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Home , Aleksei Miranchuk, Artem Dzyuba, Cody Gakpo, Dan Christian, Franco Foda, Jason Behrendorff

QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune France look QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune the team beat after first Euro 2020 games page 14

THURSday, JUNE 17, 2021

SUDAN TEAM ARRIVES IN DOHA FOR FIFA ARAB CUP 2021 QUALIFIERS

The Sudanese national football team arrived in Doha on Wednesday ahead of their FIFA Arab Cup 2021 qualifiers. Sudan will be in action in their playoff match against Libya on Saturday, June 19. Russia edge Finland 1-0 to end Euro drought, revive last 16 hopes DPA St Petersburg

Russia ended a winless run SC’s Security Committee and the Ministry of Interior, Reconstruction of six games at the Euros with and Society of the Federal Republic of Germany signed a joint a 1-0 victory over Finland on “declaration of intent” to enhance bilateral cooperation in organizing Wednesday to throw their major events in Munich. group wide open again. Atalanta’s Aleksei Miran- chuk’s classy goal into the top Qatar and Germany strengthen corner gave Russia full points in St Petersburg and kept bilateral cooperation towards them in the hunt for a place in the last 16. organizing major events Russia were the dominant team but also rather wasteful QNA The announcement was in a meeting of nations who Munich signed by the Qatari side, Ma- are better known for their ice jor General Eng. Abdul Aziz hockey skills. The Security Committee of Abdullah Al Ansari, Chairman Finland, who would have the Supreme Committee for of the Security and Safety Op- qualified for the last 16 with and Legacy and the erations Committee for the a victory, were unlucky to Ministry of Interior, Recon- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, have an early goal from Joel struction and Society of the and by the German side, Ma- Pohjanpalo disallowed for a Federal Republic of Germany jor General Andias Bakov, marginal offside position. signed, in Munich, a joint Supreme Commander of the Russia and Finland join Bel- “declaration of intent” to en- Public Security Support Forc- gium on three points in Group hance bilateral cooperation in es at the Federal Ministry of B, with the Red Devils however organizing major events. Interior, Reconstruction and still to play their second game The declaration of intent Society. on Thursday against Denmark aims to support the capabili- A delegation from the Se- who are on zero points. ties and development of in- curity and Safety Operations Both have their fate on their stitutions and individuals in Committee of the Qatar 2022 own hand in the final games various fields related to the World Cup is currently visit- where Russia play Denmark Finland’s goalkeeper Lucas Hradecky concedes the opening goal goal shot by Russia’s forward (not pictured) during the UEFA security and safety of major ing Germany, in the context of and Finland face Belgium. EURO 2020 Group B match at the Stadium in Saint Petersburg on Wednesday. (AFP) events, exchange information strengthening joint coopera- “The victory was most and consultations between ex- tion in the security and police important. We have complet- defensive mistake three min- could have even added a sec- perts, and organize joint meet- fields, and reviewing the Ger- ed the task and are moving utes into the game - only to be ond before intermission but ings and conferences between man experience in securing on,” Miranchuk told Match ruled offside by the video as- only managed a tame header. the two parties. major sporting events. TV, with coach Stanislav sistant referee by the smallest Golovin aimed inches wide Cherchesov saying: “We are of margins. shortly after the restart, sub- happy with the way the play- That woke up the Russians stitute ers played. Everyone fulfilled as the unmarked Magomed Oz- had two big opportunities and his task. Of course we needed doev blazed over the bar in the the unmarked Daler Kuzyaev ‘Several injured’ as protestor to be more precise.” 10th, and striker forced a super save from goal- Finland coach Markku Kan- hit the left post four minutes keeper Lukas Hradecky with a causes drama at Euros erva said: “We are disappointed. later, but was ruled offside. curling shot as Russia failed to We wanted to play to win. The Mario Fernandes was get a second. DPA decision on the early goal was the latest injured Russian as But they won for the first Munich hard. We wanted to devastate he had to be carried off after time since a 4-1 over the Czech Russia. I don’t know if it had badly falling on his back, with Republic in their first game at A Greenpeace protestor at- affected the game but it would Vyacheslav Karavaev taking Euro 2012, where they went tempting to parachute above have put pressure on Russia.” Russia’s forward Aleksei Miranchuk (R) celebrates scoring with his his place. out in the group stage as in the pitch before France v Ger- Finland, who warmed up teammates at the Saint Petersburg Stadium on Wednesday. (AFP) Russia broke the deadlock 2016. many at Euro 2020 narrowly in “Get Well Christian” shirts in first-half stoppage time, “That’s football. It is im- avoided disaster but injured as a salute to Dane Christian teams’ opening game on Sat- into the game. with Miranchuk superbly curl- portant that we are creating “several people” on Tuesday Eriksen who had suffered urday which the Fins won 1-0, Pohjanpalo headed home ing into top far left corner after chances,” Miranchuk said when he clipped overhead cardiac arrest during the thought they had a dream start a cross after a terrible Russian a one-two with Dzyuba who about the missed chances. camera wires. A parachute protestor at the The man lurched alarm- France and Germany Euro 2020 ingly towards fans in the match in Munich on Tuesday. stands after hitting wires con- nected to the stadium roof but ibly sorry.” On Twitter, the Quick read managed to swing round in a organization said the action Eriksen to remain in hospital for Belgium game, says coach Asian Taekwondo: Qatar athletes win medals tight loop to land on the park. “never had the intention to He was quickly led away by disturb the game or to injure : Denmark’s will support his team from hospital on Thursday when they Beirut: Athletes of the Qatari Taekwondo team won four medals at security personnel. people.” Greenpeace said its face Belgium in their second European Championship match. the 24th Asian Championships currently being held in the Lebanese “Several people” were be- protests were always sup- “The hospital is close to , so he will probably hear the noise as well. I think he will capital Beirut until next Friday with the participation of 334 male ing treated in the hospital for posed to be peaceful and free put on his national jersey and watch the game,” coach told a news conference on and females representing 17 countries. injuries caused by the “reck- of violence. “Unfortunately Wednesday. The 29-year-old collapsed on the pitch with a cardiac arrest during last Satur- Qatar’s Hoda Ali Akbar won the bronze in the women’s singles un- less and dangerous” act, Brit- everything did not go to plan day’s 1-0 defeat by Finland and had to be resuscitated. der 40 years category while the duo of Huda Ali Akbar and Othman ish news agency PA cited Eu- with this action.” The inten- His agent had raised hopes Eriksen could be out of hospital by now and even watch the game in the Abdel Ghafour Bouleras won bronze in the mixed doubles category ropean football ruling body tion was for a large latex ball stadium, but more tests need to be done by doctors to work out the cause of his heart attack. The over 30. Qataris Ali Jumaa Al Araimi (-80kg) and Maram Al Fatnasi UEFA as saying. to be dropped on the field and other 25 players are physically fit to playB elgium and Hjulmand must now decide who he thinks is (-67kg) will have their events next Friday. The two seek to continue A spokesperson for Green- the parachutist, with the aid of mentally ready after the distress of the weekend. (dpa) to excel for Qatar. (QNA) peace told dpa “we are incred- a motor, to navigate away. Sports Thursday, June 17, 2021 13

Wales upstage Turkey 2-0 Today’s Matches despite Bale penalty miss vs N Macedonia 4pm) Agencies Demark vs Belgium (7pm) Baku Netherlands vs Austria (10pm) Wales secured their first win at the Euro 2020 with a 2-0 victory over Turkey in Baku on Wednesday in a game that Austria’s missed a penalty. Wales took the lead shortly Arnautovic before the break after Ram- sey, who had already missed two great scoring chances, was suspended found on the run by a clinical Bale pass, controlled the ball for one game with his chest and whipped it into the net. after goal Connor Roberts wrapped up matters deep into stoppage celebration time off Bale to leave the 2016 Wales supporters celebrate their team’s victory at the the Olympic semi-finalists well-placed for a Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday. (AFP) DPA last-16 berth. Berlin Bale stepped up to take a Mepham block but Wales were key, knowing defeat would spot-kick in the second half but having the better of the first- end their hope of a top-two Austria striker Marko Arnau- he fired the ball high over the half chances, Kieffer Moore finish in the group, to go for an tovic has been suspended for bar as his search for a first Wales and Ramsey both going close. equaliser with Burak Yılmaz one game after his goal celebra- goal since October 2019 goes on. Wales’ celebrates after scoring his opening goal next to Turkey’s goalkeeper Ramsey’s frustration leading from the front. But tion in the 3-1 win over North Turkey, who were backed Ugurcan Cakir during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group A match between Turkey and Wales at the Olympic ended on 43 minutes with a Wales did not sit back and Macedonia at Euro 2020. by the majority of the 30,000 Stadium in Baku on Wednesday. (AFP) perfectly-timed run, chest- Uğurcan Çakır was made to The ruling body UEFA said fans in Baku, put up a good down and poked finish after work by Bale’s header. Turkey on Wednesday that Arnau- fight but were wasteful and Turkey remained in zero, with missed a penalty but I feel Wales, unchanged from Bale produced a superb lofted then broke and Ramsey, rac- tovic was sanctioned “insult- didn’t manage to convert their a Swiss win against Italy all I showed good character to their opening draw with pass to set up the chance. Just ing back, produced a crucial ing another player” during the good chances into goals. but assuring them of a group keep going. That second goal Switzerland, began in lively before the hour Uğurcan Çakır saving tackle on substitute celebrations after he scored Wales went top of Group stage exit as in 2016. at the end was the icing on fashion. In the seventh min- denied Ramsey before Zeki Halil Dervişoğlu. As time ran Austria’s final goal. A with four points, one ahead Bale, Wales , said: the cake. Aaron got in a few ute, Bale sent Ramsey clear Çelik brought down Bale just out, Wales won a corner, Bale He will miss the Euro 2020 of Italy who play Switzerland “I’m absolutely delighted times, we’ve always linked up but Ugurcan Cakır blocked inside the box but the captain dribbled up the byline and match against the Netherlands later on Wednesday. with the win, we fought hard, well. It was important to get at point-blank range. Burak blazed the penalty over. then cut back for Roberts to on Thursday. The Swiss have one and worked our socks off, yes I the victory today.” Yılmaz was denied by a Chris That was the cue for Tur- spark wild Welsh celebrations. Arnautovic said he had “publicly admitted my mis- conduct during the goal cel- ebration” and “apologized for it.” Reports said the striker Italy beat Swiss 3-0 to reach knock-outs used language that referred to Dutch, Austria the Kosovo War, with Arnau- tovic, whose father is Serbian, targeting Ezgjan Alioski, who seek win to has Albanian origins. Austria captain rushed to secure progress calm his team-mate down.

Agencies game to spare. Amsterdam Netherlands coach said, “ Having each taken maxi- will start. He has trained well mum points from their open- in the last few days. He took ing games, victory at the Jo- part in everything, he is ready. han Cruijff ArenAon Thursday When it’s that hot (30C), you would be enough to book pro- don’t need to press all the time gress for either the Nether- but find other ways to create lands or Austria. chances. Austria have been on The Oranje overcame the rise for many years. They a scare on Matchday 1 as have unity, and are very diffi- Ukraine staged a fightback cult to beat.” from 2-0 down, but ultimately Austria’s historic win the Netherlands’ attacking against North Macedonia pro- prowess was too strong. That vided such a release of pres- is unlikely to faze an Austria sure that their match against side buoyed by recording their the Netherlands can almost be maiden EURO finals victory viewed as a free hit. But make last time out in a 3-1 triumph no mistake, Das Nationalteam Manuel Locatelli scored a brace as Italy stormed into the last 16 of Euro 2020 on Wednesday night with a convincing 3-0 over Switzerland. over North Macedonia. are not travelling to Amster- Locatelli, 23, opened the scoring in ’s Olympic Stadium in the 19th and struck again in the 52nd before wrapped up With three points in the dam as tourists; they know a matters. The Azzurri became the first team to reach the knock-out stages and confirmed their status as title contenders. Following up on bag after that exhilarating win point will all but secure pas- their opening 3-0 over Turkey, ’s team is now unbeaten in 29 games and has not conceded a goal in 10 games after another over Ukraine, plus Matthijs de sage to the round of 16 and dominant performance. They top Group A with six points, two ahead of Wales who they face in the final game on Sunday for the group win. Harm- Ligt being back in contention that’s what I think Foda will Austria’s forward Marko Arnau- less Switzerland have one point and face elimination along with Turkey, who remain on zero after losing 2-0 to Wales earlier in the day. (DPA) for a starting spot, the mood in play for. The big question is tovic during a training session at the Dutch camp is upbeat. whether or not he will stick the team’s base camp in Seefeld Oranje played the energet- with Alaba at the heart of a on Tuesday. (AFP) ic, expansive football people back three or revert to the fa- expect from them on Sunday, miliar 4-2-3-1. “There were regrettable yet they were still vulnerable Austria coach comments from both sides, De Bruyne gets all-clear for Belgium on the counter. If they can said, “One thing is clear: we but provocations are no jus- replicate that attacking verve still need points to qualify for tification for my behaviour. Also fit to play in Copen- while tightening up at the back the round of 16. This is exactly Immediately after the match, hagen is – once again urged on by an what we need to keep doing; there were talks and a mu- midfielderA xel Witsel who enthusiastic home crowd – the boys won the (opening) tual apology,” he was quoted is making a remarkably swift they could win Group C with a game and made history.” as saying in a statement from comeback from an Achilles the Austria football federation tendon rupture in January. (OeFB) on Wednesday. Martinez meanwhile also “I grew up with people said that the team will before from the most diverse coun- the game pay tribute to Danish tries and cultures and clearly player Christian Eriksen who stand for diversity. Together suffered cardiac arrest in their with the OeFB, I stand for tol- first match Saturday against erance and integration.” The Finland and is in hospital. striker added he will donate Belgium boss Roberto 25,000 euros ($30,309) to his Martinez has revealed his integration project, so his “bad players will pay tribute to behaviour also has a good con- Eriksen before the game as he sequence for more solidarity.” continues his recovery. The North Macedonian foot- Belgium’s midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (L) and forward Romelu Lukaku (C) attend training at the Parken “There is a real inten- ball federation wrote on Fa- Stadium in Copenhagen, on Wednesday, on the eve of their EURO Group B match against Denmark. (AFP) tion to show our wishes and cebook on Monday that it had thoughts to Christian, and the sent an official letter to UEFA DPA ons League final defeat against how long Kevin can play.” players will prepare that side,” “demanding the strongest Copenhagen Chelsea on May 29. Martinez De Bruyne missed Belgium’s Martinez said. punishment” for Arnautovic. said that it was however not opening 3-0 win over Russia. “Our message is ‘football is But OeFB president Leo Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne clear whether de Bruyne could After the Denmark game they not the same if Christian Erik- Windtner criticised the UEFA is fit to play in Thursday’s play a full match in his return end the group stage on Mon- sen is not on the football pitch’ ruling, telling the Austrian Press Euro 2020 match in Denmark, but that they hope he will be day against Finland. and all we want is for a full Agency: “it is difficult to under- coach Roberto Martinez has fully fit for the knockout stages. Belgium will advance recovery and to see Christian stand that the real provocateur confirmed. “He’s medically fit, he has into the last 16 with a victory very, very soon in the Danish (From L) Netherlands’ midfielder , defender Denzel Alioski escapes unharmed and De Bruyne has not played got the green light to be in a on Thursday while a Danish team and for , and Dumfries and forward arrive on bicycles for their training only our player is banned.” since suffering facial injuries match situation. Obviously win would see all four teams everyone in Belgium is joining session in Zeist on Wednesday, on the eve of their UEFA EURO 2020 However, Windtner also said in Manchester City’s Champi- now it’s a question of seeing locked on three points. in to those wishes.” Group C match against Austria. (AFP) they won’t appeal the decision. 14 Thursday, June 17, 2021 Sports France look the team to beat FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after first Euro 2020 games

goal decided the game in the France may have needed end,” he wrote on Instagram. an own goal to beat a “We threw everything into fitful Germany in their the game and put up a great fight. Of course we know that Euro opener but their we still have room for improve- organization showed why ment.” But giving your all is the they are world champions. least than can be expected of teams at the Euros. Guile and Vietnam sealed maiden progression to Round 3 of the Asian qualifiers. With every side having creativity are what will win the played once at the tourna- tournament and few teams have ment, Belgium are argua- shown enough of that, with eve- Vietnam make bly the only other side that ry side now having played once. France demonstrated spark could rival the French. on the break while their organi- zation and the incredible defen- history as last-12 DPA sive midfield abilities ofN ’Golo Berlin Kante offer a base that Germa- ny at times clearly lacked. finalised in Asia Germany’s Toni Kroos tried Coach Joachim Loew to put a very positive spin on must be pondering whether to Fifa.com their 1-0 defeat to France in switch Joshua Kimmich from Road to their European Championship right wingback to centre mid- The curtain finally came opener - but even many Ger- field against Portugal. Lose down on Asia’s second round Qatar 2022 many fans would struggle to and Germany could be out. of qualifying for the 2022 share his optimism. European champions Por- FIFA World Cup Qatar™ with ● Iran, UAE and China “We implemented much tugal won 3-0 against Hunga- the last 12 line-up complete af- stage late comebacks of what we set out to do,” the ry in the other Group F opener ter the closing matchday. midfielder told ZDF after the on Tuesday but it did not tell Eight teams shored up pas- ● Uzbekistan suffer Group F clash in Munich. “We the full story. sage on Tuesday – Saudi Ara- surprise exit didn’t have fewer chances than Hungary, backed by the only bia, United Arab Emirates, IR France.” capacity crowd allowed at the Iran, Iraq, Oman, Lebanon, The World Cup France took the lead tournament, impressed in the China PR and Vietnam – to through Mats Hummels’ un- first half and Portugal’s goals join the already-qualified Ja- dream is alive fortunate own goal on 20 min- – including two from Cristiano pan, Australia, Syria and Korea for the following utes – after a wonderful pass Ronaldo to become the outright Republic in the third round. from Paul Pogba - but also had top scorer in all Euro finals – These teams will be divided Asian nations two goals in the second half only came in the last 10 minutes. into two groups of six with the Group winners: Syria, chalked off for tight offsides, Italy were decent but num- draw taking place on 1 July. with Kylian Mbappe’s pace and ber one-ranked Belgium are The sides will battle against Japan, Australia, Korea trickery causing real problems. perhaps the only side to have each other across seven months Republic, Saudi Arabia, Adrien Rabiot also struck matched France’s swagger so from 2 September 2021 – 29 the post for France while Ger- far, the 3-0 demolition of Rus- March 2022 with the top two IR Iran, United Arab many’s best effort saw Serge sia in St. Petersburg coming in each group qualifying for Qa- Emirates Gnabry scuff the ball just over without Eden Hazard starting tar 2022, while the two third- the bar. and with fellow genius Kevin placed teams will advance to Best runners-up: German pundits mostly France’s forward Karim Benzema (L) and forward Kylian Mbappe look on at the end of a training session at De Bruyne not there at all. the fourth round play-off. Oman, China PR, agreed that France had de- the FC Bayern Munich Campus in Munich, German, on Wednesday.(AFP) If the Belgium duo get fit Vietnam proved the big- served to win and had created and also begin to shine, Pogba gest surprise packages by seal- Lebanon, Iraq, Vietnam more. The fact they can clearly rest of the tournament. Germany were lacking in hurts us a lot and for me and Mbappe will have some ing maiden progression to the play better should frighten the Even Hummels knew some areas. “The defeat especially because my own serious rivals. third round. Heart-breaking near-miss Uzbekistan, conversely, It proved a painful night for Uz- were eliminated in unexpected bekistan, whose hopes of a first fashion after losing to Saudi FIFA World Cup were shattered Arabia on the final matchday. after losing to Saudi Arabia 3-0 Meanwhile, Iran, China and in the closing matchday. It is Pogba plays down ‘friend’ UAE all overcame erratic form the first time that the Central early in this campaign with a Asians have suffered an exit at strong finish to progress. this stage since joining AFC in 1994, having reached the final Breakthrough for Vietnam qualifying round in each of the Ruediger’s cheeky bite This campaign saw the emer- past six World Cups. gence of Vietnam, who made DPA history by sealing maiden pro- Return to the elite Munich gression into the third round. Both Oman and Lebanon sealed Having reached the last eight their return to the third round France midfielder Paul Pog- in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, after missing out on the decisive ba does not want Germany’s the team continued to make stage on the road to Russia 2018. Antonio Ruediger to be pun- progress on the continental Despite losing to group winners ished for playfully biting him stage under coach Park Hang- Qatar in the return match, the through his jersey during the seo. Entering the back-end of Omanis claimed three straight world champions’ 1-0 win in the campaign as group lead- wins to secure their place among their Euro opener on Tuesday. ers, the Vietnamese registered the five best second-place finish- The incident was not acted back-to-back victories against ers to progress. Lebanon, who on by the referee or video as- Indonesia and Malaysia and finishing second in their group, sistant. advanced as one of the best only saw their progression con- A twitter pic of Cristiiano Ronaldo “He is my friend,” Pog- second placed finishers, de- firmed after both Jordan and with his mother Dolores Aveiro. ba told reporters. “I am not spite narrowly losing to hosts Uzbekistan lost in the closing someone who goes shouting UAE 3-2 in the concluder. matchday. for a card. I think he bit me a Ronaldo’s little, it is a friendly thing, we know each other very well.” mother lights The incident between the Chelsea defender and Man- Man City handed candle for chester United playmaker happened towards the end of Portugal, plans the first half. Spurs trip in Premier to visit final The pair hugged at the end of the game. League opener DPA Uruguay’s Luis Suarez Budapest was banned for four months DPA ners Chelsea welcome current- for fully biting Italy’s Gior- London ly managerless Crystal Palace Cristiano Ronaldo’s moth- gio Chiellini at the 2014 Germany’s defender Antonio Ruediger (L) vies for the header with France’s forward Antoine Griezmann to Stamford Bridge while Ever- er has lit a candle for the World Cup. during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group F at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Tuesday. (AFP) Premier League champions ton, another side looking for a Portugal squad at Funchal’s Manchester City will start the new head coach, host South- cathedral on her home island defence of their title away to ampton, with Leicester fac- on Madeira – and it seems to Tottenham after the fixtures ing Wolves at the King Power have worked with the team for the 2021-22 season were Stadium in an early battle for beating Hungary 3-0 in their Murray and Venus given Wimbledon wildcards unveiled. Midlands bragging rights. opening Euro game with her City are among the sides Watford, the third promot- son scoring twice. DPA years after winning her first heavily linked with Spurs strik- ed side, take on Aston Villa at Ronaldo became the top Berlin Wimbledon title. er Harry Kane, throwing up Vicarage Road, Brighton visit scorer at Euro finals as he took Wimbledon did not take the tantalizing possibility that Burnley and West Ham are his tally to 11 goals. Former world number ones place last year due to the coro- the England captain could line away to Newcastle in the other His mother Dolores Aveiro Andy Murray and Venus Wil- navirus pandemic, but will be up against the north London matchday-one fixtures. told Portuguese media before liams have been given Wim- the first major outdoor sports club on the opening weekend. The Premier League cam- the match: “What counts is bledon wildcards. in England to be staged with Pep Guardiola’s side won paign concludes on May 22 winning.” She is so confident Three-time grand slam full capacity crowds for the fi- the division by 12 points last with Manchester City, Liver- the squad will defend their champion Murray missed nals weekend of July 10-11. term ahead of rivals Manches- pool and Chelsea all finishing Euro title she is already eyeing the French Open to focus on The Championships will ter United, who open their on their own turf - against a visit to the final in London. the grass-court season, hav- start at SW19 on June 28 with campaign against old foes Villa, Wolves and Watford, re- “I will only go to watch the ing been troubled by a groin 50 per cent capacity across Leeds at Old Trafford. spectively - while Manchester final. The party is here onM a- injury. Britain’s Andy Murray practices ahead of his first round match against the venue grounds, Cen- Elsewhere on the weekend United round off the term at deira.” The 34-year-old Brit, France’s Bruno Paire during the ATP Championships at Queen’s Club tre Court and No.1 Court. of August 14, new boys Brent- Crystal Palace. As for how long her ranked 124th in the world, was in London on Tuesday. (AFP) Smaller show courts will be ford begin life back in the top There are a number of ear- 36-year-old son can keep go- emotional after beating Be- allowed to open at 75 per cent flight for the first time in 75 ly meetings between the ‘big ing at the top level, she had noit Paire 6-3, 6-2 in his first 34-year-old double Wimbledon at the grass-court major, also capacity from day one. years with a London derby at six’, who were all involved in another frightening prediction ATP Tour singles match since champion will play in his home received a wild card after From the fourth round, the home to Arsenal, while Cham- the Super League fiasco, with for defenders when it comes to March on Tuesday. major at the All England Club. dropping out of the top 100 in aim is to increase allocations pionship winners Norwich the weekend of September 25 his retirement date. Murray’s career was in Williams, a winner of five the rankings. for Centre Court and No.1 entertain Liverpool on their seeing a repeat of the Cham- “It will be another three doubt after he underwent Wimbledon singles titles and The 40-year-old American Court, rising to 100 per cent return to the Premier League. pions League final whenM an- years or so,” she said. hip resurfacing in 2019, but the a six-time doubles champion will be in the singles draw 21 for the finals. Champions League win- chester City travel to Chelsea. Sports Thursday, June 17, 2021 15

WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL ‘Tremendous’ Rohit can take game away

Jon Rahm of Spain watches his shot from the 12th tee during a prac- quickly, says Southee tice round prior to the start of the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course on in San Diego, California, on Wednesday. (AFP) ANI US Open favourite Southampton New Zealand pacer Tim Southee on Wednesday said Rahm happy to be that his side would be required to be at their best against India in the upcoming World Test back at Torrey Pines Championship (WTC) final. India and New Zealand TCA/DPA He’d already practiced on the will lock horns in the World San Diego front nine Monday, was get- Test Championship (WTC) fi- ting ready to play the back nal, beginning June 18 at the Jon Rahm had a six-stroke nine and spoke with the relief Ages Bowl, Southampton. lead after the third round at of a man who realized things “Yeah, I think Rohit Shar- the Memorial Tournament could have been much, much ma is a tremendous player in when, walking off the 18th worse. all three formats, he is a guy green, he was informed he had “Just getting ready for the I love to watch. He can take tested positive for Covid-19 worst,” he said of his emotions the game away from the op- and would have to withdraw. a week earlier. position. As a group, It likely cost him his sixth PGA It never happened. He we know India has a danger- Tour title and 1.67 million dol- was asymptomatic. None of ous lineup throughout lars in prize money. his family or close associates and Rohit is just one of many That was the least of his seem to have contacted the very good batters in this In- problems. virus from him. And instead dian team. We know we would His parents were flying of remaining in isolation until be required to be at our best,” in Monday from Spain to his Tuesday and feeling “a little said Southee during a virtual home in Scottsdale, Arizona, bit underprepared,” he was press conference. the first time he’d seen them cleared Saturday following Talking about the predic- in more than a year and the consecutive negative tests 24 tion of rain at Southampton first time they would see his hours apart. from Friday, Southee said: The Indian team during a practice session ahead of the WTC Final at Southampton in England. 2-month-old son. And he was “Vamos,” he tweeted. Let’s “We have had two beautiful stuck in Columbus, Ohio, gooooo. days in the build-up so far, we looking forward to the ulti- and youth, nowadays there is game. fielder,” he added. looking at a 10-day quaran- Which isn’t good news for know there is rain predicted mate goal of this tour – WTC plenty of footage around, we “I will be playing my natu- Talking about what he has tine. His positive test preclud- the rest of the 156-player field for the match, but we do not final,” said Southee. will look at that and we will ral game. Winning is really advised the youngsters in the ed hopping on Southwest or a at Torrey Pines South. know whether it will hit us or “As a player, you want to come up with our plans,” he important whether I score a team, Rahane said: “It’s just a private jet. No one might like the lay- not. We are trying to control test yourself against the best added. hundred or not. I don’t want mental thing. If we can switch Driving? Columbus to out more, or play it better, or the things we can control, we and Virat is one of the best New Zealand WTC final squad: to put too much pressure on mentally and adapt, it’s im- Scottsdale is 1,865 miles. have deeper spiritual connec- cannot control the weather.” players going around, he is Tom Latham, Conway, myself and even if my 30 or portant. Yes one-off, we have The solution: An air ambu- tion to the place, than Rahm. New Zealand defeated one of the modern-day greats. Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, 40 is valuable for the team, I to take it as another game, lance. He recorded his first PGA Tour England 1-0 in the two-match There are many dangerous Henry Nicholls, Will Young, BJ am happy. I am happy to take not as a final or anything. We “That’s how we got it win here at the Farmers Insur- Test series after outclassing players in this Indian team. Watling, Tom Blundell, Colin de criticism. I feel it’s because of just want to give our best, play done,” Rahm said. “Right next ance Open in 2017 and fin- the hosts in the second Test by We need to be on the top of Grandhomme, , the criticism I’m here. I always good cricket, be consistent in to one of those tables that ished fifth, second and seventh eight . our game. It is a one-off Test Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Ajaz want to give my best whether the five days.” carry people that are actually - in his last three starts. “We have had a great start match and this is the final, Patel, , Matt Henry. people criticise me or not,” “Personally, I am not tell- you know, kind of sketchy, but He got engaged to wife to the tour, we played two we will be playing at a neutral said Rahane during a virtual ing them anything. They know I got home.” Kelley at Torrey Pines State Tests against England, it has venue. I do not think you can Will look to play my press conference. their game-plan. It’s about Rahm was speaking at Tor- Reserve just north of the two been great preparation for read too much into the last se- natural game: Rahane “’For me, it’s important to giving them freedom, backing rey Pines Golf Course, site of courses. He vacations here us. We had a number of guys ries we played against India. It India Test vice-captain give my best for my country them, believing in their abili- the 121st U.S. regularly and is a member at who had good performances is an exciting batting lineup, Ajinkya Rahane said that he and contribute each and every ties. We don’t want any kind of Open he is favoured to win. nearby The Grand Golf Club. in that series and we are now there is a mix of experience would look to play his natural time be it as a batsman or a confusion,” he added. Beaumont, Knight make India toil in women’s cricket Test

ICC England reached 269/6. Knight, captaining England added 90 runs off just 149 Bristol (England) However, India could have for the 100th time, strutted deliveries with Sciver, who started off a lot better had to the middle. She put on a scored a quickfire 42, and Half-centuries from Harmanpreet Kaur hung on to 71-run stand with Beaumont, India seemed in all sorts of Heather Knight and Tammy a chance at first slip after Jhu- with the latter doing the at- trouble at the peak of their Beaumont helped England pile lan Goswami forced an error tacking. The afternoon session partnership. However, Deepti on the runs against India, be- from Winfield-Hill when she was commanded by the duo, Sharma then made her mark, fore late wickets from the visi- was on 3. Winfield-Hill and with Beaumont going on to trapping Sciver in front. tors put them back in the hunt Beaumont exploited the let- register her second Test fifty. And at long last, India were on an engrossing opening day of off, putting on a near-flawless She looked good for a lot able to capitalise on the break- the women’s Test at the County partnership thereafter. more, but Rana had her num- through. Amy Jones managed Ground, Bristol on Wednesday. Just when it looked like ber. Having scored an assured just a solitary run before Rana India, playing their first nothing could breach the 66 runs, Beaumont sent one to had her trapped in front. Test in seven years, were made partnership, Pooja Vastrakar short-leg off Rana, where Shafali Then, Deepti was back to to toil after they were asked to broke through. Winfield-Hill Verma pouched a good chance. claim the big fish – Knight was field, with England’s openers smashed the Indian bowlers Knight and Natalie Sciver just five short of a fine century, Beaumont and Lauren Win- with two massive sixes that steadied the ship, taking Eng- but couldn’t handle the drift field-Hill put on a 69-run stand. took the hosts past the 50-run land to Tea at 162/2, and piled from Deepti and was trapped The runs kept flowing thereaf- mark, but then departed for 35 on the runs in the first hour af- plumb in the middle. ter, but India had some cheer after being caught behind off ter the restart. Scores: England Women 269/6 in the final session, with the off- Vastrakar. Knight racked up her half- (Heather Knight 95, Tammy The India women’s team looks up to a television screen awaiting a third umpire decision on the opening spinners Sneh Rana and Deepti India couldn’t build on the century, off 115 balls, and Beaumont 66, Sneh Rana 3-77) day of their Test match against England at the County Ground in Bristol on Wednesday. Sharma triggering a collapse as opening though, with Heather accelerated thereafter. She vs India Women. Australia look to test their depth ahead of T20 World Cup

Agencies to play their first matches for tour with the decision made Dermott, and tributes as Scorchers captain. Melbourne Australia since 2017 and 2019 on medical grounds. to the squad. “We are equally excited to respectively. “International tours in the “We are equally pleased welcome Dan Christian back Australia have named a Fast bowler Nathan Ellis time of Covid-19 undoubt- to have , Josh Ha- into Australian colours with his new look 18-member squad and leg-spinner Tanveer Sang- edly present many additional zlewood, Moises Henriques, wealth of global T20 experi- for their upcoming men’s ha will join the tour as travel- challenges for athletes. They and Mitchell ence, leadership and insight into white-ball tour of the West In- ling reserves and gain further also present opportunities for Swepson back in the white the game. His ability as a strike dies and Bangladesh. international experience with others and, in this case, the ball squad having missed the weapon and batting closer is re- With , Jhye the Australian squad. chance to push for selection recent tour of New Zealand nowned around the world. Richardson, , “We are naturally disap- in the Australian men’s T20 through their selection in the “To have the calibre and , , pointed not to have all play- World Cup squad later this Test squad for South Africa. experience of those players and Pat Cum- ers available for the Austral- year and beyond. “Wes has been dominant in returning along with those we mins all requesting not to be ian team at this time however “This is a great chance for the Big Bash and we really like are welcoming is a very good considered for the tour for var- the NSP (National Selection these players to make a case for what he brings to the table on sign for the depth of Austral- ious reasons and Panel) respects the decisions the World Cup and all are con- his debut Australian tour while ian cricket.” (elbow) injured, Australia will of those who have opted out sidered very real prospects of Ben McDermott is a proven Australia squad: get the chance to test their of this tour,” Australia selector making that tournament by per- performer in white ball cricket (c), , Wes Agar, depth ahead of this year’s ICC Trevor Hohns said. forming well across these tours.” Australia captain Tim Paine speaks at a press conference to discuss as an explosive batsman. , Alex Carey, T20 World Cup in October. “Steve Smith was unavail- While the squad is miss- his preparation to defend the Ashes against England this summer at “Ashton has been on the Dan Christian, , In their absence, Wes able for selection due to an ing a host of stars, it also sees the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane on Monday. (AFP) international stage before with Moises Henriques, Mitchell Agar will be hoping to make elbow injury and will now be the returns of Alex Carey, his ability to set up a game Marsh, Riley Meredith, Ben Mc- his international debut along- able to use this time to fully re- Josh Hazlewood, Moises Hen- New Zealand. to have excellent depth in from the middle order. He Dermott, , Mitchell side brother Ashton Agar, cover ahead of the World Cup riques, Mitchell Starc and Hohns spoke effusively of Australian cricket and we’re also brings a lot of experience Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton while Dan Christian and Ja- and home Ashes Series. Steve Mitchell Swepson, who all the depth of Australia’s white extremely excited by the inclu- along with his deep knowledge Turner, , Matthew son Behrendorff will be out was disappointed to miss the missed the white ball tour of ball stocks. “We are fortunate sions of Wes Agar, Ben Mc- of the game and leadership at- Wade, .