TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019 SPORT 17 Bowlers have a big role to play in tomorrow’s game (also Malinga TENNIS CRICKET in Cardiff). We never know Says Sri Lanka must French Open ICC World Cup what’s going on, who is toughen up against Quarter-finals at Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan

bowling first or second. Afghanistan ACTION Roland Garros 1st in Cardiff TODAY’S

Murray to make Djokovic in quarter-finals; doubles return Nishikori to face Nadal at Queen’s Club AFP AFP LONDON PARIS French Open Results from the ninth day of the Andy Murray will make his return to tennis by French Open yesterday (x denotes Novak Djokovic yesterday became Serbia’s Novak playing doubles at Queen’s Club in London later seeding): the first man to reach the French Djokovic returns the this month. Men 4th Round Open quarter-finals for 10 successive ball to Germany’s The three-time Grand Slam champion has not Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Jan-Lennard seasons while Kei Nishikori will face Jan-Lennard Struff played since having hip surgery in January that Struff (GER) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 the toughest challenge on a clay during their men’s could have brought his career to an end. Alexander Zverev (GER x5) bt Fabio court -- Rafael Nadal. singles fourth round However, Murray recently confirmed he is pain Fognini (ITA x9) 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) Top seed and world number one match at the French free and is willing not to rush a return to singles if Dominic Thiem (AUT x4) bt Gael Monfils Djokovic continued his bid to hold Open in Paris it means his retirement is postponed. (FRA x14) 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 all four Grand Slam titles simultane- yesterday. “We are delighted to confirm that Andy Murray ously for the second time by Kei Nishikori (JPN x7) bt Benoît Paire intends to return to play doubles at the Fever-Tree thrashing Germany’s Jan-Lennard (FRA) 6-2, 6-7 (8/10), 6-2, 6-7 (8/10), Championships at The Queen’s Club, 17th-23rd Struff 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. 7-5 June!” Tournament organisers confirmed on The 32-year-old will now face Twitter yesterday. fifth seed Alexander Zverev in what Women 4th Round Murray is expected to team up with Spaniard will be his 13th appearance overall Madison Keys (USA x14) bt Katerina Feliciano Lopez. in the quarter-finals in Paris. Siniakova (CZE) 6-2, 6-4 “I am really excited to return to the match court “It was tricky with the rain, but Ashleigh Barty (AUS x8) bt Sofia for the first time since my surgery. Queen’s has that’s Paris,” said the 2016 champion Kenin (USA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 always been a special place for me and it’s the Simona Halep (ROM x3) bt Iga Swiatek perfect place to return,” said Murray, a five-time Women’s quarter-finals after playing in drizzly conditions. run at the Slams, making the quarter- (POL) 6-1, 6-0 singles’ winner at the tournament. “I’m really confident with my finals where he was defeated by Amanda Anisimova (USA) bt Aliona “It’s where I won my first ATP match, my first French Open women’s quarter-finals serve. I hope it continues like that.” eventual runner-up Dominic Thiem. Bolsova (ESP) 6-3, 6-0 title in Britain and on grass. It’s been my most suc- line-up (x denotes seeded player): Only Australian great Rod Laver has “Fabio is playing the best tennis cessful tournament overall. Madison Keys (USA x14) vs Ashleigh held all four majors at the same time of his life,” said Zverev of the “I’m not yet ready to return to the singles court, Barty (AUS x8) twice before, after his calendar 32-year-old Italian who won his first 2017 in straight sets. Fognini, the but I’ve been pain-free for a few months. I’ve made Simona Halep (ROM x3) vs Amanda Grand Slams in 1962 and 1969. Masters title on the clay of Monte ninth seed, hit 53 unforced errors as good progress in training and on the practice court, Anisimova (USA) German fifth seed Zverev Carlo in the run-up to Paris. his game fell to pieces. and this is the next step for me as I try to return to Sloane Stephens (USA x7) vs Johanna reached his second successive “So I am happy to get through Japanese seventh seed Nishikori the tour.” The Scot is hoping to follow the example Konta (GBR x26) Roland Garros quarter-final with a and into another quarter-final.” came back from 1-4 and 3-5 down set by American doubles specialist Bob Bryan, who Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) vs Petra 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) win over Zverev is 2-2 against Djokovic in his in the final set to beat Benoit Paire underwent the same operation last summer and Martic (CRO x31) Italy’s Fabio Fognini. career but won their only meeting of France and set-up a quarter-final has made a successful return. Last year he achieved his best on clay in the Italian Open final in clash today against Nadal.

Jack Nicklaus presents the trophy to Patrick Iguodala lifts Warriors over Cantlay after winning the 2019 Memorial golf tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Raptors to level NBA Finals Club on Sunday.

AFP Iguodala said. TORONTO “It’s a mindset. You go play. Not saying it’s smart, but you Defending champion Golden only have about a week left to State needed Andre Iguodala’s His play in the gut it out and see if you can help clutch 3-pointer with seven second half was the team.” seconds remaining on Sunday really inspiring at It left reserves to play key to hold off Toronto 109-104 and both ends. He did roles in the triumph. lift the Warriors level in the NBA “It was a great win,” Kerr Finals. Seeking a third consec- a fantastic job: said. utive title and fourth in five Warriors coach Kerr “We got to go home and seasons, the Warriors knotted protect our home floor and we’ll the best-of-seven series at 1-1 unfazed. see about all the injuries. But I’m ahead of games three and four “I think he sensed that we very proud of our team. It was a today and Friday in California. needed his production in that hell of an effort from the bench.” With former US President second half and he came alive.” The Warriors were again Barack Obama in the crowd, Klay Thompson led the War- without top scorer Kevin Durant, Golden State trailed by 12 points riors with 25 points while but the forward is expected back in the second quarter, made the Stephen Curry added 23 and soon after missing seven games first 18 points of the third and led Draymond Green contributed 17 with a right calf strain. by as much as 72-59. points, 10 rebounds and nine Victory was vital for Golden Toronto rallied, holding the assists. Kawhi Leonard scored a State. Of 34 teams that fell Cantlay captures second Warriors scoreless for more than game-high 34 points for Toronto behind 0-2 in the NBA Finals, 5:30 only to fall short on the last and added 14 rebounds while only four rallied to win the of 2015 NBA Finals Most Val- Raptors reserve Fred VanVleet crown. The Warriors have now uable Player Iguodala’s eight netted 17 points. won at least once on the road in PGA Tour title at Memorial points. Golden State suffered 23 consecutive playoff series. His play in the second half injuries to Thompson and Kevon Kyle Lowry and Danny AFP US PGA Memorial Tournament with a an up-and-down par from was really inspiring at both ends. Looney, Curry battled dehy- Green made 3-pointers to pull WASHINGTON a greenside bunker on 18. He did a fantastic job:Warriors dration and Iguodala’s heroics the Raptors, in the first finals of Leading final-round scores on Sunday in “It just definitely validates coach Kerr “said. came despite a leg injury. their 24-season history, from a Patrick Cantlay powered to an the US PGA Tour’s Memorial tournament my confidence that I can play “He has hit a lot of big shots “We’ve been through a lot. 13-point deficit to within 92-88 eight-under par 64 on Sunday in Dublin, Ohio (USA unless noted, par 72): with the best players in the in the finals before, so he was We’ve battled through injuries,” early in the fourth quarter. to claim his second US PGA Tour 269 - Patrick Cantlay 68-69-68-64 world and beating a field like title at the Memorial by two 271 - Adam Scott (AUS) 71-66-66-68 this on a big golf course like strokes from Australian Adam 273 - Martin Kaymer (GER) 67-68-66-72 this, this is very similar to a Scott. 275 - Kevin Streelman 72-68-69-66 major championship setup with Cantlay, 27, went into the 276 - Marc Leishman (AUS) 67-71-69-69 the rough and the big slopey final round four strokes behind fast greens, it does a lot for my 277 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 71-70-64-72 overnight leader Martin Kaymer confidence,” he said. 278 - Jason Dufner 72-69-68-69, Jordan whose bid to end a near five- “Especially holing a putt like Spieth 66-70-69-73 year victory drought faded with that on the last hole, knowing 279 - Tiger Woods 70-72-70-67, Billy a final round 72 that left him in that I needed it. That’s good to Horschel 71-70-70-68, Emiliano Grillo (ARG) third place. put in the memory bank.” Scott, 69-68-71-71, Bud Cauley 67-70-70-72 Cantlay’s bogey-free effort like Kaymer a former world was the best final round by a number one seeking to end an winner in the history of the Jack “He said just to relax and extended winless run, continued Nicklaus-hosted tournament at have fun, and look around and his recent resurgence with a final Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. see all the people having fun and round 68 that left him on The former US collegiate try and smile and just have a 17-under 271. star, whose career was nearly good time with it,” Cantlay said. It was his second runner-up derailed by a back injury, was “That’s why you’re there and I finish of the year after his second Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) dribbles coming off a tie for third at the definitely felt like that today. I place at Torrey Pines, to go with while defended by Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry PGA Championship, one of seven felt at ease.” Cantlay’s previous top-10 finishes at Riviera and the during the first quarter in game two of the 2019 NBA top-10 finishes this season. tour title came in Las Vegas in PGA Championship. Finals at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday. He indicated on Saturday November of 2017, when he won Scott, who hasn’t won since that 18-time major champion the Shriners Hospitals for the 2016 WGC Mexico Champi- Nicklaus had given him some Children Open that was part of onship, had six birdies, including advice on how to close out the 2017-18 season. three in a row from the 14th tournaments. He sealed his second win through the 16th. 18 SPORT TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019 India to kick off packed home programme against Proteas

AFP NEW DELHI

India will open their World Test Championship campaign against South Africa in October at the start of a packed schedule that will see them host series against five opponents in five months. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yesterday announced five Tests, nine one-day internationals and 12 Twenty20 games between against five nations also including Bangladesh, Zim- babwe, West Indies and Australia. INDIA SCHEDULE 2019 India vs South Africa Sept 15 - 1st T20, Dharamsala; Sept 18 - 2nd T20, Mohali; Sept 22 - 3rd T20 Bangalore; Oct 2-6 - 1st Test, Vizag; Oct 10-14 2nd Test, Ranchi; Oct 19-23 3rd Test, Pune India vs Bangladesh Nov 3 - 1st T20, Delhi; Nov 7 - 2nd T20, Rajkot; Nov 10 - 3rd T20, Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez (centre) celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket of England’s captain Eoin Morgan during heirt 2019 World Nagpur; Nov 14-18 - 1st Test, Indore; November 22-26 - 2nd Test, Cup group stage match in Nottingham, yesterday. Kolkata India vs West Indies Dec 6 - 1st T20, Mumbai; Dec 8 - 2nd T20, Thiruvananthapuram; Dec 11 - 3rd T20, Hyderabad; Dec 15 - 1st ODI, Chennai; Dec 18, 2nd ODI, Vizag; Dec 22 - 3rd ODI, Cuttack 2020 Pakistan bounce back with India vs Zimbabwe Jan 5 - 1st T20, Guwahati; Jan 7 - 2nd T20, Indore; Jan 10 - 3rd T20, Pune India vs Australia Jan 14 - 1st ODI, Mumbai; Jan 17 - 2nd ODI, Rajkot; Jan 19 - 3rd ODI, thrilling win over England Bangalore India vs South Africa

AFP It is a remarkable March 12 - 1st ODI, Dharamsala; March 15, 2nd ODI, Lucknow; March

SCOREBOARD NOTTINGHAM turnaround for Pakistan, 18, 3rd ODI Kolkata Pakistan England J. Roy lbw b Shadab ...... 8 whose opening match of Pakistan shocked England by 14 runs Imam-ul-Haq c Woakes b Ali ...... 44 Fakhar Zaman st Buttler b Ali ...... 36 J. Bairstow c Sarfaraz b Riaz ...... 32 this World Cup had seen at Trent Bridge yesterday as they J. Root c Hafeez b Shadab ...... 107 them slump to 105 all out ended a long losing streak in one-day Babar Azam c Woakes b Ali ...... 63 Mohammad Hafeez c Woakes b Wood ...... 84 E. Morgan b Hafeez ...... 9 internationals despite two centuries B. Stokes c Sarfaraz b Malik ...... 13 in a seven-wicket defeat Sarfaraz Ahmed c and b Woakes ...... 55 Bayern Munich’s for the World Cup host nation. J. Buttler c Riaz b Amir ...... 103 by the West Indies at the Asif Ali c Bairstow b Wood ...... 14 Joe Root (107) and Jos Buttler M. Ali c Zaman b Riaz ...... 19 same ground. Shoaib Malik c Morgan b Woakes ...... 8 (103) were guiding the tournament C. Woakes c Sarfaraz b Riaz ...... 21 Mueller backs Wahab Riaz c Root b Woakes ...... 4 J. Archer c Riaz b Amir ...... 1 favourites towards an imposing Hasan Ali not out ...... 10 A. Rashid not out ...... 3 target of 349 after Pakistan left Shadab Khan not out ...... 10 M. Wood not out ...... 10 for eight a target of 29 off 12 balls India’s World England needing a World Cup record Extras (b1, lb8, w11) ...... 20 Extras (lb3, w5) ...... 8 proved too much. chase. Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) ...... 348 Total (nine wickets, 50 overs) 334 Earlier,Hafeez led a vastly Cup challenge The pair put on 130 for the fifth Did not bat: Mohammad Amir Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Roy), 2-60 (Bairstow), 3-86 (Mor- improved Pakistan batting effort that gan), 4-118 (Stokes), 5-248 (Root), 6-288 (Buttler), 7-320 wicket but both were out shortly after Fall of wickets: 1-82 (Zaman), 2-111 (Imam), 3-199 (Ba- saw Babar Azam (63) and Pakistan AFP reaching their hundreds and the tail (Ali), 8-320 (Woakes), 9-322 (Archer) captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (55) also bar), 4-279 (Hafeez), 5-311 (Asif), 6-319 (Sarfaraz), 7-325 Bowling: Shadab 10-0-63-2, Amir 10-0-67-2 (3w), Riaz LONDON had too much to do. (Riaz), 8-337 (Malik) 10-0-82-3 (1w), Hasan 10-0-66-0 (1w), Hafeez 7-0-43-1, making fifties. It was a remarkable turnaround Bowling: Woakes 8-1-71-3 (2w), Archer 10-0-79-0 (4w), Malik 3-0-10-1 Pakistan were undone by a Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller has for Pakistan, whose opening match Ali 10-0-50-3, Wood 10-0-53-2 (2w), Stokes 7-0-43-0, Result: Pakistan won by 14 runs barrage of bouncers against the West emerged as an unexpected fan of India’s bid of this World Cup had seen them Rashid 5-0-43-0 (1w) Man-of-the-match: Mohammad Hafeez Indies and England deployed similar for glory at the World Cup. slump to 105 all out in a seven-wicket tactics after Morgan won the toss, Mueller revealed India captain Virat Kohli defeat by the West Indies at the same with their attack featuring recalled had often supported the German national ground. factor in England’s rise to number only last month chased down a target fast bowler Mark Wood. football team in the past, so he has returned That defeat was their 11th straight one in the one-day international of 341 to beat Pakistan in the fourth But Pakistan coped and for all the the favour by backing the two-time World Cup loss in completed one-day interna- rankings, then fell for 32 when he ODI at Trent Bridge, started to take talk about England’s quicks, it was winners. The 29-year-old, himself a world tionals, including the recent 4-0 was caught behind off Wahab Riaz. charge. Root pulled Hasan Ali for four off-spinner Moeen who took the first champion with Germany in 2014, took to social series defeat by England. It was the spinners who struck to go to 97 before his quick single off three wickets. media yesterday to declare his support for But they started strongly at Trent next, England captain Eoin Morgan Riaz saw him to a 15th ODI century England, who launched their India, who start their World Cup campaign Bridge yesterday and made 348 for (nine) bowled by Mohammad Hafeez in 97 balls, with nine fours and a six. World Cup campaign with a 104-run against South Africa in Southampton eight with Mohammad Hafeez top- before Pakistan captain and wicket- But he fell soon afterwards, thrashing of South Africa, were sur- tomorrow. scoring with 84. keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed held an steering Shadab to Hafeez at short prisingly sloppy in the field, while Alongside a picture of him wearing an No side had previously made edged cut by all-rounder Ben Stokes third man to end a stand of 130 with their fast bowlers were expensive -- Indian cricket shirt and holding a bat in one more batting second to win a World (13) off Shoaib Malik. Buttler. Jofra Archer’s 10 wicketless overs hand, Mueller tweeted: “I wish all participants Cup match than Ireland, with 329 for But Buttler and Root both hit Wicketkeeper Buttler, one cost 79 runs. of the Cricket #WorldCup2019 good luck & seven against England at Bangalore towering sixes off Hafeez as England delivery after completing a 75-ball Pakistan attacked from the start, thrilling matches. in 2011. England’s chase got off to a accelerated on a pitch where they century, was also caught at short with openers Fakhar Zaman and “Especially I cross my fingers for @ bad start when Jason Roy was lbw had twice set the world record for third man when he guided Imam-ul-Haq sharing a stand of 82. imVkohli, the captain of the Indian team. He’s on the sweep to leg-spinner Shadab the highest ODI total. Mohammad Amir to fellow left-arm Babar completed a run-a-ball a fan of @DFB_Team and supported it mul- Khan to leave them 12 for one. Buttler completed a typically quick Riaz. Chris Woakes (21) kept fifty while Hafeez pressed on after tiple times in the past #Cricket Jonny Bairstow, whose opening dashing fifty off 34 balls when he England in the hunt before he was being dropped on 14 when Roy #GermanyCheersForIndia.” partnership with Roy has been a key pulled Shadab for six as England, who caught behind off Riaz and, at 320 floored a sitter at mid-off. Malinga wants patience in ‘must-win’ Afghanistan clash

REUTERS CARDIFF Sri Lankan players during nets ahead of the match against Sri Lanka’s batsmen must show The pressure is with more patience under pressure in Afghanistan. today’s ‘must-win’ encounter us, yes, but we have to against World Cup dark horses play free and do our Afghanistan to put their crushing best: Lasith Malinga opening-round defeat behind them, pacer Lasith Malinga said yesterday. is) a must-win game tomorrow. New Zealand thumped Sri We’ll try our best... in accuracy Lanka without losing a single and tactically, everything hope- wicket in Cardiff on Saturday to fully will be there tomorrow.” begin their campaign in style Afghanistan fared only after seam bowlers Matt Henry slightly better against defending and Lockie Ferguson skittled champions Australia in their them out for 136. Lasith Malinga opener, losing by seven wickets, Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne but Malinga is not taking them contributed an unbeaten 52 in the batsman is, he has to finish the lightly. that total as the Sri Lankan top- game,” Malinga told a news con- “I think they have experi- order’s vulnerability in bowler- ference at the same venue. enced players because most of friendly conditions was exposed “I feel players need to get them play in franchise cricket. and Malinga said that a similar confidence... We need to get They know how to accelerate performance against Afghanistan mentally tough. The pressure is and they have confidence,” he would cost them dear. with us, yes, but we have to play added. “The important thing is team were targeting a morale- do well against them. I hope if (it will be) difficult for them... I “Patience is very important. free and do our best. handling pressure... that’s the big boosting victory against the we play 50 overs, batting, then saw the Sri Lankans play and We know these conditions, we can “At the moment we want to challenge for us.” former champions to get back definitely we can beat them,” he they’ve lost a few games in the have someone get 60-70 runs and be concerned with our own skill Afghanistan captain Gul- on track. said. last two years... they’re struggling still the ball can move. Whoever and how we’re going to play. (It badin Naib, meanwhile, said his “We have the opportunity to “If we play 50 overs, maybe in one-day matches.” TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2019 SPORT 19

Qatar get ready for Brazil friendly

Qatari football players taking part in a training session in Rio de Janeiro yesterday, ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Brazil. The match serves as preparation for the Copa America, which will commence in Brazil on June 14. Asian champions Qatar will make their Copa America debut in Brazil and will play against former FIFA World Cup winners Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay in Group B at the South American football blockbuster to be held from June 14-July 7. INSET: Coach Felix Sanchez looks on as players take part in the training session.

Captain Inaugural Nations League Kane turns attention finals a wide-open contest ttoo England REUTERS Despite initial scepticism PORTO, PORTUGAL over the format, it was AFP given a generally warm LONLONDON Still something of a novelty, UEFA’s inau- reception as it matched gural Nations League tournament teams of a similar standard. EngEngland captain Harry Kane reaches its final stage with a four-team The finals format is insiinsists there will be no hangover mini-competition in Portugal this week, quick and simple -- two frofrom Tottenham’s Champions I want to which will be short and sharp and looks semi-finals, with Portugal LeaLeague final defeat to Liverpool to be a wide-open contest. and Switzerland meeting in whwhen players from both sides see Klopp It will offer Cristiano Ronaldo a Porto on Wednesday followed by uniunite forces on international chance to win a title for Portugal on England and the Netherlands in Gui- ddutyut this week. at Bayern: home territory, 15 years after his side lost maraes on Thursday, and the Kane made his return from to Greece in the final of Euro 2004, which final in Porto on June 9. a ttwo-month injury layoff to Beckenbauer the country also hosted. Hosts Portugal start as sstartta Saturday’s final in Madrid, England will have the chance to win slight favourites with Ronaldo, but looked well short of match their first major title since the World Cup their all time leading scorer ffitnessitn in a disappointing Spurs AFP ddisplay.is BERLIN in 1966 while the Netherlands could win and most-capped player, their first since Euro 1988. eager to make up for what by Dele Alli, Danny Rose and Switzerland could win their first ever. his extraordinary standards Eric Dier also featured for Mau- German football legend It may not carry the same weight as could almost be described ricricio Pochettino’s men, while Franz Beckenbauer winning a World Cup or European cham- as a lacklustre first LLiverpool trio Jordan Hend- (pictured above) said pionship but the eventual champions are season at Juventus. eerson, Trent Alexander- yesterday that he wants to unlikely to be complaining. The 34-year-old ArnoldA and Joe Gomez are see Liverpool coach Juergen “The Nations League is not the most scored “only” incincluded in Gareth Southgate’s Klopp in the Bayern Munich important prize that there is, but it is a 28 goals 223-man3- squad. dugout. trophy nevertheless that we’d like to and had to “You don’t have to talk to As Germany celebrated win,” said Dutch coach Ronald Koeman. be content peopeople about switching off from Klopp’s success in last Satur- Portugal’s Fernando Santos took a with adding cclublu football,” said Kane. day’s Champions League similar line. just a Serie A “Everyone just naturally final, Beckenbauer told Bild “The players have great passion to title to his medals’ collection. ddoesoe it and I think the fact we’ve newspaper that he was des- play for their country and this is no dif- Portugal’s ‘old guard’ is still in plaplayed with each other in club perate to see the former ferent,” he said. “There is a title at stake place, with Pepe holding the defence sidsidese and younger England sides Dortmund coach join Bun- and of course we want to win.” together at 36, but there has also been (me(means) we’re all good friends. desliga champions Bayern. Designed to replace lukewarm the welcome emergence of some prom- “Whether you’re at Spurs or “I want nothing more friendly internationals, the competition, ising newcomers such as 19-year-old (Ma(Manchester) City or Liverpool, than to see Klopp come to played between September and Benfica forward Joao Felix. wewe’ve known each other long Bayern one day, it would be November last year, featured all 55 of England have managed to keep their eenoughno that we’ve become a good fit,” said the 73-year- Europe’s national teams divided into four momentum going after reaching the mamates. old, who won five German divisions -- Leagues A to D -- which were semi-finals at the World Cup last year, “When you come here, you titles with Bayern as a player themselves split into four groups. finishing ahead of Spain and Croatia in just look forward to meeting up and a coach. There is promotion and relegation their group and making an emphatic start anandd being friends.” Klopp’s first Champions between each league while the winners to their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign England have the chance to League title was met with of the four League A groups earned their with five goals in each of their first two win a first tournament since widespread celebration in places in Portugal this week. It also pro- games. 1919666 at the inaugural Nations the German sports media. vides a back door for four teams to reach The Dutch finished ahead of LeaLeague, as they face a resurgent Yesterday, Kicker mag- Euro 2020. Germany and France to qualify and NetNetherlands in the second semi- azine carried the headline appear to be on the way back after ffinalina on Thursday. “King Klopp” on its front NATIONS LEAGUE missing the last European championship Kane believes it is important page, and described the Liv- SEMI-FINALS and World Cup. fforor England to claim silverware erpool manager as “the face Switzerland surprisingly pipped as a building block towards next of German football”. TOMORROW Belgium for their place, with a stunning yyear’se European Beckenbauer echoed Switzerland vs Portugal 5-2 win over the World Cup semi- CChampionship.ha those sentiments in an At Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal finalists, and are looking to make the “It’s a new tournament, but interview with Bild, calling transformation from a team that is iit’st’s still a chance to win a trophy Klopp “one of the best THURSDAY, JUNE 6 always difficult to beat to one considered in aan England shirt, and 1966 coaches in the world”. Netherlands vs England title contenders. Portuguese wwasa a long time ago,” Kane said. “Juergen brought a new type At Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in “Our goal should be to win the captain Cristiano “I think if we go on and win, of football to Germany... what Guimaraes, Portugal tournament,” said coach Vladimir Ronaldo it wwill be another stepping stone he began in Dortmund, he Petkovic. to go on to achieve big things has refined in Liverpool.” in the future. Liverpool are reportedly “Winning trophies breeds looking to extend Klopp’s that mentality to go on to do contract, which currently VAR to be used in Nations League finals more and more, so it’s a chance runs until 2022. Yet Becken- fforor us to start earlearlyy and trtryy to bauer questioned whether REUTERS part of the English Premier that in the main the big decisions of course is a good thing,” aachievechieve that.that.”” 51-year-old would stay on PORTO League from next season. have been right.” Koeman said. Merseyside in the long term. UEFA briefed the coaches The main criticisms of VAR “We must realize, however, “I think that a job in Video Assistant Referees (VAR) of Nations League semi- are the amount of time it takes that discussions will continue to England robs you of energy. will be used at this week’s UEFA finalists Portugal, England, for decisions to be reviewed and exist, because you can often As a manager in the Premier Nations League finals in Switzerland and the Nether- that fans inside the stadium are interpret actions in multiple League, you have more Portugal, Europe’s soccer lands about VAR in April and left in the dark while the referee ways. I am in favour of the VAR responsibility than as a coach governing body UEFA said England manager Gareth looks at replays on the tackling the big, obvious issues in the Bundesliga,” he told Bild. yesterday. Southgate has welcomed its use sidelines. only, rather than to search end- “With the two cup com- VAR, which allows incidents in the competition. Netherlands coach Ronaldo lessly for potential errors.” petitions and the slightly to be reviewed with the help of “You’ll never get a system Koeman said the system still had England face the Nether- larger league, the amount of video replays, was used at last that is 100% fail-safe but the key room for improvement. lands in the Nations League games is considerably higher year’s World Cup in Russia and decisions that are clear and “VAR is a good help to make semi-finals on June 6, a day England captain than it is in Germany.” this season’s Champions League obvious have been rectified,” football fairer and most of the after hosts Portugal play Swit- Harry Kane knockout stages and will also be Southgate said. “My feeling... is mistakes will be corrected. That zerland in the first semi-final. SPORT Tuesday 4 June 2019 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Sri Lanka’s Malinga Captain Kane turns wants patience attention to England in ‘must-win’ after Champions Afghanistan clash League final defeat Ali all geared up for Copa America debut

THE PENINSULA “Copa America is one of the We are showing a good picture players who are looking to get RIO DE JANEIRO oldest and fiercely contested that reflects the development well and prepare for the 2022 championships. I look forward of Qatari football in recent World Cup,” he said. Qatar’s star striker Almoez Ali We will try to to showing the best of myself. years.” “But we are ready for these is looking forward to delivering It is an important step in my He added in the interview strong confrontations,” he said. for Qatar at their Copa America play in a positive career. I know there will be with DPA: “We respect all the Ali said his generation is debut later this month when he manner, reflecting an player scouts who will follow competitors without exception, greatly influenced by the pro- hopes to impress player scouts honourable image of me,” he said. and as I told you, we fessional players from Brazil, at the June 14-July 7 tour- As for the chances of the have great Argentina and other South nament. the Asian champions: Qatari team to move beyond confi- American countries appearing Ali, an Aspire Academy Almoez Ali the group stage, Ali said: “The in the Qatar Stars League graduate, was declared the championship is certainly MVP in Qatar’s title-winning opportunity to play with these difficult, with big teams and run at this year’s Asian Cup in strong teams,” he said. big football stars. Most of the UAE. “Our group includes the them are top profes- “There are significant dif- Argentina, Colombia and Par- sionals in the European ferences in the manner in aguay. We will also play a leagues. However, our dence in ourselves to (QSL) every season. which we play and the teams friendly match with Brazil on confidence is great face the big players. “We have benefited appearing at Copa America,” Ali June 5 (at the iconic Maracana as players, we We only hope that we from the South American said in an interview Stadium).” are one team. will succeed, but in players who have played in the yesterday. “It will a good experience football there is no such Qatari league over the past “Our team is participating and a strong preparation for thing as guaranteed years. They have had a signif- for the first time and the team this tournament, where every- results.” icant impact on our players. I is really looking forward to thing will be different for us and Ali said: “The team am talking about players like doing well,” he added. the atmosphere we will be atmosphere in the Felipe George and Emerson Qatar face former World playing as international camp in Brazil is very with Al Sadd and Adilson Jr etc. Cup winners Argentina, Par- players for the first time in special and all the They helped improve the aguay and Colombia in their our history,” Ali said. players are enjoying it. standards,” he said. Group A matches of the Ali promised that he The technical staff has 12-team tournament. and his team-mates would been here to get to know “It’s a big tournament and spare no effort to make the the atmosphere and teams like Argentina, Brazil, Qatari fans happy as they did help us adapt to the Chile and Uruguay will be in the last Asian Cup in the UAE. atmosphere in Brazil.” there. It will be a historic “We will try to play in a The tall Qatari positive manner, reflecting an striker said coach Felix This is an honour honourable image of the Asian Sanchez is helping for us as a group champions,” Ali said. Qatar prepare a strong “This is an honour for us as side for the 2022 FIFA of special players. a group of special World Cup. Copa America is one Copa America is a players,” he said. “We are not under of the oldest and big tournament and pressure to appear well. We fiercely contested look at this tournament as a teams like Argentina, preparation for the 2022 FIFA championships. I look Brazil, Chile and World Cup,” Ali said. forward to showing Uruguay will be “Like I said, we are aware the best of myself. It there. It will be a of how difficult the teams will is an important step be at Copa. Hopefully we will historic opportunity do well,” he added. in my career. I know to play with these “Our group is already one there will be player strong teams: of the toughest. Argentina and scouts who will Almoez Ali Colombia have won this event. follow me: Almoez Ali Paraguay has a group of young

Qatari striker Almoez Ali in action during a training session in Rio de Janeiro yesterday, ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Brazil. Infantino gets set for second term atat FIFA

REUTERS The incumbant FIFA Chief is something Infantino said he could not Infantinoo sayssays hehe hashas improvedimproved thethe PARIS set to be reelected unopposed reveal because of a non-disclosure federation’s ffinancesinances wwhich,hich, bboostedoosted by tomorrow. agreement. last year’s WorldWorld Cup, boastedboasted a recordrecord Globe-trotting FIFA President Gianni Meanwhile, the Nations League was revenue of $6.42bn6.42bn in 2018 andand recordrecord Infantino, set to be reelected unopposed During his first term, Infantino put on hold because a suitable format reserves of $2.74bn.$2.74bn. tomorrow, will have plenty of unfinished succeeded in his first major had not been found. He also embarkedembarked onon anan ambitiousambitious business in his second mandate, having Another Infantino idea, to bring reform of thee transfer system,system, althoughalthough seen his grandiose plans for football reform when his plan to increase forward the 48-team World Cup to 2022 this is still workork in progressprogress.. partly frustrated in his first term. the World Cup from 32 to 48 in Qatar, had to be ditched after it was The FIFAFA CouncilCouncil has The Swiss lawyer has visited dozens teams from 2026 onwards was found to be unworkable following what approved thee creation of a of countries, from Sao Tome and Principe easily passed by the FIFA Council. FIFA described as an “extensive consul- clearing houseuse to process to Papua-New Guinea, swept away much tation process”. internationalal transfers,transfers, of the administration of disgraced pred- Infantino pushed heavily for Many felt that Infantino had created saying this wouldwould cecen-n- ecessor Sepp Blatter, mingled with heads an unnecessary obstacle for himself -- tralise and simplifysimplify tthehe of state and introduced revolutionary the implementation of the VAR just as he did when FIFA decided, in 2017, process. technology into the game since taking refereeing system, introduced at not to renew the mandates of ethics com- It is alsoo plannedplanned charge in February 2016. last year’s World Cup. mittee chief investigator Cornel Borbely to limit loansans aandnd Yet, some feel Infantino has gone too and judge Hans-Joachim Eckert. improve thehe so- fast for his own good while his plans have Between them, the two had investi- called trainingng comcom-- alarmed traditionalists and upset pow- Eager to increase FIFA’s revenue gated and banned dozens of adminis- pensation scheme,cheme, erful European clubs. streams, which depend almost exclu- trators for ethics violations, including intended to rrewardeward Infantino succeeded in his first major sively on the four-yearly World Cup, former FIFA President Blatter and former clubs aroundnd tthehe reform when, less than one year after his Infantino said the proposed new tour- UEFA President Michel Platini. Both world wwhoh o election, his plan to increase the World naments were backed by an investment denied wrongdoing. develop players,ayers, Cup from 32 to 48 teams from 2026 consortium willing to put in $25bn over Infantino pushed heavily for the but there is a onwards was easily passed by the FIFA a 12-year cycle. implementation of the VAR refereeing long road aheadead Council. The Club World Cup was approved system, introduced at last year’s World of discussionsons Meanwhile, his proposal to create a in March and will start in 2021 although Cup, which allows match officials to with clubs,s, 24-team Club World Cup and establish the European Club Association (ECA), review key incidents in slow motion. leagues andd FIFA in the lucrative world of club which includes all of Europe’s top clubs, It was generally considered a success, playerss football has run into opposition and a said its members would not take part especially in objective decisions such as unions,, planned global version of UEFA’s Nations because there was no room in the inter- offside, although there are still concerns before these League - in effect a mini-World Cup national calendar. that it is over-used and that in some can be every two years - has been shunted into UEFA was also concerned about a cases, such as handball decisions, it has imple- a siding. lack of information on the investors, created more problems than it has solved. mented. FIFA President Gianni Infantino