OOLYMPICLYMPIC GAMESGAMES | Page 3 RUGBY | Page 4 Best scenario Willis, Watson is full venues: back in the Tokyo England frame governor to face Wales

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 CRICKET Rabia II 10, 1442 AH Coach Shastri backs GULF TIMES India’s quicks to excel Down Under SPORT Page 2 FOCUS 22 national teams for FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar: Infantino The tournament will be held December 1-18, 2021, with the final exactly a year before the FIFA World Cup final in 2022

atar will unite millions of football fans from across the Middle East and Arab world when itQ hosts the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 next December. During a visit to Lusail Sta- dium yesterday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confi rmed that the national fi rst teams from all 22 Arab nations have signed up to take part in the tournament, which will be held from Decem- ber 1-18, 2021, in the majority of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 sta- diums, with a total of 32 matches being held over 18 days. The Asian Football Confed- eration (AFC) nations who will compete in the tournament are: Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Ku- wait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

We are confi dent the FIFA Arab Cup will help to build excitement ‘ across the region as we edge ever nearer to hosting the fi rst FIFA World Cup in FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Lusail Stadium site yesterday. (Twitter/AlKassDigital) the Middle East and Arab world in 2022 – each on December 18, Qatar teams and their fans, and giving National Day, which is a public them the opportunity to be one of — Gianni Infantino, holiday. the select teams that will experi- World Cup an opportunity to shed light on Arab culture: SC FIFA President Infantino said: “We are de- ence what Qatar has prepared to QNA serving the Arab region and the the World Cup facilities began diums and fans will be to each lighted that all 22 teams from host the FIFA World Cup.” Doha world. She added that hosting in 2014. other. He noted that the com- The Confederation of African across the Arab world have agreed He added: “The tournament will the World Cup means more to A total of three World Cup mittee is keen on ensuring the Football nations who will com- to take part in the FIFA Arab Cup give our national team the chance Qatar than building stadiums, stadiums were already inaugu- availability of accommodation pete in the tournament are: Al- 2021, and we are looking forward to enhance their preparations he Supreme Committee as it will help leave a legacy for rated, with another three waiting that suits all fans who will come geria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, to seeing the region’s best teams ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar for Delivery & Legacy (SC) the country and the Arab world. only for the start of operations. to Qatar. He said that the coun- Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, So- battle it out to see which nation 2022, by going up against some of Tsaid that the main goal She added that the designs of The Lusail and Ras Abu Aboud try’s geographic location will malia, Sudan and Tunisia. will become champion. Through the best teams in the region. of organising the World Cup the stadiums reflected diff erent stadiums, meanwhile, will be also be a plus, in addition to the The tournament will be de- football, this tournament will “Fans from across the region was to present a real image of aspects of Qatari heritage and completed in 2021. timing of matches in the winter, livered by FIFA, Qatar Football unite over 450 million people will be treated to the same world- Qatari culture and traditions that culture. For his part, SC Media Relations all making Qatar a great tourist Association, the Supreme Com- from across the region, and we class experience that awaits fans changes the stereotypical view She highlighted that the com- Director Youssef al-Hammadi destination. The broadcasters mittee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) are confi dent the FIFA Arab Cup from around the world when they of the Arab world. mittee also thought about said that the World Cup 2022 in of the event will also benefit as and the FIFA World Cup Qatar will help to build excitement fl ock to Qatar for the FIFA World This came in a panel discussion the legacy it will leave for the Qatar will be the most compact they will broadcast the matches 2022 LLC. Seen as a vital oppor- across the region as we edge ever Cup in 2022. We welcome our hosted by the SC on Monday. world, as some stadiums will be in history in addition to being at a suitable time for viewers, he tunity to test operations and fa- nearer to hosting the fi rst FIFA friends from the Middle East and SC Communications Director dismantled and donated to poor the first edition hosted by a added. cilities ahead of Qatar 2022, the World Cup in the Middle East the Arab world to join us in what Fatma al-Nuaimi said that the countries. That process will be country in the Middle East. He said that spectators will enjoy tournament will take place in the and Arab world in 2022.” will be an important milestone committee is looking to host an done in cooperation with FIFA, Al-Hammadi added that the a diff erent footballing experi- same timeslot as the World Cup. QFA President HE Sheikh Ha- and a fi nal test of our prepara- exceptional World Cup edition she added. She said that the State of Qatar will be akin to a ence in 2022 as they will get to The fi nals of both the FIFA Arab mad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al- tions, only one year away from us that serves the State of Qatar construction plan was moving large Olympic village during the enjoy the Qatari environment, Cup and FIFA World Cup will Thani said, “Qatar looks forward hosting the fi rst FIFA World Cup and its citizens, in addition to along well, noting that work on World Cup, due to how close sta- desert, and traditions. take place exactly one year apart to welcoming 22 Arab national in the region.” (Qatar2022.qa)

ATHLETICS UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Doha Diamond League on May 28 Giroud winner puts Chelsea in knockouts

he Doha Diamond fi nale in Zurich from September Reuters blasted over from close-range League athletic event is 8-9. Rennes, France with the goal gaping. set to take place on May In the fi rst 13 meetings, ath- Hudson-Odoi’s low cross just 28 next year according to letes will earn points in a bid to needed to be steered into the theT calendar released for the 2021 qualify for a place in the fi nal, triker Olivier Giroud net, but the German forward season yesterday. where they have the chance to scored a dramatic last- fi red well over the bar from six The provisional calendar for win the Diamond Trophy and minute winner as Chel- yards out. the 2021 season sees a return to a be crowned Wanda Diamond sea booked their place They did grab the lead mid- full schedule of 14 meetings cul- League champion in their chosen inS the Champions League last way through the first half minating in a winner-takes-all discipline. 16 with a 2-1 victory over Stade though when Mason Mount’s season fi nale in Zurich. The calendar, however, re- Rennais at Roazhon Park yes- pin-point 50-yard pass behind Now in its 12th annual cycle, mains subject to changes de- terday. the Rennes defence allowed track and fi eld’s premier season- pending on the global health Sehrou Guirassy looked as Hudson-Odoi to sprint clear, long competition will begin on situation in 2021. though he had secured a point before he showed excellent May 23 with the Meeting Inter- for his side with an equaliser control and provided a cool national Mohammed VI in Rabat, 2021 CALENDAR minutes earlier, but Giroud finish past Alfred Gomis. Morocco. May 23: Rabat (MAR) profi ted from some poor Rennes Gomis saved brilliantly from After making a stop in Doha, the following weekend. August May 27: Doha (QAT) defending to claim the win after Mount, but it was Mendy who the competition will head to Eu- 21 will see the new Hayward Field June 4: Rome (ITA) Callum Hudson-Odoi had put was the busier of the two goal- rope with Rome hosting a meet in Eugene host its fi rst Diamond June 10: Oslo (NOR) the visitors in front in the fi rst keepers. He was fi nally beaten on June 4, followed by Oslo a League meeting, while August July 4: Stockholm (SWE) half. on 85 minutes as Guirassy was week later. 22 will host the fi rst edition of July 9: Monaco (MON) Chelsea top Group E with 10 Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud (foreground) celebrates after scoring the left unmarked at a corner and Following stops in Stockholm, a brand new Diamond League July 13: London (GBR) points from four games, level winner in the UEFA Champions League Group E match against Stade powered his header into the net. Monaco and London in the fi rst meeting in China, details of August 14: Shanghai (CHN) with Sevilla but ahead on goal- Rennais in Rennes, France, yesterday. (AFP) It looked to have sealed a point two weeks of July, there will be a which are to be announced in due August 21: Eugene (USA) diff erence, after the Spanish for the home side, but when month-long pause for the Olym- course. August 22: tbc (CHN) side also claimed a late 2-1 vic- had their moments but were and made a number of out- Rennes gave up possession just pic Games in Tokyo. Athletes will return to Europe August 26: Lausanne (SUI) tory in Russia against Krasnodar largely kept at bay by Chelsea standing saves. outside their box, Hakim Ziyech The series will resume in for the fi nal leg of the season, August 28: Paris (FRA) to seal their passage into the goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, The visitors should have gone set up Werner, whose shot was Shanghai on August 14 before a with meetings in Lausanne, Paris September 3: Brussels (BEL) knockout stages. who left the Brittany club for in front inside four minutes saved by Gomis, only for Giroud continent-spanning double-bill and Brussels before the season September 8-9: Zurich (SUI) Rennes, who have one point, Stamford Bridge in September as Timo Werner inexplicably to head in the rebound. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 25, 2020 CRICKET

FOCUS Coach Shastri backs India’s quicks to excel Down Under Shastri dubs Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Yadav and Saini as India’s ‘fabulous five’ ahead of the Australia tour

AFP New Delhi, India Indian bowlers not good as Wagner is with short deliveries, indicates Smith oach Ravi Shastri be- lieves India’s pace attack IANS can conquer Australia New Delhi, India “in their own den” in the upcomingC Test series between the world’s top two sides. f Jasprit Bumrah & Co plan India’s quick bowlers, led by to get rid of Steve Smith with Jasprit Bumrah, will face a pow- Ishort deliveries, they may erful home batting line-up in- have to target the area between cluding David Warner and Steve Smith’s shoulder and ribs for a Smith when the four-Test series significantly long period and begins on December 17. vary the pace of the deliveries But Shastri said his team’s pace al la New Zealand pace bowler unit was the best in the world, Neil Wagner who troubled the despite being likely to be without Australian batter last summer, the injured Ishant Sharma who is dismissing him four out of five receiving treatment in India for a times in three Tests. muscle tear. Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Smith, yesterday, threw down the gauntlet at the Indian New Zealand’s Neil Wagner (left) dismissed Australia’s Steve Smith bowlers, saying that the area (centre) four out of five times in three Tests last summer. (AFP) Wagner targets may not be possible for Indian bowlers struggle last year against Wag- Possesses a set of skills that not because of his unique ability to ner was reminiscent of what many do and he does that for a use short deliveries with speed Don Bradman faced during the very long time,” Smith said. variations and for a long time. bodyline series of 1932-33 when One of Wagner’s strengths is “He (Wagner) is really patient the English tried the leg-side the angle he gets from round with them. He is able to do that trap to Bradman, continuously the wicket as a left-armer, mak- all day. There are not too many targeting him with short balls at ing it diff icult for right-handed quick bowlers that can run in the body. batsmen. The Indian bowling and bowl bouncers the whole Just like Bradman then, Smith unit lacks a left-arm pacer, so day. I guess the way Neil does still managed to pick some runs if they are going to use the is that he is particularly special. — 214 runs at an average of 42.8 short deliveries and target the He gets balls between shoulder with two half-centuries, though area between shoulder and and rib high. He is incredibly he couldn’t play big knocks. ribs, they may have to be very You put up runs on the accurate. And then he has an Smith added that Wagner’s accurate as Smith alludes while board and watch these ability to change his pace,” said skills at using the short ball praising Wagner. Otherwise, fast bowlers hunt the Smith to a question from IANS can’t be matched by anyone as Smith having a habit of moving ‘ opposition. They can on why he thinks Indian pacers, the Kiwi has picked majority of to the off could have a field day beat Australia in their own Jasprit Bumrah (right) and Mohamed Shami form the backbone of Indian bowling attack. (AFP) led by Bumrah, would not be his wickets from that. if the Indians get waver. den able to trouble him with bounc- “He (Wagner) is the number two Bumrah could be the man — Ravi Shastri, “You put up runs on the board “You have to back your self- ans to their fi fth Indian Premier ers as Wagner would. Test bowler at the moment or targeted to trouble Smith with India coach and watch these fast bowlers belief and take the fi eld with a League title on November 10, has a “It is one of the hardest things something like that (number short deliveries. He used the hunt the opposition. They can fearless attitude,” said the former hamstring injury and will miss the that guys, not just me but some three behind Pat Cummins and delivery well during the recent “His absence does make a dif- beat Australia in their own den.” India all-rounder. limited-overs matches which start of the other guys as well, coped Stuart Broad; Bumrah is the Indian Premier League, getting ference to the fast-bowling de- Australia last week overtook “We are prepared and let me re- on November 27 with the fi rst of with last year. He bowled one best Indian at number nine). I rid of players like Virat Kohli partment, but then we have the India at the top of the inaugural mind you that never has cricket, or three one-day internationals. ball at 135, the next ball would think you look at Neil Wagner’s and Andre Russell. capacity among the young bowl- world Test championship when a cricket team, faced such a situa- Shastri said that if the pair be at 128, the next ball would be career, the way he bowls, you Smith says that this kind of talk, ers to deliver,” Shastri told Indian the scoring system was amended tion since the Second World War. were not able to board a fl ight at 130 and 135. It was tough to see the majority of wickets he others preying on his short-ball magazine Sportstar. due to the coronavirus pandemic, “We are going through the within a few days then the strict get a rhythm because his short has got are from short-pitched weakness, gives him confi- Shastri dubbed Bumrah, Mo- but Virat Kohli’s men enjoyed drills of staying mentally tough 14-day quarantine rules would balls were coming out at diff er- bowling — with the way they dence. hamed Shami, Mohamed Siraj, a historic fi rst Test series win and approaching the series by “make it diffi cult for them to play ent pace. I think he has a pretty set the field up. And he is “Yeah, people can go for that. Umesh Yadav and Navdeep Saini Down Under on their last tour in taking one step at a time.” the fi rst Test”. unique set of skills, the way he the number two bowler for In a way, it is a kind of flattery, the “fabulous fi ve”, adding, “Ya- 2018-19. India, who are undergoing a Kohli will lead the side in three does it. He has done to, not just a reason. I mean that is what if people try to get me out (off dav has the experience. Saini is Shastri is confi dent his team two-week quarantine in Sydney, ODIs, three Twenty20s and the me, but to plenty of diff erent he does, yeah, it means he is short balls) because they’ve young and fast. Bumrah one of can stay focused on and off the are hoping senior batsman Rohit opening Test — a day-night game batsmen around the world,” he diff erent to what anyone tries exhausted all other options. the best in business. Shami is pitch during the tour, which re- Sharma and Ishant will be able to in Adelaide — before taking on added. to do it. It (others’ bowling) is Gives me a lot of confidence to raring to go. Siraj is an exciting quires travel bubbles and isola- join them for the Tests. paternity leave and returning The Australian run-machine’s not the same as Neil does. (He) know that,” he added. prospect. tion because of the pandemic. Rohit, who led Mumbai Indi- home.

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Sri Lanka’s T20 Loss of last Test series to India league takes off aft er turbulent build-up drives a lot of Aussie guys: Paine Nothing illustrated the Reuters New Delhi, India league’s chaotic build-up like IANS Herschelle Gibbs’ association Sydney, Australia with it. he organisers of Sri The former South Africa play- Lanka’s new Twenty20 er was fi rst unveiled as a com- ustralian players who league are bullish about mentator but ended up being the were involved in the the franchise-based Colombo Kings head coach fol- previous home Test Ttournament despite a slew of lowing a series of coincidences. series defeat to India teething problems that preceded Dav Whatmore was initially areA motivated to make amends, its scheduled start tomorrow. named the Colombo coach but says Test captain captain Tim Multiple postponements, ven- following his withdrawal, the job Paine. Australia lost to India 2-1 ue uncertainties and late with- was off ered to former England in 2018-19 — their fi rst ever se- drawals marred the build-up for bowler Kabir Ali. ries defeat to an Asian side in the Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) am- Ali then contacted Covid-19 longest format of the game on bitious tournament which was and was unavailable and Gibbs home soil. originally scheduled to begin in was roped in. “I know that it drives a lot of late August. “Been an interesting day or the guys that were involved in SLC vice president Ravin two but so grateful to be head that and I certainly know Steve Wickramaratne dismissed sug- coach of @ColomboKings,” an (Smith) and David (Warner) gestions that the board should amused Gibbs tweeted after his are looking forward to com- have waited for the Covid-19 appointment. ing back and showing just how pandemic to subside before Earlier this month, Pallekele good they are as well,” Paine launching the league. was dropped as a second venue told 2GB’s Wide World of “The game of cricket was stopped as SLC decided to host the entire Sports radio. for a while following the pandemic tournament in a bio-secure bub- “Everyone is absolutely outbreak, however, we cannot keep ble in Hambantota. pumped. The key is going to be it on hold for more than this,” Wick- League promoters Innova- last time we didn’t get enough ramaratne, also the league’s tour- tive Production Group (IPG) said runs, this time, I think a few of nament director, told Reuters in an they hardly had any choice. our players have spoken about it. e-mail interview. “These are tough times for eve- If we can make their fast bowlers “None of us know for sure ryone,” IPG chief executive Anil bowl more overs than last time, I when this is going to end... this Mohan told Reuters. “Every coun- think our attack showed we can is the ‘New Normal’, we need to try is doing their best to keep their get the 20 wickets one way or adapt to it. people safe. Whatever is the pro- another.” “A T20 league of this nature tocol, we have to follow.” Australia were still reeling has been a long-felt need for Sri The event lost some sheen with from the aftermath of the 2018 Lanka Cricket, and postponing the late withdrawals of players like ball tampering scandal when Australia’s captain Tim Paine (left) and Steve Smith. (AFP) this for a further year or two is South African Faf du Plessis and they played with Steve Smith not going to help SLC’s forward West Indian Chris Gayle. and David Warner still serv- 2019 Ashes and Warner scoring “Certainly for me sitting back a little bit,” Paine added. team has improved in the last 18 journey.” However, the league landed a ing their one-year bans. The a triple century against Pakistan it still annoys me that we lost “We’re a much better all- months as well and we’ve been The SLC even considered title sponsor last week and lined duo have since made valuable later in the year. that Test series. Whether we round side. Not just adding playing some really good crick- hosting the fi ve-team league up an impressive list of domestic contributions to Australia’s re- Paine said that Australia are had Steve or David or not you Steve and David back into it, et. Whereas back then I think we in Malaysia or the United Arab and international broadcasters. surgence with Smith storming a much better side than what don’t want to be losing any Test which is a hell of a lot of runs to were fi nding our way through a Emirates while fi nalising quar- The league will be played be- back into Test cricket with a they were when India last faced matches or Test series you’re in- add back into a side, but I think really challenging or diff erent antine arrangements with the hind closed doors with the fi nal whopping 774 runs during the them. volved in, so that still grinds me every other cricketer in that type of set up.” country’s health ministry. scheduled on December 16. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 25, 2020 3 SPORT

HORSE RACING Qatar SC, Al Arabi win in Qatar Volleyball League Shershab is Al Shaqab Racing’s new homebred two-year-old winner Agencies Marseille, France

red and owned by Al Shaqab Rac- ing, Shershab opened his score- card, winning the Prix des Criques at Marseille Pont de Vivaux, France,B on Monday evening. It was the third start for Fréderic Rossi’s trainee. As he broke from the gate, Shershab sat handily in third position on the outside in the 1,500m race for two-year-old maid- ens on the all-weather. Perfectly placed by jockey Sylvain Ruis on this sharp-turning Qatar SC (in black) defeated Al Wakrah (in white) 3-2 (25-21, 27-25, 22-25, 22-25, 15-10) in their Qatar track, the bay colt joined the leaders by the Volleyball League match at the Al Arabi Indoor Hall yesterday. beginning of the straight and ran to a com- fortable victory by a length in front of Sebs Du Defi . Shershab is by Al Shaqab sire Shalaa out of Gherdaiya, a stakes-placed mare in the Al Shaqab Racing silks. He is her fi rst foal. She has a yearling fi lly by Le Havre, recently entered into training with Jean-Claude Sylvain Ruis (right) rides Shershab to victory in the Prix des Criques at Marseille Pont de Vivaux, Rouget. France, on Monday evening. (jmtempier)

OLYMPIC GAMES Best scenario

is full venues: In the other match, Al Arabi (in white) overcame Al Rayyan 3-2 (23-25, 25-20, 24-26, 25-22, 29-31).

FOCUS Tokyo governor Pakistan invite Afghanistan There will be no decision on spectator numbers until the spring on fi rst offi cial cricket tour

AFP second-string side and match- triggering security lockdowns Karachi, Pakistan es were not given fi rst-class in foreign embassies. status. Most Afghans only became Pakistan premier Khan vis- familiar with the game from akistan have invited ited Afghanistan on Thursday, the 1980s, when millions were Afghanistan’s national where he vowed to help reduce exiled as refugees near the Pa- cricket team on a rec- spiralling violence and push for kistan city of Peshawar, just 50 ognised tour for the a ceasefi re between the Taliban kilometres (36 miles) from their fiP rst time, offi cials said yester- and Afghan forces. border. day, following a visit to Kabul Before entering politics, The two countries have by Prime Minister Imran Khan the Oxford-educated Khan played only a single offi cial — one of the game’s greatest was one of the world’s lead- one-day match and one Twen- players. ing cricketers — a destructive ty20 international — both in the “We’ll try to look for a possi- all-rounder with a devastating United Arab Emirates. ble window for this tour — and ability to swing the ball and Relations between the two if not 2021, we’ll defi nitely try brutally attack the opposi- national cricket bodies are to plan a series in 2022 season,” tion’s bowling. strong, however. said Pakistan Cricket Board As a member of world crick- “A strong Afghanistan means (PCB) chief executive Wasim et’s second tier, Afghanistan’s a strong Asian block... so Pa- Khan. usual opponents are teams such kistan will continue to play its “A cricket series between Pa- as Ireland, Scotland and Hong part and help Afghan cricket,” kistan and Afghanistan could Kong. said Wasim. be a harbinger of love and peace But Afghanistan beat Paki- Afghanistan are scheduled to between the two countries,” he stan last year in a friendly ahead host Pakistan for three one-day told AFP. of the World Cup in England, internationals as part of World An Afghan national side sparking wild scenes in Kabul Cup 2023 Super League, most toured Pakistan in May 2011, where jubilant fans fi red ma- likely to be played in the United although they only played a chine guns into the night sky, Arab Emirates.

CRICKET NZ’s Taylor keen to keep playing until 2023 World Cup

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike arrives for a news conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan yesterday. (Reuters) Reuters Wellington, New Zealand Reuters year and if so, how many. Although Japan has largely ment earlier this year to try to Tokyo, Japan Koike, speaking at the Foreign avoided the huge numbers of stimulate local economies hit by Correspondents’ Club of Japan, Covid-19 infections seen in oth- the near-complete absence of ew Zealand batsman said organisers were still hopeful er countries, daily cases in Tokyo foreign tourism amid the pan- Ross Taylor gave his okyo Governor Yuriko venues could be fi lled with spec- rose to records above 500 last demic. side a boost ahead of Koike said yesterday that tators when the Olympics begin week. “It is clear that the movement their Twenty20 series the best case scenario for in July. Koike warned that Tokyo was of people is having an impact on Nagainst West Indies after the the 2020 Olympics post- “The best-case scenario... seeing a rise in infections among the increase in cases,” Koike said. 36-year-old said he hoped to Tponed until next year is to have would be when all athletes from older residents, including cases “It is necessary to look at what prolong his career through to venues full of spectators, as or- all countries come here in safety where people had contracted kind of restrictions on the move- the next one-day World Cup in ganisers wrestle with how to plan and with peace of mind and the the virus while eating out and ment of people might be needed.” India in 2023. for the Games amid the novel Olympics can, as in previous brought it home to elderly rela- The Japanese government is Taylor had said earlier this coronavirus pandemic. years, be held with full spectators tives. preparing to pause the travel year he would probably have a With Covid-19 infections on present as well,” said Koike. She is due to meet with Japa- campaign in Osaka and Sapporo better idea about his plans after the rise in many countries around Organisers have said previ- nese Prime Minister Yoshihide following sharp rises in Covid-19 this season. the world, Olympics organisers ously they will not make a deci- Suga later yesterday to discuss a cases, the minister handling the However, the novel coro- have yet to decide whether to al- sion on spectator numbers until domestic travel promotion cam- government’s coronavirus re- navirus pandemic forced the low spectators into venues next the spring. paign introduced by the govern- sponse said yesterday. cancellation of New Zealand’s mid-year tours and prompted organisers to reschedule the SPOTLIGHT Twenty20 World Cup, which had been due to be held in Aus- tralia in October. That enforced break had stretch... at the best of times, tori played 437 international England to tour India for four Tests, two more T20Is helped him recharge and take a when it was February and matches for New Zealand, fea- fresh look at his goals, he said. March,” he said. turing 112 tests, 291 one-dayers IANS held ahead of the 2021 T20 World tion,” he said. “You’ve got to have short- “And now the World Cup and 34 Twenty20 games. Taylor New Delhi, India Cup, scheduled to be held in India “A lot of people are talking about term goals and long-term goals has been dragged out to Oc- has played 433 internationals, in October-November. England’s the second Covid wave. We’re al- and the one-day World Cup is tober and November ‘23, it’s including 101 tests, 232 ODIs tour of India is scheduled for Feb- ready hearing of cases being on the defi nitely on the radar,” Tay- another six or seven months to and 100 T20s. ngland will play four Test ruary-March. rise again in Mumbai and Delhi, lor said. “It doesn’t mean I will hang around.” “I was really happy to play matches instead of fi ve, “England is touring India for so we have to be careful and make make it, but it’s defi nitely one of New Zealand’s highest test one or two games for New Zea- as was initially scheduled, four Test matches, three ODIs, and sure everything is in order.” my goals.” and one-day runs scorer, Taylor land,” he said. on their 2021 tour of In- fi ve T20Is,” Ganguly said at a vir- England were originally set to But with the tournament be- should achieve another mile- “I’ve still got to get there fi rst, dia,E Indian cricket board president tual event. “It is easier to have bi- tour India for three T20Is and as ing pushed back until later in stone this season by becoming but my mentor, Martin Crowe, Sourav Ganguly said yesterday. laterals than having eight-nine-10 many ODIs in September, but that 2023, Taylor acknowledged it the most country’s most capped always used to say records are Two additional T20Is have been teams, which gets diffi cult, but we was postponed due to the Cov- might be out of reach. player. meant to be broken for the next added to the tour which will be have to keep assessing the situa- id-19 pandemic. “(It) was going to be a Former captain Daniel Vet- guy to come beat.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 25, 2020 RUGBY

FOCUS LOSS Former France international Willis, Watson back Dominici found dead at 48

AFP in the England frame Paris ormer French rugby Watson is back for the first international Christo- phe Dominici has been time after picking up an injury found dead at the age ofF 48 in a park near Paris, po- in the final Six Nations game lice said yesterday. to face Wales Dominici, who played 67 times for France, was seen by a Reuters witness jumping from the roof London of a disused building in the Saint-Cloud park, police said. The diminutive Dominici - lanker Jack Willis, wing- he was 1.72m and 82kg -scored er Anthony Watson and 25 tries in 67 Tests for France, hooker Luke Cowan- including eight tries across Dickie have been includ- three World Cups. edF in Eddie Jones’s extended 25- He had a deceptive change of man squad to face Wales in the pace and a shimmy that could Nations Cup on Saturday, but lose and confuse defenders. centre Ollie Lawrence will miss His most celebrated mo- the game with a hip injury. ment came in the 1999 World In this file photo taken on April Willis made a tryscoring de- Cup semi-fi nal against New 30, 2005, Paris’ fullback Chris- but against Georgia two weeks Zealand when his second-half tophe Dominici runs with the ago but was left our of last week- try, grabbing a bouncing ball ball during the French rugby end’s win over Ireland. one-handed and then skat- union match against Toulouse He is among a strong group ing down the left touchline, in Paris. (AFP) of backrow options for Jones put the French ahead as they alongside Sam Underhill, Tom reached the fi nal with a re- admitted a personal loss had Curry, Billy Vunipola and Ben markable comeback. triggered depression and that Earl - one of whom is likely to Dominici enjoyed a glit- he had been abused as a child. miss out when he names his tering club career, fi rst with He returned to the public match 23 tomorrow. Toulon in southeast France, eye in the summer when he First-choice wing Watson is where he was born, and then fronted an Emirates-based back for the fi rst time after pick- at Paris-based Stade Francais bid to take over Beziers rugby ing up an injury in the fi nal Six with whom he won the French club which petered out when Nations game against Italy last championship fi ve times. a fi nancial investigation into month, while Cowan-Dickie After he retired, then-na- its viability. The French rugby has recovered from knee surgery tional coach Bernard Laporte Federation said Dominici had and is fi t for a probable place on gave Dominici a coaching role. “left his imprint on an entire the bench, with Jamie George He also worked as a media generation of rugby”. starting. pundit. “Today, the rugby family A win or draw for England Off the fi eld, Dominici suf- has lost a legend and an em- in Llanelli will put them top of fered bouts of depression. In blematic player,” it added in a Group A in the new competition his 2007 autobiography, he statement. and set up a title decider, prob- ably against France, at Twicken- ham on December 6 - when, sub- ject to Thursday’s government World Cup hosts to be decided by open announcement, there could be vote as World Rugby approves changes 4,000 fans to watch the game. The World Rugby Council process was part of plans to ENGLAND SQUAD yesterday approved recom- bring about positive changes BACKS mendations by its World Cup in his second term as head of Elliot Daly (Saracens, 45 caps), Board for a more transparent the body. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 86 process of selecting hosts for “I have strived to imple- caps), George Ford (Leicester Ti- future men’s and women’s ment key governance gers, 70 caps), Jonathan Joseph editions of the tournament, enhancements that inject (Bath Rugby, 53 caps), Max including an open electronic further transparency, clarity Malins (Bristol Bears, 2 caps), vote with results published. and consistency into our Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, The sport’s global body said decision-making processes,” 59 caps), Dan Robson (Wasps, that after an interim meeting, Beaumont added. 5 caps), Henry Slade (Ex- it was decided that awarding “Rugby World Cup is at the eter Chiefs, 32 caps), Anthony hosting rights for the wom- centre of that strategy as our Watson (Bath Rugby, 44 caps), en’s 2025 and 2029 editions flagship men’s and women’s Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, England’s Jack Willis (centre) during a training session at the Lensbury Hotel in Teddington, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) and men’s 2027 and 2031 event and major driver of 102 caps) editions would be through a revenue. vote following a risk-based “The decision... will ensure FORWARDS technical evaluation. we’re able to advance with Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Wales lose Moriarty but Navidi and Faletau back in training Previously, World Rugby a world-class host selection Chiefs, 24 caps), Tom Curry (Sale could make its recommenda- process that will deliver a Sharks, 26 caps), Ben Earl (Bris- Wales have released injured loose forward Georgia last weekend, Aaron Wainwright, with the victory over Georgia ending a tions to the council members robust 10-year growth strat- tol Bears, 6 caps), Ellis Genge Ross Moriarty from their squad ahead of was one of the stand-out performers in an six-match losing streak. Wales, however, do before hosting rights are egy... as we collectively look (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps), Jamie the Autumn Nations Cup showdown with otherwise limp team display. still have the slimmest of chances of topping awarded. “These decisions to rebound from the pan- George (Saracens, 52 caps), England in Llanelli on Saturday, but have Navidi has also not played since the Six their Autumn Nations Cup Group A. reflect best-practice in major demic and optimise revenue Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 2 welcomed back Josh Navidi and Taulupe Nations defeat by England in March having England lead the pool on nine points, with sports event host selection certainty for reinvestment in caps), Maro Itoje (Saracens, 41 Faletau to training. struggled with hamstring issues over the Ireland and Wales both on four. Another win, and will ensure Rugby World the sport at all levels.” caps), Joe Launchbury (Wasps, Moriarty failed to recover from an ankle last year or so, but like Faletau trained fully a draw or defeat with a bonus point would Cup is accessible and attrac- France will host the men’s 67 caps), Joe Marler (Harlequins, injury that has kept him out of the autumn with the squad on Monday and yesterday. leave Eddie Jones’s team safely top of the tive to a wide range of poten- World Cup in 2023, while 71 caps), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol series of matches and he will not feature in Loose forward Justin Tipuric is undergoing pile. tial hosts,” World Rugby said New Zealand will stage the Bears, 38 caps), Will Stuart (Bath the remaining two games, the Welsh Rugby concussion protocols and remains touch For Wales to finish above them they would in a statement voting-proc- women’s event next year. Rugby, 6 caps), Sam Underhill Union confirmed yesterday. and go after he received a swinging arm to have to overturn their current 56-point defi- ess-confirmed-for-future- The process for selecting (Bath Rugby, 20 caps), Billy Vu- Better news for coach Wayne Pivac was the the face from Georgia’s Beka Saginadze that cit and points scored deficit, which would rugby-world-cup-awarding. the next hosts will begin in nipola (Saracens, 54 caps), Mako return of Faletau, though his replacement forced him from the field. require a minimum victory margin of 29, World Rugby Chairman Bill February 2021 and conclude Vunipola (Saracens, 62 caps) at number eight for the 18-0 victory over It has been a disappointing run for Pivac, assuming that win includes four tries. Beaumont said that the new in May 2022. Jack Willis (Wasps, 1 cap).

SPOTLIGHT Pumas no longer a surprise package: Plumtree

Reuters kickable penalties. “We know Sydney what the Argentinians are all about now,” Plumtree told reporters on Tuesday. “We’ve seen them play rgentina will not have twice, and we’ll see how we get on the element of surprise against them in the weekend.” on their side in New- “We were heavily criticised for a castle on Saturday when lack of penetration in their back- theyA try to repeat their shock Tri- line against the Pumas in Sydney Nations win over New Zealand, on November 14, and seemed un- All Blacks assistant coach John willing or unable to change their Plumtree has said. game plan to get through their sti- The Pumas produced a superb fl ing defence. When the All Blacks defensive eff ort and dominated the get beaten it’s when defences dom- collisions to record a 25-15 victory inate our attack,” Plumtree said. against the All Blacks two weeks “We do see opportunities, but ago. That defeat came after the All we’ve got to be good enough to Blacks had lost 24-22 to Australia take those opportunities and see the week before, with the back-to- that space and look to get the ball back defeats putting new coach Ian to that space. That’s not just run- Foster and his staff under pressure. ning the ball, it’s also kicking and The All Blacks have not lost applying pressure in diff erent three successive tests since 1998, parts of the game.” when they went on to drop fi ve Plumtree suggested there might in a row. The Pumas followed up be some changes to personnel on their fi rst ever win over New Zea- Saturday, with loose forwards Akira land with a 15-15 draw against the Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu looking Wallabies last week, where they the most likely to get the nod with seemed content to allow the Aus- the side needing more physical- tralians to play all the rugby and ity and both players impressing in put them under pressure to earn their opportunities so far. Argentina’s players attend a training session at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, November 25, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL Goff ’s late fi eld goal lift s Rams past Buccaneers ‘We got back to ourselves on the last drive and put some points on the board. Our defence stepped up and did a great job’

AFP Los Angeles

att Gay booted a 40-yard fi eld goal with 2:36 left and Jordan Fuller grabbed his second interception of the Mgame less than a minute later as the Los Angeles Rams notched a 27-24 vic- tory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night at Tampa, Fla. Jared Goff completed 39 of 51 passes for 376 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions as the Rams (7-3) won for the third time in their past four games. Robert Woods had 12 recep- tions for 130 yards and a touchdown, while Cooper Kupp caught 11 passes for 145 yards. “We got back to ourselves on the last drive and put some points on the board,” said Goff . “Our defence stepped up and did a great job. That’s a good off ence we played today.” Tom Brady completed 26 of 48 pass- es for 216 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Bucca- neers (7-4), who lost for the second time in the past three games. The two TD passes lifted Brady’s career count to 566, allowing him to pass injured New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (565) for the most in NFL history. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin caught scoring passes for Tampa Bay, which was outgained 413 yards to 251. Gay was making his Los Angeles debut, and the winning fi eld goal came against the team that employed him last sea- son. The Buccaneers had time to re- cover, but Brady made a poor downfi eld throw and Fuller easily intercepted the pass at the Los Angeles 31-yard line and returned it 6 yards with 1:49 left as the Rams went on to the win. The contest featured an all-Black offi ciating crew for the fi rst time in NFL history. Leading the way was Jer- ome Boger, who is in his 15th season as a referee and 17th overall as an NFL Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff throws a pass against Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of their NFL game at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. (USA TODAY Sports) offi cial. Fuller returned his fi rst inter- ception 37 yards to help the Rams take a 24-17 lead in the third quarter. Los Angeles moved 37 yards on fi ve plays Bengals woes mount with injury to rookie Burrow after the takeaway, with Goff throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Cam Akers Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback entry draft, had completed 22 of 34 passing for play-callers and said post-game interac- with 5:39 remaining. Joe Burrow will undergo season-ending attempts for 203 yards and a touchdown tions between players and staff would be Goff made a crucial mistake in the fi - surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL in with one fumble against Washington. limited. nal stanza when he was intercepted by his left knee, the US media reported on The Bengals are 2-7-1 this season in the AFC Players that failed to comply would be Tampa Bay’s Jordan Whitehead with 7:17 Monday. North Division, having failed to win a game subject to discipline, the league said. “Clubs left. The Buccaneers capitalised as Brady Burrow, who started 10 games for the last on the road. are required to enforce these rules. Viola- hit Godwin on a 13-yard touchdown pass place Bengals this season, was injured They are 2-2 at home. tions by players and/or staff will result in to tie the game at 24 with 3:53 to play. The early in the third quarter of a lopsided 20-9 Burrow has completed 264 of 404 passes accountability measures being imposed Rams scored on their initial possession of defeat to Washington on Sunday. for a 65 percent completion ratio. He has upon the club,” the NFL said. the game on Goff ’s 4-yard pass to Woods. Burrow was off icially placed on the Ben- thrown 13 touchdown passes but has been The league added that the maximum Tampa Bay responded with two touch- gals’ injured list on Monday. An MRI on the intercepted five times and sacked 32 times. number of players permitted to travel to downs, the fi rst coming in the opening knee indicated there could be some other road games would be reduced to 62 and minute of the second quarter when Evans structural damage in addition to the torn MASKS REQUIRED FOR PLAYERS ON access to club facilities would be limited for caught a 9-yard pass from Brady. ACL and MCL. SIDELINES AS LEAGUE ENHANCES non-essential personnel. The second came on Leonard Four- Bengals coach Zac Taylor added that the COVID-19 PROTOCOLS From Week 13, all members of a team’s trav- nette’s 2-yard run with 8:35 left in the Bengals “expect him to make a full recov- Players in the National Football League elling party must wear N95 or KN95 masks half. Los Angeles knotted the score at ery”, but Taylor did not provide details on (NFL) must wear masks on the sidelines on team planes and buses, it said. 14 on Goff ’s 7-yard throw to Van Jeff er- when they expected him to return, the NFL. unless they have their helmet on and are The new guidance was issued on the same son with 4:31 left in the second period. com reported. preparing to enter the game, the league day multiple players, including Baltimore Gay’s 38-yard fi eld goal as time expired Burrow went down after getting hit below said on Monday as it unveiled an enhanced Ravens running backs Mark Ingram and gave the Rams a 17-14 halftime lead. the waist while another defender hit him set of Covid-19 protocols. J.K. Dobbins, and Minnesota Vikings wide The Buccaneers tied the score on Ryan high from the opposite side on a throw. In a memo distributed to teams, the NFL receiver Adam Thielen, were placed on the Succop’s 38-yard fi eld goal with 12:41 Burrow, the overall top pick in the 2020 also outlined increased safety regulations Reserve/Covid-19 list. (Agencies) left in the third quarter.

NBA NBA players meet Pope Francis to discuss social justice issues Reuters the players’ voices. “That one Vatican City of the most infl uential leaders in the world sought to have a conversation with them dem- ive NBA players met onstrates the infl uence of their with Pope Francis at the platforms,” said Roberts. Vatican on Monday to “I remain inspired by our discuss social justice is- players’ continued commitment suesF following a season where to serve and support our com- combating racial inequality was munity.” a dominant theme. The league and its players The players who met the Pope ramped up their calls for sys- were Anthony Tolliver, Kyle Ko- tem-wide reforms last season rver, Sterling Brown, Jonathan after the death in May of George Isaac and Marco Belinelli as well Floyd, a Black man who died in as National Basketball Players police custody in Minneapolis in Association (NBPA) executive an incident that was captured on director Michele Roberts. video. “Today’s meeting was an in- The Covid-19 interrupted credible experience,” Tolliver, season resumed inside a bio- who plays power forward for the secure bubble in Florida with Memphis Grizzlies, was quoted players wearing social justice as saying in an NBPA news re- messages on their jerseys and lease. “With the Pope’s support “Black Lives Matter” printed on and blessing, we are excited to the basketball courts. head into this next season re- The new NBA regular season is invigorated to keep pushing for scheduled to kick off on Decem- change and bringing our com- ber 22. munities together.” Video of the meeting showed the players presenting the Pope Pope Francis (left) meets with with gifts including an Orlando five NBA players in his private Magic jersey. Roberts said the studio at the Vatican. meeting validated the power of (AFP Photo/Vatican Media) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 25, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Atletico reaping the rewards as Felix Guardiola, Klopp fi nds his feet welcome virus fan-return plan Up to 4,000 people will be able to return to outdoor stadiums, starting December 2

AFP London

ep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp yesterday wel- comed the UK govern- Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix (right) heads the ball next to Barcelona’s ment’s decision to allow Sergi Roberto during the La Liga match at the Wanda Metropolitano Pfans back into stadiums, a move stadium in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday. (AFP) described by the English Foot- ball League chief as a “lifeline” AFP cluding Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, for smaller clubs. Madrid were labelling him Ronaldo’s Lower-league clubs, who natural successor. do not enjoy the TV riches of Atletico paid 126mn euros to the Premier League, have been It’s clear that he’s grow- sign Felix from Benfi ca and when struggling to make ends meet, ing,” said Diego Simeone, he arrived in Madrid, he was with supporters shut out during after Joao Felix scored unveiled in the Prado Museum, the coronavirus pandemic. But his third and fourth goals the message obvious: one of the under plans unveiled on Mon- in“ fi ve days last month to put world’s most talented artists, day, up to 4,000 people will be Atletico Madrid within touch- ready to be viewed by the world. able to return to outdoor sports ing distance of the top of the Liga Yet his fi rst year was an anti- stadiums, depending on levels table. climax. The spell-binding mo- of Covid-19 in the area, from Felix’s brace against Osasuna ments, like that one against December 2. would have been a hat-trick had Getafe, grew increasingly irregu- Manchester City boss Guar- his second penalty of the game lar, overshadowed by injuries, diola welcomed the potential not struck the post, but it said forgettable performances and limited return of fans. “If they something that a 20-year-old, the sense of a player who didn’t believe it is the best, we will do in only third professional season, fi t. Reports in Spain and Portugal it and hopefully it will work,” he was taking them. claimed Felix was hamstrung by said. “If the government has de- When Felix made his debut Atletico’s system and fatigued by cided, they must have listened to for Atletico Madrid in August Simeone’s demands. the scientists and doctors.” last year, he won a penalty after Marca put Felix on a list of Liverpool manager Klopp also a sensational run that humili- the most disappointing sign- welcomed the development, but ated three Getafe defenders, with ings of the season. Atletico were said he had questions about the a nutmeg, a roll of the studs and in transition too, a new defence logic being applied to the num- then a dash bringing 68,000 fans meant the team’s platform had bers involved. “The problem to their feet. to rebuild while up front they had is, I just struggle to put faith in Felix carried the ball under his lost Antoine Griezmann, their any kind of announcements,” he arm towards the spot but Kieran top scorer and talisman, to Bar- said. “I don’t understand why it Trippier was the penalty taker, celona. is only 2,000 people in a 60,000 and he missed. A year later, Felix But just as Atletico are one stadium. But I am not surprised. is not just in charge of penalties year further along in their reno- It’s good news, good sign. I’ll but the driving force of a rejuve- vation, Felix is one year more take it, 100%.” nated Atletico team and perhaps mature, the growth of his own English Football League even the sparkle that could carry confi dence and the team’s sta- chairman Rick Parry said he was them to the Spanish title. bility proving mutually benefi - looking forward to getting fans If they win their two games cial. He has found a role too, no back in more substantial num- in hand, Atletico will be three longer deployed off the right but bers but it was a “welcome start”. points clear at the top of the ta- more central although he is able “At League One and League Two ble. Things are also going well to drop in off the left to find the level (third and fourth tiers) it in Europe for Atletico. They pockets of space in which he could be very signifi cant,” he visit Lokomotiv Moscow in the thrives. said. Champions League today, sitting Luis Suarez is a potent partner “It’s not just the money, it’s second in Group A, behind Bay- able to occupy markers and, off a very welcome return to an at- ern Munich. the pitch, perhaps an example to mosphere, and if we get 4,000 Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp gives an interview after the English Premier League match against Leicester City at Anfield in Felix scored his fi rst Cham- follow. at League Two level it would be Liverpool, United Kingdom, on Sunday. (AFP) pions League goal in this fi xture Koke has off ered more creativ- very welcome. It can be a very last season. “Joao has always ity from central midfi eld than out welcome lifeline.” Barber said the return of a small some degree of normality,” he Three of the biggest clubs — Nations Cup campaign on De- delivered important moments,” wide. “Felix has ended up fi nd- The EFL is considering mov- number of fans will be “more said. “Long-term, it’s not viable Liverpool, Manchester United cember 6 as an opportunity to Simeone said earlier this month. ing both his best position on the ing some of its fi xtures sched- symbolic than fi nancial” for for us to operate at those sort of and Manchester City — are lo- prepare for the eventual full re- “What is making everyone pitch and the confi dence to feel uled for December 1 to the fol- Premier League clubs. Barber levels. It would probably see us cated in regions that were under turn of supporters to Twicken- talk now is the consistency he like the leader,” wrote Diario AS lowing day in order to get fans believes Brighton’s Amex Stadi- operating at a matchday loss. the strictest “tier-three” condi- ham. is showing in his game, in his last week. in. Premier League chiefs have um needs to be at least 25 % full But I think it’s a psychological tions before the latest England- Eddie Jones’ side are likely to work.” “Even the best player in the welcomed Monday’s announce- with 7,500 fans before matches step towards where we want to wide lockdown, so it remains to face France in the competition’s Felix has been compared to Rui world has to fi nd a place in the ment but made it clear that only would start to become fi nan- be. For me, it’s more symbolic be seen whether they will be al- showpiece event, which could Costa, Johan Cruyff , Kaka and team,” said Simeone. “Freedom a return to bigger crowds would cially viable. than fi nancial at this stage. It’s lowed to admit fans. be staged in front of a crowd of Cristiano Ronaldo. In Portugal, isn’t playing anywhere, it’s play- ease the sport’s fi nancial prob- “It’s welcome news. It’s a lit- more of that psychological step The Rugby Football Union is up to 4,000 spectators if the area he was dubbed the ‘Menino de ing where you can be most im- lems. tle bit earlier than we expected. towards normal, which is really considering whether to use the is considered to be one of low Ouro’ — the Golden Boy — and portant for the team.” Felix has Brighton chief executive Paul But it’s a good fi rst step towards important right now.” climax to England’s Autumn coronavirus risk. it was not long before many, in- found his place.

PREMIER LEAGUE Wood ends Burnley’s wait for fi rst win, Saints held by Wolves

AFP three league goals this season and hadn’t Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo add- London scored since October 3 when Ashley ed: “I think it was a foul for their goal. After Westwood netted in a loss at Newcastle. that it was about reacting to that incident. But Wood ended that four-game goal- The boys did that. We fi nished the game urnley won for the fi rst time in less run in the eighth minute when he well, creating chances.” the Premier League this sea- fi red home from Jay Rodriguez’s fl ick Walcott has thrived in a central striker’s son as Chris Wood sealed a 1-0 after a poor headed clearance from role for Southampton since Danny Ings victory against Crystal Palace, Cheikhou Kouyate. Palace went close was injured and the converted winger test- whileB Southampton missed a chance to to equalising when Andros Townsend’s ed Wolves keeper Rui Patricio in the fi rst go third in their 1-1 draw at Wolves on curling eff ort forced a fi ne save from half with a snap shot. Southampton took Monday. Nick Pope. the lead in the 58th minute, with a touch of Burnley had failed to win any of their Burnley were inches away from dou- controversy about the goal. fi rst seven games in the joint worst start bling their lead through Johann Gud- Wolves were frustrated that Stuart to a season in the club’s history. Sean Dy- mundsson, whose rising strike from the Armstrong’s barge into Rayan Ait-Nouri che’s side were the only Premier League edge of the area cannoned off the bar. went unpunished in the build-up before team yet to score a home goal this term Michy Batshuayi should have equal- Che Adams sent a low cross to the un- until New Zealand striker Wood put ised when he latched onto Dwight Mc- marked Walcott, who slotted home from them ahead in the fi rst half against Pal- Neil’s wayward back-pass, but Pope was close-range. It was the 31-year-old’s ace. quickly off his line to block the Belgian’s fi rst goal for Southampton since rejoin- That was enough to clinch a much- scuff ed shot. Pope was in superb form ing them on loan from Everton in Octo- needed three points for Burnley, who and he came to Burnley’s rescue again in ber. climbed out of the relegation zone at the stoppage time when he somehow clawed His last league goal for Southampton expense of Fulham. “We created two or away Christian Benteke’s close-range came in his fi rst spell there almost 15 three golden chances, we take one and it shot. years ago. gets a bit nervy because we hadn’t found At Molineux, Southampton were on Walcott should have netted again that fi rst win. To get that one done will course for a fourth successive win when after Adams’ pass put him clean do us the world of good,” Dyche said. Theo Walcott put them ahead in the sec- through, but this time he side-footed “We have got a group that can challenge. ond half. But Pedro Neto came off the wide from 12 yards. It was a crucial We have had a tough start but that has bench to equalise as fi fth-placed South- miss as Wolves equalised in the 75th been coming.” ampton had to settle for extending their minute as Raul Jimenez’s fierce drive Palace were missing Ivory Coast for- unbeaten run to seven matches. “I am bounced back off the post to Neto ward Wilfried Zaha after he tested posi- happy. For everyone it was a tough game, and the substitute drove his first- tive for coronavirus and Roy Hodgson’s tactically so demanding, it was like chess. time strike past Alex McCarthy. Neto side lacked a cutting edge without him They played 4-3-3, we didn’t expect that nearly snatched a winner in the clos- as they slumped to a second defeat in but we found the answers,” Southampton ing minute when his low drive was Burnley’s Chris Wood (left) shoots to score the opening goal of the English Premier League match against Crystal Palace three games. Burnley had managed just manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said. well saved by McCarthy. at Turf Moor in Burnley, United Kingdom, on Monday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, November 25, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Eriksen set for Inter exit as dream Italy move turns sour 'People would like to see me play and I would like to do the same, but the coach has diff erent ideas'

AFP Eriksen has not featured in Inter’s Milan last two league games and also looks set to miss their Champions League Group B clash against Real Madrid at the San hristian Eriksen’s dream move Siro today. The Italians are bottom of to Inter Milan looks over with the group, and lost the away leg 3-2, the former Tottenham Hotspur despite coming from two goals down to playmaker requesting to leave equalise before Real snatched victory. theC Italian giants after just 10 months. In the meantime, Eriksen has been The Danish international arrived on linked with moves to French champions four-and-a-half-year deal for a re- Paris Saint-Germain, or a return to the ported fee of 27.5mn euros ($32.6mn) Premier League with Arsenal or Man- including bonuses. But during a year chester United. Inter fi nished last sea- overshadowed by the coronavirus pan- son just one point behind champions demic, the 28-year-old has been un- Juventus, and are among the favourites able to reproduce his form with Spurs, for the Scudetto this campaign. where he scored 69 goals and had 89 In Serie A they are fi fth, fi ve points assists in 305 appearances, or recently behind leaders AC Milan. The 18-time with Denmark. Italian champions have not won Serie “It wasn’t what I had dreamed of,” A since their unprecedented treble in admitted Eriksen, who has fallen down 2010, which included a third Champi- the pecking order under coach Antonio ons League crown. Inter’s only trophy Conte. “People would like to see me since has been the 2011 Italian Cup. play and I would like to do the same, but This season Inter have won just four the coach has diff erent ideas and I have of their 11 games played, but Conte in- to respect them.” sisted: “The team have taken home less The Dane has played seven times this points than they’ve deserved.” season — four as a starter — with no In the Champions League, they have assists or goals. In total he has scored two points after three games. But Conte four goals for Inter in 33 games. “We was pleased with the determination must never hold back a player who asks which Inter demonstrated in coming to be transferred,” club CEO Giuseppe from two-goals down after an hour to Marotta said on Sunday, confi rming beat Torino 4-2 on Sunday. “It was our Eriksen’s impending exit. attitude which changed, our determi- Conte insisted Eriksen “has had nation and the ferocity with which we many opportunities and played more pressed. We found the net four times than others”. “My choices are always and could have scored more.” made for the good of Inter,” said the Inter can also count on forward former Chelsea coach. “When I deem it Romelu Lukaku, who missed the trip to appropriate he’ll be able to play in the Christian Eriksen (centre) has not featured in Inter Milan’s last two league games and also looks set to miss their Champions League clash against Real Madrid today. Spain with a thigh injury. Inter’s attack starting XI or during the game.” is among the best in Italy, with 20 goals One of the problems facing Eriksen ean Arturo Vidal arrived from Barce- Conte’s plans and Radja Nainggolan, “Eriksen has an important role and away and play him deeper in front of in eight league games, the fi rst time has been that Inter have many options lona last summer, with young Italian Marcelo Brozovic, and Ivan Perisic also style of play, both on the left and the the defence you run the risk of distort- since the 1997/1998 season the team in central and attacking midfi eld. Chil- Nicolo Barella increasingly in tune with in the position. right,” said Conte. “If you take that ing the player. It’s a technical decision.” have achieved such a feat.

Firmino is key player in CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Liverpool ‘orchestra’, says Klopp Conte’s Inter Milan backs to wall against Real Madrid Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Roberto Firmino is a key player in his Anfield “orchestra” despite the Brazil forward’s recent AFP against Moenchengladbach. The Spanish lack of goals for the Premier League champions. Firmino’s header Milan giants have never failed to advance past in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Leicester was only his sixth goal in the the group phase in 24 consecutive edi- whole of 2020. tions since 1997. Zidane will be without Firmino’s lack of goals is a stark contrast to Klopp’s free-scoring ntonio Conte’s Inter Milan two of the three scorers from the home trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota. The 29-year- take on Real Madrid in today’s leg, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema, old has never been viewed as a pure finisher, but criticism of his Champions League clash in a both injured, with Luka Jovic and Eder lack of goals has grown in recent months. game the coach describes as Militao out with Covid-19. “likeA a fi nal” with both sides needing a “I don’t think Real need to cry, they However, Klopp, whose side host Atalanta in the Champions League today, insists Firmino’s value is measured in more than just win. “For us it represents a fi nal, after a complete, big squad, they have many goals. “Scoring was always important for Bobby but Bobby is a the defeat in Madrid and the two previ- good players,” said Conte. “The fact that complete footballer,” Klopp said. ous draws there are not many solutions,” there is talk of absences makes me smile “A football team is like an orchestra, you have diff erent people Conte told a pre-match press conference a little.” for diff erent instruments, and some of them are louder than oth- at the San Siro. “We have no escape, we Inter captain Samir Handanovic ers, but they are all important for the rhythm. Bobby plays like 12 have to win. And we know, after the fi rst warned all is still to be played for. “Let’s instruments in our orchestra. He’s very important for our rhythm.” leg, that if we want we can win.” wait for the next three Champions League Jota’s fine form since joining from Wolves has raised questions The Italians are bottom of Group B af- matches before making judgements,” said about Firmino’s place in the starting lineup, but Klopp said he was ter losing 3-2 in Spain, despite coming the Slovenian goalkeeper. “However, it’s not worried about the Brazilian. “I’m not concerned about anything from two goals down to equalise before worrying, we concede too many goals with Bobby, but I know from time to time it happens that he scores Real snatched victory. Real Madrid, the and if we want to improve, that is the fi rst a goal,” he said. Liverpool will welcome back Salah after he missed record 13-time European champions, are thing to adjust.” the Leicester game because of a positive coronavirus test while third with four points after three games. on international duty for Egypt. He has now tested negative. Three “It will be a very diffi cult match, we Today's Champions League fixtures points against Atalanta would guarantee progress to the knockout know what Real Madrid are, their history, phase and off er Klopp the chance to rest players. even recent in this competition,” contin- GROUP A: Atletico Madrid vs Lokomotiv ued Conte. Real have won four of the past Moscow; Bayern Munich vs Red Bull Brugge player dropped for CL seven Champions League titles, while In- Salzburg ter are three-time winners, most recently GROUP B: Borussia Monchengladbach game aft er bus seat row in 2010. The clash between Conte and vs Shakhtar Donetsk; Inter Milan vs Real his former Juventus teammate Zinedine the group stage. nine. Talk means nothing, we have to face Madrid A squabble over seating arrangements on the team bus cost Club Zidane’s Real Madrid will not be deci- “This is the most diffi cult group of facts, everyone has to take responsibility, GROUP C: Olympiakos vs Manchester Brugge forward Emmanuel Dennis a place in the squad for last sive. But after drawing against Borussia the whole Champions League, we would me the players and the club. If it hasn’t City; Marseille vs FC Porto night’s Champions League clash at Borussia Dortmund, Belgian Moenchengladbach and Shakhtar Donet- have deserved a better ranking at this happened yet, it doesn’t mean it won’t newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported. sk, another defeat would push Inter to- point,” said Conte who took over in 2019. happen.” GROUP D: Ajax vs FC Midtjylland; The 23-year-old Nigerian stormed off the bus after being told he wards a third consecutive elimination at “To qualify we need seven points, maybe Real lost at home to Shakhtar, and drew Liverpool vs Atalanta was not allowed to sit in his preferred seat due to social distancing measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the report said, and he did not make the trip to Germany. BOTTOMLINE Brugge manager Philippe Clement said in his pre-match news conference on Monday that Dennis was fit but unavailable for selection due to disciplinary reasons. “He didn’t follow the club’s rules, that’s all I want to say about that... I prefer to concentrate on Mueller focuses on Bayern despite calls for Germany recall the players who are available to me,” Clement added. AFP (him, Hummels and Boateng) have re- Dennis, who joined Brugge in 2017, scored twice in their 2-2 Berlin tired” from Germany duty, “but after a Champions League draw at Real Madrid last season. He also netted 6-0 defeat like that, we should be talking in the Belgian club’s victory over Zenit St Petersburg in their open- about other things.” ing group match in Europe’s elite club competition this season. homas Mueller admitted he For now, Mueller is letting his per- Brugge are third in Group F with four points from three games, watched Germany’s humiliating formances this season do the talking with behind leaders Dortmund and Italy’s Lazio. loss to Spain with horror, but in- eight assists and six goals in Bayern’s 14 sists his focus remains on Euro- games. Germany’s loss is Bayern’s gain, Barcelona’s Griezmann Tpean champions Bayern Munich despite as far as coach Hansi Flick is concerned. demands the playmaker be recalled to the “He’s got a very good sense of the game denies rift with Messi national side. tactically and is very important on the At 31, Mueller proved he is in his prime pitch — he’s the coach’s right-hand man,” Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann has dismissed talk of a rift with a Bundesliga record 21 assists last Flick said. “He leads the team and plays at with team mate Lionel Messi and said he had nothing to do with season, serving as the perfect foil to Bay- a very high level. Thomas is a player that recent comments about the Argentine forward from his former ern striker Robert Lewandowski. The pair would do any team good.” agent and his uncle. Earlier this month, Griezmann’s former agent will be hunting more goals at home to Red When Flick replaced Niko Kovac in Eric Olhats said Messi’s “reign of terror” had made life diff icult for Bull Salzburg today as Bayern chase their November 2019, he immediately reinstat- Griezmann, while the French forward’s uncle said it was not easy to 15th straight win in Europe and a fourth ed Mueller from the bench to the starting play in the same club as the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. victory from four games in Group A. line-up. It was a key switch as Bayern Messi hit back last week, saying he was tired of being blamed Mueller created two goals and Lewand- swept aside all rivals on their way to lift- for problems at Barcelona. Griezmann said he could no longer re- owski netted twice in a 6-2 win at Salz- national team colleagues as much as the were over. Now, Bastian Schweinsteiger ing the Champions League trophy and an main silent on the matter. “I have been putting up with comments burg earlier this month. Yet in the wake fans,” he said after Saturday’s 1-1 draw is leading the calls for his former Bayern eighth straight Bundesliga title. for a long while and now it’s time to say enough,” he was quoted of Germany’s record 6-0 defeat by Spain against Werder Bremen. team-mates to be reinstated before the Mueller has spent his entire career at as saying in an interview with Movistar. “My agent is my sister, but last week, pundits and former players in- “German football fans long for things European Championship starts next June. one club, a rarity in modern football. He she doesn’t speak. Neither do my parents. As no one speaks, Eric sist Mueller can provide the impulse the to go well again. At the moment there is a “Such players like Jerome Boateng and won the free-kick which David Alaba off ers an opinion but that can do a lot of damage and create doubts national team is lacking. lot of negativity around the topic, it hurts, Thomas Mueller have won the treble with blasted home in a 3-2 win at Dortmund about my relationship with Leo. Leo knows I have a lot of respect With fi ve Bayern teammates in the but my main focus is on the club.” the best team in Europe,” said Schwein- earlier this month as Mueller broke Oliver for him. I learn from him. My uncle doesn’t know how football Germany side routed in Seville, Mueller In March 2019, Germany coach Joachim steiger. “They are fi rst choice, have the Kahn’s record of 260 league victories for works. A journalist wants a phrase out of you... I told Leo I have admitted the debacle made painful view- Loew told Mueller and fellow 2014 World quality and are German players — why are Bayern. Mueller “has been shaping” Bay- nothing to do with them. I don’t speak to them.” ing. “Of course, you suff er along with Cup winners Mats Hummels and Jerome they not in the national team?” ern “for more than ten years with great your fellow players in the club and former Boateng that their international careers As Mueller points out, “none of us football”, Kahn said earlier this year.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BASKETBALL Qatar to open Asia Cup qualifi ers Beijing polish off campaign on Nov. 28 rusty Melbourne Beijing is at the helm of Group E with nine points, while Melbourne remain in third place

AFC had received a pass from Augus- Doha to, which the Australian keeper fi sted out for a corner kick. Victory upped the ante just past eijing FC strolled to the hour mark with substitutes a convincing 3-1 win Gianlica Ianucci and Jay Barnett against Melbourne Vic- having their shots blocked, while tory in Group E of the Nicholas Ansell hit the post with 2020B AFC Champions League a header a minute later as Jake yesterday. Brimmer put in a number of ex- Bruno Genesio’s men went ceptional passes to create those into the game with a 100% record chances – and Chinese keeper from two games, while the Aus- Hou Sen doing well to keep the tralian side had won their opener ball out of his net. Qatar’s assistant coach Hachim Zaidan in February, going on to lose their The game was killed off as a second game a week later. contest when substitute Wang By Sports Reporter “Under the new coach we Renato Augusto (pictured be- Ziming fi red a low shot into the Doha play better, faster, organised low) opened the scoring midway bottom left corner just four min- basketball, close to the Euro- through the fi rst half after he utes after coming onto the pitch, pean style basketball. We have had initially played teammate after receiving the ball from Ba atar will launch a lot of young players, so this Jonathan Viera in, the Spaniard Dun, who had also come on a their campaign at is how should play: Faster, dribbled through the defence few minutes earlier, to make the the 2021 FIBA Asia control the tempo, be more before cutting back to Augusto score 3-0 a little over 15 min- Cup 5×5 Qualifi er aggressive. We have improved and the latter made no mistake utes from time. Substitute Elvis WindowQ 2 against Syria and a lot since the coach joined the placing the shot to keeper Mat- Kamsoba managed to intercept Saudi Arabia on Saturday at Al team. We hope and we believe thew Acton’s left far to put Bei- the ball and start an attack for Gharafa Basketball Arena. that we can win both match- jing FC in front. Melbourne Victory, culminating Under the guidance of new es,” said Zaidan. Alan doubled the score just in Ianucci fi ring a shot in from head coach Miodrag Perisic, “We had our plan with fi t- over 10 minutes later with a range that was defl ected by Kim Qatar will hope to open their ness coach Vasilis Mitsopo- magnifi cently placed header af- Min-jae into his own net. campaign on a winning note. ulos (Greece) focusing on ter Augusto whipped in a cross The result leaves Beijing FC at “We have started the 2nd putting the players on shape from the left fl ank from a blister- the helm of Group E with nine phase of our programme under fi rst, to make sure nobody ing counter-attack by the Chi- points from three games, while the supervision of coach ‘Mi- got injured after this long ab- nese Super League side. Melbourne Victory remain in sha’. On to… serious business sence from court. We had to be The Melbourne-based team third place on three points with now, as we want to win both very careful as we were start- looked to claw back straight af- the two teams facing off again in games on our home court. The ing from zero action for four ter through Leigh Broxham, who three days. team is doing fi ne,” said Qatar’s months.” managed to let fl y with a vol- assistant coach Hachim Zaidan. ley from outside Beijing FC’s 18 “We played two friendly THE SCHEDULE yard box though it didn’t present Beijing FC’s Renato Augusto games against Al Wakrah and GROUP E: much in the way of danger. (left) in action during the AFC Al Ahli. The team now is fully November 28: Acton was called into action Champions League Group prepared and we know what Iran-Saudi Arabia (16:00) again fi ve minutes into the sec- E match against Melbourne we need to do.” Qatar-Syria (19:00) ond half when Viera tested him Victory at Jassim Bin Hamad Zaidan was also the interim November 30: from range with a placed shot Stadium yesterday. coach of the men’s team dur- Syria-Iran (16:00) from outside the area after he PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil ing the summer. Qatar-Saudi Arabia (19:00)

Seoul cruise past Chiangrai United to boost hopes

Korea Republic’s FC Seoul cruised to a 5-0 the 20th minute through Hang Sung-gyu. FC powerful low drive into the bottom corner of victory over Thailand’s Chiangrai United in Seoul’s opener was expertly set up by former Chiangrai United’s net to make it 3-0. Group E of the 2020 AFC Champions League Arsenal forward Park Chu-young who calmly Just three minutes later, Yun doubled his at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. controlled a cross from the right at the far personal tally. Spanish midfielder Osmar fired Playing in their maiden AFC Champions post and played it back across goal for Hang a free-kick low and around the wall. League campaign, Chiangrai United went into to slot home. His attempt was parried by the goalkeeper the game hoping to improve on their two 1-0 FC Seoul came really close to doubling their into the path of the forward who tapped in defeats before the Covid-19 stoppage, while lead just before the half-hour mark when the rebound into the back of the net for the FC Seoul needed a win to boost their qualifi- Park curled a free-kick from just outside the Korean side’s fourth goal of the evening. cation chances. box towards the top corner, but goalkeeper Another substitute, Lee In-gyu rounded off FC Seoul had their first major chance after 13 Saranon Anuin produced a fantastic reflex the scoring in added time, advancing into minutes when a string of quick passes saw save to limit the deficit to one goal going into space down the right to latch onto Yun’s pass the ball fed to Kim Jin-seong on the edge of the break. and fire home the fifth. the box and he took a half-volleyed eff ort Head coach Lee Won-jun’s side cemented The result means FC Seoul remain in second with his left that swerved just wide of the their lead with a second goal nine minutes place in Group E but move three points clear post. after the restart as Jung Han-min rounded the of third-placed Melbourne Victory and within Chiangrai United responded a minute later goalkeeper following a quick one-two and ap- three points of leaders Beijing FC. through Shinnaphat Leeaoh who collected plied a composed finish from a tight angle. Chiangrai United’s wait for a first AFC the ball inside the opposition box after a Substitute Yun Ju-tae added his name to the Champions League goal and point continues throw in and drilled a shot that just missed scoresheet in the 67th minute. as they sit bottom of the group after three the target. He received the ball on the edge of the box, matches. Seoul’s players celebrate their opening goal during the AFC Champions League Group E match against It was the Koreans who opened the scoring in twisted and turned before unleashing a (AFC) Thailand’s Chiangrai United at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Late goals secure Ulsan Shanghai edge Tokyo to revive hopes crucial win over Perth

AFC Diego Oliveira, which Li Shaui Two last gasp goals helped Ulsan Hyundai salvage victory from Doha did well to keep out in the 39th the jaws of defeat, winning 2-1 in a remarkable 2020 AFC Champi- minute. ons League Group F clash against Perth Glory yesterday. Shenhua produced their best The Australians had been up thanks to a second-half goal from hanghai Shenhua took an move of the match to that point Daniel Stynes, and looked set for a famous victory before Kim In- important step towards early in the fi rst half, with a sung slammed home an 89th minute leveller, with Junior Negrao the 2020 AFC Champi- wonderfully cushioned header volleying home the winner in the third minute of added time. ons League Round of 16, from the newly introduced Zhu The result is a major blow to Perth’s chances of reaching the defeatingS FC Tokyo 1-0 thanks Jiangrong putting Qiang Jigei knockout stage, with the 2018/19 A-League Premiers still without a to a Yu Hanchao penalty at Edu- through on goal, only for the point after three matches. In their third match of the tournament, cation City Stadium yesterday. ball to end up in the side net- and second at Education City Stadium, Perth retained much of The veteran Chinese inter- ting after Qiang had battled his the youthful line-up that featured against Shanghai Shenhua last national converted in the 71st way around goalkeeper Go Ha- Wednesday, and this time they made a steadier start. Ulsan mo- minute, giving Shenhua the tano. nopolised early possession in a manner reminiscent of Saturday’s maximum reward for a deter- The introduction of Adail- impressive 3-1 win over Shanghai Shenhua, but with 26-goal striker mined defensive performance ton added some spice to the To- Junior Negrao sitting on the bench, and some whole-hearted which saw them leapfrog their kyo front line just after the hour defending by Perth’s back four – average age 20 – the Korean side opponents in the Group F stand- mark, but any inroads for the were unable to force goalkeeper Tando Velaphi into a save before ings. Japanese side were abruptly halt- half-time. That was largely down to centre-backs Luke Bodnar and Choi Kang-hee’s men now ed when Shenhua were awarded Jonathan Aspropotamitis, both of whom made telling interven- have six points from three a penalty in the 71st minute, with tions to repel dangerous Ulsan openings, with the three-pronged matches, while FC Tokyo remain Hotaka Nakamura penalised for a attack of Bjørn Johnsen, Lee Keun-ho and Lee Chung-yong stifled. on four, with the teams to meet clumsy foul on Yu. Kim In-sung came on at half-time and managed Ulsan’s first shot again at the same venue on Fri- A goal scorer and Player of on target, a volley held by Velaphi, in the 56h minute, but head day. the Match against Perth Glory coach Kim Do-hoon had seen enough, bringing his top scorer In a fi rst half featuring more on Wednesday, Yu confi dently Junior on just five minutes later as the Korean side searched for physicality than fi nesse, it took dispatched the spot-kick, giving the missing ingredient in the final third. less than 30 seconds for the fi rst Choi Kang-hee’s side a precious Perth’s hard work paid off in the 71st minute, with newcomer yellow card to be brandished, lead with under 20 minutes re- Stynes – a 22-year-old who is yet to play a single A-League match and more than 30 minutes for maining. – drawing suff icient space from former Glory defender Jason Dav- either side to conjure a shot on It appeared it simply wasn’t idson to squeeze the ball into the bottom left corner of Jo Su-huk’s target, but it was FC Tokyo who FC Tokyo’s day when Diego Ol- net from 18 yards. The Australian side had less than 20 minutes to enjoyed the stronger start. Shanghai Shenhua’s players celebrate their win over FC Tokyo yesterday. (Reuters) iveira spooned a free header see out, but Ulsan threw everything they had behind their search Appearing in Doha for the over the crossbar from barely for an equaliser and they duly found one through Kim in the 89th fi rst time in the competition, though it rarely translated into a defence. sent a looping header narrowly six yards, and Shenhua duly held minute. The comeback was complete four minutes later, with the Japanese side held the lion’s scoring chance, with Stephane Shenhua issued a brief re- high and wide, but the closest fi rm to claim a win which signif- Junior finally aff orded the space for a clear shot on goal, which he share of territory and possession M’Bia and Feng Xiaoting mar- minder of their own qualities either side came was a fl ying, icantly boosts their chances of unerringly buried into the Perth net. (AFC) for most of the early running al- shalling a disciplined Shenhua when the in-form Yu Hanchao improvised volley from Tokyo’s playing in the Round of 16.