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Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Rabia II 14, 1441 AH GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS This is a special prize, says Sadd’s ahead of Club WC ‘You suff er when you don’t have the ball’  ‘We can play good football’  ‘People are going to be amazed (in 2022)’ aving lifted the FIFA Club World Cup twice while wearing the col- ours of Barcelona, Xavi Hmakes his return in an altogether fresh guise. Now coach of 2019’s host champions Al Sadd, the Catalan pass master will be orchestrating from the touchline. That Barca DNA is set to be very present, too, with posses- sion and a selfi sh desire to hoard the ball key to his coaching ethos. With the Club World Cup starting today, Xavi talks about past glories, his switch to the dugout and the future Qatar has in store with the FIFA World Cup on the horizon. Excerpts:

You hung up your boots in May and within a few months Al Sadd coach Xavi (centre) directs his players during a training session you were on the touchline. ahead of the start of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 in . Have you enjoyed the transi- tion and how do you refl ect strengths could see Al Sadd playing for Al Sadd, but I’ve also on your fi rst few months of do the same? had very close ties to the national coaching? Al Sadd is a team with just football association and the As- I’ve had a very fast transition the right mix of experience and pire Academy, trying to improve from player to coach. I’ve hardly youth. We’ve got the best ever the standard of the new genera- had any time to think about it. generation of Qatari players the tion of players. The team’s pretty Obviously I had a footballing vi- team’s ever had and we have much ready for the World Cup sion in mind, because as pretty eight or ten national team play- and they’re competing very well much everyone knows, I grew up ers with a lot of talent: Akram because they have a great coach at Barca and in the national team. Afi f, Saad al-Sheeb, the goal- in Felix Sanchez, who works so It’s still football but the fact is keeper, Hassan al-Haydos, who’s well. you have a lot more responsibil- the national team captain, Tarek The family’s very happy be- ity. I’m always asking myself if I Salman, , and cause they’ve given us every- miss playing. Well, the fact is that (From left) Al Sadd’s Nam Tae-hee, Mostafa Tarek, and take part in a training session ahead of the start of the FIFA Salem. There are a lot of excellent thing. It’s a very easy country I don’t because I’m involved in Club World Cup Qatar 2019 in Doha. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil young players. And then we have to live in, very comfortable, the whole competitive thing in a the experience of Gabi, the team welcoming and safe. And then diff erent way and I feel even more the players trying to win the ball method and tactics greatly a team is a refl ection of its coach. prove yourself. This is a special captain. We have two good Ko- you’ve got the whole focus on responsible as a coach. So, yes, back as soon as they can. diff er to yours, but you par- And the hallmark of coaches like prize for us. What I’ll try to say to rean internationals, and Baghdad football here with the World Cup. I’m enjoying it. That’s my philosophy: to have ticularly admire all the same? Klopp, Simeone and Guardiola, the team is that they forget about Bounedjah was the player of the Qatar wants to do a good job and I possession high up the pitch – Now that I’ve seen how dif- each of whom have their own the pressure and show what they tournament at the Africa Cup of think it’s doing really, really well. How would you describe not just sitting and waiting – and fi cult this job is, I’ve obviously style and way of playing, is really can do. Pressure is something Nations and scored the winner in They’ve won the Asian Cup and yourself as a coach? to go on the attack, because the got admiration for every coach important. They’ve managed to for me to deal with as the coach. the fi nal. We have a team that can taken part in the Copa America. I’d describe myself as some- more chances you create, the that’s gone in and changed a get their philosophies and their We’ve looked at Hienghene and play good football. It’s all going to They have a great generation of one who likes to have the ball. more chances you have to win. club. It’s pretty clear that [Di- playing styles across to their we understand that we’re the fa- come down to what happens on players and are really in a position I’m there in the dugout suff ering Where I have surprised myself is ego] Simeone’s coaching style players. vourites. In football, though, you the day and our mindset, which I to compete. if my team doesn’t have the ball. that when I started out as a coach is not the same as mine, but I’ve have to go out and do it on the think will be just right. We’re go- Everything they’re doing in It was the same when I played: I I didn’t think so much about the got nothing but admiration for How do you aim to tackle the pitch. What I won’t take from my ing to compete, though. terms of construction is focused loved being on the ball. What I defensive side of the game. But him for everything he’s achieved challenge of being the host teams is a lack of eff ort. I want on staging a great World Cup. want is for my team to have con- now you suff er. You suff er when at Atletico Madrid and what he’s side here at the Club World them to try. They might fail 200 You’ve been living here in There are so many stadiums and trol and I think you have that you don’t have the ball. That 30- done at that club. The likes of Cup? times, but I want them to try. Qatar for a few years and are people are going to be amazed. when you have the ball. That’s 40 per cent of possession that [Pep] Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp What we’ll try to do is make the Generation Amazing Pro- Qatar has also been lucky enough the way I was brought up at Barca you don’t have is when you have have made their mark as coaches sure the players don’t feel the This is a tournament where gram Ambassador. How is to have nearly ten years to prepare and in the national team. I make to work hardest. too, and Luis Aragones, Vicente extra pressure that comes with surprises can happen, with Qatar getting in gear for the for this World Cup. They’re going sure we work on possession in del Bosque and Luis Enrique are playing at home, which happens host teams having reached FIFA World Cup 2022? to make such a good job of it. every training session and I have Is there any coach whose also great coaches. In some ways, a lot – that pressure of having to the fi nal in recent years. What I’ve spent the last four years FIFA.com

SPOTLIGHT Afi f receives AFC Player of the Year award from Sheikh Salman

By Sports Reporter Tomoaki Makino of Japan. Afi f be- Doha came the third Qatari player to win the prestigious title, after former Al Sadd stars in 2006 sian Football Confed- and Abdelkarim Hassan in 2018. eration (AFC) President The 23-year-old forward was Sheikh Salman bin Ebra- tipped for stardom since his early him al-Khalifah honoured years, which saw him playing for AlA Sadd and 2019 AFC Player of Spanish youth teams Sevilla and the Year Akram Afi f by presenting Villarreal, before being called up to him with the trophy in Doha yester- Qatar’s team for the 2012 AFC U-16 day. Championship Qualifi ers and the The ceremony was attended by Al 2014 AFC U-19 Championship. Sadd general manager Turki Nasser Not yet 20, Afi f was part of Qatar’s al-Ali, head of football Mohamed 2016 AFC U-23 Championship cam- Ghanem al-Ali, sporting direc- paign that was led by head coach tor Mohamed Gholam al-Baloushi, Felix Sanchez and the forward was Qatar Football Association general again part of the squad in the fol- secretary Mansour al-Ansari and lowing edition, where Qatar fi nished QFA director of national teams Talal third. al-Kaabi. A permanent member of the sen- AFC had named Afi f as the winner ior national team since 2015, Afi f of the award on December 2 in Hong was instrumental in Qatar’s AFC Kong, ahead of the other contend- Asian Cup UAE 2019 triumph, with ers of and one goal and 10 assists. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifah (third from left) with AFC Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif (centre) of Qatar yesterday. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 FIFA Club World Cup 2 Qatar 2019

FOCUS A look at FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 In-form icons

Being at Qatar 2019 Liverpool and Flamengo command two of the biggest fanbases on the planet, with both all too used to seeing passion- ate supporters fill their respective and hallowed cathedrals of football. The duo will land in Qatar as Europe and South America’s best, honours that place them as favourites – with the trophy yet a dream came true: to reside outside either continent. They arrive fitting of their monikers, with both sides in scintillating form. While Flamengo are fresh from being crowned Brazilian champions, suff ering just one defeat since August, Liverpool at present sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, without de- Hienghene’s Kai feat in the competition since January. With attacking prowess and intensity high on both of their talented rosters, Hienghene’s continental title was a first for New Caledonia, where football is not professionalised the likes of Mohamed Salah, Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa, Virgil van Dijk and ith a population Bruno Henrique will be certain to enter- of barely 2,500, tain the global audience. Hienghene is a small town lo- Debutants from near and far Wcated 380km from Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia. Al Hilal may have finished top of the pile Its most famous club, Hieng- for the third time in Asia – with this their hene Sport, has become the first time hoisting the AFC Champions most recognisable symbol of League aloft since it began in 2002 – the town – and with good rea- but Saudi Arabia’s most successful club son. The club is enjoying the are set to take their opening bow at the best period in their history Club World Cup. and, having won the 2019 OFC However, their step onto the stage will Champions League, are now be preceded by the entry of a much gearing up for the FIFA Club more far-flung fresh face. Hienghene World Cup Qatar 2019, steal- Sport were the first visiting side to land ing the limelight from Nou- in Qatar, having travelled 13,000km mea’s big clubs like AS Ma- from New Caledonia to represent genta and AS Mont-Dore. Oceania as OFC Champions League Hienghene’s continental ti- winners. tle was a fi rst for the club and The club are just 22 years old and were New Caledonia, a small coun- crowned continental champions on try whose solitary appearance only their second appearance in the at a global tournament came at tournament, seeing them spring onto the FIFA U-17 World Cup India the global stage as the first non-New 2017. The club’s achievement Zealand side to represent the OFC since is a source of immense pride 2010. They’re going to savour every for the town and the country moment. as whole, where football is not professionalised and players Returning hopefuls have to hold down full-time jobs, train in the evenings and Host side Al Sadd are back on the scene play games at weekends. after coming out on top in Asia 2011. Among those leading this Having been eliminated at the semi- lifestyle is Hienghene skipper final stage this time, their Qatari title Bertrand Kai, who manages a meant elimination wasn’t going to rob boarding school, taking care them of their place at the finals. With of logistics such as food and two-time winner Xavi steering the ship, cleaning supplies. He goes to home fans will hope his know-how can work in the mornings, trains do wonders. every day except Wednesdays, Monterrey and ES Tunis are serial and plays offi cial games on regulars, but are yet to clinch the final Saturdays. Apart from during spot they both yearn. Together they’ve the close season, this severely made it to the finals seven times since restricts his family time, so his 2011 – will this year be the one where it two sons and wife accompany all comes together? him to matches to spend more time together. A new name on the trophy In Doha, Kai spoke about his life in Hienghene, saying: For the first time since Real Madrid “As amateur players, we live lifted the title in 2014, we will see a new an ordinary life, and we try Hienghene skipper Bertrand Kai (right). (OFC) name on the Club World Cup. to strike a balance between Nine sides have tasted victory, who will our work, family duties and domestic league. He is known leave our families behind,” he FIFA Club World Cup. In their tournament open- game of 11 against 11 and the be number ten? playing football. This is very for his selfl essness and the explained. Speaking of the journey er, Hienghene will play the team with the most determi- difficult, especially now that sacrifi ces he makes on the Hienghene are on, Kai said: host nation’s representatives nation will win.” ROLL OF HONOUR we’ve reached this level, fi eld for his teammates. Raised QATAR 2019, A DREAM “Coming to Qatar to partici- Al Sadd in a win-or-go home Asked about his side’s spe- Real Madrid (Four – 2014, 2016, winning the OFC Champi- in the Ganem tribal area, he COME TRUE pate in this great competition encounter. “We will try to be cifi c targets were, given that 2017, 2018) ons League for the first time assumed responsibility at a Hienghene Sport club realised is a dream come true; no one the best representative of club this will be their maiden ap- Barcelona (Three – 2009, 2011, 2015) in the country’s history. This young age, learning to work in their fi rst dream after being believed we could win the ti- and country, and to present pearance in the competition, Corinthians (Two – 2000, 2012) wouldn’t have been possible the fi elds in addition to hunt- crowned OFC champions – tle. We ourselves didn’t think a good image of football in he said: “First of all, we’re Bayern Munich (2013) without the sacrifices all of ing and fi shing. “In our coun- the club winning an exciting we could achieve this success, Caledonia. The Qatari team happy to be here, which in it- Inter Milan (2010) us have made.” try we live as tribes and this fi nal 1-0 with a wonderful goal but thanks to years of hard is made up of professional self is a big achievement for Manchester United (2008) Despite being 36, Kai is still helped us in the team to be that prompted joy all across work, we carried the torch of players and I’m sure we’ll face us, but we hope to go beyond AC Milan (2007) technically adroit and in great one family. We make a lot of their home town. The club’s those who preceded us and a very strong team and a far the Al Sadd game and as far as Internacional (2006) shape physically, and was re- sacrifi ces when we go to play soon-to-be-realised second taught us the meaning of sac- from easy task. We will fi ght, possible in the tournament.” Sao Paulo (2005) cently voted best player in his football at the weekend and dream is to participate in the rifi ce.” but at the end of the day it’s a FIFA.com

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Karembou urges Hienghene to FIFA Club World Cup Qatar ‘embrace and enjoy’ limelight in Qatar 2019 kicks off live and hristian Karembou exclusive on beIN Sports has called on his New Caledonian compatriots By Sports Reporter sive interviews with dedicated beIN Sports HD1 will broad- to give a positive ac- Doha beIN studios available for the cast the matches exclusively in countC of themselves – and the tournament, in addition to live while beIN Sports HD11 Oceania region – when they kick matches with Arabic and Eng- will broadcast in English. The off the FIFA Club World Cup Qa- eIN Sports, the global lish commentary, ensuring fans beIN Sports News channel will tar 2019 tonight. sports channel, is set to don’t miss a moment of the ac- also broadcast exclusive con- A FIFA World Cup winner host the much-antici- tion. tent on the tournament includ- with France, Karembou was born pated FIFA Club World in New Caledonia – a former Cupb Qatar 2019 live and exclu- French overseas territory – and sive on its channels. spent the fi rst 17 years of his life Set to take place at three on the Pacifi c Island. world class stadiums in Qatar Ahead of the FIFA Club World starting today till December Cup, the former Real Madrid mid- 21, this edition of the FIFA fi elder encouraged Hienghène Club World Cup will see three Special guests including ing special documentaries on Sport to savour every moment of teams from the Mena region Liverpool and England legend host nation Qatar. playing on the world stage. compete for the coveted tro- Steve McManaman, Dutch The opening match between “When you talk about the phy for the first time. Qa- legend Ruud Gullit, former Al Sadd and Hienghene Sport southern hemisphere, everybody tari champions Al Sadd, AFC Liverpool defender John Arne will be played today at Jassim usually talks about rugby,” he Champions League winners Riise and 2010 FIFA World bin Hamad Stadium in Doha said. “It’s true it is the main sport Al Hilal and CAF Champions Cup finalist Nigel de Jong are at 8:30pm Mecca Time (GMT in this region, but they are also next round, and potentially even can happen. One thing you can be beauty of our sport and I would League winners ES Tunis are all set to join the beIN Sports’ +3). crazy about their football too. In Liverpool and Flamengo further sure of is that they will arrive to give anything to be part of that all set to feature in this year’s studios for world class analy- beIN entertains and oper- New Caledonia though, football down the line. the game fi t, fresh and mentally team right now! exciting competition. sis of one of the biggest FIFA ates in 43 countries globally, is very much number one.” However, Karembou said they prepared. They have a fantastic “In terms of what I would say beIN presenters, analysts Club World Cup tournaments including 24 countries across OFC Champions League win- won’t be getting ahead of them- team and management group.” to the players – just enjoy it. Em- and football legends including to date. the Mena region. With broad- ners Hienghène will take on selves by thinking of taking on Karembou continued: “For us brace it. Enjoy it. Breath in every Mohamed Saadon al-Kuwari, Coverage of the FIFA Club cast on satellite in 4K and Full Xavi Hernandez’s Al Sadd side in the likes of Mo Salah and Sadio this will have a great impact in moment; play for yourself, play Mohamed Abutrika, Wael Go- World Cup Qatar 2019 starts HD, the beIN experience is Doha tonight in the tournament’s Mané – even though they will ar- New Caledonia. To know that for your teammates and play for maa, Abdulaziz al-Nasr, Ay- with the morning show every also available on mobile, tab- opening game, with the winners rive in Doha without fear. one of our clubs will be compet- your country. We are all incred- man Jadah, Lakhdar Berriche day followed by special pro- let, computer and other home facing the mouth-watering pros- “It’s 11 versus 11,” he contin- ing in the same competition as ibly proud of you already no mat- and many others will host spe- grammes and shows – includ- devices through beIN Con- pect of facing Monterrey in the ued. “In 90 minutes anything Liverpool is unbelievable. It’s the ter what happens.” SC.qa cial guests and conduct exclu- ing the daily evening show. nect. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 3 SPORT

DOPING SCANDAL SPOTLIGHT Paralympics boss urges clarity for Tokyo Russia blames aft er doping ban

AFP tions and alterations” to Russia’s Tokyo doping data “materially preju- diced the ability to pursue cases against 145 of the 298 athletes” with suspicious doping controls politics, not itself, he head of the Interna- between 2011 and 2015. tional Paralympic Com- The toughest sanctions im- mittee yesterday called posed on Russian state authori- for clear guidance over ties will also see government of- theT participation of Russian fi cials barred from attending any athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Para- major events, while the country lympics, adding that it was “dis- will lose the right to host, or even gusting” that authorities had bid, for tournaments. for Olympic ban allegedly tampered with doping Parsons also said Paralympic samples. athletes were keener than ever Russia digests four-year Olympic ban, Kremlin declines to say who should be punished In an interview with AFP, An- to stage their marathon in Tokyo drew Parsons said he expected after concerns over the summer Reuters Russia to appeal Monday’s deci- heat forced the Olympic show- Moscow sion by the World Anti-Doping case event to be moved 800 kilo- Agency to ban the country for metres (500 miles) north to Sap- four years from major global poro. The IPC boss said it was he Kremlin is blaming political sports events after accusing the “very unlikely” the Paralympics chicanery, not its own sports of- Russians of falsifying data from would follow suit and shift the fi cials, after doctored laboratory a testing laboratory. marathon venue. data resulted in a ban that means Under the sanctions, Russian After analysing historical data TRussia will appear on the global sports sportsmen and women will still – including for the unusually hot stage without its fl ag or anthem for the be allowed to compete at the summer of 2019 – the IPC medi- next four years. Olympics and Paralympics, but cal committee had concluded In the latest twist to the country’s con- only as neutrals and only if they it would be safe for Paralympic tinuing doping scandal, the World Anti- can demonstrate that they were athletes to compete, he told AFP. Doping Agency (WADA) on Monday not part of what WADA believes The Paralympic Games begin handed Russia a four-year ban from top was a state-sponsored system of on August 25, with the marathon international sporting events, including doping. scheduled for September 6, the the next summer and winter Olympics “At the end of the day, the fi nal day of competition, and of- and the 2022 soccer World Cup. decision will be a CAS (Court of fi cials are hopeful the worst of The members of WADA’s executive Arbitration for Sport) decision the Tokyo heat will be over by committee unanimously backed such a and we will then need to react then. ban after fi nding Moscow guilty of sup- but it will be four months prior “We said we would consult plying doctored doping-related labora- to the Games, so we will need to with our athletes and the re- tory data. react quickly,” said Parsons. sponse was ‘We want to stay in Russia’s response, from President “It will depend a lot on the de- Tokyo’,” he said. Vladimir Putin downwards, has been de- cision. What we want is for the The Paralympic marathon will fi ant and lacking in contrition. decision to be clear in the sense be the closing event of the whole Putin, speaking in Paris earlier yester- that there will be a clear path... Olympic and Paralympic Games day, criticised the principle of collective on what will be the participation in Tokyo and they are expecting punishment used to sanction Russia. of Russian athletes – if any?” huge crowds, Parsons said, part- “I think there is every grounds to sup- The IPC banned the Russian ly because fans in the capital will pose that the basis for such decisions is Paralympic Committee in the not have seen the Olympic event. not a care about the purity of interna- run-up to the Rio Games, only The best way to say thank you tional sport, but political considerations reinstating them this February to the people of Tokyo for their which have nothing to do with the inter- and setting down clear criteria support is “to compete in front est of sport or the Olympic movement,” for their participation. of massive crowds and we ex- Putin said. Last time, it was up to the IPC pect, because the Olympic mar- Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, a to decide on a ban but the guide- athon will be in Sapporo, that Putin ally, said on Monday he recognised lines have changed, meaning the this will be the marathon of the that there were still problems to be re- IPC will now follow whatever 2020 games in Tokyo,” he said. solved, but again he said he saw other recommendations WADA lays He said he was “very satis- forces at work. The move to punish Mos- down after a potential Russian fi ed” with the level of prepara- cow looked like “anti-Russian hysteria,” appeal. “Of course, to know that tions with just over 250 days to he said. authorities have tampered with go until the Paralympics opening When asked yesterday whether any- A person walks out of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) headquarters in Moscow on Monday. Russia will miss next year’s data is disgusting and they are ceremony. one in Russia should be punished over Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Games after the World Anti-Doping Agency on Monday banned the powerhouse letting their athletes down,” Par- He noted “unprecedented” the doping scandal, Kremlin spokesman from global sporting events for four years over manipulated doping data. (AFP) sons said. demand for tickets, with 3.1 mil- Dmitry Peskov did not name any names. Documents released Monday lion requests made for a total of “Right now our main task is to express show WADA believes “dele- 2.3 million tickets. our disagreement,” Peskov said. “The Sanctions have emboldened Russia, says Tygart main thing is not to let collective respon- sibility violate the interests of our ath- Travis Tygart, the US Anti-Doping peal the decision, as is their right within from the last two Olympics and Russia letes. Everything else is secondary.” Agency chief, says Russia has only been 21 days. WADA’s move does leave the was stripped of its flag and national Australia backs Russia ban, athletes Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolob- emboldened by previous sanctions for door open for “clean” Russian athletes anthem altogether in Pyeongchang as group unimpressed kov has sent mixed messages. its doping violations and the four-year to compete as individuals in Tokyo punishment for state-sponsored doping When asked on Monday who should be ban imposed on Monday will do nothing without their flag or anthem, a decision cover-ups at the 2014 Sochi Games. The Australian Olympic Com- fair sport and there are severe held responsible for the scandal, he said: to change its behaviour. Tygart has described as “yet another Tygart said Russia has not taken mittee have welcomed the deci- consequences for that,” he said. “What should I answer now? Should I Russia was banned from the world’s top devastating blow to clean athletes”. its punishment seriously for what he sion by the World Anti-Doping “Every athlete deserves to com- make excuses or point my fi nger at some- sporting events for four years on Mon- “Their behaviour hasn’t changed,” he called “the greatest fraud in Olympic Agency to ban Russia from ma- pete with the confidence they one else? I completely and fully under- day, including the next Summer and told Reuters in an interview. history”. jor sporting events, including are competing in a clean and stand my level of responsibility.” Winter Olympics and the 2022 soccer “It has only gotten emboldened and “In the Pyeongchang Winter Games in next year’s Tokyo Games, for fair environment. The fact that He went on to add, however, that he World Cup, for tampering with doping become more egregious every time the 2018 we supported a neutral process four years as the sports world this was a systematic attempt had done everything right, having organ- test data. global anti-doping community attempts for athletes but what we’ve seen is that began to digest the suspension to undermine fair sport makes ised the transfer of the laboratory data The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to put a sanction in place. has turned into a complete charade and yesterday. WADA’s executive it all the more galling and all the to WADA. “It was diffi cult, but we did executive committee acted after “The question is – are we just going to mockery when you have a full delega- committee acted on Monday more off ensive.” it,” he said. Last month he attributed the concluding that Moscow had planted stick our head in the sand and pretend tion from Russia and we know the after concluding that Moscow The ban comes as a huge blow discrepancies in the laboratory data to fake evidence and deleted files linked to this didn’t occur and try to turn the behaviour has not changed,” he added. had planted fake evidence and to Russian pride and President technical issues. positive doping tests in laboratory data page?” Monday’s sanctions, which also include deleted files linked to positive Vladimir Putin said on Monday WADA’s compliance review committee that could have helped identify drug Russia has been embroiled in doping a four-year ban on Russia hosting major doping tests in laboratory data that Moscow might appeal the said the doctored laboratory data con- cheats. scandals since a 2015 report commis- sporting events, were recommended by that could have helped identify decision, as is their right within tained fabricated evidence to “support The ban comes as a huge blow to Rus- sioned by WADA found evidence of WADA’s compliance review committee drug cheats. 21 days. the argument now being advanced by the sian pride and President Vladimir Putin mass doping in Russian athletics. in response to the doctored laboratory Ian Chesterman, the AOC vice- WADA’s decision does leave the Russian authorities that it was Dr Grigo- said on Monday that Moscow might ap- Many of Russia’s athletes were sidelined data provided by Moscow this year. president who will lead the door open for “clean” Russian ry Rodchenkov and two co-conspirators Australian team at the Tokyo athletes to compete as individu- who falsifi ed entries.” Olympics next year, said that als in Tokyo without their flag Rodchenkov, the former head of the cheating continued in 2019 even when The supervisory board of Russian an- Sport (CAS). Yuri Ganus, RUSADA’s head WADA had sent a “powerful or anthem, as was the case Russian anti-doping laboratory, revealed Russia was under scrutiny,” he said in a ti-doping agency RUSADA will convene and one of the few offi cial voices who has message” with the unprec- when Russia was banned from a vast state-sponsored doping cover-up statement on Monday. “As usual, Russia on Dec. 19 to discuss whether to appeal said Russia needs to change its sport- edented ban. the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter scheme in 2016 after fl eeing to the Unit- has disregarded all of its promises and WADA’s punishment of Russia and bring ing culture, has said he doesn’t see any “This was a shocking betrayal of Games. ed States. “Russia’s falsifi cations and obligations to clean sport.” the case to the Court of Arbitration for chance of winning an appeal.

COMMENT I have questions: Lasitskene slams offi cials AFP from me at the end of 2015,” the 2019 World Championships, has Moscow 26-year-old wrote, calling her- previously called on the head of self “an athlete who has a lot of Russia’s Athletics Federation to questions”. resign. ne of Russia’s top “Have we done an internal She has also complained that athletes, three-time investigation? Who was pun- it was psychologically hard to world champion high ished?” Lasitskene said. compete as a neutral. jumper Mariya Lasi- “Why is our athletics still Some of her supporters have tskene,O yesterday called sports using banned substances, and suggested on Instagram that she offi cials to account after her coaches of athletes caught dop- quit Russia and take up a diff er- country was banned for four ing are still working while offi - ent citizenship, but Lasitskene years from international com- cials in charge are falsifying of- on Monday said she did not plan petition. fi cial documents?” to obtain a new passport. In her open letter published The World Anti-Doping She said Russian athletics was by Championat.com sports Agency on Monday banned Rus- in poor shape and lamented that website, Lasitskene, a longtime sia for four years from major nobody was being held account- critic of Russian sports offi cials, global sporting events includ- able. demanded to know who has been ing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics “I’d like to know, what have punished over the country’s and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar the sports ministry and the Rus- doping scandal and the fact that over manipulated doping data, sian Olympic Committee done she cannot compete under the prompting an angry response to protect me personally?” she Russian fl ag. from President Vladimir Putin. said. Lasitskene missed the 2016 Many Russian offi cials have “You created so many com- Rio Olympics because of the blamed “anti-Russian hysteria” missions but I cannot fi nd any doping crisis and had threatened for the ban. reports of their accomplish- to leave Russia so as not to miss Lasitskene, who hails from ments,” she added. the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. the Russian Caucasus and won “Who is at fault? And who will “The Russian fl ag was taken gold at the 2015, 2017 and the return to me what I have lost?” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT World T20 too far, need to focus on Skippers excited as winning West Indies series: Rohit

IANS saying that we are trying to Mumbai build a squad for the (T20) Pakistan, Sri Lanka World Cup. It is still a long- long way ahead,” Rohit told ndia opener Rohit Shar- the media yesterday. “We just ma has said that he is not need to focus on winning the thinking too far ahead series and that will keep us in with talks going about the good state, moving forward.” Icomposition of the team for With next year’s World next year’s World T20 and is T20 in sight, India are giving set for historic Test focused only on the series- chances to youngsters in order deciding third T20I against to build a strong pool of play- ‘I AM SURE OUR GROUNDS WILL HOST MORE MATCHES IN THE YEARS TO COME’ West Indies to be played today ers from which they can even- evening. tually select the fi nal squad for India won the fi rst match of the prestigious tournament. the series by six wickets while According to the 32-year- registering their highest-ever old, what the team needs to successful run chase in T20Is focus upon is working on their in Hyderabad. However, in basics and winning the games the second T20I, the hosts in order to prepare for World came out with a lacklustre T20 slated to be played in Aus- performance and were com- tralia. prehensively beaten in Thiru- “If we keep winning games, vananthapuram, thus forcing keep doing the right things on the series to be decided at the the fi eld, the composition of Wankhede. the team will take care (by it- “See, I don’t want to keep self),” he said.

India’s Rohit Sharma addresses a press conference ahead of the third T20I match against West Indies in Mumbai yesterday. (IANS)

India’s Manohar to step down Pakistan’s captain Azhar Ali (right) and his Sri Lankan counterpart Dimuth Karunaratne (left) pose with the trophy at the Pindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the first Test in Rawalpindi as ICC chairman: report yesterday. (AFP) India’s Shashank Manohar was quoted as saying. AFP team for coming here. The last albeit only for limited overs. shared his rival’s sentiments. hoped will motivate them. has said he won’t seek a “Majority of directors have Rawalpindi Test was also against them so Sri Lanka will play two Tests “I am really excited... The “We played good cricket in third term as chairman of requested me to continue their visit will send a strong under heavy security, one in players are excited to be part of 2017 so that confi dence is with the International Cricket but I have told them that I message to the world that we Rawalpindi and the second in this historic occasion,” he said. us,” he said. Council and will step down do not wish to do so. akistan’s captain need to support each other,” he Karachi, ending a decade-long Pakistan, meanwhile, are next year, according to a “I have been the chairman Azhar Ali thanked Sri said. absence for cricket’s fi ve-day SRI LANKA ON THE RISE smarting from a 3-0 defeat in report yesterday. for nearly five years. I am Lanka yesterday for Eight people were killed and format. Sri Lanka are on the up in Test South Africa and 2-0 in Aus- Manohar was elected very clear, I do not want returning to Pakistan several players and offi cials They will be the fi rst home cricket after becoming the tralia this year. unopposed for a second to continue from June forP the fi rst Test tour there in were wounded when militants Tests for all 16 players in the fi rst Asian team to win a se- “Test cricket demands dis- two-year term last year 2020. My successor will be a decade, after a fatal militant opened fi re on the Sri Lankan Pakistan squad. ries in South Africa earlier this cipline and they (Sri Lanka) after a tenure marked by known next May.” attack on their team in 2009 team bus travelling to a Test in “Cricket is the biggest thing year. are a well disciplined side, broad reforms. Manohar first became drove international cricket Lahore in 2009. and if the youngsters can’t see They then drew a Test series whether playing at their home But the 62-year-old former chairman in 2015, after his away. The attack plunged Pakistan matches here then it’s a big 1-1 against New Zealand at or away so we have to play head of the Board of predecessor N Srinivasan “It’s a historic occasion and into sporting isolation during loss for our cricket and bud- home in August, their fi rst fi x- disciplined and good cricket,” Control for Cricket in India was removed following all the players are excited to be its years-long battle with mili- ding players,” Azhar said. ture in the World Test cham- Azhar said, adding that as (BCCI) told The Hindu an Indian Premier League part of this,” Azhar, who has tancy, with all “home” ven- “I am sure our grounds will pionship. captain he has to “lead by ex- newspaper that it is time spot-fixing scandal. played 75 Tests — but, until ues played in the United Arab host more matches in the years Sri Lanka have not lost a se- ample”. for a new person to take Manohar resigned from now, none at home — said at a Emirates. to come.” ries in Pakistan since 1992 — He managed just 59 in six charge. the post in 2017, only to press conference in Rawalpindi But with security dramati- Karunaratne — who re- winning two and drawing two. innings in South Africa and 62 “I am not interested in be persuaded by the ICC with his counterpart, Dimuth cally improving in recent years fused to tour Pakistan for a They beat Pakistan 2-0 in in four in Australia. continuing for another board to retake the helm. Karunaratne. international cricket began limited over series in Sep- their last series in UAE two The second Test is in Kara- two-year term,” Manohar – AFP “We thank the Sri Lankan creeping back starting in 2015, tember-October this year — years ago, a win Karunaratne chi from December 19.

PREVIEW Kiwis face day-night challenge as series begins AFP with all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme big Test centuries in a row. Perth, Australia fi t after tearing an abdominal muscle in Fellow batting powerhouse Steve the fi rst Test against England last month. Smith pinpointed Williamson and Boult Injured bowling spearhead Trent Boult as the dangermen. ane Williamson’s New Zealand also missed the second Test against Eng- “He’s a quality player and hopefully know they need to re-adapt land but has recovered suffi ciently from a we can keep him quiet this series,” he quickly to the nuances of day- side strain to make the plane to Australia. said of Williamson, while noting Boult night cricket to have any hope He shapes up as a potential match- has “terrifi c skills and a great record”. Kof winning a fi rst series in Australia for winner on a Perth pitch expected to off er “If he plays we will have to be very more than 30 years when this week’s pace and bounce, along with fellow quick watchful,” he added. New Zealand have opening Test begins. bowlers Tim Southee and Neil Wagner. only won three of 31 Tests in Australia The tourists pad up for the fi rst of a Their battle for supremacy with Aus- and have not claimed a series on the three-Test series in Perth with no warm- tralian fast bowling trio Mitchell Starc, other side of the Tasman since 1985-86. up games and in forecast 40C (104F) Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins could But Allan Border, who skippered Aus- heat, before heading to Melbourne for be crucial to the outcome. tralia in that series defeat, said the Black the Boxing Day clash then Sydney. Black Caps opener Tom Latham said Caps should not be underestimated. They have momentum from last the team was not scared of facing such a “I rate them very highly... they’re week’s 1-0 series win against England, top-notch attack. scrappers,”, said Border, now a com- but that came on slow and docile New mentator. Zealand wickets — a contrast to the ex- ‘EXCITING OPPORTUNITY’ “It defi nitely is their best chance to pected much zippier track and pink ball “I wouldn’t say (it’s) daunting, but it’s win a series since ’85 because they’ve under lights at Optus Stadium. an exciting opportunity for us,” he told got most bases covered as a team.” New Zealand last played a day-night reporters in Perth. “We’re lucky enough Test nearly two years ago against Eng- we have played most of their guys be- AUSTRALIA SQUAD: Tim Paine land in Auckland, while the Australians fore, so we know what they bring.” (capt), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh are fresh from thrashing Pakistan by an Scorching hot weather is forecast for Hazelwood, Travis Head, Marnus innings and 48 runs under lights in Ad- the fi rst three days in Perth with Aus- Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael elaide last week. tralia widely expected to fi eld the same Neser, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, “The old day-night thing, eh. It’ll be XI to the one that crushed Pakistan. Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David interesting. It’s just another thing to Tim Paine’s team has proven more Warner adapt to, I suppose,” captain and run ma- consistent in recent months, having NEW ZEALAND SQUAD: chine Williamson told reporters. retained the Ashes with a 2-2 draw in Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, “Such is the international schedule — England before their 2-0 sweep against Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de we fl y out, have a little bit of training and Pakistan. Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt are straight into another match. David Warner, who made a monu- Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, “The perfect preparation? It’s always mental 335 not out in Adelaide, is in a Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim hard to know what that is.” rich vein of form, as is number three Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ New Zealand received some good news Marnus Labuschagne who has hit two Watling. File photo of New Zealand’s Kane Williamson. (Twitter) Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Surging Flames beat Avalanche in OT Bucks top Magic sidered day-to-day. Reuters Los Angeles The Flames got their fi rst win in three tries against Colorado this season when ean Monahan scored in Monahan skated in on Fran- overtime and the Cal- couz and beat him for his gary Flames overcame ninth goal of the season at blowing a two-goal 2:09 of overtime. for 15th straight leadS in the third period to de- The game was tied after two feat the Colorado Avalanche but Mangiapane broke it with 5-4 in Denver on Monday a shot from the slot early in the night. third. Frolik made it 4-2 with Michael Frolik and Andrew a tip-in at 1:39 but Colorado Mangiapane had goals in the rallied. fi rst 1:39 of the third period MacKinnon got one back to give the Flames a 4-2 lead. with his 19th of the season at win; Rockets upset But Nathan MacKinnon and 3:59 and Donskoi scored at Joonas Donskoi each scored in 10:45 to knot it up again. the third to even the game and Colorado struck fi rst early Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant performance in a 110-101 victory ultimately send it to overtime. in the opening period when Matthew Tkachuk had Graves beat Rittich at 4:32. It a goal and an assist, Derek was his fi fth goal of the sea- Ryan also scored and David son. Rittich stopped 28 shots for Ryan tied it when he tipped the Flames, who have won in Oliver Kylington’s shot fi ve straight under interim from the point at 9:33 of the head coach Geoff Ward. Mark second period, his fi fth of the Giordano, Elias Lindholm and season. But Colorado came Dillon Dube had two assists right back, Nichushkin grab- each for Calgary. bing a rebound and stickhan- MacKinnon and Donskoi dling around Rittich before each added an assist, as well, putting it in 31 seconds after and Valeri Nichushkin and Ryan’s goal. Ryan Graves also scored for It was Nichushkin’s fi fth of Colorado, which had won six the season and fi fth in eight in a row. Pavel Francouz had games after a 91-game goal 28 saves. drought. The Avalanche played It stayed that way until late without their top goaltender in the second when Tkachuk Philipp Grubauer (lower body) scored seven seconds into a and defenseman Cale Makar power play. It was his 12th of (upper body). Both are con- the season.

RESULTS NY Islanders 5-1 Tampa Bay Columbus 5-2 Washington Ottawa 5-2 Boston Calgary 5-4 Colorado

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against Orlando Magic in Detroit, Michigan. (AFP)

AFP The Celtics jumped into a 29-18 lead pers improved to 18-7. Los Angeles RESULTS in the fi rst quarter and kept the throttle The Clippers are second in the West- down, at one point leading by 29 points. ern Conference standings, trailing the LA Clippers 110-99 Indiana All fi ve Boston starters fi nished in dou- leading Los Angeles Lakers by 3.5 games. iannis Antetokounmpo scored 32 Boston 110-88 Cleveland ble fi gures, with Kemba Walker leading In Houston, Nemanja Bjelica sank a points as the Milwaukee Bucks Toronto 93-92 Chicago the points tallies with 22. three-pointer on the buzzer as the Sac- downed the Orlando Magic to In Chicago, the NBA champion Toronto ramento Kings upset the Rockets 119-118 extend their winning streak to 14 Sacramento 119-118 Houston Raptors were given a scare before secur- in a thrilling Western Conference battle. gamesG on Monday and maintain their grip Milwaukee 110-101 Orlando ing a late 93-92 victory against the Bulls. Russell Westbrook looked to have on the Eastern Conference standings. Detroit 105-103 New Orleans Pascal Siakam topscored for the Rap- given the Rockets the lead after a lay- Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant tors with 22 points, but it was Kyle Lowry up with one second of the fourth quar- performance in a 110-101 victory, making Phoenix 125-109 Minnesota who made the winning basket, a layup ter remaining to put Houston 118-116 12 of 22 shots from the fi eld while chip- Oklahoma 104-90 Utah with 50 seconds remaining that put the ahead. ping in with 15 rebounds and eight assists. Memphis 110-102 Golden State Raptors narrowly in front. The win left But Bjelica’s three stunned the home Khris Middleton had 20 points while the Raptors fi fth in the Eastern Confer- crowd and completed a roller coaster Donte DiVincenzo had 12 off the bench as Evan Fournier led the Orlando scoring ence table on 15-7. win for the Kings, who improved to the Bucks improved to 20-3 at the top of with 26 points, with Terrence Ross add- In Indianapolis, Paul George returned 10-13 with the victory. Buddy Hield led the Eastern Conference. ing 23 off the bench. to haunt his former team as the Los An- the Sacramento scoring with 26 points, The Bucks were in control from the The Boston Celtics remain hard on the geles Clippers scored a 110-99 victory while power forward Bjelica fi nished outset, building an 11-point cushion by heels of the Bucks in the Eastern Confer- over the Pacers. with 17 points and Harrison Barnes 19. the end of the fi rst quarter to lead 31-20 ence race, improving to 17-5 after a 110- George, who spent the fi rst seven sea- Westbrook was Houston’s standout with Members of the Calgary Flames celebrate the overtime goal and remaining in front for the rest of the 88 rout of the Cleveland Cavaliers on sons of his career with the Pacers, led 34 points, while James Harden added 27 by Sean Monahan against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi game. Monday. the scoring with 36 points as the Clip- as well as four rebounds and 10 assists. Center on Monday in Denver, Colorado. (AFP)

NFL Eagles escape Giants in OT to lead NFC East

Reuters adelphia, already playing without injured Los Angeles wideouts DeSean Jackson and Nelson Agholor, lost standout right tackle Lane Johnson (ankle) and receiver Alshon Jef- arson Wentz threw a 2-yard fery (foot) to injuries in the second quar- touchdown pass to Zach Ertz ter. with 5:10 left in overtime as the The Eagles were lethargic on off ense Philadelphia Eagles rallied from for the fi rst 2 1/2 quarters before showing Ca 14-point defi cit to post a much-needed life with a 10-play, 58-yard drive. Boston 23-17 victory over the visiting New York Scott capped the excursion with a 2-yard Giants on a rainy Monday night. run to bring Philadelphia within 17-10 Ertz was wide open in the center of with 1:28 left in the third quarter. the end zone while corralling his second Philadelphia faced fourth-and-1 from touchdown pass of the contest as Phila- its own 29 with under fi ve minutes left delphia snapped a three-game losing in the game, and Wentz gained 2 yards on streak. Wentz completed 33 of 50 passes the quarterback sneak to keep the drive for 325 yards and two scores as the Eagles alive. He later hit J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (6-7) moved into a tie for fi rst place in the for 22 yards, Dallas Goedert for 28 and NFC East with the Dallas Cowboys. Greg Ward Jr. for 12 on consecutive plays Ertz, who had nine receptions for 91 to move the ball to the New York 1. yards, also caught the tying touchdown On third-and-goal from the 2, Wentz pass with 1:53 left in regulation. connected with Ertz to cap the 14-play, Eli Manning completed 15 of 30 passes 85-yard drive and knot the score at 17. for 203 yards and two touchdowns in his Manning completed 11 of 19 passes fi rst start since Week 2 for the Giants. for 179 yards and two touchdowns in Manning started in place of rookie Daniel the fi rst half, and the Giants held a 17-3 Jones, who was sidelined due to a high an- lead while the Eagles were booed off the kle sprain. fi eld by the home fans. Manning threw New York (2-11) never touched the ball a 35-yard touchdown pass to Slayton on in overtime while matching the franchise the fi rst play of the second quarter. The mark of nine straight losses, set in 1976 teams traded 34-yard fi eld goals later in and matched over the 2003-04 seasons. the quarter — Jake Elliott for the Eagles, Rookie Darius Slayton caught fi ve pass- Aldrick Rosas for the Giants — before es for a season-best 154 yards and had two Manning and Slayton teamed up again touchdowns for New York (all in the fi rst on a 55-yard scoring play with 27 seconds Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (left) avoids tackle by New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial half), which was outgained 418-255. Phil- left in the half. Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Gulf Times Wednesday, December 11, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND-UP Deschamps’ France Scrutiny on Simeone contract extended to 2022 World Cup idier Deschamps’ con- tract as coach of world as change turns to champions France has been extended throughD to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the French football federation announced yesterday. Deschamps, a former France skipper who led the team to 1998 stagnation at Atletico World Cup glory, has been at the coaching helm of Les Bleus since summer 2012. “I’m very happy, very proud A 1-0 loss to Barcelona crushed Atletico’s chances of rejoining La Liga’s title race to continue the adventure (until the 2022 World Cup), even if our AFP next goal is Euro 2020,” said De- Madrid schamps. Federation president Noel Le Graet had previously said a contract extension for the iego Simeone has called it a 51-year-old was dependent on transition season for Atletico France qualifying for the 2020 Madrid but while he was the European championships. best man before, results have Deschamps duly guided raisedD doubts about whether he is right France into the competition, for what comes next. where they have been drawn A 1-0 defeat at home to Barcelona this alongside 2014 world champi- Sunday that three quarters of the month crushed Atletico’s chances of re- ons Germany, reigning Euro- dressing room “support PSG”. joining La Liga’s title race before a draw pean champions Portugal and The club is based in a suburb away at Villarreal on Friday might have one more team still to qualify only 26km from Paris. made it impossible for another year. through the play-off s. Coach Stephane Cabrelli, 52, Yet less than an hour after Lionel Messi Ahead of next summer’s fi nals said he has been a PSG season darted inside and fi red a winner into Jan Le Graet said France will face ticket holder since he was a Oblak’s bottom corner, Simeone was Ukraine and Finland at home in child, describing himself as a framing Atletico’s season in a way he had March, adding discussions were “real fanatic, a PSG madman”. never done previously. “You have to un- ongoing to fi nd opponents for derstand the enormous amount of change June 1 and 8. The Ukrainian foot- MBAPPE MUST RESPECT that has taken place in the team and we ball federation then announced MY CHOICES, SAYS TUCHEL need time to improve,” he said. “We must a “preliminary agreement” for a Paris St Germain striker Kylian understand we are in a year of transition.” friendly on March 27. Mbappe must respect the When Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Her- Deschamps will shortly be- coach’s choices, Thomas Tuchel nandez, Diego Godin, Rodri, Juanfran and come the longest-serving France said after the French interna- Filipe Luis all departed last summer, the coach, overtaking the eight years tional sulked following a last- fear was not that Atleti would need time and six months of service by minute substitution in a Ligue 1 but that they might not recover at all. Michel Hidalgo between January match at the weekend. Then as the replacements came in, ex- 1976-June 1984. Deschamps Mbappe showed his discon- pectations rose. has won 65 out of 100 matches tent when Tuchel replaced him Joao Felix, Hector Herrera, Kieran since replacing Laurent Blanc with Eric Choupo-Moting just Trippier, Marcos Llorente, Renan Lodi, as national team boss following before stoppage time in their 3-1 Mario Hermoso and Ivan Saponjic all Euro 2012. win at Montpellier, prompting signed, with Felix the headline arrival. the German to remind him who The 126mn euros Atletico paid Benfi ca for PSG DRAW AMATEUR the boss is at the club. the Portuguese gem increased hope a new SIXTH-DIVISION CLUB IN “He has a specifi c mind- era would usher in a new style too. But FRENCH CUP set. When you win titles and Felix was 19, now 20, and in the starting Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint- have talent like him, you don’t line-up against Barcelona, there was not Germain will kick off their like to be substituted but he a single player over the age of 29. French Cup campaign with a must accept my choices, it is More than just experience, Atletico short trip to sixth-division outfi t necessary to show respect to the have lost leadership and a sense of iden- Linas-Montlhery after Monday’s player who comes on,” Tuchel tity. Godin, Juanfran and Filipe Luis were last-64 draw. The amateur club told a news conference on the respected fi gures in the dressing room will have the opportunity to eve of PSG’s fi nal Champions and three out of the four-man defence test themselves against PSG’s League Group A game against Atletico had come to be defi ned by. stars, including the world’s most Galatasaray. “My Spanish is bad and my words can expensive player Neymar, on the Tuchel added that the Mbappe be confused,” said Simeone, referring to Atletico Madrid coach during a training session in Madrid yesterday. (Reuters) weekend of January 5-6, 2020. incident had been forgotten ‘a the idea of a transition on Friday. “I speak Linas-Montlhery, who lead minute later’. “I’m not tak- of players like Lodi, who is 21 years old, stead, their weakness, an all too familiar inson Cavani in January would add nous the team, and their coach, is wavering. their group of the sixth-tier Re- ing it personally,” he said. The and has replaced someone like Filipe, one, has not been in throwing away leads and quality but it is likely to be too late in Simeone cannot afford another slip. gional 1, have 289 teams between French champions have already who is 34. But I have eight years here as but rather failing to take them. La Liga, and perhaps even in the Champi- them and top-fl ight leaders PSG qualifi ed for the knockout stage a coach and three as a player and anyone When they won the title in 2014, ons League. TODAY'S CHAMPIONS in the French league system. and with a fi ve-point lead over that believes the word transition means Atletico had scored 43 goals at this stage Atletico play Lokomotiv Moscow in LEAGUE FIXTURES Thomas Tuchel’s PSG side are second-placed Real Madrid, just sunbathing and waiting for the fl ow- of the season. In the last three, they had the Champions League today, need- bidding to regain their Cup title, they have secured top spot in the GROUP A: Club Bruges vs Real Madrid; ers to come out, they don’t know me.” 29, 25 and 24 by now and this term they ing a victory to guarantee second place having lost on penalties in last group. Paris Saint Germain vs Galatasaray Few would doubt Simeone’s sense of have managed only 16. Tactically, Sime- in Group D and a spot in the last 16. season’s fi nal to Rennes to end a It gives Tuchel the possibility urgency but the fate of someone like Ar- one’s tendency is to prioritise solidity at Anything less at the Wanda Metropoli- GROUP B: Bayern Munich vs Totten- run of four straight triumphs. to rest several players and he will sene Wenger at Arsenal, where Simeone the back but he appears to have been too tano and they will have to match what ham Hotspur; Olympiakos vs Red Star Linas-Montlhery have come decide after Wednesday’s train- has been linked with a move, shows stag- cautious in the transfer market too. Bayer Leverkusen manage at home to Belgrade through seven rounds already, ing session if defender Thomas nation even under a cherished coach can Alvaro Morata’s form has been en- Juventus, who are unlikely to be at full GROUP C: Dinamo Zagreb vs Manchester including enjoying a fi fth-round Meunier, midfi eler Marco Ver- only last so long. couraging but with four league goals, he pelt having already won the group. In City; Shakhtar Donetsk vs Atalanta walkover. ratti or winger Angel Di Maria, Simeone’s problem has not just been is already some way behind chief scor- normal circumstances, Atletico would Club president Mickael Ber- who will miss the following high expectations. His claims of inex- ers at Real Madrid and Barcelona. Karim be confident of deeming Leverkusen’s GROUP D: Atlético Madrid vs Lokomo- tansetti told Le Parisien after Li- match if booked, will start. “I perience would be more persuasive if Benzema has 11 goals and Lionel Messi result in Germany irrelevant but dis- tiv Moscow; Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs nas-Montlhery’s eighth-round don’t want to take risks,” added Atletico were suff ering from naivety. In- 12. Moves for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ed- appointment and doubt means faith in Juventus 3-1 win over fi fth-tier Evreux on Tuchel.

SPOTLIGHT PREMIER LEAGUE Bayern hoping to Relieved Arsenal end worst winless run since 1977 AFP lifeless Arsenal for the fi rst hour against a boost confi dence London West Ham side that have won just once in their last 11 games. “I think we dominated the game for 60 against Spurs rsenal caretaker manager Freddie minutes and after that in 10 minutes we Ljungberg believes a weight has lose the game,” said West Ham manager AFP club to win all six Champions been lifted off his players’ shoul- Manuel Pellegrini, who is under increasing Munich League group-stage matches. ders after a three-goal blitz in pressure as his side sit just one point above “We’ll try all we can to win at nineA second-half minutes beat West Ham the relegation zone. home,” said Flick, who ruled out 3-1 on Monday night to end the Gunners’ Another home defeat means the Ham- ayern Munich are al- resting any of his stars despite worst winless run in 42 years. Another mers have taken just one point from their ready through to the the game being a dead rubber miserable night for the Swede seemed in last fi ve games at the London Stadium and Champions League with Spurs guaranteed to fi n- store when the visitors trailed at half-time the home side were booed off at full-time. last 16 as group win- ish second in Group B behind to Angelo Ogbonna’s defl ected header. “You understand the boos because the last ners,B but interim coach Hansi Bayern. “We’re going in the However, Arsenal suddenly sparked into fi ve games we played here we didn’t win,” Flick wants his side to beat Tot- right direction, but we have to life after Gabriel Martinelli scored his fi rst added Pellegrini. “You cannot concede tenham today to boost their be critical with ourselves. “We Premier League goal as Nicolas Pepe fi - three goals in every game.” confi dence after back-to-back haven’t made the most of our nally started to deliver on his club record In a fi rst half of precious little good defeats.“We need a win in front chances in the last two games.” £72mn fee by curling home a brilliant sec- football it was fi tting the opener arrived in of our fans and we want to show Flick confi rmed French mid- ond, before crossing for Pierre-Emerick scrappy fashion as Ogbonna’s attempted them a good performance. fi elder Corentin Tolisso will Aubameyang to secure all three points. header came off his shoulder and defl ected That’s why tomorrow is an im- miss the game with injury. “It means so much for the players. They off Martinelli to wrong-foot Bernd Leno in portant step for us,” said Flick, Despite scoring 27 goals in 22 have been living under enormous pressure the Arsenal goal. But one moment changed who has been put in charge as games so far this season, Po- and you see it in their performances,” said the course of the game when Sead Kolasi- caretaker coach until January. land striker Robert Lewand- Ljungberg. “You can see the players have nac burst down the left and crossed low for After replacing Niko Kovac, owski has failed to score in his been a bit low and you see in the dressing Martinelli to slot home his eighth goal of who was sacked in early No- last two matches. “We have room the relief and how happy they are.” the season after impressing in the League vember, Flick got off to a yingfl enough players who can score A fi rst win in 10 games in all competi- Cup and Europa League. start with fi ve straight wins, goals and I wouldn’t (say) we tions lifts Arsenal up to ninth and cuts Suddenly the confi dence which Em- scoring 16 goals and conced- are dependent on his goals, the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea to seven ery and Ljungberg bemoaned had drained ing none. However, consecu- everyone has to play their points in the battle for Champions League away from their players in recent times tive Bundesliga defeats over part,” insisted Flick. Bayern qualifi cation next season. Ljungberg re- was restored, none more so than in Pepe, the last 10 days, 2-1 at home to thrashed Spurs 7-2 in north acted to taking just one point from his who cut inside onto his favoured left foot Bayer Leverkusen, then by the London in October as Serge opening two games in temporary charge and curled into the top corner. same scoreline at league lead- Gnabry scored four goals. against lowly Norwich and Brighton by Pepe then turned provider for Aubam- ers Borussia Moenchenglad- “We want to regain that making fi ve changes with Martinelli and eyang to slide in for his 13th goal of the bach on Saturday, have dented feeling of victory,” said Bayern Pepe among those coming into the side. Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (right( celebrates with teammates Nicolas Pepe campaign. “At half-time, Freddie told us confi dence. forward Thomas Mueller.”A lot Pepe’s inability to make an impact has (left) and Gabriel Martinelli after scoring against West Ham. (Reuters) to play with a higher tempo,” said Aubam- Bayern are now seventh in went right that night. “Now it’s been one of the major reasons for Arsenal’s eyang. “We have the quality in the squad, the table, seven points behind about confi rming that we’re struggles, but the Ivorian looked a new player, but it is not easy to come from the ter and better.” and if we believe in ourselves, we can go Gladbach. If Bayern beat Jose on the right track and gaining player after curling home his fi rst Premier French league into the Premier League and Not much had improved in Ljungberg’s forward and win games. We will take this Mourinho’s Tottenham they confi dence to then go back to League goal from open play 24 minutes adjust straight away,” added Ljungberg. fi rst two games since replacing the sacked second half as an example for the rest of will become the fi rst German the Bundesliga.” from time. “Nicolas is an amazing football “It was an amazing goal and he’ll get bet- Unai Emery and it was the same tame and the season.”

Wednesday, December 11, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SHEIKH KHALIFA IS DUHAIL SC PRESIDENT FOCUS Qatar Shell and ink agreement to develop Koora Time atar Shell and Koora youth coaching to further ad- Time’s long-time host, vance the adoption of a healthy Aspire Academy, have lifestyle among youth in Qatar, as inked a new agreement one of the academy’s missions to toQ introduce the ‘Football Skills promote healthy lifestyles within Methodology’, an 18-week long Qatar society”. programme specifi cally designed “Our state-of-the-art facili- by Aspire Academy for kids who ties, multicultural coaching staff join the initiative at entry-level. and employees, and continuous The new methodology follows strong collaboration and strate- a gradual progression system gic partnership with Qatar Foot- by adding additional elements ball Association and Qatar Shell, of football training as children position Aspire Academy as the acquire new skills, such as ball ideal partner for the Koora Time handling, team play and goal programme,” he noted. scoring. The addition of a new com- In line with the agreement, ponent, along with the existing Aspire Academy will deliver a ‘Healthy Living Methodology’, coaching Seminar for all the will help develop the sustain- Koora Time coaches before the able initiative that has improved programme kicks off . Coaches the health and wellbeing of over from Aspire Academy will intro- 100,000 youth across Qatar, duce them to the new methodol- since its inception in 2012. ogy, and educate trainers on how In recognition of its posi- to organise sessions and adapt tive impact on the health of training techniques to diff erent youth, Koora Time has won 12 circumstances to maximise the awards locally and internation- Al Duhail SC’s new president HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani (centre) poses with vice-president Khalifa Khamis al-Sulaiti (right) and general manager Adnan al-Ali activation time of participants. ally. In 2019, Koora Time earned after the club’s General Assembly meeting yesterday. HE Sheikh Khalifa succeeded HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani as the Duhail’s president. HE Sheikh The signing of the three-year three internationally acclaimed Khalifa said that the management will double their eff orts to continue to achieve more success. Al Duhail SC, founded in 2009 under the name of Lekhwiya Sports Club, agreement took place on Decem- awards, the latest of which is its have won the title six times, including in their debut season in 2010-11. ber 10 at Aspire Academy. The fourth Asian Football Confed- signing ceremony brought to- eration (AFC) Dream Asia Award gether Andrew Faulkner, Manag- in October, received in Kuala ing Director and Chairman of Qa- Lumpur, Malaysia. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE tar Shell, and Ivan Bravo, Director In season 7, 95% of partici- General of Aspire Academy. pants improved their Body Mass Commenting on the deal, Index (BMI), an internationally Faulkner said, “This is another recognised measure of height proud moment in our Koora and weight, using nutritional Time journey. I’m pleased that education and other support to Aspire Academy joins this im- ensure a healthy lifestyle and Liverpool enter last 16 pactful initiative. Throughout well-being. the last 7 years, we have been This sustainable initiative be- able to inspire over 100,000 tween Qatar Football Association youth, supporting the State of (QFA) and Qatar Shell, Koora Qatar’s wider sports revolution, Time, is based on FC Barcelona and the next chapter in our story Foundation’s FutbolNet meth- will ensure we continue to off er odology, and provides children aft er win in Salzburg an attractive platform that many with an extra 72 hours of extra- other children can benefi t from curricular physical education per for the foreseeable future.” year. Napoli end nine-match winless run in all competitions to reach the knockout stage From his side, Bravo stressed To fi nd out more about Koora that Aspire Academy’s re-en- Time, or to register your child Reuters gagement with Koora Time re- for the award-winning and im- Salzburg fl ects its commitment to sharing pactful programme, please visit its know-how and expertise in www.kooratime.qa.

wo goals inside two second-half minutes from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah ensured defend- ing champions Liverpool moved Tinto the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Salzburg yester- day, Juergen Klopp’s side needed a point in Austria to be sure of qualifi cation and after missing several good chances in the fi rst half, the runaway Premier League leaders settled their nerves when Keita headed them in front, against his former club, in the 57th minute. Andy Robertson fed Mane who burst Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah down the left past Jerome Onguene and (left) scores against Salzburg in he rounded Salzburg keeper Cican Stank- the Champions League Group E ovic, who had rushed out of his area, be- match yesterday. (Reuters) fore lofting a cross into the box which was fi rmly headed home by Keita. A minute later, Stankovic’s readiness to leave his area was behind the second goal, as Salah, wide on the right, pushed the ball around him and then impressively slotted home from the tightest possi- ble angle. Liverpool were in fi rm control from then on and wasted several chances to add to their total. In another match, Napoli ended a nine- match winless run in all competitions to reach the Champions League last sixteen as a fi rst-half Arkadiusz Milik hat-trick set up a 4-0 win over Genk. gave the ball away under pressure and al- ended Jose Callejon. Dries Mertens com- 12 points, one behind Liverpool, while Genk’s Maarten Vandevoordt, who at lowed Milik to score in the third minute. pleted the scoring with another penalty their Belgian opponents fi nished bot- 17 years and 287 days became the young- The Pole fi red the second in the 26th in the 75th minute on his 300th Napoli tom of the group with one point. Salz- est goalkeeper to play in the UEFA Cham- minute and converted a penalty in the appearance. burg came third to qualify for the Europa Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Andrew Faulkner pions League, had a nightmare start as he 38th after the hapless Vandevoordt up- Napoli fi nished second in Group E with League last 32. (left) with Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy.

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Qatar’s Al Sadd draw with Sepahan and Al Nassr in Group D UZB/TJK) By Sports Reporter and the winner of a play-off . Group B: Al Hilal SFC (KSA); Shabab Doha Korea Republic’s - winners in 2006 and 2016 Al Ahli Dubai (UAE); Pakhtakor (UZB); - will play in Group H with Japan’s Play-off winner (QAT/IRN/IND/BHR) atar’s Al Sadd will face Sepa- Yokohama F.Marinos, Australia’s Syd- Group C: Al Duhail SC (QAT); Al han FC (Iran), Al Nassr (Saud ney FC and a play-off winner while Taawoun FC (KSA); Sharjah FC (UAE); Arabia) and the winner of a Ulsan Hyundai FC, champions in 2012, Persepolis FC (IRN) play-off in Group D in the were drawn with Shanghai Shenhua FC 2020Q AFC Champions League, follow- (CHN), Perth Glory (AUS) and a play- Group D: Sepahan FC (IRN); Al Sadd SC ing the conclusion of the draw at the off winner in Group F. (QAT); Al Nassr (KSA); Play-off 1 winner AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia A total of 56 teams will be vying for (UAE/UZB/IRQ) yesterday. Sadd, winners in 2011, lost the 2020 AFC Champions League, with Group E: Beijing FC (CHN); Chiangrai in the semi-fi nalists in 2019 to eventual the group stage divided into the East United FC (THA); Play-off winner (JPN/ champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia. and West Zones. The 2020 season kicks AUS/SIN/IDN); Play-off winner (KOR/ Meanwhile, another Qatar giants Al off with the preliminary stage on Janu- MAS/HKG) Duhail SC are in Group C along with Al ary 14 with the two-leg fi nal scheduled Group F: Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR); Taawoun FC (Saudi), Sharjah FC (UAE) for November 22 and 28. Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN): Perth and Persepolis (Iran) Raising the stakes, the upcoming Glory (AUS); Play-off winner (JPN/THA/ Defending champions Al Hilal will edition will present the champions, play in Group B. Hilal, who defeated should they not qualify through their PHI/MYA) of Japan to lift the domestic league, with an added incen- Group G: Japan 2nd Club (JPN); Suwon 2019 title after runners-up fi nishes in tive of a guaranteed spot in the Prelimi- Samsung Bluewings (KOR); Guangzhou 2014 and 2017, will have Shabab Al Ahli nary/Play-off stage of the 2021 season. Evergrande FC (CHN); Johor Darul Dubai (UAE), Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan) Ta’zim (MAS) and the winner of a play-off for com- GROUP STAGE DRAW Group H: Sydney FC (AUS); Yokohama pany. Two-time winners Guangzhou Group A: Al Wahda FSCC (UAE); F. Marinos (JPN); Jeonbuk Hyundai Evergrande of China PR were drawn in Motors FC (KOR); Play-off winner (CHN/ Group G with Suwon Samsung Bluew- Al Shorta (IRQ); Play-off winner (QAT/ THA/VIE) Al Sadd reached the 2019 AFC Champions League knock-out stage after topping their group but their run came to an end ings (KOR), Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) IRN/JOR/KUW); Play-off winner (KSA/ when they lost 6-5 on aggregate to eventual champions Al Hilal in the semi-finals.