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Tuesday, November 26, 2019 Rabia I 29, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT FOOTBALL / QATAR VS , 7:30PM New Cup, same ambition, as hosts Qatar target double ‘The Asian Cup is long over... This is another tournament... But we start with the same ambition, same possibilities’

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez (second from left) and captain Hassan al-Haydos (second from right) address a press conference on the eve of the Gulf Cup tournament opener against Iraq in . PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed

Qatar players (also below) take part in a training session on the eve of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup tournament opener against Iraq in Doha. PICTURES: Fadi al-Assaad

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

n the eve of their 24th Arabian Gulf Cup opener against Iraq, Qatar coach Fe- lix Sanchez was repeatedly askedO about the historic Asian Cup triumph earlier this year. Sanchez, by now well versed with unpredictable nature of football, knows not to rest on past laurels. “The Asian Cup is long over and we have to forget about that. This is another tournament, another start,” Sanchez said yesterday. “But we start with the same ambition, same possi- bilities,” he added. In the regional tournament such as Gulf Cup, any team can beat anyone on a given day. In the 2017 edition of Mauritanian side Nouadhibou. and Karim Boudiaf running the show the tournament in , not many They are expected to join the squad in midfi eld. The emergence of Youssef put their money on Oman to lift the in Doha today but Iraq coach Srecko Abdel Razzaq and a few other young- trophy, but under veteran Dutch coach Katanec, who had only 13 players, sters will also add to Qatar’s arsenal. Pim Verbeek they did exactly that. including two goalkeepers at train- “Our aim is to take on game at a So, while Asian champions Qatar are ing yesterday, was not too hopeful of time. UAE and Iraq are diffi cult sides. undoubtedly a dominant force in the fi elding a full-strength squad against We’ve have to play really well. We had region, they will be wary of the threat Qatar. played the UAE in the Asian Cup. We posed by Saudi Arabia, Oman and the Having said that, Qatar should be had a good result against them. But the UAE. Sanchez’s men will have home wary of Iraq, who are leading their Gulf Cup is a new tournament. If we’ve support to rely on though, a huge fac- group in the World Cup and Asian Cup to progress to the knock-out stage, tor in a big tournament. But the pres- joint qualifi ers after their stunning 2-1 we must play with a positive frame of sure of playing at home can also put win over Asian powerhouse Iran earlier mind,” he said. a burden on players, which Sanchez this month. Sanchez admitted selecting the is aware of. “It is good to play under “The teams we will play against are squad has given him a happy head- pressure in the Gulf Cup, as we did in strong and Iraq are a good team. We ache, with the depth of availability of the Asian Cup and Copa America. We have played against them three times Qatari players. He was pleased though have to deal with each game separate- recently and are well organised. They the team was on right track ahead of ly,” the coach said. are here to compete and we know this the 2022 World Cup, which Qatar will Qatar’s previous triumphs came in very well. Yes, it is a diffi cult game but host. 1992, 2004 and 2014, and are no doubt I am happy to face Iraq,” Sanchez said. “We are looking forward to start the strongest contenders among eight “A good start tomorrow is very the competition as a part of our 2022 Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation important. It’s not that if we win to- World Cup preparations. We had a teams to lift the title on December 6. morrow we will go on and win the good preparation after we came back Other than Iraq, they will lock horns tournament and if we lose we will do after playing Afghanistan in Dush- with Yemen and the UAE in Group A. badly in the tournament. But a good anbe, Tajikstan. The boys are in a good Group B comprises defending cham- start against Iraq gives you a good feel- frame of mind. Playing in Doha is im- pions Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and ing for the following games. Iraq are portant. The support of the fans will Bahrain. physically strong and have good qual- motivate us,” he said. Qatar’s opening match today at the ity players and we know it’s going to Meanwhile, captain Hassan al- Khalifa International Stadium could be a diffi cult game,” the Spanish coach Haydos was hopeful the Qatar team be a slightly easier one than they ex- added. can give the fans another reason to pected due to the turmoil in Iraq’s Sanchez will expect the strike force celebrate. “Iraq are a good side. It’s camp. The unavailability of key play- of and Akram Afi f to rack going to be a tough match. Gulf Cup ers has disrupted Iraq’s preparations up goals as they did in the Asian Cup has a special fl avour. We want to make with eight of their players taking part triumph. He will also rely on the re- our people happy with another great in Arab Club Championship second- turning Abdulkarim Hassan in de- victory as we did at the Asian Cup in round match for Al Shorta against fence, with captain Hassan al-Haydos January,” he said. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 26, 2019 2

FOCUS Coach Katanec to start tournament with depleted Iraq side

By Sahan Bidappa Al Shorta against Mauritanian the best Asian teams is wonder- very well what the players need Doha side Nouadhibou yesterday. ful and the atmosphere here is and there is nothing personal “It is diffi cult to have so few very wonderful. Tomorrow eve- matter between me and any play- players, so it is very diffi cult to rything is possible and our situ- er. I am not afraid to be dismissed raq coach Srecko Katanec predict what will happen. This is a ation is diffi cult, but I have no even if I lose all three games, all wasn’t a happy man yester- new experience for me and I hope excuses,” he added I need is to work very seriously,” day. With only 13 players, to be successful in any decision I Katanec, however, said the ab- the plain-speaking coach said. including two goalkeepers make,” Katanec said yesterday. sence of key players will present The Iraqi team is hunting for Iat his disposal in training, the He was not sure whether he an ideal opportunity for the its fourth Gulf Cup title, hav- Slovenian was frustrated with his will fi eld eight Al Shorta players youngsters to show their qual- ing previously won in 1979, 1984 side’s preparation ahead of the against Qatar, saying he would ity. “This Gulf Cup is a good op- and 1988. Under Katanec they Gulf Cup opening game against take a decision only hours before portunity for new players in the have usually punched above their Qatar today. the match. “I do not know what national team. All the players weight and can spring surprises Hammam Tariq and Bashar I will do, whether they will play are aware that the opportunity this time too. Resen will miss the tourna- or not against Qatar. There are given to them was deserved and The 55-year-old was appoint- ment with their clubs – Ismaily eight players with Al Shorta and I expect them to surprise me by ed as Iraq coach last year with the of Egypt and Iran’s Persepolis I may put them on the bench. I playing at a great level,” he said. responsibility of taking the Li- – denying them permission to just have to watch the game and Regarding the exclusion of for- ons of Mesopotamia to the 2022 join the Iraq squad. But what has tomorrow I will decide what to ward Justin Meram, who plays for World Cup in Qatar. They cur- angered Katanec is the unavail- do,” he said. Major League Soccer club Atlanta rently lead Group C in the World ability of eight players, who will “I will explain to the players United, Katanec said: “These are Cup and Asian Cup joint qualifi - arrive in Doha today as they were my plan for the match against technical matters and only I get ers on the back of a dramatic win playing the Arab Club Champi- Qatar. I have new players in the to choose the players, no one else. over early favourites Iran earlier onship second-round match for team and playing against one of I have my experience and I know this month.

PREVIEW UAE VS YEMEN, 9:30PM Van Marwijk brushes aside past as UAE begin campaign ‘We have no pressure at all to begin with and right now I am not thinking of anything other than the first match’

SPOTLIGHT Yemen hopeful in quest of maiden Gulf Cup victory

UAE coach Bert van Marwijk (left) and captain Hamdan al-Kamali address a press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed

By Yash Mudgal and 2013, lost two World Cup fi rst match of the tournament also feels the absence of the Doha qualifi cation matches — fi rst to against Yemen.” senior players provides a good Thailand in last month The UAE face Iraq in their opportunity for the young and then this month against Vi- second game on November 29 players. espite two consecu- etnam in Hanoi. and will play hosts Qatar in their “I have full confi dence in tive losses and a late The Dutchman thinks there fi nal game on December 2. young players. They are good entry, the UAE’s is no major impact of the Commenting over the ab- and make the team look bet- Dutch coach Bert van team’s loss in the qualifi ers. sence of Abdulrahman, the ter.” MarwijkD is confi dent of a good “Last week we lost to Viet- 67-year-old coach said, “It UAE captain Hamdan al- Yemen coach Sami Hasan al-Hadi (left), and captain and goalkeeper Salem Awad address a press conference on start in the 24th Arabian Gulf nam, but it was a well-played happens all the time. Injuries Kamali said he was delighted the eve of their Gulf Cup match against the UAE. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed Cup, which gets underway to- game. We were unlucky with are a part of the game. I have to be back in the UAE team and day. the red card after only 30 min- dealt with it throughout my thanked the Van Marwijk for By Yash Mudgal “We are suff ering. There is no “We hope to achieve our fi rst Runners-up in 2017, the utes, but I am satisfi ed with career. I know very well how to giving him this opportunity. Doha football league for the last fi ve win in the tournament. We are in Emiratis confi rmed their par- the performance of the players deal with these circumstances. “I am happy to be back and years due to the war. This has af- this tournament for the ninth time. ticipation in the competition in the match. However, I am It’s a challenge and we have to I am thankful to Van Marwijk fected our performance and prepa- We have learned from the past par- two weeks ago, and will begin not satisfi ed with the Thailand manage it with the available for my comeback in the team.” emen have had their “fi n- rations but with the emergence of ticipation and we are well prepared their campaign for a third re- game,” he said. options.” The 30-year-old centre- gerprints” on the Gulf Cup some young players, we have coped mentally and physically for the gional crown against Yemen Marwijk replaced Alberto Abdulrahman, the 2016 back made a comeback to the tournament but are now well. Our ambitions are big and we tournament,” Awad said. today, albeit without their Zaccheroni, who left his job as Asian Player of the Year, team during the 2022 FIFA hoping for a “fruitful” are looking for a positive result,” “We were so happy to make his- top star attacking midfi elder UAE coach after the 4-0 Asian missed the Asian Cup at the World Cup Asian and 2023 Youting in the 24th edition of the the coach said. tory for the right reasons by quali- , defender Cup semi-fi nal loss to Qatar. start of this year after suff er- AFC Asian Cup qualifi ers in prestigious regional tournament, “We have been benefi ted from fying for the last Asian Cup, and Walid Abbas and midfi elder Replying to a question about ing a knee injury while playing August after two years. coach Sami Hasan al-Hadi said participating in the West Asian we hope we can start this campaign Ali Salmeen. pressure after Asian Cup semi- for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal Talking about his team’s ahead of their campaign opener. Championship and the Asian qual- well to bring cheer to our country “It is true that we learned fi nal loss to Qatar and upcom- in October. However, he was chances, he said, “Gulf Cup Yemen has never won a Gulf Cup ifi ers, and I expect a positive par- by qualifying for Asian Cup 2023 late about the participation, ing group match against hosts named in the 27-player squad has its own fl avour and this is a match despite having played 27 ticipation and this is what we all in China.” but we are ready for our open- he said: “Whatever happened for their 2022 World Cup very important tournament. We times in the tournament, but al- hope. My team has played 10 games Talking about the match against er against Yemen,” Van Marw- in the past is in the past. We qualifi cation opener against have to focus on the tournament Hadi seemed confi dent on the eve and it is in a developing stage,” the 67th ranked UAE, who have lost two ijk said at the pre-tournament have no pressure at all to begin Malaysia. and forget what is missing. Our of their fi rst group match against 62-year-old Yemeni said. World Cup qualifi er matches against press conference yesterday. with and right now I am not Van Marwijk, who was ap- group is not an easy one, but we former champions the United Arab Talking about playing in a tough Thailand and Vietnam recently, The UAE, champions in 2007 thinking of anything other than pointed as coach in March, are ready with our best.” Emirates (UAE). group, he said: “We know we are Awad said: “As a team we respect “Our goal is to register our against some good teams. We have them, they are two-time champi- maiden victory in the Gulf Cup this played against some strong teams in ons. The UAE team has gone through time to make it a fruitful aff air,” the Asian qualifi ers and in the West some ups and downs in the recent said al-Hadi at the press confer- Asia tournament, and we respect period, but they are a good side. We Kuwait get ready ence yesterday. all the teams. We are quite well pre- also have our ups and downs, but it His confi dence stems from the pared and ready for the fi rst victory did not aff ect us adversely. We are a two victories and four draws that here.” young side and ready for the show.” the 141st ranked team registered “I believe we have a good team, On the presence of the Yem- in their qualifi cation campaign for with a handful of young promising eni public in Qatar, coach al-Hadi the 2019 Asian Cup. players breaking through, that can said: “I welcome everyone here in “We have our fi ngerprints in the be a platform to build on for the fu- Doha. We hope we have a big pres- tournament as a participating team ture,” the coach said. ence of fans and it is a pleasure to and as hosts. We have played some Yemen were fi rst to arrive in Doha play in front of our fans in Qatar. I good games in previous editions on November 21 from Bahrain, hope our fans come and support us of the tournaments, we have some where they played in an Asian Quali- and help us put pressure on our op- good drawn matches and some fi ers group D tie against , ponents.” good memories, but we are still suff ering a 2-1 defeat. He also praised the atmosphere looking for our maiden win in the Yemen team will feel the absence surrounding the tournament in tournament and we are fully ready of their two key players – striker terms of accommodation and for it this time. We aim to provide Mohsen Qarawi and defender Am- training fi elds, stressing that it is a good level of football and achieve mar Homsan – who were ruled out the best. the fi rst victory that delights eve- of tournament before the team had Yemen has not only played in ryone in our country.” their fi rst training session at the the Gulf Cup but has also hosted Yemen, who are with hosts Qa- Qatar University Stadium. the 20th edition in 2010 which was tar, former champions Iraq and the However, Yemeni captain and won by Kuwait with a 1-0 extra UAE in Group A, will start their goalkeeper Salem Awad also ech- time win over Saudi Arabia. It was campaign against the UAE at the oed his coach’s views as he said his Kuwait’s 10th title and the edition Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium to- teammates are well prepared this celebrated the 40th anniversary of Kuwait players take part in a training session ahead of the Gulf Cup yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed day. time. the cup. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 26, 2019 3

SPOTLIGHT Iraq legend Saeed recalls Arabian Gulf Cup triumphs Saeed was top scorer during Iraq’s victories in 1979 and 1984, while in the latter he was also named the best player

rom the moment he became hooked onto football – thanks to Pele’s mesmerising perform- ances at the 1970 FIFA World CupF – Hussein Saeed had only one am- bition: to lead the line for his national team and score goals by the bucket load. It was an ambition he would achieve – and then some. Saeed won more than 100 caps for his country and scored 78 goals. He remains the record goal scorer for Iraq – and sits in fi fth place on the all-time international goal scorers list. For context, Saeed’s hero Pele scored 77 goals during his career with Brazil. Twice an Arabian Gulf Cup cham- pion, Saeed has fond memories of the region’s premier international tourna- ment. He was top scorer during Iraq’s victories in 1979 and 1984, while in the latter he was also named the tourna- ment’s best player. The 61-year-old has come a long way from the streets Former Iraqi forward Hussein of Al-Iskan, where he sported a jersey Saeed poses at the Khalifa with the number 10 on the back, just International Stadium. like his hero, Pele. Saeed said: “Football and sport in general is a dream for every athlete. It’s able to steer young men away from modern day problems.” His love for football matched his skill, which caught the attention of top coaches in Iraq, including Al-Talaba’s Jamal Salih and national team boss Ammo Baba. Saeed added: “I think that football makes people patient, patri- otic, creative, well-mannered and for- giving.” At 17, Saeed began his professional journey with Al Talaba. He also turned out for Iraq’s U20 team during his fl edgling career and scored twice in the fi nal of the AFC Youth Championship, which Iraq won by beating neighbours Iran in a thrilling fi nal. Driven by his passion for the game, Saeed was equally motivated by the pride he felt in repre- senting the Lions of Mesopotamia. He said: “Wearing the Iraq national team’s jersey was a huge honour.” netted fi ve times in four games before reached their peak. Victory in 1984 was The team withdrew from the competi- ment, being held here, brings nations pride for all Arab athletes.” Yet Saeed’s career-defi ning moment Iraq were withdrawn from the event on delivered by another outstanding dis- tion due to refereeing. together. Qatar, as we know, welcomes Saeed is already looking forward came at his debut at the Arabian Gulf orders from the government. It meant, play by their leading marksman, who Despite that controversy, Saeed looks everyone.” to enjoying the FIFA World Cup Qa- Cup in 1979. He led his team to victory unfortunately for Saeed, that his goals grabbed seven goals and was named back at the period with pride. “That Saeed also looked back on his tar 2022 in three years’ time and holds by scoring ten goals, breaking Kuwait’s were scratched from the record books. player of the tournament. “I think that period was the time of Iraq’s footballing achievements at Khalifa International great expectations for the fi rst ever edi- four-year streak, and making him the Despite the political unrest, Saeed the seventh edition in 1984 was the best success. We were high achievers in the Stadium during a visit to the venue in tion to take place in the Middle East and top scorer in the tournament. For the remembers the tournament fondly as one, from both a team and personal Gulf Cup. This was a generation fi lled the lead-up to the 24th edition of the Arab world. “Qatar’s vision to host sev- fi rst time, Iraq were champions of the one of his best performances. “One of point of view,” said Saeed. with achievements, something which Arabian Gulf Cup, which gets under- eral tournaments was backed by good Gulf. He said: “The Arabian Gulf Cup is the most memorable goals I have scored After disappearing from the tourna- cannot be repeated.” way today. “The stadium is now very planning and will,” said Saeed. “There one of the most beautiful tournaments was the one against Saudi Arabia in ment for the next two editions, Saeed Saeed hopes the latest tournament, diff erent to the ones we used to play in is a lot of hard work and eff ort involved which holds many great memories.” 1982. I scored with a header in the last made his fi nal appearance in the tenth which will kick off in Doha on 26 No- due to the modern innovations which to host these international tourna- Saeed’s remarkable exploits at the few minutes of the match.” Arabian Gulf Cup in 1990, which was vember, will serve to unite the region. have turned this into a state-of-the- ments. To host the World Cup in 2022 is tournament continued in 1982 when he Two years later, Saeed and Iraq also his last match as a professional. He said: “We hope that this tourna- art facility, and one which is a source of a huge honour.” (SC.qa)

TEAMS GEAR UP FOR 24TH GULF CUP

Team off icials pose with the jersey after the technical meeting of the 24th Gulf Cup was held at the Sheraton Doha Hotel yesterday. During the meeting, the rules and regulations of the tournament were reviewed in terms of points calculation, qualification to the second stage and calculation of yellow and red cards. The use of VAR The off icial mascot of the 24th Gulf Cup, Sodeifi poses during technology in the matches was also confirmed. PICTURES: Jayaram, Shemeer Rasheed and Noushad Thekkayil Kuwait team’s training session.

Saudi Arabia players warm up before the training session at the Bahrain players on their arrival at the Hamad International Airport yesterday. Oman players share a light moment during training. Aspire Academy yesterday. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, November 26, 2019 SPORT

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Give Tests the same pink-ball marketing buzz: Kohli Pakistan look at

Reuters “I think it is very, very crucial host England in 2021. Kolkata, India to market Test cricket like we do “It has to be marketed in a tweaks to line-up for for T20 or one-day cricket,” he certain manner whenever Test said after his team’s victory. cricket comes back home. There ndia’s maiden pink-ball “If there’s enough buzz cre- has to be enough anticipation,” Adelaide Test match lasted a little over ated around Test cricket, then said Kohli. two days but the buzz sur- there will be a lot more keenness “The pink-ball Test is a be- Reuters dropped after falling cheaply in rounding the event proved to come to the stadiums.” ginning. I’m sure these will be Sydney, Australia almost identical fashion in both Ithat proper marketing is essen- Kohli suggested measures planned more often and that innings, hanging his bat out at tial for the future of Test cricket, such as allowing school students buzz would be created in diff er- Mitchell Starc deliveries to be said captain Virat Kohli. to interact with players during ent parts of the country as well.” akistan will look to caught behind. India’s board has often been breaks as a way to further en- Former captain Sourav Gan- tweak their line-up for Pakistan selected a bowling accused of neglecting the long- gagement with fans. guly’s rise to BCCI president has the second and fi nal Test attack for the future at the Gabba est format of the game, which “It should be an event where been the catalyst behind India’s against Australia at Ad- featuring 16-year-old debutant has been losing fans to limited you come and experience a Test decision to embrace day-night Pelaide Oval but wholesale chang- Naseem Shah and 19-year-old overs cricket around the world, match, not just sit there and matches and Kohli was con- es look unlikely despite Sunday’s Shaheen Afridi. Ali suggested but there was no doubt about the watch in hot conditions,” Kohli vinced Test cricket would be a innings defeat in the series open- they would stick with them for India’s Virat Kohli (left) celebrates with teammates after winning the BCCI’s commitment to the day- said. “I think it has to be more priority for India. er in Brisbane. the Adelaide Test. second Test against Bangladesh in Kolkata, India, on Sunday. (AFP) night Test against Bangladesh in for the fans and has to be mar- “We’re walking in the right Captain Azhar Ali defended “The young attack has a lot of the eastern Indian city of Kolkata. invited to attend, and players up on each of the fi rst two days, keted well.” direction and I think, under both his non-performing bats- potential but you can’t buy expe- In the build-up to the match, spoke excitedly about the chal- many of them drawn by the The series opener in Indore him, we’ll see a lot more positive men and inexperienced bowlers rience,” he said. prominent city landmarks were lenges of playing with the pink pink-ball novelty, and Kohli said also drew a big crowd but India changes which will be cricket- after the heavy loss at the Gabba, “It’s never easy in a place like illuminated in pink, ticket prices ball under lights. this was how Test cricket should are not scheduled to play anoth- specifi c and priority will be giv- although he did concede that Australia. They started off lit- were slashed, dignitaries were More than 42,000 fans turned be promoted. er Test series at home until they en to Test cricket,” Kohli added. seasoned seamer Mohamed Ab- tle shaky but they came back bas might return to the side for strongly the next day even the pink-ball Test. though the Australian batsmen CRICKET Ali blamed the defeat on falling were really set. behind on the opening day after “They came back strong and batting without loss through the kept bowling in good areas after fi rst session only to crumble to that. I believe if they manage to 240 all out by the close of play. do that from the start of the in- The batting in the second in- nings, they’ll be a totally diff er- nings was better with a fi ne cen- ent attack after that.” tury from Babar Azam and 95 Abbas, left out for 32-year- from wicketkeeper Mohamed old Imran Khan, has taken 66 Wagner fi ve-for as Rizwan but by that stage Aus- wickets at an average of 18.86 tralia were already fi rmly in the in 14 Tests and Ali said that the driving seat after scoring 580 in 29-year-old was “always there their only knock. for us”. “We will sit and do a recap of His ability to swing the ball this game and discuss every- would be useful in the night ses- thing and try to figure out the sions in Adelaide but bowling Black Caps thrash best playing XI for Adelaide,” coach Waqar Younis said at the he said. weekend Abbas was still trying “It’s not fair to raise too many to fi nd his rhythm after being questions over our batsmen managed back from an injury he this early on. At times, a player sustained last year. can have a tough Test but that “We’re not losing hope in doesn’t make him a bad player. I him,” said the fast bowling great. have full faith on all the batsmen “He’s our main man and we’re England in fi rst Test that they can score runs here.” going to have a really close look Haris Sohail looks to be and hopefully once we get into Wagner’s eighth five-wicket haul ensures tourists lose by an innings and 65 runs the batsman most likely to be Adelaide we’ll think about it.”

Reuters in there at the end. FOCUS Wellington, New Zealand “We tried to build as much of a lead as possible and hoped the wicket would do funny things on ew Zealand wrapped day fi ve.” England’s Archer says up an impressive in- After Santner had taken three nings and 65-run vic- quick England wickets late on tory over England on Sunday, the tourists resumed on he was subjected to Nthe fi nal day of the fi rst Test at 55-3 and faced an uphill battle Bay Oval yesterday with Neil to bat the entire fi fth day to stop Wagner completing his eighth New Zealand from taking a 1-0 racial abuse fi ve-wicket haul as he ran lead into the second match of through the tourists’ tail. the two-Test series on Friday in Reuters The tourists were dismissed Hamilton. Wellington, New Zealand for 197 with about 90 minutes of And while they showed signs play remaining in the match in they might be able to see the day Mount Maunganui after Wagner out, tentative shot- and poor he England and New broke a stubborn 59-run ninth- decision-making led to their Zealand cricket boards wicket partnership between Jof- downfall. launched a probe yes- ra Archer and Sam Curran. Captain Joe Root, Joe Denly, terday after England fast The left-armer had taken Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope were all Tbowler Jofra Archer said he was three wickets in 17 balls for one dismissed playing at balls they did subjected to racial insults by a run as England collapsed from not need to, while Archer fell into spectator while batting during 132-5 to 138-8 before tea. a trap set by Wagner. the fi nal day of the opening Test He had Archer caught in the Stokes’s dismissal was par- at Bay Oval. deep and then trapped Stuart ticularly important with the New Zealand cruised to an in- Broad in front on the next deliv- aggressive all-rounder looking nings and 65-run win over Eng- ery to end England’s resistance settled before he played on, let- land to take a 1-0 lead in the two- and fi nish with fi gures of 5-44 ting out a loud yell of exaspera- match series. missed and was walking off the from 19.2 overs. tion after chasing a wide, short- Archer scored 30 and com- fi eld to the pavilion. “It feels great to win a Test New Zealand’s Neil Wagner (centre) celebrates with teammates after dismissing England’s Stuart Broad ish ball from Tim Southee. bined in a 59-run partnership for “Through the scrutiny of match,” New Zealand captain (not pictured) to win the Test match on the fifth day of the first Test at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, New His dismissal at 121-5 sparked the ninth wicket with Sam Cur- CCTV footage at the Bay Oval, Kane Williamson said at the post- Zealand, yesterday. (AFP) a collapse, with Wagner then ran to delay the hosts’ victory. authorities are trying to identify match presentation. “England are ripping through the lower order. “A bit disturbing hearing racial the individual or individuals re- an outstanding side and it took a Scorecard Archer and Curran kept the insults today whilst battling to sponsible for the remarks,” the tremendous amount of hard work hosts at bay for more than an help save my team, the crowd has ECB said in a statement. “The to get past their total.” hour either side of tea and were been amazing this week except investigation is ongoing.” The victory was New Zea- ENGLAND 1st inn 353 all out B. Stokes b Southee 28 2-53 (Burns), 3-55 (Leach), 4-69 starting to look comfortable for that one guy,” the 24-year- New Zealand Cricket said the land’s 11th in 104 Tests against NEW ZEALAND 1st inn 615-9d O. Pope c Santner b Wagner 6(Root), 5-121 (Stokes), 6-132 before Wagner struck again to old said on Twitter. security providers at the venue (Denly), 7-133 (Pope), 8-138 England. It was also their second ENGLAND 2nd innings J. Buttler b Wagner 0 wrap up the match. Archer, who was born in Bar- were unable to locate the perpe- largest after beating them by an (Buttler), 9-197 (Archer), 10-197 Root said failing to kick on bados and represented West In- trator and the board will apolo- R. Burns c de Grandhomme b S. Curran not out 29 innings and 132 runs in 1984. (Broad) from a decent platform in the dies at Under-19 level, has been gise to Archer. Santner 31 New Zealand now have three J. Archer c sub (Henry) b Wagner Bowling: Southee 20-4-60-1, fi rst innings had cost England. fast-tracked into the England “NZC has zero tolerance to- wins in their last four Tests D. Sibley c Watling b Santner 12 30 Boult 6-4-6-0, de Grandhomme “We missed an opportunity if side and made an impressive Test wards abusive or off ensive lan- against England, with one draw, J. Denly c Watling b Wagner 35 S. Broad lbw Wagner 010-3-15-1 (1w), Santner 40-19-53-3 we’re brutally honest with our- debut during the Ashes series guage at any of its venues and will and their second in succession (1nb), Wagner 19.2-6-44-5, Wil- selves,” said Root of England’s refer any developments in the case J. Leach c Latham b Santner 0Extras (b12, lb1, w1, nb1) 15 against Australia. by an innings after winning the liamson 1-0-6-0 collapse from 277-4 to 295-8 in According to protocol, Interna- to police,” the NZC added. J. Root c Latham b de Grandhomme Total (all out, 96.2 overs) 197 day-night Test in Auckland by RESULT: New Zealand won by their fi rst innings before they tional Cricket Council-appointed “It will contact Mr Archer to- 11 an innings and 49 runs in 2018. Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Sibley), an innings and 65 runs were dismissed for 353. match referee Javagal Srinath of morrow to apologise for the un- Wicketkeeper BJ Watling was “Could have done with a India is expected to mention the acceptable experience, and to named man of the match after his score over 450, and using that incident in his match report to the promise increased vigilance in maiden double century of 205 and Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme hosts to a fi rst innings of 615-9 Watling said. “The key was to get scoreboard pressure as another world governing body. the matter when the teams next hefty partnerships with Henry and Mitchell Santner helped the declared. “It felt really good,” partnerships, and the boys stuck fi elder.” The England and Wales Crick- meet in Hamilton.” et Board (ECB) said the incident The second Test starts in took place after Archer was dis- Hamilton on Friday. BOTTOMLINE Wallabies to host All Blacks in Ladin impresses as PISQ win U-19 Schools cricket Melbourne in Bledisloe opener Melbourne’s Docklands Sta- of trans-Tasman supremacy, By Sports Reporter man and Taha steered their Ladin later struck four times, dium will host its first Bledisloe since 2003. Doha team out of trouble and took the with three of his wickets coming Cup test between Australia The two sides have played score to 125 when the latter was off just two runs, and sealed the and New Zealand since 2010 four previous tests in Mel- dismissed for 39, including fi ve splendid victory for his team, as part of a doubleheader bourne, with three games akistan International boundaries. From the other end, despite the rivals benefi ting involving both countries’ men’s being held at the Melbourne School Qatar (PISQ) the wickets kept falling. Usman, hugely from 59 extra runs. and women’s side next August, Cricket Ground in 1997, 1998 emerged as the cham- however, dug in and ensured Ladin was adjudged the man Rugby Australia said yesterday. and 2007. They also played at pions of the Qatar Un- his team got past the 150-run of the match for his 15 runs and Australia’s women’s side Docklands in 2010. Pder-19 Schools Cricket Cham- mark. Usman’s half-century in four wickets. the Wallaroos will host New The Bledisloe Cup is nor- pionship, overcoming the 46 balls contained a six and four Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Zealand’s Black Ferns prior to mally contested between New challenge of Pak Shamaa School boundaries. Cricket Association PR Direc- the men’s game between the Zealand and Australia as part in the fi nal. Akmal picked three wickets tor Issa al-Yacoub was the chief Wallabies and All Blacks on of the southern hemisphere’s At the Asian Town Stadium in for 21 and Bismillah had two for guest at the closing ceremony August 8. Rugby Championship, which Industrial Area, PISQ, put in to 28 for Pak Shamaa. and presented the awards. The venue, which has a fully also includes world champions bat fi rst by the rivals, posted a During the chase, Pak Shamaa Also present on the occa- retractable roof, has held nu- South Africa and Argentina. fi ghting 158 for eight in 30 overs, were reeling after losing half the sion were QCA officials Gul merous rugby internationals The second Bledisloe Cup thanks to a fi ne third-wicket side for 62. Khalid defi ed the PISQ Khan Jadoon, Amin-Ul Islam, previously, including several match will be held at a yet to stand shared by unbeaten Us- bowlers in company of Ibrahim, Hassan Raza, Amjad Baig, Asif games during the 2003 Rugby be confirmed venue in New man, who cracked 50 off 46 collecting 50 runs for the sixth Raza, Mohamed Nasim, Sha- World Cup. Zealand, with the third game balls, and Taha. line but were restricted at 150 in his thrilling two-over spell. wicket. Mustafa provided the keel, umpires Anil Perera and The All Blacks have held the at Lang Park in Brisbane on Pak Shamaa School looked with Mohamed Ladin scalping Earlier in the match, PISQ crucial breakthrough, removing Adrian Glen, and scorer Fahad Bledisloe Cup, the symbol October 17. like they would cross the fi nish four wickets for just seven runs lost two early wickets but Us- Ibrahim for seven off 29 balls. Nadeem. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 26, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA GOLF Duncan beats Simpson in playoff Doncic dominates as at RSM Classic

Reuters irons I’ve ever hit on 17 and Washington then the 30-footer I made on 18 just to get into the playoff , I’m so happy right now.” nheralded Tyler Colombian Sebastian Mu- Mavericks outgun Duncan emerged noz (68) could have joined the from obscurity, playoff by making a 25-foot making birdie at the birdie at the last, but missed Usecond extra hole to beat fel- and settled for third place. low American Webb Simpson Todd, meanwhile, started in a playoff at the RSM Classic the day with a two-shot lead, in Georgia on Sunday. seemingly on the verge of be- World number 387 Dun- coming the fi rst player since Harden and Rockets can displayed composure that Dustin Johnson in 2017 to win belied his low ranking, sink- three consecutive starts. ‘We all depend on him most of the game, and he’s playing incredible right now’ ing a 12-foot putt to capture But a double-bogey at the his maiden victory in the fi nal fi fth, where he had to take a event of the year on the PGA penalty stroke after yank- Tour. In doing so, he ended the ing his approach shot into a hot streak of overnight leader hazard, took the wind out of Brendon Todd, who was seek- his sails. Todd’s streak of 12 ing a rare third consecutive straight rounds in the 60s victory. But Todd ran out of ended with a whimper. steam, shooting two-over-par 72 to fi nish three shots off the LEADING SCORES pace in fourth place. 263 - x-Tyler Duncan 67-61-70- Duncan, in his third season 65, Webb Simpson 65-68- on tour, came from four shots 63-67 behind in the fi nal round. Af- 264 - Sebastian Munoz (COL) ter bogeying the fi rst hole he 67-63-66-68 roared back in style, playing as 266 - Brendon Todd 66-66- though with nothing to lose. 62-72 He birdied the last two holes 267 - Henrik Norlander (SWE) in regulation to shoot 65 and 67-65-67-68, Scottie Scheff ler tie former U.S. Open champi- 70-66-63-68, Lee Kyoung- on Simpson (67) at 19-under- hoon (KOR) 64-68-66-69 par 263 on the Seaside course 268 - Denny McCarthy 71-62- at Sea Island. 68-67, D.J. Trahan 67-63-67-71 “I won on the PGA Tour. 269 - Will Gordon 68-65-70- That’s something I’ve always 66, Brian Stuard 70-66-66-67, dreamed of,” said 30-year-old Vaughn Taylor 68-67-65-69, Duncan. Alex Noren (SWE) 68-65-67-69 “I knew it was going to be 270 - J.T. Poston 66-70-68-66, a tough day. It was colder and Matthew NeSmith 68-67-68- the wind picked up. I was just 67, Keith Mitchell 70-66-66- trying to do the best I could 68, Scott Brown 65-67-68-70, and fi ght to the end. Brian Harman 67-66-66-71, “I hit one of the best four- Nick Watney 67-67-66-70.

FOCUS Kim clinches LPGA Tour Championship, $1.5mn prize Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic drives with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports AFP the day at the fi nal hole to seal AFP a process and it’s day by day and week by rebounds with 21 points. Russell West- Miami the win with a two-under par Los Angeles RESULTS week, and we’ve got to continue to go for brook added 27 points, while P.J. Tucker 70 for an 18-under par total daily improvement.” and Danuel House scored 16 points apiece. of 270. Kim said she had “no Dallas 137-123 Houston “They punched us good and we fall all outh Korea’s Kim Sei- idea” that she was putting for lovenia’s Luka Doncic continued Brooklyn 103-101 New York ‘THEY PUNCHED US GOOD’ the way back. When you do that, you run young rolled in a long the win at 18. his otherworldly start to the NBA Sacramento 113-106 Washington The Rockets dropped their third straight out of gas,” said D’Antoni. birdie putt at the 72nd “Last putt I was just try- season, scoring 41 points as the game following an eight-game winning Elsewhere, Bogdan Bogdanovic hit a hole on Sunday to win ing make two-putt because I Denver 116-104 Phoenix Dallas Mavericks won their fi fth streak. Houston had their moments when clutch three-pointer with 88 seconds re- theS LPGA Tour Championship didn’t see the leaderboard,” Sstraight with a 137-123 victory over the Clippers 134-109 New Orleans they came close to forcing a tie but they maining as the visiting Sacramento Kings and claim a record $1.5 million Kim said. slumping Houston Rockets. always fell just short. pulled out a 113-106 victory over the winner’s prize. “I just tried to make the Doncic, whose remarkable start has his Heading into Sunday’s contest, Doncic Dallas shot 48 percent overall and hit Washington Wizards. Kim, leader after each of the right distance; made it. It’s per game averages at near triple-double was averaging 33.3 points, 10.8 rebounds 17 of 44 three-pointers. The Rockets fi n- Harrison Barnes led all scorers with 26 fi rst three rounds, struggled to unbelievable,” she said. “I levels, also had 10 assists and six rebounds and 11.0 assists during the Mavericks’ ished 10 of 44 from beyond the arc as points, including two free throws with build momentum at Tiburon was, like, so emotional, al- while Rockets superstar James Harden fi ve-game streak which included back- Harden alone missed 13 of the 15 three- 1:56 left that set the stage for Bogdanovic’s Golf Club in Naples, Florida. most crying.” fi nished with 32 points and 11 assists in a to-back 40 point-plus victories over pointers he attempted. heroic three. Bogdanovic added three free But she came through when Hull, who started the day showdown of dominant scorers. Cleveland and Golden State. The Rockets opened the game with throws in the fi nal 62 seconds as the Kings it mattered, edging England’s fi ve off the pace, said she knew The 20-year-old’s fellow European Tim Hardaway scored 31 points on three turnovers on their fi rst three posses- won their seventh game in the last 10. Charley Hull by one stroke. after birdies at the second, 12 sidekick Kristaps Porzingis, of Latvia, also 10-of-18 shooting, including fi ve of 11 sions, fuelling the Mavericks’ 7-0 start. Bradley Beal had 20 points and a game- She was one-under for the and 13 that she had a shot at recorded a double-double on Sunday with on three-pointers in the win in front of a “We allowed them to do whatever they high eight assists to pace the Wizards, day through 17 and Hull had the largest winner’s cheque 23 points and 13 rebounds as the Maver- crowd of 18,050 at Toyota Center arena. wanted to do from the beginning of the who led by as many as seven points in the joined her atop the leader- ever in women’s golf. icks led wire-to-wire for the victory. “This is a big win. There’s no question game and when you give a team like that fi rst half. board at 17-under par with a “Kind of 15 I looked at the “Luka runs the show,” Porzingis said. about that,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle comfort... they gain confi dence. And In the late game, Montrezl Harrell bogey-free six-under 66 that leaderboard and I thought “We all depend on him most of the game, said. “You come in here, this is a big-time that’s what they did,” Houston coach Mike scored 24 of his 34 points in the second included birdies at 16, 17 and I’ve got a chance,” she said. “I and he’s playing incredible right now. He’s place to play and you’re playing against D’Antoni said. half as the Los Angeles Clippers breezed 18. A playoff looked more than didn’t birdie 15, but I birdied getting guys open looks... I’m super happy great players. Clint Capela recorded his sixth 20-re- to a 134-109 victory over the visiting New possible, but Kim didn’t blink, 16, 17, 18 – I gave it my best for him.” “So our guys deserve credit but this is bound game in seven starts, delivering 22 Orleans Pelicans. rolling in her fi fth birdie of shot.”

NFL Patriots set record with 17th 10-win season AFP in the NFC South division. Los Angeles RESULTS Saints quarterback Drew Brees complet- ed 30 of 39 passes for 311 yards and three Tampa Bay 35-22 Atlanta touchdowns, guiding New Orleans on the he New England defense came up big Buff alo 20-3 Denver game-winning drive from their own 14-yard again on Sunday, holding the potent Chicago 19-14 Giants line with less than two minutes to play after Dallas Cowboys off ense without a Carolina kicker Joey Slye missed a potential touchdown for the fi rst time this Pittsburgh 16-10 Cincinnati game-winner from 28 yards. TNFL season in a rain-swept 13-9 triumph. Cleveland 41-24 Miami Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas had Tom Brady and the Patriots notched their New Orleans 34-31 Carolina 10 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown, 18th straight regular-season victory at their including a 24-yard catch on the game-win- Jets 34-3 Oakland Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, ning fi eld goal drive. But 12 penalties cost the improving to 10-1 for the season. Seattle 17-9 Philadelphia Saints 123 yards and the Panthers were often With their 17th straight season of 10 wins Washington 19-16 Detroit able to capitalise. Defensive end Cameron they set a record, eclipsing the 16 10-win Tennessee 42-20 Jacksonville Jordan was charged with a personal foul with seasons put together by the San Francisco 3:26 to play in the fi rst half, swinging his arm 49ers from 1983-98. Brady was without two New England 13-9 Dallas at Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen after the key off ensive contributors in injured Mo- San Francisco 37-8 Green Bay whistle when Allen had already been sacked. hamed Sanu and concussed Phillip Dorsett. The Panthers got a fresh set of downs and He threw fi rst-quarter touchdown to rookie parent 20-yard completion to Amari Cooper put together a touchdown drive to end the N’Keal Harry and Nick Folk kicked two fi eld on a fourth and 11 play reversed on replay half as Carolina rallied from 14-0 to trail goals for the rest of the Patriots’ points. review. Cooper fi nished the game without by two at the break. Allen threw for three “It was a hard-fought win,” said Brady, a catch for the fi rst time as a Cowboy. touchdowns without a turnover and Chris- who praised the contribution of young re- Prescott said stout Patriots defense and tian McCaff rey fi nished with 133 yards from ceivers Harry and Jakobi Meyers – who had the abysmal weather made things tough but scrimmage and two scores. “It wasn’t our four catches in the game. “Proud of those added: “None of that stuff matters. best game, it wasn’t (Carolina’s) best game, two,” Brady said. “They’re making improve- “They made fewer mistakes than we did. and quite honestly it wasn’t New York’s best ments and it’s great to see. They both came They made a little bit more plays than we did game,” Saints coach Sean Payton said in a through with some big plays for us.” and that was the diff erence in the game.” dig at the NFL’s offi ciating review crew. But Brett Maher booted three fi eld goals for The New Orleans Saints and Seattle Sea- Saints quarterback Drew Brees wasn’t in the Dallas, who entered the contest ranked hawks survived some sloppy play to improve mood to quibble. “We’ll take ‘em however we number one in yards per game and fourth in to 9-2. Wil Lutz’s last-gasp fi eld goal lifted can get ‘em,” said Brees, who acknowledged points per game. The Cowboys were driving the Saints to a 34-31 victory over the Carolina that the Saints suff ered from “some mistakes New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (centre) tries to evade a tackle by Dallas Cowboys defensive late but saw quarterback Dak Prescott’s ap- Panthers and a commanding four-game lead that we made on both sides of the ball.” end Kerry Hyder during the first half at Gillette Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, November 26, 2019 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS No end in sight to Napoli turmoil as Bale, Neymar out to Liverpool clash looms

Reuters to reporters following their 1-1 Milan Serie A draw at AC Milan on Saturday which extended their winless run to six games in all apoli face a key Cham- competitions. prove themselves pions League match Under UEFA rules, Ancelotti away to Liverpool to- is obliged to give a news confer- morrow and there is ence in Liverpool the day before Nno end in sight to the turmoil at tomorrow’s match but there was the club where the directors still no indication yesterday that the appear to be at loggerheads with club were prepared to lift the coach Carlo Ancelotti and his embargo. Napoli’s website has players. given only minimal details on when Real face PSG The Gazzetta dello Sport said training sessions and ticket- yesterday that club president ing information for supporters ‘IT’S AN IMPORTANT GAME FOR EVERYONE, FOR BALE, THE FANS AND THE TEAM’ Aurelio De Laurentiis was set to but no quotes from the squad, fi ne his players one quarter of meaning the only news has their monthly wages after they come from leaks to the media. broke off a week-long training The muted celebrations retreat this month, described by which followed Hirving Lo- Italian media as a mutiny. zano’s goal against Milan on The newspaper added that Saturday, added to a generally midfi elder Allan, a lynchpin of lacklustre display, suggested the side over the past fi ve sea- that morale is still at a low. Only sons, would be fi ned half his sal- a couple of players went over to ary while the players were also congratulate the Mexican and consulting their lawyers. the rest went straight back to The problem blew up after Di the centre circle. Laurentiis ordered widely-dis- Former Juventus coach Mas- liked “ritiro” — a training camp similiano Allegri was spot- where the squad are confi ned to ted in the stands at San Siro on a hotel — following a 2-1 loss to Saturday, leading to the inevi- AS Roma on Nov. 2. table speculation that he is be- The players refused to re- ing lined up for the Napoli job turn to the camp following should they lose to Liverpool. a Champions League match Amid the chaos, Napoli, who against Salzburg four days later, began the season with the stated prompting the club to announce aim of ending Juventus’ run of legal action against them. eight successive Serie A titles, A media silence imposed have now dropped to seventh by the club is now entering its and, if the slump continues, will third week and Ancelotti and fi nish outside the top fi ve for the his players again refused to talk fi rst time since 2010.

PSG’s Brazilian forward Neymar and teammates attend a training session at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters 3-1 win over Real Sociedad after perhaps he made a mistake with starting line-up against PSG, renewed criticism for going to Madrid celebrating Wales qualifying for the fl ag, but I know Gareth and who routed his side 3-0 when watch the Davis Cup in Madrid Euro 2020 last week by dancing he is 100% committed every they met in Paris in September. just as he was recovering from a in front of a tongue-in-cheek day,” goalkeeper Thibaut Cour- “It’s an important game for hamstring problem. eal Madrid’s Gareth fl ag bearing the words ‘Wales. tois told a news conference everyone, for Bale, the fans and He looked to be lacking sharp- Bale and Paris St Ger- Golf. Madrid. In that order’. ahead of the PSG game. the team,” added Zidane. ness in Friday’s 2-0 win over main’s Neymar have Bale’s contributions to Real “He is professional and looks PSG are riding high at the Lille, his fi rst game for six weeks traded places as the including Champions League after himself. We all saw how top of Ligue 1 and have won all and did not react well to being Aguero’s injury may rule him out of mostR expensive player in the fi nal goals against Liverpool and he played on Saturday, he al- four of their Champions League substituted in the 65th minute. Manchester derby: Guardiola world but fi nd themselves in the Atletico Madrid have counted most scored a great goal and if he games but have done so mostly He ran straight down the tun- fi ring line from their own sup- for little, though, as his popular- wasn’t committed he wouldn’t without Neymar, who has been nel, prompting boos from sec- Manchester City striker Sergio Maybe we will have a miracle, porters as their sides prepare to ity has nosedived, although his have played like that.” limited to six appearances. tions of the home fans who have Aguero will be sidelined for a but I don’t think so. He has a meet in the Champions League coach and teammates have ral- Bale has not started for Real The Brazilian has had a fragile long fallen out of love with the few weeks with a tendon injury tendon problem in front. tomorrow. lied behind him. for more than six weeks but relationship with PSG ever since player they signed for a record that could rule him out of next “We will miss Sergio, we have Bale was booed by Real fans “It’s logical to love your coun- coach Zinedine Zidane said he courting a move to Barcelona in 222mn euros ($244.69mn) in month’s Manchester derby, had some problems with when he came off the bench in a try more than your club although was ready to include him in the the close season and came in for 2017. manager Pep Guardiola said injuries but we will wait for yesterday. A limping Aguero him. Meanwhile, we have was replaced by Gabriel Jesus Gab and (Raheem) Sterling in Saturday’s 2-1 win over who can play in that position. Neymar has ‘matured’ as a person and player, says Marquinhos Chelsea and Guardiola said We will live without him for they would need a “miracle” a while.” However, Guardiola When Paris Saint-Germain have been plenty of concerns a massive outlay in the first back to Barcelona during the the field. When he takes the ball if the Argentine was to be fit said Rodri and David Silva, travel to Spain today to face for the French side over their place. He is generally respected summer. he wants to be decisive. for the Premier League match who were also substituted due Real Madrid in the Champions record 222mn euro signing by the fans but not loved. Marquinhos, however, is in no “Once he’s on the pitch, even against rivals Manchester to cramps, are both fit to play League it will be with a Neymar since he joined from Barcelona Indeed there was some jeering doubt about the commitment after all that happened during United on Dec. 7. “(Aguero while Oleksandr Zinchenko is who has, according to his in 2017. The 27-year-old forward when he was substituted that his fellow Brazilian brings the transfer window and the will miss) a few games, I don’t still recovering from a knee teammate Marquinhos, grown has helped PSG to two titles in during Friday’s win over Lille, to the Parisian cause. other stories, he’s back on the know exactly,” Guardiola told surgery. up. “Neymar has lived things a weak Ligue 1 but has failed his first game in six weeks “Ney has always been pitch to win, to score, to make a reporters ahead of today’s City are top of Group C with 10 that have matured him as a to inspire them to the heights following a hamstring injury. thorough,” says the 25-year-old diff erence. Champions League group points — five ahead of Donetsk person, and as a player,” the in the Champions League, the Part of the antipathy was his central defender. “He’s not hiding. He proves match against Shakhtar and Dinamo Zagreb — with two PSG vice-captain told AFP. main reason for the Qatari- exerted and ultimately failed “He is someone who doesn’t do that he is totally committed Donetsk. games to go. Their final game There is no doubt that there financed club indulging in such eff orts to secure a transfer things by halves. It shows on alongside us.” “The derby is in two weeks. is in Zagreb next month.

COMMENT Zidane says Real ‘not looking for revenge’ AFP lier in the group,” Zidane said trial a long time ago,” said Zidane. Madrid yesterday. “Having said that, he’s our op- “But we want to play a good ponent and there’s no more to it.” game of course and maintain our Real have recovered in the Real Madrid’s French coach Zinedine inedine Zidane said that form. Champions League after also Zidane looks on during the Spanish his Real Madrid side are “It’s the kind of game where being held to a 2-2 home draw league match against Real Sociedad at the “not looking to get re- you can confi rm you’re on a good by Brugge in their second game, Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on venge” when they host run. We want to win because beating Galatasaray home and Saturday. (AFP) ZParis Saint-Germain in the we’re at home and we want to away including a 6-0 thrashing in Champions League today after a play good football. Madrid last time out. 3-0 defeat in France earlier in the “I want to see my side play 90 Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois group stage. minutes at their best.” is hoping the Spanish giants can Pressure mounted on Zidane Frenchman Zidane was re- show how far they have come after that loss at the Parc des buked by PSG sporting direc- since the loss in Paris. Princes in September, but the tor Leonardo earlier this month “The fi rst meeting with them 13-time European champions for comments about a possible helped us learn a lot — it wasn’t a have since enjoyed an upturn in move for his compatriot Kylian good game but we’ve improved a fortunes and sit behind leaders Mbappe, when he said the Paris lot lately,” said the Belgian. Barcelona only on goal diff erence forward’s “dream is to play for “It’s not revenge, more want- in La Liga. Real Madrid”. ing to get one over on another big Real can join PSG in securing a The 47-year-old made clear team who have aspirations to win last-16 place with victory at the again his admiration for Mbappe the Champions League and we Santiago Bernabeu, or if Club ahead of today’s encounter. need to show how good we are.” Brugge fail to win at Galatasaray “You know that I’ve known PSG lead Real by fi ve points in the other Group A match. Mbappe for a long time and that with two matches remaining and “We aren’t looking to get re- I’m in love with him as a person can secure top spot in the group venge after what happened ear- because of when he came here on by avoiding defeat. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 26, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LA LIGA Sevilla go third with helping hand Ronaldo trains but from VAR

Reuters ond booking in stoppage time Valladolid, Spain but they still managed to grind out the victory, becoming the fi rst side to beat Valladolid away evilla benefi ted from from home this season. remains in doubt two video assistant ref- The win took Sevilla up to third eree (VAR) interventions in the standings on 27 points af- to beat Real Valladolid ter 14 games, unseating Atletico 1-0S on Sunday and climb above who drew 1-1 at Granada on Sat- Atletico Madrid into third place urday. Valladolid meanwhile are in La Liga, thanks to a converted 14th on 17 points. penalty from Ever Banega. Lopetegui’s side are one point Julen Lopetegui’s side were behind leaders Barcelona and for Atletico clash awarded a penalty early in the second-placed Real Madrid, who game after a VAR review deter- beat Leganes and Real Sociedad ‘The positive thing he was able to play throughout the training session’ mined forward Nolito had been respectively the previous day and fouled by Valladolid’s Javi Moy- who have a game in hand each. AFP ano as he shaped to shoot, even “VAR exists to make decisions Turin, Italy though his teammates had barely like this and we players have to appealed for a foul. just focus on playing,” said match Argentine midfi elder Banega winner Banega. ristiano Ronaldo re- stepped up to take the penalty “This was a diffi cult game at mains in doubt for and his eff ort was saved by Jordi a really tough ground and we today’s Champions Masip but VAR informed the go home with the three points, League clash against match offi cial that the goalkeeper which is the most important AtleticoC Madrid in Turin, Ju- and a re-take was ordered, to the thing.” ventus coach Maurizio Sarri said dismay of the home supporters. Valladolid goalkeeper Masip yesterday. Banega converted his shot at was disappointed that his pen- The 34-year-old Portuguese the second time of asking to put alty save counted for nothing. international was rested for Sevilla ahead in the 13th minute “I didn’t pay attention to Saturday’s Serie A game against on a bitterly cold and wet evening where my feet were, I was fo- Atalanta which Juventus won at the Jose Zorrilla stadium. cusing on stopping the shot and 2-1 thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain Nolito missed a glorious it seems I moved forward a tiny double to stay top of the Italian chance to double his side’s lead bit and the rule was applied very league. later in a fi rst half which was high harshly. We need to think more “Cristiano trained with his on intensity but short on goal- about goalkeepers in situations teammates yesterday (Sunday),” mouth action, fi ring into Masip’s like this,” he said. said Sarri. hands when unmarked in the “We played very well, we tried “It seems that his condition box. throughout the 90 minutes and is improving but we still have to The visitors had talisman Lu- we ensured that a top team like evaluate between today and to- cas Ocampos sent off for a sec- Sevilla was made to suff er here.” morrow. “The positive thing he was able to play throughout the training session with his team- mates.” Defender Matthijs de Ligt, who suff ered a dislocated shoul- der, and forward Federico Ber- nardeschi, who bruised his chest, also need to be evaluated, Sarri said. Ronaldo was substituted in Juventus’s previous two games including their Champions League game at Lokomotiv Mos- cow with a slight knee problem. The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or winner and hit back with four goals to help Portugal qualify for Euro 2020. “My relationship with Cris- tiano is good,” said Sarri, “if a Juventus’ forward (centre) attends a training session at the Continassa Training Ground in Turin, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) player who has won so much is angry about being substituted, play against, we have to think we it is an ideal situation, nobody Higuain, who has scored fi ve who joined the veteran coach at it means he still has a lot of mo- want to qualify being the leader will be able to play 65 matches, goals this season, sat along- Chelsea last season after an un- tivation, and this is something of the group that is our target for including with the national side Sarri in the press confer- happy fi ve-month loan spell at positive.” tomorrow,” said Sarri. team,” continued the Juventus ence, and praise his coach, who AC Milan. Juventus are already through Sarri conceded he was spoilt coach. “Playing Dybala, Higuain he also played under at Na- “Compared to last year I had to the last 16 and want to fi nish for choice up front between and Cristiano all together is dif- poli and Chelsea. “Obviously I to change something in my head top of Group D with second- Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Hi- fi cult because of their character- spent some of the best season’s and he (Sarri) helped me a lot. placed Atletico needing a win to guain. istics, but all three know how to of my career with Mr Sarri, I “Mentally and physically I’m guarantee their place. “We have three very strong play really well and are comfort- know exactly what he wants,” in great shape and the manager “Atletico are a diffi cult side to strikers for just two roles, I think able with each other.” said the 31-year-old Argentine has been helping me a lot.” File photo of Argentine midfielder Ever Banega. (Twitter)

SPOTLIGHT OPINION Bayern relishing raucous Chelsea will take confi dence from Red Star reception, says Flick defeat at Man City: Reuters The 54-year old acknowl- Belgrade edged he was enjoying his time in Lampard charge as he hit the ground run- ning in adverse circumstances. AFP uoyant Bayern Munich “Many players were out of London are looking forward to form when I took over and I visiting former nemesis quickly had to decide what the Red Star Belgrade in a starting line-up is,” he said. rank Lampard believes Bbid to secure top spot in Cham- “It is important that players he will learn a lot about pions League Group B, coach always want to learn and improve his young Chelsea side Hansi Flick said yesterday. all the time, this is Bayern’s DNA from how they react to The German giants top the and that’s what makes working theirF defeat at Manchester City. group with a maximum 12 points with this group and the staff en- Chelsea’s six-game winning from four games, fi ve more than joyable.” run came to an end as they were Tottenham Hotspur, meaning Flick, who left Bayern for Co- beaten 2-1 by the Premier League they will secure the top spot with logne a year before Red Star’s champions at the Etihad Sta- Chelsea had gone into the a match to spare if they beat Red epic win against the Bavarian dium on Saturday. game above City in the table and Star at their Rajko Mitic stadium side when they scored a stop- It is a measure of the London they took an early lead through today. page time winner to reach the club’s progress under new boss N’Golo Kante before goals from Third-placed Red Star, who 1991 European Cup fi nal, con- Lampard, who has had to rely on Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad beat Bayern 4-3 on aggregate in ceded that was a bitter blow for youth due to a transfer embargo, Mahrez won it for the hosts. the 1991 European Cup semi-fi - the club. “Everyone in Germany that losing to a side that won the Lampard admits his side are nal en route to winning the con- saw it as a great achievement for domestic treble last season is probably exceeding expectations tinent’s elite club competition, Red Star but it was a long time considered a disappointment. this term but has warned against are third with three points while ago and my memories of it have “Experiences like this are complacency. bottom team Olympiakos have somewhat faded,” he said. great for them,” said Lampard. The former Chelsea and Eng- one. Red Star coach Vladan Milo- “They have to take them on the land midfi elder said: “It is hard “We know the atmosphere in jevic, who oversaw last season’s chin in terms of the defeat but to explain my expectation at the this stadium is special and we are 2-0 group stage home win over also realise these are the kinds of start of the season. all looking forward to the chal- eventual winners Liverpool, levels we want to get to. “Until you have worked daily lenge of beating Red Star tomor- played down hopes of another “The feeling in the dressing with the players, until you bring row,” said Flick, who took over as upset. room — it looked like they are players who were playing in the interim manager from Croatian “This is not a theatre where very disappointed. They expect Championship last season and Niko Kovac on Nov 3. you’re unopposed on the big a lot of themselves, so I think younger players here, you don’t “They are a good home side stage,” he said. we will take an amount of con- know exactly how it is going to who have beaten many top teams “We’re up against a European fi dence. drop and how it ends up. here and we know they will be a giant here but we’ll do every- “Where we want to get to “So, (I’m) really happy with diff erent prospect after losing thing we can to give them a good means we might come here and a lot of our stuff this season, so the reverse fi xture 3-0.” game of football. win (in future) and it might mean maybe that means we are slightly Flick has enjoyed a perfect “Bayern look much sharper we can win titles, and win going ahead of the curve. start at the helm with three since the new coach took over, forward, so I like seeing them “But in football the curve will straight wins as Bayern scored they are more aggressive than disappointed. go downhill very fast if you don’t 10 goals and conceded none after they were under Kovac. They “I think that that just shows keep on yourself and take a lot of the club’s former midfi elder re- have reverted to type and are Bayern Munich’s German coach Hans-Dieter Flick attends a press conference at the “Rajko Mitic” the next question is the reaction the lessons from Saturday and placed Kovac. clearly enjoying it.” stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, yesterday. (AFP) we have.” take them on moving forward.”

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

MOTORSPORT QMMF puts fi nishing touches to shipping logistics for Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally

By Sports Reporter for 600 litres of petrol (motor- ary 24, a further timed section of The company was established Lusail cycle riders will receive 250 litres 350km on February 25 and two in 2011 under the Chairmanship of fuel), in addition to free Wi- remaining selective sections of of HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Fi, preparation and warehousing 350km and 260km on February Minister of Commerce and In- he Qatar Motor and facilities, electricity within the 26 and 27. The QMMF is planning dustry, and was positioned as a Motorcycle Federation service park at the Losail Sports to run around 1,480 competitive vital component in achieving the (QMMF) is fi nalising all Arena, a car washing area, free kilometres. economic development goals of the meticulous shipping drinking water, a sleeping area The QMMF is also looking to the Qatar National Vision 2030, Tand transportation arrangements and a range of entertainment ac- run the opening round of the through providing premium in- to ensure that competitors trav- tivities. 2020 FIM Baja World Cup in con- frastructure within strategic elling to the 2020 Manateq Qatar Drivers and riders will also re- junction with the FIA event. This economic zones to promote the Cross-Country Rally (MQCCR) ceive one night’s free hotel ac- will take on a two-day format logistics and industrial sectors in on February 22-27 will have a commodation, a free buff et in the with around 520km of selective Qatar. smooth return passage either bivouac restaurant, free visa and sections. As with competitors Manateq CEO Fahad Rashid from Europe or from competing access to QMMF TV event footage. taking part in the fi ve-day FIA al-Kaabi has off ered hands-on in January’s Dakar Rally in neigh- Offi cials at the QMMF are also rally, the QMMF will off er impor- support to the progression of bouring Saudi Arabia. putting the fi nishing touches to tant concessions to all motorcy- motorsport in Qatar and regu- The QMMF will cover return the new route for the opening cle and quad riders coming from larly attends the events alongside shipping costs for a 20-foot round of the 2020 FIA World Cup Europe or from the Dakar Rally to QMMF president Abdulrahman container from Genoa or Rotter- for Cross-Country Rallies and take part in the new Baja. al-Mannai. dam to Doha. There will also be Event Director Pedro Almeida Manateq – Economic Zones Regulations and entry forms free shipping for all Dakar com- is hoping to have the fi nal draft Company will be the title spon- will be available for download petitors keen to tackle one of the completed by early December. sor of Qatar’s premier off -road from www.qatarcrosscountry. most demanding rounds of the The planned opening selective rally for the third successive com from December 22, 2019, FIA World Cup. section on February 23 will run season after giving title support onward. Entries close at reduced In addition to shipping con- for around 160km and precedes to both the Qatar International rates on January 21, 2020, and at cessions, teams will be eligible a second leg of 360km on Febru- Rally and the QCCR since 2018. full rates on February 9, 2020. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah won the event in 2019 for the sixth time in eight years.

TENNIS / DAVIS CUP CHANGE Pliskova hires Venezuelan Lopez praises hero coach Nadal aft er Cup win Vallverdu Rafa won all eight matches he played without dropping his serve as Spain beat Canada in final

Reuters you fi nally win the title after Madrid, Spain all the things that we went through I think this week,” Nadal told reporters. eliciano Lopez praised “And playing at home is an “amazing” Rafael something diffi cult to de- Nadal after the world scribe. It’s been an unforget- number one sealed table week for all of us, with- Spain’sF sixth Davis Cup title out a doubt,” on Sunday with another su- Teammate Roberto Bautista perhuman display at La Caja Agut had got the ball rolling AFP Magica. with a win over Felix Auger- Prague, Czech Republic Spain captain Sergi Brugera Aliassime, after returning to was forced to juggle his squad the squad on Saturday follow- throughout an intense and ing the death of his father. orld number two Karolina Plisk- gruelling week at the inau- There were emotional ova said yesterday she had hired gural edition of the revamped scenes after his win and when Venezuelan coach Daniel Vallverdu team competition. the title was in the bag and to replace Spaniard Conchita Mar- The 38-year-old Lopez, Bautista Agut thanked his Wtinez whom she had sacked earlier this month. Roberto Bautista Agut, Marcel teammates. “He was one of my priorities from the start,” Granollers and Pablo Carreno “I had the opportunity to Pliskova said on her website. Busta all got court time but play today because all the Vallverdu, 33, previously worked with Andy world number one Nadal was team and all the players... did Murray from 2010 to 2014 and was part of the the rock. an unbelievable eff ort since Ivan Lendl-led team that helped the Scot to win He won all eight of the the fi rst day,” he said. Olympic gold and the US Open in 2012 as well as matches he played without “It was an amazing feeling Wimbledon in 2013. dropping his serve. His 6-3 on the court today.” Vallverdu also worked with Thomas Berdych 7-6(7) win over Canada’s Lopez said the condensed and Grigor Dimitrov and this year joined Mag- Denis Shapovalov clinched new format, breaking away nus Norman’s team coaching Stan Wawrinka. a 2-0 victory in the fi nal and from the year-long World “He’s had fantastic results, he understands took his run of singles wins in Group that culminated in a tennis like few others and I am convinced he the competition to an incred- November fi nal had been ex- has a lot to off er to me,” added the 27-year-old ible 29 dating back to 2004. citing to be involved in and the Czech who is still seeking her maiden Grand His match against Shapo- three-rubber ties and best- Slam title. valov was his seventh match Spain’s Rafael Nadal (foreground, right) takes a selfie with his teammates and the winner’s trophy after beating Canada in the Davis of-three set matches made it Pliskova said former Ukraine Fed Cup player in four days and the past three Cup Finals 2019 in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday. (AFP) more unpredictable. Olga Savchuk had also joined her team ahead of nights he had played well past “It’s a very diff erent situa- a training camp in Tenerife and her fi rst 2020 midnight, including a nerve- this week,” Lopez said. if you ask my opinion I think off a Shapovalov onslaught in competition as it was the fi rst tion to be playing,” he said. “I tournament in Brisbane where she will defend jangling doubles decider with “Of course, I want to give he’s a superhero.” the second set to claim Spain’s to be played in the new format think this format makes eve- the title. Lopez against Britain in Sat- credit to all of us, but he’s With Spain’s King Felipe sixth Davis Cup title. with 18 teams battling out rything very even. But it’s very Pliskova, the 2016 US Open fi nalist, parted urday’s semi-fi nals. been amazing what he has amongst the 25,000 crowd on The Mallorcan was also in over an intense and gruelling exciting for the crowd but for ways with 1994 Wimbledon champion Mar- “I think especially Rafa play- done. Sunday, Nadal showed again the winning teams in 2009 seven days. us it’s more demanding prob- tinez after a season that saw her win four WTA ing singles and doubles almost “There’s things that only the fi ght that has taken him to and 2011 but this one marked “It’s been amazing, the ably. We were going to bed tournaments and reach the semi-fi nals at the every day, he’s been our MVP people like Rafa can do and 19 Grand Slam titles, fi ghting a new chapter in the historic whole week of course. When very late every day.” Australian Open and the WTA Finals.

SPOTLIGHT 2019 AAB Open Invitational volleyball tourney concludes

By Sports Reporter Riders for the Men’s Rated Divi- Doha sion while Team Prius stepped up to win against ASD Dragons Junior Varsity for the Men’s Non-Rated he AAB Open Invita- Division. On the other hand, Team tional Volleyball Tourna- Rav-4 Hybrid Rascals A won over ment 2019 recently came Team Avalon Lady Magnum for to a conclusion after 24 the Women’s Non-Rated Division Tteams of men and women from while Team Rav 4 Rascals B rose as diff erent categories fought for victors over Team Coaster Sugar N glory over a period of fi ve weeks. Spike. Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros The culminating event was Co WLL (AAB), the exclusive recently held at the American distributor of Toyota and Lexus School Doha, the Venue Part- in Qatar, held the event as part ner. A cash prize of QR2,500 and of its CSR initiative to promote trophies were awarded to each of community sports, in collabora- the four champion teams. The tion with LIGA OFW and FIVBA awards were presented to the – two Filipino community or- teams by AAB Corporate Com- ganisations that hold annual vol- munication and CSR Manager leyball tournaments for players Rassa Ramli, and Tournament of various communities. Director and American School There were eight teams in the Doha Athletic Director David fi nals who vied for the coveted Farmer. Also present were Tech- victory and four teams were de- nical Head and Liga OFW Lead clared as champions. Team Avanza Marc Flores, and FIVBA Doha Dhemet beat Team Land Cruiser Lead Elvis (Koko) Beredo.