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Thursday, June 14, 2018 FOOTBALL Ramadan 29, 1439 AH US, Mexico and GULF TIMES Canada win race to host 2026 World Cup SPORT Page 2

PREVIEW RUS vs KSA 6PM Hosts have point to prove in World Cup opener Two lowest-ranked teams of the tournament will face off at as the football extravaganza begins today

AFP achieved big results in recent times,” Cheryshev is back in the squad after Putin said. more than two years out. Key stats “But we very much expect — all Saudi Arabia are returning to the fans and lovers of football in Russia — global showpiece for the fi rst time ost nation Russia are un- expect the team to play with dignity, since 2006, prompting the country’s Hosts Russia enter the World der enormous pressure to for them to show modern, interesting sports authority to strike a pact to Cup as the lowest-ranked of the perform as they head into football, and to fi ght until the end.” send players on loan to Spain to gain 32 teams participating in the today’s World Cup curtain- Cherchesov promised that every- experience at the top level. tournament as they sit 70th in raiserH against Saudi Arabia in a con- thing will look diff erent should Rus- Fahad al-Muwallad, whose the FIFA rankings while Saudi test between the two lowest-ranked sia manage to beat Saudi Arabia. goal against Japan last September Arabia are three spots above in nations in the tournament. “The fi rst game will be the most clinched qualifi cation, was one of 67th. ’s side important one because it will leave its nine players involved in the agree- Russia last progressed past will walk out onto the pitch at the stamp on the entire campaign,” the ment but it was derided as a “fi asco”. the World Cup group stage in 80,000-capacity Luzhniki stadium, 54-year-old said. Muwallad, who was on loan at Le- 1986, when they were part of the the historic crucible of Russian sport, “Every player knows that he repre- vante, and winger Salem al-Dawsari, national team, while ranked a lowly 70th in the world, sents his country and will give every- at , only played for a few Saudi Arabia’s sole appearance three spots below Group A rivals thing he has for the win.” minutes at the end of the season. in the last-16 came in 1994. Since Saudi Arabia, and without a victory , Russia’s most rec- Attacking midfi elder Yahia al- then they have lost seven and in eight months. ognisable player and fi rst-choice Sheri, who went to Leganes, never drawn two of their matches in A 1-1 draw in Moscow with Turkey goalkeeper for more than a decade, played in a match. three World Cups. last week made former national team admits his teammates must take the Russia’s Igor Akinfeev takes part in a training session at Luzhniki Stadium in Mohamed al-Sahlawi, who had Saudi Arabia won two warm- goalkeeper Cherchesov the fi rst Rus- game to the opposition. Moscow yesterday. (Reuters) a three-week spell training with up matches before losing three in sian or Soviet manager to go winless “The team have to come out Manchester United, bagged a stag- a row, the last being a 2-1 defeat in seven consecutive games, four of and play,” Akinfeev said after a 1-0 matches without keeping a clean INJURY LIST gering 16 goals in qualifying, but the by World Cup holders Germany. those ending in defeat. friendly loss to Austria last month in sheet over an 11-year span, speaks Zenit St Petersburg striker Alexander 31-year-old arrives at the fi nals stuck Russia last won an interna- Russia has spent more than $13bn which Russia managed no shots on volumes about the home team’s Kokorin was lost to a serious knee in- in a nine-game scoring drought. tional match in October 2017, on preparations for the big event, target. “If they do not, the score is not chances. jury in March, adding to the absence “We are ready, we are not afraid,” when they beat 4-2 and President Vladimir Putin called going to change.” Russia have never made the knock- of defenders and Saudi told a in a friendly. on the team to pull themselves to- Akinfeev, the Russian , out stage of a World Cup as an inde- . news conference. gether as they look to progress from has played more games for club and pendent nation and are desperate to Krasnodar forward “We are planning on being the pro- PREVIOUS MEETINGS: The a section also featuring Uruguay and country than Soviet goalkeeping leg- make amends this summer. and , loaned out to Ar- tagonists and we will try to control teams have played each other Egypt. ends and Rinat Dasayev. Only South Africa, in 2010, have senal Tula in January after falling out (Russia’s) virtues, which are many. once before — in a friendly in “As far as the team are concerned, But the team’s reliance on the fallen at the group stage as hosts but with ex-Zenit coach Roberto Man- Our goal is to beat Russia. We want 1993, with Saudi Arabia winning I must acknowledge the fact that, 32-year-old, who infamously went poor form combined with a series of cini, will spearhead the attack, while to measure ourselves against the best 4-2. unfortunately, our team have not a staggering 43 Champions League injuries have left Russia in disarray. former Real winger Denis teams in the world.”

Russia’s players take part in a training session at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow yesterday. (AFP)

SHOCK Lopetegui sacked by Spain on eve of tournament

AFP dismay at the timing of events that never tasted defeat in his 20 games in month. tonishing developments of the past two Krasnodar, Russia threaten to derail Spain’s World Cup charge as Spain boss. However, according to reports in the days could have a devastating aff ect on chances. Spain are due to face European Spanish media, the players tried to in- their chances. “The national team is the team for all champions Portugal in Sochi tomorrow tervene at the last minute to prevent Lopetegui had a short playing career pain dramatically sacked coach Spaniards and there are some decisions before taking on Iran and Morocco in Rubiales sacking Lopetegui. at both Madrid and Barcelona as a re- yesterday and we feel obliged to take to protect some Group B. “I have spoken with the players and serve goalkeeper. appointed federation sporting values,” said Rubiales. what I can guarantee is that the players However, his coaching career had director Fernando Hierro — just “Negotiating is legitimate but it took PLAYERS SUPPORT will do everything in their power, along been far from distinguished before be- twoS days before the team’s opening place without the RFEF being informed There were fears Lopetegui’s appoint- with the new technical team to take the ing handed the role as Spain coach af- game at the World Cup. until fi ve minutes before a press state- ment by the European champions could team as far as possible,” said Rubiales. ter a last-16 exit at Euro 2016 brought In a surprise announcement on ment was released. There has to be open up old divisions between the Real Spain and Real Madrid captain Sergio ’s eight-year reign Tuesday, Real Madrid appointed Lo- a message for all workers in the fed- Madrid and Barcelona factions in the Ramos appealed for unity between the to an end. petegui as ’s succes- eration that there is a right way to do Spain squad. fans and players. After short spells at sor to take over after the tournament things.” For the fi rst time since 2006, there “We are the national team. We rep- and with Madrid’s youth team Real in Russia, sparking outrage at the fed- Spain later named former Madrid are more players from Madrid in a resent a badge, colours, a fanbase, a Madrid Castilla, Lopetegui enjoyed a eration and among Spanish fans at the captain Hierro as the coach for the The 50-year-old Hierro’s only real Spanish squad for a major tournament, country. The responsibility and com- successful time with Spain’s under-19s timing of the announcement. tournament in Russia. coaching experience came when he was with a six-strong Real contingent and mitment are with and for you. Yester- and under-21s. At a severely delayed press confer- “Fernando Hierro will assume in charge of second division Spanish just Gerard Pique, and Sergio day, today and tomorrow, together,” He then spent 18 months in charge of ence at Spain’s World Cup base in coaching responsibilities at the World outfi t for one season. Busquets from Barca, as well as Barce- tweeted Ramos. Porto but was sacked after exiting the Krasnodar, Spanish football federation Cup in Russia,” the Spanish football Lopetegui had signed a contract ex- lona legend Andres Iniesta, who ended La Roja were among the favourites to Champions League at the group stage (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales expressed federation announced. tension until 2020 just last month and his 16-year career at the Camp Nou last lift the trophy this summer but the as- in his second season. Iceland, with a population of 350,000, will be the smallest country to ever participate in a World Cup 2 Gulf Times Thursday, June 14, 2018

FUTURE SPOTLIGHT Failure to US, Mexico, Canada get united The North American African vote win race to host bid receives 134 votes out of 203, while proves costly Morocco 2026 World Cup polled 65 for Morocco Reuters ing for the joint North American AFP Moscow bid. Moscow Their governments support the Polisario liberation move- orocco’s hopes of ment, who oppose the Moroccan he , Mexico and hosting the 2026 occupation, and recognise the Canada will host the 2026 World World Cup found- exiled government of the self- Cup after a clear victory over ered on the failure to proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Demo- underdogs Morocco in a vote by Msecure a united African vote as cratic Republic. TFIFA member nations yesterday. the country lost in its fi fth at- The other African defectors The joint North American bid received tempt to stage the global event, were Benin, Botswana, the Cape 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco the north African country’s bid Verde Islands, Lesotho, Liberia, polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress team said yesterday. Namibia and Sierra Leone and, held in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 Eleven African countries voted although mathematically their World Cup. for the joint North American bid loss was not decisive, the pros- It means global football’s showpiece of the US, Canada and Mexico, pect of a failure to get Africa event will return to the North American who will host the 2026 fi nals af- solidly behind Morocco’s bid did continent for the fi rst time since 1994 ter a 134 to 65 vote triumph in a damage its cause, offi cials added. when the United States hosted the tour- poll of FIFA member associations The defections will also come nament. at the Congress of world soccer’s as a blow to Confederation of Af- Bid leader Carlos Cordeiro said his governing body. rican Football president Ahmad, team was “humbled by the trust our col- “We were very hopeful but, who had promised Morocco a leagues in the FIFA family have put in our at the end of the day, if you lose united front and travelled exten- bid”. a certain number of votes from sively in recent weeks to try to fi x He said the tournament had an oppor- your own continent, and from emerging cracks. tunity to put football “on a new and sus- some of our Arab brothers, who Saudi Arabia also surprisingly tainable path for generations to come.” fl ipped coins, then you have no voted for the North American It will be the fi rst World Cup to be ex- chance,” said Morocco bid am- bid but Morocco did garner sup- panded to 48 teams, posing an enormous bassador . port from Brazil, France and Italy, logistical challenge for the hosts, one of The former Nigeria interna- while Cuba and Spain abstained the issues that is thought to have under- tional striker had earlier made and Iran registered a vote for mined the Moroccan bid. an impassioned plea to the Con- ‘neither bid’. US President Donald Trump tweeted: gress to back a bid for another North Korea voted for Moroc- “The US, together with Mexico and Can- World Cup in Africa after South co despite the positive summit ada, just got the World Cup. Congratula- Africa hosted the 2010 tourna- in Singapore this week between tions — a great deal of hard work!” ment. US President Donald Trump and The North American bid had been FIFA president (right) poses with the United 2026 bid (Canada-Mexico-US) off icials, including United States Football Joseph-Antoine Bell, the ex- North Korean leader Kim Jong- deeply concerned by Trump’s threat dur- Association president Carlos Cordeiro (third from right), Mexican Football Association president Decio de Maria Serrano (third from Cameroon goalkeeper who was un. ing the bidding process that nations that left) and Canadian Soccer Association president Steve Reed (second from right), following the announcement of the 2026 World another of the high profi le play- “The margin of victory was did not support it should not expect US Cup host during the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow yesterday. (AFP) ers who had lobbied over the last a surprise but the US made a support on other issues. few months for the Moroccan good bid and they looked to work Bid leaders were worried the FIFA vote bid, added: harder in the hotel lobbies, we could essentially become a referendum “FIFA’s decision is an “Good news this morning: The FIFA president “We are very disappointed for didn’t see much of Morocco,” on Trump. acknowledgement to the three 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming Infantino to run for two reasons: fi rst we thought added Dutch Football Asso- That prompted Cordeiro to plead ahead countries. Mexico is a great host. to Canada, the US and Mexico. re-election in 2019 Morocco on a sporting basis ciation president Michael van of the ballot to make their decision on the Above all, Mexicans are a Congratulations to everyone had the better candidature even Praag, who voted for the north merits of the bid, “not geopolitics”. against a much larger set of Africans. hospitable and warm people, who who worked hard on this bid — Reuters FIFA President Gianni Infantino was Moscow countries; and secondly because US Soccer president Carlos believed to have strongly backed North enjoy sharing their traditions, it’s going to be a great the African countries that voted Cordeiro added: “We had a clear America behind the scenes because the cuisine and love for life.” tournament!” against us are not fi ghting for our path to victory which involved trio of countries involved supported him — Mexican President Enrique — Canadian Prime Minister IFA President Gianni Infantino emancipation.” garnering support from all con- in 2016 when he took over after the cor- Pena Nieto Justin Trudeau tweeted said yesterday he will run for The issue of Western Sahara, federations, including, I might ruption-tainted reign of . Fre-election as head of soccer’s the former Spanish colony which add, Africa. global governing body. Morocco annexed in 1975, led to “We feel good today with the CLEAR CHOICE ing it just 2.7 out of fi ve in an evaluation team failed to qualify for 2018 in a huge Speaking at the FIFA Congress in the likes of South Africa, Guinea, result, some (votes) came our Delegates had been faced with a clear report, with concerns raised over several setback for the game there. Moscow on the eve of the World Mozambique and Zimbabwe vot- way in the last 72 hours.” choice in the 2026 vote. critical aspects. It will also be celebrated in football- Cup, the Swiss-Italian said he would The joint North American bid boasted They warned “the amount of new in- crazy Mexico, which hosted the World present his candidacy for elections modern, established stadiums and well- frastructure required for the Morocco Cup in 1970 and in 1986 — the tourna- taking place in Paris in June 2019. developed transport links underpinned 2026 bid to become reality cannot be ment remembered for Diego Maradona’s Infantino was elected to the post in by Mexican football fervour. overstated”. “Hand of God” goal. February 2016. Morocco, on the other hand, prom- The report made the US-Canada- But the result was a bitter blow for Mo- “I want another four years of it ised a “European” World Cup in Africa, Mexico bid the clear favourite after rating rocco after a fi fth failed bid. In 2010 it lost because I believe in what I do,” playing on its proximity to Europe and it four out of fi ve, and Morocco was to South Africa, which became the Infantino said after the congress. “I an appeal to take the tournament back to able to bridge the gap. fi rst African host. believe in what I can do for FIFA and the African continent for just the second Morocco was quick to congratulate the for football.” time. $11BN PROFIT PLEDGE winner, tweeting “#Maroc2026 congrat- Infantino said his tenure had seen But compared to North America, Mo- The 1994 World Cup in the United States ulates @United2026 on their victory.” a significant improvement in the rocco’s bid existed largely on paper — set an attendance record that still stands, The Moroccan bid had enlisted the organisation’s finances. many stadiums and roads would have had with nearly 3.6mn spectators for only 52 support of the British communications “I feel as well a lot of support from to have been built and critics questioned matches. agency that helped London and Paris land many around the world who want to how it would have coped with an expand- That suggests that North American bid the 2012 and 2024 Olympics. see a strong FIFA, who want to see ed tournament. leaders’ promises to deliver a record $11bn France, in particular, lobbied behind a FIFA who is present, a FIFA who is FIFA inspectors classifi ed the north profi t for the 2026 tournament are feasible. the scenes for French-speaking Morocco helping to address their issues about Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa (centre) African nation’s stadiums, accommoda- The decision will be a shot in the arm and the bid had the support of most Af- football development,” he added. attends the presentation of the Morocco 2026 bid during the 68th tion and transport as “high risk”, award- for football in the US, after the national rican nations. FIFA Congress in Moscow yesterday. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE No hiding place as video review system makes World Cup bow

Reuters Others suggest it brings only confu- Australia’s Matthew Jurman is used Kazan, Russia sion where it should bring clarity and to VAR from his club football in the some question the technology itself, K-League and will be highly aware of pointing to some embarrassing failures the all-seeing eye of the camera if he is f the strongest advocates of Video in leagues around the world which were handed the task of shackling France’s Assistant Referees are to be be- early adopters. attack in Kazan on Saturday. lieved, World Cup football will One such was this year’s A-League “These days you can’t do much with- never be the same again after the fi nal between Melbourne City and the out everybody seeing it,” the centre half ITV review system makes its debut at Newcastle Jets, when the Australian ti- said yesterday. the fi nals today. tle was decided by a single goal despite “So you have obviously to be smart With this one innovation, they be- three City players being off side in the about defending, especially around the lieve, contentious refereeing decisions run-up to it. box.” will be a thing of the past, wrongs will Football Federation Australia (FFA) Despite VAR’s World Cup debut, the be righted and the prospering of cheats later conceded the VAR had been un- battle over its future in the game is not brought to an end. able to review the footage from the yet won and a high-profi le failure in Had VAR been around, goes the relevant camera because of a software Russia could be fatal to the cause. thinking, German keeper Toni Schu- glitch. For players such as Australia mid- macher’s assault on France’s Patrick FIFA, while accepting the technol- fi elder Jackson Irvine, such considera- Battiston in 1982 would have been ogy is not yet perfect, believe it has tions are well above their pay grade. properly punished, while Diego Ma- this eventuality covered by the sheer “It’s one of those things we don’t radona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986 number of feeds the VAR and his assist- have control of,” he said. would have led only to a direct free ants will have at their disposal in their “Hopefully, it’s going to make sure kick. Moscow bunker — some 37 during the the big decisions are clear and decisive For the opponents of the use of tech- knockout stages. with no issues.” nology, video reviews, particularly of And whatever the fl aws of the sys- goals, interrupt the natural rhythm of tem, the possibility of a retrospective FIFA Chairman of Referees Committee the game as tension builds before being red card for an incident missed in real Pierluigi Collina gestures during a news released when the ball hits the back of time by the referee is certainly going to conference ahead of the 2018 World the net. concentrate the minds of defenders. Cup in Moscow on Tuesday. (Reuters) Four-time champions Italy won’t be at a World Cup for the fi rst time in 60 years 3 Gulf Times Thursday, June 14, 2018

FOCUS Russia has 145mn people and likes football, so why are the team so poor? Lack of planning, football education mean hosts are lowest-ranked team in WC and with a 38-year-old at centre-back

By Michael Yokhin right help to develop. Dynamo Moscow. left without decent successors when The Guardian The core of the problem is not No club outside of Russia would the trio of veterans retired from the fi nancial. A lot of money has been have paid Kokorin even a third of that, international game in 2016. poured into Russian football in recent thus there was no chance of him mov- Stanislav Cherchesov, the Russia leksandr Golovin was born times, especially since the country ing abroad. He did not feel the need to coach, was forced to use the inexperi- in the small Siberian town was awarded this World Cup in 2010, improve in the Russian league either, enced Georgi Dzhikiya, the unconvinc- of Kaltan. Most of its 22,000 but it was not spent wisely. Instead of and seemed to concentrate on fi nding ing converted left-back Fyodor Kudr- residents work in the mining investing in academies, youth coaching ways to waste his wealth. When reports yashov and the error-prone Viktor industry,A his fi rst coach lost his hand and quality training pitches, includ- of Kokorin and his teammate Pavel Vasin, who waited for his chance on the in a mining accident and the only ing indoor facilities, it was wasted on Mamaev spending €250,000 on cham- CSKA bench until the age of 28 – but full-size football pitch is in a terrible expensive foreigners, agents’ fees and pagne in Monte Carlo after the national even that emergency plan was ruined condition even in the summer, not to disproportionate salaries. As a result, team were eliminated from Euro 2016 when Vasin and Dzhikiya tore knee mention the freezing winters. few Russian players regularly per- reached the home, fans easily believed ligaments earlier this year. Ignashevich Slightly built and a bit shy but formed at a decent level, while those them, even though the duo claimed the has came out of retirement for the determined and dedicated in the who did largely lost all motivation to numbers were exaggerated. World Cup but the fact he is by far the extreme, the midfi elder was spotted improve because they were spoiled. Kokorin and Mamaev are not alone. best solution speaks volumes about by CSKA Moscow scouts at the age of It is quite curious to compare the was considered one of Russia’s disastrous preparations. 16. Nurtured carefully by the coach current situation to that of the early the brightest teenage talents in the The irony is there must be thousands Leonid Slutsky, he was promoted to 1990s, after the Soviet Union broke world a decade ago but the mid- of potentially top-class, physically CSKA’s fi rst-team squad in 2015, made up. At the time Russian football was fi elder chose to stay at CSKA and his strong centre-backs in Siberian towns exceptional progress and played for in a disastrous state economically and development had gradually stalled. such as Kaltan. The Russian game is the national team at Euro 2016, albeit players dreamed of moving to western , also born in 1990, showed just unable to fi nd them, teach them, slightly out of position. By the time Europe. The most talented found remarkable potential in his youth but give them opportunities at the required of the Confederations Cup in 2017, themselves in the top leagues, such lost his way completely and was not level and send them out to get some Golovin was absolutely integral to the as Igor Shalimov and Igor Kolyvanov considered for the World Cup squad. experience in the top leagues. Thus side, frequently linked with a move to in Serie A, in the Both were 20 when Russia was award- those would-be footballers work in the clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea. In , Valery Karpin, Ale- ed the tournament. Ideally they should mines instead, while Iceland – with 2018 he is seen as Russia’s main source ksandr Mostovoi and , who will turn 39 during the World Cup, had retired from be world-class stars by now, hop- a population of nearly 340,000 – is of creativity – at the age of 22. in , and Sergei Kiryakov in the international football but is now likely to start at centre-back. ing to lead the national team to glory expected to have a much better World If only Russia could tell a few more . but, while they are far from blameless Cup. stories like Golovin’s, they would have Others went to earn their living in , Roman Pavly- sian Premier League at the beginning themselves, the system contributed to The reason is obvious. Iceland were been a major force when staging the lesser leagues such as . Their uchenko and were of the decade, the salaries of homeg- their downfall. minnows until starting a magnifi cent World Cup on home soil. In a vast places in the Russian league were taken desperate to prove their worth outside rown players increased dramatically A lack of planning is evident in every long-term project at the beginning country of nearly 145 million people, by up-and-coming youngsters and, of Russia. In their era salaries at Zenit as well. In order to prevent clubs from department of the national team. Take of the , based on training where football is the most popular while the level of football was not that St Petersburg and Spartak Moscow fi elding only foreigners, the Russian FA central defence. Everyone knew that youngsters, promoting youth coaches sport despite fi erce competition from great, they enjoyed a lot of opportuni- were already quite high but that did imposed a quota on non-Russian play- Sergei Ignashevich would celebrate and building facilities that allow year- ice hockey, there must be many similar ties to develop. not stop them. In fact they were ready ers allowed for each game. his 39th birthday during the World round playing. Russia invested their talents waiting to be unearthed. But Thus the generation of the 2000s to earn less in order to play at a better Consequently the price of the most Cup, and the Berezutsky twins would money in buying and building a their chances of catching anyone’s grew up witnessing the international level. Times change, though, and the talented Russians went up even fur- turn 36. Nevertheless, even the limit white elephant of a stadium in attention are close to zero, while those success of Russian players and wanted current generation is diff erent. ther, the best example being the prom- on foreign players did not help. Apart instead. They are, quite simply, the who do miraculously make it into to follow in their footsteps. That is why With names such as Samuel Eto’o, ising yet unproven striker Aleksandr from CSKA, all the top clubs still used exact opposite of Iceland, and that is professional football do not receive the players including , Hulk and lured to the Rus- Kokorin who earned €5mn a year at foreign centre-backs and Russia were their tragedy.

SUPPORT SPOTLIGHT ‘Jealous’ Allardyce still hurting Cool Southgate keeping it as Southgate leads England

Reuters calm for England: Dier London ormer England man- AFP ager believes he should still be leading the national teamF and says he is “extremely ngland trained for the fi rst time in jealous” as his replacement Russia yesterday, with midfi elder Eric heads to the Dier praising coach Gareth South- World Cup in Russia. gate’s ability to shield his players from Allardyce became England theE hothouse World Cup atmosphere. manager in July 2016 but was A day after touching down in Saint Peters- sacked by the FA after 67 days burg, England held an open training session for behaving “inappropriately” in nearby Zelenogorsk watched by hundreds when caught up in a newspaper of excited young fans. sting. Harry Kane was presented with a trophy by The 63-year-old, who was women in traditional local dress while an an- fi lmed allegedly off ering ad- nouncer introduced players one by one to the vice on how to “get around” FA he added. “I’ve bounced back now — squealing Russian children. transfer rules, has told the BBC “...If a bit more time was tak- and while I will be extremely It made for a relaxed and cheerful at- in a documentary to air later this en, a bit more patience, I believe jealous I will be watching Ga- mosphere, contrasting with the sometimes week that the decision to sack I should still be the England reth and the lads and hope they fraught build-up to the tournament, particu- him was made “very hastily”. manager.” do extremely well,” he said. larly recent controversy involving Raheem “Jealous is what I feel. Mas- Southgate led England to the England begin their World Sterling. sively disappointed. That top of their World Cup quali- Cup campaign against Group G Sterling was criticised for having a tattoo of should be me there. Unfortu- fying group unbeaten and Al- opponents Tunisia on Monday, a gun inked on his leg but Southgate respond- nately because of the circum- lardyce gave his successor his before taking on Panama and ed by starting the midfi elder in a friendly win stances that wasn’t the case,” full support. Belgium. over Nigeria. England coach Gareth Southgate (second from left) and striker Harry Kane (left) get welcome The manager’s loyalty amid the sometimes gifts before a training session in Zelenogorsk yesterday. (Below) England’s Eric Dier. feverish atmosphere generated by England’s media and public expectations has not gone only succumbed to a late goal in a friendly England stars given security briefi ng unnoticed. against Spain on Saturday, after holding Por- “I think just the way he has carried himself, tugal to a 2-2 draw a fortnight ago. AFP cyclist Bradley Wiggins, and Players including England I think that rubs off on the players,” Dier said. “We know they’ll be a good team,” Hend- London the English Football Associa- captain Harry Kane were also “It’s his calmness, the way he handles situ- erson said. “If you look at the game they just tion called in the experts in told how to hide their belong- ations within the group and diffi cult situa- played against Spain, and Portugal as well, a bid to avoid any World Cup ings in their hotel rooms, tions that always occur before tournaments. they’ve played well. It’ll be a tough game but ngland’s World Cup security breaches. while English fans travelling to “I think the squad really appreciate that one that we’ve got to be ready for.” stars have been given According to a Daily Mail Russia got a security warning and we have massive respect for the way he A notable absentee from England train- Ea briefing by security report, protective software of their own. does it.” ing on Wednesday was Marcus Rashford, experts on how to stay safe has been added to the team’s “The NCSC is providing expert Southgate has indicated Dier will be fi ght- with the Manchester United striker nursing a from hackers during the tour- mobile phones and devices cyber security advice to the ing with Jordan Henderson for a spot in cen- would be amazing, but it’s the manager’s de- knock to his knee. nament in Russia. which will only be removed on Football Association ahead of tral midfi eld when England open up against cision.” “He’s not too bad I don’t think,” Henderson Gareth Southgate’s play- their return to England. their departure to Russia for Tunisia in Group G on Monday. Rather than fretting, England have been said. “We’ve still got fi ve days before the fi rst ers and his coaching staff During the recent seminar at the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” an Neither player, however, showed any sign entertaining themselves playing table tennis, game so it’s just a little bit of a precaution for received advice from GCHQ’s the FA’s headquarters in St NCSC spokesperson said. of tension. with Henderson claiming he is the currently him to make sure he’s OK.” National Cyber Security Cen- George’s Park, England’s play- “A recent NCSC blog high- the man to beat. Dier also emerged with heavy strapping tre (NCSC) on how to protect ers — who arrived in Russia on lighted advice for fans using RELAXED CAMP “Henderson, table tennis champion, that around his left thigh but dismissed any con- their personal information Tuesday — were advised not devices while abroad, which “I get on well with Eric,” Henderson said. sounds good,” he said. “Me and Trent (Alex- cerns about his fi tness. and possessions. to access their online bank should be read alongside ex- “He’s a great lad, he’s a fantastic player. It’s ander-Arnold) have had a few games. Raheem “It’s superstition more than anything,” Russian hackers have accounts while away and to isting FCO Travel Advice and not just me and him fi ghting for places, it’s likes it, Eric likes it as well, so there’s a few of Dier said. “I’ve had a problem in my leg and wreaked havoc with global avoid any online activity that guidance off ered on the ‘Be the whole team.” us. It’s big competition in there.” it’s cleared up now but I was wearing the cyber-attacks in recent years, could embarrass them if it on the Ball: World Cup 2018’ “I feel relaxed,” Dier added. “Hopefully I Belgium have been circled as England’s strapping before and I just haven’t stopped including targeting top British went public due to hacking. website.” get the chance to play in this World Cup, that fi ercest rivals in the group stage but Tunisia wearing it yet.” Salah is regarded as a contender for the Ballon d’Or, alongside , and Neymar 4 Gulf Times Thursday, June 14, 2018

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Mohamed Salah shrugs off injury to What next for join Egypt training Spain aft er shock Lopetegui sacking? For the first time in a major tournament since 2006, Real Madrid’s six-strong contingent outnumber Barca players in the Spain squad

AFP Krasnodar, Russia File photo of Julen Lopetegui.

he sacking of Julen Lopetegui just two days before the start of Egypt’s forward Mohamed Salah arrives to take part in a training Spain’s World Cup campaign at the Akhmat Arena stadium in Grozny yesterday. leaves new coach Fernando Hierro Tprecious little time to regroup a stunned Ramos wrestled him to the AFP squad that 24 hours ago were considered Grozny, Russia ground. among the favourites for the tournament. But such has been his form Spain face European champions Portu- for Liverpool, with 44 goals gal in Sochi tomorrow in what was already ohamed Salah in all competitions this sea- a highly-anticipated clash even before the gave Egypt’s son, that he was included in amazing events that saw Lopetegui sur- World Cup hopes the Egypt squad simply on prisingly named Real Madrid manager on a huge boost the off-chance he could play. Tuesday and then relieved of his duties as Myesterday when he joined On May 30, Egypt officials Spain boss less than a day later. a squad training session at said Salah would be out for Lopetegui was meant to take charge at their Grozny base. “not more” than three weeks, the Santiago Bernabeu after the tourna- The Pharaohs’ superstar which would rule him out of ment. was sidelined after suffer- the Uruguay match but put However, the fi ring of the former Ma- ing a shoulder injury in Liv- him in the frame for Russia drid and Barcelona goalkeeper is just the erpool’s Champions League on June 19 and Saudi Arabia latest reminder of the fi ne balance any final loss to Real Madrid on on June 25. manager of La Roja must strike in the May 26, casting doubt on his Egypt’s doctor said over omnipresent rivalry between Spain’s two World Cup participation. the weekend that Salah biggest clubs. He took part in his first would not play “unless he has For the fi rst time in a major tourna- training session since the in- totally recovered”. ment since 2006, Real’s six-strong con- jury, going through a range The player sat out Egypt’s tingent outnumber Barca players in the of warm-up exercises with first training session after ar- Spain squad with only Gerard Pique, Jordi his teammates. Team doctor riving in Russia but was op- Alba and selected, along Mohamed Abou al-Ela said timistic about his prospects. with Andres Iniesta who only last month Salah “participated in part “I’m excited. God willing I’m brought his glorious 16-year career at the of the training with the team well-prepared and things are Camp Nou to an end. and completed the other part going well and my morale is With at least six of the expected start- alone”. high,” he told AFP on Sunday. ing XI for the Portugal game to come Spain boss, but even in a fl awless quali- Former Madrid goalkeeper infl ict a bad start, as they did in 2010 after Team director Ihab Lahita Uruguay goalkeeper Fern- from Madrid and Barca, Hierro, himself fying campaign on the fi eld, the Ma- and Barca captains and losing their opening game to Switzerland. was cagey about his progress, ando Muslera has expressed a former Real captain, must insure club drid-Barca rivalry and Spain’s turbulent Hernandez played a big part in binding Hierro will also be able to call on one of saying there was no guaran- hope that Salah will play loyalties don’t further undermine Spain’s political situation overshadowed their those squads together and their leader- the most talented squads on show in Rus- tee Salah will play in Egypt’s against the South Ameri- chances with divisions already appearing performances. ship in the national team has been missed. sia with a healthy mix of experience and Group A opener against Uru- cans, saying he wants to play between the players and the federation. Pique, who will retire from interna- Despite his paucity of managerial ex- youth. guay tomorrow. against the best at football’s According to Spanish press reports, the tional football after the World Cup, has perience having spent just one season in Captain , Pique, Iniesta “There’s a good degree of showpiece tournament. players’ wish for Lopetegui to stay, in- been jeered routinely by Spain fans for charge of second division Oviedo, Hierro and Busquets all have experience of win- progress but no definitive “I like the best players to cluding the likes of Pique and Busquets, the past two years for his jibes at Real and could help unify a distressed camp. ning major tournaments, whilst the likes decision on whether he takes play, I train with the best couldn’t change Federation chief Luis also defending Catalonia’s right to have a He was popular among the players as of Koke, and brought part, as we are following his and I want the best players Rubiales’ mind so furious was he with the referendum on independence from Spain. the federation’s sporting director be- more energy as Lopetegui added fresh case day by day,” he told re- to play,” he said. Salah is re- fact Lopetegui hadn’t informed his em- The rivalry was often cited as a reason tween 2007 and 2011, and returned to that blood to Spain in the qualifi ers. porters. garded as a contender for the ployers of negotiations with Madrid un- for Spain’s tag as perennial underachiev- role in November last year. He won’t be able to complete what he Salah’s World Cup dream Ballon d’Or, alongside Ar- til minutes before the appointment was ers at major tournaments until a golden Games against Iran and Morocco to started in Russia, but his good work may was left on the brink when he gentina’s Lionel Messi, Por- made public. run of three consecutive victories be- come in Group B should also give Spain not go to waste if Hierro can get Spain exited the Champions League tugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Lopetegui never lost in 20 games as tween 2008 and 2012. some time to recover, even if Portugal do quickly back on track. final in tears after Sergio Neymar of Brazil. Hierro left to clean up mess of Spain’s own making Reuters Julen Lopetegui has been sacked by the majority of the squad were fi ercely most vocal for keeping the coach in fi nal and that did the national side no at Real in his fi nal season. Madrid Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) opposed to RFEF president Luis Rubi- place. harm. Already part of the backroom staff in and Fernando Hierro, the former Real ales’s decision to dismiss Lopetegui for Other players were said to be uneasy A peer of Lopetegui’s, Hierro was a Russia, he is understood to have a good Madrid player, has been appointed to agreeing to become Real Madrid’s new at the thought of being managed by goalscoring midfi elder who made 601 relationship with the squad, and as an t midday on Tuesday, replace him and clean up the mess he manager after the World Cup without Real’s new coach. appearances for Real Madrid, captain- 89- veteran of the national team Spain’s biggest worry head- has inherited. permission. Hierro’s fi rst task will be to unite ing club as well as country. nobody can suggest he does not know ing into their crucial World While not a fi rst foray into manage- In particular, the core of Under-21 the group. It is times like these when He had spells in and England how tournament football works. Cup opener with Portugal ment for Hierro, the RFEF’s Sporting players he helped bring through to the countries sink or swim. Spain’s Euro before retiring and has held a number Will merely his aura and experience tomorrowA was who would make their Director, it is nevertheless a daunting senior side, including , 2008 winning coach Luis Aragones of roles, including Sporting Director at be enough to inspire a squad whom talent-fi lled team. task that awaits. , Isco, Thiago Alcantara signed a deal to take over at Fenerbahce Malaga and the Spanish FA as well as many consider to be the best group of Yet, less than 24 hours later, coach Local media reports suggest the and Koke were said to be amongst the on the eve of that tournament’s semi- serving as ’s assistant players at the tournament?

BOTTOMLINE Morocco and Iran grasping at straws in Russia

Reuters in the World Cup and we needed more prepara- their last fi ve matches. Saint Petersburg tion,” said Queiroz, who will end his seven-year The team benefi ts from having a number of stint as manager after the tournament. players in Europe’s top leagues and are coached On the pitch, Iran are without defensive mid- by Frenchman Herve Renard, who has instilled a luckless draw has severely dented Mo- fi elder Saeid Ezatolahi, who is suspended for the great deal of tactical discipline into the side. rocco and Iran’s hopes of making a fi rst match. Veteran midfi elders and mark at the World Cup before a ball His work-rate and intelligence will be sorely shield the back four, while Re- has been kicked, and they head into missed as ‘Team Melli’ try and plot a path to nard’s biggest off ensive weapon is Dutch-born Atheir opening match in St Petersburg tomorrow a second victory at their fi fth appearance at a . knowing defeat could likely mean an early exit. World Cup. Iran breezed through qualifying with Ziyech, who plays for Ajax, was named Dutch Reigning European champions Portugal and 12 clean sheets and were the second team to book footballer of the year and has an eye for the spec- 2010 World Cup winners Spain are the other two their place in Russia behind Brazil, but doubts tacular. He is well complemented by French- teams in Group B and are overwhelming favour- loom over the form of fi rst-choice goalkeeper born midfi elder Younes Belhanda, and both were ites to progress to the knockout stages. Alireza Beiranvand. on target in Morocco’s 3-1 win over Estonia in Appearing at consecutive World Cups for the On the other hand, forwards Alireza Jahanba- their fi nal warm-up match earlier this month. fi rst time, the Iranians are the top team from Asia khsh, Saman Ghoddos, Karim Ansarifard, Sardar The north African nation’s most obvious and have benefi ted from a period of stability un- Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi are in good form, and weakness is in goal, as fi rst-choice keeper Munir der Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who took Iran will need every bit of their attacking verve if Mohamedi has barely featured for second-divi- them to Brazil four years ago. they are to trouble a well-marshalled Moroccan sion Spanish side Numancia all season. The 65-year-old’s preparations for Russia, defence. Like Iran, the ‘Atlas Lions’ are playing in Renard’s team will fi nd it a tall order to escape however, have been disrupted by unwelcome their fi fth World Cup, but Morocco’s last appear- the group, but can take comfort from the fact distractions, such as Nike’s refusal to sup- ance was two decades ago, at the 1998 edition in that Morocco was the fi rst African country to ply boots to his players due to the US sanctions France. ever get past the opening round at a World Cup. against Iran and the cancellation of two warm- Led by Juventus centre back Mehdi Benatia, When they achieved that feat in 1986, they did up matches this month. Morocco came through qualifying without con- it in style, topping a group that included Eng- “Iran have been drawn in the hardest group Iran’s national football team fans cheer outside the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday. ceding a goal and have four wins and a draw in land, Poland and Portugal. Brazil will take on Switzerland on Sunday, having lost just once in 21 outings over the past two years. 5 Gulf Times Thursday, June 14, 2018

SELF-BELIEF PURRVIEW Russian victory Brazil better now than predicted in 2014 — Paulinho ‘What we have done in these last four years is put the past to one side’

AFP “We have greater confi - older heads in the Selecao. Achilles the cat, one of the Sochi dence. From the way things are However, he said coach Tite State Hermitage Museum mice going for the Brazil team at the — under whom he played at hunters, attempts to predict moment, it is clear that confi - Sao Paulo giants Corinthi- the result of the opening match razil midfi elder dence is better,” the Barcelona ans — was keen to “divide up” of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Paulinho believes his midfi elder told reporters on the responsibility between the between Russia and Saudi side are in much bet- Wednesday at the team’s train- younger and the more experi- Arabia during an event in Saint ter shape heading into ing base in the Black Sea resort enced players. Petersburg yesterday. Bthis year’s World Cup in Russia city of Sochi. “A player who has never than they were as the host na- “Brazil are better prepared in been to a World Cup can bring AFP tion four years ago. a number of ways. That is just their own experience, give Moscow Now 29, Paulinho was part part of football — in four years something to me as I come into of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side you learn a lot of things.” my second World Cup,” said in 2014 as they were humili- “What we have done in these Paulinho. ussia’s football team ated by Germany in the semi- last four years is put the past “When I went to play at my Brazil’s has failed to chalk up a fi nals, losing 7-1. He came off to one side,” he added. “Now fi rst World Cup, one of the peo- Paulinho smiles during a single victory in eight the bench in that match and we have another opportunity ple I sought out to speak to was press conference at the Yug months but things could is one of only four players in and I want to do better. That is Thiago Silva, who is my friend Sports Stadium in Sochi beR about to improve — according Tite’s squad this year in Russia life. Football is good because it and someone I care about a lot. yesterday. to a supposedly clairvoyant cat who appeared on that fateful gives you other opportunities Or Daniel Alves. who predicted a win for the side night in Belo Horizonte. Thiago very quickly.” “But regardless of whether in the fi rst World Cup match. Silva was in the squad but was Since 2014, the former Tot- we have played one, two or Achilles, a deaf white cat who suspended, while Neymar was tenham Hotspur midfi elder three World Cups, there is is the offi cial animal soothsayer injured. has had a spell in before something to transmit. The for the tournament, yesterday Brazil come into this year’s moving to Barcelona last year. great thing about the Brazil- chose a bowl of food bearing the tournament, and their opening That move came as a surprise ian squad is that everyone adds host’s fl ag rather than that of game against Switzerland on to many but he has enjoyed a something.” After facing the Saudi Arabia, who Russia will Sunday, having lost just once successful season in a Barce- Swiss in Rostov-on-Don, Bra- face today evening. in 21 outings over the past two lona side that won the domes- zil also take on Costa Rica and The blue-eyed feline is usu- years. tic double and is now one of the in Group E. ally part of a team of dozens of cats that guard Saint Peters- burg’s Hermitage museum from SPOTLIGHT rodents, but has taken on a new role for the football event. Achilles, a deaf white cat who is the offi cial Over 1,000 England hooligans animal soothsayer for the tournament, yesterday chose a bowl of food bearing blocked from Russia trip the host’s fl ag rather than that of Saudi AFP Russia bans fan leader deported from Euros less of whether England have already In addition to the banning orders, Arabia London been knocked out or not. police will be deployed at major Brit- Moscow: Russian fan group leader tion had been rejected. Nick Hurd, the Minister for Polic- ish ports during the World Cup to stop “Achilles is already used to ver 1,000 English football Alexander Shprygin said yesterday “If it wasn’t for the Euro, maybe I ing and the Fire Service, expressed his known troublemakers from travelling the public and shouldn’t be too hooligans have had to hand he had been denied a document re- could have a fan ID.” satisfaction that the football fans in to Russia before and during the tour- stressed,” said vet Anna Kondra- in their passports ahead of quired to attend World Cup matches. Russian authorities require World Russia would not have their trip ru- nament. tyeva, who manages the animals. the World Cup in Russia to Shprygin, who was deported from Cup ticket holders to obtain a fan ID, a ined by “thugs”. Officers will identify people likely The cat follows in the tenta- Oprevent them from attending, dimin- “The World Cup is a festival of foot- to become involved in football-re- cle-prints of Paul the Octopus France in 2016 during the European document that proves its holder has ishing fears of a repeat of the clashes Championship after violence flared been vetted and approved by security ball and is no place for violence or dis- lated disorder and stop them from who became a star in 2010 after with Russian rivals at the Euro 2016 there, wrote on social media that his off icials. order,” said Hurd. travelling to Russia. Aside from that predicting winners for that year’s fi nals. application for a World Cup fan ID had Russia’s Ministry of Communications “The UK’s system of football ban- there will also be a British police World Cup by choosing one out The British government issued a been rejected. and Mass Media, which oversees the ning orders is unique and means that presence in Russia as Mark Roberts of two boxes containing food. statement yesterday saying that the Shprygin, who posted a screen fan ID programme, did not reply to a people intent on causing trouble in of the National Police Chiefs’ Coun- Others have made a play to be Football Banning Orders Authority grab of the rejection e-mail he had request for comment. Russia will instead be staying at home. cil is heading there with a team of the next Paul — including Swiss (FBOA) — part of the Home Offi ce — received, told Reuters he had applied Shprygin was among a group of Rus- “I’m grateful to police forces for fellow officers to work with their guinea pig Madame Shiva in 2014 ordered 1,312 banned individuals who for a fan ID on Wednesday because he sian fans expelled from France after taking the necessary enforcement ac- Russian counterparts to protect and British Piranha Pele — but hold a passport to surrender it to po- was planning to attend the tourna- violent clashes before and during tion to ensure that these thugs won’t England fans. none quite had the mollusc’s lice last week. ment’s opening match between Russia’s Euro 2016 match against be able to ruin the tournament for real Russian and English fans clashed in foresight. The latest fi gures released yesterday Russia and Saudi Arabia on Thurs- England in Marseille. He managed to fans.” France at the Euro 2016 fi nals, con- Earlier in the day the head of show that forces in England and Wales day, having been off ered a ticket by re-enter France later in the tourna- Football-related arrests have fallen ducting pitched battles in the port the Russian Orthodox Church have accounted for 1,254 passports. friends. ment, only to be expelled again. to an all-time low since the intro- area of Marseille. Patriarch Kirill said he would Some 10,000 England fans are due But a minute later, he said, his applica- The severed duction of football banning orders in Tensions are high between Brit- pray for the national team to give to travel to Russia for the tournament tion was rejected. its ties with Shprygin’s organisation 2000. ain and Russia over the poisoning of a worthy performance. which gets underway today. “I’m not really surprised,” said Shpry- following the incident. Football banning orders are im- former double agent Sergei Skripal The hosts, who take on Saudi “This (the 1,254) represents 96% of gin, who was not told why his applica- posed by courts and can last for up to and his daughter Yulia in the English Arabia in today’s curtain-raiser, the people currently subject to foot- 10 years. Breaching a banning order is city of Salisbury earlier this year. need all the moral support they ball banning orders who hold a pass- a criminal off ence and can result in a Britain has blamed Russia for the can get as they come into the port,” read the statement. small number of outstanding pass- Police will keep the passports until fi ne of up to £5,000 and a six-month attempted murder, a charge that Mos- event without a win in seven “Police will continue to root out the ports throughout the tournament.” the World Cup fi nal on July 15 regard- prison sentence. cow has strongly denied. games.

BOTTOMLINE Bangladeshi fans in grip of World Cup frenzy

AFP chief Mohammad Rafi que told AFP. 1986. I think it is when this rivalry here Dhaka This photograph shows national Some Bangladeshis want to end the began,” M M Kaiser, editor of a sports flags of Argentina installed on a fervour, however. portal, told AFP. rooftop on the outskirts of Dhaka. One lawyer tried to get a court or- Maqsud Elahi, 13, said after buying he World Cup is arousing der preventing the fl ying of fl ags of an Argentina fl ag: “I support Argen- high passions in Bangladesh, World Cup nations. Barisal University tina because of Messi. His dribbling is where machete-wielding fans in southern Bangladesh has banned its mind-blowing.” Tof Brazil and Argentina have 7,000 students from fl ying foreign na- Tanvir Haider, a 29-year-old doctor, clashed in the streets and fl ags of the tions’ colours on campus. however, fell for Brazil after watching two countries are so ubiquitous that “The government should totally ban Ronaldo in his boyhood. some people want to ban them. fl ying any foreign fl ags across Bangla- “I love Brazil because of him. Also Ignoring the lack of any obvious link desh,” university head S M Imamul Haq Brazil has a golden past. Their game to the South American giants, and the told AFP. is terrifi c and they have superstars at absence of their national team — which Flag fervour is the most obvious sign every World Cup,” Haider said. is ranked 194th out of 211 teams — of the country’s switch of allegiance But sociologists struggle to explain World Cup fever has fi rmly taken hold every four years from cricket to foot- Bangladesh’s football phenomenon, among Bangladeshi fans. ball. with one criticising it as “a kind of in- Last week in the central town of Even though Bangladesh has never feriority complex”. Bandar, rival followers of Lionel Messi qualifi ed for the World Cup, and has “Many of these people don’t know and Neymar fought with machetes, little chance of doing so in future, the where Brazil and Argentina are. There leaving a man and his son critically country goes crazy for the tournament is no blood or language connection, wounded, police said. once every four years. still they are mad for them,” Nehal Ka- Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy died The South American rivalry has rim, a Dhaka University sociology pro- after being electrocuted while putting been traced back to broadcasts of the fessor, told AFP. a Brazil fl ag on a roadside pole. 1986 World Cup, when Diego Mara- “I don’t understand it,” he declared. Argentina and Brazil fl ags have been dona’s brilliance helped Argentina win Mokaddem Hossain, deputy head dominating towns in the country of the trophy. of Bangladesh Open University, said it 160mn for weeks ahead of the start of “Pele was a household name here. was globalisation at work. the World Cup in Russia today. His story was in our textbook. So there “This is part of worldwide brand- Supporters of the two teams hold was a traditional support base for Bra- ing. Hoisting fl ags and the excitement fl ag processions to show their loyal- ganj, motorcycle rallies are staged by football banners. craziness. You can feel the tension and zil. But Argentina stole Bangladeshis’ around it is just the result of that pas- ties. In the northern town of Madar- hundreds of rival supporters waving “They hold meetings to plan further excitement all over town,” local police hearts after Maradona’s solo feats in sion,” he said. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, June 14, 2018 SPORT

GOLF MLB Muncy, Dodgers overpower Rangers Woods eff ect has started at second base for the Reuters Los Angeles fi rst time this season. Muncy’s home run was his 13th of the season, while Puig ax Muncy homer- and Pederson each hit their ed in a fourth eighth. Seven of Pederson’s consecutive game, eight home runs have come and Yasiel Puig since June 2. Pederson had US golfers riding Mdrove in three runs Tuesday three hits, the homer and two as the Los Angeles Dodgers doubles. Seven Dodgers start- rolled to a 12-5 victory over the ers had at least two hits. visiting Texas Rangers. The Dodgers have won nine The Dodgers (34-32) have of their past 12 home games, won 18 of their past 24 games. but in an indication of how By winning the opener of a poorly they played early in two-game interleague match- the season, they are just 17- high, says McIlroy up, they have assured them- 18 overall at Dodger Stadium. selves of going unbeaten in The Rangers are now 7-14 in ‘I feel good about my game. It’s another opportunity to do something great this week’ their past eight series. The their past 21 road games. Rangers (27-42) fell to a sea- Texas’ Adrian Beltre was AFP son-high 15 games under.500 2-for-3 with an RBI in his re- Southampton, United States while losing their fi fth con- turn to Dodger Stadium. He secutive game. They have now has 3,089 hits in his ca- dropped eight of their past 11. reer, tying Ichiro Suzuki for ory McIlroy says the Puig and Joc Pederson add- the most hits by a non-US United States can thank ed home runs for the Dodg- native. Beltre played his fi rst the infl uence of Tiger ers, who have hit at least three seven major league seasons Woods for the current long balls in eight of their 10 with the Dodgers. dominanceR of American golfers games in June. They have 29 Rangers starter Bartolo Co- – which he’ll be trying to disrupt home runs this month alone, lon (3-4) gave up eight runs on at the US Open. easily the most in baseball. nine hits over 3 1/3 innings. The four-time major-winner Los Angeles left-hander However, with a strikeout of from Northern Ireland looked Caleb Ferguson gave up two Muncy in the fi rst inning, he slightly taken aback yesterday runs on fi ve hits over four in- reached the 2,500 plateau for when he was reminded that nings in his second career his career, becoming the 34th Americans have won the last start. He made his big league pitcher to reach that mark. four major championships, and debut last Wednesday at currently hold the trophies from Pittsburgh, lasting just 1 2/3, RESULTS the professional and amateur innings while giving up four Twins 6 Tigers 4 team competitions the Ryder runs on two hits and three Yankees 3 Nationals 0 Cup, Presidents Cup, Walker walks. Phillies 5 Rockies 4 Cup and Curtis Cup. Edward Paredes (1-0) Brewers 4 Cubs 0 “That’s a lot of pressure,” pitched a scoreless sixth in- Rays 4 Blue Jays 1 McIlroy said, drawing a laugh as ning for the victory. Daniel Marlins 3 Giants 1 he addressed the press at Shin- Corcino went the fi nal three Red Sox 6 Orioles 4 necock Hills on the eve of the innings, allowing two runs Reds 5 Royals 1 (10 inns) 118th US Open. (one earned), and was cred- Padres 4 Cardinals 2 “They’ve had a great run,” he ited with his fi rst major league White Sox 5 Indians 1 said of the Americans, but added: save. Muncy now has a hit in Braves 8 Mets 2 “Look, these things go in cycles. eight consecutive games, and Diamondbacks 13 Pirates 8 European golf was very healthy he is 18-for-54 (.333) with Dodgers 12 Rangers 5 a few years ago for a long time. eight home runs in his last 17 Mariners 6 Angels 3 It seemed every major someone games at Dodger Stadium. He Astros 6 A’s 3 from the island of Ireland turned up to we were winning it. It doesn’t seem that long ago.” Celtics’ Irving mum on potential LeBron reunion With the Ryder Cup looming in September at Le Golf National Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot from a bunker during a practice round prior of the 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Kyrie Irving didn’t have much to say when asked about the southwest of Paris, European Southampton, . (Getty Images/AFP) possibility of former teammate LeBron James joining him on and US golfers are already sizing the Boston Celtics this off season. “In this business, I’ve experi- each other up. Congressional in record-setting Masters, and his hot start at the day, would become the oldest US grees. “I think the biggest story enced it all and I’ve seen a lot, so we’ll see what management McIlroy said the current crop style but has missed the cut European Tour’s PGA Champi- Open champion and the second- would probably be Tiger,” Day decides,” Irving told reporters yesterday. Irving requested a of US stars – including world three times since, including in onship at Wentworth came to oldest major winner in history said. “Not taking anything away trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers last off season after playing number one Dustin Johnson, each of the past two years. nothing. should he pull off the feat. from Phil because winning the in James’ shadow for three seasons, and he got his wish when second-ranked Justin Thomas, “A lot of these guys have “I feel good about my game,” “We’re certainly on the back career is absolutely he was dealt to the Celtics. Now, James has the potential to opt reigning British Open champion gotten to know Tiger. Being he said. “I just want to give end of our careers,” 42-year-old huge. But for what happened to out of the final year of his deal, and the Celtics have been linked Jordan Spieth, defending US able to say, ‘OK, this is what he myself another chance to win Woods admitted. “We’ve been Tiger, it’s been 10 years, what to the sport’s biggest star as a potential suitor. “Obviously, it’s Open champion Brooks Koepka does, and we mightn’t be able another major championship. going at it for 20-plus years. he did in that period of when he a business at the end of the day,” Irving said. “Ownership and and recently crowned Mas- to achieve everything that he It’s another opportunity to do That’s a long time.” dominated, and I think a lot of management, they’re going to feel what’s best for our future ters champ Patrick Reed – have has, but you can at least try to do something great this week.” But Woods and Mickelson people are kind of chomping at and I’m fully supportive of (them). We’ll see what happens.” been inspired by 14-time major that. I think that’s been a huge Woods, whose pursuit of Jack remain front and centre in the the bit for him to come back and Also on the docket for the Celtics is assessing Irving’s future champion Woods. thing for Ryder Cups and Presi- Nicklaus’s record of 18 major consciousness of Golf fans – do something special – seeing if with the team. The 26-year-old is eligible for an extension this The 42-year-old superstar has dents Cups, and them as indi- victories has remained stalled at with Woods’s return from the he can get back to winning and summer, though he noted agreeing to such a deal “doesn’t now become a mentor to younger viduals as well.” 14 since his 2008 US Open tri- injury wilderness and Mickel- beating Jack’s record.” make any sense” considering the potential to make up to $80 players. Even as he was sidelined Nevertheless, McIlroy be- umph, will put his fused spine son’s return to form electrifying Either outcome, however, million more next off season. “I think you guys can feel my by back trouble last year Woods lieves his game is in good enough and gradually improving game galleries and fuelling television would be a massive upset. attitude is really just redemption next year,” Irving said. “Really served as an assistant captain on shape to see him become the fi rst to the test at Shinnecock Hills viewership this year. Johnson, the 2016 US Open integrating myself with our team again and really focus on win- the US Presidents Cup team that non-American to win the US in the 10th offi cial start of his Three-time major-winner champion, arrives at Shinnecock ning a championship. That’s the only thing I’m really worried demolished the International Open since Germany’s Martin comeback season. Jordan Spieth believes a career as the top-ranked player in the about. Until I get to that point, then I can’t really answer any team in New Jersey. Kaymer in 2014. England’s Justin Five-time major winner Grand Slam for Mickelson would world courtesy of an emphatic questions. I’m pretty sure management and I will have a talk, Now that he’s back on tour, rose won the year before that. Mickelson will try to become trump an end to Woods’s major PGA Tour triumph in Memphis but that talk won’t happen now.” younger players are still benefi t- After a 2017 campaign hin- just the sixth Golfer to com- drought. last week. He’ll tee it up today Irving is looking forward to getting back on the court after a ing from the guidance of a more dered by injury, McIlroy boasts a plete the career Grand Slam in “I think it makes a bigger dif- and tomorrow alongside Woods successful first season with the Celtics (24.4 points, 5.1 assists mellow Woods, McIlroy said. US PGA Tour title at the Arnold a tournament in which he has ference for Phil than Tiger. I and second-ranked Justin Tho- per game) was cut short at 60 games by a knee injury that “I think that’s been a huge Palmer Invitational this year. settled for second a remarkable, think there’s a diff erent meaning mas, whose fi ve victories last required surgery. Even without their biggest star (and Gordon part of all this,” said McIlroy, A disappointing fi nal round heartbreaking, six times. Mick- to those two.” season included a fi rst major title Hayward), the Celtics made it within one win of the NBA Finals. who won the 2011 US Open at saw him miss out again at the elson, who turns 48 on Satur- But Australian Jason Day disa- at the PGA Championship.

SPOTLIGHT Aspire Academy graduation ceremony on June 26 By Sports Reporter Doha

n two weeks’ time, Aspire Academy will celebrate the journey of 42 talented ath- letes who make up Qatar’s Inext generation of athletes. The 11th Aspire Academy graduation will see students from athletics, gymnastics, football, football refereeing, fencing, and table tennis capped in a Graduation Ceremony due to be held in As- pire Dome on June 26. The graduation ceremony will be attended by senior offi - cials from Aspire Academy and its parent organisation, Aspire Zone Foundation, including Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Moaaz Ibrahim has won two gold medals at Asian Junior Athletics Championships. Academy and Ali Salem Afi fa, Deputy Director General. They highlights the Academy’s con- Junior Athletics Championships, Indonesia. During the tourna- will be accompanied by various tinued eff orts to launch their ca- which was held in Japan, with ment, the top four teams will offi cials and decision makers in reers. This year’s batch of gradu- two medals, one gold and anoth- qualify for the 2019 FIFA Un- the sports fi eld from local sports ates is full of talent and promise. er silver, in shot put and discus der-20 World Cup as the AFC federations and clubs. Some of them have already prov- throw. He is due to compete in representatives. In fencing, Under-19 Qatar national team, comprised entirely of Aspire Academy’s student-athletes and graduates, The graduation ceremony will en themselves in various local the upcoming Junior World Ath- student-athlete Yousef al-Bader has qualified to compete at the 2018 AFC Under-19 Championship. bring an end to another success- and international sports compe- letics Championships to defend fi nished second in the Turkish ful year for Aspire Academy as titions as they brought back gold, his 2016 discus throw title. Fencing Federation European Aspire Academy fi rst opened ed educational programme of student-athletes using the lat- it pursues its mission to iden- silver, and bronze medals to Qa- In football, the Under-19 Qa- Cadet Circuit (Under-17), which its doors in 2004 and is already sports development, sports sci- est equipment and method- tify and develop well-educated tar and were crowned champion- tar national team, comprised featured 70 competitors from considered one of the leading ence and academic learning to ologies, with teachers continu- sports and academic champi- ships at various tournaments. entirely of Aspire Academy’s around the world. sports institutions in the Middle boys aged 12 to 18, deploying all ously learning from experts from ons. The ceremony also marks Some of these include Aspire student-athletes and graduates, Meanwhile in squash, Hamad East. This progress underpins of its technical and human capa- around the world at conferences the culmination of six years of Academy’s current graduate, qualifi ed to compete at the 2018 al-Amri, one of this year’s grad- its vision to become the world’s bilities to best develop student- and sessions aimed at elevating diligent eff ort from the student- Moaaz Ibrahim, one of the most AFC Under-19 Championship, uates, won second place at the leading sports academy in the athletes’ skills. their sports development capac- athletes themselves during their promising young athletes. He has a biennial sporting event that’s Luxembourg Junior Open for the development of young athletes The faculty at the Acad- ities and enhancing their talent time at Aspire Academy, and recently returned from the Asian due to be held October 2018 in Under-19 age group. by 2020. It off ers an integrat- emy also trains and develops identifi cation skills. Gulf Times Thursday, June 14, 2018 7 SPORT

TENNIS FOOTBALL PSG cleared of breaching fi nancial ‘Like a new start’: fair play rules

AFP Zurich

rench champions Paris St Germain have been cleared of Federer battles to win breaking UEFA’s break-even rules following last summer’s transfer spending spree, European soccer’s ruling body said on Wednesday. FHowever, UEFA said the Qatari-owned club’s fi nances would remain under close scrutiny. PSG bought Brazil forward Neymar for 222 million euros ($261.6 million), more than double the previous price paid for a player, and later signed Kylian Mbappe on loan from AS Monaco with an op- on Stuttgart return tion to buy after one season. That deal was reported to be worth 180 million euros. ‘It feels a lot like home here, since it’s only two hours of driving from Basel. It’s a great place’ UEFA said it had closed the investigation and that the club’s transfers from that period “were in line with the UEFA Club Li- AFP censing and Financial Fair Play Regulations”. Stuttgart, Germany The decision followed a detailed review of transfer contracts and analysis of the related management accounts, UEFA said. It added that PSG’s results for the fi nancial years ending in 2015, oger Federer was made 2016 and 2017 were accepted under the break-even rule, known as to battle after a losing Financial Fair Play. UEFA said more recent transfer activities “will fi rst set as the Swiss star remain under close scrutiny and will be thoroughly looked at in made his long-awaited the coming weeks”. returnR to tennis yesterday with FFP rules ban clubs from spending more than their generated a 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 defeat of Mischa revenue, a policy introduced to prevent rich owners from trying to Zverev at the Stuttgart Cup. buy success and distorting the transfer market. The world number two shook Clubs can ultimately be kicked out of European competition for off the rust against his German fl outing the rules although until now UEFA has tried to negotiate opponent after a poor start, settlements with off enders. breaking twice in the second and third sets to earn victory in 93 minutes. FOCUS The 20-time Grand Slam win- ner, who exited in his opening match at the grass court sea- son curtain-raiser a year ago to Ebden stuns Muller friend , can displace from the world’s top ranking spot if he reaches in Hertogenbosch Sunday’s fi nal. The 36-year-old fi nished to the cheers of a sold- Reuters top in their last fi ve meetings. out centre court on a chilly day. Amsterdam Frenchmen “I’m happy to have won a and , the top match after losing my last two Swiss serves to German two seeds of the tournament, (Indian Wells, Miami in March),” at the ATP Mercedes Cup in efending champion will play their second-round Federer said. “This is a new start. Stuttgart, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) Gilles Muller fell to a matches against compatriot I’m glad to have been able to win shock 6-3, 7-5 defeat Jeremy Chardy and Russian again, overcoming some diffi cult by Australian qualifi er respectively moments after being a set down. MatthewD Ebden in the Libema today. Mischa’s level dropped in the Open second round yesterday. last two sets and that gave me a World number 69 Ebden Rybarikova stunned, chance to win. “It feels a lot like progressed to his second ATP Osaka progresses home here, since it’s only two World Tour quarter-fi nals Magdalena Rybarikova’s hours of driving from Basel. It’s and will face Romanian Mar- Wimbledon preparations suf- a great place, but I’m hoping for In fi rst round play, German Nadal to miss Wimbledon warm-up at Queen’s ius Copil, who secured a 7-5, fered a blow as the Slovakian some sun this week.” Maximillian Merterer lined up 4-6, 6-4 win over Japanese was ousted by unseeded Bel- Federer lost the fi rst set to as the fi rst opponent for fourth Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from next week’s Nadal has admitted he finds it hard to make the seventh-seed Yuichi Sugita, gian in the sec- Zverev, older brother of world seed with a defeat Wimbledon warm-up event at Queen’s Club as the transition from clay to grass, with the low bounce on Friday. French third seed ond round of the Nature Val- number three , of Croatian Viktor world number one takes a break following his lat- on the surface in England often threatening to Muller, positioned at 32nd in ley Open in Nottingham on but quickly recovered to post his Galovic 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. Indian est French Open triumph. aggravate the knee injuries that have plagued him the ATP rankings, followed his Wednesday. The 29-year-old sixth win in as many meetings in Prajnesh Gunneswaran, ranked Nadal crushed to clinch his 11th in the latter stages of his glittering career. It is the title win at Hertogenbosch last Rybarikova, a semi-fi nalist at the series. a career-best 169, achieved a French Open title on Sunday, but the Spaniard third consecutive year Nadal has entered the tour- year with a run to the Wimble- Wimbledon last year, fell to a The Swiss was playing his fi rst win in his fi rst ATP main draw hinted after the final that the toll on his body nament only to pull out before it has started. don quarter-fi nals. shock 3-6, 6-1, 5-7 defeat by match in nearly three months af- appearance, beating Canadian might force him to miss part of the grass-court “We are obviously disappointed that Rafa has Australian , Barthel, who will face either ter skipping the spring clay court sixth seed Denis Shapovalov 7-6 campaign. decided that he is unable to play this year, but we a Wimbledon quarter-fi nalist defending champion Donna season for a second year in suc- (8/6), 2-6, 6-3 for the fi rst upset The 32-year-old is drained after playing 27 matches wish him well and hope to see him on our courts in 2011, recorded his fi rst win Vekic or Belarusian Vera Lapko cession in order to fully concen- of the week. on clay over the last two months and, after consult- in the future,” said tournament director Stephen against a top-50 player since in the quarter-fi nals. trate on his grass preparation. Frenchman Benoit Paire ham- ing with his medical team, he confirmed that he Farrow. last June as he beat sixth- Japanese third seed Naomi He is aiming to claim a record mered 14 aces in his defeat of won’t play at Queen’s this year. Nadal’s absence from the west London event seeded Dutchman Robin Osaka recorded a dominant ninth Wimbledon title next American 6-7 (4/7), “Queen’s is a great event, I have happy memories will raise doubts about his chances of winning Haase 6-3, 7-5 to advance to 6-3, 6-2 win over Czech Re- month at the All England Club. 6-3, 6-2. Paire will next face of winning the title in 2008 and I wanted to come Wimbledon for a third time. The 17-time Grand Slam the last eight. Tomic, ranked public’s Denisa Allertova in Federer fi nished off Zverev, Czech third seed Tomas Berdych. back this year. But it has been a very long clay champion last won at the All England Club in 2010 181st in the world, will face just over an hour to reach her whom he beat a year ago in the Canada’s seventh seed Mi- court season for me with great results,” Nadal said and hasn’t been past the last 16 since 2011. fourth-seed Fernando Ver- fi rst WTA quarter-fi nal on Wimbledon third round, on his los Raonic, his ranking down in a statement released by tournament organisers. Meanwhile former Wimbledon champion Marion dasco in the next stage after grass, where she will take on fi rst match point, a passing win- to 35th, marked his comeback “I would like to say sorry to the tournament organ- Bartoli has abandoned her attempted return to the Spaniard ousted Russian rising Romanian Mihaela Bu- ner. The top seed improved to from injury after last playing in isers and most of all to the fans that were hoping to the Tour, saying her right shoulder is not strong Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-1. zarnescu. Buzarnescu contin- 18-2 on the season as he began Madrid nearly six weeks ago, by see me play, but I have spoken to my doctors and I enough to cope with the rigours of professional Verdasco will be hoping to ued her good form by beating the pursuit of his 98th career seeing off Bosnian Mirza Basic need to listen to what my body is telling me.” Tennis. end his winless streak against American 6-3, trophy. 7-6 (10/8), 6-2. Tomic, who has come out on 5-7, 6-3 in the second round.

RUGBY S Africa could change winning team for England and the clash with England in Johannes- AFP England lock Launchbury Johannesburg burg. “Just look at the number of minutes fi t to face Springboks Wilco has played with the Stormers and outh Africa coach Rassie Eras- Springboks this year, look at the amount Under-pressure England received a big boost mus could break with sporting of travelling he has done. yesterday when lock Joe Launchbury was tradition Thursday and change a “He fl ew to and from Washington and declared fit for a must-win second Test against winning team for the second Test then he started in Johannesburg. Wilco South Africa in Bloemfontein this weekend. againstS England in Bloemfontein this has played over a thousand minutes this The forward had been considered a doubt weekend. season. He is a little punch-drunk right because of a calf injury that ruled him out of the The Springboks won a thriller 42-39 in now.” first Test in Johannesburg last weekend, which Johannesburg last weekend and another Unless Erasmus has a late change of England lost 42-39 after leading by 21 points. victory this Saturday at the Free State Sta- mind, Thomas du Toit, popularly known England have to win the remaining two Tests, in dium would clinch the three-Test series. as “The Tank” because of his 120 kil- Bloemfontein Saturday and in Cape Town seven Erasmus has been dropping hints that ogram-plus physique, will start in the days later, to achieve a first series success in the there could be a few changes, partly be- number three shirt. republic. Launchbury is expected to be named cause of fatigue and also to give other Pieter-Steph du Toit, who has enjoyed as the second row partner of Maro Itoje when strong candidates a chance to star. an outstanding Super Rugby campaign, coach Eddie Jones reveals his starting line-up The changes are most likely to be at skippered the Springboks in the 22-20 today. tighthead prop, lock or loose forward defeat by Wales and came off the bench Nick Isiekwe replaced Launchbury in Johannes- and inside centre as South Africa seek to against England. burg only be suff er the embarrassment of being maintain an unbeaten home series record He can play lock or loose forward, al- substituted before half-time – an unusual step in against England. lowing him to possibly start in place of ei- a Test unless a player is injured. “Look, it is tempting to stick with the ther Franco Mostert in the second row or Scrum coach Neal Hatley was pessimistic about same guys who played last weekend to Jean-Luc du Preez in the back row. Launchbury being available for Bloemfontein give us our best chance of winning this Inside centre Andre Esterhuizen was when he spoke to reporters Tuesday in Durban, Saturday,” Erasmus told reporters in cen- one of the few Springboks to leave Wash- the England base throughout the series. tral city Bloemfontein. ington with their reputation enhanced af- But forwards coach Steve Borthwick said “However, we also have to try a few ter a scrappy aff air with wet, humid con- yesterday that the lock had recovered, was fully things. We only have 16 matches left until ditions not helping. He could be drafted involved in training and available for selection. the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year. in at the expense of Damian de Allende Australia-born Jones is expected to make sev- “You do not want to be trying things out to partner outside centre Lukhanyo Am eral changes to the first Test run-on team as he away to New Zealand or Australia or Ar- in midfi eld. South Africa have won three seeks to snap a run of five consecutive losses. gentina. We will take things one week at a series against England in the republic and Having won 22 of his first 23 Tests, Jones has time, but there will be one or two or three drawn the other two. The last time the overseen losses to Scotland, France and Ireland subtle changes, nothing major. teams met in Bloemfontein, South Africa in the Six Nations Championship, the Barbarians “The World Cup is just over a year away triumphed 58-10 in 2007, a record win- and South Africa. and we have to see how certain guys per- ning margin over England. England beat South Africa 27-22 when they first form in a Test situation.” England coach Eddie Jones will name met in Bloemfontein 18 years ago, but were Erasmus admitted that tighthead prop his team today in Durban, where the Red thrashed 58-10 in the only other Test there Wilco Louw is tired after Super Rugby, the Rose are based for a tour which concludes England’s Maro Itoje wins the lineout against South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit during their first Test at Ellis between the countries. one-off Test against Wales in Washington with a Test in Cape Town next Saturday. Park Stadium in Johannesburg on June 9. (Reuters)

Thursday, June 14, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET BARSHIM TRIUMPHS IN OSTRAVA Slick Pakistan too strong for Scotland in T20 rout AFP ranked T20 nation. Edinburgh Michael Leask’s three gave Scotland hope, but Shoaib’s brutal hit- ting kept Pakistan in charge as his side hoaib Malik blasted a quick- reached 166-6 after their 20 overs. fi re 49 as Pakistan powered to an Scotland had scored 156 in a losing 84-run rout of Scotland in the eff ort in the fi rst T20 clash with Paki- second international stan on Tuesday, but this time they were yesterday.S unable to muster a decent response. Malik’s unbeaten innings took just 22 George Munsey was caught for a balls and containing fi ve sixes and one duck after just two balls and Pakistan four, setting the stage for Pakistan to made short work of the rest as the Scots seal a 2-0 series win. fi nished 82 all out after just 15 overs. Fakhar Zaman (33) and Ahmed She- Faheem Ashraf took three wick- hzad (24) rattled up a 60-run partner- ets and Usman Khan claimed two in a ship for the fi rst in Edinburgh commanding display from the Pakistan before Scotland hit back to reduce the bowling attack. tourists to 98-5. Following on from Sunday’s his- RESULT Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar won the men’s high jump event of the 57th Golden Spike, an IAAF World Challenge toric win over England - the world’s At Edinburgh Meeting, in Ostrava yesterday. Barshim won with a 2.38m eff ort and set a new meet record. Russian Danil Lysenko, top ranked one-day international side Pakistan 166-6 v Scotland 82. taking part as an Authorised Neutral Athlete (ANA), was second with a jump of 2.36m, while Syria’s Ghazal Majed El - Scotland were hoping to claim an- Pakistan beat Scotland by 84 runs. Dein was third with 2.25m. other big scalp against the number-one Pakistan won the two-match series 2-0.

SPOTLIGHT PREVIEW ‘Ruthless’ India will not take Afghans Langer’s Australia lightly, says Rahane

AFP Bangalore

op-ranked India will be “ruthless” and not take Afghani- reign begins with stan lightly when they make their Test debut in Banga- lore, skipper Ajinkya Rahane said yesterday. T It will be a historic moment for Asghar Stanikzai’s team when they step out today for their maiden fi ve-day outing against the world’s number one Test side. But Rahane, who is standing in as captain for Virat Kohli, said there was no room for complacency in cricket. “We are not going to take Afghanistan lightly. They have a decent team... bowlers (are good),” he told reporters on the eve of loss to England the one-off Test. “As a Test team we cannot take anyone for granted because England win by three wickets with six overs to spare cricket is a funny game. We want to go out there and be ruthless. “We are going to focus on our strengths, our positives. We are Reuters not thinking about Afghanistan as well: yes, we respect them as London England’s Eoin Morgan in action during the fi rst ODI our opponent but it’s important for us to go out there and give against Australia in London yesterday. (Reuters) more than our 100 per cent,” said the top-order batsman. The strife-torn nation secured Test status last year along with ustralia made a stutter- Ireland, who lost their debut match to Pakistan in last ing start to coach Justin month. Since gaining ODI status in 2009 the Afghans have made Langer’s tenure as they giant strides and qualifi ed for their second 50-over World Cup lost by three wickets to in England and Wales next year. They have also been part of four EnglandA in the opening match of Twenty20 World Cups. the one-day series at The Oval Rahane said it would be an “honour” for every Indian player to yesterday. Only Glenn Maxwell be part of the match and acknowledged Afghanistan’s big moment impressed as Australia batted on the cricket fi eld. Stanikzai has insisted that his team’s spin de- fi rst, scoring 62 as the touring partment led by teen sensation Rashid Khan is better than India’s. side lost regular wickets and Khan, the top T20 bowler in ICC rankings, took the Indian were bowled out for a mediocre Premier League by storm with his 21 wickets for runners-up 214 in the 47th over. Sunrisers Hyderabad, and mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman England, humbled by Scot- also impressed in the cash-rich tournament. Rahane refused to land on Sunday, made a meal of draw comparisons between the spin attacks of the two teams, reaching the low target, however, but praised the experience of India’s Ravichandran Ashwin and and when top scorer Eoin Morgan Ravindra Jadeja as well as the talent of Kuldeep Yadav. (69), Jos Buttler and Joe Root (50) “Every member of their team believes that their side is good, fell in the space of three overs the that their bowling attack or their unit is much better,” Ra- hosts were wobbling on 163 for hane said. “We all know the stats but we don’t focus on them. Our six. David Willey eased England spinners, Ashwin, Jadeja and Kuldeep are experienced and quality home, fi nishing the match off spinners.” with a booming six. Rahane, who captained Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, said it was Sheets of sandpaper with “4” important now for his team’s players to switch mentally from T20 and “6” printed on them were mode to playing in the longest format. handed out on the approaches to “A couple of practice session were fantastic after coming back the Oval - a reminder of the ball- from the IPL,” he said. tampering scandal that engulfed tempo and Marcus Stoinis lofted a “It’s important we play our minds rather than skills, because Australian Cricket this year and six off of Adil Rashid only to nudge SCOREBOARD getting back to Test from T20 cricket is all about tuning your mind cost Steve Smith the captaincy. one behind to keeper Jos Buttler Australia England rather than focusing on your skills.” Coach Darren Lehmann stood having scored 22. A. Finch c Wood b Ali ...... 19 J. Roy b Stanlake ...... 0 down after the test series in South Maxwell, who struck a 52-ball T. Head c Bairstow b Willey ...... 5 J. Bairstow c Head b Richardson ...... 28 Africa and Langer’s new-look half century, shared an 84-run S. Marsh b Ali ...... 24 A. Hales lbw b Neser ...... 5 Australian batting line-up made stand with Ashton Agar for the M. Stoinis c Buttler b Rashid ...... 22 J. Root c Paine b Stanlake ...... 50 an inauspicious start. Travis sixth wicket to raise Australian T. Paine c Wood b Ali ...... 12 E. Morgan c Paine b Tye 69 Head chased a wide outswinger hopes of a challenging total. G. Maxwell c Bairstow b Plunkett ...... 62 J. Buttler c Richardson b Tye ...... 9 from Willey and edged to Jonny But Maxwell top-edged Liam A. Agar lbw b Rashid ...... 40 M. Ali c sub (Short) b Neser ...... 17 Bairstow for a routine slip catch Plunkett to deep square leg M. Neser c Root b Plunkett ...... 6 D. Willey not out ...... 35 and Aaron Finch struck a couple where Bairstow took the sim- A. Tye c Buttler b Plunkett ...... 19 L. Plunkett not out ...... 3 of boundaries before a rash drive plest of catches and Agar was K. Richardson c Root b Wood ...... 1 Extras (w2) 2 at Moeen Ali sent an easy catch to plumb lbw to Rashid before B. Stanlake not out ...... 0 Total (7 wkts, 44 overs) ...... 218 backward point. Plunkett and Wood mopped up Extras (w4) ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Roy), 2-23 (Hales), 3-38 Shaun Marsh looked in good the tail. Total (all out, 47 overs) ...... 214 (Bairstow), 4-153 (Morgan), 5-163 (Buttler), 6-163 nick for his 24 before Moeen got Billy Stanlake bowled Jason Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Head), 2-47 (Finch), 3-52 (Root), 7-197 (Ali) one past his outside edge, the Roy for a duck in England’s reply (Marsh), 4-70 (Paine), 5-90 (Stoinis), 6-174 (Max- Bowling: Stanlake 10-1-44-2; Neser 8-1-46-2; Rich- ball striking the top of off stump and when Bairstow was caught well), 7-193 (Agar), 8-197 (Neser), 9-208 (Richard- ardson 9-1-49-1; Tye 10-1-42-2 (2w); Agar 5-0-28-0; to leave Australia on 52 for three. on the England were son), 10-214 (Tye) Maxwell 2-0-9-0; Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane in action during the team’s prac- Captain Tim Paine’s rash reverse 38 for three. Morgan and Root Bowling: Wood 8-1-32-1 (1w); Willey 8-0-41-1; Ali tice session at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. (AFP) sweep off Moeen went straight put England in total control be- 10-1-43-3; Rashid 10-0-36-2 (1w); Root 3-0-20-0 (1w); Result: England won by three wickets to Mark Wood at backward point fore the hosts stumbled over the Plunkett 8-0-42-3 (1w) Series: England lead five-match series 1-0 Afghanistan must live up to expectations: Stanikzai for 12. Australia tried to raise the line. Afghanistan face sky-high expectations at home ahead of their historic first-ever Test match starting today against India, captain Asghar Stanikzai has said. The mood in war-scarred Afghanistan Kiwi teenager Kerr sets batting record in women’s one-day cricket may also help the team when they step out at the M. Chinnas- wamy Stadium in Bangalore to enjoy their newfound Test status, New Zealand teenager Amelia Kerr shat- Sri Lanka in 2014. New Zealand’s Martin tour after he left for home due to per- New Zealand cricket legend he told reporters on the eve of the game. “It is itself history that tered a world batting record in women’s Guptill made 237 against West Indies in sonal reasons, while fast bowler Lahiru Hadlee has cancer surgery we are playing the inaugural and historic Test match against the one-day international cricket with a 2015. At 17 years and 243 days, Kerr is the Gamage was ruled out with an injury. New Zealand cricketing great Richard number one team in the world,” Stanikzai said. blistering 232 not out against Ireland yes- youngest double-centurion in interna- The duo’s return is a major setback for Sri Hadlee has undergone surgery for bowel “The mood back home is very positive. terday. Kerr amassed the record total just tional men’s or women’s cricket. Lanka, who suff ered a crushing 226-run cancer but is expected to make a full They expect us to perform well because recently Afghanistan days after her team’s 490 for four against Kerr then starred with the ball, the leg- defeat in the first of the three-test series recovery, his wife Dianne said yesterday. performed really well in T20 and one day internationals and Ireland set a record for cricket’s highest- spinner taking five for 17 in seven overs at Port of Spain on Sunday. Former cap- “Last month, Richard had a routine, three- their expectation will be the same for Tests. “We have worked ever one-day international total. as New Zealand’s women went on to beat tain Mathews, who scored 11 and 31 in the year colonoscopy, and we discovered hard for this and will try to keep up our good performance in the The 17-year-old, whose average was 29 Ireland by 305 runs after dismissing the opening test, was determined to make a that he has bowel cancer,” she said Test match as well,” the 30-year-old skipper said. Stanikzai said going into the match, blasted 31 fours hosts for 135 in Dublin. Victory saw the mark after missing five months of action in a statement. “He has since had an that they are not nervous but “well prepared” for the rigours of and two sixes to surpass the 229 scored White Ferns complete a 3-0 series sweep with hamstring and calf injuries. Sri Lan- operation to remove the tumour. This Test match. Since gaining status in 2009, by Australia’s Belinda Clark against Den- over Ireland, with every one of those wins ka Cricket confirmed Gamage fractured operation went extremely well and he the Afghans have made giant strides and qualified for their second mark in 1997 -- three years before Kerr by colossal margins of over 300 runs. his finger while batting in the first Test. has made an excellent recovery from 50-over World Cup in England and Wales next year. They have also was born. Kerr’s 232 is the third-highest Batsman Dasun Shanaka, who last played surgery.” Dianne Hadlee said that as a been part of four Twenty20 World Cups. individual score by a man or woman in Mathews, Gamage out of Sri Lanka’s a test against Bangladesh in February, safeguard, the 66-year-old Afghanistan, who have been forced to train in India since 2015 one-day international cricket history. West Indies tour and all-rounder Danushka Gunathilaka legend would soon commence chemo- because of the conflict at home, have just secured a T20 series India men’s player Rohit Sharma is at the Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews will be flown out as replacements later on therapy treatment and “it is expected sweep over Bangladesh with teen sensation Rashid Khan now an top of the pile with his 264 scored against will miss the rest of their West Indies yesterday evening. that, in time, he will have a full recovery”. international star.