WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014 SPORTS Jordan into Asian Cup after an incident-packed victory

SINGAPORE: Jordan booked their place at next year’s Asian Cup and made some amends for their World Cup heartache with an incident-packed 3-1 win over Singapore yesterday. In a match which both teams finished with 10 men, the visitors owed their opener to a sly piece of skulduggery, and then had Singapore’s Baihakki Khaizan sent off for an innocuous nudge. Ahmed Hayel rose unmarked to double Jordan’s lead in the second half, but there was more drama later when Chinese referee Tan Hai gave the scorer an unmerited red card for a tackle from behind. Singapore ensured a grandstand finish when they pulled a goal back with six minutes remaining, via Khairul Amri from the penalty spot after a push on Muhammad Safuwan. But Yousef Rawshdeh came on to score the goal of the night in injury-time to secure sec- ITALY: Sampdoria’s Angelo Palombo (left) vies for the ball with Genoa’s ond place in Group A for Jordan and a spot at Paolo De Ceglie during a soccer match in Genoa’s Luigi Ferraris next year’s Asian Cup in Australia. Stadium. —AP The victory also helps atone for Jordan’s disappointment in World Cup qualifying, when they reached the intercontinental play-offs Lopez gives Sampdoria only to lose 5-0 on aggregate to Uruguay. Al Nashama (“the Brave Gentlemen”) had been expected to steamroller Bernd Stange’s derby win over Genoa bottom-placed Singapore, but they needed a mixture of guile and gamesmanship to take ITALY: A first-half goal by Maxi Lopez gave which they asked me to leave Lazio and the lead just before half-time. Bawab surprised SINGAPORE: Jordanian forwarder Thaer Bawab (right) and Singapore’s defender Sampdoria a 1-0 win over Genoa in their made death threats against me,” he told Singapore by spinning off a two-man wall to derby on Monday as they avenged their 3-0 reporters. Muhammad Shakir (left) fight for the ball during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Jordan curl in a free-kick, but the goal owed much to drubbing by their old rivals earlier in the “I live under escort,” he added. “The sup- won 3-1. —AFP Hayel’s deliberate trip on Hafiz as the defender season. porters are part of the club but now they charged in to block. Jordan’s second goal was a gift for Hayel, Khairul Amri pulled one back from the spot The former River Plate, Barcelona and have overstepped the mark.” During the Shortly afterwards, the hosts’ frustrations who stood still in the six-yard box and jumped on 84 minutes but Rawshdeh made his case AC Milan forward fired the winner midway news conference, Lotito took a phone call reached boiling point when Mus’ab Allahham to head in a corner, but his night was soon for Jordan’s squad for Australia when he coolly through the first half after playing a one- which he said was from another angry went down far too easily under Khaizan’s chal- over when referee Tai sent him off for his tack- made space and chipped in their third in stop- two with Eder as Sampdoria continued to Lazio supporter. lenge, earning the defender a red card. le on Safuwan. page time. —AFP pull clear of the danger zone. “Who’s there?” he said as he answered The fixture was moved to Monday the call. “It’s a Lazio supporter,” he said, evening after both Genoa and Sampdoria turning to the audience and holding up the fans threatened to boycott the match in phone. “He says I should leave Lazio, as protest at the original Sunday midday kick- soon as possible.” United Real seek Cup revenge off time. “Why don’t you say who is calling?” he The boycott was called last week by the said to the caller who then hung up. Lotito confirm hardcore “ultra” fans of both clubs. was also reported to have received death MADRID: Copa del Rey holders Atletico Carlo Ancelotti’s men’s 10-game winning Sampdoria are 13th with 25 points, having threats in September after the club failed Madrid return to the scene where they won streak was brought to an end on Sunday won four and drawn four out of 10 games to sign Turkish forward Burak Yilmaz from USA tour the trophy last year when they face Real though as they could only manage a 1-1 since former Serbia coach Sinisa Mihajlovic Galatasaray. Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first draw away to Athletic Bilbao. took charge of the side in November. Lotito said there was nothing Lazio LONDON: English football giants leg of their semi-final today. Recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Genoa, who have also enjoyed a revival could have done to hold on to Brazil’s Manchester United have announced that Atletico ended a 14-year run without a win Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in that match under Gian Piero Gasperini, are two points Hernanes, a gifted but inconsistent mid- they will return to the United States for a against their city rivals with a 2-1 victory after for lashing out at Carlos Gurpegi 15 minutes and two places above their rivals. fielder. “It was Hernanes’ decision to leave, pre-season tour ahead of the 2014-15 cam- extra-time in May. Los Rojiblancos have kept from time, but the Portuguese is set to be Meanwhile, Lazio president Claudio so what could I do? He had an agreement paign in Europe. that momentum going this season with free to face Atletico and serve his suspension Lotito has received more than 50 death with Inter. If he had stayed, he would have The Premier League champions are due another win over Real in their only meeting solely in La Liga. threats since the club sold midfielder been unhappy. to compete in the International Champions so far this season in La Liga back in Ancelotti should also have Gareth Bale at Hernanes to at the end of the “He would have stayed here unhappy Cup alongside fellow English heavyweights September. his disposal as the Welshman has returned to January transfer window, he said on until June, then gone off to the World Cup, Manchester City and Liverpool. Atletico also became outright leaders in training with his teammates after missing the Monday. then come back for a few months and left The friendly tournament will also feature the league for the first time since their dou- last two games due to a calf injury. “Yesterday, I received between 50 to 70 on a free transfer. “If you want to leave, European powerhouses Real Madrid, Inter ble-winning campaign in 1996 with a 4-0 vic- Barcelona are also in semi-final action to 80 telephone calls from pseudo-fans, in you’ve got to say so.” —Reuters Milan, AC Milan, Roma and Olympiakos, tory over Real Sociedad on Sunday. today as they host Real Sociedad. The organisers announced yesterday. However, despite Atleti’s recent upturn in Catalans will be looking to put their first The eight teams will be split into two fortunes against Real, captain Gabi is aware defeat at the Camp Nou in the league since Barca vice president backs groups, with the winners of each pool fac- ing off in the final at Florida’s Sun Life of the challenge that faces them to make it April 2012 behind them as they were sensa- Stadium, home of NFL outfit the Miami back to the final. “It is another opportunity tionally beaten 3-2 by Valencia on Saturday. Champions League expansion Dolphins, on August 4. that we have earned ourselves, to play Brazilian forward Neymar has stepped up It is set to be United’s fifth pre-season against one of the best teams in the world,” his recovery from an ankle injury, but is not BARCELONA: Barcelona vice president Javier because of Barca and Real Madrid,” he added. tour of the United States, long considered he told the club’s website. expected to be fit in time to take any part in Faus has called for the expansion of the “There will be a new distribution within one of the great undeveloped markets for “To play in the final two consecutive years the game. Champions League as well as the reduction the next year or two and we will have it in football. is very difficult to achieve. What this team Otherwise, Barca boss Gerardo Martino of national top flights by up to four clubs. place by 2016. “We are continuing to speak Their most recent visit came in 2011, has achieved until now has been thanks to has a fully-fit squad to choose from and is UEFA has considered increasing the size to other clubs, the league and the govern- when the club played four American teams our sacrifice, courage and union in the dress- looking for a reaction from his side. “When of the Champions League proper to 64 clubs ment. We are all on the same page, there are and Spanish side Barcelona across three ing room and we will take those qualities into you suffer a defeat the next match is always from 32 clubs following demands from only a few differences.” cities. the semi-final.” an opportunity to vindicate yourself,” he said. Europe’s top sides, who see clear financial However, plans for the tour may be Whilst Atletico are in the midst of a 23- “We don’t need to just play well to wipe away rewards of facing each other on a more regu- MESSI DEAL altered if United have to take part in the game unbeaten run, Real themselves have what happened against Valencia, but lar basis. Faus and Lionel Messi clashed late last been in fine form of late and are unbeaten in because these 90 minutes will be important While Atletico Madrid are bucking the year, with the Argentina forward saying the early qualifying stages of the Champions trend as they lead La Liga, the growing dis- vice president knew “nothing about football” League or the Europa League in August. 21 games. for the second leg in San Sebastian.” —AFP tance between the rich and the poor in foot- following comments about the player not Now managed by David Moyes follow- ball has been particularly stark in Spain and needing a new deal. ing the retirement of serial trophy-winner there has been a lack of competition for The pair have smoothed over their differ- Alex Ferguson, United are currently seventh Barca and Real Madrid. ences and Faus again sounded a different in the Premier League table-seven points “We want to see the Champions League tune. “In the coming days or months we will adrift of the Champions League places. expanded and at the same time national arrange a new deal with Lionel Messi,” he “Teams required to qualify for 2014-15 leagues should be reduced from 20 clubs said. “He is the best player in the world and European competition based on 2013-14 down to 18 or even maybe 16,” Faus told so he deserves to be treated that way and domestic league finishing position may be Reuters. However, he believes having just paid best.” Last month Sandro Rosell stood subject to change,” read a statement on one European league for the big clubs is a down as Barca president over a lack of clarity United’s website. step too far. over Neymar’s transfer deal last year. His suc- United managing director Richard “We are not in favor of national leagues cessor Josep Bartomeu said the fee was 86.2 Arnold welcomed the tour, saying: “I’m being eliminated as they are at the centre of million euros ($116.53 million), rather than delighted to announce that the team will fans’ hearts and I can’t imagine that ever hap- the 57.1 million previously stated, after be returning to the USA for our 2014 Tour, pening,” he added. including other payments to the player and presented by Aon. Part of the reason for the disparity in his family. “Since the club’s last visit in 2011, the Spanish football, where many clubs are heav- While Barca continue to pay off their debt appeal of football in America has grown ily in debt and have been forced to sell their which now stands at 330 million euros and rapidly. “NBC reported that this season’s top players, is the share of television rights. plan a Nou Camp revamp, Faus said they Barclays Premier League opening weekend Unlike the English Premier League and remain competitive in the transfer market saw the average viewership rise by 78 per- other top divisions where there is collective and with player salaries despite being up cent from the 2012-13 season, with bargaining, Spanish clubs are allowed to against clubs owned by wealthy foreign Manchester United’s match against negotiate their own deals with Barcelona investors. “We are one of the last clubs Swansea being the most-watched game. and Real Madrid taking home 50 percent of owned by the fans and there are no million- “Manchester United has over eight mil- the money. aires, sheikhs or American tycoons behind lion followers in the United States and the “It is something that will change. Barca us. It is difficult and challenging but we are 2014 Tour presents an exciting opportunity are leading a group of 30 or so clubs that trying to maintain it,” he said. for these fans to get up close to the club want to have television rights consolidated “We have been on the same line for the they love.” into a pool like in the UK or Germany so as to past four or so years where we have 50 or 60 Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, have a more balanced distribution and make million euros to spend each season on trans- Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, the league more competitive,” said Faus. fers and we don’t want to go beyond that. Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Miami, Washington DC In the past, however, Barca have stated “The challenge with sponsorship and and another two cities will host the that they are not prepared to make financial marketing is not to lose your identity. It is International Champions Cup matches. The MONACO: Monaco League One football club’s newly-recruited Bulgarian forward concessions. “It is something that would help one of our main concerns but at the same schedule for the tournament is due to be Dimitar Berbatov poses with his new jersey during a press conference yesterday at us all but we shouldn’t forget that the inter- time we need to pay top players what they announced on February 20. —AFP the Louis II stadium. —AFP est in Spanish football around the world is deserve.” —Reuters

Matches on TV Confident Putin pledges ‘hospitable’ Olympics (Local Timings) SOCHI: President Vladimir Putin yesterday by concerns over the implementation in Sochi of Olympic Games at the very highest level,” he said. are questions which always crop up during such Spain Copa del Rey pledged that Russia would prove a hospitable a Russian law against “gay propaganda” to huge construction but in general the situation host of the Winter Olympic Games which open in minors, as well as security concerns due to the Ecological situation has not worsened but improved.” Real Madrid v Atletico 22:00 three days in Sochi amid a litany of concerns proximity of the region to the violence-plagued Putin earlier took Jean Claude Killy, the French However environmentalists scoff at such beIN SPORTS 2 about its suitability as a venue. Putin arrived in Northern Caucasus. skiing legend who has been the International claims, saying that the Games have irreversibly beIN SPORTS 2 HD the Sochi region ahead of Friday’s opening cere- But Putin assured International Olympic Olympic Committee’s pointman for Sochi, and damaged once virgin environments by the sea mony in typically confident mood, taking top IOC Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach that all IOC Executive Director Gilbert Felli in his own and in the mountains. Barcelona v Sociedad 0:00 members to meet leopards being bred in the guests would feel comfortable at Russia’s jeep to a nature reserve above the city. A Russian court on Monday handed a 15 day beIN SPORTS 2 Sochi region as part of a re-introduction pro- Olympics. Russia is working to reintroduce the Persian jail term leading environmental critic of the Sochi beIN SPORTS 2 HD gramme. “I want to assure you that we will do every- leopard to the nearby mountains as part of Olympic Games, ostensibly for “swearing” in a But analysts have said that Putin has staked thing so that Sochi is a hospitable home for all measures aimed at showing that the Olympic public place. Italian Cup his personal reputation on the success of the the participants, for all the guests,” Putin told Games will benefit and not hurt the environ- The jailing of Yevgeny Vitishko, a geologist AS Roma v Napoli 22:45 Games, which have been inextricably linked with Bach as he met members of the IOC in Sochi. ment. and activist with the group Environmental Watch beIN SPORTS 3 his name ever since he spearheaded the success- “The main task is to make the Sochi Games a “The ecological situation has improved many on the Northern Caucasus (EWNC), was aimed at beIN SPORTS 3 HD ful Russian bid in 2007. celebration for all sport lovers in the world,” Putin times over,” said Putin. “According to some esti- sidelining him ahead of the opening ceremony, The Games have in particular been shadowed added. “We will do everything to hold the mates, it has improved by a factor of four.” “There the group said. ‘Why at our Olympics?’ —AFP