WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 2019 SPORT 17 I have always said it is the dream of every child in FOOTBALL Brazil and the world. I’m liv- Rodrygo Real Madrid’s ICC World Cup Women’s World Cup ing a dream, it’s the happiest new signing says it a South Africa vs New Japan vs England

day of my life. dream come true. ACTION Zealand at Birmingham Scotland vs Argentina TODAY’S Qatar 2022 will be ‘best ever’: Mahrez

THE PENINSULA optimistic mood for his nation’s DOHA chances. “It will be difficult, but we are Algeria’s star player and coach all very confident,” he added. have both praised the Supreme “We are training very hard to be Committee for Delivery & Legacy ready, we came here to have the (SC) for its plans and prepara- same weather as in Egypt so that tions for Qatar 2022, with Riyad we can adapt ourselves and Mahrez stating he expects the ensure we have done everything tournament to be the ‘best ever’ we can to be ready for our first FIFA World Cup. game.” The Manchester City winger, As well as Algeria, a number a Premier League winner in 2016 of other African Cup of Nations and 2019, visited the SC’s Legacy teams – including Burundi, Cam- Pavilion with his Algeria coach eroon and Mali – are also in – and former Qatar national Qatar making use of the world- team boss – Djamel Belmadi class training facilities ahead of while in the country preparing the competition. for the upcoming Africa Cup of The visits were facilitated by Nations. the Qatar Football Association After being shown the plans (QFA) and made possible due to for the tournament – and beyond its ongoing close relationships in legacy mode – the 28-year- with numerous associations old said he was excited by what across the region. he had seen, and spoke of the Manchester City player Riyad Mahrez (third right) and Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi (right) pose for a picture with other Algerian Adding his own words of importance of the Arab world national team players and officials during their visit to the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Pavilion. welcome, QFA General Secretary being able to host football’s most Mansoor Al Ansari said: “It has prestigious tournament. been our pleasure to welcome “It’s very important for eve- – and managed Qatar Stars “There are just three more kick off their African Cup of this event will be organised they each of these teams to Qatar, to ryone,” said Mahrez. “It’s a League sides Lekhwiya and Al years until the World Cup and Nations campaign against Kenya just want to be involved and use our world-leading training massive organisational task, an Duhail either side of that stint – I’m sure that will go very fast on 23 June. participate. So as a coach, it’s facilities as they prepare for their unbelievable one. We came here also spoke of his excitement for too. When I see how quickly “We are all very keen to par- good for me as it has provided respective African Cup of Nations to see close up how it will be and the tournament. they are organising and pre- ticipate in this World Cup – a great motivation for them.” campaigns. I think it will be one of the best He said: “It has come around paring for this, it’s just whether it be directly or indi- Algeria have not won the “We wish every one of our World Cups we have ever seen. so fast. I remember the day that amazing.” rectly,” he continued. “I talked African Cup of Nations since visitors well in Egypt, and look We are all looking forward to it.” Qatar won the rights [to host the Belmadi also said the visit to the players such as Riyad claiming the title on home soil forward to welcoming them back Belmadi, who led the Qatar World Cup] and it seems like it had acted as the perfect moti- Mahrez and they said that when in 1990, but following the Qatar here at any time in the future – national team between 2014-15 was yesterday. vational tool for his team, who they saw the stadiums and how training camp, Mahrez was in and of course, in 2022.”

Russia’s Maria Sharapova Tsonga eyes Qatar’s Abdulla set for celebrates after winning against Slovakia’s Viktoria ‘special’ Kuzmova during their women’s singles match Federer clash Italian Baja challenge of the Mallorca Open tournament in Santa AFP THE PENINSULA Ponca yesterday. HALLE PORDENONE FIA World Cup for Cross- has 26 points and was second in Country Bajas Dubai and scored eight points in Russia. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga said it After a gap in the calendar of FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas Adel said: “The last race in would be “something special” over three months, Qatar’s Adel – T3 Trophy standings after round 2 the Baja series in the new T3 cat- to face Roger Federer in the Abdulla returns to action in the 1. Michele Cinotto (ITA) 37pts egory was three months ago. I second round of the ATP tour- FIA World Cup for Cross- 2. Abdullah Al-Zubair (OMN) 26pts won the Dubai International nament in Halle after he beat Country Bajas at this weekend’s 2. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS) 6pts Baja. Now we are looking compatriot Benoit Paire in Italian Baja, round three of the 4. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 25pts forward to the third round in straight sets yesterday. eight-event series. 5. Dmitrii Ponomarenko (RUS) 15pts Italy after the long break. It will “I am happy to have won The experienced Doha- not be easy because of the cal- because Benoit is a dangerous 5. Santiago Navarro (ESP) 15pts based driver will again team up endar. We have prepared well. player. It is always difficult to 7. Alexey Shmotov (RUS) 12pts Sharapova makes with French co-driver Jean- I have tried to keep fit and have dominate against him, you 8. Michel Fadel (ARE) 10pts Michel Polato as he attempts to been training for this round. I always feel like the game can 8. Frederic Chavigny (FRA) 10pts add a maiden FIA T3 World think it will be a difficult race. change at any moment,” Tsonga 10. Maria Oparina (RUS) 6pts winning return Championship to the FIA T2 “I see from the entry list that said. 11. Tatjana Sycheva (RUS) 4pts series title he secured two years there are around 14 in the T3 cat- AFP Mallorca WTA Tsonga broke Paire’s serve ago. egory and all of them are good MADRID Results from the WTA tournament early in the first set and looked Adel is driving a Can-Am drivers. Some of them are local in Mallorca yesterday (x denotes the better player as he battled Maverick X3 on rounds of the championship points and he will people. They will be fast. It will Maria Sharapova made a seeding): to a 6-4, 7-5 win to set up a Baja series this season and heads line up on the gravel flood plains be exciting to face this challenge. winning return from injury First Round potential meeting with Federer, to Pordenone in north-eastern that are a feature of this round I hope everything goes well. The yesterday by beating Viktoria Caroline Garcia (FRA x6) bt Victoria who began his campaign with Italy with an X3 being run on of the series lying fourth in the difficult thing in Italy will be the Kuzmova 7-6 (10/8), 6-0 to Azarenka (BLR) 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 a 7-6 (1), 6-3 win over Aus- events by the Spanish FN Speed T3 title race behind Italy’s river crossings.” reach the second round of the Shelby Rogers (USA) bt Shuai tralia’s John Millman. Team. Adel has support from the Michele Cinotto and a tying In addition to title rivals, Mallorca Open. Zhang (CHN) 6-2, 6-2 “It is always something team itself as an official FN Oman’s Abdullah Al-Zubair and Cinotto, Al-Zubair and Vorobyev, The five-time Grand Slam Amanda Anisimova (USA x5) bt special to play Roger,” said Speed driver, in addition to Russia’s Fedor Vorobyev. Adel faces competition from the champion has not played since Tsonga. Tereza Martincova (CZE) 3-6, 7-6 Ooredoo, the Qatar telecommu- Cinotto claimed maximum Italian drivers Amerigo Ventura, the end of January after taking The 30-year-old Paire, (9/7), 6-4 nications company. points in Russia and finished Nicolo Algaretto and Rubens Vis- time out to recover from a infamous for his on-court tan- Ons Jabeur (TUN) bt Kaja Juvan Adel missed the opening fourth in Dubai, while Al-Zubair conte, in addition to the likes of shoulder injury but edged a tight trums, was given a warning in (SLO) 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) round in Russia in February but has one more point that the Belgian driver Ghislan de opening set against Kuzmova the first set after throwing his Samantha Stosur (AUS) bt Saisai outright victory at the Dubai Qatari after a second place in Mevius, Latvia’s Alexsandr Dor- before strolling through the racket, but had the crowd Zheng (CHN) 6-4, 7-5 International Baja at the start of Russia and a points-scoring osinskiy and Polish driver Michal second. laughing in the second when he March earned him 25 finish in Dubai. Vorobyev also Goczal. Victory on the grass will Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x2) bt and Tsonga, 34, engaged in a come as a timely boost to morale Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 6-3, spontaneous keepy-uppy rally. 7-6 (7/5) Qaar’s Adel Abdulla and French co-driver Jean- for Sharapova, with the start of Last year’s winner Borna Michel Polato celebrate victory in the Dubai Wimbledon now less than two Coric eased to a straight sets win International Baja in this March 2019 file picture. weeks away. Kuzmova, the Slovak ranked over Spain’s Jaume Munar in his Angelique Kerber could now 46th in the world and who is still first-round tie, winning 7-6 (7/2), await Sharapova in round two, only 21. 6-3 to set up a second-round tie with the top-seeded German up Sharapova’s own ranking with Portugal’s Joao Sousa. Home against Belgium’s Ysaline Bon- has dipped to 86 during her favourite Jan-Lennard Struff also aventure later on Tuesday. absence, meaning the Russian reached the second round with Kerber has struggled for needed a wildcard to enter the a 6-4, 6-4 win over Serbia’s Laslo form herself this year but is draw in Mallorca, her fourth Djere, his first ever singles victory likely to offer a sterner test than tournament this year. in Halle. “I used to live nearby. I ATP Halle would come here every year Results from the ATP tournament in Halle yesterday (x denotes seeding): and lose, so it is great to have First Round finally won,” said Struff. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) bt Benoit Paire (FRA) 6-4, 7-5 There was to be less joy for Andreas Seppi (ITA) bt Mats Moraing (GER) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) the Halle crowd as Germans Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) bt Rudolf Molleker (GER) 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 Mats Moraing, Peter Gojowczyk Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x7) bt Taylor Fritz (USA) 7-6 (12/10), 6-0 and Rudolf Molleker were all Borna Coric (CRO x4) bt Jaume Munar (ESP) 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 knocked out yesterday. David Goffin (BEL) bt Guido Pella (ARG x8) 6-1, 6-1 Moraing lost 4-6, 6-7 (4/7) Richard Gasquet (FRA) bt Peter Gojowczyk (GER) 6-3, 6-4 to Italy’s Andreas Seppi while Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Laslo Djere (SRB) 6-4, 6-4 came from behind to beat Molleker 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-2. 18 SPORT WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 2019 Day of records as England clinch 150-run win Morgan’s sixes blow away Afghanistan

AFP SCOREBOARD Victory sees England MANCHESTER England c Bairstow b Rashid ...... 46 Roy eyes J. Vince c Rahman b Zadran ...... 26 b Archer ...... 76 go ahead of holders England Eoin Morgan J. Bairstow c&b Naib ...... 90 c Root b Rashid ...... 44 Australia to sit top set a new world record of 17 J. Root c Shah b Naib ...... 88 c Stokes b Rashid ...... 9 Australia of the World Cup sixes in an individual one-day E. Morgan c Shah b Naib ...... 148 b Wood ...... 15 international innings as the J. Buttler c Nabi b Zadran ...... 2 c Bairstow b Archer ...... 8 game for group table on net B. Stokes b Zadran ...... 2 Ikram Alikhil ...... 3 World Cup hosts thrashed M. Ali not out ...... 31 not out ...... 0 run-rate. Afghanistan by 150 runs C. Woakes not out ...... 1 Extras ...... 9 return yesterday. Extras ...... 9 Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) ...... 247 Victory at Old Trafford Total (six wickets, 50 overs) ...... 397 Did not bat: AFP saw favourites England go Did not bat: J. Archer, A. Rashid, M. Wood Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Zadran), 2-52 (Naib), MANCHESTER ahead of holders Australia to Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Vince), 2-164 (Bairstow), 3-104 (Shah), 4-198 (Afghan), 5-210 (Nabi), 3-353 (Root), 3-359 (Morgan), 5-362 (Buttler), 6-234 (Shahidi), 7-234 (Zadran), 8-247 (Rashid) sit top of the World Cup group 6-378 (Stokes) Bowling: Archer 10-1-52-3 (2w), Wood 10-1-40- Jason Roy is targeting table on net run-rate. Bowling: Rahman 10-0-44-0 (2w); Zadran 10- 2 (1w), Rashid 10-0-66-3 (1w), Ali 7-0-35-0, England’s match against Morgan’s six-hitting spree 0-85-3 (4w); Nabi 9-0-70-0; 10- Stokes 4-0-12-0, Woakes 9-0-41-0 (2w) arch-rivals Australia for in his career-best 148 set the 0-68-3 (1nb); Shah 2-0-19-0; Rashid 9-0-110-0 Result: England won by 150 runs a World Cup return after tone for England’s team total Afghanistan Umpires: Paul Reiffel (AUS), Joel Wilson (WIS) being sidelined with a of 25 sixes, which was also a b Archer ...... 0 TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA) torn hamstring. new ODI innings record. Gulbadin Naib c Buttler b Wood ...... 37 Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI) The in-form opening The Dubliner’s innings, batsman has been ruled which featured 118 runs in be. The next two or three straight hit over his head. But out of England’s match boundaries, was all the more games are pretty crucial,” the very next ball saw Morgan against Afghanistan at Old impressive as Morgan had Morgan said of England’s hole out off Naib to end a Trafford yesterday and been doubtful for this match World Cup hopes. 71-ball innings that also fea- their pool encounter with with a back spasm suffered in Afghanistan captain Gul- tured four fours. Sri Lanka at Headingley England’s win over the West badin Naib saluted Morgan, Jonny Bairstow had got on Friday. Indies, in which he could not saying: “It was one of the best England off to a solid start, Roy tore his left ham- bat. innings I’ve ever seen from with England accelerating string in the field during “I’m getting quite old, Eoin so congratulations to him. after James Vince fell for 26 England’s eight-wicket running around with a bad “We did a lot of good when he mishooked paceman win over the West Indies back, I never thought in my things in the field but we Dawlat Zadran to short last week. wildest dreams I’d produce dropped Morgan, which is the fine-leg. “I did it in the West an innings like that!” Morgan main point of his innings and In sight of his eighth ODI Indies and it was a lot said. how he then utilised it.” century, Bairstow’s 99-ball worse,” Roy told Sky “I had an extremely bad Hashmatullah Shahidi innings ended when he Sports. back after the last game but completed a gutsy 68-ball fifty chipped a return catch to Naib. “It could be way our medical staff have done on his way to 76, while his Morgan should have been worse -- the scan told me wonders with medication and fourth-wicket stand of part- out when he skied Rashid, it’s minimum 10 days. extensive treatment. I have nership of 94 with Ashgar only for Zadran at deep mid- We’ve got to assess it as pretty much been living with Afghan (44) was a record for wicket to make such a mess we go along.” the physio. any Afghanistan wicket at a of the catch that the ball “It’s a huge under- “It was a special day. It’s World Cup. Earlier, Morgan, bounced out of his hands and statement being frus- the World Cup. We’re loving dropped on 28, dominated a over the rope for four. trated, but I’ve got to keep playing in it. On the big stage, third-wicket stand of 189 with Root was denied a second smiling,” the Surrey star it is nice to do.” Joe Root (88), whose contri- successive hundred and third added. Morgan’s masterclass was bution to their partnership of the tournament when he “We’re targeting Aus- the centrepiece of England’s was a mere 43. holed out off Naib, whose 3-68 tralia but we’ll see how 397-6. Afghanistan star leg- was a creditable return in the this week goes,” said Roy, That was the highest total spinner Rashid Khan set an circumstances. whose opening part- of the tournament so far and unwanted record with 0-110 But the sixes kept coming, nership with Bairstow has the largest England had made in nine overs -- the most Morgan’s 11th bringing up a been a key factor in Eng- at any World Cup, surpassing expensive return at a World hundred in 57 balls, with only land’s rise to the top of the their 386-6 against Bang- Cup and second costliest in all Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien, Aus- one-day international ladesh in Cardiff 10 days ago. ODI cricket. tralia’s Glenn Maxwell and rankings and their status Even though bottom of the Morgan’s tally surpassed South Africa’s AB de Villiers as favourites to win the table Afghanistan, suffering the record of 16 sixes in an ODI having scored faster centuries World Cup. England’s captain Eoin Morgan their fifth defeat in five innings previously shared by at a World Cup. “If this week goes to celebrates his century during the matches, posted their highest India’s Rohit Sharma, South England set the ODI team plan, then Australia. If 2019 World Cup group stage match World Cup total of 247-8 they Africa’s AB de Villiers and record for sixes when Moeen not, then who knows. against Afghanistan at Old Trafford were never up with the West Indies’ Chris Gayle. Ali launched the penultimate Hamstrings are such a in Manchester, yesterday. required run-rate. He broke the record when delivery of the innings, from grey area.” “We are where we want to he launched Naib for a flat Zadran, over long-on. De Kock urges South Africa to

It was a special day. It’s keep calm as pressure mounts the World Cup. We’re loving playing in it. On AFP BIRMINGHAM the big stage, it is nice to Kiwis not focused on do: England captain Eoin ending Proteas chances Quinton de Kock has told his Morgan on his fiery knock. South Africa team-mates to of reaching semis: Boult keep their heads when they face New Zealand in a ENGLAND’S RECORD-BREAKING WORLD CUP INNINGS must-win World Cup match REUTERS today. * England’s 397 is their highest total in a World Cup match and BIRMINGHAM South Africa’s hopes of the sixth-highest ever in the competition. Australia top the list making the semi-finals after they smashed 417-6, also against Afghanistan, in 2015. New Zealand will focus on would effectively be over if * England blasted 25 sixes in total, breaking their own record their own game and not be they lose at Edgbaston after South Africa’s wicketkeeper for sixes in an innings (24 sixes against West Indies in February motivated by the prospect a wretched start to the Quinton de Kock takes part in this year). England hit only 18 sixes in six matches at the 2015 of ending South Africa’s tournament. a press conference, yesterday. World Cup. chances of progressing at Defeats to England, * Captain Eoin Morgan struck 17 sixes in his 148 off 71 balls -- a the World Cup when the Bangladesh and India have new ODI record to dethrone Chris Gayle (West Indies), AB de two sides meet at “It’s not driving us in left South Africa wicket- “Obviously it’s a big are favourites to push South Villiers (South Africa) and Rohit Sharma (India) who had shared Edgbaston today, fast any respect,” Boult told keeper-batsman De Kock game for us but, in saying Africa towards the World the record with 16 sixes each. Morgan’s haul was one short of bowler Trent Boult reporters yesterday. billing the New Zealand that, our next three or four Cup exit door and De Kock the entire England team’s tally for sixes in 2015. (pictured) has said. “It’s a chance for us to match as a “quarter-final”. games that we have, they are admits morale among Faf Du New Zealand are one go out there and perform A nine-wicket victory all going to be big games for Plessis’s squad has not been * Morgan also hit his 200th ODI six as he lifted his overall tally of two unbeaten teams at and show we can bring the over Afghanistan on Sat- us for the rest of the tour- as high as he would like. to 211. the World Cup along with game and style that we urday was their first win in nament,” he said. But he hopes the com- * Morgan’s century was the fourth-fastest in a World Cup India, and they are well- play back home in New this World Cup in England “We’re just going to have prehensive victory against match, hit off 57 deliveries. The record is held by Ireland’s Kevin placed to finish in the top Zealand very well, to test and Wales. to go out there, keep our minnows Afghanistan will O’Brien, who reached triple figures in 50 balls against England four and qualify for the it against quality players in The Proteas cannot afford heads steady and play freely. provide a much-needed in 2011. semi-finals. South Africa foreign conditions on a big any more slip-ups in their “Tomorrow is a quarter- spark in the nick of time. * Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan recorded the worst are eighth in the table of stage. remaining games against New final, I guess you could say “I think before our first bowling figures in a World Cup match, conceding 110 runs in 10 teams. “There have always Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka it, but if we do win it, then it’s game that we played against nine overs without taking a single wicket. It was also the joint With only one win been exciting games and Australia if they are to another big game again. England, we were in a pretty second-worst in ODI history. after losing their first three between New Zealand and maintain slender hopes of a “We have to win all the good space also then, men- * Rashid also became the first spinner to concede more than matches and having one South Africa over the past semi-final berth. games, not just focus on tally and with our prepa- 100 runs in an ODI. Having never conceded more than two sixes match abandoned due to World Cups. The semi- De Kock admits South tomorrow. But in saying that, ration,” he said. in an innings, the 20-year-old conceded 11 of them against rain, today’s game is a final at Eaton Park (where Africa’s chances of avoiding we know how good New “Then obviously, during England. must-win encounter for New Zealand won by four an embarrassingly early Zealand are playing at the the course of the tour- * The 189-run stand for the third wicket between Eoin Morgan South Africa as they bid to wickets in 2015) was one elimination will be wrecked moment. They are a big team nament, obviously after

stay alive in the of the greatest games that if they do not cope with the in World Cups. They always losing all the time, there’s and Joe Root, who scored 88 runs off 82 balls, was England’s tournament. the Kiwis have played.” stress of playing in a do-or- seem to step up.” always a bit of a slump in highest partnership in a World Cup match. die situation. Unbeaten New Zealand being mentally strong. WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 2019 SPORT 19

Doha begins 100-day coundown What is the IAAF 2019 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN NUMBERS Who World Athletics 10 Days said Championships what Doha 2019 213 countries represented 2,000 Athletes THE PENINSULA DOHA 22 different disciplines In just 100 days’ time the Middle East will host the biggest ever 49 Gold medals sporting event to come to the region, with the world’s finest 128 Events athletes competing to win gold. The city of Doha is also getting Sport unites people in such ready to deliver a winning per- a special way, bringing formance, welcoming over 3,500 all cultures together and athletes, coaches and officials to creating friendships that last the sporting spectacle which gets a lifetime. The World Athletics underway on Saturday, September Championships is the pinnacle 28, until Sunday October 6. of the world’s best athletes so Fans can expect a packed timetable of action in both track for sure, people will want to be and field events including the at one of the greatest sporting highly anticipated 100m and events in the world. 200m sprints, through to the dizzy Dahlan Al Hamad, heights of the pole vault jump and Vice-President of IAAF high jump and show of sheer strength with hammer and shotput Khalifa International Stadium and World Athletics Village throws. The competition, which takes The iconic stadium will play host to the across the world for its fine facilities different cultures, visitors can join in the place every two years, will be the Championships with the all-seater venue including the air cooling system, which fun as well as sampling food from dif- 17th edition of the champion- allowing spectators to get up close to their allows for the optimum temperatures for ferent continents as the world comes to ships which have a history of favourite athletes, allowing fans to competing stars, as well as for the thou- Khalifa International Stadium. Fun for delivering iconic athletics purchase tickets in dedicated areas close sands of fans packed into the venue. all the family will also see activities to moments which include gold to the action they want to witness. Throughout the ten days, the compete in and test your athletics skills medal wins for sprinting legend Host of the IAAF Diamond League excitement begins before fans even enter as well as competitions throughout the Usain Bolt and long-distance meeting and Asian Athletics Champion- the stadium with the world Athletics evenings. Visitors can enjoy the World champions Sir Mo Farah and ships earlier in the year, Khalifa Interna- Village greeting fans on arrival. Athletics Village daily each afternoon Tirunesh Dibaba. tional Stadium won plaudits from athletes With live entertainment from from 5 to 10 pm. What I’m looking forward to the most in the World Championships is definitely the atmosphere. I’m also looking A Marathon to remember forward to sharing what I’ve Whilst the majority of the competition takes place in the Khalifa Inter- been working on for the past national Stadium, the championships will see the male and female two to four years with the world. marathon take place along the Corniche… at midnight! My ultimate goal is to come and The midnight marathon will be a world first, with Doha’s impressive throw really far. West Bay lighting up to provide the perfect backdrop for competitors, Ryan Crouser, Olympic gold whilst spectators will be able to witness the event up close with viewing medal winning shot putter (USA) throughout the looped course which starts and finishes at the Corniche.Corniche.

World champion high-jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim. Hurdler Abderrahman Samba (bottom left) WhoWho is competing? and sprinter Abdalelah Haroun (right) are expected to be the top From JamaicanJama flair and USA power, through to Asian spice and African medal prospects for Qatar at the dance,dance, ttheh Championships is on song to entertain with the world’s best IAAF World Championships in Doha. malemal and female athletes arriving in Doha ahead of the compe- titiontiti for their training camps. With 213 different countries repre- sentedsen throughout the competition, sprinters such as USA’s If anybody doesn’t have a ticket ChristianCh Coleman and Michael Norman will wow the crowds for the Championships, I’d say withwi bustling shows of pace, whilst long distance runners such definitely jump on that right now as KKenya’s Wilson Kipsang and Ethiopian star Mosinet Geremew – get involved! Come out and see willwil be looking to the crowds to spur them on during long distance us! Enjoy the city of Doha and events.eve the Championships. It’s not to be missed. Lorraine Ugen, HowH can you be there? British long jumper

WithWith ten evenings of action throughout the competition there are plentyplenty oof opportunities for people to attend and watch finals on every The Khalifa Stadium is night.nighht. GoldG medals will be handed out to 22 athletes and you can be impressive – really huge. The theretherthe e to watch world champions claim their glory. Aircon facilities look like they For the first time, fans can also get the best seat in the house are going to be amazing. I love withw finish line tickets available, ensuring you are up close to how there is a single runway. thoseth memorable moments. You don’t really have that often A limited number of majles seating options are available – which is really exciting for a withinwitit the stadium too, so spectators can sit back and watch all jumper. Makes it more intimate off t thehe action in true comfort. Most days get underway from 4.15pm and more focused on your event. withwih 3-43 hours of competition and tickets priced from just QR60. Naa Anang, TiTickTicketsi ke can be bought online easily via

httphthttps://iaafworldathleticschamps.com/doha2019/ticketsttps:/// Australian long jumper WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 18 Qatar 2022 will Morgan sixes be ‘best ever’: blow away says Algerian Afghanistan in star Mahrez day of records Qatar’s fighting performance ‘reassuring’, says striker Ali

THE PENINSULA Qatari players arrive in game won’t be easy because the SAO PAULO Sao Paulo ahead of their Colombian team is very strong. Their second Copa America style of play has changed a lot with Feared striker Almoez Ali yesterday Group B match against coach Carlos Queiroz, but we can get said Qatar’s fighting performance in Colombia. out and do well again.” their Copa America debut against Qatar midfielder Ahmed Fathi Paraguay was ‘reassuring’. said: “Playing at the Maracana gave Trailing 2-0 after the first 54 players a motive to offer their best. minutes, Qatar on Sunday produced We are sad with the draw after we two stunning goals - one from Ali and played an excellent game and we the other by Bualem Khoukhi - to deserved to win. We share points with former Copa have to relax a bit champions. and then think Ali, who guided Qatar to Asian about Colombia. Cup title win with nine goals in Feb- I’m confident Qatar ruary this year, curled in a spec- can play a good game. tacular swinging shot in the 68th We have great aims at this tour- minute at the Maracana Stadium. nament since we are the Asian Khouki fired one nine minuets later champions.” as Qatar picked up a point in their Ali said playing at the Maracana Group B clash of the 12-team Stadium was a big delight for the tournament. After conceding two goals, Qatar Al Annabi were close to winning but squad. “Our performance was reas- hit back with a special strike of their wasted opportunities to score against “We are proud to participate in suring. We have to be happy and own as Ali’s shot from the corner of Paraguay. this tournament and play in a his- rejoice especially after what we the 18-yard box took a nick off a “I would like to applaud all the toric stadium such as the Maracana achieved in the second half. That defender’s foot and arched over players for their good performance Stadium, which is one of the most fight showed we will be ready for the keeper Fernandez into the top at the beginning of this tournament. famous stadiums in the world. We next game and it will be better,” Ali corner, drawing cheers from the This shows that our team is not have to take advantage of this tour- said ahead of Qatar’s match against sparse crowd inside the Maracana attending Copa America for nament and increase our experience. Colombia. stadium. Shortly afterwards the Asian appearance sake, but to prove that This tournament is an important part The match will kick off at champions were level 13 minutes we are the Asian champions,” Al of our preparation as we move 12.30am Qatar time tomorrow. from time after opening up the Par- Rawi said. towards the 2022 World Cup,” striker Coached by Felix Sanchez, Qatar aguay defence with a slick passing He added that the players were Ali said. squad arrived in Sao Paulo from Rio move. Akram Afif slipped in ready to make a deliver a strong fight Coach Sanchez said on De Janeiro after creating a buzz for Algerian-born Khoukhi, running in against Colombia. Sunday: “It’s a fair result, we football fans following the 2-2 draw at an angle between full-back and “What really pleased me is our deserved the point we against Paraguay. center-back, who ended up with a fighting spirit. That showed confi- gained.” “The first clash was not easy. We plucky finish. dence the players have despite con- He later praised learned a lot from this match at this Ali said Qatar will take the 2-2 ceding two goals,” Al Rawi said. the players for big tournament. We were surprised draw and turn their attention to Midfielder Asim Madibo said: “I “keeping the faith” by the strength of Paraguay at the Colombia. On June 23, Qatar face think we could have come out with and beginning of the first half when we Argentina in the last Group B clash. three points. In the second half we “showing conceded an early goal. In the first “We are participating in this took control of the game as we made the desire half we got several chances to tournament for the first time. Copa a lot of chances to score but we to go equalise but we were not able to do America is a very tough tournament wasted them.” after the that,” he added. in which the teams are mighty strong. He added: “I think the first goal game, “However in the end it was a pos- The Paraguayans scored their first we conceded early in the penalty that was itive result for us as in the second half goal very early in the game, but we kick completely confused our calcu- the the situation was different. We exploited did not give in. After that, we lations, but we managed to come most the chances we got and scored. regrouped progressed with two quick back again. We will continue to play positive “We could have score more but goals,” Ali said. against Colombia and avoid mistakes thing for we missed a few chances,” Ali added. Defender Bassam Al Rawi said we made in the first game. Our next us.” Striker Almoez Aliin action during Qatar’s opening match of Copa America against Paraguay on Sunday. Chile begin Copa title defence with thumping win Argentina again facing early AFP their own half and SAO PAULO released Ueda on goal. The 20-year-old Ueda was unable elimination Eduardo Vargas scored twice as Chile to make the chance count though, launched the defence of their Copa rounding Arias but failing to find the AP America crown with an emphatic 4-0 empty net with his shot from a tight BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL defeat of Japan in Sao Paulo on angle. Monday. The half closed with Chile threat- A year later, Argentina is again facing the Vargas, who plays for Mexico club ening to add to their lead, Sanchez’s prospect of an early elimination. Tigres UANL, netted twice in the header from close range saved by After struggling in the group stage of second half as Chile gradually over- Osako. the World Cup in Russia, Argentina also powered a skillful but limited Japan, Chile picked up where they left off got off to a bad start at the Copa America who are playing in the South American as the second half got under way, in Brazil. showpiece as one of two invited teams stroking the ball around confidently And another setback today against Par- from Asia. to deny Japan possession. aguay will leave the team in danger of Erick Pulgar had opened the In the 54th minute the Chileans enduring its worst fiasco in nearly four scoring for Chile in the first half before doubled their lead. decades. The last time Argentina failed to Vargas doubled the 2015 and 2016 A fluent build-up saw Mauricio Isla advance past the group stage in the South champions’ advantage with a deflected go clear down the right and he squared American competition was in 1983. second-half strike. Chile’s Erick Pulgar (second left) celebrates after scoring against Japan during for Vargas, whose shot took a wicked Trying to end a title drought of 26 years, Manchester United’s Alexis their opening match of 2019 Copa America, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Monday. deflection off on Argentina opened its Copa America cam- Sanchez then took his Chilean record its way into the net. paign with a demoralizing 2-0 loss to goals tally to 42 after diving to head possession albeit without threatening to get his shot away, allowing Japan to Once again though, a Chilean goal Colombia, falling to last place in Group B home in the 82nd minute before the Chile goal. deflect behind from a corner. was followed by a golden Japan oppor- after Paraguay and Qatar earned a point Vargas scored the pick of the goals Their best early chance came after Aranguiz made amends though in tunity, which they again each from their 2-2 draw. moments later with a deft lob over nine minutes when the 41st minute by delivering the set- squandered. At last year’s World Cup, Argentina Japan goalkeeper . let fly after bursting forward only to piece which gave Chile the lead. Shibasaki’s fine cross picked out an needed a win over Nigeria in the final The win saw Chile join Uruguay at see his shot saved by Chile goalkeeper A whipped corner from the right unmarked Ueda at the back post but the group match to avoid elimination. The the top of Group C, level on points and Gabriel Arias. caused havoc in the Japanese area, youngster’s composure again deserted team got it, but they then lost to France in goal difference. As the first half wore on, Chile and Bologna midfielder Pulgar leapt him, hooking his shot wide with Arias the last 16. The scoreline was harsh on Japan, looked increasingly more threatening, high above to head and the Chile goal at his mercy. With a squad with less than half of the who had carved out several prom- and Sanchez sounded the alarm in the home. Ueda missed another chance in the players who were in Russia, Argentina has ising chances but were let down by Japanese defence in the 35th minute The goal reflected Chile’s domi- 69th minute but Chile slammed the shown little progress since the World Cup. poor finishing from young striker when his low shot flashed just wide. nance, but Japan were gifted a glorious door shut on hopes of a revival when The loss to Colombia revealed many of the . Sanchez then almost played in opportunity to equalise just before Sanchez headed in Aranguiz’s cross mistakes the team endured in Russia, The Japanese had started confi- Charles Aranguiz but the Bayer half-time. on 82 minutes before Vargas made it including the lack of efficiency in attack dently, dominating territory and Leverkusen midfielder took too long Chile coughed up possession inside 4-0 a minute later. despite the leadership of Lionel Messi.