Qatar Confident of Victory They Want to Keep Going

SPORT Tuesday 29 January 2019 PAGE | 05 PAGE | 06 Kohli bows out Triumphant as India secure Djokovic motivated unbeatable to match Federer’s series lead Slam record

AFC Asian Cup semi-final against UAE

My squad is ambitious and Qatar confident of victory they want to keep going. It has not been easy to keep THE PENINSULA Al Annabi created ABU DHABI history by reaching the getting the results AFC Asian Cup semis we have done Unbeaten Qatar today take on for the first time after a hosts UAE in the Asian Cup game after game, semi-finals in front of what will phenomenal run of five but hopefully in be a hostile crowd at the consecutive wins. the semi-final we 42,000-capacity Mohamed Bin can perform well Zayed Stadium but head coach The Qatari team is in Felix Sanchez yesterday again and reach remained unfazed. great form, having not the final: Sanchez Sanchez vowed his team is conceded any goal till will enter the do-or-die clash now and has scored with confidence, adding that 12 in five matches. there was ‘no pressure in his camp’ that includes 2018 Asian Player of the Year Abdulkarim Qatar's Almoez Ali leads Hassan and high-scoring striker the scoring charts at Almoez Ali who has scored the Asian Cup with seven goals in the seven goals, including tournament. Al Annabi on Friday created a sensational haul of history by reaching the AFC four against North Asian Cup semi-finals for the Korea. That puts him just first time after a phenomenal one behind Ali Daei's run of five consecutive wins. record for most number Qatar, with their of goals in a single 2 27),'/ remarkable performance Sheikh Hamad bin tournament. throughout the tournament, Khalifa bin Ahmed Al have raised expectations back Thani, Qatar Football home and Sanchez feels high Association (QFA) stakes in the eagerly-awaited forward to the game, and their President, shakes hands battle against the arch-rivals results up until now show that with Ahmed Alaaeldin .!01! . will bring the best out of this group are mentally very during a practice session players. strong. My squad is ambitious which took place in Abu Watch the “I think that one of the key and they want to keep going. It Dhabi, yesterday. %') $ / reasons for us reaching this has not been easy to keep semi-final on stage of the competition is that getting the results we have the players have been aware of done game after game, but the pressure. In any compe- hopefully in the semi-final we “The key point for us is that .+ $ giant screen tition you have pressure as you can perform well again and everyone is ready and waiting need to get the right results,” reach the final.” to play and to help the team in % THE PENINSULA ! " Sanchez said on the eve of the Qatar will be missing the process. I am sure that the DOHA second semi-final. Abdelaziz Hatem and Bassam 11 that start will perform very !# !" $ &!' % “The team, I believe, has Al Rawi through suspension but well for us against a strong side !# % '!( $ All Qatar football fans will coped very well with the situ- will welcome back Abdelkarim that has shown great organi- have an opportunity to watch ation so far. Of course, all of us Hassan and Asim Madibo after sation and which has talented 1 .01%!%4 6 the national team take on know there is added pressure the duo served a one-match players who can make a dif- #$%& 5 ,- )!, . '!' #$% hosts UAE in Asian Cup 2019 because it is the semi-final, but ban during the quarter-final ference,” he added. ' $ 5 ./ +!, 5 & )!, ' $ semi-final today in a fanzone I think we are feeling confident win over Korea Republic. “The match against the UAE 5 .- )!, . '& '!' atmosphere at Katara rather than under pressure While wary of the threat the is more difficult than the ones 55 0 '!, /(1 (!) 2) esplanade. ahead of the match. UAE will pose, Sanchez said we have faced previously. As 55./ '!, !" + '!, Katara will be live “It is a very big game for us, that his players are fully pre- you progress in a tournament streaming the most anticipated and we are very pleased to be pared for what is sure to be every game becomes harder 2130%0%140 0%0%2 much of the tournament on a in the semi-finals of this very another stern test in front of a and harder. ') & - giant screen for the fans, they important tournament. Hope- full house at the Mohammed “We must try to play in the *+ ' *- announced on their social fully against the UAE, we are Bin Zayed Stadium. correct way in order to get the )( ( '+ media platforms. going to play to our strengths “As I have said previously right result. My players are ),)+ )& )(-( The match will kick-off at and try to do our very best to it is normal to be missing highly motivated and want to '- )+ 5pm Doha Time and fans can continue (even further) in the players at this stage of a com- achieve the win which would +& *+ &/ watch the match with other competition.” petition,” Sanchez said help go through to the final,” fans for free on the huge screen “The players are looking yesterday. he concluded. +3 + +3 ' set-up at the esplanade. Qatar’s winning form is good news for planners at QFA RIZWAN REHMAT beginning - I am optimistic about leadership and the team “The major positive has been “We did that when we beat THE PENINSULA the mindset of our players. I am backroom staff headed by that we have scored 12 goals in Saudi Arabia (in the first phase of optimistic about their per- Sanchez were turnings things just five matches. The youngsters the tournament). The stadium Qatar’s five consecutive wins at formance level. I am thrilled to around for the young Qatar side. have stepped up. The good thing then was full of Saudi fans. the AFC Asian Cup have been the see them fight and I have enjoyed “We have a great team of has been that we also saw the Beating them (2-0) was a big result of players delivering their battles so far. If you put all backroom staff. There are mental players who were on the achievement. We will be entering fighting performances against top that together, you get a strong conditioners with the side. These benches come up and deliver the stadium with the drive to win sides, QFA Secretary-General side,” he added. experts help the players on the straight away. That’s been huge. the match. The team will battle Mansoor Al Ansari said yesterday. “I was always optimistic that mental side of the preparation. That shows that even our players hard. Qatar, coached by Felix the technical level we’d exhibit The players have every support on the benches are in top mental “The Qatar team has shown Sanchez, today take on hosts UAE would be very high. Even when they need. The squad also has the and physical condition. It’s a great fighting spirit during this today on the back of wins over we were set to play South Korea, support of our leadership. QFA comforting thought,” Al Ansari tournament. We were able to South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, I was confident that we would win President Sheikh Hamad bin said. pass all challenges in this tour- North Korea and Lebanon. because - with all due respect to Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani has Al Ansari said playing UAE on nament. This is football. Anything “Technically, I believe we are the competing teams - we were been going to meet the squad their home soil could be used to can happen. I am certain every more advanced than the UAE side. much better on the technical side,” every single day from Oman,” Al Qatar’s advantage. fan will see a winning strategy in The previous five matches prove the QFA official said. Ansari said. “Many people would see that play in the match,” he added. that we have played at a very high “The Koreans and Australian “The QFA President is going we are playing away and that “(Coach) Felix Sanchez is level compared to our rivals,” Al sides of the past were technically there to show support. That alone could be a disadvantage but it is doing great. He has done fantastic Ansari said yesterday. much better. Same with Saudi is a big motivation for our a big advantage as well. You get work with the core group that is Qatar’s in-form players have and Japan. These are still great players,” he added. a competitive edge when that playing in the UAE. Hopefully our Mansoor Al Ansari, fired in 12 goals in five matches, teams but they are not at the level Al Ansari said Qatar firing in happens. The feeling in this Qatar good form continues and his Secretary-General, Qatar thanks largely to Almoez Ali’s they were in the past. Iran is a 12 goals in just five matches vs UAE clash will be that we have good work also carries on like it Football Association tally of seven. strong technical side,” he added. clearly made the difference for to give our best come what may,” has been the past few months,” “I have said this from the Al Ansari said the QFA the young side. Al Ansari said. he said. 06 SPORT TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2019 Triumphant Djokovic motivated to match Federer’s Slam record

AFP who both won six Australian Open men’s MELBOURNE singles titles. DjokovicDjokovic tightenstightens gripgr on The Serb’s victory was simplymplp y magnif-mam gnif- Novak Djokovic has designs on Roger icent as he embarrassed NadalNNadaal inn 124124 ttopop ofof ATPATP rankingsrankings Federer’s 20 Grand Slam crowns after minutes of spellbinding dominance.nance. completing a record-breaking Australian The Spaniard had not droppeddroppedd hishis AFPP Open victory. remodelled serve since the firstrstt rroundouund aatt PARISPARRISI Djokovic won a record seventh Mel- Melbourne Park 13 days earlier.er. Justin Rose of England bourne crown, 15th Grand Slam title and third But so dominant was Djokovicokovicic thatthaat heh NovakNoN vav k DjokovicDjoko ovvicc strengthenedstrt eengtg heh nen d hishis gripgrrip atat thethe topttoop of the men’s celebrates his winning putt. in a row after Wimbledon and the US Open broke the world number two nnotott once,onnccee, butbutt ATPATA P tetennisennnniss rankingrannkiingn yyesterdayesteterdayy followingfolo lol wingg hishiss destructiond of when he swatted aside Rafael Nadal 6-3, twice in each of the three sets,s, lostloosst onlyoonnlyy 1313 RafaelRaR faf ele NadalNadadal inin thetthhe AustralianAuA straaliann OpenOpen final.fiinan l. AnAn outclassed 6-2, 6-3 in a two-hour exhibition of tennis points on his own serve while deliveringelil vveriinngg eeightiight Nadal,NaNadadall,, bbeateneaeateen inin sstraighttrt aighght sessetstss iinn jujustst overovever twotwo hours, held perfection on Sunday. aces and committed just nine unforcednfforo cceed errors.errorss. ono toto secondsecoc ndn spotspot inin thethe rankingsrana kiings whwwhileili e RogerRooger FeFederer slipped Rose wins The Serbian world number one said he The numbers were scarcelyely believablebeelil evvabablee fromfrfromom tthirdhih rdd ttoo sixsix place.placa e. was motivated to “have a shot” at Federer’s considering the duo had battleded fofforor alaalmostlmmoosts LATESTLATEST ATATPP RANKINRANKINGSG (TOP 10): record but conceded that it was “still far” six hours in their previous Australiansttraralil ann OOpenpen 1.1. NovakNovak DDjokovicjookovic (S(SRB) 10,955 pts Farmers away. final in 2012 -- the longest ffinaliinnaall iinn GGrGrandannd 2.2 RRafaelafael NadalNad (ESP) 8,320 “I am aware that making history of the Slam history. 3. AAlexanderleexaxandn ere ZZverevveer (GER) 6,475 Insurance sport that I truly love is something special. “Under the circumstances,cees, playingppllaayyinng 4.4 JJuanuuaan MaMartinartrtiinn DDelel PPotrooto (ARG) 5,060 Of course, it motivates me,” he told reporters against Nadal, such an importantrtatant mmatch,aatchh, 5. KKevinevvinin AAndersonndndere so (RSA) 4,845 after celebrating the demolition of his yeah, I mean, it’s amazing,”g,”,” saidsaaid 6.6. RRogerogogere FFederereede (SUI) 4,600 Open greatest rival in their 53rd meeting. Djokovic. 77. KeiKeiei NishikoriNisi hik (JPN) 4,110 “Playing Grand Slams, biggest ATP Djokovic will go to Pariss inn 8.8 DDominicomomin Thiem (AUT) REUTERS events, is my utmost priority,” Djokovic May for the French Open seekingg 3,960 SAN DIEGO added. to become the only man in the 99. JohnJohhn IIsIsnersn (USA) 3,155 It was the manner of victory that had Open Era to win all four majors 1010.. MMarin Cilic (CRO) World number one Justin many, including Djokovic, believing he can twice, and with victory would 3,140 Rose described his victory as go on to match or possibly overtake Federer. hold all four majors at the a “win-and-a-half” after At 31 years old, six years younger than same time for the second time carding a three-under-par 69 Federer, he has time on his side. in his career. to beat Adam Scott by two “I do want to definitely focus myself on But Roland Garros is wheree shots at the Farmers continuing to improve my game and main- the “King of Clay” Nadal rules,s, Insurance Open in San Diego taining the overall well-being that I have -- having won 11 French Opens inin on Sunday. mental, physical, emotional -- so I would be 13 years. Djokovic would love toto The Englishman’s latest able to compete at such a high level for the dethrone the Spaniard there afterafa tter victory was his 10th on the years to come, and have a shot at eventually humiliating him in Melbourne. PGA Tour, matching the tally getting closer to Roger’s record,” Djokovic “Obviously I have to work onn mymy of Spaniard Sergio Garcia and Serbia’s Novak said. game, my clay court game, a bitt mmomore,re, giving him one more than Nick Djokovic poses for “It’s still far.” more specifically than I have,”e,” sassaidaidd Faldo and Seve Ballesteros. Djokovic has already ripped one record Djokovic. photographs with the Northern Irishman Rory from Federer’s grasp -- lifting the Norman “I’m obviously first going too enenjoynjoj y thisthis championship trophy McIlroy (14) is the only Brookes trophy for a seventh time put him victory and share it with my ffamilyamily anandd in Melbourne, on European player with more clear of the Swiss maestro and Roy Emerson, friends, then take it from there.”e.” Sunday. wins on the Tour since 1945. “Double-digits sounds really cool. Winning is never easy,” Rose told Golf Channel. Top quotes from Melbourne Nadal takes positives out “When you’ve beat a class field on a great venue, that sat- AFP isfies you as a player. It’s a MELBOURNE win-and-a-half mentally.” of Australian Open defeat Rose teed off with a three- Top quotes from the 2019 Australian Open, the first Grand shot lead but found himself Slam of the year that ended on Sunday: just one clear after three early AFP (to compete at that level),” said semi-final against Juan Martin del bogeys. “Even though I always believe I can play this way, MELBOURNE Nadal. Potro in September. “The first six holes any- visualize myself playing this way. At this level, as I said, “Five months without competing, The 32-year-old had surgery on thing that could go wrong did under the circumstances, it was truly a perfect match.” Rafael Nadal said he took a lot of having that big challenge in front of his ankle in November to remove a go wrong,” Rose said. Novak Djokovic after his rout of Rafael Nadal to win positives out of the Australian Open me, I needed something else. That loose intra-articular body and only “In the past I might have a record seventh Australian Open. on his return from injury, despite something else probably today, I resumed training in December. got a little rattled, a little being thrashed in the final on Sunday don’t have it yet. He played the opening round at shaken by that start but I didn’t “I felt like I was in a state of shock through the by Novak Djokovic. “That’s my feeling, to compete an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi to today. entire trophy presentation.” The Spanish second seed had at this super high level.” start his season, where he lost to “Had a bit of a gut-check Naomi Osaka after winning her first Australian Open title. played an outstanding level of tennis “I have been going through tough South African Kevin Anderson, and time on the seventh hole but at the tournament without dropping moments in the last year. (I have withdraw from the warm-up I’d been playing so well all “Probably physically I was not able. Five months a set until he met his arch-rival on played) only nine events and since Brisbane International. week. Went about my without competing, having that big challenge in front Rod Laver Arena. the US Open I was not able to play “The only thing probably that I business and it really started of me, I needed something else. That something else And he had no answer to the until the first round here,” he said. need is time and more matches,” he to turn around.” probably today I don’t have it yet... to compete at this world number one’s booming “Even if tonight was not my night said of getting to a sufficient level to Rose re-established a super high level.” groundstrokes and precision serve it’s so important for me to be where challenge Djokovic at his imperious buffer with three birdies in An honest Rafael Nadal assesses why he was demol- to limp out of Melbourne Park 6-3, I am coming back from injury. best. four holes, and held off a late ished by Novak Djokovic in the final. 6-2, 6-3. “I really believe I played a great “I need work, and I need more rally by Australian Scott, who Nadal said he still wasn’t at his two weeks of tennis, there’s a good weeks like this one. That’s really the finished with four straight “I felt like I had been hit by a train in the first set, best after his injury-plagued 2018. energy and good inspiration for what only thing that I hope -- to have the birdies for a 68. everything was too fast.” “Was unbelievable the way that is coming.” chance to keep practising well and It could have been a Simona Halep after American great Serena Williams he played, no doubt about that. But Nadal had not played a main tour to have the chance to keep playing special back nine for Scott, ousted her in the fourth round to end the Romanian’s at the same time it is true that event since a knee problem forced and stay healthy,” the World No. 2 who failed to convert great reign as world number one. probably physically I was not able him to retire during his US Open said. birdie chances on 11, 12 and 13. “Yeah, sure. He’s in front of the mic a lot. He’s “I might have been able always going to say stuff. I’ve heard that story the last to make it interesting at the 10 years. From that standpoint, nothing new there.” end,” said Scott, who also Roger Federer reacts to John McEnroe saying his Osaka is Asia’s 1st No. 1 missed a tiny putt from inside defeat to Tsitsipas was a changing of the old guard. two feet at the fifth. AP Japan’s Naomi Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama “I can’t say that I choked on those match points. MELBOURNE Osaka poses for (67) and American Talor She just played lights out, literally hitting lines. Just photographs Gooch (68) tied for third, five went for it, just went crazy on match point.” Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka is the first player with the strokes behind Rose. Serena Williams after Czech seventh seed Karolina from Asia to top the men’s or women’s tennis rankings - Australian Open Tiger Woods (67) tied for Pliskova survived four match points then stormed home and the youngest woman to make her debut at No. 1 in championship 20th at 10-under in his first in the quarter-finals to end the American’s latest bid for nine years. trophy at the start of the year. a record-equalling 24th major. Simona Halep’s 48-week stay atop the WTA rankings Brighton Beach Rose’s win came in his ended yesterday as she slid to No. 3 after a fourth-round in Melbourne, second tournament with new “I knew if he got hold of a forehand, it was going loss to Serena Williams, one year after getting to the final yesterday. clubs after he switched to be barbecued chicken” at Melbourne Park. Osaka’s second consecutive major title, equipment companies to join Frances Tiafoe after facing Rafael Nadal’s biggest following her success at the US Open last year, helped her Japanese clubmaker Honma. weapon in quarters. rise three spots. Osaka is the youngest woman to reach Changing can be a risky the top since 2010, when Caroline Wozniacki move for top players, but Rose “I don’t agree with athletes having to physically did it at 20. The runner-up at Melbourne Park, seems to have adapted exert themselves in the wee hours of the morning. I Petra Kvitova, jumped from No. 6 to No. 2. quickly. don’t think it is healthy -- in fact it is quite WTA RANKINGS (TOP 10): “I’m really happy I chal- dangerous.” (Ranking, Name, Country, points, progress) lenged the status quo and An exhausted Johanna Konta after the Briton’s 1. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 7,030 pts (+3) changed everything up in the second-round clash with Spain’s Garbine Muguruza ended 2. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 6,290 (+4) search trying to get better,” he at 3:12 am after a scheduling logjam meant they didn’t 3. Simona Halep (ROM) 5,582 (-2) said. get on court until 12:30 am. 4. Sloane Stephens (USA) 5,307 (+1) “I can’t believe how well 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5,100 (+3) I’ve driven the ball this week “Go away. Like, literally. If you’ve retired, why are 6. Angelique Kerber (GER) 4,965 (-4) on a tough test. The off-season you still in tennis? I’m going to say it honestly -- no one 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,940 was short and sharp and I likes him any more.” 8. Kiki Bertens (NED) 4,430 (+1) didn’t quite know exactly how Firebrand Bernard Tomic has words of advice for 9. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 3,566 (-6) I was going to come out. Australia Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt 10. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,485 (+1) “It’s awesome to play this well this week.” TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 07 ‘Qatar play better under pressure’

RIZWAN REHMAT added. “At the end of the day, we THE PENINSULA are in the UAE for the tournament. We want to play. We Former star Adel Qatar Football Association (QFA) want to develop our players. We Secretary General Mansoor Al are sad to see that such steps Ansari has urged unbeaten Qatar have been taken. Lami issues Qatari to remain ‘focused’ in today’s “We are still at a disad- Asian Cup semi-final against vantage that our fans are not hosts UAE, saying the players able to attend the games. They rallying cry must go into the crunch match say that fans are can go but the without ‘distractions’. (visa) procedures they put are AFC your role now is to represent A hostile crowd at Abu very complicated. You have to ABU DHABI the people. The same is true Dhabi’s 40,000-capacity go on a link, then you have to for other countries as well,” Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium is apply and at the end of it all, you Former Qatar forward Adel said Lami. expected to up the ante in noise don’t have anything that would Lami has urged the side’s Expanding further on pollution but the QFA official show that you have the approval current generation to his own personal com- said Qatar plays their best or the visa. embrace the responsibility of mitment to the Qatari cause, football under pressure. “There is no assurance that representing the nation in Lami recalled the 2007 AFC Qatar have braved a hostile would give our fans the comfort their first ever AFC Asian Cup Asian Cup in Southeast Asia, atmosphere off the field in the to go (to the UAE). You have to semi-final, against host where he appeared in all last three weeks to reel off five travel so many hours to get nation United Arab Emirates three of his side’s group consecutive wins over Lebanon, there. All of that puts people off,” today. stage matches. North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iraq Al Ansari said. Five successive wins Then 21 years old, he sus- and Korea Republic on way to The QFA official thanked have the West Asian nation tained an injury which would reaching the last-four of the Qatar Football Association Secretary General Mansoor Al Ansari, Omani fans who have supported on the brink of history, and ultimately keep him out of event. speaking to journalists in Doha yesterday. Qatar in their five matches so far. potentially two good per- top-level football for over a At the start of the 24-team “We are very proud that formances away from year, but even now, Lami tournament, QFA Vice President Omani fans supported us during becoming the ninth nation to says that extraordinarily Saud Al Mohannadi was initially Anything we face, we highlight this time. It was very heart- claim the Continental title. hefty price was one worth denied entry into the UAE. A few it through the proper channels. warming to see their support for Lami, who won 21 caps paying. hours later, a group of five Doha- That’s our right. The hosting team. It was nice to see Omani for Al Annabi from 2005 to The Qatari class of 2019 based football journalists were I think they have nation has to make sure that all fans saying ‘you don’t have your 2014, spoke passionately enter the semi-finals with the sent back just before Qatar’s first commitments made are fulfilled fans there, so we will go and about his pride for the confidence created by what match against Lebanon. proved that they and that our rights are pro- support your team’. It’s a very national shirt, calling on Felix remains a perfect Even Qatar football fans are a much better tected,” the QFA General Sec- positive feeling we get from their Sanchez’s players not to take campaign. have found travelling a difficult side under pressure. retary said. support but we do feel that it their opportunities for Lami believes Felix exercise for what is the biggest They have handled “When faced with issues like would have been even better if granted. Sanchez’s side is rich in national team event in Asia. - when the QFA Vice President our fans also got to attend the “For me, every player talent, but maintains their Al Ansari yesterday said off pressure to their wasn’t allowed entry or the five matches,” Al Ansari said. who wears Qatar’s crest on real strength lies in their col- the field issues have failed to advantage. They just journalists (from Qatar) not his chest, is excellent and lective mentality. deter the Qatari side on the pitch. need to focus on the allowed to enter the country and deserving,” he said. “The current team has “I think they have proved sent back - we highlighted those “Every player who wears some excellent players,” he that they are a much better side match: Al Ansari to make sure things moved it will be capable of carrying declared. under pressure. They have smoothly. that responsibility.” “What’s great about this handled pressure to their “This team has always been “But sadly there are times We are still at a “At the same time, my current generation is that advantage,” Al Ansari said handling pressure well. They when you do face some message to them is: If you whichever Asian team they yesterday. have been playing well as a unit obstacles. We are fighting for our disadvantage that wear that crest, you should play against, regardless of “My message to our team is for the past six years,” Al Ansari right. We try to make sure eve- our fans are not able know your responsibility. their strength, they go into to remain focused. They should said. rything moves the right way. We to attend the games. You should know that there the game knowing that they go into the match without any Al Ansari said the off-the- are fair and then we move. They say that fans are are a lot of players who shed are capable of defeating this distractions around them. They field rancour orchestrated by the “There were issues from tears hoping that they would team. just need to focus on the match,” host country has been well high- their side and we highlighted can go but the (visa) be able to wear this jersey. “They have the maturity Al Ansari said at his office in Al lighted by Qatar. those - not with a sense of procedures they put “So you have been to deal with the big and Bidda Tower, the home of “First of all, we firmly believe pointing fingers but we just are very complicated. handed this opportunity and important games.” football in Qatar. in the values of football. wanted our rights protected,” he

Queiroz African Super Cup to take place in Doha stands down as Iran coach REUTERS clashes between a country’s league Hossam Ghaly (left) of Egypt’s Al Ahly ﬁghts for ball CAIRO champions and Cup winners, have possession with Akram Djahnit of Algeria’s Entente REUTERS been staged in different Setif during their African Super Cup match at the AL AIN The African Super Cup will be played continents. Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, in this 2015 outside the continent for the first time Barcelona played Sevilla in this ﬁle picture. Carlos Queiroz stood down when it takes place in Doha, Qatar on year’s Spanish Super Cup in Tangier, after nearly eight years as March 29, the Confederation of Morocco, while the French Super Cup Iran coach yesterday African Football (CAF) said yesterday. has not been staged in France since following his team’s 3-0 loss The switch of venue to the 2022 2008, with host nations including to Japan in the semi-finals of World Cup hosts was first mooted last Canada, the United States, China and the Asian Cup. month and has now been rubber- Gabon. The former Real Madrid stamped by CAF’s Emergency Juventus beat AC Milan in the coach had been hoping to Committee. Italian Super Cup this month in deliver Iran’s first continental African Champions League Saudi Arabia, a controversial title since 1976 in the UAE but winners Esperance of Tunisia face choice of venue following the fell to Japan’s three second Confederation Cup holders Raja Casa- murder of dissident Saudi jour- half goals. blanca from Morocco at a stadium in nalist Jamal Khashoggi and the fact “I think the simplest thing Doha which has not yet been that a limited number of female to do is to copy the old song: announced. fans were allowed to enter the ‘and now, the end is here’,” The UEFA Super Cup has always stadium in Jeddah. the 65-year-old Portuguese been held in Europe while the South The African Super Cup has been said, misquoting the song American version has been staged on played annually since 1993, with Frank Sinatra made famous. three occasions in the United States. Egyptian side Al Ahly claiming a “I’m happy and proud to European Super Cup matches, record six titles. say I did it my way.” Penalty controversy as Japan reach Asian Cup final

AFP title goes on. Genki Haraguchi Azmoun from a tight angle -- Japan’s forward Yuya Osako (centre) heads the ball to score during AL AIN then scored in stoppage time to after the goalkeeper had gifted the 2019 AFC Asian Cup semi-ﬁnal match against Iran at the Hazza complete a rout which had been Iran possession with a botched Japan benefited from a contro- wholly unexpected after Japan’s clearance. Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, yesterday. versial penalty as they sent unimpressive performances pre- The game was on a knife- favourites Iran crashing 3-0 in viously in the competition. edge but a misjudgement from the Asian Cup semi-finals to Carlos Queiroz’s Iranian side Iranian defender Hossein Kanani move within one win of a record- scored 12 unanswered goals on tilted it Japan’s way 11 minutes extending fifth title yesterday. the way to the last four but they after half-time. Yuya Osako put Japan 1-0 up lacked ideas against a calm Jap- While Kanani was protesting after half-time but it was his anese team who seized their his innocence over an edge-of- penalty shortly afterwards, opportunities. the-box challenge, Minamino awarded following a video At a rocking Hazza Bin played on and crossed to Osako, review, that knocked the stuffing Stadium, Iran lobbed balls at whose glancing header put Japan out of Iran. target man Sardar Azmoun at ahead. Takumi Minamino’s cross hit every opportunity but it was It was a body-blow for Iran, Morteza Pouraliganji’s arm as he Japan who looked the biggest but worse was to come when slid in, but Australian referee threat in the opening exchanges. Pouraliganji was adjudged to Chris Beath blew for the spot-kick Captain Maya Yoshida have handled in the box, a and stood by his decision after headed over and Ritsu Doan saw decision that could have gone watching a replay. a shot trickle wide as the Blue either way. Osako stroked home the spot Samurai were anything but Osako stuck it away to all but kick to give Japan a 2-0 lead with cowed by the physical Iran silence the Iranian support, who 23 minutes to play, and there was presence. then had to watch as Haraguchi no coming back for Iran whose However, Shuichi Gonda stole in for the third goal to make 43-year wait for a fourth Asian had to be sharp to keep out it a lopsided victory for Japan. TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 05

I really believe I played a great FOOTBALL FOOTBALL two weeks of tennis, there’s a Rafael Nadal takes positives after Australian Open ﬁnal good energy and good inspiration Asian Cup, semi-ﬁnal: EPL: Newcastle United vs thrashing. for what is coming. Qatar vs UAE Manchester City ACTION TODAY’S

Indian captain New Zealand recall Virat Kohli walks off after being Neesham and Astle dismissed during the third ODI for remaining ODIs against New AFP NEW ZEALAND SQUAD Zealand. MOUNT MAUNGANUI Kane Williamson (pact), Todd Astle, Trent Kohli bows out New Zealand have brought in Boult, Colin De Grandhomme, Lockie Fergu- all-rounder Jimmy Neesham son, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom and leg-spinner Todd Astle for Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham,

the remaining two One Day Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim South- Internationals (ODIs) against ee, Ross Taylor. as India secure India, after losing a third successive game in Mount Maunganui yesterday. from a knee injury which forced However, they have him out of New Zealand’s series decided to persevere with against Pakistan in November, unbeatable lead openers Martin Guptill and is also a capable lower order Colin Monro, who have both batsman in a side struggling for struggled for runs. runs. India took an unbeatable Neesham starred with bat 3-0 lead in the series when they and ball against Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by seven earlier this month but was side- wickets with seven overs to lined from the start of the India spare in the third match. series by a hamstring strain. Neesham returns to the side “It’s great to welcome back to replace all-rounder Doug the all-round skills of Jimmy Bracewell, while Astle comes and Todd and we’re looking in for Ish Sodhi as the forward to seeing what they can AFP SCOREBOARD Kohli, who averages a leg-spinner. bring to the series,” selector WELLINGTON New Zealand Bowling: Kumar 10-1-46-2 (1w), Shami 9-0-41- century every 5.6 innings, was Astle, who has recovered Gavin Larsen said. M. Guptill c Karthik b Kumar ...... 13 3 (1w), Chahal 9-0-51-2, Pandya 10-0-45-2 (4w), due a big knock in New Zealand Virat Kohli bowed out of the C. Munro c Sharma b Shami ...... 7 Yadav 8-0-39-0, Jadhav 3-0-17-0 (1w) after posting 45 and 43 earlier New Zealand tour with India in K. Williamson c Pandya b Chahal ...... 28 India in the series, but his attempt to an unbeatable position after they R. Taylor c Karthik b Shami ...... 93 R. Sharma std Latham b Santner ...... 62 drive Boult to the cover won the third one-day interna- T. Latham c Rayudu b Chahal ...... 51 S. Dhawan c Taylor b Boult ...... 28 boundary was well caught by a Rayudu suspended tional by seven wickets in Mount H. Nicholls c Karthik b Pandya ...... 6 V. Kohli c Nicholls b Boult ...... 60 leaping Henry Nicholls. Maunganui yesterday. M. Santner c Karthik b Pandya ...... 3 A. Rayudu not out ...... 40 Boult proved the most eco- D. Bracewell run out (Kohli) ...... 15 D. Karthik not out ...... 38 from bowling for With India up 3-0, World- I. Sodhi c Kohli b Shami ...... 12 Extras: (b 1, wd 16) ...... 17 nomical of the New Zealand Player-of-the-Year Kohli is to T. Boult c Shami b Kumar ...... 2 Total: (for 3 wickets; 43 overs) ...... 245 bowlers with two for 40. be rested for the remaining two L. Ferguson not out ...... 2 Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Dhawan), 2-152 (Sharma), Mohammed Shami had suspect action matches and the following Extras: (lb 4, wd 7) ...... 11 3-168 (Kohli) earlier taken three for 41 while Total: (all out; 49 overs) ...... 243 Bowling: Boult 10-1-40-2, Bracewell 6-0-49-0 Twenty20 series. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik AFP Kohli’s 60 off 74 deliveries Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Munro), 2-26 (Guptill), (2w), Ferguson 10-1-57-0 (4w), Santner 10-0-45- Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal to submit to a test of his NEW DELHI and a 113-run partnership with 3-59 (Williamson), 4-178 (Latham), 5-191 (Ni- 1, Sodhi 7-0-53-0 (1w) took two wickets apiece as India bowling action within the Rohit Sharma saw India chase cholls), 6-198 (Santner), 7-222 (Taylor), 8-239 Result: India won by 7 wickets shared around the bowling stipulated period of 14 days (Sodhi), 9-239 (Bracewell), 10-243 (Boult) Series: India lead 3-0 down their 244-run target with honours in the New Zealand India’s Ambati Rayudu has of being reported for a seven overs to spare. innings. been suspended from inter- suspect action and therefore It gave the tourists back-to- while Ambati Rayudu was and the pair swatted the attack Only Taylor, and for a time national bowling two weeks he has been suspended with back series wins against Aus- unbeaten on 40 and Dinesh around the ground in their Latham, offered any real after being reported for a immediate effect,” cricket’s tralia and New Zealand and Karthik on 38. century stand for the second resistance after another disas- suspect action, the Interna- world governing body said in ensured they will be a force to New Zealand, batting first, wicket. trous start by the top order. tional Cricket Council said a statement. be reckoned with in the World posted their highest score and New Zealand, taking a leaf Both openers were gone and yesterday. “The suspension will Cup later this year. longest innings in the three from the India playbook, brought New Zealand were two for 26 The part-time spinner’s remain in place until he is Sharma top-scored with 62 matches so far but they still fell two spinners into the match after when Taylor went to the middle action was flagged by match tested, and can demonstrate short of 50 overs, their last the tourists’ spin twins Kuldeep and Latham arrived at three for officials, citing concerns over he is able to bowl with a legal wicket falling with six balls Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal 59 with the dismissal of Kane its legality, a day after the action.” remaining. took the bulk of the wickets in Williamson (28). first one-day international The sanction did not Ross Taylor (93) and Tom the first two matches. Taylor and Latham mounted against Australia in Sydney extend to domestic matches, Latham (51) gave the innings Ish Sodhi proved expensive a rescue mission with a 119-run on January 12. the ICC added. With India up 3-0, credibility but proved no chal- but Mitchell Santner was tight stand for the fourth wicket. The 33-year-old middle- Rayudu bowled just two Kohli is to be rested lenge for the visitors. and cleverly deceived Sharma But after Latham was dis- order batsman stayed in the overs of off-spin, giving away for the remaining Sharma’s first wicket part- to finish with one for 45. missed for 51, his 13th half- Indian XI in the second match 13 runs, in the Sydney ODI. nership of 39 ended when Santner sensed Sharma was century, it ignited a collapse in and also played a role in the India lost the match but went two matches and the Shikhar Dhawan edged Trent ready to dance down the wicket which the last six wickets fell for team’s first two ODI wins in on to clinch the three-match following Twenty20 Boult to the lone slip Taylor to and served up a slower ball that only 52 runs. New Zealand. series 2-1. India lead Nw series. be gone for 28. deceived the opener, who was Hamilton hosts the fourth “The player elected not Zealand 3-0. Kohli then joined Sharma stumped by Latham. game in the series on Thursday.

Chelsea striker Arsenal trying to sign two players: Emery

Morata moves to REUTERS and fellow defender Laurent LONDON Koscielny has bruised his jaw. Full back Hector Bellerin and Atletico on loan Arsenal are negotiating to sign central defender Rob Holding two players before the transfer have long-term knee injuries. This transfer window closes on Thursday, but Emery said he did not want REUTERS Morata spent four manager Unai Emery says they to sign defensive cover because window is not easy LONDON seasons at Atletico’s are not in the market for a it would lead to problems when and the message is academy before defender despite a host of injuries his injured players returned to the club is working Chelsea striker Alvaro signing for rivals Real to his back line. fitness. on different players Morata has joined Atletico The London club have been “We have enough players, Madrid. He also played and the possibility Madrid on loan until the end for Juventus before linked with a move for Inter Milan centre-backs in the squad,” he of next season, the Spanish winger Ivan Perisic, with Italian said. “We’re having a lot of if it can be good for joining Chelsea in July side said in a statement and British reporting that the injuries and a lot in this position. us: Unai Emery yesterday. 2017. 29-year-old Croatia international If we can bring another player The 26-year-old had a has handed in a transfer request. and when all the players want to medical in Spain on Sunday Barcelona winger Denis play we can have a lot of trouble ahead of the move after Chelsea signed Argentina inter- Suarez is the other player linked in future.” national Gonzalo Higuain on loan last week. with the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal, fifth in the league Morata spent four seasons at Atletico’s academy before “We are looking at two dif- and three points behind Chelsea signing for rivals Real Madrid. He also played for Juventus ferent players and the possibility in fourth, were knocked out of the before joining Chelsea in July 2017 and scored 24 goals in they can come,” Emery told a FA Cup by Manchester United on 72 appearances for the London club. news conference yesterday ahead Friday. His last appearance for Chelsea was against Not- of today’s Premier League game Emery said the cup exit would tingham Forest on Jan. 5 where he scored both goals in a against Cardiff City. allow his team to put all their 2-0 FA Cup victory. “This transfer window is not efforts into qualifying for the “Morata has proven himself as a prolific goalscorer in easy and the message is the club Champions League. some of Europe’s most competitive leagues,” Atletico said is working on different players “Our focus now is very clear on their website. “With Morata’s arrival, we add a very and the possibility if it can be is - the Premier League,” he added. talented striker to our club, who has the ability to score good for us.” “We’re also going to play the with his feet and his head thanks to his height... and to Centre back Sokratis Papas- Europa League with big moti- combine with his team-mates.” tathopoulos faces a spell on the vation. It’s one way to the Cham- sidelines due to an ankle injury pions League.”