QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune trikes in Brazil’s Copa America opening win vs Venezuela page 14 TUESday, JUNE 15, 2021

Left: Scotland’s goal- keeper David Marshall runs in backwards as he misses the save after Czech Republic’s forward scored a long range goal during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group D match between Scotland and Czech Republic at in on Monday. On right: Czech Re- public’s Patrik Schick celebrates scoring. (AFP)

Czech too Schick as forward lights up Euros with wondrous 50-metre goal Scotland’s tournament return Bundesliga star Patrick Schick’s second goal in the 52nd minute came from just inside the falls flat with 0-2 loss in Glasgow Scotland half, as he sent a curling shot over DPA Scotland, inspired by cap- Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall from fully 50 Glasgow tain Andy Robertson of Liver- metres to seal victory. pool on the left, made a furi- Scotland’s Euro 2020 ous opening in front of 12,000 “I checked in the first half when this situation hopes were left hanging by a fans permitted into Hampden would come,” Schick said. “I knew he was staying thread on Monday after two Park amid the coronavirus very high and when the ball came I checked where brilliant goals by Patrik Schick pandemic. earned the Czech Republic a “Everyone in the coun- he was standing.” 2-0 win in Glasgow. try wanted to get off to a The Bayer Leverkusen for- good start,” Robertson told he was staying very high and ponent and we were ready for ward broke the deadlock with the BBC. “It’s a tough lesson when the ball came I checked their tactics.” a towering header in the 42nd for us that at the highest level, where he was standing.” Hendry’s error compound- minute and spotted Scottish at the best tournaments, you Scotland manager Steve ed a frustrating match given he keeper David Marshall off his have to take your chances.” Clarke defended his keeper, had struck the bar with the goal line to chip in from distance The Czechs weathered the pointing out Marshall’s po- vacant after a rare flap from seven minutes after the restart. storm and it was Marshall who sitioning was normal rather Vaclik just before Schick’s mo- It was a bitter blow for made the first save of the game than out of the ordinary. ment of inspiration. Scotland, who had struck the from Schick. “Rather than looking to Vaclik had also clawed bar through Jack Hendry mo- Robertson was denied by apportion blame, you’ve got out a potential own goal from ments earlier, but their first Czech keeper Tomas Vaclik to credit the goal-scorer,” Tomas Kalas’ mis-hit clear- tournament since 1998 threat- but Schick made no mistake he said. ance while the Scots enjoyed ens to be over before it really with his next chance when Marshall did prevent their best spell of the game af- gets going. Scotland failed to clear a cor- Schick claiming a hat-trick ter the Czechs tested Marshall Next up for Scotland is ner. Czech Republic’s forward Patrik Schick celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA EURO 2020 with a late save but there was through Schick and Vladimir Friday’s Wembley trip to face Vladimir Coufal’s cross Group D match against Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Monday. (AFP) no doubting who had the bet- Darida. , who opened Group was met by a perfect leap and ter of the exchanges. Scotland kept pushing but D with a 1-0 win over Croatia Schick glanced his header into hailed the “genius” of Schick came when Hendry’s shot was from fully 50 metres to seal “The first game is really Vaclik, playing for the injured on Sunday. the far corner. who scored an “out of this blocked to set up a counter- victory. important and we are so hap- Jiri Pavlenka, had made two The Czechs stay in Glasgow Czech coach Jaroslav Sil- world” strike. attack. From just inside the “I checked in the first half py we have won the game,” big saves on to to next meet the World Cup havy said his team “got on top” The Bundesliga star’s sec- Scotland half, Schick sent a when this situation would said Schick. ensure there was no possible runners-up on the same day. after Scotland’s fast start and ond goal in the 52nd minute curling shot over Marshall come,” Schick said. “I knew “Scotland were a tough op- comeback.

Full capacity for Wimbledon finals; 40,000 for Wembley’s Euro final Tickets for FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers go on sale from today Tribune News Network DPA Wembley will play host to Doha the largest UK crowd in more than 15 months, with roughly The tickets for the FIFA Arab The Wimbledon finals will be 40,000 fans in attendance for Cup™ qualifiers will go on sale contested in front of capacity each of the selected matches. from Tuesday (June 15). crowds and Wembley will be al- “We want to gather further Seven qualifying matches will lowed to host 40,000 fans for its evidence on how we can open be held in Qatar from 19-25 final four Euro 2020 fixtures. up all big events safely, and for June. The games will take The Government has con- good,” Culture Secretary Oliver place on consecutive nights firmed plans for up to 20 pilot Dowden said. at two venues: Khalifa Interna- events across sport and enter- “The expansion of trials of tional , which will host tainment, with Wimbledon and the NHS app and lateral-flow matches during the FIFA World football’s European Champion- testing will mean that bigger Cup Qatar 2022™, and Jassim ship the big winners. crowds will be able to attend a Bin Hamad Stadium. The final steps of the coro- limited number of major sport- Tickets priced QR20 will be The Khalifa International Stadium (left) and Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium will play host to the FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers from June 19 to 25. navirus recovery road map have ing and cultural events early this available to buy from the Qatar been delayed by four weeks, un- summer as part of our events re- Football Association website: 20 June (8 PM kick-off) – Oman Bin Hamad Stadium distancing. No food or beverages are on the Gold Line. til July 19, due to a rise in cases search programme.” tickets.qfa.qa. All spectators v Somalia – Jassim Bin Hamad 25 June (8 PM kick-off) will be permitted inside the sta- All the victorious teams will linked to the Delta variant of England’s group games at must be aged 12 and over. Stadium – Bahrain v Kuwait – Khalifa dium and fans will not be allowed qualify for the FIFA Arab Cup™ COVID-19. But Wimbledon’s Euro 2020 had already been Fans must either be fully 21 June (8 PM kick-off) International Stadium to congregate at any location in finals, which will take place in women’s final on July 10 and included on the Government’s vaccinated or have recovered – Jordan v South Sudan – Both have innova- the vicinity of the venue. Qatar later this year, during a men’s showpiece the following extended events research pro- from COVID-19 in the last nine Khalifa International Stadium tive cooling technology for the Fans are encouraged to use similar time slot as the FIFA day will be watched by a full gramme and will continue to months. Fans will be able to 22 June (8 PM kick-off) benefit of fans and players. public transport to attend the World Cup Qatar 2022™. Centre Court in SW19. be played in front of crowds of purchase a maximum of four – Mauritania v Yemen – Jassim In line with Ministry of Public games. Both stadiums are The leading nine nations, as The grass court Grand Slam 22,500 - 25 per cent of capacity tickets each. Bin Hamad Stadium Health guidelines, a maximum within walking distance of a per the FIFA rankings, have begins June 28. at the national stadium. Following is the full match 23 June (8 PM kick-off) 30% capacity will be permitted metro station. Khalifa Interna- qualified for the tournament The Euro 2020 last-16 For those events which are schedule of the tournament: – Lebanon v Djibouti – Khalifa for each match. tional Stadium is close to Sport automatically: Qatar (hosts), match at Wembley on June 29, not part of trials, the rules will 19 June (8 PM kick-off) International Stadium Fans will be required to wear City Station, while Jassim Bin Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and semi-finals and final in July remain as they have since May – Libya v Sudan – Khalifa 24 June (8 PM kick-off) a mask, show their EHTERAZ Hamad Stadium is served by Al Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Unit- will also be staged in front of a 17, and stay in place until July 19 International Stadium – Palestine v Comoros – Jassim tracing app and adhere to social Sudan Station. Both stations ed Arab Emirates and Syria. 50 per cent capacity crowd. at the earliest. Sports Tuesday, June 15, 2021 13

Lewandowski’s Poland lose 2-1 to Slovakia after own goal, sending off DPA “We didn’t start the way Maciej Rybus was fed with St Petersburg we wanted to. The result is not with space in the area and he satisfactory. (But) we still have played the ball back into the An own goal and a sending off two more games,” Linetty told centre to Linetty whose shot were too much for Poland as Polish television TVP. rolled into the far right corner the team of World Footballer Slovakia’s Ondrej Duda even though the Torino player Robert Lewandowski slumped said: “We managed to elimi- didn’t hit the ball properly. to a 2-1 defeat against Slovakia nate Lewandowski ... Poland enjoyed their best in their Euro 2020 opener on I am satisfied with the re- spell but that ended when Kry- Monday. sult. We played our game and chowiak got his marching or- Slovakia led in the 18th not Poland’s game.” Duda had ders in the 62nd after stepping minute in St Petersburg from an early shot wide left and Slo- on Jakub Hromada. Robert Mak’s shot which went vakia soon took the lead. Slovakia needed just seven in off the post and goalkeeper Mak beat two defend- minutes to restore the lead Wojciech Szczesny. ers with a classy move on the against their shocked oppo- Karol Linetty levelled sec- left wing, ran into the pen- nents when Skriniar from Se- onds after the restart but Man alty area, his effort towards rie A champions Inter of the Match Milan Skriniar the near corner was deflected drilled the ball into the bottom volleyed Slovakia’s winner in against the post, and went in left corner off a . the 68th minute of the Group off the shoulder of Juventus Poland came close in stop- E encounter after Grzegorz keeper Szczesny who should page-time from Jan Bednarek Krychowiak was dismissed for have saved the shot in the first and Karol Swiderski but now a second bookable offence. place. face an uphill battle if they Led by former Napoli star Parma’s Juraj Kucka want to reach the quarter-fi- Marek Hamsik, Slovakia were aimed just inches high from nals as in 2016, with their next more efficient and dangerous long range on Slovakia’s next match on Saturday against than the Poles who only made chance. contenders Spain in . a real impression early in the Lewandowski miscued Slovakia, who made the second half. shortly before the break but last 16 on their debut four Lewandowski was without Poland were level less than 30 years ago, stay in St Petersburg a serious chance up front and seconds into the second half for a Friday date with Sweden remained on a mere two goals Poland’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny scores an own goal during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group E match against Slovakia at the Saint from their first serious attack- in which they could take a big at major championships. Petersburg Stadium in on Monday. (AFP) ing move. step towards the knock-outs. Spain vs Sweden clash ends in A goalless draw Coach Loew doesn’t rule Goretzka out of opener against France

DPA

Germany coach Joachim Loew hasn’t ruled midfielder Leon Goretzka out of their Euro 2020 opener against world champions France on Tuesday in Munich. “We agreed we would talk after the final training session and make a decision,” Loew told a news conference on Monday. Loew said Goretzka took part in the training session on Sunday and made “a very good impression,” not show- ing any effects of a recent thigh injury which kept him Players vie for the header during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group E match between Spain and Sweden at La Cartuja Stadium in Sevilla on Monday. (AFP) out of the pre-tournament friendlies. “According to our medi- Germany’s midfielder Leon Goretzka (C) takes part in Germany’s train- cal department, there is no ing session at the in Munich on Monday, on the eve of risk,” Loew said, but added: their UEFA EURO 2020 Group F match against France. (AFP) Ronaldo not concerned about records, “He had a very long pause,” meaning Goretzka is not con- coaches can list 23 of the 26 Neuer is also optimistic sidered a candidate to start. players available for the tour- with the start of the competi- rather wants to win Euros again Another decision yet to be nament for each game. Loew tion and said the team is very made is which role defender believes this was a “wrong de- motivated. DPA Today’s Matches Joshua Kimmich will take. cision,” because every player “Every player is ready to Most recently, he played as a deserves to be at least on the start what we hope will be a right back instead of taking a bench. successful tournament,” the Portugal superstar Cris- role in the midfield. After a disappointing per- goalkeeper said. tiano Ronaldo is set to break “We will see in which po- formance in the 2018 World Neuer was Loew first choice scoring and appearance re- sition he will play. He can be Cup, when Germany left the at the 2018 World Cup despite cords at the Euros but he’s compared to [former Ger- competition in the group spending almost the whole sea- not really concerned about his many international] Philipp stage, Loew will lead the team son on the sidelines due to inju- personal fate. Lahm, completely without for the last time. He will leave ry. At the Euros, he celebrated “It’s not what makes me problems in different posi- after the Euros, when former the fact he had a fit year. more enthusiastic,” he told a tions, same performance, Bayern Munich coach Hansi “I’m here with a good feel- news conference on the eve same quality,” Loew said. Flick will take over. ing. For me it’s personally of the defending champions’ Hungary vs Portugal (7pm) Asked about who will be Loew recognized the “past way better, I can contribute tournament opener Tuesday France vs Germany (10pm) the second goalkeeper in case years were not easy, but we’ve better,” he said. against Hungary. captain Manuel Neuer is out had improvements, you can Against France, Neuer “A better record would be of action, Loew said this will see it day by day. believes his side doesn’t have to win the Euros twice in a nine with former French great be decided game by game but “We prepared well in the to hide because “we want to row,” he said in reference to a Michel Platini. confirmed BerndL eno will be last few days. The team spirit win.” feat only achieved by Spain to The Portugal squad also the back-up against France. is great, everyone is very hun- “It’s not that we see our- date, in 2008 and 2012. includes Diogo Dalot who was According to UEFA rules, gry,” he said. selves as underdogs,” he said. “The team is prepared, on holiday in Dubai when he what I really want is to start was phoned up and told he well. Winning the first game would replace Joao Cancelo is crucial, Hungary are a good who had tested positive for the team with the fans on their coronavirus. France coach Deschamps praises Germany side - but the most important “I was just about to go to thing is having people in the a restaurant,” the 22-year-old DPA Deschamps said that Ger- But they have great players, stadium. We want to enjoy this who spent last term on loan Berlin many has “one of the best they are a great football na- competition,” he said. at AC Milan from goalkeepers in the world” in tion, they are very motivated The Portugal captain is to United said in a video issued World champions France Manuel Neuer and “a lot of in- - and they are playing at home. become the first player to fea- by the Portuguese Football are looking forward to their dividual quality” in attack. “That’s why we expect a very ture at five Euros, having de- Federation. Euro 2020 opener against Even though the coach be- difficult game,” Lloris said. buted at home in 2004 and also Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (top) jumps on the back of Portugal’s Dalot had only just gone Germany in Munich on Tues- lieves that no decision will be The goalkeeper also featured 2008, 2012 and 2016. defender Pepe during their training session in Puskas Arena in Budapest on holiday, having lost the un- day and have a lot of respect made on Tuesday as to who praised “everyone who provid- If he plays all three group on Monday, the eve of their Group F match against Hungary. (AFP) der-21 Euro final to Germany for their opponents. will advance to the knock-out ed direct help on the pitch,” to games, the others on June 19 on June 6. “It’s going to be a huge stages, France captain Hugo Denmark’s , against Germany and June goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon And one goal would make It was a “weird” situation game. For Germany and also Lloris thinks “it’s a key game who collapsed during their 23 against world champions who played 58 games at the the striker the most success- but a “very special moment”, for us,” coach Didier Des- right away.” Euro 2020 opener against France, he would move one continental event, including ful scorer of all time at the fi- he said as he arrived at the champs told a news confer- “Germany are currently Finland on Saturday and had game ahead of former Italy qualifiers. nals as he is currently tied on Portuguese base in Budapest. ence on Monday. in a moment of rebuilding. to resuscitated on the pitch. 14 Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Sports QFA President receives Palestinian delegation CDES study shows PSG plays a driving role in France and Ile-de-France region

en years after the club ligue, their revenue from tick- was bought by Qatar et sales is 6.7 times higher, on Sport Investment, average, when they play host Saint-Germain to Paris Saint-Germain. isT unveiling the results of an In parallel, Paris Saint- impact study carried out by Germain makes a huge con- the Centre of Sport Law and tribution to French public Economy (Centre de Droit finance: €1.9B in social and et d’Economie du Sport or tax contributions (corporate CDES) in Limoges. This study taxes, local taxes, employer shows the club’s major eco- social contributions, income nomic and social contribution taxes, etc.) has been paid by to the Île-de-France region the club and its players to the and France as a whole. French government and re- The fruit of many months’ Paris Saint-Germain club President Nasser Al Khelaifi. gional authorities for the last work, this independent study ten years, with a significant in- was entrusted by Paris Saint- crease during the 2019-2020 Germain to the CDES, a ref- In the space of 10 years, Paris Saint-Germain season (€269.3B). erence in sport economy that What is more, Paris Saint- is associated with the Univer- has become one of the world’s major sports franchises Germain has an unparal- sity of Limoges. The study’s and has even been the world’s fastest-growing sports leled strike force for promot- aim was to assess the impact franchise for the last three years. The CDES highlights ing France and its expertise that the club’s historic devel- the fact that Paris Saint- Germain is now an economic worldwide. Its media impact opment has had on the local – more than 2.1 million media economy and society: fans, powerhouse in the Paris region and is the driving force reviews over the 2019-2020 collaborators, partners and lo- for French football and handball. season – and its presence on cal and national communities. the online social scene – more HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) re- Nasser Al Khelaifi, Presi- Nasser Al Khelaifi, President and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain than 100M followers on so- ceived in his office the Palestinian delegation on Monday. During the meeting they discussed issues dent and CEO of Paris Saint- cial media – allow it to reach of common interest and ways to enhance them between the two sides. Germain, said: “In the space of that Paris Saint-Germain is an of one of Paris Saint-Germain’s several billion internet users 10 years, Paris Saint-Germain increasingly important source entities), to which we might every year. has become one of the world’s of economic benefits in the add the 1,480 indirect and in- Paris Saint-Germain, ever major sports franchises and Île-de-France region. Accord- duced jobs generated due to more charity work in France has even been the world’s fast- ing to the calculations done by the mobilisation of a network and worldwide In its final est-growing sports franchise the CDES’ economists, the club of more than 800 companies section, the study addresses for the last three years. generated more than 182.2 that work with the club. the club’s social commitment Neymar on target in “The CDES highlights the million euros for the region’s Paris Saint-Germain’s through the actions of its as- fact that Paris Saint- Germain economy over the course of the stake in the Île-de-France’s sociation, Foundation and En- is now an economic power- 2018-2019 season*. economy is also highlighted dowment Fund. house in the Paris region and This can be broken down by the massive investment Christophe Lepetit ex- is the driving force for French into €145.8M in primary eco- made over the last ten years plained: “Since Nasser Al Brazil’s Copa America football and handball. With nomic benefits, i.e. directly (€102.2M in 10 years) to de- Khelaifi became President of the investments already made produced by the club through velop its sports facilities locat- the club, Paris Saint-Germain and the projects that we are the organisation of sporting ed in the Île-de-France (Parc has stepped up its social ac- putting in place for the future, events, and €36.4M in sec- des Princes, Ooredoo Training tions in France and worldwide. Paris Saint-Germain is assert- ondary benefits, which corre- Center), as well as its head- This evolution is expressed by opening win ing its status as a major stake- spond to indirect and induced quarter-based activity (mer- a significant increase in the holder in the economy of sport spending stimulated by the chandising, communication, human and financial resources DPA in France, for the long term.” injection of €145.8M into the sponsorship, IT, etc.). These dedicated to this work [168% Brasilia The author of the study, local economy. This money structural investments have increase between 2011-2012 Christophe Lepetit, added: benefits the local stakehold- enabled the club’s develop- and 2018-2019, representing Neymar was on target as “This economic development ers, sub-contractors, sup- ment while injecting revenue €1.7M].” In ten years, the an- Brazil opened their Copa has been unprecedented for pliers, businesses and club into the local economy. nual expenditure dedicated to America defence with a 3-0 Paris Saint-Germain, a club employees (not including the Paris Saint-Germain, an developing civic and solidarity win over Venezuela at Estadio which has become vital for professional players). economic driving force for actions has been quadrupled Nacional on Sunday. its city, its region and the Christophe Lepetit ana- French football and handball (€2.4M in the 2018-2019 sea- Hosting the tournament whole country. Bolstered by lysed: “These additional The CDES study also revealed son). Every year, more than after it had been moved from a consistent strategy, Paris sources of income for Île-de- that Paris Saint-Germain’s 14,000 people benefit from Colombia and Argentina amid Saint-Germain has devel- France are largely explained positive impact reaches be- the programmes run by the political unrest in the former oped its organisation, ambi- by the club’s drawing power yond the Île-de- France re- Paris Saint-Germain Founda- and a spike in COVID-19 cases tions and economic model to and influence on the interna- gion. Paris Saint-Germain is a tion and Endowment Fund, and deaths in the latter, Brazil become one of the European tional stage. Paris Saint-Ger- driving force for French foot- such as the Red & Blue Schools were never troubled by a Ven- clubs with the highest turno- main’s matches in the Parc des ball and handball, and, thanks and the “Allez les Filles” pro- ezuela side that had reported ver [€540.6M in 2019-2020] Princes have become a must- to its reputation, helps galva- gramme. 12 positive coronavirus tests and highest growth [an aver- see event for a great many for- nise the football and handball The study pays particular amongst their ranks earlier Brazil’s Neymar (2nd R) celebrates with teammates (L to R) Gabriel age 21.3% annual increase in eign visitors.” championships. attention to the forthcoming this week. Jesus, and Everton Ribeiro after scoring against Venezuela turnover since 2011].” During the 2018- 2019 Christophe Lepetit ex- opening of the Performance got them on during the Conmebol Copa America 2021 group match at the Mane Paris Saint-Germain’s out- season, 100,000 foreign fans plained: “Every time Paris Centre in Poissy, in the heart their way midway through the Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Sunday. (AFP) standing performance is regu- attended matches – more than Saint-Germain play away, of the Île-de-France region. first half with his third interna- larly highlighted in the foot- 3,700 at each fixture – which the L1 Uber Eats and Lidl Scheduled to open in 2023, tional goal before Paris Saint- Richarlison and Eder Militao vantage before the interval. ball world’s annual economic helped boost the local econ- Starligue clubs experience this project is at the cutting Germain team-mate Neymar heading wide from a teasing Neymar was unable to steer rankings: No.7 in the Euro- omy, with an average spend record-breaking attendance edge of modernity and envi- doubled their advantage from Renan Lodi cross. home a cross at pean Football Money League of 511 euros. More generally, and revenue. In this way, the ronment excellence, and em- the penalty spot in the 64th They were rewarded for the start of the second period, (Deloitte, 2021), No.7 in the spectators attending a match club also contributes to boost- bodies Paris Saint-Germain’s minute. their bright start in the 23rd but he stroked home from the list of the World’s Strong- in the spend ing the economic impact of its forward-thinking approach. Brazil – who finished with minute when Marquinhos spot shortly after the hour mark est Football Brands (Brand an average of 393 euros, 45% opponents in their respective Representing a €350M in- 18 shots to Venezuela’s three – flicked home from close range after Danilo had been clipped Finance, 2020), No.9 in the of which is on catering services regions by attracting more vestment, it will create 1,000 added a third late on when sub- after Neymar’s corner had fall- in the area by Yohan Cumana. list of the World’s Most Valu- and 25% on accommodation. spectators from other regions jobs in the construction phase stitute turned en kindly to him. Late on Neymar turned able Soccer Teams and, above Paris Saint-Germain’s ma- to these gala matches.” As an and should generate 200 per- home a Neymar cross from Richarlison saw an effort provider for Brazil’s third in the all, the sports franchise that jor contribution to the local example, a visit by Paris Saint- manent jobs on site in the fu- close range. ruled out for offside soon after, 89th minute, rounding Grat- has experienced the most sig- economy is measured by the Germain enables the L1 clubs ture. This structuring project Brazil started on the front while Neymar dragged wide erol and crossing for Barbosa nificant growth in the last five creation of jobs in the local to increase their fill rate by 23 will strengthen the founda- foot and twice went close early from a promising position as to chest home from almost on years (Forbes, 2021). area. During the 2018-2019 points compared with the sea- tions of the club’s future de- on, Joel Graterol keeping out Brazil failed to extend their ad- the line. Paris Saint-Germain, a season, the club helped main- son average, with an average velopment and will enable it catalyst for the economy in tain 2,150 full-time equivalent ticket price (excluding season to become one of the world’s the Paris region The first les- (FTE) jobs, including 670 di- tickets) that is 69% higher. As greatest sports franchises for son drawn from the study is rect jobs (people on the payroll for the clubs in the Lidl Star- the long term. Cardona stunner gives La Tricolor revenge

DPA Cuiaba Hungary relish chance of tough challenge Colombia exacted revenge DPA after opening their 2021 Copa Budapest America campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Sunday. There is scarcely a harder Ecuador had remarkably challenge possible at a ma- routed Colombia 6-1 in CON- jor tournament than meeting CACAF World Cup qualifying World Cup holders, defend- in November but there was no ing European champions and repeat of that result in Cuiaba. rounding things off away to In a move straight from Germany in Munich. the training pitch, Edwin But Hungary are deter- Cardona capped a stunning mined to make the most of set-piece move with a 42nd- their chance in Euro 2020 minute volley - awarded after Colombia’s Edwin Cardona shoots to score against Ecuador during the Group F when they meet Por- initially being ruled offside - to Conmebol Copa America 2021 group match at the Pantanal Arena in tugal in Budapest on Tuesday. give Colombia the perfect start Cuiaba, Brazil, on Sunday. (AFP) “We have to concentrate in Group B after defending on our defence and be coura- champions and hosts Brazil thwart the former West Ham was overturned and Colombia geous in possession,” said cap- eased past Venezuela in the and Everton forward in the were awarded the goal after tain Adam Szalai on Monday. curtain-raiser. sixth minute. a VAR review - Miguel Borja Hungary coach Marco Rossi It was an uninspiring first Just as the half was petering was found to be in an onside said of taking on Cristiano Ron- half at Arena Pantanal, where out, Reinaldo Rueda’s Colom- position when he headed the aldo, Joao Felix and Bernardo both teams struggled to create bia struck prior to the interval, ball down to Cardona. Silva - among others - that “we anything in the final third of thanks to help from VAR. Colombia goalkeeper Os- have to go into it as if it was the the pitch. Some lovely one-touch pina made his first real signifi- last game of our careers.” Ecuador did not record a passing following a set-piece cant save of the match eight Hungary have not won Hungary players train at Puskas Arena in Budapest on Monday ahead of their match against Portugal. (AFP) shot on target in the opening released Cardona, who vol- minutes into the second half, against Portugal in 13 attempts, half, though David Ospina leyed into the net, but the flag turning the ball away for a cor- including a sensational 3-3 backed by 61,000 fans in the during the tournament amid in supplying energy against was forced to get down low to was quickly raised for offside. ner as Ecuador finally record- draw at the Euros five years Puskas Arena, the only stadium the coronavirus pandemic. one of the most talented the feet of Enner Valencia to However, the decision ed a shot on target. ago in Lyon. They will now be currently scheduled to be full Fan-backing will be crucial squads at the Euros. Sports Tuesday, June 15, 2021 15 We are gearing up for the many challenges in new QNB Stars League season: Abbassi

hmed Khellil Abbassi, 2- There is a defect in the meeting, which have been value for them is commensurate Executive Director of process of selecting appropri- working on since the beginning with their technical levels and ACompetitions and Foot- ate foreign players and coaches of last season. Thankfully, the actual value. ball Development, Qatar Stars to succeed in our league, as it assessment was completed and - Establishing a working mecha- League (QSL) spoke on the was noted that the contracting recommendations have been nism to expand the base of 2020-21 season, preparations process is carried out with an submitted for the final approval. professionalism by getting for the new season (2021-22) unrealistic financial value and a Second Division clubs to Qatar and the QNB Stars League. doubling of the actual value ac- What’re the main points of this Stars League, with the aim of cording to the market value of strategy? developing them professionally Excerpts the player or coach, as well as At the outset, it must be em- and technically, to raise the level What’s your assessment of the absence of a clear profes- phasized that our main goal is of Second Division championship the last season (2020-21)? sional technical strategy and to enhance the technical and by engaging them with first-class Overall, I think last season mechanism to discover the ap- professional levels of Qatar clubs until the completion of the went off fairly well despite the propriate players and coaches football, the domestic champi- legal, administrative and organiza- challenges we faced, the most for our tournaments. onships and league champion- tional procedures that we’re cur- important of which was dealing For example: In the last three ship, and to increase the level rently working on with all parties. with the coronavirus (COVID-19) seasons, 150 foreign profes- of competitiveness between the - Developing the Club Participa- pandemic. sional players and 35 coaches teams. For this purpose, this tion Agreement in QSL tourna- There were also a number of were engaged, which is a very strategy has been developed, ments in line with the profes- matters, including: large number. the most prominent of it being: sional development plan that 1- The lack of a technical bal- - Studying the right number we’re currently working on, which ance between the clubs, as How about the next season Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Director of Competitions & Football Development, Qatar Stars League (QSL). of clubs participating in the mainly aims to raise the level of there is a clear gap that ap- (2021-22)? league championship with the competition, and provide enjoy- peared during the competitions. The next season will start in camps, provided that precau- for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. velop the league championship? aim of raising the competitive able and high-quality football. For example: September, 2021, and there tionary measures and restric- Yes, as we were entrusted with level and providing high-quality We would like to thank every- A- The difference in goals will be many interruptions due tions forced by the coronavirus How about the stadiums assessing the current situation football, as a recommendation one who enabled us to finish scored during the matches: to the national team’s overseas (COVID-19) pandemic are next season? and developing a strategy for was made for the appropriate off last season in a proper (8.57 goals for the first-placed commitments, and the calendar followed. Regarding the stadiums used the league championship, with number to achieve this. manner, as well as to everyone team compared to only one goal for the next season will be an- As for the end of the league and for the next season, we’re the aim of enhancing the level - Establishing a mechanism who worked in developing the scored by the last team). nounced soon after the teams’ Amir Cup for the next season currently working with various of competition between the and system for identifying and strategic plan in the process of B- The gap in the number of engagements are completed. (2021-22), it will be in the begin- authorities concerned to deter- competing teams and provid- selecting outstanding players developing our championships, points: (the first-placed team In general, club training will ning of April, 2022, and after that mine them, as it may be noted ing entertaining high-quality and coaches, evaluating their led by QFA, club companies, achieved six times the points start on July 1, 2021, in line date, the national team players that we’ll face a great challenge football, as mentioned by Qatar performance in a scientific and coaches, players… We’re also obtained by the last team). with the preparations for the will be released from all local or in that because of hosting the Football Association (QFA) thoughtful manner, as well as keen on continuing our work C- 22% of the matches ended new season and, here, it may foreign commitments with their FIFA Arab Cup. President HE Sheikh Hamad developing a new mechanism collectively aligning with our with a difference of more than be noted that clubs have the clubs in order to make them bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani for the contracts of coaches continuous endeavour to de- two goals. right to organise overseas focus fully on the special project Is there a specific strategy to de- during its General Assembly and players so that the financial velop Qatar football. (QFA)

Al Duhail, Al Arabi top groups Continuing with women’s sport expansion beIN SPORTS in deal to broadcast the in 25 markets for 2021 season

Tribune News Network beIN SPORTS will be showcas- Doha ing female talent in the UEFA Champions League, the Tokyo beIN MEDIA GROUP Olympics and Wimbledon, (“beIN”), the global sports amongst other major events. and entertainment group, has This year, W Series will secured the exclusive broad- feature a diverse roster of 18 Al Duhail SC (above in action) scored a 40-18 win over Yemen’s cast rights to the first and only female drivers from around Qatten in the second round of the 23rd Asian Men’s Handball Club women’s motor racing champi- the world, including the inau- League Championship on Monday to Group B with 4 points. Qatar’s onship in the world – W Series, gural champion Al Arabi club have also topped Group A after the second round of in 24 countries in the Middle , all compet- matches in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. East & North Africa (MENA) ing in identical spec and in the United States. F3 cars. With a unique for- W Series will form a key mat and inspiring drivers, the part of beIN’s women’s sports championship promises to be portfolio and its wider beIN- a thrilling adventure for mot- Farah to make final SPIRED project, which pro- orsport fans in the US and the vides a global platform to MENA region. bid for Olympic spot at events and talent that have not Mohammad Al Subaie, historically been given the ex- Acting CEO of beIN MENA posure they deserve. said: “We are delighted to ex- British championships Last week, beIN SPORTS clusively broadcast W Series to also announced it had acquired our subscribers in the United DPA “Yeah, I believe so. It will for the first time the UEFA States and the Middle East London take courage and balls to be able Women’s Champions League and North Africa. W Series is to go out there and mix it with rights in the 24 countries of beIN SPORTS will exclusively broadcast the first and only women’s motor racing championship in the world committed to promoting gen- Mo Farah will make a last- the guys,” he said, after a first MENA – from Morocco in the – W Series, in 24 countries in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) and in the United States. der equality in motorsport gasp attempt to qualify for the 10,000m defeat in a decade. West to Oman in the East and and empowering the next Olympics at the British Athlet- “At the same time, if it is every country in between – in generation of female drivers. ics Championships. in a situation like now, then a highly significant and sizable By broadcasting the series, we The four-time Olympic there’s no choice but I be- international deal for UEFA and look forward to shining a spot- champion is yet to hit the qual- lieve if I get my head down in women’s European football. light on the inspiring women ifying standard for the 10,000 the next three or four weeks, W Series this year will take in motorsport and wider so- metres after a failed attempt knuckle down, get this little place from 26 June to 30 Oc- ciety, aligning with our am- earlier this month. (ankle) niggle out the way and tober with the first of eight bition underpinning our Trying to qualify for the then hopefully we should be races set to take place in Aus- beINSPIRED corporate com- 5,000m instead now looks to alright.” tria. Since launching in 2019, mitment.” Catherine Bond be on the back burner. Farah has now recovered W Series has established itself Muir, Chief Executive Officer He needs to beat 27 min- from his ankle problem and as a pioneer of gender equal- The deal covers MENA and at W Series added: “W Series’ utes 28 seconds to stand the Manchester race - with the ity in sport. The free-to-enter the United States with mission will always be to fur- a chance of defending his championships doubling up as championship provides equal W Series forming key part ther the interests and pros- 10,000m title from 2012 Olympic trials - will be his last opportunity for women and pects of female racing drivers, and 2016 and will race at the chance to reach Tokyo with eliminates the financial bar- of beIN’s beINSPIRED and to inspire girls and women Championships in Manchester the deadline on June 27. riers that have historically women’s sports portfolio everywhere. on Friday, June 25. The University of Birming- prevented them from reach- Racing in partnership with Farah clocked 27:50.64 at ham event was the official ing the upper echelons of the Formula 1 in 2021, coupled the British 10,000m Cham- Olympic 10,000m trial for motorsport. with the support of our glob- pionships at the University British athletes and Farah fin- beIN’s acquisition of the al network of broadcasters, of Birmingham on June 5 ished as the second Brit home is the latest ma- will significantlyincrease our to come eighth in his first behind Marc Scott. jor addition to beIN’s “beIN- reach, impact and influence 10,000m race since quitting It means the 38-year-old SPIRED” broadcast portfolio by placing W Series on mo- the track to focus on the mara- will be selected for Tokyo if he and corporate commitment, tor racing’s greatest stage and thon in 2017 but still felt he runs inside the qualifying time in which beIN showcases in- taking us to new audiences could defend his Olympic title. in Manchester. spiring and under-represented and territories. Our drivers on-air talent, while broadcast- ness partnerships, events and at telling the most diverse and has to offer. Over the coming are ready and raring to put on ing sports, developing busi- creative campaigns all aimed inspiring stories that sport months in different markets, a fantastic show.”

WTC final winner to take home $1.6 mn and Test Championship Mace ANI pionship Mace, the Internation- first official world champions in 200,000 while the remain- split the prize money for the first Dubai al Cricket Council announced the longest format of the game. ing four teams will get USD and second places and share on Monday. The prize money for the 100,000 each. possession of the Mace during The winners of the much- The losing team will get USD team finishing third in the ICC The Test Mace, previously the time they remain cham- awaited ICC World Test Cham- 800,000 for finishingsecond World Test Championship given to teams topping the ICC pions. The Mace, designed by pionship (WTC) final between in the nine-team competition, Standings is $450,000. The Men’s Test Team Rankings will English luxury brand Thomas India and New Zealand will take which was played over a near team fourth on the table will now be given to the WTC win- Lyte, is based around the global home a purse of USD 1.6 million two-year cycle, adding context be awarded USD 350,000, the ners. In case the final ends in a nature of Test cricket and the Four-time British Olympic champion Mo Farah. along with the ICC Test Cham- to Test cricket and to crown the one that finishes fifth gets USD draw or a tie, the finalists will competing nations.