SPORT Thursday 28 Decemberecember 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 India aim for Chelsea still have DjokovicDjok determined history on South plenty to achieve: to learnl from injury Africa tour Conte misery Resolute Qatar target semis spot in crunch Bahrain clash

Rizwan Rehmat Qatar we played in our normal Kuwait City/The Peninsula way and we put pressure con- tinuously,” he said. oach Felix Sanchez Bassem said Iraq fans want will be treating the former champions to go all Qatar’s third and the way and win the title again. final Gulf Cup group “If we advance, then that stage match against will really please our fans. We CBahrain like a title clash. have reached 50 percent of our A win tomorrow against target and hopefully we will Bahrain at the Kuwait Sports advance after our match against Club Stadium will secure Qatar Yemen,” Bassem said. a semi-final berth at the Gulf “We know we have a diffi- Cup. cult task at hand but we are Qatar crushed Yemen 4-0 standing our ground to fight in their opening game at the every game,” the Iraq coach eight-team event but lost 2-1 said. against Iraq on Tuesday follow- “Gulf Cup is a different ing an engaging battle. event. It offers a different chal- With 3 points from two lenge every match. We knew matches, defending champions playing against Yemen and Qatar are in a must-win situa- against Qatar would call for tion as are their rivals varying tactics. That’s how we Bahrain. looked at these matches,” “We have a third game in Bassem said. hand. It is like a final for us,” “There is a big difference Sanchez said after his side’s the way these two teams play. match against Iraq. Qatari players celebrate a goal against Iraq during their Gulf Cup game on Tuesday in Kuwait City. Pictures: Hussein Sayed I know Qatari team still has “It depends on us if we want agreat chance of qualifying to reach the semi-finals. Of Every team plays a few games strikers and it was very difficult Iraq coach Bassim Qassim that to surprise Bahrain with and reaching the final,” he course we will try to play a bet- in a very short period of time,” for us to stop them. Those strik- was a relieved man after a hard our attacking game but against added. ter game. We need a good result Sanchez said. ers were physically very strong. day’s of work. to qualify. We will try harder,” Sanchez said he opted for In the second half we tried “It was an important the Spaniard assured. changes in team tactics against many things to win. My side the match and I am happy with “There are many things to Iraq since key Qatar midfielder players did their best. They the way we played,” the coach be decided. It will be like a final Asim Madibo suffered a back were pressing hard,” Sanchez said. for sure,” Sanchez said. injury in the clash against said. “It was a difficult match The Qatar coach said his Yemen. When asked about the sec- but we fought well,” he added. players won’t take the pressure “We needed to do some ond Iraqi goal, Sanchez said: “It “We played a steady game. of a crunch game since such a changes because Asim was not was a goal where the (Iraq) We were clearly a better side scenario is often talked about available. That was a tactical players were very strong in the than our first game against Bah- or discussed in team change. This way we gave a crossing. It was a very difficult rain. The players were able to meetings. chance to a fresh player,” angle to mark from the second read the situations well,” “We knew we could be in Sanchez explained. line. We didn’t follow the player Bassem said. such a situation before the “We planned the game with (Ali Husny) and he scored a “Since we read the situa- start of the tournament. The three changes. We will not start goal. His (Qatar goalkeeper tions well, we made changes players know it. They are pro- our planning for the next game. Saad Al Sheeb’s) reaction was accordingly on the ground. I fessionals and they are ready We have 23 good players in the that it was a goal and he thought we had the opportu- We have a third to play this kind of a game. team and we have many couldn’t do anything about it. I nity to score the third goal but They will give their best,” options,” Sanchez said. don’t see anything wrong with could not get it,” the Iraqi coach game in hand. It is Sanchez said. The Qatar coach praised that.” said. like a final for us: Sanchez said disappointing Iraq for their resolute tactics He added: “We need a “Now we will try to get results - like the one on Tues- that allowed the three-time result. We have to recover the another win when we play Felix Sanchez day night - could happen when champions to script a fighting players physically and then we Yemen. We are very confident a number of key matches are win. plan for the game. We will now,” he said. scheduled in a short time. “We tried to push and get now just look at the next “In the first game we played “This is a short tournament. that second goal. They used two game.” three strikers in front. We did QOC launches Team Qatar Winter Tour at Sealine

The Peninsula the heart of Sealine beach, it pro- and an arcade dome with table vides the perfect setting for tennis, billiards, video games and he Qatar Olympic Commit- families and friends to experi- more. tee (QOC) has officially ence a huge range of sporting Commenting on his compa- Topened its action-packed activities and entertainment.” ny’s commitment to the project, Team Qatar Winter Camp, in “The Qatar Olympic Commit- Seashore’s CEO, Salem Saeed partnership with Seashore Group tee aims to inspire our nation to Almuhannadi, said: “Seashore’s and Kahramaa, at Sealine beach participate in sport at any level, mission is to consistently offer in the south of Qatar. whether that be playing a beach the very best to our customers, The huge beach-front sports volleyball game on a Friday with but equally it is our ambition to zone featuring competitive, fun your family, or becoming the enrich the lives of each and every and entertaining activities will next Mutaz Barshim,” he added. person living in this country. be open every Friday until March Sponsored by Seashore Sponsoring the Winter Camp is 30, 2018. Group and Kahramaa, and in therefore a natural fit for us.” Commenting on the opening partnership with the Ministry of The Winter Camp will be of the Team Qatar Winter Camp, Municipality and Environment, open every Friday from 1pm- Secretary General of the Qatar the Winter Camp contains a mul- 8pm and can be found by Olympic Committee, Jassim Al titude of activities including entering ‘Qatar Olympic Com- Buenain, said: “We are so excited beach volleyball, football and mittee Winter Camp’ into google to open our Team Qatar Winter basketball areas, a laser field, a maps. Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim Al Buenain along with other official Camp for another season for all kids’ zone with inflatable slides, It is free for everyone to at the opening of Team Qatar Winter Camp at Sealine Beach. the public to enjoy. Located at swings and games, pony rides, enter. THURSDAY 25 SPORT 28 DECEMBER 2017 Cook smashes century as England dominate at MCG

Melbourne the morning heat. The hosts England’s batsman Reuters started the day in a position of strength at 244 for three but Alastair Cook steers a lastair Cook com- were bowled out for 327, losing ball away on the way pleted a stirring their last seven wickets for 67 to scoring his century century in a stellar runs. against Australia on India aim for return to form as “Bowling Australia out for the second day of the England savoured a 320-odd, we’re absolutely fourth Ashes cricket history on rareA day of domination in the delighted,” Broad told Test match at the fourth Ashes Test against Aus- reporters. MCG in Melbourne South Africa tralia yesterday. “We’re in a fantastic position yesterday. Cook raised his 32nd Test ton in this Test match. with a pull-shot to the fence in “We want that scorebread tour the final over before stumps, and pressure going into getting those strode off the ground unbeaten next 10 wickets.” Mumbai on 104, having pushed England After labouring on a slow and AFP to 192 for two on day two at a flat pitch on day one, England’s sweltering Melbourne Cricket bowlers were transformed in the ndia will define their place Ground. morning, with debutant pace- in cricket history over the His successor as captain, Joe man Tom Curran proving the Inext 18 months with tours Root, was 49 not out, the pair unlikely catalyst. of South Africa, Australia and having helped reduce Austral- The 22-year-old Surrey England putting them to the ia’s lead to 135 runs. seamer bowled Steve Smith for test, the team’s coach said English cheer has been in 76 with the second ball of his first yesterday. short supply this series after Aus- spell, having the skipper drag a The world’s number one tralia took back the urn with wider, short delivery onto his ranked Test side have become victory in Perth but yesterday’s stumps. invincible at home since los- fightback thrilled sun-baked It not only secured Curran ing a one-day and T20 series Britons in the raucous crowd of his first Test wicket but ended to South Africa in 2015. 67,882. Smith’s unbeaten reign at the In a landmark tour of Stuart Broad, another Eng- MCG since his last dismissal in Warner caught on 99 on day one Nathan Lyon told reporters. when paceman Josh Hazlewood South Africa next month they lishman under scrutiny after the Boxing Day Test against India but missed out on the wicket for Shaun Marsh dug in to raise his sent a full, straight ball thudding are looking for a record 10th playing a negligible part in the in 2014. over-stepping his mark. third half-century of the series into his pads. straight Test series win. They series, captured 4-51 as Austral- It was also a huge relief for Smith was one of three Aus- before being trapped leg before He neglected to review the are currently level with Aus- ia’s day one resistance melted in Curran, who had opener David tralian batsmen out chopping by Broad for 61. decision and would have regret- tralia on nine straight series onto the stumps, with all- James Anderson bowled ted it later, with the ‘snicko’ wins. SCOREBOARD rounder Mitchell Marsh (nine) Paine and dismissed Lyon lbw technology showing he had Coach Ravi Shastri (pic- Australia (I innings): Bowling: Anderson 29-11-61-3, Broad 28-10-51-4, and wicketkeeper Tim Paine (24) for a duck to finish with 3-61. nicked the ball with his bat. tured above) and captain C Bancroft lbw b Woakes ...... 26 Woakes 22-4-72-2, Moeen 12-0-57-0, Curran 21-5-65- falling in the same fashion. Starting England’s response Cook and Root then com- Virat Kohli said the side are D Warner c Bairstow b Anderson ...... 103 1 (1nb), Malan 7-1-20-0 The home captain finished a after lunch, Cook and Mark bined for a 112-run partnership ready for the challenge, U Khawaja c Bairstow b Broad ...... 17 England (I innings): disappointing day by conceding Stoneman fended off Australia’s to give England hope of grabbing which will be followed by S Smith b Curran ...... 76 A Cook (batting) ...... 104 11 runs in the final over with his opening pace salvo before Lyon a substantial first-innings lead. tours of England and Australia S Marsh lbw b Broad ...... 61 M Stoneman c and b Lyon ...... 15 part-time leg-spin, allowing intervened with a brilliant caught Australia’s task was made and then the World Cup. M Marsh b Woakes ...... 9 J Vince b Hazlewood ...... 17 Cook his century and England a and bowled. more difficult with Pat Cummins T Paine b Anderson ...... 24 J Root (batting) ...... 49 Shastri stressed the P Cummins c Cook b Broad ...... 4 Extras (B4, NB3) ...... 7 rousing finish. The off-spinner coaxed a hampered by a stomach importance of building the J Bird lbw b Broad ...... 4 Total (2 wkts) ...... 192 “If we can come tomorrow leading edge from Stoneman (15) ailment. same squad around Kohli J Hazlewood (not out) ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-80 morning ... and hopefully chal- and leaped high to pull down a He battled through 11 overs since the last tour of South N Lyon lbw b Anderson ...... 0 To bat: D Malan, J Bairstow, M Ali, C Woakes, T Curran, lenge their defence a lot more one-handed catch, reviving but Lyon said the sickly seamer Africa in 2013. Extras (1LB, 1NB) ...... 2 S Broad, J Anderson. than we did today, then hope- memories of his acrobatic dis- would see a doctor in the

“That experience will Total (all out) ...... 327 Bowling: Hazlewood 12-2-39-1, Bird 12-2-38-0 (3nb), fully we can get a couple of missal of Moeen Ali during the evening to restore fluids and

Fall of wickets: 1-122, 2-135, 3-160, 4-260, 5-278, Lyon 17-2-44-1, Cummins 11-0-39-0, M Marsh 4-0-17- stand them in good stead, breakthroughs and see where we second Test at Adelaide Oval. hopefully be ready to play on day 6-314, 7-318, 8-325, 9-326, 10-327 0, Smith 1-0-11-0 that’s for sure, because the get to,” Australian spinner Vince (17) was given out lbw three. conditions will be testing,” he said. “This one and a half years Day-night Ashes will define this Indian cricket team, and the whole team is Ruthless South Africa thrash Test in England aware of that. “All I can say is that this unlikely for will be a better cricket team after those 18 months.” 2019: ECB Kohli said the team is Zimbabwe inside two days stronger than the last tour to South Africa when the Pro- Melbourne teas won the two-match Test Port Elizabeth of 5-21, as nightwatchman Kyle Reuters series 1-0. Reuters Jarvis top scored with 23 off 50 “The bowling has come a balls. Debutant Ryan Burl, who he England and Wales long way, the batting has imbabwe were bowled out added 16, was the only other Cricket Board has come a long way, all the guys twice yesterday as South Zimbabwean batsman to get to Tpoured cold water on are much more experienced ZAfrica swept to an easy double figures. the prospect of a day-night now, but the hunger remains victory by an innings and 120 Zimbabwe, who are bottom Test against Australia during the same. We still want to go runs as the inaugural four-day of the 10-team Test rankings, South African the home Ashes series in back and try to do what we Test finished inside two days at started the second day reeling bowler Keshav 2019. couldn’t do the last time.” St George’s Park. on 30-4 after being put into bat Maharaj Adelaide Oval hosted the The captain and star bats- Zimbabwe were dismissed for the last hour of the first day celebrates the first day-night contest men said India have been for 68 runs in their first innings of the first day-night Test played dismissal of between the Ashes foes in the “relentless” in their perform- and then 121 in their follow-on in South Africa and struggled Zimbabwean second Test of the ongoing ances against Sri Lanka, New in reply to South Africa’s 309-9 with the pink ball in unfamiliar batsman series, with the home side Zealand, Bangladesh and declared. conditions. Blessing winning by 120 runs. England over the past year. The one-off Test ended They did show some resist- England’s big win over Muzarabani “We don’t care if we draw inside five sessions as the gulf in ance at the start of their second West Indies in the nation’s (not in picture) or are one game up or one ability between the two neigh- innings but once their first first day-night Test at Edgbas- game down, our intensity bours was cruelly exposed. wicket fell on 51, when Chamu during their ton in August was hailed as a remains the same and that is Morne Morkel was the Chibhabha was caught behind, second day success by the ECB. because of the fitness levels destroyer-in-chief in Zimba- there followed a steady proces- of the day- The board’s CEO Tom going up.” bwe’s first innings with figures sion of batsmen to the crease as night Test in Harrison did not rule out a Kohli also insisted that his Port Elizabeth, day-night match in the 2019 wedding to Bollywood star SCOREBOARD yesterday. Ashes but said it was Anushka Sharma this month South Africa (I innings): ...... 309-9 decl. Zimbabwe (II innings): unlikely. had not diverted him from the Zimbabwe (I innings): H Masakadza c De Villiers b Maharaj ...... 13 “It’s to be decided, it’s mission ahead and that he is H Masakadza lbw b Morkel ...... 0 C Chibhabha c De Villiers b Rabada ...... 15 Keshav Maharaj took 5-59 and Council tweaked regulations to unlikely to be honest,” Har- “mentally prepared”. C Chibhabha c Bavuma b Morkel ...... 6 C Ervine lbw b Phehlukwayo ...... 23 Andile Phehlukwayo returned give some of the weaker nations rison told Australian state “Switching back to cricket C Ervine lbw b Philander ...... 4 B Taylor c Amla b Maharaj ...... 16 figures of 3-13. All Zimbabwe’s a more sporting chance, in the radio broadcaster ABC is not difficult at all because B Taylor c De Villiers b Morkel ...... 0 R Burl c De Villiers b Phehlukwayo ...... 0 second innings wickets fell in a wake of Afghanistan and Ireland yesterday. R Burl b Morkel ...... 16 Sikandar Raza c Phehlukwayo b Maharaj ...... 5 it’s in my blood like it is for K Jarvis c De Villiers b Phehlukwayo ...... 23 P.Moor c De Villier b Phehlukwayo ...... 1 single session between the tea being granted Test status. “I think we’ve got a for- every other team member Sikandar Raza c De Villiers b Morkel ...... 0 G Cremer (not out) ...... 18 and dinner break. Craig Ervine The one-off game against mula which works brilliantly and the management.” P Moor b Phehlukwayo ...... 9 K Jarvis b Philander ...... 5 was their top second innings Zimbabwe was also supposed to well for us in Ashes cricket in He added that he had not G Cremer c De Villiers b Rabada ...... 2 C Mpofu b Maharaj ...... 0 scorer with 23 runs. provide the home team with the UK. been inactive during the C Mpofu c Bavuma b Rabada ...... 0 B Muzarabani b Maharaj ...... 10 South Africa won the toss preparation for their three-Test “Right time, right place, break. B Muzarabani (not out) ...... 4 Extras (B8, LB7) ...... 15 and batted first on Tuesday with series against top ranked side right conditions are the rules India play three Tests, Extras (LB2, NB2) ...... 4 Total (42.3 overs) ...... 121 Aiden Markram scoring 125 and India, which begins next week. for day night Test cricket. Total (30.1 overs) ...... 68 Fall of wickets: 1-54, 2-75, 3-75, 4-80, 5-80, 6-87, six one day internationals Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-11, 3-11, 4-14, 5-36, 6-36, 7-55, 7-91, 8-98, 9-103 AB de Villiers 53 on his return to But it was much more of a “We’ll wait and see but and three T20 games in 8-63, 9-63 Bowling: Morkel 4-0-12-0, Philander 7-3-10-1, Maharaj the Test arena after a hiatus of one-sided contest than originally unlikely I would say.”

South Africa. The first Test Bowling: Morkel 11-5-21-5, Philander 10-4-21-1, Ra- 17.3-5-59-5, Rabada 7-3-12-1, Phehlukwayo 7-2-13-3 almost two years. expected and will have provided Ashes holders Australia starts in Cape Town on Jan- bada 6.1-2-12-2 (2nb), Phehlukwayo 3-0-12-2 Result: South Africa won by an innings and 120 runs The four-day Test is the first neither side with any meaning- are leading the current five- uary 5. since the International Cricket ful experience. Test series 3-0. 26 SPORT THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER 2017 Arsenal face test from resurgent Palace London AFP Coutinho inspires

rsene Wenger knows Liverpool rout Arsenal cannot afford a repeat of Liverpool their last trip to Sel- AFP hurst Park when theyA face Crystal Palace today. iverpool playmaker The Gunners have benefit- Philippe Coutinho under- ted from extra rest compared to Llined his importance to the their rivals in the battle for a top Reds ahead of the transfer win- four place and face the Eagles dow with a fine individual six days after the pulsating 3-3 display in a comfortable 5-0 win draw with Liverpool that marked over Premier League strugglers the start of the holiday fixtures. Swansea City on Tuesday. But in the meantime, they The Brazil international have seen Liverpool, Tottenham Liverpool’s Trent Alexander- scored his 12th goal of the sea- and Chelsea all win to intensify Arnold celebrates on scoring son with a fine curling effort and the battle for a Champions their third goal during their provided an assist for compa- League spot. English Premier League match triot Roberto Firmino. That means Wenger’s side against Swansea City on Coutinho, who was strongly face Palace knowing they risk Tuesday. linked with a move to Barcelona losing ground if they fail to claim in the build-up to the season, has three points. enjoyed his most prolific goals- That was a task that proved coring month in a Liverpool beyond them when they faced shirt, finding the net seven times the Eagles last April and turned in December. in one of their worst displays of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s the season when they fell to a determination saw him score 3-0 defeat. Liverpool’s third after half-time Then, Palace were involved the campaign, it would be a injury-scarred start to the cam- Coast international once again better position on an unbeaten before Firmino and Alex Oxlade- in a desperate battle to avoid rel- major blow if there were signs paign and impressed in the linked with a move away, with run of eight games. Chamberlain finished from close egation and they overwhelmed of Wenger’s side losing ground, meeting with Liverpool. Manchester City and Tottenham “We now need to continue range. an Arsenal side that fell short in particularly while the futures of “He is better now than in the reported interested. in the same way. The games Liverpool’s victory ensured their efforts to finish in the top Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil last two or three years. It’s pos- Palace striker Christian Ben- coming up are the ones you they remain in the thick of the four, failing to qualify for the remain up in the air. itive, overall he is in very good teke is available to return after look forward to play in this battle for the Champions League Champions League for the first Whether those two players shape,” said Wenger. missing the trip to Swansea league. places in fourth spot -- five time under Wenger. stay beyond the end of the sea- The Frenchman knows his while he served a one-match “We have matches against points behind second-placed This time around, the gap to son when their current contracts side must improve on the first suspension. the biggest teams in the league Manchester United. fourth placed Liverpool is four expire remains to be seen, but half defensive display that A draw in Wales extended and we will be trying to do the Liverpool manager Jurgen points, while victory will move Wenger has offered clues that almost cost them against Palace’s unbeaten run to eight best for our club. Klopp had made four changes them level on points with Tot- Jack Wilshere will be handed a Liverpool. games and midfielder Luka “It won’t be easy having the from the side that drew 3-3 tenham in fifth. new deal. Palace have hardly been pro- Milivojevic said: “After the first three games in a short space of against Arsenal. The season will produce The England midfielder has lific scorers but Wilfried Zaha seven games we hadn’t taken time but we know what we Joel Matip and Alexander- many more twists and turns, but forced his way back into has been showing the kind of any points or scored a goal but have to do and we will be ready Arnold came into the defence, heading into the second half of Wenger’s line-up after another form that has seen the Ivory now we find ourselves in a for it.” while Georginio Wijnaldum and Oxlade-Chamberlain both started in midfield. It did not take Liverpool long to assert their authority against the Premier League’s bottom Chelsea still have plenty to achieve: Conte club. The tireless Firmino dispos- sessed Jordan Ayew in midfield London midfielder with a move to and rolled the ball into the path AFP Chelsea. of Mohamed Salah who in turn “I must be honest, it’s not fed Coutinho just outside the ntonio Conte insists the right to talk about a player of penalty area. battle for a top four finish another team,” he said. Coutinho, restored to an Ais providing Chelsea with “Especially if you try to link advanced role in Liverpool’s all the motivation they need, this player with us. Arturo is a attacking triumvirate, cut inside even if Premier League leaders fantastic player, I have a great onto his right foot and curled a Manchester City out of reach. respect for Arturo, and we sumptuous shot into the top Conte’s side recovered from spent many years in Juventus right corner of the net, which the disappointment of a pre- together. I’d always want him Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Christmas draw at Everton by with me.” Fabianski could only stand and beating Brighton 2-0 on Tues- Brighton manager Chris admire. Liverpool goalkeeper day to move within a point of Hughton also responded to Simon Mignolet, who retained second-placed Manchester reports claiming Albion have his place despite a high-profile United. agreed a fee for Celtic striker blunder against Arsenal, was With City on a record-break- Moussa Dembele. called into action shortly after- ing run of victories, Blues boss “I’ve heard reports. As man- wards. A deep cross picked out Conte admits there appears to ager of this football club, I’m Ayew at the back post and the be little chance of closing the quite sure I’d know. There’s been Swansea striker’s header gap. Chelsea’s defender Marcos Alonso no contact between the two brought a smart save out of the But the Italian insisted last celebrates with team-mate Alvaro clubs,” he said. Belgium international. season’s champions are still Morata after scoring their second goal Albion remain close to mid- With the atmosphere at motivated. during the English Premier League table our a solid run following Anfield flat and Swansea happy “I think in this league there match against Brighton at Stamford last season’s promotion and to pack men behind the ball, the is a great motivation for all. To Bridge in London on Tuesday. Hughton added: “I want them to remainder of the first half lacked try, I repeat, to stay there and to feel proud of where we are and any real intensity. Liverpool fight until the end,” he said. what we’ve achieved so far, but continued to pose the greater “I don’t know if it will win “There are four places for six top competition and be very proud goals up to now, for a wing-back, frustrated because we could threat with Emre Can, Oxlade- the title. It depends upon Man- teams. Last season, Manchester to play every game.” is a great achievement. have done better. Chamberlain and Firmino all chester City. They are doing United and Arsenal finished fifth Alvaro Morata headed Chel- “But it’s important to con- “Would we have been trying their luck from distance something extraordinary to win and sixth, no? sea ahead immediately after tinue. Not to stop scoring. We happy at the start of the season to no avail. every game and draw only once “There is this great motiva- half-time and Marcos Alonso need this alternative from our to be in the position we are in The Reds squandered a up to now. That means you’re tion for me, for the players, and added the second on the hour at strikers.” now? The answer would be yes. golden chance to add to their having a fantastic run. we want to try and improve. Stamford Bridge. Conte wants to strengthen But we could have done advantage on the stroke of half- “Otherwise, Chelsea, United, “Our start wasn’t easy this “Today it was positive to his squad in January and better. time when Salah nabbed the ball Tottenham, Arsenal and Liver- season, for many reasons. But we score for Alvaro,” said Conte. expressed his admiration for “If anything, in the second in midfield and put Firmino pool would be staying there to want to work and improve. “He’s our No9. Against Everton, Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo half of the season, it won’t get through on goal, only for the Liv- fight. We fight for a place in the There are many competitions. he didn’t play. Vidal after being questioned any easier. It will get harder, if erpool forward to drag his shot Champions League next season. “It’s important to face every “Also Alonso, to score five about reports linking the Chile anything.” wide. Celtic in great shape for Old Firm derby: Rodgers

Glasgow strikes from James Forrest and looking strong as they prepare “This was the type of game perhaps unfortunate not to get Scottish Premiership’s three- AFP Leigh Griffiths, with nearest chal- to host rivals Rangers at Celtic that you need to have a hunger one or two more goals. week winter break begins. lengers Aberdeen not scheduled Park on Saturday. to go and win in the midst of a “It could have been more And Rodgers says victory eltic manager Brendan to play Partick Thistle until “I think we’re looking pretty very busy schedule.” comfortable but it was very good would see Celtic end a remark- Rodgers says his side are Wednesday. good,” said the Celtic boss. Rodgers said the second half defensively and attacking-wise able year -- in which they won Cin great shape after they The Scottish champions have “We’re looking fit, strong and of the match had been a test for I was really pleased. the league and Scottish Cup as warmed up for Saturday’s Old now won three in a row since focused, which is important -- his team after they recently drew “We will recover now. It was well as retaining the League Cup Firm derby with a comfortable their record-breaking unbeaten especially at this time of the year 2-2 with Hibernian even though a very important three points for -- on a high. 2-0 defeat of Dundee at Dens run was halted by Hearts while when there are so many games. they had been 2-0 up. us and we’ll get ready for what “What is great about these Park. managing to keep clean sheets “We’re ticking them off and “I thought our two goals will be a really good game at the players of mine is the consist- The Hoops moved 11 points in three successive league games we take each performance as it were outstanding in terms of weekend.” ency of their motivation,” the clear at the top of the Scottish for the first time this season. comes. This was an excellent how we work, how we play and Rivals Rangers are the visi- former Liverpool manager Premiership thanks to first-half Rodgers says his side are performance, I thought. move the ball, and they were tors in the final game before the said. THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 27

Mutko steps Six-way battle for semi-finals down as World Cup organising committee chief excites top coach Verbeek Moscow AFP

Gulf Cup ussian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko, Defending champions Rwho was banned for Qatar, Russia-bound life from the Olympic Games Saudi Arabia, UAE, You can see that this month over doping, said Oman, Bahrain and six teams are trying yesterday that he is stepping Iraq will be battling to down as chairman of the 2018 reach the last-four to go to the World Cup organising stage in next two days semifinals. That’s committee. exciting: Verbeek “(Organising committee Oman take on Saudi director Alexei) Sorokin will Arabia while UAE will be the chairman,” Mutko was quoted by Russian agencies aim for points against find their weak points. We will as saying, two days after sus- Kuwait in today’s two be ready tomorrow. pending his role as president Group A matches. “It is a big match tomorrow. of the Russian Football Union. We know what to expect. It will “He is the head of the Rizwan Rehmat be a difficult match and if we win organising committee start- Kuwait City/The Peninsula we can be in the semifinals. We ing today,” he said. have to score more goals than Sorokin, 45, had served as man’s veteran Dutch our opponent to win. We have the executive director of the coach Peter Tim to be at our best to beat Saudi Russian Football Union Verbeek is excited Arabia,” Verbeek said. between 2008 and 2010 and at the prospect of “I suppose all you need is one has overseen Russia’s World six teams still aim- goal to win. You don’t have to Cup bid since 2009. Oing to secure semi-final berths Oman coach Peter Tim Verbeek speaking on the eve of their Gulf Cup match against Saudi win 4-0 or 5-0. Defensively we “He will interact with at the fiercely contested Gulf Arabia in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Picture: Hussein Sayed are okay. Secondly we can cre- FIFA. I will concentrate on Cup. ate chances to score up front. work in the government,” Hosts Kuwait and Yemen, Hopefully we will have our Mutko said. “There is still a lot who have lost both their former Australian coach, feels game is the most important play 4-3-3. That’s the difference. chances tomorrow. I guess in of work but I am absolutely matches, have already been Gulf Cup teams are giving noth- match.” Verbeek said teams with It will be interesting how they such matches you also can wait sure that everything will be knocked out of the eight-team ing away in terms of planning fresh legs are likely to make the (Saudi Arabia) play against us,” for those moments and then try prepared in time. tournament but defending and tactics. difference in the last four Verbeek said. “For sure they to score when you get the “We expect that on May champions Qatar, World Cup- “In reality you can see that matches of the first stage of the have seen us play in this tourna- chance,” Verbeek added. 30 we will meet all the obli- bound Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, six teams are trying to go to the tournament. ment. We’ll find out tomorrow. “One goal in 90 minutes is gations that the government Bahrain and Iraq will be battling semifinals. That’s exciting,” Ver- “For all teams it will be their We will come prepared. We are enough. gave FIFA.” to reach the last-four stage in the beek said ahead of his team’s third match in a short period of not looking at the Saudis. We “We know the target tomor- FIFA said in an emailed next two days. do-or-die clash against Saudi time. So players will be tired don’t care what they do or how row. First of all we have to create statement that it will work Today, Verbeek’s Omani side Arabia. compared to how they were in they play. We look at ourselves. chances to score. We can be bet- with Sorokin “with the aim to take on Saudi Arabia while UAE “There’s not much difference the first games,” he said. My players are good. They have ter. The age and experience of deliver an exceptional event will aim for points against among the teams. Every team Verbeek said his team has no been disciplined. my players means they we can in June and July”. Kuwait in two Group A matches. can beat each other. The teams option but to play for a win. “I think they (Saudis) will do a good job tomorrow. We still “FIFA thanks Mr. Mutko Tomorrow, Qatar play Bahrain with key players could decide “There’s only one thing to do adapt. They will defend. So we have to improve. We are doing for his invaluable contribu- while Iraq take on Yemen in who goes through,” the Dutch- and that is to win. Every team is have to find spaces in their well but if we have to win games tion to the preparations for Group B fixtures. man added. playing differently. Emirates play defense. They are used to play- like tomorrow, we have to step the competition so far,” it Verbeek, the 61-year-old “But in football only the next 3-4-3. Kuwait play 4-4-2 and we ing such games. It’s my job is to up,” Verbeek said. said. Djokovic determined to Qatar Basketball League learn from injury misery

Abu Dhabi ride for me for a year and a half with tralian Open crown. AFP this issue. I’ve never had surgery in Having added mercurial former my life, I’ve never had any major tour player Radek Stepanek to a ormer world number one injuries that kept me away from the coaching team spearheaded by Novak Djokovic admitted Tues- tour for such a long time,” Djokovic Andre Agassi, Djokovic only started Fday his six-month absence from told Sport360 in Abu Dhabi. hitting again in Monaco four weeks tennis has taught him never to take “I never missed a Grand Slam in ago. “I’ve learned a lesson because I his career for granted, describing his my career. It was a big decision, a big really want to avoid getting to that injury agony as a “roller-coaster call to make. I couldn’t play anymore, stage of an injury ever in my career ride”. there was no choice. It was like, that’s after this,” Djokovic added. The 30-year-old Serb has not it, you can’t lift your arm.” “And it was a great lesson to learn played since Wimbledon in July Djokovic will return to the court to be honest. It was not easy for me when a long-standing elbow injury in Abu Dhabi at the pre-season to be absent for so long. forced him to shut down his 2017 Mubadala World Championship “I can’t wait to get back on the season. which runs from December 28-30. competition level but it was a great As a consequence, the 12-time He is then due to kick-off his experience for me to have. And it was major winner saw his world ranking competitive season as top seed at the a somewhat necessary experience slip to 12, his lowest place in 10 years. Qatar Open next week before because I got maybe too comforta- “It’s been a real roller-coaster launching a bid for a seventh Aus- ble with not having major injuries.” Al Arabi’s Christian Casas (left) is challenged by an Al Ahli player during the Qatar Basketball Federation men’s league at Al Gharafa SC yesterday. Bottom: William Earl (left) of Al Arabi blocking Al Ahli’s Abdulrahman Ibrahim. Al Arabi won 89-63. Pictures: Baher Amin/The Peninsula

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses with the 2017 ExxonMobil Qatar Open trophy at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex in Doha in this file photo.