SPORT 07 the Fans Shouldn’T Be Excited

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MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 The fans shouldn’t be excited. Some responsibility is on the FOOTBALL FOOTBALL players to excite them and Lampard wants Chelsea Champions League round English Premier League have the personality to take players to show more of 16 draw; Europa Crystal Palace personality. the ball and beat someone. ACTION League round of 32 draw vs Brighton & Hove Albion TODAY’S

Lopez wins Bucks breeze past Cavs to take title; Conlan avenges Olympic defeat winning streak to 18 matches AP NEW YORK AFP LOS ANGELES Jimmy Butler (22 of the Miami Heat defends against Jalen Teofimo Lopez got his title and Brunson (13) of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half Michael Conlan got his revenge. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Saturday. Lopez won a lightweight 29 points as the Milwaukee belt with a second-round Bucks won their 18th straight stoppage of Richard Commey, game with a 125-108 victory over and Conlan beat Olympic rival the struggling Cleveland Cava- Vladimir Nikitin on Saturday liers on Saturday. night on the undercard of The Bucks dominated inside Terence Crawford’s welter- and out as they continued their weight title defense against franchise best start and moved Egidijus Kavaliauskas at within just two victories of Madison Square Garden. equalling their all-time longest Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) was winning streak. spectacular in his first title fight, Milwaukee’s 24-3 start is the wobbling Commey with a left best in the 52-year history of the hand early in the second round organization. Their next two and then flooring him with a games though are against two hard right hand. top teams in the Western Con- Commey (29-3) had trouble ference, the Los Angeles Lakers regaining his balance and fell and the Dallas Mavericks. The forward, and once he did get up longest winning streak is 20 Lopez pounced on him in the games set by the 1970-71 Bucks. corner and unloaded a barrage Khris Middleton finished of punches until referee David with 24 points and a half dozen Fields stepped in and stopped Bucks scored in double figures. it at 1:13 of the round. Milwaukee jumped out to an The New York native who 18-point halftime lead and fought for his parents’ Hon- extended it to as many as 28 duras in the 2016 Olympics cel- points in the third quarter on the ebrated with his signature back way to their 18th straight win. below his season average. Doncic, who did not return to the three pointer and a Bam Adebayo took a seven-point lead into the flip before being joined in the Bucks coach Mike Buden- He posted his 11th consec- game after stepping on the foot dunk. fourth quarter as they improved ring by Vasiliy Lomachenko, the holzer sat Antetokounmpo with utive game with at least 24 points of Miami guard Kendrick Nunn Butler made a pair of free to 17-8 on the season in front of two-time Olympic gold the game in hand. The reigning and a field-goal shooting per- while driving to the basket. He throws with five seconds a crowd of 19,800 at Scotiabank medalist who Lopez could now league MVP finished with just 24 centage above 50 percent. remained on the floor for several remaining, and Brunson bungled Arena. The Raptors have won 16 meet next year to unify 135- minutes, that’s seven minutes Hapless Cleveland dropped moments before hobbling off to a three-point attempt to end the of their past 17 meetings with the pound titles. its 15th game over the last 17, a the locker room. contest. Nets, including nine in a row at “You all know who I want skid dating back to November Doncic, who was the NBA Herro finished with 19 points home. Siakam added three steals to fight next. 2020 is going to NBA Results 12. Rookie of the Year in 2018-19, and Adebayo collected a triple- and three blocks while hitting be a big year,” Lopez said. Results from the NBA games Cleveland got just 50 points entered the game averaging double with 18 points, 11 boards three of from beyond the arc. Lomachenko is considered on Saturday from its starting five, led by team-leading totals in points and 10 assists for the Heat, who Norman Powell, who fouled one of the best boxers in the San Antonio 121 Phoenix 119 Tristan Thompson and Kevin (30.4), rebounds (9.9) and assists bounced back after losing 113-110 out with just over a minute left world but Lopez appears to Toronto 110 Brooklyn 102 Love each with 12 points. (9.3) this season. to the Los Angeles Lakers on in the fourth, added 25 points, have the power to stand in with Chicago 109 LA Clippers 106 Elsewhere, Jimmy Butler His streak of 20 consecutive Friday. Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol each anyone. Memphis 128 Washington 111 scored 27 points as the Miami games with at least 20 points, In Toronto, Pascal Siakam scored 17, and Serge Ibaka came “The kid’s got dynamite in Miami 122 Dallas 118 Heat recorded a 122-118 five rebounds and five assists scored 30 points, 10 rebounds off the bench to score 12. his hands,” promoter Lou Milwaukee 125 Cleveland 108 overtime victory over the Dallas ended due to the injury. and five assists, and the Toronto Spencer Dinwiddie had 24 DiBella said. Detroit 115 Houston 107 Mavericks in a game that saw After Jalen Brunson’s three- Raptors defeated the visiting points and eight assists for the Lomachenko said he wasn’t Denver 110 Oklahoma City Luka Doncic injure his ankle in pointer gave Dallas a 118-114 lead Brooklyn Nets 110-102. Nets, Garrett Temple had 16 entirely impressed with Lopez, 102 the first quarter. in overtime, Miami grabbed the Toronto led by as many as 16 points and Taurean Prince had given that the fight only went a X-rays were negative for lead back with a Tyler Herro points during the first half and 14 points and 10 rebounds. couple rounds, though acknowledged that the 22-year-old hits hard. “He has the power, of Blues bounce back to down Blackhawks 4-3 course, he has the power, and he’s a smart fighter, but it depends on the opponents,” REUTERS are winless (0-3-1) in their last goals, four assists) in his last Lomachenko said. NEW YORK four games. four games. Corey Crawford stopped 34 Kane made it 3-0 with his Justin Faulk scored the game- of 38 shots. first goal in seven games. Dylan Momota rallies winning goal as the St. Louis The Blues controlled the Strome kept the puck in the Blues rallied from a 3-0 third- scoreless first period, building offensive zone at the left point to win 11th period deficit to defeat the a big edge in shots on goal and gave it to Kane, who skated visiting Chicago Blackhawks (13-2) and shot attempts (25-4). to the slot to beat Binnington badminton title 4-3. Then Saad scored just 19 with a snap shot. Tyler Bozak scored twice seconds into the second period, Bozak put the Blues on the of the year for the Blues in his 700th NHL connecting with a low shot board, banging home a slick game, and Jacob de la Rose through traffic to give the pass from Robert Thomas with AFP scored the game-tying goal in Blackhawks a 1-0 lead. a one-time shot from a sharp SHANGHAI the third period. Jordan Bin- The Blues carried a 19-3 angle. nington made 19 saves in his lead in scoring chances into the He cut the Blackhawks’ lead World number one Kento first career appearance against third period, but Saad put the to 3-2 when a spinning Thomas Momota fought back from a the Blackhawks. Blackhawks up 2-0 just 30 slid a pass through the crease game down to win a record 11th St Louis Blues defenceman Justin Faulk (72) is congratulated by team- Brandon Saad scored twice, seconds in. Toews found him to him at the left post. Bozak title of the year on Sunday with mates after scoring the game winning goal during the third period of Jonathan Toews earned two breaking to the net with a pass failed to connect on his one- victory at the BWF World Tour assists and Patrick Kane also from the right corner. time shot, but the puck caromed their NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Enterprise Center Finals. scored for the Blackhawks, who Toews has six points (two off his skate into the net. on Saturday. The peerless Japanese player defeated Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting 17-21, 21-17, 21-14 in 87 high-quality minutes in the final at the season-ending Osaka appoints Fissette as coach: Report showpiece in Guangzhou. Momota celebrates a new REUTERS She subsequently suffered early exits at the mark in men’s badminton, TOKYO French Open and Wimbledon. overtaking Malaysian great Lee Former professional Fissette, 39, guided Chong Wei’s 10 tournament Two-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka has compatriot Kim Clijsters to three grand slam wins in 2010. appointed Belgian Wim Fissette as coach, Kyodo titles between 2009 and 2011 and has also “At this World Tour Finals news agency on Sunday quoted the Japanese worked with major winners Simona Halep, Petra I played carefully from the first player’s management as saying, as she gears up Kvitova and Angelique Kerber. match partly with the aim of to defend her Australian Open title. Osaka’s 2019 win Down Under, after her winning an 11th title,” the Osaka has been without a coach since Sep- breakthrough US Open title, made her Asia’s 25-year-old Momota said. tember, when she split with Jermaine Jenkins first world number one and the first player of “Even in tough games I did following a disappointing defence of her US any nation to claim their first two Grand Slam not give up.” Momota was Open title. titles back-to-back since Jennifer Capriati in pushed all the way by the Jenkins was himself a replacement for 2001. speedy Ginting and the Jap- Sascha Bajin, who Osaka ditched in February, Now ranked third, Osaka had her father anese fell 12-5 down in the Naomi Osaka of Japan in action against Ashleigh Barty of Australia in the weeks after winning her first major at Melbourne filling in as coach following the split with deciding third game to the China Open singles match in this October 2019 ﬁle picture. Park. Jenkins. world number eight. 08 SPORT MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 2019 Australia beat New Zealand by 296 runs

REUTERS Nathan Lyon claimed four second time in the match, falling PERTH wickets apiece. to a sharp Starc delivery. The tourists’ chase on a dete- Ross Taylor, who top-scored Australia cleaned up a hapless riorating Perth Stadium pitch got with 80 in New Zealand’s first New Zealand under lights on the off to a disastrous start when innings, stonewalled alongside fourth day to secure a opener Jeet Raval and Kane Wil- Tom Latham before losing commanding 296-run victory in liamson (14) fell before the tea patience and edging an the first Test yesterday. break. Lyon picked up the prized attempted pull shot off Starc for Chasing a record 468 runs, wicket of Williamson with his 22. New Zealand crumbled against first ball as the New Zealand Latham soon departed for 18 sustained when he was bowling from SCOREBOARD trapped lbw by Australia’s Lyon in a undermanned Australia (I innings) ...... 416 New Zealand (II innings) decision over- attack and were New Zealand (I innings) ...... 166 J Raval c Lyon b Starc ...... 1 turned on bowled out for Australia (II innings) T Latham lbw Lyon ...... 18 review. 171 in a lopsided D Warner c sub (Blundell) b Southee 19 K Williamson c Wade b Lyon ...... 14 Watling had contest. J Burns c Nicholls b Southee ...... 53 R Taylor c Paine b Starc ...... 22 luck on 27 when A rejuve- he was given not nated Australia M Labuschagne c Santner b Wagner 50 H Nicholls c Head b Lyon ...... 21 out after a loud have won their S Smith c Raval b Wagner ...... 16 B Watling c Paine b Starc ...... 40 appeal for third straight Test M Wade c Raval b de Grandhomme ... 17 De Grandhomme c Smith b Cummins 33 caught behind of the home T Head c de Grandhomme b Southee .. 5 M Santner c Head b Cummins ...... 0 off Lyon. season since T Paine b Southee ...... 0 T Southee c Smith by Lyon ...... 4 Replays showed retaining the P Cummins c Watling b Wagner ...... 13 N Wagner c Paine b Starc ...... 8 he had edged Ashes in England the ball but Aus- M Starc c Taylor b Southee ...... 23 L Ferguson not out ...... 1 and stretched tralia declined to Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne signs autographs after the home team beat New Zealand on day their unbeaten N Lyon (not out) ...... 0 Extras (Lb6, Nb1, W2) ...... 9 review. He then four of the ﬁrst Test cricket match in Perth yesterday. run in day-night Extras (LB7, NB6, W8) ...... 21 Total (all out) ...... 171 was dropped on matches to seven. Total (for 9 wkts decl.) ...... 217 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-21, 3-57, 4-57, 30 by Steve from Starc in a decision over- overwhelmed New Zealand with straight day as the temperature BJ Watling Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-131, 3-148, 5-98, 6-154, 7-154, 8-154, 9-163, 10-171 Smith at slip. turned on review to effectively a nine-wicket haul. Both teams peaked at 41 degrees Celsius. (40) and Colin de 4-154, 5-160, 6-160, 7-180, 8-189, 9-217 Bowling: Starc 14-5-45-4, Cummins 19- Smith, signal the end of New Zealand’s were without a paceman after New Zealand have only won Grandhomme however, made resistance. debutant Lockie Ferguson, one Test in Australia since their (33) stonewalled Bowling: Southee 21.1-6-69-5 (3w), de 6-31-2 (1nb, 2w), Lyon 22.3-3-63-4, Head no mistake Australia dominated himself a replacement for injured sole series triumph across the in a bid to stretch Grandhomme 17-2-47-1 (1w, 3nb), Wagn- 5-1-13-0, Labuschagne 5-0-13-0 when De Grand- throughout with their formidable New Zealand spearhead Trent Tasman Sea in 1985-86. the test into a er 23-4-59-3 (4w, 3nb), Santner 8-0-35-0 Result: Australia won by 296 runs homme edged a first innings total setup by a Boult, and Josh Hazlewood suf- The series shifts to the tradi- final day, but fierce short ball majestic 143 from Marnus fered leg injuries on the opening tional Boxing Day Test in Mel- their dismissals from Cummins. Labuschagne in his third straight two days. bourne before concluding with triggered a swift end. Quick skipper meekly poked to short Watling’s charmed life ended ton. Starc, who was sidelined for Oppressive weather condi- the New Year’s Test at the Mitchell Starc and spinner leg. Raval made just one for the when he gloved a short delivery most of the Ashes series, tions continued for the fourth Sydney Cricket Ground. Pakistan’s Abid makes history with ton on debut AP RAWALPINDI

Pakistan opening batsman Abid Ali made history on his debut by scoring a century in the rain-affected drawn first Test against Sri Lanka yesterday. Pakistan’s Abid Ali Abid scored an unbeaten 109 off 201 balls to become the first (left) celebrates after batsman in international cricket to score a hundred in both his ODI scoring century (100 and Test match debuts. runs) as teammate Pakistan’s premier player Babar Azam also continued his rich Pakistan’s Babar batting form and made an unbeaten 102 off 128 balls as Pakistan Azam applauds scored 252-2 before the match ended. Sri Lanka had earlier declared their first innings at 308-6 in during the fifth bright sunshine after bad weather badly affected the first four days and final day of the of Pakistan’s first test at home in more than 10 years. first Test cricket “We came two days before the Test and we’ve done a really match between good job,” Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne said. Pakistan and Sri “Hopefully it won’t rain and we get five days of cricket (in Lanka in Rawalpindi Karachi). I want to thank all the Pakistan fans, they supported us as yesterday. Azam also well. In other countries you won’t get support like this … we love scored a century as the Pakistan fans and hope we get the support in Karachi as well.” the Test ended in The second Test will be played at southern port city of Karachi draw. from Dec 19-23. Abid missed out on Pakistan’s World Cup squad despite scoring a hundred in his ODI debut against Australia in the United Arab Emirates in March this year. Pakistani batsmen with century on Test debut “I was not relaxed for sure, but we were enjoying ourselves and waiting for cricket (after rain affected four days of play),” Abid said. “My plan was to see off the new ball and then gradually built Khalid Ibadulla 166 vs Australia Karachi 24 Oct 1964 the innings with plans for every five overs. When I was in 90s I got Javed Miandad 163 vs New Zealand Lahore 9 Oct 1976 nervous but Babar gave me the confidence,” he added. Saleem Malik 100* vs Sri Lanka Karachi 5 Mar 1982 Abid enthralled 12,000 cricket-starved home team fans at the Mohammad Wasim 109* vs New Zealand Lahore 21 Nov 1996 Pindi Cricket Stadium with some exquisite shots on both sides of Ali Naqvi 115 vs South Africa Rawalpindi 6 Oct 1997 the wicket. Azhar Mahmood 128* vs South Africa Rawalpindi 6 Oct 1997 He reached his hundred after tea by smashing seamer Vishwa Younis Khan 107 vs Sri Lanka Rawalpindi 26 Feb 2000 Fernando to the midwicket boundary for his 11th four and then ran Taufeeq Umar 104 vs Bangladesh Multan 29 Aug 2001 two runs with a cover drive to complete his dream Test debut after Yasir Hameed 170 vs Bangladesh Karachi 20 Aug 2003 batting for 4-1/2 hours. Babar soon followed Abid to the three-figure Yasir Hameed 105 vs Bangladesh Karachi 20 Aug 2003 mark when he drove offspinner Dilruwan Perera for his 14th Fawad Alam 168 vs Sri Lanka Colombo (PSS) 12 Jul 2009 boundary as the batsmen shared a 162-run stand to the much delight Umar Akmal 129 vs New Zealand Dunedin 24 Nov 2009 of hometown fans. Abid Ali 109* vs Sri Lanka Rawalpindi 11 Dec 2019 Abid was unfortunate last month when he went to Australia but didn’t get a chance as Pakistan lost both Test matches by an innings margin. SCOREBOARD Abid added 87 runs for the second-wicket stand with captain Quotable Quotes Azhar Ali, who scored 36 before chipping a straightforward catch Sri Lanka (I innings) Pakistan (I innings) off seamer Lahiru Kumara to mid-wicket. D Karunaratne lbw b Shaheen ...... 59 Shan Masood c Chandimal b Rajitha ...0 “Hopefully it won’t rain and we get five days of cricket “We’re all very happy today, the sun came out, special congrat- O Fernando c Sohail b Naseem ...... 40 Abid Ali (not out) ...... 109 (in Karachi). I want to thank all the Pakistan fans, they ulations to Abid,” Pakistan captain Azhar Ali said. “It’s a totally dif- K Mendis c Rizwan b Shinwari ...... 10 Azhar Ali c Karunaratne b Kumara ....36 supported us as well. In other countries you won’t get ferent experience (to play at home) and I want to thank the crowd. A Mathews c Shafiq b Naseem ...... 31 Babar Azam (not out) ...... 102 support like this … we love the Pakistan fans and hope we Everyone knew there wouldn’t be a result but they all came out. As D Chandimal b Abbas ...... 2 Extras: (B 2, NB 2, W 1) ...... 5 get the support in Karachi as well. We came two days before a team we’ve not had this kind of support for 9-10 years.” But Abid and Azam received loud appreciation from a big crowd D de Silva (not out)...... 102 Total: (for two wkts) ...... 252 the Test and we’ve done a really good job.” before the match was called off. N Dickwella c Azam b Shaheen ...... 33 Did not bat: Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne Pakistan ran into early trouble when Shan Masood got out for D Perera (not out) ...... 16 Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Shinwari, Mo- zero as he threw away his wicket by giving a tame catch to seamer Extras (B5, LB7, NB3) ...... 15 hammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen “We’re all very happy today (Sunday), the sun came Rajitha Fernando’s full toss. Total (for six wkts)...... 308 Shah Afridi out, special congratulations to Abid. It’s a totally different Earlier, with sun shining brightly for the first time in five days, Fall of wickets: 1-96, 2-109, 3-120, Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-90 experience (to play at home) and I want to thank the crowd. Sri Lanka declared its first innings soon after Dhananjaya de Silva hit his sixth test hundred. 4-127, 5-189, 6-256 Bowling: Rajitha 6-2-5-1 (1nb), Fernando Everyone knew there wouldn’t be a result but they all came Wet weather has badly disrupted the Test match, allowing only Bowling: Abbas 27-9-72-1, Shaheen 22- 13-1-49-0, Kumara 14-4-46-1, Perera 24- out. As a team we’ve not had this kind of support for 9-10 years.” 91.5 overs during the first three days before the entire fourth day’s 7-58-2 (nb3), Shinwari 15-4-54-1, Naseem 0-85-0, De Silva 11-0-48-0 (nb1), Oshada play was washed out due to rain on Saturday. 27-5-92-2, Sohail 3-0-12-0, Masood 1-1- 1-0-3-0, Mendis 1-0-14-0 Pakistan captain Azhar Ali Dhananjaya, who came in to bat on day one, completed his 0-0, Shafiq 2-0-8-0 Result: Draw deserved Test century after play resumed yesterday with an elegant cover driven boundary off Mohammad Abbas. MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 09

The National Stadium, venue for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, is seen during a media tour following the stadium’s completion in Tokyo, yesterday.

Tokyo unveils Olympic Stadium

AFP into the stadium. There are also Koike pointed out the other It’s lined with benches, and domestic lumber helping it The stadium was also TOKYO eight mist spraying facilities, 185 strong feature as she spoke. flowers and trees. A stroll offers to blend into the surroundings lowered to a height of 47 metres fans and 16 air-conditioned “This stadium uses a lot of a breathtaking view of Tokyo, in central Tokyo. (154 feet) from the original design Tokyo formally unveiled its lounges. trees in its structure,” she said, and on a clear day Mt. Fuji is The stadium will host the of 70 metres, which was criti- 60,000-seater main Olympic Opening the facility, Prime speaking of the greenery that is visible to the west. opening and closing ceremonies cised as too high and for being a Stadium yesterday, more than Minister Shinzo Abe hailed its everywhere - from flower Makoto Sato, a spokesman plus the flagship athletics events. potential eyesore on Tokyo’s seven months before the 2020 “top-level universal design” and planters, to trees and shrubs. for the Japan Sport Council, a However, the marathon will skyline. Opening Ceremony -- with a “harmony with its surrounding Although Tokyo is densely national government body that not have its traditional finish Total construction costs host of special features to beat environment.” urban, it is also dotted with many built the venue, said the walkway there, as the event has been including design and supervising the feared heat. “It blends with its sur- parks and green areas. The will be open to the public on days moved to Japan’s northern island fees came to 156.9bn yen, within Built on the site of the former rounding and the natural envi- stadium works off that theme, when there are no events after of Hokkaido to avoid the the budget, according to national stadium used for the ronment,” Abe said, noting it making sure it is functional and the Olympics. expected heat and humidity of officials. 1964 Tokyo Olympics, it has five showcased Japan’s ties to nature linked to nature. “We have tried to emphasize the capital. The stadium will see its first floors above ground and two with its use of wood lattice work A walkway on the fifth level all four seasons and people can The unveiling will come as a sporting action on December 21 below, with greenery planted on around the stadium’s rim and is called the “Grove of the Sky.” use it around the year and enjoy relief after the humiliation in when former sprint champion the decks to provide shade from roof, and earth-tone colors in the It’s about 30 meters (100 feet) it,” he said. September 2016, when Abe Usain Bolt will take the track for the scorching summer sun. seats that are randomly colored above street level and runs 850 Renowned architect Kengo scrapped the original plans from a special exhibition relay. The eaves around the outer brown, gray, two shades of green meters (1/2 mile) around the Kuma designed the stadium late Iraqi-British architect Zaha The first competitive action perimeter keep out sunlight and and white. entire circumference of the along traditional Japanese lines, Hadid as the costs soared beyond there will be the Emperor’s Cup rain and will help channel breeze Tokyo Governor Yuriko stadium. with the use of wooden eaves $2bn. football final on New Year’s Day. Bad boy Reed Woods leads US Presidents Cup silences critics with fightback to crush Els dream gritty US win AFP AFP MELBOURNE MELBOURNE Patrick Reed went some way Tiger Woods’ United States to silencing his critics with an produced a stunning turnaround emphatic win at the Presidents to deny the Internationals a first Cup yesterday, saying he was Presidents Cup in 21 years determined not to let the yesterday, dominating the knockers get to him. singles on a tense final day that The former Masters went to the wire at Royal champion was taunted by sec- Melbourne. tions of the crowd all week Veteran Matt Kuchar was the after being branded a cheat by hero, with his winning putt on International opponent the 17th in the penultimate match Cameron Smith for improving enough to ensure victory, his lie in sand at the Bahamas sparking wild celebrations from last week. playing-captain Woods, who set Tensions boiled over on the tone by getting the first point Saturday when his caddie on the board. and brother-in-law Kessler It was a crushing loss for Karain shoved a fan for Ernie Els’ young Internationals swearing at Reed and was who led for the first three days banned from carrying his of the biennial matchplay event. bags in the crunch singles They went into yesterday’s matches yesterday. 12 singles matches with a 10-8 Reed turned to his swing lead but Patrick Reed and Dustin coach Kevin Kirk and it worked Johnson were among those well as he crushed Taiwan’s CT racing to big early leads as the Pan 4 and 2 to give the United scoreboard became swathed in States momentum on their way US red. to a 16-14 win over Ernie Els’ Webb Simpson beat South Internationals. Korea’s An Byeong-hun to guar- “You make birdies, you antee the US a share of the Cup don’t hear much. The biggest at 15-12 with three matches still thing today, which I felt like I in play. didn’t do early on this week, Australian Cameron Smith was we didn’t get up in our grabbed a point by beating Justin matches,” said Reed. Thomas, ensuring a nailbiting “When you’re not up on US team captain Tiger Woods and his team-mates pose with the Presidents Cup after their win over the International Team on the finale with Kuchar’s birdie to go your matches, the other team, ﬁnal day of the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Melbourne, yesterday. one-up on 17 enough to secure the crowd will get more vocal. at least half a point and ensure If you get up in your match, the there was no way back for Els’ we needed. We fought,” said The playing-captain, in his At one stage the Americans were against Taiwan’s CT Pan in front crowd will be pretty quiet. I was team. Woods. ninth Presidents Cup, took the ahead in nine matches, and of taunting fans before closing able to do that and silence a “I trusted all my 11 guys. I “Even the points we lost, we responsibility of going out first world number five Dustin out a 4 and 2 win. couple.” trusted them implicitly. I told were making them earn every in the singles and won 3 and 2 Johnson ensured a second point, The US were on a roll and Last week in the Bahamas them from the very get go. They one of them, and this Cup wasn’t against battling Mexican crushing Li Haotong 4 and 3. Tony Finau came from four Reed’s practice swings had went out there and got the points going to be given to us. We had Abraham Ancer. It ended a difficult Presidents down after 10 holes to snatch a twice moved sand from to go earn it, and we did.” In doing so he passed Phil Cup for the first Chinese player half point on the final green behind his ball in a waste No side before had rallied to Mickelson to become the most to take part -- Li was overlooked against a stunned Hideki Mat- bunker. win on the last day after trailing successful Presidents Cup golfer for the opening two days and suyama of Japan. He insisted he had not for three days, further cementing in history with a 27-15-1 win- never looked at ease. South Korea’s Im Sung-jae deliberately improved his lie, I trusted all my 11 the reputation of Woods, who loss-tie record to his country- Patrick Reed’s caddie was was a bright spot. Only 21, the despite being penalised, but went undefeated in his three man’s 26-16-13. banned after shoving a fan on PGA Tour Rookie of the Year fans in Melbourne gave him guys. I trusted them matches. “I could have made different Saturday as tensions boiled over comfortably beat US Open grief, with one group following implicitly. I told them US President Donald Trump, choices in the singles today. I can following the controversial champion Gary Woodland 4 and him dressed in white overalls from the very get go. an avid golf fan, immediately take it on my shoulders,” said Els. American’s penalty for 3. with “Reed Excavations” They went out there paid tribute on social media. “The questions will come improving his lie in the Bahamas It was the United States’ 11th written on the back. “Congratulations to Tiger that I made mistakes in the last week. victory in 13 editions of the Reed said his family and and got the points we and the entire US Team on a selection of where I put my The former Masters event. One was drawn with the teammates told him the only needed. We fought,” great comeback and tre- players, but I followed a plan 100 champion turned to his swing lone International win coming way to respond was play said Woods. mendous WIN. True Cham- percent, and it didn’t quite work coach to carry his bag and raced in 1998, also at Royal great golf, and that’s what he pions!” he tweeted. out. But we came damn close.” to six-up through seven holes Melbourne. did. 10 SPORT MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 2019 Qatar National Day: Doha to stage ‘blockbuster’ T20 clash

THE PENINSULA QCA President Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari DOHA during a press conference in Doha yesterday.

Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) yesterday announced it is set to host a ‘blockbuster’ T20 clash between an International XI and Qatar’s national side on December 18. QCA President Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari said the Asian Town West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer (left) gestures along with India’s Cricket Stadium will host the Deepak Chahar as he walks back to the pavilion during the ﬁrst one annual feature being staged with ‘long-standing’ support of Min- day international cricket match of a three-match series between istry of Interior (MoI). India and West Indies in Chennai yesterday. Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt will lead an array of Test cricketers during the QND clash. Hetmyer, Hope Butt, a veteran of 33 Tests and 78 One Day Internationals attract a great crowd.” Butt said: ODIs), will be joined by Pakistan The teams for QND T20 match “I believe Qatar has huge cricket sparkle for WI players all-rounder Abdul potential. They have talented Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Rana International XI Qatar Squad players. They need such matches REUTERS Naveedul Hassan and Sohail Salman Butt Chaudhary Iqbal and series to take cricket to the MUMBAI Tanveer. Imran Farhat Mohammad Rizlan next level.” Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis, Abdul Razzaq Kamran Khan Zazai, the Afghan all- Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope hit centuries and combined in a India’s Satvir Singh and Afghan- Kamran Akmal Zaheerudeen Ibrahim rounder, said: “I am thrilled to stand of 218 to help West Indies to an eight-wicket victory over istan’s Fazel Rahman Zazai are Rana Naveedul Hassan Faisal Khan be here. I am a batting all- India in the opening match of their one-day international series at also part of the International XI. Sohail Tanveer Mohammed Tanveer rounder. I look forward to Chennai yesterday. “We are celebrating this Jahanzaib Naveed Dharmangh Patel playing good cricket. I am here Hetmyer smashed 139 off 106 balls for his highest ODI score important cricket event on our Ajantha Mendis Taimoor Sajjad to learn and enjoy the game.” and his second-wicket partnership with Hope, who remained calendar with help from MoI,” Al Satvir Singh Gayan Buddika Mendis, a veteran of 19 Tests unbeaten on 102, helped West Indies chase down a target of 288 Kuwari said at a pre-event press Fazal Rahman Zazai Awaid Malik and 87 ODIs, said yesterday: “I with 13 deliveries to spare. conference yesterday. Qalandar Khan Muhammad Nadeem thank QCA for inviting us for this Half-centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer had helped “I am thankful to the inter- Khurram Shahzad Noman Sarwar event. The players are thrilled to India recover from a shaky start and post 287-8 off their 50 overs national players who will join us Saqlain Arshad Imran Ashraf be here and we look forward to after West Indies captain Kieron Pollard had won the toss and opted on Qatar National Day celebra- Owais Ahmad Musawar Khan some exciting cricket.” to field. tions. It will be a T20 clash,” he Syed Yousaf Tameem Hussain Khan Al Kuwari said: “The entry to India seamer Deepak Chahar sent back opener Sunil Ambris said. “We are expecting a full the stadium is free. Cricket on early and gave the hosts hopes of defending their total on a slow crowd as the entry to the match Butt, Pakistan’s former The 35-year-old batsman our National Day is a big event surface at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. venue is free. I would like to take skipper in Tests and ODIs, said added: “I am thrilled to be part as we have lined up a series of But the partnership between the 22-year-old Hetmyer and Hope this opportunity to thank our yesterday: “First of all I would of the show here. We are already events on the sidelines of the ensured the Caribbean side faced little discomfort on their way to sponsors without whom we like to congratulate Qatar and its playing in the Q10 League. The match. I expect people to come victory and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. would not be able to pull off such people on the National Day that players are happy to participate in and enjoy what should be a While the aggression came from the diminutive Hetmyer, who a great event,” he added. is coming up.” in this match which should great spectacle.” hit 11 fours and seven sixes, the solidity was provided by Hope. SCOREBOARD India 8-0-45-0 (w1, nb1), Walsh Jr 5-0-31-0, R Sharma c Pollard b Joseph ...... 36 Paul 7-0-40-2 (w3, nb2), Joseph 9-1-45- KL Rahul c Hetmyer b Cottrell ...... 6 2 (w3), Chase 7-0-42-0, Pollard 4-0-28-1 V Kohli b Cottrell ...... 4 West Indies S Iyer Pollard b Joseph ...... 70 S Hope (not out)...... 102 R Pant c Hetmyer b Pollard ...... 71 S Ambris lbw b Chahar ...... 9 K Jadhav c Pollard b Paul ...... 40 S Hetmyer c Iyer b Shami ...... 139 R Jadeja run out (Chase) ...... 21 N Pooran (not out) ...... 29 S Dube c Holder b Paul ...... 9 Extras (LB4, NB1, W7) ...... 12 D Chahar (not out)...... 6 Total (2 wickets, 47.5 overs) ..... 291 M Shami (not out) ...... 0 Did not bat: K Pollard, R Chase, J Holder, Extras (B5, LB5, NB3, W11) ...... 24 K Paul, H Walsh, A Joseph, S Cottrell Total (8 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 287 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-229 Did not bat: K Yadav Bowling: Chahar 10-1-48-1, Shami 9-1-57- Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-25, 3-80, 4-194, 1, Yadav 10-0-45-0 (w7), Dube 7.5-0-68-0, 5-210, 6-269, 7-269, 8-282 Jadhav 1-0-11-0, Jadeja 10-0-58-0 (nb1) QCA President Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari is seen with former Pakistan captain Salman Butt (sixth left) and other players and officialsat Bowling: Cottrell 10-3-46-2 (w4), Holder Result: West Indies won by 8 the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters in Doha yesterday. Al Qubaisi, Al Sulaiti share honours in first leg of QSTK600 THE PENINSULA colder, I could improve my lap DOHA time and I managed to finish in first position. This is my first time Qatar’s promising rider Abdulla in the championship and I am Al Qubaisi and seasoned hand very happy with the results,” Saeed Al Sulaiti shared honours Parola said. during the opening round of “Race One was very good for Qatar Superstock 600 Champi- me. I had new tyre and the bike onship at the Losail International was perfect. In race 2, I went Circuit. with used tyres and it all changed In the first race, Qubaisi, the a bit from the bike but overall, I runner up from last season, am happy with the results,” Al started from the first place as he Emadi said. got the Superpole and managed “I had a fast crash in the first to take the lead from the start of race but in the second race, I was the race until the checkered flag. happy with my third position. I Al Sulaiti finished in second had some pain due to the crash place while Mashel Al Naimi and I could have done it better. grabbed the third spot on the But I am very happy that I made podium. Newcomer from one podium at least,” Alexander Podium winners from Race One of the QSTK Championship at Losail International Circuit. RIGHT: The top three on the podium after the Bulgary, Mihail Florov finished said. ﬁrst round of the QSTK Trophy. in fourth place. The trophies were presented During the second race of the by Major General Mohamed Saad day, Al Sulaiti pushed from the but in the last laps, I came across trying to overtake Abdulla but it and Saeed,” Al Naimi said. “The French rider Jeremy Parola and Al Kharji, Director General of start of the race and clinched with the slow riders and they was too risky with the slow riders bike was perfect in the second the Australian Traffic Head- victory ahead of Al Qubaisi and made me slow my rhythm,” said and I preferred to secure the race. I stayed with Abdulla and Alastair Cunliffe quarters, Eng Fahad Al Naimi. Al Qubaisi. second place. In second race, I Saeed during the first half of the respectively. The second Rashid Al Kaabi, Al Qubaisi was pleased with The defending QSTK600 decided to push from the race but after that I had a In the second round of Qatar Manateq CEO, Jaber his performance. champion, Al Sulaiti said he was beginning, so I kept the rhythm problem with the front tyre and race of the Trophy Superstock Bin Talib Bin Afifah, “In the first race, the bike was satisfied with his results. and stayed in front until the end almost crashed. Overall I am category, newcomer Championship former rally driver, very good and I made a gap from “It was a difficult round as of the race. I want to congrat- happy and hope the next round French rider took the Abdulrahman Al the beginning but in the last two Abdulla and Mashel are very well ulate everyone in this opening will be better. I want to give my victory followed by will be Mannai, QMMF laps I started to lose the front and prepared. In race 1, I noticed that round,” Al Sulaiti added. thanks to Ooredoo for spon- Rayad Al Emadi and held from President, Khalid Al almost crashed. Saeed almost Abdulla and Mishal slowed their Al Naimi said he faced soring me and to QMMF and the Kuwaiti rider Jan 10 to 11, Remaihi, LCSC Vice caught me in the last lap but I rhythm due some problem with problems with his front tyre and LCSC for their support,” Al Naimi Alexander Qabazard. 2020. President and finished in first position,” Al the front tyre and I took hopes to solve it for round two. said. “I expected a General Manager, Qubaisi said. advantage of that and got closer “The first race was difficult. In the QSTK Trophy Race 1, better result in the and Abdulrazak Al “In the second race, I was to them,” Al Sulaiti said. I was fast in the middle of the Rayad Al Emadi finished first in first race with the set up but in Kuwari, QMMF General able to finish in the first position “In the last two laps, I was race but I couldn’t follow Abdulla his category followed by the the second race, as it was a bit Secretary. MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 11

SC showcases Qatar 2022 progress at Darb Al Saai

THE PENINSULA One of the activities is next World Cup host nation. DOHA ‘Golden Glove’ – a virtual reality Fifteen nationalities are repre- game which tests a player’s sented by the male and female The Supreme Committee for reflexes by placing them in the participants – including Delivery & Legacy (SC) is show- position of goalkeeper. The workers, fans, journalists, casing its preparations for the player is challenged to save as coaches, and both grassroots FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at many shots as possible. ‘On Your and professional players. Darb Al Saai. Head’ prompts players to vir- Speaking about the SC’s Located at Al Sadd and tually score headed goals, with involvement in Darb Al Saai, regarded as one of the country’s extra points for precision Mohammed Al Hammadi, Head major attractions during Qatar attempts which hit targets, of Stakeholder Relations, said: National Day festivities, Darb Al drones and explode dynamite. “We are delighted to be partici- Saai hosts a number of tents Another activity – for younger pating in Darb Al Saai yet again. from different entities across the visitors – is 3D painting. This is a great opportunity for us country. Visitors are invited to Children colour-in football- to celebrate Qatar, while at the enjoy traditional Qatari cuisine, related images and see them same time giving people the latest take part in an array of family- come to life in 3D on tablets. updates on our preparations for friendly activities and enjoy cul- Also featured in the tent is the World Cup in 2022.” tural performances. the Goal Click Qatar photog- The SC tent, which is located This year, the SC tent raphy series. The series features near Gate 6, will be open from includes information about the 36 photographs which reveal 9am to 1pm and 3:30pm to Qatar 2022 legacy programmes, the untold story of Qatari 10pm until 19 December. On 20 stadium models and a range of football culture through the eyes December, the SC tent will be football-related activities. and words of people living in the open from 2pm to 11pm Visitors look at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadium’s model at Darb Al Saai. Upbeat Al Hilal ‘aiming’ for title

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal are It’s a good omen to confident of reaching the final as they face South American win our first game and champions Flamengo in the we’re confident we semi-finals of FIFA Club World will make the final: Ali Injured Lovren Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium tomorrow. Albulayhi ruled out of The AFC Champions League winners secured a spot in the opponents, who should be a Liverpool’s semi-finals by seeing off Espe- tougher proposition than the rance Sportive de Tunis. team from Tunisia, Albulayhi Doha trip While credit goes to said: “Flamengo are South Bafetimbi Gomis, who scored the American champions and they game’s solitary goal, Al Hilal’s are obviously very strong. Their AFP back line was solid from coach [Jorge] Jesus is also very LONDON beginning to end, managing to good. We respect all our oppo- thwart the best efforts of Anice nents but we go into the game Dejan Lovren (pictured) has Badri and Ibrahim Ouattara and determined to win.” been ruled out of Liverpool’s keep a vital clean sheet. Al Hilal made light of their trip to the Club World Cup, but Among few alarms for the relative lack of tournament Georginio Wijnaldum will travel Saudi giants’ was a deflection experience and hectic fixture with the Reds squad for the from Yasser Alshahrani that schedule to win their first game tournament in Qatar. forced keeper Abdullah in their maiden appearance at Croatian defender Lovren Almuaiouf to scramble back to the FIFA Club World Cup. It will miss out as a result of the his line and claw the ball clear Al Hilal’s players celebrate after their victory against Esperance Sportive de Tunis at Jassim Bin Hamad seems fair, then, for the Saudi hamstring problem he suffered midway through the second Stadium on Saturday. team to now aim even higher, during Tuesday’s Champions period. despite facing such a tough chal- League victory in Salzburg. In a post-match interview “I think it was good for us,” wasn’t on our side today in front opening encounter. Making their lenge in the final four. But Dutch midfielder with FIFA.com, Al Hilal defender said Albulayhi. “It really pushed of goal,” said Albulayhi. way to the team bus, the whole “It’s a good omen to win our Wijnaldum, who appeared to Ali Albulayhi said: “It was a us to go forward until Gomis “We shouldn’t forget the team seemed focused on their first game and we’re confident suffer a hamstring injury in the mistake from all of us. That’s gave us the lead.” game wasn’t easy at all, but ulti- upcoming encounter. we will make the final,” said Premier League leaders’ 2-0 football and mistakes can always Al Hilal were an attacking mately we won and we need to “We have an important game Albulayhi. win over Watford on Saturday, happen, but luckily Almuaiouf threat throughout but had to turn our attention now to our against Flamengo coming up,” “We are aiming for the title, was named among the 20-man was on high alert and saved it.” remain patient until Gomis’ upcoming matches.” agreed Albulayhi. but we will take one game at a party which flew out on Sunday. The scare did not deter Al strike broke the deadlock. While the Al Hilal players “We should now turn the time. We got an important win Jurgen Klopp’s side enter Hilal from pursuing their “We played with virtually the appeared happy after the game, page on the Esperance match today, and we also want to beat the Club World Cup at the semi- attacking game until they were same side that won the AFC it was clear that they have not and focus on the next game.” Flamengo. Only then we will final stage on Wednesday, with rewarded with the winning goal. Champions League, but luck come to Qatar just to win their Asked about their Brazilian think of the final.” Mexican side Monterrey their opponents in Doha. A statement on Liverpool’s official website confirmed Lovren’s omission and Wijnal- I still can’t believe that goal, dum’s inclusion. Resources are already stretched thinly with a youth says Monterrey’s Vangioni team set to play a League Cup quarter-final at Aston Villa on Tuesday, and Fabinho (ankle) THE PENINSULA until the closing stages, even if an winners, but ultimately losing 3-0 and Joel Matip (knee) ruled out DOHA Al Sadd double set up a nervy to Barcelona in the final. Now, four of games in the Middle East. finale. Ultimately though, Los years later and after a stint in Europe “With the Gini injury, Dejan Despite having had several attempts Rayados earned a 3-2 triumph to with AC Milan, he is back on the three or four days ago, our on goal, including a Jesus Gallardo book their place in the semi-finals, American continent with Monterrey. squad is not getting bigger. That effort that hit the post, Monterrey where they will face Liverpool on This time they face a difficult is not cool,” Klopp said. simply could not find the net in the Wednesday. opponent at the semi-final stage “But that is the same early stages of their opening fixture As impressive as Vangioni’s against a Liverpool side with an problem if we go to Aston Villa at the FIFA Club World Cup against effort was, he insists it was not the intimidating unbeaten run. in the Carabao Cup an Al Sadd side intent on denying result of work on the training pitch: “The game against Liverpool quarter-final.” them space to operate in. “I had the confidence to take the might be something of a poisoned Speaking before the squad That all changed in the 23rd shot, so I hit it and thankfully it went chalice, but it’s what we came here was named, Klopp added on minute, however, when Leonel Van- in. It’s not something I practise for,” Vangioni said. Wijnaldum’s injury: “It is a gioni received the ball around 30 though.” Asked how Monterrey could muscle thing and you never yards from goal and unleashed a Nevertheless, he has previous combat Jurgen Klopp’s electrifying want that for a player. In these fierce left-footed drive that flew into experience when it comes to long- side, Vangioni did not hesitate in moments it immediately makes the top corner off the upright. range stunners, having scored response: “With heart, we’ve got to it more difficult.” “To be honest it was incredible,” almost a carbon copy for River Plate play with heart. That’s how you have The Dutchman’s injury was said ‘Piri’ Vangioni, smiling when against Lanus in 2013. to go into games like this. There’s no the only cloud on a day when asked about his goal after leaving “It was very similar,” he said, other way. It’s 11 against 11 so we’ve Mohamed Salah took his tally the changing room. smiling at the memory. got to give everything out on the to four goals in his last three “I still can’t believe the ball went Indeed, it was with Los Millon- pitch. Anything can happen in matches, and 13 for the season, in where it did.” arios that Vangioni made his Club football, so we’re confident in our Monterrey’s Leonel Vangioni celebrates after scoring a goal with a brilliant double against His strike paved the way for World Cup debut, playing at the 2015 ability to hurt them with the against Al Sadd on Saturday. Watford. Monterrey to dominate the match edition as Copa Libertadores weapons we’ve got.” SPORT

PAGE | 09 PAGE | 10 Woods leads US QSTK600: Al Presidents Cup Qubaisi, Al Sulaiti ﬁghtback to crush Els share honours in dream ﬁrst leg

Monday 16 December 2019

Giants Liverpool land in Doha with eye on title

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Pre-event favourites Liverpool arrived in Doha yesterday, seeking their maiden FIFA Club World Cup title in Qatar. The European champions will take on Mexican side Monterrey in the semi-final on Wednesday at the Khalifa International Stadium. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been playing mouth- watering football in recent months. Fluidity and solidity blend into an overwhelming river of red, whether trying to break them down or desperately contain them. The FIFA Club World Cup is one of the few trophies not in the Anfield cabinet and the team will be well supported in their efforts to change this. A large contingent of Liverpool fans have travelled to Doha and the club enjoys a significant fanbase amongst local Qataris and expatriates. “This competition gives the squad the opportunity to achieve something new, the chance to win Liverpool’s first ever Club World Cup. It’s been a busy but incredible year and of course we will give everything to wrap-up 2019 with this title. We followed the matches yesterday and are looking forward to playing Monterrey on Wednesday with the support of all the Liverpool fans that are travelling to Doha or living in Qatar,” said Liverpool FC manager Klopp. Should Liverpool win, they will play either CONMEBOL Libertadores winners CR Flamengo or Al Hilal FC in the final. Tickets for the FIFA Club World Cup are currently FROM LEFT: Liverpool’s striker Mohamed Salah, manager Jurgen Klopp and goalkeeper Alisson Becker on their arrival at Hamad International available via FIFA.com/tickets, including Liverpool’s debut in the competition. Airport, yesterday. Liverpool will clash with Monterrey at the FIFA Club World Cup semi-ﬁnal on Wednesday. PICTURES COURTESY: @ALKASSDIGITAL Xavi ‘proud’ of Al Sadd after feisty clash

ARMSTRONG VAS We deserved more than that and Monterrey is a strong side. Result Liverpool in the semi-final on Pizarro, who was adjudged man THE PENINSULA could have taken the game to didn’t go in our favour. We are December 18 at the Khalifa of the match, said that they were extra time,” said Xavi. sad,” added Xavi. International Stadium. happy to make it to the next stage. Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez Leonel Vangioni (23rd We played well, but Al Sadd will now play the “Al Sadd match was a difficult “We’re happy with our per- (pictured) praised the minute), Rogelio Funes (46’) and fifth-place play-off match against one. We’ll have to flip the page formance. The latter stage of the performance of his team in the Carlos Rodriguez (77’) were on made big mistakes. Esperance Tunis tomorrow. and play better against Liv- match was competitive, and we 3-2 defeat against Monterrey in target for the Mexican side while This is part of football. “We will fight to play for the erpool,” said Mohamed. paid the price due to a tough the quarter-final match of the Al Sadd scored through Baghdad Yet, committing errors fifth place,” he added. “Liverpool will force you to physical game,” said the FIFA Club World Cup but said a Bounedjah (66) and Abdelkarim means a lot. But I am Xavi said the match against perform better. Unless, we don’t 25-year-old. few mistakes cost them dearly in Hassan (88) as the CONCACAFCONCACA the Tunisian club, which lost to play better and raise the bar, it’ll The Mexican international thethe endend result.result. championschampions foughtfought offoff Sadd’sSadd’ proud of the players Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, will not be difficult to beat them,” the said they were looking forward “I’m ddisappointedisappointed latelate cchallengehallenge in tthehe seconsecond for their effort. We be an easy pickings. Argentinian added. to their next match against The andand sasad.d. We pplayedlayed halfhalf to qualifyqualify forfor thethe semi-semi deserved more than “We will have to learn from “It was very competitive and Reds. well,well, bbutut mamadede bbigig final.final. TThehe SSpaniardpaniard saisaidd nnoto that and could have our mistakes. We need to commit difficult match. We need to be “We overcame the challenges mistakes.mistakes. ThisThis iiss convertingconverting thethe cchanceshance less errors,” said Xavi. self-disciplined and more focused of jetlag and long-hours of trav- part of footballfootball.. made a differencedifference in theth taken the game to Meanwhile, Monterrey in the semis. On paper, they (Liv- elling. The team has acclimatised YYet,et, committingcommitting outcomeoutcome ofof thethe mmatch.atch. extra time: Xavi coach Antonio Mohamed is erpool) are the best team in the to the ground conditions and the errorserrors meansmeans a lot.lot. “We“We weren’tweren’t eefficientfficien hoping his side will raise the world, but we will give our best weather. So, we’re mentally and But I am proudproud ooff tthehe insideinside tthehe bbox.ox. MistaMistakeskes reareallyll “We didn’t play well in the performance bar by a few in the match,” said Mohamed. physically prepared to take on playersplayers forfor theirtheir affected us. WWee desedeservedrved tto first 30 and last 10 minutes. notches when they take on Attacking midfielder Rodolfo Liverpool,” he added. effeffort.ort. taketake thethe matchmatch into extextrar time.”time.” Al Sadd werewer undoneundone bbyy a gemgem ofof goalgoal fromfrom VangionVangioni midwaymidway iintonto theth firstfirst hhalfalf afterafte ssquaringquaring a ffewew chachancesnces of theitheir own in thethe initialinitia stagesstages ofof theth match.match. TheThe hhomeome sisided were punished for a costlycostly llapseapse at ttheh strokestroke of halftimehalftime withwit FunesFunes interceptingintercepting a backback pass anandd scoring a second ggoaloal to take a 2-02- leadlead into tthehe seconsecondd hhalf.al BounedjahBounedjah managmanagede to pull one back and a latelate goalgoal fromfrom AbdelkarimAbdelkarim HassanHassan ini thethe 88th88th minute raisedraise Flamengo hit Doha training pitch ahead of Al Hilal semi-final hopeshopes ofof a fightfight backbac CR Flamengo’s players during their training session in Doha yesterday, ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match against Al thatthat wwasas nnotot to be as ththe Hilal to be played at Khalifa International Stadium tomorrow. The Brazilian side, which landed in the Qatari capital on Saturday, secured MexicanMexican sisidede securesecuredd a qualification by winning CONMEBOL’s Copa Libertadores. CR Flamengo won their second-ever Copa Libertadores in November, beating placeplace in the last fourfou Argentina’s River Plate 2-1 in the final, and the team also recently won the Brazilian Serie A title. Thousands of Flamengo fans are stage ooff ttheh expected to back their side in the semi-final. tournament.tournament.