TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019 SPORT 21 It would definitely be good FOOTBALL CRICKET to be back on the top, but FIFA Women’s World Cup ICC World Cup to be honest, there was a Park says World No.1 rank sometimes has (semi-final) India vs Bangladesh lot of pressure when I was been a mixed blessing. ACTION England vs USA at Birmingham the No.1. TODAY’S Horse owned by Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani wins in Germany French King extends unbeaten record THE PENINSULA Jockey Olivier Peslier, who guided French DOHA King to victory in Hamburg poses for a picture on Sunday. After annexing the HH The Amir Trophy (Gr1) and Carl Jaspers- Preis (Gr2) earlier in the season, French King, owned by Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, stretched his unbeaten record this season to three at Hamburg on Sunday. The four-year-old chestnut colt landed his new group in the Group 2 Grosser Hansa-Preis. At the early stages of the 2400-metre run, the son of French Fifteen stayed in third keeping Royal Youmzain in his sights. He pounced after the leader Oriental Eagle switched completed the frame. He was French King’s victory in Carl left with 300m to go. With saddled by Markus Klug and Jaspers-Preis (Gr2) in May this Olivier Peslier astride, French ridden by Adrie de Vries. year made him the first Umm King’s brilliant turn of foot The winning trainer, Henri- Qarn-bred horse to take home enabled him to nail the race after Alex Pantall, said that his charge a Group success for thorough- effortlessly going clear. will now be aimed at the Grosser breds in Europe. On Sunday, he Jaber Abdullah’s Royal You- Preis von Berlin (Gr1), adding confirmed his class by adding mzain was the runner-up for that a return to Qatar during the another similar victory in less trainer Andreas Wohler with winter could also be on the than two months and the success Eduardo Pedroza in the saddle. cards. of Umm Qarn’s breeding Action from the Group 2 Grosser Hansa-Preis race in Hamburg on Sunday. Stall Reckendorf’s Colomano It is worth mentioning that operation. McIlroy sees no need for Nasser takes adventurous Ferrari decide superstar spirit to another level not to appeal caddie THE PENINSULA DOHA AFP REUTERS SPIELBERG forced off the track. “We NEW YORK Three-time Dakar Rally winner believe these are clear rules, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah took his Ferrari decided not to appeal which we may appreciate or adventurous spirit to another the decision to uphold Max not -- and these are exactly the Rory McIlroy has little interest level as he joined co-driver Verstappen as winner of same rules which have been in following Jason Day’s Mathieu Baumel on a new Sunday’s spectacular Austrian applied in past races. example and teaming up with adventure on the French Grand Prix in the best interests “Having said that, we a so-called superstar caddie, terrains, taking their SxS buggy of Formula One, said team boss respect fully the decision of the the Northern Irishman said in to the 6 Hours Endurance Race Mattia Binotto. stewards. They are the judge the wake of Day’s decision to in Orleans. The Italian explained that and we need to respect that and hire the sport’s best known The Qatari champion took Ferrari believed the decision more than that I think that as a bagman. on the six-hour endurance race to confirm Red Bull’s victory, Ferrari fan, I think it’s time for Day coaxed Steve Williams of Orléans. after examination of Verstap- F1 to turn the page and to look out of retirement starting at Al Attiyah and Baumel tested pen’s wheel-banging passing ahead.” Ferrari’s decision came the recent US Open, saying he the French terrains of Orléans move on Charles Leclerc, was just a week after the French thought the veteran caddie’s in six continuous hours of off- wrong, but they respected the Grand Prix where their bid to experience would be an asset road racing. stewards’ decision. overturn another decision - as he tried to play his way “This is a new type of race The stewards said it was “a against a five-second penalty Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel pose back to world number one for us. It’s casual, more about racing incident” and did not that deprived Sebastian Vettel for a picture during their SxS buggy adventure at the 6 Hours status. having fun and enjoying the merit any further action. of victory in Canada - had failed Williams caddied for Tiger experience. The goal of partici- Endurance Race in Orleans. The ruling brought Ver- at a stewards’ hearing. Woods in 13 of the American’s pating in a rally like this is we stappen his and Red Bull’s first “As we often said, we 15 major victories. get to know the drivers and the “We had a great day at the during the main event. The race win of the season and in 11 races, should leave the drivers free Day’s decision to hire Wil- organizers. We’re still exploring qualifiers, setting the fastest time wasn’t a piece of cake for the ending Mercedes’ record run of to battle,” he added. liams raised the question of these kinds of events”, said Al and securing the first position. dream team who had out their season-opening victories. “So, we may not be happy whether other top players Attiyah. This means that we’ll be taking utmost effort to stay in the lead. “We still believe this is a at the decision, we are not sup- might follow suit, perhaps The challenge behind off as the first out of 52 cars. Yet Mechanical failures came in wrong decision, that’s our own porting the decision, but trying to lure someone such as endurance races is to see how We’re always aiming for the their way. “This will still be a opinion,” said Binotto. somehow we understand the Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay, who long the drivers and their best”, explained Al Attiyah. very special experience for us “We believe that Charles fact that we need to move worked for Phil Mickelson for vehicles can go on for. Coming Al Attiyah and Baumel part- and we will definitely come back left the entire space, he had no forward and, overall, I think 25 years. in first would be a bonus, and nered up with French rally again for more SxS adventures fault, a collision has happened that’s good for the sport and McIlroy has been using his that’s exactly what the dynamic veteran Thierry Magnaldi, and with Nasser next year,” added and he has been pushed and good for F1.” lifelong friend Harry Diamond duo plan to do. all three took part as drivers Baumel. for nearly two years now, with the Northern Irishman saying Kevin Durant of the that he no longer needed an old Golden State Warriors hand on the bag. reacts against the Durant opts for Nets as NBA “Maybe back in the day Toronto Raptors in the when I wasn’t as experi- first half during Game enced, but I’ve been on tour Five of the 2019 NBA free agent frenzy begins for 12 years,” McIlroy said in Finals at Scotiabank a recent interview. Arena in Toronto, “Caddies don’t hit the shots. AFP with the Brooklyn Nets,” said a returns from an upcoming year Canada in this June LOS ANGELES I want someone out there I’m 2019 file picture. post on the Instagram and of rehabilitation, provided comfortable with first and Twitter accounts of The Durant can regain the form that foremost that’s the big thing for Two-time NBA Finals Most Boardroom, his company- helped power the Warriors to me and that’s why I have Harry Valuable Player Kevin Durant owned sports-business network. the 2017 and 2018 NBA crowns. on the bag.” announced on Sunday that he A max deal for Durant would Durant had the Warriors Diamond is expected to will leave the Golden State be worth some $164m over four looking like champions again work for McIlroy at next week’s Warriors, his team since 2016, years. The Warriors could have this year before a right calf injury Scottish Open and the following to join the Brooklyn Nets. offered him $221m over five sidelined him. He missed nine week’s British Open at Royal The 30-year-old star years to stay. games before returning in game Portrush, where McIlroy shat- forward made his Under NBA rules, teams five of the NBA Finals against tered the course record with an announcement on social media cannot sign contracts with Toronto. He scored 11 points in 11-under-par 61 in the 2005 moments after the start of the players until Saturday, but there 12 minutes before suffering the North of Ireland Amateur NBA’s free agency period, saying was still plenty of action in the ruptured tendon that required Championship. he will sign a maximum-level opening hours of the free agency surgery two days later. McIlroy, 30, has not tasted deal with the Nets. period. Durant and Irving were both victory in one of golf’s four Durant commands top dollar Multiple US media outlets reported to be targets of the New biggest championships since despite suffering a ruptured reported that Boston Celtics York Knicks -- who were 2014. Achilles tendon in game five of playmaker Kyrie Irving would coming off a league-worst 17-65 His previous caddie J.P. Fit- this year’s finals, and is expected be joining Durant in Brooklyn season and had cleared salary zgerald was on the bag at all to miss all of the 2019-20 season. on a four-year deal worth $141m. cap space to sign proven talent four of McIlroy’s major victories “Kevin Durant has con- It could give the Nets a for- to join their inexperienced between 2011-14. firmed he will sign a max deal midable duo once Durant squad. 22 SPORT TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019 India defend Dhoni after limp end to chase

AFP every now and then.” A powerful BIRMINGHAM India’s MS Dhoni hits a four during the middle-order batsman who led ICC Cricket World Cup match against India to World Cup glory at Here also he was India team bosses yesterday England at the Edgbaston, Birmingham, Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium defended M.S. Dhoni after the on Sunday. in 2011, Dhoni’s finishing striking the ball really wicketkeeper-batsman came prowess has recently been well. I’m surprised under fire for slow batting questioned. that this question towards the end of his side’s Earlier in the current tour- World Cup defeat to England. nament he faced flak for his slow continues to come up Chasing a stiff target 338 to knock against Afghanistan, every now and then: win, previously unbeaten India when he scored just 28 off 52 Sanjay Bangar needed 71 runs from the last five deliveries. overs of Sunday’s match at Edg- Bangar said England’s baston, with veteran big-hitter excellent bowling was the a bit too much.” Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav at the reason for India’s struggles in Rising star Rishabh Pant crease. Birmingham, rather than impressed with his cameo at But the pair added just 39, Dhoni’s alleged lack of intent. number four and Bangar said the scrambling singles but failing to “If you look at the way they young batsman would keep his find the boundary regularly, to bowled towards the end, they place in the side for today’s finish on 306-5. Dhoni was used the dimensions really well match against Bangladesh, also unbeaten on 42 off 31 deliveries and created difficult angles for at Edgbaston. while Jadhav was 12 not out off our batters to hit,” said Bangar. The 21-year-old Pant, who 13 balls. “In those large boundaries joined the team in the middle of The two batsmen were crit- levelled at the former captain the job for the team,” said against Australia he did that. and with the type of balls they the tournament after an injury icised in the Indian press and on surprised him, adding that Bangar. “If you see the earlier “In Manchester on a difficult were bowling -- slower to opener Shikhar Dhawan, social media, with pundits 37-year-old Dhoni was “doing games, against South Africa he track (against West Indies) he bouncers, a lot of into-the- made 32 off 29 balls. labelling their approach as the job for the team”. stitched together a partnership got a vital fifty for us. Here also wicket deliveries, slower balls, India need one win from “baffling”. “Except for one odd innings, of 70 (the partnership was 74) he was striking the ball really I just felt maybe last one or two their remaining two matches to But assistant coach Sanjay he has done the role always. Five with Rohit (Sharma). After that, well. I’m surprised that this overs, the difference between guarantee a place in the World Bangar said the criticism out of seven games he has done what was required of him question continues to come up runs required and balls left were Cup semi-finals.

Sri Lanka’s Avishka Fernando plays a shot against West Indies India aim to seal semis in Chester-le-Street, northeast England, yesterday. spot with Bangladesh win

AP Bangladesh’s captain (England). Mohammed Shami BIRMINGHAM Mashrafe Mortaza attends went for 69 runs against England a training session at but took five wickets. Fellow When India’s players get on the Edgbaston in Birmingham Bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar bus to Edgbaston for their yesterday, ahead of their and Ravindra Jadeja, both handy Cricket World Cup match against 2019 Cricket World Cup with the bat, could be set to Bangladesh, there’s one thing group stage match against return for India. they can no longer take onboard: India. “If you don’t have major con- An unbeaten record. tributions from the middle order That should spur India on then someone like Bhuvneshwar Tuesday, two days after a 31-run Kumar lower down becomes loss to England at the same really important,” Bangar said. venue, as it seeks again to join “Anyone who is handy at No. Sri Lanka survive Australia in the semi-finals. 8, and it could be Jadeja, gives India was criticized for its you some freedom. It takes the slow run chase on Sunday, with pressure off those batting at six scare to beat Windies MS Dhoni appearing unhurried and seven so that they can start until it was too late. going at the bowling a little AFP Pooran, 23, held the innings It sparked claims that India earlier.” CHESTER-LE-STREET together but the West Indies’ was already thinking ahead to After losing to England, India hopes were badly hit when the semifinals by concentrating expressed some concern over the Sri Lanka held off a West Indies Carlos Brathwaite was unluckily on its net run-rate and keen to short boundary at Edgbaston but charge at Chester-le-Street run out when bowler Isuru avoid losing any more wickets. Bangar wasn’t bothered, saying yesterday to win an exciting Udana diverted the ball into the India captain Virat Kohli saw it “it will be the same wicket and battle of two World Cup also- stumps off his fingertips, with in far simpler terms, saying Eng- same ground for both teams.” rans by 23 runs. the batsman well out of his land’s bowlers were hard to Bangladesh has beaten India Both teams came into the ground. score against. five times - admittedly in 34 match aware they could not The West Indies looked That won’t placate the con- matches - and once at the World reach the semi-finals but the down and out at 199-6 in the spiracy theorists, who will note Cup, so won’t be intimidated. Caribbean side came close to 35th over but Pooran put on 83 how desperate India wants to Instead, it is highly motivated as pulling off the highest suc- for the seventh wicket with win today in terms of its final at finishing the group stage No. The key player for India remains it has an outside chance of cessful chase in World Cup Fabian Allen to keep them in the four place. 1. Regardless, it will be without Kohli. The master of the white advancing. history. hunt before a second run-out. The semi-finals next week allrounder Vijay Shankar for the ball, with 41 ODI centuries, has It has a game in hand and Sri Lanka batted brightly to The Caribbean side needed are No. 1 vs. No. 4 at Old Trafford, rest of the tournament after he hit 382 runs in the tournament will go level with fifth-placed post an imposing total of 338 for 31 runs off the final three overs and No 2 vs. No 3 at Edgbaston, broke his toe while facing at an average of 63. After getting Pakistan, one point behind six in their 50 overs, thanks when captain Dimuth Karu- which turns more. teammate Jasprit Bumrah in the only 18 in India’s opener against England, if it beats India. largely to Avishka Fernando’s naratne summoned Angelo India has an outside chance nets two weeks ago. Shankar has South Africa, his scores in the Pakistan and Bangladesh first one-day international Mathews to bowl for the first of topping standings leader Aus- been replaced by Mayank five completed matches since meet in their last group game on century. time in an ODI since 2017. tralia. India, even if it wins its last Agarwal, a top-order batsman then have been 82 (against Aus- Friday at Lord’s in a match which That total looked beyond the He struck with his first ball, two matches, is more likely to who has played two Tests for tralia), 77 (Pakistan), 67 (Afghan- could potentially offer the West Indies in the early part of removing a distraught Pooran, finish No. 2. But it still has a shot India but has no ODI experience. istan), 72 (West Indies) and 66 winner a coveted last-four place. their innings but Nicholas who slashed at an innocuous Pooran dug deep, also scoring wide delivery and was caught his maiden ODI ton. behind by wicketkeeper Kusal The West Indies found Perera. Roy’s return gives England needed boost themselves in early trouble at Earlier, Fernando hit a spar- 22-2, with Sunil Ambris and Shai kling maiden ODI century, with Hope back in the dressing room, all of the top order chipping in AP dismiss two major threats from both dismissed by veteran fast to help him. BIRMINGHAM India - Virat Kohli for 66 and bowler Lasith Malinga. The 21-year-old reached Hardik Pandya for 45. Chris Gayle flickered briefly three figures off exactly 100 balls Jason Roy and James Vince make As well as his half century but was caught for 35 from a with eight fours and two sixes a good double act for England: against India, Roy also hit 54 steepling top edge by Jeffrey but was caught by Fabian Allen Roy hits bowlers, Vince catches against South Africa in the tour- Vandersay off the bowling of off the bowling of Sheldon Cot- batters. nament opener and blasted Kasun Rajitha. trell for 104. England revived its strug- Bangladesh’s attack for 153 in 121 gling Cricket World Cup cam- balls, including 14 boundaries SCOREBOARD paign on Sunday with a 31-run and five sixes. SRI LANKA WEST INDIES win over previously unbeaten That innings remains the Dimuth Karunaratne c Hope b Holder ...... 32 Chris Gayle c Vandersay b Rajitha ...... 35 India, and opener Roy played a second highest score of the tour- Kusal Perera run out (Cottrell/Brathwaite) .64 Sunil Ambris c Perera b Malinga ...... 5 key role after missing three nament after David Warner’s Avishka Fernando c Allen b Cottrell ...... 104 Shai Hope b Malinga ...... 5 games with a left hamstring 166, also against Bangladesh. Kusal Mendis c and b Allen ...... 39 Shimron Hetmyer run out (Dhananjaya ) ....29 injury. Roy has failed only once at Angelo Mathews b Holder ...... 26 Nicholas Pooran c Perera b Mathews ...... 118 Lahiru Thirimanne not out ...... 45 Jason Holder c sub (J Mendis) b Vandersay ...... 26 So did Vince, the man he this edition with 8 against Isuru Udana c Holder b Thomas ...... 3 Carlos Brathwaite run out (Udana) ...... 8 replaced in the team, who took Pakistan. England’s Jason Roy (right) plays a shot during the 2019 Cricket Dhananjaya de Silva not out ...... 6 Fabian Allen run out (Udana/Rajitha ) ...... 51 two catches as a substitute His return has also bolstered World Cup group stage match against India at Edgbaston in Extras: (4b, 5lb, 5w, 5nb) ...... 19 Sheldon Cottrell not out...... 7 fielder because Roy was unable Bairstow in Morgan’s mind, the TOTAL: (for 6 wickets in 50 overs) ...... 338 Oshane Thomas lbw b Malinga ...... 1 Birmingham, central England, on Sunday. to field. captain saying “They com- Fall of wickets: 1-93, 2-104, 3-189, 4-247, Shannon Gabriel not out ...... 3 Roy, an explosive right- plement each other.” 5-314, 6-327 Extras: (3b, 2lb, 20w, 2nb) ...... 27 hander, smashed 66 before he competently but carefully. But hit on the arm and had quite a “Obviously, having him back Did not bat: Jeffrey Vandersay, Kasun Rajitha, TOTAL: (for 9 wickets in 50 overs) ...... 315 was the first to depart in a he did not come on to field big bruise. It is just a bruise, and on the team is quite a big confi- Lasith Malinga. Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-22, 3-71, 4-84, 5-145, 160-run opening partnership during India’s innings. England he should be fine,” England dence booster for everybody, Bowling: Sheldon Cottrell 10-0-69-1 (2w), Os- 6-199, 7-282, 8-308, 9-311 hane Thomas 10-1-58-1 (2nb), Shannon Gabriel Bowling: Malinga 10-0-55-3 (4w, 1nb), Dhanan- with Jonny Bairstow, who made said Roy took a blow on his captain Eoin Morgan said. particularly when he plays like 5-0-46-0 (1w, 1nb), Jason Holder 10-0-59-2 jaya de Silva 10-0-49-0, Udana 10-0-67-0 (3w), 111. forearm from India pacer Jasprit England called on Vince’s the way he did,” Morgan added. (1w, 2nb), Carlos Brathwaite 7-0-53-0, Fabian Rajitha 10-0-76-1 (4w, 1nb), andersay 7-0-50-1 Roy appeared to run Bumrah. services and he ended up taking “He’s very intimidating, hard to Allen 8-0-44-1 (1w). (4w), Karunaratne 1-0-7-0, Mathews 2-0-6-1. between the wickets “When he was batting, he got two catches off Liam Plunkett to bowl to, and he’s a gun player.” TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019 SPORT 23

Brazil, Argentina set for blockbuster semi

AP against Germany was horrible SAO PAULO Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus (second right) and Willian (right) taking part in a training session at Cidade do Galo, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, ahead of today’s Copa America semi-final against Argentina. for us,” Silva said. Messi, Aguero Brazil’s last match at the After producing some unin- Mineirão was against Messi and will have to spiring soccer in the group stage Argentina in qualifying for the and quarterfinals, the Copa 2018 World Cup, and that time sweat against América reaches the last four the hosts easily won 3-0 with with a blockbuster match-up one of the goals scored by Brazil: Jesus between host Brazil and Lionel Neymar, who missed this year’s Messi’s Argentina. Copa América because of an AFP It will be the “Superclásico ankle injury. BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL de las Américas” deciding one of Brazil, seeking its first South the finalists, and the “Clásico del American title since 2007, is Argentina forwards Lionel Pacífico” the other as two-time unbeaten against Argentina in Messi and Sergio Aguero will defending champion Chile takes official matches at home. have to sweat if they’re going on surprising Peru, which on Sat- Argentina needs to get past to break down Brazil’s urday ousted continental pow- Brazil to keep alive its hopes of watertight defence in their erhouse Uruguay from the ending a 26-year title drought Copa America semi-final, decisive stage of the South for the senior squad. It lost the says Selecao striker Gabriel American competition. last two Copa América finals on Jesus. Peru eliminated Uruguay in penalty shootouts against Chile, Hosts Brazil have yet to a lackluster quarter-final round which will face Peru tomorrow concede a goal in four in which three of the four at the Arena Grêmio in Porto matches at the Copa while matches ended in penalty Alegre. Argentina have improved shootouts after scoreless draws, Led by Manchester United defensively and kept clean with the exception being Argen- forward Alexis Sánchez, Chile sheets in their last two tina’s 2-0 win over Bad field conditions at Mineirão Stadium, when only will extend the team’s winless will be trying to reach its third matches. Venezuela. several of the stadiums in Brazil about 2,100 fans paid for tickets. run without a trophy with Messi straight Copa América final and Jesus expects a tight The quality of soccer in the also didn’t help, with Messi and The final attendance was 7,623 in the squad. win its third continental title. It contest in Belo Horizonte group stage also disappointed, several other players and because of gratuity entrances. “Argentina will always be can become the first nation to today and says Brazil’s with a series of poor perform- coaches loudly complaining. There were no tickets left for Argentina, even if it’s not going win three consecutive Copa titles defence won’t give Argen- ances even by the favorites. “The ball looks like a rabbit,” today’s much-anticipated game through a good moment,” Brazil since Argentina in the late 1940s. tina’s forward line an inch. Brazil struggled and was booed Messi said. between Brazil and Argentina, defender Thiago Silva said. Peru, led by veteran striker “It’s tough to get behind by the home crowd in a couple With expensive tickets and the longtime South American The high-profile match will Paolo Guerrero, also is a two- a defence that doesn’t of matches, while Argentina uninteresting match-ups early rivals who will arrive in Belo take place at the Mineirão, the time South American champion, concede goals,” the Man- barely escaped early elimination. on, many games had extremely Horizonte under heavy pressure same venue where Brazil was but its last title was in 1975. It chester City forward said of Uruguay and Colombia were low attendances. The smallest to succeed. Playing at home, only stunned 7-1 by Germany in the reached the semi-finals in two Argentina’s backline. among the teams that impressed crowd came to the match the title will satisfy Brazil fans World Cup semifinals in 2014. of the last three tournaments, “But it won’t be easy for the most, but both failed to between Ecuador and guest team and ease the pressure on coach “Nobody will forget what finishing third both in 2011 and Argentina to get behind us. advance past the last eight. Japan at the 62,000-capacity Tite, while failure for Argentina happened then. That match 2015. Obviously they have Messi who is the best player in the world, and they have Aguero, one of the best center-for- England look to derail wards, but they’re going to have to sweat to get in behind.” USA as women’s World Jesus said he was sure “Argentina will attack us” and he’s looking forward to Cup grand finale looms joking around with his City AFP Rapinoe hit two penalties to team-mates Aguero and LYON squeeze her side past the Spanish in center-back Nicolas Ota- an underwhelming team display and mendi, but only after the England are aiming to make history then won a thrilling clash at the Parc match. as they prepare to take on the USA des Princes with another brace to What’s clear, though, is with a first ever women’s World Cup win what was probably the match that this is the most keenly final squarely in their sights, as a of the tournament so far. anticipated match on the landmark tournament moves “Megan is someone I’ve from continent, between the two towards a nail-biting climax. day one that I really admire. I regional giants. The World Cup in France has remember in my first She Believes Brazil are the most suc- generated record TV audiences for (Cup) when a ball bounced on the cessful team in World Cup the women’s game and Phil Nev- touchline and I went to catch the ball history with five titles to ille’s side come into today’s clash and her studs came right through Argentina’s two, but at a against the reigning champions in my Apple watch,” Neville said. continental level, the roles Lyon with more people than ever Foe the USA, the match is another Al Gharafa SC’s new Serbian coach Slavisa Jokanovic holding a team jersey with club officials are reversed as Argentina expected to tune in to see the Lion- on their march towards an expected during a press conference held in Doha, yesterday. have won the Copa 14 times esses push to go one better than in fourth world crown -- Neville calls compared to eight for Brazil. the previous two editions, when they them the “best team in the world Should Argentina win lost out in the semis. without a shadow of a doubt”. again, they would match “You get to these moments in life The United States is the citadel Al Gharafa unveil new coach Uruguay’s record of 15 titles. and you think grasp it with both of women’s football, with their team These two sides’ hands, both feet and all your body bringing in more revenue than their defenses have been on top and that’s what we’ve been saying men’s side in the last three years, in bid to reclaim past glory so far but given the to the players: don’t get to a semi- and coach Jill Ellis has benefited attacking talent that will be final and have any regrets,” Neville from the seriousness with which it on show, a goalless draw told reporters on Sunday. is taken. THE PENINSULA Seven-time QSL try to improve our side on a would be unthinkable, even England face an American side Ellis was born in the English city DOHA champions Al Gharafa technical level. We know our though there have been brimming with talent and on a high of Portsmouth but moved across the fans want to start winning but three already in the knock- from two hard-fought 2-1 wins over Atlantic with her family in her teens. Former Fulham FC coach look to bounce back remember it takes time to get out stages out of four Spain in the last 16 and against hosts In the US she found room to express Slavisa Jokanovic was after finishing in support from everybody and matches. France in the quarter-finals, both her passion for football. yesterday unveiled as the new 8th spot last season to achieve the dreams of the Brazil will likely line up gained thanks to the attacking “I had zero opportunity to play manager for Al Gharafa SC. as coach Jokanovic fans of the club.” with Liverpool’s Roberto exploits of Megan Rapinoe. football over here (in Europe) so At a press conference held Last season, Al Gharafa fin- Firmino flanked by Jesus and The 33-year-old is one of the that’s really what America gave me, at the club premises, the promises to improve ished in 8th spot winning only the exciting Gremio forward stories of this tournament, with her an environment to put on my first 50-year-old Serbian the team’s results. seven matches from 22 rounds. Everton, a reported target for match-winning displays paired with ever team uniform,” Ellis said. promised to help the former In a stunning run of dom- Manchester City. intense media scrutiny after a spat The Netherlands face Sweden Qatar Stars League (QSL) side inance, Al Gharafa produced Argentina are almost with President Donald Trump over in the other semi-final in Lyon to glory in the new season. strongest leagues in Asia.” three back-to-back QSL titles certainly sure to stick to the her stated refusal to visit the White tomorrow. The final takes place in Jokanovic, after signing a He added: “We have a from 2007 to 2010. trio that played their last two House while he remains in charge. the same stadium on Sunday. two-year deal, said yes- great bunch of players and a The seven-time league matches -- 2-0 victories over terday: “My goal is to improve positive management. We have winners haven’t won a trophy Qatar and Venezuela -- with England’s players taking part in a training session in Limonest near the team’s results and make ample time to work together since that season. Lautaro Martinez joining Lyon, yesterday, ahead of their France 2019 Women’s World Cup better compared to last before the start of the season. The new QSL season will Messi and Aguero. semi-final match against USA. season. The QSL is among the We promise fans that we will commence next month. Godin signs for Inter; Pellegrini joins Juventus

AFP through the ranks at Roma before spending three-year contract. That follows the departure ROME last season on loan at Cagliari. Fellow from Roma on Sunday of Greek international defender Leonardo Spinazzola moved the centre-back Kostas Manolas who joined Veteran Uruguayan central defender Diego other way as part of the deal. Napoli for a reported fee of be €36m. Godin, who announced his departure from Juventus are expected to tie up the Godin, 33, signed for Inter after coming Atletico Madrid in May, signed a three-year transfer of French midfielder Adrien Rabiot to the end of his contract with Atletico, where deal with Inter Milan yesterday. from Paris Saint-Germain later Monday. he spent nine seasons and was captain. In a busy day of Serie A transfer activity, Roma paid out €29.5m for 26-year-old “There’s a new sheriff in town,” Inter Luca Pellegrini became reigning champions Spinazzola, the seven-time Italy interna- tweeted of the uncompromising Godin, who Juventus’ first summer signing after moving tional who also signed a four-year contract has won 131 caps for his country but could from Roma on a €22m ($25m) four-year with the capital club. not prevent his country being knocked out deal. Also joining Roma will be Guinea mid- in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Copa The promising Pellegrini, 20, came fielder Amadou Diawara on a €21m America. TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019 24

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 23 Nasser Al Attiyah Copa America: takes adventurous Brazil, Argentina spirit to set for blockbuster another level semi-final Cherif, Ahmed through to next round

THE PENINSULA who topped their respective groups opponents in the elimination round HAMBURG to advance in the men’s and which begins on Thursday. women’s divisions yesterday. The Qatari pair is the leading Top Qatari beach volleyball duo, Yesterday’s win was their third duo in Asia, having won the Asian Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan back-to-back win in the tournament Games and Asian Championship maintained their unbeaten run to this year. staying undefeated throughout. top their group and made it to the In their previous Pool D Besides, they have won three bronze next round at the FIVB Beach matches, Cherif and Ahmed had medals in high-ranking events on Volleyball World Championships beaten their Czech counterparts, the FIVB Beach World Tour. yesterday. Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner Today, the second Qatari pari at In Hamburg, Germany, the 2-1 (18-21, 21-13, 18-16). They had World Championships, Assam world’s number-six ranked pair had beaten Italy’s Enrico Rossi and Ahmed Mahmoud and Tamer Abdel- no difficulty in defeating their Adrian Ignacio Carambula in their rasoul will meet Stafford Slick and Belgian counterparts Dries opening match last Friday in a William Allen of USA in their last Koekelkoren and Tom Van Walle in similar manner. Pool E match. Qatar’s Ahmed Tijan (left) and Cherif straight sets (21-15, 21-15) advance The three wins have earned Assam and Tamer have lost both Samba celebrate after scoring a point during to the round of 32 in the $1m event. them six points and now they will of their previous matches in the first Cherif were among eight pairs wait for draw which decides their round. their third and final Pool D match yesterday. Wimbledon: Osaka, Venus, Zverev, Tsitsipas suffer painful exits Big guns crash on day of upsets

AFP LONDON American Djokovic begins title teenager Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Alexander Cori Gauff Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed defence with victory celebrates out of Wimbledon on a black Monday for during her first the stars at the All England Club. round match Japanese superstar slumped to a 7-6 against Venus (7/4), 6-2 defeat to 39th-ranked Yulia Williams. Putintseva of Kazakhstan who had defeated the world number two on grass in Birmingham two weeks ago. She was joined at the exit door by German sixth seed Zverev and Tsitsipas, the seventh seed, both players tipped as potential champions this year. US Open and Australian Open winner Osaka is the first top-two seed to lose in the first round since Martina Hingis in WIMBLEDON: RESULTS - DAY 1 2001. Defending Wimbledon MEN: FIRST ROUND The defeat follows her third round champion, Serbia’s Novak Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 exit at the French Open. Djokovic in action during Denis Kudla (USA) bt Malek Jaziri (TUN) 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 “Can we stop now? I think I am going his first round match Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 6-1, 7-6 (14/12), 6-2 to cry,” she told reporters as she made a against Germany’s Philipp Hubert Hurkacz (POL) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB x32) 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 quick exit from her post-match news Kohlschreiber at the All Félix Auger-Aliassime (CAN x19) bt V Pospisil (CAN) 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 conference. England Lawn Tennis and Daniil Medvedev (RUS x11) bt P Lorenzi (ITA) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/2) Osaka has yet to make a final since Croquet Club in London, Alexei Popyrin (AUS) bt Pablo Carreño-Busta (ESP) 7-6 (7/2), 7-5, 6-2 her Australian Open win in January. Britain, yesterday. Jérémy Chardy (FRA) bt Martin Klizan (SVK) 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 “There are answers to questions that Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Kamil Majchrzak (POL) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 you guys ask that I still haven’thaven t Ivo Karlovic (CRO) bt Andrea Arnaboldi (ITA) 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) figured out yet,” she admitted.ted. If his victory was routine, US Open and Australian Open winner Osaka became T Fabbiano (ITA) bt S Tsitsipas (GRE x7) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 6-3 Zverev, 22, lost 4-6, 6-3,3, thereth was nothing pre- the first top-two seed to lose in the first round K Anderson (RSA x4) bt Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) bt Y Nishioka (JPN) 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 6-2, 7-5 to Czech qualifier dictable about Djokovic’s since Martina Hingis in 2001. Jiri Vesely, the world decision to bring Ivani- Andreas Seppi (ITA) bt Nicolás Jarry (CHI) 6-3, 6-7 (8/10), 6-1, 6-2 number 124. sevic into his inner Guido Pella (ARG x26) bt Marius Copil (ROU) 7-6 (13/11), 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 Just 15 minutes after sanctum over the The 15-year-old qualifier Cori Gauff who was not Stan Wawrinka (SUI x22) bt Ruben Bemelmans (BEL) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 Zverev’s defeat, 20-year- weekend. even born when Venus Williams, claimed two of Reilly Opelka (USA) bt Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 Robin Haase (NED) bt Jozef Kovalík (SVK) 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 old Tsitsipas lost 6-4, 3-6, Fourth seed Kevin her five Wimbledon titles to become the youngest Milos Raonic (CAN x15) bt P Gunneswaran (IND) 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-2 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 6-3 to world AAnderson, runner-up to woman since 1991 to seal a first-round win in the Karen Khachanov (RUS x10) bt S Kwon (KOR) 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 number 89 Thomas Fab-b- DjokovicDj in 2018, eased into tournament. Feliciano Lopez (ESP) bt Marcos Giron (USA) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 biano of Italy. the second round beating Steve Darcis (BEL) bt Mischa Zverev (GER) 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 Tsitsipas had reached the semi- Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France 6-3, Alexander Zverev lost to Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely, Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x23) bt P Gojowczyk (GER) 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 finals of the Australian Open in January 6-4, 6-2. Anderson will now play Serbia’s Benoît Paire (FRA x28) bt J I Londero (ARG) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) and the last-16 at Roland Garros as well Janko Tipsarevic who registered his first the world number 124 before Stefanos Tsitsipas Pablo Cuevas (URU) bt D Dzumhur (BIH) 4-6, 7-6 (10/8), 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 as the fourth round at Wimbledon last win at the tournament in seven years suffered a loss against world number 89 Thomas Jirí Veselý (CZE) bt Alexander Zverev (GER x6) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 year. when he defeated Japan’s Yoshihito Fabbiano of Italy. Canadian 18-year-old Felix Auger- Nishioka 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. WOMEN: FIRST ROUND Aliassime kept ‘NextGen’ hopes alive by In the women’s event, third seed Elina Svitolina (UKR x8) bt Daria Gavrilova (AUS) 7-5, 6-0 beating Canadian compatriot Vasek Pos- Karolina Pliskova made it through, Japan's Naomi Margarita Gasparyan (RUS) bt Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) 6-4, 6-4 pisil 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3. beating China’s Zhu Lin 6-2, 7-6 (7/4). Osaka reacts during Marie Bouzkova (CZE) bt Mona Barthel (GER) 6-3, 6-3 Victory made the 19th seed the first Czech former world number one her first round Maria Sakkari (GRE x31) bt Bernarda Pera (USA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 player born in the 2000s to win a match Pliskova, fresh from winning the East- match against Petra Martic (CRO x24) bt Jennifer Brady (USA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 Anastasia Potapova (RUS) bt Jil Teichmann (SUI) 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 at Wimbledon. bourne title, has never got past the fourth Kazakhstan's Danielle Collins (USA) bt Zarina Diyas (KAZ) 6-3, 7-5 Cori Gauff, at 15 the youngest ever round at Wimbledon. Yulia Putintseva Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x12) bt Kristie Ahn (USA) 6-3, 6-4 qualifier for the Wimbledon singles, Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova, a yesterday. Madison Brengle (USA) bt Markéta Vondrousová (CZE x16) 6-4, 6-4 pulled off a major shock later yesterday semi-finalist in 2017, put out 10th seeded Karolína Muchová (CZE) bt Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) 7-5, 6-2 beating five-time champion Venus 6-4, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-2, 6-4 in Heather Watson (GBR) bt Caty McNally (USA) 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 6-4 in their first round clash. The teenage just 70 minutes. Anett Kontaveit (EST x20) bt Shelby Rogers (USA) 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 American - who was not even born when Also heading home was French Open Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) bt Dalila Jakupovic (SLO) 6-1, 6-3 Williams had won her first two Wim- runner-up and 16th seed Marketa Von- Monica Puig (PUR) bt Anna Karolína Schmiedlová (SVK) 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 bledon singles titles -- showed not an drousova. The 19-year-old Czech lost 6-4, Karolina Pliskova (CZE x3) bt Zhu Lin (CHN) 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) ounce of fear on Court One and made 6-4 to America’s Madison Brengle who Simona Halep (ROM x7) bt Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) 6-4, 7-5 light of the 24 years age difference. is used to pulling off Wimbledon shocks Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROU) bt Jessica Pegula (USA) 6-4, 6-4 Defending champion Novak Djokovic having knocked out two-time winner Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) bt Darya Kasatkina (RUS x29) 6-3, 6-1 got his campaign for a fifth Wimbledon Petra Kvitova in 2017. Madison Keys (USA x17) bt Luksika Kumkhum (THA) 6-3, 6-2 title off to a winning start with newly- Former French Open champion Polona Hercog (SLO) bt Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK) 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 hired coaching team recruit, and 2001 Simona Halep overcame an injury scare Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) bt Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x10) 6-2, 6-4 winner, Goran Ivanisevic helping steer to make the second round with a 6-4, 7-5 Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) bt Ysaline Bonaventure (BEL) 6-2, 6-4 the ship. win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) bt Rebecca Peterson (SWE) 6-4, 6-3 Sofia Kenin (USA x27) bt Astra Sharma (AUS) 6-4, 6-2 Djokovic, chasing a fifth title at the Halep, seeded seven and a semi- Dayana Yastremska (UKR) bt Camila Giorgi (ITA) 6-3, 6-3 All England Club, saw off 35-year-old finalist in 2014, needed to have her left Viktorija Golubic (SUI) bt Iga Swiatek (POL) 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-3, ankle strapped after a worrying fall on Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt Naomi Osaka (JPN x2) 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 7-5, 6-3. Court One.