CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 2 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 4 Pogacar wins Southgate’s fi ft h stage, Van der Poel ‘masterpiece’ retains yellow silences sceptics

Thursday, July 1, 2021 FOOTBALL Dhul-Qa’da 21, 1442 AH Loew walks away GULF TIMES leaving Flick to repair misfi ring Germany SPORT Page 3

QATAR WIN FRIENDLY MATCH IN CROATIA

Qatar beat Croatia’s reserve side 3-1 in a friendly match at the Aldo Drosina Stadium in Pula, Croatia, yesterday. The Asian champions are currently in Croatia for a training camp as they prepare for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will take place from July 10 to August 1 in the United States. Qatar will play another friendly against El Salvador on July 4 before they leave for the US.

TENNIS/WIMBLEDON Djokovic on a mission as he glides past Anderson Sabalenka digs deep to beat wildcard Boulter, Andreescu fails to break Wimbledon jinx, Jabeur beats Venus Williams

Agencies

op seed has be- gun Wimbledon like a man on a mission, which considering the history the Serb is trying to create,T should come as no surprise. The 34-year-old described his 6-3 6-3 6-3 second-round win over twice runner-up Kevin Ander- son as “almost fl awless” and no one on Centre Court would disagree. His only slight issue was keeping his feet on the still-greasy turf, but his game was at its immaculate best as he appeared to be able to land each shot on a sixpence. Djokovic made only fi ve unforced errors in a masterful display against the South African he also beat in the 2018 fi nal. And while he did lose the fi rst set of his opening round match against in- spired British teenager Jack Draper, what has followed has been an ominous statement of intent. Djokovic is not only chasing a sixth Belarus’s Aryna Sabalenka celebrates her victory over Britain’s Katie Boulter Wimbledon title and third in a row, he during their singles second round match on the third day of the 2021 Wimbledon can also match Roger Federer and Rafa Championships at The All England Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, Nadal’s men’s record haul of 20 Grand yesterday. (AFP) Slam titles. If that is not enough, he is also half- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over South Africa’s Kevin Anderson during their singles second round match son Brengle. Former armed with better tactics, denying her way to the calendar-year sweep of all on the third day of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, winner Kenin lost 6-2, 6-4 to 82nd- opponent pace on the ball. Boulter re- four majors last achieved by Rod Laver yesterday. (AFP) ranked Brengle who will face either peatedly played the short slice to draw in 1969 and could also be on for the Viktoria Golubic or Danielle Collins for Sabalenka to the net only to lob her, Golden Slam if you add the Tokyo Ol- ed after the high of winning his fi rst to make myself feel that I’m focused, February, defeating French 21st seed a place in the last 16. Kenin committed much to the delight of the Centre Court ympics into the mix. . yet at the same time calm and com- Ugo Humbert before declaring: “Not 41 unforced errors to Brengle’s seven. crowd. Quite simply, by the end of the year “I’m going to try to learn from that posed and clear with my game plan,” he bad for a part-time player”. Second seed Aryna Sabalenka Fifth seeded Bianca Andreescu of Djokovic could well have settled the experience that I had in 2016,” Djoko- said. Kyrgios triumphed 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, showed exceptional grit to rally from a Canada was knocked out 6-2, 6-1 by GOAT (greatest of all-time) debate. vic, bidding to become the fi fth man Only when he slipped over did he 6-1, 9-7 in a match held over from set down to beat British wildcard Katie France’s Alize Cornet. Andreescu, the But we have been here before. in history to win the fi rst three Grand look at all ruffl ed, glaring angrily at the Tuesday evening when the fi nal set was Boulter in a thrilling match and reach 2019 US Open champion, is still to win In 2016, Djokovic had also arrived at Slam tournaments of the season since off ending lawn, although he later re- level at 3-3. the third round of Wimbledon for the a main draw match at Wimbledon hav- Wimbledon as a hot favourite having Laver in 1969, told reporters. fused to criticise the courts on which “Ugo is an incredible kid and I knew fi rst time. ing lost in the fi rst round as a qualifi er won the Australian and French Open “This time I’m probably, I would like numerous players have fallen. I was a massive underdog,” said Kyrgios Sabalenka’s best result at the grass- in 2017. titles that year to hold all four slams si- to think, a bit wiser and a bit more ex- “Hopefully as the tournament after fi ring 23 aces and 51 winners. court Grand Slam was a second-round Ons Jabeur the fi rst Arabic woman multaneously. perienced as a player and person. But progresses I’ll also fall less,” he said. Kyrgios also shrugged off an ugly- showing on debut in 2017 as a qualifi er to win a WTA tournament reached the Then, at Wimbledon, he was stunned it’s only two matches into the tourna- “But I don’t mind falling more if the re- looking fall in the 13th game of the fi nal but she bettered that with a 4-6 6-3 third round for the fi rst time yesterday by American Sam Querrey in the third ment, there’s still a long way to go.” sult is winning a match.” set when his right knee buckled be- 6-3 victory in a match lasting over two beating fi ve time champion Venus Wil- round. So Djokovic will certainly not Anderson, on the comeback trail af- Australian fi rebrand Nick Kyrgios neath him. hours. liams 7-5, 6-0. be letting his guard slip when he plays ter knee injuries, played high-level ten- also won his fi rst match in four months. In women’s section. American fourth Boulter had lost in straight sets when Williams follows her sister Serena American Denis Kudla tomorrow. nis, but Djokovic broke serve with ease Kyrgios, ranked 60, but a quarter- seed Sofi a Kenin was knocked out of in she met Sabalenka in their only meet- out of the singles tournament although Looking back to 2016, Djokovic said once in each set for a clean cut victory. fi nalist on debut in 2014, won his fi rst the second round on Wednesday, losing ing at the same stage of the 2019 Aus- she will play with Nick Kyrgios in the he had come in feeling a little defl at- “I’ve done things on and off the court match since the Australian Open in in just 45 minutes to compatriot Madi- tralian Open but this time she came mixed doubles. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, July 1, 2021 SPORT

CYCLING/TOUR DE FRANCE Pogacar wins 5th stage, Van der Poel retains yellow Reuters Spectator who caused mass crash arrested Last year, the 22-year-old Laval, France Pogacar was one of the top climb- The spectator who caused a roadside between Brest and ers in the race and was second on mass crash of riders on the Landerneau caused German the last competitive day when he lovenian Tadej Pogacar opening day of the Tour de rider Tony Martin to fall, who in stunned Roglic in the fi nal time emerged as the over- France has been arrested, a turn brought down dozens of trial to secure the title. whelming Tour de France source close to the investiga- riders behind him. Pogacar, who was the chaser favourite when he de- tion said yesterday. The crash held up the race for last year, can now expect to be stroyedS the fi eld by winning the “The woman has been formally five minutes while bikes and attacked left, right and centre as fi fth stage, a 27.2km individual identified and she was taken bodies were untangled. his massive advantage will force time trial, yesterday. into custody a few minutes The incident and a series of his rivals to take risks. The defending champion ago,” the source told AFP after crashes on the second and “For sure this time I’m already clocked a best time of 32 min- the state prosecutor for the third stages of the race angered ahead and attacks will come eve- utes between Change and Laval city of Brest in Brittany, Camille teams and led to the entire ryday,” Pogacar, who believes he to beat Swiss Stefan Kueng, Miansoni, said “a suspect is in peloton staging a symbolic is in the same form as last year, the European champion in the custody”. protest, briefly halting at a pre- told a news conference. solo eff ort against the clock, by 18 On Saturday, a woman bran- arranged point, at the start of “It’s going to be hard but that’s seconds. Dutchman Mathieu van dishing a cardboard sign on the Tuesday’s fourth stage. (AFP) the way it is. One day you’re the der Poel took fi fth place to retain attacker and another day you’re the overall leader’s yellow . the one being attacked.” “I didn’t think I was going to runner-up Primoz Roglic fi n- facing a huge challenge to beat The nature of the Tour, how- keep the jersey. It was a great day, ished 44 seconds off the pace. Pogacar. ever, will keep Pogacar on his I’m really happy,” said Van der Pogacar is now second over- Another top favourite, Colom- toes after several crashes on fl at Poel, who is expected to surren- all, eight seconds behind Van bian Richard Carapaz, is ninth, stages marred the fi rst days of the der his lead when the race reach- der Poel while Roglic is 10th, 1:36 behind Pogacar. event. es the mountains on Saturday. 1:40 down on his compatriot and France’s Julian Alaphilippe, “We’ll see how I feel but I Pogacar’s performance is a Thomas 12th, a further six sec- who was hoping to recapture know there’s some tricky stages massive blow to his rivals for the onds behind. the yellow jersey, had an aver- and even if tomorrow is easy on title as 2018 champion Geraint Both Roglic and Thomas suf- age day and slipped down to paper you never know what can Team UAE Emirates’ Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia celebrates his white jersey of best young on the podium at Thomas ended up one minute 18 fered nasty crashes in the open- fourth overall, 48 seconds behind happen,” he said. the end of the 5th stage of the 108th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, a 27km time trial between seconds behind and last year’s ing days of racing and are now Pogacar. “So I will take it day by day.” Change and Laval, yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS CRICKET Sri Lanka’s ‘terrible trio’ dropped from Serena’s record Indian series

AFP of their contract,” one offi cial Colombo told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. The trio was also pulled out of hree Sri Lankan cricket the three-match one-day inter- hopes slipping players ordered to leave national series against England the tour of England on after they were seen breaching disciplinary grounds their bio-secure bubble ahead of Twill be dropped from a home se- the fi rst ODI in Durham. ries against India in July, offi cials Mendis and Dickwella were said yesterday. Dubbed the “ter- seen smoking in the streets of rible trio” by media, vice captain Durham, where they were based Kusal Mendis, opener Danushka ahead of the ODI series. and sliding away Gunathilaka and wicket keeper In a second video on social Niroshan Dickwella returned media, Gunathilaka is seen join- home on Tuesday ing the pair, violating the coro- ‘The last thing a champion like Serena wants to do is to go out in a walkover’ Sri Lanka Cricket offi cials said navirus rules of their stay. an inquiry into how they left the England won the fi rst ODI on AFP team’s pandemic isolated hotel Tuesday by fi ve wickets. The London in England would start after their second ODI is due to be played mandatory two-week quarantine. Thursday with the fi nal on Sun- None will be included in the three day. After Sri Lanka’s white- erena Williams’ innoc- one day internationals and three wash in the T20 series against uous slip that ended her Twenty20 games to start on July 13. England, their fi fth consecutive Wimbledon campaign “They are likely to get a mini- series defeat, disgruntled fans at the fi rst hurdle sym- mum one-year suspension if launched a campaign to shun the Sbolised the manner in which her found guilty of several breaches team on social media. powers have been steadily slid- ing away. The question is whether the TWENTY20 “heartbroken” 39-year-old American legend wants her fans’ last memory of her on a stage where she has won seven singles Shamsi inspires SA titles to be that of her eyes-fi lled with tears as she limped off . “I feel sad for Serena,” said to 1-run win over WI 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli on the BBC after AFP Williams was forced to quit her St George’s, Grenada match with Aliaksandra Sas- novich after just six games. “I sincerely hope it is not the last abraiz Shamsi enhanced time we see her at Wimbledon. his reputation as the top “The way she waved at the T20 bowler in the inter- crowd, and put her hand on the national game by inspir- heart to show her appreciation, I Ting South Africa to a thrilling hope it is not a farewell.” one-run victory over the West In- The problem for Williams is dies in the third of their 5-match the target of equalling Marga- series at the National Cricket Sta- ret Court’s all-time record of 24 dium in Grenada on Tuesday. Grand Slam singles titles looks Defending another moderate more remote than ever. total of 167 for eight after they Back in 2017, when she won were put in to bat for the third South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi the Australian Open to move to time in the series, the left-arm celebrates the dismissal of West within one of the controversial wrist spinner bowled his most Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer during Court’s tally, she looked odds on economical four-over spell in the 3rd T20I in Saint George’s, to achieve that and more. conceding just 13 runs for the Grenada. (AFP) Even after taking time out that 2006 she failed to reach a Grand the player may not wish to ac- fl uidity of the women’s game and outside the game will pray important wickets of Evin Lewis year to have her baby daughter Slam fi nal. cept that time has run out. and the lack of a dominant suc- she does not prolong her career and Shimron Hetmyer. of cleverly-disguised deliveries Olympia she was expected to re- Despite the hits Williams re- “The last thing a champion cessor to her - she is still ranked in the style of other sports stars Yet as well as he bowled, and earning the seamer the impres- turn as dominant as before with mained outwardly confi dent at like Serena wants to do is to go in the top 10. Bartoli remains who fear they will miss the fi x of as much as the vaunted West In- sive fi gures of four for 22, bet- few likely rivals on the horizon. least that she was still capable out in a walkover,” three-time convinced the elusive Grand the adulation of the crowd when dies power-hitters stuttered for tering his haul of three for 25 just However, since then it has of equalling Court’s mark even Wimbledon champion Boris Slam title will come her way. they return to the banality of the second consecutive match, two days earlier. been a tale of regression by de- after withdrawing from her sec- Becker told the BBC. “I still feel she can win that domestic life. the duel still came down to the Bravo, again charged with the grees from reaching four fi nals - ond round match at the 2020 “But you have got to get used 24th major, she has it inside For one of her greatest cheer- fi nal over bowled by Kagiso Ra- responsibility of bowling in the two at Wimbledon (2018/19) and French Open. “I’m pretty good to the fact she is past 30 - I won’t her,” said Bartoli. “The amount leaders, fellow tennis legend bada with 15 runs needed. Fabian fi nal overs of the innings, made two at the US Open (2018/19) - at it still and I’m so close to some put a number on her age! - and of injury and bad luck of sliding Chris Evert, Williams’s legacy Allen struck an early boundary his experience under pressure and falling short every time. things, so I feel like I’m almost now this means another year of is such a shame.” is assured. “To me, her legacy is and then a six off the last ball of count in taking two late wickets Last year, albeit one in which there,” she said. “I think that’s coming back from injuries. It is Williams said in her pre Wim- already sealed,” said Evert. the match but the pacer had held to fi nish with three for 25. Wimbledon did not take place what keeps me going.” sad to see but unfortunately time bledon press conference she has “If she never wins another his nerve in between those way- After McCoy removed opener due to the coronavirus pan- However, as injuries mount waits on no man or woman.” always had an “X on her back” Grand Slam, if she never match- ward deliveries to limit the home Reeza Hendricks and captain demic, her fortunes dipped even up on her those who have been One thing that could keep since she won her fi rst US Open es Margaret Court, (it) doesn’t side to 166 for seven. Temba Bavuma in the fi fth over, lower as for the fi rst time since down that route themselves say Williams plugging away is the in 1999. Her fans both inside matter. She’s still the greatest.” Lewis and Nicholas Pooran de Kock put on 43 with Markram were the joint-topscorers for and 60 with van der Dussen to the with 27 while put South Africa in position for a Andre Russell contributed 25. total closer to the 180-run mark. New Zealand batsman Taylor keen to play on aft er WTC win Earlier Obed McCoy and vet- However de Kock’s demise to New Zealand’s most prolific forward to reuniting with family “A lot of players, past players, tell said about you, about your age eran Dwayne Bravo combined Bravo, for an innings which came batsman Ross Taylor has batted and friends once freed from me you’re a long time retired, and whatnot,” said Taylor, who for seven wickets as South Africa off 51 balls and included two six- away talk of retiring in the wake hotel quarantine in New Zealand, and a lot of them told me they has amassed 7,564 runs at an faltered from a promising posi- es and fi ve fours, triggered a slide of their World Test Champion- is giving no thought to calling felt like they retired too early.” average of 45.84 in Tests. tion. Quinton de Kock, playing from 147 for three in the 16th ship (WTC) triumph and hit back time on a sparkling career of 108 Taylor’s technique came under “It’s been the same thing that I’ve in his 50th T20 International, led over with the tourists losing fi ve at critics for focusing on his tests and over 300 short format the microscope in the first test had to deal with my whole career the Proteas batting eff ort once wickets for 17 runs. age. internationals. against England at Lord’s where - but I guess as you get older again with a topscore of 72 while The 37-year-old has not made “I’m still loving the game 0- still he scored 14 and 33. that’s probably an easier thing Rassie van der Dussen contrib- BRIEF SCORES a Test century since November want to learn and get better, so He returned to form with a first to attack. uted 32 and Aiden Markram, South Africa 167-8 (Q. de Kock 2019 but played a key role in that’s a good sign,” he told re- innings 80 in the second Test “But it is what it is, I still love play- brought into the middle order at 73, R. van der Dussen 32, A. New Zealand’s WTC win against porters on a video call yesterday. at Birmingham to help New Zea- ing the game of cricket, I still feel the expense of Heinrich Klaasen, Markram 23; O. McCoy 4-22, India and the preceding test “At this stage I just want to keep land beat England 1-0 in the se- like I’ve got something to give chipped in with 23. D. Bravo 3-25) bt West Indies series victory over England. on playing cricket, whatever ries. “When you come to my age, to this game, both on and off the However it was the 24-year- 166-7 (E. Lewis 27, N. Pooran 27, Taylor, who said he was looking level that is, for as long as I can. there’s always going to be things field.” (Reuters) old Vincentian McCoy who stole A. Russell 25; T. Shamsi 2-13, A. the show with his assortment Nortje 2-29) Gulf Times Thursday, July 1, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

EURO 2020 SPOTLIGHT Football is our source Loew walks away of happiness, says Palestine super fan here was an electric at- mosphere during the leaving Flick to repair Palestine versus Co- moros match at Jassim TBin Hamad Stadium last week. The FIFA Arab Cup qualifi er at- tracted thousands of passionate fans, including Palestine sup- porter Mohamed Abdel Hadi. misfi ring Germany Mohamed led celebrations throughout the match as Pal- estine claimed an emphatic 5-1 Loew’s record of 124 wins, 40 draws and 34 defeats since 2006 is impressive victory to book their place in the FIFA Arab Cup, which will take AFP place in Qatar later this year. London While being fi lmed by qa- tar2022.qa, Mohamed discussed his passion for football and his oachim Loew walks away after 15 devotion to the Palestine team. ryone’s face,” said Mohamed. years in charge of Germany leaving “I often don’t sleep the night Palestine’s crushing win a misfi ring side short of confi dence before a big match,” said Mo- means they will return for the and his successor Hansi Flick hamed, 31. “I stay up thinking FIFA Arab Cup in December. alreadyJ under pressure to turn things about the team and try to men- They will face Morocco, Saudi around before next year’s World Cup. tally prepare myself. I like to Arabia and Jordan in Group C, The Germans bowed out of Euro 2020 make sure all the fans from my with the matches set to be played after a disappointing display in the 2-0 community are excited and bring at Qatar 2022 stadiums. last 16 defeat to England on Tuesday at great energy to the game.” Mohamed believes the tour- Wembley, which was Loew’s 198th and Mohamed’s passion for foot- nament – which is being held fi nal game in charge. His record of 124 ball can be traced back to his exactly a year before the FIFA wins, 40 draws and 34 defeats since 2006 home country, where almost World Cup – will unite the re- is impressive. Yet the fi gures mask the re- everyone is fanatical about the gion. “We are all so proud of the ality of tears in the German dressing room sport. “My love for football Palestine team. Despite all the at Wembley following the latest painful stems from my country’s love for struggles they are facing, they defeat as, once again, Germany struggled the game,” said Mohamed, who still managed to get here and to fi nish their chances. moved to Qatar in 2012. “Eve- perform well. Everyone is look- Loew had the high of winning the 2014 ryone plays it on the street and ing forward to them returning for World Cup, including the remarkable in the neighbourhoods. When the Arab Cup – I have no doubt it 7-1 thrashing of hosts Brazil in the semi- we were kids, we used rocks for will be a great tournament that fi nals, but his tenure was tarnished by goalposts.” brings everyone together.” the low of fi nishing bottom of the group Mohamed, who works as a civil Mohamed is also looking for- four years later in Russia, which still engineer, said football is a heal- ward to the World Cup and is haunts the Germans. “In these 15 years, ing mechanism for Palestinians confi dent Qatar will host an un- there were a lot of things that were very in the midst of near-constant forgettable version of football’s positive,” Loew insisted at Wembley. “We confl ict. “The game is very pop- showpiece event. “It will be the have developed steadily, the World Cup ular back home, despite the dif- best tournament,” said Moham- title in 2014, the Confederation Cup vic- fi cult conditions. Football is our ed. “The development and pros- tory in 2017 with a young team. There source of happiness. It distracts perity that Qatar has witnessed have been moments that are unforgetta- us from all the terror we witness will make this tournament an ble,” added the 61-year-old. every day. It puts a smile on eve- exceptional one.” Yet Loew admitted his team had expe- rienced “some problems since 2018” and that there had been “a lot of diffi cult peri- Germany’s coach Joachim Loew controls the ball during the Euro 2020 round of 16 football match against England at the FOCUS ods” like the unforgettable 6-0 thrashing Wembley Stadium in London on Tuesday. (AFP) by Spain last November, which sparked his decision to step down. Germany certainly has the talent. As of the Wembley defeat, “Loew leaves his like we have ten other players who weren’t His replacement, one-time assistant Loew says, fl edgling leaders like Joshua successor Flick a complicated legacy”. picked, but should have been there.” beIN Sports showcases Hansi Flick, inherits a team which still Kimmich and Leon Goretzka “will take a Loew treated his football-mad nation Flick, who steered Bayern Munich to needs to get its bid for qualifi cation for big step forward in the next two or three to consistent success up until the 2018 a treble of Bundesliga title, German Cup state-of-the-art facilities the 2022 World Cup back on track after years and be at the peak in 2024” when World Cup so the fall from grace, from top and Champions League in 2019/20, is a shock home defeat to minnows North Germany hosts the next European Cham- ranking to currently 12th in the world, has determined to get Germany back to their Macedonia in March. pionship. been hard on German supporters. best. “I see the class of the players, es- and tech advancements When Thomas Mueller wasted a gold- Yet Flick is expected to take a team to “The ambition, the will, the fi ghting pecially the youngsters in Germany, so eIN Media Group, the the-art hub, as the exclusive en opportunity to equalise at Wembley the next World Cup that will at the very spirit was missing,” said 2014 World Cup we have every reason to approach the global sports and enter- broadcaster of UEFA Euro 2020 with the goal at his mercy, it was typical least be competitive. A convincing win winner Lukas Podolski. “It all seemed so upcoming tournaments with optimism,” tainment broadcaster and Copa America 2021 in the of Germany’s recent struggles in the fi nal in the qualifi er against minnows Liech- bleak. If you look at the players’ faces — Flick said in May. and its fl agship sports Mena region, beIN has been third. A 4-2 thrashing of Portugal in the tenstein in his fi rst game on September 2 nothing is happening. I think a fi re could His job remit is crystal clear. “We have bchannel beIN Sports continues to successfully airing 15-hour live group stages only papered over the cracks would be a good start. break out in the stadium, they would stay a big common goal — to get back to the off er regional football fans across daily studio coverage, featuring running through a team which can domi- As the Berliner Zeitung newspaper on the pitch,” he added. top of the world,” said his boss Oliver all 24 countries in the Middle world-class international and nate possession, yet struggle to use it. gloomily commented in the aftermath Podolski fears for the future: “It’s not Bierhoff , director of the Germany team. East and North Africa (Mena) Arab star talent such as Arsene an unparalleled viewing experi- Wenger, Mohamed Aboutrika, ence and unforgettable moments Ruud Gullit and many more. PAIN during the UEFA Euro 2020 and beIN’s exclusive coverage in- Copa America 2021 tournaments cludes exclusive programmes, will have no – with both games due to culmi- entertainment shows, and live nate for their respective grand coverage of all the games across 6 Mueller’s Wembley miss ‘hurts like hell’ fear against fi nales on 11 July. beIN SPORTS MAX channels in England, says In a tour to the media on Tues- English, Arabic, and French. The AFP Shevchenko day, beIN’s Director of Corpo- network has also increased its in- Berlin rate Communications for Mena, ternational capabilities through Glasgow: Ukraine man- Jassim al-Muftah and Duncan hosting on-the-ground report- ager Walkinshaw, Acting Director of ers in all 11 European-competing homas Mueller admits his crucial said his team would Programs for beIN Mena, showed countries, with 18 full-time re- miss at Wembley for a late equaliser not be intimidated by journalists the vast operational porters across Europe alone. On in the 2-0 defeat to England which England’s 2-0 win over capabilities of its Mena TV com- beIN’s social media platforms, knocked Germany out of Euro 2020 Germany at Wembley in plex – the biggest in the world, it continues to publish 22 hours T“hurts like hell”. With England 1-0 up in their Euros 2020 last-16 with 9 ultramodern studios and of daily coverage, including be- Tuesday’s last 16 clash thanks to a Raheem clash but motivated to an accumulative fl oor space of hind-the-match exclusive con- Sterling goal, Mueller managed to break produce an upset when 6,390m2 (nearly 4 miles). tent, quizzes, and a dedicated clear of the England defence with nine min- they lock horns in Rome Directly from this state-of- Instagram fi lter. utes left, but fi red agonisingly wide with the on Saturday. goal at his mercy. The Ukrainians booked “To get that opportunity and then have it their quarter-final berth go to waste, it hurts like hell,” Mueller wrote with an extra-time 2-1 win on Instagram yesterday under a picture with over Sweden on Tuesday his head in his hands on the Wembley turf. thanks to a last-gasp goal “There it was, that one moment that stays by Artem Dovbyk after in your memory at the end, that keeps you England sent Germany awake at night. The moment you work, train Germany’s forward Thomas Mueller (right) reacts to missing a goal opportunity during the home. “England are a and live for as a footballer. That moment Euro 2020 round of 16 match against England at Wembley Stadium in London. (AFP) great team, they have a when you alone have it in your hands to deep bench, an outstand- bring your team back into a tight knockout (German FA), my teammates and our coach for your support.” ing coaching staff and we game and send an entire football nation into who all put their trust in me to be there right The 31-year-old was recalled from a two- are fully aware how tough ecstasy.” With the Germans ruing Mueller’s then,” added Mueller, as Joachim Loew had year international football exile to play at this game is going to be,” miss, England doubled their lead moments his fi nal game as Germany coach after 15 the Euro fi nals. Had he scored at Wembley, Shevchenko said. “They later when Harry Kane scored to put the years in charge. “But most of all, it hurts be- Mueller would have claimed his 40th goal are diff icult to score Three Lions in the quarter-fi nals and send cause of all the Germany fans out there who in 107 internationals, but he has now failed against but their strength Germany out. have stood by us and supported us during to hit the net at three consecutive European shouldn’t scare us.” “It hurts me for the whole @dfb_team this European Championship. Thank you Championships. beIN Studio has been airing 15-hour live daily studio coverage.

Ukraine’s Besedin ruled Atletico to start La Liga title Fiorentina name Italiano England fans urged not to sign Salzburg out of Euro 2020 defence at Celta as coach aft er Gattuso row fl y to Rome for quarters striker Daka Ukraine forward Artem Besedin is out Atletico Madrid will begin the defence of Fiorentina announced that Vincenzo England fans are being urged not to FA Cup holders Leicester City have of the Euro 2020 quarter-final match their La Liga title with a trip to Celta Vigo Italiano is their new coach after the Serie travel to Rome for their side’s Euro signed Patson Daka from Austrian side with England after he suff ered a knee on the weekend of August 14-15 as the A club had hired Gennaro Gattuso only 2020 quarter-final against Ukraine on RB Salzburg, the Premier League club injury during a dramatic last 16 win over Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) an- to see him quickly resign amid reported Saturday as coronavirus restrictions announced. The 22-year-old Zambia Sweden, the Ukrainian FA said yesterday. nounced the 2021-22 season schedule. tensions over transfers. Fiorentina said mean even those with tickets cannot use striker will join the Foxes on a five-year Artem Dovbyk’s header in the 121st Real Madrid will open their campaign that Italiano, who last season managed them. Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Germany deal, subject to Premier League and minute sent Ukraine through to the by heading to Alaves and Barca will Spezia, has signed a deal until June at a raucous Wembley propelled Gareth international clearance. quarter-finals for the first time as they welcome Real Sociedad in a season 2023 with the ‘Viola’ with an option for Southgate’s men into the last eight of “I’m so, so excited to join this great, beat Sweden 2-1 after extra time in Glas- which will include fixtures on Fridays an additional year. The 43-year-old has the Covid-delayed European Champi- historic club,” said Daka in a Leicester gow on Tuesday. But 10 minutes before and Mondays. The first ‘Clasico’ between made a name for himself in the last two onship. But Italian health regulations statement. “It has been my dream and that Marcus Danielson made a danger- Barca and Real of the campaign will take seasons with his work at Spezia, a small mean supporters travelling from Britain I’m so happy and looking forward to ous challenge on Besedin that saw the place on October 24-25 with the second team which he guided into Serie A for would face five days of quarantine and what’s coming next.” Swede sent off and forced the Dynamo fixture on March 20-21. the first time in its history and then kept therefore they would miss the match. No fee has been disclosed by Leicester Kiev striker to come off with a serious The Madrid derbies will be held on De- in the Italian top flight with a creditable England face taking to the pitch without but British media reports have valued knee injury. The Ukrainian football asso- cember 12-13 and May 8-9, three rounds 15th-placed finish in 2020-21. He has the vocal backing of their fans, who have the deal at around £23mn. Daka had a ciation (UAF) said the 25-year-old striker before the end of the season. There will been appointed following the shock only recently been allowed to return to fine record at Salzburg, with 68 goals in Besedin suff ered “a partial tear of the be a Christmas break in the Spanish top- resignation of Gattuso, who left the club Wembley as Covid-19 restrictions have 125 appearances and also helped them cruciate and lateral ligaments”. flight between December 20-30. just over three weeks after joining. been eased. win four successive league titles. Thursday, July 1, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

EURO 2020 IOC chief arriving in Tokyo July 8 before Games

Olympics chief Thomas Bach will arrive in Japan on July 8, Tokyo 2020 organisers said yesterday as they make final preparations for the pandemic- Southgate’s ‘masterpiece’ postponed Games. Bach had initially been expected to visit Tokyo in May, but that trip was cancelled over virus restrictions. Tokyo 2020 said Bach would isolate for three days on arrival, adding that the International Olympic silences sceptics as Committee head has been vaccinated. He hopes to visit Hiroshima on July 16 to coincide with the start of an Olympic truce, organisers added. The truce — adopted by the United Nations — aims to ensure a halt to all caution reaps rewards hostilities, allowing the safe passage and participation of athletes and spectators for the Games. The IOC will ‘You pick certain personnel instead of others and, if it goes wrong, you’re dead’ hold a board meeting in Tokyo from July 17 and a general meeting from July AFP former and England de- 20, with a vote expected on Brisbane as London fender Jamie Carragher wrote in the 2032 Olympic host. Telegraph. “It has been a long time Just a few weeks remain until the Tokyo since England had such a single- 2020 opening ceremony on July 23, ngland are dreaming of Euro minded leader who is prepared to with several Olympic teams already in 2020 glory after fi nally slay- thrive or fail on his own terms.” the country. The Games will take place ing old nemesis Germany in Southgate’s loaded bench also under strict rules, with overseas fans the knockout stages of a ma- means England have the weapons to banned and local spectators limited. jorE tournament and now have a fa- decide games as fatigue sets in. Gre- vourable draw against Ukraine in the alish was the game-changer after his Organisers to allow quarter-fi nals. introduction 20 minutes from time nursing mothers to bring A 2-0 win over the four-time world with a part in both goals, but the champions at a raucous Wembley manager’s faith in Sterling and Kane children to Games — thanks to late goals from Raheem was also rewarded. Nursing mothers will be allowed to Sterling and Harry Kane — rewarded After a poor end to the season with bring their children to the Tokyo Olym- England manager Gareth Southgate’s City, there were calls pics when necessary, 2020 organisers measured approach, which had been for Sterling to be dropped before the said. Organisers have barred family criticised for being overly cautious tournament began. However, with members of athletes from attend- in the group phase. Southgate knows three of his country’s four goals, the ing the Games due to Covid-19 safety only too well what the consequences 26-year-old has fi nally delivered at a protocols, while foreign spectators are of failure are for England against Ger- major tournament. also excluded and domestic crowds will many in a major tournament on home Kane already has a World Cup be capped. soil. His distinguished playing career Golden Boot to his name but had Some athletes have complained that was forever dogged by a miss in the barely looked like scoring in the they were being forced to choose penalty shootout at Euro 96 that sent opening three games of Euro 2020. between the Games and their young the Germans to the fi nal. The England skipper’s time fi nally children but organisers said in an e-mail Twenty-fi ve years on, England came four minutes from the end when that the restriction has been eased. are still waiting for their fi rst major he nodded home Grealish’s cross to The news comes after Canadian tournament win since 1966, when send the home crowd wild. “With 75 basketball player Kim Gaucher said she they beat Germany in the World Cup minutes on the clock, Wembley re- was being forced to decide between fi nal, but are at least now consistent verberated to a noise 25 years in the “being a breastfeeding mom or an contenders. The Three Lions reached waiting,” said the Times. The newspa- Olympic athlete” because she cannot the semi-fi nals of the 2018 World per said the fear was that Southgate’s bring her three-month-old daughter to Cup in Russia and the inaugural Na- tactics “felt like painting the ceiling Tokyo. American long-distance runner tions League. And only a major shock of the Sistine Chapel with a roller — Aliphine Tuliamuk also complained in Rome on Saturday will deny them a it might get the job done but not as about the issue, saying she “cannot last-four spot once more. Southgate’s attractively as desired. Yet then two imagine” going to the Games without style on the sidelines in Russia caused swift, perfect brush strokes produced her breastfeeding daughter. a spike in demand for waistcoats back a masterpiece.” home but on the fi eld he has shown If England see off a limited Ukraine Spurs star Son left out of himself to be a pragmatist, willing to England’s coach Gareth Southgate celebrates after his team’s victory over Germany in the Euro 2020 round of 16 match side hampered by injuries on Sat- S Korea Olympic squad put his neck on the line with unpopu- at Wembley Stadium in London on Tuesday. (AFP) urday they will be back at Wembley lar decisions. for the semi-fi nals, with the permit- Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung- “You know that if you change the Germany’s wing-backs. That meant Blessed with England’s best array nament with four consecutive clean ted capacity extended to 60,000 as min was not included in South Korea’s shape, you pick certain personnel in- Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Jadon San- of attacking talent in decades, South- sheets for the fi rst time since 1966. coronavirus restrictions are eased. A 18-man Olympic football squad named stead of others and, if it goes wrong, cho, Marcus Rashford and Mason gate has instead focused on building “Not for the fi rst time in the last quarter of a century after it was sup- yesterday, avoiding a potential club- you’re dead,” he said after switching Mount all started the game sitting on solid foundations. The results are three weeks, sticking to his beliefs posed to, football may be fi nally com- versus-country dilemma. Hwang Ui-jo to a 3-4-3 formation to match up with the bench. clear to see after they started a tour- and gut instincts has been rewarded,” ing home for Southgate and England. of Girondins de Bordeaux was named in the under-24 squad as an over-age player, while Valencia midfielder Lee ATHLETICS PREMIER LEAGUE Kang-in, the youngest member of the squad at 20, can avoid military service by winning an Olympic medal. South Korea requires all able-bodied Naser to miss Olympics aft er Benitez appointed Everton men to serve for 18 months. But Olym- pic medallists or gold medallists at the Asian Games are awarded exemptions CAS issues two-year ban boss despite fan protests from service. The Taeguk Warriors won bronze at London 2012, and start Reuters AFP their quest for a second Olympic medal Zurich London against New Zealand on July 22. Roma- nia and Honduras are also in Group B. ahrain’s world 400 me- verton confi rmed the appointment UK Athletics looking into tres champion Salwa of Rafael Benitez as their new runner’s comment about Eid Naser will miss manager yesterday despite fan pro- the Tokyo Olympics tests against the Premier League ‘faked’ Covid test afterB being given a two-year club’sE move for the former Liverpool boss. UK Athletics is looking into comments ban by the Court of Arbitration Benitez has agreed a three-year contract by 5,000 metres runner Andrew for Sport (CAS) yesterday for an with Everton and succeeds Carlo Ancelotti, Butchart that he changed the date on anti-doping violation by miss- who left Goodison Park to join Real Madrid a Covid-19 test result in order to return ing out-of-competition tests. at the start of June. to Britain after an international event, Sport’s highest court, how- The Spaniard is the fi rst man to man- though the Scot has since clarified his ever, said that the Nigerian- age both Merseyside teams since William remarks. In a now-deleted episode of born 23-year-old would not be Edward Barclay in the 1890s. Benitez’s ap- The Sunday Podcast, Butchart said stripped of her results from the pointment will antagonise a signifi cant sec- there was a delay in getting his PCR 2019 world championships as it tion of Everton’s fan base after he criticised put up at the stadium. Farhad Moshiri, Ever- test result back before his flight and he had suffi cient evidence that she bouts failure violation. sulting consequences, includ- the Toff ees during his time at Liverpool. ton’s major shareholder, ignored the dis- had changed the date on an old test did not gain from doping prac- “Naser is sanctioned with ing forfeiture of any medals, Everton supporters’ animosity towards Ben- senting voices to pursue “proven winner” as he prepared for check-in, the Times tices then. CAS in November a period of ineligibility of two titles, ranking points and prize itez was raised above the usual level reserved Benitez, who won the Champions League newspaper reported. A UK Athletics registered an appeal from the years, commencing on the date and appearance money.” for a Reds boss ever since his “small club” and FA Cup during his six-year Liverpool spokesperson said the organisation sport’s global governing body of notifi cation of this award, Naser won gold at the World jibe after a 2007 Merseyside . reign, which ended in 2010. and the British Olympic Association World Athletics against an Ath- with credit given for the pe- Championships in Doha on Oct. Benitez has since sought to clarify he was “Rafa impressed us greatly with his were aware of the comments. letics Integrity Unit (AIU) dis- riod of provisional suspension 3, 2019 clocking 48.14 seconds, referring to what he believed was a “small- knowledge and experience but, above all, the Butchart, 29, told the Times yesterday ciplinary tribunal decision to already served between June 4, the third fastest time in his- team” mentality from Everton in the game passion and hunger he showed to join our he had “perhaps glorified the situation clear Naser of committing an 2020 and Oct. 14, 2020,” CAS tory. A CAS panel adjudicating rather than as a club. On Monday, police club,” Moshiri said. “We are appointing Rafa for the podcast” and apologised to anti-doping violation. said in a statement. in the matter said Naser’s Doha confi rmed they were investigating the plac- because we believe he will bring success to Team GB and Tokyo organisers. According to World Athletics “All competitive results ob- result would stand. CAS said it ing of a “threatening” banner with the words our club and to Evertonians.” rules, any combination of three tained by Naser from Nov. 25, recognised the athlete would be “We know where you live. Don’t sign” hung Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo Putin hosts Russians missed tests or fi ling failures 2019, through to the date of no- distressed to miss the Olympics over a garden wall close to Benitez’s home, was the early favourite to join Everton but heading to Tokyo without within a 12-month period by an tifi cation of this award shall be “but the fault for this blow to which is near Liverpool. he is now reported to be Tottenham’s latest athlete constitutes a wherea- disqualifi ed, with all of the re- her career is no-one’s but hers.” Off ensive banners have previously been choice in their prolonged managerial search. fl ag, anthem President Vladimir Putin hosted Russian athletes heading to the Tokyo Olym- SPOTLIGHT pics at the Kremlin yesterday, wishing them medals and vowing to protect their rights as they are set to compete without their flag and anthem because Tokyo may extend coronavirus curbs into Games period of doping sanctions. Russian athletes are barred from com- Reuters demic. “The number of new infections has re- roads the fi rst half of the 15-day Olympic torch nursing mothers would be allowed to bring their peting at major international events, Tokyo mained low in many regions, but it’s on a rising relay scheduled for the capital. children to the Tokyo Olympics when neces- including the Olympics, with their flag trend in Tokyo,” Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga Offi cials have pledged a “safe and secure” sary. They have barred family members of ath- and anthem until late 2022. More than told a ministerial meeting on the government’s Games but face persistent resistance from a letes from attending the Games due to Covid-19 330 Russians will compete in Tokyo apan is considering an extension of two coronavirus response. substantial part of the public, its worries fanned safety protocols, prompting some athletes to under the name “ROC”, an acronym for weeks to a month for coronavirus preven- “We intend to implement (existing) steps over two Ugandan delegates who tested positive complain that they were being forced to choose the Russian Olympic Committee. tion measures in Tokyo and other areas, thoroughly and introduce necessary measures after arrival in Japan. Public broadcaster NHK between the Games and their young children. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Japanese media said yesterday, with less in a timely manner, while carefully watching the said the government was drawing up measures “... after careful consideration of the unique ban, halved to two years after an ap- thanJ a month left until the opening of the sum- situation,” Suga said, without elaborating fur- for all foreign athletes in regional training camps situation facing athletes with nursing children, peal, is designed to punish Moscow for mer Olympics. ther. ahead of the Olympics to halt training and quar- we are pleased to confi rm that, when necessary, providing anti-doping authorities with Japan’s capital and other areas are under a The ‘quasi’ state of emergency caps specta- antine in their rooms if one of their group tests nursing children will be able to accompany ath- doctored laboratory data which could ‘quasi’ state of emergency set to be lifted on July tors at 5,000. Olympics organisers have said positive. letes to Japan,” organisers said. have helped identify drug cheats. 12, but a recent uptick in infections has offi cials spectators will be allowed up to half of venue ca- This measure will continue until all have had Even in the “most optimistic scenario”, To- Russians in Tokyo will be wearing concerned and could aff ect the number of spec- pacity or a maximum of 10,000, though foreign a negative virus test, NHK added, without iden- kyo’s daily new cases could reach 1,000 in July, blue, red and white uniforms, but their tators allowed into Olympics venues. spectators have been banned. tifying its sources. Tokyo 2020 organisers said and 2,000 in August, fuelled by greater travel country’s tricolour flag will not appear As Tokyo’s infections rose to 714, their highest Media said Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike in an e-mail those testing positive at the airport activity during the Games, university research- as such. Instead of having their anthem since May 26, the Mainichi Shimbun daily said would work from home for an indefi nite pe- would be quarantined and authorities in host ar- ers and the National Institute of Infectious Dis- played on the podium, Russian gold the government was considering the extension riod after her release early on Wednesday from eas would decide how to categorise “close con- eases project. If infections accelerate during medal winners in Tokyo will hear music that would overlap with the Olympics, due to hospital, where she had been recovering from tacts”. or after the Games, Tokyo’s hospital bed usage by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. open on July 23 after a year’s delay over the pan- fatigue. Tokyo has decided to move off public Organisers also said that athletes who are could hit its limit in August, they added.