SPORT SPORT | 18 SPORT | 19 Question Paris Anderson at your Saint-Germain own peril, says marks 50th England's Root anniversary

THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2020

Paris Saint-Germain's Qatar 2022 players celebrate after Marquinhos qualifiers PSG reach semis after scored their first goal during the Champions League quarter- postponed final match against Atalanta, yesterday. until next year stunning comeback REUTERS – KUALA LUMPUR

REUTERS – LISBON than planned after forward Angel Cor- Qualifying matches in Asia rea and defender Sime Vrsjalko tested for the 2022 Qatar World Paris Saint-Germain staged a superb positive for the virus. Cup have been postponed comeback by scoring two late goals The pair have been ordered to iso- until next year due to the to beat Atalanta 2-1 and book a spot late at home and will undergo further coronavirus pandemic, in the Champions League semi-finals tests on Thursday to determine whether world governing body FIFA after a thrilling finish yesterday. they can join the squad should Atleti and the Asian Football Atalanta’s superb display looked reach the semi-finals. Confederation said in a like dumping PSG out of the compe- "It's a strange situation but we're statement yesterday. tition but Marquinhos levelled from here and we're going to play a match. The second round of close range in the final minute before It's something new for everyone, it's a Asian qualifiers were origi- Frenchman Kylian Mbappe set up difficult situation all around the world nally scheduled to take place fellow substitute Eric Maxim Choupo- but we're professionals," Oblak told a during the international Moting for a stoppage-time winner. virtual news conference on Wednesday. windows in October and With Mbappe starting on the "We've come here to play and we've November but they would not bench after an ankle injury, the cre- got a very important game and so we're go ahead due to the “COVID-19 ative burden fell on Brazilian forward not thinking about anything else other situation in many countries”. Neymar, and he blasted an early effort than the game. What happens on Thurs- It marks the second time over with the goal at his mercy. day is all that counts." the qualifiers, which also serve Despite the gulf in finances Atletico have reached the Cham- as the road to the 2023 Asian between the clubs -- PSG spent more pions League final twice in the last six Cup in China, have been on Neymar and Mbappe than Atalanta seasons while Leipzig have never got pushed back as matches in had paid for players in total since to the last eight before, but Oblak said March and June were also 2001-02 -- the Italians led through he did not think that gave his side any postponed due to the Mario Pasalic who curled the ball edge over the German outfit. pandemic. home superbly in the 27th minute. Atletico coach Diego Simeone sent “With the aim of protecting But PSG’s late show took Thomas his best wishes to his two absent players the health and safety of all par- Tuchel’s side through to the last four and said everyone on the pitch would ticipants, FIFA and the AFC as the weary Atalanta players slumped be fully focused. will continue to work together to the turf. "I hope we can get Correa and to closely monitor the situation Today, Atletico Madrid will meet Vrsjalko back if we stay in the com- in the region and to identify RB Leipzig in the second petition. They have given their hearts new dates for the respective quarter-final. for the team whenever they have been qualifying matches,” the Atletico Madrid have overcome the called upon," he added. statement said. shock of two players testing positive "We want our players to take the Qatar will be the regional for COVID-19 ahead of their trip to the game by the scruff of the neck to try and hub for matches in West Asia Champions League 'Final Eight' and harm our opponents. This is a beauti- when the ACL resumes on are fully focused today's match, goal- ful competition and we are very excited September 14. keeper Jan Oblak said. to be in it. In a game like this winning Malaysia was named the Atletico were forced to travel to Lis- isn't just important, it's the only thing centralised hub in East Asia bon for the mini-tournament a day later that matters." with matches in the region due to restart in October.

'Love'Lo It Like The First Time' QSL: Xavi aware of Qatar SC beINbe SPORTS threat in ‘very important’ clash launchesla major FAWAD HUSSAIN globalgl media THE PENINSULA

Al Sadd’s shock 3-0 loss to WEEK 21 FIXTURES campaignca Qatar SC in the first leg is still TODAY in coach Xavi Hernandez’ s Al Sailiya vs Al Arabi THETHE PENINSULA – DOHA mind as the two teams (16:00, Al Janoub Stadium) square off in the penultimate Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah beINbeIN SPORTS yesterday launched a major round of the QNB Stars (19:30, Al Janoub Stadium) internationalinte media campaign – called “Love League (QSL), which will see Qatar SC vs Al Sadd ItIt LLike The First Time” – for fans to celebrate the gradual return of fans to (19:30, Al Sadd Stadium) newnew football seasons across the world. the stadiums today. Love It Like The First Time is the first Defending champions Al TOMORROW globalglo campaign beIN has launched across Sadd have shown phe- Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa its entiree international network of 43 coun- nomenal form since the QSL (16:00, Al Janoub Stadium) triestrie across five continents, including the resumed after the COVID-19 Al Shahania vs Al Rayyan MiddleMi East and North Africa (MENA), Asia- break, winning all their three (19:30, Al Janoub Stadium) Pacific,P France, Turkey and North America. matches but their chances The unifying and positive campaign Al Duhail vs Al Khor of retaining the crown are celebratesc a fresh start for football across (19:30, Al Sadd Stadium) slim even if they win their thet globe following the disruption to the remaining matches. 2019-2020 seasons caused by COVID-19. The Wolves are third in “Al Sadd are a big team AsA Ligue 1 returns to screens on August 21, the points standings with 41 and one of the best in Qatar. andand nnew seasons launching for the first time points, four points behind Al Sadd's coach Xavi Hernandez They have strong players, everever in September for the Premier League second-placed Al Rayyan, such as Rodrigo Tabata and (September(Sep 12), LaLiga (September 12) and who are trailing table Hassan Al Haydos, and we SerieSerie A (September 19), fans will feel the sheer toppers Al Duhail by a single points, but it will be very dif- with the team’s performance must be up to the challenge,” joy oof football returning just like the first time point. For ninth-placed ficult because Qatar SC are and everyone made great said Wesner. theythey ever fell in love with the world’s biggest Qatar SC, who are in danger still in the danger zone and efforts. We played collec- “In football, we should game.gam zone with 19 points, today’s therefore they will be in tively with fighting spirit and always prepare at the best JJonathan Whitehead, Head of Sports for tie at Al Sadd Stadium is also fighting mood. They are an our attack was very excellent level to achieve the desired beINbeIN MENA, said: “Every fan remembers the crucial. organised team under from the start of the match results, and we must attach firstfirst time that they fell in love with football: Al Sadd will be returning Wesam Rizik,” he added. till the 60th or 70th minute. required importance to the thethe ffirst time that they punched the air whilst to action after a 1-0 win over Speaking on Al Sadd’s We may face Al Duhail in the remaining points on offer celebratingceleb a goal, experienced sheer joy at Al Duhail but Xavi said Qatar recent performance, the AFC Champions League as even though we played dif- theirtheir team lifting a trophy, or even screamed SC will be tough to beat. coach said he is content with well, so I’m very happy.” ficult matches recently. We at theth television after a bad red card decision. “The game against Qatar his team’s winning form. Qatar SC goalkeeping must continue and play AfterAfter the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and SC will be very difficult. We “I am very happy with coach Wesner believed his with a winning mentality strangestran finish to last season, over the next few had lost (to them) in the first the victory over Al Duhail side can pull off a victory and do everything we can weeksweek we’ll be delighted to see the return of leg. The match is very and I think that during the against Al Sadd again despite to win. And why not?,” he premiumprem European football exclusively to important for us because we last six matches against Al going into the game as added. bbeINeIN SPORTS for a brand new season, seek to increase pressure on Duhail, we had four wins, underdogs. Today’s other games will includinginclu the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue Al Duhail and Al Rayyan,” one draw and a loss, and this “A very tough match see Al Ahli clashing with Al 1 aandnd Serie A. This is a fresh start and the Al Sadd's Rodrigo Tabata with Xavi told a pre-match press means we have the ability to awaits us. We have Wakrah at the Al Janoub beginningbegin of a new era, and for fans it will feel team-mates during a training conference. beat all teams,” he said. important steps to take,” he Stadium and Al Sailiya facing justjust like the first time they ever fell in love session yesterday. “We seek to gain three “I am also very happy said. Al Arabi at the same venue. withwith the game all over again.” 18 SPORT THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2020 Question Anderson at your own peril, says Waqar hopes Pakistan can England captain Root ‘cash in’ on Stokes’ absence AFP — SOUTHAMPTON before he’s right back at the peak of his powers and I’m very AFP — SOUTHAMPTON the third Test against Australia bones are growing,” he England captain Joe Root said much looking forward to him at Headingley with an explained. “What a talent he is. it would be “silly” to write off performing this week,” Root Pakistan assistant coach unbeaten century. “I don’t think he really James Anderson (pictured) as added. Waqar Younis said yesterday Stokes, however, had a bowled as well as we expected he announced the veteran Anderson is just 10 away he hopes the tourists will be modest match with the bat If he’s not around England in the previous game, but he seamer would “likely” play in from becoming the first able to “cash in” on England during England’s the last will probably be a touch can really bowl well and take this week’s second Test against paceman to take 600 wickets being without Ben Stokes week, where he wasn’t fully light in their middle order, the opposition on at times. He Pakistan. in Tests and Root said: “To during this week’s second fit to bowl because of a quad so we’re going to talk is young, he is inexperienced By his own admission the question Jimmy’s ability and his Test. injury. about that and try to cash and it gets tough at times. 38-year-old Anderson, Eng- record -- do that at your own Star all-rounder Stokes is But fast-bowling great in: Waqar Younis “All he needs to do is land’s all-time leading wicket- peril. heading to New Zealand, Waqar, now coaching the probably get stronger and taker, was not at his best with “There’s a reason he’s got where his father is conva- current generation of Pakistan fitter. Pakistan over the years a match haul of 1-67 during the so many wickets over such a lescing following a serious quicks, was in no doubt clear plans and executed has produced some real hosts’ win in the first Test at his long period of time: it’s because illness and will miss both the England would be poorer for really well.” quality fast bowlers. In the last Old Trafford home ground last he’s a consistent performer. second Test, which starts in Stokes’ absence. Pakistan’s well-balanced two and a half... three decades, week. “I don’t think it’ll be long Southampton today, as well “If he’s not around it’s pace trio, comprising the I know. If he keeps himself fit Anderson has now taken until he’s back in the wickets as the series finale, which also unfortunate for cricket but accurate Mohammad Abbas, and strong and keeps bowling just six wickets in three Tests big time. takes place at Hampshire’s there is no doubt he is a towering left-armer Shaheen I’m sure he has the potential so far this season at an By contrast, Anderson’s headquarters ground. match-winner,” Waqar told a Afridi and teenage speedster to become a very good expensive average of over 41 longstanding new-ball partner As well as being a good- conference call. Naseem Shah, all impressed bowler.” apiece. Stuart Broad has been in fine enough batsman to feature in “If he’s not around in Manchester. A scheduled of three back- But Anderson, speaking form this season with 22 the top order, paceman Stokes England will probably be a The performance of the to-back Tests is particular earlier this week, bristled at wickets from three Tests at a is capable of match-changing touch light in their middle 17-year-old Naseem in hitting gruelling for fast bowlers but suggestions he was contem- miserly average of just over 12. spells with the ball and is an order, so we’re going to talk speeds of some 90 mph has Waqar was confident fatigue plating retirement and Root Broad, however, found inspirational figure within the about that and try to cash in. been particularly eye- has yet to affect Pakistan’s had no hesitation in backing himself in trouble when fined England set-up. “He’s the kind of batsman catching and Waqar, who also quicks this series. him, even if the skipper was and handed a demerit point for He cemented the position who takes the game away played international cricket “I’m sure these guys are coy about who else might be in breaching the ICC code of last year during England’s from you -- single-handedly as a teenager, said there was still capable and have plenty England’s team for the second conduct when for his abusive World Cup final triumph and at times. But the way we more to come. of gas left in the tank to tackle Test in Southampton, which send-off of Yasir Shah after he in leading the side to a bowled at him in the previous “Naseem is very, very tal- this Test match and after that starts today. dismissed the Pakistan stunning one-wicket win in game showed we had very ented and he is still growing, his we’ll see how it goes,” he said. “Jimmy is likely to play, tailender during the first Test. yes,”yes,” RRootoot toldtold rereporters.porters. “It was disappointingdisappointin for Pakistan squad ahead of a training “Wouldn’t“Wouldn’t youyou givegive thatthat to hhappen,”appen,” said session in Southampton, yesterday. himhim the opportunityopportunity Root.Root. PHOTO: COURTESY PCB withwith nearnearlyly 600 “I’m“I’m sure wickets?wickets? ththatat waswa a “To“To get tthathat stustuffff frostyfrosty conver-con offoff hishis chestchest andand sationsation with hishis Dad, talkedtalked about hhasas defdef-- atat some popoint,int last initelyinitely helpedhelped hhim.im. week,week, bbutut you WithWith JimmyJimmy it knowknow he’llhe’ll llookoo to won’twon’t be movemove oon.n. HHee kknows longlong that he’s ggot to set an example.”examp

Hafeez to self-isolate after Uncapped Robinson in England bio-security protocol breach squad for Southampton Test REUTERS — SOUTHAMPTON Mohammad Hafeez posted a picture on his AFP — SOUTHAMPTON ENGLAND SQUAD out I think England will be too The Pakistan Cricket Board twitter handle, posing strong.” Joe Root, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, (PCB) said yesterday that all- with a fan. Uncapped Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson has been one of rounder Mohammad Hafeez Robinson was included yesterday Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos the most impressive bowlers in will self-isolate until he tests in England’s 14-man squad for the Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ollie Pope, English domestic cricket in

negative for COVID-19 after second Test against Pakistan in Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Chris Woakes, recent years, taking 137 wickets breaching a bio-security Southampton. Mark Wood in total across the 2018 and protocol by posing for a photo- The 26-year-old trained 2019 seasons. graph with a member of the with the squad during the West playing in Manchester as he He also performed well in public in England. Indies series and took eight gets ready to return to New Australia during the second- The photo posted on by the Hampshire wickets during his Zealand for family reasons. string England Lions tour in the 39-year-old all-rounder, was subsequent appearance in the Stokes will also miss the northern hemisphere winter taken on a golf course next to Bob Willis Trophy -- the first- third Test and former England and took two wickets in the the hotel where Pakistan are class competition that is captain Michael Vaughan said intra-squad match between staying, which is part of a bio- replacing the County Champi- his absence “will have a big Team Stokes and Team (Jos) secure bubble. onship in a season cut short by effect on the England team’s Buttler in Southampton at the Hafeez is not part of Paki- the coronavirus. psychology”. start of last month. stan’s 20-man test squad But whether he makes a Vaughan also told William Both Chris Woakes, the man playing in England but is on the Test debut at Hampshire’s Hill: “He (Stokes) plays a big, big of the match last week, and tour for the three-match Ageas Bowl ground today could role in that dressing room. Stuart Broad are in fine form. Twenty20 international series depend on how the England “Even though he’s not had But the pair have played in starting August 28. negative COVID-19 test,” PCB protocols, which have been attack that played in a three- a massive impact in terms of the three Tests in under four weeks, “As it was evident from the said in a statement. designed for the health and wicket win in the first of a ball or the bat in the last England will want to assess photograph that Hafeez had “The team management safety of everyone involved in three-match series recovers couple of games, he has a big their fitness as well as that of breached the two-metre social believes it was an inadvertent the series.” from their exertions at Old impact with his persona in fellow paceman Jofra Archer, distancing protocol...the team mistake, but a good reminder Hafeez was tested for the Trafford last week. that dressing room.” Mark Wood and Sam Curran management has decided to for everyone on the importance virus yesterday afternoon with Star all-rounder Ben Stokes Vaughan, however, added: before deciding on their final isolate him until he returns a of following the bio-secure the results expected today. has already been ruled out after “Even though Ben Stokes is XI. Verstappen takes momentum to Spain Pliskova, Mertens

LONDON — REUTERS Verstappen will always have a than the Mercedes which suffered the bag to rein in a team mate who reach quarter-finals soft spot for the Barcelona track severe blistering, but there will be is driving as well as ever. Max Verstappen (pictured) returns after becoming Formula One’s a return to harder rubber in Spain. Losing out at Silverstone, after at Prague Open to the scene of his first Formula youngest ever winner there on his That could help Hamilton, who also starting on pole but having the One triumph on Sunday, hoping to Red Bull debut in 2016 at the age had won three races in a row strategy go against him, was a AP — PRAGUE pile more pressure on champi- of 18. before Verstappen’s success and serious blow. onship leader Lewis Hamilton in This year’s’s race, postponedpostponed ddueue has also wwonon the last ththreeree The top three will be taking Spain after winning at Silverstone to the COVID-19D-19 ppandemicandemic outings in Spain. every precaution against the new Kristyna Pliskova upset second-seeded Petra last Sunday. that has alsoo led to it going “Maybe it won’t be coronavirus, with a rising number Martic 6-1, 7-5 to advance to the quarterfinals The 22-year-old Red Bull behind closedd doorsdoors,, is nor-nor- as bad as today but of new infections being seen in of the Prague Open yesterday. driver has stood on the podium at mally held inn the cooler stillstill gogoinging to be a Spain and particularly around Pliskova, ranked 69th, hit nine aces and 28 the last four races and is now the month of MayMay rather challenge,”challenge,” he said Barcelona. winners on the way to her first win over her 14th- closest challenger to Mercedes’ six- than August wherewhere tracktrack lastlast Sunday when “I stay at the track always, so ranked opponent. It’s the eighth clay-court quar- times world champion, with 30 temperatureses are likely to asked about nothing changes for me,” said Ham- terfinal for the hard-serving Czech since she was points separating them. be above 40 ddegreesegrees Celsius. expectations.expectations. ilton. “I stay in my bubble, I’m only runner-up in Prague in 2017. It would be a lot less if Ver- “The trackk at BBarcelonaarcelona isis BottasBottas startedstarted onon around a couple of people and so I “I feel I’m playing better on clay each year,” stappen, who has beaten Hamil- also quite hardard on the tyres ssoo polepole in SpainSpain last will get to the airport and then go Pliskova said. ton’s Finnish team-mate Valtteri I’m not suree how theythey will yearyear and needs to straight to my motorhome and stay “Everybody was saying I cannot move and Bottas in the last three races, had hold out in thehe heat,”heat,” said pullpull some-some- at the track for the three/four days.” stuff, but I don’t think it’s like this. I have more not suffered the first retirement of Verstappen. thingt hing Verstappen and Bottas said it time, so it’s good for me that clay is not that fast, the season in Austria last month. The tyress were out was the same for them. I can focus on my game.” “It’s a different track so let’s see decisive lastlast of “You minimise contact, you Pliskova next faces Ana Bogdan, who how competitive we are against Sunday, withwith stay in your bubble. I don’t expect advanced after Lesia Tsurenko withdrew. Mercedes and how the tempera- the Red Bullull any trouble. It’s not only in Bar- Third-seeded Elise Mertens defeated Camila tures have an impact on everyone,” managing thehe celona or in Spain there is corona, Giorgi 6-4, 6-2 and will play either Tamara the Dutchman said of the Circuit softer com-m- you know, so you just have to be Zidansek or Eugenie Bouchard in the quarters. de Catalunya. pounds bettererer careful,” said the Dutchman. THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2020 SPORT 19 Longines Hathab Series: Riders Former Sri Lanka rugby captain gear up for penultimate round Namal appointed

CHINTHANA WASALA LONGINES HATHAB EQUESTRIAN THE PENINSULA TOUR - ROUND 11 PROGRAMME: Sports Minister Today: Vet check and arena familiarization THE PENINSULA – DOHA Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, who rose to from 17:00 the top of the Big Tour standings with Tomorrow: a victory last weekend, will be up Small Tour (Table A, One round against Former Sri Lanka rugby against his closest rivals, Salman the clock, 100/115cm) 16:00 captain Namal Mohamed Al Emadi and Hamad Medium Tour - Individual and teams Rajapaksa yesterday Nasser Al Qadi at the top of the (Table A, One round against the clock became the country’s standings as the stage is set for the with jump off, 120/130cn) 18:45 youngest Sports penultimate round of the Longines Saturday Minister. Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Series. Open Class (Table A, One round against Namal (pictured), The 11th round of the third the clock, 115/125cm) 16:00 34, son of former Pres- season of the popular series kick off Big Tour (Competition with winning ident and the current at the Qatar Equestrian Federation round, 130/145cm) 18:45 Prime Minister Mahi- Indoor Arena tomorrow. The vet nda Rajapaksa, and also check for the horses will take place podium. Al Qadi now occupies the Medium Tour points table is led Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi and the nephew of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, took today at the same venue. third spot in the Big Tour rankings by Mohamed Khalifa Albaker who Mohammed Al Ghazali are placed oaths as the 18th in line to hold the sports portfolio. Al Ajami, bagged full points behind Al Emadi. has a total of 182 points with two in that order in the Small Tour Namal, who played for the Sri Lanka rugby team astride Ulano, clocking 44.01 Al Ajami has amassed a total of victories. Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi is standings. from 2010, captained the team for two years from seconds in the jump-off to win the 174 points at the top while Al Emadi sitting four points behind him as Qatar Equestrian Federation and 2013 before he retired in July 2014. 143cm class in the 10th leg of the stays two points behind. Al Qadi has Mohammad Saeed Haidan, the Modern Pentathlon are organizing Previously he had led the Sri Lanka national series last week. collected 170 points, which means winner of the previous round, the Tour in collaboration with Al under 16 and 19 teams. He also played for Cardiff Cyrine Cherif finished second the battle for the top spot is still occupies the third spot with 176 Shaqab. Longines, ExxonMobil and University, and City University London teams. with Collezione Cesaro Mikimoto open with only two rounds points. Salam International are the official In 2009, he joined the Sri Lanka Navy SC where while Al Qadi completed the remaining. Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi, partners of the popular series. he was appointed captain in 2010. Barcelona COVID-19 In-form Atletico gunning for case had no contact with Champions League glory CL squad AFP – MADRID Atletico Madrid’s triumph over AFP – MADRID Liverpool in March was a throwback to a more celebrated A Barcelona player has tested past under Diego Simeone but World Cup positive for coronavirus but he five months on and the Cham- has not been in contact with pions League offers them a very winner Matuidi the squad travelling to Lisbon real opportunity in the present. for the Champions League Knocking out the holders at leaves Juventus quarter-final against Bayern Anfield may prove to be the first Munich, the club said glimpse of a new era under yesterday. Simeone, where the likes of Joao AFP – MILAN “Following PCR tests con- Felix, Marcos Llorente, Jose ducted this Tuesday afternoon Gimenez and Jan Oblak push France’s World Cup-winning on the group of nine players Atletico to challenge for major midfielder Blaise Matuidi due to begin the preseason honours again. (pictured) is leaving Juventus Atletico Madrid players in action during today, one of them has tested Or it could be a last hurrah by mutual consent after three a training session ahead of today's positive for COVID-19,” Bar- for the Simeone project, which years, the Italian champions Champions League match against celona said in a statement. some believe will never again announced yesterday. Leipzig. Pic: Twitter / @Atletienglish “The player has not been scale the heights of their Matuidi, 33, joined the Turin in contact with any of the incredible La Liga title win in giants from Paris Saint-Germain senior team players who are 2014 or their runs to the Cham- the resumption, to dispel con- Saint-Germain, who have It is hard to shake the sense in 2017 and had one year left on scheduled to travel to Lisbon pions League finals in 2014 and cerns they could miss out on La played two games in almost half that as a team, Atletico are very his contract. this Thursday to compete in 2016. Liga’s four. a year. well-placed, even if the club It is reported he is set to the Champions League.” The Either way, few believed They won seven matches Meanwhile, in the other half, have always appeared more move to the United States to join club added the player, who Llorente’s two goals in extra- and drew four, one of them only one of Bayern Munich, Bar- comfortable as under-dogs David Beckham’s Major League they did not name, “has no time would be the start of some- against Barcelona at Camp Nou, celona, Manchester City and under Simeone than burdened Soccer club Inter Miami. Matudi, symptoms, is in good health thing even more surprising, which helped Real Madrid clinch Lyon can reach the final. by expectation. Even the new who played in the 2018 World and has been quarantined at namely Simeone lifting the cup the title. Without doubt, Atletico’s format could suit them, in single Cup final when France beat his home”. in May. They scored 20 goals and opponents and potential semi- matches where game man- Croatia 4-2, won three Serie A Barca, who were beaten to Certainly nobody antici- conceded six. If the season had final opponents will be just as agement is likely to be key and titles, one Italian Cup and the the Spanish title by Real pated football shutting down started when the league eager to capitalise, especially technical superiority has less Italian Super Cup at Juventus. Madrid, face Bayern in the completely the following week, restarted, Atletico would have PSG, whose longing for success time to win out than over the He also won four Ligue 1 ‘Final Eight’ played behind as nervousness turned to indig- finished second. in the Champions League has traditional 180 minutes. titles during six years at PSG, closed in the Portuguese nation about Atletico fans trav- Atletico face Leipzig in come to define them. A riled Jurgen Klopp said after having previously played for capital tomorrow. elling to Anfield, before matches Lisbon today as one of the form And it is unknown how Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat at the French clubs Troyes and Saint behind closed foors became teams still standing, in a tour- Simeone’s squad will be affected Wanda Metropolitano in February Etienne. Matuidi played 98 matches postponed nament that has gifted them the by the club’s announcement on that Atletico’s backs-to-the-wall games for Juventus in Serie A indefinitely. significantly kinder half of the Sunday that Angel Correa and approach would not be as and 133 times in all competi- Brazil clears And yet when football draw. Sime Vrsaljko tested positive for effective without their own fans. tions, second only to Argentine returned in June, Atletico were If they beat Leipzig, they will coronavirus, with both players, Yet they were able to frustrate forward Paulo Dybala (134). He four recovered transformed. They went face either Atalanta, the tourna- who would likely have been on Liverpool at Anfield too, before helped Juventus win a ninth virus-positive unbeaten in the 11 games after ment’s minnows or Paris the bench, left at home. winning 3-2 in the second leg. Serie A title in a row this season. players

AFP – SAO PAULO Paris Saint-Germain marks 50th anniversary

The Brazilian Football Confed- ANATOLIA – ANKARA In this file photo taken on May among the PSG legends in eration (CBF) cleared four 18, 2019, Paris Saint-Germain’s history. footballers who tested positive French football powerhouse Brazilian defender Thiago Silva The former Portuguese for the new coronavirus to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are celebrates with the French L1 forward, who played for the play a match Wednesday night set to celebrate their 50th anni- Champion’s Trophy at the Parc team in 2003-2008, scored 109 against reigning Brazil and versary this week, after the club des Princes Stadium in Paris. goals in 211 appearances. South American champions rose in the 2010s fuelled by Pauleta, 47, retired from Flamengo, saying they were Qatar's investment. football in 2008 as he last played no longer contagious. Founded on August 12, 1970, for PSG. The four players from PSG dominated French football Cavani, Ibrahimovic and Atletico Goianiense were ini- after Qatar Sports Investments Pauleta are still the all-time top tially barred after testing pos- purchased the club in 2011. three goal scorers for PSG. itive Sunday, but the club suc- Once the new investors Former Brazilian superstar cessfully appealed the decision came to power, PSG kicked off Ronaldinho moved to Paris to the CBF’s medical a long-term project to create a Saint-Germain in 2001 from committee. powerful team and win Europe’s Gremio of Brazil. This was The committee reversed top-tier UEFA Champions Ronaldinho’s first overseas the players’ medical sus- League title. experience. pension late Tuesday, saying The French club is yet to The 2002 FIFA World Cup their infections were more claim this title but reigned winner played for PSG for two than 10 days old, that they had France in 2010s, winning the years (2001-2003) then was observed the necessary quar- top-flight Ligue 1 campaign in signed by Spanish powerhouse antine and that they were no 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, Barcelona, where he became a longer contagious. 2019, and 2020. club legend. Ronaldinho, 40, The ruling came just in Defending French league establishment in 1970. PSG won Winners’ Cup, beating Austrian Cavani’s contract ran out in who mainly played in the time for Goianiense’s season champs, PSG equaled bitter nine French Ligue 1 titles, nine opponents Rapid Wien 1-0 in the 2020 summer as PSG let him go. attacking midfield position, was debut against Flamengo, the rivals Olympique Marseille’s French League Cups, 13 French final at King Baudouin Stadium, Another player, who one of the most impressive current holders of the Copa number of league titles as both Cups, nine French Super Cups Brussels. impressed this club, was a players for Brazil and clubs that Libertadores and Brazilian clubs earned nine titles each in and one UEFA Cup Winners’ Following the Qatari Swedish star, Zlatan Ibrahi- he played. He produced 25 goals league titles. the country. Cup. takeover, PSG have eyed the movic. Ibrahimovic was a in 77 matches for PSG. The head of the CBF But Saint-Etienne is still the UEFA -- European football’s Champions League title for a beloved player and one of the Sylvain Armand, the French medical committee, Jorge most successful club in the governing body -- abolished the long time and still desire to bag big names in the PSG squad. left-back, has the most appear- Pagura, said the decision was country with 10 titles as their Cup Winners’ Cup tournament it. Now a free agent, Uruguayan Currently playing for Italian ances for Paris Saint-Germain. based on recommendations latest league triumph was in in 1999 and absorbed it into the forward Edinson Cavani is PSG’s club AC Milan, the 38-year-old Armand, 40, played in 381 from the US Centers for 1981. second-tier UEFA Cup tour- all-time top scorer. towering striker netted 156 goals matches for this club in 2004- Disease Control and Pre- 41 cups in 50 years nament, which was later Cavani, 33, scored 200 goals in 180 matches for Paris 2013. He won the French league vention that have been Called “Les Rouge et Bleu” rebranded UEFA Europa League in 301 appearances for Paris. Saint-Germain. with Paris in 2013. Armand endorsed by the World Health (The Red and Blues), PSG in 2009. He joined the French team Ibrahimovic played for Paris retired in 2017 after a four- Organization. claimed 41 cups since their Paris won the 1996 Cup from Italy’s Napoli in 2013. in 2012-2016. Pauleta was season-spell at Rennes.