Ronaldo Becomes Top Scorer at Euros As Portugal Beat Hungary

Messi magic QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune but Vargas QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune salvages a point for Chile at Copa America page 14 WEDNESday, JUNE 16, 2021 Ronaldo becomes top scorer at Euros as Portugal beat Hungary

DPA Budapest

Cristiano Ronaldo became Most Euro participations, I’m grateful to the team the all-time top scorer at the for helping me to score European Championships af- most goals: Ronaldo takes records ter two goals in the final min- ● Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday became the first man to appear at five European two goals and be the utes helped title holders Portu- Championships and his brace in Portugal’s 3-0 win over Hungary made him the Man of the Match. Now gal beat Hungary 3-0 in their Group F opener on Tuesday. all-time record scorer at the tournament. we must go on. Ronaldo now has 11 goals, Players with most goals: Players with most finals appearances Cristiano Ronaldo taking sole possession of the record he previously shared 11 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 2004-2021 5: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/2004, 2008, with France’s Michel Platini 2012, 2016, 2020) won the game. After scoring on nine. 9 Michel Platini (France) 1984 [the first] it was easier,” Por- Portugal finally broke the 4: Lothar Matthaeus (Germany/1980, 1984, tugal midfielder Danilo told deadlock in a game they domi- 7 Alan Shearer (England) 1996-2000 1988, 2000) Portuguese broadcasters SIC. nated thanks to Raphael Guer- 6 Antoine Griezmann (France) 2016-2021 Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/2004, 2008, 2012, 2016) Ronaldo then wrote his reiro six minutes from time name in the record books with just after Hungary had a goal Thierry Henry (France) 2000-2008 Alessandro del Piero (Italy/1996, 2000, 04, 08) a goal from the spot after Willi ruled out for offside. Orban fouled Rafa Silva in the A Ronaldo penalty and a Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden) 2004-2016 Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands/1996, box. The Portuguese super- 2000, 2004, 2008) second effort added to the fi- Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands) 1996-2000 star then scored his 106th for nal score which was harsh on Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden/2004, 08, 12, 16) Portugal and closed the gap to Hungary, who worked hard in Nuno Gomes (Portugal) 2000-2008 Iranian Ali Daei’s record (109) front of a packed Puskas Area Lukas Podolski (Germany/2004, 2008, of the all-time men’s interna- in Budapest – the only sta- Wayne Rooney (England) 2004-2016 2012, 2016) tional top goalscorer. dium to be filled to capacity at “It was important to win, the Euros due to the coronavi- Ruud van Nistelrooy 2004-2008 (Netherlands) Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany/2004, 2008, it was a difficult game,”R on- rus pandemic. 2012, 2016)* aldo said. “I’m grateful to the Portugal had no trouble team for helping me to score controlling the first half but two goals and be the Man of struggled to convert their the Match. Now we must go chances created into goals. on.” Portugal coach Fernando Diego Jota had a good ear- Santos said his team had a ly opportunity but his power- moment of “restlessness” in ful header was saved by Hun- the second half but got back gary keeper Peter Gulacsi, who on track. also managed to block an at- “We scored the first goal, tempt by Ronaldo in the 19th Hungary opened up spaces minute when the Portuguese and the team wanted to score superstar was already offside. more goals. It ended well,” he Hungary threatened for said. the first time in the 37th min- Hungary’s Szalai said the ute, when Adam Szalai header defeat “is frustrating” and that was firmly held byR ui Patricio. Portugal “didn’t work enough The second half started to score,” while keeper Gulacsi where the first left off and believed they needed a little Pepe forced Gulacsi to make luck to score a goal. another save right away. “It would have been very Hungary started to spend a important, but we will try bit more time in the Portu- Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group F match against Hungary at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Tuesday. (AFP) again on Saturday,” he said, guese half, but still without when Hungary welcome world great danger. but Gulacsi was again superb celebrations when Szabolcs boos as the goal was rightly open the scoring as Guerreiro shot ricocheted through sev- champions France in Buda- Bruno Fernandes had his to save. Schon hit the net for Hungary, ruled out for offside. found his way through the eral players and past Gulacsi. pest and Portugal face Germa- firstshot in the 68th minute The stadium exploded with but the cheers soon became It was Portugal’s cue to Hungarian blockade and his “It was a late goal but we ny in Munich. Stadiums to provide platform for exciting atmosphere at FIFA Arab Cup 2021

Inside view of Khalifa International Stadium. Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

fying matches are held at two available to buy from the Qatar venue for Qatar 2022, Khalifa Khalifa International venues: Khalifa International Football Association website: International will host the Stadium one of two Stadium and Jassim Bin Ham- tickets.qfa.qa. Fans must be aged opening match of the qualifiers ad Stadium. The winning teams 12 and over and have received between African rivals Libya and 2022, the stadium is set to Situated in the heart of Aspire side Al Sadd, Jassim Bin Hamad venues to host will book their place at the fi- both COVID-19 vaccinations or Sudan on 19 June, followed by host eight matches up to and Zone – Qatar’s centre of sport- will stage three Arab Cup quali- nals, which will take place from have fully recovered from COV- Jordan versus South Sudan on including the third-place play- ing excellence – Khalifa Interna- fiers, starting with Oman versus qualification matches 30 November to 18 December. ID-19 in the last nine months. 21 June. Lebanon and Dji- off. tional was the first Qatar 2022 Somalia on 20 June. Mauritania this month The tournament will sup- Fans are encouraged to use bouti will then meet on 23 June Built in 1976, the stadium venue to achieve Global Sus- will take on Yemen on 22 June port Qatar’s preparations for public transport to attend the before Gulf rivals Bahrain and underwent an extensive rede- tainability Assessment System before Palestine face Comoros Tribune News Network the FIFA World Cup™ and matches. Both stadiums are Kuwait contest the final qualifi- velopment in order to prepare certification when it received a on 24 June. Doha showcase the region’s passion within walking distance of a cation match on 25 June. it for the World Cup, with the four-star design and build rating Built in 1974, the 12,946-ca- for the beautiful game. Doha Metro station. Khalifa In- Khalifa International is no stran- new-look venue inaugurated on for its redevelopment. pacity stadium was redeveloped Fourteen Arab nations As per the FIFA Rankings, ternational Stadium is close to ger to staging major football 19 May 2017 when it hosted Following Qatar 2022, Khalifa for the 2004 Arabian Gulf Cup. will contest play-off matches the following nine teams have Sport City Station, while Jassim and sporting events. that year’s Amir Cup final. International will continue its The venue has also been as they seek to qualify for already qualified for the tour- Bin Hamad Stadium is served The Asian Games, Arabian Gulf The redevelopment included the long tradition as a top sporting home to the Qatar national the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ – nament: Qatar (hosts), Tuni- by Al Sudan Station. Both sta- Cup and AFC Asian Cup have all addition of innovative cooling venue by serving as Qatar’s team and staged many top-level which will take place in Qatar sia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, tions are on the Gold Line. taken place in the 40,000-ca- technology, a new tier that added national stadium. matches. This included the final later this year. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, United pacity stadium. In 2019, it 12,000 seats and a new façade. set of games in Group E From 19-25 June, the final Arab Emirates and Syria. Khalifa International hosted the IAAF World Athletics A new LED lighting system was Jassim Bin of the Asian zone qualifiers seven places at the tournament Tickets for the games are Stadium Championships and the FIFA also incorporated in the venue to Hamad Stadium for Qatar 2022 earlier this will be confirmed when quali- priced at QR 20 each and are The first tournament-ready Club World Cup™. During Qatar boost the fan experience. The home of Qatar Stars League month. Sports Wednesday, June 16, 2021 13

OWN GOAL SEES FRANCE SHOCK GERMANY 1-0 Switzerland coach Petkovic wants to ‘surprise’ Italy DPA Rome

Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic believes his side can pose problems for Italy on Wednesday even after the Euro 2020 co-host start with an impressive win over Turkey. “I hope we will give 120 per cent exactly as like against other top teams,” Petkovic said Tuesday. Switzerland have recently drawn against Germany and Spain. “Italy is a big favourite, not Switzerland’s Bosnian-Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic observes a train- just in our group. We must ing session during the session at the Tre Fontane sports centre France’s defender Lucas Hernandez (L) celebrates after his shot was deflected into the goal by Germany’s defender Mats Hummels (R) during and will show the players how in Rome. (AFP) their UEFA EURO 2020 Group F match at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Tuesday. (AFP) we can surprise them,” said Petkovic, whose side are un- der pressure in Group A after an initial 1-1 draw with Wales. “We have to be quicker, cleverer and more decisive Turkey at home in Baku ahead when we have opportunities up front.” Liverpool midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri also believes of crunch clash against Wales his team has a chance, even as underdogs in the Italian capital. DPA “It will be a difficult game Baku but we go in with conviction and will try to give them as Turkey have no personnel many problems as possible,” worries ahead of Wednesday’s he said. “We have always done second Euro 2020 match with very well against big teams.” Wales in Baku, in which they look to bounce back from a dis- Italy’s Verratti still appointing opening loss to Italy. doubtful “All the players are doing Meanwhile, Italy midfielder Italy’s coach Roberto Mancini (R) and Italy’s forward Lorenzo Insigne well and are ready,” said coach Marco Verratti is still doubt- during training session at the Acqua Acetosa Sports Centre in Rome Senol Gunes on Tuesday, who ful to face Switzerland in the on Tuesday, the eve of their UEFA EURO 2020 Group A match against added it “could be” that he will Azzurri’s second match. Switzerland. (AFP) retain the same eleven which Coach Roberto Mancini lost 3-0 to Italy in Rome. told a news conference on be a very tough game, just like Defender Leonardo Bo- Turkey will be backed by Tuesday he will make a deci- the first one,” and praised the nucci said the team “can’t most of the fans attending in sion before the game on Ver- opponents. wait to play this match,” and Baku with Azerbaijan largely ratti, who was not fit in time “Switzerland is among the that the players won’t let the lending its support to Gunes’ for the Euros opener after suf- 10, 12 best teams in the world good first result get the best squad. “I want to say thanks,” fering a knee injury. for years. They’ve always of them. said captain Burak Yilmaz. “We will decide tomorrow caused Italy some trouble,” “Being humble and keeping “They are friends, they are [Wednesday] whether he sits the coach said. our feet on the ground are the brothers. They have let us feel on the bench or should wait a Group leaders Italy seek secrets to competing,” he said. that from the first day.” bit more. But we’re very opti- their second victory after a 3-0 “We reset what we Wales have one point in mistic,” the coach said. triumph over Turkey in their have done, continuing to do Group A having drawn their Turkey’s defender Umut Meras (2L) with team-mates during Turkey’s training session at the Olympic Mancini said “it’s going to Euro 2020 opener last Friday. our duty.” opener 1-1 with Switzerland, Stadium in Baku on Tuesday, on the eve of their UEFA EURO 2020 Group A match against Wales. (AFP) who next meet the table-top- ping Italians. Real Madrid player, who was Today’s Matches on loan at Tottenham Hotspur Sweden’s strong resistance against Spain Wales star Bale relishing last season. Baku atmosphere “Of course we understand Seville (Spain): Spain and Sweden have started their Euro 2020 Wing star Gareth Bale is look- they’re going to be cheering campaign with the first goalless match of the competition, despite ing forward to an atmospheric on the Turkish team, but to be a game which had great chances for both sides on Monday. match in Baku when his Wales playing in these tournaments Both teams had suffered with coronavirus infections ahead of the side meet Turkey in Euro 2020 you want to be playing in front Euros. Spain’s Sergio Busquets tested positive, while Sweden on Wednesday. of crowds,” he said. missed Dejan Kulusevski and Mattias Svanberg. Spain dominated “It will be nice to have that “This is what we do for a possession in the first half, moving the ball quickly and pushing the atmosphere at the stadium living, we’re used to playing in opponents deep into their side of the pitch, but failed to capitalize and get back to a bit of nor- away games in front of hostile on three excellent chances - including a Dani Olmo header denied mality,” he said Tuesday. crowds and it’s something we by a superb Robin Olsen save. Koke then shot across the goal, The majority of the ex- enjoy doing.” while Alvaro Morata, with just the keeper to beat, sent his effort Finland vs Russia (4pm) pected 30,000 crowd in Wales drew 1-1 with Swit- wide of the target. But the Swedish side had the clearest chance Turkey vs Wales (7pm) Azerbaijan are expected to be zerland in their opening game, to score. Alexander Isak shot the ball past Spanish keeper Unai Italy vs Switzerland (10pm) backing Turkey but this isn’t Wales’ forward Gareth Bale (R) at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in also in Baku, while Turkey were Simon but Marcos Llorente cleared in front of the line. (DPA) something which bothers the Baku on Tuesday during the team’s training session. (AFP) beaten 3-0 by Italy in Rome. Debutants Finland confident against Russia, seek last-16 berth DPA ment.” Finland, who qualified thank you message for all the good recovery. Copenhagen for the first time for a major support he has received after “Now, I will cheer on the championships, will clinch a collapsing during Denmark’s boys on the Denmark team in Finland can reach the last last 16 berth if they beat Rus- Euro 2020 game with Finland. the next matches. Play for all 16 on their debut at the Eu- sia in St Petersburg and Den- In his first public message of Denmark,” Eriksen said. ros and have shaken off the mark then don’t win against since the Saturday incident, They lost the game to Fin- traumatic circumstances of world ranking leaders Belgium Eriksen published a photo on land 1-0 when it was restart- their first game againstD en- on Thursday in Copenhagen. Instagram showing himself ed some two hours after the mark when they meet Russia “We had a dream when we smiling and making a thumbs- incident. on Wednesday, coach Markku started this tournament. The up gesture in his hospital bed Their next match is on Kanerva has said. victory against Denmark was in Copenhagen. Thursday against world ranking Finland won their opener the first milestone. And we “Big thanks for your sweet leaders Belgium in Copenhagen, 1-0 against the Danes in a have the next milestones in and amazing greetings and and their final group match on match stopped for close to our head,” Kanerva said. messages from all around the Monday against Russia. two hours after Danish player “We are looking forward world. It means a lot to me and Demark coach Kasper Christian Eriksen suffered to tomorrow’s game. We have my family,” Eriksen said. Hjulmand said on Tuesday cardiac arrest on the pitch and gained a lot of confidence from “I’m fine - under the cir- that the players can decide for had to be revived. the Denmark game and be- cumstances. I still have to go themselves whether they are “The Denmark game was lieve that we can be as success- through some examinations at mentally prepared to play on a big challenge, in every as- ful tomorrow.” Smiling the hospital, but I feel okay.” Thursday. pect. We have recovered Eriksen collapsed late in “It is OK if there are some well,” Kanerva told reporters Eriksen says he feels ‘fine - the first half of Saturday’s players who are not mentally on Tuesday. under the circumstances’ game. ready to play against Bel- “We are happy that Chris- Meanwhile, a smiling Chris- He suffered cardiac arrest gium,” he told reporters. tian Eriksen is feeling better. tian Eriksen said on Tuesday and was resuscitated on the But he said the good news We will never forget those he is feeling “fine - under the Finland’s players take part in the training session at the Spartak Stadium Zelenogorsk in Saint Petersburg pitch before being taken to from Eriksen is helping the images, also after the tourna- circumstances” and issued a on Tuesday ahead of their Euro 2020 match against Russia. (AFP) hospital where he is making a team find its focus again. 14 Wednesday, June 16, 2021 Sports Al Hajri double as Oman cap successful campaign with victory over Bangladesh

AFC portunity to level the score Doha in the 29th minute after Yea- sin Arafat angled his header Oman defeated Bangladesh straight into the arms of Faiz 3-0 in Group E of the Asian Al Rushaidi. Qualifiers for the FIFA World Zico, meanwhile was Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian forced to pull off an acrobatic Action from the India-Afghanistan Group E qualifying match of the FIFA Cup China 2023 on Tuesday. save when he palmed away World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Tuesday. Oman, who had already Mohsin Al Khaldi’s free-kick in secured their berth in the final the 37th minute and Afghani- round of the Asian Qualifiers stan survived another scare at for the FIFA World Cup Qa- the stroke of half-time when Draw against tar 2022 as one of the best five Oman’s Ahmed Al Kaabi’s ef- runners-up, finished with18 fort was denied by the post. points while Bangladesh ended Bangladesh conceded their Afghanistan sees their campaign without a win. second in the 61st minute Oman imposed their pres- when Al Fazari did well with ence early in the game and could his run inside the box and his India finish third have gone ahead in the third cut-back found its way to Al minute but Khalid Al Hajri’s Oman’s Khalid Al Hajri (right) celebrates one of his two goals against Bangladesh in Group E qualifying Hajri, who scored with a clini- ANI half, a chance was created out cross to Mohammed Al Ghafri match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 & AFC Asian Cup China 2023 played in Doha on Tuesday. cal finish. Doha of a string of passes that start- inside the danger area was in- Al Hajri added his second ed all the way from the keeper. tercepted by Bangladesh goal- Mohammad Ibrahim pro- day - were not to be denied move when he sent a through goal of the evening in the 81st India and Afghanistan Gurpreet Singh Sandhu found keeper Anisur Rahman Zico. duced a goal-line clearance off when they opened the scor- ball to Al Hajri and the forward minute when he combined played out a 1-1 draw in their Suresh in the defensive half, Bangladesh were calm un- Amjad Al Harthi’s header mo- ing in the 23rd minute after a did well to find the advancing nicely with substitutes Ab- last match of Group E of the as the latter played it to Bheke der pressure as Zico parried ments later. lapse in concentration by the Al Ghafri, who finished off nice- dulaziz Al Muqbali and Zahir FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with his first touch. Under Khalid Al Braiki’s overhead However, Oman - who Bangladesh defence. ly from close range. Al Aghbari, finishing off a fine and AFC Asian Cup China pressure, the fullback struck kick in the 17th minute and edged Afghanistan 2-1 on Fri- Omar Al Fazari initiated the Bangladesh wasted an op- team move to put Oman 3-0 up. 2023 Joint Qualifier, at the the ball down the line to put Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Manvir through on the right on Tuesday. flank once again but the cross A third-place finish in was stopped. Group E means that India Minutes later, Gurpreet Cyclist COPA AMERICA moves directly to the third made a crucial save to keep the round of qualifiers for the AFC scores at 0-0. Saighani hooved Froome to Asian Cup China 2023. India a long ball to Popalzay, who Argentina’s Lionel Messi (R) takes a free-kick has seven points from eight chested it down and volleyed it to score against Chile during their Conmebol matches. India took the lead via from outside the area, but Gur- start Tour de Copa America 2021 group phase match at a 75th-minute own goal cour- preet was up to the task, as he the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, tesy of Afghanistan goalkeeper plucked the ball out of the air. France after Brazil, on Monday. (AFP) Ovays Azizi, but the Afghans Amiri stood in India’s way pulled back their equaliser min- once again on the hour mark, two-year utes later, through their teen- when he headed way a free- age sensation Hossein Zamani. kick by Brandon, that was absence India head coach Igor Sti- aimed at Manvir, who had mac made two changes to the shaken off his marker inside DPA side that started for the Blue the box, and looked set for a Paris Tigers against Bangladesh in free header. the previous game, with Bipin India’s perseverance fi- Four-time champion Chris Singh and Udanta Singh mak- nally paid off in the 75th min- Froome will return to the Tour ing way for Rahul Bheke and ute, when Ashique and Man- de France after missing the Ashique Kuruniyan. vir worked some space on the last two editions with injury. The Blue Tigers got off the left flank, as theformer had His team Israel Start-Up blocks right from kick-off as the time and space to send Nation nominated the veter- Manvir Singh soared up the in a measured cross towards an Briton on Tuesday for the right flank, made his way into Liston inside the box. Afghan famed race. the Afghanistan box and pulled keeper Azizi fumbled the ball “After two years away from the trigger. However, his shot while collecting it, and turned the Tour de France I can’t wait was parried out for a corner it into his own net. to get back,” the 36-year-old by Afghan goalkeeper Ovays India thought they had cyclist was quoted on a state- Azizi. The resulting corner by their second goal a few min- ment on Tuesday. Brandon was cleared, but it fell utes later, when Ashique again “It has been an arduous kindly to Glan Martins on the weaved his way into the box journey since my crash at the edge of the area, whose shot and sent in a cross, for Liston, Criterium du Dauphine in was eventually blocked. who turned it in. However, the 2019, but this has been one of Afghanistan also attempt- referee had already blown his my biggest motivations.” ed to create their chances in whistle, as he had adjudged Froome had a high- the opening exchanges as Da- Ashique to have carried the speed crash into a wall while vid Ahmed Najem found some ball over the goalline. That training for the fourth stage Vargas salvages point for space on the right and whipped was Ashique’s last action of of the tune-up race for the in a few crosses, but India cus- the night, as he was replaced 2019 Tour. todian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu by Bipin Singh. He was hospitalized for was alert to the danger and Afghanistan soon went on several weeks with multiple came out to collect. the attack, looking for the equal- fractures. India started to grow into iser, and found it through their Since his recovery, the Chile after Messi magic the game soon enough and teenage sensation Hossein Zam- Briton has been struggling Manvir once again raced down ani, who came on in the second to return to his old form. DPA Messi is yet to win a tro- into the top-right corner after golden opportunity in a frus- the right and played it through half. Receiving a cut-back from Froome has been riding for Berlin phy with Argentina following 33 minutes. trating start for Argentina. to an overlapping Suresh Sin- Noor Husin, Zamani curled a Israel Start-Up Nation, which back-to-back runners-up per- An unmarked Martinez There was a sense of deja gh Wangjam, who earned a right-footer into the Indian goal, has Canada’s Michael Woods A sublime Lionel Messi free-kick formances at the Copa Amer- spurned a glorious chance to vu as the two sides played out corner for the side. Sandesh off the far post. as captain, since the start of was not enough for Argentina to ica in 2015 and 2016, having add a second when he scuffed a 1-1 draw 10 days after their Jhingan managed to get a firm Manvir had a chance late the year. start the Copa America with a also fallen short in the 2007 a shot wide and Lionel Scalo- World Cup qualifier ended header onto the Brandon cor- in the second half, when he got “As a four-time winner of victory as Chile striker Eduardo final against Brazil. ni’s side were made to pay for with the same outcome. ner but the effort was cleared his head onto a ball whipped the Tour, the value of his ex- Vargas salvaged a 1-1 draw. Giovani Lo Celso was their profligacy when Chile Argentina ought to have off the line by Afghan defender in from the left by Subhasish, perience cannot be underesti- Argentina had much the Chile’s chief tormentor in a levelled 12 minutes into the been more than one up at half- Haroon Amiri. but his header went over the mated. better of the first half and mer- promising start from the Al- second half. time and they were left to rue As India began to settle crossbar. Both the sides had “It will be extremely useful curial captain Messi put them biceleste, setting up chances Vidal was awarded a spot- some poor finishing in a first down in the second half, the a few last exchanges in added for the team during the race,” in front with a brilliant free- that Lautaro Martinez and kick for a rash challenge from game of a tournament they Blue Tigers started to play the time, but the clock soon ran team sports manager Rik Ver- kick in the Group A encounter Gonzalez were unable to take. Nicolas Tagliafico after ref- have not won since 1993. ball out of the back. A little un- down, as the match ended in a brugghe said. at Estadio Nilton Santos. Gonzalez headed over the eree Wilmar Roldan checked There should be more to der 10 minutes into the second 1-1 draw. The Tour de France is set Vargas came to Chile’s res- crossbar after his shot was the pitchside monitor and come from a Chile team - miss- to start on June 26 in Brest cue after the break, heading palmed away by Claudio Bravo although the midfielder’s ing the injured Alexis Sanchez and will finish as per tradition home the rebound after Emil- and the forward also failed to penalty was brilliantly tipped - who could not muster a shot in Paris on July 18. iano Martinez saved Arturo beat the Chile goalkeeper with against the crossbar by Emil- on target in the first half, but Froome won the Tour in Vidal’s penalty. a tame finish when the lively iano Martinez, Vargas nodded posed more of a threat after 2013 and 2015-2017, and with Nicolas Gonzalez was par- Lo Celso sent him clear with in following up. the break. two titles at the Spanish Vuel- ticularly wasteful as Argentina an incisive pass. Bravo palmed away Mes- Next up, Chile take on Bo- Paraguay’s ta 2011 and 2017 plus the 2018 were unable to secure what Messi produced yet an- si’s drive 20 minutes from livia at Arena Pantanal on Fri- Alejandro Giro d’Italia is one of only would have been a deserved other moment of magic to put time and Gonzalez headed day, with Argentina up against Romero seven riders who have won all victory in Rio de Janeiro on Argentina in front, though, over the bar when his skipper Uruguay at Estadio Nacional Gamarrra three grand tours. Monday. bending a brilliant free-kick presented him with another de Brasilia on Saturday. celebrates after scoring against Bolivia during their Conmebol Copa America 2021 match La Albirroja rally to win 3-1 against Bolivia at the Olympic Stadium in Goi- DPA 1997, took a shock early lead from Bolivia goalkeeper Ru- but again, La Albirroja were Gonzalez’s header and Angel ania, Brazil, on Goiania (Brazil) from Erwin Saavedra’s 10th- ben Cordano inside the first denied by the VAR after an- Romero swooping to force Monday. (AFP) minute penalty on Monday. minute, with Angel Romero other long delay as Romero home the loose ball. Angel Romero scored twice Paraguay piled on the flashing wide from the ensu- was offside in the build-up. Paraguay keeper Antony as Paraguay produced a sec- pressure for no reward in the ing corner. Alejandro Romero inexpli- Silva had to be alert to a 78th- ond-half comeback to claim first half, before Bolivia were But Bolivia took the lead, cably pushed wide from close minute Roberto Fernandez a 3-1 win over a depleted 10- reduced to 10 men on the albeit after a lengthy delay as range in the 43rd minute, be- strike, before Angel Romero man Bolivia in their opening stroke of half-time following referee Diego Haro consulted fore Bolivia teenager Cuellar netted his second, slotting game at the Copa America. Jaume Cuellar’s second book- the video assistant referee saw red for a second bookable home from Avalos’ pass. La Albirroja were favoured ing in Goiania, in Brazil’s cen- (VAR), when Diego Bejarano’s offence. With four sides to progress to see off Bolivia, who were tral state of Goias. goal-bound volley hit Arza- Paraguay kept up the pres- from the five-team groups, without three players - includ- The weight of pressure told mendia’s outstretched arm, sure after the break, with Ale- Paraguay have put themselves ing captain and talisman Mar- in the second half as Alejandro with Saavedra converting jandro Romero hitting the in a strong position to make celo Martins after testing posi- Romero levelled before Para- from the spot. woodwork, though he equal- the knockout stage, especially tive for coronavirus. guay team-mate Angel Romero Paraguay thought they had ised via an excellent 62nd-min- given Argentina’s 1-1 draw Bolivia, who have only scored a brace to seal the win. the chance to draw level when ute volley from outside the box. with Chile in the other Group progressed beyond the Copa Paraguay flew outof the Haro pointed to the spot again Minutes later Paraguay A game. Bolivia, with their list America group stage once blocks as Santiago Arzamen- after Cordano hacked down were ahead, with Cordano un- of absentees, are behind the since finishing runners-up in dia forced an acrobatic save Gabriel Avalos inside the box, able to hold substitute Carlos eight ball early. Sports Wednesday, June 16, 2021 15 QFA Executive Committee approves new Qatar Stars League strategy QNA Doha

The Executive Committee of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) approved the new Qatar Stars League strategy which was submitted by the Qatar Stars League Management to provide competitive and high- quality football and elevate to competitive technical high quality football, starting from the 2023-2024 season. as adopting a new mechanism The mechanism for imple- This came during the Strategy aimed at providing competitive and high-quali- for playing the national team menting the strategy is based meeting held today under the ty football and elevation to competitive technical high players with their respective on holding workshops with chairmanship of QFA Presi- quality football starting from the 2023-2024 season. clubs according to criteria de- clubs, and partnering with dent HE Sheikh Hamad bin termined by the QFA after world football experts and Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, ing in the Qatar Stars League criteria necessary to enhance consulting with the relevant specialists. Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General HE Jassim bin Rashid in the presence of all members to 10 clubs to elevate to com- the level of professionalism for authorities and departments; The meeting’s agenda also Al Buenain with President of Hungarian Olympic Committee Krisztian of the Executive Committee. petitive technical high qual- clubs and competitions starting and the Central Scouting Team included the briefing ofHE the Kulcsar in Budapest. The meeting discussed all ity football, starting from the from the 2022-2023 season; (CST) will include experts and President and members of the the details related to the pro- 2023-2024 season; continua- distribution of central finan- specialists to support clubs Executive Committee on the ject to develop the QNB Stars tion of the promotion and rele- cial revenues from commercial identify international players reports submitted by the vari- QOC Secretary-General League. gation system, with the play-off rights and TV broadcasts for and coaches in accordance to ous committees of the QFA The strategy included sev- match; clubs will commit to the clubs per the new mechanisms their actual value and quality regarding the work mecha- meets Hungarian Olympic eral points, including: reducing new club participation agree- and standards, starting from starting from the 2021-2022 nism and uniformity, and oth- the number of clubs participat- ment (CPA), which includes the the 2023-2024 season; as well season. er related matters. Committee President Tribune News Network them in the future. Doha The meeting was also at- tended by Balint Vekassy, The Qatar Olympic Commit- Secretary-General, Hungarian WTC Final: Siraj included in India’s tee Secretary-General HE Jas- Olympic Committee. sim bin Rashid Al Buenain on The QOC Secretary-Gen- Monday met with Krisztian eral was visiting the Hungari- Kulcsar, President of Hungar- an capital to attend the World starting 15, Mayank misses out ian Olympic Committee, in Judo Championships which Hungary’s capital Budapest. concluded on Sunday after ANI During the meeting, the bringing together 661 athletes Southampton India squad QOC Secretary-General ex- (men and women) represent- tended greetings of the QOC ing 118 countries. Mohammed Siraj has been Rohit Sharma, Shubman President HE Sheikh Joaan It is worth mentioning included in India’s 15-member Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, bin Hamad Al Thani to his that Qatar will be the host squad for the upcoming World Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Hungarian counterpart. In the nation for IJF 2023 Judo Test Championship (WTC) Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, meeting both officials reviewed World Championships which final against New Zealand, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhi- the bilateral sport cooperation is also a qualifying event to the starting on Friday. man Saha, Ravichandran between the two organizations Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Mayank Agarwal has been Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and methods of strengthening Games. left out and this means Shub- Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant man Gill and Rohit Sharma Sharma, Mohammad will be opening the batting for Shami, Umesh Yadav, the Virat Kohli-led side. Ravi- Mohammed Siraj. chandran Ashwin and Ravin- Qatar athletics team departs dra Jadeja have been chosen as the spinners, while Wrid- incredible,” he smiled. for Arab Games in Tunisia dhiman Saha has also been Asked if Kohli can do a named in the squad along with Tendulkar and cut out the Rishabh Pant. The Kiwis have drive as the Master Blaster had already entered the bio-bubble against Australia at the Sydney for the summit clash having India cricket captain Virat Kohli (left) with his New Zealand counterpart Ken Williamson. Cricket Ground in 2004, the defeated England in the two- maestro said such calls need to match Test series. England, India head coach Kohli and boys playing for “I am thrilled. This is the be taken at the crease and can- Prior to the WTC final, the Ravi Shastri had said that go- ultimate glory. Speaking to World Test Championship and not be planned beforehand. Indian team played an intra- ing ahead, the International ANI, Tendulkar revealed that to be able to get there in the “I am sure a batsman of his squad game where the likes of Cricket Council (ICC) should for him, it was the series win top two, speaks volumes about calibre understands the game Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh look to make the final of the in Australia which was testi- how the team has performed. as he is a good student. He Pant impressed with the bat in WTC a best-of-three contest mony to the fighting spirit of It is simply outstanding and will have his plans. It need not hand. At the Hampshire Bowl, and it could be played like a this Indian unit. He also threw the icing on the cake has to be that ‘okay I am not going Qatar’s athletics team departed on Monday for Tunisia to participate the players were tested again three-match series. light on how he expects Rohit be the Australian trip. There to play this shot’. Sometimes in the Arab Games -- a qualifying event to the Tokyo Olympics 2020. A before commencing a period Sharma to start cautiously be- were so many injuries, there you know, you adjust your total of 420 athletes from 20 countries will take part in the competi- of managed isolation. Regular Kohli will figure out fore pressing on the accelera- were like 10-11 players miss- stance and do a lot of things at tion. The Qatari team is headed by Secretary-General of Qatar Athlet- tests will be conducted during things, says Tendulkar tor and how he is confident of ing on that tour and in spite the crease which the bowlers ics Federation Mohammed Eissa Al Fadala. the period of isolation. India legend Sachin Ten- skipper Kohli taking the Kiwi of that we were able to deliver sometimes don’t pick. All those Prior to departing for dulkar is thrilled to see Virat bowlers by surprise. the knockout punch which was minor tweaks one can do.” Qatar to host GCC Aquatics TOKYO OLYMPICS Championships in August Tough sanctions for hygiene violations

DPA regardless of the pandemic, Tokyo widespread opposition among his country’s population and a Participants at the To- slow start into vaccination. kyo Olympics face sanctions Coates has said the Games including exclusion from the could also be held under a Games if they don’t comply state of emergency. with the extensive coronavirus Coates arrived for the final countermeasures in place. preparations and along with The International Olympic his delegation members the Committee (IOC) published Games’ coordination commit- the measures on Tuesday in tee chairman will be in quar- the third and final version of antine with his delegation for Tribune Network the 2021 GCC Aquatics Cham- their playbooks for all stake- the next three days. Doha pionships after the Gulf Coop- holders at the July 23-August For the following 11 days eration Council (GCC) swim- 8 Games which take place their activities will be limited The Qatar Swimming Asso- ming organizing committee amid the pandemic. due to the pandemic, Japanese ciation (QSA) announced on postponed the tournament Also on Tuesday, IOC vice- organizers said. Monday that Doha will be that was scheduled for 2020 president John Coates arrived Ahead of Coates’s arrival, the host city for the 8th GCC to 2021 due to the COVID-19 in Tokyo and Japan said it had some three dozen people with Aquatics Championships to be pandemic. Qatar will also be secured another 20,000 vacci- placards protested against the held from August 19-22 at the hosting the 5th round of the nation doses for its workforce Games and called on him not Hamad Aquatics Centre. FINA World Cup in October at the Games which were post- to come. Qatar was chosen to host this year. poned last year. Olympic Minister Tamayo With less than six weeks IOC’s Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi speaks on-screen as Tokyo 2020 Main Operation Marukawa said on Tuesday until the opening ceremony Chief Hidemasa Nakamura (R) looks on during a press briefing for the presentation of the version three of that the government will be the IOC continued its fine- Tokyo 2020 Playbook in Tokyo on Tuesday. (AFP) receiving 20,000 vaccination tuning through the playbooks, doses from US company Pfizer Quick read and it said that details on com- “In this updated version, rary or permanent exclusion and secure Games. which doubles the amount of Great to see India women’s team in Tests: Jadeja pliance were among the key the range of potential conse- from the Games; withdrawal Tokyo is under a state of jabs for the Olympic workforce. added content. quences that the IOC (for the of accreditation; disqualifica- emergency until at least Sun- The IOC had earlier agreed Southampton: India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on Tuesday said that “While the emphasis re- Olympic Games) and IPC (for tion (with the consequences day, and the government is re- with Pfizer over the same it would be a great moment when the women’s team steps out on the mains on education, pre- the Paralympic Games) may set forth in the Olympic Char- portedly considering to place amount of doses. field to play a Test after a gap of seven years. India and England women vention and relying on all impose have been included in ter); and financial sanctions.” Tokyo under a quasi state of The latest agreement al- will be locking horns in the one-off Test, beginning Wednesday at Bristol. stakeholders and Games par- order to provide some trans- The IOC and Japanese organ- emergency during the Games. lows to offer vaccination to “Playing Test cricket for the country is always a special feeling. It feels ticipants to follow the rules, parency to stakeholders and izers have insisted that the At the recent G7 summit, volunteers in the athletes’ vil- great that we will be able to witness our women’s team competing in tools and processes will be in Games participants. Examples playbooks and vaccination of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshi- lage, members of the organiz- Test cricket after seven years. I would like to wish the girls good luck in place for situations of non- of such potential consequenc- around 80 per cent of the ath- hide Suga reaffirmed his de- ing committee and Japanese their game against England,” tweeted Jadeja. (ANI) compliance,” the IOC said. es include: warnings; tempo- letes would help to stage safe termination to hold the Games media representatives.