SPORT Sunday 8 July 2018 PAGEE | 1199 PAGPAGE | 20

Teary Uruguayy exit CupCup eexit ‘saddest World Cup dreamingming mmoment’om of of Qatar 22022022 NeyNeymar’sm career

England sink Sweden to reach semis

AFP

SAMARA: Harry Maguire and Dele Alli scored as England comfortably defeated Sweden 2-0 in Samara yesterday to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1990. Leicester defender Maguire headed in the opening goal from a corner on 30 minutes, with Alli adding a second just before the hour. Goalkeeper then produced a series of crucial saves in the final half-hour to seal England’s long-awaited spot in the last four. “It’s a great achievement for the team, we owed it to the fans back home who believed in us,” Alli said. “It’s always nice to score, espe- cially on occasions like this. It’s an England’s Harry amazing feeling to be going to a Maguire (third, left) semi-final at a World Cup.” scores their first goal Harry Kane failed to score for against Sweden during the first time in the competition, but the third quarter-final the England captain said confidence of the FIFA 2018 World was high after matching the coun- Cup at the Samara try’s best run at a major tournament Arena in Samara, since Euro ‘96. Russia yesterday. It was just a second England victory over Sweden in nine com- petitive meetings, and sets up a stroke of half-time when he bril- over after a scene of panic in the YESTERDAY'S RESULTS clash with either hosts Russia or liantly controlled Jordan Hender- Sweden area as England chased a Croatia on July 11 in for a son’s lofted pass, but he was unable third goal, although they were twice place in the final. to find a way past and indebted to Pickford for preserving SWEDEN 0-2 ENGLAND Southgate stuck with the same his follow-up was blocked by their two-goal lead. team that overcame Colombia on . The Everton shot-stopper thrust penalties in the last 16, while Pickford had relatively little to out a hand to superbly keep out RUSSIA 2-2 CROATIA returned for ENGLAND SWEDEN do in a quiet first half, but the Claesson’s low strike from 10 yards CROATIA WON ON PENALTIES (3 - 4) Sweden after missing the 1-0 win England goalkeeper produced a following a neat lay-off by Berg. over Switzerland through vital stop to claw away a Marcus Pickford then showed terrific suspension. 2 0 Berg header minutes after the reflexes to tip over an effort from drilled over for MAGUIRE - 30' restart. Berg, who shot on the turn after England in last four Sweden early on with an ambitious England promptly cranked up being picked out in the area by sub- attempt from distance, while Kane, DELE - 59' the pressure and pulled further stitute . the tournament’s leading scorer ahead on 59 minutes when a com- Southgate withdrew Henderson thanks to ‘collective with six goals, dragged wide after Forsberg to nod low into the corner, pletely unmarked Alli sent a for Eric Dier in the closing stages a pepenetratingnetrating rurunn by RahRaheemeem as EnglandEngland sscoredcored foforr the eighth thumpingtu pingg headereade past OlsenOse and will havhavee a full squsquadada Sterling.SterS lingngg. timetim in RussRussiasiai ffromrom a ddead-ballead-ball afterafter a first-timefirsirsrst-tit-time crosscross byby JesseJesse to cchoosehoose from iinn tthehe spirit’:spir Southgate SwedenSwwweden mmanageranagnagagger JJanneanneanna situation.situsituation. Lingard.Lingardard.arrd. ssemi-final,emi-final, ininjuriesjuriese AnderssonAndAndersson hadhad warnedwarnrnned hishhiisi sidesidde TheThe livelilivelylyy SterlingSterlte ining shoushoshouldld havehaveavvev MaguireMMaguaguirere thenthenn laslashedshedheh permitting.permitting. EnglandEnEnglEnglandd wweree a mmatchattccch fofororr doubleddoddouubu lededd thehe lealeadl ad ono thehe REUTERSREUTERS themthem aatt sset-setset-pieces,pieces, andanndd so iitt prprovedovedvedd SAMASAMARA:RA: SwedenSw were lauded for their collective spirit heading whenwwhhenenn MMagMaMaguireguirere intointo their WWorld Cup quarter-final yesterday, however after his connectedccoconnonnneecectecteted wiwwiththth sideside securesecuredd a 2-0 win it was England manager AshleyAshlhlleye YYoung’soung’’s purring aboutabou the togetherness of his young squad. cornercorncocornrnnere after afterftf a Entering the tournament with minimal expecta- low-lowllow-keyowww-kkeyke firstfirsr t tions and the second youngest team at the World Cup, halfhalalff hour.hhooour. England surprised many by reaching their third ever MaguireMaguMagaguagug irere outout-- WorldWorl Cup semi-final. jumpedjumpjumumpummpedd thethhe TThey have done so off the back of a change in attitude, muchmumucm h iimplementedmplem by their 47-year-old coach. smallersmalsmasmmamalmala lerlere “That“That ccollectiveo (spirit) is why we are here,” Southgate told EmilE milil reporters.reporters. “To ggetet tthrough the two games this week we needed all of that. WeWe are not the finished article and we do not have world class playersplayers yet, but we have young players who are prepared to be bravebrave on ththee ball and have shown a real mental resilience. BeforeBefore yyesterday’s win, achieved by goals from Harry Maguire andand Dele AllAlli,i, England had only beaten Sweden twice in their last 15 meetings. ManyMany narrativesna are being rewritten in Southgate’s first major ttournamentournament since being appointed coach of the senior side in Sep- ttemberember 20120166 after several years coaching England’s youth ranks. SinceSince comingco in, the former defender and his team have looked to instil a newnew philosophy in the players and the coach was quick to credit these changes with England’s success in Russia. Emglish players “We“We hahavev an outstanding mentality in these players, a humility celebrate after Dele and recognitionrecognit of where they were 18 months ago and the work Alli (right) scored their needed to geget to here. second goal against “We havehav got to keep on improving as staff and as players. It Sweden yesterday. isn’isn’tt ababoutout mme, it is about the whole group.” 18 SPORT SUNDAY 8 JULY 2018

Sweden coach Martinez ‘proudest man on Andersson says England ‘can go earth’ after toppling Brazil all the way’ REUTERS way they believed until the last AFP second was incredible.” KAZAN: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez’s side will now take on Martinez said he was the “proudest France as they bid for Belgium’s first SAMARA: Sweden coach said man on earth” and lavished praise on World Cup final, having emulated Guy England are capable of winning the World Cup his “underdog” team for having the Thys’s side who reached the last four after seeing his side beaten 2-0 by Gareth belief to upset five-times champions at the 1986 tournament in Mexico. Southgate’s side in the quarter-finals yesterday. Brazil on Friday to reach the World France were 2-0 winners over England will meet hosts Russia or Croatia Cup semi-finals for only the second Belgium coach Roberto Martinez Uruguay earlier on Friday. on Tuesday for a spot in the final, after goals time. during a press conference in Belgium needed to weather a from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli sent through A brave Belgium showcased their Kazan on Thursday. fierce second half rally by Tite’s side, to the last four of the competition for the first attacking brilliance then survived a who pegged one goal back with a time since 1990. spirited Brazilian fightback to claim header from substitute Renato “Yes, I definitely believe they are,” a 2-1 win over the tournament Augusto but squandered a number of Andersson responded when asked if England favourites at Kazan Arena and reach late chances for an equaliser. were good enough to win the tournament. the last four for the first time in 32 Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois “They’re strong and well-organised. I’d like years. made a number of fine saves and to pay tribute to both the team and the coach. Martinez shook up his side by needed every inch of his nearly-two “They’re a good football side, they don’t promoting Marouane Fellaini and metre frame to deny Brazil’s talisman give a lot of openings. I believe they are per- Nacer Chadli to the starting line-up, Neymar with a glove in the dying fectly capable of going all the way.” while dropping Dries Mertens to allow minutes. For Sweden, who failed to qualify for the playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to play “For me, Brazil are the best team previous two World Cups, it was their best further forward. in the tournament and without a result since finishing third at the 1994 finals. The ploy proved a masterstroke doubt the biggest threat from open “We came through to the quarter-finals in as De Bruyne tied Brazil’s defence in play,” said Martinez. a World Cup. I think we performed really well knots in a brilliant opening half, “We had to defend well for 90 to get here, we just weren’t good enough to scoring a stunning 31st minute goal minutes. But I felt our performance beat this side today,” Andersson said. to double the lead after Fernandinho’s merited the opportunity to go own goal. through.” Anchored by a so-called ‘golden generation’ of players, Belgium only reached the quarter- finals after overcoming a huge scare against Japan. But they will now head Against them, there’s into a semi-final against France with a psychological barrier huge confidence after taking the scalp of Brazil. -- the yellow tops, the Man-of-the-match De Bruyne five world titles and said his team had passed a “test of everything that goes character” in the closing 15 minutes with that. So we had to as Brazil peppered the goal but were unable to find an equaliser. be brave tactically. It was “Now we face an extraordinary a big gamble to change team in France, but any time you things and we needed “Against them, there’s a psycho- It was a big gamble to change things reach the semi-finals of a World Cup, the players to believe: logical barrier -- the yellow tops, the and we needed the players to believe. you know you’re not going to face five world titles and everything that “Today was about their mentality, weak opposition,” he said. Belgium coach Roberto goes with that,” Martinez told and I’m the proudest man on earth “We’re on an equal footing with Martinez reporters of facing Brazil. because I gave the players a very them, and we’ll be doing everything Sweden coach Janne Andersson “So we had to be brave tactically. tough tactical assignment, and the we can to win.” France can still get better, warns Deschamps

REUTERS

NIZHNY NOVGOROD: France Are France and Deschamps have dispatched two former World Cup winners in the knockout stage but are still far about to repeat history? from a polished product and only getting better, suggested AFP coach in an their comprehensive disman- scrape through to the next ominous warning to semi-final tling of street-tough Uruguay round without a victory and opponents Belgium. NIZHNY NOVGOROD: It was on Friday, France are now into on goal difference from the After a sluggish first round, just 20 days before France’s a semi-final against Belgium. Africans. the French team exploded to life comprehensive quarter-final The big question is, can Then drawn into a group in a thrilling 4-3 win over victory over Uruguay that Les France go all the way? It was containing Argentina and Argentina at the start of the Bleus took to the field to begin a question Didier Deschamps champions-elect Brazil, Italy knockout phase and further ver- their 2018 World Cup was asked after the Uruguay exploded into life, winning ified impressive credentials with campaign against Australia. win. both games, including the leg- a workman-like 2-0 victory Ninety largely forgettable “All I can say at the endary 3-2 win over the Bra- over plucky Uruguay in Friday’s minutes followed, unless you moment is that we have the zilians, thanks to a Paolo Rossi quarter-final at the Nizhny count the VAR incidents, and potential to be in the semi- hat trick. Novgorod Stadium. France scraped home 2-1 finals,” said Deschamps, coyly. They beat Poland again, “We had a complicated first against a rank outsider. “Let’s see what happens,” then West Germany to lift the round, without being flam- France’s goals came via the he continued. World Cup. boyant but realistic and penalty spot and an Aziz No doubt that is true but But France -- and Des- effective. We did not break our Behich own goal. it is also clear that France are champs -- are probably more stride. But from the match Insipid and uninspiring, doing what other successful likely to point to their 1998 against Argentina, we have those analysts who had teams at the World Cup have World Cup win as the more grown in strength,” said the pointed to France as potential done, namely get stronger relevant historical parallel. France coach. world champions before a ball with each game and against Inspired by Zinedine “We were the better team had been kicked were progressively better Zidane, France glided through against Uruguay but there are probably keeping quiet that opponents. the group stage at the World still some imperfections. We day. Asked to make the step up Cup they were hosting, but France’s coach Didier Deschamps (right) talks with France’s forward have a lot more potential to An uninspiring 1-0 win in class that each round of the they were resolute rather than Kylian Mbappe (centre) at the end of quarter-final against Uruguay show.” against Peru followed and then World Cup requires, France impressive. Deschamps was most in Nizhny Novgorod on Friday. came the convenient 0-0 draw have not been found wanting. A last-16 extra-time win pleased by the fact a relatively with Denmark. They have “momentum”, over Paraguay did nothing to young squad “showed their coach said. Advancing to the Asked if he had now France had been “boring” a curious intangible concept, convince the doubters, nor a maturity” albeit scenes of petu- semi-finals allows Deschamps, achieved his goal for this tour- in qualifying for the knockout which nevertheless has been quarter-final win on penalties lance near the end could have who broke the record as nament by making the final four, stage, critics said. ascribed to several teams over Italy. cost one of two of the French a France’s longest serving coach Deschamps has given little They were quickly moving whose faltering start has given In the semi-final, France semi-final suspension. during the first round, another away. from a team tipped as genuine way to a rousing finish. conceded first against Croatia, With an average age of 26, chance to emulate his playing “I like to reach objectives but title winners to also-rans. There are plenty of then Lilian Thuram memo- France came into the World Cup success with a major title. Des- I’m not looking at it from a per- How that has changed in examples in World Cup history rably scored the only two goals in Russia with the second champs was the midfield sonal point of view. My pride is in less than a week. from which France and their of his international career to youngest 23-man squad. enforcer in France’s 1998 World my squad and my coaching staff.” Following a thrilling 4-3 supporters can draw parallels send an unconvincing France “I have a young squad who Cup winning side. And can they go all the way to win over Argentina in probably from. into the final. are now working as a team and France were knocked out in next weekend’s final? “We are in the match of the tournament, Probably the best is Italy In their next 90 minutes, becoming more and more res- the World Cup quarter-finals in the semi-finals,” he smiled. which introduced the rest of in 1982, who drew 0-0 with Deschamps skippered the olute. You can see their state of Brazil four years ago and beaten France take on their Belgian the world to wunderkind Poland, 1-1 with Peru and 1-1 team to its most golden victory mind is positive and there has in Paris in the final of the 2016 neighbours in St Petersburg on Kylian Mbappe, through to with debutants Cameroon to and eternal fame. been a lot of progress,” the European Championship. Tuesday. SUNDAY 8 JULY 2018 SPORT 19

Uruguay’s players react after losing Maturing France must the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter- final against France on Friday. stifle Lukaku and Hazard, says Varane

REUTERS

ST PETERSBURG: A day after scoring his first goal of the World Cup, France defender Raphael Varane has turned We know it will be a tough his thoughts to how his team can stifle match.... Romelu Lukaku’s Belgium’s potent attack when the sides meet in Tuesday’s semi-final in St physicality can trouble any Petersburg. defence. We can’t leave Varane, who headed home Antoine him any space because Griezmann’s free kick to open the he’s a quality player: scoring for France in their 2-0 quarter- final victory over Uruguay on Friday, Defender Raphael Varane said he was pleased at how France’s relatively young team was maturing as they progressed. out forward Romelu Lukaku and play- “I’m happy to have been decisive maker Eden Hazard as two of the (by scoring). It’s a great pleasure,” the players the French would have to be Real Madrid centre back told reporters wary off. on Saturday. “It’s a World Cup semi-final... there “We were faced with a physical are no favourites,” he added. “We’ll challenge yesterday and we dealt with have to outdo ourselves and give our Teary Uruguay exit Cup it. best, take each match as it comes, and “Experience counts in these big see how far we can go. competitions and it helps to avoid small “Belgium are young, but they are mistakes. We have a relatively young maturing. We know it will be a tough team, but we’ve shown maturity and match.... Romelu Lukaku’s physicality dreaming of Qatar 2022 have been growing since the tour- can trouble any defence. We can’t leave nament started. him any space because he’s a quality “We’re solid defensively and have player. REUTERS been able to adapt to our opponents. “As for Eden, I’ve already played an easy evening except for one superb crying minutes before the end as he We can also vary our game, which it is against him when he was at Lille. He NIZHNY NOVGOROD: Uruguay’s save by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. realised it was too late to turn the a massive strength.” has great qualities and is a good never-say-die players fell to the floor “I didn’t even get a shot in,” game around. Belgium showed plenty of attacking dribbler. We can’t give him any space in tears after losing their World Cup lamented a frustrated Suarez, who One British pundit called that flair in their 2-1 win over Brazil in the either, so it is going to take a collective quarter-final to France, but they astonishingly did not have a touch in “embarrassing”, but for Uruguayans other quarter-final and Varane singled effort.” depart with heads high after yet again the French box. it was proof of the passion that has shaking it up among the world’s best, Yet the team walked off to seen them punch above their weight already setting sights on the 2022 resounding chants of “Uruguay!” from since winning the first World Cup in World Cup in Qatar . Russian fans, an ovation from their 1930. Despite a tiny population of 3.3 own supporters, hugs from the Tabarez, in charge for 12 years million people, Uruguay got out of French, and inspiring words by their and known lovingly as ‘El Maestro’ the group stages in the last three tour- coach. (The Teacher) at home, said his future naments, reaching the semi-final in “We dream on. Things never end. was up to local football association 2010 and the last eight this time. A World Cup comes around every bosses - but there has been no sign In Russia, they won three group four years,” said Oscar Tabarez, they want to move him on after such games without conceding a goal, noting Uruguay had surpassed great success and stability. before eliminating Cristiano Ron- soccer nations like Germany and Inevitably, it was French forward aldo’s Portugal 2-1 in the last 16. They Argentina in reaching the last eight. Antoine Griezmann -- a fan of were well-beaten 2-0 by France on At home, Uruguayans were sad Uruguay and friend of Godin and Friday, but will always wonder what but bursting with pride. Gimenez from Atletico Madrid -- who might have been if influential striker “There’s nothing to reproach,” put the nail in the South Americans’ Edinson Cavani had not been out with said former captain Diego Lugano. coffin. Not only did he supply the injury. “Thanks to the players for again cross for France’s first goal, but it was Romelu Lukaku (front) The absence of Cavani, who being World Cup protagonists and his shot that squirmed through goal- of Belgium in action scored two wonder goals against Por- stirring a nation.” keeper Fernando Muslera’s hands for against Brazil during tugal and draws defenders away from There was huge sympathy from the second. their quarter-final in strike partner Luis Suarez, distorted Uruguayans towards defender Jose Out of respect, he did not Kazan on Friday. Uruguay’s game plan and gave France Gimenez, whom cameras caught celebrate. Failure of top players cost South Americans dearly

REUTERS

MOSCOW: South America will be absent from the World Cup semi-finals for the fifth time in the tournament’s history France proved to be after the continent’s top players either the bogey team for failed to excel or suffered injuries at key South America as they moments during the tournament in Russia. eliminated Peru in the Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, group stage, Argentina and Uruguay and Peru all contributed to then Uruguay to remain making the 2018 World Cup one of the most dramatic in history and there was unbeaten at the World Cup rarely a dull moment when they and against teams from the their thousands or colourful, vociferous continent in 40 years. fans were around. Four out of five of them got through And if any one of Peru’s numerous the group stage -- a better percentage shots against Denmark had found the than Europe where 10 out of 14 teams target, they could have made the progressed -- and at one point, they knockout round and then found them- rolled off seven wins in a row. selves in the easier half of the draw. But it all ended in tears as Argentina But if there was a recurring theme, and Colombia went out in the round of it was that there was an over- 16, the latter on penalties, while Uruguay dependence on big name players who and Brazil both lost their quarter-finals either failed to make the difference or on Friday, to France and Belgium suffered injury at key moments. respectively. The most obvious was Argentina’s Luis Suarez Neymar France proved to be the bogey team Lionel Messi. The 31-year-old, who Lionel Messi for South America as they eliminated seems destined never to win the tour- FIFA’s permissiveness towards tactical Rodriguez was troubled by a nagging Without Cavani, his striking partner Peru in the group stage, Argentina and nament, often looked detached from fouling, as he was tripped and pushed calf muscle injury and missed out on the Luis Suarez was strangely subdued and then Uruguay to remain unbeaten at the what was going on around him and did by rivals. second round match against England, Uruguay were simply beaten by a better World Cup against teams from the con- not seem to enjoy his fourth World Cup. But his constant complaining, his although Jose Pekerman’s surprisingly team. tinent in 40 years. He was burdened by the responsi- theatrical tumbles and repeated negative tactics in that match were as “We won our first four games but In several cases, a few centimetres bility of carrying the team and not attempts to win penalties earned wide- much to blame for their defeat. that means nothing now,” said coach could have produced a very difficult helped by Argentina’s shambolic defence spread reprobation. Uruguay, a country of 3.3 million Oscar Tabarez, who has been in charge outcome such as when Thiago Silva hit which leaked nine goals in four games. He wasted scoring chances by taking people, performed heroically to reach since 2006. the post early on against Belgium and But, while Messi was disappointing, a tumble instead and there were the quarter-finals where they sorely “We tried to do the right things in when Mateus Uribe struck the underside Neymar was infuriating. moments when his histrionics distracted missed the injured Edinson Cavani, who this World Cup but today, our rivals of the bar with Colombia’s fourth penalty Brazil’s top player should have come the team from the task at hand. had scored two magnificent goals in the overcame us. We have to recognise that in the shootout against England. out of the tournament as the victim of Colombia playmaker James previous round against Portugal. and congratulate them.” 20 SPORT SUNDAY 8 JULY 2018 SUNDAY 8 JULY 2018 SPORT 21

Belgium’s Eden Hazard celebrates with team-mates CoachCo Tite keeps quiet on futureure with Brazil after defeating Brazil on Friday. I can say it is the saddest moment ooff mmyy career, tthehe pain is grgreateat bec becauseause Brazil’s coach Tite AFP Brazil had been undefeated in their future, I’m not thinking about theu future,”ture,” Neymar,Neymar, wwhoho appeare appearedd in in g reatgreat form form usus to swaswallow,”llow,” hhee saisaid.d. wwee knew we could ggetet tthere,here, wewe knowknow leaves his team’s hotel last 15 games under Tite, a streak in said the 56-year-old. whenwhen sscoringcoring once once and and se settingtting up up another another “I’m“I’m notnot goigoingng to say we were wwee had a chance to ggoo ffar,ar, in Kazan yesterday. KAZAN ARENA: Brazil coach Tite left which a resurgent Selecao had conceded “I will do a general assessmentt o off th thee inin a 2-0 llastast 16 win over Mexico,f failedailed unlucky.unlucky. BeBelgiumlgium h haveave top top qua qualitylity p play-lay- to mamakeke hhistory...istory... BButut questions hanging over his future but only three goals. match and our campaign, but I won’ton’t be be toto spark on the night despite testing BeBel-l- ers like De Bruyne, ((Romelu)Romelu) Lukaku, it wasn’twasn’t ttoo be thithiss refused to point the finger as the five- Their World Cup hopes were making any comments on individuals.duals. giumgium ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois at the (Eden)(Eden) Hazard and even (Vin-(Vin- time champions crashed out of the World turned upside down in 31 first-half “This is not very human. Andw wee a lalsoso death.death. TThehe Paris Saint-Germain star, star, l eleftft cent) KompanyKompany andandd ttime:ime: NeNeymarymar on Cup after a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to minutes when Fernandinho’s 13th have to look at the global context.. inin tears at the final whistle, refused to Courtois.Courtois. IInstagramnstagram Belgium. minute own goal put Belgium ahead “We played a match in whichw wee h ahadd talktalk to waitinwaitingg memedia.dia. Four years after the drama of Ney- before a superb strike from Kevin De lots of possession, a lot of opportunities,unities, RealReal Madrid defender MarceloMarcelo,, who who mar’s injury and a humiliating 7-1 Bruyne left Brazil, and Neymar, star- but in terms of effectiveness... Belgiumelgium waswas a threatthreat to BelgiumBelgium tthroughouthroughout semi-final defeat to Germany on home ing at a spectacular defeat. managed to turn their opportunitieses into into thanksthanks to his marauding runs down the soil, Brazil were forced back to the draw- Tite admitted it was a “bitter” defeat, goals. llefteft flank, summed up feelinfeelingsgs when when he he ing board as they followed neighbours but he brushed aside suggestions he “They weren’t superior to uso onn the the ssaid:aid: “It was a hhorribleorrible ninight.”ght.” Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia in exit- could resign. pitch, but more efficient. TThat’shat’s TiteTite could only concur. “It’s a heavy, ing the tournament earlier than hoped. “I’m not going to talk about the certain.” bitterbitter ffeeling.eeling. TThishis waswas ververyy hhardard f foror Belgium’sBelg ‘golden Cup exit ‘saddest ‘All-rounder’der ’ ggeneration’en finally Lukaku mmake their mark AFP moment’ of SAINTSAINT PETEPETERSBURG: Long touted as World Cup contend- is ersers thanks tto an abundance of talent, Belgium claimed stamps his their biggesbiggestt scalp ever in beating five-time winners Brazil toto reach jjustust their second semi-final. A ‘golden‘golden generation’ featuring Thibaut Courtois, Kevin ussia De BBruyne,ruyne, EEden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku exited tamely Neymar’s career to ArgentinaArgentina four years ago and blew a huge chance at class in Russia EuroEuro 20201616 wwhen on the kind side of the draw. NNowow in ththeire prime, this group of players is unlikely to AFP REUTERS every chancencee proviprovidedv dededd to too mem mee ini nin ththe hetheeeb b box,ox,oxo get a bbetteretter oopportunityp to win a major international tour- but the individualdiividuavidualviduv dua doesdoedodoesn’tsnn’tt couc countountt hheher here.”ere e.”ee..”” namentnament than overove the course of the next week, with France SOCHI: Neymar has expressed his MOSCOW: Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku moved For Dee BruynBruyBruyne,uynyne, thethehee euphoeupeuphoriauphohoria thtthathatt to come in the lastla four on Tuesday. anguish after Brazil were knocked closer to his desire to be considered more of followed FriFFriday’sriiday’sday wiwinw neneedseedsds ssosomeomem Here is a lookloo at Belgium’s rich resources in every area of out of the World Cup on Friday, an all-round footballer with an assist that set temperingg wiwiththhhn notnnothingthinhih nggga aachievedchievechievc ieveveveed the ffield.ield. losing 2-1 to Belgium in the quarter- up Kevin De Bruyne for the decisive goal in yet by BelgiBelgium’selgium’sum’s ““goldengoldengoldeg denn finals in Russia. Friday’s World Cup quarter-final win over generation”.on”.on”onn . Courtois stands tall The giant Chelsea stop- “I can say it is the saddest Brazil. “In footballootballo balla it’s’ allalalll ababoutboutouout pperer needed every inch of his 6 feet 6 inch (1.99 moment of my career, the pain is great The powerfully built striker showed a quick the winningngn ofofffti tittitlesitlesleess aan anddditi it tit i sis mmetre)et frame to prevent Neymar hauling Brazil because we knew we could get there, turn of pace as he moved out of defence after when I’vee wowwonn ttroptrotrophiesropphieshieseess into extra-timeextra with a stunning stoppage time save on we know we had a chance to go far, Belgium won possession from a corner, cross- that I havee had hadad my myy greatgregrggrea great-eatt- Friday.Friday. to make history... But it wasn’t to be ing the halfway line and driving upfield before est memoriesoriesoorriesess in thtthee ““II kknow Neymar likes to curl it that way. I was this time,” he wrote in an Instagram feeding De Bruyne, who then advanced a few game. ScorinScoringorr ng rreadyeady and made a good save,” said Courtois. post. metres before striking a superb shot into the against Brazilrazr il isiss not nott “I“I have been unfairly criticised a lot this year. Brazil were left stunned in Friday corner. the best mommommomentommente TodayToda I proved again who I am and why I am night’s match in Kazan, finding them- left Barce- It ensured Belgium a 2-0 half-time lead of my career.eereeeere . here.”here. selves 2-0 down at half-time and unable lona for Paris Saint-Germain and although Brazil pulled one back after the “WeWeW e WidelyWid regarded as one of the world’s best goal- to rescue the game in the second half, fractured bone in his last year for €222m ($264m), will be 30 interval, proved the difference at the Kazan haven’t wononn keepers,keepers, CoCourtois has won two titles despite substitute Renato Augusto get- foot in early March. by the time the next World Cup comes Arena, propelling Belgium to the last four of the Worldorldldd withwith ChelseChelsea and while on loan at Atletico Madrid, ting a goal back late on. “It is difficult to find the strength to around in Qatar in 2022. the World Cup for only the second time. Cup. For thathah t but his nine-savenine display against Brazil was one of his The disappointment follows Brazil’s want to go back out and play football, Brazil have now been knocked out “Everyone thinks Romelu Lukaku is just we still needeeed bestbest yet on the big international stage. humiliating 7-1 loss against Germany in but I am certain that God will give me in the quarter-finals at three of the last about goals, goals, goals,” said the Manches- to win twowoo the semi-finals four years ago, when they sufficient strength to face up to any- four tournaments since winning the ter United player, “but I want to be seen as an moree Last chance for ageing defence Trailblazers hosted the tournament. thing,” Neymar added. World Cup for the fifth time, in Japan in all-rounder. Providing assists is also impor- matches,”” DeDe forfor a wave of Belgian talent to make their way They played that match without Ney- “Very happy to be part of this team, 2002. tant and this year I have provided more than Bruyne added.ddddedddeded. to the Premier League, Vincent Kompany and Belgium’s mar, who had been stretchered off in I am proud of everyone. They interrupted The Brazil squad left Russian soil ever. It startsrtss wiwwiththt theh ThomasThomas VerVermaelenm have battled back from years of injury forward the quarter-final win over Colombia with our dream but they have not taken it yesterday afternoon on a flight to “Of course, I want to score but, at the same semi-finall aagainstgainstgaingainsg FraFFranFrancerananncce in in S StttP Pete Petersburgetersburgrsbursbrsburrsburgg ono onn problems just to make the squad at the age of 32. Romelu Lukaku a fractured vertebrae. from our heads or our hearts.” Madrid, before carrying on to Rio de time, I try to work as hard as I can for the team. Tuesday anda d ififf BeBelBelgium,giumiumumm,m whowhwwhohoo prppreviouslyeviouseviouevviousouusu lyy gogot gototo BeforeBefore TTobyoby Alderweireld’s own injury problems this sea- celebrates their He came to Russia having only just The forward, who became the Janeiro, where they are due to arrive I don’t have to prove myself any more (as a to the 198686 semi-fsemsemisemi-finals,ememi- inalsina s,s winwwinn tthat,hathat,haa tthehhee ffin finalnal ini nin victory against Brazil at son,son, he and TTottenhamotte team-mate Jan Vertonghen had been returned from an operation on a world’s most expensive player when he today. goal-scorer). Everyone knows I can score with Moscow nextextt SuSundaySunSunday.undayay. the Rostov Arena. hailed as the PremierPre League’s best defensive partnership. However,However, VeVertonghen, 31, and Alderweireld, 29, also do notnot have time oonn their side. TheThe pace of KKylian Mbappe could cause problems in on Tuesday, but Belgium will not be short of expe- rience at the back. Belgian forward Eden Hazard in action during Coach Roberto Martinez had been criticised for the FIFA 2018 World Cup not finding the right balance to get the best out quarter-final against Brazil HazardHazzaarrdd takes over as the tournament’s star of De Bruyne early in the tournament, but the Span- at the Kazan Arena in iard’s bold tactical plan worked to perfection against Kazan on Friday. Brazil. REUTERSREUTEREUTEUTERE S at this stage it is Hazard who is setting But his contribution went well beyond had nine different goalscorers, exclud- Marouane Fellaini took De Bruyne’s place in a deep-lying the standard. the eye-catching moments of skill. ing own goals, in this tournament. Only midfield role to free up Manchester City’s player of the year ST PETPETERSPETEPETERSBURG:ET R BURG:URG:UR : When When L Lionel Messi Face to face with Neymar on Fri- Hazard dictated the tempo of the Italy in 2006 and France in 1982 with to play much further forward and to devastating effect as he andd CrCristianoC iistiano Rona Ronaldonan lldold we wererre sent pack- day, the difference between their game, pressing the accelerator for coun- 10 each have ever had more in a single blasted home Belgium’s second of the night and his first of ingngg frfromoom thet WoWWorldWorldd CupCCup aa week ago, contributions was strikingly evident. ter-attacks that ripped open Brazil’s tournament. the tournament. theheest ststageagagea wawass setset foforor BrBrazil’saz Neymar Many will blame Brazil’s exit on defence but also, especially in the sec- Hazard’s ability has never been in too taktakeke over the rroleoole of tthe tourna- the way in which their attacks were ond half, slowing down play and question but there were some, heading Captain Eden Hazard has been consistently bril- ment’sent’sentnt’s true star.st constantly funnelled towards Neymar maintaining possession. into this tournament, who wondered if liant, scoring twice against Tunisia in the group ButBBuu iti iss nonoww BeBelgium’selgl ium’s Eden Haz- in the hope that he would deliver the That aspect of game management, he had the mental fortitude to deliver stage, and providing the teasing cross from which ardd whwhoo is mmakingakingakinngg thethe ststrongest bid world-class individual skill he has of understanding the right moment to on the biggest stage. Fellaini equalised in a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to fororr ththataat crocrown.r wn. shown he is capable of but which he burst forward and equally the oppor- He was disappointing at the last beat Japan 3-2 in the last 16. On FridayFridayy ninightghhtt in KKazan, Ney- rarely delivered in Russia. tune time to calm things down, is what World Cup in Brazil and two years ago As Belgium tired against waves of Brazilian attacks in the marrtor totoooo saw hishhi WWoWorldrld Cup end With all the talent and Brazilian makes Hazard more than just a tricky at the European Championship he second half, Hazard carried his side up the field, winning free- prematurely,premaprematemata urely, aasas aa BBrazil Brazil te team packed coach Tite’s disposal, the vortex of winger or support striker. drifted out of the game during his team’s kicks and relieving the pressure -- a sign of his and this side’s withith ttalentalentaalen but oovover-reliantver-relr-r i on the Neymar ended up weakening their And he is part of an attacking unit quarter-final loss to Wales. growing maturity. forward’sforwarward’s ininconsistentconsiss tent indin individual con- collective effort, whereas Hazard has that the French will be very wary of on But here, when Belgium were fac- tribution,tributributribuibutbutiion,on,n wwereerere bebbeatenaten 2-1 by a had the exact opposite effect on Tuesday night in St Petersburg. ing a similar upset, trailing Japan in the Lukaku more than a goalscorer Still in the race brilliantbrillirilliantanant BeBelgiumlgiumlgiuu team, iinspired by Belgium. The highlight moment of the win last 16, it was his magical twist and turn for the Golden Boot behind Harry Kane, with Bel- thehee gigiftedftedfte HHazard.azard.ard.d. The Chelsea winger showcased his was Kevin De Bruyne’s superb strike for and then pin-point cross that created gium now guaranteed two more matches, Romelu TheThese semi-finalsemi-finmi all clclaclashs against individual skill numerous times Belgium’s second, after a glorious run Marouane Fellaini’s headed equaliser. Lukaku has shown another side to his game so far in the knock- FranceFrancancec wilwilll give a chancchance for the against Brazil, especially with a mes- from midfield and killer pass from He may not have an attention- out phase after scoring four times in the group stages. 19-year-old19-yea19-y9y year-old FrFrenchmanrrenchenchenc m Kylian merising dribble from wide in the Romelu Lukaku. grabbing personality or a strong His superb run off the ball and dummy in the final seconds MbappeM to mamakeake his claim to be second half, and the statistics showed The goal showed that while Belgium marketing appeal but Hazard will against Japan cleared the space for Thomas Meunier to tee thethheh ttotournament’surnameurnament’sn mmost exciting that all 10 of his dribbles in the game hugely benefit from Hazard they are far surely be in demand after this tourna- up Nacer Chadli’s winner. Brazil’s forward Neymar looks dejected after talenttat and tthehe finfinalinnal itself could ended with his team still in from dependent on him. ment from Europe’s biggest Against Brazil, again it was Lukaku’s link-up play that losing to Belgium in the FIFA 2018 World Cup throwththrowhrr w upu ano anotherttherh ccontenderono but possession. Indeed, Roberto Martinez’s side have spenders. proved decisive as he powered past Fernandinho and Paulinho quarter-final on Friday. on a rapid counter-attack before feeding De Bruyne to smash home from the edge of the area. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 8 JULY 2018

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton drives during the qualifying session of the British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit in Silverstone, central England, yesterday. Hamilton grabs pole at British GP

AFP said Hamilton, pointing to the Stroll and Hartley at the back of grandstands. “I gave it everything the provisional grid. SILVERSTONE, UNITED I could and it was so close In Q2, lap records tumbled KINGDOM: An emotional Lewis between these Ferraris. They as the leading cars clocked times Hamilton outpaced Sebastian pulled something out for Q3!” inside Hamilton’s 1:26.600 last Vettel in a keenly-fought record- Vettel had been complaining year, Vettel leading the way until breaking qualifying contest about necks problems. Hamilton, on softs, took over yesterday to claim his fifth “I had a bit of an issue in again despite a grassy excursion consecutive British Grand Prix practice, but I’m OK now,” he at Becketts. pole position. said before reflecting on his The five who missed the The defending world battle with Hamilton. top-ten shootout were Nico champion, who trails Vettel by a “It was very close. I was very Hulkenberg of Renault, Sergio single point in the drivers’ world happy with my last lap, but I lost Perez of Force India, Fernando championship, increased his a lot of pace on the straight. I am Alonso of McLaren, Pierre Gasly record total of career poles to 76 happy with second and it gives of Toro Rosso and Marcus with a dazzling record lap under us a chance tomorrow.” Ericsson for Sauber. pressure in the closing seconds. Behind the top six, Kevin The top three teams were out Hamilton in a Mercedes and Magnussen took seventh ahead quickly for Q3, Hamilton Ferrari’s Vettel traded fastest laps of his Haas team-mate Romain breaking his record on his first until Hamilton clocked 1min Grosjean with the ever- run only for Vettel to beat that 25.892sec in his final lap to improving Charles Leclerc taking by 0.057 seconds in 1:25.936 with outpace Vettel by 0.044sec. ninth for Sauber and Esteban Bottas and Raikkonen third and Kimi Raikkonen was third in Ocon 10th for Force India. fourth. the second Ferrari and the other The session began in hot It was tense and very tight Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas conditions with a track temper- as they emerged for their final Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton smiles after securing his pole position after the qualifying fourth, ahead of Max Verstappen ature of 51 degrees Celsius (or 124 runs, Hamilton asking if there session at Silverstone motor racing circuit in Silverstone, central England, yesterday. and his Red Bull team-mate degrees Fahrenheit) and the air was “anything to gain me a Daniel Ricciardo. at 26, Vettel following Raikkonen tow?” The reply was simple: It was Mercedes’ sixth con- after some intensive physio- This spelt the end of Stroll’s After six minutes, qualifying softs, went fastest on the opening “Negative.” secutive pole position at Silver- therapy to ease his stiff neck. part in the action after just three restarted with Raikkonen going runs ahead of Hamilton and His response was dramatic, stone, but came after a close Almost immediately, another minutes and he joined Hartley, top before Russian rookie Sergey Bottas, on medium tyres. another record lap in 1:25.892 battle that, which, Hamilton said, incident caused a red flag inter- who could not take part fol- Sirotkin took his Williams into Out after Q1 went Carlos and a pole that gives him a was decided by the support of ruption when Lance Stroll went lowing his big crash in his Toro the gravel trap at Stowe, from Sainz of Renault, complaining of perfect chance to claim a record his army of fans. into the gravel at Brooklands in Rosso in third practice, without which he managed to recover. traffic, McLaren’s Stoffel Van- sixth home win and fifth in suc- “These guys are the best,” his Williams. a time. In spite of his neck, Vettel, on doorne and Sirotkin, joining cessive years in today’s race. Froome loses time as Gaviria wins 1st stage of Tour de France Kelly Kraft lines up a putt on the AFP “It was getting quite chaotic up at 17th green at the the front with the sprinters getting into Greenbrier held at FONTENAY-LE-COMTE, FRANCE: position. the Old White TPC Chris Froome’s bid for a record- “There wasn’t much he team could course in White equalling fifth Tour de France title got have done for me,” he said after being Sulphur Springs, West off to a shaky start yesterday after a accompanied across the line by Luke Virginia, yesterday. dramatic crash left him 51 seconds Rowe. down on rivals, Fernando Gaviria “I’m just relieved that I’m not claiming the yellow jersey after a injured.” bunch sprint rounded off the first stage. Froome, who fell heavily before With just 6km to the finish, the Giro d’Italia prologue but rallied Froome went flying over a barrier two weeks later to two spectacular and landed on a grassy verge, stage wins that won hm the Tour, emerging seemingly unhurt as the added: “There’s still a grea peloton sped off to a frenetic sprint Gaviria was left thrilled after his where Quick Step’s Gaviria edged impressive stage win on his very first Peter Sagan and Marcel Kittel. Tour de France, achieved after he out- Kraft leads by one shot Froome, fellow Briton Adam lasted world champion Sagan in a long Yates and Australian Richie Porte struggle down an 800m home straight (1min 01sec), all pre-Tour favourites, with Kittel, who won four stages on at Greenbrier Classic all lost valuable seconds having been the 2017 Tour, leaving his bid too late AFP caught in a series of falls and flat and coming third. 13-under total of 127. “I made a lot of tyres over the final 10km of the “I just said to myself ‘go’ and had putts out there,” said Kraft, who 201km first stage. the legs luckily,” Gaviria said. WASHINGTON: Kelly Kraft, seeking a drained birdie putts of 27 and 21 feet For Colombian Nairo Quintana it “What an amazing day, nobody is first US PGA Tour title, fired a seven- as well as converting plenty of mid- Colombia’s Fernando Gaviria celebrates was even worse, the Movistar man who happier than me. under par 63 on Friday to take a range efforts. as he crosses the finish line to win the is twice a Tour runner-up got a flat “The team did amazing. Tomorrow one-shot lead over Anirban Lahiri and “Anytime you shoot 63 I guess you tyre 400m from the 3km cut off line first stage of the 105th edition of the I’ll be in yellow and try and keep it as Webb Simpson at the Greenbrier have to.” Kraft, whose best career finish and had he just carried on would have Tour de France cycling race between long as possible.” Classic. on the PGA Tour is a tie for second at lost no time, but changed his wheel Noirmoutier-en-l’ile and Fontenay-le The Colombian added: “I don’t India’s Lahiri had set an early target the John Deere Classic in 2017, had and ended up losing 1min 10sec. Comte, western France, yesterday. know about keeping the yellow jersey with a nine-under par 61 on the missed the cut in seven of his last 10 Meanwhile former Sky man Mikel because of the mountains, but I plan mountain resort course in White events, including last week’s National. Landa, the wiley 2014 champion Vin- Froome expressed both relief and to fight for the green jersey (sprint Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. “I’ve kind of changed my attitude, cenzo Nibali, the great French hope his usual quiet confidence after the points) all the way to Paris.” That propelled the 31-year-old starting with last week,” Kraft said. Romain Bardet and 2017 Giro race. “We knew the first days were Former green jersey winner world number 99 into a tie with 2012 “I felt like I played good last week, champion Tom Dumoulin all finished going to be tricky, what happened is Thor Hushovd, here working for US Open champion Simpson, who fol- it was just a couple breaks here and in the main bunch having gained an part of the game,” said the 33-year- Norwegian television, said that lowed his first-round 61 with a 67. there. Missing a cut is easy to do out unexpected early advantage over their old who had a skinned knee and some Kittel and Dylan Groenewgen were Kraft overhauled them both with here. But I’ve changed a couple things key rivals that blows the Tour wide possible bruising on his right shoulder the key sprinters to watch out for a round that included eight birdies and in my attitude and I just feel like I’m open. after his head over heels fall. this year. headed into the weekend with a ready to keep playing good.” SUNDAY 8 JULY 2018 SPORT 23 Double shock as Halep and Zverev crash out; Djokovic advances AFP losing to Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-Wei 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 as the seeds’ Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action against Britain’s Kyle LONDON: German fourth seed carnage continued. Edmund during their third round Wimbledon match Alexander Zverev and women’s Defeat for Halep means that at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in world number one Simona Halep Karolina Pliskova, at number London, Britain yesterday. wilted in 33-degree heat and seven, is the only women’s top crashed out of Wimbledon in the 10 seed to reach the fourth third round yesterday. round. Zverev, playing for the third It’s the first time in the Open day in succession, was shocked era that none of the top five by Latvian qualifier Ernests women’s seeds have made the Gulbis, ranked 138, in a gruelling last 16 of a Slam. five sets, 7-6 (7/2), 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, It also further boosted Serena 6-0. Williams’s chances of becoming Despite being widely-tipped an eight-time Wimbledon to be a Grand Slam threat, it was champion. another letdown for the beanpole Hsieh, the world number 48, German whose run to the battled back from 2-5 down in quarter-finals at Roland Garros the final set and saved a match last month remains his best per- point when the Romanian served formance at the majors. for the match at 5-3 in the Gulbis, a former world decider. number 10 who famously It will be Hsieh’s first defeated Roger Federer on his appearance in the last 16 at Wim- way to the French Open semi- bledon where she will face finals in 2014, will be playing in Dominika Cibulkova of the last 16 at Wimbledon for the Slovakia. first time at the 11th attempt. “It’s my first win against a The 29-year-old will take on world number one,” said either Australian Nick Kyrgios or 26-year-old Hsieh. WIMBLEDON RESULTS Japan’s Kei Nishikori for a place “It’s amazing. I was 2-5 down in the quarter-finals. in the final set but the crowd Wimbledon results yesterday, the sixth day of the His win yesterday was his pushed me to fight.” Djokovic was furious when number 40 Karen Khachanov for who made the semi-finals in 2018 championships (x denotes seeded player): third successive five-setter Halep was left to rue her lost he was denied a break of serve a place in the quarter-finals on 2013, next faces unseeded Gilles Men having also played three matches opportunities. in the seventh game of the fourth Monday. Simon of France. Third Round in qualifying. “I was leading the match, I set on Centre Court when the ball Former world number one Kyrgios, fresh from a social Milos Raonic (CAN x13) bt Dennis Novak (AUT) 7-6 “It’s a great day, it’s been a was up, and I couldn’t finish it,” bounced twice before Edmund Djokovic, who won Wimbledon media row with former women’s (7/5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 great match for me,” said Gulbis said the 2014 semi-finalist. hit what was ruled a winner. in 2011, 2014 and 2015, has ended champion Marion Bartoli after Karen Khachanov (RUS) bt Frances Tiafoe (USA) who before Wimbledon had won “It was an unprofessional But the Serb managed to Britain’s challenge at this year’s she accused him of squandering 4-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2, 6-1 just one match on tour in 2018. attitude from me today.” refocus after a lengthy complaint tournament, with Edmund the his talents, plays Japan’s Novak Djokovic (SRB x12) bt Kyle Edmund (GBR “I didn’t think I could win Novak Djokovic shrugged off to the umpire and eventually last of the 12 home players in the Nishikori. Kyrgios, the Australian x21) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 after losing the third set, but he a controversial call against him secured the break that sealed his singles. 15th seed, is bidding to reach the Ernests Gulbis (LAT) bt Alexander Zverev (GER x4) got tired and I played smarter.” as the three-time champion hit come from behind victory on Djokovic is into the last 16 of fourth round for the fourth time. 7-6 (7/2), 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-0 French Open champion back to beat Kyle Edmund 4-6, Centre Court. a major for the 44th time to take Nishikori, seeded 24, bids to Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG x5) bt Benoît Paire Halep was also knocked out, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the third round. Djokovic plays Russian world him second on the all-time list. make the last 16 for a third time (FRA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 Meanwhile, two-time and record his 350th career win. Gilles Simon (FRA) bt Matthew Ebden (AUS) 6-1, Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-Wei celebrates after beating Romania’s champion Rafael Nadal reached Other winners yesterday 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) Simona Halep in Wimbledon, southwest London, yesterday. the last 16 for the eighth time, included Belgium’s Alison Van Jiri Vesely (CZE) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA x19) 7-6 making sure of keeping the Uytvanck who followed her (7/4), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 world number one ranking. upset of defending champion Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Alex De Minaur (AUS) 6-1, The second seed com- Garbine Muguruza by beating 6-2, 6-4 fortably defeated Australian Anett Kontaveit, the 28th seeded Women teenager Alex De Minaur 6-1, Estonian, 6-2, 6-3. Third Round 6-2, 6-4. Nadal, the 11-time Van Uytvanck will meet Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) bt Simona Halep (ROM x1) 3-6, French Open champion and fellow last-16 debutant Russian 6-4, 7-5 bidding for an 18th career major, 14th seed Daria Kasatkina, who Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) bt Elise Mertens (BEL will next face unseeded Jiri defeated Ashleigh Barty of Aus- x15) 6-2, 6-2 Vesely of the Czech Republic. tralia 7-5, 6-3. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x12) bt Vitalia Diatchenko “It was a positive match Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, (RUS) 6-0, 6-4 Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Daria Gavrilova against a player with a lot of a former top 10 player whose (AUS x26) 6-3, 6-1 energy,” said Nadal, the 2008 ranking slumped out of the top Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) bt Anett Kontaveit (EST and 2010 champion. 300 last year after wrist surgery, x28) 6-2, 6-3 “I am just happy to be in the made the fourth round for the Darya Kasatkina (RUS x14) bt Ashleigh Barty (AUS fourth round again.” second time with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) x17) 7-5, 6-3 Juan Martin del Potro made win over Spain’s Carla Suarez Angelique Kerber (GER x11) bt Naomi Osaka (JPN the last 16 for the first time in five Navarro. Bencic, now at 56 in the x18) 6-2, 6-4 years when the Argentine fifth world, next faces two-time Belinda Bencic (SUI) bt Carla Suárez (ESP x27) 6-1,

seed defeated France’s Benoît Grand Slam champion Angelique 7-6 (7/3) Paire 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. Kerber who swept past Naomi The former US Open winner, Osaka of Japan. Smoak shines as Blue Jays beat Yankees AP struck out swinging. Things Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on went downhill for Gray in the Wednesday. Tanaka is expected TORONTO: Justin Smoak hit a second, which began with to return to New York’s rotation three-run homer, Yangervis Randal Grichuk’s double. One next Tuesday at Baltimore.... Solarte reached base four times out later, Devon Travis and Manager Aaron Boone said LHP and the Toronto Blue Jays beat Curtis Granderson hit back-to- CC Sabathia will pitch the the New York Yankees 6-2 on back RBI singles. Smoak capped opening game of Monday’s dou- Friday night. the inning with a two-out bleheader against the Orioles. Smoak connected in homer, his 12th. New York will call up a pitcher Toronto’s five-run second Hicks hit a solo home run in from the minors to start Game inning, when the Blue Jays the third, his career-high 16th, 2, Boone said, with RHP Luis batted around and put an early then chased Blue Jays right- Cessa and RHP Jonathan end to struggling right-hander hander Sam Gaviglio with a Loaisiga among the Sonny Gray’s latest outing. bases-loaded walk in the fifth. candidates. Solarte went 3 for 4 with a Joe Biagini came on and struck Blue Jays: LHP Jaime Garcia walk as the Blue Jays won for out Giancarlo Stanton looking, (shoulder) felt good after a the 12th time in 16 home games. then got Didi Gregorius to fly bullpen session Friday and will Aaron Hicks homered and out. be re-evaluated Saturday. He had two RBIs in the opener of Gaviglio allowed two runs, has yet to begin a rehab New York’s 11-game road trip. one earned, and four hits in 4 assignment.... Utilityman Darnell Gray (5-7) allowed five runs 1/3 innings. Gaviglio is winless Sweeney cleared waivers and and six hits in two innings, his in seven starts, dating to a May was assigned to Triple-A Buffalo. shortest start of the season and 25 victory at Philadelphia. Yankees RHP Luis Severino his third straight loss. Gray Biagni (1-5) pitched 1 2/3 (13-2, 1.98) faces Blue Jays LHP lasted just 2 1/3 innings in his innings for his first win of 2018. J.A. Happ (10-4, 4.03) on Sat- previous start, matching a New York recalled INF Tyler urday afternoon. Severino, who season worst by allowing six Wade from Triple-A Scranton/ leads the majors in wins, will be runs in an 11-0 loss to the Wilkes-Barre. He takes the place pitching on extra rest thanks to division-leading Boston Red of 2B Gleyber Torres (right hip), New York’s off day Thursday. Sox. who was placed on the 10-day Happ lost to Detroit last Sunday, Gray retired the first two disabled list Wednesday.... RHP matching season worsts by batters he faced Friday before Masahiro Tanaka (left and right allowing seven runs and 10 hits. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak (14) gets loading the bases with two hamstring strains) allowed two The defeat snapped Happ’s congratulated after a three-run home run against the walks and a single. He escaped runs and three hits in five streak of six straight winning New York Yankees in the second inning at Rogers Centre. unscathed when Russell Martin innings in a rehab start at decisions. SUNDAY 8 JULY 2018 SPORT 24

DREAM RUN FOR HOSTS COMES TO AN END Beckham is the winner in friendly bet against CROATIA RUSSIA Ibrahimovic 2 (4) 2 (3) AFP KRAMARIC - 39’ CHERYSHEV - 31’ VIDA - 100’ FERNANDES - 115’ LOS ANGELES: Zlatan Ibra- himovic and David Beckham have agreed on the terms of a friendly wager ahead of the England v Sweden World Cup quarter-final yesterday. Ibrahimovic, Sweden’s all- time top scorer with 62 goals, has been vocal in support of his homeland from his vantage point with his Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy -- former England captain Beckham’s onetime MLS club. Ibrahim took to Twitter to challenge Beckham on the eve of the showdown in Samara, Russia. Croatia’s Danijel Subasic saves a penalty from Russia’s Fyodor Smolov during the shootout in Sochi, yesterday. “Yo @davidbeckham if @ england wins I buy you dinner where ever you want in the world, but if @swemnt wins you buy me what ever I want Croatia break Russian hearts from @ikeasverige ok?” Ibra- himovic wrote. Beckham responded via Instagram: “@iamzlatanibra- himovic if @swemnt win I will personally take you to @ in cliffhanger to reach semis ikeasverige and buy you what ever you need for the new mansion in LA @lagalaxy, but AFP only eight minutes before they when @england win I want drew level, Mario Mandzukic you to come watch an @ SOCHI: Ivan Rakitic scored cutting the ball back for Kra- england game at Wembley the winning penalty as Croatia maric to head home. wearing an England shirt and beat Russia 4-3 in a shoot-out Ivan Perisic hit the post for enjoy fish & chips at half time after a dramatic 2-2 draw Croatia in a second half they ...” yesterday to end the World controlled, yet they had to With England winning the Cup hopes of the host nation limp on into extra-time, with quarter-final, it will be Ibra- and advance to a semi-final goalkeeper Danijel Subasic himovic who will be taking against England. providing a scare as he hurt a Becham out to dinner where Brazilian-born Mario hamstring late on. ever he wants. Fernandes had kept Russia’s However, Croatia took the dream alive when he headed lead for the first time in the home in the 115th minute to 101st minute, defender Vida level the scores and force pen- getting his head to a corner to Croatia president alties, but he and Fedor send the ball low into the net, Smolov both failed to convert helped by substitute Vedran flies for last-8 their spot-kicks in Sochi. Corluka getting out of the Croatia, for whom Andrej way. match against Kramaric and Domagoj Vida Vida removed his shirt as had earlier found the net, he ran away in celebration, hosts Russia advance to their first World possibly thinking Croatia were Cup semi-final since 1998. heading through. REUTERS They will face England, who However, Russia found the beat Sweden 2-0 earlier, at the resources to draw level again, Luzhniki Stadium Moscow on substitute MOSCOW: Croatian President Wednesday. Croatia’s Luka Modric celebrates after winning the penalty shootout. INSET: Russia’s defender holding up a free-kick for Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic flew In contrast for Russia, who Ilja Kutepov greets the fans after the game. Fernandes to head home in the into the Russian Black Sea city had taken the lead through 115th minute. of Sochi to support her coun- another wave of euphoria after unex- fantastic occasion in what has bench against Spain last His shoot-out miss proved try’s football team against wonder goal in the first half, pectedly knocking out Spain been an outstanding World weekend. pivotal, however, especially Russia in the quarter-final of there is only heartbreak as in the previous round, were Cup. He cut in from the left, after Smolov’s weak attempt the World Cup yesterday. they finally go out. determined to carry on to a The hosts went ahead exchanged passes with Artem at a chipped penalty was saved Grabar-Kitarovic flew in They can however be first World Cup semi-final thanks to a bolt from the blue Dzyuba and skipped away by Subasic. from Zagreb on a charter flight proud of their efforts, with a since the break-up of the just after the half-hour mark. from a Modric challenge For Croatia, Mateo organised for Croatian soccer run to the last eight exceeding Soviet Union. Cheryshev, who scored before firing home a superb Kovacic had his penalty fans planning to attend the expectations for a side written But Croatia came into this three times in the group-stage shot from 25 yards on his left saved, but Marcelo Brozovic, match. off as no-hopers before the game as the favourites and wins over Saudi Arabia and foot. Modric and Vida all netted Veniamin Kondratyev, tournament. dominated the match, but Egypt, was back in the line-up Croatia were stunned. But theirs before Rakitic stroked head of Russia’s southern Kras- The Russians, riding a Russia contributed to another here after beginning on the the Russian lead had lasted in the winner. nodar region, met the Croatian President at Sochi’s airport, his administration said in a statement, adding that 10,000 Croatian fans were expected to attend the game. ‘We’re buzzing’ after reaching semis: Kane “A crucial match is ahead of us, I am sure both teams will perform well and show AFP England’s forward “We were composed, we was a little bit sloppy at the end us a beautiful game,” Kon- Harry Kane controlled the game. We’ve just of the second half, we felt it was dratyev was quoted as saying applauds after SAMARA: England captain got to keep doing what we are a bit too open.” by his administration. win over Sweden Harry Kane said his team were doing. Tottenham midfielder Alli Russia’s TASS news yesterday. ‘buzzing’ and full of confidence “We’re enjoying it, the fans nodded in only England’s third agency quoted fans who as they reached their first World are enjoying it, I’m sure we’ll goal from open play of this took the same flight as Cup semi-final since 1990 after see some videos later of the fans World Cup so far just before the Grabar-Kitarovic as saying seeing off Sweden 2-0 enjoying it.” hour mark, having struggled that some of them took yesterday. Maguire’s thumping header with injury earlier in the selfies with the president Goals from Harry Maguire gave the Leicester centre-back tournament. during the flight. and Dele Alli and a string of fine his first international goal, just “It’s a great achievement for “She likes the sport, and second-half saves from goal- two years after watching Euro the team... Owed it to the fans what she is doing now is keeper Jordan Pickford were 2016 in France with his friends back home who believed in us,” normal for the president. She enough for England to progress in the stands. he told the BBC. took a flight with ordinary to the last four. “It (the first goal) can’t come “Always nice to score, people, greeted everyone. And “We’re buzzing. It’s better than that. The win sends especially on occasions like I like it: we have a small probably not sunk in,” Kane us through and that’s the main this. I don’t think this was my country, we are like one said. “We know there is still a thing,” Maguire said. best performance on the pitch. team,” one of the Croatian big game ahead but we are “We felt like we could dom- But it’s an amazing feeling to fans told TASS. feeling good, confident. inate the ball in this game. It be going to a semi-final.”