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FOOTBALL / COPA AMERICA FOCUS Exhibition in Sao Paulo will showcase Hopeful Messi keen Qatar’s preparations to end Argentina for FIFA World Cup ‘I want to end my career having won something title drought with the national team’

AFP Rio de Janeiro

ith Neymar side- FIFA World Cup Qatar LLC CEO Nasser al-Khater. lined by an ankle injury, Lionel Messi atar will host a public and the Josoor Institute. The heads into the Copa exhibition at JK Igua- delegation will be based in Rio, WAmerica this weekend as the temi mall in Sao Paulo, Morumbi and Corinthians. competition’s main attraction Brazil, from June 14-24 The SC, the organisation re- but one with a desperate need to toQ highlight the country’s prepa- sponsible for delivering the in- end more than a decade of hurt rations for the FIFA World Cup. frastructure required for the with Argentina. The Journey to 2022 exhibition 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, is The fi ve-time Ballon d’Or will be held on the third fl oor of running the exhibition, which winner has one of the most im- the mall, which is located in the will be open every day from pressive trophy hauls in football Vila Olimpia district of Sao Pau- 10am-10pm. history but there is a glaring void lo. It will feature FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Qatar LLC when it comes to national team memorabilia, crowd-sourced CEO Nasser al-Khater said Qa- accolades. photographs which highlight tar’s participation in the Copa Four Champions League football culture in Qatar, models America provided the perfect crowns and 10 La Liga titles with of the eight Qatar 2022 stadiums opportunity to engage with fans Barcelona are not matched by and details about Qatar’s Asian from across Latin America. Argentina success. Cup victory. Much of the memo- “We know that passion for And the 31-year-old knows rabilia is the property of Qatari football runs deep across South he’s running out of time to rec- collector Mohamed Abdulatif America and we are confi dent tify that anomaly. and includes match-worn shirts, that thousands of fans from the “I want to end my career hav- footballs, tickets and more. region will travel to Qatar to en- ing won something with the na- Around 30 Brazil-based vol- joy the next instalment of the tional team, or at least try to do In this June 7, 2019, picture, Argentina’s Lionel Messi (second from left) and Sergio Aguero (right) celebrate after the international friendly unteers will support the delivery FIFA World Cup,” said al-Khater. so as many times as possible,” he against Nicaragua at the Bicentenario Stadium in San Juan, Argentina, (Reuters) of the exhibition after signing up “The exhibition at JK Igua- told Fox Sports last week. to support Qatar 2022-related temi mall is an opportunity to Four fi nals played with Ar- weeks, though, and it was his But the disappointments have “To lose a fi nal of the World and new lads,” he told TyC events. The exhibition has been share details of our preparations gentina, four defeats, including hat-trick in Argentina’s fi nal kept piling up despite a 10th La Cup is the most important of all, Sports last week. organised to coincide with Qa- and give people a fl avour of what the last two Copa fi nals on pen- qualifi er that secured a 3-1 win Liga crown secured in May. it is a big disappointment,” he “For most of them it’s their tar’s debut in the Copa America. they can expect in just over three alties against Chile. in Ecuador that sent the team said in May. fi rst offi cial tournament, but The reigning Asian champions years’ time. We hope that people But the most painful was the to the World Cup in Russia last ‘BEAUTIFUL CUP’ But he admitted that the that won’t stop Argentina try- have been invited to take part in will enjoy the activation and take 2014 World Cup fi nal to Germany year. Messi had made no secret at the Liverpool loss felt a bit worse ing to win the competition,” he the tournament along with Ja- the opportunity to fi nd out more at the iconic Maracana, where But, as so many times before, start of the season that winning “because we were winning and added. pan. Qatar have been drawn in about the fi rst World Cup in the Messi will hope to return on July 7 Messi was unable to recapture the Champions League for the we didn’t expect them to come It’s 26 years since Argentina Group B alongside Argentina, Arab world and only the second for the Copa title decider. his Barca form while on inter- fi fth time was his priority as he back”. last won the Copa America, de- Colombia and Paraguay. Their in Asia.” That Germany defeat began a national duty and dejection wanted to bring that “beautiful Messi has long been talisman spite contesting four of the last campaign gets underway when Al-Khater said hosting the run of losing fi nals in three suc- followed as the albiceleste were cup back to Camp Nou”. for club and country but he will fi ve fi nals. they face Paraguay in Rio on June World Cup was an opportunity cessive years and after the last sent home in the second round Things looked so good as Bar- be even more so in Brazil with a “It’s been a long time since 16. for Qatar to build bridges be- of those, a bitterly disappointed after a 4-3 defeat to eventual ca took a 3-0 advantage to An- rejuvenated squad full of inex- Argentina won it and we all want In addition to the exhibition, tween East and West and break Messi announced his interna- winners France. fi eld for the semi-fi nal second perienced campaigners. to celebrate again, us and the Qatar is sending a delegation of down cultural stereotypes. tional retirement. But while Messi then missed leg last month. But that hasn’t dampened fans want a title.” ten people to shadow the 2019 “For billions of people, 2022 He and his teammates came in Argentina’s next six matches — What happened next — an expectation either within the None more so than Messi him- Copa America Local Organising will be the fi rst time they engage for a torrent of abuse and criti- all friendlies — there was no talk inspired Liverpool stormed to a group or the country as a whole. self, who turns 32 on June 24, the Committee. The delegation in- with the Arab world. For us, it’s cism. of retirement this time. 4-0 victory and 4-3 aggregate “We’re going there with the day after Argentina’s fi nal group cludes employees from the Su- a golden opportunity to shape “People were attacking us His son Thiago “loves it when success — left as bitter a taste in same hope and desire as ever. B game against invitees and 2022 preme Committee for Delivery people’s perceptions about our from every side,” he said. I play for the national team,” Messi’s mouth as had the Ger- Argentina is going through a World Cup hosts Qatar, the reign- & Legacy (SC), Qatar Football country and region. Football will His retirement lasted just six Messi told Fox. many loss fi ve years ago. process of change with young ing Asian champions. Association, Qatar Stars League bring us all together.” (SC.qa)

2019 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP Amir aims for another Taunton triumph as Australia await

AFP That same 2010 season had won the series 4-0. Mohamed Hafeez’s 72 at Mel- “We respect all our opponents Taunton, United Kingdom seen Amir produce a superb dis- But having been left out of bourne in January 2017. and are ready for them.” play of swing bowling in taking Pakistan’s preliminary squad for And it was Hafeez’s 84 that three for 20 as Pakistan dis- the World Cup, the 27-year-old laid the foundations for an im- WARNER WORRY ohamed Amir will missed Australia for just 88 on made it into the fi nal 15. pressive total of 348 for eight Australia will hope opener Warner, hope to enjoy anoth- the fi rst day of a ‘neutral’ Test at His World Cup debut was a against England. for all he has already scored two er landmark occa- Headingley. rare Pakistan highlight after they “We have not won many fi fties this World Cup, is back to his sion at Taunton when Those skills remained intact as slumped to 105 all out against matches against Australia but we destructive best at Taunton. MPakistan face Australia there in a Amir marked his 2016 return to the West Indies, with Amir tak- had not won too many against Warner’s 56 off 84 balls against World Cup match today. the fi rst-class game in England ing three for 26 in a seven-wicket England either,” said Pakistan India — of which 48 were dots — The group fi xture at southwest in 2016 with a haul of three for 36 loss at Trent Bridge. captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. helped contribute to a slow run- county Somerset’s headquarters against Somerset at Taunton. He was in the wickets again at “But we have fi nally beaten rate that left Australia with too sees Amir back at the ground All three wickets — including the Nottingham ground, but this England and that has given us a much to do at the end of their in- where he made his return to fi rst- that of former England opener time in a winning cause, with two lot of positives. We will go with nings. The left-hander was also class cricket in England three Marcus Trescothick — owed for 67 as Pakistan surprisingly the aggressive approach we involved in the run-out of Aus- years ago. much to late swing. beat tournament favourites Eng- showed against England.” tralia captain and opening part- Amir was the rising star of The intervening years have not land by 14 runs last week. The wicket-keeper expects to ner Aaron Finch. world cricket when his career been easy for Amir, however, and But Pakistan’s progress was face an Australia side stung by a But Finch backed Warner, who came to a stunning halt during a he almost missed what is his fi rst checked by a total washout 36-run loss to India last weekend along with Smith is playing in his Lord’s Test in 2010 after both he World Cup after taking just fi ve against Sri Lanka at Bristol. — their fi rst defeat of this World fi rst major tournament for Aus- and new-ball partner Mohamed wickets in 14 matches before a Cup following wins over Afghan- tralia since serving a year-long Asif were caught bowling no- recent one-day international se- ‘AGGRESSIVE APPROACH’ istan and the West Indies. ban for ball-tampering. balls on the orders of then Paki- ries in England. Pakistan have won just one of “We know Australia will try “They (India) bowled very well stan captain Salman Butt as part Amir did not bowl in the their last 14 matches against to come back and with (Steve) to Warner and he needs some of a newspaper sting operation. washed-out fi rst match against champions Australia, the fi ve- Smith and (David) Warner back more time. He’s a world-class The trio all received fi ve-year England and missed the last four times World Cup winners. they are at their best again,” said player and will get us off to a y-fl bans from cricket and jail terms. games with chicken pox. England That victory was inspired by Sarfaraz. er,” said Finch. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, June 12, 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS Pakistan not hurting from rout by Australia: Sarfaraz ‘Our morale is very high, we got a momentum. So hopefully we’ll do very good against them tomorrow’

with a defeat by West Indies but bounced back in style shocking SPOTLIGHT hosts England. They split points with Sri Lan- 12 - 06 - 2019 ka after the match in Bristol was abandoned because of rain and Finch hopes washouts don’t the prospect of another washout looms large over their next outing. “Firstly, we can’t control the harm Australia’s World Cup weather, you know... But defi nitely if the match is shortened, defi nite- AFP ly plan changes,” Sarfaraz added. Taunton, United Kingdom Australia’s Marcus Stoinis has been ruled out of the match with a side strain and fellow all-rounder ustralia captain Aaron Mitchell Marsh has been fl own Finch hopes the holders over to England as back-up. Adon’t become the latest The fi ve-time champions went World Cup team to be derailed down to India in Sunday’s match by bad weather. at the Oval where Stoinis sus- Heavy rain has forced two no- tained the injury. results in the World Cup so far Asked if he thought Australia and Finch has been anxiously were vulnerable after the loss and eyeing the forecast to see if injury to Stoinis, Sarfaraz said: Australia could be the next “I’m not thinking about them, victims when they face Pakistan or what they are thinking at the at Taunton today. moment... I’m thinking about Pakistan’s match against Sri Australia’s captain Aaron Finch speaks at a press conference in my team. We’ll make a good plan Lanka was washed out on Friday Taunton, England, yesterday. (AFP) for them and hopefully we will do before the clash between South well as a team.” Africa and the West Indies was abandoned after less than eight PAKISTAN FANS WON’T BOO overs play on Monday. SMITH There is rain predicted in the Sarfaraz insisted Pakistan fans Taunton area today and Finch won’t boo shamed Australia star conceded luck with the weather Steven Smith during today’s could play a role in who makes match. the semi-finals from the 10-team Agencies Pakistan fans are expected group stage. Taunton, United Kingdom to make up a large chunk of the “I think it (weather) might play a crowd in the west country and huge part in the next few days,” there are fears they might follow Finch told reporters yesterday. akistan captain Sar- the example of the India sup- “Next week it starts fine and looks faraz Ahmed denied his porters who jeered Smith at the good across the country for the team carry any scars Oval on Sunday. remainder of the tournament. from their 5-0 rout by But Pakistan captain Sarfaraz “So it’s important that you PAustralia in March and is confi - says his compatriots will not re- get early wins on the board dent of victory in today’s World sort to such tactics. because you don’t want to be Australia’s Marcus Stoinis suff ered a side strain during the match Cup contest against the reigning “I don’t think Pakistani people on the wrong end of a couple of against India on Sunday. (Reuters) champions. will do that,” Sarfaraz told report- washouts that might leave you Australia thrashed a depleted ers yesterday. “Pakistani people just outside that top four.” against India in their opening against Pakistan with a side Pakistan in the United Arab Emir- love cricket, they love to support Australia failed to qualify for the game of the 2017 Champions strain, Finch said yesterday. ates follow their thrilling 3-2 se- and they love the players.” semi-finals of the 2017 Champi- Trophy before crushing their Stoinis, who has played in all ries victory in India to signal their A large number of Indian fans ons Trophy in England following arch rivals in the final, leaving three games for Australia in preparation for a successful title chanted “cheater” at Smith, who their rained-off matches against Finch a firm admirer of several the tournament, picked up the defence in the World Cup. back in action following a year- New Zealand and Bangladesh of their players. injury in the match against India “I think that thing is past,” long ball for his role in the ball- before they lost to England on “They’ve got some world- at The Oval on Sunday. Sarfaraz told reporters. Pakistan’s captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (also above) leaves after a press tampering scandal that rocked D/L method. class players. Obviously Babar All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has “We’re not thinking about conference in Taunton, England, yesterday. (AFP) Australia during their tour of If the match does get underway, (Azam) is in great touch batting been flown over to England as that. We’re actually thinking South Africa in 2018. Finch expects unpredictable at No. 3 and holding their bat- back-up, but the Australians will about tomorrow’s game. we’ll do very good against them looked characteristically un- India captain Virat Kohli ges- Pakistan to provide a stern test. ting together,” Finn said. wait to make a call on whether “Our morale is very high, we tomorrow.” predictable in the tournament tured in an eff ort to quiet the crowd They lost to the West Indies by “(Mohamed) Amir coming back he permanently replaces Stoinis got a momentum. So hopefully The 1992 champions have as they began their campaign and later apologised to Smith. seven wickets in their opening and he looks to be back to his in their 15-man squad. match, but shocked tournament best. He’s swinging the ball “Marcus Stoinis has a bit of a favourites England with a fine again. Wahab (Riaz) has been side strain. He won’t be avail- BOTTOMLINE performance. fast and aggressive. Shadab able for tomorrow,” Finch said. “I think Pakistan are obviously (Khan) is a great bowler. “We’ve got Mitch Marsh flying a very dangerous side,” Finch “Hasan (Ali) had a great Champi- over just as a bit of a precaution. said of Pakistan, who have only ons Trophy as well,” said Finch He was meant to fly over with won one of their last 14 matches of the pace bowler who was the the Australia A side on Friday. Afghan keeper Shahzad threatens against Australia. player of the Champions Trophy “He’s just coming a couple days “We’ve seen consistently with 13 wickets in 2017. early as a bit of precaution, if throughout, especially ICC tour- “When you look down their side Stoinis doesn’t recover quick to quit cricket aft er World Cup axing naments, that they win a lot of there’s no player that you can enough or doesn’t respond to games and they get themselves disregard. They’ve got a lot of treatment well enough over the Reuters play in a few of days after having 2017 for a doping off ence. in a position to win the tourna- experience on their side. They’ve next few days.” London his knee drained. ACB chief executive Asadul- ment. got a lot of match winners.” Stoinis bowled seven overs for 62 “If they don’t want me to play, lah Khan told ESPNcricinfo that “They had a great Champions runs against India, picking up the I will quit cricket,” an emotional the team’s priority was picking Trophy. So regardless of what STOINIS RULED OUT OF THE wickets of Virat Kohli and Mahen- ohamed Shahzad Shahzad told local media after match-fi t players. kind of form Pakistan go in NEXT MATCH dra Singh Dhoni. But he was dis- has threatened to returning to Kabul, according to “It’s absolutely wrong to say with, they’re always incredibly Australia all-rounder Marcus missed for a duck and Australia quit cricket after website ESPNcricinfo. that he was unfairly dropped,” dangerous.” Stoinis has been ruled out of fell 36 runs short of India’s total of being declared unfi t “I don’t see myself playing an- Asadullah said. Pakistan survived a defeat their next World Cup match 352 to lose the match. Mfor the remainder of the World ymore. If they (ACB) have a prob- “We’ve given a medical re- Cup by the Afghanistan Cricket lem, they should let me know. I port to the ICC to prove that Board (ACB). went to a doctor in London and he is unfi t, and after thorough Aussie top order can deliver if Warner The opening batsman and he... said that I could play after deliberation they allowed us to wicketkeeper played in Afghan- resting for two-three days. replace him. wavers, says Ponting istan’s the fi rst two matches “I was removed from the 2015 “We can’t carry unfi t players. but the ACB cut him from the World Cup and now this one as We understand Shahzad was not Reuters squad last Thursday, saying his well. I am going to consult with fully fi t when he still went on to London knee injury would not allow him friends and family, my heart play two games and this is not to play any further part in the isn’t in cricket anymore.” acceptable anymore.” tournament. Shahzad, Afghanistan’s high- Afghanistan, who replaced ustralia’s top order can The 32-year-old, who picked est run-scorer in one-day inter- Shahzad with 18-year-old turn things around if up seven runs over the losses nationals with 2,727 runs, was Ikram Ali Khil, next play South Aopener David Warner to Australia and Sri Lanka, said not selected for the 2015 World Africa in Cardiff on Saturday makes another slow start, as- medical advice he had received Cup due to a lack of fi tness and with both sides looking for their sistant coach Ricky Ponting said said he would have been fi t to also received a 12-month ban in fi rst win of the tournament. ahead of their World Cup game against Pakistan. Warner came in for criticism after BEREAVEMENT making just 56 runs off 84 balls against India, with Australia even- tually falling 36 short of a target of 353 to lose the match. Malinga takes leave aft er mother-in-law’s death And against Afghanistan, seen as having the weakest bowling AFP be played against Australia on the force at the tournament, Warner Bristol, United Kingdom 15th June, 2019.” also scored at a strike rate well Dimuth Karunaratne’s side below his career average of 95. have earned three points from “Davey coming back has made ri Lanka’s Lasith Mal- three games in the World Cup runs. By his own admission... inga will leave the World to far. (he) probably wasn’t at his abso- pretty quickly,” he added. to tackle spinners in the middle Cup to attend his moth- They lost to New Zealand lute best,” Ponting told cricket. The slow start against India also overs before Maxwell can step er-in-law’s funeral, in their opening match, then com.au, adding that Warner was raised questions as to why big up the scoring rate in the final butS the pace bowler plans to be beat Afghanistan before a rain- not able to rotate as he would hitters such as Glenn Maxwell stretch of the innings. back for the team’s next World abandoned game against Paki- have liked against India. were not promoted up the order “We wanted to have left-hand, Cup match against Australia, stan in Bristol on June 7. Ponting said Australia was in to increase the run rate while right-hand (combinations) with the country’s cricket board said yesterday, when news broke which will be played today, as If there is no result again in need of “something pretty spec- Usman Khawaja was dropped those spinners and we thought yesterday. that Malinga was scheduled to his Mother-In-Law has passed their clash with Bangladesh, it tacular” after the slow start but down the order to allow Steve Steven plays spin as well as The 1996 champions were fl y back home after the match. away,” said a Sri Lanka Cricket would be a major blow to their has the ability to do so. Smith to go in at number three. anybody,” Ponting added. awaiting the start of their game “Lasith Malinga will leave the release. “The player is expected hopes of reaching the semi- “There’s certainly enough skill Ponting said it was a matter of Australia are due to play Paki- against Bangladesh, which was team following Sri Lanka’s World to join the team, before the team’s fi nals of the 10-team tourna- and talent to turn it around having the right combination stan today in Taunton. delayed due to rain in Bristol Cup Game against Bangladesh, next World Cup game, which will ment. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 12, 2019 3 CRICKET WORLD CUP

FOCUS ANGUISH Men on the moon so why no reserve days Dhawan injury for group stage?: Bangladesh coach

AFP we have got to travel a day later, Bristol, United Kingdom then so be it,” said Rhodes, whose in focus ahead of Bangladesh team next play the West Indies in Taunton on June angladesh coach Steve 17. Rhodes said that if men “We put men on the moon, so could land on the moon, why can’t we have a reserve day, the World Cup could when actually this tournament is includeB reserve days for group a long tournament? matches after the Tigers’ fi xture “It’s disappointing for the New Zealand clash against Sri Lanka in Bristol was crowd, as well. They have got washed out completely yester- tickets to see a game of cricket Reports suggest Rishabh Pant is expected to fly in as cover for Dhawan day. and it would be up to them if they The umpires’ decision left can get there the day after.” AFP tournament chiefs with the Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Nottingham, United Kingdom unwanted record for the most Karunaratne endorsed Rhodes’s number of abandoned games at comments by saying: “It is not a World Cup, surpassing the two easy, but I feel if they can have ndia yesterday put Shikhar each at the 1992 and 2003 edi- a reserve day, it will be good for Dhawan under observa- tions. everyone.” tion over a hand injury that It was also the second succes- Heavy overnight and early could sideline the batsman sive World Cup match at Bristol morning rain delayed yesterday’s Ifor at least two weeks at the abandoned without a ball bowled scheduled 10:30am local time World Cup. after Sri Lanka’s game against (0930 GMT) start, with further Dhawan led India to their sec- Pakistan at southwest county rain seeing the game eventually ond win of the 50-over tourna- Gloucestershire’s headquarters called off at 1:57pm (1257 GMT). ment with his 117 against hold- on Friday went the same way. Rain has also been forecast for ers Australia on Sunday, but the Both Bangladesh and Sri Lan- today’s match between Australia opener took a hit near the thumb ka took a point each a day after and Pakistan in Taunton. during the innings and didn’t rain saw only 7.3 overs play in the come out to fi eld at the Oval. match between South Africa and ‘MASSIVELY SAD’ Dhawan’s injury is a blow to the West Indies in Southampton Only one of three World Cup Virat Kohli’s side, who will play on Monday. matches scheduled to take place New Zealand tomorrow before Although the International in Bristol produced any play, taking on arch rivals Pakistan in Cricket Council have scheduled champions Australia launching Manchester on Sunday. reserve days for both semi-fi nals their title defence with a seven- The Board of Control for and the July 14 fi nal at Lord’s, wicket victory over outsiders Af- Cricket in India did not reveal there are now concerns rain ghanistan. the extent of Dhawan’s injury, could have a major bearing on “It’s massively gutting. These but said the left-hander will stay which sides qualify for the last are things that are four-and- with the team after rumours he four. a-half years in the making, would have to be replaced. Gloucestershire chief executive “Team India opening batsman ‘HEADACHE’ Will Brown told AFP. “It’s mas- Mr Shikhar Dhawan is presently Former England wicket-keeper sively sad for the fans.” under the observation of the Rhodes, asked if he would have Brown, asked how much the BCCI medical team,” said a BCCI included reserve days in the 10- two abandonments would cost statement. team round-robin phase, re- Gloucestershire fi nancially, “The team management has plied: “Yeah, I would. added: “Our catering around the decided that Mr Dhawan will “If you know the English ground will defi nitely have taken continue to be in England and India’s Shikhar Dhawan (second from left) receives medical treatment after being hit on the hand with a ball during the 2019 ICC Cricket World weather, sadly, we’re going to get a hit. his progress will be monitored. Cup match against Australia in London on Sunday. (AFP) a lot of rain. “Do I think it’s £50,000 “Mr Dhawan sustained an in- “I know logistically, it would ($63,588, 56,000 euros)? jury on the back of his left hand went on to complete his 17th Kohli called Dhawan a “The best case scenario is he Gavaskar said wicketkeeper- have been a big headache for the “No. Do I think it’s £10,000- in the region between the index one-day international century. “world-class” player with a is ready in about two weeks time batsman Dinesh Karthik can tournament organisers, and I £20,000? Quite possibly, yes. fi nger and thumb during the Dhawan, however, played no “big-match temperament” after because of the pain threshold open the innings with Rohit know it would have been diffi cult,” “It’s enough for a club like us CWC 2019 league match against further part in the match after his his heroics against Australia. he has. Worst case, he will be Sharma in Dhawan’s absence. he added of a World Cup that fea- to make a signifi cant diff erence,” Australia,” the statement added. dismissal, with substitute Ravin- Meanwhile, rising star out for more than 3-4 weeks,” Reports from India suggest tures 48 matches in 46 days. added Brown, who said all three Team physio Patrick Farhart is dra Jadeja taking the fi eld in his Rishabh Pant and Ambati Ray- Gavaskar told TV channel India Pant, who missed out on making “But we have got quite a lot of World Cup matches in Bristol assessing Dhawan’s injury after place as India comfortably de- udu are on the BCCI’s offi cial Today. the 15-man World Cup squad, time in between games, and if had been 11,500 sell-outs. the batsman was taken to Leeds fended their total of 352 for fi ve to stand-by list in case a replace- “I would wait if the doc- is expected to fl y in as cover for for detailed scans. complete a 36-run victory. ment for Dhawan is needed. tor says he will be ready in 15- Dhawan. Dhawan suff ered the injury Former India captain Sunil 20 days. Even if he misses the India will start as favourites in as a result of a nasty blow from BEST-CASE SCENARIO Gavaskar said Dhawan is a huge England game, then he still has the game against New Zealand a rising delivery by Australia He has played 10 World Cup matches asset for the team and should be games against Bangladesh and in Nottingham despite losing paceman Pat Cummins in the since his debut in 2010, scoring 537 given every chance to return if Sri Lanka to get him ready for a warm-up match to the Black early phase of his innings but runs at an average of 53.70. his injury heals in time. the knockout stages.” Caps last month.

ICC won’t change bails aft er World Cup wicket problems

AFP Not for the first time in this — the equipment is the same London tournament, the ball struck the for all 10 teams across all 48 stumps but failed to dislodge games,” the International Crick- the bails, meaning Warner et Council, the sport’s global he International Cricket earned an unexpected reprieve. governing body, told Sky Sports Council have ignored It was the fifth incident in the in a statement yesterday. Tpleas from World Cup tournament of the ‘zing’ bails, “The stumps have not changed stars to resolve the bail contro- which contain lights that flash in the last four years. They have versy that threatens to spoil the when the ball hits the wicket, been used in all ICC events tournament. failing to come off when hit. since the 2015 Men’s Cricket India captain Virat Kohli and But despite calls for a change to World Cup and in a range of Australia skipper Aaron Finch the bails from Kohli, Finch and domestic events. joined forces to condemn the former England captains Michael “This means they’ve been used “unfair” problem on Sunday. Vaughan and Nasser Hussain, in more than 1000 games — Australia’s David Warner avoid- tournament organisers have no this is a statistical anomaly. ed being bowled early in his plans to make a switch back to “This issue has always been side’s unsuccessful run-chase the traditional wooden style. part of the game, with the against India when he deflected “We wouldn’t change anything accepted concept being that it England’s Jonny Bairstow (right) inspects the stumps after the bails Jasprit Bumrah’s delivery onto mid-event as it would compro- requires some force to disturb a did not fall despite the ball hitting them as Bangladesh’s Mohamed the wicket via his boot. mise the integrity of the event batsman’s ‘castle’.” Saifuddin looks on during the match on Saturday. (Reuters)

BOTTOMLINE England’s Wood ready for pace battle with Windies Umpires inspect the pitch after rain delayed the start of the 2019 AFP mentum of the game.” ICC World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Bristol, London Speaking at the weekend England, yesterday. The match was eventually abandoned. (AFP) Archer nominated himself as the quickest bowler in the Eng- ngland fast bowler Mark land ranks and expressed sur- Wood says his side will prise when told Wood had crept ICC defends no-reserve-day decision, “fi ght fi re with fi re” ahead of him with a delivery of blames ‘unseasonable weather’ when they face the for- 95.6mph — the fastest ball of the midableE West Indies pace at- tournament. Reuters days in the group stage and tack. That head-to-head will con- Nottingham, England outgoing ICC chief executive Friday’s World Cup clash tinue throughout the competi- David Richardson said it was in Southampton is likely to be tion, with the Durham man not not a feasible idea. a bouncer barrage, with both minded to back down. he International Cricket “Factoring in a reserve day for teams boasting aggressive bowl- “It is a good competition be- Council (ICC) yesterday every match... would signifi- ing line-ups. tween us, a friendly one,” he Tdefended not schedul- cantly increase the length of the The West Indies dismissed Pa- said. ing reserve days for group tournament and practically kistan for 105 at Trent Bridge, the “To have us both bowling at matches at the rain-marred would be extremely complex to lowest total of the tournament, 94 and 95mph and have two World Cup and blamed the deliver,” he said in a statement. by unleashing an array of bounc- guys from the England team at disruptions on “extremely The knockout stage of the ers from Oshane Thomas, Andre the top of that list is pretty good. unseasonable weather”. six-week tournament includes Russell and Sheldon Cottrell. England’s Mark Wood (right) celebrates the wicket of Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal during the 2019 ICC “It pushes us for sure. You’re A record three matches reserve days but it would With Wood partnered by Cricket World Cup match in Cardiff , Wales, on Saturday. (AFP) pushing each other to be the have already been either post a massive logistical Barbados-born paceman Jofra best you can be and to be as abandoned or called off in challenge at the group phase Archer, and both having hit game plan and that is a lot of balls so it is a good thing we can break if there is pace from both quick as you can be. You have the weather-hit tournament and inconvenience everyone, 95mph in the victory over Bang- short stuff ,” Wood said. fi ght fi re with fi re. ends and it’d be nice if we can banter about it for sure, but and the forecast is for further Richardson said. “There is also ladesh, England are not likely to “We got a taste of that in the “It could be like that, just continue that trend. you’re helping each other. washouts this week. no guarantee that the reserve shrink from the battle. Windies on the recent tour. But landing blow after blow, back “When real pace bowling is on “I’m trying to bowl 0.1 mph The organisers have been criti- day would be free from rain “The Windies in this World I can remember getting Darren and forth, back and forth. The show it defi nitely ruffl es a few quicker than Jofra and he’s try- cised for not allotting reserve either,” he said. Cup have come with a clear Bravo and Hetmyer out to short opposition batsmen don’t get a feathers and changes the mo- ing to bowl 0.1 faster than me.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, June 12, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT CYCLING Ireland’s Centre of Excellence Bennett storms to stage takes golf development victory AFP Riom, France

rish speed king Sam Bennett left rival sprinters reeling to a new level at ECGC yesterday, timing his mass bunch sprint eff ort to perfec- tionI to win the pancake fl at 171km Anthony Caira and his team, third stage of the Criterium du Dauphine by a clear margin. The 28-year-old Bora- including golf pros Martin Steel hangrohe sprinter has been on sparkling form this season pick- and Rachel Choi, now have some ing up seven stage victories in- cluding two at Paris-Nice and cutting edge technology at the making his case for inclusion in the Tour de France team, which is ECGC to help improve golfers still far from certain. “I’m the man to beat now so By Sports Reporter roof being operated by our three it’s more complicated when the Doha highly competent golf profes- other guys are all keeping an eye sionals will make the learning on you,” Bennett said. and development journey of any “I waited until the last minute or Anthony Caira and his golfer a much easier one. We are but even then I thought maybe I’d fellow golf profession- really excited about the pros- gone too soon, but the legs held als at the Education City pect of what we can do with the out.” Golf Club (ECGC), it’s all Centre of Excellence to grow the The Criterium overall leader aboutF getting the fundamentals game of golf here in Qatar,” said Belgium’s Dylan Teuns of Bahrein right. It’s also taking the guess ECGC general manager Michael Merida kept the yellow jersey as work out of what may look like Braidwood. all the main contenders such as a great swing but inexplicably to All this technology, in tandem Chris Froome, Adam Yates and the human eye, is ineff ective. with the club’s three golf cours- Richie Porte fi nished at the same “We were always looking at es, particularly the nine-hole time. where the golf ball was fl ying, Par 3 course and six-hole cham- Ahead of a challenging indi- and then it was trial and error,” pionship course, is focused on vidual time-trial which will re- Caira, the head golf professional putting beginners on a fast track set the agenda on Wednesday, at Qatar’s newest golf club, told to become competent 18-Hole Tuesday’s stage was the only fl at Gulf Times, referring to the time championship course players. one on the eight-day Criterium, when he grew up in the shadows The facility is the fi rst in the which is seen as a form gauge for of St Andrews in Scotland. “The Middle East to not only have July’s Tour de France. golf club is moving at a hun- the 3D Motion capture system The Eritrean rider Natnael dred miles an hour, you can’t see GEARS Sport, but also PuttView, Berhane and Frenchman Quen- where the (club) face is.” a visual putting aid that uses Anthony Caira, head golf professional at the Education City Golf Club, explains the nitty-gritties of the 3D motion capture system at the tin Pacher led a long breakaway Caira and his team, including augmented reality. There is also Centre of Excellence. PICTURES: Jayan Orma through the rolling green fi elds golf pros Martin Steel and Rachel a one-of-a-kind facility with around the Puy-de-Dome region Choi, now have some cutting Zen Green, which is a computer- but were caught up with around edge technology at the ECGC controlled platform that enables fi ve kilometres to go. to help improve golfers, besides golfers to create and practice That set up a classic mass getting beginners the right in- countless number of putting op- bunch sprint where Bennett formation to facilitate “acceler- tions in an indoor environment. came out ahead of Belgian Wout ated learning”. “When you can feel a proper Van Aert and the Italian Davide The Centre of Excellence is golf swing, and see yourself do- Ballerini. one of the most holistic facili- ing it on camera at a particular ties in the world, being able to time, that is a massive advan- Results: Stage 3 take a golfer from beginner level tage,” Caira said. “For instance, 1. Sam Bennett (IRL/Bora) 4hr 15min to an elite tour player. The facil- using the balance lab, you can 25sec, 2. Wout Van Aert (BEL/JUM) see where your weight is vis-à- same time, 3. Davide Ballerini (ITA/ ity boasts of as many as six stu- AST) s.t., 4. Clement Venturini (FRA/ dios, with a total of 32 screens, vis your swing. Seeing that as ALM) s.t., 5. Edward Theuns (BEL/TRE) complete with ball tracking you are making a bad swing, and s.t., 6. Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR/ technologies, like TrackMan and being able to feel it, record it, and DDT) s.t., 7. Alvaro Hodeg (COL/DEC) Flightscope, putting stages that make adjustments is a massive s.t., 8. Jens Debusschere (BEL/KAT) s.t., can create countless surface op- advantage.” 9. Luka Mezgec (SLO/MIT) s.t., 10. Bjorg tions, biofeedback technologies And swing is just one aspect Lambrecht (BEL/LOT) s.t. that facilitates muscle memory, of what Caira and his team are Overall 3D motion capture system, etc, looking to get right in those will- 1. Dylan Teuns (BEL/Bahrain) 11hr 52min and a fully equipped gymnasium. ing to learn. 28sec, 2. Guillaume Martin (FRA/WGG) There is also a studio which “Technique in putting is dif- at 3sec, 3. Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ/AST) doubles up as a private studio ferent now. Short game is an- 20, 4. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 20, dedicated to women’s golf de- other element. You have to look 5. Nairo Quintana (COL/MOV) 24, 6. velopment, with a short-game at nutrition, fi tness, psychol- Thibaut Pinot (FRA/FDJ) 24, 7. Michael Woods (CAN/EF1) 24, 8. Chris Froome facility. “We have always antici- ogy, which is very important. And (GBR/INE) 24, 9. Wout Poels (NED/ pated that our Centre of Excel- then you have course manage- INE) 24, 10. Adam Yates (GBR/MIT) 24, lence would be our USP and now ment, personality development, 11. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/DEC) 49, 12. that we have it fully installed, making sure you have the right Rudy Molard (FRA/FDJ) 55, 13. Emanuel and up and running it is clear emotions behind every shot, be- Buchmann (GER/BOR) 55, 14. Tejay that it is a facility that is in a cause adrenaline can send the ball Van Garderen (USA/EF1) 55, 15. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 55, 16. Richie Porte class of its own. To have all this further than you want,” he said. (From left) Golf pros Martin Steel, Anthony Caira and Rachel Choi demonstrate the functions of the putting studio at the Centre of (AUS/TRE) 55, 17. Dan Martin (IRL/UAE) modern technology under one Back to basics, then. Excellence at the Education City Golf Club. 55, 18. Steven Kruijswijk (NED/JUM) 55

US OPEN FOCUS Thomas hopes for chance to ‘channel inner Koepka’ Fowler confi dent of

AFP it gets for a US Open.” Pebble Beach, United States Koepka was on the course Monday. major breakthrough So was 15-time major champion Tiger Woods — whose 15-shot US Open tri- AFP ustin Thomas says missing the umph at Pebble in 2000 remains a monu- Pebble Beach, United States PGA Championship with a wrist mental achievement. “From what I’ve injury was diffi cult but instructive, heard from everybody, the course is abso- and he hopes he’ll have a chance to lutely perfect,” said Thomas, who limited t’s the kind of compliment applyJ what he learned watching Brooks himself to the practice areas on Monday. that can wear thin, but Koepka’s Bethpage triumph when the US “Jordan (Spieth) said it’s the best poa an- Rickie Fowler is confi dent Open tees off this week at Pebble Beach. nua greens he’s ever seen in his life. he’ll shed the tag of “best “I feel like I learned a lot,” said the “I’m excited to check it out. I really do Iplayer never to win a major” world number seven, who claimed his love US Opens,” Thomas said. “I love the whether it’s at Pebble Beach this lone major title at the PGA Champion- test, the grind. They just have a diff erent week or not. Fowler will tee it up ship at Quail Hollow in 2017. feel to them, like all the majors do.” in a major for the 37th time when The seven-shot lead Koepka took into With an iconic venue at their disposal, the US Open begins on Thursday. the fi nal round at Bethpage last month the US Golf Association will be under the The 30-year-old American dwindled to one stroke on the back nine microscope. Woods and world number has won fi ve US PGA Tour titles, “I wouldn’t say I’ve necessar- before he emerged with the victory — his three Rory McIlroy went on record last but has yet to break through on ily had one in my hands and let it fourth major triumph. “Watching how he month saying they wished the USGA the game’s biggest stages and slip away, which is a good thing,” handled that and the adversity that was would go back to traditional US Open once again he faced the question Fowler said. He was looking for- thrown at him and just the shots that he style course set-up of tight fairways and of just how big a burden that had ward to tackling the challenge hit when he needed to, because I know dense rough, and perhaps forego some of become. “It’s a compliment in again at Pebble Beach, although that I can get a little bit up and down with the gimmicky multiple teeing grounds, a way,” Fowler said. “Obviously he’s played the California course my emotions,” Thomas said on Monday graduated rough and chipping areas that there’s a lot of great players that sparingly. after practising at sun-drenched Pebble. have featured in recent years. haven’t won a major. “I look at Pebble as not nec- “I just feel like he handled that really And plenty of players have continued “It’s not necessarily some- essarily a place that the more well. So maybe if I got in that scenario Justin Thomas of the United States speaks during a press conference on the eve of to grumble about the conditions during thing I think about or worry you play it you have an advan- then I could — I hate to say channel my the US Open in Pebble Beach, California. (AFP) the third round at Shinnecock last year, about. I know that when the time tage,” Fowler said. “It’s a pretty inner BK, to boost his ego — but defi nitely when high winds dried out the greens and is right, it’s going to happen.” straightforward golf course. show some of those characteristics.” the history of the PGA Tour on Sunday. championships after his victories at Erin made for a brutal day. Players are bound Fowler noted he’d put himself There’s only a couple of tee shots Thomas has had his own experience “Every question I got was led with Hills in 2017 and wind-whipped Shinne- to be frustrated at times on Pebble’s Poa in position to win majors, nota- that are somewhat blind that defending a big lead. He took a seven- that,” he said. “It was tough at the Sony cock Hills last year. annua greens, which tend to become bly at the 2014 PGA champion- you need to just make sure that stroke lead into the fi nal day of the 2017 Open. So I can’t imagine how it was at the Thomas says there’s no better place to bumpy. But John Bodenhamer, who has ship at Valhalla when he was left you’re comfortable on lines. It’s Sony Open, and won by the same margin. PGA Championship.” pursue such a feat than the scenic course taken over the job of course set up for the to regret ill-timed miscue at the pretty much right in front of you. “It’s still, to this day, the most nervous Koepka passed the test and arrived at on the rugged northern California coast. USGA, says the organizers’ aim is to let par-three 14th as Rory McIlroy Very small greens. “So, I love that I’ve been teeing off ,” Thomas said, add- Pebble Beach this week chasing history. “Every major has their ‘Oh, wow, you the players “showcase the very best of powered to victory and at Au- about it. It’s not very tricky. You ing that the pressure only increased with He can become just the second golf- won the US Open at Pebble Beach or you who they are. We just want to get out of gusta National last year, when he hit it in a lot of the middle of the reporters helpfully pointing out that “No er, after Willie Anderson in 1903, 1904 won the Open Championship at St. An- the way of it, so when they do what they couldn’t fi nd enough late birdies greens here, and you’re going to one has ever blown a seven-shot lead in and 1905 to win three straight US Open drews,’” Thomas said. “This is as good as do, that’s the show,” he said. to derail Patrick Reed. be in a good position.” Gulf Times Wednesday, June 12, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Warriors edge Durant’s injury exit Raptors to keep stuns rivals AFP brothers. And it’s a small broth- Toronto erhood. You never want to see a competitor like him go down.” Warriors general manager Bob hen Golden State Myers said multiple doctors ap- star Kevin Durant proved Durant to play. went down 12 min- “I don’t believe there’s any- title hopes alive utes into his long- body to blame but I understand Wawaited comeback game Monday this world and if you have to, you ‘IT WASN’T PRETTY IN THE SECOND HALF BUT WE JUST MADE THE SHOTS’ in the NBA Finals, players on can blame me,” Myers said. both sides were stunned. “People that questioned Durant, the 2017 and 2018 whether he wanted to get back NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, to this team were wrong. He’s a suff ered a right Achilles tendon good teammate. He’s a good per- injury in the Warriors’ 106-105 son. It’s not fair.” victory over Toronto, trimming Warriors swingman Andre Ig- the Raptors’ lead to 3-2 in the uodala helped Durant back to the best-of-seven series. locker room, saying people don’t “It was a real shock when he appreciate the bond among the went down,” Warriors coach players. Steve Kerr said. “There was just “It’s more than basketball. But a couple minutes where it all no one wants to understand that seemed so eerie and strange and part. They only care about the it took maybe a little bit for both game,” Iguodala said. teams to collect themselves.” “We always talk about how Durant, who missed the past this team is with one another, month with a right calf injury, but people still don’t really grasp planted his foot, pulled up and what we’re talking about. When sat down on the fl oor. He was we say this is like a real brother- helped to the locker room and hood, people have no clue what left the arena on crutches. goes into that and how we feel “I just tried to refocus, but about each other.” that was very defl ating,” Warri- Durant can count on his team- ors guard Klay Thompson said. mates to be there for him, War- “It obviously inspires you to play riors guard Stephen Curry said. harder knowing your best player “He gave us what he had, he can’t be out there. went out there and sacrifi ced his “You think of him every time body,” Curry said. “I just feel so you dive for a loose ball or go for bad for him. Nobody should have a rebound, because I know him to go through something like and I know how bad he wants to that. He’s going to go through be out there. That’s why he was some challenges through this out there. It sucks. process, however long it takes, “He’s a warrior. He sacrifi ced but we’re going to be there for his health for us. For him to put him.” his health on the line, to come Toronto’s Fred VanVleet re- back and compete at the high- spected Durant’s determination est level, we miss him. That’s to try and play in a must-win our brother. It’s hard to even cel- game for Golden State. ebrate this win.” “I know we’re opponents and Raptors coach Nick Nurse competing as hard as we pos- was just as stunned after Du- sibly can, but you never want to rant opened 3-of-3 from 3-point see anyone get injured,” VanVleet range and fi nished with 11 points. said. “He put his body on the line “When anybody goes down for those guys and that franchise. you’re saddened by it, but when We feel for him. It’s very unfor- one of the great players like that tunate. It sucks.” goes down, it’s almost shock- No one knows that like To- Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after game five of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Monday. ing,” Nurse said. “Some of the ronto star Kawhi Leonard, who PICTURE: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports guys on our bench were really missed most of last season with shook up. an injury. AFP son said. “He wants us to com- James-led Cleveland rallied to “It’s always a little eerie feel- “It’s devastating,” Leonard Toronto pete at the highest level and defeat Golden State. ing for everybody when some- said. “You see him try to come we’ll think of him every time we Kawhi Leonard, who led To- thing like that happens on a big out and push himself. I feel bad step on the hardwood.” ronto with 26 points, sank a stage like this.” for him. I’m pretty sure he’s go- lutch 3-pointers by Durant posted on Instagram: back-to-back 3-pointer and As Toronto guard Kyle Lowry ing to attack each day and get Stephen Curry and Klay “I’m hurting deep in my soul jumper to give the Raptors, who put it: “In this league we’re all better and come back strong.” Thompson enabled the right now. I can’t lie, but see- trailed by 14 points in the third defending champion ing my brothers get this win was quarter, their largest lead at 103- GoldenC State Warriors to edge like taking a shot of tequila. I got 97 with 3:28 remaining. Toronto 106-105 on Monday new life.” “In this day and age, up six and sustain their hopes of win- He also breathed life into with three minutes to go, doesn’t ning a third consecutive NBA Golden State’s title quest, Curry mean a whole lot,” Raptors coach Finals. said. Nick Nurse said. “I felt good at But any joy from the victory “We understand the moment that point. Just needed to make was dimmed by a right Achilles and I think we can rally, consid- a couple more plays.” injury to Kevin Durant only 12 ering how the second half went,” Golden State answered with minutes into his fi rst game after Curry said. Thompson and Curry sinking being sidelined for a month by a Durant, Golden State’s top 3-pointers and Thompson nail- right calf injury. playoff scorer with 34.2 points a ing another that put Golden Curry scored 31 points while game, will have an MRI on Tues- State ahead to stay at 106-103 Thompson added 26 as the day. with 57 seconds to play. Warriors pulled within 3-2 in “On the one hand I’m so Kyle Lowry cut the lead to the the best-of-seven champion- proud of them, just the amazing fi nal margin with 30 seconds ship series, forcing a sixth game heart and grit they showed, and remaining and, after Golden Thursday at Oakland, Califor- on the other I’m just devastated State’s DeMarcus Cousins was nia, with game seven if needed for Kevin,” Warriors coach Steve whistled for a foul trying to set a in Toronto on Sunday. Kerr said. screen, the Raptors had one last “Do or die,” Curry said. “It “So it’s a bizarre feeling we chance to swipe the title. wasn’t pretty in the second half all have right now, an incred- But the Warriors double- but we just made the shots.” ible win and a horrible loss at the teamed Leonard and Green Durant’s long-awaited return same time.” blocked a Lowry corner 3-point ended with the All-Star forward The Warriors seek their fourth shot at the buzzer. being helped off the court. title in fi ve seasons while the “It has got to be the greatest,” “You could kind of just feel the Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket Raptors suff ered an agonizing Green said when asked to com- life just go right out of us,” War- against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during near-miss in their bid for the pare the win to others in Golden riors forward Draymond Green the fourth quarter on Monday. PICTURE: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY fi rst title in their 24-season his- State’s history. said. “But to Steph’s credit, he Sports tory. “Down six with a couple min- rallied the troops. History remains on the Rap- utes to go in an elimination for “He talked to everybody, went we did a good job of coming to- Player, departed the arena on tors’ side. Only once in 34 prior these guys to win a champion- around the huddle and just told gether.” crutches but became an inspira- situations has a team led the ship, we could have thrown in everybody to stay locked in and Durant, the 2017 and 2018 tion to his teammates. NBA Finals 3-1 and lost the title, the towel. We could have folded, Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is consoled by Serge do this for Kevin. And I think NBA Finals Most valuable “We do it for Kevin,” Thomp- that being in 2016 when LeBron but we didn’t.” Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors after sustaining an injury on Monday.

BOTTOMLINE Cautious Popovich wary of World Cup quality Reuters Aug. 4-8 which included 2019 All- and what’s necessary are two diff erent US with the fi nal challenge he felt was against, they want to beat them (the contention for Popovich’s squad for his Sydney Stars Anthony Davis, Kyle Lowry and things and we need to look at the proc- necessary heading into the Aug. 31- US) badly. I expect the Australians to be fourth Games after he won bronze in James Harden. ess to be a team that plays like a team Sept. 15 tournament in China. a major factor in the World Cup.” Athens in 2004 and golds at Beijing in The San Antonio Spurs head coach when we get to China. “It’s obviously a talented group,” The World Cup title is not the only 2008 and London in 2012. ven though Gregg Popovich has will then cull that to the 12 needed for “Before that, each minute will be im- Popovich said of the Boomers, who thing up for grabs in China, with direct It was that desire of some of the big- a roster packed with NBA All- warm-up games against Spain in Los portant to us. We are fully aware that have included NBA players such as qualifying spots for next year’s Tokyo gest names in the sport to make them- Stars, the United States coach is Angeles on Aug. 16, Australia in Mel- we don’t have a lot of time.” Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons and the Olympics also on the line. selves available for their national sides still a little concerned about the bourne on Aug. 22 and 24 and Canada The quality of the opposing teams Spurs’ Paddy Mills in their squad. Apart from the 20 players named in that pleased the US team’s managing qualityE of opposition his team will face in Sydney on Aug. 24. at the World Cup, many of which will “The group has wonderful basketball the initial squad, USA Basketball have director Jerry Colangelo the most. at the basketball World Cup in August. “This will be a process,” Popovich feature NBA players, was a concern for IQ. They’re basketball players. They’re approached others like the Los Ange- “It speaks volumes,” Colangelo said. USA Basketball, winners of the last told reporters on a conference call on Popovich. not one-on-one players. They are peo- les Lakers forward LeBron James to be “It says that these players have a pas- two World Cups, named an expanded Tuesday. The matches against Australia’s ple who understand how to play. They available for Tokyo next year. sion for the game and for representing 20-man roster on Monday for a four- “Four days is not enough to do much Boomers at Melbourne’s Docklands enjoy playing with each other. James, one of the game’s all-time their countries. That is all very positive day training camp in Las Vegas from of anything in life. What’s available stadium, would therefore provide the “And every country the USA plays greats, has not ruled himself out of stuff . Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, June 12, 2019 SPORT

NHL SPOTLIGHT Red Sox legend David Ortiz fl own to Bruins’ pursuit of Boston for treatment Cup bigger than Boston hat-trick ‘I think both teams will be in a good place mentally, ready to go’ Agencies the Boston Red Sox.” Los Angeles The 43-year-old Ortiz, recog- nised as the beloved “Big Papi” by Boston fans during his 14 sea- ormer slugger David sons with the Red Sox, was shot Ortiz arrived in Boston while visiting a nightclub. on a Red Sox team plane Doctors removed his gallblad- Fand was taken to a hospi- der and part of his colon and in- tal on Monday, a day after he was testines, and Ortiz also sustained shot in the back while at a Do- liver damage. minican Republic nightclub. A team spokesman said Mon- The Red Sox legend was trans- day evening that an air ambu- ported from Boston’s Logan Air- lance carrying Ortiz had de- port to Massachusetts General parted the Dominican bound for Hospital by ambulance with a Boston and the Massachusetts police escort. General Hospital for continuing Ortiz, recognised as the be- treatment. loved “Big Papi” by baseball fans “Doctors say he is out of dan- during his 14 seasons in Boston, ger,” Ortiz’s spokesman Leo had been listed in stable condi- Lopez told ESPN. tion in the intensive care unit of Two other people were a Dominican Republic hospital wounded in the shooting, in- earlier Monday following surgery cluding Dominican TV host Jhoel for gunshot wounds. Lopez who was with Ortiz, ESPN ESPN’s Enrique Rojas tweeted reported, quoting the Dominican Monday afternoon that Dr Abel National Police director. Gonzalez, who performed the It was not known who was the surgery in the Dominican Re- intended target. public, had said Ortiz, 43, was Ortiz, who was born in Santo in stable enough condition to Domingo, made 10 All-Star ap- travel. pearances in his 20-year career. “David Ortiz is probably the He retired three years ago. most beloved and one of the most The former designated hit- important players in our history, ter hit 541 home runs with 1,768 leading us to multiple World Se- RBIs in 2,408 games in the ma- ries championships, and an ac- jors. tive member in the community,” Ortiz began his career by play- said Red Sox team president Sam ing six seasons for the Minnesota Kennedy during a news confer- Twins (1997-2002), but his ca- ence on Monday. “I would be reer took off after he joined the hard-pressed to think of anyone Red Sox. Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy watches the action against the St. Louis Blues during the second period in game six of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final at Enterprise Center. more beloved than David. It’s a He helped Boston capture in St. Louis, Missouri. PICTURE: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports very diffi cult day for the organi- their fi rst World Series title in sation.” 86 years in 2004, when he was He added that “it’s hard to ex- the MVP of the American League By Tom Keegan thinking about is one game, and progress, didn’t leave his Sun- up to the rink and do my job and Each of us will have a library of press what David Ortiz means to Championship Series. Boston Herald the same goes for the Blues, such day night press conference play hockey with not too much memories to pass down for gen- a tough out. hanging his head. His team had stress.” erations. Each of us will forever Carrying the torch for the city the fewest points in the NHL Distractions are inevitable on think of that person in our lives aking the next cou- doesn’t need to enter the think- through Jan. 2, so reaching the any stage so big, and the Blues for whom this time meant so Vikings’ Rudolph gets 4-year extension ple days all about the ing of the participants. ultimate game in the ultimate ended up on the wrong end of much.” third leg of a Boston “It’s one game, winner take series already ranks among the one in the hours leading up to Krug said he read it: “It was Minneapolis: The Minnesota Vi- Vikings selected Alabama tight championship hat all,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy more stunning miracles on ice. Game 6. everywhere.” kings and tight end Kyle Rudolph end Irv Smith Jr. in the second Mtrick doesn’t do justice to the said Monday morning before “Listen, if you told me four The Blues had purchased an It added to the Bruins’ already agreed to a multiyear contract round of the draft, with the 50th enormity of winning a Stanley the team headed for the airport. months ago we were going to be ad in St. Louis Post-Dispatch strong motivational fuel, and so extension Monday night. overall pick. Cup. “I think both teams will be in a in the Final in Game 7, I think thanking fans, and it was ready did Patrice Bergeron’s pregame Rudolph, who had just one Rudolph, 29, subsequently said For the Bruins, nothing is big- good place mentally, ready to I’d take it,” Berube said. “We’ve to go in the event they won the pep talk. year left on his previous deal, he was looking forward to play- ger than winning the Cup. Re- go.” been a good road team. We’ve Stanley Cup on Sunday night. “When he talks, everyone lis- confirmed on his Twitter account ing in more sets with two tight ducing them to one-third of a History’s numbers won’t have won twice up there in this series, Somebody time-stamped it tens,” Krug said. “He shows up that he is staying with the Vikings ends. “bigger” story does them a grave much to say about which team so we’re a confi dent group.” wrong or hit the wrong but- in big moments, and he’s able to long term. ESPN and NFL.com “It’s exciting,” Rudolph told ESPN. injustice. The Red Sox won the wins. The home team has won Bruins defenseman Torey ton, and the story went out to perform with the best of them. both reported that he landed a “It’s something, an element, World Series, the Patriots the Game 7 12 of the 16 times the Krug has had a terrifi c posts- the paper’s e-edition readers He’s an elite hockey player and four-year, $36mn extension. that we’ve never had here in my Super Bowl. That’s nice, but all Stanley Cup Final has gone the eason. His wife’s due date for on Sunday, well before the puck an unbelievable person, a great The tweet, which ended with the nine years being here. It forces they share is Boston as home, distance. None of those games the couple’s fi rst child is a week dropped. Naturally, it ended up friend and an unbelievable hashtag “UnfinishedBusiness” defenses to play with three and since the teams play diff er- was played in Boston. On the away. on Twitter, caught fi re and be- teammate, so any time a guy like read in part, “I am honoured linebackers, and that allows us ent sports and the leagues have other hand, the Blues are 9-3 on “Family is the most important came a must-read for the Bru- that speaks up, you listen.” beyond words to say that my to control the game, when we nothing to do with each other, the road during these Stanley thing in this world, for sure, and ins. The Bruins have done a good home, our home, will always be... go out there in three-wide sets. it’s really nothing more than a Cup playoff s. it’s kind of allowed me to relax This quote from Blues owner job of listening to each other and in Minnesota!” People always talk about creat- nice coincidence. The Blues won’t carry the dis- and just play hockey,” Krug said Tom Stillman appeared in it: tuning out the noise. The same The new contract is expected to ing mismatches — well, now they Sure it’s a feat so rare that no appointment of not clinching Monday morning. “I’m obvi- “Winning the Stanley Cup was can be said for the Blues. The lower Rudolph’s salary-cap hit have five DBs on the field, and city has pulled it off since De- on home ice into the Garden on ously worried and excited and a dream come true for so many waiting is not the hardest part to help the team, which has little yeah, there’s still mismatches, troit in 1935, but again, what Wednesday night because that’s nervous with all that comes of you. All of us will remem- for either side. Defeating a very available cap room, according there’s size mismatches, but now exactly does that have to do with not what winners do. with your fi rst kid, so getting ber where we were, what we tough opponent is the hardest to ESPN. we can kind of control and do the Bruins? Blues coach Craig Berube, ready to go at home with that, did, and how we felt when the part, and both clubs are charged The move comes weeks after the things how we want to do them.” At this point, all the B’s are hired while the season was in and I’ve just been able to show Blues brought the Cup home. with that task.

MLB D-backs top Phils in record 13-homer game Agencies Ian Desmond also hit home runs, and home runs, including two by Ozzie gle in the 11th inning as Texas rallied New York Colorado beat Chicago in Denver. Albies and a grand slam by Ronald past host Boston to begin a four-game Ryan McMahon had a tiebreaking Acuna Jr., and the Braves rolled over series. single in the eighth to lift the Rockies. Pittsburgh. Andrus’ game-winner drove in he Diamondbacks hit a fran- Scott Oberg (4-0) pitched an inning Acuna delivered his 15th homer to Danny Santana, who began the frame chise-record eight home runs, of relief, and Wade Davis got the fi nal highlight a fi ve-run outburst in the with his fourth hit of the game, a and they combined with the three outs for his eighth save. second inning that erased a 1-0 defi cit double. Jesse Chavez (2-1) escaped Phillies for a major-league- David Bote, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle and put the Braves ahead to stay. Albi- a bases-loaded jam with two outs in Trecord 13 homers as Arizona won 13-8 Schwarber all hit third-inning homers es added a solo homer in the third and the 10th to get the win for Texas, and at Philadelphia on Monday. for the Cubs. another in the seventh, his eighth and Chris Martin pitched a perfect bot- Arizona’s Eduardo Escobar hit two ninth. Freddie Freeman hit his 18th tom of the 11th for his second save. home runs and fi nished with four hits ANGELS 5, DODGERS 3 homer in the fourth, a two-run shot. and fi ve RBIs. Ildemaro Vargas also hit Wilfredo Tovar’s fi elder’s choice Atlanta third baseman Josh Don- CARDINALS 4, MARLINS 1 two home runs while Jarrod Dyson, plated the tiebreaking run, and Mike aldson and Pittsburgh starter Joe Marcell Ozuna scored two runs in Ketel Marte, David Peralta and Alex Trout smacked a two-run homer as Musgrove and manager Clint Hurdle his return to his former home sta- Avila each homered for the Diamond- the Los Angeles Angels rallied to beat were ejected in the fi rst inning. dium, and Michael Wacha pitched six backs. the Los Angeles Dodgers to begin the scoreless innings as St. Louis won at Marte had three hits and two runs Freeway Series at Anaheim, Calif. RAYS 6, ATHLETICS 2 Miami. as the Diamondbacks won their fi fth The Angels pushed across two runs Aided by three home runs, Charlie Ozuna went 2-for-3 with a double, in a row. The Diamondbacks’ previous in the bottom of the eighth without Morton extended his unbeaten streak a single and a walk as the Cardinals season high for home runs in a game benefi t of a hit as they won for just the to 21 games with seven shutout in- snapped a three-game losing streak was fi ve. third time in the past eight games. nings as Tampa Bay won the opener of despite getting just four hits. Ozuna The Phillies added fi ve home runs — Ty Buttrey (4-2) worked the eighth, a three-game series with Oakland in is 5-for-7 in his past two games and two by Scott Kingery and one apiece and Hansel Robles worked out of a St. Petersburg, Fla. is hitting.462 in seven career games for Jean Segura, Rhys Hoskins and ninth-inning jam for his eighth save. Brandon Lowe, Kevin Kiermaier against the Marlins. Jay Bruce. Kingery also had a triple in Chris Taylor delivered a two-run and Ji-Man Choi hit two-run homers, Wacha (4-2) improved his career his 3-for-5 game for the Phillies, who double for the Dodgers, who fell for helping the Rays prevail in their fi rst record against Miami to 3-0. He al- dropped their second in a row. only the fourth time in the last 17 meeting of the season with the A’s. lowed fi ve hits — all singles — and two games. walks, striking out four in his fi rst win ROCKIES 6, CUBS 5 Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eduardo Escobar (5) hits a two-run home RANGERS 4, RED SOX 3 since May 9. He had been relegated Charlie Blackmon homered and run during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank BRAVES 13, PIRATES 7 (11 INNINGS) to the bullpen after losing his second had three hits, Nolan Arenado and Park on Monday. PICTURE: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports Host Atlanta hit a season-high fi ve Elvis Andrus hit a tiebreaking sin- straight start on May 22. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 12, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP Rebuilding Roma name Fonseca as Roord heads late Dutch new coach Rome: Paulo Fonseca was named new Roma coach yesterday, as the Serie A club look to bounce back from a traumatic season that saw them go through two man- agers and fail to qualify for winner to beat Kiwis the Champions League. In a statement, Roma said that former Shakhtar Donetsk coach Fonseca Sweden strike late to beat Chile after a long hold-up because of a violent storm joins on an initial two-year contract with the option to AFP extend for a further year. “I Le Havre, France am excited and motivated by the task ahead of us. I cannot wait to move to Rome, meet ill Roord came off the bench and our fans and get started,” headed home from close range the 46-year-old Portuguese in added time yesterday to give was quoted as saying by the Netherlands a 1-0 women’s the club’s Twitter account. WorldJ Cup victory over New Zealand in “Together, I believe we can Le Havre. The victory lifts the European create something special.” champions into a tie with Canada atop Fonseca arrives in Rome Group E. after three years at Shakhtar, “I think we can play better than we did where he won three straight today. But we were looking for a win and domestic doubles after New Zealand were looking for a draw, taking the reigns in 2016. He and I’m very glad we fi nally got what also took the Ukrainians to we wanted,” said Dutch coach Sarina the Champions League last Wiegman.”I’m very relieved, of course.” 16 in 2018. The Football Ferns, stout in defence Roma reached the Cham- and sharp on the counter attack, were pions League semi-finals the left with nothing but disappointment. same year but last season “The players will be absolutely devas- were dumped out by Porto tated but we’re a resilient group and I’m in the last 16 and hobbled to pretty confi dent we’ll bounce back,” said sixth in Serie A, leaving them New Zealand coach Tom Sermanni. in the second qualifying The stars of a lively match were the round for the less-lucrative two goalkeepers, Sari van Veenendaal for Europa League. the Netherlands and New Zealand’s Erin The capital club finished Nayler. Both were busy and both, at dif- the campaign with Claudio ferent stages, underwent on-fi eld treat- Ranieri as interim boss after ment after brave saves. sacking Eusebio Di Franc- The Dutch had almost 70% of posses- esco in early March, with sion and almost three times as many goal sporting director Monchi fol- attempts but New Zealand went pain- lowing the former Sassuolo fully close three times. “The Dutch were coach out the door. the dominant team but we created some They were rebuff ed by great chances,” said Sermanni. both former Chelsea and In the fi rst half, Olivia Chance hit the Juventus coach Antonio bar and Rosie White drew a sprawling Conte, who has taken the save from Van Veenendaal with a long- job at Inter Milan, and Gian range strike. Early in the second half Sa- Piero Gasperini, who decided rah Gregorius, who is of Dutch descent, to stay at Atalanta after he shinned a volley into the ground that Netherlands’ Jill Roord celebrates scoring against New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup Group E match in Le Havre, France, yesterday. (Reuters) guided his side to their best gave Van Veenendaal time to lunge to her ever league season and right and claw the ball round the post. ate openings,” said FIFA’s player of the game saying we have regrets, we have Torrential rain had been falling for minute. Substitute Madelen Janogy then a spot in the Champions At the other end, centre-backs Re- match Lieke Martens. “New Zealand disappointment,” said Sermanni, who around a quarter of an hour amid a threat ran through and smashed in the second League. bekah Stott and Abby Erceg coped well defended well and it was not our best has coached four of the nations in this of thunderstorms when the Mexican ref- goal in injury time to wrap up the win for Without the revenues with the physical presence of Dutch for- match, that’s clear.” year’s World Cup.”We’ve got to look at eree, Lucila Venegas, decided to take the the Swedes, the 2003 World Cup run- from European football’s ward Vivianne Miedema and the lively The Dutch swung one more hanging the positive things we did.” players off in the 72nd minute with the ners-up and beaten Olympic fi nalists in biggest competition Roma skills of the attackers around her. When cross to the far post where Lineth Bee- Later, Sweden scored two late goals score still 0-0. 2016. will likely sell some of their the Dutch did carve a clear chance, rensteyn bullied Ali Riley into a tame to beat Chile 2-0 after a long hold-up Play eventually resumed following a The teams are in Group F along with bigger names, with Edin they were frustrated either by Nayler or header back across the goal and Arsenal’s in their women’s World Cup match in break of around 40 minutes, and Ko- holders the United States and Thailand, Dzeko strongly tipped to join some anxious fi nishing, until the fi nal Roord guided the ball past the advanc- Rennes because of a violent storm which sovare Asllani fi red into the roof of the who were playing late match last night in Conte at Inter. moments. “We found it tough to cre- ing Nayler. “We can’t go away from the led to conditions deteriorating. net to give Sweden the lead in the 83rd Reims.

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Pogba’s remedy for racist Fift een Serie A clubs vote against abuse is play well not walk off proposed Champions League reform ifteen of Serie A’s 20 clubs have voted pose the proposal. However, some clubs from said that he had “no intention” of leaving PSG. against a proposal to create a semi- outside Europe’s biggest leagues, such as Ajax “I can’t say anything about the rumours. I closed Champions League from 2024 Amsterdam, Legia Warsaw and HJK Helsinki haven’t heard anything about it from the club, onwards. In a statement, the clubs are in favour. and I haven’t spoken with anyone,” he said. backedF a resolution which said that quali- fi cation for UEFA club competitions such TOTTENHAM TARGET DRAXLER LIPPI MAKES IT TWO WINS as the Champions League should be based SEES FUTURE AT PSG IN TWO SINCE CHINA RETURN exclusively on performances in domestic Germany midfi elder Julian Draxler has played Marcello Lippi made it two wins from two leagues, as happens at present. down rumours linking him to Tottenham matches since returning as China coach with Juventus were the only club to vote against Hotspur and said he wants to stay at Paris a 1-0 home victory over Tajikistan yesterday. the resolution while Inter Milan, AC Milan, Saint-Germain. “I feel very happy here, I Forward Yang Xu scored the only goal in a low- AS Roma and Fiorentina all abstained. The am playing for a great coach at a great club,” key friendly in the southern Chinese city of European Club Association (ECA), which rep- Draxler, 25, said. Guangzhou, with Lippi fi elding an experimen- resents the region’s most powerful clubs, and Draxler, who earned his 50th cap in Ger- tal side. Lippi, the 71-year-old who guided UEFA have proposed creating a three-tier pan many’s 2-0 win over Belarus last Saturday, has his native Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, European league with promotion and relega- been in and out of the PSG fi rst eleven since has now won both games since he returned tion between divisions, according to league joining the club in 2017. He has recently been last month to the helm. He had stood down as offi cials who have seen it. linked with Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen China coach after a 3-0 defeat to Iran in the The top tier would be the new version of and Tottenham Hotspur, but the midfi elder Asian Cup quarter-fi nals in January. the Champions League, but 24 of the 32 teams said that he was keen to extend his contract in On Friday, China, 74th in the FIFA rankings, would keep their places for the following sea- Paris, which runs until 2021. defeated lower-ranked Philippines 2-0 in an- son, breaking the tradition that qualifi cation is “PSG is a crazy club in a positive way, things other home friendly. Against Tajikistan, who AFP the lightness of UEFA’s punish- at the end of the campaign. achieved through domestic competition. can happen from one day to the next, but I were similarly obliging visitors and ranked London ment in ordering Montenegro to As a result, United fi nished The ECA, whose chairman Andrea Agnelli is don’t think anybody is looking to kick me out 120th by FIFA, Lippi’s side started the second play just one game behind closed sixth and missed out on Cham- Juventus president, says it wants to help clubs here,” he said. “I will prepare for next season half with six players from Chinese Super doors. Pogba told the newspaper pions League football. However, outside the biggest fi ve leagues by giving them just like the last, and if I am off ered a new League (CSL) leaders Beijing Guoan. anchester United he had once handed his Juven- Pogba can point to being the more regular European matches. England’s contract, I will listen.” Under Lippi, China are attempting to reach midfi elder Paul tus shirt to a fan who had been only player selected in the Pre- Premier League, Germany’s Bundesliga and Asked directly about rumours of a move to the World Cup for just the second time. Quali- Pogba said the best making monkey noises at him. mier League team of the season France’s Ligue 1 have already said they op- Tottenham or Bayern last Saturday, Draxler fi ers for Qatar 2022 begin in the autumn. way to quell racist “Leave the pitch? You want to to come from outside the top two Mspectators is to perform well on play, you want to score for your — champions Manchester City the pitch not as some suggest team,” said Pogba. “And at the and Liverpool. U-23 walk off if there is racial abuse. end they (racist abusers) will He believes his appearance The 26-year-old was a pivotal come and ask for a picture.” — various styles of haircuts and fi gure as France won the World Pogba also responded to crit- his body language on the pitch Cup last year and said in an ics who say he has not justifi ed — plays a role in his being pillo- Qatar beat Bahrain at Toulon Tournament interview with The Times that his then world record £89.3mn ried. “I always play like that and, nothing wins people around ($113.5mn) move from Juven- thank God, I won the World Cup atar Under-23 team overcame better than success. tus in 2016. “I become another like that,” said Pogba. Bahrain 4-2 in penalties to fi nish Pogba played 90 minutes in player because of the transfer,” “Body language, haircut, all 11th at the Toulon International Euro 2020 qualifying loss in Tur- he said. “Because it was the big- these things is just to speak. Football Tournament in Southern key on Saturday when the home gest transfer of history at the Since I was a kid I play like this,” FranceQ yesterday. The teams were locked 1-1 fans caused outrage in France by time, you get judged diff erently. he said. “It’s not a problem when at full time. jeering the Marseillaise. Racism You expect more because of the we win. Only when we lose or if Bahrain went ahead in the 28th minute reared its head last season with price tag. A good game becomes I have a bad performance it be- courtesy Salem Adel Hassan’s strike, but Manchester City’s Raheem Ster- a normal game, a top game will comes a problem.” Qatar fought back in the second half and ling being abused by a group of be a good game.” Pogba, who scored 13 goals equalised through substitute Khalid Muneer Chelsea fans. He proved a popular target in 35 Premier League appear- Mazeed in the 67th minute as the game went Then Sterling and other black when United started poorly last ances last season, says he has not to penalties. In the penalties, Qatar players England players were the targets season under Jose Mourinho. changed as a person despite his held their nerves and converted four of the of Montenegro supporters in a Critics contrasted Pogba’s out- success and becoming one of the fi ve penalties, while Bahrain were only suc- Euro 2020 qualifi er. One of those standing World Cup perform- highest earning footballers in the cessful in fi nding the net twice. Qatar had players,Tottenham Hotspur de- ances with those for his club. He world. “I am still the Paul I used lost all their group matches against France, fender Danny Rose said he “can’t also came under fi re as United’s to be as a kid,” he said. “I grow, I Guatemala and Brazil. wait to see the back of football” early good form under Ole Gun- become taller, but I am the same The tournament was an opportunity for because of the lack of decisive nar Solskjaer — who replaced person who follows his dream. Qatar to prepare for next year’s AFC U-23 action to tackle racism. Mourinho when the latter was “People will love me like that. World Cup in Thailand, which is a qualifying Rose said he was “shocked” at sacked in December — tailed off People will hate me like that.” tournament for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Qatar players celebrate after winning their match against Bahrain in Toulon, Southern France.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

WORLD CUP AND AFC ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS Cambodia advance at Pakistan’s expense AFC Doha

ambodia cruised into the next round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Joint Qualifi cation after Cdefeating Pakistan 2-1 in the second leg yesterday, advancing 4-1 on aggregate. Having won the fi rst leg 2-0 last Thursday, Cambodia started with a massive advantage, but the Pakista- nis, cheered on loudly by some 250 odd spectators, gave them a serious scare before losing steam midway through the second half and crashing to a 2-1 defeat at the Al Ahli stadium in Doha. Pakistan coach Jose Antonio Nogue- ira had promised an improved per- formance after his boys squandered a few chances in the fi rst leg, and things certainly looked good for them after the initial 10 minutes of circumspection during which the Cambodians domi- nated the exchanges. In the seventh minute, Cambodia’s Prak Mony Udom saw his powerful shot from just outside the box sail wide of the Pakistani goal. Four minutes later Udom was in the thick of the action Pakistan’s Hassan Bashir (second left) takes aim at the goal against Cambodia during the 2022 World Cup Qatar and Asian Cup 2023 Joint Qualification match in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil once again but his well-executed free- kick was punched away by Pakistan the ball inside the box and earned a yel- later shot wide with the goalkeeper at shir, but the forward’s powerful header ple of shots from Rahees Nabi. But the Having opened their account, the goalkeeper Yousuf Butt. low card for his troubles. his mercy. With the enterprising Mo- missed the target. Pakistan had another Cambodians rallied splendidly there- Cambodians upped the tempo, fi nally Butt kept egging on his players loudly Adnan Bashir stepped up and easily hamed Adnan Yaqoob proving more opportunity just before half-time but after creating chance after chance and nailing the win through substitute Re- and often took risks, advancing far up in scored past Cambodia goalkeeper Keo than a handful on the right fl ank, the Ali Uzair’s cracking eff ort was thwarted sure enough got the equaliser in the ung Bunheing, who netted off a Sieng a desperate bid to overturn the defi cit, Soksela to put Pakistan ahead in the Cambodia defenders were under seri- by goalkeeper Soksela. 64th minute with Keo Sokpheng scor- Chanthea pass in the 89th minute just and sure enough Pakistan saw a glim- 18th minute. Bashir had another gold- ous pressure. In the 36th minute a fi ne Soksela acquitted himself very well ing off a Sath Rasib pass, taking advan- fi ve minutes after coming in as a substi- mer of hope when Ouk Sovann handled en chance to score a couple of minutes corner kick taken by Adnan found Ba- in the second half too, saving a cou- tage of some poor Pakistani defending. tute for Keo Sokpheng.

EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS SPOTLIGHT Messi is sports world’s Spain beat Sweden highest earner: Forbes AFP New York

ionel Messi was the world’s highest paid ath- lete over the past year, as Ireland labour Forbes reported yester- Lday in its annual sporting rich list. Barcelona and Argentina star Messi dethroned retired boxer Floyd Mayweather as the sports world’s highest earner, raking in $127mn via salary and endorse- ment deals. against Gibraltar That put Messi ahead of long- time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the Juventus and Portugal star who was second with earnings of ing $86mn. Spain are five points ahead of Sweden and Romania at the top of the six-team group $109mn. Brazil and Paris Saint- Stars from the NFL and NBA Germain striker Neymar com- rounded out the top 10 on the AFP pleted a sweep of the top three list, with Seattle Seahawks quar- Paris positions by footballers, coming terback Russell Wilson sixth on in third with earnings of $105mn. $89.5mn, just ahead of Green The fourth highest earner on Bay Packers signal-caller Aaron ergio Ramos and Alvaro Morata the list was Mexico’s middle- Rodgers ($89.3mn). both scored penalties as Spain got weight boxing star Saul “Canelo” Los Angeles Lakers star LeB- the better of Sweden on Monday Alvarez with $94mn. ron James was the highest earn- night, while the Republic of Ire- Alvarez, who defeated Gen- ing NBA player, with $89mn, landS and Poland continued their strong nady Golovkin last September while Golden State’s Stephen starts in qualifying for Euro 2020. to become the unifi ed middle- Curry was ninth with $79.8mn. Three-time European champions weight champion, inked the Curry’s Golden State team-mate Spain ran out 3-0 winners in their Group richest deal in boxing history Kevin Durant was 10th on the F encounter with the Swedes at the San- last October, signing a fi ve-year rankings with $65.4mn. tiago Bernabeu in Madrid, recovering 11-fi ght contract with streaming Former world number one Ti- from the early frustration of seeing a Ro- network DAZN worth $365mn. ger Woods was 11th on the list drigo Moreno eff ort wrongly disallowed Evergreen tennis star Roger with $69.3mn, which included for off side. They won a penalty just after Federer was fi fth on the list with an estimated $54mn in endorse- the hour when Sebastian Larsson blocked total earnings of $93.4mn. The ments. Meanwhile tennis su- a Marco Asensio cross with his arm, and bulk of Federer’s earnings came perstar Serena Williams was the captain Ramos converted the spot-kick. through lucrative endorsement only woman to make the list, It was the Real Madrid defender’s 20th deals, with the 20-time Grand coming in at 63rd with earnings goal for his country, his seventh in his last Slam singles champion pocket- of $29.2mn. eight matches. Morata, who had come on as a second- half substitute, won another penalty late FOCUS on when he was brought down in the box by Filip Helander, and he duly netted from 12 yards too. Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal, also on from the bench, Argentina’s Mercado wrapped up the win with three minutes left. The result means Luis Enrique’s side have the maximum 12 points from to leave Sevilla for four matches and are fi ve points ahead of Sweden and Romania at the top of the six-team section. The top two teams in Qatar’s Al Rayyan each group qualify for the fi nals. “These matches are more diffi cult than the result AFP makes them look,” Morata told Spanish Doha media. “We played well, defended well and we are very happy.” Romania, who host Spain next in Sep- rgentina international tember, eased to a 4-0 win in Malta. Nor- Spain’s Alvaro Morata (left) celebrates with Sergio Ramos after scoring a penalty during the UEFA Euro 2020 group F qualifying Gabriel Mercado has way, whose only appearance at the Euros match against Sweden at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Monday night. (AFP) signed for Qatari team so far came in 2000, got their fi rst win Al Rayyan, the club said 20, 34, Jovic 35, Ljajic 90+2) Lithuania 1 of the campaign as they beat the Faroe Dolberg of Ajax scoring twice. Tottenham ry-time strike. onA Twitter on yesterday, follow- Islands 2-0 away thanks to a brace from Hotspur star Christian Eriksen scored a Ukraine are six points clear at the top (Novikovas 71-pen) ing a three-year stint at Sevilla. US-born forward Bjorn Johnsen. penalty, while Yussuf Poulsen and Martin of Group B after beating Luxembourg 1-0, Group D: At Dublin: Republic of Ireland: “In our fi rst deal for the new Ireland are top of Group D with 10 Braithwaite also netted. while Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice 2 (Joseph Chipolina 29-og, Brady 90+3) season, the club announces it points from four games after again do- Poland have maximum points after and new Real Madrid signing Luka Jovic Gibraltar 0; At Copenhagen: Denmark 5 has offi cially signed the Argen- ing the minimum to get the better of four games in Group G, with hotshots got one goal as Serbia defeated Lithua- (Dolberg 13, 63, Eriksen 30-pen, Yussuf tine defender Gabriel Mercado to minnows Gibraltar. Mick McCarthy’s Krzysztof Piatek and Robert Lewand- nia 4-1. Newly crowned UEFA Nations Poulsen 73, Braithwaite 90+3) Georgia 1 be one of our foreign players for team won 1-0 on the rock in March and owski both on target in a 4-0 defeat of League winners, and reigning European (Lobzhanidze 25) next season,” Al Rayyan posted won 2-0 against the same opponents Israel in Warsaw. Austria boosted their champions, Portugal will resume their Group F: At Madrid: Spain 3 (Ramos 64- on its Twitter account along with this time. They went ahead in Dublin chances of qualifying as West Ham Unit- qualifying campaign in Serbia in Septem- pen, Morata 85-pen, Oyarzabal 87) Sweden a photo of Mercado holding a when David McGoldrick’s wayward shot ed’s Marko Arnautovic bagged a brace in ber sitting eight points behind Ukraine. 0; At Ta’Qali, Malta: Malta 0 Romania team jersey. It added that he had went in thanks to a wicked defl ection off a 4-1 victory in North Macedonia, while 4 (Puscas 7, 29, Chipciu 34, Man 90+1); signed a contract but gave no de- Joseph Chipolina. Slovenia romped to a 5-0 win in Latvia. EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS RESULTS At Torshavn: Faroe Islands 0 Norway 2 tails about its duration or terms. Robbie Brady then wrapped up the The Czech Republic joined England on Group A: At Olomouc, Czech Republic: (Johnsen 49, 83) However Spanish media re- victory at the death. “If the remit for six points at the top of Group A thanks ported that Mercado had been Czech Republic 3 (Jankto 18, Kopitovic 49- Group G: At Warsaw: Poland 4 (K Piatek 35, me was to get 10 points, which I’m sure to a 3-0 defeat of Montenegro, although og, Schick 82-pen) Montenegro 0; At Sofia: handed a one-year deal. Mer- it was, that job’s done,” McCarthy said. they have now played a game more than Lewandowski 56-pen, Grosicki 59, Kadzior cado had expressed his desire which will host the World Cup Bulgaria 2 (Popov 43, Dimitrov 55) Kosovo 84) Israel 0; At Riga: Latvia 0 Slovenia 5 Ireland are fi ve points ahead of Denmark, Gareth Southgate’s side. In the same 3 (Rashica 14, Muriqi 64, Rashani 90+3) to be a “necessary addition” to in 2022. Former Barcelona great with whom they drew in Copenhagen at group, Kosovo registered their fi rst win (Crnigoj 24, 27, Ilicic 29-pen, 44, Zajc 47); the Qatari league side, said a Xavi Hernandez announced in the weekend. However, the Danes have in qualifying for a Euro or a World Cup, Group B: At Lviv, Ukraine: Ukraine At Skopje: North Macedonia 1 (Hinteregger subsequent tweet. A number or 2015 he would join Qatari side Al a game in hand and romped to a 5-1 win coming from behind to beat Bulgaria 3-2 1 (Yaremchuk 6) Luxembourg 0; At 18-og) Austria 4 (Lazaro 39, Arnautovic high-profi le players have in re- Sadd and was named the club’s over Georgia on Monday, with Kasper in Sofi a thanks to Elbasan Rashani’s inju- Belgrade: Serbia 4 (Aleksandar Mitrovic 62-pen, 82, Bejtulai 86-og) cent years found homes in Qatar coach last month.