Captain Kane Rescues England

SPORT Tuesday 19 June 2018 PAGEE | 18 PAGPAGE | 24 VAR penalty givgiveses LukakuLuka scores twice Sweden a narroww win aass BeBelgium prove too over South KKoreaorea strstrongon for Panama

England’s Harry Kane (right) scores their ﬁrst goal against Tunisia during the FIFA 2018 World Cup - Group G match played at Volgograd Arena in Volgograd, Russia yesterday. England won 2-1. Captain Kane rescues England AFP Skipper Harry Kane poleaxed and Colombian scores twice as England referee Wilmar Roldan VOLGOGRAD: Captain begin their World Cup pointed to the spot, with his Harry Kane came to the decision being upheld by the rescue with two goals, the Group campaign with a VAR. second a dramatic injury- stuttering 2-1 win over Ferjani Sassi took one time winner, as England Tunisia in Volgogard. step and fired home confi- ENGLAND TUNISIA began their World Cup Group dently past the hitherto G campaign with a stuttering unemployed Jordan Pickford 2-1 win over Tunisia Kane had been kept quiet and Tunisia who had been 2 1 yesterday. in the opening salvos but he outplayed for the first half- Gareth Southgate’s men exploded into action in the hour were somehow level 10 Kane - 11' 35' PEN - Sassi almost paid a heavy price for 11th minute when he cut minutes before half-time. Kane - 90'+1 missing a slew of first-half inside from the left and saw Still there was time for chances when Tunisia’s his shot from the edge of the Lingard to come close again YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Ferjani Sassi slotted home a box deflected wide for a twice, first from a goalbound softly-awarded penalty 20 corner. shot and then a dink over the GROUP F minutes before half-time. Ashley Young delivered keeper which agonisingly SWEDEN 1-0 SOUTH KOREA And the north Africans the set piece for John Stones struck the post. were still level as the game to rise highest and meet with Alli too hit the woodwork GROUP G went past the 90-minute a powerful header. Hassen with a header and England BELGIUM 3-0 PANAMA mark. saved acrobatically but Kane went into half-time won- But Harry Maguire won was on hand to tap home the dering how they had not GROUP G a header from a corner and rebound with his right foot sealed victory already. TUNISIA 1-2 ENGLAND Kane was on hand at the far and open his World Cup England still enjoyed post to nod in the winner account. the lion’s share of pos- TODAY'S FIXTURES before being mobbed by his Hassen, who had injured session but could not ecstatic teammates. his left shoulder making an find the same zip and GROUP H England had started earlier save, could not con- penetration they Mordovia Arena, Saransk brightly in a blur of passing tinue and left the field in had enjoyed at the COLOMBIA vs JAPAN and movement and could tears as he was replaced in start of the first 3.00pm have been two goals up goal by Farouk Ben half. inside the first four minutes. Mustapha. The ineffective GROUP H First Jordan Henderson’s England continued to Sterling gave way Spartak Stadium, Moscow lofted first-time pass released press and were made to pay to Marcus Rashford POLAND vs SENEGAL Dele Alli and when the ball for not converting a suc- with just over 20 6.00pm eventually broke to Jesse cession of chances when they minutes to go and the Man- Lingard he saw his shot from conceded a soft penalty. chester United man almost GROUP A six yards saved by the out- Kyle Walker swung a fashioned a chance straight Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg England’s Harry Kane celebrates after scoring England’s second RUSSIA EGYPT stretched left boot of Mouez lazy arm across Fakhreddine away with a jinking run into vs goal against Tunisia yesterday. 9.00pm Hassen in the Tunisia goal. Ben Youssef who fell as if the box. 18 SPORT TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2018

‘Minor setback’ can be good

SWEDEN SOUTH KOREA for Germans, 1 0 says Lahm Granqvist - 65' REUTERS

MOSCOW: Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm (pictured) yesterday labelled his country’s shock defeat by Mexico as “a minor setback” that could help unite the players in their common goal Sweden’s Andreas Granqvist scores their ﬁrst goal from to defend their World Cup a penalty spot against South Korea during their World title. Cup match in Nizhny Novgorod, yesterday. Lahm, who captained the team to victory in Brazil four years ago and has since retired, told reporters during a visit to a German school in the Russian capital that the VAR penalty gives Sweden a team’s chances to make the knockout stage were still intact. “This is an experienced team. The coaching staff is narrow win over South Korea experienced,” the former AFP defender said. deadlock when forward Marcus “They know how to deal Berg was denied by a fine with this defeat. Everything NIZHNY NOVGOROD: A VAR- point-blank save Jo Hyeon- is still possible.” awarded penalty gave Sweden woo in the 20th minute. Sunday’s loss was Ger- a narrow but deserved victory Berg was denied again nine many’s first in a World Cup in their opening Group F match minutes later by a desperate opener in 36 years and the against a poor South Korea side last-ditch block from Kim team has not been eliminated in Nizhny Novgorod yesterday. Young-gwon. Despite their in the group stage since the Veteran Swedish skipper increasing dominance, Sweden 1938 tournament. Andreas Granqvist scored the also demonstrated why they But their performance only goal of the game from the have struggled to score goals. against Mexico was well spot after Viktor Claesson was Berg, again, and Claesson below par, raising questions upended by South Korean sub- went close before the end of the about their title chances and stitute Kim Min-woo Kim in the half, but it was clear for eve- piling pressure on them to 62nd minute. ryone to see why they had only win their two remaining Despite furious appeals, El Sweden’s scored once in their four Group F games against Salvadorean referee Joel Andreas matches prior to Russia. Sweden and South Korea. Aguilar, who had ironically Granqvist Korea threatened only on “The German team just been whistle-happy up until (foreground) the break where Son Heung- did not hit their top form. That that point, initially waved away min’s pace troubled 33-year- can happen because at a celebrates with Swedish penalty claims. old Granqvist, who was without World Cup you come up Albin Ekdal after But after consulting the defending partner Victor Lin- against tough opponents.” scoring the goal. delof, who was ill. Germany next play the The somewhat rancorous Swedes in Sochi on Saturday build-up to the game -- where before facing the Koreans in Sweden were accused of spying Kazan four days later. video, he pointed to the spot. heading into Russia. Sweden joint top of the group after Mex- on their opponents -- was “A minor setback is not a Veteran Swedish It was the third VAR penalty never really convinced that ico’s surprise victory against increasingly reflected in the bad thing to bring the team skipper Andreas awarded at these champion- they would score prior to the world champions Germany on niggly nature of the match. closer together,” Lahm said. Granqvist scored the ships after France and Peru penalty despite their domi- Sunday. Next up for the Swedes Resilient Sweden held firm also benefitted from video nation and a toothless South is an intriguing encounter against after the goal and the Hwang only goal of the game referrals. Korea did not manage one shot Germany in Sochi on June 23. late scare aside, and a half- from the spot after The win was reward for on target. South Korea started the hearted South Korea appeal for Viktor Claesson was Sweden’s more attacking However they should have game brightly, forcing the first a penalty, their defence rarely upended by South approach, but it was unsur- equalised in the 90th minute corner in the fourth minute, looked troubled. prising the winner came from but Hwang Hee-chan put a free but were gradually forced The huge celebrations, the Korean substitute Kim the penalty spot in a game header wide, spurning the back by an attritional Swedish first match played in the $290m Min-woo Kim in the between two sides who had Koreans’ best chance of the side. stadium, at the end showed the 62nd minute. only managed two goals game by far. It was the Europeans who importance the Swedes between them in seven games The victory leaves Sweden came closest to breaking the attached to this match.

Senegal’s Ciss out of World Subdued Neymar kept in check so glory must wait REUTERS in the semi-finals but it also left what he does best, jink towards Cup after ankle him more determined than ever goal, teasing and tormenting far SOCHI: Brazil’s opening match to make his mark on football’s bigger defenders and creating injury of the World Cup was supposed biggest stage. chances and winning fouls. to be the game in which Neymar Sunday’s Group E game was That may be something to do REUTERS buried the ghosts of 2014 and his first competitive start since with one of the game’s more bounced back from the foot February when he fractured a impressive statistics. Those tow- MOSCOW: Senegal defender injury that kept him out for most metatarsal and sprained his ering Swiss players took no pris- Saliou Ciss has been ruled out of this year. ankle in Paris St Germain’s oners, committing 19 fouls to of the World Cup in Russia Instead, as one of the pre- league match with Olympique Brazil’s 12, 10 of which were on and will be replaced by tournament favourites were held de Marseille. Neymar. Adama Mbengue, the Senegal to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland he But unlike in the last two Brazil coach Tite refused to be Football Federation said on was a pale shadow of the crowd- Brazil friendlies earlier this drawn on whether Switzerland Sunday. pleasing showman widely rec- month, when he scored goals had set out to rough Neymar up The left back, who plays ognised as the heir to Lionel and inspired his team to victory, but their physical superiority was his club football at Valenci- Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he looked out of sorts versus the evident - another standout statistic ennes in France’s Ligue 2, suf- the greatest player in the world. Swiss and just not up for it. was that the Swiss covered eight fered an ankle injury in last Neymar was carried out of “Neymar hasn’t been bad, kilometres more ground than the month’s friendly against Lux- the last World Cup in his but he’s been quiet,” Brazilian TV Brazilians. embourg. His departure homeland on a stretcher after analyst and former World Cup Tite must hope the malaise comes two days after his 29th being kneed in the back by striker Walter Casagrande said. that affected his key player - and, birthday. Colombian Juan Zuniga in their It was not just that the it must be said, many of his team Mbengue, 24, arrived on quarter-final encounter. 26-year-old had few chances. It mates - will lift before their next Sunday, having been on The injury meant he missed was his reluctance to look for the game against Costa Rica in St standby over the last weeks. the 7-1 humiliation by Germany ball deep in midfield and do Petersburg on Friday. Neymar of Brazil He is from Ligue 1 club Caen. Neymar is the team’s tal- gestures during Senegal’s change came a isman and if Brazil are to win a day before the deadline for sixth World Cup it is incon- World Cup Group final injury replacements. ceivable they will do so with E match against World Cup participants can their best player in such lack- Switzerland at only swap injured players up Unlike in the last two Brazil friendlies earlier lustre form. Rostov Arena in to 24 hours before their first All bets will be on him pro- Rostov-on-Don on this month, when Neymar scored goals and Sunday. game at the tournament. inspired his team to victory, he looked out of ducing sooner rather than later, Senegal take on Poland in as he has so many times for club their opening Group H game sorts versus the Swiss and just not up for it. and country. in Moscow today. A nation awaits. TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2018 SPORT 19

Mexico look to end jinx after shock win REUTERS

MOSCOW: Mexico’s astonishing Mexico quakes with win over Germany has raised hopes that they could finally break a long-running jinx at the joy after stunning World Cup and go beyond the second round. Proceeding to the last eight victory over Germans or beyond has become a Sisy- phean task for the Mexicans who AFP have gone out in the round of 16 merchant. “What happened at the last six World Cups and hey, what happened hey, to have not reached the quarter- MEXICO CITY: Thousands of the Germany that was going finals since they hosted the com- jubilant Mexico supporters to beat us today?” the crowd petition in 1986. partied in the streets of the chanted. President Enrique The routine is pretty much the capital on Sunday after their Pena Nieto joined the party, same: Mexico arrive with high team’s shock 1-0 victory over saying on Twitter: “Con- hopes but amid off-field contro- World Cup holders Germany firmed: Mexico competes and versy, progress comfortably -- singing, dancing, blaring wins against the best in the through the group stage and then car horns and cheering El Tri. world, Congratulations to @ lose their nerve in the last 16. The earth literally moved miseleccionmx! Great The last World Cup was a in quake-prone Mexico City match!” Mexico’s coach Juan Carlos Osorio (left) celebrates his team’s win over Germany with midﬁelder classic example where Mexico when Hirving “Chucky” Victory rallies erupted in Rafael Marquez at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday. led the Netherlands until the Lozano smashed home the other major cities such as 88th minute before conceding game-winning goal in the Guadalajara, Toluca, Tijuana two quick fire goals to lose 2-1. There have also been two good job,” coach Juan Carlos Osorio has certainly suf- 35th minute at Moscow’s and Ciudad Juarez. defeats to Argentina, one to Bul- Osorio said on Sunday. fered during his three years in Luzhniki Stadium -- a Throughout the capital, garia on penalties, one against “We work on psychology a job and a set up which one of football “earthquake of joy.” the streets filled with exhila- Germany -- where they also led with books, videos, films and set his predecessors, Sven-Goran Seismologists said they rated fans, on foot, bicycles, until well into the second half -- phrases.” Eriksson, described as had detected an “artificial” motorbikes or in cars. Some The pressure is all on and an especially painful one A key part of the approach “absurd.” rumbling, possibly caused by blasted their car stereos, against neighbours the United is that Osorio, Mexico’s ninth The Swede said he had to “widespread jumping” when while others shrieked in glee. me so they can go States. coach since the 2006 World Cup, report to “different people all the goal was scored. Amid cacophonous bustle, out and enjoy their Sunday’s remarkable win tries to shield the players from with different interests” and that Fans crammed into the a veteran violinist played the football. If we win, over the world champions, the ferocious pressure of the the owners of the professional Zocalo, the city’s main traditional tune “Cielito Lindo” however, has suggested that this Mexican media. clubs exerted heavy influence square, to celebrate. -- roughly translated as the credit goes to the Mexico team are psychologically “The pressure is all on me so over the national team. “What happened today “Lovely Sweet One.” players and if not, stronger than their predecessors they can go out and enjoy their Osorio survived calls for his was an earthquake of joy for The victory was a heart- then it’s my fault: and that may just help them take football,” he said. head after his team were us -- just imagine, we beat stopping one, but “a small Mexico’s coach Juan the extra step. “If we win, the credit goes to thrashed 7-0 by Chile at the the world champions,” said goal is still a goal,” said the “We have a professional in the players and if not, then it’s my Copa America Centenario two Laura Villegas, a 45-year-old musician. Carlos Osorio this area who has done a very fault... that’s the world of football.” years ago. Croatia’s Cup’s youngest English soccer fan Graham Kentsley’s boat is seen in a pier in Volgograd, Russia, Kalinic sent Arzani has great yesterday. INSET: Kentsley speaks on the phone while being interviewed yesterday. home after expectations refusing REUTERS ready to start in the Socceroos’ final two Group C matches, sub role KAZAN: The youngest player against Denmark on Thursday REUTERS at the World Cup, Daniel Arzani, and Peru next week. grew up playing street football Raised in Khorramabad in in Iran but lined up in the gold western Iran but having repre- ROSHCHINO: Croatia striker shirt of Australia to belt out the sented Australia at junior levels, Nikola Kalinic has been sent national anthem before the Arzani’s football journey could home from the World Cup Socceroos’ opener against have been quite different. after refusing to come on as France. He has become renowned a substitute in the team’s The 19-year-old’s dream of for his dribbling and credits opening game against appearing in Russia was ful- street football for giving him Nigeria, coach Zlatko Dalic filled late on at Kazan Arena but swagger on Australian pitches. said yesterday. his hopes of a winning debut “You have to believe in “During the Nigeria were thwarted as Australia yourself and even when you England fan sails from Bulgaria encounter, Kalinic was were beaten 2-1. make a mistake you have to warming up and was sup- “I think the biggest moment stand by it.” posed to come on in the for me was actually at the He made his international to Russia for opening match second half,” Dalic said in a beginning of the game when I’m debut against Czech Republic statement. looking around, seeing all these earlier this month and scored REUTERS “However, he then stated Aussie fans in the yellow shirts his first goal against Hungary a Monday, he said, and alongside Russian that he wasn’t ready to come everywhere and we were kind week later. attending other matches later submarines. on due to a back issue. The of singing the national anthem Great expectations have VOLGOGRAD: Fewer in the tournament too. Kentsley knows Vol- same thing happened during and your heart’s just absolutely been heaped on his shoulders, England fans made the Travelling aboard his 9.9 gograd well because he was the Brazil friendly in England, pumping,” the Melbourne City but Arzani is unfazed by them. journey to watch their team’s metre yacht “Sharlyn” with once married to a native of as well as before the practice youngster told a media con- “Obviously, a lot of people first World Cup match in three other crew members, the city which is famous for session on Sunday. ference at the Socceroos’ Kazan have a lot of expectations of me Russia than some expected, Kentsley set off from the end being the location of the “I have calmly accepted base yesterday. but I think no-one’s expecta- but one made a special effort, of the River Danube, tra- Battle of Stalingrad, the that, and since I need my “You realise the gravity of tions of me will ever be as high sailing from Bulgaria to versed the Black Sea, and bloodiest encounter of World players fit and ready to play, the situation. You’re here rep- as my own or my parents’,” he Volgograd in a yacht. stopped off at Crimea, which War Two. I have made this decision,” he resenting a whole nation on the said. It took Graham Kentsley, Moscow annexed from Only a small contingent added. biggest stage.” “I think that kind of helps originally from St Albans in Ukraine in 2014. of diehard English fans -- The Croatian Football Arzani had barely played deal with the pressure because Hertfordshire, just over five He then sailed beneath a estimated at up to 2,500 -- Federation (HNS) said that any senior football for the most pressure that I’m weeks to make the around new bridge connecting have made the journey to see Dalic had taken the decision A-League club City until getting is the one I put on 2,000 kilometre (1,243 miles) Crimea to Russia which Pres- the start of their team’s World after consultation with his January, but he believes he is myself.” journey, which he timed so ident Vladimir Putin opened, Cup campaign in Russia, with coaching team. that he would arrive in good before crossing the Sea of many others put off by fears Dalic declined to answer time for England’s first World Azov and sailing up the of violence and a diplomatic any questions over the issue. Cup match against Tunisia in Volga-Don Canal to Vol- crisis between London and Kalinic cannot be Australia’s forward the southern Russia city of gograd, which is located Moscow. replaced so Croatia will con- Daniel Arzani Volgograd. around 900 kilometres south Kentsley said he thought tinue in the tournament with “This idea has been of Moscow. the poisoning of a former a 22-man squad. hatching in my brain for a The journey had some- Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, Croatia, who beat good number of years,” said times been tough, he said, and his daughter Yulia in the Nigeria 2-0 on Saturday, Kentsley, speaking in a pub with the crew braving rough English city of Salisbury in face Argentina tomorrow near the World Cup fan zone waters, an electrical storm, March and the diplomatic and finish their Group D in Volgograd. Russian bureaucracy and crisis that triggered between campaign against Iceland “It was always in my worried at one point that they Britain and Russia was largely next week. mind that we’d get there just would be stopped by the to blame. Media reports said that before the football with the Ukrainian Navy. “I think if the Skripal Kalinic, who has been unable World Cup coming to town In Crimea, which Ukraine business hadn’t happened we to break into the starting and that it would be fun.” wants back, he said the would have had 10,000 lineup during the build-up to He will be watching authorities allowed his yacht here,” he said. “It happened the tournament, had been England against Tunisia on to moor in the harbour at a critical moment.” asked by Dalic to come on as an 85th-minute substitute against Nigeria. 20 SPORT TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2018 TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2018 SPORT 21

Lewandowski and Mane take centre Salah stands stage in PoPoland-Senegalland-Senegal showdownshowdown

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AndAnd tthehe VVillarrealillarreal winger winger accepte acceptedd with 29 goals, netting 41 times played in Japan and South Korea in Fears that poor performancesperformances from from it will be a more “interesting”“interesting” clash clash i fif in all comcompetitions.petitions. 2002, the only previous time the coun-coun- thethe hhomeome sisidede coucouldld dampedampenn ententhu-hu- SSalahalah iiss fit. Mane scoredscored 10 try hashas reached the WorlWorldd Cup. 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II ttrustrust missingmissing ththee Pharaohs’ 1-0 !8324!832477 iinn my teamteam,, II bbelieveelieve HH qvh6 rhTh hx qvh6 rhTh hx openingopening ggameame lossloss toto UruUruguayguay %9 27 %9 27 in my players and I aagainstgainst high-flyinghigh-flying ColombiColombiaa with a shoulder injury.injury. $%$$%$66 in my players and I Salah’sSalah’s nanameme hahass beebeenn wwillill give you a simpsimplele !*4*+5*!*4*+5* 334*4* creepingcreeping into conversations : 77 ' 6 7 3 67!8'$67 $ 7 answer: we are ready : 77 ' 6 7 3 67!8'$67 $ 7 answer: we are ready AFP nationalnational level has only ever worked often since Russia’s 5-0 thumpthump-- 2:3 $672)$67 8 37$%$6 728367 2:3 $67 2)$67 8 37$%$6 728367 ing of Saudi Arabia in the $67$% $6 9 27:$67; $67;$4 to do this andand we wiwillll withwith Japan’s UnUnder-20der-20 anandd Un Under-23der-23 $67$% $6 9 27:$67; $67;$4 SARANSK:SARANSK:Despite Despite sackin sackingg their their coach coach teamsteams bebefore.fore. tournamenttournament curtcurtainraiser.ainraiser. do tthis:his: RRussiaussia cocoachach ButBut CCherchesovherchesov said said h hee was was $25 $25 ' ' just 71 ddaysays bbeforeefore tthehe WorWorldld Cup, WithWith RoRobertbert LewanLewandowski-leddowski-led CCherchesovherchesov && & JJapanapan will attemattemptpt to pproverove their Poland and SenegalSenegal also to come in EvenEven iiff thetheyy plaplayy witwithh not particularly concerned.concerned. -! -!.#/.#/ 12% &3 '12% &3 ' 0!0#* 0!0#* doubters wronwrongg todatodayy aagainstgainst a thethe group, Japan need a good startstart.. MMourinhoourinho or Arsene WengerWenger,, “We know how to play gerger that had been missinmissingg f romfrom hashas been a headachef orfor E Egyptgypt ColombiaColombia sisidede sweatingsweating onon ththee f itnessfitness “If“If PolandPoland wwasas the ffirstirst mmatchatch iitt it wowoulduld bbee so difficudifficultlt fo rfor against himhim,”,” thethe RussiaRussia coachcoach thethe host nation’s tteameam fforor everever since he iinjurednjured his his shoul shoul-- ' !( ' !' !( ' ! said. “We are ready to stop much ooff the past yeayear.r. derder durinduringg a tussle with Real bringbring happiness to ffansans ooff of star midfielder James Rodriguez.Rodriguez. wouldwould be ddifferent.ifferent. BButut tthehe ffactact tthathat Japan to get to the last 16: $%$4 $%$4 !"!" The totopp scorer at Brazil 2014 is a Troussier.Troussier. ColombiaColombia is the fifirstrst mamatchtch anandd Sen Sen-- Japan to get to the last 16: Salah and wwee will.will. Russia’sRussia’s convincinconvincingg win Madrid’sMadrid’s SerSergiogio Ramos durinduringg EEgypt.gypt. PlPlayersayers llikeike hhimim ononlyly doubt for the Group H opener at the InIn a recent interviewinterview,, TTroussierroussier egal the second - for me, on paper at PPhilippehilippe TTroussierroussier ““TheThe level he will be plaplay-y- overover the Saudis was pprecededreceded the Champions LeagueLeague final make tourntournamentsaments betbetter.”ter.” MordoviaMordovia Arena in Saransk after strugstrug-- suggestedsuggested Japan have “no chance” ooff leastleast they have no chance,” said inging at only he and his coach by a seven-match winless lastlast mmonth.onth. Meanwhile,Meanwhile, RussiaRussia’s’s early glinggling witwithh aa strainstrain ininh hisis l eleftft ca calf,lf, w whichhich reachingreaching tthehe kknockoutnockout stage aafterfter Troussier.Troussier. knows but we hahaveve aa missimissionon streak and a spate ofof injinjuriesuries Ramos was accusaccuseded of successsuccess hahass sseeneen thethe numbnumberer alsoalso flared up laslastt FebrFebruary.uary. sackingsacking VahiVahidd Halilhodzic in AApril.pril. The high-riskhigh-risk move to install But theythey are not (defend(defendinging chchampi-ampi- andand we will accomaccomplishplish the that wiwipedped out almost the deliberatelydeliberately hurtinhurtingg SalahSalah andand ooff Russians who say they will The Bayern Munich attacking midmid-- ““EvenEven if they play with Mourinho Nishino will be tested in Saransk as ons)ons) Germany, so we have a chance mission,”mission,” Cherchesov saidsaid.. entireentire ddefenciveefencive linline.e. it has been suggested oppo-oppo- follow football riserise from 52 Srpr “I“I trust in my teamteam,, I Ibelieve believe ButBut tthehe memenn inin redred aarere now now nents could target him again,again, percent to 64 percent,percent, accord accord-- rrvtrrvt () fielder is key to Colombia’s chances of oror Arsene Wenger, it would be so difdif-- thethe Japanese try to improve on the 4-1 andand we hope we can go further.further.”” repeating their run to the quarter-quarter- ficultficult for Japan to get to the last 16,” drubbingdrubbing handed to them by ColomColom-- Their form in the ppre-Worldre-World CuCupp in my playplayersers and I will give onon the cusp ooff making their particularlyparticularly iiff his shoulder is ing toto one pollpoll.. **+,+, ()() $%$4 $%$4 finalsfinals ffourour years ago in BraziBrazil.l. saidsaid tthehe FrencFrenchman,hman, who steeresteeredd biabia at tthehe 2014 WorWorldld CuCupp when ffriendliesriendlies ggivesives JapaneseJapanese f fansans hope. hope. youyou a simpsimplele answer: we are firstfirst knockout stage ooff a a World World not ffullyully healed. Russia’sRussia’s veteran goalkeeper **++-++- ()() $%$4 $%$4 James, 26, netted sixg goalsoals and and cre cre-- JapanJapan to the second round of the 2002 JacksonJackson Martinez scored twice. TheyThey romped to an impressive 4-2 readyready to ddoo tthishis an andd we we wi willll Cup in post-Soviet history. “I“I saw only that Ramos was Igor AkinAkinfeevfeev said he would ated four assists to helphelp Colombia World CuCup.p. ColombiaColombia marched into the last 16 winwin last week over Paraguay when do this.”this.” The aachievementchievement woulwouldd be be holdingholding the cupcup,”,” CherchesovCherchesov rather ffocusocus on winnwinninging tthanhan !"# !"# !! qualify for Russia, while midfielder Troussier’sTroussier’s bleak prediction fofol-l- and the result sent the winless Japan midfieldermidfielder Takashi Inui scored twicetwice,, ThThee bboldold proprom-m- a huge reliefrelief fforor bothboth playersplayers said. ““HeHe did not do this on any particularparticular opposingopposing pplayer.layer. Egypt’sEgypt’s forward Mohamed SSalahalah attendsattends a a WilmarWilmar Barrios is also battling to be lows unsettling events in the national home after finishing bottom of their afterafter defeats to Switzerland,Switzerland, Ghana ise highlights a and Russians who worriedworried purpose,purpose, thisthis isis aa contactcontact sportsport,, “Would“Would I prefer to see Salah warm up session at hthete Ek Ekaterinburgaterinburg A renaArena in in !"!" fit.fit. team. group, a recordrecord ttheyhey areare ddesperateesperate to to andand UUkraine.kraine. newnew swaswag-g- about beinbeingg humiliatedhumiliated onon thethe andand as I understand it nobody play or not? I do not even know Ekaterinburg,Ekaterinburg, RussRussiaia in in this this file file photo. photo. The The Liverpool Liverpool , ##$$ , However,However, the South Americans AAfterfter Halilhodzic was sackedsacked,, the the improveimprove on despitedespite the last-minute Colombia are unbeaten this yyearear world’sworld’s bibiggestggest sporsportingting sta stage.ge. injuresinjures pepeopleople ffromrom other howhow to resrespond,”pond,” said said Akin Akinfeev.feev. starstar hashas notnot featuredfeatured sincesince leavingleaving the the field field in in tears tearsearly early faceface a Japan side who would struggle JapaneseJapanese FA rereplacedplaced him him with with former former change of head coach.coach. after seeing off France 3-2 in March StandingStanding inin theirtheir wayway couldcould teams on ppurpose.urpose. “I would prepreferfer toto seesee mmyy team team $ $% &$&$ $$ in the Champions League final and had to watch from the to avoid an early World Cup exit even technical director Akira Nishino.Nishino. “Despite that, I think we will cope,” before goalless draws against fellow in the Champions League final and had to watch from the be Salah,Salah, but his availability “Salah“Salah wilwilll get better and win.”win.” $$ $%$% ' ' $$,, bench as Egypt lost 1-0 to Uruguay in their opening game. if they were under Jose Mourinho, TheThe 63-year-old has plenty ooff saidsaid Japan captain Makoto Hasebe. WorldWorld Cup contenders Egypt and bench as Egypt lost 1-0 to Uruguay in their opening game. ' ' accoaccordingrding to foformerrmer coach PPhilippehilippe experienceexperience in the JJ-League,-League, but at “We“We have ththreeree toughtough oppo opponents.nents. Australia.Australia. 22 SPORT TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2018 Koepka retains US Open crown

AFP Brooks Koepka

SOUTHAMPTON, UNITED STATES: Brooks Koepka NAME: Brooks Koepka became the first player in three decades to repeat BIRTHDATE: May 3, 1990 as US Open Champion here on Sunday, firing a BIRTHPLACE: West Palm Beach, Florida gritty final round 68 at Shinnecock Hills to beat Height: 6ft (1.82m) Weight: 186 pounds Tommy Fleetwood by one stroke. (84kg) A year after he marched to victory with a TURNED PROFESSIONAL: 2012 16-under total at Erin Hills, Koepka kept his nerve WORLD RANKING: 9 Career International on the back nine to emerge with a one-over-par Victories: 4 Major Victories: 2 (US Open, 2017, total of 281. 2018) US Open Victories: 2 (2017, 2018) “I’m at a loss for words right now,” Koepka said. “We grinded our tail off this week to come back from seven-over (on Friday) and do what back nine. A six-foot birdie at the 10th gave him we did. It was pretty special.” a two-stroke lead. A tough 12-footer limited the The world number nine is the first player since damage at 11 to a bogey after he hit into the Curtis Strange in 1988-89 to win back-to-back US greenside rough and from there into a bunker. Open titles. After overpowering the wide-open He got up and down for par at the 12th, and Erin Hills, he kept his nerve through four brutal escaped with a par from deep rough at 14 before days at Shinnecock. giving himself some breathing room with a birdie “It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Koepka, who had at the par-five 16th -- where he stuck his third battled a partially torn wrist tendon that sidelined shot less than four feet from the pin. him nearly four months since his major break- His approach at 18 hit a grandstand and through last year. bounced off, but a closing bogey was all he “I don’t think I could have dreamed of this, needed. going back to back.” Fleetwood could only watch it all unfold. But A day after scores soared on the dried out after nearly equalling the best ever round in a greens, the US Golf Association admitted the major of 62 he was pleased with his day’s work. course got out of hand, adding plenty of moisture “At the end of the day, I got within one of and some slightly more forgiving pin positions. winning, when I was so far back at the start of the England’s 12th-ranked Fleetwood seized the day,” said Fleetwood, who was nine adrift through opportunity to match the lowest round ever in 54 holes. “So it’s been a great day. the US Open with a brilliant seven-under 63 for a “It’s easy to look at it and think I was one shy, two-over total of 282. but there’s so many positives to look at and so Fleetwood had stormed into the clubhouse much that you can take and learn from it.” with a round that included eight birdies, putting It was the first time since 2013 at Merion that the pressure on overnight leaders Koepka, Dustin no one broke par in the US Open, and of the four Johnson, Daniel Berger and Tony Finau. overnight leaders, Koepka was the only player to Only Koepka met the challenge. He had broken shoot an under par final round. out of the pack with three birdies in the first four World number one Johnson, playing alongside holes. Koepka in the penultimate group, saw the sure Playing in freshening wind and knowing that putting touch that had propelled him to a four- Fleetwood was in the clubhouse on two-over shot halfway lead, carded an even-par 70 to finish Koepka produced a string of clutch putts on the alone in third on 283. US OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP SCORES Final round scores on Sunday in the 118th US Open Golf Championship at Shinnecock Hills (USA unless noted, par-70): 281 - Brooks Koepka 75-66-72-68 282 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 75-66-78-63 283 - Dustin Johnson 69-67-77-70 284 - Patrick Reed 73-72-71-68 285 - Tony Finau 75-72-66-72 RECENT WINNERS 286 - Xander Schauffele 72-74-72-68, Daniel Berger 76-71-66-73, Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 75-70-72-69, Henrik Stenson (SWE) 71-70-74-71 2018 - Brooks Koepka (at Shinnecock Hills) 287 - Justin Rose (ENG) 71-70-73-73, 287 - Webb Simpson 76-71-71-69 2017 - Brooks Koepka (Erin Hills) 288 - Russell Knox (SCO) 73-71-75-69, Zach Johnson 73-73-72-70 Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 73-70-75-70 2016 - Dustin Johnson (Oakmont) 289 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 76-72-68-73 2015 - Jordan Spieth (Chambers Bay) 290 - Li Haotong (CHN) 79-68-74-69, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 75-70-79-66, Paul Casey (ENG) 73-73-73-71, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 2014 - Martin Kaymer (Pinehurst) 74-72-75-69 2013 - Justin Rose (Merion) 291 - Steve Stricker 73-75-73-70, Rickie Fowler 73-69-84-65, Charley Hoffman 71-69-77-74, Brian Gay 73-74-70-74, Dylan Meyer 77-69-71-74 2012 - Webb Simpson (Olympic Club) 292 - Francesco Molinari (ITA) 75-72-72-73, Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 74-72-77-69, Alex Noren (SWE) 72-72-77-71, Jason Dufner 70-74-79-69, 2011 - Rory McIlroy (Congressional) Russell Henley 69-73-77-73, Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 71-77-74-70, Charles Howell III 71-72-77-72, Branden Grace (RSA) 76-69-72-75, Justin Tho- 2010 - Graeme McDowell (Pebble Beach) mas 74-70-74-74, Bryson DeChambeau 76-69-73-74, Ian Poulter (ENG) 69-72-76-75 Brooks Koepka of the United States celebrates winning 2009 - Lucas Glover (Bethpage Black) 293 - Pat Perez 73-71-77-72, Bill Haas 76-72-74-71, Brian Harman 74-70-78-71, Rafael Cabrera Bello (ESP) 73-71-76-73, Gary Woodland the US Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in 2008 - Tiger Woods (Torrey Pines) 79-69-70-75 Southampton, New York on Sunday. 2007 - Angel Cabrera (Oakmont)

Rugby: Jones admits to no magic Carpenter helps Cardinals shut solution for dire England form down Cubs REUTERS

AP DURBAN: Eddie Jones may be feeling a sense of déjà vu as his tenure as England coach reached ST.LOUIS: Jack Flaherty and four relievers combined on a a new low on Saturday with a fifth four-hitter, Matt Carpenter homered and the St. Louis successive test defeat, a run of Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-0 on Sunday night. form similar to the end of his four Flaherty allowed just two hits while striking out seven in years in charge of Australia more five innings, but he walked three and hit two batters and was than a decade ago. pulled after throwing 97 pitches. He escaped a jam in the England lost 23-12 to South third inning when he struck out Kris Bryant with the bases Africa to surrender the three- loaded to keep the game scoreless. game series in Bloemfontein on John Brebbia (1-1) worked around two hits in a scoreless Saturday with the final match to sixth inning to earn his first major league win. Austin Gomber, come in Cape Town this weekend, Jordan Hicks and Bud Norris each pitched a hitless inning to where another defeat would finish the shutout. It ended the Cardinals’ season-high four- signal the side’s worst run of form game losing streak and prevented the Cubs from getting their since 2006. first series sweep in St. Louis since September 13-15, 2010. The Rugby Football Union Harrison Bader, Tommy Pham, and Marcell Ozuna strung (RFU) has come out in support of together singles to open the sixth inning. Pham’s single Jones in the wake of the latest loss, extended his hitting streak to a National League-best 11 games while the coach has blamed the to chase Jose Quintana (6-5) from the game. series defeat on injuries, a reju- Bader scored the game’s first run when Yadier Molina England’s players react after loosing to South Africa in the second Test at the Free State Stadium, in venated Springbok side and the grounded into a double play and Jedd Gyorko’s RBI single Bloemfontein, South Africa on Saturday. difficulty of playing tests in South drove in Pham to make it 2-0. Africa. Quintana was charged with the two runs and four hits in When Jones was sacked as champions New Zealand and then touring party) are the best players these sorts of situations you get a five-plus innings in his 200th career major league game. coach of Australia in December what should be a home banker we’ve got. lot of advice, there is a lot of things Carpenter hit his 10th home run of the season and second 2005, he had lost eight of his last against Japan. “I haven’t had too many times wrong. But we are only two or of this series in the seventh inning off Brian Duensing to push nine tests with a side that was also The opportunities to end their when I have experienced this and three percent away from turning the lead to 3-0. beset by injury. dismal run immediately though it’s tough. My job is to make the this around.” Yadier Molina had an RBI double in the eighth, moved to After this tour, England will are not getting any easier. team win and it’s not winning.” England have historically third on Yairo Munoz’s infield single and scored on shortstop come up against the Springboks “There is no magic solution Jones feels that the situation is struggled in South Africa, winning Addison Russell’s throwing eror on the play. once more in the first of their here,” Jones told reporters in Blo- not as dire as results suggest and three of their 15 tests, and Jones Cubs shortstop Javier Baez left the game with a left elbow home autumn internationals at emfontein. “We’ve got 25 (players) that the team is not far off where says the difficulty of playing in the contusion after being hit by a pitch from Flaherty in the top Twickenham in November, fol- sitting at home who aren’t they should be. country should not be of the third inning. Baez, who leads the team with 14 home lowed a week later by world available for selection. These (the “I am doing as well as I can. In underestimated. runs, was replaced by Russell. TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2018 SPORT 23 Djokovic would happily miss World Cup final for Wimbledon glory AFP watching Serbia if they make a surprise final!” While Djokovic would swap scored an amazing goal today, and appearance in the World Cup final. World Cup glory for his own Wim- (Nemanja) Matic, these guys,” he said. LONDON: Novak Djokovic (pictured) That is because the showpiece in bledon success, the proud Serb has “It’s a different sport, but we share insists he would happily miss a first Moscow is scheduled to kick off just been relishing his country’s return to a lot of things in common as athletes. appearance for Serbia in the World Cup hours after the Wimbledon men’s final the big time in Russia. We support each other, but can also final if it means he is back in the begins at the All England Club on July “In the last 15 minutes I had to share insights into how we train. “As Wimbledon title match. 15. In truth, unfancied Serbia -- who change a couple of shorts,” he said of individual athletes we miss that feeling Djokovic is an avid fan of the are competing at their first major tour- the nervous conclusion to Serbia’s win of being in a team. We only have that Serbian national team, who kicked off nament since 2010 -- are far less likely over Costa Rica. for the Davis Cup. their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 to make the final than Djokovic, who “We didn’t qualify for last World “When you are playing for your win over Costa Rica in Russia on is a three-time Wimbledon champion. Cup and the last two Euros, so we didn’t nation, spending time together, it is Sunday. Celebrating wildly after his But pressed on the potential fixture get a chance to enjoy these matches for wonderful.” Kolarov and company still friend Aleksandar Kolarov bagged Ser- clash, Djokovic laughed off talk of a long time. have two more tricky group stage fix- bia’s winner with a superb free-kick, mixed feelings. “Really? I didnt know “This was best way to start cam- tures against Switzerland and Brazil. Djokovic watched the match from in a that. Wow,” he told reporters. paign. Everybody is watching in the But Djokovic is already dreaming raucous players’ lounge at Queen’s Club “From your mouth to gods ears as players lounge.” - Insights - Djokovic of Serbia advancing to the knockout in west London, where he is preparing they say, hopefully that can happen. has built up good relationships with stages in Russia. for the start of the Wimbledon “I’ve been fortunate to win Wim- several of the Serbia squad, often “Serbia have been quite successful warm-up event next week. But the bledon three times and play well there. picking their brains about different in basketball over the years, but football 31-year-old was surprised when he was “If that happens I would obviously ways to improve his training regime. is the most popular sport in the world told he would likely miss out on be very happy to miss the World Cup “I’m friends with Kolarov who and in our country as well,” he added. Wawrinka eases to win at Queen’s Nishikori AFP Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka survives plays a forehand return to LONDON: Stan Wawrinka kicked off his Wimbledon preparations with a Britain’s Cameron Norrie during their ﬁrst round men’s test in Halle 6-2, 6-3 win over British youngster Cameron Norrie in the Queen’s Club singles match at the ATP AFP first round yesterday. Queen’s Club Championships Wawrinka has struggled to return in west London yesterday. to peak form since suffering a left HALLE WESTFALEN, GERMANY: Japan’s Kei knee injury last yeat that required two Nishikori had to fight through a tiebreaker to operations and wiped out the second start his grass season with a win yesterday as he half of the Swiss star’s season. beat Matthias Bachinger in the ATP Halle tour- Still hampered by the problem nament. this term, Wawrinka was sidelined The seventh seed who has twice played semi- again for three months in between a finals at the event, worked for just under 90 second round exit at the Australian minutes to beat his 159th-ranked German Open and a first round loss in the opponent 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) and reach the second French Open. round. The 33-year-old arrived in west Nishikori, a former top 10 regular now ranked London having lost six of his last 27th after wrist injuries last season, was joined seven ATP Tour matches and, given in the second round by fourth seeded Spaniard grass has never been Wawrinka’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who beat the second favourite surface, he might have German on the day, putting out Jan-Lennard feared more misery at the pre-Wim- Struff 6-4, 6-1. bledon event. “It’s never easy but I think I played a very But the three-time Grand Slam solid, decent match,” Nishikori said. champion had an obliging opponent how far you are and how long it will in January, was back on grass in faces a tricky opener against talented “He can be dangerous on grass, he came to in wild card entry Norrie. take. Still now, it’s not easy,” London for the first time since his but temperamental Australian Nick net well. Wawrinka hardly had to break Wawrinka said of his injury woes. tearful injury-plagued Wimbledon Kyrgios, who pushed Roger Federer “If he had won the second set, it could have sweat to see off Norrie and next faces “It takes time to get where you final defeat against Roger Federer last to three sets before narrowly losing been tight, you never know what can happen in former Queen’s winner Sam Querrey want to be. I need to be really patient year. in the Stuttgart semi-finals at the the third. I’m happy with how I’m playing and of the United States, who beat British with myself, to accept less in a way, Cilic made short work of Verdasco weekend. looking forward to the next round. wild card and ATP Tour debutant Jay because, when you win Grand Slams, and his second round opponent is Murray, a two-time Wimbledon “Everything is working well but I cannot Clarke 6-3, 6-3. I always expect so much from myself.” Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller, who beat winner, has admitted he doesn’t have expect to much coming back from injury. I’m just “Mentally it’s tough when you see In other first round action, top rising Canadian star Denis Shapo- great expectations at the start of his glad to be back at this level again.” seed Marin Cilic made a flying start valov 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (8/6). comeback after so long on the Dutchman Robin Haase provided early drama to his bid for another strong grass- Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, sidelines. with his 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 comeback victory over Por- court campaign with a 6-3, 6-4 win the biggest names in the Queen’s Finally free of a nagging elbow tugal’s Joao Sousa. over Spanish veteran Fernando draw, are both due in first round injury, world number 21 Kyrgios has Roger Federer, who won in Stuttgart on Mentally it’s tough when Verdasco. action on Tuesday. grander plans -- starting with Sunday, returned to Germany after a rapid visit you see how far you are Former US Open champion Cilic Djokovic plays Australian qual- securing his first win over his good to Switzerland. The 20-time Grand Slam winner is bidding for a second Queen’s title ifier John Millman and Murray will friend at the sixth attempt. raced home by car Sunday night from southern and how long it will take. and a fourth appearance in the final make his first appearance for 11 “I feel good. My elbow is fine and Germany to watch Switzerland draw Brazil 1-1, Still now, it’s not easy: after losing last year’s title match months after finally recovering from I played three quality matches in then flew to Halle yesterday to prepare for his Wawrinka on his injury against Feliciano Lopez. a hip injury that needed surgery in Stuttgart. Pretty disappointed I didn’t opening match. The 36-year-old took back the woes The world number six, who fin- January. win against Roger but it was a good top ranking form Rafael Nadal for the second ished as Australian Open runner-up The former world number one match,” Kyrgios said. time this season yesterday. Chandimal pleads not Shamsi and Maharaj in guilty to ball tampering South African squad REUTERS AFP “The officials laid the charge FIXTURES regular Maharaj were named after footage from the final ses- last week in South Africa’s GROS-ISLET, SAINT LUCIA: Sri sion’s play on Friday appeared to JOHANNESBURG: Spin rivals July 7-8, Warm-up match, Colombo squad for two Test matches, Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal show the Sri Lanka captain taking Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav July 12-16, First Test, Galle which will precede the (pictured) has pleaded not guilty sweets from his pocket and putting Maharaj were both included July 20-24, Second Test, Colombo one-day series. to ball-tampering charges, these in his mouth, before applying yesterday in South Africa’s July 26, One-day warm-up match, venue to The one-day squad prompting a hearing into the the artificial substance to the ball squad for a five-match one-day be confirmed includes opening batsman episode after the conclusion of the which the umpires viewed as an international series in Sri Lanka July 29, First one-day international, Dambulla Reeza Hendricks and fast ongoing second Test against West attempt to change its condition,” starting next month. August 1, Second one-day international, bowler Junior Dala, who have Indies, the International Cricket the ICC said. But there was no place for Dambulla both played in Twenty20 Council (ICC) has said. “Video evidence will be used fast bowlers Dale Steyn and August 5, Third one-day international, Kandy internationals but not in The angry Sri Lankans initially in the hearing, which will also be Vernon Philander, although August 8, Fourth one-day international, one-day internationals. The Kandy refused to take the field on Sat- attended by the match officials as selection convener Linda same squad will do duty for a August 12, Fifth one-day international, Co- urday and later agreed to play Chandimal has pleaded not guilty... well as members of the Sri Lanka Zondi said both could be con- one-off Twenty20 interna- lombo “under protest” after umpires and, as such, Javagal Srinath of the team management.” tenders for a place in South tional at the end of the tour.

August 14, Only Twenty20 international, Co-

Aleem Dar and Ian Gould changed Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said the Africa’s squad for the Cricket South African squad: Faf lombo the ball and awarded West Indies Referees will hold a hearing fol- team had denied any wrongdoing World Cup in England next du Plessis (captain), Hashim five penalty runs in the contest in lowing the conclusion of the St and that it would take every step year. Amla, Junior Dala, Quinton de St Lucia. Lucia Test...” the ICC said in a to defend its players “in the event “We are looking to selectors wanted to see left- Kock (wkt), JP Duminy, Reeza Chandimal, 28, was charged on statement. The same charge was any unwarranted allegation”. broaden our talent pool,” said arm wrist spinner Shamsi and Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen Sunday with a breach of the article levelled against Australia batsman Sri Lanka were 334 for eight in Zondi. Imran Tahir, South orthodox left-armer Maharaj (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct Cameron Bancroft, who was their second innings at the end of Africa’s leading one-day in action “so that we can get a Markram, David Miller, Wiaan which deals with unfair altering of caught on camera rubbing a piece the fourth day, leading by 287 runs spinner, was not included for clearer picture as to who our Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile the condition of the ball. of sandpaper on the ball against after the hosts were dismissed for the Sri Lanka series but Zondi second-best spinner is.” Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, “Sri Lanka captain Dinesh South Africa in March. 300. said this was because the Both Shamsi and Test Tabraiz Shamsi. TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2018 SPORT 24

PANAMA BELGIUM 0 3 Mertens - 47' Lukaku - 69 & 75

Belgium’s forward Romelu Lukaku (back centre) scores a goal past Panama’s goalkeeper Jaime Penedo during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group G match at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi yesterday. Lukaku scores twice as Belgium prove too strong for Panama

AFP easy. The Central Americans rarely looked capable of beating Belgium forward Dries Mertens (centre) lined up with a team of jour- Thibaut Courtois. Belgium just celebrates after scoring the opening SOCHI, RUSSIA: Romelu Lukaku neymen featuring five thirty- needed a spark from somewhere, netted a brace as a much- goal during the Russia 2018 World somethings. Jaime Penedo in and they got it from Mertens in improved second-half Cup Group G match against Panama goal is 36, while Blas Perez up the 47th minute. performance gave Belgium an at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi yesterday. front is 37. But while the Belgians The Napoli man’s cross ultimately comfortable 3-0 had the younger, talented looking for Lukaku was headed victory over tournament debu- players, other factors played in out by Torres and on by Fidel tants Panama in their World Cup Panama’s favour. Escobar. But the ball dropped opener in Sochi yesterday. The heat and humidity on perfectly back to Mertens, whose A moment of inspiration Russia’s Black Sea coast was one, volley from the right side of the from Dries Mertens set the Bel- as was the fact their supporters box arced into the far corner. gians on their way two minutes greatly outnumbered those fol- Panama sought to regroup after the break, his volley lowing the Belgians. and right-back Michael Murillo breaking the deadlock after a The locals at the Fisht came surging forward to finally rather flat first period. Stadium got behind the outsiders force a save from Courtois. Lukaku then converted too, and they were given encour- But the gulf in class began to assists from Kevin De Bruyne agement as Hernan Dario tell as Belgium doubled their lead and captain Eden Hazard to Gomez’s side competed well in midway through the second half. secure victory in this Group G the first period. Hazard found De Bruyne, and his clash, with the Central Amer- Hazard pulled the strings sumptuous cross with the outside icans succumbing to a defeat in when he could, although the of the right boot was headed in their first-ever match at the Chelsea star was denied by by Lukaku. With Panama forced finals. Penedo in the 38th minute, to throw more bodies forward, Group rivals England will having earlier found the side- they were punished on the break look to respond to Belgium’s win netting when a slack back-pass a quarter of an hour from the when they kick off their cam- from opposing captain Roman end. paign against Tunisia but this who are, on paper at least, good in 20 matches, although the improve on quarter-final Torres gifted him the chance. This time Hazard released was not entirely the statement enough to go far in Russia, espe- nature of the first-half per- appearances at the last two At the other end, Panama Lukaku, and the Manchester of intent that Roberto Martinez’s cially after heavyweights formance against weak oppo- major tournaments. To be fair to tried to expose Belgium’s United man beat Penedo to com- side would have been hoping to Germany, Brazil and Argentina sition showed that Martinez’s Martinez, the Spaniard had potential weaknesses at full- plete the scoring and take him to make. all slipped up over the weekend. men still have significant warned on the eve of this game back. However, they struggled five goals at major tournaments, A victory will do for a team Belgium are now unbeaten progress to make if they are to that his side would not have it to score goals in qualifying and as Belgium get up and running.

Brazil in an unusual spot after Switzerland draw AP his teammates turned into dis- advance. Switzerland, No. 6 in “We have two decisive going match by match. We’ll try the last group match to survive appointment and concern. the world, was considered Bra- matches ahead of us. Of course to win the three points in the and advance to the second SOCHI, RUSSIA: This is unfa- The result that ended Bra- zil’s toughest opponent in Group we didn’t want to draw, but we next one.” round. It eventually finished the miliar territory for five-time zil’s nine-match winning streak E. Another consolation was the also didn’t lose. We are more Brazil now hasn’t won in tournament in third place. World Cup champion Brazil. in openers left the national team fact that in 2010, Spain lost its alive than ever.” three straight World Cup Brazil has conceded goals in The last time it didn’t win its two points behind group leader opener against Switzerland but Brazil next faces Costa Rica matches, following the 2014 six straight World Cup matches, first game in a World Cup, Pele Serbia, which defeated Costa went on to win the title anyway. on Friday in St. Petersburg and losses to Germany in the semi- going back to a 0-0 draw had just retired from soccer. The Rica 1-0. One of the main title Also, Argentina and anything but victory will be a finals and to the Netherlands in against Mexico in the second “Selecao” had won every one of favorites, Brazil suddenly sees Germany also failed win in their disaster. But three points would the third-place match at the match of the group stage in its opening matches since 1978, itself having to come from openers in Russia, while Spain put Brazil right back in position home tournament. It’s a winless 2014. The Brazilians complained a year after “The King’s” behind to keep alive its hopes and Portugal drew when they to advance from the group. Its streak that hadn’t happened of two key refereeing decisions farewell. of winning the team’s first world played each other in their initial final game will be against Serbia since 1978, when it reached four that went against the five-time Brazil drew Sweden 1-1 back title since 2002. match. on June 27 in Nizhny Novgorod. World Cup games without a champions Sunday: A push on then, the same score of its match But although the result felt “Nobody can win or lose the “This is only the beginning,” victory. Brazil followed that Miranda that aided Switzer- against Switzerland in Rostov- like a loss, there was no reason World Cup in the first match,” defender Miranda said. “We 1978 draw against Sweden with land’s goal, and a no-call they on-Don on Sunday, when all the to panic just yet, as Brazil Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus knew it wasn’t going to be easy. a scoreless tie against Spain felt should have produced a hype surrounding Neymar and remains heavily favored to said. We have to move on and keep before defeating Austria 1-0 in penalty.