Neymar Dazzles As Brazil Storm Into Quarter-Finals

SPORT Tuesday 3 July 2018 PAGEE | 18 PAGPAGE | 19

‘Pointless’ to look ‘Remember‘Rem you’re beyond Colombia,mbia, one ofo us’, Uruguay says Southgatehgate ttellell GriezmannG

Brazil’s Neymar (left) scores their ﬁrst goal during their FIFA 2018 World Cup oRoundund of of 1 616 match match agai againstnst Mexico Mexico at at the the SamaraSamara ArenaArena yesterday.yesterday. Neymar dazzles as Brazil storm into quarter-finals BRAZIL MEXICO REUTERS YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Itt bbeganegegan whewhenn he whilewhilwhw e preferringpreferringing to talkk aboutaboa out hishis darteded acrossacrocross thethe ededgege ofof improvingimimprmmproving siside,de, wwho seemem to beb SAMARA: Neymar barged his BRAZIL 2-0 MEXICO the area beforebefbe ore a perfectperfect findingfindndn ingi their rhythmrhythm afterafterr a third 2 0 way into the World Cup lime- backheelkheel relreleasedeased thethe successivesucccessiesssivev 22-0-0 victovictory.ry.y NEYMAR JR - 51' light with a goal, an assist and excellentellenent Willian,WiW llian, whosewhose FIRMINO - 88' another helping of histrionics BELGIUM 3-2 JAPAN low crosscross fizzedffizzed intointo thethe as Brazil roared into the dangergere areaareaea wherewhere NeymarNeymar quarter-finals with a 2-0 slid inn too tturnurn the ballb homhomee victory over Mexico yesterday. TODAY'S FIXTURES for his secondsecoond ggoaloalal ofo thet he The Paris St Germain tournament.namnament. forward was both architect SWEDEN VS SWITZERLAND Itt wwasas a chochokingkingingg bblblobloww 5.00PM and executioner for Brazil, for Mexico,MMexiexico, whowh hadha who inflicted a seventh COLOMBIA VS ENGLAND beenn the betterbettteter sidede straight last-16 exit on the 9.00PM for thethhe openingopenpening halff central Americans, sliding an hour,hoour, butbu it was home in the second half and not thetht mannermannnner ofof then teeing up Roberto Firmino late ever really being put to the sword. defeat but Neymar’sNeymamar’s habithahabibit on. For all their quasi-mythological of constantlyy hittinghittinting thethhe Yet the less attractive side of attacking traditions, this Brazil side deck that mostost irkedirkedd theth his game was also on display, as he have a pragmatism that keeps them Mexico coach.h. writhed on the floor, seemingly in in check in such a way that you “Unfortunately,unately,, andd agony, after Mexico’s Miguel Layun cannot see them ever truly cutting it is a shamehame foforr had made the slightest contact with loose at this tournament. football, we wastedwasteed a his ankle, before making an imme- Having kept clean sheets in lot of time becauseecausee of diate and miraculous recovery. seven of their previous eight games, one player,”,” JuanJuauan That should not overshadow they were never going to commit Carlos Osorioo sasaid.aidid. his generally positive performance, men forward and allow Mexico to Brazil, whoho will however, as the five-times cham- pick them off in the same way that have to do pions beat an otherwise stubborn Germany did in the group stage. without defensivensive Mexico, whose World Cup began That is not to say that they midfielderd er with such promise with a victory were not under the cosh in the early Casemiro inn the over champions Germany, but stages, however, as Hirving Lozano quarters aftererrh hhee ended in familiar fashion in the first had an effort blocked after two picked up hishis knockout round. minutes, as did Hector Herrera, but second booking,ingng, It was the seventh World Cup as the first half wore on, Brazil got had to wait untilununtil running that Brazil have reached on top in the stifling Samara heat. the 88th minuteutete the last eight, where they will now A glaring spotlight had been on to put tthehehe face Belgium or Japan, while Mexico Neymar after his opening three per- match to bed.d. have not made it to that stage since formances saw him miss a litany of Neymar wwasas Neymar they hosted the tournament in chances, frequently squander pos- the architect,iteitecct, celebrates 1986. session and spend far too long on crossing for Firmino,Firminono, after Mexico, who enjoyed an the turf. who is becomingommingin somethingsomsomeethithhinng ofo a scoring the enviable recent record against Yet he answered a number ‘supersub’ foror BBrazil,razirazil, ttoo tatapp ththee baballalll opening Brazil having won seven of their of questions with his display and home. goal previous 15 matches against them, a decisive finish early in the Brazil coachach TiteTitte waswwaas unsurpris-unsurppris- against were a threat on the counter in the second half from a move that he ingly supportivertiveve of NeymNeNeymar,ar,, disdis-s- Mexico first half but then faded without had started himself. missing accusationsusatsations of playacting,playactintinng, yesterday. 18 SPORT TUESDAY 3 JULY 2018

England’s ‘Pointless’ to look beyond hungry to end 12-year knockout Colombia, says Southgate drought AFP AP England’s coach Gareth MOSCOW: England coach Southgate gestures on the MOSCOW: Young and inex- Gareth Southgate said it was touchline during the Russia perienced, England is still “pointless” to look beyond his 2018 World Cup Group G hungry to beat Colombia and team’s World Cup last-16 tie match against Belgium at end its run of 12 years without against Colombia today despite the Kaliningrad Stadium in winning a World Cup the wide open nature of their Kaliningrad on Thursday. knockout game. side of draw. England has the joint- Following Spain’s surprise youngest team left in the exit against hosts Russia, England tournament along with are the only team remaining in France, and the team with their half of the draw to have players who have the fewest previously lifted the trophy. international appearances. But they have not won a Today’s game against knockout game at a major tour- Colombia in the round of 16 nament in 12 years, since David is “a great opportunity to go Beckham’s free-kick sealed a 1-0 beyond where more experi- victory over Ecuador at the 2006 enced teams went before and World Cup. I think they’re relishing the “I think we’ve been in this chance,” coach Gareth position before many times over Southgate said yeserday. the last however many years,” “You want to be involved said Southgate. in the games that matter and “It’s pointless about us even the lads have the chance to thinking about what might write their own stories now.” happen after tomorrow’s game. The last time England We’re focusing on tomorrow’s won a World Cup knockout performance and then maybe game - or any knockout game things will fall into place.” - was a 1-0 victory over Victory against Colombia would Ecuador in the 2006 World send England through to a Cup. quarter-final against Sweden or “We are the youngest Switzerland. If they made it past team left in and we are the that hurdle, Croatia or Russia most inexperienced team left would be waiting in the last four. in, but we’ve got some old However, Southgate used fogeys as well who help the England’s shock defeat to tiny younger ones to get through Iceland in the last 16 at Euro 2016 it and show super lead- as a warning not to get carried ership,” Southgate said. away. They then lost 1-0 to Belgium poor record in penalty shootouts two games, but Colombia star dangerman for England’s One key player is “Maybe it’s a trap we’ve as Southgate made wholesale is well-documented -- they have James Rodriguez remains a defence. The Colombian is back 22-year-old Dele Alli, who fallen into in the past,” he said. changes, but the England boss lost six out of seven at major doubt. on top form at Monaco after two has recovered from a thigh “A few of these players were wants his players to stick with tournaments. The Bayern Munich mid- dismal years at Manchester strain that sidelined him from in the last (European) champi- the same philosophy that has Southgate himself missed the fielder limped off with a calf United and Chelsea. England’s last two games. onships. There was a fixture they brought them success. decisive spot-kick in a Euro 96 problem during the first half of “I think you have to At the older end of the felt was one that should be won. “It’s a game we’re really semi-final with Germany, but the Colombia’s 1-0 win over Senegal, remember when he was playing scale, the 32-year-old Ashley And then having gone behind looking forward to, the sort of former defender believes his although Jose Pekerman said it in England he was recovering Young said he would be keen from being ahead and feeling match you want to be involved team are ready for any such was not a “serious injury”. from an ACL (anterior cruciate to take a penalty if the comfortable they realised that in,” Southgate said. situation. “Whether James plays or not ligament) injury,” Southgate said. Colombia game goes to a maybe some of that approach “We’ve got to concentrate on “We’ve been through the changes the profile of the left “I think he was never quite shootout. wasn’t correct. our football, playing with the various drills to prepare,” he side a little bit, but they have very at full fitness but he seems to England fans and players “I don’t expect the same same style we’ve played said. “Once we get to that point good players to come into the have rediscovered that at have long worried about the tomorrow.” throughout the tournament. we sort of know our ranking of team,” Southgate said. Monaco. team’s poor run in shootouts, England scored eight goals “We need to play with the players. We’re prepared but “We’ve analysed them and “We know the quality of his without a win since 1996, but in their opening two matches, same mentality and freedom and there’s a lot of football before we think we know the areas finishing. He’s a player we know the team has been working beating Tunisia 2-1 with a late to continue to attack the tour- that point.” Dele Alli is fully fit where we need to be ready and all about and we don’t judge him on psychological techniques Harry Kane goal before thrashing nament the way we have.” - and could return in England’s the areas we can exploit.” on the period he had in the to cope with the pressure and Panama 6-1. Ready for penalties - England’s midfield after missing the past Radamel Falcao will be another Premier League.” Young said he’ll volunteer if needed. Beating Colombia would set up a quarterfinal against either Sweden or Swit- Sampaoli facing sack after World Cup shambles: Press zerland, potentially offering England a simple route to a first semifinal appearance AFP and found 82 percent Newspaper Clarin since 1990. wanted rid of the former attributed “40 sins” to The team has repeatedly BUENOS AIRES: Argentina Chile and Sevilla boss. Sampaoli, including “never denied it’s looking beyond the coach Jorge Sampaoli is Sampaoli’s record since fielding the same side two Colombia game, something heading for the exit door he was hired in June 2017 matches running” and Southgate called “pointless.” following his team’s World makes grim reading given “arguing with his assistant He added that England Cup elimination by France, Argentina’s usually high (Sebastian) Beccacece in has taken note of how reports said yesterday. standards: seven wins, four front of the players”. Colombia beat Poland 3-0 in Rumoured to be at draws and four defeats in Television viewers also the group stage. odds with his players, 15 matches. saw Sampaoli cutting an “We’re a team that including captain Lionel He was hired with a big increasingly isolated figure doesn’t carry any pas- Messi, Sampaoli is expected reputation after guiding during the thrilling 4-3 sengers,” Southgate said. to be sacked after just a Chile to the 2015 Copa defeat to France on Sat- “Everybody has to press year in charge, even though America title -- beating urday, celebrating his side’s and work for the team.” Eng- there are another four Argentina on penalties in goals on his own with land’s players may know years to run on his the final. He took over the neither players nor Colombia star striker contract. Argentina reins with the members of staff joining Radamel Falcao best from his “More alone than a two-time world champions him. scoring droughts with Man- lone madmen,” screamed struggling to qualify for the He did not win any fans chester United in 2014-15 and sports newspaper Ole on its finals in Russia after an by describing elimination Chelsea in 2015-16, when he front page. “The exit is that underwhelming World Cup as “a frustration” rather scored just five Premier way.” qualification campaign. than a “failure”. League goals. However, The problem lies, Sampaoli’s team drew His compatriots, Mau- Argentina’s coach Southgate said his players though, in Sampaoli’s the first three qualifiers of ricio Pochettino of Tot- Jorge Sampaoli wouldn’t underestimate the reluctance to resign and a his rein but Messi scored a tenham and Atletico gestures during Monaco forward. contract clause that would hat-trick in a 3-1 win at Madrid’s Diego Simeone, the 2018 FIFA “I thought he was never oblige the Argentine Ecuador in the final match have been touted in the World Cup round at full fitness” in England due Football Association (AFA) to send Argentina to Russia. press as possible of 16 match against to an earlier knee injury, to pay the 58-year-old But things quickly replacements. France at the Kazan Southgate said. around $15m to get rid of turned sour during the He is expected to arrive “Every time he plays for Arena in Kazan on him, reports said. tournament itself as Messi back in Buenos Aires his country, his movement in Saturday. “Management want missed a penalty in a 1-1 tomorrow with his the box is outstanding. We Sampaoli to go, but the draw with minnows backroom staff but not the know the quality of his fin- coach is resisting,” added Iceland, followed by a players, who have already ishing, so he’s a player that Ole, which organised a poll chastening 3-0 defeat to left Russia by their own we know all about and we among 100,000 Argentines Croatia. means. wouldn’t judge him on the period he had in the Premier League, that’s for sure.” TUESDAY 3 JULY 2018 SPORT 19

Pekerman plots England’s downfall REUTERS Southgate MOSCOW: The Argentine backs Delph’s architect of Colombia’s stunning return to the World Cup in Brazil, decision to go Jose Pekerman may be poised for an even greater coup in home for birth Russia should he successfully REUTERS plot the downfall of Gareth Southgate’s England in the round of 16. MOSCOW: England manager The 68-year-old Pekerman, Gareth Southgate has backed who is the first coach to guide midfielder Fabian Delph’s Colombia to the knockout decision to go home before rounds at successive World Cups, today’s round of 16 World Cup will bid to take ‘Los Cafeteros’ to clash with Colombia to be a second quarter-final today, with his wife who is due to four years after their stellar run give birth. in Brazil. Manchester City mid- A confident England may fielder Delph returned to represent Pekerman’s sternest England directly after playing test since Colombia were the full 90 minutes of their knocked out by the 2014 hosts 1-0 loss to Belgium in Kalin- in Fortaleza. ingrad with his wife Natalie But success would open a due to give birth on smooth road to the final, with Saturday. Brazil, France and Belgium all But yesterday he was still jostling in the other side of the in England, reducing his draw. chances of returning in time Already bestowed citizenship for the game. for his services to Colombian “The thought process is football, Pekerman was feted by that some things in life are huge crowds in Bogota after more important than midfield magician James Rod- football,” said Southgate Colombia’s forward Falcao (left) passes by Colombia’s coach Jose Pekerman (centre) during a training session at the Spartak Stadium riguez and his team mates when asked at a news con- in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against England. stormed into the 2014 ference about allowing the quarter-finals. player to head home. An offer of the presidency Argentina was probably unfazed Handing Lionel Messi his Steering them through qual- faces a similar conundrum man- “His wife is due to go into might almost be expected if by it, having developed a thick international debut, Pekerman ifying, Pekerman became a aging the fitness of Rodriguez, labour - I have said all along Pekerman can go further in skin from a bruising career in led Argentina to the 2006 World national hero for helping end the who was forced off with a leg to the players that this is a big Russia. Argentine football. Cup but his tenure ended in nation’s 16-year World Cup injury early in their 1-0 win over tournament but family is Yet, barring a thrilling 3-0 A serious knee injury ended acrimony, the quarter-final drought. The Colombian team in Senegal. more important,” added the demolition of Poland in Kazan, his own playing ambitions in the defeat by hosts Germany marred Russia is more seasoned than the “I don’t like speaking about England manager, who said the current campaign has been 1970s and he drove taxis among by a mass brawl between the wide-eyed outfit that landed in individual players but we have Delph has been a key part of more hard work and less salsa- other odd jobs before rein- players. Brazil but each campaign has a lot of potential as a team,” the squad. dancing joy for the South venting himself as a manager. He resigned immediately produced similar challenges. Pekerman told reporters on “I think it is very Americans. Famous for getting the best and spent years in the coaching Pekerman lost Radamel Monday. important, at times like this, Pekerman came under fire out of young talents, Pekerman wilderness, taking a string of jobs Falcao to injury before the 2014 “We have come to this World that players who are family- from Colombian media after coached Argentina’s Under-20 in the Mexican league. tournament and his ability to Cup hoping to do what we are orientated are supported by their 2-1 defeat to Japan in the teams to world titles in 1995, Colombia, a country he knew prepare the team without the ready to do in Brazil -- play a us. He has been exceptional, first group match. 1997 and 2001, before taking well during his playing days as influential striker was important good tournament and show that we have been so fortunate to But the thin man from Villa over the senior team in 2004 for a midfielder for Independiente in their success. we are on the same level as top have a squad of players Dominguez in the northeast of a stormy two-year stint. Medellin, came calling in 2012. Four years on, Pekerman teams like England.” whose character and spirit have formed an incredible bond while we have been away and he has been funda- mental to that. I can’t speak Rooney says he ‘needed’ MLS highly enough of his character around the group,” he said. move as new challenge looms Delph would probably have been on the bench against Colombia with a AFP lucrative payday. potential role to add some “I’m not here to see out my defensive steel to the midfield WASHINGTON: Former last few years,” Rooney said. later in the game. England and Manchester United “I’m here to compete and I’m Southgate said there was star Wayne Rooney said here to win.” still a chance he could be back yesterday his move to D.C. That could be tough at the for the match at the Spartak United and Major League Soccer start. United is at the bottom of Stadium in Moscow. was the change he “needed” at MLS with two wins and 10 points “He might be with us, he the “right time for me.” from 13 matches. is buying his wife curries The 32-year-old striker was “It’s an exciting challenge,” and all sorts of things to try unveiled yeserday by D.C. Rooney said. to aid the speed of the United after leaving Premier “I’ve watched the league process but for me, again, it League side Everton and from afar the past few years. We is a bit of perspective in life agreeing to terms with the strug- stadium, $200m Audi Field. need to improve. That’s clear to because everybody says you gling US capital team on a 3 1/2- “The game has grown so see. We need to get better only get one chance to be in year deal worth a reported much over here, new stadiums, results. a World Cup but also there $13m. big crowds,” Rooney said. “I’m “This team has some young is only one day in your life “I think it’s what I needed,” excited by the project.” talent and they can improve when your children are Rooney said. “It was the right Rooney cannot sign a con- with some guidance. They can born,” he said. time for me.” tract with United until the learn some things from me and The England manager Rooney is due to make his transfer window opens on July I can learn some things from accepted. however, that such debut for the club on July 14 10. them. I’m looking forward to the an approach would have been England’s Ashley Young during the press conference on the eve against Vancouver when United The Merseysider vowed he challenge. I’m excited and I can’t considered unusual in the of the FIFA 2018 World Cup match against Colombia opens its new 20,000-seat had not moved to MLS for a final wait to get started.” past. ‘Remember you’re one of us’, Uruguay tell Griezmann

REUTERS enjoys the ‘mate’ tea loved by looked chilled off the pitch - a other day,” said midfielder but if there’s something we the South Americans. contrast with their hard tackling Rodrigo Bentancur. “Today he know, it’s how to turn a game in NIZHNY NOVGOROD, “Griezmann is very Uruguayan, and famous “garra” or fighting worked on his recovery. His our favour,” added Nandez. RUSSIA: Uruguay’s players he passes himself off as a Uru- spirit on it. After beating Por- mood is very good. We have just Bentancur looked bemused urged France forward Antoine guayan. For him, it’s going to be tugal 2-1 to secure a quarter- have to wait and see how his when a Russian journalist Griezmann yesterday to a special game, like for us,” mid- final spot, they celebrated with recovery goes each day, and informed him a street near remember his links and fielder Nahitan Nandez told a barbecue and family visits. how he feels.” The players are Nizhny Novgorod Stadium affection for their country ahead reporters at the Uruguayan base The only cloud in the Uru- under no illusion of the carried his name. “What a coin- of Friday’s World Cup quarter- outside Nizhny Novgorod where guayan camp was a calf injury enormity of their challenge cidence. Let’s hope it brings final. they will play Friday’s game. to two-goal hero Edinson against France, who dumped luck!” he said. The Frenchman plays with “All I can say is that we hope Cavani, who was helped off the out Argentina in a 4-3 thriller Another local feature that Uruguayan defenders Jose he behaves well on the pitch and pitch by Cristiano Ronaldo and featuring two goals from pacy initially irked the Uruguayans Gimenez and Diego Godin at remembers he is half Uru- is now fighting to get fit for teenager Kylian Mbappe. was the fact their hotel is Atletico Madrid, met them at guayan!” Such is the close rela- Friday. “They look good, their speed painted in Brazil colours. But Madrid airport in a Uruguayan tionship that Godin is godfather “He’s very happy with qual- play is incredible. We’ll try and after four wins in four, maybe shirt when they sealed qualifi- to Griezmann’s daughter. ifying and with his own per- stay tight,” said Bentancur. that is becoming a lucky omen cation for Russia, and even As usual, the Uruguayans formance and the team the “They have good players... too. 20 SPORT TUESDAY 3 JULY 2018 TUESDAY 3 JULY 2018 SPORT 21

Zlatan Sweden inspired by heavyweights’ fall Ibrahimovic

AP Swedish players train at the Saint 3/ # 6 %&)( Petersburg Stadium yesterday. ST. PETERSBURG: Day by day, the heavyweights of international foot- "7 "78 ball are dropping out of the World ThvQrr i t Cup, and that’s giving countries like

Sweden reason to dream. /,01 /, 6yyvr Lionel Messi and Argentina, along rrvt REUTERS Juventus and his importance with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to Jose Pekerman’s Colom- - the reigning European champion - KEY FACTS &)& ./)) REPINO: For all the talk about bian side. were eliminated on Saturday. A day England’s progress under England right-back Colombia’s last two meetings with European opponents at later, Spain, one of the pre-tourna- Gareth Southgate, his youth- Kieran Trippier, who * ment favorites, was upset by host ,. < ful side have yet to be truly impressed so much in the the World Cup have ended in 3-0 wins -- against Poland at the nation Russia. Germany, the defend- / examined in this World Cup opening two games, says the current tournament and against Greece four years ago. ing world champion, never made it No Zlatan, but today’s last 16 opponents Colombia secureed a players are well aware of the out of the group stage. / "6! All 23 members of England’s squad are based at English ; 5! Colombia will certainly ask dramatic 1-0 victory challenge facing them. * “Some of the results are purely over Senegal that clubs. Colombia have just three home-based players in their the right questions. “We have done a lot of fascinating,”asc at g, Sweden S ede coach coac Janne Ja e & )) .& no problem catapulted the South squad. ($'($$$'' With or without their tal- work on them. When you England have not won a knockout match at a major Andersson said yesterday, a day ($' " .& &% & ("# ("' ($# ented number 10 James Americans into the look at the players they’ve got * before his team plays Switzerland in 1/, 01 5/"0 )* Rodriguez, the South Ameri- World Cup last 16 and in the team and the way thethe championship since they beat Colombia’s neighbours Ecuador the nnext-to-last game in the round of B A # , . )) B A /0 )& Hhpu B @ for Sweden can possess plenty of talent dumped their African qualifiedqualified in ttheirheir grogroupup aass 1-0 in 2006. 16,16, “a“andand it really shows that the greatgreat-- vr vr 5 # ( %) r ' )% Hhpu! and their run to the quarter- opponents out of well,well, they’vethey’ve gogotot ssosomemme qqual-ual- Colombia coach Jose Pekerman fielded 45 different players est,est, biggestb nations won’t win all the # , %% 12 $& Hhpu" finals in Brazil four years ago tournament. ityity plpplayerslaayeers anandnd wewe nneedeeed tto to b bee * titime.me. AFP during his team’s 18-match qualifying campaign. showed they are capable of awareawwara e ofo tthat,”hahatt,” hehe ssaid.aaiid.d “T“That,That,T to me, is a source of inspiinspi-- 59 / 59 / Pekerman is coaching at a World Cup for the third time and 59 / 12 030314 "0/03"03" :! "!; something England haven’t TrippierTTrripppier ssuggestedugggeg stteed EEng-ngg- * rarationtionn if anything.” ' & ' SAINT PETERSBURG: Shorn of a super- England earned the $* ) $( managed in 12 years -- win- landlaandd wwilliill cocontinuentinue wwithitth ththee reached the quarter-finals on both previous occasions - with TheT draw already guarantees star since Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement, ning in the knockout stage. right to play the apapproachpproach ttheyheey hahaveveve sshownhhoownw his native Argentina in 2006 and with Colombia in 2014. )' % )& Sweden were not expected even to make '& England qualified from Colombians today after so ffarara iinn ththishisis ttournamentoouurnnaammene t an andd Radamel Falcao is Colombia’s all-time leading scorer **& )$'% it to the World Cup but now they are Group G thanks to wins over a 1-0 loss to Belgium indeedindeed SSouthgateoouuthgagatete i sis eex expectedpeectctedd *with 30 goals. He is playing at his first World Cup at )% )' within reach of their first quarter-final last Thursday to finish $=+ ''+ Tunisia and Panama and with to returnrettururn toto tthehehe lline-upinne-uup tthathhat the age of 32 and scored his first goal in the finals for 24 years. runners-up in their their place booked they he sstartedtartedd wwithith inin t thehehe o openerpep neer against Poland. After eliminating the Netherlands and fielded a second-string side group. againstagainst TuTTunisia.unissiiaa. Thpruvyvxr Italy in qualifying, Sweden played their Previous meetings: rhqv in their 1-0 defeat to a simi- It meansmeans DDeleele AlAllili sshouldhoouuld part in sending defending champions Ger- The two sides have met five times, with qrvtrq larly weakened Belgium in a be backback in hhisis supsupportingpoorting rro orolelele 8hhpv)8hhhpv) irq many home early by topping Group F with strange final group game that Colombia’s James to ffive-goalive-goal sstrikertrikkerer HHarryaarrrryy three wins for England and two draws. thatthata Sweden, Switzerland, Croatia, %&%& Ehhrr victories over South Korea and Mexico. neither side showed much Rodriguez races to KaneKane aatt ththee expeexpensense oof of R Rubenubbeenn Their only competitive match was Russia,R England or Colombia will h puvrp In keeping with his squad, no-frills recover from a leg injury. desire to win. Loftus-Cheek.Loftus-Cheekk. be contesting the final in MosMos-- +,- -+,- - coach Janne Andersson is not a big name, at the 1998 World Cup, when +, '%+, ' ' The ‘prize’ for finishing ColombiaColombiia ddefensiveefensive m mid-idd- England won 2-0. cow in less than two weeks. having spent his entire playing and coach- second in the group, was to be fielderfielder CaCarlosrlos SSanchezannchezz Only one of those countries - ing career in his homeland. in the easier half of the draw Radamel Falcao’s failure expectseexpeects a titightghg t enencounter.counntteerr.. Their most recent England, in 1966 - has But the 55-year-old is credited with but all the talk of a ‘path’ to to make a strong impact in “They“T“Thhey hhahaveve a llotot ooff hihhis-s- match was a 3-2 previously won football’s great-great- instilled a teteam ethic and collective Monday, adding about Ibrahimovic: In the 3-0 win over Mexico that Andersson said he has ranked his entire creating the collective spirit that has the final risks under-estimat- the Premier League during totoryry aandndd ttopop p players,lal yeers, bu butut I Iaam amm win for England est prize. spirit that hhas made the Swedes a “Others have been allowed to take a clinched Sweden a place in the last 16, squad in terms of their proficiency from helped Sweden thrive despite a lack of ing the difficulty of their spells with Manchester suresuree tthathaat wwe hhaveave ththehe wwe weap-eapp- in 2005. It’s an opportunity Andersson much toughertoughe proposition. step forward when we lost one of the Andersson’s team had just 35 percent the penalty spot. Solidly in the top five standout individual talent. immediate obstacle. United and Chelsea, should ons. It is a mmatchattch wwherehheree wwee couldcoould never have imagined when After beatingbea Italy over a two-leg- world’s greatest footballers.” possession, completed only 143 passes, should be Granqvist, the captain, who “Sweden are definitely thriving as a Rodriguez, whose not disguise the fact that he bothboth hhaveave ththehe sasamemem cchanceshah nncces hehe tookt charge after Sweden got ged playoff tto qualify for the World Those around the team hoped and made 31 clearances. has already converted penalty kicks collective right now, the like of which we involvement is questionable is a prolific finisher and a real to ccontinueontinuue in in t thishih s Wo Worldrlld CCu Cup.upp. eliminatedellimminatedi in the group stage of the Cup, SwedenSweden topped a tough group players such as striker Marcus Berg “We have a clear game plan and we against South Korea and Mexico this have not seen since 1994,” when they as he is suffering from swell- threat. “Colombia“Coolommbia rerespectssppeccts t thesehheessee EuropeanEuEurroopeanp Championship in 2016, and containing Germany, Mexico and and playmaker Emil Forsberg would are playing according to that,” Anders- tournament, despite having plenty on reached the World Cup semi-finals, Swed- ing in his leg, was the Golden Likewise winger Juan opponentsopponen nts veveryry mmuchucch waswwaas soons to lose its biggest star, ZlaZla-- South KoreKorea,a and is two wins from emerge from Ibrahimovic’s shadow son said. “Our players have been his mind: His wife, Sophie, is due to give ish football journalist Kristopher Karlsson Boot winner in 2014 with six Cuadrado’s disappointment bebecausecauuse ththeyheyy hhaveavve shshownowwn tatanan IbIbrahimovic,brahimovic,b to retirement. emulating SwSweden’s class of 1994 that at the World Cup. But Sweden’s suc- incredibly loyal to that and that’s why birth back in Sweden today. said. goals and before his fitness at Chelsea needs to be set ththeyey hhaveavve grgreateaeat popower,wer, bbututut SwedenSweden ““hadhad to rrebuildebuild ffromrom reached the World Cup semifinals. cess in Russia has largely come down we are here today.” “I’m fully focused on the game “Its been a perfect storm for Sweden problems was showing signs against his impressive per- we ccanann aalsollso ddo a tthinghihingg oorr scratch,”sccrratch,”t Andersson said, and that “Ever sisincen Janne took over, we’ve to its obdurate defense, which kept With Russia and Croatia advancing tomorrow and my wife is very strong,” with Zlatan finishing his international of that form again. formances in Serie A for two,”two,” he ssaid.aiaid.d meantmmeanntn constructing a team no longer built and lalaid a new foundation,” clean sheets in victories over South via shootouts Sunday, the Swedes have said the captain, who has no plans yet career and Janne Andersson coming in at focusedfooccuseds on one player. Instead, he center back Andreas Granvqist said Korea and Mexico. been practicing their spot kicks and to leave the team. the same time. “Every single player has bought into Andersson’s ideas of working hard for each other and having fun together as a 3/ # 6 %&)( Colombian players take bigger group outside the pitch.” part in a training session Arguably Andersson’s biggest deci- in Kazan ahead of their sion came when he decided not to Colombia motivated by England FIFA 2018 World Cup welcome back Ibrahimovic when the last 16 match against striker opened the door to a possible Th hxThqvHp England. return after Sweden saw off Italy in a two- /,01 /, legged playoff in November. disrespect, warns Woodward Ibrahimovic claimed “a World Cup 6yyvr without me wouldn’t be a World Cup” rrvt when Sweden failed to qualify four years Colombia team this week, reminding ago. '(& %&$ my players how England don’t respect Sweden’s all-time top scorer angered them. The England players will know many of his former fans with character- AFP Who on earth ever thought this too.” istically self-obsessed comments in the ,% ! !! that somehow Colombia Woodward, said there is no need lead-up to the tournament from across the "! """!!! ! LONDON: England manager Gareth to play players as Southgate did would be the easy route, one Atlantic, where he now plays his club foot- Southgate has risked ratcheting up against Belgium to sew unity within ball for Los Angeles Galaxy. World Cup last 16 opponents Colom- of the best attacking teams the squad. “I think it’s the biggest party in foot- bia’s motivation by fielding a B team in in world football and a side “I have been amazed how former ball, playing in the World Cup. All the best their last group game believing that who reached the Olympic players used unity in the squad as a players are there. Zlatan is not there... he ! %& $% '( # ## would earn them an easier route to the quarter-finals? Nobody reason for Southgate’s selection -- well, should have been there,” he told report- ! # "##$ '( &% %& ((%%%%%% final, warns England’s 2003 Rugby qualifying for the World if this is what creates unity, we have ers on the eve of the tournament. World Cup winning coach Clive Wood- Cup last 16 gets lucky: zero chance. Unity is simply everyone However, it is not just the media but 1/, 01 5/"0 )* ward. doing everything that is required of those inside the Swedish squad who rec- * )% Hhpu England earned the right to play the England’s 2003 Rugby them to win the next match even if that B C 5 # )+ %)%) BB B B B ognise the value in playing as a unit rather Colombians today after a 1-0 loss to Bel- World Cup winning coach is just carrying the water bottle, ,” said vr # & $& Hhpu! # ' **)) r r r than hoping for moments of magic from % )& Hhpu" gium last Thursday to finish runners-up Clive Woodward Wodoward. one individual. # 5 %+' &)&) in their group. On the plus side, though, Woodward “As a team, we play as a collective, all Woodward takes issue with the says Southgate has got his patriotic 12 030314 "0/03"03" the players together,” said goalkeeper Karl- selection policy of Southgate -- although in the 2003 World Cup with Wales, after juices flowing like no previous England Johan Johnsson. his Belgian counterpart Roberto Mar- taking their pedal off the gas for their football manager. ' & ( “With Zlatan, as a person, as a player tinez also made sweeping changes final two pool matches, to illustrate to “This is the World Cup knockout he’s an individualist, and the play goes %' ) -% -- but is more staggered by another Southgate the perils of tinkering with stages and, despite Belgium, I haven’t around him. Instead, now, we play more ( % )' facet of the thinking behind the winning line-ups and taking the sharp- been so excited about an England man- the team all together.” )&*( '& )-%.. policy. ness off the first team players. ager and his group of players for a long That strong team spirit has also been )) ). “The thing I am really struggling “Who on earth ever thought that time,” said Woodward. shown off the field. The entire Swedish squad with, though, is a much bigger point,” somehow Colombia would be the easy “They have built a genuine connec- stood alongside midfielder Jimmy Durmaz ')+ ''+ he wrote in the Daily Mail yesterday. route, one of the best attacking teams tion with the country and the as he denounced the messages of racial “England have hardly covered them- in world football and a side who opportunity of a lifetime is still there. hatred and death threats he received after selves in glory in tournaments over the reached the Olympic quarter-finals?” But there is no hiding place, this is when conceding a late free-kick from which Ger- T r T r last two decades yet they were wast- “Nobody qualifying for the World champion teams find a way of winning. many’s Toni Kroos scored to seal a 2-1 win. h rpyh rpyrr ing time and energy and getting Cup last 16 gets lucky. I can’t wait.” Sweden have now gone as far as they 8hhpv) vpuvpuu distracted thinking about possible quar- “The one team who will be relish- Only Woodward and the late Alf ever did with Ibrahimovic at a World Cup #$ trtrr hvtr hvt England’sEnngglanand’d s fofforwardrwrwarard HaHHarryarrrry KaKKaneanee ini n a acctcttionioon ter-finals and semi-finals. ing all this is Colombia -- what greater Ramsey who managed England to 1966 and could go much further in a wide open vrrvrrr duringduurringg aa ttrainingrainning ses sessionesssioion inn in R epeRepinopinino “Don’t even go there, just win the motivation than an England team believ- World Cup success, have delivered a half of the draw. hp hp yeyesterday,esstterddaay,y o onn th thehe eve eveve of of t hehtheirirr F IFIFIFAFA next match and the next after that.” ing playing them is an easier way to global trophy for the country that intro- Beat Switzerland and they will face hur r hur r 20182001188 WWorldororldd C Cupup R ouoRoundundn of of 161 16 mata matchtchch Woodward drew on his experience glory! duced the rest of the world to cricket, England or Colombia, with Croatia or Rus- +,- - againstagaainst CoCColombia.loombia. of a tough first knockout stage match “I would love to be in charge of the rugby and football. sia waiting as potential semi-final +, '% ' ' opponents. 22 SPORT TUESDAY 3 JULY 2018 Al Arabi kick Treble winners Al Duhail eye off pre-season repeat show in new season training THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA DOHA: Al Arabi have kicked off their DOHA: Qatar giants Al Duhail, pre-season training phase with their Al Duhail celebrate one of the top clubs in Asia, will first team huddle at the club premises. with their 2018 look to dictate terms in the Al Arabi, who finished the 2017-18 QNB Stars League season that Qatar Cup trophy season in seventh spot, trained under kicks off in August. in this file photo. the watchful eyes of Croatian coach Winners of the QNB Stars Luka Bonacic and his assistant Lotfi League title, Al Duhail have Raisi. already done what top teams The first training session also saw usually do: they have retained Syrian import Ahmed Saleh in action winning coach Djamel Belmadi and the entire squad of 22 players at while continuing with influ- the club headquarters. ential players like Moroccan Saleh has replaced Ivan Fustar Yousef Al Arabi, who was the whose contract was not renewed for top scorer last season, South the new season. Korea’s dreaded striker Brazilian midfielder Diego Jardel Nam-Tae Hee along with the is also with the team. ever reliable Brazilian Lucas The Al Arabi squad underwent Mendez. physical fitness drills before winding By winning three trophies up with light action. The club’s first last season, Al Duhail have phase of training will continue this raised the bar in Qatar and in entire week before Bonacic’s squad Asia with their indomitable sets for Europe for a two-week performances on a football training camp in Slovenia. pitch. Al Arabi’s European journey will Currently preparing for the last from July 5 to 22. new QNB Stars League season, Bonacic’s side will also play four Al Duhail will also feature in League quarter-finals in when they open the QSL season their roster, Al Duhail should their pre-season training two friendlies during their training camp the 2018 AFC Champions August, having reached the against Al Shahaniya on August set the tone when the new days ago. Belmadi and his in Slovenia. knockout phase of Asia’s 5. football season kicks off in a squad will leave for Austria on The team’s first friendly on July biggest club competition Winners of the Qatar few week’s time. July 10 for an 18-day trip to 9 will be against Serbia’s FK Voz- unbeaten from February until league title six times in the last No new player has been Europe. dovac, one of the first division teams. May this year. few years, Al Duhail will be a contracted for the 2018-19 Once they return to Doha, Al Arabi’s second friendly is Al Duhail will be For coach Belmadi’s side, massive force in the new season but there are some who Al Duhail will meet with Al scheduled against FC Kapsover, a the challenge lies within the season as well. have returned to the club such Rayyan on August 1 in the second division outfit in the Hun- looking to make early team itself. It remains to be Al Duhail are expected to as Mohamed Muntari, one-off final of the Sheikh garian league on July 14. inroads when they seen how they fare in the new have fierce battles with Doha Mohammed Al Bakri, who Jassim Cup. The third friendly will be on July open the QSL season season. With nothing to prove giants Al Sadd, former cham- ended his loan with Al Four days later, Al Duhail 18 against Slovenia’s FC Nafta while in terms of consistency and pions Al Rayyan and Al Markhiya, and Madibo, who will arrive at Al Sadd Stadium the fourth and the final game will be against Al Shahaniya win-ratio in team sports, Gharafa. A stable Al Duhail last returned to Al Duhail after his to launch the defence of the against Hungary’s ZTE on July 21. on August 5. Al Duhail will definitely be year looked unstoppable. With loan spell with Al Gharafa. QNB Stars League title they The new QNB Stars League looking to make early inroads reliable and in-form players on Al Duhail have kicked of handsomely won last season. season kicks off on August 4. More misery T20 Tri-Series: Stanlake stars for Warner in Canada as Australia hammer Pakistan AFP AP KING CITY, ONTARIO: HARARE: Australian fast bowler David Warner’s miserable Billy Stanlake demolished Paki- return to cricket continued on stan’s top order with four quick Sunday when he faced only wickets to set up a nine-wicket six balls for four runs as his win yesterday in the second Winnipeg Hawks team lost to match of the Zimbabwe Vancouver Knights by six Twenty20 Tri-Series. wickets at the Global T20 Rahul Dravid Ricky Ponting The Aussie pacer Stanlake Canada tournament. took 4 for 8 in his opening burst, On Friday, the former the most economical spell by an Australia vice-captain lasted ‘Hall of Fame’ for Australian in T20 international just two balls when he was cricket, and the second best ever dismissed for one run in his behind James Faulkner’s 5 for first game since his country’s Dravid, Ponting 27 the last time the two teams ball-tampering scandal. met. Winnipeg was put into bat His efforts held Pakistan to on Sunday and made 156-9 and Taylor 116 all out, a score Australia with opener Warner the first chased down with ease, with Australia’s strike bowler Billy Stanlake delivers a ball during a T20 man out, caught by Rassie van AFP honours at a glittering cer- captain Aaron Finch registering Tri-series match against Pakistan in Harare, yesterday. der Dussen off the bowling of emony in Dublin on Sunday. an unbeaten 68 as they cantered Sheldon Cottrell (3-28). NEW DELHI: Former “Only the very best home with more than nine overs Tion Webster top-scored captains Rahul Dravid of players in the world are rec- to spare. Shoaib Malik, who became before he was bounced out by in the innings with 49 not out India and Australia’s Ricky ognised for their contri- Stanlake had opened the the first male cricketer to play Jhye Richardson, while off 34 balls at the Maple Leaf Ponting have been inducted bution to cricket in this way first inning with fearsome pace 100 T20Is in the match, briefly 19-year-old Shadab Khan North-West Ground. in the ICC Cricket Hall of and I would like to congrat- and bounce, and had rallied alongside Asif Ali before cracked a four and a six to top In reply, Vancouver Fame together with England ulate Rahul, Ricky and Mohammad Hafeez fending the a horrible mix-up led his run out score with 29. reached 162-4 in 17.4 overs women’s wicketkeeper- Claire who are wonderful ball to Finch at first slip with his for 13. But Khan fell trying to with Hong Kong batsman batter Claire Taylor, the additions to the list of crick- third delivery. With Pakistan teetering at quicken the run rate in the Babar Hayat smashing 65 off world governing body said eting luminaries in the Hall Finch was back in the action 47 for 5, Ali counter-attacked final over, and Andrew Tye 33, including five sixes. yesterday. of Fame,” International two overs later, running from and launched a length delivery quickly wrapped up Pakistan’s Warner is serving a Dravid and Ponting both Cricket Council chief exec- first slip to gully to take a from medium pacer Marcus innings with two more wickets 12-month ban from Cricket scored more than 10,000 utive Dave Richardson said. stunning catch to remove Stoinis clean out of the ground as the side were bowled out Australia for his role in the runs in Tests and one-day Dravid became only the Hussain Talat. for six. one ball short of the full 20 ball-tampering incident internationals for their fifth player from India to be A rising leg stump delivery However Stoinis soon had overs. during the third test against respective nations. They and included in the list after had Fakhar Zaman caught by his revenge, bowling Ali for 22 Pakistan took an early South Africa in Cape Town in Taylor were given the Sunil Gavaskar, Bishan wicketkeeper Alex Carey, and as Pakistan slipped to 61 for 6. wicket against Australia when March. Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev and when Sarfraz Ahmed presented It was then left to Pakistan’s bowler Hasan Ali hurried D’Arcy Warner and former Aus- Anil Kumble. a regulation chance to Finch lower order to guide the team Short’s pull shot, but Finch tralia captain Steve Smith, Ponting is the 25th from at slip, Stanlake had his fourth beyond 100. ensured there were no further who was also banned due to Australia while Taylor is the and Pakistan were 24 for 4. Faheem Ashraf managed 21 slip-ups. the scandal, are free to play seventh woman overall and He countered Pakistan’s in Canada, where Smith is Dravid and Ponting the third from England to be SCOREBOARD spin threat with faultless also making his comeback. both scored more named in the list. Pakistan 7-91, 8-114, 9-116, 10-116 attacking strokes, twice The 45-year-old Dravid, M Hafeez c Finch b Stanlake ...... 0 Bowling: Stanlake 4-0-8-4 (1w); Richardson 4-0- launching Mohammad Nawaz David than 10,000 runs who amassed 13,288 runs in F Zaman c Carey b Stanlake ...... 6 22-1 (1w); Stoinis 3-0-17-1 (1w); Tye 3.5-0-38-3 over long on and smashing leg- Warner in Tests and ODIs 164 Tests with 36 centuries, H Talat c Finch b Stanlake ...... 10 (1w); Agar 4-0-27-0; Maxwell 1-0-3-0 spinner Shadab Khan for three for their respective is now mentoring Indian S Ahmed c Finch b Stanlake ...... 4 Australia more sixes as the game ended S Malik run out (Maddinson/Carey) ...... 13 D Short c Talat b Ali ...... 15 nations. They and youngsters as coach of India in a flurry of runs. ‘A’ and the Under-19 side. A Ali b Stoinis ...... 22 A Finch (not out) ...... 68 Finch hit six sixes in all, and Taylor were given Ponting, 43, ended his S Khan c Head b Tye ...... 29 T Head (not out) ...... 20 the game ended with a dropped F Ashraf c Tye b Richardson ...... 21 Extras (LB5, W9) ...... 14 the honours at a career in 2012, accumu- catch at long on that went for M Nawaz c Agar b Tye ...... 6 Total (1 wkt) ...... 117 glittering ceremony lating 13,378 runs in 168 H Ali c Agar b Tye ...... 0 Did not bat: G Maxwell, N Maddinson, M Stoinis, A four, summing up Pakistan’s in Dublin on Tests with 41 centuries and U Khan (not out) ...... 0 Carey, A Agar, A Tye, J Richardson, B Stanlake day. 13,704 runs in 325 ODIs with Extras (LB1, W4) ...... 5 Fall of wickets: 1-35 Australia will now face hosts Sunday. 30 centuries. Total (10 wkts) ...... 116 Bowling: U Khan 3-0-31-0, Nawaz 2-22, Ali 2-0- Zimbabwe in their second match Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-12, 3-19, 4-24, 5-47, 6-61, 18-1, S Khan 3.5-0-41-0 of the tournament today. They lead the points table. TUESDAY 3 JULY 2018 SPORT 23

Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his Wimbledon ﬁrst Federer round match against Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic at All England Lawn Tennis leaves Nike and Croquet Club in London. for Uniqlo in

Top seed Federer marched out on blockbuster Centre Court dressed for the first time in gear designed by Japanese deal giant Uniqlo in a deal reported to be BLOOMBERG worth $300m after a two-decade LONDON: Tennis great Roger association with Nike. Federer, long all but synon- ymous with Nike Inc., has parted ways with the swoosh. The eight-time Wim- bledon champion surprised many fans when he walked onto Centre Court for his first- round match yesterday afternoon in an outfit by Federer and Serena Uniqlo, the Japanese fashion brand owned by Fast Retailing Co. The Swiss superstar’s apparel contract with the breeze through Beaverton, Oregon-based athletic-wear giant expired on March 1. Federer’s name recog- nition boosts Uniqlo’s global Wimbledon furnace expansion efforts, especially in Europe, where the brand is opening new stores. Uniqlo has seen strong growth in places like China, helping international sales AFP top domestic revenue for two Serena Williams of the US tournament. Vekic, who sealed straight quarters. celebrates after winning the first the upset on her fourth match But the retailer may face LONDON: Eight-time round match against Netherlands’ point, faces Sweden’s Rebecca challenges in markets where champion Roger Federer and Arantxa Rus, yesterday. INSET: Peterson in the second round. rivals such as Inditex SA’s seven-time winner Serena Croatia’s Donna Vekic waves to the Third seed and 2017 runner- Zara and Hennes & Mauritz Williams shrugged off fans after winning against US player up Marin Cilic enjoyed a 6-1, AB’s H&M are more 30-degree heat to breeze into Sloane Stephens, yesterday. 6-4, 6-4 win over Japan’s established. the Wimbledon second round Yoshihito Nishioka. “Our partnership will be yesterday. Cilic, who won the Wim- about innovation on and off Federer, the defending bledon warm-up event at court,” Fast Retailing Chief champion and seeking a 21st Queen’s Club last month, fired Executive Officer Tadashi major, marked the start of his 21 aces and 44 winners past his Yanai said in a statement 20th successive Wimbledon 259th-ranked opponent. yesterday. with a new look and a com- He will face Guido Pella of Uniqlo didn’t disclose the fortable 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 win over Argentina for a place in the last contract’s terms or duration Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic. 32. but said Federer, who has Williams, like Federer, Second seed Caroline Woz- won a men’s record of 20 36-years-old but chasing a 24th niacki, who has never got to the Grand Slam titles, would rep- Slam title, enjoyed a hard- quarter-finals at Wimbledon, resent the brand at all tennis fought 7-5, 6-3 victory over built on her Eastbourne title at tournaments throughout the Holland’s Arantxa Rus. the weekend with a 59-minute, year. It was the American’s first 6-0, 6-3 win over Varvara ESPN reported that the match at the All England Club Lepchenko. deal guarantees him $300m since lifting the 2016 title. Venus Williams, a five-time over 10 years -- a time period She missed the 2017 edition champion and runner-up last that will take him well into as she prepared for the birth of year, made the next round with retirement from the tennis her first child. the first time in gear designed Lajovic, breaking serve five Bulgarian qualifier Viktoriya a 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-1 win against circuit. Top seed Federer marched by Japanese giant Uniqlo in a times, setting up a second round Tomova or Czech wild card Johanna Larsson of Sweden. The new relationship out on Centre Court dressed for deal reported to be worth encounter against either Lukas Tereza Smitkova. Serena’s fellow tennis- gives a Uniqlo another shot $300m after a two-decade Lacko of Slovakia or French “I don’t know if I’m relieved, playing mother, Victoria Aza- at exploiting one of the sport’s association with Nike. qualifier Benjamin Bonzi. more motivated, but I am happy renka, a former world number all-time greats. But everything else was Out on Court One, Serena, to get through that,” said Wil- one and two-time semi-finalist, The brand endorsed familiar for the Swiss star who seeded 25 this year despite a liams, whose return to Slam defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 12-time Grand Slam winner cruised past world number 57 ranking of 181, had too much tennis after pregnancy at of Russia 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. Novak Djokovic for five years, US Open champion Lajovic in just 79 minutes. power for Rus, the world 107 who Roland Garros last month ended Ivo Karlovic, 39 and the but he signed with Maus and fourth seed It was the second successive made the third round in 2012 but in a fourth round injury oldest man in the draw, made Freres SA’s Lacoste last year. Sloane Stephens year that Federer had knocked failed to get out of qualifying on withdrawal. the second round by seeing off Uniqlo continues to endorse out the Serb at Wimbledon. her last three visits. US Open champion and Mikhail Youzhny, just three Kei Nishikori, the most suc- became the “I’m very happy, I felt good Williams, looking to move fourth seed Sloane Stephens years younger, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 cessful Japanese player ever. tournament’s first from the start too which was within one title of Martina became the tournament’s first (9/7), 6-3. Federer, who turns 37 in big name casualty nice and that was not the case Navratilova’s Open era record big name casualty when she But Karlovic’s Croatian August, signed his first con- when she slumped last year against him. I of nine Wimbledon titles, fired slumped to a 6-1, 6-3 loss to compatriot Borna Coric, who tract with Nike in 1994. remember I struggled early on 23 winners past Rus and broke Croatia’s world 55 Donna Vekic. defeated Federer for the Halle He continues to wear the to a 6-1, 6-3 loss to a lot,” said Federer. serve four times. For Stephens, fresh from title last week, was a first brand’s shoes, as Uniqlo Croatia’s world 55 After just 20 minutes to Victory was sealed on a fifth making the French Open final round loser against Russia’s doesn’t make athletic Donna Vekic. complete the first set, Federer match point. last month, it was her second Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (8/6), footwear. went on to fire 35 winners past She next faces either successive first round loss at the 6-2, 6-2. Nishikori also wears Nike shoes, having left Adidas AG last year. Froome cleared of doping ahead of Tour de France AP In this file photo taken on May 27, The Tour begins on Sat- “I have suffered with entering the race until the 2018, Britain’s rider of team Sky urday and - before the UCI asthma since childhood. I doping case had been Christopher Froome poses on a LONDON: Chris Froome statement was provided - know exactly what the rules decided. terrace overlooking the Imperial was cleared of doping by the race organisers were are regarding my asthma “The UCI understands Fora after the 21st and last stage International Cycling Union reportedly denying him medication and I only ever that there will be significant of the 101st Giro d’Italia, Tour of yesterday in a decision that entry. use my puffer to manage my discussion of this decision, Italy cycling race, in Rome. could allow him to pursue a “I have never doubted symptoms within the per- but wishes to reassure all record-tying fifth Tour de that this case would be dis- missible limits,” Froome those involved in or inter- France title later this week. missed for the simple reason said. ested in cycling that its Froome had been racing that I have known With one more Tour decision is based on expert under the cloud of a throughout I did nothing victory, Froome can match opinions, WADA’s advice, potential ban after a urine wrong,” Froome said. the record of five shared by and a full assessment of the sample he provided at the Froome’s use of asthma Jacques Anquetil, Eddy facts of the case,” the UCI Spanish Vuelta in Sep- medication has been well Merckx, Bernard Hinault said, referring to the World tember showed a concen- documented, and the and Miguel Indurain. Anti-Doping Association. tration of the asthma drug Kenyan-born rider has often “Today’s ruling draws a “The UCI hopes that the salbutamol that was twice been spotted using inhalers line,” Froome said. cycling world can now turn the permitted level. during races. “It means we can all its focus to, and enjoy, the “Froome’s sample results World Anti-Doping move on and focus on the upcoming races on the do not constitute an AAF Association rules state that Tour de France.” cycling calendar.” (Adverse Analytical Finding),” an athlete can be cleared for Le Monde newspaper on It is unclear whether the a UCI statement said, adding excessive salbutamol use if Sunday had reported that ASO can - or will - appeal that it had decided “to close he proves that it was due to Tour organiser ASO had the UCI decision to the the proceedings against Mr an appropriate therapeutic informed Team Sky it was Swiss-based Court of Arbi- Froome.” dosage. forbidding Froome from tration for Sport (CAS). TUESDAY 3 JULY 2018 SPORT 24

Kovacic Heartbreak for Japan in Rostov has scans

Belgium’s Nacer Chadli scores on injured winning goal against Japan during their last-16 clash in Rostov-on-Don, yesterday. BELGIUM JAPAN shoulder 3 2 AP VERTONGHEN - 69’ HARAGUCHI - 48’ MOSCOW: Croatia midfielder FELLAINI - 74’ INUI - 52’ Mateo Kovacic yesterday CHADLI- 90’+4 underwent an MRI scan to determine the severity of the shoulder injury he sustained in the round of 16 victory over Denmark at the World Cup. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said the team was still waiting on the results of the scans to determine whether Kovacic will be available to play on Saturday when Croatia faces Russia in the quarter-finals. Kovacic was hurt late in the second half when he was tripped up and fell onto his right side with his right arm extended. His shoulder took the brunt of the fall, but he remained in the match. Kovacic entered in the 71st minute replacing Marcelo Brozovic. Belgium snatch victory from Dalic says, “His shoulder hurts very much and all the credit to him because he played with a really tough injury. He showed great courage.” jaws of defeat to enter last-8 Kovacic has appeared in every match at the World Cup REUTERS and started in the victory over team. It tells you everything fired a missile into the back of Iceland. Belgium’s about this group of players,” the net. Meanwhile, Denmark Eden Hazard ROSTOV-ON-DON: Belgium said Belgium coach Roberto The Red Devils were still midfielder William Kvist said threw caution to the wind to Martinez. shakes the struggling but they pulled a he was retiring from the reach the World Cup quarter- One of the most exciting hand of goal back after 69 minutes national team. finals as substitute Nacer teams of the group phase, Japan’s Shinji when Vertonghen looped a Kvist punctured a lung Chadli scored in the dying Belgium faced an embarrassing Kagawa after header from a high clearance and broke two ribs in the seconds against Japan to snatch exit but finally clicked to the match, back across goal into the far top Danes’ World Cup-opening a 3-2 comeback win yesterday become the first team to win a yesterday. corner. win against Peru. and set up a clash with five- World Cup knockout game The momentum had shifted He was forced to go back time champions Brazil. from two goals down since and in the 74th, Eden Hazard’s to Denmark for treatment The distraught Japanese, West Germany beat England cross was met by Fellaini, who and tests but later returned who went 2-0 up with goals by 3-2 after extra time in 1970. equalised from close range to the team. Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Belgium’s ‘golden gener- with a powerful header. He played in 81 games for Inui early in the second half, ation’ have now scored 12 goals Belgium continued to push the national team, scoring fell to the turf after Chadli in four games in Russia ahead forward and both Chadli and two goals. poked the ball home from of a mouthwatering last eight Lukaku forced Japan keeper He announced his Thomas Meunier’s cross four clash with Brazil who beat Eiji Kawashima into a couple decision on his Facebook minutes into added time at the Mexico 2-0 earlier on Monday. of spectacular saves with pow- page, writing, “thank you for Rostov Arena. With centre back Vincent erful headers four minutes many good years.” Belgium, who had taken a Kompany back in the lineup for from full time. Kvist formerly played for conservative approach to the the first time since picking a In stoppage time, Keisuke Fulham and Stuttgart and will game, got back into contention groin strain in a warm-up Meunier and Yannick Carrasco, offside trap and ran into the Honda’s 30-metre free-kick continue his club career with with late goals by Jan Ver- game, Belgium had looked safe did not take risks going area to beat Courtois with a was parried away by Courtois. Copenhagen. tonghen and substitute Mar- at the back but uninspired up forward, effectively turning a cross-shot in the 48th minute. The keeper then launched the He told Denmark’s ouane Fellaini before Chadli front. 3-4-3 formation into a more Belgium responded but ball to Kevin De Bruyne, who public broadcaster he had struck. Both teams fought a tight conservative 5-2-3 system. Hazard’s shot rattled the post made a beeline through the hoped to play in every game “That’s what happens in the midfield battle but their for- The Japanese were ahead and Japan doubled their tally field before finding Meunier, for the Danes in the World World Cup. It was a test of wards froze in the area and soon after the break, though, in the 52nd when Inui picked whose cross was met by Chadli Cup, but “nevertheless, I still character and a test of the Belgium’s wide players, when Haraguchi beat the up the ball 25 metres out and for the winner. feel that I have won something by getting back to the team.” Mexico coach Carlos left fuming with Brazil play-acting REUTERS at one point and this is a very negative example for the world of football and Brazil’s forward Neymar lies SAMARA: Mexico coach Juan Carlos all the children who are following the on the ground during the Osorio was left incredulous following game,” said a clearly irritated Osorio. I think we controlled Russia 2018 World Cup round his side’s 2-0 defeat by a Neymar- “This should be a strong sport, a of 16 football match against inspired Brazil in the World Cup last-16 the game mostly and man’s sport. I think there shouldn’t be Mexico at the Samara Arena yesterday as he criticised Brazilian play- unfortunately - and it is so much acting.” in Samara, yesterday. acting and the match officials for a shame for football - “This had an impact on our pace.” allowing it. “We wanted to play fair and just After imposing themselves on the we wasted a lot of time mark him and for the first 20 minutes five time World Cup winners during a because of one player: we did a good job,” he said. frenetic first 20 minutes, Mexico grad- Mexico coach Juan Carlos “We did a 50/50 challenge and got ually faded from the game as Brazil took Osorio a yellow card (for Edson Alvarez) so then control with Neymar scoring one goal we changed it to Layun so we wouldn’t and providing an assist for substitute get another yellow card (for Alvarez).” Roberto Firmino. because of the refereeing style. There “We wanted just to play and compete.” In trying to explain his team’s loss were too many stoppages.” The defeat means Mexico have gone of intensity, Osorio blamed Italian In particular, Osorio referred to an out of the World Cup in the last-16 in referee Gianluca Rocchi for disrupting incident in the 72nd minute when the last seven tournaments. To go one the game by awarding lenient fouls to Neymar clashed with Mexico substitute stage further, Osorio believes more Mex- Brazil. Miguel Layun on the touchline. icans need to be playing in Europe’s top He did not call out Neymar by name With Neymar already on the ground, divisions. but it was clear which opposing player Layun appeared to step on the Brazil- “I would like to say once again that had particularly riled Osorio. ian’s ankle with Neymar writhing the- being able to play at this level against “Stats say we had 53 percent pos- atrically in response. Brazil shows we are a good team,” he session. I think we controlled the game Rocchi decided against punishing said. mostly and unfortunately - and it is a either player but Osorio was left angry “We want to keep developing and shame for football - we wasted a lot of with the amount of time taken up by the we hope our players can come to Europe time because of one player.” incident. and play (the) best teams in the world. “We lost our style in the second half “There was a four-minute stoppage Then our national team will improve.”