SPORT Wednesday 4 July 2018 PAGEE | 1199 PAGPAGE | 24

Bring on Brazil,l, saysay SwedenSwed edge past Belgium after dramaticmatic SSwitzerlandwitz to book Japan victoryctory plaplacece in quarter-finals

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Pickford the hero as Kane’s boys end SWEDEN 1-0 SWITZERLAND

penalty jinx to reach quarter-finals COLOMBIA 1-1 ENGLAND ENGLAND WIN ON PENALTIES (3 - 4)

QUARTER FINALS JULY 06, 2018 URUGUAY VS FRANCE 5.00PM BRAZIL VS BELGIUM 9.00PM JULY 07, 2018

SWEDEN VS ENGLAND 5.00PM VS CROATIA 9.00PM

England’s Jordan Pickford saves a penalty from Colombia’s Carlos Bacca during the shootout at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia yesterday.

England prevail in Moscow thriller

AFP Kane made the breakthrough on 57 minutes after he was MOSCOW: England edged wrestled to the ground at a corner Colombia 4-3 on penalties to halt by Carlos Sanchez, the same a run of five successive shootout player who was shown the first defeats at major tournaments and red card of the tournament in a book a quarter-final clash against COLOMBIA ENGLAND 2-1 loss to Japan. Sweden at the World Cup. The England faced a Harry Kane fired England 1 1 lengthy wait as several Colombia ahead with his tournament- players protested to the referee leading sixth goal just before the Y. MINA - 90'+3' KANE - 57' PEN but he kept his nerve to beat hour in Moscow, converting a ENGLAND WIN ON PENALTIESPENALTIES (3 - 4) north London rival Ospina, penalty after he was hauled down lifting his penalty just over the by Carlos Sanchez at a corner. Arsenal goalkeeper’s out- Gareth Southgate’s team stretched leg. looked to be heading into the last Alli nearly added a second eight in regulation time until when his diving header at the far Yerry Mina equalised with a post flashed over the bar, with 93rd-minute header as the giant Lingard appealing for another Colombian defender scored for spot-kick after he was caught by the third game in a row. Davinson Sanchez. Neither team could find an Juan Cuadrado blazed over advantage in extra-time and so with 10 minutes to play, and it a bad-tempered match went to appeared Colombia’s hopes were a nailbiting penalty shootout. up when Pickford made a terrific David Ospina dived superbly save to turn behind Manuel to his left to repel Jordan Hend- Uribe’s spectacular long-range erson’s third penalty for England, strike. but Manuel Uribe hit the crossbar But Mina rose powerfully to before Jordan Pickford saved meet the resulting corner, with from Carlos Bacca. Trippier only able to help the ball Eric Dier drilled home the in via the underside of the decisive spot-kick as England England players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout. crossbar in the third minute of won for just the second time in added-on time. eight penalty shootouts and Substitute Danny Rose almost reached the quarter-finals for the in Brazil four years ago, when Kane scored a combined five Kieran Trippier curled wide from while Jesse Lingard sliced over struck an extra-time winner first time since 2006. Colombia reached the quarter- goals in the wins over Tunisia and a free-kick. after Colombia half-cleared a when his angled shot whistled Colombia were dealt a huge finals for the first time. Panama, and the Tottenham Wilmar Barrios was booked cross. beyond the far post, and Eric Dier blow before kick-off as James Kane, Raheem Sterling and striker went close when his for leaning his head into the chest A member of the Colombia headed over unmarked at a Rodriguez failed to shake off a Dele Alli were among nine looping header back across goal of Jordan Henderson as the game coaching staff appeared to delib- corner before England’s luck calf injury, the Bayern Munich players recalled for England after landed on the roof of the net. grew into an increasingly fiesty erately barge Sterling as the Man- deserted them again in all too not even fit enough for Gareth Southgate rested the Sterling then did well to spin affair. chester City player headed familiar fashion. a place on the bench. majority of his first-choice side past the imposing Davinson Pickford made his first save towards the half-time at the Then, unlike so many times The 26-year-old was the for their final group game against Sanchez although his left-footed from a fizzing long-range effort interval, escaping with just a before, luck finally smiled on Golden Boot winner with six goals Belgium. strike was charged down, while from Juan Fernado Quintero, telling-off. them in the shootout. 18 SPORT WEDNESDAY 4 JULY 2018

We have not been Loew stays as German practising penalties, coach despite debacle says Akinfeev

AFP season. That all takes time, but Frankfurt-based newspaper REUTERS it will be done by the time inter- FAZ quoted unnamed Germany BERLIN: Germany coach national matches start in players who said the squad was KHIMKI: Russia goalkeeper Joachim Loew (pictured) will September.” deeply divided between senior Igor Akinfeev, who saved two remain in his job despite the Senior players in the and younger players in Russia. I am very grateful for penalties to carry his team past World Cup holders’ shock elim- Germany team including Sami Timo Werner and Julian the confidence that Spain and into the World Cup ination in the group phase in Khedira, Toni Kroos and Thomas Brandt, both 22, were given less the DFB has again last eight, has not been prac- Russia, thee German Ge a Football ootba Mueller have given playing time than the players tising spot kicks with his team- Associationn (DFB) said yesterdayyesterday.. LoewLoew their who won the World Cup in shown in me and I mates, he said yesterday. The DFBFB said Loew, who has backing,backing, yet 2014.2014. feel a lot of support The Muscovite twice denied been in thee job for 12 yyears,ears, had coulcouldd allall ThereThere waswas alalsoso and encouragement Spain from the spot on Sunday, told Germanman football chiefs he ffaceace the reportedly resentment despite the justified including kicking away Iago wanted too carry on and oversee axeaxe after aboutabout the specialspecial Aspas’s final shot to help his the “rebuilding”ilding” of the national poor sstatustatus ggiveniven to criticism of our team win the shootout 4-3 fol- team. displays.displays. captain and goalgoal-- elimination: Germany lowing a 1-1 draw on Sunday. Loew, who won the World kkeepereeper Manuel coach Joachim Loew “We definitely have not Cup with Germany in Brazil in Neuer.Neuer. trained in it (penalties),” he told 2014, wass told he continued to TherTheree NeuerNeuer plplayedayed all reporters at their base on the enjoy “thee support of the entire are,a re, three group games, foot fracture for eight mmonths. outskirts of Moscow. leadership”p” despitedespite thethe team’s however,however, aheadahead ofof BarceBarcelonalona TheThe report saisaidd that was “a Akinfeev said the team had failure to pprogressrogress from the first reportsreports of ‘keeper‘keeper Marc-Andre Ter problemproblem for some players”play as hoped to beat Spain in regular round forr the first time in 80 playplayerer disdis-- Stegen,Stegen, even thoughthough the LoewLoew had said he wouwouldld only use time and not have to go to years. gruntlementgruntlement BayernBayern Munich playerplayer thosethose who were playingplaying well. penalties. In onee ofof thethe biggestbiggest shocksshocks in other quarters. hadhad just returnereturnedd Other complaints includedinclu the “But the game was long and in World Cup history,history, GermanyGermany afteafterr he was choicechoice of Germany’sGermany’s isolatedi all the emotions were gone in finished bottombottom of their groupgroup sidelinedsidelined WWorldorld Cup base in south-westsou those 120 minutes,” he said after defeatseats to MexMexicoico and by a MMoscowoscow wwhichhich manmanyy players yesterday. Russia’s goalkeeper Igor South Korearea in Russia.Russia. hated,hated, and the clumsyclumsy handlingh The Russians, whose Akinfeev walks after news Shortlyly before the tour-tour- ofof the scandal involvinginvolving Mesut triumph triggered wild cele- nament, LLoewoew signedsigned a con-con- OzilOzil andand IIlkaylkay GGundogan.undoga brations around the country, conference, yesterday. tract extensionension until the TheThe players’ loyloyalty to next face Croatia in the last 2022 Worldrld Cup.Cup. GermanyGermany was broughtbroug into eight, and Akinfeev said the post-Soviet era that Russia have Loew said:said: “I aamm questionquestion on the eveev of the euphoria would now need to reached a World Cup very gratefulteful forfor thethe World Cup after theyth met subside. quarter-final. confidencece that the Turkey presidentpresident Recep “Let’s all put it all aside, “It is no secret that each DFB has againagain shown TTayyipayyip ErdogErdogan,an, whom please, and concentrate on the victory adds to confidence,” in me andd I feelfeel a lotlot GGundoganundogan prepresented next game,” he said. midfielder Yuri Gazinsky told of supportport and with a jersey sisignedg “to “The team created a holiday reporters. encouragementa gement my president”.president” that evening. But it is already “Especially victory over despite thehe jjustifiedustified Both playersplaye were history, and we want to write Spain. I think that the country criticism of our booedbooed by GGerman new history now. We will try believed in us and maybe many elimination.on. ffansans durduringin pre- and fight.” had doubts ahead of the match “I amm ststillill WWorldorld Cup “This tournament shows with Spain.” hugely ddisap-isap- ffriendlies,riendlies, which that we are sincere in what we “But I hope we have proved pointed, but oovershadowedversha are doing, and that is why it is that they can believe in us and now my team ppreparationsreparati for going so well so far,” added the we do represent the country. So and I wouldld liklikee thethe finals.finals Russian star. we will do everything possible to get startedarted Ozil refused Russia’s win over the 2010 to go further. We created a on ttheh e toto commentcomm on world champions has boosted small miracle for the country,” rebuilding.ng. I tthehe contcontroversyr the confidence of what was the he said. will analysealyse dduringuring tthehe World lowest-ranked team going into Russia take on the Croats, with my team, Cup, while GundoganGu the tournament, and has who also went to penalties as hold discussionsussions gavegave a single ininterviewter in whetted the hosts’ appetite for they eliminated Denmark, in and draw conclusionsconclusions whichwhich hhee saidsaid tthehe furorefurore was “a more success. Sochi’s Fisht Stadium on Sat- before thehe sstarttart of the newnew difficultdifficult experience”.experience”. It is the first time in the urday evening. Algeria, Tunisia consider joining Morocco in future World Cup bid

REUTERS Brazil’s Neymar lies on the pitch after sustaining an injury NIZHNY NOVGOROD: Algeria and Tunisia during their last-16 match are consider joining Morocco in a joint North against Mexico in Samara on African bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Monday. government officials said. Morocco last month lost out to a joint North American bid in the vote for the 2026 finals and immediately signalled its intention to try Real Madrid deny Neymar bid again, despite having bid five times and come up short each time. “Algeria will study a possible candidacy of the Maghreb countries for the organisation of as Ronaldo rumours swirl the World Cup,” Algeria sports minister Mohamed Hattab told reporters. “An application from the Maghreb with AFP The colossal Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia can be achieved knock it down, saying in a Despite Real’s strong shined in the World Cup through existing infrastructure as well as future statement they had not been rejection, the transfer before his Portugal side was transfer claim, projects. MADRID: Real Madrid have consulted by TVE before the rumour mill swirled at the beaten by Uruguay on Sat- which would dwarf “When we look at our cities, with the dismissed as “absolutely broadcast. possibility of a galactico urday, cast doubt over his the $222m deal sporting and cultural facilities present, we are untrue” reports of a 310m “Real Madrid have swap, following hints that commitment to Real after that made Neymar able to consider that we can host major world euro ($360m) bid for Paris made no offer of any kind both Neymar and Ronaldo winning the Champions events,” he said. Saint-Germain’s Neymar to PSG or the player,” added could be unhappy at their League in May. the world’s most Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay last year that sparked rumours he the European champions, star-studded clubs. “It was very nice to be expensive player launched a three-nation South American bid could serve as a the home of Ronaldo since Neymar, 26, moved to in Madrid,” he said, adding last year, was made TVE to host the 2030 tournament, seeking to mark replacement if superstar 2009. stood by its PSG last year and went on that “in the next few days I by Spain’s public the centenary of the first World Cup, hosted Cristiano Ronaldo leaves reporting however, saying to score 19 goals in just 20 will give an answer to the by Uruguay in 1930. the Spanish giants. on its website that the claim league games before suf- fans”. television station There have also been hints about a British The colossal transfer came from sources it con- fering a foot injury in Feb- He later walked back TVE. bid, with the Football Association holding talks claim, which would dwarf sidered to be the “most ruary that required surgery the statement, but doubts last month with the other home nations about the $222m deal that made reliable”. in Brazil. over his future at Madrid the possibility of joining forces, according to Neymar the world’s most The report came hours He only returned to have lingered. a third successive Cham- reports. Morocco and Tunisia played at the expensive player last year, after Neymar’s Brazil saw France in May, fuelling Real Madrid has also pions League trophy. World Cup in Russia but were eliminated at was made by Spain’s public off Mexico 2-0 in the World speculation that he could been thrown into flux after His replacement Julen the group stage, while Algeria reached the television station TVE on Cup last 16 in Russia to set seek to leave the club after coach Zinedine Zidane Lopetegui said in June that second round in Brazil four years ago. Monday evening. up a tantalising quarter- just one season. stepped down in June Ronaldo is a player he A FIFA vote to decide the 2030 hosts is not Real were quick to final clash with Belgium. Ronaldo, who had having steering the club to wants “at his side always”. expected before 2022, when the World Cup is headed to Qatar. WEDNESDAY 4 JULY 2018 SPORT 19

Nigeria’s Obi Bring on Brazil, say Belgium hid dad’s abduction, after dramatic Japan victory played Cup match REUTERS AFP ROSTOV-ON-DON: Belgium passed a test of character with a NIZHNY NOVGOROD: display of true grit that bodes Nigerian captain John well for a World Cup quarter- Obi Mikel revealed he final against Brazil, coach was told four hours Roberto Martinez said after they before his country’s came from 2-0 behind to beat crucial World Cup game Japan 3-2 in injury time. against Argentina that his “In the World Cup you want father had been to be perfect -- but it’s about kidnapped back home getting through, it’s about and would be shot if the winning,” said the Spaniard, who player reported it to was hired after a side packed authorities. Belgium’s forward with English Premier League Mikel said in a talent collapsed against Wales Romelu Lukaku statement yesterday in the Euro 2016 quarter-final. celebrates at the end from his management “This is down to the person- of the Russia 2018 World company that he hid the ality, to the focus, to the desire, Cup round of 16 match news from his team- to the never-give-up-attitude of against Japan in Rostov- mates and coaches in this group of players,” said Mar- On-Don on Monday. Russia and “had to shut tinez after substitute Nacer INSET: Belgium’s coach it out of my head and go Chadli slammed home four Roberto Martinez and represent my minutes into stoppage time on encourages his players country first” in the Monday, breaking the hearts of during the match. crucial match against Japan fans whose side scored Argentina. twice early in the second half. Nigeria lost last “It was a test of character week’s group match in and you see the reaction of our city of St. Petersburg by subs coming on to win the 2-1 after a late game,” he said. Argentina goal and was “It tells you everything about eliminated from the this group of players.” World Cup. His other substitute, Mar- Mikel’s father, ouane Fellaini, scored Belgium’s 74th-minute equaliser. Run For the Brazil game, he said, “But the reaction today was largely meaningless final group Michael Mikel, was freed ragged at times by the skilful and his side would draw on the huge,” Hazard said. “ win over England on Thursday by Nigerian police in the determined Samurai Blue, who lessons of Rostov, when after an Maybe this was the kind of had looked questionable as southeastern state of are 58 places behind them at 61st apprehensive first half as heavy game we needed,” he added. Belgium struggled to find each Enugu on Monday. in FIFA’s world rankings, the Red favourites they had to attack Now, he said, “playing Brazil other in the face of buzzing Jap- John Obi Mikel says It was a test of Devils will look hard at their with “nothing to lose” to get back is a dream.” anese defence across the park. he learned of his dad’s character and you see defensive frailties and difficulties into the match. Goalscorer Chadli called his But, as Japan coach Akira kidnapping through a in turning pressure into goals Against Brazil, who Martinez winner “a goal for an entire Nishino conceded, the strength telephone call just before the reaction of our before they face Brazil in the believes are the best side in the nation”. in depth on the Belgian bench, the Argentina game, but subs coming on to quarter-final in just four days. tournament, no one will expect Martinez’s 65th-minute sub- well blooded after beating didn’t tell anyone win the game. It tells “No negatives today, it was too much from Belgium and the stitutions, putting on Chadli for England 1-0, was to make the because he didn’t want you everything about about getting through,” Martinez players are relishing that oppor- Dries Mertens and Manchester difference in the last 25 minutes. it to be a distraction for insisted, offering the highest of tunity to try and cause an upset. United’s towering Fellaini in the “The substitutions worked the team. this group of players: praise for Japan’s skill and Captain Eden Hazard said centre in place of Yannick Car- well,” Chadli said. “We’re all here It’s the second time Belgium coach tactics. “It is a day to be very that at 2-0 his side were having rasco on the left, paid off. to give it our all... The bench told his father has been kid- Roberto Martinez proud of these players. flashbacks to their humbling At times his decision to rest us to just go for because we were napped in Nigeria. “Keep believing in Belgium.” defeat by Wales two years ago. almost his entire first team in a just not in the game.” Coach Nishino Japan’s Hasebe, Honda call ‘devastated’ I feel it was a tragedy, after defeat but I have to accept time on international career AFP the defeat as a fact, REUTERS I feel devastated and ROSTOV-ON-DON: Japan very disappointed: ROSTOV-ON-DON: Keisuke coach Akira Nishino admitted Japan coach Akira Honda and captain Makoto his desperate disappointment Nishino. Hasebe have announced their after seeing the Blue Samurai retirement from international bow out of the World Cup in an football following Japan’s elim- agonising 3-2 defeat against ination from the World Cup at Belgium on Monday in the last the hands of Belgium on Monday 16. night. “I feel it was a tragedy, but Honda, 32, came off the I have to accept the defeat as a Japan’s coach bench late in the last-16 clash fact, I feel devastated and very Akira Nishino with Roberto Martinez’s side, but disappointed,” said Nishino. during the last- was unable to prevent his side “We started off very well, 16 game against from slipping to an agonising but at the end, right at the very Belgium in 3-2 loss. end, to concede a goal like that “Today we showed how we Rostov-On-Don is not expected. can proceed as Japanese on Monday. Nacer Chadli’s 94th- football,” the former AC Milan minute strike at the end of a midfielder told reporters after make new history for Japanese levelled the scores before Nacer counter-attack gave Belgium the match. football.” Chadli’s injury time goal secured a stunning come-from-behind in the second half through Genki via a freak Jan Vertonghen “I might have finished my Japan held a two-goal lead a dramatic win for Belgium. 3-2 victory in their last-16 tie Haraguchi and . header in the 69th minute, and career for the national team, but in the 52nd minute following “This is the last World Cup to floor the Japanese in The Japan players slumped substitute Marouane Fellaini then I’m happy because we have strikes from for me,” Honda added. Rostov. Team Japan had been to the turf at the end, and Nishino equalised five minutes later. many young players following and Takashi Inui, but Jan Ver- Honda, who scored 37 times 2-0 up after scoring twice early said they were too stunned to The match was heading for us, and I think that they will tonghen and Marouane Fellaini in 98 appearances for his talk it through immediately extra time when Keisuke Honda country, was used as an impact afterwards. opted to try his luck from a long- player off the bench in his third FIFA tweets to Instead of facing Brazil in a range free-kick in injury time. World Cup and had a couple of mouth-watering quarter-final in Thibaut Courtois saved the chances to grab a winner for praise Japan Kazan on Friday, Japan are attempt, and Belgium broke from Japan before the dramatic heading home while Belgium the corner that followed to denouement. march on. snatch the winner and book a Hasebe, the midfielder, who “I told the players to take a last-eight tie with Brazil. plays in Germany for Eintracht shower in the changing room, “We wanted to decide the Frankfurt, made 114 caps for because they were just standing match with a late free-kick and Japan. around stunned. I will talk to I thought we were going into “I would like to express my them when we are back at the extra-time, but we didn’t expect gratitude to my colleagues who hotel,” said Nishino. that kind of super counter- fought together for about 12 and “We were determined to attack,” the coach said. a half years since 2006, and to disrupt a Belgium side at their “My players didn’t expect to all the Japanese people who best, but at the end we couldn’t see the ball carried into our half supported me so much,” the really match them.” in a flash on time which decided captain said in a post on Belgium pulled a goal back the game.” Instagram. 20 SPORT WEDNESDAY 4 JULY 2018 WEDNESDAY 4 JULY 2018 SPORT 21

We can ‘control’ Ball possession no Mbappe: Suarez longer the law for

AFP achieving Cup success

NIZHNIY NOVGOROD: Luis Suarez is confi- dent Uruguay can nullify the threat from REUTERS Spain averaged 69 percent France’s teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe, the exciting Kylian Mbappe and Suarez was involved in a notorious of the ball in their four as they prepare for their World Cup quar- Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann -- in biting scandal and as back in 1986 SAMARA: When Spain won the games, peaking with a ter-final clash later this week. Nizhny Novgorod on Friday, bid- Uruguay were labelled “liars and World Cup in 2010 by guarding 75 percent share in their Talking to reporters at the South ding for a place in the semi-finals. cheaters” by Alex Ferguson after a possession with near infinite zeal last-16 clash with Russia, American team’s Bor It is a tough assignment for bad-tempered match against Scot- a new maxim was etched into according to FIFA statistics. training camp near France and any hope that their stars land. This time, only Rodrigo football’s text book of received Nizhny Novgorod, will enjoy the same space they found Bentancur has been booked. wisdom - hog the ball and you where Friday’s in their 4-3 win against a disorgan- It is a remarkable win the match. Germany arrived as world last-eight match ised Argentina have already been transformation. Such was the dominance of champions, but left after takes place, Sua- extinguished. They have five fewer yellow Vicente del Bosque’s elegant side, the group stage having rez said he had “France’s strongest points are for France. And they are marshalled cards than France and it is the Euro- whose devotion to metronomic racked up a 67 percent faith in the the attackers, Griezmann and by Godin, currently 121 caps and peans who have to reshuffle because pass and move also helped them possession average in defence, which has conceded just one goal in Mbappe,” Uruguay’s veteran coach counting. of a suspension to Blaise Matuidi. win the 2012 European Champi- their three matches. the tournament so far. Oscar Tabarez said in his under- “We always think about not let- “In reality, I think Uruguay has onship, that few dissenting voices “Everybody knows he’s (Mbappe) a really stated yet determined way after the ting our opponent play, that’s one been a strong, aggressive opponent, could be heard. Argentina were dispatched good player, but I think we have a really good Portugal victory. of the things that bothers them,” but without any bad intention Other ways of playing that by France in the last 16, defence to control him,” said the Barcelona AFP “If you let France have space it midfielder Diego Laxalt told AFP. towards the opponent,” said Suarez did not involve passing teams to ending the tournament striker. will be very difficult.” “We try to make sure that strik- on Tuesday, adding that they should death were supposedly con- Belgian fans celebrate after their team won the FIFA 2018 World Cup Round of 16 match against Japan at the Rostov Mbappe, 19, was the star in France’s thrill- NIZHNIY NOVGOROD: “El Maestro” Tabarez has been ers don’t feel comfortable, it’s a good be proud of their disciplinary record signed to the dustbin of football with a 64 percent Arena Stadium in Rostov On Don, Russia on Monday. ing 4-3 victory over Argentina. Streetwise and tough yet with in charge of Uruguay for 12 years option.” in Russia. history, along with “kick and possession average. The Paris Saint-Germain youngster a razor-sharp edge, Uruguay and has not only forged a strong But in this topsy-turvy World Uruguay also have a reputation rush” and Herbert Chapman’s scored twice and his pace and skill also have moved serenely into the team who rarely fail to deliver on Cup, one thing for Uruguay has as World Cup party poopers -- W-M formation, with possession forced a penalty from which France scored World Cup quarter-finals, side- the big stage, but also a side with an notably changed. including Ghana in 2010 -- and football heralded as the peak of their first goal. stepping the chaos that has immense work ethic and huge Surprisingly, the team that have history is on their side. Belgians shift focus to Brazil the sport’s technical and tactical Suarez said there were more threats from swamped former winners Argen- experience. received the fewest yellow cards in The two nations have met three evolution. havingArgentina struggled fared through little bettertheir France than just Mbappe, picking out Antoine tina, Germany and Spain. At thiththishiis WorlWWorlddCud Cup, goalkgoalkeeperoa eepere Russiassia -- jujustst one -- araree UrugUruguay,uay,uayy, times ininn thetthe WoWWorld World Cup Cuppap a andnd UUru Uruguayguguay REUTERS On 65th minute, Martinez threw on If further evidence was first three matches and scraped Griezmann, who he said had a “brilliant left foot”. Uruguay have shown in Russia Fernandondo MusMusleraleraa known in the pastpast toto resresortort toto haveave nnototo loslolostt West Bromwich Albion winger Nacer needed we were told to look at into the knockouts and they Mbappe and they are extremely difficult to beat and startar strstrikeriker tthehe dadarkrk artartss toto wwin.in. A AtAt t thehe once.onncce. MOSCOW: It took a great escape in Chadli and Marouane Fellaini, the tow- Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, who were dispatched by France in Griezmann have been yet sometimes underwhelming -- Luis SSuarezuarez last WWorldorldd CCup,up,p LuLuisis injury time to get there after being two ering Manchester United midfielder. kept the Spanish top flight and the last 16, ending the tourna- singled out by Uru- factors you could have predicted both colcol-- goals down to Japan, but Belgium can When you play against Within 10 minutes, after a lucky goal Champions League in a virtual ment with a 64 percent guay coach Oscar from them before the World Cup. lected theirtheirhe now view their quarter-final against from Tottenham Hotspur full-back Jan choke hold for a few years from possession average. Tabarez as the A low-key start and an 89th- 100ththt h Brazil free of the weight of expecta- Brazil, you need to Vertonghen, Fellaini had headed the 2009. France won their match 4-3, main threats to minute winner that gave them a caps. tion. understand they are equaliser. Yet if the World Cup in Rus- having only had the ball 41 per- the South forgettable 1-0 win over an Egypt Thehe “When you play against Brazil, you the best team in the As extra-time loomed, a quick sia has taught us anything, it is cent of the time and if that Americans side missing Mohamed Salah has mainin need to understand they are the best throw out from goalkeeper Thibaut that possession is no longer the sounds counter-intuitive then but he sug- now given way to real hope they can doubt foror team in the competition,” coach Rob- competition: Belgium Courtois, a run through the middle by law in football and what was Uruguay’s last-16 win over Por- gested they win their third World Cup. Francee iss erto Martinez said after a final charge coach Roberto Martinez Kevin De Bruyne to feed Thomas Meu- once deemed the only route to tugal was even more would not With a defence built around the Cavani,i, whwho up the park four minutes into stoppage nier on the right and a cross that Lukaku global glory is seemingly now a remarkable. get the central pairing of Jose Gimenez and has a calfcalf time gave Belgium a 3-2 win and a deftly left for Chadli had the Belgians in shortcut out of the tournament. Oscar Tabarez’s side mus- same space the vastly experienced 32-year-old musclee injuriinjurynjururry tough date in Kazan on Friday. He refused to take questions on his heaven in just 10 seconds. The three sides who have tered 39 percent possession but afforded to them by the Argentine team. Diego Godin -- they also play that forcedrcrcedced hihhim himimmo of offff “We can enjoy it from the first tactics, praising the Japanese and the “Miracle men,” was the simple bossed the ball the most in Rus- completed a 2-1 win that far Suarez was less convinced by recent claims together at Atletico Madrid -- Uru- againstst PoPorPortPPortugal.orortrtugugal.ugau al. HeH minute,” the Spaniard said, describing “hunger” of his own players, though Bel- headline in Brussels’ Le Soir. sia, Spain, Germany and from being a smash-and-grab that Griezmann was half-Uruguayan because guay have won all four games in did nnonotot traitrattrtrainraiin onon the fixture as a childhood dream for gians at home are asking plenty of Friday’s encounter with Brazil will Argentina have all said “do-svi- looked more like a perfectly- he plays with Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez at Russia, conceding a solitary goal. Tuesday.ayy.. footballers. “I don’t think anyone questions about the strength of his test whether they can make good on daniya” before the executed gameplan. Atletico Madrid, drinks mate tea and even turned They are also the only side to Cavaniavaniavvanin hasass expects us to go through to the three-man defensive line and the sharp- tactical and technical promise but the quarter-finals. “There is very often this mis- up at the airport wearing a Uruguay shirt to greet have beaten Russia, overwhelming playedd 101055 semi-finals.” ness of an attacking force which had ‘miracle’ of Rostov suggests Martinez Spain averaged 69 percent taken assumption that ball his teammates when they qualified for Russia. them 3-0 in the group stage in what times forr hi hhiss In a goalless first half on Monday, knocked in nine in three games in the has brought mental steel and strength of the ball in their four games, possession leads to scoring “Antoine, no matter how much he says that appeared to be a reality check for country.ryy.. Iff where the Japanese gave a side ranked group phase. in depth. peaking with a 75 percent share opportunities,” Tabarez said. he’s half-Uruguayan is French and does not know the host nation before they want on he hasass nnotnootot third in the world by FIFA no space and Brought in from Everton after quar- Captain Hazard confessed it felt like in their last-16 clash with Russia, “But even if you don’t have what the Uruguayan feeling is,” said Suarez. to stun Spain in the last 16. recoveredereredreded iniin threatened on the break, his players ter-final disappointments at the last Euro 2016 all over again, when a cou- according to FIFA statistics. much ball possession you can “He does not know the dedication and effort that Uruguay extinguished Cristiano time, hhee cocouccoulduldd displayed “a fear of not being able to World Cup and Euro 2016 to provide ple of key injuries saw the Belgians It did not translate into goals still inflict yourself on opponents Uruguayans make from boys to be able to succeed in Ronaldo’s Portugal on a thrilling replacedceedd byy fulfil the tag of being favourites”, said some Premier League collective steel surrender 3-1 to modest Wales. or glory, however, as they were in different ways.” football with so few people.” night in Sochi to reach the quarter- Cristhianiann StSStu-tu- Martinez. to a “golden generation”, Martinez Meunier, too, admitted that he had sent packing on penalties after Perhaps it is too early to The Barcelona star added that the team would have finals, with Edinson Cavani scoring ani, wwhohho hhasass Only once they were 2-0 behind silenced any critics with a double thought, “It’s all over.” labouring like an ageing heavy- sound the death knell for pos- to “wait and see” if his striking partner Edinson Cav- two brilliant goals. playedd 4422 titimesmmemeses with half an hour to play and “nothing substitution. Against Brazil, he said: “We’ll have weight, seemingly bewildered session football, which still has ani, who picked up a calf muscle injury in Uruguay’s Next up the grizzly, experienced for Uruguay,uguuguauugguay,ay,yy, jujjust just 16 16 to lose” did the Red Devils “almost Yannick Carrasco and Dries more tough moments. But it will be a that his once formidable jab was remarkably successful 2-1 win over Portugal last-16, will be ready for Fri- World Cup campaigners take on a fewer ththathanhanann GGriez-rieziez- enjoy the opportunity of getting back Mertens had danced past lesser oppo- great game. It’s now or never for Bel- now little more than a minor proponents. day’s match. young France -- including mann hhasas appappearedppeaeared into it”, he added. sition in support of Eden Hazard and gium do show we have the talent and irritation. Guardiola’s Manchester City So against Brazil, “we can really striker Romelu Lukaku but the Samu- what they call the ‘golden Germany arrived as world side blitzed their way to the Pre- Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez enjoy it from the first second.” rai Blue’s pressing left them at sea. generation’.” champions, but left after the mier League title, often giving group stage having racked up a opponents little more than a France’s Kylian Mbappe during training yesterday. 67 percent possession average in sniff of the ball. theirt e tthree ee matches, atc es, which w c eended ded Yetet wwith t eveeven tthe e smallest s a est in two ddefeatsefeats anandd oneone ddesper-esper- nations at thethe WorWorldld Cup now Marcelo, Costa back ateate ststoppage-timeoppage-time wwinin over capablecapable ooff mmanninganning tthehe bbarri-arri- Upsets and tears, Asia makes an impact but little progress Sweden.Sweden. cades with ririgidlygidly ororganisedganised defencdefences,eses, jje jealouslyalouslyyg guar guardingdingg at training for Brazil possessionpossession iissnols no llongeronger thethe Japan’s Takashi Inui (right) is consoled by team-mate Keisuke Honda after they lost toREUTERS Asia will host the World Cup that organisation and fighting spirit will cure-allcurecure-a all it wasa on oncece AFP Belgium in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match on Monday. for the second time in Qatar not get you far at the World Cup if you perceivedperceivedd to bebbe.be. KAZAN: South Korea hammered the in 2022, when automatic cannot find the net. SOCHI: Brazil were given a boost in the build-up to Germans, and Japan very nearly did the The South Korean players were in tears their World Cup quarter-final against Belgium as same to Belgium, but Asia’s representa- qualification for the hosts when they realised that their 2-0 win over Marcelo and Douglas Costa both took part in training tives are once again heading home before means the continent could be Germany in Kazan would not send them yesterday. the business end of the World Cup gets represented by six teams. through to the last 16, but defeats in their “Good news! Douglas Costa was released to return going. first two matches had left them with only to training with the rest of the squad and took part in The Samurai Blue looked like provid- the slimmest of chances. today’s activity,” said the Brazilian Football Confeder- ing the biggest shock yet of a tournament Japan likewise might have felt unlucky ation (CBF) on their account, @CBF_Futebol. riddled with upsets when they led the A contingent of five Asian countries on Tuesday morning, but they only made The Juventus winger has only featured once in Bra- richly talented Belgians 2-0 with half an competed in Russia for the first time, and it to the second round because they had zil’s campaign in Russia so far, coming off the bench in hour to play on Monday, only to lose 3-2 at least there were four victories to cele- fewer yellow cards in the group stage than the 2-0 victory against Costa Rica in their second group in the last minute of stoppage time. Under- brate - a stark contrast with the 2014 finals Senegal. outing. standably, the Japanese were shattered by when the continent went winless. Asia will host the World Cup for the He suffered a thigh injury in that game and missed the end to their dream of reaching the last Japan’s victory over 10-man Colom- second time in Qatar in 2022, when auto- the wins over Serbia in their last group match, and Mex- eight for the first time and becoming Asia’s bia in their opening fixture was the first matic qualification for the hosts means ico in the last 16 on Monday. first World Cup quarter-finalists since the competitive win for the continent over a the continent could be represented by six Brazil won both games 2-0 and now face Belgium continent hosted the tournament in 2002. South American side, while South Korea’s teams. in the last eight in Kazan on Friday. “This is football. It is a bitter pill to defeat of the defending champions in their China will still need a serious upturn Marcelo missed the Mexico game with a back prob- swallow, but a result that we have to final group match was simply in fortunes if it is to join the many Chi- lem, with Filipe Luis filling in at left-back in his absence. accept,” said. extraordinary. nese sponsors in Qatar, and it may even Tite’s squad are due to train at their base in Sochi “I wanted to create a new chapter in Iran also opened with a smash-and- have to wait until the floodgates open on Russia’s Black Sea coast for the last time on Wednes- history, but we have realized what a big grab raid of a win over Morocco but they for the mooted 48-team World Cup in were always up against it in a group that day, before heading to Kazan ahead of the Belgium wall in world soccer we have to climb.” 2026 for a place on football’s biggest Argentina’s Lionel Messi (left) and Nigeria’s John Obi clash. It is a wall that Asian teams have man- also featured Spain and Portugal, while stage. Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro will miss that aged to scale only twice: when South Korea Saudi Arabia beat Egypt in a final fixture At the very least, though, the per- game due to suspension, with Fernandinho of Man- reached the semi-finals on home soil in that was the deadest of dead rubbers. formances of Japan and South Korea might Mikel vie for the ball during their FIFA 2018 World Cup chester City expected to replace him in the starting 2002, and their cousins in the North got Only Australia, part of the Asian con- stop Asia being the first point of call for Group D football match in Saint Petersburg in this June line-up. to the last eight at the 1966 World Cup in federation since 2006, were unable to those who want to argue that the World 26 file photo. England. register a victory, once again illustrating Cup is already too big. 22 SPORT WEDNESDAY 4 JULY 2018

Red Bull are in running for Djokovic and Nadal through both F1 titles, says Horner at Wimbledon, Kvitova out REUTERS AP “The nerves were there PARIS: Red Bull have to be Spain’s Rafael Nadal’s celebrates winning his first again,” Kvitova said. “I just tried considered contenders for round match at the Wimbledon against Israel’s Dudi LONDON: Two-time champion to kind of fight with myself.” As both Formula One champi- Petra Kvitova made a stunning Kvitova faltered, the other major Selaat at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet onships this season, team first-round exit from Wimbledon contenders on her side of the Club in London, Britain, yesterday. boss Christian Horner said yesterday as she lost 6-4, 4-6, women’s draw advanced in style. yesterday. 6-0 to unseeded Aliaksandra After losing just one set on The former world cham- Sasnovich of Belarus. her way to the Wimbledon title pions are third overall, 58 The eighth-seeded Kvitova a year ago, Garbine Muguruza points adrift of leaders Ferrari entered the tournament as one picked up exactly where she left in the constructors’ standings, of the favorites despite having off, beating British wild card after nine races. withdrawn ahead of the third Naomi Broady 6-2, 7-5 on They are the only team to round at Eastbourne last week Tuesday. have won grands prix with with a right hamstring The No. 3-seeded Muguruza both their drivers this season, complaint. saved the only break point she however, and are matching However, that didn’t appear faced and could have ended the Ferrari and champions Mer- to be affecting her as she rallied encounter more swiftly had she cedes with three wins. to level the match by winning the taken advantage of her own “I think we definitely second of two closely fought sets. chances. have an outside chance,” Despite the 2011 and 2014 “I’m pretty happy with my Horner, whose team won four Wimbledon champion being serve and controlling the emo- titles in a row between 2010 vastly more experienced than tions,” Muguruza said. “You fulfilling the honor of opening unseeded Belgian Alison Van American Jack Sock, seeded 18th, and 2013 and before a change Sasnovich - who has never been know, to be back in a Grand Slam proceedings on Centre Court on Uytvanck. was up by two sets but still lost in the engine regulations, told beyond the third round at a is always difficult, so I’m excited Day 2 of the tournament was The top-seeded Halep, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to reporters at the team’s factory Grand Slam - Kvitova was the with the way I’m playing.” tempered by the nationality of playing her first match since Matteo Berrettini. ahead of the British Grand one overcome by nerves in the The usual adulation afforded Muguruza’s opponent. Muguruza winning the French Open, There were no such diffi- Prix. deciding set. to the reigning champion was shown respect but the recorded a comfortable 6-2, 6-4 culties for former champions “Our Achilles Heel has British crowd backed Broady. win over Japan’s Kurumi Nara. Rafael Nadal and Novak been not scoring with both However, the 2016 French Johanna Konta, who Djokovic, who both won in cars, either through reliability Open champion quickly dis- knocked out Halep on the way straight sets. or other incidents. pelled any thoughts of an upset to the semifinals a year ago, Nadal moved into the second “Formula One is full of ifs, by breaking Broady’s opening made it through to the second round with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 win buts and maybes but if you service game, and did it again to round by defeating Natalia Vikh- over Dudi Sela of Israel, while look at the positions we were take the first set 6-2. lyantseva of Russia 7-5, 7-6 (7). Djokovic eased past Tennys in, and should have been in, Broady saved six break Australian trio Daria Sandgren of the United States then we should be leading the points in the second set before Gavrilova, Ashleigh Barty, and 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. championship today.” Aus- succumbing to Muguruza’s con- Samantha Stosur all advanced The second-seeded Nadal tralian Daniel Ricciardo is 50 stant pressure in the 12th game. with straightforward wins. hadn’t played a match since points behind Ferrari’s leader The Spaniard failed to build The 26th-seeded Gavrilova claiming his 11th French Open Sebastian Vettel but won in upon her dominant display at cruised past US lucky loser title last month, but showed little China and Monaco. last year’s Wimbledon as she Caroline Dolehide 6-2, 6-3. She sign of rust as he cruised to Dutch team mate Max exited the US Open in the second will face Stosur in the next round, victory against Sela. Vertappen, triumphant in round and this year’s Australian after the 2011 US Open champion Djokovic earned his 59th Austria last weekend, is three Open in the fourth. defeated Shuai Peng of China match victory at the All points behind Ricciardo and However, her best tennis - 6-4, 7-5. England Club. That puts him has scored as many points as and both of her Grand Slam titles Meanwhile, the 17th-seeded level with John McEnroe in Mercedes’ reigning world - have come during the Barty defeated Swiss opponent fifth place on the all-time list, champion Lewis Hamilton European summer, and a run to Stefanie Voegele 7-5, 6-3 to behind only Roger Federer, from the last five races. the French Open semifinals last claim her first main-draw singles Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker Neither of the Red Bulls month suggests that may be the victory at the All England Club. and Pete Sampras. finished in Bahrain and case once more. She will next face British wild Juan Martin del Potro Azerbaijan, while Mercedes Only an inspired per- card Gabriella Taylor or 2014 improved to 9-0 in the first had a double retirement in formance from eventual runner-up Eugenie Bouchard. round of Wimbledon with a 6-3, Austria that ended Hamilton’s champion Simona Halep There were also surprise 6-4, 6-3 win over Peter record run of 33 successive knocked her out at Roland defeats on the men’s side of the Gojowczyk of Germany. races in the points. Ferrari Garros, and with grass being draw as both David Goffin and The fifth-seeded Argentine have so far avoided such a better suited to Muguruza, she is Dominic Thiem lost. will next face Feliciano Lopez, wipeout. a major contender at The 51st-ranked Matthew who broke Roger Federer’s Horner said Red Bull were Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning a point against Wimbledon. Ebden upset 10th-seeded Goffin record by appearing in a 66th closing the gap and there was Tennys Sandgren of US during their men’s singles first “The fact that it’s different of Belgium 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, before consecutive Grand Slam singles still a long way to go, with cir- round match at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships at surfaces, it helps,” Muguruza seventh-seeded Thiem retired tournament as he defeated Fed- cuits like Hungary and Sin- the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, yesterday. said. hurt with his opponent, Marcos erico Delbonis of Argentina 6-3, gapore playing to the team’s Her next opponent will be Baghdatis, leading 6-4, 7-5, 2-0. 6-4, 6-2. strengths.

Sulaka and Froome leads Atletico Madrid’s Fernandez Bugshan opt Team Sky’s to play for Tour charge signs contract with Al Sadd Al Khor REUTERS THE PENINSULA PARIS: Chris Froome will THE PENINSULA lead Team Sky’s lineup for the : Football giants Al Sadd Tour de France, the team have signed a two-year deal DOHA: Al Khor have roped announced yesterday, a day with Spain’s Gabriel Fernandez. in experienced Rebin Sulaka after cycling’s world The 34-year-old former to beef up their backline governing body cleared him Atletico Madrid midfielder, who ahead of the new QNB Stars in a doping case. arrived in Doha yesterday, can League. Al Khor have also Defending champion extend the contract to a third managed to sign a deal with Froome will be seeking a season provided both parties Mohamed Ahmed Bugshan fourth straight Grand Tour agree to renewing the deal. from Al Shamal Club. win when he starts the gru- Fernandez was received at Sulaka, a Swedish Iraqi elling race on Saturday. the Hamad International Airport Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Gabriel Fernandez signs a two-deal player, is one of the tallest On Monday, the UCI by Al Sadd officials Turki Al Ali, with Qatar’s Al Sadd in the presence of club officials in Doha yesterday. members of the side at 1.93 cleared him of any wrongdoing general manager of the club, meters. over his positive test for an Mohammed Ghulam Al Balooshi, The 26-year-old, who asthma drug at last Septem- sports director of the club, and sure of the success of the 2022 helping the side win the , non-international players who played for Al Markhiya last ber’s Vuelta a Espana which he Ahmed Al Ansari, media officer. FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” he the King’s Cup and the European will continue training on a daily season, has already joined Al won. Froome, 33, was also vic- Fernandez said he was told the club website. Champions League twice and basis until July 12. Al Sadd will Khor at their pre-season torious in the Giro d’Italia in thrilled to feature for Al Sadd in The Spanish star said that he reaching the Champions League have their pre-season tracing training camp in the May while the investigation the new QNB Stars League plans to employ all his expe- final on two occasions. camp in Bad Haring in Austria Netherlands. was continuing. season that kicks off in August. rience to support Qatar and Meanwhile, Al Sadd have until July 28. The club said Bughsan, a “The last twelve months “It is a new challenge for me. Qatari football. kicked off their pre-season In Austria, Ferreira’s side is Yemeni left-back, will be reg- have been the hardest but I have decided to play in Qatar He said: “I will try very training at the club premises. scheduled to play friendlies on istered as a resident after also the most incredible of my especially after many years of hard to consolidate the Coached by Jesualdo Fer- July 19, 23 and 27 before QFA’s decision to renew the career,” Froome said. playing in the Spanish league,” concept of European thought reira, Al Sadd players partici- returning to Doha for the start contract with Yemeni players “I have never started the Fernandez said. in Qatar and try to help Qatari pated in fitness drills and fea- of the new QNB Stars League as residents. Tour de France after riding “I am trying to play this players to develop during this tured in set-piece action during season. With Adel Al Sulaimi the Giro d’Italia and it has game with all strength and great period.” the first session held at Jassim Al Sadd’s Saad Al Dosari, taking over as coach for Al meant a completely different motivation,” he added. “This is He added: “My goal with Al Bin Hamad Stadium. Meshaal Barshim, Ibrahim Majid, Khor, the QNB stars League approach to my season.” a new experience for me to play Sadd will be to compete and win Club officials Turki Al Ali, Pedro Miguel, Abdel Karim outfit will be looking to get However, he said he had in a new club,” he said. titles. The AFC Champions General Manager, Mohamed Hasan, Salim Al Hajri, Boualem positive results in the new learnt a lot from riding the “I have seen many places in League quarterfinals will be our Ghanem Al Ali, Head of Football, Khokhi, Hassan Al-Haydos, season that kicks off on Spanish event straight after Doha and I have seen the prep- first stop.” and Mohammed Ghulam Al Akram Afif and Ali Asad will be August 4. the Tour de France last year. arations (Qatar is making) for Fernandez, known as Gaby, Balooshi, Sports Director, were away from the camp as they are A strong defense and Froome is looking to hosting the 2022 FIFA World began his career at Atletico also present to watch the players part of the Qatar national team centre is one of the targets for emulate Jacques Anquetil, Cup, including the Khalifa Inter- Madrid before moving to Getafe in action. training. coach Al Sulaimi. Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault national Stadium, which is a and Real Zaragoza. He returned The training session was The new QNB Stars League Al Khor finished 8th in the and Miguel Indurain as a five- great football venue. I am quite to the Spanish capital in 2011 attended by a large number of season starts on August 4. last QNB Stars League season. time Tour de France winner. WEDNESDAY 4 JULY 2018 SPORT 23 Finch dazzles as Australia smash Zimbabwe

AFP SCOREBOARD Australia H Masakadza st Carey b Agar ...... 12 HARARE: A slew of records A Finch hit b Muzarabani ...... 172 T Musakanda lbw b Agar ...... 10 tumbled as Australia destroyed D Short c Moor b Muzarabani ...... 46 P Moor c & b Tye ...... 19 Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the G Maxwell () ...... 0 E Chigumbura c Short b Tye...... 7 Twenty20 tri-series at Harare M Stoinis(not out) ...... 1 R Burl c Richardson b Tye ...... 10 Sports Club yesterday. Extras (LB5, W5) ...... 10 T Chisoro c Agar b Maxwell ...... 6 Australian captain Aaron Total (2 wkts) ...... 229 C Mpofu c Short b Stoinis ...... 3 Finch powered his way to 172, a Did not bat: T Head, N Maddinson, A Carey, A Agar, B Muzarabani (not out) ...... 1 new world record high score in A Tye, J Richardson, B Stanlake J Nyumbu (not out) ...... 6 T20 internationals, and his Fall of : 1-223 (Short), 2-228 (Finch) Extras (LB1, W8) ...... 9 opening partnership with D’Arcy Bowling: Nyumbu 3-0-44-0; Muzarabani 4-0-38- Total (9 wkts) ...... 129 Short put up 223, another world 2; Mpofu 4-0-53-0; Chisoro 4-0-19-0; Burl 2-0-30- Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-57, 3-71, 4-90, 5-98, 0; Chibhabha 2-0-19-0; Mire 1-0-21-0 6-101 , 7-108, 8-121, 9-122 record. Zimbabwe Bowling: Stanlake 3-0-39-1; Richardson 4-0-23-1; Australia reached 229 for 2, C Chibhabha c Carey b Richardson 18 Agar 4-1-16-2; Short 2-0-20-0; Tye 4-1-12-3; Max- the highest total ever scored S Mire c Stoinis b Stanlake 28 well 1-0-7-1; Stoinis 2-0-11-1 against Zimbabwe in a T20I. Finch cracked his first six in the fourth over of the morning, be caught for 46, while Finch fell 40 in the fourth over, but once and with his third he brought up in bizarre circumstances in the they were dismissed regular a 22-ball half century. final over. wickets quickly stalled the That was his fastest in Stretching out to hit a full innings. Twenty20 internationals. from Muzarabani, he Left-arm spinner Ashton Australia took 75 from the over-balanced and kicked his Agar raced through four overs Powerplay, with Finch doing the own stumps to be out hit conceding just 16, while Andrew bulk of the scoring while Short Australia’s captain plays a shot during the third match of the T20 Tri-Series at wicket. Tye’s seamers were even more was content to turn the strike Harare Sports Club, yesterday. While Muzarabani finished effective. over to his big-hitting partner. with two wickets to his name, Tye took 3 for 12 as Australia When the team hundred left-arm spinner Tendai Chisoro inflicted one last record against came up halfway through the middle of his own bat, though, the end of the 14th over, taking He then surpassed his own world was the only bowler to escape the host Zimbabwe, who 10th over, Finch had 74 runs to and took a brace of sixes off Ryan just 50 deliveries. record high score of 156 with his severe punishment. slumped to their largest-ever his name, while Short had Burl’s legspin to take his strike Four overs later, his 15th four ninth six. It appeared Zimbabwe might defeat in T20Is. managed just 19 from the 24 balls rate to over a run a ball. took Australia’s score to 200, and Short eventually fell make a fist of their huge chase Zimbabwe will take on he had faced. Finch, meanwhile, brought Finch then moved beyond 150 swinging across the line at fast when openers and Pakistan today in the tri-series’ Short soon began to find the up his second T20I hundred at with a swipe to deep midwicket. bowler Blessing Muzarabani to Chamu Chibhabha rushed past next match.

India’s Kannanur Lokesh Rahul celebrates scoring his half century ICC unveils tougher sanctions during theTwenty20 t match against England at Old Trafford ground in Manchester, for ball tampering, sledging northwest England, yesterday.

AFP maximum sanction is 12 suspension points, the equivalent to six Test matches or 12 DUBLIN: The International Cricket Council one-day internationals. (ICC) on Monday unveiled tougher sanctions “The board also agreed to consider how for ball tampering and sledging in a bid to member boards can be held liable for its improve on-field behaviour in the sport. players’ behaviour with appropriate sanc- The changes come in the wake of a ball- tions to be imposed on boards when the tampering scandal in South Africa in March accumulated number of offences by its that saw Steve Smith stripped of the Aus- players exceed certain thresholds,” the ICC tralian captaincy and suspended from inter- said in a statement. national and domestic cricket for a year. ICC Chief Executive David Richardson Teammates David Warner and Cameron added: “There is a clear desire here to Bancroft were also banned. reclaim cricket’s unique proposition as a “It is vital that there is a strong game that people can trust in and for us all deterrent to both players and adminis- to live the spirit of cricket in a way that is Steve Smith of Toronto Nationals hits out trators to ensure we have high standards relevant in the 21st century. during a Global T20 Canada match against of conduct in our game. We have more than “With regard to building a culture of Winnipeg Hawks at Maple Leaf Cricket Kuldeep, Rahul a billion fans and we must not give any of respect, the board agreed that members them any reason to doubt the high levels Clubin King City, Canada on Monday. should treat each other with respect as of integrity within our sport,” said ICC well as ensuring that their teams respect chairman Shashank Manohar. each other, the game and the match lead India to T20 Changes to the ICC’s code of conduct an umpire’s instructions, and changing the officials.” included the introduction of a raft of tougher condition of the ball, the Dubai-based gov- After its five-day annual conference in sanctions, to be introduced later this year, erning body said. Dublin, the ICC also agreed a plan for sta- win over England for cheating (other than ball-tampering), per- Ball tampering will now be considered bilising the financial, cricket and man- AFP sonal abuse, audible obscenity, disobeying a level-three offence, for which the agement structures at . with some brutal hitting as he whacked five sixes and 10 fours MANCHESTER: Kuldeep en route to an unbeaten 101 off Yadav claimed his maiden 54 balls. five- England’s form in ODI wicket haul and KL Rahul cricket has seen them climb Bangladesh recall half-fit struck his second century in the to number one in the world format as India began their tour in that format, but their T20 of England with an impressive side remains a work in eight-wicket victory at Old progress. Mustafizur for Windies ODIs Trafford yesterday. After they whitewashed Left-arm spinner Yadav fin- Australia 5-0 in their ODI series AFP already included uncapped ished with 5-24 as England and won the only T20, hopes pacer Abu Jayed as back-up to were restricted to 159-8 after were high against India. DHAKA: Bangladesh yesterday Mustafizur, which raised the they collapsed from 94-1 fol- However, their explosive included half-fit pace bowler number of players in the squad lowing India skipper Virat top order toiled against Yadav Mustafizur Rahman in their to 16. Kohli’s decision to insert the which will be of particular squad for a three-match Jayed, who played three hosts at the toss. concern for the respective one-day international series Twenty20 internationals but has Jos Buttler was the only limited overs and Test chal- against the West Indies later this yet to make his debut in other England batsman to cause the lenges ahead during the month. formats, was one of the four India attack any trouble on his remainder of the English Mustafizur has been out of players to get his maiden ODI way to 69 from 46 balls before summer. competitive cricket since he hurt call up in a revamped squad that he also fell victim to the India removed Roy in the his left big toe in May during an last played a 50-over game in beguiling spin of Yadav. fifth over when he mistimed a Indian Premier League match January. India then confidently pull shot off seamer Umesh for the Mumbai Indians. Top-order batsman Nazmul chased down the total in 18.2 Yadav (2-21) through midwicket The 22-year-old missed a Hossain, off-spinner Nazmul overs as Rahul -- dropped on and ended up chopping on to three-match Twenty20 interna- Islam and pacer Abu Hider were 17 by Jason Roy -- mixed finesse his stumps for a 20-ball 30. tional series against Afghanistan the other three new additions in June and was also excluded while selectors also recalled SCOREBOARD from the Bangladesh squad for batsmen Liton Das and England Bowling: Kumar 4-0-45-0 (4w); U Yadav 4-0-21- the two-Test series against the Mosaddek Hossain. J Roy b U Yadav ...... 30 2; Chahal 4-0-34-0 (1w); Pandya 4-0-33-1; Kul- West Indies, beginning on Opener Imrul Kayes, J Buttler c Kohli b K Yadav ...... 69 deep Yadav 4-0-24-5 Wednesday in Antigua. middle-order batsmen Nasir A Hales b K Yadav ...... 8 India “He has yet to regain his full Hossain and Mohammad E Morgan c Kohli b K Yadav ...... 7 R Sharma c Morgan b Rashid ...... 32 fitness. Yet, we included him in Mithun, pacer Abul Hasan, all- J Bairstow st Dhoni b K Yadav ...... 0 S Dhawan b Willey ...... 5 the ODI squad because we have rounder Mohammad Saif Uddin Bangladesh Mustafizur Rahman plays a shot during J Root st Dhoni b K Yadav ...... 0 KL Rahul (not out) ...... 101 some time in our hands,” said and off-spinner Sunzamul Islam the Nidahas Twenty20 Tri-Series match against M Ali c Raina b Pandya ...... 6 V Kohli (not out) ...... 20 chief selector Minhajul Abedin. have been excluded. India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo D Willey (not out) ...... 29 Extras (LB1, W4) ...... 5 C Jordan c & b Yadav ...... 0 Total (2 wkts) ...... 163 “We will see him how he The first two matches of the in this March 14, 2018 file picture. L Plunkett (not out) ...... 3 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-130 goes in a four-day match against series will be held in Guyana Extras (LB2, W5) ...... 7 Bowling: Willey 4-0-30-1 (2w); Jordan 4-0-27-0; Sri Lanka A next week. If he can on July 22 and 25 while St. Kitts Total (8 wkts) ...... 159 Plunkett 4-0-42-0 (2w); Rashid 4-0-25-1; Moeen prove his match fitness, only will host the final ODI on July , Anamul Haque, Nazmul Hossain, Mehedi Hasan, Did not bat: A Rashid 2.2-0-37-0 then he will travel with the 28. Liton Das, , Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-95, 3-106, 4-107, 5-107, Result: India won by eight wickets squad,” he said. Bangladesh squad: Mashrafe Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Hider 6-117, 7-141, 8-149 Man-of-the-match: Kuldeep Yadav Minhajul added they have Mortaza (Capt), , Riyad, Mosaddek Hossain, and Abu Jayed. WEDNESDAY 4 JULY 2018 SPORT 24

SWEDEN SWITZERLAND Sweden’s Emil Forsberg scores their first goal past Switzerland’s Yann Sommer during the FIFA 2018 World Cup round of 16 match at the Saint Petersburg 1 0 Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia, yesterday. FORSBERG - 66"

Croatia’s Sweden edge past Switzerland Subasic remembers to book place in quarter-finals tragic friend AFP AFP Their next opponents would be foolish most of them. Marcus Berg blasted over to take them lightly.The one blemish on when set free early on and then saw his ZAGREB: Goalkeeper Danijel SAINT PETERSBURG: Sweden reached the victory was a yellow card for defender finish blocked following a poor clearance Subasic, the hero of Croatia’s the World Cup quarter-finals for the first Mikael Lustig, who will now be suspended by Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. dramatic World Cup win time in 24 years after Emil Forsberg’s for the quarter-final in Samara on After a slow start, and Lustig’s foul on against Denmark, has deflected shot earned a scrappy 1-0 win Saturday. Josip Drmic, Switzerland grew in confi- revealed he wears a T-shirt over Switzerland yeserday. Both sides had been hampered by sus- dence and should have scored when in honour of a friend who This was far from a classic at the Saint pensions here too, with Switzerland more Blerim Dzemaili snatched at Steven died after hitting his head on Petersburg Stadium and if Colombia or badly affected. They were without both Zuber’s pull-back. a concrete wall during a England’s players were watching on from Fabian Schaer and captain Stephan Lich- At the other end, Albin Ekdal was even match. Moscow, they could be forgiven for feeling tsteiner at the back, prompting Johan closer, and completely free, when he side- Subasic has been the bullish about their prospects in the last Djourou and Lang to come in. footed Lustig’s cross over. focus of frenzied media eight. For Sweden, Gustav Svensson Rather than let loose, both teams attention since he saved three Switzerland’s Michael Lang was sent replaced Sebastian Larsson in midfield. tightened after the interval, and Forsberg’s Denmark penalties in a off in injury-time for a last-ditch push on After back-to-back penalty shoot- goal came out of the blue. With space on shootout on Sunday to ensure Martin Olsson and referee Damir Skomina outs, Brazil versus Mexico and Belgium’s the edge of the box, his dummy did for Croatia’s place in the quarter- downgraded his penalty to a free-kick on pulsating comeback against Japan, there Granit Xhaka before the shot was helped finals in Russia. the edge of the area. But the game was was always a danger this last-16 tie would in by the outstretched foot of Akanji. On most of the photos in already up. struggle to deliver, even on low Switzerland twice went close to Emil Forsberg of the Croatian press he is seen Forsberg’s second-half strike, which expectations. grabbing an equaliser, as Djourou’s header Sweden celebrates in a T-shirt he wears under deflected off the unfortunate Manuel It was a contest that lacked quality, dribbled agonisingly across the goal-line after scoring a his jersey, featuring a portrait Akanji, means Sweden are through to the particularly in the final third, where both and substitute Haris Seferovic drew a late goal during the of Hrvoje Custic under the World Cup last eight for the first time since teams were often painfully imprecise. save from close range. Olsson was pushed FIFA 2018 World caption “Forever”. 1994 in the United States. Victor Lindelof slipped on the ball in in the back by Lang with only Sommer to Cup round of 16 The two played together Their route to the quarters has not the first 10 seconds and that set the tone beat in injury-time, with Skomina initially match at the Saint for their hometown team NK been easy and, what they have lost in the for the first half, which was largely a col- awarding a penalty but changing his Petersburg Stadium Zadar when in 2008 Custic individual brilliance of Zlatan Ibrahi- lection of mishit passes, heavy touches decision to a free-kick after he consulted in Saint Petersburg, tragically hit his head on a movic, they appear to have gained in grit, and skewed shots. the replay. Lang’s red card stood and concrete wall surrounding the Russia, yesterday. determination and collective spirit. There were chances and Sweden had Sweden held on. pitch during a First Division match. He died a few days later. Subasic, 33, always plays in a T-shirt with Maradona offers to coach Argentina for free Custic’s image under his jersey, sometimes with the caption “Where are you, AFP the national team and I would Sampaoli, though, has the world -- it really hursts to my angel?” do it for free, I wouldn’t ask for another four years to run on his see everything that we’ve built “My Hrvoje will always be BUENOS AIRES: Diego anything in return,” Maradona contract, meaning the Argentine destroyed so easily.” Maradona with me, and not only on a Maradona wants to return to the said on his programme, which Football Association (AFA) would was a genius as a player, leading T-shirt but also in my heart,” position of Argentina coach and runs on Venezuelan channel have to pay a reported $15m Argentina to World Cup glory in Subasic said before the World is willing to work for free, as Telesur. (12.9m euros) to sack him. 1986 and again to the final four Cup in Russia. Jorge Sampaoli faces pressure Sampaoli is resisting intense “Hopefully God will give me years later. Subasic remained modest to resign following their World pressure to resign following the strength to return to the But his coaching career has about his performance on Cup travails. Argentina’s 4-3 defeat to France bench,” said Maradona, whose been far less glamorous despite Sunday. Speaking on his “Hand of on Saturday during a World Cup own World Cup coaching cam- his stint in charge of the national “Penalties are a lottery, God” television show, the campaign that was fraught with paign in 2010 ended in an igno- team, in which he presided over this time luck was on our 57-year-old Maradona, who tension and disputes. minious 4-0 thumping by a record-equalling 6-1 defeat to side,” the Monaco goalkeeper coached Argentina for two years The coach is believed to have Germany in the quarter-finals Bolivia. His last two jobs were in told the press. from 2008-10, said it was lost the support of his players in South Africa. the United Arab Emirates, most NK Zadar were also the painful to see the current state with some claims attributing “I’m 57, watching my recently failing to guide Fujairah first team of Croatia captain of the national team. team selection and tactics to country, which was beaten by a to promotion from the Emirati Luka Modric and the two “I would return to leading captain and star Lionel Messi. team that isn’t one of the best in second division last season. played there together.