, Imam ul Haq could return akistan will start their to partner the in-form Fakhar one-day international Zaman at the top of the order. lift s Sri Lanka on series against Zimbabwe Fakhar was named Player of the as clear favourites, but Series in the tri-series, scoring Pcaptain Sarfraz Ahmed expects a career-best 91 to help Pakistan the hosts to be challenging oppo- pull off a record chase in the nal.fi nents in their home conditions as Zimbabwe are still missing their tour moves to Bulawayo for several frontline players from fi ve games in the longer of crick- their squad, with the likes of tough day in Galle et’s two short formats. Brendan Taylor and Sikandar “The one-day series is im- Raza absent after a dispute with portant, and it’s not easy to play the Zimbabwe Cricket board. Opener registers his eighth Test century and built crucial partnerships with the tailenders Zimbabwe in their home condi- The experienced Hamilton Ma- tions,” said Sarfraz. “The match- sakadza captains a squad that in- AFP But Karunaratne rarely attempted to es are also starting very early. It’s cludes three players yet to debut Galle, Sri Lanka counter attack, preferring instead to probably even more cold in Bula- in international cricket. steadily build his innings, which featured wayo too, so it’s not going to be Zimbabwe coach Lalchand 13 fours and an impressive six off Dale an easy series.” Rajput promised Pakistan “a real pener Dimuth Karunaratne hit Steyn in the fi rst session. South Africa With this tour taking place fi ght” from a squad that still also an unbeaten 158 to lift Sri Lan- skipper Faf du Plessis was forced to ro- in Zimbabwe’s winter, meaning includes several veterans along- ka to 287 all out against South tate his regular bowling options as Karu- early sunsets on a ground with- side the rookies. “Pakistan are Africa on day one of the fi rst naratne played sensible cricket with the out any fl oodlights, the games very strong but our players are a OTest in Galle yesterday. Fast bowler Ka- tail enders. will start 10.15 Qatar time. That little bit confi dent,” Rajput said. giso Rabada claimed four wickets to re- Sri Lanka’s regular captain Dinesh will make the toss important, as “The confi dence we take from duce Sri Lanka to 176-8 but Karunaratne Chandimal is suspended for the two- batting conditions can be dif- the T20I series will be shown in blasted a 222-ball knock after the hosts match series, after pleading guilty to fi cult in the morning despite the the ODI series as well. I am sure elected to bat fi rst. breaching the spirit of cricket during Queens Sports Club track’s tra- this team will defi nitely push Pa- The left-handed Karunaratne, who the team’s Test tour of West Indies last ditionally benign nature. kistan and make a real fi ght of the registered his eighth century in his 50th month. Suranga Lakmal is stand-in- Spin can also be more of a fac- ODI series.” Test, built crucial partnerships including captain. tor at Queens, and Pakistan will Pakistan have enjoyed unprec- a 63-run 10th wicket stand with Lakshan “Although we are without our captain be further buoyed by the possible edented success in Twenty20 Sandakan, who made 25. In response and coach (Chandika Hathurusingha) return of legspinner Yasir Shah cricket this year, and solidifi ed South Africa were in trouble at four for the team’s mental state is very high,” said to their ODI playing XI. Yasir, their number one ranking in the one at stumps after veteran spinner Ran- Karunaratne. “If you look at our last Test who last played an ODI for Pa- format with their victory over gana Herath got Aiden Markram out for we played without Chandimal and won in kistan against England at Trent Australia in the tri-series fi nal nought. West Indies and we are still in that same Bridge two years ago, missed the last weekend. That has not been Dean Elgar, on four, and nightwatch- frame of mind for this series,” he added. most recent tour of England with complemented by good form in man Keshav Maharaj were at the crease a stress fracture but has been ODIs, however, and they were at close of play on a tough day’s cricket SCOREBOARD picked for the upcoming games. thrashed 5-0 in their last bilat- that saw rain in the afternoon and an ex- SRI LANKA 1ST INNINGS With teenage legspinner eral one-day series, against New tended fi nal session. The day belonged D. Gunathilaka c de Kock b Rabada 26 Shadab Khan also part of their Zealand in January. to Karunaratne who stood tall during his D. Karunaratne not out 158 squad, Pakistan have plenty of Zimbabwe are likely to present marathon stand after Rabada and then D. de Silva b Shamsi 11 fi repower should conditions fa- much less of a challenge, de- left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi K. Mendis c Rabada b Steyn 24 vour spin. As usual, they will also spite playing at home, and Paki- tore into the Sri Lankan middle-order. A. Mathews c de Kock b Rabada 1 have plenty of pace options, with stan’s primary target in the series “This is one of my best after New Zea- R. Silva c Markram b Rabada 0 left-arm quick Junaid Khan re- opener today will be to secure land (152 in 2014) and India (141 in 2017). N. Dickwella c Amla b Shamsi 18 turning to their ODI squad and their fi rst ODI win of 2018. This is one of my top three,” Karunaratne D. Perera c de Kock b Philander 1 told reporters. “I want to bat till the last. R. Herath run out (Philander) 1 It helps me to increase my average as S. Lakmal c de Kock b Rabada 10 Pakistan will rely on well. That’s what I want to do every time L. Sandakan st de Kock b Shamsi 25 Fakhar Zaman to give I go to bat,” Karunaratne said on register- Extras (b7, lb 1, nb2, w2) 12 them good start. (AFP) ing his fourth 150 plus score in Tests. Total (all out, 78.4 overs) 287 Rabada, who came back after an injury, Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Gunathilaka), 2-70 (de returned fi gures of 4-50, while Shamsi Silva), 3-115 (Mendis), 4-119 (Mathews), 5-119 took three wickets. Rabada had made (Silva), 6-161 (Dickwella), 7-164 (Perera), 8-176 the fi rst breakthrough for South Africa, (Herath), 9-224 (Lakmal), 10-287 (Sandakan) dismissing Danushka Gunathilaka with Bowling: Philander 8-1-28-1, Steyn 13-0-54-1, a delivery that rose sharply and got the Rabada 14-1-50-4 (w2, nb1), Maharaj 17-3-49- batsman caught behind for 26. 0 (nb1), Shamsi 25.4-2-91-3, Elgar 1-0-7-0 He then struck twice in his sixth over of the day, removing Angelo Mathews, SOUTH AFRICA 1ST INNINGS for one, and Roshen Silva, for nought, D. Elgar not out 4 shortly after lunch. Those two wickets A. Markram c Mathews b Herath 0 came towards the start of Sri Lanka’s K. Maharaj not out 0 middle-order, when they lost six wick- Extras 0 ets for 61 runs, slipping from a relatively Total (1 wicket, 4 overs) 4 comfortable 115-2. “I’d say it’s probably Still to bat: H. Amla, T. Bavuma, F. du even. The guys batted really well towards Plessis, Q. de Kock, V. Philander, T. Shamsi, K. the end,” said Shamsi. “But credit goes to Rabada, D. Steyn Sri Lankan batsman Dimuth Karunaratne plays a straight drive during the day one of their tail, they really hung around with Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Markram) first Test against South Africa in Galle, Sri Lanka yesterday. (AFP) the end batsmen and did the job.” Bowling: Herath 2-1-1-1, Perera 2-1-3-0

SPOTLIGHT SECOND TEST Kuldeep sets up easy India win over England West Indies AFP ingly, didn’t reach three fi gures too and struggle Nottingham, United Kingdom was instead stumped by Buttler off Rashid — but by then India had all but won the game. against spin uldeep Yadav took six wick- ets as India overpowered SCOREBOARD AFP England in the fi rst one-day ENGLAND INNINGS Kingston, Jamaica international at Trent Bridge J. Roy c Umesh Yadav b Kuldeep 38 Kyesterday. The left-arm wrist-spinner J. Bairstow lbw b Kuldeep 38 returned career-best ODI fi gures of six J. Root lbw b Kuldeep 3 he West Indies struggled for 25 as England were dismissed for a E. Morgan c Raina b Chahal 19 against the Bangladesh mere 268 after India captain Virat Kohli B. Stokes c Kaul b Kuldeep 50 spinners on a helpful sur- sent them into bat. J. Buttler c Dhoni b Kuldeep 53 face on the opening day of Rohit Sharma, to the delight of thou- Tthe second and fi nal Test in Jamaica, M. Ali c Kohli b Umesh Yadav 24 sands of India fans in a sun-drenched D. Willey c Rahul b Kuldeep 1 reaching lunch yesterday on 79 for capacity crowd of over 17,000, then A. Rashid c Pandya b Umesh Yadav 22 two. The home team demolished made a century as the tourists won by L. Plunkett run out (Raina/Dhoni) 10 the tourists with pace in a one-sided eight wickets with a mammoth 59 balls M. Wood not out 0 fi rst test but on the fi rst morning at to spare. Sharma was 137 not out, after Extras (lb5, w5) 10 Sabina Park, Bangladesh made full putting on 167 for the second wicket Total (all out, 49.5 overs ) 268 use of their slow bowling options on with Kohli (75) as India went 1-0 up in Fall of wickets: 1-73 (Roy), 2-81 (Root), 3-82 a pitch that was surprisingly helpful a three-match series that continues at (Bairstow), 4-105 (Morgan), 5-198 (Buttler), given the grassy, fast bowler-friend- Lord’s on Saturday. 6-214 (Stokes), 7-216 (Willey), 8-245 (Ali), ly tracks for Tests in this Caribbean It was all a far cry from the June 19 9-261 (Rashid), 10-268 (Plunkett) international season. ODI at Trent Bridge where England Bowling: U Yadav 9.5-0-70-2 (2w); Kaul 10- Kraigg Brathwaite survived compiled a men’s ODI record total of 0-62-0; Chahal 10-0-51-1; Pandya 7-0-47-0 through the fi rst two hours after the 481 for six in a 242-run win over Aus- (2w); K Yadav 10-0-25-6; Raina 3-1-8-0 (1w) home side were put in to bat but lost tralia during a 5-0 series rout of their opening partner Devon Smith and arch-rivals. After Kuldeep had run INDIA INNINGS Kieran Powell to Mehidy Hasan. through England’s top order with a R. Sharma not out 137 Brathwaite resumes in the after- burst of three wickets for fi ve runs in S. Dhawan c Rashid b Ali 40 noon on 33 in partnership with Shai 10 balls, Ben Stokes (50) and Jos Buttler V. Kohli st Buttler b Rashid 75 Hope and they will be expecting even (53) shared a fi fth-wicket stand of 93. KL Rahul not out 9 more of an examination from the trio But neither could break the shackles India’s chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav (left) celebrates with teammates Rohit Sharma (right) and captain Virat Kohli after Extras (w8) 8 of opposing spinners with Mehidy and both fell to Kuldeep, who was just taking the wicket of England’s David Willey during the first ODI at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) Total (2 wkts, 40.1 overs) 269 supported by his captain, Shakib al- the third overseas spinner to take fi ve Did not bat: KL Rahul, S Raina, MS Dhoni, Hasan, and by Taijul Islam. wickets in an ODI in England after Sri ceding Twenty20 series, just two balls ner Yuzvendra Chahal to midwicket. hold an excellent catch. Kuldeep, who H Pandya, K Yadav, U Yadav, S Kaul, Y Taijul’s inclusion in the Bangla- Lanka great Muttiah Muralitharan (fi ve to strike. Roy (38), attempting an ambi- Stokes and Buttler staunched the did not concede a boundary in his max- Chahal desh team at the expense of seamer for 34 at Lord’s in 1998) and India’s tious reverse sweep, gave a dolly catch fl ow of wickets, with Buttler fi rst to his imum 10 overs, struck again with his Fall of wickets: 1-59 (Dhawan), 2-226 Rubel Hossain — the lone change Suraj Randiv (fi ve for 42 at Old Traff ord to Umesh Yadav. fi fty, off 45 balls. But with England hop- fi nal delivery when David Willey holed (Kohli) from the innings and 219-run in 2011). Kuldeep’s return was also the Test captain Joe Root, in the team af- ing he would cut loose, Buttler’s glance out to KL Rahul. After Shikhar Dhawan Bowling: Wood 6-0-55-0 (1w); Willey 5-0- thrashing endured inside three days best by any spinner against England in ter being left out of the side that lost the off Kuldeep was well caught down the (40), sliced leg-spinner Adil Rashid to 25-0; Ali 8.1-0-60-1 (1w); Plunkett 6-0-31-0; in the fi rst match in Antigua — has ODI cricket. England, in the absence third T20, then played back to Kuldeep legside by wicket-keeper MS Dhoni. short third man, Sharma and Kohli kept Stokes 4-0-27-0 (1w); Rashid 10-0-62-1; proved to be inspired in conditions of the injured Alex Hales, saw open- and was plumb lbw for three. Bairstow, The normally hard-hitting Stokes then the boundaries coming during a stand Root 1-0-9-0 (4w) so far tailor-made for his style of ers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow put who would have been lbw for a duck in completed a fi fty off a sedate 102 balls, spanning 25 overs. Result: India won by eight wickets bowling. on a brisk 73. But the introduction of the fi rst over had India reviewed an lbw including just two fours. Sharma, dropped on 92 by a diving Man-of-the-match: kuldeep Yadav (IND) Kuldeep for the 11th over changed the appeal from Umesh, made an attractive Stokes was also unable to press on. Roy at backward point off fast bowler Series: India lead three-match series 1-0 BRIEF SCORES AT LUNCH course of the match. 38 before he was lbw to Kuldeep — on One ball after reaching his fi fty, the Liam Plunkett, completed an 82-ball REMAINING FIXTURES ON THE OPENING DAY It took Kuldeep, a thorn in England’s review. England captain Eoin Morgan left-hander tried to reverse sweep Kul- hundred — his 18th at this level — when Tomorrow: 2nd ODI, Lord’s West Indies 79-2 (K. Brathwaite 33 n.o.; side during India’s 2-1 win in the pre- (19) then carelessly chipped leg-spin- deep only for debutant Siddarth Kaul to he drove Rashid for six. Kohli, surpris- Jul 17: 3rd ODI, Headingley (d/n) Mehidy Hasan 2-35) Toss: Bangladesh