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Home , Gareth Southgate, Gianfranco Zola, Group of death, Saif Hassan, UEFA Euro 2020 Final

Italy need QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune ‘a bit of QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune madness and cool heads’, says coach Mancini page 13 SUNday, JULY 11, 2021 England want to ‘bring trophy home’: Southgate

DPA perience but also being fresh Berlin and exciting. Declan and Kalvin have England want to bring the adapted well,” Southgate said, trophy home and in order to adding they had already stood do so must reach the level that their ground against stars like has led them into the Euro German Toni Kroos and Luka 2020 final on Sunday against Italy at , manager Gareth Southgate has said. We know how much it means to the English fans We want to bring the trophy so we are proud to be home. We are in a final and representing them and we are here to win. hopefully we can do them England coach proud tomorrow night. Gareth Southgate England

England aim to end a 55- Modric of Croatia. year title drought since win- Four-time scorer Kane ning the 1966 World Cup at meanwhile insisted that the old Wembley against an Ital- match was not just about him ian team that is unbeaten in England’s coach Gareth Southgate (R) and England’s captain Harry Kane at the official press conference at The Grove Hotel in Hertford, on the eve of their UEFA EURO 2020 final up against legendary Italy 33 games, with England never against Italy. (UEFA/AFP) centre-backs beating Italy at a major event. and Leonardo Bonucci. Southgate’s team is carried and the prime minister and means to the English fans so finals, which has also helped out there and win it.” Our players know that.” “It is not about me and by a wave of national euphoria the recognition the team got. we are proud to be represent- having the fans behind them. In order to prevail, South- Southgate confirmed that at- them but about England with Queen Elizabeth II and We had a fantastic reception ing them and hopefully we “Four years ago the fans gate said that the team must tacking PhilFoden against Italy. They are two Prime Minister Boris Johnson when we left our base.” can do them proud tomorrow were throwing paper planes play like in past games includ- is a doubt after he had to sit amazing defenders with expe- among the well-wishers. Captain Harry Kane struck night.” and there was an apathy to- ing a famous last 16 success out the day’s training while rience in big matches and as a “We want to bring the tro- a similar note, saying: “To see Southgate has trans- wards the team. Now the at- over old foes Germany. he did not see his young striker I want to play against phy home,” Southgate told re- the fans on the street and see formed England since being mosphere is extraordinary,” “The key is to hit a normal midfieldersD eclan Rice and the best,” Kane said. porters. “We are in a final and the reception we have had, it in charge and his current side Southgate said. level in the final. A lot of teams at as disadvan- we are here to win. has just shown us how big of have already done better than Kane added: “We have underperform in finals,” he tage against the experienced “It has been fantastic to an occasion it is. at the 2018 World Cup where been knocking down barriers said. “You must do what you Italians. Queen wishes England have a letter from the queen “We know how much it England reached the semi- on the way but we have to go are good at. “There are benefits forex - team well PG 14 Barty gets her first Wimbledon crown, emulates idol Cawley

DPA Berlin Australia’s Ashleigh Barty holds her trophy as she World number one Ash Bar- speaks to the crowd ty overcame a second-set hic- after defeating Czech cup as she defeated Karolina Republic’s Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3 on Ashleigh Barty celebrates gets emotional soon after winning the final against Karolina Pliskova.(AFP) Pliskova in the wom- Saturday to become the en’s singles final at first women’s Wim- the 2021 Wimble- bledon champion don Champion- from Australia in ships at The All 41 years. England Tennis Barty, 25, Club in emulated her idol on Saturday. (AFP) Evonne Goolagong Cawley, who won in 1971 and 1980, with victory in 1 hour 55 minutes against the 13th- ranked Czech Pliskova. Barty wasted a 3-1 lead and failed to serve out the match at 6-5 in the sec- ond set before finally crying tears of joy after prevailing on first match point in what became a classy affair in front of an enthusiastic centre court crowd. It was the second title at the majors for Barty, Karolina Pliskova holds her following success at the runners-up trophy as she US actor Tom Cruise (R) poses for a selfie with a fan during the women’s singles final on Wimbledon at 2019 French Open, her addresses the crowd on the The All England Tennis Club in London on Saturday. (AFP) fourth of the year and centre court on Saturday. (AFP) 12th overall. She is also Cawley with a similar dress to what appeared to be an easy point with an ace and sinking the fourth woman in Evonne proud!” Barty said af- that worn by the past cham- volley at the net with the court on her knees in delight after a the Open era to win ter receiving the Venus Rose- pion. wide open after a stunning ral- final error from Pliskova. the senior title at water dish from the Duchess of She started on fire, winning ly. Barty seized the momentum Barty said she told herself the All England Cambridge. the first 14 points as she raced and broke for 6-5 to earn the “to keep fighting” after the sec- Club after junior “It took me a long time to off to a 4-0 lead in 11 minutes. right to serve out the match. ond set, adding: “Karo is an success, in 2011. verbalise the fact that I wanted A few unforced errors from But Pliskova fought back exceptional player. I was really Pliskova to dare to dream and say that the Australian finally put Plisk- yet again, forcing the tiebreak proud of myself in the way that fought back I wanted to win this incredible ova on the scoreboard in the where she won five points in I was able to reset, keep on go- bravely after . next game which helped her a row and levelled on a Barty ing and hold my nerve there at the first set It’s better than I ever could settle but it was too late to sal- double fault. the very end.” but remains have imagined.” Pliskova vage the set. Barty was undeterred and Another Australian legend, without a said: “I enjoyed every minute The Czech led for the first broke in the second game, Rod Laver, tweeted: “So happy grand slam on the court. She was playing a time after the opening game when Pliskova netted an easy for you Ash Barty, your dream triumph, hav- great tournament. I fought very of the second, but in what was volley, en route to a 3-0. comes true and what a fight. ing also lost the hard but she played very well.” now a hard-hitting see-saw She didn’t relinquish the Congratulations on your Wim- 2016 US Open Barty beat Kerber in the battle first fell behind 3-1 and advantage this time around bledon victory.” final to Angel- semis on Thursday and like then fought back to lead 4-3. and wrapped up matters af- ique Kerber. in the previous matches again In the 11th game Pliskova ter saving a final break point Djokovic braced for ‘great battle’ “I hope I made paid homage to Goolagong led 40-0 before she netted from Pliskova, getting to match as history beckons page 15  Sports Sunday, July 11, 2021 13

England and Italy out to end long ordeals in final

England have never won (L-R) England’s forward the Euros and Italy’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, England’s forward Harry Kane with teammates. (AFP) sole success was 53 midfielder Jude Belling- years ago as both head ham, defender Reece James and forward Ra- From zero to hero: into Sunday’s final at heem Sterling attend the Wembley determined to team’s training session at put an end to that. St George’s Park in Burton- Kane follows trend of on-Trent, central England, on Saturday, on the eve DPA of their UEFA EURO 2020 peaking England strikers Berlin final against Italy.(AFP) DPA And while he missed from England may have the fans Berlin the spot in extra-time against on their on Sunday at Wemb- Denmark, the rebound was ley but they face a monstrous “I’m sick of people making ex- coolly converted to take Eng- task against Italy in the Euro cuses for these performances - land one game from glory. 2020 final as they bid to end a he has to do far more,” former Tournament top scorer 55-year title drought. England defender and television at the 2018 World Cup, Kane The 1966 World Cup title, analyst Jamie Carragher said of struck several early goals and also won at (old) Wembley, is Harry Kane at half-time of the weakened as England eventu- England’s only silverware, and last 16 match with Germany. ally lost out in the semi-finals. the whole country hopes that Few people would dis- The peak this time has manager Gareth Southgate pute a clinching second half been calculated differently. and his players can end the goal at Wembley, a brace in long ordeal. against Ukraine and Prime Minister Boris the Euro 2020 semi-final win- The Euro 2020 final Johnson is already under pres- ner against Denmark counts on Sunday pits sure to declare a bank holiday as “more.” On Sunday, Kane Monday in case of victory, for will become just the second England striker all-out celebrations. England captain after Bobby Harry Kane against But England run into an Moore to lead his team out a formidable Italian exciting Italy side under Rob- in a major final. And should erto Mancini which is unbeat- England end their 55-year title defence in his bid for en in 33 matches over almost drought against Italy at Wem- a first senior trophy. three years and won’t be in- bley, Kane will lift his maiden timidated by the 60,000-plus trophy to complete an aston- crowd at the iconic arena. loser and we have to make sure has four goals, one more than through the group stage on ship.” Italy chase a first Euro ishing change of form. “I felt maybe in Russia I Italy also have history on we are on that winning side,” as Southgate three magical nights in Rome title since 1968 - while having Kane endured a mixed started on fire, scored loads of their side, having never lost Kane said. “We want it to be and his generation of players before advancing further via the won the World Cup twice season with boyhood club Tot- goals, then maybe didn’t have against England at a major a special day for everyone.” could crown the good work world ranking leaders Belgium since then, in 1982 and 2006. tenham Hotspur and reports my best performances in the championship. Midfielder that already saw them reach and Spain. It was the shock of failing to suggest his patience on the most important games: the That makes the stakes in- said: “We haven’t achieved an- the 2018 World Cup semis. “I think will be an epic fi- qualify for the 2018 World Cup team matching his own ambi- quarters and the semi-finals,” credibly high for captain Harry ything yet, we’ve got to go one “I think the players have nal, and history-making either that brought Mancini in and tion has come to an end. At 27, he said after the group phase. Kane and his team-mates but more big push to try and win it learned a lot over the last three way,” midfielder Marco Verratti changed their fortunes. he is in the prime of his career “So, coming into this, - after finally beating Germany ... We know how good they are, or four years,” Southgate said. said. “England are a very physi- “I thank the players be- and a potential move - to Man- physically, I wanted to make at a big event, in the last 16, and it is a tough test for us but one They run into an Italian cal team, and they have players cause they believed right from chester City or elsewhere - sure I was peaking at the right then also downing sentimental that we are confident of going defence marshalled by veteran who are very skilled as well. day one that we could create would seem more fitting of his time and obviously we won’t favourites Denmark in the semis out there and putting in a good captain Giorgio Chiellini and We will face a very, very tough something incredible,” Man- talents than mid-table Spurs. know until Tuesday night (the - they don’t want to let this gold- performance.” Leonardo Bonucci. team, they will be playing at cini said after the semi-final. But failure to score in the Germany game) if that’s the en opportunity pass by. Kane has started to find But the Azzurri have home, they know the stadium “We haven’t done every- group stage, while contributing case, but that’s the way I feel “It will be a special day but the net after going scoreless also shown plenty of flair up well. But it is a dream for us to thing we need to. There’s still little overall, riled his critics. it’s going.” Kane is following there will be a winner and a in the group stage and now front as well as they romped win this European Champion- one step to go.” “Harry’s got to offer in the footsteps of two other more,” said former England great English strikers, Gary striker . “He’s Lineker and Shearer at major Italy v England – a long rivalry renews still got to do more for me and . 1934 - The Battle of Highbury enough Only once have England third-place play-off of the 1990 but subsequent slips left them progressed, eventually losing patience will be running out.” Lineker ended a long goal- Italy arrived at London’s High- beaten Italy in a competitive World Cup but it was hosts Italy needing another victory over 4-0 to Spain in the final. Manager Gareth Southgate, less drought in the third game bury Stadium for their first game game and even then their who finished on a high with a England to reach France. It never however, had made it clear his of the 1986 World Cup to finish since winning the 1934 World 1977 triumph was not enough 2-1 win. Argentina had elim- looked like coming in a stoic 0-0 2014 - Powers in decline Italy faith in Kane remained while top scorer on six while Shearer Cup for an unofficial ‘final’ to reach the 1978 World Cup. inted Italy in a penalty shoot- but Italy, runners-up in the previ- and England were drawn in his captain struggled. went 12 without scoring for against England - who had yet to A advantage of out win in ’s ous World Cup, did eventually a ‘group of death’ alongside “Throughout the time I’ve England before Euro 96 - only enter the competition. A heavy two put Italy in the driving seat adopted home of Naples while make it through the play-offs. Uruguay and Costa Rica at the been England manager I must to finish top scorer with five. tackle leaving defender Luis for the sole qualification spot West Germany had disposed of Brazil World Cup of 2014. With have managed these sorts Kane has four at Euro 2020, Monti with a broken foot set the when they arrived Wembley for England from the spot. Roberto 2012 - Pirlo Panenka sets tone the South and central American of questions about Harry in one behind tone and England raced into a their penultimate game - with Baggio and tournament top England were huge underdogs sides expected to fare well, three or four different periods and Patrik Schick on five, but three-goal lead as he limped on. England, playing their last quali- scorer Salvatore Schillaci left at Euro 2012 but Roy Hodg- their opening meeting was of time, and inevitably he’s doesn’t want to emulate his He eventually went off before fier, needing a big win. Goals ’s equalizer moot. son’s side - channelling 1997 deemed crucial and Italy took come through those periods predecessors too closely - they half-time, leaving Italy with 10 from and Trevor - frusrtated a much stronger the honours thanks to Mario and scored important goals for didn’t lift the trophy, after all. men, and the sides continued Brooking for a 2-0 win took 1997 - One night in Rome Italy in their Kiev quarter-final. Balotelli’s 2-1 winner after us and played exceptionally “It’s the first time in our their retaliations with a mire them two points clear of Italy Heroic rearguard actions are A goalless draw was settled on Claudio Marchisio and Daniel well,” he said. history as a nation, getting of punches, kicks and broken but the Azzurri had a card left more associated with Italy than penalties and ’s Sturridge traded rapid goals. Southgate - as with virtu- through to the European final bones. Even with a man short to play and a simple 3-0 win England but Glen Hoddle’s side iconic Panenka helped swing England were eliminated by ally everything he’s done this at Wembley, and it’s one of Italy almost snatched a draw over Luxembourg took them to produced a masterful reproduc- momentum to Italy after Ric- Uruguay in their next outing tournament - was proved right the proudest moments in my after Giuseppe Meazza’s second Argentina the next summer. tion of the Azzurri in Rome to cardo Montolivo’s miss gave but Italy were also a shadow as Kane headed in against Ger- life, for sure,” he said after the half double but it ended 3-2. reach the 1998 World Cup. England first blood. Ashley of their former selves and two many to cap a famous win and Denmark game. 1990 - Italy sign off in style Italy had won the first meeting Young and Ahsley Cole then further losses sent them home needed only minutes to break “But we haven’t won it yet, 1977 - England’s win not Neither side wanted to be in the between the sides at Wembley failed from the spot and Italy as well. (DPA) the deadlock against Ukraine. we’ve got one more to go.” Azzuris need ‘a bit of madness and cool heads’: Mancini DPA England. We have to thrive and must simply play our own Berlin saviour this occasions. We need game. performing well and a bit of madness and cool heads. producing a great perfor- Italy must play their own “It’s a final and in order to mance, that’s what matters. game with cool heads and come away with a victory we “I think it will be a won- warm hearts in Sunday’s Euro have to make sure that we have derful match. A packed house 2020 final against England every single detail perfect. is wonderful news for football at Wembley, coach Roberto “The two teams who have lovers everywhere. We know Mancini and captain Giorgio shown the most and deserve it there will be a lot of quality,” Chiellini have said. most are in the final. They are Mancini said. Italy aim for a first Euro a physical unit and have qual- He named being in the fi- title since 1968 against Gareth ity all across the pitch. We will nal “one of the highlights of Southgate’s England who will try to limit their characteris- my career” and said “enter- have home fans on their side tics.” “It would be wonderful taining” and “fun” where the as they bid for a first big tro- if we win it but the verdict attributes of his team. phy since the 1966 World Cup, will come on the pitch,” ther Chiellini also praised the also at Wembley. 36-year-old said. whole team and said he got the “We will need cool heads Chiellini and Mancini said feeling it could do well after a and warm hearts. We will have there was much more to Eng- 4-0 win over the Czech Repub- times where we have to be land than forwards Raheem lic in a final tune-up game. more daring and times when Sterling and Harry Kane, with “I felt something special we have to be cooler. We can’t Chiellini saying “England’s and magical in the group,” he dominate over 90 minutes,” bench could have made it to said. “We felt we could achieve veteran defender Chillini said. the final on their own.” Italy something significant. “You need to dampen are unbeaten in 33 games un- “The (group) matches in some of the enthusiasm when der Mancini and have never Rome gave us a big lift. Now you go into a final. lost against England at a big Italy’s coach (R) leads a training session at Hotspur Way, the Tottenham Hotspur training ground, in Enfield, north of London, we are just inches away from That goes for us and for event, and the coach said “we on Saturday, on the eve of their UEFA EURO 2020 final against England.(AFP) completing the job.” 14 Sunday, July 11, 2021 Sports

Qatar gear up for CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021 debut

The CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021 will kick off with Mexico taking on Trinidad and Tobago in the opening match while debutants Qatar have two more days before they play Paname in their opening match in Houston, Texas. Meanwhile, the Al Annabi under the watchful eyes of coach of Felix Sanchez training hard at their Holloway field base. The draw has placed Qatar, participating as a guest team for the first time in the competition’s history, in Group D alongside Panama, Grenada and Honduras. Al Annabi will kick things off against Panama on July 13 and then face Grenada on the 17th before concluding the group stage against Honduras on the 20th. Mexico, the defending champions, are in Group A, along with El Salvador and Curacao and one of the teams from the preliminary round. At the same time, the US will play in Group B, with Canada, Martinique and a preliminary winner. As for Group C, it consists of Costa Rica, Jamaica and Suriname, in addition to a preliminary round qualifier as well. Qatar – the 2019 AFC Asian Cup champion – is the seventh non-CONCACAF nation to compete in the Gold Cup, the first from the Arab world, and the second to represent the Asian Football Confederation in the competition after South Korea.

beIN bags 2021 CONCACAF Athletes will still have great Gold Cup rights for MENA Tribune News Network (tomorrow) and will run un- Doha til Sunday 1 August. The first game will see beIN MEDIA GROUP’s flag- Mexico take on Trinidad and ship sports channel beIN Tobago at 5:00am Mecca Olympic experience: Bach SPORTS will be the exclusive Time and will be available broadcaster of this year’s exclusively on beIN’s Pre- DPA 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup mium 1 channel. Toyko in several territories includ- Qatar – participating for ing France, Turkey, and the the very first timeas an in- International Olympic Middle East & North Africa vited guest – are set to play Committee (IOC) president (MENA) region. its first game against Pana- Thomas Bach has delivered The Gold Cup kicks off in ma on Wednesday 14 July at a message of support to ath- the USA on Sunday 11 July 2:00am. letes taking part in the Tokyo Games after it was confirmed on Thursday no spectators will be allowed at venues in the Blockbuster EURO 2020 final, Japanese capital due to the coronavirus pandemic. Wimbledon final on beIN SPORTS “We all regret this decision for not having spectators - for Tribune News Network millions of viewers across the the spectators, but even more DOHA region. After the finals air, our so for the athletes, who will sports channels will welcome not be able to enjoy life in the beIN MEDIA GROUP, the the Tokyo Olympics, followed Olympic atmosphere,” Bach global sports and entertain- by the regular football season said in a video published late ment broadcaster and its in August. No one does sports Friday. flagship sportschannel beIN better than beIN.” He emphasized that safety SPORTS gets ready to host a The UEFA EURO 2020 was the number one prior- thrilling day of sports as with final between heavyweights ity for these Games, but as- UEFA EURO 2020, and Wim- England and Italy will be sured athletes will still have bledon 2021 men’s singles final broadcast live from Wembley an Olympic experience to re- being broadcast live and exclu- Stadium in London on beIN member. sively to millions of viewers and SPORTS with kickoff at 22:00 “For the athletes, I think subscribers across 24 countries Mecca Time (GMT +3). their feeling will be very differ- in the Middle East and North beIN SPORTS coverage of ent, because they will know that Africa (MENA) on Sunday. the UEFA EURO 2020 final will billions of people from around Commenting on the finals be available in Arabic, English, the globe are with them in their in one day on beIN SPORTS, and French on the beIN MAX hearts, that they are supporting Duncan Walkinshaw, Act- 1,2,3,4 channels plus beIN’s them, that they are feeling with Netherlands’ players attend a training session ahead of the women’s football tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kamogawa, ing Director of Programmes UHD 4K channel. Host Mo- them,” Bach said. Chiba prefecture on Saturday. (AFP) for beIN MENA, said: “Sport hammed Saadon Al Kuwari will “So, the athletes should never stops on beIN and we’re be on air with all the build up also appreciate this feeling, However, after a coronavi- held without spectators. Previ- and Tokyo. spectators at competitions. delighted that our viewers and from 20:30 Mecca Time (GMT and should feel encouraged rus state of emergency cover- ously, officials had asked fans As a precautionary meas- The postponed Tokyo subscribers can enjoy the best +3) and will be joined by a host by this different and new form ing the period of the Games not to watch the marathon and ure, spectators are also not Games are set to start on July of the best matches all on the of footballing legends including of support in unprecedented was declared in Tokyo, local walking competitions at the allowed at the Musashinono- 23. same day. Broadcasting the Egyptian Mohamad Abutrika, times.” Japan had long banned organizers decided to hold the Games from the roadside. mori Park, the starting point Bach said a record 9,000 UEFA EURO 2020 and Wim- ex Arsenal manager Arsene foreign fans but hoped to al- competitions without fans. The organizers justified for the cycling road events. hours of action will be broad- bledon since the beginning of Wenger, EURO winners Ruud low venues to be filled up to 50 The football matches on the decision with the difficulty The prefectures of Miyagi, cast around the world, and these tournaments showcases Gullit and per cent of capacity with up to Japan’s northernmost main of preventing fans from com- Fukushima and Shizuoka, on athletes and fans will “enjoy a our capabilities to cover mul- plus ex -Italian International 10,000 domestic spectators. island Hokkaido will also be muting between Hokkaido the other hand, want to allow unique digital experience.” tiple world-class events to our Gianfranco Zola. Queen wishes England team well Rome will not allow Euro final for Euro 2020 final against Italy public viewing at Olympic stadium DPA DPA The Mission Impossible Berlin London and Top Gun actor, who is currently in London, called The city of Rome will not al- The Queen has paid tribute to the players to wish them luck, low public viewing of the Euro the “spirit, commitment and captain Harry Kane revealed. 2020 final between England pride” of the England football He told BBC Radio 5Live: and Italy at the Olympic stadi- team in a good luck message “I think he was over here in the um due to concerns over a fur- ahead of the Euro 2020 final. UK and he just dialled in and ther spread of the coronavirus. In a note to manager Ga- FaceTimed us just to wish us According to the Ansa reth Southgate, the monarch the best as a group, so that was news agency, the decision was sent her “good wishes” for nice of him. taken by the city’s public or- Sunday’s match against Italy Kane has acknowledged the der and security committee. It at . strength of public feeling that rejected a proposal by Mayor Victory would mark the was behind the team and na- Virginia Raggi, who had sug- men’s football team’s first ma- tional excitement that has built gested a public viewing with jor tournament win since the throughout the tournament. 16,000 fans for the finalmatch 1966 World Cup success, also St George’s flags, the national flag of England, flutter on the exterior “They’ll all be cheering us on on Sunday. Supporters of Italy’s national football team celebrate at the end of at Wembley. of number 10, Downing Street in central London on Saturday, on the around the country and we just Due to the strict corona- UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final against Spain, at the Piazza Venezia, in In her written message to eve of the UEFA EURO 2020 final against Italy. England and Italy are can’t wait to hopefully try to win virus restrictions in the coun- central Rome, on July 6. (AFP) the team, the Queen recalled holding their collective breath as the clock counts down to Sunday’s the game for them,” he said. try, an exemption would have presenting the Jules Rimet Euro 2020 final showdown which will be watched by around 65,000 Fans lined the road and been necessary for this. The Italy defender Leonardo Bo- the final. trophy to almost fans at Wembley and millions more on television. (AFP) waved flags as they waved the city decided against it, also to nucci urged fans to celebrate the Other Italian cities such six decades ago. team bus off on Saturday from prevent larger crowds or street Euro 2020 final with restraint as Milan have decided against She said: “Fifty-five years “I want to send my con- but also the spirit, commit- the England training complex. parties in case of a title win. considering the pandemic. public viewing altogether. ago I was fortunate to pre- gratulations and that of my ment and pride with which you A video was tweeted from Fans will still be able to “Celebrate with respect for Italy has recently seen a sent the World Cup to Bobby family to you all on reach- have conducted yourselves.” the officialE ngland team ac- watch the match together on yourselves and each other. I slight increase in the number Moore and saw what it meant ing the final of theE uropean Support has swelled in re- count with the message: “Wow large screens at the fan zone at have seen blatant pictures, dif- of infections. The seven-day in- to the players, management Championships, and send my cent days across an expectant ... what a send-off! Amazing the Colosseum and at the fan ficult, with little respect, which cidence figure on Friday rose to and support staff to reach and good wishes for tomorrow nation - with the players even scenes as the #ThreeLions de- village at the Piazza del Pop- must be condemned,” he said an average of eleven cases per win the final of a major inter- with the hope that history will receiving a call from Holly- part St. George’s Park for the olo, as they have done for the referring to the celebrations 100,000 inhabitants nation- national football tournament. record not only your success wood star Tom Cruise. final time.” previous matches. in Italy after the team reached wide, up from nine previously. Sports Sunday, July 11, 2021 15 Djokovic braced for ‘great battle’ as history beckons years and defeat Djokovic in a Novak Djokovic and grand slam final. Matteo Berrettini While Federer and Nadal’s each carry a burden dominance has faded, Djoko- vic - barring his self-inflicted of expectation of exit from the US Open last them into Sunday’s year – has been a one-man defence force in keeping the Wimbledon final but younger generation’s hands for different reasons. off the biggest titles. He has defeated Daniil DPA Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsi- London pas in back-to-back slam finals this year and will now look to Novak Djokovic is wary of add Berrettini to the list. “red hot” Matteo Berrettini The Italian has maintained with history on the line for a relaxed demeanour all the both players in the Wimble- way through the tournament don men’s final on Sunday. and must try to keep that as he Djokovic is playing argu- Italy’s Matteo Berrettini attends a press conference after winning against bids to become the first Italian ably the biggest match of his Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the men’s singles semi-final on Friday.(AFP) player to win a singles title at career. Victory would see him Wimbledon. achieve a decade-long goal of him even more, favours his nal. It’s really anybody’s game. “I’m just so, so happy for equalling Roger Federer and game. If he serves big, as he He’s arguably the guy who everything,” he said. “My year Rafael Nadal’s record of 20 did throughout the entire has been in the best form on started in a good way, with the grand slam titles. Serbian Novak Djokovic stretches during training at the Aorangi Practice Courts at the Wimbledon Champi- tournament, it’s tough to grass courts this year, winning finals inA TP Cup. Then I got It would also see him be- onships on Saturday, ahead of at the men’s singles final on Sunday.(A ELTC/AFP) break his serve, it’s tough to go Queen’s. He’s red hot. It’s go- injured again. I kind of saw come the first player since Rod into the rhythm, to find a good ing to be a great battle.” those ghosts again of my body Laver in 1969 to win the first Golden Slam. mentally strong as Djokovic to “With big weapons in serve positioning to return, make Berrettini, a 25-year-old kind of struggling. three titles of the year, keeping The world number one carry and, in big-serving Ital- and forehand, he can play him play. Roman ranked ninth, came “Again, I came back him on track to emulate the showed once again in his ian Berrettini, he is facing the well, which he has proven, on “But I believe in my return. into Wimbledon as one of the stronger. I think I fully deserve Australian by claiming a cal- semi-final victory over Den- form player of the season on any surface,” said Djokovic of I think return has served me favourites having won his first to be here. I want to enjoy my endar Grand Slam. is Shapovalov that, when it grass. Berrettini. very well throughout my ca- grass-court title at Queen’s first final. Throw in an Olympic sin- comes to winning the key Djokovic told the Serbian “We played against each reer. Hopefully I’ll be able to Club, and is on an 11-match “Obviously the job is not gles gold medal in Tokyo, for points in a match, he is unpar- press after his victory on Fri- other in the quarters of Roland get a lot of those serves back winning run. done yet. I want to get the which he will also be favourite, alleled. day, meanwhile, that he had Garros, which was a very tight and wait for my chances. To extend that he will have trophy now that I’m here. and Djokovic would become But that is a lot of poten- been struggling with a stom- and very tough four-setter. “I will have to also serve to do what no one other than But it’s really an unbeliev- the first man ever to win a tial history for even a man as ach problem. “Obviously grass favours myself efficiently. It’s the fi- Nadal has managed for five able feeling.”

Silver finish for Qatar’s Cherif Gregory, Mahmood seal and Ahmed in Gstaad series for England vs Pak

Agencies , it means they go into England’s innings. When Lew- pair also ran impressively, London the final game at Edgbaston on is Gregory and Brydon Carse putting pressure on the Paki- Tuesday with an unassailable came together, England had stan fielders. England wrapped up the 2-0 lead. just lost three wickets for four While England were still Royal London ODI series It bears repetition that this runs and were precariously bowled out with 10 deliveries against Pakistan with a game is a highly proficient Pakistan placed at 160 for 7. At that unused – rain which delayed to spare following a 52-run side. Going into this series stage, a total of 200 looked the start of the match by 90 victory over Pakistan in the they had lost just one of their unlikely. minutes also reduced this to second One-Day International most recent 12 completed But the pair added 69 in 77 a 47-overs a side affair - their at Lord’s on Sunday, reports ODIs and, had they won this balls - a record eighth- final total (247) was slightly espncricinfo. game convincingly, they could partnership at Lord’s in ODI better than that set in the first Despite being without have risen to second place in – to drag England to innings of the most recent ODI their first-choice squad, de- the World Cup Super League. what proved to be a competi- played on this ground: the spite being put into bat in To beat them at any time is tive total on a Lord’s surface 2019 World Cup final when conditions which Ben Stokes an achievement; to beat them offering assistance to both New Zealand managed 241 described as “lovely to bowl without the use of at least 20 seam and spin bowlers. for 8. And, as we know, that in” and despite subsiding to of your best players is another While any highlights pack- proved highly competitive. 160 for 7 with 20 overs of their demonstration of England’s age might focus on Gregory’s Scores: England 247 (Salt 60, Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan won the silver medal at the FIVB beach volleyball tourna- innings remaining, England current depth in limited-overs boundaries - one of them, Vince 56, Hasan 5-51) ment (4-star event) in Gstaad, Switzerland, on Saturday. Dutchmen Stefan Boermans and Yorick de Groot won this game with something resources. driven through the covers on vs Pakistan 195 (Saud Shakeel achieved won one of the most prestigious tournaments In Gstaad, Boermans and De Groot with a 2-1 to spare. Having won the first The defining passage of the up off Hasan Ali would 56, Hasan Ali 31; Lewis (23-21, 19-21, 15-10) gold medal match win in the final over Younousse and Tijan. “We had played them match ODI in Cardiff by nine play probably came late in have pleased any batter - the Gregory 3/44). in pool play and we knew how good they are,” De Groot commented. “We had to bring our top game to win. We kept our calm near the end and kept playing our game and focusing on our side of the net. I believe it was an amazing match to watch and I still can’t believe we won it.” It’s the first time a Dutch male team has won the traditional Gstaad tournament and also the second consecutive title for a men’s duo from the Netherlands in World Tour 4-star events, following Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen’s victory in Ostrava in June. Earlier in the semifinals, Boermans and De Groot downed Nikita Liamin and Taras Myskiv of Russia 2-0 (21-17, 21-15) while Cherif and Ahmed prevailed over reigning world champions Oleg Stoy- anovskiy and Viacheslav Krasilnikov Stoyanovskiy and Krasilnikov (also of Russia) 21-17, 21-17. (TNN) Shadman, Shanto tons put Zimbabwe under the pump

ICC Harare

Zimbabwe posted 140/3 af- ter Bangladesh declared their second innings on 284/1, still needing 337 runs to win on the final day in Harare. Bangladesh dominated the moving day with hundreds from Shadman Islam (115*) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (117*), giving the hosts a for- midable target of 477. Even Bangladesh’s Shadman Islam dives back into his crease to avoid a run though captain Brendan Tay- out attempt on the first day of one-off Test against Zimbabwe at the lor rose to the occasion with yet Harare Sports Club in Harare. On Saturday, Shadman scored 115*. (AFP) another fifty, Zimbabwe only have seven wickets in hand to in his innings of 117* from 118 snared his wicket. At the other England’s Ben Stokes (2nd R) and his teammates celebrate their victory in the second One-Day International against Pakistan at Lord’s in see off the final day threat. balls. Shanto’s second Test end, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, London on Saturday. England clinched the three-match series 2-0. (AFP) The fourth day’s play com- was laced with five who played 102 deliveries for menced with Shadman (22*) fours and six big sixes. just seven runs, was trapped and Saif Hassan (20*) laying Their partnership took leg-before by Shakib Al Hasan. down a strong foundation. The the lead to 476 when Momi- The partnership of Tay- pair stitched together an open- nul Haque decided to declare lor and Kaitano was worth 95 Quick read ing partnership of 88 runs be- the innings and make the ex- runs, out of which Taylor alone West Indies attack star in brilliant comeback against Australia fore Saif was dismissed for 43 hausted Zimbabwe players bat scored 92 runs. Thereon, Dion by a sharp catch by Dion My- in the final session. Myers (18*) was accompanied Gros Islet: Off the back of Andre Russell’s maiden T20I half-century and a spirited comeback with the ball, the West Indies won their se- ers at gully off Richard Nga- The start was far from ideal by nightwatchman Donald ries opener against Australia. Sent out to bat, the hosts were restricted to 145/6 from their 20 overs as the metronomic Josh Hazlewood rava’s bowling. for the hosts. Opener Milton Tiripano (7*) to see off the re- took 3/12 from his four overs. Cruising at 108/4 in pursuit in the 11th over, Australia wound up being bowled out for 127 by the 16th, Shadman was then joined Shumba couldn’t resist throw- maining overs until stumps. losing six wickets for 19 runs. by Shanto at the crease. The ing his hands to the ball seaming Zimbabwe still requires It took something special from Russell to drag the Caribbean outfit to a defendable total. approach changed from block- away and edged it to the second 337 runs while Bangladesh The all-rounder blasted five sixes and three fours as he raced to 51 off 28 before perishing to Hazlewood in the final over. Twice he hit suc- ing to attacking thereafter. slip where substitute fielder Ya- need seven wickets for the win cessive sixes, dealing two maximums to Ashton Agar (0/28) in the 15th over and two more to Mitchell Starc (0/40) in the 17th, and one For the second wicket, sir Ali completed the catch. on the final day of the Test. more against the same man in the 19th for good measure. both amassed 196 runs in 225 Then it was the captain Scores: Zimbabwe 276 and Despite Russell’s fireworks, and the early loss of Aaron Finch (4) to Fabian Allen (2/24), Australia looked on course to make lightwork of deliveries. Shadman showed Brendan Taylor who played a 140 for 3 (Taylor 92, Myers the chase. Seamer Obed McCoy (4/26) returned to the attack with a game-deciding spell, removing Agar (1), Starc (3) and Hazlewood (0) patience for his maiden Test blinder with his 73-ball 92 but 18*) trail Bangladesh 468 and to finish off the match, with Walsh Jr chiming in with the key dismissal ofD an Christian (10). The two sides next meet on Saturday. (ICC) century, a 196-ball 115* while missed out a well-deserved 284 for 1 dec (Shanto 117*, Shanto projected aggression hundred after Mehidy Hasan Shadman 115*) by 337 runs.