Messi American Players

WEDNESDAY, JuNE 29, 2016 VOLuME XI ISSuE NO.21 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 26 | RAMADAN EVENTS CHANGE AT ARABI’S HELM THE GRAND FINALE QATAR’S FIRST Veteran Uruguayan coach Gerardo Sharq emerge as winners of the ENGLISH SPORTS Pelusso replaces ex-Italy and Chelsea Al Wajba Palace football tourney WEEKLY star Gianfranco Zola at Al Arabi. by beating Barzan in the final.

SPECIAL STORY P 19 | FOOTBALL ‘This is the end for me’ P 28 | BEACH VOLLEYBALL Rio calling!

P 20 | POSTER CHILE COPA AMERICA PAGES 22-23 CHAMPS

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Despite all the hype and hoopla, England suffer humiliating loss

ĈĈI didn’t expect England to progress Hodgson who is paid $4.6m a year, simply adds problems. Almost all top scorers in La Liga are beyond the quarterfinal stage insult to injury to the game’s so-called inventors. foreigners and the national team didn’t have a It isn’t fair to apportion the blame to one indi- genuine striker. URO 2016 has reached the quarterfinal vidual. Of course, Hodgson made some mistakes, On the contrary, some La Liga stars like France’s stage. And missing from the line-up are reshuffling the pack too often, leaving many eye- Antoine Griezmann, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo Echampions Spain and England. Both, over- brows raised. As a result, England never looked and Wales’ Gareth Bale benefited from their expe- whelming favourites to progress, were dumped a settled combination. But ultimately, it’s the rience so much so that they led their teams into out last Monday. players who’ve to perform on the field. Wayne the quarterfinals almost singlehandedly. Spain’s defeat to Italy couldn’t be seen as a Rooney, Joe Hart and Harry Kane, to name but Spain have an additional problem, with cen- shock, but Iceland’s stunning win over England a few, failed miserably while players like Jamie tral defenders Sergio Ramos and Gerrard Pique, ranks as one of the biggest upsets in history as Vardy, Dele Alli and others got limited oppor- often at loggerheads on the domestic circuit, fail- much as the Three Lions’ embarrassing loss at tunities. ing to click as a reassuring pair. the 1950 World Cup when they were knocked out Frankly speaking, I didn’t expect England to Be that it may, we still have some mouthwa- by United States, an amateur side also compris- progress beyond the quarterfinal. As is the case tering fixtures in store, with Saturday’s Germany ing postmen and funeral directors! often, it’s the English media which has created vs Italy tie getting the top billing. The defeat to Iceland was equally humiliat- all the hype and hoopla around this team. ing as they were beaten by a country, as England Are they paying a price for hosting the world’s great Gary Lineker put it, “which has more vol- best league? Homegrown talents are few and far canoes than professional footballers”. between and the relentless domestic schedule The fact that Iceland’s national joint-coach Heimir is draining the energy of those who get oppor- Hallgrimsson is a part-time dentist, compared tunities to play with top clubs. Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi to England’s full-time professional manager Roy Even Spain seem to be suffering from similar Editor-in-Chief

Bold and innovative is coming to Doha (Doha Stadium survey by DSP Plus, June 22). INBOX In addition to seeing the cream France’s decision to ban alcohol near of world snooker in Doha, it would the match venues and fan zones also give Qatari cueists a big chance

Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar is the latest in a long list of such to rub shoulders with the best in Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 myopic reactions (Doha Stadium the business. I just can’t wait for Managing Editor Kumar Ravi WEDNESDAY, JuNE 22, 2016 VOLuME XI ISSuE NO.20 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com P 6 | FUTSAL P 24 | RAMADAN EVENTS INTER FAVOURITES UNDYING SPIRIT Plus QATAR’S FIRST Movistar Inter of Spain start as The pair of Sheikh Hassan bin Khalid , June 22). the tournament! Senior Editor/Writer ENGLISH SPORTS firm favourites at the upcoming Al Thani and Ahmad Askar reign Aswin Abraham Intercontinental Cup in Doha. supreme at the NBK tennis tourney. WEEKLY Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 FOLLOW US Senior Sports Writer As your survey findings rightly Ahmad Rashad, Doha. N Ganesh e-mail: [email protected] Sports Writers indicate, it isn’t fair to punish a well- Sajith B Warrier Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Mohammad Amin-ul Islam e-mail: [email protected] behaved majority for the potential Advantage Djokovic Sarath Pookkat Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 misdeeds of a misguided minority. e-mail: [email protected] Photographers Mohan Blanket ban on alcohol at venues World No.1 Novak Djokovic undoubt-

Vinod Divakaran can infringe on the rights of foot- edly looks the man to beat at the

Fadi Al Assaad PAGES 16-19 ball fans who travel from around ongoing Wimbledon (Doha Stadium P 20 | POSTER DSP SPECIAL DANIEL STORY STURRIDGE Mohammed Dabboos P 22 | CUE SPORTS the globe to enjoy the matches. Plus, June 22). Qatar ready for P 28 | TENNIS Snooker Worlds Serbian valley! Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution A K BijuRaj UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 Hats off to your magazine for With this being an Olympic year Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko coming up with such a bold and and going by the Serbian ace’s cur- P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Publishing and Distribution Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press innovative survey. rent form, it won’t be a surprise if Joice Michael Lusan Worsley, Doha. he accomplishes a Golden Slam e-mail: [email protected] www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Technical support Shaheen Mohammed this year. I feel it’s a matter of time Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] Abdul Naser M www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar Great opportunity before he surpasses Roger Federer’s record of 17 Grands Slam in the www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar © Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of It’s great news to fans like me that Open era. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. the World Snooker Championship Noor Mohammad, Doha. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 3

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Despite all the hype and hoopla, England suffer humiliating loss

Vinod Divakaran can infringe on the rights of foot- edly looks the man to beat at the

© Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of It’s great news to fans like me that Open era. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. the World Snooker Championship Noor Mohammad, Doha. 4 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 5 Extra time

Day, Lowry pull I went to see the FA four or five years ago and I said, ‘I’ll have that job’. They said, ‘No, it’s a lack of experience’. And I said, out of Rio Games ‘You’ve hired experienced guys, you’ve paid them an absolute over Zika fears fortune, I couldn’t have done any worse than those guys’. Alan Shearer, former England striker. ORLD No.1 Jason Day and Ireland’s Shane Lowry on YOUSEF AL KUWARI WTuesday withdrew from Au- gust’s Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, citing fears over the Zika virus. Golf is returning to the Olympics for STAR OF THE WEEK the first time since 1904, but a number of big names, including four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy and Fiji’s Vijay Singh, have also pulled out due ššUnai Emery to Zika concerns. “The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential ‘I’m passionate risks that it may UNAI EMERGES! present to my wife’s about bikes’ future pregnancies and to future members of our family,” ATAR Rugby Federation (QRF) PANIARD Unai Emery has signed become the PSG coach,” said Emery. “I’m elimination from the Champions League Australian Day said. President Yousef Jeham Al Ku- a two-year contract with Qatar- both happy and honoured to be able by Manchester City. “Playing golf can’t take precedent over Qwari is the man responsible for Sowned Paris Saint-Germain with to help realise their great ambitions.” PSG achieved their second succes- the safety of our family. I’ll not place reinvigorating the sport in the country. an option for an additional season, the The former Real Sociedad midfielder, sive domestic treble by winning Ligue them at risk,” the 28-year-old added. Though the QRF was formed only last Ligue 1 champions said on Tuesday. who started his coaching career in 2004, 1, the French Cup and the League Cup, Lowry said his decision was based year, Al Kuwari, a former American The 44-year-old joins from Sevilla, managed Valencia from 2008 to 2012 but Champions League progress stag- on firm medical advice. football player with semi-professional having guided the Spanish club to a before taking over at Sevilla in 2013. nated as they lost in the quarterfinals “While I’m bitterly disappointed to be side Colorado Cougars during his col- third consecutive Europa League title. Blanc departed officially last Monday. for the fourth successive season. missing out on that experience and the lege days in the US, gave the sport a He replaces Laurent Blanc, who had His future at PSG had appeared in jeopardy Emery was tied with Sevilla until June, opportunity to win an Olympic medal boost with his proactive ways. parted company with PSG after three since club president Nasser Ghanem Al 2017, but negotiated a release from con- for Ireland, on this occasion I’ve to put The QRF has hosted a couple of in- seasons in charge. Kholaifi this month described the 2015-16 tract. Sevilla have appointed former Chile my family’s welfare first,” said Lowry, ternational competitions while Qatar’s “It’s with great pride that I agreed to season as a failure because of the club’s coach Jorge Sampaoli to replace him. who recently got married. victory at the Asian Championship Division 3 in April was another major achievement.

Zenit St Petersburg’s Brazilian forward “Zenit have reached a preliminary REUTERS/ Kai Pfaffenbach ЂЂWhat other sports do you follow? Hulk close Hulk is close to joining Chinese Super agreement with Shanghai SIPG ЃЂI like football very much. I follow the League club Shanghai SIPG in a deal concerning the transfer of Hulk, and English Premier League, Spanish League, to joining worth around €56m. on Wednesday the player will undergo The deal could break the Asian a medical,” Zenit’s press officer, Dmitri Italian League and Qatar Stars League Shanghai transfer record of €50m that Jiangsu Zimmerman, told Russian daily Sport (QSL). Suning paid Shakhtar Donetsk for Express. “Zenit will receive around RAGNAR SIGURDSSON Brazilian midfielder Alex Teixeira in €56m, while a further €2m could be ЂЂYour favourite football club... February. added to the total price.” ЃЂQatar Sports Club, but unfortunately ššVincenzo Montella IGURDSSON is probably one of the made it 3-1 with an audacious bicycle they “panicked”. they were relegated from the QSL last sea- very few names familiar to England kick and produced a perfectly-timed “They thought this would be a walk in son. As a youngster, I played for Qatar SC, Sfans, for a certain Gylfi plays for tackle to preserve the lead when faced the park,” said Sigurdsson. a favourite team among Qataris. Montella is new Premier League side Swansea City. And with the onrushing James Vardy as “But we had faith in our ability. I think Alves dreams with Juve last Monday, Ragnar Sigurdsson made Iceland shocked England to book their it’s the second or third goal scored with ЂЂWhat’re you passionate about? AC Milan boss? sure England would remember the berth in the quarterfinal of European long throw, it’s one of our weapons that ЃЂI’m quite passionate about bikes. I’ve name, painfully, for some time to come. Championship. we use a lot, so no surprise there. I think nine Harley Davidson bikes which I ride INCENZO Montella is reportedly RAZIL international Dani Alves After leaving Sevilla for the Camp Nou The Krasnodar defender equalised Sigurdsson said England’s over- (England) are obviously a good team and in the weekends and during holidays. on the brink of being named said on Tuesday that his ultimate in 2008, the Brazilian claimed six La for his team after England took the confidence caused their humiliating tried hard, but as you know it’s not easy Vthe new coach of AC Milan, Bgoal was to win the Champi- Liga titles and three Champions League lead through Wayne Rooney, almost defeat to the Nordic minnows and to score against Iceland,” he added. » [email protected] with Marco Giampaolo set to replace ons League with his new Serie A club winners’ medals. him at Sampdoria. Juventus. “I’m not a star, I’m a hard worker. I’ll According to Italian media reports, the “Juventus have a dream which is to do my best to write history here too,” Inside 42-year-old has emerged as the favour- win the Champions League, and I want said Alves. ite to sit on the Rossoneri bench next to help them achieve this,” said Alves Juventus, winners of the last five Serie season with Cristian Brocchi unlikely after signing a two-year deal with the A titles, have lifted Europe’s elite club to be confirmed in the position he filled Italian champions. trophy twice, in 1985 and 1996. for the final third of last season. The 33-year-old full-back left Barcelona In Turin, Alves will wear the No.23 The appointment is to be confirmed as in June at the end of his contract, after jersey. “I’ve chosen the 23 in honour of soon as club president Silvio Berlusconi eight seasons with the Catalan giants LeBron James and all players like him 9 18 30 fully recovers from a recent heart oper- produced 23 trophies. who know how to reinvent themselves.” ation to discuss the matter with the “The history of the club strikes me. Alves was part of the Brazil squad that group of Chinese investors who have And then to live a new experience, was knocked out of the Copa America until the end of the month to complete in a new country, that interests me,” centennial edition in the United States their takeover of the Serie A club. ššDani Alves explained Alves. in the group stages. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 5

I went to see the FA four or five years ago and I said, ‘I’ll have that job’. They said, ‘No, it’s a lack of experience’. And I said, ‘You’ve hired experienced guys, you’ve paid them an absolute fortune, I couldn’t have done any worse than those guys’. Alan Shearer, former England striker. YOUSEF AL KUWARI STAR OF THE WEEK

‘I’m passionate about bikes’

ATAR Rugby Federation (QRF) President Yousef Jeham Al Ku- Qwari is the man responsible for reinvigorating the sport in the country. Though the QRF was formed only last year, Al Kuwari, a former American football player with semi-professional side Colorado Cougars during his col- lege days in the US, gave the sport a boost with his proactive ways. The QRF has hosted a couple of international competitions while Qatar’s victory at the Asian Championship Division 3 in April was another major achievement.

REUTERS/ Kai Pfaffenbach ЂЂWhat other sports do you follow? ЃЂI like football very much. I follow the English Premier League, Spanish League, Italian League and Qatar Stars League RAGNAR SIGURDSSON (QSL). ЂЂYour favourite football club... ЃЂQatar Sports Club, but unfortunately IGURDSSON is probably one of the made it 3-1 with an audacious bicycle they “panicked”. they were relegated from the QSL last sea- very few names familiar to England kick and produced a perfectly-timed “They thought this would be a walk in son. As a youngster, I played for Qatar SC, Sfans, for a certain Gylfi plays for tackle to preserve the lead when faced the park,” said Sigurdsson. a favourite team among Qataris. Premier League side Swansea City. And with the onrushing James Vardy as “But we had faith in our ability. I think last Monday, Ragnar Sigurdsson made Iceland shocked England to book their it’s the second or third goal scored with ЂЂWhat’re you passionate about? sure England would remember the berth in the quarterfinal of European long throw, it’s one of our weapons that ЃЂI’m quite passionate about bikes. I’ve name, painfully, for some time to come. Championship. we use a lot, so no surprise there. I think nine Harley Davidson bikes which I ride The Krasnodar defender equalised Sigurdsson said England’s over- (England) are obviously a good team and in the weekends and during holidays. for his team after England took the confidence caused their humiliating tried hard, but as you know it’s not easy lead through Wayne Rooney, almost defeat to the Nordic minnows and to score against Iceland,” he added. » [email protected] Inside 9 18 30 6 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 7 Football Magnus to take on Barbosa in final

AGNUS Futsal will take on Carlos Barbosa in an all-Brazilian final Mof the 2016 Intercontinental ENTER PELUSSO Futsal Cup at the Ali bin Hamad Al At- šĈMohammed Ghanem Al A’ali Al Arabi appoint Uruguayan coach Gerardo Pelusso in place of Italian tiyah Arena on Wednesday. In the semifinals on Tuesday, Magnus Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked after just one season in charge. pipped FC Barcelona Lassa 6-4 in tie- ‘Belhadj to leave, no breaker after regulation and extra time ended 3-3. Carlos Barbosa had a rela- club Santa Fe. plans for next season and the 62-year- tively easy route as they saw off Qatar’s N Ganesh Former champions Arabi showed old has the task to rebuild the team. negotiations with Ibra’ Al Rayyan 3-0. signs of promise at the start of last sea- Sheikh Khalifa announced that all In a thrilling match, which Magnus son and for a brief period in January. foreign players except Paulinho had left coach Fernando Leite described as the However, they finished a disappoint- the club. The Brazilian, however, will return to us some day in a coaching or best in his 40-year career both as a player šĈLuan Muller, left, and Tiago de Melo. L ARABI have announced ing eighth in the 14-team league, the have to fight for his place as Nigerian INTERVIEW management capacity. and coach, they contained an onslaught Gerardo Pelusso as their new forward Imoh Ezekiel, who was away of attacks by Barcelona and tried to catch Acoach. The Uruguayan replaced on loan at Belgian club Anderlecht, ĈĈPortuguese Ferreira will ЂĈAbout the future of Khalfan, Talal them on the break. Al Balooshi and Mohammed Kassola I feel the pain of having former Chelsea and Italy star player The Uruguayan will has been brought back. continue as Sadd coach In hindsight, it was Magnus’ goalkeep- Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked last Uruguayan centre-back Federico at the club... ers who did the star turn for them. Tiago conceded the equaliser week after just one season. be the 13th coach to Platero and Chilean midfielder Luis L SADD Football Head Mo- ЃĈI’ll start with Khalfan. He still has a de Melo had a near-perfect outing and at the death of the The decision was announced by Sheikh manage Al Arabi over Antonio Jimenez are the new foreign hammed Ghanem Al A’ali said contract with us. When he’s at his nat- produced at least a dozen exceptional regulation time. Khalifa bin Hamad bin Jabor Al Thani, a period of six seasons. faces. The management is on the look- AAlgerian left-back Nadir Belhadj, ural technical level, he’s more valuable saves throughout to walk away with the who took charge as president follow- out for a new Asian foreign player. who played a pivotal role in their AFC for us than a foreigner. He’s capable of man of the match award while second ing the club’s general Arabi also brought left-back Champions League triumph in 2011 regaining his form. I’ve said before that choice Luan Muller, a specialist in pen- Wagner, giving Magnus a memorable win. assembly last week. same as the previous season. Rami Fayez from El Jaish on a and many other domestic titles, would Khalfan is a priceless jewel.. alties, came up with a vital block in the “It was one of the most difficult games Pelusso, a for- Arabi are infamous for their hire-and- season-long loan, and New part ways the Wolves after a ‘sincere’ Talal suffered recurring injuries last tie-breaker which ended 3-1. in my 40-year career as a player and coach. mer Paraguay fire policy and Pelusso will be the 13th Football Head Salah Al Mulla, six-year spell. season and lost his position. He has to Earlier, a Dyego Henrique own goal It was very competitive and maintained coach, last man- coach to manage them in six seasons. said they would sign five In an interview with www.qsl.com.qa, fight to get it back. His contract is still gave Magnus the lead in the 10th minute a very high level. I felt a big relief after aged Colombian The Reds are reportedly making big more Qatari players. DSP Al A’ali dismissed the club’s negotiations while Sergio Lozano, arguably Barcelona’s winning it,” said Magnus coach Leite. with Swedish great Zlatan Ibrahimovic best player on the court, equalised in His Barcelona counterpart Marc and the news of skilful forward Khalfan When Khalfan is at his the 19th. Carmona rued their luck. Ibrahim leaving the club as rumours. Leandro Simi put the Brazilians again “We played very well, but we weren’t “I’ve been supporting Al Arabi for natural technical level, ahead in the 24th while Marc Tolre drew lucky. People sometimes underestimate more than 25 years now. I’m grateful ЂĈOn renewing the contract of he’s more valuable parity again in the 29th. Lozano added luck, but it’s a part of any game,” said to everybody at the club for giving Portuguese coach Ferreira... for us than a foreigner. a second to give the Catalans hope by Carmona. me an opportunity to lead it. I would ЃĈAnybody who saw the team during netting in the 37th. “I feel the pain of having conceded like to extend my special thanks to the end of last season would’ve noticed Barcelona tried to defend the lead, but the equaliser at the death of the regula- HE Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al that the team improved in terms of har- running and he’s an important and expe- Leandro came up with the goal of the tion time. I don’t have words to explain Thani, who supported me and I mony; the players and coach were in sync. rienced player for us. As I said before, match in the dying seconds to take the it. But looking back, we couldn’t score know the value of his backing. We’ll therefore benefit from stability at he has to work more to regain his level game into extra time where the dead- enough goals,” added Carmona. This is a great responsibility the coaching level. and his position. lock continued. His men start as the favourites in the which I hope to fulfil in the As for Kasola, we renewed his con- ŢĈBrazilian In the tie-breaker, Rodrigo Hardy, third-place play-off against Rayyan on Ђ side Carlos şGianfranco ĈAre you negotiating with tract last season. Leandro and Falcao converted for Wednesday. DSP š best way. Barbosa proved Zola Ibrahimovic and Ricardo Quaresma? too good for Al Magnus. Only Lozano was successful Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad We read about many names, coaches ЂĈLetting Akram Afif join Villarreal... Rayyan. for Barcelona as Luan denied Carlos » e-mail: [email protected] bin Jabor Al Thani, Al Arabi ЃĈ Sports Club President. and players, coming and going before Akram had a historic opportunity. If ššGerardo Pelusso the start of every season. We have nego- we had stood in between that, then his- tiated with neither of these two names. tory wouldn’t forget it. The offer that came wasn’t one of a trial or for training; it was ЂĈAbout Belhadj leaving the club... an official contract to play for the fourth- ЃĈWe’ve come to an agreement with Nadir placed team in the Spanish League. to end our association and he understood Just as we sacrificed Akram and his Lekhwiya rope in Shahaniya sign Algerian Tiaiba the decision. If I was to speak about him team-mates for the European project defender Vivien for a year, I wouldn’t be able to do justice in recent years, we’re now proud of this L SHAHANIYA, who are back in to his professionalism, hard work and sin- sacrifice which’ll make him the first Gulf from Kharaitiyat the Qatar Stars League, signed cerity during the last six years. He became player to feature in the best league in AAlgerian striker Mohamed a part of the history of the club and he’ll the world. MIR’S Cup champions Le- Tiaiba last week. khwiya signed centre-back Tiaiba, top scorer in the Algerian EVivien Koua for five seasons league last season, will join compa- Al Sadd, who are eager to regain the Qatar Stars League in a swap deal with Al Kharatiyat, triot Khalid Gormy, Iranian Mehrdad Sadd turf title next season, will look for a smooth ride at home after which saw striker Lassina Diaby Pooladi, and Spaniard Alvaro Mejia as relaid relaying its field. and defender Khaled Radwan Shahaniya’s fourth foreign player. He ššMohamed Tiaiba The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) provided Sadd with the grass developed at its pioneering move in the other direction. will wear the No.9 jersey. turf Research and Development Centre at the Aspire Zone. Kharaitiyat had finished 12th Tiaiba, 27, has played for several clubs new season in Doha on July 10 before SCDL Manager for Landscape and Sport Turf Yasser Al in the 14-team league last season, including ES Setif, CS Constantine, travelling to Germany for a training Mulla said, “Normally, during a game, some bits of grass while former champions Lekhwiya USM El Harrach. camp, to be held from August 10 to could be uprooted. But in the test events played following

came a disappointing fourth. DSP Shahaniya will begin training for the 26. DSP the laying of the new turf, we had no such problems.” DSP Divakaran DSP/Vinod www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 7

Magnus to take on Barbosa in final

AGNUS Futsal will take on Carlos Barbosa in an all-Brazilian final Mof the 2016 Intercontinental Futsal Cup at the Ali bin Hamad Al At- šĈMohammed Ghanem Al A’ali tiyah Arena on Wednesday. In the semifinals on Tuesday, Magnus pipped FC Barcelona Lassa 6-4 in tie- ‘Belhadj to leave, no breaker after regulation and extra time ended 3-3. Carlos Barbosa had a relatively easy route as they saw off Qatar’s negotiations with Ibra’ Al Rayyan 3-0. In a thrilling match, which Magnus coach Fernando Leite described as the return to us some day in a coaching or best in his 40-year career both as a player šĈLuan Muller, left, and Tiago de Melo. INTERVIEW management capacity. and coach, they contained an onslaught of attacks by Barcelona and tried to catch Ĉ ЂĈAbout the future of Khalfan, Talal ĈPortuguese Ferreira will them on the break. I feel the pain of having continue as Sadd coach Al Balooshi and Mohammed Kassola In hindsight, it was Magnus’ goalkeep- at the club... ers who did the star turn for them. Tiago conceded the equaliser L SADD Football Head Mo- ЃĈI’ll start with Khalfan. He still has a de Melo had a near-perfect outing and at the death of the hammed Ghanem Al A’ali said contract with us. When he’s at his nat- produced at least a dozen exceptional regulation time. AAlgerian left-back Nadir Belhadj, ural technical level, he’s more valuable saves throughout to walk away with the who played a pivotal role in their AFC for us than a foreigner. He’s capable of man of the match award while second Champions League triumph in 2011 regaining his form. I’ve said before that choice Luan Muller, a specialist in pen- Wagner, giving Magnus a memorable win. and many other domestic titles, would Khalfan is a priceless jewel.. alties, came up with a vital block in the “It was one of the most difficult games part ways the Wolves after a ‘sincere’ Talal suffered recurring injuries last tie-breaker which ended 3-1. in my 40-year career as a player and coach. six-year spell. season and lost his position. He has to Earlier, a Dyego Henrique own goal It was very competitive and maintained In an interview with www.qsl.com.qa, fight to get it back. His contract is still gave Magnus the lead in the 10th minute a very high level. I felt a big relief after Al A’ali dismissed the club’s negotiations while Sergio Lozano, arguably Barcelona’s winning it,” said Magnus coach Leite. with Swedish great Zlatan Ibrahimovic best player on the court, equalised in His Barcelona counterpart Marc and the news of skilful forward Khalfan When Khalfan is at his the 19th. Carmona rued their luck. Ibrahim leaving the club as rumours. Leandro Simi put the Brazilians again “We played very well, but we weren’t natural technical level, ahead in the 24th while Marc Tolre drew lucky. People sometimes underestimate ЂĈOn renewing the contract of he’s more valuable parity again in the 29th. Lozano added luck, but it’s a part of any game,” said Portuguese coach Ferreira... for us than a foreigner. a second to give the Catalans hope by Carmona. ЃĈAnybody who saw the team during netting in the 37th. “I feel the pain of having conceded the end of last season would’ve noticed Barcelona tried to defend the lead, but the equaliser at the death of the regula- that the team improved in terms of har- running and he’s an important and expe- Leandro came up with the goal of the tion time. I don’t have words to explain mony; the players and coach were in sync. rienced player for us. As I said before, match in the dying seconds to take the it. But looking back, we couldn’t score We’ll therefore benefit from stability at he has to work more to regain his level game into extra time where the dead- enough goals,” added Carmona. the coaching level. and his position. lock continued. His men start as the favourites in the As for Kasola, we renewed his con- ŢĈBrazilian In the tie-breaker, Rodrigo Hardy, third-place play-off against Rayyan on ЂĈAre you negotiating with tract last season. side Carlos Leandro and Falcao converted for Wednesday. DSP Barbosa proved Ibrahimovic and Ricardo Quaresma? too good for Al Magnus. Only Lozano was successful We read about many names, coaches ЂĈLetting Akram Afif join Villarreal... Rayyan. for Barcelona as Luan denied Carlos » e-mail: [email protected] and players, coming and going before ЃĈAkram had a historic opportunity. If the start of every season. We have nego- we had stood in between that, then his- tiated with neither of these two names. tory wouldn’t forget it. The offer that came wasn’t one of a trial or for training; it was ЂĈAbout Belhadj leaving the club... an official contract to play for the fourth- ЃĈWe’ve come to an agreement with Nadir placed team in the Spanish League. to end our association and he understood Just as we sacrificed Akram and his the decision. If I was to speak about him team-mates for the European project for a year, I wouldn’t be able to do justice in recent years, we’re now proud of this to his professionalism, hard work and sin- sacrifice which’ll make him the first Gulf cerity during the last six years. He became player to feature in the best league in a part of the history of the club and he’ll the world.

Al Sadd, who are eager to regain the Qatar Stars League Sadd turf title next season, will look for a smooth ride at home after relaying its field. relaid The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) provided Sadd with the grass developed at its pioneering turf Research and Development Centre at the Aspire Zone. SCDL Manager for Landscape and Sport Turf Yasser Al Mulla said, “Normally, during a game, some bits of grass could be uprooted. But in the test events played following

the laying of the new turf, we had no such problems.” DSP Divakaran DSP/Vinod 8 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 9 Football

FIVE THINGS LEARNT COACHING MASTERCLASS Written off before the tournament began, Italy are more than the sum of their parts and that is in large part down to their coach Antonio Conte. If he was hailed after the Azzurri beat Belgium HUMILIATION 2-0 in their opening group match, he ššRoy Hodgson deserves to be so again as Italy stunned England’s last-16 loss to Iceland seems a perfectly-logical result. the reigning champions. Chelsea fans will be even more excited now about ‘Time for someone the prospect of seeing Conte at the beat Austria, another highly-rated side, FIVE BIGGEST UPSETS helm of their team next season. Brian Homewood 2-1. USA bt England 1-0 at 1950 FIFA World Cup else to take over’ In fact, if anyone with no prior knowl- North Korea bt Italy 1-0 at 1966 FIFA World Cup edge of the match had wandered into Uruguay bt Brazil 2-1 at 1950 FIFA World Cup NGLAND coach Roy Hodgson’s Senegal bt France 1-0 at 2002 FIFA World Cup BBC SWITCH OFF MORATA the stadium, they would have strug- four-year reign came to an abrupt Germany bt Brazil 7-1 at 2014 FIFA World Cup Spain finally appeared to have a NGLAND’S 2-1 defeat by Iceland gled to make out who were the former Eend after their shock defeat by centre-forward worthy of the name may have looked like one of the world champions and who were the tiny Iceland last Monday. QUARTERFINALS at this European Championship in Eworst reversals in their history nation competing at their first major All matches start at 10pm Doha time. Hodgson wasted little time in announc- the shape of Alvaro Morata. Scorer yet in many ways it was a perfectly logi- tournament. June 30 Poland vs Portugal Marseille ing he was stepping down at the end of of three goals in the group stage, cal result. Iceland’s success has largely been attrib- July 1 Wales vs Belgium Lille his contract when he read a prepared he nevertheless found the going far For England, the last-16 defeat was uted to their blanket defence and work July 2 Germany vs Italy Bordeaux statement at the post-match news con- tougher up against an Italian defence July 3 France vs Iceland Saint-Denis the culmination in a series of embar- rate, but they showed that their game is ference. comprising players he has called his team-mates at Juventus in the last rassing performances, including their “We’re out of the tournament, so now two seasons. And Italy’s back three of failure to reach Euro 2008 and a first- the edge of the area. is the time for someone else to oversee Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci round exit at the 2014 World Cup after Iceland have scored England, who took the lead in the fourth the progress of a hungry and extremely and Chiellini — aka the BBC — along losses to Italy and Uruguay and a draw minute through a Wayne Rooney penalty, talented group of players,” said Hodgson. with veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi

with Costa Rica. six goals in four games, froze once Iceland had gone ahead in the “My contract was always going to be REUTERS/ Darren Staples Buffon, ensured that Morata provided For their victorious Icelandic oppo- the same as Germany 18th minute and some of their play was up after this tournament. I would’ve ššGraziano Pelle scores Italy’s second goal against Spain. no threat. nents, who face hosts France in the last and France. so bad it was almost slapstick. loved to have stayed on another two eight, it was the next step in a spec- Their movement was ponderous, passes years, but now it’s time for someone tacular rise which has seen them beat went astray under no pressure whatsoever else to take over.” RAMOS DISASTER World Cup runners-up Netherlands more sophisticated than that. and free kicks and crosses were over-hit. The coaching staff of Gary Neville and If Sergio Ramos had not missed a home and away, Czech Republic and Their defence was indeed superb, the Iceland’s confidence was exemplified Ray Lewington, who sat with Hodgson Italy rejoice as Spain exit penalty in Spain’s final group game Turkey in qualifying. highlight being Ragnar Sigurdsson’s last- by forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson when at the news conference, are also leaving. against Croatia, Vicente del Bosque’s side would have avoided facing Italy Bearing that in mind, and looking at ditch tackle on Jamie Vardy in the pen- he was substituted in the 89th minute The much-travelled 68-year-old was in the last 16. It had already been the way the teams have been playing in alty area when the England forward was with his team tantalising close to victory. handed the post after a club career mostly Their failure, however, to land a blow like being dragged out of position by a difficult tournament for the Real France, the England result should not about to shoot. served in England and Scandinavia and Toby Davis on an ageing Italy side showed the their opponents’ passing patterns. Madrid stopper and Spain skipper have been considered an upset at all. Their passing and movement were more with a spell as Switzerland coach on his Spain team that won back-to-back The Spanish midfield axis of Sergio before he endured a torrid time England had managed only three assured and effective than England. They We’ve been CV. Harry Redknapp had been the media European titles either side of their 2010 Busquets and Andres Iniesta, for so against the Italian attack at the Stade de France. Eder and Pelle were goals in their three group games, one broke dangerously and could ultimately improving slowly favourite for the job, but was overlooked World Cup triumph, might still float long the engine room of the national less than their opponents, despite fac- have won by a greater margin. by the English Football Association. IKE an ailing heavyweight, Spain like a butterfly, but no longer stings team’s dominance, looked slow and outstanding in blue and the latter and, in my thoroughly merited his goal when it ing arguably more modest opposition Iceland have scored six goals in four Meanwhile, Hodgson denied reports and their hopes of a third straight like a bee. ponderous. opinion, this was arrived at the death. in Russia, Wales and Slovakia. games, the same as Germany and France that his players questioned his selec- LEuropean title went up in smoke Spain used to make other sides chase our best game Iceland neutralised Cristiano Ronaldo and fewer only than Belgium and Wales. tion decisions before the embarrass- in a tame surrender as their 0-2 defeat shadows as they passed the ball around yet, but we still as they held Portugal, one of the tour- Although their first goal by Sigurdsson ing loss to Iceland. by Italy represented the definitive end to them but, until Italy scored last Monday, haven’t shown In the first half, we were WHITE KIT JINX nament dark horses, to a fully deserved followed one of Aron Gunnarsson’s trade- a golden era in their footballing history. the two combatants had equally shared what we can do. Spain do not much enjoy playing 1-1 draw, led for most of mark long throws, the second, scored by A first-half effort from defender Giorgio more concerned about possession. in their white change kit. As master , watching them play the match against Hungary Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, followed an intri- Heimir Hallgrimsson Chiellini and stoppage-time goal by “In the first half, we were more con- statistician @2010MisterChip pointed Iceland’s joint-coach. before drawing 1-1, then cate ‘tiki taka’ style passing exchange on English football’s striker Graziano Pelle sent the Azzurri than playing our game. cerned about watching them play than out on Twitter at the beginning of the into the quarterfinal at Euro 2016 and playing our game,” said Iniesta. evening, La Roja had lost their previous worst loss: Media ŢšGiorgio Chiellini five matches at a major tournament ŢšEngland players look dejected after their shock defeat to Iceland. left Spain to mull over a second succes- In attack, Spain’s Alvaro Morata was England journalists left their readers sive failure on the international stage. Spain were second best from the start forlorn and isolated, a pale shadow while wearing white. That run started with no illusions after their side’s hopes They came into the tournament hop- against Antonio Conte’s men, who were of the players who led the line in the with their 1-2 defeat to Italy at the 1994 World Cup and continued all the were crushed by Iceland, describing ing to re-establish their status as the better organised, more effective on the heyday of Spain’s dominance, such as the loss as the worst in their history. way up to their 1-2 loss to Croatia in game’s dominant power and prove their ball and ruthless in every department. David Villa and Fernando Torres, and British media held nothing back Bordeaux recently that condemned with the headlines proclaiming the shock early exit at the 2014 World Cup The Italian defence, regimented like only when he left the field did they them to second place in Group D and loss as not only “embarrassing” but also was the exception not the rule. no other in the world game, never looked flicker into life. the clash with the Italians. “the ultimate humiliation”. “This was England’s most humiliating night in international football, far worse ITALY HAVE REVENGE than the 1950 FIFA World Cup defeat Two of Spain’s biggest results during to the USA in Belo Horizonte,” Paul COACHES SPEAK their recent era of domination came Hayward wrote in The Telegraph. against Italy. There was the penalty The Guardian’s Daniel Taylor also shoot-out win in the quarterfinal of compared the result to the 1950 loss The players have something Italy were probably better. Euro 2008 that set Luis Aragones’ in Belo Horizonte and suggested important inside them, They don’t play great team on the way to a first major England’s allusions to being one of the out of the ordinary. We’ve football, but they’re strong trophy in 44 years. And then there powerhouses of world football now proved that Italy isn’t just in the air, very physical was their stunning destruction of needed to be questioned. catenaccio (Italian for a and they were dangerous. the Azzurri in the Euro 2012 final, The Daily Mail’s Martin Samuel when they won 4-0 in Kiev. Italy described the loss as a “seismic wave” tactical system with strong We tried everything, but had not beaten Spain at a and felt that Hodgson probably should emphasis on defence). we couldn’t score. major tournament since a 2-1 have been sacked after the side’s Antonio Conte, Italy. Vicente del Bosque, Spain. win in the quarterfinal of the group phase exit at the 2014 FIFA 1994 World Cup. World Cup. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 9

BBC SWITCH OFF MORATA Spain finally appeared to have a centre-forward worthy of the name at this European Championship in the shape of Alvaro Morata. Scorer of three goals in the group stage, he nevertheless found the going far tougher up against an Italian defence comprising players he has called his team-mates at Juventus in the last two seasons. And Italy’s back three of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Chiellini — aka the BBC — along with veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi

REUTERS/ Darren Staples Buffon, ensured that Morata provided ššGraziano Pelle scores Italy’s second goal against Spain. no threat. RAMOS DISASTER If Sergio Ramos had not missed a Italy rejoice as Spain exit penalty in Spain’s final group game against Croatia, Vicente del Bosque’s side would have avoided facing Italy in the last 16. It had already been Their failure, however, to land a blow like being dragged out of position by a difficult tournament for the Real Toby Davis on an ageing Italy side showed the their opponents’ passing patterns. Madrid stopper and Spain skipper Spain team that won back-to-back The Spanish midfield axis of Sergio before he endured a torrid time European titles either side of their 2010 Busquets and Andres Iniesta, for so against the Italian attack at the World Cup triumph, might still float long the engine room of the national Stade de France. Eder and Pelle were IKE an ailing heavyweight, Spain like a butterfly, but no longer stings team’s dominance, looked slow and outstanding in blue and the latter thoroughly merited his goal when it and their hopes of a third straight like a bee. ponderous. arrived at the death. LEuropean title went up in smoke Spain used to make other sides chase in a tame surrender as their 0-2 defeat shadows as they passed the ball around by Italy represented the definitive end to In the first half, we were them but, until Italy scored last Monday, WHITE KIT JINX a golden era in their footballing history. the two combatants had equally shared Spain do not much enjoy playing A first-half effort from defender Giorgio more concerned about possession. watching them play in their white change kit. As master Chiellini and stoppage-time goal by “In the first half, we were more con- statistician @2010MisterChip pointed striker Graziano Pelle sent the Azzurri than playing our game. cerned about watching them play than out on Twitter at the beginning of the into the quarterfinal at Euro 2016 and playing our game,” said Iniesta. evening, La Roja had lost their previous left Spain to mull over a second succes- In attack, Spain’s Alvaro Morata was ŢšGiorgio Chiellini five matches at a major tournament sive failure on the international stage. Spain were second best from the start forlorn and isolated, a pale shadow while wearing white. That run started They came into the tournament hop- against Antonio Conte’s men, who were of the players who led the line in the with their 1-2 defeat to Italy at the 1994 World Cup and continued all the ing to re-establish their status as the better organised, more effective on the heyday of Spain’s dominance, such as way up to their 1-2 loss to Croatia in game’s dominant power and prove their ball and ruthless in every department. David Villa and Fernando Torres, and Bordeaux recently that condemned shock early exit at the 2014 World Cup The Italian defence, regimented like only when he left the field did they them to second place in Group D and was the exception not the rule. no other in the world game, never looked flicker into life. the clash with the Italians. ITALY HAVE REVENGE COACHES SPEAK Two of Spain’s biggest results during their recent era of domination came against Italy. There was the penalty The players have something Italy were probably better. shoot-out win in the quarterfinal of important inside them, They don’t play great Euro 2008 that set Luis Aragones’ team on the way to a first major out of the ordinary. We’ve football, but they’re strong trophy in 44 years. And then there proved that Italy isn’t just in the air, very physical was their stunning destruction of catenaccio (Italian for a and they were dangerous. the Azzurri in the Euro 2012 final, tactical system with strong We tried everything, but when they won 4-0 in Kiev. Italy emphasis on defence). we couldn’t score. had not beaten Spain at a major tournament since a 2-1 Antonio Conte, Italy. Vicente del Bosque, Spain. win in the quarterfinal of the 1994 World Cup. 10 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 11 Football

Deschamps makes the right moves

IDIER Deschamps can come across as quiet and unassuming, Dbut after his team’s dismal first- Griezmann cometh! half display against Ireland, the France coach had to shake up his players to turn the tricky tie into a 2-1 victory. Antoine Griezmann returns to form and scores a brace as France edge Ireland Coming in at the break, the hosts looked shell-shocked and asleep after to reach the quarterfinal. conceding a second-minute penalty that appeared to ebb away all their he said. “I know my body and I knew I attacking game. Patrick Vignal could be there at important moments. “I raised my voice at times, but we I’m glad I could help out the team and also needed calm,” said Deschamps I hope I can keep doing it.” who, as captain, won the European France have done things the hard Championship in 2000. ššPoland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak converts the last penalty against Switzerland. RANCE forward Antoine Griez- way so far, needing dramatic late goals “I had to shake the trees, but there mann had looked slightly below in earlier matches and having to fight were also players who spoke up, even Fpar in their opening games and back after conceding an early penalty ones who were on the bench. I think the host nation’s fans feared he might against a spirited Ireland. we’ve a real group and they’re all fixed Little luck in shoot-out science be exhausted after a gruelling season. That is nothing new for Griezmann, on the objective of winning,” he said. However, the speedy forward reas- who has experienced similar situations While Antoine Griezmann’s two goals sured them by scoring twice in quick this season with his defensive-minded will get the plaudits, it was Deschamps’s two more Euro shoot-outs, winning both, Others too have come to dread the succession to help Les Bleus tame Atletico side, often lifting them out of tactical switch that changed the game Mitch Phillips and have yet to miss a single attempt. shoot-out, with the Netherlands losing Ireland 2-1 last Sunday and advance tight spots. completely. The Germans obviously learnt from that five out of seven and Italy five out of eight, to the quarterfinal. experience and quickly became the mas- although they boast the unique feat of Griezmann, who went all the way ters, subsequently winning four out of four both losing (1994) and winning (2006) a to the Champions League final with I knew I could be there XACTLY 40 years ago, Antonin in the World Cup and beating England in World Cup final on a shootout. Atletico Madrid, proved his legs were Panenka settled the first Euro- their only other Euros shoot-out in the “Penalty shoot-outs have generated a at important moments. still fresh by equalising with a header Epean Championship shoot-out, 1996 semifinal. large amount of peer reviewed papers in from a Bacary Sagna cross just before I’m glad that I could patenting the nonchalant dink over a recent years in an effort to arrive at opti- the hour and then fired France in front help out the team. committed keeper, as Czechoslovakia mal strategies for both the penalty taker three minutes later. beat West Germany 5-3 after a 2-2 draw. Shoot-outs generated and the goalkeeper,” said data analyst The relatively frail 25-year-old kept With this year’s expanded format fea- a large amount of peer Robert O’Connor. busy after that, coming close to increas- “The stress has been like this all year turing 15 one-off games compared to So if the Czechs and Germans never ing the lead on a couple of occasions. with Atletico,” he said. “We win games ššDidier Deschamps seven since 1996, it is a near-certainty reviewed papers of late. lose and rarely miss while England and “I think I started my game well and 1-0 and so have to keep fighting until that a nation’s joy or despair and an indi- the Netherlands almost always lose and tried to come back to get the ball, but a the end. I thought it would be differ- vidual player’s career will be defined by always miss, it is surely time to dismiss goal gives you wings and I took advan- ent here with France but there you 10 shots from 12 yards. That, of course, is no particular achieve- the commonly-expressed idea that the tage of that after to play on the coun- go, we have to suffer.” O’Neill rues lack of Like many other aspects of top-level ment as the country which invented the whole thing is a “lottery”. ter,” he said. France’s most dangerous weapon in sport, some players, and some nations, sport has become firmly established as “Grizou”, as his team mates affec- the opening stage of the tournament time to prepare seem to thrive under the ultimate test a laughing stock in shoot outs. FAST FACTS tionately call him, has reached had not been Griezmann, but Dimitri of nerve and technique under pressure. In the World Cup and Euros, they have Almost 30 per cent of penalties are missed. Strikers have around an 83 per cent success rate another level this season, estab- Payet, who caught the eye with daz- RELAND manager Martin O’Neill And others melt. managed to lose six out of seven, their while defenders have only 73. lishing himself as one of the zling displays crowned by two sensa- complained that France had far more After their win in 1976, Czechoslovakia sole success coming against Spain in the Under-22 players are successful 85 per cent while most efficient forwards in tional goals. Itime to prepare for last Sunday’s and then the Czech Republic took part in Euro ’96 quarterfinal. their older team-mates convert about 78 per cent. European football. Payet said he was very happy to let 1-2 second-round defeat of the Irish It remained to be Griezmann take the limelight. than his squad. seen, however, if he “I’m not putting too much pressure The hosts, who battled back from a could find the extra on myself. We all know we need every- goal behind, had a week’s rest after a energy to deliver for body here,” said Payet. “It was Grizou goalless draw with Switzerland in their Caution erring goalkeepers the national side. who scored two goals and we’re all final group match, while the Irish had “I was never worried,” pleased with that.” three days less to recover after their during penalties: Collina defeat of Italy. ššAntoine Griezmann “Three days is an incredible amount of time one side could have as an advan- OALKEEPERS who move forward to stop the shot. GRIEZMANN FAST FACTS tage over another,” he said. “I know we off their line when a penalty “The keeper moved forward. It wasn’t knew that before but we definitely got Gis taken must be given yellow spotted by the referee’s team. It was a the short straw in that aspect. That said, cards and spot-kicks retaken even dur- mistake. Unfortunately it happens, but SMALL FRAME SPANISH TEMPER WORLD’S TOP THREE ‘MATE’ LOVER BUMPER CONTRACT France are a really, really fine team and ing a shootout, UEFA’s chief refereeing it was a mistake within a match that The scene of Griezmann’s heroics Despite spending all of his adult Griezmann has scored 57 goals Griezmann’s ability to adjust to Despite the immense good luck to them in the tournament.” officerPierluigi Collina said last week. was refereed well,” said Collina. were particularly sweet for the life in Spain, Griezmann insisted in two seasons at Atletico to be hispanic culture even stretches disappointment of missing a Collina, a former World Cup final ref- He said the tournament’s remaining Atletico Madrid forward as he he was not tempted to switch hailed as a worthy heir to star to South America as he enjoys a penalty in normal time as Atletico eree, said the standard of officiating at 12 refereeing teams had debriefed ahead grew up a huge Lyon fan. He allegiance to the European strikers such as a young Fernando particularly close relationship with lost to bitter local rivals Real this year’s event had been excellent of the knockout phases and among the even trained with the French champions, but has developed a Torres, Sergio Aguero, Radamel Atletico’s array of Argentinians Madrid in the Champions League with referees benefiting from a new topics discussed was keepers’ moving team a youngster, but was never Spanish temperament. “I think in Falcao and Diego Costa. Atletico and Uruguayans. He is often seen final for the second time in three pre-match analysis of team tactics and off their line. offered a deal because he was French, but I get angry in Spanish,” boss Diego Simeone believes only supping on Mate — a caffeine seasons, Griezmann’s 32-goal considered too small. Griezmann, he said. “I’ve always had the same Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo rich hot drink popular with South season with Atletico has been players that gives them extra insight. Collina said the issue was not a trend, 25, joined Spanish club Real idea to play for Les Bleus because and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi American players. “I don’t change rewarded with a new bumper He acknowledged, however, that but had to be stopped. Sociedad when he was 13 and I was born in France and grew up can be considered better than my habits. I’ve a mate every contract until 2021. there had been at least one big mis- “Referees should pay attention the went on to make over 200 watching Zinedine Zidane and Griezmann. morning with Diego Godin and take in the group stages during the penalty kicks are taken correctly. It appearances for the Basques Thierry Henry during the 1998 Jose Gimenez,” he said. Croatia vs Spain match when Croatia should be retaken and whenever the before joining Atletico for €30m World Cup, so my dream is to live keeper Danijel Subasic saved a pen- goalkeeper infringes, he’ll be cautioned,” in 2014. and repeat that in French shirt.” ššMartin O’Neill alty after advancing well off his line he added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 11

Deschamps makes the right moves

IDIER Deschamps can come across as quiet and unassuming, Dbut after his team’s dismal first- half display against Ireland, the France coach had to shake up his players to turn the tricky tie into a 2-1 victory. Coming in at the break, the hosts looked shell-shocked and asleep after conceding a second-minute penalty that appeared to ebb away all their attacking game. “I raised my voice at times, but we also needed calm,” said Deschamps who, as captain, won the European Championship in 2000. ššPoland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak converts the last penalty against Switzerland. “I had to shake the trees, but there were also players who spoke up, even ones who were on the bench. I think we’ve a real group and they’re all fixed Little luck in shoot-out science on the objective of winning,” he said. While Antoine Griezmann’s two goals will get the plaudits, it was Deschamps’s two more Euro shoot-outs, winning both, Others too have come to dread the tactical switch that changed the game Mitch Phillips and have yet to miss a single attempt. shoot-out, with the Netherlands losing completely. The Germans obviously learnt from that five out of seven and Italy five out of eight, experience and quickly became the mas- although they boast the unique feat of ters, subsequently winning four out of four both losing (1994) and winning (2006) a XACTLY 40 years ago, Antonin in the World Cup and beating England in World Cup final on a shootout. Panenka settled the first Euro- their only other Euros shoot-out in the “Penalty shoot-outs have generated a Epean Championship shoot-out, 1996 semifinal. large amount of peer reviewed papers in patenting the nonchalant dink over a recent years in an effort to arrive at opti- committed keeper, as Czechoslovakia mal strategies for both the penalty taker beat West Germany 5-3 after a 2-2 draw. Shoot-outs generated and the goalkeeper,” said data analyst With this year’s expanded format fea- a large amount of peer Robert O’Connor. turing 15 one-off games compared to So if the Czechs and Germans never ššDidier Deschamps seven since 1996, it is a near-certainty reviewed papers of late. lose and rarely miss while England and that a nation’s joy or despair and an indi- the Netherlands almost always lose and vidual player’s career will be defined by always miss, it is surely time to dismiss 10 shots from 12 yards. That, of course, is no particular achieve- the commonly-expressed idea that the O’Neill rues lack of Like many other aspects of top-level ment as the country which invented the whole thing is a “lottery”. sport, some players, and some nations, sport has become firmly established as time to prepare seem to thrive under the ultimate test a laughing stock in shoot outs. FAST FACTS of nerve and technique under pressure. In the World Cup and Euros, they have Almost 30 per cent of penalties are missed. Strikers have around an 83 per cent success rate RELAND manager Martin O’Neill And others melt. managed to lose six out of seven, their while defenders have only 73. complained that France had far more After their win in 1976, Czechoslovakia sole success coming against Spain in the Under-22 players are successful 85 per cent while Itime to prepare for last Sunday’s and then the Czech Republic took part in Euro ’96 quarterfinal. their older team-mates convert about 78 per cent. 1-2 second-round defeat of the Irish than his squad. The hosts, who battled back from a goal behind, had a week’s rest after a goalless draw with Switzerland in their Caution erring goalkeepers final group match, while the Irish had three days less to recover after their during penalties: Collina defeat of Italy. “Three days is an incredible amount of time one side could have as an advan- OALKEEPERS who move forward to stop the shot. tage over another,” he said. “I know we off their line when a penalty “The keeper moved forward. It wasn’t knew that before but we definitely got Gis taken must be given yellow spotted by the referee’s team. It was a the short straw in that aspect. That said, cards and spot-kicks retaken even dur- mistake. Unfortunately it happens, but France are a really, really fine team and ing a shootout, UEFA’s chief refereeing it was a mistake within a match that good luck to them in the tournament.” officerPierluigi Collina said last week. was refereed well,” said Collina. Collina, a former World Cup final ref- He said the tournament’s remaining eree, said the standard of officiating at 12 refereeing teams had debriefed ahead this year’s event had been excellent of the knockout phases and among the with referees benefiting from a new topics discussed was keepers’ moving pre-match analysis of team tactics and off their line. players that gives them extra insight. Collina said the issue was not a trend, He acknowledged, however, that but had to be stopped. there had been at least one big mis- “Referees should pay attention the take in the group stages during the penalty kicks are taken correctly. It Croatia vs Spain match when Croatia should be retaken and whenever the keeper Danijel Subasic saved a pen- goalkeeper infringes, he’ll be cautioned,” ššMartin O’Neill alty after advancing well off his line he added. 12 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 13 Football

Wilmots does not want to take Germany’s Draxler Wales lightly is back in limelight Angus MacSwan at the expense of Goetze in their Round Steffen Potter of 16 match against Slovakia last Sunday was a genuine surprise, even if the Bayern ELGIUM’S title credentials were midfielder had been far from dazzling. Old domain! boosted by a big win over Hun- The 22-year-old did not shy away from Belgium’s Eden Hazard looks forward to deliver the knockout punch Bgary last Sunday, but before OT too long ago, Julian Draxler a riskier approach this time and twisted they can even think about reaching looked to be another in a long his way through the Slovakia defence against Wales at Lille, where he started his career. the final they face a tricky rematch Nline of German midfield wun- on several occasions. He dribbled on with recent conquerors Wales. derkinds. The youngest-ever Bundesliga the left and right, and a stepover paved They played the Welsh in the qual- player at Schalke and a World Cup win- the way for Gomez to score Germany’s stars at the 2007 UEFA European Under- ifying competition for a place at the ner with Germany, his career seemed second goal in their 3-0 victory. Berend Scholten 17 Championship in Belgium, Hazard finals and lost 0-1 in Cardiff in June to be moving in one direction only, but made his senior debut the same year. last year to a Gareth Bale goal follow- he could not prevent Wolfsburg’s drop After having been elected France’s ing a 0-0 draw in Brussels. to eighth in the league, with his own In his talk with me, the young player of the year twice, he took Belgium coach Marc Wilmots is under form suffering. ELGIUM produced a stunning the senior prize in 2011 and 2012, aid- no illusions about the challenge fac- Some even questioned his place in coach told me to look for attacking display, beating Hun- ing LOSC to the domestic double in ing his side when they meet one of Germany’s squad, but when Marco Reus one-on-ones, to make Bgary 4-0 to reach the quarterfinal the first of those campaigns. the tournament’s surprise packages was ruled out of the finals with injury, use of my pace. and Eden Hazard was the deserved “I don’t know the new stadium very on Friday. Draxler suddenly became a candidate for man of the match. well. I’ve never played there. I was “We’re not in the final yet,” said a starting berth on the left. He started To make things even more wonderful really motivated to go through. It’ll Wilmots. “Wales are a very strong side, in the first two games. Some liked “In his talk with me, the coach told me for the 25-year-old, they face Wales in be a great celebration on Friday and I and not just with Gareth Bale, they’ve what he offered, some less so. to look for one-on-ones, to make use of Lille, where Hazard began his career. hope there’ll be plenty of fans there,” other good players. They’ve annoyed While he did not play badly, he my pace,” said Draxler. “He’s given me “We’re lucky enough now to play in said Hazard. us in the past because they play very struggled to contribute, dwelling a lot of confidence and made it clear to Lille. I know the city very well,” said deep. We’re going to plan tactically.” on the ball and often choos- me that I’m a good player.” Hazard. Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ will ing the safer option with his Draxler capped the win with a beau- šJulian Draxler The Red Devils played fast and furi- We played against Wales not need to be reminded of their expe- Š passing. So it was no great tiful goal after the break, volleying in ous attacking football from the start rience at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, shock when he made way acrobatically from close range. It was in Toulouse, and the captain, together in the qualifiers. They’re when they beat the United States in for Mario Gomez in the his first competitive Germany strike. with Kevin De Bruyne, was the engine. a very tough team, but the Round of 16 but were disappoint- third Group C outing “He played well. He was brave enough to Nerves were still jangling, though, we’ll prepare well. ing in their quarterfinal defeat against against Northern Ireland, look for those on-on-ones,” said Germany at 1-0 up until Hazard set up Michy Argentina. with Mario Goetze tak- coach Joachim Loew. Batshuayi to make it 2-0 with the sub- Wilmots, sometimes accused of not ing over as left-winger. stitute’s first touch with 12 minutes Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ have getting the best out of his players, thinks Draxler’s inclusion » www.uefa.com remaining. now reached the stage where they were he has now hit on the right formula. The No.10 then scored the third him- eliminated at the 2014 FIFA World Cup “I think the 4-3-2-1 for- self, evading three Hungarian defend- quarterfinal. mation, with almost four ers before bending a shot around goal- “We’ll try to carry on in the same forwards, we were able COACHES SPEAK keeper Gabor Kiraly. vain. We know Wales very well. We to strike the right bal- “It was great, but it was about the played against them in the qualifi- ance,” he said. It was a good performance, in Any defeat is painful, but there team performance,” said Hazard. “As ers. They’re a very tough team, but defence and attack, but I think should be a good feeling a team, I feel we were really solid. We we’ll prepare well,” said the Chelsea that with all respect to our that we got to the last 1ast made a lot of chances, and didn’t give playmaker. opponents. We need to be 16 and played the world them too many.” “For the time being, we’ve achieved stronger at decisive moments. champions. We’ve played Lille, just over the border with Belgium nothing,” he added. “We’re just in the ŠŠMarc The first sides we’ve played them twice now. One win and known as Rijsel in Flemish, was quarters and we’ll take it one game Wilmots were not top 10 teams. and one loss, so that’s okay. where Hazard moved in 2005 to join at a time.” Joachim Loew, Germany. Jan Kozak, Slovakia. Lille Olympique Sporting Club’s (LOSC) youth scheme. After being one of the » www.uefa.com Boateng happy with maiden goal COACHES SPEAK ERMANY’S Jerome Boateng’s mother and a Ghanaian father, was first international goal and an- dragged into a race controversy. At half-time, we We can leave Gother rock solid performance In May, the deputy leader of the right- can’t come in with our against Slovakia cemented his position wing populist Alternative for Germany at 1-0. We kept heads as a new team leader. (AfD) party, Alexander Gauland, said, the game at held high. Boateng’s sweetly struck eighth-min- “People find him good as a footballer, 1-0 too long. I We’ve ute volley set Germany on their way but they don’t want to have a Boateng told everyone never to a comfortable 3-0 win and a quar- as a neighbour.” to stay calm played terfinal berth. Gauland faced widespread condemna- and told them to against a side “I hit the ball well and am glad it went tion for his remarks, which were widely keep going because they were like that. But we’ve learnt a in. It was also about time I scored,” seen as racist, but Boateng brushed said Boateng. them off. moving the ball very well. great deal for the future. Before the tournament, the towering “I can only smile about it. In all hon- Marc Wilmots, Belgium. Bernd Storck, Hungary. 27-year-old Bayern Munich defender, esty, it’s sad that something like that is ššBelgium’s Eden Hazard being challenged by Hungary’s Gergo Lovrencsics. who was born in Berlin to a German said these days,” he said. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 13

Boateng happy with maiden goal

ERMANY’S Jerome Boateng’s mother and a Ghanaian father, was first international goal and an- dragged into a race controversy. Gother rock solid performance In May, the deputy leader of the right- against Slovakia cemented his position wing populist Alternative for Germany as a new team leader. (AfD) party, Alexander Gauland, said, Boateng’s sweetly struck eighth-min- “People find him good as a footballer, ute volley set Germany on their way but they don’t want to have a Boateng to a comfortable 3-0 win and a quar- as a neighbour.” terfinal berth. Gauland faced widespread condemna- “I hit the ball well and am glad it went tion for his remarks, which were widely in. It was also about time I scored,” seen as racist, but Boateng brushed said Boateng. them off. Before the tournament, the towering “I can only smile about it. In all hon- 27-year-old Bayern Munich defender, esty, it’s sad that something like that is who was born in Berlin to a German said these days,” he said. 14 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 15 Football

FIVE THINGS LEARNT Lady luck shone on us, says Coleman FROM THE MATCH BETWEEN WALES AND FTER topping their group ahead his bleached hair than his runs or pass- NORTHERN IRELAND of England with convincing ing. He hardly created a chance and the Aperformances, Wales showed only Wales shot on target in the match BATTLE OF ATTRITION they knew other ways to win by edg- was a Bale free-kick that goalkeeper Billed as another Battle ing out a battling Northern Ireland Michael McGovern did well to save. of Britain, the game is more in a messy British derby to reach the “It was an ugly game, but who cares?” likely to be remembered as quarterfinal. said Wales coach Chris Coleman. “We a war of attrition. After some Wales looked nervous throughout showed another side of our game. superb performances in the their 1-0 win, with tournament joint- Northern Ireland played well and we group stage, Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern top marksman Gareth Bale, who scored didn’t. When luck comes your way, you was not forced to make a save in each of their three group games, fail- take it.” until parrying away Gareth ing to hit the back on the net. ššChris Coleman The Irish, too, showed heart and HIGH HOPES Bale’s free-kick on 58 minutes. Expectations weigh heavily on Wales as they are out to eclipse the class of 1958 at the FIFA World Cup. “We knew it was going to be an ugly courage if not much else, but the real That was his lone contribution match,” said Bale. “Northern Ireland disappointment was the performance to the match as there was made it difficult. There wasn’t much Wales had been impressive notably in of Wales, who had least kept fighting. nothing he could do about Greats such as John Toshack, Joey A solitary goal from a young Pele proved space up front. We worked hard and a 3-0 victory over Russia in which Bale “Lady luck shone on us and I think Gareth McAuley’s own goal. Mark Pitman Jones, Mark Hughes, Neville Southall, to be the difference in Gothenburg as did everything we could. You can’t ask shone along with energetic box-to-box we earned it. The good thing about the Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs, the late Gary Speed Wales bowed out to eventual winners BALE DELIVERS for more.” midfielder Aaron Ramsey. team is they’ve a bit of spirit about them,” and many more all tried, but failed to Brazil, but the Dragons were without Bale failed to score for the One of the sensations of the first round, However, Ramsey stood out more for said Coleman. achieve what the likes of Ivor Allchurch, their talisman of the time, John Charles, first time in four games, but HRIS Coleman’s side is making a Cliff Jones, Trevor Ford and the great through injury, and the team was always the Real Madrid star played a noise at the Euro Championship, John Charles did under the guidance left to wonder what might have been. pivotal role in sending Wales Cbut reaching the quarterfinal of Jimmy Murphy in 1958. Coleman has preached throughout through to the last eight. We didn’t deserve stage provides another opportunity Manager Coleman, another to have the campaign that they must enjoy the Shackled by defenders, he to set a new mark for Wales. failed to reach such heights during his experience. They have listened. The found a pocket of space when this exit: O’Neill he was fed by Aaron Ramsey The 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden ‘Together, Stronger’ motto of the team down the left and his devilish was Wales’ one and only previous major has become ingrained in their mental- cross resulted in McAuley ORTHERN Ireland will take tournament. For generations, players There is a belief which ity, and it extends from the team to the bundling into his own net on a long time to forget the own have performed in the shadow of that staff and to fans. 75 minutes as Wales striker Ngoal that knocked them out, golden era, but 58 years of hurt seemed stems from within that There is a belief that stems from within Hal Robson-Kanu lurked just but they are leaving the tournament to have ended after the team qualified this is a special moment that this is a special moment in Welsh behind. with their pride intact. for the quarterfinal. in Welsh football history. football history, the scenes that accom- The Irish had the best chances in the LONESOME LAFFERTY pany each goal and victory are bigger first half of their Round-of-16 encoun- and better than the ones before. Recalled Northern Ireland ter at the Parc des Princes before Gareth striker Kyle Lafferty cut a own international playing career, finally Now back at the quarterfinal stage of McAuley turned a Gareth Bale cross into lonesome figure against Wales’ brought that particular wait to an end. a major tournament for the first time three-man central defence. his own net after the interval. However, the quarterfinals are also since 1958, captain Ashley Williams must Overlooked for the final two “It was a very tight game. We were synonymous with the team of 1958, since wait for news on the shoulder injury that group games, Lafferty replaced the better team,” said Northern Ireland that is where that particular journey he suffered against Northern Ireland, Conor Washington, but was manager Michael O’Neill. “We deserved ended, and is the next challenge that and Coleman will be desperate for the made to toil against Ashley at least to go into extra time. But when Coleman and his side must confront leader of his team to pull through. Williams, with little opportunity to add to his seven goals from to establish themselves, without argu- the qualifiers. Washington was ment, as the greatest-ever Wales team. » www.uefa.com introduced on 69 minutes to Northern Ireland provide extra support, but it finished third in Group C was to no avail. to make it to the last 16 ‘CUP TIE FEELING’ playing defensively. Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill had predicted the clash would have a “cup it ends like this, it’s very cruel. I don’t tie feeling” and he wasn’t think we got what we deserved.” şşWales’ Gareth mistaken. With the prize of O’Neill would not blame McAuley Bale, left, and Aaron a quarterfinal spot at stake, Ramsey celebrate neither team was inclined for the goal which sent his team out after beating Northern Ireland. to gamble and rue a costly of their first major competition since mistake. Had the encounter ššNorthern Ireland’s Gareth McAuley, right, applauds fans at the end of the match. the 1986 World Cup finals. gone to extra time and “I’m certainly not going to point the then possibly penalties and finger at him. He had a split second supported O’Neill’s initial decision to make,” he said. instinct, it would not have been a surprise. McAuley feels ‘gutted’ Northern Ireland finished third in Group C to make it to the last 16 RARING TO GO playing defensively. O’Neill was Making their first major finals ARETH McAuley said he was playing a single minute at the tour- happy with their defence against appearance since the 1958 “gutted” to have ended the nament — and McAuley said he the Welsh. FIFA World Cup, Wales have GNorthern Ireland campaign was sorry to have spoilt the fun. “I think at international foot- matched their quarterfinal after his own goal sent Wales into the “I’m just gutted that everyone has ball, when you’re a small nation, run from 58 years ago. quarterfinal. to go home,” said McAuley. “It’s been you’ve to be strong tactically With Belgium, a side Chris The West Bromwich Albion defender, fantastic. We’ve embraced and enjoyed and make yourself hard to Coleman’s team took four 36, turned a Gareth Bale cross into his it. It’s been brilliant. It’s rough beat and we certainly points off during qualifying, or Hungary awaiting them in the own net in the 75th minute. and smooth. I’ve been in did that. The boys last eight, Welsh fans are up for Northern Ireland fans have captured the game long enough have been tre- a treat. hearts with their ubiquitous chant about to know that you keep mendous,” he striker Will Grigg — who ended up not it on a level keel.” said. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 15

FIVE THINGS LEARNT Lady luck shone on us, says Coleman FROM THE MATCH BETWEEN WALES AND FTER topping their group ahead his bleached hair than his runs or pass- NORTHERN IRELAND of England with convincing ing. He hardly created a chance and the Aperformances, Wales showed only Wales shot on target in the match BATTLE OF ATTRITION they knew other ways to win by edg- was a Bale free-kick that goalkeeper Billed as another Battle ing out a battling Northern Ireland Michael McGovern did well to save. of Britain, the game is more in a messy British derby to reach the “It was an ugly game, but who cares?” likely to be remembered as quarterfinal. said Wales coach Chris Coleman. “We a war of attrition. After some Wales looked nervous throughout showed another side of our game. superb performances in the their 1-0 win, with tournament joint- Northern Ireland played well and we group stage, Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern top marksman Gareth Bale, who scored didn’t. When luck comes your way, you was not forced to make a save in each of their three group games, fail- take it.” until parrying away Gareth ing to hit the back on the net. ššChris Coleman The Irish, too, showed heart and HIGH HOPES Bale’s free-kick on 58 minutes. “We knew it was going to be an ugly courage if not much else, but the real That was his lone contribution match,” said Bale. “Northern Ireland disappointment was the performance to the match as there was made it difficult. There wasn’t much Wales had been impressive notably in of Wales, who had least kept fighting. nothing he could do about space up front. We worked hard and a 3-0 victory over Russia in which Bale “Lady luck shone on us and I think Gareth McAuley’s own goal. did everything we could. You can’t ask shone along with energetic box-to-box we earned it. The good thing about the BALE DELIVERS for more.” midfielder Aaron Ramsey. team is they’ve a bit of spirit about them,” Bale failed to score for the One of the sensations of the first round, However, Ramsey stood out more for said Coleman. first time in four games, but the Real Madrid star played a pivotal role in sending Wales through to the last eight. We didn’t deserve Shackled by defenders, he found a pocket of space when this exit: O’Neill he was fed by Aaron Ramsey down the left and his devilish cross resulted in McAuley ORTHERN Ireland will take bundling into his own net on a long time to forget the own 75 minutes as Wales striker Ngoal that knocked them out, Hal Robson-Kanu lurked just but they are leaving the tournament behind. with their pride intact. The Irish had the best chances in the LONESOME LAFFERTY first half of their Round-of-16 encoun- Recalled Northern Ireland ter at the Parc des Princes before Gareth striker Kyle Lafferty cut a McAuley turned a Gareth Bale cross into lonesome figure against Wales’ three-man central defence. his own net after the interval. Overlooked for the final two “It was a very tight game. We were group games, Lafferty replaced the better team,” said Northern Ireland Conor Washington, but was manager Michael O’Neill. “We deserved made to toil against Ashley at least to go into extra time. But when Williams, with little opportunity to add to his seven goals from the qualifiers. Washington was introduced on 69 minutes to Northern Ireland provide extra support, but it finished third in Group C was to no avail. to make it to the last 16 ‘CUP TIE FEELING’ playing defensively. Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill had predicted the clash would have a “cup it ends like this, it’s very cruel. I don’t tie feeling” and he wasn’t think we got what we deserved.” mistaken. With the prize of O’Neill would not blame McAuley a quarterfinal spot at stake, neither team was inclined for the goal which sent his team out to gamble and rue a costly of their first major competition since mistake. Had the encounter ššNorthern Ireland’s Gareth McAuley, right, applauds fans at the end of the match. the 1986 World Cup finals. gone to extra time and “I’m certainly not going to point the then possibly penalties and finger at him. He had a split second supported O’Neill’s initial decision to make,” he said. instinct, it would not have been a surprise. McAuley feels ‘gutted’ Northern Ireland finished third in Group C to make it to the last 16 RARING TO GO playing defensively. O’Neill was Making their first major finals ARETH McAuley said he was playing a single minute at the tour- happy with their defence against appearance since the 1958 “gutted” to have ended the nament — and McAuley said he the Welsh. FIFA World Cup, Wales have GNorthern Ireland campaign was sorry to have spoilt the fun. “I think at international foot- matched their quarterfinal after his own goal sent Wales into the “I’m just gutted that everyone has ball, when you’re a small nation, run from 58 years ago. quarterfinal. to go home,” said McAuley. “It’s been you’ve to be strong tactically With Belgium, a side Chris The West Bromwich Albion defender, fantastic. We’ve embraced and enjoyed and make yourself hard to Coleman’s team took four 36, turned a Gareth Bale cross into his it. It’s been brilliant. It’s rough beat and we certainly points off during qualifying, or Hungary awaiting them in the own net in the 75th minute. and smooth. I’ve been in did that. The boys last eight, Welsh fans are up for Northern Ireland fans have captured the game long enough have been tre- a treat. hearts with their ubiquitous chant about to know that you keep mendous,” he striker Will Grigg — who ended up not it on a level keel.” said. 16 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 17 Football COACHES SPEAK Poles sink Swiss on penalties

OLAND beat Switzerland 5-4 Poland dominated the first half and Blaszczykowski broke the deadlock It was a very tactical match. in a shoot-out to reach their should have gone ahead inside the first with a composed finish after a darting Portugal tried to take Pfirst European Championship minute when Arkadiusz Milik sent his run by Grosicki and a dummy from over, but Croatia didn’t quarterfinal as a riveting clash ended shot over a gaping goal following a calam- Milik gave the winger time and space let us. When they tried 1-1 after extra time last week follow- itous defensive mix-up. to pick his spot. to take over, we didn’t ing a brilliant late equaliser by Swiss With striker Robert Lewandowski With Shaqiri and striker Haris Seferovic let them. You’ve Xherdan Shaqiri. stifled by Poland’s rock-solid defence, to look at both sides of Grezgorz Krychowiak drilled in the the Swiss created little in the open- TACTICAL the coin. We faced an amazing team. winning spot-kick after Granit Xhaka ing period. With Shaqiri and had missed Switzerland’s second penalty They came out with renewed pur- But I got the team ready to fight Seferovic stifled by against Croatia’s strengths and make to send the Polish fans at the Geoffroy pose in the second half and Shaqiri the best of exposing their weaknesses. Guichard stadium into raptures. Poland’s defence, the finally showed a glimpse of his talent Jakub Blaszczykowski had given Poland Swiss created little. with a dazzling solo run and a stinging Fernando Santos, Portugal. a 39th-minute lead before Shaqiri lev- shot which Lukasz Fabianski parried. ššPortugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, is elled with a spectacular bicycle kick Blaszczykowski had Yann Sommer at challenged by Croatia’s Domagoj Vida. in the 82nd to send the contest into a subdued, the Poles had to rely on full stretch as the pace increased with Everything was perfect dramatic climax. chances created by livewire left winger Switzerland throwing men forward. except we didn’t score. Moment of class Shaqiri, who was superb in the sec- Kamil Grosicki and the impressive Shaqiri produced a moment of magic We played really well and ond half and extra time, said the goal Blaszczykowski on the other flank. with one of the best goals of the tour- NOUS conceded no chances helps Portugal meant little after a painful loss. Switzerland captain Stephan nament in the 82nd minute, twisting Portugal’s performance proves unattractive, except the last one. They “It was a beautiful goal. I’m always Lichsteiner could not keep up with his body in the air to unleash a fierce kept us far from goal and ORTUGAL relied on a late moment proud to score for my country, but we’re Grosicki, who fired over the bar from shot which gave Fabianski no chance but coach Fernando Santos’s effective that’s why they scored from of class to grab their first victory out,” said the 24-year old. 18M after a clever run through the middle. as it went in off the post. the counter-attack. That was our Pand move into the last eight with tactics shut out Croatia. mistake and we were punished. a 1-0 win over Croatia despite failing to That’s football and the best hit the target for almost two hours and Polish delight for team doesn’t always win. struggling to build any cohesive attacks. With both teams oozing talent, fans Crowe and Tusk Ante Cacic, Croatia. Joe Walker were expecting fireworks in a game pit- Hollywood star Russell Crowe ting the goal-scoring prowess of Cristiano joined European Union president Ronaldo against the play-making abil- Donald Tusk in expressing ities of fellow-Champions League win- delight at Poland’s shoot-out AVING seen Croa- three players making their debut was ner and Real Madrid team-mate Luka qualification for the quarterfinal. tia condemn champions Spain announced. However, each change in Modric of Croatia. “POL!!! Final 8!!!” tweeted Hto their first defeat at a Euro the XI was more than vindicated. Instead, they got to see two hours of “Gladiator” star Crowe after Championship since 2004, Portugal Jose Fonte, partnering Pepe at the cagey, nervy football with only one shot the Poles beat Switzerland in Nani joins club Saint-Etienne. coach Fernando Santos was well aware heart of the defence, was imperious on target amid some shocking finishing Crowe, better known for his of what Ante Cacic’s side can do. while Southampton team-mate Cedric of centenarians until mercurial Ricardo Quaresma lit up love of rugby league, has taken Ricardo Quaresma scored late in extra — also making his tournament bow — the stadium with his winner three min- the Polish team — and especially Forward Nani made his 100th time as Portugal defeated Croatia to helped form a backline that looked much utes from the end of extra time. swashbuckling forward Jakob international appearance against Blaszczykowski — to heart after set up a quarterfinal against Poland more secure than the porous one that Croatia last week, joining a select band All eyes were on Ronaldo, but for being impressed by their hard- on Thursday. Portugal’s success was showed up against Hungary. Santos must of Portuguese centenarians formed almost all the game he was nowhere working performances at the not pretty, but it was a dogged perfor- now decide whether to bring back the by Fernando Couto (110), Luis Figo to be seen, shut out by two and three European Championship. (127) and current team-mate Cristiano mance that was mighty effective. The rested Ricardo Carvalho and Vieirinha Croats at all times. He had earlier tweeted “KUBA!!! Ronaldo (130). 61-year-old fundamentally got it right in their places. Winger Nani was equally subdued, #POL” when Blaszczykowski, For his part, Real Madrid’s Ronaldo on a night of fine margins. Likewise Adrien, excelled. While not trying to find some space but ending Pfaffenbach Reuters/Kai nicknamed Kuba, scored the was playing his 31st match in a major ššPoland players celebrate their pre-quarterfinal victory over Switzerland. opening goal in a match that While setting up with a 4-4-2 diamond international competition, putting him up crashing against a wall of defend- finished 1-1 after extra-time before is nothing new for Portugal, Santos’s level with Iker Casillas in seventh place ers every time. the Poles triumphed 5-4 on decision to introduce fresh legs was on the list of players with most FIFA Yet the best talent finds a way to make William Carvalho penalties. key to nullifying Croatia’s main threats. World Cup, and Euro appearances. an impact, all that was needed was one Tusk, who is Polish, broke off “It would be nice to play pretty, but performed a fantastic spark, and they got it with teenager Renato man-marking job on the COACHES SPEAK from trying to sort out the EU’s that’s not always how you win tourna- Sanches, launching a quick break to woes following the British exit to ments,” said Santos. “Sometimes, you’ve dangerous Ivan Rakitic. feed Nani on the left. The Swiss are world-class in defence and keep a close eye on Poland’s win to be pragmatic.” As always, Ronaldo dug deep into his attack. It’s not surprising when they were and could not hide his joy. Adrien Silva’s boundless energy in the reserves to charge up in support on the losing they chased the game. We had “I’ve waited for this for so many middle of the park afforded the mer- possessing Joao Moutinho’s vision, his right and Nani picked him out with a years! My God, I’m happy!” he to drop deep to defend and that’s why tweeted. curial Luka Modric little time to get stamina was what was required in a dis- clever, threaded low cross. Ronaldo’s they created chances. But what’s most his foot on the ball. Adrien’s partner ciplined role at the heart of midfield. shot from a tight angle was blocked by important is that when they scored their William Carvalho performed a fantas- Against sides that are more difficult to keeper Danijel Subasic’s quick reflexes, goal, you could see my team’s potential. tic man-marking job on the dangerous unlock, he may not be the best option, but susbstitute Quaresma was on hand Ivan Rakitic, just as he had on David but he was the right man for the task. to nod in on the rebound. Adam Nawalka, Poland. Alaba in the group stage. With a plan to stifle Croatia working It was not supposed to be Quaresma’s With their two playmakers occupied, in the first half, Santos then needed to game and certainly not his tournament I’m very sad for Granit Xhaka (who missed Croatia struggled to create any clear-cut add attacking impetus to his hitherto with coach Fernando Santos having š in shoot-out), but it’s not just about him. opportunities from open play, and even blunt side. He did this emphatically šPortugal’s hauled him off after he failed in their Ricardo Quaresma Switzerland lost and I’m sad about the dangerous Ivan Perisic was kept in with the introductions of both Renato exults after scoring 0-0 group-stage draw against Austria. that. The players gave everything check by Cedric Soares and Raphael Sanches and Ricardo Quaresma, who against Croatia. The 32-year-old, who made the squad and showed what they can do. But Guerreiro, while Mario Mandzukic strug- was brought in just three minutes of after reviving his career with a second unfortunately we made mistakes and paid for gled to get involved. normal time remaining. spell at Turkey’s Besiktas, was long seen He shuffled his pack wisely. Eyebrows by critics as having failed to make the that. And then it was the lottery of penalties. were raised when a line-up containing » www.uefa.com most of his talent in a topsy-turvy career Vladimir Petkovic, Switzerland. punctuated by tantrums. ššRussell Crowe www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 17

Poles sink Swiss on penalties

OLAND beat Switzerland 5-4 Poland dominated the first half and Blaszczykowski broke the deadlock in a shoot-out to reach their should have gone ahead inside the first with a composed finish after a darting Pfirst European Championship minute when Arkadiusz Milik sent his run by Grosicki and a dummy from quarterfinal as a riveting clash ended shot over a gaping goal following a calam- Milik gave the winger time and space 1-1 after extra time last week follow- itous defensive mix-up. to pick his spot. ing a brilliant late equaliser by Swiss With striker Robert Lewandowski With Shaqiri and striker Haris Seferovic Xherdan Shaqiri. stifled by Poland’s rock-solid defence, Grezgorz Krychowiak drilled in the the Swiss created little in the open- winning spot-kick after Granit Xhaka With Shaqiri and ing period. had missed Switzerland’s second penalty They came out with renewed pur- to send the Polish fans at the Geoffroy Seferovic stifled by pose in the second half and Shaqiri Guichard stadium into raptures. Poland’s defence, the finally showed a glimpse of his talent Jakub Blaszczykowski had given Poland Swiss created little. with a dazzling solo run and a stinging a 39th-minute lead before Shaqiri lev- shot which Lukasz Fabianski parried. ššPortugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, is elled with a spectacular bicycle kick Blaszczykowski had Yann Sommer at challenged by Croatia’s Domagoj Vida. in the 82nd to send the contest into a subdued, the Poles had to rely on full stretch as the pace increased with dramatic climax. chances created by livewire left winger Switzerland throwing men forward. Moment of class Shaqiri, who was superb in the sec- Kamil Grosicki and the impressive Shaqiri produced a moment of magic ond half and extra time, said the goal Blaszczykowski on the other flank. with one of the best goals of the tour- helps Portugal meant little after a painful loss. Switzerland captain Stephan nament in the 82nd minute, twisting “It was a beautiful goal. I’m always Lichsteiner could not keep up with his body in the air to unleash a fierce ORTUGAL relied on a late moment proud to score for my country, but we’re Grosicki, who fired over the bar from shot which gave Fabianski no chance of class to grab their first victory out,” said the 24-year old. 18M after a clever run through the middle. as it went in off the post. Pand move into the last eight with a 1-0 win over Croatia despite failing to hit the target for almost two hours and Polish delight for struggling to build any cohesive attacks. With both teams oozing talent, fans Crowe and Tusk were expecting fireworks in a game pit- Hollywood star Russell Crowe ting the goal-scoring prowess of Cristiano joined European Union president Ronaldo against the play-making abil- Donald Tusk in expressing ities of fellow-Champions League win- delight at Poland’s shoot-out ner and Real Madrid team-mate Luka qualification for the quarterfinal. Modric of Croatia. “POL!!! Final 8!!!” tweeted Instead, they got to see two hours of “Gladiator” star Crowe after cagey, nervy football with only one shot the Poles beat Switzerland in Saint-Etienne. on target amid some shocking finishing Crowe, better known for his until mercurial Ricardo Quaresma lit up love of rugby league, has taken the stadium with his winner three min- the Polish team — and especially utes from the end of extra time. swashbuckling forward Jakob All eyes were on Ronaldo, but for Blaszczykowski — to heart after almost all the game he was nowhere being impressed by their hard- to be seen, shut out by two and three working performances at the European Championship. Croats at all times. He had earlier tweeted “KUBA!!! Winger Nani was equally subdued, #POL” when Blaszczykowski,

trying to find some space but ending Pfaffenbach Reuters/Kai nicknamed Kuba, scored the up crashing against a wall of defend- ššPoland players celebrate their pre-quarterfinal victory over Switzerland. opening goal in a match that ers every time. finished 1-1 after extra-time before Yet the best talent finds a way to make the Poles triumphed 5-4 on penalties. an impact, all that was needed was one Tusk, who is Polish, broke off spark, and they got it with teenager Renato COACHES SPEAK from trying to sort out the EU’s Sanches, launching a quick break to woes following the British exit to feed Nani on the left. The Swiss are world-class in defence and keep a close eye on Poland’s win As always, Ronaldo dug deep into his attack. It’s not surprising when they were and could not hide his joy. reserves to charge up in support on the losing they chased the game. We had “I’ve waited for this for so many right and Nani picked him out with a years! My God, I’m happy!” he to drop deep to defend and that’s why tweeted. clever, threaded low cross. Ronaldo’s they created chances. But what’s most shot from a tight angle was blocked by important is that when they scored their keeper Danijel Subasic’s quick reflexes, goal, you could see my team’s potential. but susbstitute Quaresma was on hand to nod in on the rebound. Adam Nawalka, Poland. It was not supposed to be Quaresma’s game and certainly not his tournament I’m very sad for Granit Xhaka (who missed with coach Fernando Santos having in shoot-out), but it’s not just about him. hauled him off after he failed in their Switzerland lost and I’m sad about 0-0 group-stage draw against Austria. that. The players gave everything The 32-year-old, who made the squad and showed what they can do. But after reviving his career with a second unfortunately we made mistakes and paid for spell at Turkey’s Besiktas, was long seen by critics as having failed to make the that. And then it was the lottery of penalties. most of his talent in a topsy-turvy career Vladimir Petkovic, Switzerland. punctuated by tantrums. ššRussell Crowe 18 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 19 Football

MESSI FACT FILE This is the end for me, Name Lionel Andres Messi Nationality Argentinian Date of birth June 24, 1987 it’s not for me: Messi Place of birth Rosario, Argentina Barcelona Club (ESP, since 2000) International 112 2014 World Cup final, and was on the appearances Larry Fine losing side every time. Argentina failed International goals 55 to score in all four matches. August 17, 2005, vs International debut The decision by the 29-year-old, who Hungary surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as his coun- HONOURS IONEL Messi said that he was to try’s highest goalscorer last week, came as CLUB 2005-06, 2008-09, retire from international football a shock to his team-mates, who said they Champions League 2010-11, 2014-15 Lafter Argentina were beaten 4-2 hoped his decision was not irrevocable. Club World Cup 2009, 2011, 2015 by Chile in a penalty shoot-out in the Sergio Aguero, Messi’s best friend on 2004-05, 2005-06, Copa America title clash last Sunday, the team, said he had never seen the 2008-09, 2009-10, Spanish League the fourth final the Barcelona striker mood in the dressing room so low while 2010-11, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2015-16 has lost with the national side. goalkeeper Sergio Romero suggested he 2008-09, 2011-12, Spanish Cup Messi, a five-time World Player of the might rethink his decision. 2014-15, 2015-16 COACHES SPEAK Year, missed Argentina’s opening penalty “I think Leo spoke in the heat of the 2005, 2006, 2009, Chile defend the Copa America title by yet again pipping Lionel Messi’s Argentina on penalties. Spanish Super Cups HOT AGAIN in the shootout after the game ended 0-0 moment because we missed that great 2010, 2011, 2013 and he was shown in tears while sitting chance,” said Romero. INTERNATIONAL in the team dugout. Messi’s retirement sparked disbelief Finalists (2014), quarterfinalists (2006, Rex Gowar World Cup “It’s tough, it’s not the time for anal- in his homeland and sports newspaper 2010), 5 matches, ysis,” he said. “In the dressing room I Ole immediately launched a social media 5 goals thought that this is the end for me with campaign, #NotevayasLeo, or Don’t go Finalists (2015, 2007, 2016), It’s always hard to predict when Copa America the national team, it’s not for me. Leo, to get him to stay. quarterfinalists (2011), HILE have never beaten Argen- a match is going to be decided “That’s the way I feel right now, it’s a He may not have been the only player 16 matches, 3 goals tina in open play in 27 Copa by penalties. Both huge sadness once again and I missed to exit the national squad, with later Olympic gold medal 2008 CAmerica meetings in 100 years last year and the penalty that was so important. unconfirmed reports that midfielder U-20 World Cup 2005 yet have twice in 12 months dashed now we ended “I tried so hard to be champion with Javier Mascherano had also retired from INDIVIDUAL up winning. I 2009, 2010, 2011, the hopes of Lionel Messi’s team of Argentina. But it didn’t happen. I couldn’t the international game. Ballon D’Or lifting a major trophy. think it speaks do it,” he said. Messi has won every trophy possible 2012, 2015 2009-2010 (34 goals), Top scorer in Spanish A second successive victory on pen- about the parity Messi has played in three Copa America at club level with Barcelona, though his 2011-2012 (50 goals), League alties in the final against their trans- between both finals in 2007, 2015 and 2016 and the only titles with Argentina were the Under- 2012-13 (46 goals) Andean rivals, this time in the cente- teams and the respect we’ve for 20 World Cup and the 2008 Olympics. 2008-2009 (9 goals), 2009-2010 (8 goals), nary tournament in the US last Sunday, Those club successes led Juan Antonio Top scorer in each other. 2010-2011 (12 goals), Champions League has cemented Chile’s status as one of Pizzi, the Argentine coach of Chile, 2011-2012 (14 goals), Juan Antonio Pizzi, Chile. the world’s top teams. to praise Messi’s influence on the 2014-15 (10 goals) World Cup A further irony is that the revolu- game at the post-match media 2014 Golden Ball tion that has transformed the team conference, even though at the Olympic player of the 2008 is the work of Argentinian coaches, We had high hopes, but are time he was unaware of his tournament starting with the visionary appoint- leaving empty handed. We compatriot’s decision. U-20 World Cup player 2005 should’ve won in “I believe that Messi is the of the tournament Top scorer at U-20 90 minutes. And best player in history,” said 2005 (6 goals) World Cup Chile have become should’ve won Pizzi. audacious in the way in extra time. they impose their game Our players feel on any field. pride in wearing the national jersey Aguero warns and it’s there they find the will to foster hope again. more players ment in 2007 of Marcelo Bielsa, who has earned cult status in Chile. Gerardo Martino, Argentina. may retire “(Chile) have become audacious ššChile players celebrate with the trophy. ŠŠLionel Messi Manchester City striker Sergio in the way they impose their game Aguero warned more Argentina on any field, against any adversary,” players could follow Lionel Messi said Diego Latorre, who was in the Janeiro, leaving them still looking for Claudio Bravo has proved to be a top- Colombia beat US into international retirement after Argentina squad that won the Copa their first major trophy since 1993. notch goalkeeper. MOST TITLES ROLL OF HONOUR the Barcelona superstar’s shock exit. America in Chile in 1991. He often looked cut off from his team Sampaoli improved his mentor Bielsa’s Last 10 champions. to finish third “It’s likely that Messi won’t “This was unheard of in previous at a packed Metlife in East Rutherford, work on a high pressing game, steered Chile 2016 be the only one to go into Chile teams prior to the Marcelo Bielsa New Jersey, and cut a dejected figure Chile to the round of 16 in Brazi two Carlos Bacca’s first-half goal was 15 2015 Chile enough to give Colombia a 1-0 victory international retirement,” said era,” he wrote in his column in the at the end after his penalty miss and years ago and masterminded their first Uruguay Uruguay 2011 over the US in the third-place play-off. Aguero. Argentinian daily La Nacion. amid Chile’s victory celebrations. ever Copa America success at home 2007 Brazil The winning goal came after half “It’s our toughest defeat to take. Argentina, boasting one of the Bielsa, who was Argentina coach last year. 2004 Brazil an hour when Colombia forged a We were all very devastated in the world’s top players in superstar Messi from 1999 to 2004, revolutionised Argentina had never lost a competi- 2001 Colombia well-worked move down the right dressing room, particularly Leo, and ranked No.1 in the world, were Chile’s training methods and tactics, tive match to Chile until 2008 and had 1999 Brazil with Juan Cuadrado slipping the ball I had never seen him in such a 14 inside to James Rodriguez. The Real state,” said Aguero who, however, expected to avenge last year’s loss to and led them to the 2010 World Cup in beaten the team now coached by Juan 1997 Brazil Argentina Madrid playmaker chipped forward did not say whether he would be Chile in Santiago having already beaten South Africa after being absent from Antonio Pizzi twice in the last three 1995 Uruguay for Santiago Arias to head across the one of the players to call time on 1993 Argentina them twice this year. the tournament since 1998. months — in a World Cup qualifier goal for Bacca to slide home. his Argentina career. 1991 Argentina Messi has now lost four major finals He and successor Jorge Sampaoli in Santiago in March and their open- It was Colombia’s highest The future of Barcelona with Argentina, three in the last two were instrumental in developing mid- ing group game of this tournament in 8 finish since 2001 while hosts US defender Javier Mascherano, 32, years including the 2014 World Cup fielder Arturo Vidal and forward Alexis Santa Clara very recently, both times Brazil matched their best-ever finish in the and attacker Gonzalo Higuain decider against Germany in Rio de Sanchez as world-class players while winning 2-1. tournament. could be in doubt after the defeat. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 19

ŠŠLionel Messi Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero warned more Argentina players could follow Lionel Messi Colombia beat US into international retirement after the Barcelona superstar’s shock to finish third exit. “It’s likely that Messi won’t Carlos Bacca’s first-half goal was be the only one to go into enough to give Colombia a 1-0 victory international retirement,” said over the US in the third-place play-off. Aguero. The winning goal came after half “It’s our toughest defeat to take. an hour when Colombia forged a We were all very devastated in the well-worked move down the right dressing room, particularly Leo, with Juan Cuadrado slipping the ball I had never seen him in such a inside to James Rodriguez. The Real state,” said Aguero who, however, Madrid playmaker chipped forward did not say whether he would be for Santiago Arias to head across the one of the players to call time on goal for Bacca to slide home. his Argentina career. It was Colombia’s highest The future of Barcelona finish since 2001 while hosts US defender Javier Mascherano, 32, matched their best-ever finish in the and attacker Gonzalo Higuain tournament. could be in doubt after the defeat. CHILE

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

REUTERS/ Brad Penner REUTERS/ Brad Penner 22 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 23 Athletics

Jama Aden is a coach with impeccable I’m yet to get the full details about the I came to know about it (Musaeb’s arrest) credentials. Look at the athletes he has incident in Spain, so I can’t make any through newspapers. But the reports were trained, be it Genzebe Dibaba, Abubaker conclusion. Unless a person is proved guilty, sketchy. Nowhere it’s mentioned that a Kaki Khamis or Taoufik he’s innocent in front of the dope test was conducted on Makhloufi. They all have law. So to me, as of today, him. How can anyone be proved their mettle. (Musaeb) Abdulrahman pronounced guilty unless Regarding Musaeb, it’s Balla is innocent. I advise he returns a positive test? too early to say anything all Qatari athletes to be What’s going on is a trial as there’s a lack of clarity. alert. They’re more or less by the (western) media. However, when it comes to professionals and they However, I want all Qatari the war on doping, we’ve should know what they eat, athletes not to get associated always followed a zero-tolerance policy. what they carry while travelling etc. with tainted persons in their support team. ARREST Khalifa Abdul Malik, National Teams’ Director. Talal Mansoor, former Asian sprint champion. Nada Zeidan, two-time Asian Games archer. Western media ruining WARRANTED? image of Russia, Qatar The arrests of coach Jama Aden and 800M runner Musaeb Abdulrahman arrest was also more or less with the Balla, who trains under him, as part of an investigation into alleged Kumar Ravi same intention. He did not say that everything was drug trafficking put Qatar in an unwanted spot. hunky-dory with athletics, but felt something was wrong somewhere. ANY of us may tend to dismiss “I’m not saying what’s alleged to have now. Whatever we’ve heard and read is all this as a conspiracy theory. But happened in Russia is correct. I’m also Sajith B Warrier media reports only. I don’t think that’s the Ma closer scrutiny makes it crystal not questioning the IAAF decision to truth. When it comes to the war against clear that there is a certain pattern in the ban Russian athletes. But I smell a rat doping, we’ve always strictly adhered way some of the Western media outlets in the arrest of Jama Aden and Musaeb to international guidelines. There has work overtime to tarnish the image of and its timing — just about a month S THE whole world continues to been no compromise on that,” said QAF Russia and Qatar, especially after these before Olympics. It’s here that I suspect unite in its war on doping, the President Dahlan Al Hamad. countries won the bid to host the 2018 some foul play,” said the scribe. Aever-swelling list of offenders Dahlan, one of the vice-presidents of and 2022 FIFA World Cup respectively. He said there was a clear double stand- Divakaran DSP/Vinod is a cause for concern, especially in an International Association of Athletics “What’s common between Phaedra ard on the part of some international ššDr Nasser Ali Al Ansari Olympic year. ššJama Aden Federations (IAAF), said he would take up Al Majid and Yuliya Stepanova? Both sports federations while dealing with Despite the International Olympic the issue with the higher-ups, if required. acted as whistleblowers — the former offenders. Committee doubling its budget, dope- While it remains to be seen whether alleging irregularities in Qatar’s win- “Briton Mo Farah was associated with related cases are still on the rise, with Qatar has been under Musaeb, one of the Rio hopefuls, is guilty ning bid and the latter, a Russian ath- Aden until 2015, but he wasn’t investi- ‘Educating athletes the latest being the arrest of track and or not, questions have been raised in some lete and herself a drug cheat, coming gated. Why only Musaeb was arrested, field coach Jama Aden by Spanish police media scrutiny for the quarters as to why the QAF kept faith in out with revelations of massive doping when there were more than 20 athletes as part of an investigation into alleged way it has naturalised Aden despite him having a dubious past problem in her country,” said a senior training in Spain? I feel being a Qatari is very important’ drug trafficking. some athletes. record when he trained Hamza Driouch, Arab journalist, who wished to remain was the sole reason behind this. The Somali has a proven track record a Qatari middle-distance runner who anonymous, referring to the arrest of “Was anything written negative about of nurturing some of the best middle- is now serving a two-year ban imposed Qatari athlete Musaeb Abdulrahman United States even when some of the Dr Al Ansari said the QADC was fol- distance runners, like Ethiopia’s current being under the doping scanner is the by the IAAF. Balla in Spain last week. big names like Justin Gatlin, Marion N Ganesh lowing the World Anti-Doping Agency’s 1,500M world champion Genzebe Dibaba. least it required. Hamza had initially claimed that Aden “And what’s common between The Jones and the like tested positive? In (WADA) guidelines. The name of Qatar has been dragged Qatar has always been under immense had forced him to dope though he later Times and Daily Mail? Of course, both fact, Gatlin avoided a life ban by co- “They should read the guidelines into the current controversy after 800M media scrutiny for the way it has natu- retracted his allegations. are British newspapers — the former operating with the investigators and from right sources. WADA has a set of runner Musaeb Abdulrahman Balla, who ralised some athletes and, at times, been There are some who believe the QAF spearheading a media assault on Qatar got it reduced to eight years first and ATAR Anti-Doping Commission information and we make the guide- trains under Aden, was also reportedly the punching bag of Western media ever should have followed the example of British following its successful World Cup bid then four, and he’s back on the track. (QADC) Chairman Dr Nasser lines based on them. We periodically arrested by Spanish cops for a similar since it won the right to host the 2022 long-distance runner Mo Farah, who dis- and the latter being at the forefront of “Nobody writes or speaks about this. QAli Al Ansari said it was focus- provide questionnaires to athletes to offence. FIFA World Cup. However, the QAF has tanced himself from his one-time coach a ‘sting operation’ which culminated in Nobody is criticising the US for its kid- ing a lot on educating athletes on how test their knowledge and increase it. As the Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) sought to distance itself from the issue, Aden, after the recent scandal. the arrest of Musaeb,” he added. glove treatment of such drug cheaters. to stay clear of the doping menace. is planning to send its biggest contingent saying the real picture was yet to emerge. QAF’s National Teams’ Director Khalifa The veteran journalist said volumes But in the case of Musaeb, the media went “Education is of utmost importance. to the Rio Olympics, the news of Musaeb “I can’t comment on this issue right Abdul Malik took a diplomatic view of had been written on Qatar’s World Cup, to town saying ‘Qatari athlete arrested’. Athletes should know what all medi- WADA has a set of the situation. often with a single mission to malign Was a test conducted on him? Was it pos- cines they shouldn’t take. We’ve our own “Aden is a coach with impeccable cre- the country. He strongly believed that itive? No. Until he’s proved guilty, he’s team of doctors to make them aware information and we DSP make the guidelines IAAF STATEMENT ON JAMA ADEN’S ARREST dentials. Look at the athletes he has trained the ‘sting operation’ that led to Musaeb’s innocent,” he concluded. of that. The athletes can always come — be it Dibaba, Abubaker Kaki Khamis or to the commission and we’ll only be based on them. The arrest of distance running coach Jama Aden follows a lengthy Taoufik Makhloufi — they all have proved happy to help them,” said Dr Al Ansari. investigation by the International Association of Athletics Federations their mettle in their disciplines. We can’t The official added that athletes world- (IAAF) which began in 2013, working in close co-operation with Interpol, the ignore his competency. Regarding Musaeb, wide are taking to doping deliberately. “We also organise programmes to authorities including the Spanish National Anti-Doping Agency, police and Whatever we’ve heard and read is all media it’s early to say anything as there’s still a “A big number of athletes do it delib- increase the awareness of law and vio- other organisations. reports only. I don’t think that’s the truth. I The IAAF will use all available resources and powers to protect clean lack of clarity,” he said. can’t go by media reports. When it comes to erately. They’re aware it’s the dark side. lations. The athletes are also educated According to unconfirmed reports, the Yet, they take the risk. Education is on the Therapeutic Use Exemption (the athletes and the integrity of our sport. This includes targeting and the war against doping, we’ve always strictly QAF is seeking legal action. How much important in their case and working special permission given to an athlete if investigating individuals and coaches who’re intent on exploiting athletes adhered to international guidelines. There and promoting the use of prohibited substances. damage will the incident have on the with media, the anti-doping agen- he has an illness that requires medica- The IAAF will not be making further comment on the ongoing investigation. has been no compromise on that. I’ll follow country, a potential future bidder for ššMusaeb cies world over tell them that, if they tion),” said Dr Al Ansari, who added that Olympics, is open for debate. DSP Abdulrahman Balla up the matter with proper authorities. dope, they would be caught one day no athlete should be termed as a culprit Dahlan Al Hamad, Qatar Athletics Federation President. or other,” he said. until the court finds him guilty. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 23

Western media ruining image of Russia, Qatar

arrest was also more or less with the Kumar Ravi same intention. He did not say that everything was hunky-dory with athletics, but felt something was wrong somewhere. ANY of us may tend to dismiss “I’m not saying what’s alleged to have this as a conspiracy theory. But happened in Russia is correct. I’m also Ma closer scrutiny makes it crystal not questioning the IAAF decision to clear that there is a certain pattern in the ban Russian athletes. But I smell a rat way some of the Western media outlets in the arrest of Jama Aden and Musaeb work overtime to tarnish the image of and its timing — just about a month Russia and Qatar, especially after these before Olympics. It’s here that I suspect countries won the bid to host the 2018 some foul play,” said the scribe.

and 2022 FIFA World Cup respectively. He said there was a clear double stand- Divakaran DSP/Vinod “What’s common between Phaedra ard on the part of some international ššDr Nasser Ali Al Ansari Al Majid and Yuliya Stepanova? Both sports federations while dealing with acted as whistleblowers — the former offenders. alleging irregularities in Qatar’s win- “Briton Mo Farah was associated with ning bid and the latter, a Russian ath- Aden until 2015, but he wasn’t investi- ‘Educating athletes lete and herself a drug cheat, coming gated. Why only Musaeb was arrested, out with revelations of massive doping when there were more than 20 athletes problem in her country,” said a senior training in Spain? I feel being a Qatari is very important’ Arab journalist, who wished to remain was the sole reason behind this. anonymous, referring to the arrest of “Was anything written negative about Qatari athlete Musaeb Abdulrahman United States even when some of the Dr Al Ansari said the QADC was fol- Balla in Spain last week. big names like Justin Gatlin, Marion N Ganesh lowing the World Anti-Doping Agency’s “And what’s common between The Jones and the like tested positive? In (WADA) guidelines. Times and Daily Mail? Of course, both fact, Gatlin avoided a life ban by co- “They should read the guidelines are British newspapers — the former operating with the investigators and from right sources. WADA has a set of spearheading a media assault on Qatar got it reduced to eight years first and ATAR Anti-Doping Commission information and we make the guide- following its successful World Cup bid then four, and he’s back on the track. (QADC) Chairman Dr Nasser lines based on them. We periodically and the latter being at the forefront of “Nobody writes or speaks about this. QAli Al Ansari said it was focus- provide questionnaires to athletes to a ‘sting operation’ which culminated in Nobody is criticising the US for its kid- ing a lot on educating athletes on how test their knowledge and increase it. the arrest of Musaeb,” he added. glove treatment of such drug cheaters. to stay clear of the doping menace. The veteran journalist said volumes But in the case of Musaeb, the media went “Education is of utmost importance. had been written on Qatar’s World Cup, to town saying ‘Qatari athlete arrested’. Athletes should know what all medi- WADA has a set of often with a single mission to malign Was a test conducted on him? Was it pos- cines they shouldn’t take. We’ve our own the country. He strongly believed that itive? No. Until he’s proved guilty, he’s team of doctors to make them aware information and we the ‘sting operation’ that led to Musaeb’s innocent,” he concluded. DSP of that. The athletes can always come make the guidelines to the commission and we’ll only be based on them. happy to help them,” said Dr Al Ansari. The official added that athletes world- Whatever we’ve heard and read is all media wide are taking to doping deliberately. “We also organise programmes to reports only. I don’t think that’s the truth. I “A big number of athletes do it delib- increase the awareness of law and vio- can’t go by media reports. When it comes to erately. They’re aware it’s the dark side. lations. The athletes are also educated Yet, they take the risk. Education is on the Therapeutic Use Exemption (the the war against doping, we’ve always strictly important in their case and working special permission given to an athlete if adhered to international guidelines. There with media, the anti-doping agen- he has an illness that requires medica- has been no compromise on that. I’ll follow cies world over tell them that, if they tion),” said Dr Al Ansari, who added that up the matter with proper authorities. dope, they would be caught one day no athlete should be termed as a culprit Dahlan Al Hamad, Qatar Athletics Federation President. or other,” he said. until the court finds him guilty. DSP 24 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 25 Motorsport Qatari Adel disappointed with his fifth-place finish

ATAR’S Adel Hussein Abdulla, Adel, backed by the Qatar Motor and but it was like driving on ice in the mid- who competes in the support Motorcycle Federation and driving a dle of the stage. It was very slippery. Qcategory (T2) of the FIA World powerful Nissan Patrol Y62, produced Once my engine cut in one corner and Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, was a determined performance on one of I had to switch off and start again. That disappointed with his fifth-place finish Europe’s toughest Baja rallies. He was cost me some time,” said Adel. “But we in the Italian Baja after finding himself put the marks in the road book after HOW THE RALLY second at one stage. the first pass to let us know where the WAS WON job well done! difficult sections were.” I was pushing at the Adel, who regularly competes in the Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, in the company of French co-driver Mathieu Baumel, canters Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and beginning, but it was Mathieu Baumel use their Qatar Rally, was disappointed on miss- home in the Italian Baja to extend his lead at the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. impressive pace to dominate like driving on ice in the ing out on second place. from start to finish. middle of the stage. “I was thinking about the points. Second place would’ve given me 18 ĈĈVladimir Vasilyev and preparations. It suited him well that Poland, we’ve put ourselves in a great RESULTS The duo wins four of the five points and there’re still five races remain- 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/ Boris Gadasin of Russia Toyota Hilux 3:37:13 stages in all to assert supremacy. Italy hosted the the fourth round of position for more success in the World Mathieu Baumel (FRA) behind eventual winner Yasir Saeidan ing. So the championship has a long finish second and third the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Cup,” said Nasser, who competes for 2. Vladimir Vasilyev/ Konstantin of Saudi Arabia until his car stopped way to go,” added Adel, who had signed Mini All4 Racing 3:39.22 Nasser clocks the fastest time respectively Rallies. the Overdrive Racing Team. Zhiltsov (RUS) after a water splash on the final special a sponsorship deal with Nissan Middle 3. Boris Gadasin/ Aleksei Kuzmich of the opening day on the 12km Mini All4 Racing 3:42:55 The latest win provided Nasser and Nasser’s skills were tested to the limit (RUS) prologue stage. stage, costing him precious time and East which will see him and his French Baumel the perfect platform to con- as he weaved his Hilux through the STANDINGS three positions on the leader board. co-driver Jean-Micheal Polato compete Sajith B Warrier tinue their assault on the World Cup narrow, dusty tracks in the Pordenone 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT) 150 On the second day, Nasser’s “The stage was very muddy because of in the support category of the World as the series stays in Europe for races region, which is notorious for its unpre- 2. Yazeed Al Rajhi (KSA) 84 main rival and World Cup ššAdel Hussain Abdulla the rain. I was pushing at the beginning, Rally Championship as well. DSP in Spain, Hungary and Poland in the dictable and technically challeng- 3. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS) 68 contender Vladimir Vasilyev loses coming months. ing route. 40 minutes due to a mechanical problem, handing the former T IS THREE out of three for Nasser His relief was palpable after emerg- advantage. Saleh Al Attiyah. The FIA World Cup ing unscathed. Promising Saeed Ifor Cross-Country Rallies champion “We had a small problem with the On the final day, Nasser’s It’s a great feeling to ŢĈNasser Saleh Al has been selective this season as he water crossings and lost a little time as Attiyah competes in experience on the tight World keen to impress concentrates more on shooting with notch up another win well. Despite the setbacks, we never the Italian Baja. Rally Championship-style tracks an eye on gold at the Rio Olympics. at what was a very stopped pushing. It’s very satisfying and Baumel’s expert navigation ATARI rider Saeed Al Sulaiti, After skipping the opening round in challenging event. to have overcome everything we had combine well. who made his debut for Team Russia, Nasser convincingly won the to deal with and walk away with the QPedercini Racing in the World next two legs in Abu Dhabi and Qatar. win,” added Nasser. DSP Superbike Championship (WSBK) this And last week he and his French co- Nasser (150 points) is well ahead of season, is keen to put up a good show. driver Mathieu Baumel, on a Toyota Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi, who The championship is halfway through Hilux, cantered home in the Italian is second on 84 points. Vasilyev (68) and though Saaed has not had a good Baja and extended his champion- is third. outing so far, he is keen to improve, espe- ship lead. “It’s a great feeling to notch up cially with the season-ending race sched- Russians rounded off the podium, another win at what was a very chal- uled to be held in Qatar in November. ššXavier Simeon, right, negotiates a turn at the Dutch Grand Prix. with Vladimir Vasilyev and Boris Gadasin lenging event. I arrived here with a “My goal is to take this opportunity finishing second and third respectively clear plan and it’s extremely satisfy- to boost my sporting ambitions and in their Mini All4 Racing. ing to say I was able to stick to it. With achieve better results throughout the Nasser has been based in Italy for similar races to the Italian Baja now season. I’ll certainly do my best to make QMMF riders put a while to fine-tune his shooting coming up in Spain, Hungary and my debut season in WSBK an unfor- gettable one,” said Saeed, who rides a şšNasser Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R bike. up battling display Saleh Al Having started his career in the Attiyah and Mathieu Endurance Worlds, Saeed also has the Baumel. experience of competing in the Spanish ATAR Motor and Motorcycle CEV Championship. Federation (QMMF) Racing Riding alongside France’s two-time QTeam riders Xavier Simeon and Superstock champion Sylvain Barrier, Julian Simon, competing in the Moto2 Saeed hopes to make good use of it. category of the FIM World Champi- “I’m thankful to Team Pedercini Racing onship, battled hard in treacherous and the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle conditions, but had nothing to show Federation, who’re providing a chance to at the rain-marred Dutch Grand Prix. ššXavier Simeon race with top riders and,” added Saeed. After a fantastic start at the Assen The next round will be held in US. DSP circuit, Simeon narrowly missed out on a top-10 finish, coming 11th in the came 16th in the classification accord- race that was red-flagged with just two ing to his position in the previous lap. laps to go. Nevertheless, both riders and the team “I had a good start and top-10 finish left Assen satisfied after solving their was within my grasp. Without rain and technical problems. interruption, I probably could’ve got a “I kept battling with the top riders. better result. But at least I achieved my On some laps I was quite fast, but not target, which was to fight for a top-10 quick enough to close the gap. I can look finish,” said the Brussels-based Simeon. forward to the next race in Germany Team-mate Simon of Spain was (on July 17), where I want to score some

Photo/ Red Bull Content Pool Red Bull Content Photo/ ššSaeed Al Sulaiti 14th when the race was stopped, but points,” said Simon. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 25

Qatari Adel disappointed with his fifth-place finish

ššMembers of Hyper Spikers, Aktor and Team TWS with officials. ĈĈA total of 15 teams vied for Nasser lauded his players’ never-say- honours in the event die attitude. “Any other coach would’ve given up his hope, but I knew my players. WINNERS Soul Riders win volleyball tourney MEN N Ganesh I was confident that they would fight Basketball Doha Ballers Football Munshat Abdullatif 90 until the final whistle. And we were Volleyball Soul Riders rewarded for our perseverance as we OUL Riders emerged as winners and table tennis. Cricket Blasters teams scored the equaliser in the last sec- in volleyball at the Fifth Rama- In addition to the sports In addition, a walking event around Beach Soccer Katara HARQ reigned supreme in the Al ond,” said Mishaal. dan Sports Festival organised the Aspire Dome and several activities WOMEN S Volleyball Hyper Spikers competitions, a walking Wajba Palace Football Tourna- HH Sheikh Jassem bin Hamad Al Thani, by the Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) for families were also held. Tennis Dura Abbasi Sment at Al Rayyan last Sunday. Personal Representative of HH the Emir, last week. event and activities for AZF’s Ramadan Organising Committee BOYS 70 Futsal Barcelona In a spirited final played in two halves graced the occasion. Minister of State Q League and Qatar University came families were organised. Chairman Abdullah Al Khater said, “This GIRLS hours of of 25 minutes each, they defeated Barzan for Defence HE Khalid bin Mohammed second and third respectively in the five- year’s festival had several memorable Tennis E N Servanti competition 4-2 on penalties after regulation time Al Attiyah and SCDL Secretary General day tournament featuring 11 teams. moments for organisers and partici- STAFF FUTSAL Mediterranean United ended 1-1. Hassan Al Thawadi gave away the tro- In ladies’ volleyball, favourites Hyper in the final. Bayern finished third. pants alike. Our pre-Iftar walking com- TABLE TENNIS FOR PEOPLE The 15-team event was sponsored by phies. Spikers continued their superb run, This year’s fortnight-long festival wit- petition around Aspire Dome evoked a WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Physical Khaled Al Yafei the Supreme Committee for Delivery Minister of Culture and Sports prevailing over Aktor in a thrilling final. nessed more than 1,000 people partic- big response. The festival’s success is a Visual Hamad Al Marri 150 and Legacy (SCDL). HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Team TWS ended up third. ipating in 11 different sports. testament to our efforts in promoting Mental Mohammad Mousa Ali Majed Al Qahtani put Barzan Ali, Emiri Guard Commander Major In junior futsal, Team Barcelona Competitions were also organised physical activity among members of the Hearing Abdullah Taleb matches ahead just before half-time while Sharq General Hazza bin Khalil Al Shahwani, claimed the title, stunning Brazil 3-1 in football, basketball, cricket, tennis local community during Ramadan.” DSP found the equaliser at the death through and SCDL Assistant Secretary General Abdullah Al Suwaidi. (Tournament Affairs) Nasser Al Khater In shoot-out, Hamed Al Qahtani, were also present. DSP Rolenson Loyola of the Philippines won the Fahad Al Naimi and Khaled Al Sulaiti Loyola makes tournament organised by the Qatar Chess all found the back of the net for Sharq. winning moves Association last week. He accumulated seven Only Ahmed Shaya could convert SPECIAL AWARDS points in the seven-round competition while Hassan Al Hassan (Al for Barzan as Abdullah Al Adsani was Top scorer his compatriot Jethro Jimenez came second Ghayala, seven goals) followed by India’s Mohammed Sadiq. DSP denied by keeper Ahmed Al Hagagi Best goalkeeper Fahad Ali (Dhakira) and Khalifa Al Ali smashed his shot Khalid Al Kubaisi Best players (Dhakira) and Hassan Al

against the post. DSP/Mohan Sugatri (Muaither) Sharq coach Mishaal Ibrahim Al šĈSharq team members are all joy after winning the Al Wajba Palace Football Tournament. Andalus are champions

L ANDALUS emerged as win- and it was difficult to maintain our high ššThe Aspire Zone Foundation delegation members interact with an elderly person at Ihsan. ners of the 42nd Salah Saqr tempo. Still, we stayed focused. We’re AFootball Tournament last week. very happy to have won this tourna- In an entertaining final at the Doha ment,” Andalus captain Amro Warbi Stadium, Andalus defeated Sudan Stars told Doha Stadium Plus. Aspire Zone Foundation 3-2 in extra time. His Sudan counterpart Hythan Tampal The final comprised two halves of rued the team’s bad start. 30 minutes each and extra time of 10 “It’s football and we’ve to take defeat officials visit Ihsan minutes. in our stride. We became more confi- Andalus took an early two-goal lead dent when we drew level, but we let through Mohammed Mustafa (third) and ourselves down by conceding again DELEGATION from the Aspire said, “Such visits are opportunity for the Mohammed Ali (10th). However, Sudan early on in extra time. Looking back, Zone Foundation (AZF) visited community to engage with the elderly staged a valiant fightback in the second our poor first-half performance cost A the Qatar Foundation’s Elderly at our centre, helping fulfil one of our session and levelled the scores, thanks us dear,” said Hythan. People Care Home Ihsan. major objectives. The visit demonstrates to goals from Al Hassan Mohammed Former Qatar international Salah Saqr, The visit during the month of Ramadan the AZF’s commitment towards social (37th) and Mohannad Hazab (47th). in whose name the tournament is held, demonstrated the AZF’s commitment responsibility and we would like to take Though momentum was with Sudan handed over the trophies and medals. towards the local community. this opportunity to welcome all organ- at that moment, Andalus kept their “We witnessed some great contests Ihsan officials thanked the AZF for isations in Qatar to visit us.” cool in extra time and made it 3-2 in this year. I congratulate the winners the visit and added that the holy month The delegation had earlier visited the 63rd through Mahmoud Ali and and thank everybody who worked to was all about mercy, generosity and Shafallah Centre for Children with

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod defended the lead firmly. make this tournament a success,” said doing noble things. Special Needs and Orphans Care Centre šĈAl Andalus players with Salah Saqr, back row, second right. “It was a tough match. We’re amateurs Salah. DSP Mohammad Saleh Al Nosf of Ihsan Dhreima. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 27 Ramadan events

ššMembers of Hyper Spikers, Aktor and Team TWS with officials.

WINNERS Soul Riders win volleyball tourney MEN Basketball Doha Ballers Football Munshat Abdullatif 90 Volleyball Soul Riders OUL Riders emerged as winners and table tennis. Cricket Blasters teams in volleyball at the Fifth Rama- In addition to the sports In addition, a walking event around Beach Soccer Katara dan Sports Festival organised the Aspire Dome and several activities WOMEN S Volleyball Hyper Spikers competitions, a walking by the Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) for families were also held. Tennis Dura Abbasi last week. event and activities for AZF’s Ramadan Organising Committee BOYS 70 Futsal Barcelona Q League and Qatar University came families were organised. Chairman Abdullah Al Khater said, “This GIRLS hours of second and third respectively in the five- year’s festival had several memorable Tennis E N Servanti competition day tournament featuring 11 teams. moments for organisers and partici- STAFF FUTSAL Mediterranean United In ladies’ volleyball, favourites Hyper in the final. Bayern finished third. pants alike. Our pre-Iftar walking com- TABLE TENNIS FOR PEOPLE Spikers continued their superb run, This year’s fortnight-long festival wit- petition around Aspire Dome evoked a WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Physical Khaled Al Yafei prevailing over Aktor in a thrilling final. nessed more than 1,000 people partic- big response. The festival’s success is a Visual Hamad Al Marri 150 Team TWS ended up third. ipating in 11 different sports. testament to our efforts in promoting Mental Mohammad Mousa In junior futsal, Team Barcelona Competitions were also organised physical activity among members of the Hearing Abdullah Taleb matches claimed the title, stunning Brazil 3-1 in football, basketball, cricket, tennis local community during Ramadan.” DSP

Rolenson Loyola of the Philippines won the Loyola makes tournament organised by the Qatar Chess winning moves Association last week. He accumulated seven points in the seven-round competition while his compatriot Jethro Jimenez came second followed by India’s Mohammed Sadiq. DSP

ššThe Aspire Zone Foundation delegation members interact with an elderly person at Ihsan. Aspire Zone Foundation officials visit Ihsan

DELEGATION from the Aspire said, “Such visits are opportunity for the Zone Foundation (AZF) visited community to engage with the elderly A the Qatar Foundation’s Elderly at our centre, helping fulfil one of our People Care Home Ihsan. major objectives. The visit demonstrates The visit during the month of Ramadan the AZF’s commitment towards social demonstrated the AZF’s commitment responsibility and we would like to take towards the local community. this opportunity to welcome all organ- Ihsan officials thanked the AZF for isations in Qatar to visit us.” the visit and added that the holy month The delegation had earlier visited was all about mercy, generosity and Shafallah Centre for Children with doing noble things. Special Needs and Orphans Care Centre Mohammad Saleh Al Nosf of Ihsan Dhreima. DSP 28 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 29 At a glance

BOXING SQUASH GYMNASTICS Qatar’s Erseker Aspire’s Umair qualifies for Rio finishes third Preparations on track

AKAN Erseker became the first HE ASPIRE Academy’s Umair ATAR Olympic Committee Sec- to Al Kuwari on the FIG event’s prep- Qatari boxer to qualify for the Zaman finished third at the retary General Dr Thani Abdul- arations. HRio Olympics, booking his TItalian Junior Open, a premier Qrahman Al Kuwari expressed Doha, which won the Worlds bid in berth by reaching the quarterfinal Grand Prix event. satisfaction at the preparations made by 2014, is to organise its 48th edition at of the Olympic quota event in Baku, After losing 13-11, 2-11, 3-11, 4-11 the Qatar Gymnastics Federation for the the Aspire Dome from October 25 to Ajerbaijan, last week. to Switzerland’s second seed Roman FIG 2018 Artistic Worlds. The QGF will November 3. The dates are yet to be Qatar had fielded two other pugi- Allinckx in the also host the 12th Gulf Championships confirmed. lists, Thulasi Tharumalingam (64kg) semifinal, Umair from August 31 to September 3 this year. The Worlds, held annually except in and Hakan Nuraydin (81kg), but only beat Italy’s Al Kuwari promised all support to the Olympic year, was first organised Erseker, who contested in the 60kg light- Ludovico Cipolletta make both events a grand success. in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1903. weight category, could make the cut. 11-1, 11-13, 12-10, “We’ve committed all aspects of organ- QGF President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi, Erseker, 21, beat Thailand’s Pachanya 8-11, 11-9 in the isational help to the QGF. The FIG tour- who is also an FIG Executive Committee Longchin in the round of 32 and fol- third-place play-off. nament will be a huge success not only member, exuded confidence and thanked lowed it up with a win against Georgia’s ššQatar’s Jefferson Pereira, left, and Cherif Younousse celebrate the triumph. It was the sec- from the technical aspect, but it’ll also all stakeholders, including the QOC and European Confederation Championships ond podium finish for Umair in the promote Qatari culture and hospitality ASPIRE Academy, for their support. silver medallist Otar Eranosyan. However, last three months. In April, he had won in a big way on the international stage,” “We’ve the experience to host such he failed to maintain the tempo, los- BEACH VOLLEYBALL the Luxembourg Open, where he beat said Al Kuwari. “We wish the QGF all suc- a major tournament. We’re confident ing to eventual winner Enrico La Cruz England’s Isaac Rawcliffe 9-11, 11-6, cess and hope we’ll have an outstand- of delivering a successful competition of the Netherlands in the last eight. 11-7, 11-9 in the final. ing competition.” that’ll leave a lasting impression,” said ššAli Ahmed Al Hitmi, left, and Dr Thani A total of 469 boxers from 105 coun- Yousef Elsaka was the other acad- The QGF officials made a presentation Al Hitmi. DSP Abdulrahman Al Kuwari. tries fought for the 39 Olympic quota emy graduate to impress in Italy as he places in different categories. reached the quarterfinal. DSP The first qualification event for Rio 2016 was last year’s AIBA World HANDBALL Championships held in Doha. FOCUS ON ASPIRE “It’s a historic moment for us. We’ve Tough 2017 Worlds been watching Erseker’s progress. We’re thrilled to know that our country will Rio calling! Key MoU signed for group for Qatar be represented at the Olympics in our sport,” said Qatar Boxing Federation Qatar book Rio Olympic berth by winning the Continental Cup. ATAR have been drawn along- President Yousef Al Kazim, who added anti-doping activity side Denmark, Sweden, Egypt, that it would also send entries to QBahrain and Argentina in Group the July 3-8 Olympic quota event in ATAR qualified for the Olym- Only two among the Qatari quar- D for the 25th International Handball DSP Venezuela. pics by winning the Asian Vol- We worked so hard tet can play in Brazil and the QVA will HE ASPIRE Academy signed a aim to build a collaborative anti-dop- Federation (IHF) World Championship, to Qleyball Confederation’s (AVC) later take a final call on who will rep- Memorandum of Understanding ing framework. We want to build on the be held in France from January 11 to 29. Continental Cup in Cairns, Australia. for this moment and resent the country in Rio. T(MoU) with Qatar Anti-Doping commission’s workshops with our stu- Qatar thus find themselves in one Qatar beat China 2-0 in the best- everyone is so happy Brazil-born Jefferson and Cherif, who Commission (QADC) last week. dent-athletes and faculty on the topic, of the toughest of-three final of the eight-team event about it. had bagged the FIVB World Tour event ASPIRE Academy Deputy Director which we hope to expand to the wider groups. Egypt TEAMS last Sunday to make the cut for the Rio in Kish Island in Iran earlier this year, General Ali Salem Afifa and QADC sports community through this agree- are the No.1 side GROUP A GROUP B Games, to be held from August 5 to 21. should fancy their chances. Chairman Dr Nasser Ali Al Ansari signed ment. We’re delighted to be taking this in Africa, Argentina France Spain Poland Slovakia Two pairs represented each country at for our hardwork,” said Qatar Volleyball The duo had also reached the quar- the agreement in the presence of repre- step with the QADC. It demonstrates are the bronze Russia Macedonia the Continental Cup, with Qatar field- Association (QVA) President Khalid terfinal of the World Championship in ššAshraf Amjad with Alexey Malyukov. sentatives from the two organisations. our conscious efforts to educate all ath- medallists at the Brazil Iceland ing Jefferson Pereira-Cherif Younousse Ali Al Mawlawi. the Netherlands last year. As per the agreement, both parties letes partaking in international sports Pan American Japan Tunisia Norway Angola as one duo and Julio Junior-Ahmed Qatar had defeated Oman in Doha at “We’ve made a huge step towards will promote effective implementation events on the dangers of doping and the Championship GROUP C GROUP D Tijian as the other. the AVC Western Zonal Championship that. We worked so hard for this ATHLETICS of international regulations through efforts made by the global community while Denmark Germany Qatar “We did it! We’re going to the Olympics in January to qualify for the Continental moment and everyone is so happy,” new programmes and initiatives in the towards fighting it.” and Sweden Croatia Denmark Belarus Sweden ššHakan Erseker and are part of history now. It’s a reward Cup. said Jefferson. DSP areas of sports, education and student Dr Al Ansari said, “We, at the QADC, are are traditional Ashraf supreme Hungary Egypt care, sports science, scientific research, mandated to carry out two main objec- European power- Chile Bahrain Saudi at Poland meet policy improvement and professional tives. Firstly, monitoring doping accord- houses. All teams Argentina Arabia development. ing to World Anti-Doping Agency stand- in Qatar’s group VOLLEYBALL AMMER thrower Ashraf Amjad It will also see the promotion of com- ards and procedures. Secondly, increas- except Bahrain QATAR’S Mohammed, fine-tuning his munity awareness of anti-doping and ing awareness of doping in the sports have made the cut FIXTURES preparations for the Rio Olym- attempt to reinforce national, regional community. We’ve been executing these for Rio Olympics. January 13 vs Egypt H vs Bahrain January 15 Qatar bow out with win pic Games, clinched silver at the 62nd and international efforts. objectives for several years with athletes, Qatar will begin January 17 vs Argentina Janusz Kuzocinski Memorial Meeting Afifa said, “Through this MoU, we coaches, doctors, physiotherapists. DSP their campaign January 18 vs Sweden in Szczecin, Poland, last week with an against Egypt on January 20 vs Denmark ATAR ended their FIVB World Taipei, Slovenia and Greece were the effort of 77.43M. January 13. League campaign on a winning teams who have made the cut. Poland’s Pawel Faidek won gold with Twenty four teams were pooled into Qnote, beating Puerto Rico 25- Seasoned campaigner Ibrahim Saeed a throw of 80.10M while Tajikistan’s four groups at the draw ceremony con- 22, 25-23, 25-16 in the last match of was the architect of Qatar’s win against Dilshod Nazarov clinched bronze (77.2) ducted by the IHF World Championship Round 2 at Thessaloniki. Puerto Rico with 14 points. in the event held at the Miejski Stadium. Organising Commission Caretaker They had earlier defeated the hosts “I’m satisfied with the final outcome. Coached by Russian Alexey Malyukov, Chairman Per Bertelsen in Paris, France, 25-21, 25-17, 26-24 and lost to Slovenia Though we could beat only Tunisia in Ashraf has been making rapid progress last week. 21-25, 18-25, 20-25. the first round, we were very competi- at the international level. Champions France are in Group A, It was a good improvement from Round tive against Venezuela and Slovenia. We He first showed glimpses of his talent where they will face Poland, Russia, 1 matches in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where did a good job in the second round and at the 2012 Asian Junior Championships Brazil, Japan and Norway, who were they won one and lost the other two. our next goal is to show a good level at in Colombo when he won the gold. He awarded wild card by the IHF Council. DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Despite the good performance, they the Asian Cup, to be held in India later also set a new record with an effort of ššDr Nasser Ali Al Ansari, second left, and Ali Salem Afifa, centre, with other QADC andASPIRE France had defeated hosts Qatar 25-22 could not progress to the Final Four in this year,” said Qatar’s coach Roberto 85.57M at the junior Worlds later that Academy officials. in a thrilling final in the last edition held Frankfurt. Hosts Germany, Chinese Piazza. DSP ššQatar’s Ibrahim Saeed smashes against Puerto Rico. year in Barcelona. DSP in Doha in 2015. DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 29

SQUASH GYMNASTICS Aspire’s Umair finishes third Preparations on track

HE ASPIRE Academy’s Umair ATAR Olympic Committee Sec- to Al Kuwari on the FIG event’s prep- Zaman finished third at the retary General Dr Thani Abdul- arations. TItalian Junior Open, a premier Qrahman Al Kuwari expressed Doha, which won the Worlds bid in Grand Prix event. satisfaction at the preparations made by 2014, is to organise its 48th edition at After losing 13-11, 2-11, 3-11, 4-11 the Qatar Gymnastics Federation for the the Aspire Dome from October 25 to to Switzerland’s second seed Roman FIG 2018 Artistic Worlds. The QGF will November 3. The dates are yet to be Allinckx in the also host the 12th Gulf Championships confirmed. semifinal, Umair from August 31 to September 3 this year. The Worlds, held annually except in beat Italy’s Al Kuwari promised all support to the Olympic year, was first organised Ludovico Cipolletta make both events a grand success. in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1903. 11-1, 11-13, 12-10, “We’ve committed all aspects of organ- QGF President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi, 8-11, 11-9 in the isational help to the QGF. The FIG tour- who is also an FIG Executive Committee third-place play-off. nament will be a huge success not only member, exuded confidence and thanked It was the sec- from the technical aspect, but it’ll also all stakeholders, including the QOC and ond podium finish for Umair in the promote Qatari culture and hospitality ASPIRE Academy, for their support. last three months. In April, he had won in a big way on the international stage,” “We’ve the experience to host such the Luxembourg Open, where he beat said Al Kuwari. “We wish the QGF all suc- a major tournament. We’re confident England’s Isaac Rawcliffe 9-11, 11-6, cess and hope we’ll have an outstand- of delivering a successful competition 11-7, 11-9 in the final. ing competition.” that’ll leave a lasting impression,” said ššAli Ahmed Al Hitmi, left, and Dr Thani Yousef Elsaka was the other acad- The QGF officials made a presentation Al Hitmi. DSP Abdulrahman Al Kuwari. emy graduate to impress in Italy as he reached the quarterfinal. DSP HANDBALL FOCUS ON ASPIRE Tough 2017 Worlds Key MoU signed for group for Qatar ATAR have been drawn along- anti-doping activity side Denmark, Sweden, Egypt, QBahrain and Argentina in Group D for the 25th International Handball HE ASPIRE Academy signed a aim to build a collaborative anti-dop- Federation (IHF) World Championship, to Memorandum of Understanding ing framework. We want to build on the be held in France from January 11 to 29. T(MoU) with Qatar Anti-Doping commission’s workshops with our stu- Qatar thus find themselves in one Commission (QADC) last week. dent-athletes and faculty on the topic, of the toughest ASPIRE Academy Deputy Director which we hope to expand to the wider groups. Egypt TEAMS General Ali Salem Afifa and QADC sports community through this agree- are the No.1 side GROUP A GROUP B Chairman Dr Nasser Ali Al Ansari signed ment. We’re delighted to be taking this in Africa, Argentina France Spain Poland Slovakia the agreement in the presence of repre- step with the QADC. It demonstrates are the bronze Russia Macedonia ššAshraf Amjad with Alexey Malyukov. sentatives from the two organisations. our conscious efforts to educate all ath- medallists at the Brazil Iceland As per the agreement, both parties letes partaking in international sports Pan American Japan Tunisia Norway Angola will promote effective implementation events on the dangers of doping and the Championship GROUP C GROUP D ATHLETICS of international regulations through efforts made by the global community while Denmark Germany Qatar new programmes and initiatives in the towards fighting it.” and Sweden Croatia Denmark Belarus Sweden areas of sports, education and student Dr Al Ansari said, “We, at the QADC, are are traditional Ashraf supreme Hungary Egypt care, sports science, scientific research, mandated to carry out two main objec- European power- Chile Bahrain Saudi at Poland meet policy improvement and professional tives. Firstly, monitoring doping accord- houses. All teams Argentina Arabia development. ing to World Anti-Doping Agency stand- in Qatar’s group AMMER thrower Ashraf Amjad It will also see the promotion of com- ards and procedures. Secondly, increas- except Bahrain QATAR’S Mohammed, fine-tuning his munity awareness of anti-doping and ing awareness of doping in the sports have made the cut FIXTURES preparations for the Rio Olym- attempt to reinforce national, regional community. We’ve been executing these for Rio Olympics. January 13 vs Egypt H vs Bahrain January 15 pic Games, clinched silver at the 62nd and international efforts. objectives for several years with athletes, Qatar will begin January 17 vs Argentina Janusz Kuzocinski Memorial Meeting Afifa said, “Through this MoU, we coaches, doctors, physiotherapists. DSP their campaign January 18 vs Sweden in Szczecin, Poland, last week with an against Egypt on January 20 vs Denmark effort of 77.43M. January 13. Poland’s Pawel Faidek won gold with Twenty four teams were pooled into a throw of 80.10M while Tajikistan’s four groups at the draw ceremony con- Dilshod Nazarov clinched bronze (77.2) ducted by the IHF World Championship in the event held at the Miejski Stadium. Organising Commission Caretaker Coached by Russian Alexey Malyukov, Chairman Per Bertelsen in Paris, France, Ashraf has been making rapid progress last week. at the international level. Champions France are in Group A, He first showed glimpses of his talent where they will face Poland, Russia, at the 2012 Asian Junior Championships Brazil, Japan and Norway, who were in Colombo when he won the gold. He awarded wild card by the IHF Council. DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod also set a new record with an effort of ššDr Nasser Ali Al Ansari, second left, and Ali Salem Afifa, centre, with other QADC andASPIRE France had defeated hosts Qatar 25-22 85.57M at the junior Worlds later that Academy officials. in a thrilling final in the last edition held year in Barcelona. DSP in Doha in 2015. DSP 30 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 31 At a glance

GOLF MOTORSPORT Ivanovic blames Hurley shines wrist injury for in Maryland shock exit

Former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic OCAL favourite Billy Hurley III, blamed a wrist injury for a Kuwait sues IOC helped by a stunning chip-in on surprise first-round defeat by L15 and a monster putt at the 16th, lowly-ranked Russian qualifier for $1bn over ban clinched his first PGA Tour victory by Ekaterina Alexandrova at three shots last Sunday at the Quicken Wimbledon last Monday. Kuwait is seeking $1bn in damages Loans National in Bethesda, Maryland. The Serb lost 6-2, 7-5 to the from the International Olympic The 34-year-old American, a US Naval world No.223 playing her first- Committee (IOC) for banning ever Grand Slam match after Academy graduate who calls nearby jackpot! the country from international coming through qualifying. competitions. Annapolis home, never relinquished Australian Jack Miller storms to a stunning victory at rain-hit Dutch “Yeah, it was very tough,” The IOC suspended Kuwait his overnight lead in the final round Ivanovic said. “I mean, for two in October, 2015, accusing the at Congressional as he closed with a TT in Assen as Valentino Rossi crashes out while leading the race. weeks I’ve struggled with my government of interference in its two-under-par 69 in the event hosted right wrist. It was very hard to national Olympic Committee. The by Tiger Woods. accelerate on my forehand. I ban is unlikely to be lifted before the Former world No.1 Vijay Singh, seek- tried to do everything possible Rio Games, which start on August to be fit and recover and tape ing his first PGA Tour win in eight years, USTRALIAN Jack Miller cele- 5, meaning its athletes would only it and so on. But, yeah, it was a be allowed to compete under the ššSerbia’s Novak Djokovic returns to Britain’s James Ward. fired a best-of-the-day 65 to finish sec- brated a stunning first MotoGP little bit sore. I feel like it caused Olympic flag. Kuwait’s minister ond, with American Bill Haas (68) and Avictory last Sunday after rain me a lot of miss-hits.” of information said it is doing so Spaniard Jon Rahm (70) a further stroke and slippery conditions caused chaos Ivanovic, seeded 23, reached becasue of the IOC’s decision to back at 13-under in a tie for third. at a stopped and re-started Dutch TT TENNIS the quarterfinal of the suspend its Olympic Committee. Meanwhile, teenager Lydia Ko cruised at Assen. Wimbledon warm-up event in Mallorca this month, but it into the winner’s circle for a third time With top riders including Italian was there that she started to this season to claim her 13th career title Valentino Rossi crashing out while lead- struggle with her wrist. on the LPGA Tour with a three-shot vic- ing, Miller mastered the wet track to Djokovic shows class, “It really got inflamed,” said tory at the Arkansas Championship. seize the lead eight laps from the fin- Ivanovic, one of nine Grand WADA suspends The world No.1 finished three shots ish and beat Honda’s Marc Marquez Slam champions in the Rio doping lab clear of Taiwan’s Candie Kung (69) and by 1.991sec. but Federer struggles women’s singles draw. American Morgan Pressel (71). Britain’s Scott Redding was third The World Anti-Doping Agency on a Ducati in the 250th race of the (WADA) suspended the accreditation MotoGP era. ORLD No.1 Novak Djokovic Meanwhile, Roger Federer began his of its Brazilian doping control Spaniard Marquez stretched his got his campaign for a third 18th consecutive Wimbledon challenge laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, just six weeks before the city hosts the championship lead over compatriot Wsuccessive Wimbledon title with a straight-set win over Argentina’s Olympics. The move prohibits the Rio Jorge Lorenzo, who finished 10th, to off to a winning start with a 6-0, 7-6 (7-3), Guido Pella, but it was never straight- lab from carrying out all anti-doping 24 points. Marquez has 145 points to 6-4 victory over Britain’s James Ward. forward for the Swiss as he won 7-6 analyses on urine and blood samples. The 29-year-old Serb, the holder of It means that samples that would 12 Grand Slam titles after clinching a have been processed by the lab, including those from the Olympics, Spaniard Marquez first French Open earlier this month, is Djokovic, who holds all on target for the tennis record books. will be transported to other WADA- accredited labs around the world. stretched his A fourth Wimbledon title would make four Majors, will face championship lead over Adrian Mannarino for a The International Olympic him just the second man since Don Committee and WADA are battling Lorenzo to 24 points. Budge in 1938 to win five straight Majors. place in the last 32. doping in a bid to convince public It would also put him three-quar- that Rio will be free and fair. ters of the way to becoming the first Lorenzo’s 121 and Rossi’s 103. since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete (7-5), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3. Miller was the first Australian MotoGP the calendar Grand Slam. The third seed, bidding for an eighth winner since Casey Stoner at Phillip Top seed Djokovic, who holds all Wimbledon title at the age of 34, strug- Island in 2012 and the first on four Majors, will face France’s Adrian gled to shake off a gutsy opponent before Briton Joshua a non-factory bike since Mannarino for a place in the last 32. his class prevailed. retains IBF title Spaniard Toni Elias in 2006. “I don’t know what to Britain’s Anthony Joshua put on a feel at the moment,” said devastating display to retain his IBF an emotional Miller. CRICKET heavyweight crown with a seventh- š round knockout of American Dominic šBilly Hurley, left, with Tiger Woods. “A lot of people have Breazeale at badmouthed us and eve- London’s O2 rything like that, and said that Australia emerge champs Arena last week. this project wouldn’t work. And I Unbeaten ‘I need to recover faster and hope we’ve shown them wrong and Joshua that we can ride a bike,” he said. MATCH-winning three-wicket 270 for nine from their allotted 50 overs. dominated from that’s going to take time’ haul by Mitchell Marsh lifted The Windies made a breezy start in the start, but the 30-year-old Tiger Woods gave the strongest indication yet that he RESULTS AAustralia to a convincing 58-run reply as openers Johnson Charles and Breazeale proved might not return to competition this year, saying that 1. Jack Miller (AUS) Honda 22:17.447 victory against West Indies in the final Andre Fletcher put on a quick 49. a courageous he needed to be patient during his recovery from back 2. Marc Marquez (ESP) Honda at 1.9sec of the triangular One-Day International But the floodgates opened after Fletcher opponent, 3. Scott Redding (GBR) Ducati 5.9 surgeries. series in Barbados last Sunday. (9) was caught at slip off paceman Josh absorbing some thunderous blows 4. Pol Espargaro (ESP) Yamaha 9.8 The former world No.1 has not played on the PGA throughout from the 2012 Olympic 5. Andrea Iannone (ITA) Ducati 17.8 Australia, who opted to bat after win- Hazlewood, as medium-pacer Marsh Tour since undergoing microdiscectomy back surgery ning the toss, seemed destined to post collected three quick wickets to turn super-heavyweight champion before last September and, at the age of 40, has decided not STANDINGS a middling target until wicketkeeper the match decisively and inexorably succumbing to Joshua’s power. to rush his comeback. 1. Marc Marquez (ESP) Honda 145 Meanwhile in New York, American Matthew Wade, batting at No.7, rattled in Australia’s direction. “I’m playing, just I need more time,” tournament 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) Yamaha 121 Keith Thurman beat challenger 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 103 off an unbeaten 57 off 52 balls. Marsh finished with 3-32 off 10 miserly host Woods said during the final round of the Quicken ššJack Miller does Shawn Porter by a unanimous Loans National in Bethesda, Maryland. “I still need to 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) Honda 86 a wheelie after the He finished his stint at the crease in overs, while Hazlewood (5-50) mopped decision to retain his World Boxing get stronger, I need to recover faster and that’s going to 5. Maverick Vinales (ESP) Suzuki 79 victory. style with a towering six over mid wicket up the tail as the home team were all Association title. take time. ššMitchell Marsh celebrates the wicket of Johnson Charles. off the final ball as the visitors scored out for 212 after 48.4 overs. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 31

Ivanovic blames wrist injury for shock exit

Former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic blamed a wrist injury for a Kuwait sues IOC surprise first-round defeat by lowly-ranked Russian qualifier for $1bn over ban Ekaterina Alexandrova at Wimbledon last Monday. Kuwait is seeking $1bn in damages The Serb lost 6-2, 7-5 to the from the International Olympic world No.223 playing her first- Committee (IOC) for banning ever Grand Slam match after the country from international coming through qualifying. competitions. “Yeah, it was very tough,” The IOC suspended Kuwait Ivanovic said. “I mean, for two in October, 2015, accusing the weeks I’ve struggled with my government of interference in its right wrist. It was very hard to national Olympic Committee. The accelerate on my forehand. I ban is unlikely to be lifted before the tried to do everything possible Rio Games, which start on August to be fit and recover and tape 5, meaning its athletes would only it and so on. But, yeah, it was a be allowed to compete under the ššSerbia’s Novak Djokovic returns to Britain’s James Ward. little bit sore. I feel like it caused Olympic flag. Kuwait’s minister me a lot of miss-hits.” of information said it is doing so Ivanovic, seeded 23, reached becasue of the IOC’s decision to TENNIS the quarterfinal of the suspend its Olympic Committee. Wimbledon warm-up event in Mallorca this month, but it was there that she started to struggle with her wrist. Djokovic shows class, “It really got inflamed,” said Ivanovic, one of nine Grand WADA suspends Slam champions in the Rio doping lab but Federer struggles women’s singles draw. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) suspended the accreditation ORLD No.1 Novak Djokovic Meanwhile, Roger Federer began his of its Brazilian doping control got his campaign for a third 18th consecutive Wimbledon challenge laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, just six weeks before the city hosts the Wsuccessive Wimbledon title with a straight-set win over Argentina’s Olympics. The move prohibits the Rio off to a winning start with a 6-0, 7-6 (7-3), Guido Pella, but it was never straight- lab from carrying out all anti-doping 6-4 victory over Britain’s James Ward. forward for the Swiss as he won 7-6 analyses on urine and blood samples. The 29-year-old Serb, the holder of It means that samples that would 12 Grand Slam titles after clinching a have been processed by the lab, including those from the Olympics, first French Open earlier this month, is Djokovic, who holds all on target for the tennis record books. will be transported to other WADA- accredited labs around the world. A fourth Wimbledon title would make four Majors, will face Adrian Mannarino for a The International Olympic him just the second man since Don Committee and WADA are battling Budge in 1938 to win five straight Majors. place in the last 32. doping in a bid to convince public It would also put him three-quar- that Rio will be free and fair. ters of the way to becoming the first since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete (7-5), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3. the calendar Grand Slam. The third seed, bidding for an eighth Top seed Djokovic, who holds all Wimbledon title at the age of 34, strug- four Majors, will face France’s Adrian gled to shake off a gutsy opponent before Briton Joshua Mannarino for a place in the last 32. his class prevailed. retains IBF title

Britain’s Anthony Joshua put on a devastating display to retain his IBF CRICKET heavyweight crown with a seventh- round knockout of American Dominic Breazeale at London’s O2 Australia emerge champs Arena last week. Unbeaten Joshua MATCH-winning three-wicket 270 for nine from their allotted 50 overs. dominated from haul by Mitchell Marsh lifted The Windies made a breezy start in the start, but the 30-year-old AAustralia to a convincing 58-run reply as openers Johnson Charles and Breazeale proved victory against West Indies in the final Andre Fletcher put on a quick 49. a courageous of the triangular One-Day International But the floodgates opened after Fletcher opponent, series in Barbados last Sunday. (9) was caught at slip off paceman Josh absorbing some thunderous blows Australia, who opted to bat after win- Hazlewood, as medium-pacer Marsh throughout from the 2012 Olympic ning the toss, seemed destined to post collected three quick wickets to turn super-heavyweight champion before a middling target until wicketkeeper the match decisively and inexorably succumbing to Joshua’s power. Meanwhile in New York, American Matthew Wade, batting at No.7, rattled in Australia’s direction. Keith Thurman beat challenger off an unbeaten 57 off 52 balls. Marsh finished with 3-32 off 10 miserly Shawn Porter by a unanimous He finished his stint at the crease in overs, while Hazlewood (5-50) mopped decision to retain his World Boxing style with a towering six over mid wicket up the tail as the home team were all Association title. ššMitchell Marsh celebrates the wicket of Johnson Charles. off the final ball as the visitors scored out for 212 after 48.4 overs. 32 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 33 Movers&Shakers Kaleidoscope

Dope testers could Kumble out to improve turn up anywhere!

RUG testers warn they India’s overseas record could turn up anywhere ššBruce Oxenford Dat any time in the run-up ššSerena Williams to the Olympics and they proved Shielding trouble, FORCE to be reckoned with it, swooping on the presidential at home, India’s Test side Serena worried palace in Rome in the middle of a Oxenford style A has struggled away from the ceremony. subcontinent in recent years and about Zika virus The International Association of MPIRE Bruce Oxenford was new coach Anil Kumble has put top Athletics Federations (IAAF), which involved in a landmark incident priority on building a team that can ENNIS star Serena Williams says has banned Russian track and Uwithout even giving a decision travel with confidence. she is concerned about the Zika field athletes from competing in as he pioneered the use of a protec- Kumble, India’s most successful Toutbreak ahead of August’s Rio August’s Rio Games, popped up tive shield for officials in international bowler, was given a one-year term as Olympics, but has faith in the support last week in the Italian capital’s cricket last week . head coach last week with the coun- team dealing with worries about the Quirinal Palace. The 56-year-old Australian’s left fore- try’s cricket board (BCCI) putting its mosquito-carried virus. Their target for a drug test was arm was clad in what looked like a cut faith in the 45-year-old despite his A number of major names, includ- race walker Elisa Rigaudo, who down riot shield as he stood in the sec- lack of experience. ing golfer Rory McIlroy, have pulled out was among a number of Italian ond One-Day International between The BCCI received 57 applications of the Games because of health fears ADIDAS EXTENDS athletes invited to the presidential England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. for the job, which were then made ššAnil Kumble over Zika. residence for an Olympic flag Oxenford had previously worn the available to an advisory panel that “Obviously it does (worry me). The handover ceremony. guard during an Indian Premier League included former captains Sachin (www.bcci.tv). “The mindset... I believe US (team) has talked to all the athletes, Italian media described how a match between Gujarat Lions and Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, and we need to start looking to address they’ve been going through a lot of pro- GERMANY DEAL German doctor and a delegate Royal Challengers Bangalore in April former batsman V V S Laxman — all that from home itself. So when we sit tocol to make sure everyone is okay and from the IAAF dropped in and before that in a World Twenty20 of whom have played with Kumble. down, we’ll look to make a plan and comfortable and if not there’s no pres- uninvited on the ceremony and warm-up match involving Australia “The focus will be on our overseas ensure that we train towards achiev- sure to go,” said Williams, who will be ĈĈThe agreement is worth as part of a global football push, negotiations in our federation’s asked to perform a blood test on and the West Indies. record,” Kumble told the board’s website ing those goals.” competing for the US at the Games. more than €50m a year German manufacturer Adidas was history. And they produced a very Rigaudo. forced to substantially up the stakes good conclusion.” Rigaudo will take part in the 20 PORTSWEAR giant Adidas for the new four-year deal, which will Adidas, based in the Bavarian km walk in Rio. announced a deal worth more begin in 2018. town of Herzogenaurach, has been Sthan €50m a year to remain as “I can tell you that we made the Germany’s official kit manufacturer Compton wants a break Cavendish gets chance for Rio gold Germany’s kit supplier, doubling the DFB an offer of more than €50m a for more than 60 years. amount it currently pays in the face year and it accepted,” said adidas But it faces a constant threat from NGLAND top order batsman Nick forward is for Compton to spend ARK Cavendish will get the medal at the London 2012 Olympics of competition from Nike. Chief Executive Herbert Hainer. “We Nike, which snatched away Adidas’ Compton is to take an immediate some time away from the game,” chance to claim a long-awaited and in the Madison in Beijing eight Adidas’s current contract with the belong together.” longstanding partnership with Ebreak from cricket after a challeng- Middlesex said in a statement, MOlympic medal in Rio de Ja- years ago when he partnered Bradley German Football Federation (DFB) is DFB President Reinhard Grindel France in 2011. Nike also sponsors ing start to the season “both physically which did not indicate how long neiro this year after being named in Wiggins. worth around €25m. said, “They were the clearest, most Brazil, England as well as Portugal and mentally”, Middlesex and England the break might be. Britain’s track cycling team last week. Olympic road time trial champion With US competitor Nike keen to sophisticated and, in the end, the and will provide kits for the Swiss Samsung takes management said last week. The county side’s managing The 30-year-old, the most prolific Wiggins, 35, returns to his track roots snatch away the prestigious contract most economically successful national team from 2018 onwards. The decision means the South Africa director of cricket, Angus Fraser, road sprinter of his generation with in a bid for an eighth Olympic medal fight to Apple born No.3 is unlikely to figure in the Test said a break “will allow him to 26 Tour de France stage wins, will take and fifth gold. Ed Clancy and Steven series against Pakistan between July 14 refresh, recharge and return to part in the multi-discipline omnium Burke, gold-medal winners in London, MARTPHONE leader Samsung and September 7. play the sort of cricket we all know event in the Rio velodrome. and Owain Doull make up the quartet Electronics has for years been “It has been agreed that the best way he’s capable of producing.” Cavendish missed out on a road race with Cavendish as back-up. Sa spectator as Apple built Get ready for Formula E a services ecosystem supporting its products. But now, as the two virtual race and jackpot! develop the market for mobile payments, the Korean tech giant is taking the fight to its US arch-rival. Indian sprinter Dutee Chand Former US Open tennis South African Caster Semenya ORMULA E, the world’s first immersed in that,” said Agag. For Apple, offering users the made the cut for the women’s champion Juan Martin del Potro confirmed her versatility and 140sec videos now fully electric car racing series, “This’ll be the first virtual race with ability to tap their iPhones on sales 100M at the Rio Olympics, less is returning to Davis Cup action good form by posting an Olympic than a year after she was cleared for Argentina after a four-year qualifying time while winning the allowed on Twitter Fis planning a virtual race in Las 20 professional drivers of a racing terminals to buy a coffee, snack to race following the Court of absence due to wrist injuries and African Athletics Championships Vegas next January with a likely $1m championship on a big stage and or train ticket is a fresh revenue Arbitration for Sport’s ruling differences with the previous 1,500M title in Durban. She WITTER, known for its jackpot for the winner. with a very large prize fund.” stream, like its iTunes music and on gender testing guidelines. management. Del Potro, fighting clocked 4:01.99 at the Kings Park 140-character limit on tweets, Series chief executive Alejandro The Spanish entrepreneur said the entertainment service. The banks it She clocked a national record his way back up the rankings, Stadium in the Indian Ocean Tis now allowing users to post Agag said recently that the event, race would be part of the January 5-8 works with cough up a small charge 11.30sec in 100M heats at the was named in Argentina’s team city to come painstakingly close longer videos, of up to 140sec. pitting regular race drivers against a global Consumer Electronics Show. for each transaction — reportedly G Kosanov Memorial Meet in to visit Italy in their July 15-17 to breaking former 5,000M The microblogging site said some handful of fans on simulators, could While insiders indicated $1m as the 0.15 per cent in the United States. Almaty, Kazakhstan. World Group quarterfinal. world record holder Zola Budd’s national mark. publishers would also be able to even become a round of the regular likely prize, Agag said the amount Samsung, which has trailed create videos that were as long as championship in future. would be “significantly plus of six behind its competitors in software 10 minutes. Twitter also launched “We think e-sports (electronic figures”. and services, is taking a different ‘Twitter Engage’, a new mobile app sports) is a huge opportunity and “It’ll be a good jackpot for Vegas,” path. England fast bowler England fly-half Former world and Olympic James Danny that allows publishers to analyse we want to be the first ones fully added Agag. It is not seeking fees from its Anderson is doubtful for the Cipriani was found guilty of 400M champion Christine interactions with followers. financial partners, viewing Samsung first Test against Pakistan drinking and driving following Ohuruogu withdrew from commencing on July 14 due to an incident last year in which the British Olympic trials in Twitter previously restricted videos Pay as an engine to drive sales of a shoulder injury, the England he crashed his Mercedes Birmingham because of illness. to 30sec. phones and other devices. and Wales Cricket Board said. into a minicab. Westminster “Sorry guys, I won’t be running. The new 140sec limit also applies to “We’re a hardware company, and The world’s top-ranked bowler Magistrates’ Court heard that I’ve been fighting a virus and Vine, Twitter’s video streaming service, at the end of the day I think what sustained a stress fracture in his the 28-year-old was twice not yet ready to resume racing,” which previously had a 6sec limit. we’re trying to do is get people right shoulder blade during the over the legal limit when he the 32-year-old said. The British “Video is becoming central to the who hold (one of) our phones third Test against Sri Lanka this crashed his car following a Championships double as month. night out on June 1, 2015. the trials for the Rio Games in real-time conversations happening on and use it ... to just love it more,” August. Twitter,” Twitter Inc’s Vice-President of said Samsung Pay Global Vice- Engineering Jeremy Rishel said. President Elle Kim. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 33 Kaleidoscope

Dope testers could turn up anywhere!

RUG testers warn they could turn up anywhere Dat any time in the run-up to the Olympics and they proved it, swooping on the presidential palace in Rome in the middle of a ceremony. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which has banned Russian track and field athletes from competing in August’s Rio Games, popped up last week in the Italian capital’s Quirinal Palace. Their target for a drug test was race walker Elisa Rigaudo, who was among a number of Italian ADIDAS EXTENDS athletes invited to the presidential residence for an Olympic flag handover ceremony. Italian media described how a GERMANY DEAL German doctor and a delegate from the IAAF dropped in uninvited on the ceremony and ĈĈThe agreement is worth as part of a global football push, negotiations in our federation’s asked to perform a blood test on more than €50m a year German manufacturer Adidas was history. And they produced a very Rigaudo. forced to substantially up the stakes good conclusion.” Rigaudo will take part in the 20 PORTSWEAR giant Adidas for the new four-year deal, which will Adidas, based in the Bavarian km walk in Rio. announced a deal worth more begin in 2018. town of Herzogenaurach, has been Sthan €50m a year to remain as “I can tell you that we made the Germany’s official kit manufacturer Germany’s kit supplier, doubling the DFB an offer of more than €50m a for more than 60 years. amount it currently pays in the face year and it accepted,” said adidas But it faces a constant threat from of competition from Nike. Chief Executive Herbert Hainer. “We Nike, which snatched away Adidas’ Adidas’s current contract with the belong together.” longstanding partnership with German Football Federation (DFB) is DFB President Reinhard Grindel France in 2011. Nike also sponsors worth around €25m. said, “They were the clearest, most Brazil, England as well as Portugal With US competitor Nike keen to sophisticated and, in the end, the and will provide kits for the Swiss Samsung takes snatch away the prestigious contract most economically successful national team from 2018 onwards. fight to Apple

MARTPHONE leader Samsung Electronics has for years been Sa spectator as Apple built Get ready for Formula E a services ecosystem supporting its products. But now, as the two virtual race and jackpot! develop the market for mobile payments, the Korean tech giant is taking the fight to its US arch-rival. 140sec videos now ORMULA E, the world’s first immersed in that,” said Agag. For Apple, offering users the fully electric car racing series, “This’ll be the first virtual race with ability to tap their iPhones on sales allowed on Twitter Fis planning a virtual race in Las 20 professional drivers of a racing terminals to buy a coffee, snack Vegas next January with a likely $1m championship on a big stage and or train ticket is a fresh revenue WITTER, known for its jackpot for the winner. with a very large prize fund.” stream, like its iTunes music and 140-character limit on tweets, Series chief executive Alejandro The Spanish entrepreneur said the entertainment service. The banks it Tis now allowing users to post Agag said recently that the event, race would be part of the January 5-8 works with cough up a small charge longer videos, of up to 140sec. pitting regular race drivers against a global Consumer Electronics Show. for each transaction — reportedly The microblogging site said some handful of fans on simulators, could While insiders indicated $1m as the 0.15 per cent in the United States. publishers would also be able to even become a round of the regular likely prize, Agag said the amount Samsung, which has trailed create videos that were as long as championship in future. would be “significantly plus of six behind its competitors in software 10 minutes. Twitter also launched “We think e-sports (electronic figures”. and services, is taking a different ‘Twitter Engage’, a new mobile app sports) is a huge opportunity and “It’ll be a good jackpot for Vegas,” path. that allows publishers to analyse we want to be the first ones fully added Agag. It is not seeking fees from its interactions with followers. financial partners, viewing Samsung Twitter previously restricted videos Pay as an engine to drive sales of to 30sec. phones and other devices. The new 140sec limit also applies to “We’re a hardware company, and Vine, Twitter’s video streaming service, at the end of the day I think what which previously had a 6sec limit. we’re trying to do is get people “Video is becoming central to the who hold (one of) our phones real-time conversations happening on and use it ... to just love it more,” Twitter,” Twitter Inc’s Vice-President of said Samsung Pay Global Vice- Engineering Jeremy Rishel said. President Elle Kim. 34 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 35

Spot shots Ĉ RAMADAN EVENTS DSP/ Mohan, Vinod Divakaran DSP/ Mohan, Vinod www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 35 DSP/ Mohan, Vinod Divakaran DSP/ Mohan, Vinod 36 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | Wednesday, June 29, 2016 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW

Ĉ QATAR MICHAEL PHELPS iamzlatanibrahimovic 5d The American, who became the first to win 1985 eight gold medals at a single Olympics, is born. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29

FUTSAL Futsal International Cup, third-place play-off and final at Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena, 9pm and 11pm.

Argentina’s failure to beat Chile in the Copa America title clash had a major casualty in Lionel Messi, who decided to call time on his international career, following a fourth defeat in the final with the SCDL serves Iftar meals national team. Messi, who has won many trophies with Barcelona, has not been able to repeat his club success with the national team, to thousands of workers and that also played a part in his emotional decision. The Twitter world was shocked over his decision. 727k likes Members of the Supreme Committee for iamzlatanibrahimovic I came from this place people Delivery and Legacy’s (SCDL) youth panel call “ghetto Rosengård”, conquered Sweden and made have joined hands with Sheikh Thani bin it my country. My way. I am Sweden. A huge thank you Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Gary Lineker to the Swedish people - without you I would never have Services to serve Iftar meals to construction @GaryLineker been able to fulfill my dreams. You will always be in my workers. Hope the little genius changes his blue and yellow heart. I love you. The tents, set up close to the 2022 mind and gives us one more World Cup. stadium sites at Al Khor, Al Rayyan and Al kaka 1d Wakrah, have been welcoming more than Ĉ 1,500 people daily for the post-sunset meal. INTERNATIONAL Tom Altepeter The youth panel programme aims @tomaltepeter to inspire young people living in Qatar Sport does amazing things to us, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 GOLF irrespective of their nationality or #LionelMessi, not all of them good. background. EPGA at French Open, Heartbreak need not dictate. Keep Versailles; USPGA at Barracuda your head held high. You’re the best. Gamal Mohamed sent the details and Championships, Reno and at MERICAN Michael Phelps, arguably the greatest swimmer of photographs. WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, this generation, was born to Michael Fred Phelps and Deborah Firestone; LPGA at Cambia Henry Winter Portland Classic (till Sunday). @henrywinter ASue in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 30, 1985. SATURDAY, JULY 2 Messi looks drained/devastated & Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of shambolic, but hope he reconsiders 22 medals from three Games. He also holds the all-time records for CRICKET international retirement. World Cup5 3 Olympic4 gold (18) and individual events (11). Come, celebrate with Doha ’06 Memories! England vs Sri Lanka, fifth ODI etc a poorer place without Messi. at Cardiff. At the 2008 Beijing Games, he surpassed compatriot Mark Spitz’s 4 7 1 5 record9 by winning eight gold medals while five of those victories were CYCLING Hayley B Doha ’06 Memories, a Facebook witnessed an amazing display, momentum in the social sphere. 2 in individual 5 events. Tour de France (till July 24). @Hayles_101 community celebrating the 10th where many dreams came true and “I was proud to be associated with He continued his brilliant form four years later at London, where 119k likes anniversary of the 2006 Doha Asian they captured the imagination of the Games by developing and Dont know why Messi is retiring 7 just 1 2 6 SUNDAY, JULY 3 because he lost 4 finals. Klopp lost he claimed four gold and two silver medals, to become the most suc- kaka Cause I’m happy!! Games, was launched recently. It sports fans,” said Doha’06 Memories producing exclusive merchandise CRICKET 6 9 7 is an online exhibit that shares the page curator Prakash Maroli. and sharing its legacy, and hence his 5th final in a row and still smiled cessful athlete of the Games for the third Olympics in a row. England vs Sri Lanka, fourth like a child at Disneyland. Games’ unique and memorable The page, currently counting have an emotional side to it like ODI at The Oval. 3 1 7 9 motogp 11h legacy. down to the 10th anniversary of many others,” he added. “The Doha Asian Games the Games in December, is gaining Prakash Maroli sent the details. FOOTBALL 5 4 European Championship 2016 in France (till July 10); 4 9 6 3 2 Champions League, first qualifying round, first leg. 8 3 7 TENNIS SUDOKU-531 ATP and WTA at Wimbledon 5 3 4 (till July 10)

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MICHAEL PHELPS iamzlatanibrahimovic 5d The American, who became the first to win 1985 eight gold medals at a single Olympics, is born.

Sudoku is a number- 4 7 1 5 9 placing puzzle Solution-530 based on a 9x9 2 5 grid with several 7 2 3 6 1 4 8 5 9 given numbers. 7 1 2 6 The object is to 9 1 5 3 8 2 7 4 6 place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty 6 4 8 9 7 5 3 1 2 6 9 7 squares so that each 3 7 2 8 4 1 9 6 5 row, each column 3 1 7 9 and each 3x3 box 1 6 9 5 3 7 2 8 4 contains the same 55.1k likes number only once. 8 5 4 2 9 6 1 3 7 5 4 motogp It wasn’t to be // @yonny68 slides out of the 4 3 6 7 2 8 5 9 1 4 9 6 3 2 lead in part 1 of the #DutchGP 2 9 1 4 5 3 6 7 8 5 8 7 1 6 9 4 2 3 8 3 7

7 2 3 6 1 4 8 5 9 9 1 5 3 8 2 7 4 6 6 4 8 9 7 5 3 1 2 3 7 2 8 4 1 9 6 5 1 6 9 5 3 7 2 8 4 8 5 4 2 9 6 1 3 7 4 3 6 7 2 8 5 9 1 2 9 1 4 5 3 6 7 8 5 8 7 1 6 9 4 2 3 38 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Hearsay Everton eye United medio Schneiderlin

VERTON manager Ronald Koeman deliver and is therefore keen on sign- wants to launch his campaign ing Schneiderlin to add proven quality ALL Ein the new season by signing to their midfield after Muhamed Besic, Manchester United midfielderMorgan James McCarthy and Tom Cleverley failed yxyxyxyxyx yxy Schneiderlin. to shine last season. xy xy xyxyxxyy The France international is high on Koeman worked with the 26-year- SPORTS, a list of targets that the Dutchman is old for a season at Southampton and yxyxyxy yxyxy considering as Everton look towards is well aware of his qualities. an exciting new era under major share- Schneiderlin would provide much- holder Farhad Moshiri. needed cover in front of a back four that The former Dutch great wants to was breached far too easily last term. ONE

F1 driver Ricciardo STADIUM Belgian forward on Ferrari’s list Lukaku to stay ED Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo is on Ferrari’s list of potential re- at Everton Rplacements for Kimi Raikkonen Conte interested if the team decides not to renew the in having Bonucci NGLISH Premiership League Finn’s deal. clubs Manchester United and The Italian car at Chelsea EChelsea have both been mooted maker is weighing Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution as potential destinations for Belgian options between P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. TALY manager Antonio Conte was forward Romelu Lukaku, but the retaining Raikkonen Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 happy with his team’s progress to the player’s agent said he was staying for a fourth season e-mail: [email protected] IEuropean Championship quarterfi- at Everton. or find an alterna- nal, beating Spain 2-0 last Sunday, but The 23-year-old has been linked with tive team-mate for Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 the former Juventus coach also want a £65m move away from Goodison Sebastian Vettel. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] to see his new club Chelsea produce Park this summer, after scoring 25 “If they were to some happy moments for him. times for them last season. make a change, I’m According to reports, Conte wants But following the arrival a driver on their list,” said Ricciardo, to strike a deal with Juve defender of major shareholder who still has a deal with Red Bull for Leonardo Bonucci, but the Italian Farhad Moshiri next season. side told the English Premier League and new manager “Am I the only driver on that list? club that the defender was not for sale. Ronald Koeman, as Probably not. Am I their top pick? I The ex-Juve chief won three Serie well as the promise don’t know. They haven’t made any- TO OUR PUBLICATION A titles with Bonucci at the heart of that the Dutchman thing clear to me,” he said. his back-line and the 29-year-old has will have £100m to spend established himself as arguably Italy’s to turn the side into top-four Subscribe best defender. contenders, Lukaku’s agent Mino Yes, send to me Manchester City are also interested Raiola said the Belgium international IPL’s shortened in the Italy centre-back. could now stay on Merseyside. Name: ...... However, Juve said they would “refuse version on way any offers” that come their way as Conte Company: ...... looks to his former club for reinforce- HE Board of Control for Cricket ments in west London. in India is likely to organise a Address: ...... Tshortened version of the Indian Premier League every year in September. Telephone: ...... The two-week event, comprising eight teams that compete in the seven- Fax: ...... Leicester keen on Brady week format, will be held at an overseas venue. e-mail: ...... The tournament hopes to bridge NGLISH Premier League cham- shop window for the Dubliner, who the gap in India’s international cal- Payment can be made by cash, cheque or DD payable to Estad Al Doha. pions Leicester City are ready to still has two years left on his con - endar after the Champions League Emake a £7m move for Republic tract after his £7m move from Hull Twenty20 was discontinued last year. of Ireland’s Euro 2016 hero Robbie to Norwich a year ago. Brady. Despite being relegated with Norwich SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) The midfielder scored in his coun- last season, the 24-year-old was one of try’s 1-2 defeat against France in the their standout players and is admired SEND THIS TO round of 16 last Sunday. by Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri. Brady also sparked emotional scenes The versatile left-sided player’s eye- The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus last week when he scored the late win- catching displays for his country in the P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] ner that clinched victory over Italy. Euro Championship have ramped up The tournament was the perfect his transfer value. ALL yxyxyxyxyx yxy xy xy xyxyxxyy yxyxyxy yxyxy SPORTS, ONE STADIUM

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

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P 6 | FOOTBALL P 26 | RAMADAN EVENTS WE WON’T LET YOU CHANGE AT ARABI’S HELM THE GRAND FINALE QATAR’S FIRST Veteran Uruguayan coach Gerardo Sharq emerge as winners of the ENGLISH SPORTS Pelusso replaces ex-Italy and Chelsea Al Wajba Palace football tourney GET AWAY FROM THE GAME WEEKLY star Gianfranco Zola at Al Arabi. by beating Barzan in the final. FOLLOW US

SPECIAL STORY P 19 | FOOTBALL ‘This is the end for me’ P 28 | BEACH VOLLEYBALL Rio calling!

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