SPORT Monday 9 July 2018 PAGEE | 18 PPAGEAGE | 24

World Cupp flop FrenchFrenc icon Spain parts waysways HenHenryry plots his with ccoachoach councountry’st downfall

Qatar showcases a glimpse of 2022 World Cup spectacle

Football fans visiting Majlis Qatar, a three-tiered pop-up installation which shows what’s on offer at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Football fans in Russia attending the 2018 FIFA World Cup are getting a taste of what’s to come in four years’ time after Qatar unveiled a host of activities in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The flagship installation, Majlis Qatar, was officially opened on Saturday by Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). TOP LEFT: Al Thawadi addressing the gathering during the inauguration ceremony.

French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola reaches for the ball during a training session in Istra, Russia on Saturday, ahead of their FIFA 2018 World Cup semi-final against Belgium.

REUTERS 1998, are slight favourites to go through according to most book- ST PETERSBURG: Roberto makers, but Belgium tend to step Martinez’s swashbuckling Belgium, France get set for up their game against these par- Belgium side head into Tuesday’s ticular European rivals, if history semi-final with familiar foes is anything to go by. France as the World Cup’s leading Of the 73 meetings between scorers, but their old rivals have the teams, Belgium have won 30 evolved as the tournament has mouth-watering semi-final and France 24, with 19 draws progressed and will also be full between them, although if of confidence. Belgium are to reach their first Belgium have scored 14 goals Bleus’ being written off in some morale, and they followed it up players made a sluggish start Martinez showed tactical World Cup final they will have to in five matches and were hugely quarters, but all that changed with a workman-like 2-0 win against the Samurai Blue and sud- adventure, as he pushed target do so by beating France at the impressive in their 2-1 quarter- when they faced Argentina in the over Uruguay that was impressive denly found themselves trailing man Lukaku to the wing to allow tournament for the first time. final victory over Brazil, with last 16 in what must be a leading because of how well they by two goals with time ebbing De Bruyne to operate as a ‘false France came through their Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and contender for the most exciting managed to control the game away. nine’. The strategy worked, and quarter-final unscathed, and Des- Kevin de Bruyne combining to match of the tournament. against tricky opponents. Stung into action, Martinez De Bruyne scored his first goal in champs has his entire squad to devastating effect to oust the five- tweaked Belgium faced a heart- sent on Marouane Fellaini and Russia. choose from, while Belgium are times world champions. his formation, effectively freeing stopping moment of uncertainty Nacer Chadli in the 65th minute, Tuesday’s clash in St only slightly worse off. In contrast, France sleep- up Kylian Mbappe on the right to in the first knockout round against and both were heavily involved Petersburg has all the makings of Full back Thomas Meunier is walked through the group stages, run at the Argentine defence, and Japan, when Martinez’s decision as Belgium pulled off a late a classic, with fans and viewers suspended after picking up a eking out wins over Australia and what followed was a wonderful to rest players in their final group comeback, with Chadli securing likely to be treated to the sight of second yellow card of the tour- Peru before a stultifying 0-0 draw display of attacking football that match against England almost victory with practically the last two wonderfully attacking teams nament against Brazil, with Mar- with Denmark. France won 4-3. backfired spectacularly. kick of the game. going toe-to-toe. tinez likely to bring in Yannick Their early struggles had ‘Les The victory boosted France’s Belgium’s returning first team Against Brazil in the quarters, France, world champions in Carrasco in his place. 18 SPORT MONDAY 9 JULY 2018

World Cup flop Spain parts ways with coach

AP wouldn’t forgive myself,” Hierro said at the news conference MADRID: Fernando Hierro is introducing him as coach, two out as coach of Spain’s national days before the match against team after less than a month in European champion Portugal. charge and a disappointing four- “We still have a great oppor- game run at the World Cup. tunity in front of us. We have to The Spanish federation said remain positive and move yesterday that it wanted “to forward.” thank Fernando Hierro for his Later in the tournament, commitment and for assuming Hierro suggested he had stayed the responsibility of being in in contact with Lopetegui but charge of the national team said they didn’t discuss strategy. during some extraordinary “Julen has his job now, and situations.” I’ve got mine,” Hierro said after Hierro was promoted from Spain won the group by a sporting director to the top job narrow margin. two days before Spain opened “I’ve got my hands full. We’re the tournament against Portugal. not sending texts to each other. New federation president Luis We each have our own identities Rubiales was incensed that pre- and our own ideas. vious coach Julen Lopetegui had “We are friends and we agreed to take charge at Real might communicate as friends Madrid after the World Cup but we do not talk about football Mesut Ozil of Germany is seen during the 2018 FIFA World without giving the federation and tactics. Please don’t think Head Coach Cup Russia Group F match against Mexico in Moscow in this sufficient notice. that every time I have to make June, 17, 2018 file photo. Lopetegui was summarily Fernando Hierro a decision I call up Lopetegui fired on June 13 despite a 20-game of Spain gestures and ask his opinion,” he said. unbeaten streak that had made during 2018 FIFA Taking over the team with Spain one of the favorites coming World Cup Round zero notice “wasn’t a challenge. ‘Scapegoat’ Ozil into the tournament. of 16 match That’s not the way I see it,” Spain drew with Portugal against Russia in Hierro insisted. and Morocco and beat Iran 1-0 Moscow, in this “It’s a source of pride to be to win their group, then lost to July 01, 2018 file the coach of Spain. It’s a great should quit Russia on penalties after a 1-1 photo. honour.” draw in the round of 16, a match Addressing media in Madrid in which the Spanish were crit- the day after his firing, Lopetegui German team, icized for completing more than said his dismissal from the Spain 1,000 passes without producing job was the saddest day of his life since the day his mother had says father died, and called the day he offi- cially took the helm at Real the AFP enough scoring chances. national team player and Real happiest. Rubiales, who took The federation’s statement Madrid captain. over as president in May, said Hierro was promoted didn’t indicate whether Hierro He served as sporting Lopetegui and Real Madrid had BERLIN: Mesut Ozil’s father said yesterday his son should from sporting left voluntarily but said he had director when Spain won the left him no choice by refusing to quit Germany’s national squad after he was made a director to the top declined to return to his previous 2008 European Championship delay the announcement. “scapegoat” for their shock first-round defeat at the World job two days before role as sporting director. It called and the 2010 World Cup, what “The federation has its Cup. him “an extraordinary the federation called “the values and it has to maintain Ozil, 29, has come in for sharp criticism in Germany Spain opened the sportsman” and said the national national team’s greatest period.” them,” Rubiales said. after the holders crashed out in Russia, finishing bottom tournament against team “would always be his But he had never held a “It may look like a weakness of their group. Portugal. home.” major coaching job. now, but with time this will Pressure had already been mounting on the Arsenal Hierro, 50, is a former “I couldn’t have said ‘no,’ I make us stronger.” midfielder in the run-up to the tournament over a con- troversial photograph with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which sparked questions about his loyalty to Germany. On Thursday, team boss Oliver Bierhoff suggested that World Cup perhaps Germany should have considered dropping Ozil, Vida escapes ban over who has Turkish roots, after his failure to explain himself over the issue. ref gets But the midfielder’s father, Mustafa Ozil, in an pro-Ukraine celebration interview with Bild am Sonntag, said: “This statement is life ban for insolent. In my opinion, it is aimed at saving one’s own skin.” Bierhoff had backtracked on Friday, saying that he AFP “was wrong” to put Ozil under undue pressure. bribery But German Football Federation chief Reinhard Grindel MOSCOW: Croatia defender has now waded in, arguing that Ozil must go public. REUTERS Domagoj Vida escaped a FIFA His failure to speak out “has disappointed many fans, ban yesterday after posting a because they have questions and expect answers”, Grindel CAIRO: A Kenyan linesman clip dedicating his country’s told Kicker magazine in an interview to be published who had been due to offi- victory over Russia in the World Monday. ciate at the ongoing 2018 Cup quarter-final to Ukraine. “They are rightly expecting this answer. That’s why it World Cup in Russia has Vida scored an extra-time is absolutely clear to me that for his own interest, Mesut been handed a life ban after goal and one of Croatia’s pen- should speak out when he returns from his holidays.” being caught in a bribery alties in a 4-3 shootout win over Ozil senior defended his son for not clarifying his sting. the World Cup hosts in Sochi on position publicly. Marwa Range was filmed Saturday. “He no longer wants to explain himself, he no longer received a $600 bribe during Croatia will play England in wants to have to defend himself all the time. He has been the African Nations Champi- the semi-final on Wednesday playing for nine years in the German team... including onship in Morocco in January and some Russian officials had becoming world champions with the A-team. and is one of 22 referees called on the football governing “Mesut has contributed a lot for this country. It has sanctioned by the Confed- body to take tough disciplinary always been: if we win, we win together. eration of African Football measures against the Balkan “But when we lose, we lose because of Ozil? He is now in an unprecedented clean team. getting whistled at and made a scapegoat. I can under- up, announced at the The ponytailed 29-year-old stand if he feels insulted,” said the midfielder’s father. weekend. shouted “Glory to Ukraine!” in Mesut had agreed to have a photograph taken with Rage, who was a reserve a video posted by former Croatia Erdogan only out of “politeness” and it was never meant Domagoj Vida of Croatia reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the 2014 finals in Brazil, international Ognjen Vukojevic to be a political statement, he added. quarter-final against Russia in Sochi on Saturday. had earlier been removed shortly after the match. Calling his son’s treatment “unfair”, Ozil senior said from the list of match officials Vida has just left Ukrainian “he needs to decide for himself. But if I were in his place, due to officiate in Russia. club Dynamo Kyiv and Vuko- was quoted as saying. “It was Ukraine that has claimed more I’d say -- thanks a lot but that’s it.” The life ban was handed jevic also played for the club just a joke.” than 10,000 lives. Vukojevic “The hurt has grown too strong. And who knows what’ll out by CAF’s disciplinary during his career. “Glory to Ukraine!” was a added in the video: “This victory happen at the next match? In Mesut’s place, I would step board who also banned 10 FIFA said it had studied the slogan of the former Soviet is for Dynamo (Kyiv) and for down. But that’s just my very personal opinion,” he said. other referees for between video and decided to issue a republic’s pro-EU revolution Ukraine! Croatia onwards!” The two to 10 years for similar warning to Vida but will take no that toppled a Russian-backed clip was picked up by Russian offences. further measures. president in 2014. state media and drew condem- A further 11 have been “We can confirm that FIFA’s The revolt was condemned nation from some officials. suspended pending an disciplinary committee has sent as illegal by Moscow and “Such actions should be appearance in front of the a warning to the player Domagoj sparked a crisis in relations punished,” parliament’s sports Mesut has contributed a lot for this board next month. Vida due to his video statement,” between the two neighbouring committee member Dmitry country. It has always been: if we win, African football has long a spokesperson said. Vida told states. Svishchyov told the RIA Novosti been plagued by allegations Russian media after the clip was It was followed by Russia’s state news agency. we win together. But when we lose, we of bribery but never before made public that he had meant annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea “Political, nationalist and lose because of Ozil?: Mustafa Ozil has CAF banned such a large no offence. peninsula and a pro-Kremlin racist slogans are not welcome number of officials. “I love Russian people,” Vida separatist war in eastern at the World Cup.” MONDAY 9 JULY 2018 SPORT 19

Russia look ‘to take a step forward’

REUTERS Fans salute MOSCOW: Despite the pre- World Cup barbs and snipes home ‘heroes’ regarding Russia’s quality and the politically-charged after fine run commentary related to the hosts, they bowed out in style, having REUTERS exceeded expectations and injected the tournament with a MOSCOW: The Kremlin healthy dose of enthusiasm. dubbed the Russian The Russians as hosts did not national team ‘heroes’ need to qualify for the World Cup and proud Russian and their ranking of 70 in the soccer fans saluted their world was the lowest among all team after the underdog teams in Russia, even lower than host side lost on penalties international football minnows to Croatia, bringing an Saudi Arabia. end to its World Cup That mattered little though challenge at the last-8. for battling coach Stanislav Across Russia, hand- Cherchesov who assembled a wringing fans had held team that defied all forecasts their breath through and made the home nation extra time, hoping the proud. team could pull off Their quarter-final exit on another upset in a World penalties to Croatia, among the Cup they entered as the most skilled teams here, on Sat- lowest ranking side, but urday was further proof that which saw them advance Russia never intended to just reach the quarter finals playing along. against the odds. The Russians lost only once The disappointment over 90 or 120 minutes of of defeat late on Sat- football and that was in their urday soon melted into final group match against applause as fans toasted Uruguay when they had already a national side that had Russia coach (centre) and team players are greeted by fans during a visit at the Moscow’s fan zone yesterday. repeatedly defied expec- tations. Fans spilling out qualified for the knockout stage. a reason to turn their attention allowed Russia to eventually conceding two more before an of bars chanted “Russia” “We trusted ourselves. We to football. squeeze past the 2010 world equaliser deep in the second half in the street and danced could only prove our worth by This was quickly followed champions and into the last of extra time reignited their as music blared. The Russians as working hard,” Cherchesov said. up with a 3-1 win over Egypt eight. They handed them pos- hopes of a last four spot, the first “Our boys, they hosts did not need “I believe that people did not and Cherchesov’s’ team session and despite playing four since the Soviet Union’s 1966 really did great. A huge to qualify for the only start trusting us but they are punching their ticket for the times fewer passes than Spain’s run. thank you to them for in love with us.” Round of 16. 1,137 over 120 minutes, they suc- But it was not meant to be as this tournament. What World Cup and their “From the first second I put Since the collapse of the cessfully shut them out of their Croatia won 4-3 on penalties to we achieved, that was so ranking of 70 in the together this team, I knew where Soviet Union, Russia had never box. advance to a semi-final against cool,” Andrey, a lawyer, world was the lowest it was heading,” he said. managed to go past the group Spain had a staggering 75 England, leaving many of the said next to a street among all teams in “We have succeeded I stage and their defeat to Uruguay percent possession but found no 48,0000 fans at Sochi’s Fisht corner screen that had believe, but it is time to take a that did expose some of the qual- way past Russia’s hard-working Stadium in tears. shown the match. Russia, even lower step forward.” ities they were missing, including defence, bowing out when But their performances gave “It was a great match. than international Russia had delivered the in attack, mattered little at that keeper Igor Akinfeev saved two Russian players instant national Well done to our guys, football minnows perfect opening salvo, firing five point. spot kicks in the shoot-out. hero’s status and the country the they tried very hard,” Saudi Arabia. goals past the Saudis in the Cherchesov then devised a This tactic was turned on its right to be proud of a run no one said Artyom Osadchy, a World Cup opening match that clever game plan to counter head against Croatia, with Russia had expected less than a month student. instantly gave the home crowd Spain’s passing game, which going all out and scoring first but ago.

Russian record holder Swedes stumble in last-8 but Ignashevich retires leave Russia rejuvenated

after World Cup exit REUTERS REUTERS SOCHI: Sweden’s gritty perform- ances in Russia that ended with a MOSCOW: Russia’s most-capped player 2-0 defeat to England in their Sergei Ignashevich announced his quarter-final indicate a bright, if retirement from soccer yesterday after the not very entertaining, future for hosts were eliminated by Croatia on ’s side. penalties in the World Cup quarter-final The previous dozen years of hours earlier. World Cup disappointment were The 38-year-old defender, who spent erased as the Swedes dispatched his entire club career at Russian clubs, was some big names and survived a key member of Russia’s run to the last much longer than expected with eight at their home tournament, having their tight defence and penchant played in each of their five matches. for punishing mistakes by sup- According to world soccer’s governing posedly better teams. body FIFA he earned a total of 127 caps, Sweden undid the Dutch in scoring nine goals, and holding the record qualifying and beat Italy in a play- for most international appearances by any off before topping a group in Russian player. which Germany finished bottom Ignashevich also captained CSKA and dispensing with Switzerland Moscow to the 2005 UEFA Cup title. in the second round. Players of Sweden pose for a photo ahead of the quarter-final against “This was my last World Cup, my last Though their determination, England in Samara on Saturday. tournament and the last match of my soccer organisation and sheer grit was career. If it wasn’t for the World Cup, I think admirable, they won few fans for them reach the end of the road in I would have ended (my career) earlier,” their playing style which was Russia. Ignashevich said in a video posted on social often defensive and rudimentary, Berg and several others on the media. but also very effective. wrong side of 30 such as Sebastian “The World Cup was a strong moti- “We did beautifully to get this Sweden undid the Larsson and captain Andreas vation of me. far. We faced tough opponents Dutch in qualifying Granqvist may now decide to call “I feel joy, a feeling of peace because I every single match but we weren’t time on their international am ending on a high note. I am playing at good enough today,” Andersson and beat Italy in careers, but the template has been the World Cup. I am playing in the quarter- told reporters after their quarter- a play-off before set for the future. finals. I am playing on a great team with a final exit. topping a group Jakob Johansson will return great coach, a real coach and with players “I gathered the players on the in which Germany from the knee injury he sustained who give themselves fully to the game.” pitch and told them we had a after scoring the playoff goal Ignashevich was one of the successful bloody good tournament.” finished bottom and against Italy that got Sweden to penalty-takers in their 4-3 shoot-out defeat Though Andersson quickly dispensing with the World Cup, and against Croatia and was also on target from tired of the pre-tournament dis- Switzerland in the showed in Russia that he is well the spot when they beat Spain again on pen- cussion as to whether or not second round. capable of anchoring the midfield alties in the second round. Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be with him. “Anything can happen is soccer. But enticed out of international Promising young striker Alex- here no one was dissatisfied, not in the retirement, the team could have worked hard at the coal-face of ander Isak is still developing at Russia’s Sergei Ignashevich after scoring dressing room and not on the pitch,” he said. done with a goal-scorer like him Sweden’s defensive system but Borussia Dortmund and winger during the penalty shootout against Croatia “I plan to receive a coaching license in as their attack misfired. their wayward finishing, espe- impressed in Swedish in Sochi on Saturday. December. I would like to become a coach, First-choice strikers Ola cially Berg’s misses against club Ostersund’s recent Europa a good coach.” Toivonen and England, would eventually see League campaign. 20 SPORT MONDAY 9 JULY 2018 MONDAY 9 JULY 2018 SPORT 21

There were times when we We respectespect them and I think they CroatianCroatian plaplayersyers c celebrateelebrate aft aftere winning the penalty shootout against Russia in the FIFA 2018 World Cup quarter-final match at lacked energy: 240 minutes respectect us.us. We’reWe ’re two two great great teams teams the Fisht Stadium in Sochi onS Saturday. Croatia search for it will be a great challenge for us of football in six days takes and it will be a great challenge for us its toll on you: Croatia’s top and forfor them, so let’s see who will be missing sparks goal scorer Luka Modric better:er: CroatianCroatian defenderdefender DeDejanjan LovrenLovre n ahead of key clash

REUTERS When Croatia stormed through Croatia became the group stage with nine points only the second MOSCOW: They have experience, from three games, they did in team to win bags of talent and there is no ques- indeed look like serious tioning their fighting spirit yet there contenders. successive penalty is something still strangely lacking But the spark seems to have shootouts at in the Croatia team which has gone in knockout stages and instead the World Cup, reached the World Cup semi-finals they have had to rely on more on for the second time in their history. resilience to get them through following in Croatia became only the sec- against less gifted opponents. the footsteps ond team to win successive penalty Coach Zlatko Dalic certainly of Argentina in shootouts at the World Cup, follow- showed plenty of bold, attacking ing in the footsteps of Argentina in intentions against Russia. 1990, when they 1990, when they overcame Russia The gifted Modric and Rakitic overcame Russia 4-3 on Saturday to follow up their were fielded in the centre of mid- 4-3 on Saturday to win over Denmark in the previous field, with no defensive cover, and round. there were two wingers in Ante follow up their win Neither of those overall per- Rebic and Ivan Perisic and two cen- over Denmark in formances, however, were worthy tre forwards in Manduzkic and the previous round. of potential World Cup winners, nor Andrej Kramaric. But it did not quite did they seem to do justice to the work out as planned. quality of Croatia’s line-up, which Croatia’s long periods of pos- is one of the most gifted in Russia. session were largely unproductive, their semi-final on Wednesday Fourteen members of their the final pass was invariably miss- when they face an England side English goalkeeper squad are based in Europe’s top five ing and they were surprised by who coasted to a 2-0 win over Jordan Pickford leagues -- England, Spain, Italy, Russia’s aggressive approach. Sweden. takes part in a training session. Croatia want to play Germany and France -- including Going to extra-time and penal- “There were times when we Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic at ties meant using up valuable lacked energy: 240 minutes of foot- Real Madrid, Ivan Rakitic at Barce- reserves of energy that could poten- ball in six days takes its toll on you,” lona and Mario Mandzukic at tially put them at a disadvantage in said Modric who, like Mandzukic their ‘best game’ Juventus. and Rakitic, is into his thirties. Dalic, however, said there was FourteenFouuurteeenen memmmembersmberss plenty left in the tank. of CCroatianroroaoattiianiaann ssquasquadquauad “Of course there is some to end England’s run power left for the English -- aree babasedasaseed inn EEurEurope’suru opeope’oppe’e s we will not stop, we will try topp fifivfiveve lelleagueseeagaggueuesues -- to play our best game EngEngland,nggllanandd,, SpSSpain,paainin,n, ItaItalItaly,talaly,y then,” he said. And, if all else fails, England look to bounce back AP What kind of Dalic said. “We made our- GeGermanyerermmananynyy anaandndnd FraFranFFrancencec Croatia can always go into recovery Croatia selves happy but we also SOCHI: - including Luka a penalty shootout confi- They’ve gone 120 can muster made everybody back home - innclcluuddiniingngg LukaLukukak dent that they will come minutes twice in a week. in Croatia happy. Those MModricooddrdriic anaandd MMateoateoatteoeo out as winners. They have endured the over the next emotions just burst out of KoKovacicovovavaacicic atat RRealeealea “The match against emotional tugs of two three days me. I don’t cry often, but I Russia is yet another vic- from 2007 embarrassment penalty shootouts, some- may ultimately have a good reason.” Madrid, Ivan Rakitic Maadrdriid,d Ivavanvann RRakRakiakiakiticicc tory of our character. We have how coming out on top on determine if they The team was travelling at BBarcelonaaarcrceelolononaa andaandndd nerves of steel,” said Kramaric. both occasions, the first from Sochi to Moscow yes- team since 1990 to do so at have a chance terday to set up camp for MMarioaarrioioo MMandzukicaanandnddzukicuki APAP a World Cup. They’re deal- of taking out two days of training ahead at JJuventus.uuveuvvenveventutus.us.uss. ing with injuries to their England and of the semi-final. The most SOCHI:SSOOCCH Croatia was there at England’s starting right back, their reaching the immediate worry appears lowestloowowees ebb this century in international goalkeeper and a handful of to be starting right back soccer,ssoooccce and it’ll be there as the English other players who could World Cup final Sime Vrsaljko, who had to teamteeeamm tries to peak. probably use a week in the for the first time. be replaced during extra ForFoF many England supporters, the ice bath. time, walking slowly off the 3-233--2 loloss to Croatia in November 2007 There’s no way Croatia is field with an apparent leg wasw s a national embarrassment. Coach going to have any juice left in adrenaline in matching the injury. SteveSStStevve McClaren’s tactics floundered as the tank for England in the 1998 Croatian team and There’s also some con- heh clutchedcllu an umbrella in pouring rain World Cup semi-finals, right? reaching the semis. At some cern about goalkeeper ono ththet sidelines at Wembley, and he “Of course there’s power point, that wave could Danijel Subasic after he wasw ddubbed “the Wally with the brolly” left for the English,” Croatia crash. required treatment late in followingffolloow the loss that meant England coach Zlatko Dalic said. “We “At certain times we the second half and during failedffafaileed to qualify for Euro 2008. don’t want to stop. We want lacked power but we played any breaks through extra A decade later a young, vibrant to play our best game then.” two times 120 minutes of time and the shootout after teamtte m has earned England a spot in the What kind of recovery football in six days,” Modric appearing to injure his right WorldWWorrld Cup semifinals for the first time Croatia can muster over the said. “Of course this will hamstring. ini 282 years and it will face Croatia next three days may ulti- leave a mark on you. You A number of other again.aagaiin The euphoria on the streets of mately determine if it has a have to pay the toll for such Croatia players were LondonLLonddo was matched in Zagreb, where chance of taking out Eng- exertions. But thank God receiving massages and CroatsCCroaat celebrated their country’s best land and reaching the we’ve shown our stretching of their legs WWorWorldrld Cup run since 1998. World Cup final for the first character.” before extra time and “We“W“ respect them and I think they time when the sides meet in The emotions were such before the shootout. The respectrresppe us,” said Croatia defender the semi-finals on Wednes- that Dalic broke down in unique elements of playing DDejanej Lovren, who has played in day night in Moscow. tears on the sideline after in Sochi with the combina- EnglandEnE since 2013. Yes, Croatia may have Rakitic’s winning penalty. tion of heat and humidity “We’re two great teams and it one of the best individual “It came bursting out of sapped energy from both willw be a great challenge for us players in the tournament me. I felt really relieved,” teams, creating a fairly and for them, so let’s see who will with what Luka Modric has lethargic second half. be better.” done in matching the deep- Numerous Croatia players Lovren is the only player in English forward Harry Kane (centre) takes part in a training session along with his team-mates in Repino. est run ever by the country. said arriving in Sochi Croatia’s World Cup squiad who But Croatia is also immediately after the is currently with an English club, exhausted. Physically. round of 16 win over Den- although his teammates Luka play down the grudge factor ahead of Suker said England coach Gareth Besides the semi-final on Wednes- England failed to qualify Mentally. Of course mark was a major benefit, Modric and Vedran Corluka both Wednesday’s semi-final match in Southgate has built a team of “hungry” day in Moscow, England and Croatia for Euro 2008 after There’s no way they there’s power but now are facing a rapid previously played for Tottenham, Moscow. players motivated to win for their will meet twice more this year in the couldn’t be after ousting Den- recovery. Croatia’s Luka left for the and forward Andrej Kramaric “Not revenge, it’s football,” he said, country and not distracted by the trap- new UEFA Nations League. losing a sensational mark on penalties in the “It will be difficult,” Modric and Dejan wasw formerly at Leicester City. adding that he wished Croatia was fac- pings of fame. England will play Croatia away on round of 16, then being forced English. We defender Dejan Lovren Lovren celebrate “You know, the coach, what he has, game against Croatia at after winning England beat Croatia 4-1 and ing a weaker England team. Oct. 12. to extra time again by host don’t want to said. the penalty 5-15-1- in their last two meetings, World “What I would like, England from football comes home,” Suker said, ref- The game will be played at an Wembley in November Russia on Saturday night. Just stop. We want “Hopefully our right- shootout against CupC p qqualifiers in 2008 and 2009, but before, but now England is very strong. erencing England’s “Three Lions” song. empty venue because Croatia is before midnight local time, to play our best back Sime Vrsaljko is not so Denmark at teh theth ababidinga memory for England fans We will respect this team.” “It’s the hungry players, you see,” under a stadium ban from UEFA 2007 and for many Ivan Rakitic’s winning pen- injured like he thinks, so rremremainsma that defeat in 2007. England won the 1966 World Cup Suker said, explaining that cash and imposed back in 2015 when a swas- alty ignited yet another game then: hopefully we can manage. Nizhny Novgorod England supporters, the Stadium in this DavorD Suker, a star of the Croatian but hasn’t returned to the final of the fast cars can’t compare for players with tika was painted on its field ahead celebration that was a mix of Croatia coach But we have a lot of good July 1 file photo. teamteam that reached the 1998 World Cup sport’s marquee event. In the semifi- competing for the biggest title. “Just 11 of a game. 3-2 loss was a national excitement and relief. players on the bench who semi-finalssemi-m and president of the nals in 1990, West Germany advanced against 11 warriors and that’s playing England hosts Croatia on Nov. 18 The team and the coun- Zlatko Dalic showed they can change the nationalnationati football federation, tried to on penalties over England. in the World Cup.” in the return fixture. embarrassment. try are riding a wave of rhythm of the game.” 22 SPORT MONDAY 9 JULY 2018 Zaman shines as Pakistan clinch T20 tri-series title AFP SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA (2w); Ali 4-0-38-1 (1nb); Afridi 4-0-32-1; Khan 4-0- HARARE: Pakistan captain D. Short c Farhan b Afridi ...... 76 38-2 Sarfraz Ahmed said Fakhar A. Finch c Farhan b Khan ...... 47 PAKISTAN Zaman was in the “best form of G. Maxwell c A Ali b Khan ...... 5 F. Zaman c Maddinson b Richardson ...... 91 his life” after the opener cracked M. Stoinis c Zaman b Amir ...... 12 S. Farhan st Carey b Maxwell ...... 0 a career-best 91 to help set up T. Head c H Ali b Amir ...... 19 H. Talat c Richardson b Maxwell ...... 0 Pakistan’s six-wicket win over A. Carey c Khan b Ashraf ...... 2 S. Ahmed run out (Richardson/Tye) ...... 28 Australia in the final of the A. Agar b H Ali ...... 7 S. Malik not out ...... 43 Twenty20 tri-series at Harare J. Wildermuth not out ...... 1 A. Ali not out ...... 17 A. Tye b Amir ...... 0 Extras (b1, lb1, w6) ...... 8 Sports Club yesterday. J. Richardson not out ...... 6 Total (4 wkts, 19.2 overs) ...... 187 “I think nowadays he’s in the Extras (lb4, 1nb, w3) ...... 8 Did not bat: F Ashraf, S Khan, M Amir, H Ali, S Afridi best form of his life,” Ahmed said Total (8 wkts, 20 overs) ...... 183 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Farhan), 2-2 (Talat), 3-47 of Zaman, who was named Did not bat: B Stanlake (Ahmed), 4-154 (Zaman) player of the series for his 278 Fall of wickets: 1-95 (Finch), 2-109 (Maxwell), Bowling: Maxwell 3-0-35-2 (1w); Stanlake 4-0-25- runs. 3-146 (Stoinis), 4-148 (Short), 5-166 (Carey), 6-176 0; Richardson 4-0-29-1 (1w); Tye 4-0-33-0; Stoinis “The way he’s batted (Agar), 7-176 (Head), 8-177 (Tye) 2.2-0-31-0; Wildermuth 1-0-16-0 (4w), Agar 1-0-16-0 India’s Rohit Sharma shakes hands with England’s Joe Root (right) after the third international throughout the series, it’s good Bowling: Amir 4-0-33-3 (1w); Ashraf 4-0-38-1 Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets Twenty20 match at The Brightside Ground, Bristol, yesterday. for us, and good for his career. He performs in big games, innings. First, he added 45 with Finch putting together a 95-run consistently. captain Sarfraz Ahmed to take opening stand with D’Arcy In the Champions Trophy, his team out of immediate Short. Short was also dropped in the final, he got that hundred. danger, and he then added 107 just after he had reached a In New Zealand, he scored a fifty for the fourth wicket with Malik 39-ball fifty, but he could not Rohit leads India and then a 40 odd. He’s a big to seize the advantage for better his previous T20I high game player and he’s getting Pakistan. score of 76 and Pakistan’s better day by day.” When Zaman fell cutting out bowling at the death kept Aus- Zaman shared in a century to deep cover, Pakistan still tralia in check. stand with Shoaib Malik as needed 30 from 24, but while From 95 for 0 after the first to series victory Pakistan recovered from an Malik remained at the crease 10 overs, Australia lost 8 for 88 AFP early wobble in their pursuit of their chase was always safe. The and their 183 for 8 was not quite SCOREBOARD stunning running and diving Australia’s 183 for 8, and Malik victory capped a mixed day for enough to better Pakistan in the catch to dismiss KL Rahul in the then showed all the experience Pakistan. final analysis. ENGLAND BRISTOL: Rohit Sharma backed deep to add to a stunning effort of an 18-year international “We know they’re an emo- Their defeat means Australia J. Roy ct Dhoni b Chahar ...... 67 up the heroics of pace bowler J. Buttler b Kaul ...... 34 from Jake Ball at backward career to see his team home in tional team, and they’re a highly have won just three of the last Hardik Pandya by hitting 100 A. Hales c Dhoni b Pandya ...... 30 square leg that removed Shikhar their highest ever successful skilled team,” said Australia 11 internationals they have not out as India clinched the T20 E. Morgan c Dhoni b Pandya ...... 6 Darwan. T20I run chase with an captain Aaron Finch. played on their tours of England international series at Bristol. B. Stokes c Kohli b Pandya ...... 14 After England squared the unbeaten 43. “When they’re on, they’re and Zimbabwe. Although con- Sharma became only the J. Bairstow c Dhoni b Pandya ...... 25 series in Cardiff last Friday India It looked as though Australia incredibly good. We let them sistent success continues to second Indian to pass 2,000 D. Willey b Yadav ...... 1 needed to win to make it seven had produced a masterstroke in back into the game with bat and elude them, coach Justin Langer runs in this format as India C. Jordan run out ...... 3 successive international T20 opening the bowling with Glenn ball today.” suggested that his charges chased down their target of 199 L. Plunkett c Dhoni b Kaul ...... 9 series win in succession. Maxwell’s offspin as debutant Finch was given a first-ball would be all the better for the with eight balls and seven A. Rashid not out ...... 4 England captain Eoin Sahibzada Farhan was stumped reprieve when he was dropped experience. wickets to spare. Extras: (4lb, 1nb) ...... 5 Morgan said: “On a small ground off the first ball he faced and by Malik in the deep after top- “We’ve shown our inexpe- England batted first and Total: (9 wkts, 20 overs) ...... 198 on a good wicket we would Hussain Talat sliced a catch to edging a hook, and several mis- rience over the last six weeks, Did not bat: J.Ball threatened to post a huge score expect to score more than 198. point three balls later to derail fields allowed any pressure with but we’ll be much better for it,” Fall of wickets: 1-94 (Buttler), 2-103 (Roy), 3-134 before stuttering at the end and (Morgan), 4-140 (Hales), 5-177 (Stokes), 6-181 This series for us has produced Pakistan’s chase. the new ball to be immediately said Langer, who also hinted finishing on 198-9 after their 20 (Bairstow), 7-183 (Willey), 8-194 (Plunkett), 9-198 three different performances.” Australia threatened to dissipated. that Finch could also assume the overs. (Jordan) England had threatened to run storm to victory, but Zaman Their errors allowed Aus- captaincy role in Australia’s Pandya took 4-38, his best Bowling: Chahar 4-0-43-1 (1nb), Yadav 4-0-48-1, away with the game and post a quickly set about re-building the tralia to get off to a flier, with one-day side. figures in T20 cricket and wick- Kaul 4-0-35-2, Pandya 4-0-38-4, Chahal 4-0-30-0 massive total until Pandya and etkeeper MS Dhoni became the Dhoni intervened and kept the Pakistan captain first player to take five catches INDIA chase total, on a small ground, Sarfraz Ahmed R. Sharma not out ...... 100 in international T20 and ran out realistic.The hosts got off to a holds the series Chris Jordan on the last ball of S. Dhawan c Ball b Willey ...... 5 flier thanks to Joss Buttler and KL Rahul c Jordan b Ball ...... 19 trophy after victory England’s innings for good Jason Ro y.Deepak Chahar’s first during the final of measure. V. Kohli c and b Jordan ...... 43 over in international T20 H. Pandya not out ...... 33 the tri-series at the Then Pandya was promoted cricket, and the first of the Extras: (1w) ...... 1 Harare Sports Club, up the order to produce a innings, cost 13 runs with Buttler Total: (3 wkts, 18.4 overs) ...... 201 yesterday. quickfire 33 not out that got Did not bat: S.Raina, MS Dhoni (wkt), Y.Chahal, D. accounting for 12 of them and India home in front of a crowd Chahar, S.Kaul, U.Yadav within four overs England were that was mostly fans supporting Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Dhawan), 2-62 (Rahul), 3-151 43-0. Roy hit 67 from 31 balls, the away team. (Kholi) including seven sixes which Sharma praised Pandya’s Bowling: Willey 3-0-37-1, Ball 3-0-39-1, Jordan equalled the most by an England calmness, saying: “He has done 3.4-0-40-1 (1w), Plunkett 3-0-42-0, Stokes 2-0-11- batsman in T20. that a few years now. He is used 0, Rashid 4-0-32-0 England looked set for score to it now and he is doing it per- of over 240 before Pandya fectly. The way he bowled gave second man, after Colin Munro applied the brakes. him confidence to bat.” of New Zealand, to score three He dismissed Alex Hales, The 30-year-old Sharma international T20 centuries. Eoin Morgan, the returning Ben produced his best batting of the Virat Kholi made 43 as the Stokes and Jonny Bairstow all series and put on 89 with his pair took advantage of some after conceding 22 off his first captain Kholi, the other Indian short boundaries at the County over. But with a total in excess with 2,000 T20 runs, for the Ground to pepper the stands of 240 looking likely the third wicket as India might the with sixes until Kholi fired a England middle order imploded task look easy. return catch to Jordan. to a combination of Pandya and Sharma also became the Earlier Jordan had taken a the gloves of Dhoni. Vettel wrecks Hamilton’s home party with win AFP a near-perfect start to pull clear into the from the lead, but Bottas stayed out, to Ferrari’s German driver lead followed by Bottas. lead on lap 34, as did Hamilton. SILVERSTONE: Sebastian Vettel opened Sebastian Vettel kisses Hamilton, from his record 76th pole, After their strategic fiasco, in Austria, a clear lead in the drivers’ world cham- his winner’s trophy appeared bogged down as he responded this was a bold move by Mercedes who pionship yeserday when he wrecked on the podium after and was instantly in a scrap for third took first and third on track with used Lewis Hamilton’s home-race party and the British Formula with Raikkonen, who collided with the medium tyres, but without the benefit claimed an impressive victory in a One Grand Prix at the Briton under braking into Turn Three. of fresh “soft” tyres. thrilling British Grand Prix. Silverstone motor Both spun and rejoined, Hamilton As at Spielberg, Hamilton was con- The four-time champion seized the racing circuit in after running off track. He was 19th and cerned by the decision. lead at the start and fought back after Silverstone, central last, Brendon Hartley having failed to “There is no way I can compete with losing the initiative during two safety England, yesterday. start in his Toro Rosso. new tyres,” he said. car periods to register his second win at “I think my car’s broken,” said the “You are the fastest by miles, so don’t Silverstone and the 51st of his career. defending champion as he reconciled give up. It’s all there...” When the Safety Vettel’s win for Ferrari wrecked himself to a charge through a field Car came in, Bottas surged clear while Hamilton’s hopes of taking a record fifth shaken by the opening lap incidents. Hamilton defended from Verstappen win in succession and a record sixth He was soon up to 16th and by lap before Carlos Sainz and Romain overall, but the Englishman - who was nine he was eighth, but some distance Grosjean collided at Copse, triggering last after a collision with Kimi Raik- from Vettel, who led Bottas by six another Safety Car. konen on the opening lap - produced a seconds on lap 12. Verstappen and Raik- On re-start, at Stowe, Bottas pulled heroic drive to finish second for konen were third and fourth with Ric- away. Hamilton stayed close in third, Mercedes. ciardo fifth. hoping for a chance. His team-mate Valtteri Bottas, on Unexpectedly, Ricciardo made a As they headed into the final five older tyres, led entering the closing laps, Fernando Alonso of McLaren and Kevin brush with Hamilton which earned the second stop after 31 laps, lifting Ham- laps, the top four cars were separated but was unable to resist Vettel or his Magnussen of Haas. Pierre Gasly was 38-year-old Finn a 10-second penalty. ilton to fifth as the Australian rejoined by only 1.6 seconds with the two Red Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen, who 10th for Toro Rosso. “It was my mistake,” he said. “I sixth, but on softs. Bulls in pursuit until, on lap 47, Ver- finished third. Bottas was fourth. “The safety car spiced it up,” said deserved the penalty, but I kept fighting.” A furious finale to match the frantic stappen spun at Club and Vettel It was Ferrari’s first win in Britain Vettel, wearing supporting tapes on his On another sweltering afternoon in first lap looked certain when Ericsson squeezed past Bottas, at Brooklands, to since 2011. stiff neck. central England, with a track temper- then crashed at Turn One. seize the initiative. Daniel Ricciardo came home fifth “I had the advantage of the tyres, but ature of 53 degrees Celsius (127 degrees The Swede was unhurt and climbed In a final flurry, Hamilton passed for Red Bull ahead of Nico Hulkenberg it was not easy to find a way through.” Fahrenheit), the drama began immedi- out to applause from the crowd as a Bottas for second and Raikkonen beat of Renault, Esteban Ocon of Force India, Raikkonen apologised for his first lap ately. As the lights went out, Vettel made Safety Car was deployed. Vettel pitted his compatriot to the final podium place. MONDAY 9 JULY 2018 SPORT 23 Federer, Serena aim to sail against the tide AFP time.” Federer’s tie is one of 16 fourth round matches across the LONDON: Roger Federer and men’s and women’s events in a Serena Williams will be expected frenetic day of action at the All to maintain their flawless England Club. With the draw progress at Wimbledon as the opening up in her favour, Wil- title favourites head into the liams is widely expected to make fourth round looking to survive history with a first Grand Slam the tournament’s giant-killing title since the birth of her carnage today. daughter Olympia in September Federer has been in impe- last year. A series of unexpected rious mood in pursuit of his results have seen Garbine ninth Wimbledon crown, while Muguruza, Maria Sharapova, Williams is rounding into form Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, just as the seven-time cham- Venus Williams and Caroline pion’s rivals have collapsed all Wozniacki all eliminated. around her. The 36-year-old faces The status quo has been Russian qualifier -- and fellow challenged like never before in mother -- Evgeniya Rodina in the women’s singles, with nine the last 16. Williams will equal Switzerland’s Roger Federer during practice at the 2018 Wimbledon of the top 10 seeds crashing out Margaret Court’s record of 24 Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, before the Wimbledon last 16 for Grand Slam titles if she wins the first time in the Open area. southwest London, yesterday. Wimbledon for the third time in In the men’s draw, third seed the last four years. Having Marin Cilic, fourth seed Alex- World number two Federer, Nadal, bidding for a first Wim- missed Wimbledon last year due ander Zverev and sixth seed eyeing a 21st Grand Slam title, bledon title since 2010, plays to her pregnancy, Serena is on a Grigor Dimitrov have all fallen. has won all five of his previous Czech world number 93 Jiri 17-match winning streak at the But it’s business was usual meetings with Mannarino, a Vesely, while Djokovic takes on All England Club. It is a for Federer as the defending 30-year-old journeyman who Russian world number 40 Karen remarkable record sure to alarm champion took his consecutive has never been past the last 16 Khachanov. her opponents, but Williams, sets won at Wimbledon to 29 in at a major. “Novak and Rafa, all these seeded 25th after her maternity a third round dismissal of Ger- Although Federer is guys are still in the draw,” leave, admits that fear factor can many’s Jan-Lennard Struff. approaching peak form, he Federer said. be a double-edged sword. Federer’s 175th win from knows world number one Rafael “At the end of the day I feel “Yeah, there’s definitely that 200 career grass-court matches Nadal -- yet to drop a set in his on our side not that much has aura, that kind of thing of playing saw him overtake Jimmy first three matches -- and three- happened. I know on the Serena,” she said. Serbia’s Novak Connors as the most successful time Wimbledon winner Novak women’s side more so. “Every single match I play, Djokovic arrives male player on the surface. Djokovic -- playing his way back “In the past it has made me whether I’m coming back from for practice at Next, the Swiss star faces to his best this week -- are nervous when I’ve seen bigger a baby or surgery, it doesn’t 2018 Wimbledon French 22nd seed Adrian Man- lurking as potential final guys go out. matter, these young ladies, they Championships, narino for a place in the opponents. “I feel like, ‘OK, it’s me next bring a game that I’ve never seen yesterday. quarter-finals. French Open champion time’. I didn’t feel the effect this before. Are the stars aligning for another Federer-Nadal final?

REUTERS Wimbledon appearances as his time in his career. patched up knees have struggled “For me it’s great to have all Spain’s Rafael LONDON: On the 10th anni- to cope with the constant this great experience again, versary of the 2008 Wimbledon Nadal after bending required to handle the playing so well later in my men’s final that is widely practice at the low bounce on the lush green career, having a great year last considered the ‘greatest ever 2018 Wimbledon lawns. year, having a good year this tennis match’ it seems like the Championships, Whereas once he could year,” said the 32-year-old, stars may be aligning for Roger yesterday. hypnotise Federer into defeat who has been plagued by a Federer and Rafael Nadal to -- holding a 23-11 win-loss series of knee, wrist and hip meet in another mesmerising record including 8-2 in Grand injuries. epic. Slam meetings contested up to “All these problems that I The pair are again the two 2016 -- the Spaniard has lost am going through during my best players in the world and four successive matches to his career... makes me enjoy more have split the last six Grand Slam great rival over the past 18 the good moments. I am playing titles between them - taking their months. well. I’m looking forward to combined haul to an incredible That run, which kicked off keep playing well. 37 major titles. with Federer, who is now 36, “If I am in the final, it will But, most importantly, they winning a pulsating five-setter be great news,” he added with are fit and healthy at the same at last year’s Australian Open a grin ahead of his fourth round time and showing signs that a final, has allowed the eight- match with Czech Jiri Vesely. blockbuster rematch might be times Wimbledon champion to He would just rather not see on the cards come July 15 as they narrow Nadal’s head-to-head his familiar Swiss foe, who next have both reached the fourth lead to 23-15. meets Frenchman Adrian Man- round at the grasscourt champi- But after hoisting the narino, across the net. onships without dropping a set. the sport’s greatest stage, there Nadal said on Saturday to hoots 2008 and 2010 champion as he French Open trophy for a Playing doubles together, So while tennis fans around is one person who is definitely of laughter from reporters. has failed to get past the fourth record 11th time less than four however, is a much more the world start dreaming, hoping not keen on the idea. Since reaching his fifth final round. weeks ago, Nadal seems ener- appealing prospect. “Why not?” and longing that the two most “If I am in the final, I prefer at the All England Club seven The Spaniard has lost to gised at the prospect of com- said the Spaniard. “(If) he is able successful players on planet to face an easier opponent. I am years ago, it has not been a players ranked 100 or lower in pleting the Roland Garros- to do it, I am able to do it,” he tennis will renew their rivalry on not stupid,” world number one happy hunting ground for the four of his five previous Wimbledon double for the third added with a smile. ITTF initiates move to set up academy in Qatar ARMSTRONG VAS with a particular focus on devel- THE PENINSULA oping the strategy for the 2021 commercial rights cycle. DOHA: The International Table Speaking at the agreement Tennis Federation (ITTF) and signing ceremony for the World Aspire Academy are in the Championships, Weikert said, “It process of setting up the region’s is a privilege to be here in Qatar first table tennis academy, a top once again. Qatar has the repu- official of the world governing tation of being one of the biggest body for table tennis informed and best organisers of sports here yesterday. events. ITTF President Thomas As you all know, Qatar Open Weikert said they had a fruitful is one of the only is one of only discussion with the management six top-tier Platinum events on of the Aspire Academy on their the ITTF World Tour calendar plans to open the region’s first and it has always been a priv- ITTF Table Tennis Academy in ilege to host any of our events in ITTF CEO Steve Dainton, Hungarian Table Tennis Association President Roland Natran, ITTF President Thomas Weikert, ITTF Deputy Qatar. Qatar. I believe the signing of this President and QTTA President Khalil Ahmed al Mohannadi during the agreement signing ceremony in Doha. “The discussions has so far agreement in Qatar as well as been positive and we hope to see other events held in the past faster developments in this regard “We are prepared more than you’ve all had a wonderful time,” Table Tennis Association (QTTA) the sidelines of the three days is another pointer to going forward,” Weikert said. ever before to see table tennis the QTTA President added. President Khalil Ahmed Al agreement signing ceremony how much dear Qatar is to the Qatar Table Tennis Associ- and grow and become one of the The top officials of ITTF were Mohannadi, ITTF CEO Steve for the 2019 ITTF World ITTF family.” ation (QTTA) President Khalil top-three sports not only in in Doha for the senior staff man- Dainton, Hungarian Table Tennis Championships to be held in A TTX tournament was held Ahmed Al Mohannadi, welcomed Qatar but in the entire region. It agement team meeting and were Association President Roland Budapest, Hungary. to round off all activities of the the guests and reiterated QTTA’s is my privilege to welcome the hosted by QTTA. Natran and other top officials of The agenda of the meeting three-day events with prizes dis- commitments to developing the members of the ITTF man- The meeting was attended by the sport body. was to develop and conceptu- tributed to the winning team sport in the region. agement to Qatar and I hope ITTF Deputy President and Qatar The meeting was held on alise plans for 2018 and beyond, headed by the ITTF president. MONDAY 9 JULY 2018 SPORT 24

At World Belgian Cup, Giroud sights aims to firmly set prove Henry on title: wrong Vermaelen AP REUTERS MOSCOW: If only France’s young players had an MOSCOW: Belgium will be outstanding ex-pro they deeply disappointed if they could turn to for advice about fail to win the World Cup, how to beat Belgium in the defender Thomas Vermaelen Belgium’s assistant World Cup semi-finals, said yesterday, in the first coach Thierry Henry someone who won the World direct acknowledgement of Cup himself in 1998 and who plays with the ball the team’s belief in their scored more goals than during a training ability to emerge triumphant anyone in his stellar career session of Belgium’s in Russia. with Les Bleus. national football While other players have Oh. team at the Guchkovo kept up a steady mantra of Not only is Thierry Henry Stadium in Dedovsk, taking the tournament one already taken but the team outside Moscow, game at a time, the 32-year- that hired France’s record yesterday, ahead of old defender make clear his scorer as an assistant coach their Russia 2018 World vista was firmly focused on is, yes, you guessed it... Cup semi-final against next Sunday’s final at Mos- Belgium. France. cow’s Luzhniki Stadium. France striker Olivier “We want desperately to Giroud is turning Henry’s get to the final and go on and presence on the opposing side win because if it doesn’t into an extra source of moti- happen it will forever be a vation for tomorrow’s semi- disappointment.” final, which is France’s first “Our ambition is to go on since 2006 and only the and win the final,” Vermaelen second ever for Belgium. told a news conference, some “I would be proud to 48 hours ahead of the semi- show Titi that he chose the final against France in St wrong camp,” Giroud said Petersburg. yesterday, referring to Henry “I believe in it of course, by his nickname. especially as we find our- “It is true that it is strange French icon Henry plots selves in the semi-finals to have him against us for this having knocked out one of the match. I think it will be a top favourites. peculiar match for him. As “We’ve also shown we long as we win, that’s fine can play attractive football, with me.” we’ve come back from some “He is lucky to be with a his country’s downfall difficult moments against team with a fine generation Japan. It would be absurd to of players. He is there to say we don’t believe.” learn,” Giroud said. REUTERS Bruyne after Belgium beat Friday’s 2-1 victory over “I would have preferred Brazil on Friday to book their Brazil in the quarter-finals fol- that he was with us and that ST PETERSBURG: The irony semi-final spot. lowed a rousing come-from- he was giving his advice to me of Thierry Henry, one of “He always tries to help us behind win over the Japanese, or to the other attackers. But France’s all-time soccer Henry, who scored 51 goals in 123 win games.” Martinez had pre- where Belgium found them- we mustn’t be jealous or any- greats, plotting his own coun- dicted last year, after Belgium selves two goals behind with thing about that. It doesn’t try’s downfall at the World international appearances, played for France became the first team to 30 minutes to play but won shock me at all.” Cup in Russia has not been lost at four World Cups in all. He was a runner-up qualify from the European 3-2 in the round of 16. Previously, as a TV on his former team-mate in 2006 and also competed in 2002 and preliminaries, that Henry Vermaelen believes pundit, Henry suggested Didier Deschamps, who calls 2010. would have a positive impact France will be tougher oppo- Giroud wasn’t good enough, it a bizarre situation. on the Belgian players at the nents than five-times world saying in 2015 that Arsenal When France go up tournament. champions Brazil. couldn’t win the Premier against Belgium in the World Deschamps said yesterday on into coaching and seemingly “He has brought us that “France were one of the League with him in attack and Cup semi-final at the Saint the French sports show an inspired choice if the rare important element of expe- favourites before the World needed “a top, top-quality Petersburg Stadium Telefoot. reviews from the Belgian rience,” the coach said on Cup and I think the game will striker.” tomorrow, the 40-year-old “But he is someone I really players are anything to go by. Friday. be tougher than against Brazil Giroud, now with Chelsea, Henry will be on the opposing appreciate, I’m happy for “Thierry Henry is really But France feel Henry will because of their individual says he bears no hard bench, looking to stop his him.” important for us. He tells us be happy with any outcome quality,” he said. feelings. country from advancing to Henry, who scored 51 stories from his playing days on Tuesday. He singled out his Bar- For TV work, Henry Sunday’s final. goals in 123 international and they inspire us. If he says “If we win, he will also be celona team-mate Samuel “needed to be a bit incisive,” Up against him is Des- appearances, played for something, it is always turns happy because ultimately he Umtiti. “He’s quick and he said. “I am not at all bitter champs, who he played France at four World Cups in out to be something helpful. is a Frenchman,” said France strong, a complete defender,” about that.” alongside in France’s 1998 all. He was a runner-up in His presence, his World Cup defender Lucas Hernandez on Vermaelen said. “It’s been a few years World Cup-winning squad and 2006 and also competed in experience, it is all a very pos- Saturday. “For us to finally be able to now that he said certain who has been Les Bleus’ coach 2002 and 2010. itive influence,” said defender “All France knows him, knock out a formidable things in the media before for the last six years. But for the last two years Toby Alderweireld before the what a great player he was opponent is because of the going back on his words or “It’s bizarre because he’s he has been serving as one of start of the tournament. and what an icon for football. experience we’ve picked up at at least changing them,” French and will be on the Belgium coach Roberto Mar- “He will want us to come We just hope he doesn’t beat previous tournaments and also Giroud said. opponent’s bench,” tinez’s assistants, his first foray out on top,” added Kevin De us in this semi-final.” the development of our players “There is a lot of respect at their clubs,” Vermaelen between us.” said. Maguire: The remarkable rise of England’s unlikely new hero AFP victory over Lithuania in during the season I was so keen October. that he stayed fit because I England’s Harry SAMARA: Harry Maguire trav- The 2016-17 campaign was thought this was a stage I was Maguire cel- elled to watch England as a fan Maguire’s first season as an certain he could show he could ebrates after at Euro 2016, but two years later established player at the top When I was watching play at,” Southgate said after scoring their he is a pillar of the defence as the level, and although Hull were Maguire scored his first interna- first goal against country prepares for its first condemned to relegation from him during the season tional goal in the 2-0 quarter- Sweden during World Cup semi-final in 28 the Premier League, his perform- I was so keen that he final win over Sweden. their quarter- years. ances persuaded Leicester to stayed fit because I “I’m not sure he’s always final in Samara After celebrating Hull’s sign him on a five-year deal. thought this was a believed that. His first game in on Saturday. 2015-16 promotion to the It proved a shrewd move as (Lithuania) he talked about just Premier League, Maguire and a the powerfully built Maguire, stage I was certain being desperate not to make a group of friends made the trip to who stands 1.94 metres (six feet he could show he mistake.” France to see England’s 0-0 four inches) tall, played every could play at: England Southgate’s decision to use a group-stage draw with single minute of the Premier manager Gareth back three, as they did in Slovakia. League during his debut season reaching the semi-finals at Euro Those same friends are now with the Foxes. Southgate 96 and the 1990 World Cup, has out in Russia, but this time the He was rewarded with two played into Maguire’s favour. 25-year-old Maguire is playing Leicester player of the year “I think he’s a super-talented a crucial role in England’s awards -- from the players and showed a great deal of faith in player,” said Southgate.” improbable World Cup quest. the fans -- but his rise to unlikely Maguire as he set about forging “His use of the ball is as good It has been an amazing World Cup hero would not have a new team identity after taking as any centre-back in the tour- ascent for the Sheffield-born been possible without Gareth over from Sam Allardyce in nament, so hopefully he’s gaining defender, who only made his Southgate. 2016. belief from the performances at England debut in a 1-0 qualifying The England manager “When I was watching him this level.”