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Friday, June 29, 2018 FOOTBALL Shawwal 15, 1439 AH Januzaj strike GULF TIMES against England sends Belgium top of the group SPORT Page 2 REPORT SEN 0-1 COL Colombia through; yellow card heartache for Senegal Senegal needed a point to advance but loss saw them miss out to Japan,p who edgedg them on better disciplinaryp y record

Reuters World Cup appearance since 2002, Mane, and after reviewing his origi- Samara, Russia and left Africa without a representa- nal decision, Mazic agreed. tive in the knockout stages for the Colombia had got off to a poor fi rst time in 36 years. start and suff ered a blow early on olombia’s Yerry Mina “Senegal doesn’t qualify because when playmaker and talisman James thumped home a second- we don’t deserve it. This is one of Rodriguez was forced off injured. half header to secure a dra- the rules,” their coach Aliou Cisse After his display in their last match matic 1-0 victory over Sen- said. against Poland, Colombian hopes egalC yesterday that catapulted the “We have to respect it. We would had again been pinned on the shoul- South Americans into the World Cup prefer to be eliminated another way... ders of Rodriguez, who had spear- last 16 and dumped their African op- We were fully committed and maybe headed their run to the last quarter- ponents out of tournament. because we were fully committed we fi nals four years ago. Senegal had only needed a point in got more yellow cards.” Those hopes looked forlorn, howev- their fi nal Group H game to reach the Senegal had been heading through er, within minutes of kickoff at the Sa- next round, but defeat saw them miss until the 74th minute when Mina mara Arena as the forward was hit with out to Japan, who edged them for the rose to meet a corner and sent a bul- one heavy challenge, which clearly runners-up spot by virtue of having a let header into the turf and bouncing took its toll, and he was withdrawn af- better disciplinary record. up into the roof of the net. ter half an hour having spent much of It was the first time in World the intervening period ambling around Cup history that a team had been CRUSHING BLOW the pitch. eliminated by the amount of yellow It was a crushing blow to the Senega- His exit did little, however, to re- cards they had accrued in the tour- lese who had been the better side for vive the sluggish South Americans, nament. most of the game and had a penalty who had been second best in almost Both Senegal and Japan, who were award overturned in the fi rst half af- every department. beaten 1-0 by Poland yesterday, fi n- ter a VAR review. Chances throughout the game ished the group with four points They had looked set to take the were thin on the ground, with Co- and an identical record in all other lead in the 17th minute when Liver- lombia striker Radamel Falcao head- respects. Yet the Asian side ended pool forward Sadio Mane went down ing off target in the 25th minute in second position having picked up in the area under a challenge from and again in the second half, while four yellow cards to Senegal’s six. Davinson Sanchez and referee Milo- substitute Luis Muriel had an eff ort Colombia, who fi nished as group rad Mazic pointed to the spot. blocked. winners with six points will face a The VAR system has not been Yet Mina ensured Colombia were last-16 match against Group G run- universally acclaimed at this tour- not made to pay when he headed ners-up England. nament, but television replays ap- home, sparking wild celebrations Defeat for Senegal eliminated peared to show Sanchez get his heel among the mostly Colombian fans them at the group stage in their fi rst on the ball, before clattering into inside the stadium.

REPORT JPN 0-1 POL Japan booed off aft er losing to Poland but reaching last 16

AFP Volgograd, Russia

apan qualifi ed for the last 16 of “It was a very tough decision. the World Cup yesterday de- There was a ‘what if?’ on our spite losing 1-0 to Poland but pitch, and a ‘what if?’ on the both teams were booed from other pitch. “I chose to keep theJ pitch in Volgograd after a farcical the status quo in our game, end to their fi nal Group H match. and rely instead on the other The Blue Samurai went through by result. My players were very the slimmest of margins — their fair loyal in listening to me and play record — after the last 10 min- following my decision. It was utes were played out like a training tough, as my style is attack match as both sides settled for the minded. The situation forced result. me to make this decision.” Japan will meet Group G winners — Japan coach Akira Nishino Belgium after reaching the knockout on downing tools towards the stage for the third time in their his- end of the match tory. When Jan Bednarek scored his fi rst international goal in the 60th minute for already eliminated Poland, the score between Colombia and Senegal Colombia’s Yerry Mina (second from left) heads stood at 0-0, meaning Japan were the ball to score during the match against Senegal going out. in Samara, Russia, yesterday. (AFP) But once news fi ltered through of win the group and Japan were ahead of hardly a single tackle was made in Yerry Mina’s 74th-minute goal for Senegal despite identical points, goal the last 10 minutes as Poland decided Colombia the match changed for the diff erence and goals scored, because any sort of win would be enough and worse. they had received fewer yellow cards. Japan decided not to risk any yellow The strike meant Colombia would A cacophony of boos rang out as cards.

France Uruguay Spain Croatia Brazil Belgium Sweden Colombia June 30 June 30 July 1 July 1 July 2 July 2 July 3 July 3 Kazan, 5pm Sochi, 9pm Moscow (Luzhniki), 5pm Nizhny Novgorod, 9pm Samara, 5pm Rostov-on-Don, 9pm Saint Petersburg, 5pm Moscow (Spartak), 9pm Argentina Portugal Russia Denmark Mexico Japan Switzerland England KNOCKOUTS Victory over Panama is Tunisia’s fi rst in a World Cup since they beat Mexico 3-1 in 1978 2 Gulf Times Friday, June 29, 2018

REPORT ENG 0-1 BEL GRIEVANCE Morocco complain Januzaj stunner sees to FIFA over referee ‘injustice’

Reuters ests of our competitors,” it said. Belgium beat England Lekjaa went on to list what he Moscow said were three incidents from their 1-0 defeat by Portugal, Belgium take on Japan while England face Colombia in the knockouts he Moroccan Football including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Federation yesterday fourth-minute winner, which he AFP complained to world said should never have counted Kaliningrad, Russia football’s governing as a Portugal player had commit- Tbody FIFA over what it said were ted a foul. a series of refereeing mistakes in He also said fi ve decisions brilliant strike by Adnan Januzaj their World Cup Group B match- from the 2-2 draw against Spain, lit up an otherwise insipid clash es against Portugal and Spain with his team already eliminated, as Belgium beat England 1-0 to which led to their elimination. including the Spanish last-gasp secure top spot in World Cup The federation said the “seri- equaliser, had gone against Mo- GroupA G in Kaliningrad yesterday. ous referee errors” led to their rocco. Januzaj’s superb second-half goal sent early exit and that the video as- The African side, who also lost Belgium into a last 16 clash with Japan sistant referee (VAR) had been their group opener to Iran, had while England will now advance to a sec- used or not used in order to serve been fuming following their loss ond round meeting with Colombia on the interests of their opponents. to the Portuguese, their second Tuesday. “We want to express our indig- group game, that had killed off By fi nishing second in the group, Eng- nation at the injustice suff ered by their chances of advancing. land have though avoided a loaded top our national team, following se- “With what has happened we half of the draw containing past winners rious refereeing errors that led to can only express our serious con- Brazil, France, Argentina and Uruguay as (the team’s) premature exit from cern at the persistence of these well as European champions Portugal. the fi rst round of the 2018 World injustices and the negative im- The fact second place in the group was Cup,” federation president Fouzi pact on the image of FIFA and the no disaster seemed to be a big factor in Lekjaa said in a letter to FIFA future of football,” he said. both coaches’ team selection with their President Gianni Infantino. Lekjaa urged Infantino to “take places in the last 16 already secured. “The severity of these referee- the necessary measures and Southgate made eight changes with ing errors is all the more evident make the necessary adjustments Belgian boss Roberto Martinez going one in the fact that in these two in order to repair these injustices better as only and De- matches (against Portugal and and guarantee the conditions of a dryck Boyata retained their places from against Spain), the use of VAR competition with equal oppor- the 5-2 thrashing of Tunisia. served only to preserve the inter- tunities for all teams”. Star Belgian duo and joined England captain Harry Kane in watching from the sidelines and SUPPORT their ability to thrill was badly missed as lo- cals in the crowd turned on both sides with jeers and chants of “Russia”. did test Jordan Pickford Belgium’s Adnan Januzaj (right) shoots to score during the match against England in Kaliningrad, Russia, yesterday. (AFP) Hierro more than with a fi ercely struck eff ort just six minutes in that forced the Everton stopper into his from the Belgian fans. against Tunisia, Rashford failed to fur- Belgium were given a major boost best save of the World Cup so far. Six of England’s eight goals against ther his case for a start and fi red well off ahead of the knockout stages when cap- capable of leading Moments later Pickford let a Michy Tunisia and Panama to reach the knock- target when presented with a shooting tain made his return Batshuayi eff ort squeeze past him and out stages came from set-pieces and they chance from the edge of the box just after from injury for the fi nal 15 minutes. was rescued by Gary Cahill’s goal-line again proved the Three Lions greatest half-time. Southgate didn’t even turn to Kane in Spain, says Carvajal clearance. threat in the fi rst-half as Cahill and Ru- Januzaj suddenly sparked the game into search for an equaliser, instead introduc- After an early burst, though, Belgium ben Loftus-Cheek headed just wide. life moments later when he twisted and ing Danny Welbeck to ensure every out- seemed more adept at picking up yellow Marcus Rashford had the opportunity turned inside the England box before curl- fi eld player in his squad featured across cards that would have seen them fi nish to put serious pressure on Raheem Ster- ing a wonderful strike into the top corner. the three group games. behind England if the game ended in a ling for his place in the side for the last Rashford had by a distance England’s And Welbeck nearly earned a point draw due to a poorer disciplinary record. 16 after two disappointing performances best chance 25 minutes from time, but eight minutes from time when his goal- Tielemans and from the Manchester City winger. again slotted wide with just Courtois to bound eff ort was defl ected just wide by both went into the book early to cheers But unlike his substitute appearance beat. Fellaini.

REPORT PAN 1-2 TUN Khazri lift s Tunisia over Panama to end WC drought

DPA Saransk, Russia

ahbi Khazri supplied an as- sist and the winning goal as Tunisia came from behind to beat Panama 2-1 in a Group WG dead rubber yesterday in Saransk and end a 40-year wait for a World Cup win. Khazri crossed for ’s equalizer early in the second half and netted the decisive strike himself in the 66th minute. The victory is just Tunisia’s second In this June 25, 2018, picture, Spain coach Fernando Hierro (right) from fi ve trips to the fi nals and their fi rst gestures next to Dani Carvajal during the FIFA World Cup match since they beat Mexico 3-1 in 1978. against Morocco in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Reuters) Panama were given hope for a maiden win at the World Cup through Yassine Reuters rience, a disappointing season Meriah’s own goal but were second best Krasnodar, Russia with Real Oviedo in Spain’s sec- for long spells. They fi nish without a ond tier. point while Tunisia have three, behind “I think he is more than ca- runners-up England on six and group pain defender Dani pable, so I have to disagree with winners Belgium on nine. Carvajal spoke out yes- Schuster’s words,” Carvajal said. Both sides were eager but their en- terday in favour of his “In the end we are the ones thusiasm was not matched by technical side’s interim coach who see him every day and we prowess in a scrappy start. FernandoS Hierro’s abilities as a believe he is qualifi ed to lead Tunisia gradually took control of posses- tactician whilst admitting the the national team. He is a great sion but fell behind against the run of play. Tunisia’s (right) 2010 world champions have coach and we’ll stand by him un- Roman Torres had a shot saved by Ay- celebrates with teammates failed to meet expectations at the til death.” men Mathlouthi — playing as third choice after scoring during the match World Cup so far. Carvajal said no-one in the keeper due to an injury crisis — but Pana- against Panama in Saransk, Hierro, a last-minute replace- team had been happy with their ma recycled the ball to try again. Russia, yesterday. (AFP) ment after Julen Lopetegui was displays so far in the tournament Jose Luis Rodriguez was next to try his sacked, had his capacity for but also claimed the overall level luck and a massive defl ection off Me- coaching called into question of football in the World Cup has riah left Mathlouthi helpless in the 33rd utes into the second period when Khazri covered to save from Edgar Barcenas. He have shot. by former Real Madrid manager not been high. minute. had space to cross from the right and Ben required treatment to the concern of the Barcenas thought he’d levelled with a Bernd Schuster after the national “It’s obvious we need to take a Tunisia tried to reply immediately but Youssef had a simple task to side-foot Tunisian bench, who were out of options fi ne strike from distance only to have his team scraped their way to the look at ourselves, we all have to Jaime Penedo saved well from Khazri and home. Governing body FIFA said it was with Mouez Hassen and Farouk Ben Mus- celebrations cut short for a foul as Panama top of Group B with fi ve points give a little more,” he said. the rebound was scrambled clear. the 2,500th World Cup goal. tapha already both out injured. pushed forward in search of an equalizer. by beating Iran 1-0 and drawing “Here any opponent can cause Ben Youssef fl ashed a header across Ben Youssef should have put Tunisia And Mathlouthi’s eff orts were reward- But despite half chances in injury-time with Portugal and Morocco. you trouble. We’ve received a lot goal and wide as Panama only just pro- in front soon after but fi red straight at ed straight away as Khazri slotted in from they could not beat Mathlouthi again and Their reward for winning the of criticism, but what counts is tected their lead to the break. Penedo when alone in front of goal. close-range from ’s Tunisia could enjoy celebrations tinged group is a last 16 clash with tour- that we haven’t lost a game for Their resistance was broken six min- Mathlouthi misjudged a cross but re- generous decision to cross when he could with more than a hint of relief. nament hosts Russia on Sunday. two years and we won our group. “The fi rst problem Spain have Few teams have done that. No- is that Hierro is not a coach, one is saying that the play (at the he doesn’t have the experience fi nals) has been good, and nei- Standings for this level, being a player is ther are we.” not the same as being a coach,” Carvajal also warned of the Schuster told radio station Onda threat that Russia will pose and P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts P W D L GF GA Pts Cero on Wednesday. said it was paramount his side Group A Group C Group E Group G “He came in very late and it’s corrected the mistakes they Uruguay 3 3 0 0 5 0 9 France 3 2 1 0 3 1 7 Brazil 3 2 1 0 5 1 7 Belgium 3 3 0 0 9 2 9 not his fault but it’s very diffi cult made in their chaotic 2-2 draw Russia 3 2 0 1 8 4 6 Denmark 3 1 2 0 2 1 5 Switzerland 3 1 2 0 5 4 5 England 3 2 0 1 8 3 6 for him to take decisions. The with Morocco in their last out- Saudi Arabia 3 1 0 2 2 7 3 Peru 3 1 0 2 2 2 3 Serbia 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 Tunisia 3 1 0 2 5 8 3 team had been built by another ing. Egypt 3 0 0 3 2 6 0 Australia 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 Costa Rica 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 Panama 3 0 0 3 2 11 0 person and he’s not making the “I think if we iron out those right changes, he doesn’t have errors at the back we’ll be very Group B Group D Group F Group H a plan, he doesn’t know how to strong,” he added. “On Sunday Spain 3 1 2 0 6 5 5 Croatia 3 3 0 0 7 1 9 Sweden 3 2 0 1 5 2 6 Colombia 3 2 0 1 5 2 6 react.” we have a very diffi cult game Portugal 3 1 2 0 5 4 5 Argentina 3 1 1 1 3 5 4 Mexico 3 2 0 1 3 4 6 Japan 3 1 1 1 4 4 4 Carvajal hit back at Schuster against the hosts, who scored Iran 3 1 1 1 1 1 4 Nigeria 3 1 0 2 3 4 3 South Korea 3 1 0 2 3 3 3 Senegal 3 1 1 1 4 4 4 in a news conference yesterday eight goals in the fi rst two games Morocco 3 0 1 2 2 4 0 Iceland 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 Germany 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 Poland 3 1 0 2 2 5 3 as he defended Hierro, who only and who will have the whole has one year’s coaching expe- country behind them.” Since the turn of the millennium, four defending champions — France, Italy, Spain and Germany — have fallen at the group stage 3 Gulf Times Friday, June 29, 2018

AFTERMATH ‘Sorry’: Germany arrive home aft er World Cup agony ‘We’re sorry we didn’t play like world champions. That’s why we deserved to be eliminated, as bitter as it is’

AFP servative daily wrote. Frankfurt am Main Sports website Kicker spoke of a “col- FIFA chief Infantino on Germany’s lective failure”. “There was no real team in Russia,” it surprise exit: ‘That’s football’ ermany’s chastened national wrote, noting Germany’s earlier lacklustre team arrived home yesterday af- performances against Mexico and Sweden ter their shock World Cup exit in Group F. plunged the football-mad nation Alongside criticism of missed chances Ginto mourning and left the future of coach and the woeful performances of some vet- Joachim Loew in the balance. eran players, recent off -pitch drama added The four-time champions landed at to a picture of a team in disarray. Frankfurt airport shortly after 3pm (4pm Ilkay Gundogan and Mesut Ozil, both of Qatar), a day after their humiliating 2-0 de- Turkish origin, sparked a storm of contro- feat against South Korea at Russia’s Kazan versy when they posed for pictures with Arena sent them packing in the fi rst round. Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in In a mea culpa on their offi cial Twitter London last month, prompting angry fans (From left) Former footballer Ronaldo, Russian President Vladimir account, the German Mannschaft apolo- to question their loyalty to the national Putin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino pose for a picture during gised to a country in agony. team. the opening of an exhibition in Moscow yesterday. (AFP) “Dear fans, we’re just as disappointed as German-born Ozil in particular came in you,” the tweet read. for sharp criticism after an underwhelm- DPA ers’ first-ever exit in a World Cup “We’re sorry we didn’t play like world ing turn. Moscow opening group stage. champions. That’s why we deserved to be The far-right, anti-immigration Alter- Former Germany player Lothar eliminated, as bitter as it is.” native for Germany (AfD) party was quick Matthaeus and ex-Brazil striker Defender Mats Hummels had earlier to blame the Arsenal midfi elder for the na- IFA president Gianni Ronaldo also attended the also tweeted out his regrets with a succinct tion’s heartache. Infantino yesterday event in view of the Kremlin. “sorry...” and a crying-face emoji. “Without Ozil, we would have won!” Freacted to Germany’s Infantino, previously not avail- German media have given a damn- tweeted AfD lawmaker Jens Maier. surprise exit from the World able to international media ing verdict of the titleholders’ World Cup Despite the premature end of the Cup group stage with a smile. during this year’s tournament, campaign, which will be remembered as Mannschaft’s campaign, main sponsor “That’s football,” the head of answered a few questions the fi rst time since 1938 that the country German player Toni Kroos carries his daughter after landing at the airport in Frankfurt Adidas said it still expects to sell around football’s governing body said during his joint appearance has failed to make it past the fi rst round. am Main, Germany, yesterday. (AFP) eight million football jerseys this year — at a newly opened football with Putin. Infantino profusely “No words!” chided the best-selling more than during the 2014 World Cup in park on central Moscow’s Red praised the tournament’s or- Bild daily, over a picture of a despondent- “Our elimination is fully deserved,” Bild now under fi re for placing too much faith Brazil. Square, showing a thumb’s up ganisation, saying: “Beautiful, looking Toni Kroos. wrote, lamenting the “shame” of the de- in former stars past their prime. The German shirts may yet be snapped to Russian President Vladimir unbelievable, great celebra- The headline mirrors the one used four fending champions getting knocked out af- The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said up by bargain-hunters, with stores Putin. tion, great matches, perfect years ago after Germany’s stunning 7-1 vic- ter just 10 days, “reduced to ashes and rub- onlyyp Loew’s departure could gygive Germanyy promptlyppy hawking g them on steep p discount Swiss Infantino, 48, had nothing organisation, hospitable tory over Brazil at the last World Cup ble”. Other newspapers,s, llikeike tthehe RhRheinischeeinische ththee “new start” it neneeded.eded. after Wednesday’sWednesday’s defeat.defeat. else to say about the titlehold- country.” — but this time the nation has Post and Berlin’s Tagesspiegelspiegel, simply went “That the party eendednded before it reallreallyy Major German shop-shop- been left speechless out of with the headline “Out”,”, while the SStuttgar-tuttgar- b e g an a n is bbearableearable — but only iiff pingping centre chain sheer disbelief. ter Zeitung spoke of a “historic debacle”. German footbalfootballl Kaufhof off ered a Anger was mount- stratestrategistsgists recrec-- 40-percent40-percent priceprice cut ing too after a weak OFF-PITCHCH DRAMA oognisegnise tthehee on WorldWorld Cup merchan-merchan- performance in Rus- Bild said head ccoachoach Loew’s fate sisigngn of ththee dise in a promotion called sia that has left com- would be decidedd “in the comincomingg times anandd “Too bad, Germany”.Germany”. mentators calling for days” following talkslks with the GerGer-- actact ac-ac- radical changes in Ger- man football federationtion ((DFB).DFB). cordingly,”cordingly,” man football. After 12 years in charcharge,ge, Loew is thethe con-con-

Germany coach Joachim Loew talks to media at Frankfurt airport GGermany’sermany’s yesterday. ggoalkeeperoalkeeper (AFP) MaManuelnuel NNeuereuer ttalksalks to mediamedia aatt FrankFrankfurtfurt aiairport.rport. ((AFP)AFP)

SPOTLIGHT Lebanese fan ‘stabbed to death over WC British media rejoice in German despair celebrations’ AFP AFP “Sir Bobby (Robson), Psy- The Times said: “Day the Beirut London cho (Stuart Pearce), Chrissy Germans just disappeared,” Waddle, El Tel (Venables), Ga- with a photo of Son Heung- reth (Southgate), Lamps (Frank min about to shoot into the net football fan was ritish newspapers rev- Lampard) and every England without a single German player stabbed to death in elled in Germany’s fan... This is for you. in the picture. A Lebanon in a row World Cup despair yes- The Sun issued a rallying call But Italy’s Corriere della Sera over his celebration of Bra- terday as Italy’s Cor- for the England team, who were took a softer line, saying at least zil’s win and Germany’s loss riereB della Sera commiserated scheduled to play Belgium later the Germans could now look in the World Cup, the army with their plight — mindful of yesterday to decide who fi nishes forward to a break. and media said yesterday. the fact the Italians did not even top of their group: “Now come “See you at the beach. Ger- Mohamed Zaher was al- make it to Russia. on England!” many has gone out of the World legedly killed by two of his Germany, four-time world The Mirror also banged the Cup in the fi rst round and, like neighbours late Wednes- champions, are England’s his- drum: “Come on England... but us, they are on holiday now,” it day in the Beirut suburb of toric nemesis after infl icting don’t mention the VAR!” above said. Hay Al-Sellum, Lebanese some painful defeats over the a photo of grieving German On a more serious note, the news outlets reported. course of more than half a cen- fans, while adding: “Auf wied- paper said the football team’s The army said in a state- tury. ersehen to the worst German failure mirrored wider issues in ment that it had arrested a And the press made the most team in the history of the World Germany. suspect who was inter- of the demise of Joachim Loew’s Cup.” “We are seeing a Germany rogated and transferred to side, eliminated from the World The Daily Mail reverted to that has slipped down to where the courts. Cup at the fi rst-round stage for stereotypes of Germans on hol- we are. It is to be expected that The rivalry between the fi rst time since 1938. iday. old traditions and ways of doing Germany and Brazil is “Schadenfreude, noun (from “Get your towels on a sunbed, things will be turned on their behind one of the largest the German): Pleasure derived Germans are starting their holi- head.” rifts among football fans in from another person’s misfor- days early after World Cup hu- Another Italian daily, La Re- Lebanon, which has never tune,” said the Sun’s front page. miliation. IT’S WUNDERBAR.” pubblica, said the last time Ger- qualified for the World Cup The paper — never slow to many were knocked out of the itself. put on a brash show of jingoism ‘SEE YOU AT THE BEACH’ World Cup so early was in 1938. Germany was knocked — printed a cut-out-and-keep The broadsheet press were more “So we are at the lowest out of the World Cup on table showing Germany rooted measured but still unsparing of point, or rather the most dra- Wednesday with a 2-0 loss to the bottom, also listing sev- Loew and his under-performing matic point, in 80 years in the to South Korea, while its eral English footballing names players. history of a sport played by 11 arch rival Brazil scored who suff ered at the hands of the “End of the world (as we players in which the Germans While British newspapers revelled in German defeat, here’s a look at the front pages of German newspapers twice against Costa Rica. Germans. know it),” said the Guardian. always win at the end,” it said. in Berlin yesterday. (AFP) World Cup history sees Brazil as clear favourites with three victories and a draw, and outscoring Mexico 11-0 in the four games. 4 Gulf Times Friday, June 29, 2018

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Iran striker Azmoun quits national Brazil turn their team citing insults focus to Mexico aft er group win ‘The team is growing mentally and is balanced on the pitch’

Iran forward Sardar Azmoun.

Reuters draw with Portugal, Azmoun St. Petersburg said he had been subjected to abuse for his performances. “There are some things in life ran striker Sardar Azmoun that will speak fi rst to you,” he announced his retirement added. from international foot- “My mother had overcome a ball yesterday, saying he serious illness and I was happy, Ihad decided to quit the national but unfortunately because of the team because insults aimed at unkindness of some people, and the 23-year-old had ruined his the insults that me and my team- mother’s health. mates in no way deserved, her Iran were knocked out of the illness has become severe. World Cup with a win, a defeat “This has put me in a diffi cult and a draw in their three Group position where I must pick one or B matches, and Azmoun, Iran’s the other — and as a result I pick top scorer in qualifying, did not my mother.” replicate his best form in Russia, The most promising young where he failed to score a single talent in Iran’s national setup, goal. Azmoun represented the coun- “Playing in my national team try at youth level before moving has been a great honour for me to Russian side and I will be proud of myself to Rubin Kazan at 18. the end of my days,” Azmoun Strong in the air and with the said in a post on social media. ball at his feet, he moved to Ros- “Unfortunately... I have come to tov for two seasons and attracted the decision to say goodbye to my the attention of clubs from some national team. of Europe’s biggest leagues, be- “This is one of the most pain- fore opting to return to Kazan to ful and signifi cant life decisions continue his development. Brazil’s players celebrate their second goal against Serbia at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on Wednesday. for a youth of 23, who faced great Seen as the long-term suc- hardships to get here.” cessor to Iran great Ali Daei, Az- DPA shock exit of rivals and title holders Ger- victories and a draw, and outscoring El Tri ing 1-1 draw with Switzerland and 2-0 Although Iran left the World moun’s retirement will come as a Moscow many, who they could have also met next. 11-0 in the four games. But there is also win against Costa Rica in which both goals Cup with their heads held high, major blow to the Asian country, “We don’t live off expectations but off Mexico’s 2-1 win over Brazil in the 2012 came in stoppage time. Neymar also made beating Morocco in their fi rst who have made steady progress reality,” Tite said when asked whether Bra- Olympic fi nal which reduced Neymar to headlines against Costa Rica for the wrong match and narrowly losing to under their Portuguese coach razil coach Tite and his staff zil were now favourites. Wembley tears and also featured Thiago reasons after play-acting, earning a yel- Spain before securing a gritty Carlos Queiroz. turned their attention to last 16 “The team is growing mentally and is Silva and Marcelo on the Brazilian side. low card and insulting Thiago for giving opponents Mexico even before balanced on the pitch. For us it is about Left back Marcelo had to leave the game the ball back to their opponents. That they returning to their World Cup base growing and getting stronger.” early Wednesday with a lower back prob- have moved on now was demonstrated OPINION campB in Sochi where the players enjoyed a Cleber said: “We are going to get ready lem but may be back Monday. Tite high- when Thiago ran over to embrace Neymar day off . to face Mexico. We will think about it on lighted that even his absence didn’t hurt after they had connected for the second Having qualifi ed with a solid 2-0 win the plane and divide ourselves into diff er- the team which clinched victory thanks to goal against Serbia, and a smiling Neymar over Serbia the previous night in Moscow, ent groups. They are a strong opponent, Paulinho off a super pass from playmaker blew kisses to the fans after the fi nal whis- Argentina’s Messi Tite said he would celebrate with a caipir- they played well against Germany. Philippe Coutinho and Thiago, who head- tle. inha but his assistant Cleber Xavier said “For us it’s getting to know them deeply ed in Neymar’s corner kick. For Tite, however, all that mattered was the assessment of Mexico would start on so that we can design our strategy. Serbia “You have to have a strong team” to the team eff ort as he refused to talk about is diff erent from the fl ight back. changed three aspects, played a more at- overcome Marcelo’s absence, Tite said, Neymar and whether the two had met A fi fth World Cup meeting with the tacking game. We were ready and that is adding: “You wouldn’t have this if you after the last game for a talk. Instead, he North Americans was the only thing that how we will face Mexico. We are ready for don’t have a good preparation. For us it’s stressed that the “balance” in the team Barca’s Messi: Umtiti mattered as Tite did neither want to dwell everything.” The game takes place Mon- about getting stronger and growing.” must be right: “That’s the idea and then I on the form of his superstar Neymar in day in Samara and World Cup history sees Brazil were still not glorious but played also take a look at the individual charac- Moscow’s Spartak Stadium nor on the the Selecao as clear favourites with three their best game in Russia after an open- teristics.”

Neymar happy as Brazil cruise

Moscow: Neymar was smil- Philippe Coutinho central behind ing, saluting the fans, blowing striker Gabriel Jesus in Brazil’s kisses and even hugging Serbian best showing so far in Russia. goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic He didn’t score but had some who had denied him a goal late in chances, the last one thwarted the game. by Stojkovic. Serbia coach Little over 20 minutes earlier on Mladen Krstajic did not want to Wednesday the Brazil talisman reveal what he had told the Paris was hugged himself by Thiago Saint-Germain star during a brief Silva after the veteran defender exchange on the sideline — “ask Reuters a bit more on his own with Argen- had headed home Neymar’s cor- Neymar” — and Brazil coach Tite Istra tina, with Gonzalo Higuain hav- ner kick for the final 2-0 scoreline was also evasive when asked af- ing notably not scored in his last against Serbia and place in the terwards whether he had talked eight outings with the national last 16 of the World Cup. to the player between the games. rance’s chance against team. The same Thiago had last week He named a host of other players Argentina in the World He also has to deal with the heavily criticised Neymar over “protagonists” and ended with Cup last 16 might be weight of a whole nation expect- his attitude after a lucky 2-0 “team matters I don’t publicise.” that Lionel Messi does ing him to win the World Cup in notF benefi t from the same sup- what is likely to be his last shot at win over Costa Rica, with both Tite instead stressed the team goals coming in stoppage time eff ort and that the “balance” in the port with the national team than the biggest trophy in football. and Neymar bursting into tears team must be right: “That’s the at Barcelona, his club teammate “He is diff erent with Argentina afterwards as a sign of the big idea and I also take a look at the Samuel Umtiti said yesterday, than with Barcelona,” said Umtiti. pressure. individual characteristics.” The France centre back has “He does not have the same Neymar had made headlines However, he may have then been Messi’s teammate for two players with him and their way there with a theatrical fall in an dropped a hint on Neymar when years and he will cross the for- of playing is diff erent but he has attempt to get a penalty, which he said that “Coutinho played ward’s path when Les Bleus take saved them on several occasions. was foiled by the VAR technol- very well and the left was strong.” on Argentina in a mouth-water- “The Argentineans are tough ogy, getting an unnecessary Tite, the team, and the whole of ing second round tie tomorrow. on him, but he cannot do every- booking for slamming the ball Brazil will now hope that Neymar Umtiti, who is expected to start thing on his own.” away after a referee decision, and will continue to settle into his at the Kazan Arena after being Umtiti, who is paired with insulting Thiago for kicking the role as the tournament starts in rested in France’s last group game Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane in ball back at the opponents. earnest with a last 16 date against against Denmark, said: “I see him defence, should have a key role He also burst into tears after the Mexico on Monday. Brazil’s status everyday. It is very hard to stop against Messi if he is well fed by game as a sign of the pressure. as contenders has only been him. He’s got outstanding quali- his team, which was not always On Wednesday, apart from one enhanced with the stunning exit ties. the case in the group phase, which foul against him where he rolled of title holders Germany who “We will try to stop him but Argentina escaped with a last- around 10 times on the ground thrashed them 7-1 in the 2014 he’s not the only one in this Ar- gap 2-1 win against Nigeria. to make a meal of it, he was a dy- semis, with Brazil’s rebuilding gentina team, they have other “(Umtiti) does not feel the namic force on the left wing, with process to culminate in Russia. strikers.” pressure. He’s ice-cool, he’s zen,” But while Messi can rely on a said France midfi elder Thomas reliable Luis Suarez at Barca, he is Lemar. Costa Rica stunned fans at Brazil’s 2014 World Cup by felling heavyweights Uruguay and Italy to reach the quarter-fi nals 5 Gulf Times Friday, June 29, 2018

SPOTLIGHT France seeking solution to Griezmann puzzle at WCup The striker looked far short of his best during the group stage, failing to complete a full 90 minutes in any game

AFP goals in the knockout rounds to fi nish as mann’s feet would be unfair though, as Moscow the tournament’s top marksman. the rest of France’s attackers have also “Just because he didn’t score in the struggled. last match doesn’t mean he’s not the Didier Deschamps has altered both ntoine Griezmann lit up Euro same Grizou,” Pogba said after the 1-0 his system and personnel during the 2016 as France reached the fi - win over Peru. tournament, with Griezmann winning nal on home soil, but a series of Griezmann himself admitted he was and converting a penalty in a 2-1 victory stuttering performances at the hoping for more as a vastly talented over Australia but failing to link up ef- AWorld Cup have set alarm bells ringing France side attempt to fulfi l their poten- fectively with Kylian Mbappe and Ous- ahead of a last-16 meeting with Argen- tial in Russia. mane Dembele. tina’s Lionel Messi. “I hope to raise my level again in the There was a better understanding The Atletico Madrid striker looked far last 16,” he told French television follow- with Giroud against Peru, but the pair short of his best during the group stage, ing the turgid 0-0 draw with Denmark. lacked cohesion against the Danes and failing to complete a full 90 minutes in “It was the same at the Euro. It wasn’t Griezmann did not complete a single any of France’s fi rst three games. until the last 16 that I hit my stride. So pass to the Chelsea striker during the Olivier Giroud suggested Griezmann we’ll see. I have confi dence in my game.” fi rst half. was not at his physical peak after a long Griezmann’s decision to pledge his While Griezmann huff ed and puff ed, season in which he made a combined future to Atletico, despite strong inter- fi nding pockets of space, passes were 60 appearances for club and country, est from Barcelona, in a televised docu- often misplaced against a suff ocating culminating with victory in the Europa mentary two days before France’s open- Danish back line. League fi nal. ing game provoked amusement within “I felt good in the fi rst half. I tried to His teammates have rallied around the team camp. drop back from time to time to pick up him, led by Paul Pogba, a player sub- The 27-year-old insisted the drawn- the ball,” Griezmann said. “In the sec- jected to his own fair share of criticism out episode was not a distraction, al- ond half I tried to be closer to the area so in recent months. though it was unusual for an Atletico I touched the ball less often, but that’s “Don’t touch my Grizou,” Pogba said representative to fl y out to France’s the way I wanted to play.” with a smile last week. “You’ve forgot- training base for Griezmann to sign his After snubbing the chance to line up ten the Euro.” new deal. alongside Messi in Spain next season, A tired Griezmann also made a slug- “He’s fi ne. You should never doubt Griezmann will look to trump the Ar- gish start at the European Champion- one of the best players in the world,” said gentine wizard in Kazan this weekend. ship, toiling initially before making his France left-back Lucas Hernandez, a Goalkeeper Steve Mandanda fully mark with a late goal in the 2-0 group teammate of Griezmann’s in Madrid. expects his compatriot to win the duel win over Albania. “Here’s hoping he shuts up everyone with the Barcelona ace and breathe life He led the French charge from that This combination of pictures shows France forward Antoine Griezmann and Argentina’s Lionel Messi. France will play who is talking about him in the last 16.” into both his and his country’s World point onwards, scoring fi ve of his six Argentina in the last 16 in Kazan tomorrow. Placing the blame entirely at Griez- Cup campaign.

SAVING GRACE DEBACLE From prey to predator, Korea Costa Rica crash with a thud Reuters coach Oscar Ramirez piling up back Nizhny Novgorod home. revels in revenge “I feel hurt and disappointed at the same time... People have said very un- Reuters “From Prey to Predator”. ith a population of around comfortable things,” Ramirez, a former Seoul “Throughout the 88-year his- 5 million and no major who took over the national tory of the World Cup, Germany football history, Costa team reins in 2015, said earlier this had always been a hero,” the daily Rica stunned fans at Bra- week. outh Korea waited 16 said. “But this German team Wzil’s 2014 World Cup by felling heavy- Ramirez said his players could not years to get their World knelt down before Korea at the weights Uruguay and Italy to reach the have done more against five-times Cup revenge on Germany, 2018 World Cup in Russia.” quarter-finals. world champions Brazil and tried their and while Wednesday’s The Herald Business’ sports The magic did not carry over from best to keep up pressure against Ser- Sastonishing 2-0 win over the de- page said, “The German Goliath Latin America to Russia, however. bia before finally finding their stride fending champions came in the went from composure to tears in Costa Rica succumbed to Serbia 1-0 against Switzerland once the pressure group stage rather than the semi- 99 minutes,” while Yonhap News and Brazil 2-0 to be eliminated before of qualifying was off. fi nals it tasted no less sweet. said “after defeats at the 1994 narrowly pulling off a 2-2 draw against “Our group was very tough. This The Germans had denied Guus and 2002 World Cups, South Ko- Switzerland in their farewell game on is the fifth time we’re playing at the Hiddink’s South Korea a place in rea fi nally stopped the German Wednesday. They exit the tournament World Cup and this has been one of the 2002 fi nal with a 1-0 win in tank.” The Korea Football Associ- bottom of Group E with just one point. the strongest groups we have played Seoul after the co-hosts had rid- ation said, “The fi ghting spirit of The Central Americans can take against. We have had several oppor- den a wave of national footballing the national team that never gives solace at having avoided any embar- tunities and we could have had differ- fervour to defeat Poland, - up had moved the whole nation.” rassing defeats, thanks in part to Real ent results but that is the way football gal, Italy and Spain on the way to Former South Korea forward Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas and works. We have to go home. We did not the last four. Ahn Jung-hwan, who scored the a tight defence. But as one of the old- want to go home,” added Ramirez. Few gave the Koreans any goal that knocked Italy out of the est teams in the World Cup, Costa Rica The focus will now turn to possi- chance of reversing that defeat last 16 in 2002, said the result lacked bite and stamina. ble shake-ups of the squad. Ramirez on Wednesday, with some book- showed the unpredictability of In a flurry of messages on social me- himself, who had previously dismissed makers off ering odds of 100-1 on the game. dia, disappointed Costa Rican players some calls on social media for him to a 2-0 win, but as coach Shin Tae- “This is football,” said Ahn, apologised to their passionate red- resign, refused to be drawn into his yong said ahead of the match: who is working for Korean televi- shirted fans. prospects. “The ball is round, anything can sion at the World Cup. “The sport “Many mixed feelings, but above all “Thursday we’ll fly back to our happen...” that can have so much unexpect- the satisfaction of having fulfilled a country and we’ll see. Right now, I Two stoppage-time goals ed change is football.” dream, of playing in a World Cup and don’t know anything about my future.” from Kim Young-gwon and Son South Korea had needed to win defending the colours of my country. Heung-min in Kazan proved just by at least two goals to stand a We are so sorry we could not give you Costa Rica’s midfielder Bryan Ruiz (L) that. South Korean media yes- chance of qualifying from Group more joy, but do know that we gave celebrates with teammates after shooting terday hailed the win over the F as runners-up but Sweden’s it our all!” tweeted defender Bryan a penalty leading to the Swiss goal- world’s top-ranked side as the surprise 3-0 win over Mexico Oviedo. keeper scoring an own goal at the Nizhny “Miracle of Kazan”. The Kookmin meant both they and Germany The Tico dream was further soured Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod Ilbo said the Koreans had gone, were going home. by criticism of the ageing team and on June 27.

BOTTOMLINE Soccer, TV and women — still marred by abuse DPA paigners are also complaining that tugal v Iran. woman as commentator must be very Berlin the official television feed picks out ZDF felt obliged to delete various self-confident to deal with this situ- women from the match crowd for their hate comments on its Facebook and ation.” Balkausky also said that not looks only. Twitter pages, and its sports chief many women are applying and that laudia Neumann from public But there is a growing number of Thomas Fuhrmann quickly came to the internet trolling and abuse of Neu- broadcaster ZDF is the first female commentators and reporters at her defence. mann and the women in other coun- German woman commentator this tournament. Twice Olympic gold “It appears to be about something tries could be acting as a deterrent. of men’s World Cup matches medallist Aly Wagner of Fox Sports fundamental: A women commentates That included Sparks, a long-time —C and her gender has made her a tar- is the first American woman to call a a match of the men’s World Cup. Some BBC reporter who made her live TV get of major abuse on social networks men’s World Cup match. go completely berserk on the internet, debut last week for the Portugal v Mo- in a still male-orientated sport. Norway’s former international that is way below the belt,” he said. rocco game in Moscow. “History mak- The BBC’s Vicki Sparks also had to player Lise Klaveness has also turned “We don’t accept hate, malice er,” tweeted Women in Football, an deal with online abuse after her televi- BBC journalist to broadcasting while Australian pre- and insults. The colleague has great organisation which promotes female sion debut at the tournament in Rus- Vicki Sparks. senter Lucy Zelic is the sister of former knowledge and is doing a good job at representation in the sport. sia. Sexism also showed early on when player Ned Zelic. the World Cup.” Or, as BBC sports reporter Dan a Russian fan kissed and groped a fe- Women have worked as radio and Neumann herself has declined to Walker tweeted in the direction of the male reporter of Germany’s Deutsche field reporters for many years in Ger- comment but even the German Olym- trolls: “Women love football. Women Welle during a live broadcast at the man football but Neumann is the pic Sports Confederation got involved, play football. Women can analyse tournament opener on June 14. first television match commentator calling for a “red card for hostilities” football. You can still love, play & an- The video went viral and the man at men’s games, making her debut at and more women reporters. Germa- alyse football. It doesn’t mean — as a eventually issued a public apology. Euro 2016. ny’s other public broadcaster, ARD, bloke — you have to be threatened by Other reporters including a woman In Russia, she has been the televi- is also looking for a female match their knowledge, presence or exper- from Brazil have had similar experi- sion voice for four games so far, in- reporter but its sports coordinator tise. Get over it. We can all enjoy the ences — and women’s rights cam- cluding Argentina v Iceland and Por- Axel Balkausky acknowledged that “a World Cup.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, June 29, 2018 SPORT

FOOTBALL Koreas to fi eld joint teams at Asian Games Jakarta: North and South Ko- was based on a spirit of togeth- rea will field joint teams in three erness of the two countries,” Rooney feels hunger sports — canoeing, rowing Sjamsoeddin said. and women’s basketball — at The two Koreas formed their the Asian Games, organisers first-ever unified Olympic team said yesterday, in the latest — a joint women’s ice hockey sign of thawing tensions. The squad — for February’s Winter two countries will also march Games in the South Korean together at the opening and resort of Pyeongchang. It pro- to taste US success closing ceremonies for the voked a backlash in the South, showpiece event being held in on the grounds that Seoul was Indonesia from August 18-Sep- depriving its own athletes of tember 2, they added. the chance to compete on the South Korea’s national Olympic stage. Olympic committee previously Ultimately the sight of North said that the country’s govern- and South Korean skaters with MLS deal ing bodies for basketball, judo, wearing the same jersey and canoe, gymnastics, table tennis, passing the puck to each other rowing and soft tennis had ex- drew emotive responses from Rooney will complete his move when the MLS transfer window opens on July 10 pressed an interest in running spectators and quickly became combined teams. an Olympic favourite, despite AFP Seoul and Pyongyang the team being thrashed in all Washington agreed this month to form five of their matches. unified teams for some sports Ties between the neighbours though the specifics were only have been warming since the ngland record goalscorer Wayne confirmed yesterday after a Winter Olympics, with North Rooney left boyhood club Everton meeting in Jakarta between Korean leader Kim Jong-un and for DC United of Major League the Olympic Council of Asia South Korean President Moon Soccer yesterday, saying he is (OCA), Games organisers and Jae-in agreeing at an historic hungryE for American success to fulfi l a representatives from the two summit in April to jointly par- career goal. The US club and English Pre- Koreas. ticipate in international sports mier League outfi t announced the agree- “We won’t add any more events. This month, Kim and US ment on a permanent transfer as Rooney (sports),” Games deputy chair- President Donald Trump held a was on a fl ight to Washington. man Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told summit in Singapore. Rooney will complete his move when reporters after the meeting The three-team plan comes the MLS transfer window opens on July yesterday. “We have to be strict after the OCA had earlier 10 and should be in the squad four days with scheduling so there will be dismissed the idea of granting later when beleaguered United plays host no more changes.” extra places for unified Korean to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the open- The athletes from the teams at an event which will ing game at the US club’s new stadium. Koreas will march under a see about 10,000 athletes “It is fantastic to be joining DC United neutral Korean peninsula flag compete in 40 sports — the at such an exciting time in the club’s his- and under the “Korea” name. second-biggest multi-sport tory with the new stadium opening in just Further details about logistics event behind the Olympics. The a few weeks,” Rooney said in a statement. would come later, Sjamsoeddin Games will be held in Indone- “Moving to America and MLS fulfi ls added. “The meeting was very sia’s capital and Palembang on another career ambition for me. I have friendly and enthusiastic, and Sumatra island. the hunger to be a success here and will give DC 100% — as I have always done for every team I have ever played for.” Rooney, 32, signed a three and a half SPOTLIGHT year deal said to be worth $13mn. His 208 goals in 16 Premier League seasons ranks second on the all-time list. “When I visited earlier this summer I was really Fenerbahce swoop impressed with everyone I met connected Wayne Rooney has signed a three with the club, and of course the new Audi and a half year deal with DC said Field,” Rooney said. “Now I can’t wait to to be worth $13mn. (AFP) for Wilshere: Report get on the pitch in a United shirt and join my new teammates to bring success to AFP agreement was found and the this club.” Istanbul deal is expected to be announced Rooney departed with the best wish- in the coming days,” it said. es of his former club, the same Everton In a sign of his ambition, Koc club where he began his career at age 16 enerbahce are set to sign had already brought in Damien in 2002. “From everyone at Everton, we former England mid- Comolli, who had worked in the thank Wayne for his service to the club fi elder Jack Wilshere af- past with Arsenal, Tottenham and wish him every success in the next 3 ter his decision to leave and Liverpool, as director of 1/2 years with DC United,” the club state- Arsenal,F a Turkish report said football. ment said. yesterday. Wilshere, who played Netherlands and Barcelona United couldn’t be happier to see for Arsenal since boyhood, is midfi elder Phillip Cocu has Rooney, needing a big-name draw- leaving the London side on a free signed on as manager on a three- ing card for its new stadium and a talent transfer after being told by man- year contract after a hugely suc- boost to revamp a club at the bottom of David Beckham, who paved the way David Villa, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and fel- England caps and 53 goals to his name. ager Unai Emery he would not be cessful stint as manager of PSV the MLS Eastern Conference. “This is a for ageing European superstars to extend low Merseyside native Steven Gerrard. “Wayne is undoubtedly one of the best a fi rst choice next season. in his native Eindhoven. seminal moment for our fans and organi- their careers in North American with his England’s youngest-ever goalscorer, players in Premier League history and his He would be the fi rst major Wilshere, who made his fi rst- sation. Wayne is a global football icon 2007 transfer to LA Galaxy, said Roon- Rooney displayed a star turn at the 2004 goal scoring record for club and country signing by the Istanbul football team debut for Arsenal in 2008, and his presence at DC United will elevate ey’s move was the right one. “It’s great European Championships and later speaks for itself,” United general manager club after tycoon Ali Koc ended missed out on making England’s our product on the pitch and soccer as for Wayne and I also think it’s great for that year joined another teen star, Cris- Dave Kasper said. Aziz Yildirim’s two-decade stint World Cup squad after his form a whole in our city and in this country,” the league,” Beckham said. “It’s the right tiano Ronaldo, at Manchester United for “He is a world-class player and he el- as chairman earlier this month, faltered towards the end of the said United chief executive Jason Levien. move for him. It’s exciting for fans. I think the fi rst of 13 seasons at the club, dur- evates those around him, both through in a seismic change for the club. season. Koc wants to make Fen- “Wayne has thrived when competing at he’ll do really well. I think DC is the right ing which he racked up 253 goals in all his work-ethic and winning mentality. The DHA news agency said that erbahce a Turkish football super- the most elite levels of soccer and we’re club for him.” competitions until returning to Everton We’re beyond excited to add someone of Wilshere was in Istanbul, had power again after thin pickings in thrilled to have his leadership as we enter Rooney also follows in the footsteps of last year. Last August saw Rooney step Rooney’s calibre and we are thrilled to inspected Fenerbahce’s stadium recent years, their last Super Lig this new era.” the likes of Thierry Henry, Andrea Pirlo, down from international duties, with 119 welcome him.” and was looking for a house. “An victory coming in 2014.

MLB Minor leads Rangers to easy victory over Padres Reuters ing RBI double in the seventh inning game winning streak halted. Texas and fi nished 3-for-4 to lead Boston past visiting Los Angeles. JD Martinez DIAMONDBACKS 2, MARLINS 1 added a three-run blast for his major- Robbie Ray allowed just two hits over angers left-hander Mike Mi- league-leading 25th homer, Sandy Leon six scoreless innings in his fi rst major nor retired the fi rst 19 hitters hit a two-run blast and had three RBIs, league start in nearly two months, and he faced on Wednesday and and Eduardo Nunez added a solo shot Daniel Descalso’s solo home run in the allowed no runs on one hit as Boston won for the fi fth time in six eighth proved to be the winning run as throughR seven innings, leading Texas to games. Arizona won at Miami. a 5-2 victory over the San Diego Padres Martin Maldonado slugged a three- The Diamondbacks have won two in in the rubber match of a three-game run homer and Ian Kinsler had a solo a row and six of their past seven games. series at Arlington, Texas. shot, but the Angels couldn’t avoid Arizona is 10-2 in its last 12 road games. Eric Hosmer sharply grounded a sin- their season-high-tying fi fth straight Ray (3-0) issued two walks — back-to- gle to center with one out in the seventh loss. back to open the fourth inning — and to end Minor’s bid for the sixth no-hit- struck out six to improve his ERA from ter and second perfect game in Rangers GIANTS 1, ROCKIES 0 4.88 to 4.01. Brad Boxberger allowed a history. Kenny Rogers was perfect in Brandon Crawford smacked a walk- solo home run to Starlin Castro in the Texas’ most recent no-hitter on July 28, off home run with one out in the bot- ninth but held on for his 19th save of 1994. Minor (6-4) had fi ve strikeouts tom of the ninth inning, ending what the season. and no walks, getting considerable help began as a brilliant pitchers’ duel be- from his defense in his bid for history. tween Madison Bumgarner and Kyle REDS 6, BRAVES 5 Keone Kela struck out two in a perfect Freeland in a victory for San Francisco Adam Duvall’s two-run single capped ninth to pick up his 20th save. Padres over visiting Colorado. a three-run rally in the seventh inning starter Clayton Richard (7-7) gave up Crawford’s ninth homer of the year and lifted Cincinnati to a victory at At- four runs on 10 hits and a walk with came on the third pitch of the at-bat lanta. The Reds mounted the comeback three strikeouts in seven innings. The from Harrison Musgrave (0-3), giv- against Sam Freeman (2-4) and scored result snapped his personal four-deci- ing the Giants a fourth straight vic- all three runs with two outs. sion winning streak. tory overall and second in two days Scooter Gennett drove in the fi rst over the Rockies. Bumgarner gave up run with a single and Duvall, after Dan ASTROS 7, BLUE JAYS 6 two hits and two walks in his seven in- Winkler replaced Freeman, put Cincin- Alex Bregman crushed a walk-off , nings, striking out eight, including the nati ahead with a two-run single to two-run home run to cap a fi ve-run 1,500th punchout of his career against right fi eld. Cincinnati won two of three comeback and send host Houston past the fi rst batter he faced. Freeland al- Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (right) tags out Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) at home off in the series and has won nine of its last Toronto. Bregman, who recorded four lowed four hits and one walk in his sev- during the first inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) 10 games. The Reds improved to 31-31 extra-base hits in the Astros’ win on en innings, striking out four. since Jim Riggleman became interim Tuesday, doubled twice before his 14th Luis Cessa (0-1) lasted only three in- winning rally with a double off Mychal INDIANS 5, CARDINALS 1 manager on April 19. home run clinched the rubber match PHILLIES 3, YANKEES 0 nings, giving up fi ve hits and three runs. Givens (0-5) leading off the 11th. Edwin Encarnacion and Lonnie of the series for Houston. Bregman Zach Efl in pitched seven shutout in- Aaron Hicks had a pair of hits for the Donnie Hart came on for the Ori- Chisenhall hit back-to-back homers ROYALS 5, BREWERS 4 smoked left off Blue Jays closer Ryan nings, Rhys Hoskins hit a three-run Yankees, who played without Aaron oles with one out and gave up a single to help Cleveland salvage a three-game Mike Moustakas homered and Danny Tepera (5-3), plating Tony Kemp. The homer, and Philadelphia salvaged the Judge (rest) and managed just four hits. to Seager that moved Segura to third. set with a victory over host St. Louis. Duff y threw six strong innings to lead Blue Jays jumped to a 5-0 lead in the fi nal game of the series with a shutout Span then sent a fl y ball to medium- Rookie right-hander Shane Bieber (3- Kansas City to a win at Milwaukee. fi rst inning against Dallas Keuchel, who of visiting New York. Efl in (6-2) gave MARINERS 8, ORIOLES 7 deep center fi eld that brought in Segura 0) pitched six strong innings and got his Brad Miller hit a three-run home run allowed six runs and three walks with up four hits and two walks while strik- Kyle Seager tied the game with a two- with the decisive run. Chasen Bradford fi rst major league hit. in the ninth inning to get the Brewers three strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. ing out six. run homer in the ninth inning, and (5-0) earned the win, and Edwin Diaz He gave up one run and six hits be- within one with no outs. Royals re- Cesar Hernandez and Hoskins con- Denard Span delivered a sacrifi ce fl y in got his major-league-leading 30th save fore exiting, striking out fi ve and walk- liever Wily Peralta came in, recorded a RED SOX 9, ANGELS 6 tributed two hits for the Phillies, who the 11th inning as visiting Seattle rallied — his third in three nights versus Bal- ing one. Jose Martinez had two hits and strikeou and, got Ryan Braun to ground Rafael Devers knocked a tiebreak- managed eight overall. Yankees starter past Baltimore. Jean Segura started the timore. one RBI for St. Louis, which had a four- into a game-ending double play. Gulf Times Friday, June 29, 2018 7 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Dredge leads French Open Defending champ Pliskova at Ryder Cup venue AFP Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France stunned by Sabalenka eteran Welsh golfer Bradley Dredge con- quered stifl ing heat and This was Sabalenka’s first victory over a top-10 opponent and she will face Radwanska in semis windy conditions yes- Vterday to take a one-shot lead at Reuters the French Open, being played at London Le Golf National, the venue for September’s Ryder Cup. The 44-year-old Dredge, who efending champion Karolina won the last of his two Euro- Pliskova squandered a 4-1 lead pean Tour titles back in 2006 at in the deciding set as she was the European Masters, carded a knocked out of the pre-Wim- four-under par 67 on a day when bledonD Eastbourne grasscourt champi- only 14 players broke par for the onships by Belarussian Aryna Sabalen- fi rst round. ka yesterday. “It was getting tougher and The Czech seemed to have everything tougher out there so I am obvi- under control after recovering from the ously delighted with that score loss of the fi rst set but her game went to start the tournament off ,” said off the boil and Sabalenka stormed back Dredge. “I think it’s playing just to win 6-3 2-6 7-6(5). Sabalenka’s fi rst right at the moment in terms victory over a top-10 opponent means of fi rmness. There’s just a bit that in the semi-fi nals she will face of give on the fairways and the former champion Agnieszka Radwan- greens.” ska, who got the better of Latvian Jelena America’s world number two Ostapenko. After dropping serve at the Justin Thomas, getting an early start of the decider, Pliskova reeled off sighter of the Ryder Cup course, four games as Sabalenka’s hopes faded. was three shots off the pace on But Sabalenka regrouped, ground her one-under as was Spain’s Jon way back to parity and got herself into Rahm, the world number fi ve. a tiebreak. At 5-5 it seemed seventh- Northern Ireland’s Graeme Mc- ranked Pliskova’s greater experience Dowell, a two-time French Open would prevail but Sabalenka crunched a champion and one of Thomas backhand winner to reach match point Bjorn’s vice-captains for the Ry- and could celebrate when her opponent der Cup, and Andy Sullivan of fi red a forehand wide. England shared second spot, one Radwanska, who received a walkover back from Dredge. when twice-Wimbledon-champion Thomas said it was diffi cult Petra Kvitova withdrew on Wednesday, to judge the course ahead of the said she was surprised to still be in- September 28-30 Ryder Cup volved after a 6-2 7-5 win. “I took only where the United States will be three dresses with me — (I thought) the defending champions when it’s enough for sure,” said Radwanska, cool autumn conditions will re- sidelined since April with back and hip place the heat of high summer. injuries. “I thought maybe one or two “I can’t imagine how it has matches at the most — especially as I’m the potential to play in Sep- unseeded.” tember. I think all of us will be World No. 2 and top seed Caroline happy to know that this will be Wozniacki, runner-up here last year, a match-play and not a stroke- cruised into the semi-fi nals with a 6-4 play event,” he said. “You get a 6-3 win over Australia’s Ashleigh Barty. cold, rainy, windy day out here Denmark’s Australian Open winner will and you can post a pretty high next meet Angelique Kerber, the double number. You can’t really take any grand slam champion who had to battle shots off . You really have to take from 3-1 down in the fi nal set tiebreak Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka whips a forehand en route to her win over Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova during the quarter-finals in Eastbourne, southern England. (AFP) each and every shot and execute before beating Russia’s Daria Kastkina really well.” 6-1 6-7(3)7-6(3) in the best match of Zverev will face Kazakhstan’s Mikhail to run the qualifying gauntlet in Roe- was the goal.” also claimed a place in the main draw McDowell, who fi red seven the day. In the men’s event, surprise Kukushkin, who defeated home hope hampton and after winning two rounds Roehampton’s wide expanses of with a straight sets victory over Ameri- birdies, has not given up hope of French Open semi-fi nalist Marco Kyle Edmund 5-7 6-3 6-1, in the semis. held her nerve against Duque-Marino, playing fi elds are a far cry from the can Caroline Dolehide. The former playing in the European Ryder Cecchinato of Italy reached the last four who had narrowly missed automatic glamorous All England Club, where world number two gave birth to her Cup team. However, even if he with a 5-7 6-3 6-2 defeat of Australian BOUCHARD SURVIVES QUALIFY- Wimbledon entry. “I was really solid Bouchard played Petra Kvitova in a Cen- daughter Evelyn in 2016 and decided experiences the 42nd Ryder Cup John Millman. He will face Slovakia’s ING TO GRAB WIMBLEDON SPOT today, I was a little nervous before,” tre Court fi nal in 2014. Bouchard, who to start competing again only recently as one of Bjorn’s lieutenants, the Lukas Lacko, who ended the hopes of Former Wimbledon runner-up Eugenie 24-year-old Bouchard, said. “I feel like also reached the Australian and French when she entered and won an ITF event Northern Irishman believes yes- British wild card Cameron Norrie. Ca- Bouchard successfully negotiated the I’ve earned (my main draw place) more semis that year, rising to number fi ve in in Egypt. terday’s round will stand him in nadian third seed Denis Shapovalov was qualifying draw yesterday, beating Co- than just being in by ranking, so I’m the world, will now head to Wimbledon Australian Bernard Tomic, a quarter- good stead. Bjorn is also playing knocked out by Mischa Zverev although lombian Mariana Duque-Marino 6-3, proud of it and I got matches this week with confi dence restored. fi nalist at Wimbledon in 2011, will not the event although he is not like- the result was not a total surprise given 6-2 to secure a spot in next week’s main which is what I wanted because I’ve not Russia’s 33-year-old Vera Zvonareva, feature this year after Belgium’s Ruben ly to make the cut after carding the German’s natural grasscourt game. draw. Ranked 191, the Canadian had played a lot. I’ve been injured, so that runner-up to Serena Williams in 2010, Bemelmans beat him 6-3 6-1 6-2. an opening 10-over 81.

FOCUS CRICKET Becker memorabilia auction Coach Langer hopes Australia emerge halted amid immunity claim unscathed from England ‘jungle’ DPA AFP knowing where we came from in South Af- London Birmingham, United Kingdom rica. On the surface it looks like a complete disaster but we have talked about a team for the World Cup and the Ashes and I think we n auction of former ustralia coach Justin Langer said have unlocked a few answers, but it hurts tennis star Boris Beck- he hoped his side would return when you get beaten — particularly in Eng- er’s trophies and other a better team come next year’s land.” memorabilia has been World Cup after going through the During the one-dayers, Australia’s bowl- haltedA pending a court’s exami- “jungle”A in their tour of England. ers were fl ayed by England for an all-time nation of his claim to diplomatic Having been whitewashed 5-0 by Eng- men’s ODI record total of 481 for six at Trent immunity, his bankruptcy trus- land in a preceding one-day international Bridge. Langer likened that experienced tees said yesterday. series, Australia’s limited overs tour ended to his own Test debut against a formidable The items were off ered for with a 28-run defeat by Eoin Morgan’s men Former captain Steve Smith and his dep- West Indies pace attack at Adelaide in 1993, sale to raise money for creditors in a one-off Twenty20 international at Edg- uty, David Warner, were both missing after where his fi rst ball saw him hit on the helmet of Becker, 50, who was declared baston on Wednesday. being handed one-year bans for their roles by Ian Bishop. bankrupt in June 2017 for a debt Once again Jos Buttler put Australia’s in March’s ball-tampering scandal in Cape But the Western Australia left-hander claimed by private bankers Ar- bowlers to the sword, a 22-ball fi fty follow- Town — an incident that prompted Darren went onto enjoy a distinguished 105-Test buthnot Latham. ing his match-winning century in a dra- Lehmann’s resignation as coach and his re- career that featured 23 hundreds. Auctioneers Wyles Hardy & matic one-wicket win in the fi fth ODI at Old placement by fellow former Australia bats- “My fi rst Test match was against the Co said they postponed the auc- Traff ord. And, not for the fi rst time this trip, man Langer. West Indies and it was pretty scary,” re- tion, which had been scheduled spin proved Australia’s Achilles heel with Meanwhile Australia were also with- called Langer. “I remember David Boon say- to conclude on Thursday, fol- England leg-break bowler Adil Rashid tak- out injured Ashes-winning fast bowlers ing ‘Test cricket will never get tougher than lowing concerns that its success Ford said Becker had agreed to as commemorative medals and ing three for 27 as the tourists, chasing 222 Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummmins and Josh this’. I thought he was just being nice to me “may be compromised by the meet costs “associated with this coins, clothing and watches. to win, were dismissed for 193. Hazlewood as well as sidelined all-rounder but it was so true. I learnt something from it uncertainty caused by specula- very late request to postpone the Ford said the bankruptcy trus- Australia, the reigning 50-over World Mitchell Marsh. “There’s light at the end and I was tougher from it. When you look at tion” about Becker’s bankruptcy sale,” including compensation tees hoped the postponement Cup champions, arrived in England — the of the tunnel, there’s no doubt about that,” Trent Bridge for our young blokes to get hit and status. for the cost and possible reduced of the auction might help in the 2019 tournament hosts — without a raft of Langer told reporters. for 480-something, it doesn’t get tougher,” His bankruptcy term had been income from rerunning the auc- “ongoing search to obtain Mr fi rst-choice players. “We knew it was going to be a big job the 47-year-old added. scheduled to end last week, but it tion at a later date. Becker’s missing memorabilia was extended by the High Court Becker earlier welcomed the or for Mr Becker to remember in London pending a decision on postponement of the auction. “I where they are.” HOCKEY his claim to diplomatic immu- am delighted that this auction The trustees issued a public nity as a sports attache for the has been called off and that the call in January for the “return of Central African Republic (CAR). tide is now starting, at last, to Boris Becker’s missing trophies,” Insolvency practitioners Smith turn in my favour,” the a three- saying Becker was “unable to India held by Belgium in Champions Trophy and Williamson, the trustees, time Wimbledon champion said recollect” where some of them said in a statement via the auc- via a statement from his lawyers. were. CAR has given confl icting IANS minute) was India’s lone goal scorer that put India, meanwhile, built on their mo- tioneers that they had “agreed “Many of my friends in the statements regarding Becker’s Breda, The Netherlands Belgium on the back foot right at the start. mentum steadily but tactfully. The eff ort to the temporary adjournment of sporting world were horrifi ed to status. Sports Minister Sylvain Sitting at the bottom of the pool table, helped win a penalty corner. Though the the auction so that Mr Becker’s learn that these suits were auc- Ngarso said that the country had Belgium were desperate for a win and they fi rst attempt by dragfl icker Harmanpreet claims may be dealt with before tioning off my socks,” Becker no record of Becker’s appoint- orld No 3 Belgium stretched In- began with that very intent, playing aggres- resulted in another penalty corner being the court.” said, accusing the bankruptcy ment as a sports ambassador, dia till the fi nal minutes of the sive and attacking hockey. awarded, and the chance was capitalised by “We believe that recent events trustees of conduct that was while the country’s ambassador match to split the points with If not for an early save by India’s seasoned the 22-year-old when he powerfully fl icked may have defl ated potential re- “very humiliating” to him. to the EU and Belgium, Daniel a 1-1 draw at the men’s hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh off Cedric Charlier it past Belgium goalkeeper to take a 1-0 lead alisations of the memorabilia, as Among the 81 items up for Emery Dede, said Becker did have WChampions Trophy here yesterday. in the opening minute, Belgium would have in the 10th minute. India’s gave away Bel- bidders experience uncertainty auction were a tennis racquet diplomatic immunity. India made too many slip-ups in their de- well been ahead by a goal. But that didn’t gium their 10th penalty corner of the match, resulting from Mr Becker’s newly thought to have been used by Britain’s Foreign and Com- fence that gave away fi ve penalty corners in dent Belgium’s pursuit as they continued which resulted in the equaliers. Luypert kept made claims — which, for the Becker at the 1988 WCT fi nals in monwealth Offi ce, which regis- the last quarter, eventually messing up their to keep possession and even won the fi rst it low to fl ick it towards Sreejesh’s right for a avoidance of doubt, we believe to Dallas and a full size Tiff any rep- ters all foreign diplomats, said 1-0 lead as Loick Luypert (59 minute) con- penalty corner of the match after the ball hit perfect equaliser in the 59th minute. India’s be wholly fallacious,” said Mark lica of the US Open trophy given it had no record of any such ap- verted Belgium’s 10th attempt at a penalty Jarmanpreet Singh’s foot. The chance was now face The Netherlands for a place in the Ford, a lead trustee in the case. to Becker for his 1989 win, as well pointment for Becker. corner to equalise. Harmanpreet Singh (10 wasted though. fi nal tomorrow.

Friday, June 29, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FORMULA 1 CRICKET Buttler sets up Ferrari’s Raikkonen England T20 win over Australia shrugs off McLaren AFP fi fty, including six fours and four Birmingham, United Kingdom sixes, on his way to 61. Alex Hales made 49 after Jason Roy (44) put on 95 for the fi rst wicket with os Buttler hit the fast- Buttler. Buttler was soon into his est fi fty by an England stride after Finch won the toss batsman in a Twenty20 and fi elded, launching debutant return rumours international to lay the leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson’s platformJ for a 28-run win sixth ball for a straight six. Roy over Australia at Edgbaston on should have been out for 27 when The 38-year-old Finn, F1’s oldest current driver, is out of contract at the end of season Wednesday night. Australia, set he drove left-arm spinner Ash- 222 for victory, lost half their ton Agar straight to long-off only wickets inside nine overs to be 72 for Kane Richardson to drop a for fi ve. simple catch. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen (left) and Red Bull’s Aaron Finch, their captain, The next two balls saw Buttler Daniel Ricciardo laugh at a press conference kept them in the match with a scoop a four and smash a six. An ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, fi ne innings of 84 while sharing ‘inside-out’ six over extra cover Austria, yesterday. (Reuters) a sixth-wicket stand of 86 with off fast bowler Billy Stanlake Ashton Agar. But the run-rate was even more audacious. The required Finch to keep going for next ball saw Buttler go to fi fty big hits and when he holed out with a scooped four just beyond off Adil Rashid, Australia were the reach of wicket-keeper Alex 158 for six in the 16th over. Carey. Leg-spinner Rashid, the of- Buttler eventually became fi cial man-of-the-match, led Swepson’s fi rst international England’s attack with three for wicket when he holed out in the 27 in his maximum four overs deep, with Roy falling next over before paceman Chris Jordan when he skyed Stanlake to Finch struck twice in two balls to leave at midwicket. Hales kept the runs Australia on the brink of defeat coming before he was brilliantly at 174 for eight. Australia were caught and bowled one-handed bowled out for 193 with two balls off Marcus Stoinis’s fi rst ball af- to spare. ter he fl at-batted a bouncer. This latest reverse meant they Spin, Australia’s Achilles had still to win an international heel during the ODI series, then match since Justin Langer be- proved their undoing in this came their coach after his fellow match. After off -spinner Ali had former Test batsman Darren Le- Travis Head caught in the deep, hmann resigned in the fall-out Rashid took two wickets for no from March’s ball-tampering runs in three balls to leave Aus- scandal in Cape Town. tralia 72 for fi ve. First he bowled Buttler, fresh from his man Carey (three) with a quicker de- of the series heroics in a 5-0 livery and then dismissed Stoinis one-day international sweep of for a duck when the all-rounder Australia, including a match- drove him straight to Roy at winning 110 not out in a dramatic long-off . one-wicket victory in the series Reuters Italian team at the end of 2009 to make Ricciardo, 28, is out of contract at the the Austrian Grand Prix circuit. fi nale at Old Traff ord last Sun- BRIEF SCORES Spielberg, Austria way for Alonso. He spent some time in end of this year and has been reviewing The music world has been buzzing day, was promoted to open in this England 221 for 6 (Buttler 60, Hales rallying and NASCAR before then return- his options including Ferrari and Mer- about the identity of the artist named one-off T20 clash. 49, Roy 44) beat Australia 193 ing to Lotus in 2012, moving back to Fer- cedes. Those options appear to be un- only as “XNDA”, who features in a duet He responded with a 22-ball (Finch 84, Rashid 3-27, Jordan 3-42) imi Raikkonen shrugged off rari in 2014 alongside Alonso and then likely, however, as Ferrari are strongly with Aguilera in the song Pipe on her speculation about a possible Sebastian Vettel. linked with a possible move to sign Mon- eighth studio album Liberation. move from Ferrari to McLaren Raikkonen has not won a race since egasque Charles Leclerc as a replacement Media reports have pointed to Ham- in his usual stone-faced fashion 2013 but has been having a solid season, for Raikkonen and Mercedes are expected ilton, who has devoted much of his Kyesterday. The 38-year-old Finn, For- fi nishing third in France last weekend — to retain an unchanged line-up for 2019. spare time to music for some years and mula One’s oldest current driver, is out his fourth podium in eight grands prix. Marko said the new contract with Ric- is a friend of Aguilera, but the Mercedes of contract at the end of the season and Asked again whether he or his manage- ciardo was dependent only on “details” driver would not confi rm anything when increasingly expected to make way at the ment had talked to anyone at McLaren and added that he felt the driver was not asked about it. Italian team for 20-year-old Monegasque about driving for them next year, Raikko- in a strong bargaining position in the cur- “My sole goal right now and focus is rookie Charles Leclerc. nen said that he had “zero interest to get rent market. With Ferrari and Mercedes fully Formula One,” the Briton said, side- Recent media speculation has sug- involved in all the nonsense.” ranked as unlikely destinations, the Aus- stepping the question. The 33-year-old gested that, rather than walking away “You can take it as you want,” he told tralian’s best alternatives appeared to four-times world champion said he had from F1, the 2007 world champion could the reporter. “I don’t think you anyhow be McLaren or Renault, but both cannot also been asked about it at the previous return to his former team if Spain’s Fern- ask our opinions about a lot of stuff you match Red Bull in terms of competitive race in France and nothing had changed. ando Alonso decides to leave McLaren. guys write, so it goes either way. You can performance. “Mercedes and Ferrari both “It’s not really something I want to McLaren’s stock response is that they do put yes or no.” have a number one driver who is clearly speak about, I’m here really to talk and not discuss driver matters, although the declared,” said Marko. “I know Ricciardo focus solely on trying to win this cham- former champions have confi rmed they RICCIARDO CLOSING IN ON did not receive an off er from Ferrari and pionships and that’s really where all my would be interested in Australian Daniel NEW DEAL WITH RED BULL Renault, as far as I know, will stay with energy is at the moment,” he said. Pressed Ricciardo if he wanted to leave Red Bull. In demand Daniel Ricciardo is close to their current drivers. on whether that meant he was not deny- “I said, I think it was 2007 already, that signing a new two-year contract with Red “Above all, Renault I don’t think are in ing it, Hamilton added: “As I said, I’m just I would fi nish (at) Ferrari and obviously Bull and commit to continuing his part- the budget region that Ricciardo has in here to...I don’t really know what to say.” at some point it didn’t look like that and nership with Max Verstappen in a new mind. He has no sporting alternative to Aguilera attended the Azerbaijan now it looks like that again,” Raikkonen Honda-powered era for the team. Aus- us, even if he probably imagined it diff er- Grand Prix in April, where she sang at a told reporters at the Austrian Grand Prix. tralian Ricciardo, winner of seven Grands ently. We want him, to continue, but not concert. The American singer has also “You never know what comes after, Prix with Red Bull, told reporters this at any price.” kept XNDA’s identity secret, saying in in- and this and that, but we will see. As al- week that he expected to confi rm a new terviews only that she has been “dying for ways a lot of talk and I’m not really happy deal “soon”. SINGING DEBUT? HAMILTON’S everyone to fi nd out as they’re defi nitely to comment on those (rumours). We’ll Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut LIPS ARE SEALED multi-talented”. see at some point what happens, includ- Marko said he felt that it was “getting Lewis Hamilton may be a secret singer on Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix is the ing me.” closer.” Ricciardo said: “It’s not over yet, Christina Aguilera’s latest album but the ninth race of the season, with Hamilton The Finn won his title at Ferrari, after but it will come... Soon. The time is not only track the Formula One world cham- leading Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in the fi ve seasons at McLaren, and then left the far away.” pion wanted to talk about yesterday was standings by 14 points. England’s Jos Buttler plays a scoop shot. (Reuters)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Smith ready for return to Flexible batting order can ‘surprise’ India’s opponents: Kohli AFP were playing in warm temperatures action: Sammy Dublin more commonly associated with Delhi rather than Dublin, while over half of Reuters the 9,000 crowd were supporting the Toronto irat Kohli believes a fl exible tourists. batting order will help keep There was a muted reception for Rai- India’s opponents guessing na when he walked into bat, but uproar ormer West Indies cap- while they are in Ireland and when Dhoni was next in. Kohli too was tain Darren Sammy has VEngland. India launched their tour with also cheered to the wicket as he would not talked to disgraced a 78-run thrashing of Ireland in the fi rst be back home, although Ireland pace- Australian Steve Smith Twenty20 international in Dublin on man Peter Chase dismissed both bats- aboutF his cricket return but said Wednesday. men cheaply on his way to international on Wednesday his team mate in Kohli, one of the world’s leading best fi gures of four for 35. the Global T20 Canada league is batsmen, was involved in two surpris- James Shannon provided the only ready for battle. es — he came in at a relatively lowly Irish resistance with the bat, hitting 60 Smith’s career was thrown number six and was promptly out for from 35 balls. But he was the second of into turmoil in March for his a second-ball duck. But by then India man-of-the-match Kuldeep Yadav’s role in a ball-tampering scandal were well on the way to going 1-0 up in four wickets and, with fellow India that took place in South Africa a two-match series, with Rohit Sharma spinner Yuzvendra Chahal taking three, and earned the former Australia (97) and Shikhar Dhawan (74) sharing Ireland were held to a total of 132 for captain a 12-month ban from an opening stand of 160 in 16 overs. nine in 20 overs. This has already been a national and state teams. Suresh Raina was then sent in when landmark year for Irish cricket, with the The suspension, however, Ireland eventually ended India’s sec- men’s side playing their inaugural Test does not extend to domestic ond-highest opening T20 stand. against Pakistan at Malahide in May — a tournaments outside his home MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya came match that ended in a creditable defeat nation so the 29-year-old Smith in at the fall of the next two wickets on the last day. will be on the fi eld for the To- before Kohli decided to go in with just Wednesday’s reverse was a far more ronto Nationals last night for the three balls remaining. After they leave chastening loss but Ireland T20 captain opening game of the inaugural Ireland, India have three Twenty20 Indian players celebrate during win over Ireland in the First International T20 in Malahide, Ireland. (Reuters) Gary Wilson, while “obviously disap- Global T20 Canada event. matches against England before they pointed”, insisted: “We can look for- “I’ve spoke to him as to the face them in both one-day internation- use them as and when the situation re- dia team that played its fi rst match in the next game,” said Kohli. The other ward to Friday because I do think we had role I would love for him to play al and Test series. “The middle order is quires them,” the skipper added. “We Ireland for 11 years, but they are set to squad members in line to play today are enough positives out there to show that on the team. As to what’s going something we can experiment with in will look to surprise the opposition and get a chance when the teams return to Washington Sundar, Umesh Yadav and we can play against teams like these. on in his mind I think only Jesus T20 games,” said Kohli. we’ve asked the batsmen to have that Malahide for the second Twenty20 to- paceman Siddarth Kaul, the new face in “We’ve obviously been beaten by could tell you what is going on in “I’ve got a good mindset of who’s fl exibility and they have responded very day. “We are using these two games (in the tour party after impressing for Hy- 70-odd runs, a big margin in Twenty20 his mind,” Toronto captain Sam- batting where so in the next few games, well.” Ireland) to play everyone, and I have derabad in the IPL. cricket. But if we can negate their spin my told a news conference. “But not just the Ireland ones but also against KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik were already told them that the guys who Malahide must have felt like home in Kuldeep and Chahal, that would he looks ready.” England, we will look to be fl exible and the surprise omissions from the In- didn’t play will get an opportunity in for India on Wednesday given they stand us in good stead.”