FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 7 Isco urges Spain Buttler guides to stay true England to 5-0 to selves in series sweep Morocco decider of Australia

Monday, June 25, 2018 FOOTBALL Shawwal 11, 1439 AH Honda salvages GULF TIMES draw for Japan against Senegal with late strike SPORTSPORT Page 2

REPORT ENG 6-1 PAN ‘Harrykane’ England

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Kane scoreded anotheranootheerr lustri-l u stri- TThehe eased them into the last 16. penalty just before halftime.alftimee. ousoous rivalsrivals winw over England’s biggest-ever World The in-form TottenhamTottenhhaam ono thethe bigbig PanamaP Cup win, featuring two penal- striker bagged his thirdthird afterafftteer stage.sstage. wasw the ties by Kane then a fortuitous a 61st minute shot byby RubenRubeen “Panama“Panama iss first time defl ection off his heel, also Loftus-Cheek hit hisis foot andand likelike a smallsmall youngyooung England guaranteed Belgium’s berth in bounced over despairingiring Pana-Pana- childchild in football.footballl. WWee the next round. ma goalkeeper Jaime PenePenedo.do. areare likelike virgins...virrggins... EnEng-g-- haveh “Not many players score a hat- landlaandn isis totallytotally spectacu-spectaccuu- scoreds trick at a World Cup, so I’m proud PANAMA COACHH HHAILSAIILLSS lar,lar,r a bbeautifuleauttiful tteam,”eam,” sasaidaidd fourfo or of it. We had fun out there too,” ‘BEAUTIFUL’ ENGLANDGLGLAAND PanamaPanamma ccoachoao cchh HHernanernaan DaDarioarrio said Kane calling his third “one of Current World Cup toptot p scorerscorer Gomez,GoG mez, whowho wentwent intointoo thethe Eng-Eng- the luckiest goals of my life”. on fi ve goals after twotwwo games,gag mem ss, lishlishh changingchaangiing roomrrooom atat halftimehhaallftime matchmmatcch sincesincsince thtthee 4-4-22 wwin in the Ahead of their meeting on Kane was then substituted,stiituuted, toto tot congratulatecongratulatte SoSouthgate.utthgh atee.. Thursday to decide who tops an ovation from the nearlyneearlyly 22,500,50000 “It“It couldcoouuld hhahaveve bbeeneen aan eevenven Group G, England and Belgium England fans. He hass scoredscorreed allaall biggerbigger score.scoorree. 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Panama’s equal-sizedsizzed aarmyrmmy 16 byby IcelandIceland ini tthehe 20162016 Euro-Euro- thirdtthird overaloverall,l, wwithitth GGeGeoffoff Hurst Playing from the off with an of red-shirted fans continuedontinued too peanpeeaan ChampionshipChampionshiip anandd a fi rst-rst- gettingggeettt ing a trebletrebblee inin thethhe 196619 final. ease and trickery that contrast- dance and cheer on thethe ‘Canal-‘Canal-- roundror und exitexit wwithoutithoutt a winwin atat thethe ed with the stressed-looking eros’ (Canalmen) to thehe enend.d. 201420144 WorldWorrldl Cup,Cup, waswas fi nallynally England fl ops of recent inter- Substitute Felipe BaBaloyloy rere-- slippingsls ipppingng aaway.way. national tournaments, Gareth warded them with a cconsolationoonsolal tion Southgate’sSoutthghgate’s tatasksk nnowoww wwillill 2018200188 WorldWorldd Cup,Cup, hishih s five goals Southgate’s team romped into a goal in the 78th minute,uuttee, slidingsliidid ng beb ttoo keepkeeepp hhisis youngyouungg charg-charg- takingtaking hhimim aaheadheadd ooff PoPortugal’sPortort remarkable 5-0 lead at halftime. home a free kick thatt waswas Pan-PPan- es’ees’ feetfeet onon thethe ground,groounnd, andand CristianoCristiano RoRonaldoonalddo anandnd RRoRomelu Defender John Stones headed ama’s fi rst goal in theirtheie r deddebutbut guardgug ard againstaggaainnst cocomplacencymmplaacency LukakuLukaku ooff BeBelgium.lgiumm. England in front in the eighth World Cup. whomeverwhommeveer theythey fafacecce nnextext minute from a corner, losing But in truth, it was a hhumblinguumblinng fromffrom GroupGrroouupp H’sH’s qquartetuartet ofof his marker to angle home, be- experience for Panamama agaagainstainsst a Japan,Japaan, Senegal,Seennegal, PoPolandlandd thanthhaan aanynyy othotherer EEnglandnglaandn player fore captain Kane made it 2-0 side known to get nervouservr ouus andand andand CoColombia.olloommbia. inn a WorldWorrldl Cup ggrouprooup sstastage,ta his fivefiivvee sstrikestrikkese oovertakingvertaking ththe three Southgate diffi cult to please...ase... goalsgooaals RogerRoR geer HuntHunt scoredscoored in 1966 andand thetthe ththreeree hihitt by LLineLinekerine in England coach Gareth Southgate was about the teamteam we wawantant ttooop ppututu outouout,utut, iit’st’sttss anan opoop-p- keeping his feet firmly on the ground after portunity foror playersplayayers whowho needneed a matchmatmatch wwhwho 1986.19866. England’s 6-1 World Cup group-stage rout haven’t playedayyeded fororr a wwhiwhilele but on ththee ootherthheher of Panama, declaring “I didn’t particularly hand we wantwant too kekeepeepep winwwinning.”nninn g.” KaneKane iiss ononene gogoalal bbebehinde like the performance”. Reflecting onon a recordrecord WWorldorllddC CCupupu win foforr 19861986 GoldenGolden BoBootot winnwwinnerinn With a grin Southgate explained to the BBC: England, hee addadded:ed: ““II wawass a bibitt aanxiousnxinnxxiououss aatt LinekerLineker as the EnglandEngland player to “I’m being hyper-critical, but I didn’t like the the start, theyhey (Panama)(Panama) hadhad six at thethhhee backbbaack score the mostmost goalsgoals atat a single start, I didn’t like the goal at the end. The bits and three inn mimiddle,ddle, bbutut once we woworkedorrkeked World CuCup.p. in the middle were pretty good though!” that out I thoughthought we plplayedayed some rereallyeaally Southgate was speaking after a hat-trick good stuff fforor 35 minuteminutes.”s.” from Harry Kane, a double from John Southgate’se’s maimainn gripe was his de-de- Stones and another from Jesse Lingard saw fence allowingwing FelFelipeipe BaloyBaloy to score off Panama and qualified England into the Panama’s ffirstirst everever World CupCup goalgoal knockout stages. in the 78thh minute.minute. ““AtAt halhalf-timef-time England meet Belgium on Thursday. we talked aboutabout oneone moremoree goalgoal to Asked about possible changes to his XI to be top of thehe ggroup,roup, thathat’st’t’s whwhyy face Belgium, Southgate commented: “I want the goal att tthehe enendd wwasas ddisdisap-ap- to keep the momentum, we have to think pointing,” he saidsaid.. Keisuke Honda became the first Japanese player to score at three World Cups 2 Gulf Times Monday, June 25, 2018

SPOTLIGHT Qatar delegation continues participation, monitoring of events at 2018 WC

QNA along with employees from numerous learned in preparation for Qatar’s FIFA of a FIFA World Cup before we host in ployees and stakeholders are learning place in four cities: Moscow, Saint Pe- Doha stakeholders, including the Ministry of World Cup, which will kick off on No- 2022,” said al-Khater. about the complexity of delivering a tersburg, Sochi, and Kazan. The shad- Interior, Public Works Authority (Ash- vember 21, 2022. “It is vitally important we compile FIFA World Cup. This is a golden op- owing and secondment programmes ghal), Hamad Medical Corporation, A number of delegates are working best practices on every aspect of the portunity to build and develop our are being held across the 11 host cities, he Supreme Committee for Kahramaa, Qatar Football Association closely with the Russia 2018 Local Or- tournament and bring the knowledge event and football competition knowl- while the FIFA Management Observa- Delivery & Legacy (SC) has (QFA), Qatar Rail, QNB Stars League, ganizing Committee, while others are back to the country. Our delegation will edge, enhance operational expertise tion Program and Security Program sent an offi cial delegation of Qatar Tourism Authority and others. shadowing their counterparts in FIFA. also be using this opportunity to serve and event readiness, and increase col- are both taking place in Moscow. Tmore than 180 people to learn Delegates are taking part in obser- SC’s assistant secretary-general for as ambassadors for Qatar and spread laboration with key stakeholders.” Post-Russia, all attendees will from the fi nal FIFA World Cup before vation, shadowing and secondment Tournament Aff airs Nasser al-Khater the message of what fans, teams, and The programmes are designed to compile a detailed report, complete a Qatar hosts the tournament in 2022. programmes during the tournament, described the trip as a vital learning offi cials can expect from the fi rst FIFA cover stadium and host city operations survey and submit photos and videos The delegation includes 120 people which runs until July 15. Participants opportunity. World Cup in the Middle East.” and engage with the key stakehold- from their experience. They will also from the SC, the organisation respon- are spread across 11 Russian cities, “Russia 2018 off ers a unique and SC’s Tournament Operations and ers who will play a crucial role in the attend a post-event workshop in early sible for delivering the infrastructure where they are tasked with gather- fi nal opportunity to learn about the Planning Executive Director Dr Sakis delivery of Qatar’s tournament. The 2019, which will fi nalise and present required for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ing knowledge and compiling lessons planning, preparation, and delivery Batsilas, said: “In Russia, our em- observation programmes are taking the key learnings from the trip.

REPORT JPN 2-2 SEN REPORT POL 0-3 COL Dazzling Late Honda strike Colombia salvages draw for bounce back; Poland make Japan vs Senegal early exit DPA ing far more comfortable than Both teams are now locked on four points and within reach of spot in last 16 Kazan, Russia against Japan when they played with 10 men Carlos Sanchez’s Reuters faltered towards the end but they third minute red card. Yekaterinburg, Russia began strongly and their robust ames Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado’s incisive dribble defending neutralised any early Quintero got Colombia down the right earned him space threat that the Japanese front dancing in a 3-0 win over for a cross which Wojciech Szc- idfi elder Keisuke line posed, allowing their own Poland yesterday to main- zesny put behind, with James Honda came off the attackers to push up in numbers. tainJ their World Cup hopes and asking Colombia fans to turn the bench to salvage a The Africans went ahead in consign their opponents to an volume up further still. 2-2 draw for Japan the 11th minute, although there early exit. They obliged and the team re- Magainst Senegal, as both teams was an element of luck to their Yerry Mina, Radamel Falcao sponded with a goal, when the were locked at the top of Group opener. and Juan Cuadrado grabbed the superb Quintero’s reverse pass H following an entertaining en- A poor headed clearance goals but Colombia’s playmak- allowed James to put in a cute counter yesterday. landed right at Youssouf Saba- ing duo created all three in Kazan cross which Barcelona defender Veteran Honda, 32, who be- ly’s feet and although goalkeeper and put the South Americans Mina rose highest to head past came the fi rst Japanese player Eiji Kawashima managed to par- third with three points in Group Szczesny. to score in three diff erent World ry the defender’s stinging shot H after two games, one behind Colombia deserved the ad- Cups, replaced Shinji Kagawa from the left, the ball rebounded Japan and Senegal tied on four. vantage for their dominance, in the second half with his team into the net off Mane’s knee. Mina broke the deadlock fi ve although it appeared to wake Po- down 2-1 and fi red the equaliser Japan regained composure minutes before the break, head- land up with Nawalka’s side, who in 12 minutes from time after and responded with a well-tak- ing home James’ cross after created their fi rst meaningful an error by Senegal goalkeeper en goal with their only shot on Quintero’s clever reverse pass. attack of the half which Ospina Khadim N’Diaye. target in the opening period to Quintero teed up Falcao for the scrambled away. Senegal thought they had level the score at 1-1. second in the 70th minute and Bayern Munich playmaker claimed all three points as Yuto Nagatomo controlled a James’s sensational through-ball James had an eff ort blocked early Moussa Wague drilled the ball long pass with a deft fi rst touch put Cuadrado in for the third fi ve in the second period after good into the top of the net in the before rolling the ball into the minutes later. work by Cuadrado, while his 71st minute to make it 2-1, after path of Inui, who cut in from the Colombia goalkeeper David club colleague Lewandowski was Sadio Mane’s fortuitous fi rst- left and fi red a curling shot past Ospina did superbly to deny starved of service at the other. half opener was cancelled out by a diving N’Diaye. Robert Lewandowski and Grze- A long ball set the Polish strik- Takashi Inui’s curling shot. But Senegal appeared to step off gorz Krychowiak from Poland’s er free but Lewandowski spurned Honda ensured things ended the gas towards the end of the two clear chances and Adam Na- his big opportunity, controlling level and deservedly so. half, and the eff ects were still walka’s side now cannot reach superbly but fi ring at the on- The result leaves both teams, evident after the restart, as they the last 16, with one game re- rushing Ospina. who beat Colombia and Poland resorted to long-range eff orts maining. Falcao and Cuadrado both fi n- respectively in their opening that failed to test the Japanese Both teams made four changes ished more clinically when sent matches, on four points from goalkeeper. after suff ering defeat in their through to seal the game for Co- two games and within reach of a They nearly paid for allowing openers, knowing they could ill- lombia, who were denied a fourth spot in the last 16. their opponents to run at them, aff ord to repeat their disappoint- when Mateus Uribe’s backheel was “They were avoidable goals, as Yuya Osako narrowly failed ing debut displays. cleared before crossing the line. that’s clear,” Senegal coach Al- to connect with a pass across The match started at a fran- Jubilant Colombia supporters iou Cisse said in a blunt assess- the box on the hour mark before tic pace, refl ecting its status as chanted ‘ole’ with each of their ment of his defence. “The best Inui’s powerful shot struck the a knock-out clash dressed as a team’s touches in the fi nal stages, team was Japan, we have to ad- bar with the goalkeeper beaten. group game, before a loud, Co- with their side’s fate now in their mit that.” Wague appeared to have end- lombia-dominated crowd at the own hands against Senegal in the “We didn’t play a great game ed hopes of a Japanese come- warm Kazan Arena. fi nal group game on Thursday. but we didn’t lose... I have con- back as he drilled Sabaly’s low In front of their watching leg- A win will take Colombia into fi dence. Our team has the qual- cross into the goal to send Sen- ends, Carlos Valderrama and the last 16 and even a draw would ity to face Colombia,” he added, egal’s supporters into raptures. Rene Higuita, Colombia began to suffi ce should Japan lose to Co- looking forward to Thursday’s But the Asians were not done string neat moves together, look- lombia. meeting with the South Ameri- yet and hit back again through cans in Samara. Japan play Po- midfi elder Honda, who collect- land in Volgograd. ed Inui’s pass and prodded into “We’re a bit disappointed... an empty net after goalkeeper there was a way to win this N’Diaye stepped off his line and match,” added Mane, who failed failed to punch the ball away. to exert his infl uence despite “It was a tough match, we scoring. “We started well, we knew it would be,” Japan coach created a lot of opportunities, Akira Nishino said. “I evaluate we were quite dangerous... we it as a very good point. Senegal now have a decisive match to is a tough team and this result I qualify next week.” hope will lead to success in the Senegal’s back line might have next match.”

Japan’s midfielder Keisuke Honda (right) celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H match against Senegal in Yekaterinburg, Russia, yesterday. (AFP)

Standings

P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts Group A Group C Group E Group G Russia 2 2 0 0 8 1 6 France 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 Brazil 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 England 2 2 0 0 8 2 6 Uruguay 2 2 0 0 2 0 6 Denmark 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 Switzerland 2 1 1 0 3 2 4 Belgium 2 2 0 0 8 2 6 Egypt 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 Australia 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 Serbia 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Tunisia 2 0 0 2 3 7 0 Saudi Arabia 2 0 0 2 0 6 0 Peru 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 Costa Rica 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 Panama 2 0 0 2 1 9 0

Group B Group D Group F Group H Spain 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Croatia 2 2 0 0 5 0 6 Mexico 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 Japan 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Portugal 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Nigeria 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Germany 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Senegal 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Iran 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 Iceland 2 0 1 1 1 3 1 Sweden 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Colombia 2 1 0 1 4 2 3 Morocco 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 Argentina 2 0 1 1 1 4 1 South Korea 2 0 0 2 1 3 0 Poland 2 0 0 2 1 5 0 Colombia’s Radamel Falcao celebrates after scoring a goal against Poland in Kazan yesterday. (AFP) Portugal have lost twice out of 26 competitive internationals since Fernando Santos took over as coach in September 2014 3 Gulf Times Monday, June 25, 2018

PREVIEW IRN vs POR SARANSK, 9PM Iran stand between Ronaldo’s Portugal and knockouts ‘Our expectation is to continue our work and try to improve in the group phase. We’re almost there and then we’ll see’

AFP Saransk, Russia Key facts Iran to allow Spain, who take on already women into ristiano Ronaldo will look to ousted Morocco, and Portugal are fi re his country into the last 16 on four points and need a draw public viewing of the World Cup today at the from their respective matches. expense of former Portugal But Iran are a point behind with of Portugal game coachC Carlos Queiroz and Iran. three and must beat Portugal to Ronaldo and Queiroz are both ap- progress. DPA pearing at their fourth World Cup, as The European sides will not Tehran player and coach respectively, and their only aim for victory but will also try relationship dates back to the Portugal to outscore each other with the top captain’s arrival as a teenager at Man- spot in the group set to be decided ranian women will be allowed chester United in 2003. on goal diff erence. to watch their country’s final The 65-year-old served as Alex Fer- Iran benefited from a late own IWorld Cup group game against guson’s assistant over two spells either goal by Morocco to get their World Portugal today at a public viewing side of a brief stint in charge of Real Cup off to a winning start in St in a stadium in Tehran, the sta- Madrid, the club Ronaldo joined in Petersburg but lost 1-0 to Spain in a dium manager said yesterday. 2009 in a deal Queiroz helped facilitate. hard-fought match in Kazan. Nasser Mahmudifard told the ISNA But their relationship soured follow- Iran’s Portuguese coach Carlos news agency that authorities had ing a second-round exit to Spain at the Queiroz was in charge of Spanish said women could enter the Azadi 2010 World Cup, after which Ronaldo giants Real Madrid for the 2003-04 Stadium to view the match on a suggested Queiroz was to blame for the season. He also managed Portu- big screen. Iran still have an out- defeat. gal for more than two years from side chance of making the last 16. Portugal then crashed out in the 2008, including the 2010 World The 1-0 World Cup loss to Spain in group stage four years ago in Brazil, Cup in South Africa. Russia last week marked the first but Ronaldo is single-handedly leading Team Melli striker Sardar Az- time in 40 years that women had their quest in Russia with all four of his moun has played his club football been legally permitted to follow a team’s goals so far. in Russia since 2013 and last year football match in a stadium in Iran. “Our expectation is to continue our rejoined Rubin Kazan for a second There had been several national work and try to improve in the group spell. and international protests against phase,” Ronaldo said after his early Cristiano Ronaldo has scored the long-standing ban on women strike over Morocco left Portugal level all of Portugal’s goals in this attending Iranian stadiums. on four points with Spain at the top of tournament including a hat-trick Whether the move to again allow Group B. in the 3-3 draw against Spain. His women to watch a game inside a “We’re almost there (knockout stag- goal against Morocco made him stadium on a big screen translates es) and then we’ll see.” Europe’s all-time leading scorer into women being able to attend Portugal coach Fernando Santos in international matches. Former Iranian stadiums where matches compared his talisman to a bottle of Iran striker Ali Daei is the only one are being played remains to be “Port wine”, marvelling at the 33-year- ahead in the world with 109 strikes. seen. old’s ability to refi ne his game with age. Atletico Madrid coach Diego Sime- HEAD-TO-HEAD one, the former Argentina midfi elder, Iran Draw Portugal must beat Portugal to reach the latter even indicated he would prefer to have 0 0 2 Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates attend a training session at the team’s base in Kratovo, outside Moscow, Russia, stages of the World Cup for the fi rst time. Ronaldo rather than Messi in his team. yesterday. (AFP) Queiroz, who also took South Africa “Messi is very good, but it is clear Last meeting: Iran 0 Portugal 2 to the 2002 fi nals, called it “the most that he is very good because he is sur- (2006 World Cup) chester City winger Bernardo Silva tion from the second highest goalscorer ther hosts Russia or Uruguay awaiting interesting and important match in my rounded by extraordinary players (at opined after Ronaldo’s hat-trick in an in international history. them in the next round should they ad- seven years with Iran”. Barcelona),” Simeone said, in an audio opening 3-3 draw with Spain. The European champions could be vance. “We will keep on working for our recording published by Spanish media “People were waiting for him to get without midfi elder Joao Moutinho after “We have the level to do well. We be- dreams, and our dream is to try and outlets. it was a “privilege” for the country to old and play worse, but he is only im- he sat out training again Saturday due lieve in what we’re doing and we’ve had qualify for the second round,” he said “The question I ask is if you have to have a player such as the fi ve-time Bal- proving.” to illness, although left-back Raphael a pretty good start to this competition, after Wednesday’s loss to Spain. choose between Messi and Ronaldo in a lon d’Or winner. Ronaldo scored a late penalty to seal Guerreiro is expected to shake off a leg but there is room for improvement,” “We know it will be diffi cult, but as normal team, who would you choose?” a 2-0 win over Iran when the two sides problem. added centre-back Jose Fonte. I said before we came here and didn’t Portugal defender Pepe, a long-time ‘MATCH POINT’ last met, at the 2006 World Cup, and Portugal need a draw to be sure of a Iran, who beat Morocco 1-0 before expect easy things. Against Portugal, it team-mate of Ronaldo’s at Real, said “He is getting better every year,” Man- Portugal will hope for further inspira- place in the knockout phase, with ei- falling to Spain by the same scoreline, will be match point for us.”

PREVIEW ESP vs MAR KALININGRAD, 9PM Isco urges Spain to stay true to selves in Morocco decider

AFP Kaliningrad, Russia Morocco coach bemoans ‘total injustice’ ahead of Spain clash pain midfi elder Isco believes his side must stay true to the AFP philosophy that brought them Kaliningrad, Russia World Cup glory in 2010 to achieveS the result they need in today’s Group B decider against Morocco. orocco coach Herve After a breathless 3-3 draw with Por- Renard (centre) yesterday tugal in their opening game, La Roja Msaid his team had been vic- laboured to a 1-0 victory over Iran, and tim to a “total injustice” in becoming require at least a point in Kaliningrad the first nation knocked out of the against a Morocco side playing for pride World Cup before their final Group B to guarantee a last 16 berth. clash with Spain. “We have to be faithful to the end to Morocco were eliminated after los- the style of play that defi nes us,” the ing 1-0 to Portugal in Moscow after Real Madrid playmaker told reporters a 95th-minute own goal saw them ahead of the game. lose to Iran by the same scoreline in “We have to play, pass a lot, keep the their opener. ball. If we play quickly across the pitch “When you look at the facts in the the chances will come.” Portugal game, it’s totally unfair. Spain won a historic treble of Euro- “For the goal we conceded, there pean and world titles between 2008- was an obvious foul by (defender) 2012 with a brand of possession-based Pepe at the front post. Why did (the football that came to be known as “tiki referee) not see it?” Renard told taka”. reporters in Kaliningrad ahead of Along with Real teammates Lu- today’s encounter. decisive and it’s basically thrown us cas Vazquez and Marco Asensio, Isco “Then there was a handball by Pepe, out of the tournament. represents the cream of a new crop of Spain’s coach Fernando Hierro (centre) speaks with defender Nacho Fernandez (third from right) during a training session in exactly the same as the one (that “We are talking about a couple of Spanish talent looking to fi ll the void Krasnodar, Russia. (AFP) was given as a penalty) for Australia” moments that really hurt us.” left in the national team after legend in the Socceroos’ Group C match Munir, who was born in the Spanish Xavi’s retirement. nobody is giving anything away easily. against Denmark. North African enclave of Melilla, “This is my fi rst time in a big compe- Key facts “In certain groups teams have al- Morocco attacked Portugal relent- plays his club football in Spain, and tition with the national side,” he said. “I ready qualifi ed (for the last 16) but our lessly in the second half in Moscow said he expects a tough test against feel at ease but it’s easier with all the big Spain have not lost a game since top spot will be determined by which group is very tough. We have no option after Cristiano Ronaldo opened the the 2010 winners in Kaliningrad. players in the side.” losing to Italy in the last 16 of Euro 2016 team has the cleaner disciplinary but to secure all three points against scoring with an early header. “Spain have great stars but honestly Playing behind striker Diego Costa, and are unbeaten in their last 22. record, with Spain currently on one Morocco.” “For me it’s a total injustice, espe- none inspire fear in me,” said the Isco has delighted Spain fans this tour- Diego Costa, who has netted yellow card to Portugal’s two. The North Africans were the fi rst cially because of the quality showed Numancia stopper. nament with his deft touch and vision, three times in two World Cup games, team to be eliminated from the tourna- by my players during the game. You “Obviously, it’s an important match but the team heads to Russia’s Europe- has scored nine goals in his last nine HEAD-TO-HEAD ment but Herve Renard’s men have ac- mustn’t forget we were playing the for us, for our honour and our pride an enclave knowing the job is far from starts for Spain. The two sides last faced each quitted themselves well. European champions. and to try to give some joy to our done. If Iran beat Portugal they will other in an intercontinental They were desperately unlucky to “It’s unfair that we’re already elimi- fans. They deserve it.” While they could progress with a reach the knockout stage at the Euro- playoff tie to qualify for the 1962 lose 1-0 in their opener against Iran due nated but we have to accept reality.” Frenchman Renard, who once man- draw they would need to win and score pean champions’ expense. World Cup. Spain won the two to a disastrous 95th-minute Aziz Bou- Goalkeeper Munir al-Kajoui agreed aged Cambridge United in England’s more goals than Portugal in their match If Portugal and Spain win their legs 1-0 and 3-2 respectively. haddouz own goal. that the team had been unlucky in fourth tier, said his team would be with Iran in order to guarantee top spot final games by the same scoreline, Against Portugal they attacked fl u- their two games so far. motivated for the game despite hav- in Group B. idly and deserved something from “When we arrived in Russia the ing nothing to play for. Coach Fernando Hierro, who only a match that saw them force several coach told us about VAR and we had “My job is to pose Spain problems took the job two days before the tour- underestimate a Morocco squad that single game is going to be easy,” Hierro smart saves from Rui Patricio yet ulti- to be aware of this in key moments,” and make the Moroccan people nament began after the shock dismissal are yet to pick up a point. said. “We can improve, and I hope we mately walked away with nothing in the he said. “But in our case it’s been proud,” he said. of Julen Lopetegui, said his team won’t “This is the World Cup, and not one will keep winning while we do so, but 1-0 loss. Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah scored 71% of the team’s goals during qualifi cation 4 Gulf Times Monday, June 25, 2018

PREVIEW EGY vs KSA VOLGOGRAD, 5PM SPOTLIGHT Russia put in the hard yards as World Egypt keeper Cup’s running men

Reuters out as a shining midfield talent, Samara but also as the most hardwork- ing player at the tournament, covering an impressive 25.15km. he lowest-ranked team And Golovin, like Russia’s El Hadary set for coming into their own other players, is not simply ac- World Cup, Russia have cumulating distance by am- sparkled since the action bling around the pitch. Tbegan — and perhaps the secret Any doubts that the stats for to their success is not just their distance covered provide an ac- ability on the ball but good old- curate picture of effort are dis- fashioned industry. pelled when you look at the fig- No other team has matched ures for the number of sprints World Cup record the hosts’ Stakhanovite workrate made, with Russia again leading in their opening matches — both the way having completed 824 of which Russia won by healthy in their two matches. El Hadary, who is at his first World Cup for the Pharaohs, will turn 45 today margins — nor even come close Those looking for the source when it comes to putting in the of Argentina’s struggles at this PRE- hard yards. tournament might be interested KEY FACTS According to FIFA’s statistics, to see that the South Americans Russia, who play Uruguay in completed only 604 sprints in their fi nal group game on Mon- their draw with Iceland and de- Where: Volgograd Arena Capacity: 43,713 day, have, by a startling margin, feat to Croatia. When: Today, 5pm Qatar Time covered more ground than any This may go some way to- Key stats: other team, with their opening wards explaining how a Rus- „ Saudi Arabia and Egypt both lost their 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia sian team, who had won just first two matches in Group A and can only seeing them run a collective 118 one of their last nine matches contest third place before they pack their kilometres. at previous tournaments and bags and head home. To put that into context, none of their last seven warmup „ Saudi Arabia have conceded six goals the second highest distance games, have now breezed into the so far in Russia and have failed to score in covered in the first round of knockouts with a game to spare. either of their two matches. matches was 112km by Egypt in Undoubtedly fuelled by the „ Egypt have appeared in three World their defeat to Uruguay. adrenaline that comes from be- Cups — in 1934, 1990 and 2018 — but are yet In their second match, a 3-1 ing roared on by a passionate to win a match in six attempts, losing four victory over Egypt, Russia took home crowd, Russia face Uru- times and drawing twice. their total over two games to guay at the Samara Arena to de- „ Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah more than 233km, which, af- cide who will fi nish top of Group scored 71 % of the team’s goals during ter Friday’s action, was around A, which carries the incentive of qualification and scored in the 3-1 defeat 8km more than any other two- avoiding the victors in Group B. by Russia, their only one of the World Cup match team, with workmanlike With Uruguay having edged tournament so far. Australia their nearest chal- into the last 16 with narrow 1-0 „ Saudi Arabia are appearing at their lengers. victories over Egypt and Saudi first World Cup finals since 2006. In four This ferocious industry has Arabia, the impressive Russians previous appearances, they have only once been spearheaded by Aleksandr will be keen to fi nish the group reached the last 16, in 1994. Golovin, who has not only stood with a perfect record. „ Saudi Arabia were thrashed 5-0 by Russia in their opening game and then lost 1-0 to Uruguay. Egypt lost 1-0 to Uruguay, conceding in the 89th-minute, before FOCUS being beaten 3-1 by Russia. * Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary could enter the World Cup record books as the oldest Cuper says his time player to compete at the finals, although the 45-year-old was left out of the previous two games. Previous meetings: The two as Egypt coach sides have played six times before which have resulted in four wins for Egypt, one for Saudi Arabia and one draw. might be ending HEAD-TO-HEADAD gypt coach Hector Cuper Egypt Draw Saudi said it was possible that 4 1 1 his team’s farewell match Egypt’s forward Mohamed Salah (L) talks with Egypt’s goalkeeper Essam El Hadary during a training session in Volgograd. at the 2018 World Cup againstE Saudi Arabia today would DPA Cup for the Pharaohs, will be 45 years good result,” he said. we will take cautionary measures, not also be his last in charge after an Volgograd and 161 days old on Monday. He would Egypt fans will be hoping the team’s specifi cally tailored to him, but in gen- unsuccessful campaign in Russia. surpass the record of Colombian keeper swansong in Russia will be a stage for eral terms in being aware of his qualities “I have never excluded any- Faryd Mondragon, who was 43 years and Mohamed Salah to shine after the Liver- and to try to contain them and stave off thing. It might be my last game gypt keeper Essam El Hadary 3 days in his fi nal appearance at the 2014 pool striker scored from the penalty spot any attacking play he might develop,” he and it might not. It will depend is hoping to become the old- World Cup. Both Egypt and Saudi Ara- in the 3-1 defeat to Russia. He missed the said. on a number of factors,” Cuper, est player in World Cup history bia are now playing for pride after losing side’s opening games against Uruguay Argentinian coach Cuper meanwhile who was named Egypt coach in when his side plays Saudi Arabia their two opening games. while still recovering from the shoulder would not be drawn on whether it would 2015, said when asked by reporters greements but I would like to hear today.E The Saudis want to avoid fi nishing in injury he suff ered against Real Madrid in be his fi nal match in charge of Egypt. “As about his future. evidence or proof of this,” he said. El Hadary appeared at a news confer- last place in a group at the World Cup the Champions League fi nal. to whether this is the last match, I have “Of course I would like to make “If you don’t have evidence or ence yesterday with coach Hector Cuper for the fourth time, while the Pharaohs “There is no doubt that Mohamed never excluded anything in life,” he said. everybody happy, to come up with proof, I won’t answer that ques- at the Volgograd Arena yesterday, sug- are seeking a fi rst World Cup win at their Salah has a huge importance in this Pizzi would like to continue his work in something that everybody would tion.” gesting he could play some part in Mon- third tournament appearance. Saudi team. Being fully up to speed in the fi rst the Saudi team after seeing a great deal agree with. But it’s impossible,” El-Hadary, who was not in- day’s Group A game. coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said he would match would have been very important,” of progress since taking over in Novem- the Argentine said. cluded in the starting team for ei- “Obviously I will be very happy if I fi eld “the best team possible” while Cuper said. “I don’t want to focus on a ber. While saying there had been ther of Egypt’s fi rst two games in participate in the match tomorrow,” the Egypt’s Cuper said he would be making single player. All the players are impor- The 5-0 opening game defeat against “small disagreements” within the Russia, denied any rift. 45-year-old keeper said. “I don’t know “minor changes” and that victory would tant, but he is a player who is a natural Russia was followed by a much improved Egypt camp, Cuper added that he “If I had been making trouble in (whether I will play), this is not certain. be “an important milestone” for the born scorer who can make a diff erence in performance in losing 1-0 to Uruguay. would not respond to questions the team then I don’t deserve my Obviously every player wants to set a country’s football. the fi nal third.” “Now we have a great opportunity to about whether captain Essam El- spot on the team. That’s my sim- record. It would not only be my achieve- “It is an important match because Pizzi said Salah would not be spe- continue on that line and obtain the ob- Hadary had fallen out with the ple answer,” the goalkeeper said, ment but also an achievement for Egypt.” we want to end this participation in the cifi cally marked but measures would be jective we had at the beginning, which rest of the team. sitting next to Cuper at a news El Hadary, who is at his his fi rst World World Cup on a high note and with a taken to try to contain him. “Of course, was to win a match,” he said. “There might be small disa- conference.

PREVIEW RUS vs URU SAMARA, 5PM Cherchesov tense before Uruguay clash Reuters term,” Cherchesov told report- said the hosts had given over Samara ers. “We are professional play- 300 testing samples to FIFA KEY FACTS ers who are preparing for our and other governing bodies — game. a number he said was twice as ussia coach Stanis- “This is the World Cup and many as the England team. lav Cherchesov was the team must be in the opti- According to FIFA’s statis- Where: Samara Arena, Samara in bullish mood ahead mum condition. We are a team tics Russia have covered more Capacity: 41,970 Rof their fi nal Group A and we must do our job.” ground than any other team, When: Today, June 25, 5pm Qatar Time showdown with Uruguay yes- Despite securing Russia’s with their opening 5-0 victory terday, dismissing suggestions fi rst last-16 appearance since over Saudi Arabia seeing them KEY STATS: his men under pressure because 1986, when they qualifi ed as the run a collective 118 kilometres. „ Russia and Uruguay have both secured of their status as World Cup Soviet Union, Cherchesov does Although Cherchesov re- their places in the last 16 after winning hosts. not want his players to drop fused to answer the question on their opening two matches. With both teams having al- their guard against Uruguay. doping tests, he did respond to „ Uruguay need to win the match to ready qualifi ed for the last-16, “We are preparing for this the query on distance covered. finish top of Group A as Russia have a far Monday’s match will decide the game exactly the same way,” he “If nobody has noticed any- superior goal diff erence. Russia need only group winners. A draw will en- said. thing other than runs and draw to finish top. sure Russia will fi nish as group “Qualifi cation doesn’t mean sprints then we will have to do „ The group runners-up will face the win- winners due to their superior a thing. Those players who are something else,” Cherchesvo ners of Group B, where Spain are currently goal diff erence. better prepared will play. Our said with a smile. top. The group winner will face Group After Russia, the lowest medical team will also advise “There is motivation to per- B’s runners-up, with Portugal currently ranked team at the tournament, us. No special changes are ex- form at the World Cup with the occupying that spot. surpassed expectations by win- pected.” public’s support.” „ Russia have run further than any other ning both of their games so far, During a tense news confer- Forward Fyodor Smolov, who team at the World Cup, having covered pressure has been mounting on ence, Cherchesov bristled when accompanied his coach to the more than 233km in their opening two Cherchesov’s men to keep up asked about the number of rou- news conference, was also in games. After Friday’s action, this was the winning run. tine drugs tests his team have combative mood. around 8km more than any other two- Cherchesov, however, ex- faced and also the distances “After the friendly game with match team. pects his players will be up to Russian players have run at this Turkey I stopped following the „ Russia are the top scorers at the the task. tournament. mass media. Yes, we are prob- tournament with eight goals, three more “They keep asking me about The topic came up after Rus- ably the worst people in the than next highest scorers Croatia. pressure but this is a medical sian doctor Eduard Bezuglov country,” he said sarcastically. Russia’s coach Stanislav Cherchesov arrives for a press conference in Samara yesterday. Mexico are also guaranteed to fi nish as group winners if they avoid defeat against Sweden 5 Gulf Times Monday, June 25, 2018

SPOTLIGHT Breaking into champs’ club all in the mind for Belgium Coach Martinez says past champions get mental boost Q French World Cup winner Thierry Henry in the camp

Reuters Moscow

ight goals in two victories prove Bel- gium are World Cup contenders but coach Roberto Martinez says breaking into the exclusive club of champions meansE winning mind games as much as matches on the pitch. Before giving his squad a day off with their families after Saturday’s 5-2 Group G win over Tunisia, the Spaniard waved away talk of sup- planting stuttering favourites like Germany or Brazil and acknowledged lapses in concentra- tion and defensive frailties that will have to be tightened against England on Thursday. But as important for Martinez, pressed whether Belgium are now a good bet for the tro- phy, was a need to build the players’ own expec- tations, balancing focus and self-confi dence: “We’ve got used to it, try to work on it inter- nally,” he said. Only fi ve countries have won in the past gen- eration, he noted: “To be a favourite in a World Cup you need to have the know-how of winning a World Cup, or have a reference of a previous generation that has won the World Cup in mod- ern times.” Martinez, 44, who spent his own playing career in England’s lower divisions, has spo- ken before of self-doubt that held back France before they won the 1998 World Cup or Spain before the Euro 2008 triumph which paved the way for their 2010 World Cup success. “(It) probably gives you an advantage psy- Belgium’s Michy Batshuayi celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal against Tunisia on Saturday. chologically if you’ve won it before or if you’ve got a direction from someone, a generation, that coach Thierry Henry, France’s top scorer when how we can win the World Cup.” tina (1986), England (1966) and Uruguay (1930 tiano Ronaldo, Henry is an inspiration. Recall- has won it before in your nation,” he said. they won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. With Italy absent, Germany, Brazil, Spain and 1950), they have all laboured compared to ing childhood poverty which he says drives him, If Belgium are to emulate their French neigh- “He off ers us his winning mentality,” said and France are the other modern past winners the fl ying Belgians. For Romelu Lukaku, joint Lukaku told Players Tribune magazine how his bours, they are looking for help from assistant midfi elder Axel Witsel. “Titi is important. It’s in Russia. But like historic champions Argen- top scorer so far in Russia with Portugal’s Cris- family could not aff ord satellite TV.

FOCUS UPBEAT Loew hopes win Mexico win ushers in uneasy was a signal, Kroos truce between Osorio, critics ready to step on gas DPA the worst case to the greatest of Sochi emotions.” Mueller said the match was far from perfect but it was a ermany manager good answer to the Mexico loss Joachim Loew was left “It showed a little bit our weak- wondering all week how nesses but not as much as against his world champions Mexico,” Mueller said. “We just Gwould react to their opening loss have to work our way step by step to Mexico. The answer was a 2-1 into the tournament.” victory over Sweden with 10 men Kroos said: “We don’t have at the end — a result the coach much time until the next match. hopes is a signal of things to But we have to beat South Korea come. At a goal down, Germany and convincingly because there were facing World Cup elimina- are constellations where not tion with a match to spare. even a victory would be enough,” But Loew’s men rose to the he said. challenge and came back for Toni “So we have to go after it from Kroos to score a winner deep into the fi rst minute and step on the stoppage time. “It was a little bit gas.” Loew will have to replace lucky in the stoppage time and central defender Jerome Boat- with 10 men. But I think it was eng, who was dismissed in the deserved. We believed in our- 82nd minute following a second selves,” Loew said. “It can be booking. Mats Hummels, his a good signal. Maybe the team partner in defence who missed needs something like that.” the game with a back problem, The tough win over Sweden should return, Loew said. Mid- was just the fi rst step though. fi elder Sebastian Rudy will also Germany now know a win by have to be assessed after suff er- two goals or more against South ing a fractured nose. Loew had Korea in Kazan on Wednes- left out midfi elders Mesut Ozil day will put them through. Any and Sami Khedira, but said both other result then depends on the would be needed again during outcome of the match between the tournament. Sweden and Mexico in Yekater- “It is obvious that not always inburg. All four teams still have a one team plays at a World Cup. Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio reacts as Javier Hernandez looks on during their match against South Korea on Saturday. chance of advancing. We have alternatives, that’s how “You have to keep dreaming,” the squad is set up,” he said. “The Reuters time it was a sign of admiration. for the reporters’ words. at the Copa America Centenario in 2016 German forward Thomas Muel- players who didn’t play this time Moscow Some of Osorio’s sternest critics, in- The exchanges illustrated the impasse did nothing to help his cause and he ler said. “This could be the fi nal will defi nitely be needed because cluding former Mexico forward Hugo between the two sides. clung to his job by the skin of his teeth. switch of momentum we need.” they are important players. To- Sanchez, have also buried the hatchet The Mexican media have struggled Sanchez, widely regarded as Mexico’s When asked what is possible for day we decided to rest Khedira arely three weeks after chants but it remains an uneasy truce, as the with Osorio’s often complex, almost sci- greatest-ever player and a constant this Germany team, Mueller said: and Oezil but we will continue to of “get out Osorio” rang around press conference after Saturday’s game entifi c answers to questions, while the scourge of national team coaches, led the “Everything is possible — from need both.” the Azteca stadium, Mexico’s showed. coach refuses to trot out the usual foot- criticism. cerebral coach has won over his The 56-year-old ignored a question ball cliches which many journalists feel “We don’t have a style and to say that Bcritics thanks to two impressive opening from a Mexican television reporter about more comfortable with. it this will change before the World Cup performances at the World Cup. the change in his own fortunes, prefer- “They’re not happy with us winning,” is like selling smoke,” he said after Mexi- Bidding to break their run of six suc- ring instead to talk in detail about how he Osorio complained at one point during co lost 4-1 to Germany at last year’s Con- cessive last 16 eliminations, Juan Car- spent six months studying methods for his three-year stint. “We have to win federations Cup. los Osorio’s side lead Group F with six regeneration methods for his players. and humiliate the opposition. There is no “He is stubborn...he continues rotat- points from two games following their When questioned by another Mexican country in the world that keeps so much ing...he plays centre forwards on the shock win over Germany and Saturday’s reporter about the possibility of fi nishing pressure on a national team coach. There wings this will not help him get the most 2-1 defeat of South Korea. They are also with a maximum nine points, he broke is none.” of Mexican players... Mexico should have guaranteed to fi nish as group winners into a long explanation about the im- Osorio has struggled with the media, a Mexican coach.” if they avoid defeat against Sweden on portance of not getting carried away by and consequently public opinion, ever Sanchez, who himself lasted just over Wednesday. euphoria. since he was appointed in 2015 after one year as Mexico coach before being Having told Osorio to pack his bags af- In both cases, he looked tense and better-known names such as Argentine fi red in 2008, took a very diff erent tone ter a 1-0 friendly win against Scotland at wary. Yet when a South Korean asked Marcelo Bielsa or Italian Marcelo Lippi after the win over South Korea. home on June 3, Mexican fans were again him about his team’s tactical fl exibility, had been under consideration. “He is being coherent and the players Germany’s midfielder Toni Kroos (L) is congratulated by coach chanting his name on Saturday, but this his face lit up and he expressed gratitude A 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Chile are motivated and confi dent,” he said. Joachim Loew in Sochi on Saturday. Gulf Times 6 Monday, June 25, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY HOCKEY/CHAMPIONS TROPHY India stun Olympic champs Argentina, Horne brothers score Australia pip Pakistan

sian continental Belgium (WR:3) 6-1. The Red champions India Lions hit the post in the open- ended the second ing minute before the Dutch day of action at the ran riot, scoring three times 24 points as Scotland ChampionsA Trophy sitting between the fourth and sixth at the top of the table thanks minutes through Seve van As to a fi ne win against Olym- and Roel Bovendeert (2). pic champions Argentina in Strikes from Jeroen Hertz- Breda, Netherlands. berger and Mirco Pruijser took Australia fi nished the day the score to 5-0 at half time, in second place courtesy of with Belgium reducing the a victory against Pakistan, defi cit thanks to John-John trounce Argentina while home favourites the Dohmen after the break. Herz- Netherlands were in scintil- berger, playing his fi rst ma- ‘They thrived in that environment. It was really encouraging for the future’ lating form by overpowering jor international competition Belgium. since Rio 2016, claimed his India were triumphant in second and the Netherlands’ the opening match of the day, sixth goal from the penalty claiming a 2-1 victory against spot to complete a stunning fi - Olympic champions Argen- nal score for the hosts. tina on the occasion of Sardar “That was so much fun, I Singh’s 300th international really enjoyed that”, said Je- appearance. roen Hertzberger after the It was India’s second suc- match. “I think that fi rst half cessive win of the compe- was probably the best half of tition, following their 4-0 hockey I have ever played in. I victory over Pakistan on Sat- had a smile on my face all the urday. All of the goals came way though.” in the second quarter of the Australia added to their match, with Harmanpreet opening day draw against Singh opening the scoring Belgium with a narrow 2-1 with a powerful low penalty win over Pakistan in the fi nal corner eff ort before Mandeep match of the day. Singh doubled the advantage An open play strike from with a close range fi nish af- Ajaz Ahmad put Pakistan in ter excellent se-up play from front early in the second quar- teenager Dilpreet Singh. ter, but parity was restored A ferocious penalty corner when Jake Whetton fi red drag-fl ick from Gonzalo Peil- home fi ve minutes before half lat dragged Los Leones back time. The winning goal ar- into the contest ahead of the rived four minutes from the break but, despite excellent end, with Blake Govers touch- chances for both sides after ing home from close range to half time, the score remained put the Kookaburras second in unchanged. the table after two rounds of Speaking after the match, matches. triple caps centurion Sardar “All the games in the Singh said: “It is a great hon- Champions Trophy are pretty our for me to have played 300 tough battles, I think we ex- matches for my country. In the pected that against Pakistan”, team meeting the players said said Australia co-captain Ed- that they would win for me, die Ockenden at the conclu- George Horne from Scotland scores a try during their Test match against Argentina at the Centenario stadium, in Resistencia, Chaco province, Argentina. (AFP) and they did it. I have to thank sion of the contest. “We have my team mates for that.” seen their recent results and AFP 2015 World Cup semi-fi nals in through injury, was next to score. Lezana and replacement cen- 22,000 crowd in Resistencia A huge home crowd were obviously the way they played Resistencia, Argentina England, but has suff ered 22 Peter Horne succeeded with tre Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias expected to witness such a one- given a superb show in the against India yesterday, they losses in 28 Tests since. Hour- another simple conversion and scored. Sanchez, the leading sided encounter. day’s second match, with the are a really good team and it is cade announced last weekend Scotland were averaging more points scorer at the 2015 Rugby “There was about a 140-cap Netherlands (WR:4) produc- great to play against them. It rothers George and Pe- that he would quit after the than a point a minute as they World Cup, converted the fi rst diff erence between the two ing a spellbinding perform- was really important to get the ter Horne scored 24 Scotland Test and Mario Ledes- built a 21-0 lead with just 15 try, but inexplicably missed the sets of half-backs and Nicolas ance to defeat neighbours three points.” (FIH) points between them as ma, coach of Super Rugby outfi t minutes gone. second from almost in front of Sanchez and Martin Landajo are Scotland trounced Ar- Jaguares, has been linked to the Shell-shocked Argentina opt- the posts. Between the two Pu- quality players in the Argentine gentinaB 44-15 Saturday in a one- post. ed for a shot at goal, which fl y- mas tries’, winger Dougie Fife team,” noted Townsend. off Test in Resistencia. If the Pumas thought things half Nicolas Sanchez scored off , got a sixth for Scotland and that “That was a huge challenge for Scrum-half George crossed could not get any worse after rather than kick to touch and try score coupled with a Peter Horne Adam and George in their sec- for two tries as the Scots built a two humiliating home defeats by and force a rolling-maul try. penalty had the Scots 44-15 ond starts for Scotland but they 36-3 half-time advantage and Wales, they were gravely mistak- Flanker Magnus Bradbury be- ahead on the hour. played so positively, they went centre Peter kicked four conver- en during the opening half. came the second forward to score Fly-half Adam Hastings, a son for gaps they knew were there. sions and two penalties at rain- Scotland, desperate to end a when he claimed a pushover try of Scotland rugby legend Gavin, “That shows they were confi - swept Estadio Centenario. tour of the Americas with a win and Peter Horne converted be- was among a trio hailed by coach dent, they thrived in that environ- Scotland overwhelmed Can- after falling 30-29 to the United fore slotting a penalty soon after. Gregor Townsend yesterday af- ment. It was really encouraging ada and suff ered a shock one- States, were seven points ahead There was even more misery to ter the thrashing of Argentina. for the future. Adam is a confi dent point defeat by the United States within two minutes thanks to come for the Pumas just before Scrum-half George Horne guy,” Townsend said of the son of in other Americas tour matches. the Hornes. George scored and half-time when a clever tap back and fl anker Fraser Brown also former Scotland and British and Coach Gregor Townsend Peter converted to get the team by surrounded fl y-half Adam received special praise following Irish Lions skipper Gavin. wanted a positive response af- that fi nished third in the 2018 Hastings gave George Horne his an unexpectedly convincing vic- “He obviously did not have a ter the shock Houston loss last Six Nations Championship off to second try. tory for the experimental tour- brilliant experience last week- weekend and he got it, particu- a dream start. Peter Horne failed to convert ing team. Victory in northeast end (against the United States), larly from a dominant fi rst-half George scored between the from the touchline, his fi rst miss Argentina completed a tour in though there were some good display. Another dismal outing posts, and so did winger Blair of the match, but it hardly mat- which the Scots overwhelmed things. It was great to see him by the Pumas after two losses to Kinghorn six minutes later, with tered with Scotland 33 points Canada 48-10 but suff ered a put that behind him. All our Wales this month marked a sad Peter Horne converting again. ahead at the break. shock 30-29 loss to the United team were very set about play- ending to the six-year reign of Skipper and hooker Stuart The third quarter was slightly States. Although the Pumas ing Argentina, especially when coach Daniel Hourcade. McInally, back in the team after more satisfying for the South came into the match having lost we turned up and the crowd was India’s Mandeep Singh (left) celebrates after scoring against He guided the Pumas to the missing the other tour matches Americans as fl anker Tomas twice to Wales, few among the already in place.” Argentina in the Champions Trophy match yesterday.

GOLF FOCUS Sport Integrity hotline receives more Casey’s stunning 62 leaves than 50 allegations of misconduct

By Sports Reporter A risk matrix has been applied and cases will Doha be referred to law enforcement agencies, in- ternational sports organisations and national Englishman atop Travelers bodies as appropriate, while others are under AFP went with the 3-wood.” climb. “I’ve got to play a solid he International Centre for Sport Se- active investigation by the SIU. As a next step, New York At 18, Casey dropped his ap- round,” Watson said. “I have to curity says it has received over 50 re- the Sport Integrity Unit will hold intelligence proach three feet from the cup be around 10-under to give him a ports of sport misconduct in the fi rst sharing meetings with international and na- and tapped in for birdie and a scare.” six months of its integrity hotline. tional sporting partners as well as law enforce- ritain’s Paul Casey fi red four-stroke edge. India’s Anirban American James Hahn aced the TThe sporting think tank launched the hotline ment agencies to commence investigational an eight-under par 62, Lahiri shared third on 199 after a 158-yard, par-3 11th hole with an in December 2017 as a secure, anonymous way exchanges. matching the lowest third-round 65 with Americans 8-iron on his way to a 67 to stand to report instances of manipulation, breach of While specifi c details of all active investiga- round of his career, to J.B. Holmes and Brian Harman. on 204. integrity, and wrongdoing in sport. The hotline tions are confi dential, the ICSS is pleased that seizeB a four-stroke lead after Sat- Australia’s Jason Day shot 66 was designed to receive reports about “match so many members of the international sporting urday’s third round of the US PGA to stand in a pack on 200 with Wallace waltzes German fi xing, doping, sexual exploitation, corrupt community have felt empowered to report al- Travelers Championship. The Americans Bubba Watson, Ryan back nine, pips Olesen club ownership practices, human traffi cking legations of misconduct and integrity issues in 40-year-old Englishman, aided Blaum, Beau Hossler and Bryson England’s Matt Wallace made and other accusations of criminal activity”. sport through the hotline. This strong uptake by some swing advice from coach Casey, a 13-time European DeChambeau. fi ve birdies on te back nine of his The hotline was established by the ICSS’ Sport of the service over the fi rst six months shows Peter Kostis, seeks his third career Tour winner, hadn’t won any- “I put a little bit more pressure fi nal round to edge Thorbjorn Integrity Unit to help athletes, fans and those in- faith in the ICSS’s ability to eff ectively and US PGA title and second of the where since 2014 until capturing on my short game to step up,” Day Olesen in a tense struggle for vic- volved in the sports industry to report miscon- confi dentially manage sensitive and complex year after his bogey-free weekend March’s US PGA Valspar Cham- said. tory in the BMW International duct and sport integrity issues, in line with its investigations and refl ects the growing de- start at TPC River Highland in pionship, edging Tiger Woods “It has been a pretty good week Open at Pulheim yesterday. mission to safeguard sport. The platform is man- mand for independent investigations and in- Cromwell, Connecticut. and soon-to-be Masters cham- with the short game. I’m chipping It was a second European Tour aged by specialist ethics and case-management telligence services within the sports industry. Casey hit all 18 greens in regu- pion Patrick Reed by a stroke. really nice.” title of the season for Wallace, agency, WhistleBlower Security, who operate the lation for just the third time in his Casey had back-to-back bird- The Aussie holds out hope of who started the day two off the hotline around the clock, fi elding confi dential career to stand on 16-under 194 ies at the second and third holes threatening Casey on Sunday. lead and had to watch Olesen put reports via phone, e-mail and online. Only the for 54 holes with American Rus- and two more in a row to close “If you get away 2-under on the in a record fi nal round of just 61 Sport Integrity Unit has access to the incoming sell Henley second on 198. the front nine, a nine-footer at front side tomorrow and can get before he had even begun his own reports and the management of cases. Casey had complained of pull- the par-3 eighth and a 20-footer something going from 11 on, 13, round. Reports to date have included allegations of ing the ball off the tee but a lesson at the ninth. After a tap-in birdie 15 and one out of the last three, That 61 is the lowest round of match fi xing, doping, sexual exploitation, cor- with Kostis at the driving range at the par-5 13th, Casey drove the that’s where you can start push- the European Tour this season rupt club ownership practices, human traffi ck- saw him improve his posture and green at 15 and made a 23-foot ing,” Day said. and the lowest in BMW Interna- ing and other accusations of criminal activity adjust his stance closer to the ball eagle putt to jump ahead by three “You can put a lot of pressure tional Open history. But a bogey in a wide variety of sports. The SIU, under its to produce the low round of the strokes at 15-under. on the guys in front.” free fi nal round with those fi ve remit to investigate allegations of misconduct tournament. “That’s something I “Hit a real neat 3-wood in Watson has won the event birdies and a tee shot to the green and integrity violations across several areas rarely see, 18 greens in regulation, there,” said Casey of his ap- twice, once from six strokes back on the 16th saw the Briton edge a adversely aff ecting sport, has carried out a so whatever he told me worked,” proach. “I was in between clubs. in the fi nal round. He’s chasing shot past the Dane and hold on to provisional analysis of all claims and any sup- Casey said. Couldn’t aff ord to be short so I Casey too but admits it’s a long clinch the title. porting evidence provided. Gulf Times Monday, June 25, 2018 7 SPORT

CRICKET DAY-NIGHT TEST Dowrich rescues West Indies Buttler ton guides AFP upon coming into the attack. Bridgetown, Barbados When Rajitha accounted for Hope at the start of the second session, West Indian prospects hane Dowrich led yet of a decent fi rst innings total another West Indies looked grim, especially with rearguard with an un- the trend over the previous nine beaten half-century as day/night Test matches in other England to 5-0 series theS West Indies rallied from 53 parts of the world for bowlers for fi ve to reach stumps at 132 to hold sway with the pink ball without further loss on a rain- during the twilight period. hit opening day of the third But Dowrich and Hope bat- and fi nal Test match. ted with relative ease and will Almost half of the sched- be looking to extend what uled overs were lost to in- has already been a produc- termittent showers as day/ tive partnership deep into the sweep of Australia night Test cricket came to the second day. Lakmal, the fi rst Caribbean for the fi rst time, seamer ever to lead Sri Lanka ‘He’s in control - he’s a very cool, calculated customer with a lot of ability’ three years after the fi rst such in a Test, wasted no time in fi xture was played between making the most of the sport- AFP Australia and neighbours New ing track earlier in the after- Manchester, United Kingdom Zealand in Adelaide. Having noon when play got underway already played a vital role in in bright sunshine. the series with an unbeaten 125 Smith stabbed at the last os Buttler scored a daz- that rescued the West Indies in delivery of the fi rst over of the zling unbeaten century to the fi rst innings of the series in match and Dhananjaya de Silva guide England to a thrill- Trinidad two weeks earlier, the showed a safe pair of hands ing one-wicket victory wicketkeeper-batsman’s rich to come up with the catch at overJ Australia at Old Traff ord vein of form continued on his third slip. Danushka Gunathi- yesterday to seal an unprec- home ground Saturday at the laka, brought in eff ectively as edented 5-0 one-day series tri- Kensington Oval. Chandimal’s replacement in umph over their old rivals. His assured innings of 60 the middle-order, then showed England were in a parlous not out was well supported by good athleticism in sprinting position at 27 for four, chasing Jason Holder, the West Indies in from cover-point and div- Australia’s total of 205 all out, captain contributing 33 not out ing forward to take the catch when the gifted, powerful But- in an unbroken sixth-wicket millimetres from the turf as ler came to the crease and played stand of 79 and going some way Brathwaite could not control one a masterful innings. towards justifying his decision a delivery from Lakmal which Yet even though England to bat fi rst on a green pitch, lifted sharply at the batsman. crumbled further to 114 for eight, notwithstanding the struggles Kumara was also grateful the wicketkeeper kept cool as faced by the home side’s top for the support from his fi eld- wickets tumbled around him to order against a Sri Lankan at- ers when Kusal Mendis held a smash an unbeaten 110 off 122 tack spearheaded by stand-in good low catch at second slip balls and seal England’s fi rst 5-0 skipper Suranga Lakmal. when Powell pushed at a full- whitewash over Australia in any Appointed to lead the tour- length delivery without cover- form of men’s Cricket. ists with regular captain Di- ing the ball properly. It was a remarkable eff ort, nesh Chandimal suspended with the joint next highest Eng- for the match after being SCOREBOARD lish contribution being Adil found guilty of ball tamper- West Indies 1st Innings Rashid’s 20 although the number ing during the second Test in K. Brathwaite c Gunathilaka b 10’s 47-ball eff ort in a ninth- St Lucia, Lakmal swiftly dis- Lakmal ...... 2 wicket partnership of 81 was also pensed with openers Devon D. Smith c de Silva b Lakmal .2 key to helping the home side get Smith and Kraigg Brathwaite K. Powell c Mendis b Kumara 4 across the line. on a grassy pitch. S. Hope c Mendis b Rajitha ...11 When Rashid was out with 11 Lahiru Kumara, Sri Lanka’s R. Chase b Rajitha ...... 14 still needed, last man Jake Ball Captain Eoin Morgan holds the trophy as England team celebrate after their win in the fifth One Day International against Australia at Old Traff ord top bowler of the series, then S. Dowrich not out ...... 60 held up the Australian attack for cricket ground in Manchester, northwest England. (AFP) removed Kieran Powell cheap- J. Holder not out ...... 33 10 balls, allowing Buttler, who ly as well to have the home Extras (lb-6) ...... 6 got his ton with a second six, SCOREBOARD side reeling at eight for three. Total (46.3 overs, 5 wickets) to guide England home with a A one-hour break for rain of- ...... 132 handsome driven boundary, his Australia 3-90 (Head), 4-97 (Marsh), 5-100 (Paine), L. Plunkett c Paine b Richardson ...... 0 fered some respite to the home Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Smith), 2-8 12th, and nine balls to spare. A. Finch b Ali ...... 22 6-159 (Carey), 7-159 (Agar), 8-181 (Richardson), A. Rashid c Stanlake b Stoinis ...... 20 batsmen but when play re- (Brathwaite), 3-8 (Powell), 4-24 “I said to Jake if it’s two we’ll T. Head c Morgan b Plunkett ...... 56 9-193 (Lyon), 10-205 (Stanlake) J. Ball not out ...... 1 sumed Kasun Rajitha followed (Chase), 5-53 (Hope) run, if it’s one, we won’t. Great M. Stoinis c Ball b Ali ...... 0 Bowling: Ball 5-0-29-0 (1w); Curran 6-0-44-2 Extras (lb7, w5) ...... 12 up on an encouraging debut in Bowling: S. Lakmal 15-4-42-2, guts from him to soak up that S. Marsh st Buttler b Ali ...... 8 (2w); Root 3-0-32-0; Ali 8.4-0-46-4 (1w); Plun- Total (9 wkts, 48.3 overs) ...... 208 the second Test by dismiss- L. Kumara 16-5-40-1, K. Rajitha pressure and face those balls,” A. Carey c Buttler b Curran ...... 44 kett 4-0-19-1 (2w); Rashid 8-0-32-1 (1w) Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Roy), 2-19 (Bairstow), 3-23 ing Roston Chase immediately 10.3-1-36-2, D. Perera 5-1-8-0. said man-of-the-match Buttler, T. Paine run out (Buttler) ...... 1 England (Root), 4-27 (Morgan), 5-50 (Hales), 6-86 (Ali), praising his tail-end colleague at D. Short not out ...... 47 J. Roy b Agar ...... 1 7-114 (Curran), 8-114 (Plunkett), 9-195 (Rashid) the post-match presentation. A. Agar b Curran ...... 0 J. Bairstow b Stanlake ...... 12 Bowling: Agar 10-2-34-1 (1w); Stanlake 10- “We were determined to come K. Richardson run out (Ali/Buttler) ...... 14 A. Hales c Paine b Richardson ...... 20 1-35-3; Lyon 10-0-32-0; Richardson 9-0-51-3 out and try and win 5-0. We N. Lyon lbw b Rashid ...... 1 J. Root c Marsh b Stanlake ...... 1 (1w); Stoinis 8.3-0-37-2 (2w); Short 1-0-12-0 bowled fantastically well and B. Stanlake b Ali ...... 2 E. Morgan b Stanlake ...... 0 Result: England won by one wicket didn’t quite click with the bat. Extras (lb3, w7) ...... 10 J. Buttler not out ...... 110 Man-of-the-match: Jos Buttler (ENG) Games where you pull it out of Total (all out, 34.4 overs) ...... 205 M. Ali c Lyon b Stoinis ...... 16 Series: England win five-match series 5-0 nowhere are extra enjoyable.” Fall of wickets: 1-60 (Finch), 2-60 (Stoinis), S. Curran c Paine b Richardson ...... 15 Man-of-the-series: Jos Buttler (ENG). It capped a perfect week for England in which they had also become world record breakers by victory at Chester-le-Street Ali’s four wickets, was also able. We’re just trying to keep over the line. It was outstanding. compiling a 50-over total of 481 on Thursday. The 27-year- voted player of the series, hav- it going,” he said. England cap- “He’s in control - he’s a very at Nottingham on Tuesday. old, who also executed a bril- ing compiled 275 runs from the tain Eoin Morgan paid tribute to cool, calculated customer with a Buttler had then struck a liant run-out and stump- fi ve matches at an average of Buttler, saying: “We were very lot of ability. We got a lot out of Roshen Silva (left), Suranga Lakmal (centre) and Lahiru Kumara whirlwind unbeaten half-cen- ing yesterday as Australia 137.5. “I don’t think I’ve ever poor today and Jos really did pull that watching from the dressing of Sri Lanka confer during Day 1 of the 3rd Test against West tury to guide them to another succumbed largely to Moeen played better. It’s very enjoy- something special out to get us room.” Indies at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. (AFP)

TENNIS Cilic battles past Djokovic to claim Queen’s title AFP Djokovic is a lowly 22nd in Kvitova sees off Rybarikova to retain title London the ATP rankings after an em- barrassing French Open quar- Petra Kvitova displayed her credentials for a third Wimbledon title ter-fi nal defeat against Italian after beating Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova 4-6 6-1 6-2 to defend arin Cilic was journeyman Marco Cecchinato her title at the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham yesterday. crowned Queen’s earlier this month. He hasn’t The 28-year-old Czech claimed her fifth WTA title of the season, as Club champion for earned a major title since com- well as a tour-leading 37th match win of the year, as she came from the second time as peting his career Grand Slam by a set down to triumph. Mthe Croatian stunned Novak winning the 2016 French Open. Rybarikova started the contest on the front foot, punishing Kvitova Djokovic with a dramatic fi ght- Dogged by rumours he no for her whopping 22 unforced errors by converting two break points back in his 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 longer has the motivation to re- to take the opening set. Kvitova, on the back of fine serving, then victory yesterday. turn to the top, the 31-year-old’s roared back with consecutive breaks before levelling the match and Cilic was on the verge of a error-strewn collapse from such then moved up another gear to dominate the final set with a string third loss in the Queen’s fi nal a commanding position will be of powerful forehand winners. when Djokovic held a match especially troubling. “It’s amazing to defend a title,” Kvitova said courtside. “It’s not hap- point in the second set. But the Djokovic was under duress pened in a long time for me. world number six survived that early on as Cilic earned fi ve break “I was too nervous and Magda put pressure on me in the first set. It threat and then stormed back points in a marathon seventh was tough to fightback but I was relaxed and it paid off afterwards. from 4-1 down to take the sec- game, only for the Serb to wrig- “I’m going to Eastbourne (this week) for another tournament. We’ll ond set tie-break. gle out of trouble on each oc- see how it goes from there... but for sure Wimbledon is the next big Inspired by that escape act, casion. Despite spending much one for us.” Cilic powered through the de- of the set in damage-limitation Kvitova will be joined by the top two players in the world - Simona ciding set to leave Djokovic mode, Djokovic snatched the set. Halep and Caroline Wozniacki - and defending champion Karolina shell-shocked as he won the Firing some superb returns, Pliskova in Eastbourne, the final tune-up event ahead of Wimbledon, Wimbledon warm-up event for he converted his third set point which begins on July 2. the fi rst time since 2012. “It was when Cilic netted a backhand. a special win for me because last Croatia’s Marin Cilic celebrates with the trophy after winning the Queen’s Club final against Serbia’s Novak But crucially, Cilic saved a year I had a match point and Djokovic in London yesterday. (Reuters) match point at 4-5 in the sec- didn’t convert it,” Cilic said. “It ond set, with a thunderous was a tough match but I have Wimbledon last year. Both de- to claim only his second win in since the grass-court tourna- service winner setting the stage waited six years to get my hands feats were painful for Cilic, who 16 attempts against Djokovic, ment at Eastbourne 12 months for a thrilling tie-break. Djoko- on this trophy.” lost a fi nal set tie-break against clinching his 18th career ATP ago. Djokovic, a three-time vic raced into a 4-1 lead in the Djokovic tried to stay upbeat, Feliciano Lopez at Queen’s and title and his fi rst since Istanbul Wimbledon winner, had hoped breaker. Yet, with the title in his saying: “I have to congratulate broke down in tears during his last year. Winning the longest his 99th career fi nal - and fi rst grasp, he lost his composure, Marin on a fantastic week. He injury-plagued Wimbledon loss fi nal in Queen’s history - at two for a year - would be a signifi cant nervously double-faulting as deserved to win and came up to Roger Federer. hours and 57 minutes - was just landmark in his bid to return to Cilic rattled off six successive with some big shots. It’s a tough Former US Open champion reward for Cilic’s superb week the top after a wretched run. points to level the match. Cilic loss for me. But I have to see the Cilic also lost the 2013 Queen’s on the lawns of Barons Court, Instead, the Serb heads to produced the knockout blow in positive because I haven’t played fi nal and experienced fresh which banked him a cheque for Wimbledon with fresh doubts the fi nal set with a brilliant win- a fi nal in almost a year.” heartache against Federer in this £413,601 ($548,764). about his ability to recapture ner on the run to break in the It was a cathartic moment year’s Australian Open fi nal. For Djokovic, there was only the transcendent form that eighth game, earning a thumbs for Cilic who had fi nished as But he banished his nearly- frustration at his failure to fi n- made him a 12-time Grand Slam up from Djokovic that eff ectively the runner-up at Queen’s and man tag with a gutsy comeback ish off Cilic and win his rstfi title champion. signalled his surrender.

Monday, June 25, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ITALIAN BAJA Adel closes gap on T2 leader with 2nd place By Sports Reporter POSITIONS hind Piec. Pordenone, Italy Adel said: “We started the day Italina Baja T2 positions after leading T2. It was in our minds that SS6 the stage would be tough because it atar’s Adel Abdulla and 1. Tomasz Piec (POL)/Michal Marc- was the fourth and fi fth passes for French navigator Jean- zewski (POL) Toyota Land Cruiser all the cars, albeit from the other Michel Polato confi rmed 6hrs 52min 45.3sec direction. We pushed in the good second position in the 2. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Jean-Michel places and I was careful in the bad T2Q category for series production places, especially in the rivers. Polato (FRA) Toyota Land Cruiser cross-country vehicles at the 25th 7hrs 00min 20.0sec “Around 12km from the fi nish, we Italian Baja yesterday. 3. Ahmed al-Shegawi (SAU)/Lau- had a battery signal on and off and The Qatari, driving a new Toy- rent Lichtleuchter (FRA) Toyota something was wrong with the al- ota Land Cruiser, had led the sixth Land Cruiser 7hrs 06min 47.1sec ternator. We fi nished the stage with round of the FIA World Cup for a good time and maintained our Cross-Country Rallies at the over- FIA World Cup for lead. We came back to service and night halt before incurring time Cross-Country Rallies the mechanics discovered that the penalties and he eventually reached T2 standings after round 6: alternator had broken in the mud. the fi nish in Pordenone 7min 1. Ahmed al-Shegawi (SAU) 140pts Service time was only 30 minutes, 34.7sec behind the Polish duo of To- 2. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 117pts so it took us 46 minutes to change it masz Piec and Michal Marczewski 3. Konstantin Ivanov (RUS) 50pts and we were given a 16-minute pen- in their Toyota Land Cruiser. 4. Yuliya Khegay-Migunova (RUS) alty because of that. Arch rival Ahmed al-Shegawi and 42pts “We dropped from fi rst to second his French co-pilot Laurent Lich- 5. Marat Abykayev (KAZ) 36pts by 11 minutes. I pushed really hard tleuchter fi nished third and that 6. Alexey Titov (RUS) 25pts on the last stage to try to catch the enabled Adel Abdulla to close the 6. Tomasz Piec (POL) 25pts. Polish driver. We took time back but gap on the Saudi driver to 23 points we fi nished in second position. It is in the FIA T2 World Championship. a good result after all the problems Adel Abdulla had been quick- Two runs through a stage of we had from the beginning of the est through the fi rst of the three 87.41km were on the agenda for race and the 18 points is important. 86.85km Valvadrom special stages Sunday and the Qatari clocked a We managed to take three points between San Lorenzo de Arzena and time of 1hr 18min 32sec through the from al-Shegawi. There are still fi ve Valvazone on Saturday and anoth- opener, but he incurred 16 minutes rounds to go and the gap is only 23 er fastest time of 1hr 18min 42sec of time penalties after a time-con- points. “I say a big thanks to the through the second one gave the suming alternator change and duly Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Fed- Qatari the outright lead for the fi rst slipped behind Piec in the overall eration (QMMF) and Ooredoo Qatar time by the margin of 3min 48.3sec. standings heading to the fi nal stage. for their support and to our Govern- Al-Shegawi won the third pass in Al-Shegawi topped the times in ment for making this possible.” a time of 1hr 18min 06sec, but Adel the fi nal stage by 48 seconds but the Action in the FIA World Cup for Abdulla reached the overnight halt second fastest time confi rmed the Cross-Country Rallies resumes with an outright T2 lead of 4min runner-up position in the general with Baja Spain Aragon on 08.3sec over Piec. classifi cation for Adel Abdulla be- July 20-22. Qatar’s Adel Abdulla and French navigator Jean-Michel Polato (also inset) during the last stage of the 25th Italian Baja yesterday.

FORMULA 1 TENNIS Federer loses top spot aft er Coric Hamilton claims shock in Halle fi nal

AFP crowd favourite at the venue Halle Westfalen, Germany which styles itself after the All England Club. The 21-year- old had lost twice to Federer, orna Coric denied but pushed him all the way in French GP, takes Roger Federer the their last meeting at Indian 99th title of his ca- Wells in March. reer yesterday with a He was the fi rst Croatian to B7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-2 victory in reach the fi nal at Halle and he the fi nal of the ATP Halle grass now owns two titles after win- court event. Federer also lost ning in Marrakech in 2017. the world number one spot in Federer dropped the open- the ATP world rankings to Ra- ing set, won the second but championship lead fael Nadal heading into Wim- was unable to fi ght back after bledon, and missed a chance to going down 2-4 in the third. ‘Great work guys! I’m so happy for England as well. It’s a beautiful Sunday, everyone’ earn a record 10th title at the Coric moved out to 5-2 and German venue. completed his upset on a sec- Reuters “Winning always feels good, ond match point a game later Le Castellet, France losing should hurt and it does as a Federer volley hit the top a bit,” 20-time major winner of the net. The Swiss fi red Federer said. “I played what I a dozen aces but lost serve ormula One champion thought was my best match of twice. Federer’s excellent Lewis Hamilton won the week today. serving in the fi rst set - four French Grand Prix for “I didn’t play badly, but it love games, three points lost Mercedes yesterday to re- didn’t go my way, that’s un- on serve - could not prevent takeF the overall lead from Ferrari’s fortunate. Coric taking the opener in 57 Sebastian Vettel, who fi nished “I leave with my head held minutes. fi fth after a fi rst lap collision. high, I had a good run be- The Croatian withstood The victory was the 65th of tween Stuttgart (grass title last a Federer assault in the 11th Hamilton’s F1 career but the weekend) and Halle.” game, which lasted for nearly Briton’s fi rst in France, which Coric, the Croatian outsider 10 minutes and featured fi ve was returning to the calendar ranked 34th, also ended Fed- deuces. A game later, the Swiss after a 10-year absence, and erer’s 20-match win streak on seed took the set into a tie- continued a triumphant day for grass which stretched to June, breaker. English sports fans. “Great work 2017. The loss, in just over Federer reached a 5-3 mar- guys! I’m so happy for England two hours, came a week after gin and sent down his fi fth ace as well,” he said over the team Federer won his 98th title in to earn a pair of set points. radio, referring to the national Stuttgart. But Coric wiped out the fi rst soccer team’s 6-1 World Cup “It’s been an unbelievable with a service winner while rout of Panama in Russia. “It’s a week for me,” said Coric. “I a wild Federer backhand ac- beautiful Sunday, everyone.” came here to just get a few counted for the other. Seconds Hamilton, who had started on matches before Wimbledon. later, the Croatian seized the pole position, now leads Vettel by “I never imagined reaching set on his fi rst opportunity 14 points after eight of 21 races. the fi nal and beating Roger. from a Federer backhand long. The Briton has 145 and German “It’s an honour just to share “I tried to keep it calm, not 131. Red Bull’s Dutch 20-year- the court with him, it’s so spe- get over-excited,” Coric said. old Max Verstappen took the cial, I’ve always looked up to “We both served well. chequered fl ag in second place him and I remember watch- “A couple of points decided with Kimi Raikkonen completing ing him play with my parents the match. I was lucky in the the podium for Ferrari and Aus- -now I’m playing him.” (fi rst set) tiebreaker. If I had tralian Daniel Ricciardo fi nishing Coric, who accounted for lost the opening set, it would fourth for Red Bull. German second seed Alexan- have been tough for me to win. Hamilton had never before der Zverev in the fi rst round, “Now I just want to rest and won in France and his victory at held his nerve against the prepare for Wimbledon.” Le Castellet, a southern circuit that last hosted Formula One in 1990, set a record for the most wins at diff erent grands prix. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates with the trophy on the podium after winning the French GP yesterday. (Reuters) He had shared the record of 22 with retired seven-times world FRENCH GRAND PRIX RESULTS champion Michael Schumacher. He also extended his record of 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1hr 30min Honda) one lap, 15. Sergey Sirotkin (RUS/Wil- (FIN) 83, 6. Max Verstappen (NED) 68, 7. Nico wins at diff erent circuits to 26. 11.385sec, 2. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull- liams-Mercedes) one lap, 16. Fernando Alonso Hulkenberg (GER) 34, 8. Fernando Alonso There was drama at the start Renault) at 7.090, 3. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/ (ESP/McLaren-Renault) three laps, 17. Lance (ESP) 32, 9. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 28, 10. Kevin as Hamilton and Mercedes team Ferrari) 25.888, 4. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Stroll (CAN/Williams-Mercedes) five laps Magnussen (DEN) 27, 11. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 18, mate Valtteri Bottas lined up on Bull-Renault) 34.736, 5. Sebastian Vettel (GER/ Did not finish: Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force 12. Sergio Pérez (MEX) 17, 13. Esteban Ocon the front row with Vettel just be- Ferrari) 1:01.935, 6. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/ India), Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso-Honda), (FRA) 11, 14. Charles Leclerc (MON) 11, 15. Stof- hind in third. Vettel and Bottas Haas-Ferrari) 1:19.364, 7. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/ Sergio Pérez (MEX/Force India), Lance Stroll fel Vandoorne (BEL) 8, 16. Lance Stroll (CAN) collided as they jostled for po- Mercedes) 1:20.632, 8. Carlos Sainz (ESP/ (CAN/Williams), Fernando Alonso (ESP/ 4, 17. Marcus Ericsson (SWE) 2, 18. Brendon sition, with the German handed Renault) 1:27.184, 9. Nico Hülkenberg (GER/ McLaren-Renault) Hartley (NZL) 1 a fi ve-second penalty for caus- Renault) 1:31.989, 10. Charles Leclerc (MON/ ing the collision. The incident Sauber-Ferrari) 1:33.873, 11. Romain Gros- World championship standings Constructors dropped both to the back of the jean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) one lap, 12. Stoff el Drivers 1. Mercedes 237 pts, 2. Ferrari 214, 3. Red Bull fi eld after pitstops while the Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren-Renault) one lap, 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 145 pts, 2. Sebastian 164, 4. Renault 62, 5. McLaren-Renault 40, safety car was deployed for four 13. Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber-Ferrari) one Vettel (GER) 131, 3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 96, 6. Force India 28, 7. Haas 27, 8. Toro Rosso- laps with debris scattered across lap, 14. Brendon Hartley (NZL/Toro Rosso- 4. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 92, 5. Kimi Räikkönen Honda 19, 9. Sauber 13, 10. Williams 4. the track from other accidents. Two of the three French driv- ers retired on the spot, with turned to the pits for a new front Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen losing two places three laps from ie Charles Leclerc a fi ne 10th Force India’s Esteban Ocon and wing while Bottas limped back fi nished sixth for the Haas team, the end when his car lost power. for Sauber and denying Haas’s Borna Coric from Croatia poses with his trophy after defeating Roger Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly the on three wheels and a rim with with Bottas seventh and Carlos Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg took French driver Romain Grosjean Federer of Switzerland in the final of the ATP Halle tournament unlucky casualties. Vettel re- the remains of the tyre fl ailing. Sainz eighth for Renault after ninth place with Monaco rook- his fi rst point of the season. yesterday. (AFP)