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Tuesday, June 12, 2018 FOOTBALL Ramadan 27, 1439 AH Milla remembers GULF TIMES World Cup magic as history beckons for African teams SPORT Page 3

SPOTLIGHT Neymar and Brazil arrive aiming to win sixth title Brazil start their campaign against Switzerland in Rostov-on-Don on Sunday

AFP Neymar marked his fi rst start opening clash against Spain in Sochi Moscow in more than three months by on Friday. scoring in the easy victory in Santos’s side will want to start Vienna while Gabriel Jesus and strongly after a 4-0 defeat by Ger- razil’s squad arrived in Rus- Philippe Coutinho also netted many in Brazil four years ago set the sia yesterday with their star tone for a dismal group-stage exit. Neymar seemingly recovered curtainraiser between hosts Russia France, boasting a lethal attack from a broken foot bone as and Saudi Arabia. featuring Antoine Griezmann and theyB begin their quest to win a sixth A big question mark hangs over the Kylian Mbappe in an attack-minded World Cup. participation of Egypt and Liverpool squad, also arrived in Russia, seek- The Brazilians landed in the early striker Mohamed Salah, who is still ing to win their second World Cup 20 hours in Sochi, the Black Sea resort receiving treatment for the shoulder years after their 1998 triumph. where they will be based, fresh from injury he suffered in the Champions Despite their impressive resourc- beating Austria 3-0 in their fi nal League final. es, France looked flat in a 1-1 draw warm-up match. Egypt are banking on the avail- against the United States in Lyon on Neymar marked his fi rst start in ability of Salah as they try to get past Saturday. more than three months by scoring the first stage of a World Cup for the While the favourites limber up, host in the easy victory in Vienna while first time. The Egyptians arrived at nation Russia are under high pressure Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho their base in the Chechen capital as they prepare to open the tourna- also netted. Grozny on Sunday, after Salah sat ment at the impressive 80,000-ca- It was Neymar’s 55th goal in a Bra- out their final training session in pacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. zil shirt, allowing him to draw level Cairo. Ranked a lowly 70 in the world, with Romario on his country’s list of Once they touched down, a track- Russia have not won for seven con- all-time leading scorers — only Pele suited Chechen leader Ramzan Kady- secutive games. and Ronaldo have more goals for their rov was among the first to greet Salah. President Vladimir Putin, who has country. Team doctor Mohamed Abou al- spent billions to put on the biggest “I don’t know Neymar’s limits,” Ela admitted the striker, who scored sports event in Russia since the 1980 Brazil coach Tite said. “His technical 44 goals for Liverpool this season, Moscow Olympics, has exhorted the and creative capacity is impressive. was unlikely to play in Egypt’s open- team to raise their level. When we get him in the last third of ing Group A match against Uruguay “I must acknowledge the fact that, the fi eld he is lethal.” on Friday. unfortunately, our team have not Brazil, who crashed out of the last “He still feels pain... this type of achieved big results in recent times,” World Cup on home soil in a humili- injury needs a recovery period of Putin said last week. ating 7-1 defeat to Germany, start Brazil’s forward Neymar three weeks before going back to the Before Thursday’s kickoff , the foot- their campaign against Switzerland in gestures upon the team’s field,” he said. ball world will focus on choosing the Rostov-on-Don on Sunday. arrival at Sochi airport in Cristiano Ronaldo trained with host of the 2026 World Cup between a Neymar, the world’s most expen- Russia yesterday. Portugal on Sunday, as the European joint bid featuring the United States, sive player, joined fellow stars Lionel champions held their first World Cup Canada and Mexico and underdogs Messi of Argentina and Portugal’s training session at the team’s base Morocco. Cristiano Ronaldo on Russian soil as in Kratovo, southeast of Moscow, FIFA member states will vote on the the clock ticks down to Thursday’s five days ahead of their heavyweight issue at their congress on Wednesday.

Messi says Argentina future depends on show in World Cup

Argentina captain Lionel Messi said his 1-0 to Germany after extra time, before international future will be determined suff ering successive defeats by Chile on by his country’s performance at the World penalties at the Copa America in 2015 and Cup in Russia. 2016. “It will depend on how far we go, how Messi, who will turn 31 during the World we’re going to finish” at the finals, Messi Cup, believes Spain, Brazil, Germany, said in an interview with Spanish daily France and Belgium are the leading con- Sport. tenders for the title. “We’ve just lost wwthree finals in a row, “There are lots of teams who arrive with which has led to us going through some lots of confidence, with both a team game diff icult moments with the press,” added and individual talents,” said the five-time the Barcelona forward. world player of the year. “Notably with the Argentine press be- Argentina launch their World Cup cam- cause we have diff erences of opinion over paign against Iceland on Saturday in Mos- what it means to make these three finals.” cow, with games to follow against Croatia Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final and Nigeria in Group D.

Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi gestures during a training session at the team’s base camp in Bronnitsy, near Moscow, yesterday. In the fabled 90-year history of the World Cup nearly 2,400 goals have been scored 2 Gulf Times Tuesday, June 12, 2018 What’s up for grabs 1930-1970 Off icial Mascot Before Zabivaka means “the one who scores” in Russian, a very FIFA commissions French sculptor Abel suitable name for this wolf who radiates fun, charm and Lafleur to design the first World Cup trophy. confidence. It was later named the Jules Rimet Cup in 1946 in honour of the founding father of the FIFA World Cup. The toys 1939-1945 we begin Video assistant referee The trophy is kept hidden in a For the first time, Video Assistant Referees will be box under a bed in Italy during ... a look at the basics that make the World Cup tick employed in World Cup match play. The VAR is a match off icial whose role is to check play through World War II. Two World Cup the game and inform the referee of errors in match-deciding calls or serious unseen incidents. tournaments are cancelled. A look at Adidas’ FIFA World Cup match balls since 1970. The Adidas Telstar 18 soccer ball design mimics the look of a spinning HOW VAR WORKS Telstar ball, the classic icon of the The video assistant referee team, comprising The tool 1970 and 1974 tournaments. The a video assistant referee (VAR) and his three thermally-bonded ball has a assistants, supports match off icials from a video MATERIAL: seamless surface for pinpoint operation room in Moscow. The team advises accuracy and low water absorption. Gold-plated sterling silver Retail price: $165 when there is questionable play that involves goals, penalties, direct red card incidents and WEIGHT: 3.8 kg | HEIGHT: 35 c mistaken identity.

1970 TELSTAR TELSTAR 18 Brazil takes home the Jules Rimet Cup after Mexico 1970 Russia 2018 MULTIPLE ANGLES winning the World Cup three times, as BRAZUCA The VAR team TELSTAR has access to 33 stated by FIFA at the time. In 1983 the Germany 1974 Brazil 2014 broadcast cameras trophy is stolen in Rio de Janeiro, never to and two dedicated off side cameras. be seen again.

TANGO JABULANI South Africa 2010 A WORLD CUP RUSSIA Argentina 1978 REVIEW REQUEST When an incident occurs, the referee informs the VAR that a decision or incident should be reviewed. TANGO ESPANA TEAMGEIST Spain 1982 Germany 2006 1974-present ADVICE FIFA commissions Italian TELSTAR 18 VAR reviews the artist Silvio Gazzaniga to video footage and AZTECA FEVERNOVA advises the referee via headset what design the new trophy. Mexico 1986 Japan/ S. Korea 2002 the video shows. MATERIAL: 18-carat gold and ETRUSCO UNICO TRICOLORE malachite Italy 1990 France 1998 FURTHER REVIEW QUESTRA The referee can ac- WEIGHT: 6.175 kg U.S.A. 1994 cept VAR’s advice Source: Adidas. or review the foot- HEIGHT: 36.5 cm Staff, 25/04/2018 age before making a decision.

Smartwatch for referees Venues and stadia For the first time, referees will be wearing the Hublot Big Bang Referee watch. The watch — designed specifically for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Saint Petersburg Stadium Nizhny Novgorod Stadium Mordovia Arena Kazan Arena — will be connected to goal-line technology, an 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA electronic video assistance system that debuted Capacity: Capacity: Capacity: Capacity: at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. 67,000 45,000 44,000 45,000

Kaliningrad Stadium Saint Petersburgburgburg Ekaterinburg Arena 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA Baltic RUSSIAR USSIAA 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA Sea Capacity: EkaterinburgEkaterinburg Capacity: 35,000 35,000 orodorod EkaterinburgEkaterinburg ArenaArena Nizhny Novgovgvg adium m

MoscowMoMosos Kazan Arena LuzhnikiLuzhnLu hnihnnik Stadium KaliningradKaliniKalininn SpartakSpartar a Stadium Saransk KaliningradKaKal SamaraSamaara Mordovia Arena Stadium BELARUARURUS Samara Arenana

Luzhniki Stadium Volgograd Samara Arena UUKRAINEUKKRAINE Volgograd Arena 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA Capacity: Capacity: 35.3mm diameter watch face with 400x400 KAZAKHSTAZ N 80,000 45,000 pixel, 287 ppi, AMOLED screen, protected by Rostov-on-DonRoRosts sapphire crystal glass Rostovstov ArArenaenna ROROMAMANIN A Polished and satin-finished titanium case and Sochi bezel Fisht Stadium Intel processor running Wear OS by Google Black Sea 20020 mimilesles Black structured rubber straps 2000 km INSTANT ALERTS Goal-line Spartak Stadium Fisht Stadium Rostov Arena Volgograd Arena technology 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA determines Capacity: Capacity: Capacity: Capacity: when the 45,000 48,000 45,000 45,000 ball crosses goal line and sends alert to the referee’s watch The oldest goal scorer in the World Cup is Roger Milla, who was 42 in 1994 when he scored a goal for Cameroon against Russia 3 Gulf Times Tuesday, June 12, 2018

DOWN MEMORY LANE SPOTLIGHT Premier League coaching power to Milla remembers England’s advantage

AFP By contrast, Tottenham’s Saint Petersburg Pochettino has developed many of Southgate’s stars such as Harry Kane and Dele Alli World Cup magic he globalisation of from an earlier stage, trans- the Premier League forming them from relative is often blamed for unknowns to big-name play- hampering home- ers. Tgrown players but the likes Danny Rose, Eric Dier and of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Kieran Trippier complete Klopp have played a key role in England’s fi ve-strong Spurs boosting England’s World Cup contingent in Russia and have as history beckons chances. been drilled in many of the Of Gareth Southgate’s 23- same principles of posses- man squad in Russia, 15 fi n- sion football and pressing that ished in the top four under star Guardiola preaches. managers Guardiola, Klopp, “I learnt a lot in that short Jose Mourinho and Mauricio time,” Kane said of his early Pochettino. days under Pochettino in the Manchester City smashed a Argentine coach’s book “Brave for African teams host of Premier League records New World. “He was a defend- during their romp to the title, er himself so he knows what In Russia, Cameroon will be absent but Milla can take pride from with Raheem Sterling, Kyle the striker should be doing to Walker, John Stones and Fa- gain an edge.” the presence of a record five African teams — Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, bian Delph visibly improving Trent Alexander-Arnold under Guardiola’s leadership. made his England debut in Senegal and Tunisia — in the 32-nation World Cup starting Thursday “Absolutely,” Delph told Thursday’s 2-0 friendly win AFP when asked if the Catalan over Costa Rica after a break- was the key to his selection for through season under Klopp AFP the England squad. “For me that ended in a Champions Yaoundé he’s a genius.” League fi nal against Real Ma- Naturally a central midfi eld- drid alongside Liverpool cap- er, Delph played most of the tain and England teammate ameroon great Roger Milla has season at left-back as Guar- Jordan Henderson. told AFP that he never received diola adapted his qualities to a “As players we’re very hon- the credit he deserved for his new role. oured to be playing under a World Cup goalscoring exploits. “He’s opened my eyes to so manager like him, because CMilla, lured out of retirement at the ripe much. I never imagined foot- you learn a lot from him,” old age of 38, left an indelible mark on the ball like Pep did,” said Delph. said Henderson, referring to 1990 fi nals in Italy. “I’m a very traditionally Eng- Klopp’s impact. Considered an intriguing addition to a lish guy. I believe in hard work Mourinho has instilled a Cameroon team expected to head home and dedication and giving ab- defensive discipline in Ashley after the group stages, Milla turned the solutely everything. You know Young to convert the 32-year- tournament, and the fate of African foot- I’m there to fi ght, to pick up old former winger into a left- ball, on its head. second balls and be old English back Southgate judged more Following a shock 1-0 win over Argen- style. worthy of a place in his squad tina, Milla came off the bench to score “Now it’s all about being than Ryan Bertrand, who twice in the fi nal minutes of a 2-1 win over calm and collected on the ball.” started fi ve times in qualify- Romania, his second a fi erce strike from Southgate believes Guar- ing. the right side of the area. diola was even infl uencing And Jesse Lingard challeng- After a 4-0 drubbing by the Soviet Un- the game before arriving in es the assertion that Mourinho ion, Milla, again, stepped up to the plate. England thanks to his great does not give youth a chance He came off the bench again to hit his Barcelona team that won two by scoring 13 goals in his best- second brace, in extra-time, to secure a Champions Leagues in four ever season for Manchester 2-1 win over Colombia that sent Cam- glorious years between 2008 United to make a strong case to eroon into the last eight, the fi rst African and 2012. start England’s Group G open- side to make it to the quarter-fi nals. “The impact of seeing that er against Tunisia. In Russia, Cameroon will be absent but Barcelona team fi ve to seven “I always talk about us not Milla can take pride from the presence of years ago was enormous,” said getting off the island,” said a record fi ve African teams — Egypt, Mo- Southgate. Southgate, referring to Eng- rocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia — in “He’s been an innovator. land embracing a more conti- the 32-nation World Cup starting Thurs- When I watch kids’ football nental approach. day. now, when they can get on “ S o it’s great Thoughts of that strong African con- pitches that aren’t fl ooded or we’ve tingent got Milla refl ecting on those hero- frozen, I see them playing out had ics 28 years ago. from the back. coaches “The most beautiful goal was my sec- “I don’t see (coaches) with coming ond against Romania,” he told AFP. heads in their hands saying on to the “I hope you’re going to write about it, ‘get it forward’. I think that’s island to because no other player has scored a goal an impact of his team, with the help us.” like that!” likes of Andres Iniesta He added: “I don’t know why you (the and Xavi.” media) don’t talk more about Africans. However, Guar- For me, it’s because of racism! File photo of Cameroon great Roger Milla. diola is not the only “If a Brazilian, German or Frenchman coach who has had scored a goal like that, you would helped England’s burst everyone’s eardrums talking about ing a life of retirement in the sun on the “Ghana (2010), Senegal (2002) went sia in our fi nal match with technical ease cause. Stones, it. French Indian Ocean island of Reunion. on to emulate our achievements. But that and the strength of a player much younger Walker “But since it was a Cameroonian, a But a last-minute request by Cameroon year, a door opened for African football.” than myself! and Ster- black player, it was hardly talked about. president Paul Biya, who urged him to Aside from the 1990 fi nals, Milla had “I showed the whole world that, even ling were Still, Europeans told me that it should be grab his boots and get on a plane to Italy, seen a “perfectly good goal” disallowed in at 42, if you’ve treated yourself well, you already rated among the world’s best.” made sure Milla, and African football, a scoreless draw with Peru at Cameroon’s can do it. inter- Each of Milla’s strikes were followed by would never be the same again. maiden World Cup at Spain ‘82. “I’m a legend in Africa, and in South nationals what would become his trademark cel- Milla’s magic was felt far beyond Italy. Then, at USA ‘94, he became at 42, the America, where ‘King Pele’ asked me why before be- ebration — running to the corner fl ag and “After that fi rst qualifi cation for the tournament’s oldest ever scorer. I wasn’t born a Brazilian! ing taken shimmying his hips from side to side as if quarter-fi nals, FIFA’s eye were opened,” After a 2-2 draw with Sweden and a 3-0 “I did for my country and for my conti- to the next dancing to his own personal tune. said Milla. defeat to Brazil, a 6-1 drubbing by Rus- nent, I’d like it if they talked about it more level by the In the run-up to Italia 90, the striker “The whole world understood that in sia, in which Milla scored, capped a poor in Europe, and in France, where I spent my former Barca who had played for French clubs Bastia Africa there are a lot of great players, and campaign by the Africans. entire career.” and Bayern and Saint-Etienne had been anticipat- some great football-playing nations. “I scored the only goal against Rus- Munich boss.

BOTTOMLINE Japan have no chance in Russia: Troussier AFP Nishino has long coveted the Japan job but Honda warned of a “sense of crisis”. Tokyo could quickly fi nd it a poisoned chalice after Troussier warned that the JFA’s decision to 2-0 defeats by Ghana and Switzerland in his switch coaches could backfi re as Japan look to fi rst two games in charge. avoid crashing out at the fi rst hurdle again. risis-hit Japan would struggle to avoid “I was so surprised about the decision (to “They face strong pressure because now they an early World Cup exit even under sack Halilhodzic),” said Troussier. have to get to the last 16,” said the former Burki- Jose Mourinho — that’s the stinging “But for a long time the JFA were not happy na Faso and South Africa coach. If they don’t, it assessment of former coach Philippe and decided maybe it was better to take the de- will be a failure for the JFA.” TroussierC . cision before the World Cup and not wait for the With lethal fi nishers Sadio Mane, James Ro- The Blue Samurai controversially axed Va- fi rst game to hit the wall.” driguez and Robert Lewandowski bearing down hid Halilhodzic in April and replaced him with on their goal in Russia, Japan could face death former Japan Football Association (JFA) techni- ‘Even if they play with Mourinho by a thousand cuts, Troussier fears. cal director Akira Nishino — a high-risk move or Arsene Wenger, it would be so “Colombia and Senegal have three, four, fi ve that had a feel of Russian roulette about it. diffi cult for Japan to get to the last 16’ players who can make the diff erence at any But Troussier told AFP that a Japan side be- time,” said the 63-year-old. reft of confi dence had “no chance” of reaching The 63-year-old fl agged his intentions by “This situation troubles me. It will be so dif- the knockout stage in Russia, where they face turning to Japan’s old guard, in particular tal- fi cult for Japan given the individual potential of Colombia, Senegal and Poland. ismanic forward Keisuke Honda and playmaker Senegal and Colombia.” “Even if they play with Mourinho or Arsene Shinji Kagawa — two of the players thought to However, Troussier said Japan could still Wenger, it would be so diffi cult for Japan to get have been at loggerheads with Halilhodzic. spring a surprise at the World Cup. to the last 16,” said the Frenchman, who steered But it has proved to be a baptism of fi re for “You need luck and some refereeing deci- the former Asian champions to the second Nishino since Halilhodzic’s dismissal plunged sions to go your way,” he said. round as co-hosts of the 2002 World Cup. Japan’s preparations into chaos before their “In 2002 South Korea reached the last four “If Poland was the fi rst match it would be sixth successive World Cup appearance. and in France a third division side (Les Herbiers) diff erent. But the fact that Colombia is the fi rst Leicester forward Shinji Okazaki has also got to the fi nal of the cup (this year). That’s the match and Senegal the second — for me, on pa- returned from injury but Japan off ered little story of the cup and sometimes you can be very per at least they have no chance, no chance.” against Ghana and Switzerland, after which surprised.” All World Cups have been won by European (11) or South American (9) sides. 4 Gulf Times Tuesday, June 12, 2018

FOCUS Six unheralded talents to watch at the World Cup From the Iran winger who could upset Spain and Portugal to the man who has the power to make Peru smile again, we pick six lesser-known names to watch

By Nick Ames winger with a fl air for the unexpected, The Guardian but one who can fi t into a system, too. At 23 he already has two seasons in La Liga with Celta Vigo under his belt; nine Aleksandr Golovin assists and fi ve goals in 2017-18 were a (RUS) good return and the task now is to bring that productivity into a major interna- he whipped free-kick that fl ew tional tournament. Tpast Petr Cech during Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over CSKA Moscow in April Denis Zakaria proved little more than a footnote, but (SUI) its provider looks destined for head- lines. What little positivity Russians he numbers looked good in Zaka- are able to muster about their team’s Tria’s fi rst Bundesliga season with prospects tends to centre on the drive Borussia Monchengladbach, and the and vision that Golovin, who only visual evidence was not bad either. turned 22 in May, brings to the mid- Signed from Young Boys last sum- fi eld. He is that rarity among the host mer, the 21-year-old was ranked as nation’s fairly staid current vintage: the league’s second-fastest player a genuine game-changer who makes and also came joint top of the pass- those around him perform better. Pre- completion charts. Discipline was his mier League clubs are watching closely only signifi cant issue, with 11 yel- and if Golovin, who was born in the low cards suggesting that a primarily Siberian town of Kaltan and primarily defensively minded player has yet to played futsal growing up, can inspire curb an overenthusiastic streak when it Russia to some semblance of success comes to recovering possession. He is a he may be able to take his pick. serious contender to start for Switzer- land, though, and could partner Granit Sergej Milinkovic-Savic Xhaka, the man he has eff ectively (SRB) replaced at club level, in an all-action deep midfi eld axis. Zakaria – who has Pione Sisto attends the Denmark’s national team training in Elsingoer, Denmark, peculation linking Milinkovic- Congolese and (like Sisto) South Suda- last week. (AFP) SSavic with an £80mn move from nese ancestry – could be a trump card Lazio to Manchester United provokes a for Vladimir Petkovic in what looks certain degree of déjà vu. He is 23, 6ft likely to be a tough fi ght with Serbia for 4in, motors between the boxes, boasts second place in Group E. a marvellous creative range and has become a consistently dominant fi gure Christian Cueva in Serie A. Everything Paul Pogba was (PER) trailed as being, in other words, and the Serbia midfi elder is on track to be he emotional outpouring of at least as good. Brilliance at club level Russia’s Alexander Golovin controls the ball during an international friendly against Tsupport for their captain Paolo has given way to enigma status for his Turkey in Moscow earlier this month. (AFP) Guerrero – seemingly banned from country, though. Slavoljub Muslin, the the World Cup after a positive cocaine manager who guided Serbia to qualifi - him a successful 12-year stint in the a top league in the process. test – has occupied Peruvian hearts cation for this World Cup, was relieved Bundesliga. For several years Jahanba- and minds in the run-up to Rus- of his duties in November largely khsh was compared to his Team Melli Pione Sisto sia 2018, but they might cheer up because he did not fi t Milinkovic-Savic predecessor but a blistering season (DEN) quickly enough once the action gets into his system. Mladen Krstajic, his in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar underway. That is because Cueva, the successor, is unlikely to make that suggests he can be even better. He fi n- t was a source of considerable relief in 26-year-old Sao Paulo playmaker, has mistake this summer and if things click ished 2017-18 as the Eredivisie’s top IDenmark when Sisto, jinking inside the ingenuity to lift them out of Group straight away the world could see a scorer with 21 goals, adding a dozen from the left before curling a slick fi n- C and is perfectly capable of fi lling potential superstar talent come of age. assists – some return for a wide player ish into the far corner, fi nally injected the team’s hero-shaped void. Cueva, – and if comparisons with Mohamed some quality into a drab friendly against a diminutive fi gure at a shade under Alireza Jahanbakhsh Salah are premature it is easy to see Panama. Not only because it won them 5ft 7in, is all darting feet and smart (IRN) the connection. Jahanbakhsh – who the game; Sisto’s intervention also sug- ideas: his wiles brought four goals, all turns 25 in August – bristles with pace gested Denmark have another way of of them signifi cant, in qualifying, and n Iran eyes still mist over at memo- and power, and fi nishes explosively. breaking opponents down when Chris- most observers agree he is currently Iries of the breakaway goal scored at Those facets might yet make negoti- tian Eriksen is not fi ring. Sisto, born in playing the best football of his career. France ’98 by the feted right-winger ating Group B a more viable prospect Uganda to South Sudanese parents, is Any iteration of his top form could see Medhi Mahdavikia, which sealed than it looks for Carlos Queiroz’s side, something of a throwback: a dribbler fretfulness quickly turn to joy on the Peru’s Christian Cueva (right) in action during the international friendly match victory over the US and helped earn while earning Jahanbakhsh a move to who is not afraid to try things, a stylish streets of Lima, Cusco and beyond. against Sweden at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden, last week. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Ten years of Messi and CR7 – but what’s next?

or the past ten years, Lionel Messi and Germany, he led his country to their fi rst-ever with his impressive ability to read the game and Cristiano Ronaldo have shared the title gold medal at the Men’s Olympic Football Tour- signifi cantly improved heading, enabled him to of The Best FIFA Men’s Player between nament two years later and will now be deter- churn out goals as if from a production line last them with fi ve wins apiece, and show no mined to lift the World Cup Trophy in Russia. season. England coach Gareth Southgate has signsF of slowing down. The tenth anniversary of even handed Kane the captain’s armband ahead this duopoly is a good time to cast a critical eye The shooting star of the World Cup fi nals in Russia, while transfer over the heirs to this particular dynasty. Can one MOHAMED SALAH (Egypt) rumours have been swirling around him that of them even triumph in London in 2018? would lift him to a similar level as Neymar.

The crown prince The young prodigy NEYMAR (Brazil) KYLIAN MBAPPE (France) At just 19 years old, Mbappe is the young- est player on this shortlist and is not just one to watch for 2018 but for the next few years. Despite his age, he is already an incredibly astute and mature goalscorer, as he proved for Monaco in both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champi- ons League. He is now keen to take the next step to the pinnacle of the beautiful game with Paris Saint-Germain. (FIFA)

England’s Harry Kane (right) in action during the international friendly against Nigeria at Wembley Stadium in London earlier this month. (Reuters)

will help to reinforce his claim to The Best FIFA very highest standard. If Belgium justify their Before moving from Roma to Liverpool in Men’s Player throne. status as dark horses with an impressive World June 2017, Salah was considered a good but not Cup campaign, De Bruyne’s name could end up exceptional winger whose defi ning feature was The assist king at the top of this year’s shortlist for The Best This stylish attacking player became the his pace. Under Jurgen Klopp’s playing system KEVIN DE BRUYNE (Belgium) FIFA Men’s Player. most expensive footballer of all time when he he has demonstrated hitherto unseen fi nishing This title could just as easily be applied to moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain abilities and ended last season as the Premier Eden Hazard, whose style of play is often more The master of understatement last summer and has the potential to enjoy as League’s top goalscorer, which earned him spectacular than that of his compatriot and HARRY KANE (England) illustrious a career as Messi or Ronaldo. With numerous other individual accolades. Now part has already earned him a place on the shortlist In Harry Kane, England have a world-class his powerful dribbling, intelligent play, excel- of the game’s global elite, Salah helped Egypt of the world’s best players. Yet the assists and striker for the fi rst time since Alan Shearer, who lent fi nishing and captivating style, Neymar has return to the World Cup fi nals for the fi rst time incisive passes that De Bruyne has provided for came third in the 1996 FIFA World Player of the all the qualities needed to be named the best in in 28 years. If he can recover from the injury he Manchester City and Belgium in recent years, Year vote. The 24-year-old stands out for his the world. Having been sorely missed by Brazil sustained in the UEFA Champions League fi nal creating countless goals for his teammates in strength of character, hard work and incred- in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-fi nal against in time, an impressive performance in Russia the process, represent football played to the ible sense of space and timing. This, combined The Germans are staying at the Vatutinki Hotel Spa Complex, 25 miles away from Moscow 5 Gulf Times Tuesday, June 12, 2018

SPOTLIGHT Germans hope rain doesn’t hamper their preparations Germany open their World Cup against Mexico on June 17 at the the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow

AFP “Moaning does not work — when you start to co on June 17 at the stadium where they will hope Vatutinki complain, you only lose energy,” Loew said. to end it in the fi nal on July 15 — the Luzhniki Germany are not fl ying to Russia to see the Stadium in Moscow. sights, “but to win the tournament,” as team di- Their next Group F game is against Sweden in fter the tropical tranquillity of their rector Oliver Bierhoff put it. Sochi on June 23 and then South Korea in Kazan base at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, However, their secluded World Cup base will on June 27. reigning champions Germany fl y into struggle to capture the squad’s imagination. If they progress through the tournament suc- ARussia today hoping the rain stays “Vatu-what?” replied striker Mario Gomez cessfully, the Germans would play twice more in away from their isolated base outside Moscow. last month when asked about his chances of the Russian capital — in the semi-fi nals and fi nal Campo Bahia, the sun-drenched luxury ho- making the plane to Germany’s World Cup base. — so they want to keep travel to a minimum. tel surrounded by palm trees on Brazil’s Atlantic Loew had wanted to capture some of the The lessons have been learnt from Euro 2016, coast and specially constructed to be their head- ‘Campo Bahia’ spirit in Russia, hoping to base when they were based in Evian on Lake Geneva quarters, was credited by the Germans as a key Germany in sun-kissed Sochi after the squad for the fi nals in France, a two-hour drive from part of their 2014 success. were vocal in their praise of staying in the Black the nearest airport. For their Russia 2018 campaign, the Vatutinki Sea resort during last year’s successful Confed- In Moscow, the Germans will be a 45-minute Hotel Spa Complex, 40 kilometres (25 miles) erations Cup campaign. drive from the Luzhniki Stadium and 30 minutes southwest of the Russian capital and surrounded However, instead of watching dolphins play in from the nearest airport. by forest, has been selected as Germany’s World the waves of Sochi, the Germans will spend their The Vatutinki is also close to the training fa- Cup haven — complete with a thick concrete wall days off in Vatutinki, with just several high-rise cilities of CSKA Moscow, which they will use to thwart prying eyes. buildings dotting the tree-lined skyline around during the World Cup. After the tropical temperatures of Campo Ba- the team hotel. The players and staff will want for nothing at hia, which was also isolated, the Germans expect Logistics were the reason why the German the hotel. wetter climes in the sparsely populated district Football Federation (DFB) opted for Moscow, Behind that imposing concrete wall, 72 rooms far from the distractions of Moscow. with Bierhoff insisting “there was no alterna- will be available to the players, coach and staff , “Campo Bahia was great, an oasis of calm,” tive”. including an indoor pool with a spa, gym and Germany coach Joachim Loew said last week. Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew reacts during the international friendly football match The players will not be distracted by Moscow regeneration area, as well as the necessary func- “Now we have diff erent conditions. We hope between Germany and Saudi Arabia at the BayArena stadium in Leverkusen, western Germany, with the capital a 45-minute drive away. tion rooms, which will be adapted to the needs that it does not rain all the time. on June 8, 2018. Germany open their World Cup against Mexi- of the team.

WEIGHT OF PRESSURE SALAH TRAINS IN RUSSIA World Cup last chance for Modric and co to ‘speak up’ for Croatia

DPA revered squad which placed third in France in 1998. Belgrade The team studded with stars who are a major in- gredient in their clubs’ success never peeled out of mediocrity, its best recent result being the last 16 roatia head to the World Cup in Rus- at Euro 2008. sia feeling the weight of pressure from a Modric is a multiple Champions League win- country which believes a golden genera- ner with Real Madrid while Mandzukic has also Ction has failed to deliver on its potential. won the elite competition in addition to domestic The coming tournament is “the last chance for crowns in Germany and Italy. a generation which should have been great,” the Problems have come because they had coaches news portal Index said yesterday. The team core of either inexperienced or plainly not good enough Danijel Subasic, Mario Mandzukic, Vedran Corluka leading the team, but also because of the numerous Egypt’s forward Mohamed Salah takes part in a training session at the Akhmat Arena stadium in Grozny yesterday. and Luka Modric will be nearer 40 than 30 when players were pressed into the squad by the powerful the next edition rolls round in Qatar four years from football manager Zdravko Mamic — sentenced to now. six-and-a-half years for corruption last week. Accordingly they must deliver when they take Index described the behind-the-scenes manipu- FOCUS on Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland in Russia. They lations and interest-peddling as a “pig sty.” Modric emerged a decade ago, fuelling huge expectations was even charged for perjury because he apparently they failed to meet internationally. They have so far refused to testify against Mamic. fallen short of matching or doing better than the Also, it said, none of the key players grew into British pop star Robbie Williams to on-pitch commanders with the power to turn the team around under adversity, which the 1998 squad in France had with Zvonimir Boban and Niko Ko- perform at World Cup opening ceremony vac. So, instead of refl ecting the power of its play- ers from the clubs and making long runs in major AFP Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. Last year, he off ered to represent Russia in tournaments, Croatia struggled in qualifi cations, London The 44-year-old said in a statement yester- the Eurovision Song Contest in a jokey inter- making it to the two previous Euros and the 2014 day that performing at the World Cup was “a view on Russian state-controlled Channel World Cup through the play-off s and failing to go boyhood dream” and it would be “an unfor- One television. Williams told Andrei Mala- to the 2010 World Cup. ritish pop star Robbie Williams will gettable show”. khov, the host of the show Pust Govoryat or “They grew old and now they have the last shot perform at the World Cup opening His song Party Like a Russian two years ago “Let Them Talk”, in comments dubbed into to become someone who did something in a major ceremony in Moscow on Thursday, sparked controversy in Russia for promoting Russian: “I’d like to represent Russia at Euro- tournament,” Index said, adding a pessimistic view Bthe world football governing body stereotypes about the country. vision. Come on Russia, we can win!” that recent friendlies exposed coach Zlatko Dalic FIFA and the singer’s representatives said. It included lyrics about a leader who “allevi- Williams grinned as he made the off er, add- making “the same mistakes. The award-winning singer formerly in the ates the cash from a whole entire nation, takes ing however that he could see his manager “It is up to the players — they ran out of excuses band Take That, who is best known for his loose change and builds his own space station”. “has already got his head in his hands”. and if they remained silent to the events in the pig hit single Angels, will sing alongside Russian Williams told fans on Twitter at the time Former Brazil striker Ronaldo — known as sty of the Croatian football scene, the least they can soprano Aida Garifullina shortly before Rus- that the song “is defi nitely not about (Russian “O Fenomeno” — will also be taking part in Croatia’s Luka Modric now do is to speak up on the pitch,” it concluded. sia and Saudi Arabia kick off the World Cup at President Vladimir) Putin”. the opening ceremony, FIFA said.

BOTTOMLINE Iceland’s Russian legion ‘coming home’ AFP “For us the World Cup is a little bit “It will be like us having home ad- joined Rostov in January this year. has painted his house in the team’s ball heroes in person but ran short of Gelendzhik, Russia like coming home,” Sigurdsson told vantage for the Croatia game. We know “It defi nitely helps that we three are blue and white colours ahead of the money. AFP before a training session yesterday the city and stadium well,” he said. together, we know each other well,” football World Cup, saying his love for “I had saved 60,000 rupees ($890) at the team’s Black Sea coast base near “Since Iceland made it to the World said Sigurdsson. “It’s easier than being Lionel Messi’s men knows no bounds. but it was not enough for the trip. I will or a trio of Russia-based Ice- Gelendzhik. Cup people have been coming up to us alone”. Kolkata resident Shib Shankar Pat- now watch Argentina’s games on TV land players, the World Cup Drawn in a tough group along- in Rostov saying they will defi nitely For Dmitri, a 52-year-old customs ra’s passion for Argentina began during and cheer for my favourite footballers.” means a return to familiar ter- side Argentina, Nigeria as well as the support us,” Ingason said. offi cial who travelled from the nearby the 1986 World Cup when Diego Mara- The family has also made elaborate ritory and welcome support Croats, tiny Iceland, the smallest Sigurdsson joined Rostov in January port city of Novorossiysk to catch a dona helped the team win the coveted plans for Messi’s birthday which will fromF fans in their adopted “home” city country ever to play at a World Cup, this year after previous spells in Russia glimpse of Iceland’s training session, trophy. fall during the World Cup on June 24. of Rostov. face a daunting challenge to match with Krasnodar and Rubin Kazan that the Nordic minnows are his second fa- “For me Messi is an extension of “We will cut a cake and distribute Defenders Ragnar Sigurdsson and their Euro 2016 fairytale, where they sandwiched a season spent at English vourite team. Maradona. Everyone in my family loves T-shirts among kids with Messi’s face Sverrir Ingason, and striker Bjorn reached the quarter-fi nals. Championship side Fulham. “They are a small nation who have a Messi. We love his behaviour, we love embossed on them,” said Patra, a fa- Sigurdarson, all play for Russian top- Sigurdsson, a 31-year-old defensive Ingason, 24, a defensive partner for huge heart,” he said. everything about him,” Patra told AFP. ther of two. fl ight side FC Rostov, whose stadium lynchpin who scored against England Sigurdsson in Rostov, moved to Rus- Patra who sells tea from a shop on Patra has even decorated the walls hosts the third of Iceland’s group D at the Euros, said their experience of sia from Spanish side Granada in 2017, the ground fl oor of his building want- of each room in his house with life-size ties, against Croatia. Russia will come in handy. while the striker Sigurdarson, 27, also A die-hard Argentina fan in India ed to travel to Russia to see his foot- posters of Messi. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, June 12, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Nadal unsure of Wimbledon Federer eyes top spot appearance

Reuters Paris

afael Nadal has cast return in Stuttgart doubt on his partici- pation at Wimble- ‘I know I have to reach the final here to get back to No 1, that’s an extra motivation’ don, saying he needs toR see how his body recovers after a long clay court cam- paign culminated in an 11th French Open title. Two of the Spaniard’s 17 younger, quicker, because I Grand Slam titles came on the played back to back.” All England Club’s lawns, but Twenty-times Grand Slam the 32-year-old has struggled champion Roger Federer, the to make an impact there in re- world number two, skipped cent years. the clay court season to con- “Diffi cult for me to think centrate on Wimbledon, about it now. I had a long and where he will be going for a mentally tough clay court ninth title. season, of course, because I Nadal spent several months played almost all the matches away from the tour after sus- possible after coming from an taining an injury at this year’s injury. So it was a demanding Australian Open and could, two months for me,” Nadal like Federer, decide that his told reporters after his 6-4 long-term interests are best- 6-3 6-2 defeat of Dominic served by sparing his body Thiem in Paris. further punishment. Nadal, who also won the ti- It is common knowledge tles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona that the lower-bouncing ball and Rome this year, is entered on grass puts extra strain on for the Queen’s Club warm- the knees that have bothered up tournament starting next him at times throughout his week but says he will consult career. with his team, including coach Yet Nadal also knows he Carlos Moya, over the next could be a threat after playing few days. impressively last year before “I would love to be playing falling in the last 16, losing a in as many places as possible, classic tussle against Luxem- but you understand I need to bourg’s Gilles Muller. check how I feel in the next “Last year I felt that I had a couple of days,” Nadal said. good opportunity to go far in “Of course it’s a drastic the tournament. I felt myself Reuters change from clay to grass. I did playing well on grass last year,” Detroit it in the past when I was much the Spaniard said.

Navratilova to reprise BBC Wimbledon role after pay gap row Former Tennis champion Martina Navratilova has said she will commentate on the Wimbledon tournament for the BBC this year after criticising how much more the broadcaster paid fellow commentator John McEnroe. Navratilova revealed in March she had discovered McEnroe Switzerland’s Roger Federer attends a press conference prior the ATP Cup in Stuttgart, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) made at least 150,000 pounds ($200,000) - 10 times more than her - for commentating when the BBC released a list of AFP CAS agrees it was mother’s cooking, but still increases Errani’s ban third, ahead of Australian Nick its top-earning presenters and journalists. Stuttgart Kyrgios, making a return to sin- She tweeted on Saturday that she was “very happy to an- The Court of Arbitration for Sport said yesterday anti-doping agency, who wanted it increased, gles after elbow problems which nounce I will be working at Wimbledon,” adding, “it’s good to that it accepted tennis player Sara Errani had not launched appeals. have kept him off court since see the BBC taking gender pay equality seriously”. oger Federer said yes- meant to take a banned drug, but still added eight On Monday, CAS issued a statement saying it ac- mid-April. Navratilova also said she would “love” to commentate on terday his motivation is months to her ban. cepted that the letrozole “was medication taken by Federer attempted to calm men’s matches as well as women’s, but did not reveal whether sky-high as he bids for The Italian, a Roland Garros finalist in 2012, was her mother that found its way into the family meal weekend speculation that he is the BBC had addressed her concerns about unequal pay. a possible return to the suspended for two months in August 2017 by an prepared by the athlete’s mother and eaten by the about to sign a lucrative cloth- Britain’s public broadcaster has faced criticism from women numberR one ranking if he reaches ing contract with Japan’s Uniqlo independent tribunal of the Italian Tennis Federa- entire family”. complaining they are paid less than men in equivalent jobs the fi nal at the Stuttgart Cup. tion after she failed an out-of-competition test, CAS said that Errani had to be held responsible for after his 10-year pact with Nike and misled about their pay to hide widespread gender dis- The 36-year-old Swiss, sec- administered at her family home, last February. her mother’s mistake and while this amounted to expired three months ago. crimination. ond in the ATP standings behind Errani said she had consumed letrozole, which can a “light degree of fault”, increased her ban to 10 The Swiss said it’s all still in At the time of the row, BBC Sport said McEnroe and Navrati- 11-time French Open champion have a “marginal” anabolic eff ect and mask the use months. The two months that Errani served last the air and his management is lova performed diff erent roles in the team and that “gender Rafael Nadal, has it all to play of testosterone, unknowingly when her mother’s year are deducted from that total. dealing with several options in isn’t a factor” in salary. for this week at the hilltop Weis- cancer medication somehow found its way into a Errani was ranked 74th in the world before Roland the negotiations, worth a re- “The gender pay gap in sport, like elsewhere, happens senhof club, where he lost a year family meal. After the original ruling, both Errani, Garros where she was eliminated in the first round ported 300-million-dollars because we do not value women’s work and eff ort as much ago in the fi rst round to longtime who wanted the ban overturned, and the Italian by Alize Cornet of France on May 17. from Uniqlo for a decade and as we do men’s,” said Jemima Olchawski, head of policy and friend and rival Tommy Haas. extending into his eventual re- insight at the Fawcett Society, which lobbies for gender equal- After sitting out the clay season tirement. ity. to fully rest and prepare for the fi rst round bye, said. “I expected ahead. Margins on the grass are The icon of the sport leads “It’s rumours, I haven’t had a “If the BBC want to keep talented women onside they will grass and last playing match in Rafa to win the French - not tak- slim, it’s not so simple to win a the fi eld, with Frenchman Lucas Nike contract since March when need to go further to show that they are tackling their gender Miami on March 24, the 20-time ing anything away from him. Grand Slam, it’s seven matches - Pouille second and his opening it ran out. We’re talking, we will pay problem,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by grand slam winner is quietly con- “But that creates a situation I that’s a lot of tennis.” opponent was determined in the see what happens. email. fi dent that all is falling into place was expecting. I know I have to Federer is beginning his grass fi rst match of the week as Ger- “It’s all part of the game I This year’s Wimbledon tournament starts on July 2. as he mounts his quest for a ninth reach the fi nal here to get back to season in Stuttgart for the third man Rudolf Molleker beat com- guess, an unfortunate part. This The tournament introduced equal prize-money for women Wimbledon trophy next month. No 1, that’s an extra motivation. consecutive year after reaching patriot Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, is an opportunity to see what’s and men in 2007 after years of campaigning by figureheads “There are a lot of things at “But I’m taking one thing at the 2016 semi-fi nals where he 6-7 (5/7), 6-3. going on. I’ll let you know, we’ll including Billie Jean King. stake,” the Swiss, who enjoys a a time and not looking too far lost to Dominic Thiem. Tomas Berdych is seeded see.”

FOOTBALL MLB Potter hired to reverse Swansea decline Kluber in command AFP France and Arsenal great Vieira as Indians rout Tigers London appointed Nice coach Reuters fi ve innings. Cleveland took Detroit a 2-0 lead in the second. Lin- raham Potter will bid Former Arsenal and France star Manchester City teams before dor smacked his fi rst hit of the to lead Swansea back to Patrick Vieira, world and Euro- coaching New York, which series, stole second and ad- the Premier League af- pean champion with Les Bleus, shares its owner with City. orey Kluber won for vanced on catcher John Hicks’ ter being confi rmed as has taken the reins at top flight He leaves New York second in the fi fth time in his throwing error. Yonder Alonso Gthe Welsh club’s fi fth manager in last six starts, Erik ripped a ground-rule double to Nice, the French club said yes- the MLS Eastern Conference the last two years. terday. Vieira, 41, arrives after a after Friday’s draw with Atlanta. Gonzalez smashed left-centre and moved to third Potter signed a three-year aC three-run double, and the on a ground ball. Alonso scored stint at MLS outfit New York City “Through its chairman Jean- contract with the Championship FC. He has signed a three-year Pierre Rivere, OGC Nice has Cleveland Indians manhandled on Cabrera’s sacrifi ce fl y. Klu- side on Monday following his contract and replaces Lucien announced it was looking for the Detroit Tigers 9-2 on Sun- ber retired the fi rst six batters exit from Swedish club Oster- Favre who is moving to Borus- a coach with the ability to con- day afternoon. Kluber held the he faced. Detroit then scored in sunds.The 43-year-old replac- sia Dortmund. tinue to play flowing football, Tigers to two runs on fi ve hits the third on Hicks’ leadoff sin- es Carlos Carvalhal, who was and Carvalhal all fail at the Lib- West Bromwich Albion among The former midfield dynamo bring on young players and and struck out eight in eight gle, a double by JaCoby Jones sacked after a dismal campaign erty Stadium since January 2016. numerous clubs. started his playing career at take the risk of having them innings. Kluber also stretched and Martin’s RBI groundout. ended with Swansea’s relegation The Englishman has earned a Potter knows he faces a tough Cannes then had a brief spell evolve while bringing a winning his streak without issuing a Cabrera’s second sacrifi ce fl y from the Premier League on the reputation as a talented young task to maintain his ascent with AC Milan before becoming the spirit to the table. That coach is walk to 43 1/3 innings. of the game came with the fi nal day of the season. coach thanks to his work in eight Swansea, but he hopes building a rock on which Arsenal built a Patrick Vieira,” the Riviera club Kluber (10-2) is 8-2 in his bases loaded in the fourth and “I understand the frustration years at tiny Ostersund. more unifi ed atmosphere will be decade of glory, starring for the said. Nice described the 1998 last 13 starts against the Ti- brought home Lindor. and disappointment following He lifted them from the fourth a step in the right direction. Gunners from 1996-2005. World Cup winner as a “monu- gers. Cleveland won two out relegation. It’s the same for every tier in Sweden to the top-fl ight “The last two or three years After winning three Premier ment of French football,” whose of three games in the weekend RESULTS football club in the world when with three promotions and a have been a battle to stay in the League titles and three FA Cups dynamism and charisma had series between the American Astros 8 Rangers 7 you go down,” Potter told Swan- Swedish Cup triumph. Premier League, which is an un- he joined Juventus for a season made him the obvious choice. League Central Division ri- Giants 2 Nationals 0 sea’s website. “There are a lot Potter led Ostersund onto the forgiving competition. Now we as the club topped Serie A but Vieira was due to be off icially vals. Melky Cabrera had two Mets 2 Yankees 0 of similarities with Ostersunds global stage this season as they need to move on,” he said. then were stripped of the title unveiled later yesterday. hits, two runs scored and three Diamondbacks 8 Rockies 3 and Swansea. It’s about trying to competed in the Europa League, “All the times I’ve experienced and then had four years with RBIs, while Francisco Lindor Pirates 7 Cubs 1 build a football club identity that reaching the last 32 before losing Swansea City over the years, es- Inter Milan each topped with a and Lonnie Chisenhall each White Sox 5 Red Sox 2 people can be proud of and can 4-2 on aggregate against Arsenal pecially when they were suc- Serie A crown. supplied three hits and scored Blue Jays 13 Orioles 3 connect with.” - a tie that included an impres- cessful, there’s not only been In 2011, he retired after a spell twice. Yan Gomes added his Dodgers 7 Braves 2 Having sealed a move that was sive 2-1 second leg victory at the a clear playing style but also a back in England with Manches- eighth homer of the season. Reds 6 Cardinals 3 fi rst agreed last week, Potter ar- Emirates Stadium. feeling of togetherness at the ter City and after winning 107 Leonys Martin led the Ti- Mariners 5 Rays 4 rives to fi nd a club in need of a lift His managerial rise came after club. We are not miracle work- French caps. He then moved gers with a solo homer and Padres 3 Marlins 1 after a turbulent period that saw a modest playing career in Eng- ers, just down to earth people into coaching taking charge two RBIs. Artie Lewicki (0- Phillies 4 Brewers 3 his predecessors Francesco Gui- land as a defender with Stoke, that will try hard to create some- of the under-19 and under-21 2) took the loss while giving Twins 7 Angels 5 dolin, Bob Bradley, Paul Clement Birmingham, Southampton and thing people will be proud of.” up three runs on six hits in A’s 3 Royals 2 Gulf Times Tuesday, June 12, 2018 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT McIlroy has ‘more potential Johnson regains world than anybody’, says mentor

Reuters number one ranking New York s Rory McIlroy tries to put all pieces of the puzzle together and claim a fi fth major title at this week’s US Open, he has received a voteA of confi dence from his putting mentor. Brad Faxon, probably the best putter in with win in Tennessee the world during the 1990s, rates McIlroy as “one of the best players of all time” and ‘I have high expectations going in every week. But I feel like my game’s in good shape’ believes his next major win is a matter of when, not if. It is now 13 majors and count- AFP ing since McIlroy last lifted a trophy at the Los Angeles 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla, how- ever, and the scorecard does not lie. Even winning regular tournaments has ustin Johnson warmed up been tough over the past 18 months for the for the US Open by re- Northern Irishman, who has tasted victory claiming the world number only once since the 2016 Tour Champion- one ranking on Sunday, ship. Nonetheless, he will start among the cruisingD to a six-shot victory at the favourites at Shinneock Hills, where he Fedex St.Jude Classic. has already been embedded for more than Johnson, who started the day week. “Rory’s got more potential than any- alongside Andrew Putnam at the top body,” Faxon told Reuters in a recent inter- of the leaderboard, held his nerve to view. “He’s got the most complete game close with a four-under-par 66 at I’ve ever seen. (He can hit the ball) long, TPC Southwind in Memphis, Ten- high, low, right, left, and he’s good around nessee. the greens.” The 33-year-old sealed his win in Maybe so, but mediocre putting has pre- emphatic style, holing out for a sen- vented McIlroy from closing the deal more sational eagle two on the 18th to roars often. He was given a lesson of sorts from from the gallery. Faxon before the Arnold Palmer Invita- Johnson fi nished the tournament tional in March and proceeded to putt like with a four-round aggregate 261, 19 a master. After shooting a closing 64 at Bay under par. Hill in Florida to storm to victory, he was “What a cool way to end the day quick to credit Faxon. to hole that shot on 18,” Johnson said “(He) freed up my head more than my afterward. A lot of good things hap- stroke,” said McIlroy, who felt he had be- pened this week. I knew coming in come bogged down in technical thoughts. this week I was swinging really well Faxon, for his part, is modest about his and I had confi dence in my game.” involvement, saying McIlroy had already Putnam’s challenge wilted after a set in motion the wheels of success. disastrous double-bogey on the par- “He had already made two changes,” four fi rst which left Johnson with Faxon said. “He went to a longer putter, and sole possession of the lead. felt better with an open stance. He told me The win ensures Johnson will re- that’s something he wanted to do, how he turn to the top of the rankings as the putted when he won his four majors. golf world prepares for the second “How am I going to say ‘no, that’s not a major of the season at next week’s good idea’?” US Open at Shinnecock Hills, New It has not been smooth sailing on the York. greens since for McIlroy, who fi nished a Johnson had ceded his number one disappointing equal fi fth at the Masters af- spot to Justin Thomas last month ter starting the fi nal round second behind following a 64-week reign at the top eventual winner Patrick Reed. of the standings. He was also unable to seal the deal at the Sunday’s victory was the 18th PGA European Tour’s BMW PGA Championship Tour win of Johnson’s career, and his two weeks ago, fi nishing second. He fl ew fi rst since a triumph at the Sentry back across the Atlantic and barely made Tournament of Champions in Hawaii the cut at the Memorial tournament before in January. rallying to tie for eighth. “It was nice to be back in the hunt, “I’m happy enough with that and feel to get the lead and to get the juices Dustin Johnson is awarded with a Seersucker jacket after winning the FedEx St. Jude Classic golf tournament at TPC Southwind. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports like I’ve seen a lot of good stuff over the last fl owing a little bit,” Johnson said. couple of days to give me encouragement “It feels like it’s been a long time “But I feel like my game’s in good yet to win on the PGA Tour, said he “I had a lot of fun,” Putnam said. 267 - Andrew Putnam 67-64-64-72 heading into the U.S. Open,” McIlroy said (since my last win), even though it’s shape. would take positives from the way “I felt like I handled myself better 271 - J.B. Holmes 69-67-68-67 after the fi nal round. only been six months.” “I’m driving really well. I’m hitting he managed to steady his round after than my score looked. The fi rst cou- 272 - Stewart Cink 68-68-64-72, “So my game feels pretty good. A long as Johnson admitted he couldn’t be my irons well, and my wedges are re- dropping three shots in his opening ple of holes were a little rough, but Richy Werenski 68-67-66-71 I can keep the ball in play at Shinnecock, I happier with his form as he aims to ally good. I’m really looking forward fi ve holes. overall, I had a great time. I’ll defi - 273 - Austin Cook 69-70-69-65, Retief feel like I’ll have a good chance.” claim a second US Open after his vic- to it. I haven’t seen the golf course yet The 29-year-old played went one nitely learn from this experience.” Goosen (RSA) 67-72-68-66, Chris Kirk If the putts fail to drop early, McIlroy’s tory at Oakmont in 2016. but I’ll go there tomorrow and get 18 under for the remaining 13 holes to 66-72-66-69, Trey Mullinax 69-69- chances might depend on what Faxon says “I have high expectations going in holes in and we’ll see.” close on 13 under par, four shots clear LEADING SCORES 65-70, Brandt Snedeker 71-62-70-70, is an often overlooked mental aspect: “How every week,” Johnson said. Putnam, meanwhile, who has of J.B. Holmes in third. 261 - Dustin Johnson 67-63-65-66 Chez Reavie 67-67-68-71 you accept misses and makes.”

FORMULA 1 Ferrari doing a better job but will falter: Hamilton Reuters Montreal Model cleared over chequered fl ag bungle: Whiting Formula One race director Charlie Whiting Brazilian Grand Prix. He said procedures ercedes are playing has cleared model Winnie Harlow of any would be reviewed. catch-up but Ferrari blame for the bungled finish to Sunday’s “Of course, it is just a simple miscommunica- will falter, Formula One Canadian Grand Prix that saw the chequered tion, a very regrettable one of course, but world champion Lewis flag waved prematurely. we’re dealing with a lot of human beings, MHamilton said after German rival Whiting, said the confusion was caused by diff erent countries, diff erent languages, and Sebastian Vettel won in Canada on miscommunication among local off icials. it’s not always absolutely perfect.” Sunday to take over at the top of the This resulted in the flag being waved by He said he had told the teams to continue to drivers’ standings. Harlow as triumphant German Sebastian race until the end of lap 70 to complete Vettel’s victory, at a track where Vettel was completing only his 69th lap in his the race, but added that the situation Hamilton has dominated in the past Ferrari, not the 70th and last. was made worse by the marshals believing but at which he could manage only Whiting said: “The chequered flag was the race had ended and waving their fi fth place this time, left the quad- shown a lap early because of a miscommuni- flags. ruple world champions a single cation with the guy that they call the starter “That added to the confusion,” he said. point apart after seven races. here, who starts and finishes the races. “Sometimes marshals wave all their flags Mercedes boss Toto Wolff , whose “He thought it was the last lap. He asked race to congratulate the winner and some were team still lead the constructors’ control to confirm it. They confirmed it, but doing that because they thought the race standings, called it a wake-up they thought he was making a statement had finished. call but Hamilton made clear that when he was asking a question.” “If they had started to go on the track, which he was already fully aware of the Whiting, the International Motor Racing (FIA) I believe has happened in the past... That’s threat. off icial in charge of all Formula One Grands something we have to make sure we can “We all know they (Ferrari) have Prix, added: “He just showed it a lap early, or take care of.” generally had a slightly better pack- he told the flag waver to show it a lap early, Vettel won Sunday’s race in dominant fash- age all round, they’ve been doing a so it wasn’t anything to do with the fact that ion from pole position to record his 50th win slightly better job so we’ve got to it was a celebrity flag waver.” and move one point clear of defending four- do more,” the Briton told reporters. As a result of the confusion, the drivers time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes “We’ve got to keep working, which ignored the flag and continued for another at the top of the drivers’ title race. Hamilton I know the guys are. And I think we lap as more flags were waved amid fears of a finished fifth. just need to stay positive. crowd invasion of the circuit. While Vettel and Ferrari rejoiced in their first “There’s no reason to lose control COMING BACK STRONGER at the next race,” Hamilton added. historic patterns of performance The outcome was that though the race ran Montreal win since 2004, which ended Ham- or anything like that, we just need Mercedes had planned to have the The races are coming thick and between the teams are not holding for 70 laps, the off icial result was decided ilton and Mercedes’ three-year supremacy at to keep doing what we’re doing and latest specifi cation on track but de- fast now, with Austria and Britain true this year,” Wolff warned. by the places and times after 69 laps. This the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the Englishman, keep our heads down and keep mo- layed it due to quality concerns. on successive weekends after France “It is very hard to see a trend meant that Australian Daniel Ricciardo lost hit by engine problems, remained defiant tivated and keep pushing because They will need to have that re- in a triple-header before Germany from circuit to circuit, and the race his race fastest lap - clocked on lap 70 - to his about his title defence. they will falter. We have to keep ap- solved in time for the next race, the and Hungary lead into the August results are being decided by tight Red Bull team-mate Dutchman Max Verstap- “I am still here to win and I still believe we plying the pressure.” French Grand at the Paul Ricard break. Fans can expect a few more margins. pen, who finished third behind Valtteri Bottas can win,” he said, shrugging off the engine- Hamilton struggled with engine Circuit at Le Castellet next week, a twists and turns before then, and “Which team makes the fewest of Mercedes. cooling problems that required an early temperatures during the race, the venue that has been off the calen- hopefully more exciting fare than the mistakes, develops its chassis and There were no positional changes in the top pit-stop and ruined his race. Briton already up against it with a dar since 1990 and represents new last two served up in Montreal and power unit most eff ectively, fi nds 10 at the finish. “I have complete confidence in my guys power unit on its seventh outing ground for all the drivers. Monaco. the right balance between per- Whiting said that a similar mishaps had oc- and I am putting my energy into it. We have against rivals who brought upgrades “We didn’t apply the pressure “We came to Montreal expecting formance and reliability, and puts curred in the past with celebrity flag-wavers potential in this car and there is a long way to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. this weekend, but I’m really going to to perform strongly and today’s re- together their race weekend cleanly including Pele, who was too late at the 2002 to go.” make sure that we come back strong sult is a further lesson to us that the from Friday onwards.” Tuesday, June 12, 2018 GULF TIMES CRICKET

FOCUS TWENTY20 Janaka lift s Garvey Lions to big victory Wizard in Ramadan Cup

By Sports Reporter Munir and engineered a thrilling Doha QIE’s two-wicket last-over vic- tory against Al Khor Community. Chasing a modest 108-run tar- anaka turned in a stel- get, QIE were struggling at eight lar all-round display to down for 78. Amarnath and Mu- wows the propel Garvey Lions to a nir forged an unbroken 30-run huge 77-run crushing win partnership to pull off the victory overJ Redco in the Ramadan Cup with four balls to spare. Twenty20 Cricket Tournament, Munir made an unbeaten organised by the Qatar Cricket 24 with two fours, Amarnath Association. smashed four boundaries in his At the Asian Town Cricket Sta- 16-ball 19 not out. dium, Garvey Lions rode Janaka’s Earlier, Amarnath grabbed world fi ery batting to post a mammoth three wickets to restrict the ri- 186 for six. Rajeewa (fi ve for 19) vals. Mazhar had one for 18. Fa- and Janaka took eight wickets waz and Sohel did the bulk of between them to send the rivals scoring with 35 and 25, respec- ‘I wouldn’t hesitate in saying he is crashing to the big defeat. tively. Janaka dominated the early the best spinner in the world in this parts of the B and C Divisions BRIEF SCORES category match and put together B & C Divisions format... (and) he’s got some batting a 66-run stand for the second Garvey Lions beat Redco by wicket with Nuwan, who con- 77 runs skills as well’ tributed 25 with a six and two Garvey Lions: 186 for six (Janaka fours. 95 in 57 balls, Nuwan 25 in 19 Janaka continued to collect balls, Geethan 17 in 17 balls; A AFP to propel the youngster to the top of runs at a brisk pace and was the Sattar 2/35, Faheem 2/33) New Delhi the International Cricket Council’s fi fth player at 174 after hammer- Redco: 109 in 16 overs (Raweed T20 bowling rankings. ing fi ve sixes and nine bounda- 35 in 19 balls, Saif 18 in 19 balls, “I wouldn’t hesitate in saying he ries in his 57-ball knock. He was Rasmy 16 in 10 balls; Rajeewa e’s 19 and from a coun- is the best spinner in the world in a bit unfortunate not to cap his 5/19, Janaka 3/22) try at war for decades, this format... (and) he’s got some eff ort with a hundred, falling Man of the match: Janaka but Rashid Khan of Af- batting skills as well,” Indian cricket short by fi ve runs. (Garvey Lions) ghanistan is the toast of superstar Sachin Tendulkar said on Later, Redco failed to come up QIE beat Al Khor Community theH cricket world with his leg-spin Twitter. with a matching reply under in- by two wickets wizardry. Australian spin legend Shane tense pressure and collapsed at Al Khor Community: 107 for From Thursday, the world’s top- Warne said Khan got him “excited”, 109 in 16 overs. Rajeewa snapped seven (Fawaz 35 in 29 balls, ranked Twenty20 bowler will be while Kumble was also full of praise fi ve wickets in his four-over Sohel 25 in 36 balls; Amarnath in action as Afghanistan play their for the 19-year-old and his 17-year- spell, while Janaka claimed three 3/20) fi rst ever Test match, the gruelling old teammate Mujeeb ur Rahman. for 22. Raweed was the main QIE: 108 for 8 in 17.2 overs fi ve-day format beloved of purists, “It’s fantastic to see two young scorer with 35, including three (Munir 24 not out in 27 balls, against the mighty India in Afghanistan spinners bamboozle sixes and as many boundaries. Amarnath 19 in 16 balls; Naeem Bangalore. world batsmen,” Kumble, the third- Saif and Rasmy made 19 and 16, 3/24, Kannan 2/19, Khurram Khan started playing with a ten- highest wicket-taker of all time and respectively. 2/19) nis ball in the remote and poor east- now a commentator, told AFP. In another match, Amarnath Man of the match: Amarnath ern Afghan province of Nangarhar “Both Rashid and Mujeeb are ex- put up a brave fi ghtback with (QIE) as one of 12 children, and says he tremely talented and if they get it learned the tricks of the trade by right they are certainly capable of himself. testing... Indian or any batsmen,” “Nobody taught me... leg-spin the former leg-spinner added. and wrong ones,” he told the Times of India recently. “I just observed New challenge Shahid Afridi and Anil Kumble,” he The duo have become a potent said, greats of Pakistan and India weapon for Afghanistan, with Mo- respectively. hammad Nabi adding edge to a Khan began his professional ca- spin-heavy squad picked for their reer in Afghanistan’s domestic historic Test against India this league where he caught the eye of week. national selectors. Last week, they completed an At 17, he made his international impressive 3-0 ODI whitewash over debut against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh. Since then he has gone from However, Kumble said switching strength to strength, becoming the from T20s to the fi ve-day format fastest to reach 100 one-day inter- would be a challenge for the teen- national wickets during the World agers. Cup qualifi ers in March with his “It will be interesting to see how Janaka (left) and Amarnath darting leg-spinners and vicious they go, because bowling four overs googlies. and bowling to get wickets in a This year he was the star of the Test match is totally diff erent,” the Shami replaced by uncapped Saini in India squad Indian Premier League, the cash- former India captain said. rich extravaganza in short-format Khan, who is also an agile fi elder Indian fast bowler Mohamed Shami has not been passed fit for Twenty20 cricket, helping the Sun- and a useful lower-order batsman, Thursday’s Test match against Afghanistan and will be replaced by risers Hyderabad reach the fi nal and said that fi tness has always been key uncapped paceman Navdeep Saini, the Board of Control for Cricket in more than justifying his $1.41-mil- since he made his ODI debut. “In India (BCCI) said yesterday. Shami last played for India against South lion price tag. the last one year, I have tried to stay Africa in January before being embroiled in a corruption scandal, Khan’s well-disguised “doosra” fi t, and improve upon my fi tness, which he was cleared of by the BCCI in March. ball did for stars from Virat Kohli, which has changed everything,” he The 28-year-old played four matches for the Delhi Daredevils in the the India captain, to batting maes- said. “I have managed to contribute Indian Premier League earlier this year. “The All-India Senior Selection tro Mahendra Singh Dhoni, helping in the fi eld, with ball and bat.” Committee has named Navdeep Saini as Mohamed Shami’s replace- ment in the Indian Test team for the upcoming Paytm Test against Afghanistan,” the BCCI said in a statement. Shami joins injured wicket- keeper Wriddhiman Saha on the sidelines as the latter recovers from a thumb injury. Saini has taken 96 wickets in 31 first-class matches and has impressed for Delhi at the domestic Ranji Trophy tournament. The 25-year-old has also been named in the India A squad that will tour England next month. Following the Afghanistan Test, India begin their tour of England in July with three Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals before a five-test series starting in August.

SPOTLIGHT COMEBACK South Africa’s Steyn returns to Injured Anderson in 6-week squad in search of milestone

Reuters shoulder problems began in Africa national selection panel Cape Town December 2015, and about a convener Linda Zondi said in a year later he broke his right statement yesterday. break ahead of India series shoulder and tore three major “The two additional spin- AFP international cricket, said he “That six-week period covers ast bowler Dale Steyn muscles during the fi rst Test ners to back up Keshav Maharaj London needed the time away from the Lancashire’s two Championship has been recalled to against Australia in Perth. have both had excellent records game to regain full fi tness. matches (against Worcestershire South Africa’s Test He has 419 wickets in 86 in recent times in our domestic “My shoulder has been an is- and Hampshire) over the next squad for the two- tests at an average of 22.32 and cricket. Von Berg also gives us ames Anderson is to have sue ongoing for the last couple three weeks. We will then moni- Fmatch tour of Sri Lanka next regarded as among the sport’s additional batting strength in a six-week break from of years and it is just managing tor to see where Jimmy is at and month, providing him with an- greatest fast bowlers for his the lower order.” cricket in a bid to ensure it and looking after it best way ensuring he is ready for the India other opportunity to become his ability to take wickets in all con- The only other uncapped England’s all-time leading I can,” he told BBC Radio’s Test series.” country’s most prolifi c wicket- ditions. South Africa are seek- player in the squad is Heinrich TestJ wicket-taker is fully fi t for Match Special during England’s Despite an injury to his bowl- taker in fi ve-day cricket. ing to continue their fi ne form Klaasen, who provides wicket- what he has said is a “ridiculous” shock six-run one-day interna- ing arm, Anderson played in Fellow seamer Kagiso Ra- after home test series wins over keeping cover for Quinton de schedule against India. tional by Scotland in Edinburgh both Tests of England’s recent bada, the number one ranked India and Australia this year as Kock, but is also a contender The 35-year-old Lancashire on Sunday. 1-1 drawn series at home to Pa- bowler in tests, has also been they begin life without batting for a specialist batting posi- swing bowler will use his time “I just need to get in the gym kistan, taking nine wickets in included after overcoming a stalwart AB de Villiers, who re- tion with the retirement of De away from the game for what and get it strong. all our bowlers, and therefore it’s total at an average of 19.11. Now back injury that left his partici- tired from all forms of interna- Villiers. The fi rst Test will be the England and Wales Cricket “The India schedule is ridicu- vital that we ensure Jimmy goes Anderson, hopes to return to pation in doubt. The 34-year- tional cricket last month. played in Galle from July 12- Board said was “rehabilitation” lous with fi ve Tests in six weeks into that series in the best pos- fi rst-class action in Lancashire’s old Steyn, currently on a short- They have also included 16 and the second in Colombo on a longstanding right-shoul- and that will put a lot of stress sible condition,” said Bayliss in ‘Roses match’ against traditional term contract with Hampshire uncapped leg-spinner Shaun starting four days later, fol- der injury. on it. an England and Wales Cricket rivals Yorkshire in July. having been plagued by injury von Berg, as well as recalling lowed by a two-match one-day Anderson, who has taken “The way the fi xtures have Board statement issued Sunday. “The idea is to put in the work over the last two-and-a-half wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi international series. 540 wickets in 138 Tests, will fallen it is a shame I will miss “Jimmy has to manage the is- now and be ready for the end of years, is three wickets short of a as back-up to incumbent slow Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), now miss Lancashire’s next two some games for Lancashire.” sue with his right shoulder, and July Championship game against milestone that has frustratingly bowler Keshav Maharaj on Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, County Championship match- Earlier, England coach Trevor we’ve been advised that the best Yorkshire and then get through eluded him in recent times. what are expected to be turn- Quinton de Kock, Theunis de es against Worcestershire and Bayliss explained the rationale way for him to prepare for the the fi ve Test matches if possible,” He made a comeback after ing wickets in Sri Lanka. Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Hampshire later this month. The for resting Anderson. India series is to take a six-week he said. “It is wear and tear. Re- 13 months out due to shoulder “A key factor in our selection Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, fi ve home Tests against India are “We have fi ve Tests against break from cricket now, initially hab improves it and makes it feel problems when he opened the process was to cover all our Aiden Markram, Lungisani crammed into a six-week period India in a six-week period from to rest it and then to work slowly better and it is just about try- bowling in January’s fi rst test bases and all possible condi- Ngidi, Vernon Philander, Ka- from August 1 and Anderson, August 1, which will be an in- back to cricket,” the Australian ing to manage it through certain victory over India at Newlands, tions that we may encounter giso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, who no longer plays white-ball tense and challenging period for added. periods.” only to hurt his heel. Steyn’s in Sri Lanka,” Cricket South Dale Steyn, Shaun von Berg.