SPORT Monday 16 July 2018 PAGEE | 2222 PAGEPAG | 23

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The 1998 winners beat Croatia in 6-goal thriller Les Blues end Croatia’s dream run in Moscow

AFP in winning the World Cup for a second the unfortunate Mandzukic. It was harsh attempt on goal, but they picked off time, after their 1998 triumph over on Croatia, especially with Pogba pos- Croatia after the break. MOSCOW: won the World Cup when -- now the sibly a fraction offside when the free- Shortly after several pitch invaders for the second time in their history after coach -- was the . kick was played. briefly interrupted proceedings, the beating Croatia 4-2 in an incredible final Deschamps becomes just the third Their coach Zlatko Dalic looked third French goal arrived in the 59th in Moscow yesterday that featured goals man to win the trophy as a player and a rueful, but his team were back level just minute. from and Kylian Mbappe as coach, following in the footsteps of Bra- before the half-hour, Domagoj Vida Pogba started the move with a well as a controversial VAR-awarded zil’s Mario Zagallo and Germany’s Franz FRANCE CROATIA laying the ball off for Perisic, who drilled pass for Mbappe on the right. His penalty. Beckenbauer. shuffled the ball from right foot to left cutback found Griezmann, and he laid In a match that had a bit of every- “It’s so beautiful, so wonderful,” Des- before drilling a superb shot past Lloris the ball off for Pogba to score at the thing, Mario Mandzukic scored the first champs told France’s TF1. “I’m really 4 2 with the aid of a touch off Raphael second attempt from 18 yards. ever own goal in a World Cup final to happy for this group. It wasn’t always Varane. Mbappe then added his name to the put France in front at the Luzhniki easy, but by working hard, listening, they MANDŽUKIĆ - 18' OG PERIŠIĆ - 28' But Perisic was at the centre of the scoresheet in the 65th minute when he Stadium, only for Ivan Perisic to equalise. are on top of the world for four years.” GRIEZMANN - 38' PEN MANDŽUKIĆ - 69' controversy that led to France’s second collected a pass and However, ’s The game will be remembered as the goal in the 38th minute. fired low past Danijel Subasic from 25 penalty put France back in front after highest-scoring World Cup final since POGBA - 59' His handball at a corner could yards, capping what has been a fine Perisic’s handball was penalised with England’s win over West Germany in MBAPPE - 65' hardly be described as deliberate, yet tournament for the 19-year-old. the aid of the video assistant referee, 1966, and for Mbappe becoming the Argentine referee Nestor Pitana That should have been that, but before Pogba and Mbappe both scored youngest player to score in the final since reviewed the video by the side of the Croatia were given something to cling in the second half. Pele in 1958. Croatia played all the football early pitch and gave the penalty. to as Lloris absurdly tried to dribble The first team to score four times in But while the celebrations begin on on, with Mbappe on the fringes of the As a thunderstorm erupted in the away from Mandzukic on the edge of a final since Brazil in 1970, the French the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris and game, but it was France who went in sky over Moscow, Griezmann stroked his six-yard box, and the striker stuck could even afford to see Mandzukic pull across France, Croatia will wonder what front in the 18th minute. home the penalty, his fourth goal of the out a foot to divert the ball in. a goal back following a ridiculous goal- might have been had the first-half Griezmann won a soft free-kick competition and his third from a However, for Lloris the World Cup keeping mistake by . penalty not been awarded just as they wide on the right and his into spot-kick. winner’s medal will help make up for France join Uruguay and Argentina were in the ascendancy. the area was flicked into his own net by It was also France’s first actual the embarrassment of that moment.

AY MANY MANY MANY ANY LAND M 2022 UGU ENTINA ENTINA ITALY URUGUAY RG RG T GER FRANCE FRANCE ST GER ST GER A A S SEE YOU IN 1934 - ITALY1938 - ITALY 1962 - BRAZIL 1982 - ITALY 2022 - ? 1958 - BRAZIL 1966 - ENG 1970 - BRAZIL 1994 - BRAZIL 2002 - BRAZIL2006 - 2010 - SPAIN QATAR 1950 - UR 1978 - 1986 - 1998 - 2014 - GER2018 - 1930 - 1954 - WE 1974 - WE 1990 - WE 22 SPORT MONDAY 16 JULY 2018

Pride and From Paris to Moscow: France tears for fans go wild after Cup glory Croatians REUTERS after loss Fans celebrate in front of the Eiffel Tower after not sure they would win today but they did. A lot of people are France win the World Cup final, yesterday. REUTERS PARIS/MOSCOW: Millions of going to be drunk, if not already.” French soccer fans were In Moscow, where tens of delirious with joy yesterday as thousands of fans travelled to MOSCOW: After watching France beat Croatia 4-2 to win watch the game, there were tears their soccer team lose 4-2 to soccer’s World Cup in a pulsating of joy among the sea of red, France in the World Cup final final in Moscow and spark white and blue. President in Moscow yesterday, some ecstatic scenes from Paris to Emmanuel Macron, who trav- Croatians wept with sadness Marseille, Bordeaux and beyond. elled to Moscow to watch the while others felt pride that In the capital, where 90,000 final with his wife Brigitte, their tiny nation had gone so people watched the match on hugged the players after the win far in the tournament. vast TV screens next to the Eiffel and stood with them in the One young woman used tower, there were choruses of pouring rain. a red-and-white Croatian flag the Marseillaise, honking horns As the World Cup trophy was to wipe tears from her eyes and hundreds of thousands of brought on to the pitch for the as a female friend, also crying, red, white and blue tricolor flags victory ceremony, Macron briefly put her arm around her. fluttering on the breeze. kissed it and beamed with joy. Others continued waving The boom of fireworks and “It’s amazing,” said Brioche Croatian flags and scarves Pasquier, 57, a French fan inside through the disappointment WORLD CUP WINNING COACHES the Luzhniki Stadium for the after watching their country match. “I am happy. I arrived in play in the World Cup final 2018 - Didier Deschamps, France Moscow this morning specially for the first time. 2014 - x-Joachim Loew, Germany for the final.” “The French proved 2010 - , Spain Despite the deluge of rain better in decisive moments 2006 - , Italy that struck Moscow right after although we practically let 2002 - , Brazil the game ended, fans danced and them score the first two goals 1998 - Aime Jacquet, France firecrackers filled the air, while Day parade 24 hours earlier. Cup) after 20 years, it’s just bril- sang in the streets and a fire- too easily. Still, it is a great 1994 - , Brazil drivers honked their horns “It’s just astonishing what liant,” said Tommy Hamon, 23, works display could not be achievement to play in the 1990 - y-, Germany incessantly to celebrate France’s they’ve done,” said Josh, 41, who who was working in Le Deau- dampened out. final and we can only be 1986 - , Argentina second world title after their travelled from Brittany to Paris ville, a bar on the Champs France coach Didier Des- proud of what our soccer 1982 - , Italy triumph on home soil in 1998. to watch the match with his Elysees. champs was full of praise for his team has done in the World 1978 - Cesar Luis Menotti, Argentina A deafening chorus of “We girlfriend. Even football fans who were team despite signs of nerves at Cup,” 59-year old Darko Ila- 1974 - y-Helmut Schoen, Germany are the champions, We are the “Pogba, Mbappe, Grizou not rooting for France but found the start of the game and several kovac said. champions” rang out from the (Griezmann) -- they’re on top of themselves in the French capital missed opportunities during it. Croatia, with a population 1970 - Mario Zagallo, Brazil Sacre Coeur in the north of the the world,” he said, naming three for the game were overcome by “It is really beautiful. It is of only 4.2 million people, 1966 - , England city to the Sorbonne on the Left of the standout players. the occasion and the scenes of marvellous. We did not play a were not among the 1962 - Aymore Moreira, Brazil Bank. Similar scenes erupted in “We’re the champions of the celebration. great match, but we showed a favourites at the start of the 1958 - , Brazil Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux world! It’s phenomenal, just “France was not my team strong mental quality,” Des- tournament. 1954 - y-, Germany and other major cities. phenomenal.” but I am so pleased for them champs said. Croatia will stage a wel- 1950 - Juan Lopez, Uruguay Even before the final More than 250,000 people today,” said Sarah, a 24-year-old “We also scored four goals. coming party today for the 1938 - , Italy whistle, crowds streamed on to were expected to descend on the from Birmingham in England We merit it. I am very happy for soccer team in Zagreb. Thou- 1934 - Vittorio Pozzo, Italy the Champs Elysees, the elegant, Champs Elysees and the Place who is studying medicine in this team. We are coming from sands of Croat fans are 1930 - , Uruguay tree-lined boulevard that runs de la Concorde, yet the atmos- Paris. very far and it has not always been expected to come to the main

x-born in West Germany up to the Arc de Triomphe, the phere was warm and convivial. “The players just showed easy, but thanks to hard work, Zagreb square in the early y-won title coaching West Germany traditional gathering place for Security forces kept a distance. something special all along, they are here and are on top of the afternoon when the players celebration, including the Bastille “To get a second star (World something that I liked, and I was world for the next four years.” are due to arrive. Three things we learned from France’s triumph AFP Ivan Perisic handball. Perisic had little time to react when MOSCOW: France are world ’s header champions for a second time skimmed off his arm. But as Les Bleus ran wild while Pitana overturned his initial Croatia’s energy reserves ran call not to award the spot-kick dry to win a thrilling World and Griezmann sent Subasic Cup final 4-2 in Moscow, the wrong way. England’s Harry Kane in yesterday. Croatia even had a case action against Didier Deschamps’s men VAR should have intervened during their third also had luck on their side as to rule out Mandzukic’s own position play-off in Saint they led 2-1 at half-time thanks goal as Pogba appeared to be Petersburg on Saturday. to Mario Mandzukic’s own goal standing in an offside position -- the first ever in a World Cup as Griezmann’s free-kick was final -- and a controversial swung into the box. Antoine Griezmann penalty For the smallest country awarded by video assistant to reach the final for 68 years referee. to lose out thanks to such a However, Croatia finally marginal call was cruel. paid for their exertions in France’s forward Antoine Griezmann delivers going to three periods of extra- Griezmann celebrates with the goods time in defeating Denmark, the trophy, yesterday. Griezmann did not shine England’s Kane claims Russia and England after the as a goalscorer in Russia like break as Paul Pogba and Griezmann’s penalty their first he did in winning the Golden Kylian Mbappe put France out shot on goal. Boot at Euro 2016 from open World Cup Golden Boot of sight before a rare error However, two years ago play, but he made a telling from goalkeeper Hugo Lloris France did not boast the pace contribution with the dead ball gifted Mandzukic a consolation of Mbappe. in a World Cup dominated by AFP TOP SCORES Manager Gareth goal. The 19-year-old cut loose set-pieces. Southgate rested Kane for the We look at three things we in the second period to confirm The Atletico Madrid 6 goals: Kane (ENG) - Golden Boot winner MOSCOW: England’s Harry third group game against learned from the World Cup his status as the breakout star striker’s four goals came from 4 goals: Cheryshev (RUS), Ronaldo (POR), Kane won the World Cup Belgium but the captain final: of the World Cup. three penalties and a goal- Golden Boot award as top Griezmann (FRA), Lukaku (BEL), Mbappe returned to score from the French redemption His run and cross helped keeping error by Uruguay’s scorer with six goals. (FRA) penalty spot against Colombia After blowing the final of set up Pogba before drilling his Fernando Muslera. The Tottenham star 3 goals: Cavani (Uruguay), Costa (Spain), in the last 16. Euro 2016 on home soil to Por- fourth goal of the tournament However, Griezmann’s topped the chart by two goals Dzyuba (Russia), E. Hazard (Belgium), Man- He failed to add to his tugal, it did not matter how low past Danijel Subasic. wicked set-piece delivery that ahead of a group including dzukic (Croatia), Mina (Colombia), Perisic tally in England’s next three France got the job done, just VAR cruel on Croatia provoked Mandzukic to head Antoine Griezmann and (Croatia) games -- the 2-0 quarter- that they brought the World On the eve of the final, into his own net also saw Kylian Mbappe, who both 2 goals: Aguero (Argentina), Coutinho (Bra- final win over , the Cup home. FIFA president Gianni Raphael Varane and Samuel scored in France’s 4-2 defeat zil), Granqvist (Sweden), Inui (Japan), Jedi- 2-1 semi-final loss to Croatia Twenty years on from Infantino hailed VAR a Umtiti open the scoring against of Croatia in yesterday’s final. nak (Australia), Khazri (Tunisia), Modric nor the 2-0 third-place play- lifting the trophy as captain, resounding success in the sys- Uruguay and Belgium in the Kane is the first England (Croatia), Musa (Nigeria), Neymar (Brazil), off defeat by Belgium. Deschamps became just the tem’s first World Cup, but there previous two rounds.

player to win the coveted Salah (Egypt), Son Heung-min (South Ko- Joining Griezmann and third man to win the World are four million Croatians who Griezmann missed a

prize since 32 Mbappe on the four-goal Cup as a player and a coach. would now strongly penalty in the 2016 Champions rea), Stones (England), Suarez (Uruguay) years ago. mark were Russia’s Denis On route to the final disagree. League final, but this time he He scored twice against Cheryshev, Portugal’s Cris- France had been largely effi- France’s vital second goal stayed cool to dispatch his Tunisia in England’s first bagged a hat-trick in a 6-1 tiano Ronaldo and Belgium’s cient rather than enthralling. came from a fiercely contested spot-kick and also had a hand match in Russia and then romp against Panama. . That was also the case for the penalty call by Argentine in teeing up Pogba for France’s first 45 minutes, with referee Nestor Pitana for an third goal. MONDAY 16 JULY 2018 SPORT 23

RUSSIA 2018: TOPS AND FLOPS - Tops - Kylian Mbappe: Hardly an unknown fol- lowing a 180m-euro ($210m) transfer from Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe became a global phenomenon after tearing Argentina apart in a thrilling 4-3 last-16 win. In scoring twice, Mbappe, 19, became the first teenager since Pele in 1958 to score multiple times in the same World Cup game. Luka Modric: Fresh from winning a fourth Champions League in five seasons with Real Madrid, Modric boosted his case to be considered the world’s best with three man-of-the-match awards before the final. Modric’s stunning strike was the highlight as Croatia announced themselves as contenders by thrashing Argentina 3-0 in the group stage. : It was another case of what might have been for Belgium’s ‘gold- Belgian team players appear on the balcony en generation’, who lost their semi-final of the city hall at the ’ Grand defeat against France by the finest of mar- Place, after taking the third place in the gins. But unlike four years ago and at Euro World Cup 2018, in Brussels, yesterday. 2016, Hazard showed his full range of skills on the international stage. - Flops - Germany: The defending champions went the same way as Spain four years ago and Italy in 2010 as holders who failed to get out of their group. Defeats to Mexico and South Korea saw the four-time world champions finish bottom of their section and fall at the first hurdle for the first time in 80 years. African teams For the first time since 1982 no African teams made it beyond the group Belgium squad gets hero’s stage. Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco won just three matches between them, sparking concerns over the competi- tive balance of a tournament dominated by European sides. welcome on Cup return Bad luck, though, also played a big part in Africa’s downfall as Senegal missed out on REUTERS fourth-place finish in 1986, tricolour flags. “When we were assists in the tournament. Laatste Nieuws. Midfielder second place in Group H to Japan because were greeted by tens of thou- in Russia, we received many After scoring the second Nacer Chadli could also be set of a marginally poorer disciplinary record, BRUSSELS: Belgium’s team sands of enthusiastic flag messages that you believed this goal in Belgium’s 2-0 win over to leave West Bromwich Albion, while Egypt’s talisman Mohamed Salah’s received a hero’s welcome in waving fans, some climbing team would make history. I England on Saturday, Hazard who were relegated from the impact was limited by injury. Brussels yesterday, after street signs and traffic lights to hope we made you proud. We said he was considering leaving last season, Messi, Ronaldo domination over? achieving their best-ever World catch a glimpse of the players showed the world that we are Chelsea. amid rumoured interest from Messi, 31, and Ronaldo, 33, may have seen Cup result in Russia. who rode in on open-top buses Belgium,” manager Roberto In what could be another Turkish side Besiktas and their last chance to win a World Cup come Belgium beat Panama, along the streets of central Martinez told the crowd. blow for the Stamford Bridge French club Olympique and go as Argentina and Portugal both Tunisia and England in the Brussels, before heading to the Some of Belgium’s key club, keeper Thibaut Courtois, Lyonnais. exited in the last 16. opening round, staged a dra- city’s picturesque Grand Place players will now have difficult who kept Belgium in the World By scoring 16 goals in seven Ronaldo at least had the consolation of a matic comeback against Japan square. decisions to make about where Cup with a series of dramatic games, Belgium also forced an hat-trick to kickstart the competition into in the last-16 and fought past After being treated to some they play their club football saves against Brazil in the electronics retailer to refund life in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain, but Brazil in the quarter-finals. fries, Belgium’s national del- next season. quarter-finals, is also reported the purchase price of flat screen Their dreams of World Cup icacy, at Brussels town hall, the Playmaker Eden Hazard, to be on Real’s radar. televisions for thousands of added only one more goal and was even glory, however, were shattered team moved to the balcony currently at Chelsea, has been “Wherever I go, Hazard has customers. lucky to avoid a red card against Iran. by France in the semi-finals, overlooking the sun-drenched linked with a move to Real to come. We won’t let each The retailer had launched Messi scored just once, against Nigeria, to but another win against renaissance square, where a Madrid and burnished his other go no more. Oh well, we a promotion before the World at least avoid the embarrassment of a England on Saturday sealed crowd of thousands had been already lofty reputation with shall see. Holidays first, then I’ll Cup promising to pay out if group-stage exit, but was no match for

third place. waiting since the early several strong performances in think about it with my people,” Belgium scored more than 15 Mbappe in the seven-goal shootout with Belgium, who bettered their morning, clad in the country’s Russia with three goals and two Courtois told Belgian daily Het goals. France. Third place ensures England have ‘no illusions’: Southgate AFP legacy for Belgian England coach against Spain in September in their opening match of the new SAINT PETERSBURG: Manager reacts after losing UEFA Nations League, a compe- football: Martinez Gareth Southgate said England third place play-off tition introduced to effectively have “no illusions” as to their replace international friendlies. Reuters against Belgium in inspiration and set a vision for standing in international football Saint Petersburg, “We now have some big fix- all , and now after finishing fourth at the on Saturday. tures in the autumn, playing the ST PETERSBURG: A third place this group of players have World Cup in Russia. likes of Spain, Switzerland and finish at the World Cup on exceeded that, and that’s his- Belgium won Saturday’s Croatia,” Southgate said. Saturday leaves a strong legacy toric. It’s taken 32 years to be third-place playoff in Saint “They’re great opportunities for Belgian football, coach in this position and that gives a Petersburg with goals from for us to develop, to improve, to Roberto Martinez said, as he real sense of satisfaction,” Mar- and Eden try things and look at players. declared the tournament a tinez added. Hazard to deny England their “We have to just constantly success for his team. “It is the manner in which best finish at a World Cup on try to evolve and improve. We’ve “We set a real milestone we achieved it. The way we foreign soil. done that, particularly over the and it is exactly what these played with our brand of “We are very proud of what last eight months, and we’ve players deserved,” he said after Belgian football, the togeth- we’ve done, but we’re under no ended up having a brilliant the 2-0 play-off win over erness and the flexibility we had illusions as a team as to where adventure here.” England at the Saint Petersburg showed tactically. we stand,” said Southgate, after The success of Southgate’s Stadium ensured Belgium’s best “It’s been a really successful his side lost to Belgium for the young squad in Russia has been ever World Cup finish. journey, but in football you second time in the greeted with a groundswell of “We wanted to win it. Obvi- need to look forward and look tournament. support back home, after Eng- ously, when you beat Brazil and to improve with the next oppor- “We finished in the final four but we’re not a top-four team “I felt it was important to land’s best performance at a major you get into the semi-finals, the tunity we have.” yet, we’ve never hidden behind tell the team how proud I was competition since Euro 96. focus has to be on trying to win Martinez said Belgium now that. Against the very best teams of what they’d done and rec- But the 47-year-old the World Cup. But we also needed to work on their junior we’ve come up short.” ognise how far they’d got,” acknowledged the need to stay have to be realistic and when structures and get their age- England lost three of their Southgate said, as England grounded as England begin to you look back at the tour- group teams winning more. seven matches at the tour- matched their fourth-place switch their attention to Euro nament, these players made “So that there can be a We finished in the nament. Their 2-1 semi-final finish from 1990. 2020, when the semi-finals and history back in Belgium, and seamless flow of talent into the final four but we’re defeat by Croatia prevented “We also recognised after the final will be played at Wembley. that’s all that matters,” Martinez national team,” he said. not a top-four team them from reaching a first final semi-final where we stood, “I think we’re very realistic said. Martinez said allowing the in 52 years. which is exactly what we found about the level we are. We’ve He noted that the team had players’ families in the team yet, we’ve never They have beaten just two out again today. had a lot of praise but also bal- gone one step further than the camp after Tuesday’s 1-0 semi- hidden behind that. countries ranked inside the “We haven’t hidden in terms anced with that a lot of reality Belgian squad at the 1986 final loss to France had lifted Against the very best world’s top 20 during South- of where we see our progress. as well,” he said. World Cup, who lost their the mood for the third-place teams we’ve come gate’s tenure, knocking We haven’t hidden in terms of “We don’t kid ourselves at playoff match and finished playoff, always a difficult match Colombia out on penalties in the what we think needs to improve, all. We know exactly the areas fourth. for sides still wallowing in the up short: Gareth last 16 while overcoming a but we also leave here having we hope to get better and we “The generation of ’86 in disappointment of missing out Southgate mediocre Dutch side in a progressed a lot as a team.” really enjoy working with this Mexico were always an on the World Cup final. friendly. England’s next game is group of players.” 24 SPORT MONDAY 16 JULY 2018 MONDAY 16 JULY 2018 SPORT 25

FRANCE CROWNED KINGS OF FOOTBALL

French President Emmanuel Macron celebrates during yesterday’s final at the Luzhniki Stadium.

French forward Antoine Griezmann scores a penalty against Croatia during the FIFA French midfielder Paul Pogba (right) scores his team’s third goal. Kylian Mbappe scores the fourth goal for France. 2018 World Cup final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow yesterday.

A screen signals a Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) review during French players celebrate after midfielder Paul Pogba scored their third goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup final Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring against Croatia. yesterday’s final. against Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow yesterday. 26 SPORT MONDAY 16 JULY 2018 Windies crush Du Plessis ‘big to sweep two-match series fan’ of scrapping toss in Tests AFP named Man of the Match and Series.“It’s all about heart, REUTERS KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Skipper about putting in the effort every Jason Holder produced another day to ensure that we are able GALLE, : The idea of scrapping the traditional devastating burst of as to come away with the results coin toss prior to Test matches has found a “big fan” in the West Indies completed a and the performances that we South Africa captain Faf du Plessis who believes it would 2-0 series win over Bangladesh wanted.” Holder’s opposite help reduce home advantage and bring more balance. yesterday, romping to a 166-run number, , The International Council, the world governing victory inside three days at fought with both bat and ball in body of the sport, discussed the possibility in a meeting in Sabina Park. a vain attempt to stave off May but decided to continue with what has been a ritual Chasing a daunting target defeat. He took six for 33 with since the first test between Australia and England in 1877. of 335 after the hosts were dis- his left-arm spinners to “I’m a big fan of taking away the toss,” du Plessis said missed for 129 in their second engineer the West Indies’ after his team were beaten inside three days by Sri Lanka innings, Bangladesh slumped second innings collapse from in the opening match of the two-Test series on to 162 all out off just 42 overs. their overnight position of 19 Saturday. West Indies captain Holder for one. Shakib then offered the “I think even in South Africa you’ll still prepare the was responsible for most of the lone meaningful resistance with conditions the way you prepare them now, but you just carnage, taking six for 59 in the a topscore of 54 as the make sure that you bring some balance.” second innings to finish with tumbled around him. The merit of the toss has been debated as a need to match figures of 11 for 103. “I knew coming back as reduce home advantage that often results in host nations “We played as a team and captain it would be tough but I rolling out pitches doctored to favour their players in what different players stood up at didn’t expect it to be this tough,” tends to end up as one-sided encounters. different times,” said Holder, said Shakib. In Galle too, Sri Lanka won the toss and unleashed their spinners who claimed 17 of the 20 South African SCOREBOARD wickets as the visitors managed only 126 and 73 in their WEST INDIES 1st innings ...... 354 BANGLADESH 2nd innings (target 335) two innings before surrendering on a turning track. BANGLADESH 1st innings ...... 149 lbw Holder ...... 0 “In home conditions teams will still win the majority WEST INDIES 2nd innings (overnight 19-1) c Hope b Paul ...... 33 of the games, but you still do even it out a little,” du Plessis K. Brathwaite b Shakib Al Hasan ...... 8 lbw Chase ...... 15 said. “I think over the last two or three years away-records D. Smith st b Shakib Al Hasan ...... 16 Shakib Al Hasan b Holder ...... 54 have definitely gone down, and games are finishing a lot K. Paul st Nurul Hasan b Shakib Al Hasan ...... 13 c Hope b Chase ...... 4 sooner than they used to.” K. Powell lbw Shakib Al Hasan ...... 18 b Holder ...... 31 On a pitch that offered considerable turn and bounce S. Hope lbw Taijul Islam ...... 4 Nurul Hasan lbw Holder ...... 0 for the slow bowlers, Sri Lanka’s first innings lead of 161 S. Hetmyer lbw ...... 18 c Smith b Gabriel ...... 10 proved decisive as South Africa simply crumbled in the R. Chase b Mehidy Hasan ...... 32 Taijul Islam ...... 13 fourth innings on a deteriorating track. S. Dowrich not out ...... 12 Kamrul Islam lbw Holder ...... 0 J. Holder st Nurul Hasan b Mehidy Hasan ...... 1 “When I started playing , 400s and 500s Abu Jayed b Holder ...... 0 M. Cummins b Shakib Al Hasan ...... 1 were happening quite regularly,” du Plessis said. Extras (b-4, lb-2, nb-2) ...... 8 S. Gabriel b Shakib Al Hasan ...... 0 “So I’m not just speaking about subcontinent Total (42 overs, all out) ...... 168 Extras (b-1, lb-2, nb-2, w-1) ...... 6 conditions. Total (45 overs, all out) ...... 129 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Tamim Iqbal), 2-40 (Liton Das), “In South Africa games hardly reach the end of day Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Brathwaite), 2-28 (Smith), 3-52 (Mominul Haque), 4-67 (Mahmudullah), 5-121 four anymore. I think that’s one of the ways you can make (Mushfiqur Rahim), 6-121 (Nurul Hasan), 7-138 (Me- 3-53 (Paul), 4-60 (Powell), 5-64 (Hope), 6-97 (Het- sure that balance is a little better.” Former Australia cap- hidy Hasan), 8-162 (Shakib Al Hasan), 9-168 (Kamrul myer), 7-122 (Chase), 8-124 (Holder), 9-129 (Cum- tains Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh have backed a move Islam), 10-168 (Abu Jayed) mins), 10-129 (Gabriel) to scrap the toss, while West Indies pace great Michael Bowling: Abu Jayed 8-1-21-1 (1nb, 1w), Mehidy Bowling: J. Holder 13-3-59-6, S. Gabriel 9-2-29-1, K. Paul 7-0-34-1 (1nb), M. Cummins 5-1-20-0 (1nb), R. Holding also felt it would encourage an even contest Hasan 11-2-45-2, Kamrul Islam 2-0-3-0 (1nb), Shakib Jason Holder of West Indies holds the winners trophy on day three of the Chase 8-4-20-2 between bat and ball. Al Hasan 17-5-33-6, Taijul Islam 7-0-24-1 second Test against Bangladesh at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday. Sri Lanka postpones ODI: Root urges England to remain new T20 league ‘ruthless’ against India in final match AFP AFP “That ruthless side of the assured at Lord’s, even if COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s cricket authorities yesterday ODI team really came out today Kuldeep still took three for 68. announced the indefinite postponement of the country’s LONDON: Joe Root insisted (Saturday),” said Test skipper Root was dropped recently league scheduled for next month and said revised England must stay “ruthless” Root. “And we’re seeing it more from England’s Twenty20 team dates will be decided by a new board. when they go in search of a and more.” “Hopefully we can and there have been suggestions The Lankan Premier League (LPL) was due to start on one-day international series back that up and finish the series that his brand of patient accu- August 18, but an interim management body appointed last victory over India at his Head- off now,” added Root after his mulation is no longer suited to month decided to delay the tournament, Sri Lanka Cricket ingley home ground tomorrow. first century at this level since the modern one-day game. (SLC) said in a statement. Root’s well-constructed 113 March. - ‘Trust your game’ - But “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform that the LPL (T20) laid the platform for an 86-run England were faltering at when it comes to rebuilding an has been postponed indefinitely, until an elected body is win at Lord’s on Saturday that 239 for six but Willey picked a innings, there appears little constituted at the SLC,” the statement said. saw England square the three- good time to make his maiden wrong with Root’s approach. In late May, Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal suspended elec- match contest at 1-1. ODI half-century, with his “Ultimately you’ve just got tions for the crisis-ridden cricket board. His innings, allied to fifties innings coming during a to trust your game and trust Sports minister Faiszer Musthapha appointed a com- from captain Eoin Morgan (53) quickfire seventh- stand your technique; I felt I was petent authority to run the board until elections are held and David Willey (50 not out) of 83 with Yorkshire team-mate picking him (Kuldeep) OK,” he within six months. helped England post a total of Root. said. Board elections were scuttled following a petition by a 322 for seven. “David came in and took a He added: “I feel I’ve got a former secretary of SLC Nishantha Ranatunga who argued India could only manage lot of pressure off me, to help us solid approach against spin that outgoing president Thilanga Sumathipala was unsuitable 236 all out in reply as they turn in what was at least a par bowling. for re-election. batted out their full 50 overs, score, so it was a fabulous effort “On a turning surface it’s Sumathipala was pitted against Ranatunga, a younger with England fast bowler Liam from him,” said Root. important to make sure you feel brother of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning captain Plunkett taking four for 46. Prior to Saturday, Root had you’re playing it in the right Arjuna Ranatunga, in the election. Victory saw England remain faced just three deliveries from manner and working things out. The Ranatunga brothers accuse Sumathipala of vio- at number one, with India India’s Kuldeep Yadav, whose “Thankfully I managed to lating International Cricket Council regulations by holding second, in the International left-arm wrist-spin had been follow through here. I thought office despite alleged links to gambling. Cricket Council men’s ODI proving something of a mystery we were quite smart in getting Sumathipala acknowledges that his family is involved standings. for England’s batsmen. to what we thought was a good in gambling, but says he has nothing to do with the business It was a win made all the They certainly appeared to total; we didn’t go too hard too England’s Joe Root walks back to the and has not violated the ICC code of conduct. more satisfying by the fact have little idea of how to play early.” pavilion after losing his wicket during The court intervention in the cricket board last month England, the 2019 World Cup him while Kuldeep was enjoying No India batsman made a came as four Sri Lankans were implicated in an alleged the ODI match against India at Trent hosts, had suffered an eight- a stunning return of six for 25 at fifty and the tourists struggled match-fixing scandal exposed in an Al Jazeera Bridge in Nottingham central England wicket drubbing in Thursday’s Trent Bridge. after England’s quicks took three documentary. on Thursday. series-opener at Trent Bridge. But Root looked far more wickets early in their chase. Marquez wins in Germany for ninth year in a row REUTERS position, also his ninth in a row difficult. “Nine victories in a row eastern circuit started in 2010 in Germany, but fell behind here is incredible. Liebe dich (I when he was in the 125cc cat- GERMANY: Honda’s MotoGP fast-starting compatriot Jorge love you) Sachsenring.” egory (now Moto3). He then won champion Marc Marquez Lorenzo before retaking the Rossi said he had made no in Moto2 in 2011 and 2012 and triumphed for the ninth year in lead from the Ducati rider with mistakes but Vinales was not is on a sequence of six in a row in Germany yesterday to 18 laps remaining and pulling happy with his afternoon, with MotoGP. stretch his lead over Italian great away. the Yamaha still not handling to Yesterday’s could be the last Valentino Rossi to 46 points Lorenzo was also reeled in his liking. German grand prix at the Sach- ahead of the European summer by Rossi before struggling for “It’s always the same senring, however, with specu- break. grip and fading to sixth. problem on the electronics on lation that the race could switch Rossi finished second, 2.196 “It was quite tough, espe- the exit of the corner,” he said. to the Nuerburgring due to con- seconds behind, with Spanish cially in the beginning because “It’s impossible to battle the tractual issues. Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez celebrates with the trophy on the Yamaha team mate Maverick the start was not perfect,” Ducatis, I lost seven or eight laps The Spaniard has 165 points podium after winning the MotoGP race at the Grand Prix of Germany Vinales third at the Sachsenring Marquez said. fighting with them while I could after nine races to Rossi’s 119. circuit. “I lost two positions and then be a second faster,” he said. The next race is at Brno in at the Sachsenring Circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, eastern Germany, Marquez led from pole to overtake Ducati riders is quite Marquez’s run of wins at the the Czech Republic on August 5. yesterday. MONDAY 16 JULY 2018 SPORT 27 Djokovic ends Grand Slam drought

Serbian star clinches fourth Wimbledon title

REUTERS RECENT WINNERS position of being an outsider. NOVAK DJOKOVIC Serbia’s Novak Djokovic Recent Wimbledon men’s champions CBut his game caught fire World ranking: 21 kisses the winners trophy PARIS: Novak Djokovic proved throughout a sun-drenched fort- after the 2018 final yesterday: Age: 31 (22/05/1987) after beating South Africa’s conclusively he remains one of night and against Rafael Nadal Kevin Anderson in the 2018 2018: Novak Djokovic (SRB) Residence: Monte Carlo the biggest beasts in men’s tennis in an epic semi-final completed Wimbledon Championships 2017: Roger Federer (SUI) Weight: 170 lbs (77kg) by outplaying South African giant 2016: Andy Murray (GBR) on Saturday he looked like the in London yesterday. Height: 6ft 2ins (1.87m) Kevin Anderson to claim a fourth 2015: Novak Djokovic (SRB) player who has spent 223 weeks Wimbledon title yesterday. 2014: Novak Djokovic (SRB) of his brilliant career as world Career titles in total: 69 The 31-year-old put two number one. In truth, he never 2013: Andy Murray (GBR) Career Grand Slam titles: 13 years of turmoil behind him to had to scale those heights against 2012: Roger Federer (SUI) Australian Open: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, beat a battle-weary Anderson the 32-year-old Anderson who 2011: Novak Djokovic (SRB) 2016; 6-2 6-2 7-6(3) on a sweltering for two sets looked to be suf-

2010: Rafael Nadal (ESP)

Centre Court and add a 13th fering the effects of having spent French Open: 2016; 2009: Roger Federer (SUI) Grand Slam trophy to his bulging 21 hours on court just to reach Wimbledon: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018;

cabinet. his first Wimbledon final. US Open: 2011, 2015 It was clear what it meant to two hour 19 minute final. Anderson stunned Roger Career prize money: $114,143,245 the Serb as he ended a two-year “I was visualising, imagining Federer in the quarter-finals, Grand Slam title drought by this moment of him coming to saving a match point to win in getting his hands back on the the stands, cherishing this five sets, then beat John Isner although Anderson offered more trophy he also raised in 2011, moment with my wife and me 26-24 in the fifth set in a semi- resistance in the second set the 2014 and 2015. and everyone. It’s hard to final serve-a-thon which, at six outcome was the same as “I had any moments of doubt describe,” Djokovic said. hours 36 minutes, was the Djokovic pulled the 6ft 8ins and didn’t know if I could A first Wimbledon men’s second longest tennis match of eighth seed from corner to compete,” Djokovic, who retired final in the professional era fea- all time. corner. in the quarter-final last year with turing two players aged 30 or His elbow needed treatment, The faint-hearted probably an elbow injury that required over was no classic. his legs, which he described as wanted Anderson to be put out surgery this year, said on court. The last drops of drama had like jelly after the Isner epic, of his misery. But he is made of “It’s my first Grand Slam final been used up in the two longest would not move properly and his sterner stuff as he showed by in a couple of years and this is men’s semi-finals ever played at thinking was fuzzy as errors coming back from a similar the best place to come back. It’s the All England Club. But flowed. deficit to stop Federer. very, very special.” Djokovic did not care about that. Djokovic, who made only Firing himself up after vir- Even more so because his Having dropped to his lowest one unforced error in the first set, tually every point he threatened young son Stefan watched as he ranking since 2006 and without picked over the carcass with an unlikely comeback and had was handed the trophy -- a title of any description this year relish. The ruthless Serb broke two set points when Djokovic although he was not old enough -- the world number 21 entered in the first game and twice more served at 4-5 and three more at to be allowed to sit through the Wimbledon in the unusual in a 29-minute first set and 5-6. Degenkolb strikes again as Porte crashes out of Tour REUTERS mate of Degenkolb’s who was -- the second time in a row that also in the 2016 accident in the BMC rider crashed out of the ROUBAIX, FRANCE: Two years Spain, said: “Everybody was race. after suffering a career-threat- saying he was finished, I’m so Defending champion Chris ening accident, former Paris- happy for him.” Froome fell off his bike as he Roubaix champion John Among the contenders for tried to avoid a rider who Degenkolb claimed his maiden the overall win, last year’s crashed before him, but never South Africa’s Brandon Stone Tour de France win on his runner-up Rigoberto Uran lost lost his composure and finished celebrates with the trophy favourite terrain when he tamed one minute 28 seconds on his with all the main title con- after winning the Scottish the cobbles and powered to main rivals after crashing about tenders. France’s Romain Open at the Gullane GC in victory on Sunday’s ninth stage. 30km from the finish. Australian Bardet, who was third overall Gullane, Scotland, Britain The German, who won the Richie Porte pulled out after an last year, suffered three punc- yesterday. Queen of the Classics in 2015, early crash. tures but managed to limit the was one of three riders to jump Today’s first rest day, after damage, only losing seven away from the main pack 19km an 800-km transfer by plane to seconds to Froome and the four- from the line and he was the the Alps, will be much appre- time champion’s Sky team mate Stone wins Scottish Open, but fastest in the final sprint, beating ciated by the riders, who crossed Geraint Thomas. Froome overall race leader Greg van the line in Roubaix, their faces attacked as soon as Bardet Avermaet of Belgium. covered by a mixture of dust and punctured for the last time just misses chance for historic 59 Another Belgian, Yves Lam- sweat after three and a half at the end of the last cobbled paert, took third place after a hours in scorching heat. sector, but the Frenchman, who REUTERS and Pepperell secured late dear to my heart for a very long 156.5-km ride from Arras fea- The Tour is, however, over at some points was lagging 40 exemptions into the British time,” he added. turing 21.7km of bone-shaking for Porte, who was taken to hos- seconds behind, benefited from SOUTH AFRICA: South African Open starting at Carnoustie on “Hopefully, I can find some cobbled sectors, some of them pital with a suspected shoulder huge pulls by his team mates Brandon Stone won the Scottish Thursday. accommodation (in Carnoustie). featuring on the Paris-Roubaix injury after hitting the asphalt Tony Gallopin and Oliver Open by four strokes yesterday Overnight leader Jens I wasn’t exactly planning on route. 10 kilometres into the stage Naesen. but missed a chance to become Dantorp of Sweden clinched the going through.” Stone’s final “It is very emotional, I went the first to shoot 59 on the third Open berth up for grabs margin on another day of low through such a difficult period European Tour. when he tied for third on 15 scoring on the bone-dry links so today is pure happiness,” said Stone’s shot at history went under with South African course disguised the close battle Degenkolb, who suffered several begging when he could not Trevor Immelman and for most of the final round, with fractures and a serious finger convert a short birdie putt at the American Luke List. “It’s been the winner only breaking clear injury after he and some team final hole at Gullane Golf Club a long 18-month journey, when he sank a 30-foot putt to mates were hit by a car during east of Edinburgh. making a few changes, but the eagle the par-five 16th. a training ride in January 2016. Germany’s John But the 10-under-par 60 swing felt incredible today, the History beckoned when he “But my team and my family Degenkolb was more than enough to secure putting felt even better and the stuck his approach to about supported me. In Germany they celebrates on his third victory on the European mental state was flawless,” said eight feet at the last, but his putt say those who have had a brush the podium after Tour and his first outside his the 25-year-old Stone who for 59 broke left to narrowly with death live longer. winning the home country. He finished at arrived in Scotland with no miss the hole, leaving Stone in “I’ve had bad luck, but I ninth stage of 20-under 260, four clear of Eng- form to speak of this season. “A the unusual position of looking always had the will to come Tour de France lishman Eddie Pepperell who day shooting 60 and winning... dejected despite his dominant back to my best.” Frenchman race yesterday. carded a final-round 64. Stone is something I’m going to hold performance. Warren Barguil, a former team MONDAY 16 JULY 2018 SPORT 28

Triumphant Les Blues celebrate France players toss coach Didier Deschamps into air to celebrate their World Cup final victory over Croatia in Moscow, yesterday. It is second World Cup title for Les Blues since their triumph in 1998 World Cup.

FRANCE RELISH From young Mbappe WORLD CUP VICTORY to aging keeper, NATIONAL COACH World Cup in records DIDIER Deschamps

Here is a look at the records set and broken during the World Cup in Russia, and what it tells us about the tournament: “It is really beautiful. It PLENTY OF GOALS is marvellous. We did With just one scoreless draw in 63 games so far, Russia’s World Cup has been far from dull. not play a great match By the time France and Denmark delivered a boring 0-0 draw, 35 games had been but we showed a played with at least one goal scored, breaking a World Cup record that had stood for 64 strong mental quality. years. The tournament averaged 2.58 goals per game through the semifinals, second only “We also scored four to Brazil in 2014 for World Cups this century. goals. We merit it. I The record of 5.38 per game from 1954 is unlikely ever to fall without major rule am very happy for this changes. Back then, many teams lagged far behind the best, leading to two 7-0 thrashings and a 9-0 game. team. We are coming KANE’S PENALTIES from very far and it has Teams have scored more goals than usual, but many weren’t particularly not always been easy, noteworthy. The 11 own goals are a record - in part because FIFA has stricter guidelines about Honours for Modric and Mbappe but thanks to hard attributing deflected shots - while the new Video Assistant Referee system led to an Croatia’s Luka Modric poses with the FIFA Golden Ball award as France’s Kylian work, they are here increase in the number of penalties awarded to a record 28, 10 more than the previous Mbappe poses with the FIFA Young Player award after the final in Moscow, yesterday. and are on top of the mark from 2002. Of those, 21 were converted from the spot. BELOW: France coach Didier Deschamps celebrates after winning the World Cup Harry Kane typified the trend in his push to be tournament top scorer. The England with his family. world for the next four captain scored three of his tournament-leading six goals from penalties and two shortly years.” after corner kicks, leaving just a single deflected goal from open play. Modern technology has helped the World Cup’s more modest teams pick the right tactics to frustrate top-class opponents, but there have still been some outstanding goals. Denis Cheryshev’s curling shot for Russia against Croatia and ’s swerving ANTOINE GRIEZMANN, strike for France against Argentina are among the highlights. MBAPPE AND El HADARY SCORER OF A PENALTY Young stars have made a mark, none more than France’s 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who became the youngest player to score two goals in a World Cup game since Pele in “I don’t know where I 1958. Aging players have set records, too. Goalkeeper Essam El Hadary became the oldest am, it is great... Very player ever start in a World Cup game when he lined up in Egypt’s last match against Saudi happy. It was a difficult Arabia aged 45. Mexico veteran Rafael Marquez became the first player picked in a starting 11 at five World Cups. match. Croatia play CROATIAN GRIT a great game. We Croatia got to the final the hard way, becoming the first team ever to win three con- started timidly. We secutive games in extra time at a World Cup. That added up to 360 minutes of football in the knockout stages, the equivalent of a knew it was a World full game more than France, which also had an extra day to rest for the final. Cup Final. We got KEEPING IT COOL into the game and on Perhaps with one eye on the VAR system, players didn’t break the rules so much, but they’ve certainly been bending them. counter attacks, we There hasn’t been a single red card for violent conduct, and just four ejections in total. made the difference. If it stays that way in the last two games, it’ll be the lowest number at the World Cup for Very happy. We look 40 years. Compare that with 2006, when 28 reds were issued including four in one game when Portugal beat the Netherlands. forward to lifting the However, there have been plenty of cases of players mobbing referees, wasting time cup and taking it to and writhing in exaggerated agony. Swiss broadcaster RTS calculated Neymar spent nearly France.” 14 minutes on the ground in Brazil’s first four games.