Mandzukic dashes England s hopes, fires Croatia into final

Transcription

1 FOOTBALL PAGE 3 Deschamps says France can write the most beautiful page CYCLING Page 6 Sensational Sagan clinches another Tour stage Shawwal 28, 1439 AH GULF TIMES SPORT FOOTBALL Belgium will be back for tilt at Euro glory in 2020 Page 2 REPORT CRO 2-1 ENG Mandzukic dashes England s hopes, fires Croatia into final Juventus forward scores in extra time to edge Southgate s men out in the semi-final; Croatia to face France on Sunday Moscow Mario Mandzukic scored the winning goal deep in extra time as Croatia beat England 2-1 in an utterly gripping World Cup semi-final in Moscow yesterday to set up a final date with France. The Juventus forward netted in the 109th minute to complete a remarkable comeback from a shattered Croatian team and take the nation of little more than 4mn people into the World Cup final for the first time in their short history. Kieran Trippier s magnificent early free-kick had seemingly set England on course to reach their first final since they lifted the trophy on home soil back in But it wasn t to be, as Croatia came roaring back in the second half and equalised through Ivan Perisic before somehow finding the energy to win despite being taken to extra time for the third time in 10 days. The biggest winners of the night could well be France, who have had an extra day s rest for Sunday s final after edging out Belgium 1-0 on Tuesday. That will not matter too much right now for Croatia, who are the smallest nation to make it to the final since Uruguay back in England had been the ones hoping to make history, in what was their first appearance in the semi-finals in 28 years. Then they were beaten on penalties by West Germany. Having ended their famous penalty curse by beating Colombia in a shootout in the last 16, they might have fancied repeating here. But Croatia, having won on penalties against Denmark and Russia in the last two rounds, saw the game out, dousing the World Cup dream of Gareth Southgate s side that had gone from the improbable to the possible over the last month in Russia. Southgate stuck with the same starting line-up as that which eased past Sweden in the quarter-finals, while Inter Milan s Marcelo Brozovic replaced Andrej Kramaric in the Croatian line-up. ENGLAND S DREAM START They were looking to the inspirational Luke Modric to control the game, but instead it was he who gave away the early free-kick from which Trippier put England ahead. Croatia s Mario Mandzukic (centre) shoots to score past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (left) during the FIFA World Cup semi-final at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, yesterday. () It was a fantastic curling effort from 25 yards from the Tottenham Hotspur full-back, and England s first goal direct from a free-kick at the World Cup since David Beckham against Ecuador in England could not have imagined a better start. Croatia were stunned, and Ivan Rakitic, usually so accomplished, was especially off his game. Zlatko Dalic s side did gradually grow into the contest, but they could still be relieved to go in at half-time only one goal down, especially as Harry Kane was denied by a combination of goalkeeper Danijel Subasic and the woodwork on the half-hour mark. Croatia hung on and it was to their immense credit that they turned the tide after the break in what developed into an epic encounter. Shooting towards the end of the Luzhniki Stadium where most of their fans were gathered, they equalised in the 68th minute, as Sime Vrsaljko crossed from the right and Perisic stole in front of the stooping Kyle Walker to score with his left foot. Having looked so comfortable earlier, England s young side were rattled, and they were lucky not to go behind soon after as Perisic sent a low shot across Jordan Pickford and off the far post. Unable to get the second goal while they were on top, Croatia were forced into extra time again. Vrsaljko cleared a John Stones header away from in front of the line, but England had Pickford to thank for a brilliant save as Mandzukic connected with a devilish Perisic cross. It was a wonder the Juventus forward did not break a limb as Pickford crunched into him. He managed to carry on after treatment, and he was on hand to sweep the ball low past Pickford after Perisic s header back into the area caught the England defence on the hop to finally decide a brilliant contest. Croatian players celebrate their victory in the FIFA World Cup semi-final against England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow yesterday. () England manager Gareth Southgate (right) consoles captain Harry Kane at the end of the match yesterday. () Kane says England defeat will hurt for a long time England fans react to the loss to Croatia in the World Cup semi-final yesterday. () Croatia s supporters celebrate the win over England in Zagreb, Croatia, yesterday. () England s World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia will hurt for a long time, striker Harry Kane said after their 2-1 extra-time defeat yesterday. It s tough, we re gutted, he said. We worked so hard, the fans were amazing, it was a tough game, a game, when we look back we will think there s stuff we could have done better. We worked as hard as we could... it hurts, it hurts a lot and it will hurt for a long time. We have had a fantastic journey, further than we thought, he added. We created some good chances when we were 1-0 up, maybe we dropped a little too deep but we didn t get enough pressure on the ball. There are a lot of ifs and buts, in these games it s small margins. It s hard to say (what went wrong). There s a lot we could have done better. They played well and made it difficult for us... it s hard to put your finger of it.

2 Didier Deschamps is the fourth manager to lead his team to a World Cup final after playing in one as a player 2 FOCUS Belgium SPOTLIGHT French media see World Cup coming home target Euro glory in 2020 Players like captain Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku and Courtois are still aged under 28 and will be eager to have another chance Paris France s march into the World Cup final dominated the nation s headlines yesterday, with many already predicting a second title for Les Bleus in Moscow on Sunday no matter who they face. The Blue Dream Continues wrote Le Figaro after a night of celebrations by fans who poured into the streets after the 1-0 win over Belgium, watched by 19mn according to French broadcaster TF1. Didier Deschamps is still on track to join Brazilian legend Mario Zagalle and Germany s Franz Beckenbauer, the only two heroes who have reigned over planet football as both player and coach, the broadsheet wrote. Deschamps was captain when France won its first World Cup in 1998, a victory which sparked an outpouring of national pride and jubilation still vivid for millions. Les Bleus grabbed the Devils by the tail in a spectacular match, wrote Le Parisien, confident the team is already at the gates of paradise. No matter if they end up facing England or Croatia, they ll be the favourites for the ultimate title, the paper claimed, dubbing the team The Incredibles. There s no Zinedine Zidane but a bunch of great players surrounded by good players. It s more of a team, a collective instead of a group gathered around a genius. There s still one match to go, but they ve got a freeway in front of them and no more toll booths, Yeo Mariba, the mother of midfielder Paul Pogba, told the paper while leaving the stadium in Saint Petersburg. Sports daily L Equipe, hailing the team s spectacular mastery of the ball and strategy, also said a second star was in reach. A second star which would propel them into another galaxy, that of repeat world champions, alongside Italy, Uruguay, Brazil, Germany and Argentina, it said. Papers also lavished praise on Samuel Umtiti, a player more used to blocking goals than scoring the one that knocked Belgium out of the running on Tuesday. It s a player who s injured, getting treatment every day since he landed in Russia, who has opened the doors to the finals, wrote Liberation. President Emmanuel Macron, who attended Tuesday s match, plans to return to Russia for the final with his wife Brigitte on Sunday, his office told yesterday. We re in the final. Rendezvous Sunday to bring it home, the president, a football lover, tweeted. Belgium s Eden Hazard (left), Marouane Fellaini (foreground), Kevin De Bruyne (top) and Jan Vertonghen look dejected after the semi-final loss to France in the FIFA World Cup match in St Petersburg, Russia, on Tuesday. () St Petersburg, Russia Bitter defeat for Belgium in the World Cup semi-final is tempered by the fact that influential squad members will likely still be around in two years time for the European Championship where they will have another realistic chance at a major title. The country s golden generation had high hopes of a first-ever appearance in a World Cup final but came up short on Tuesday as neighbours France edged them 1-0 at the Saint Petersburg Stadium. But if there is any consolation, it will be that many will return to try again at the Euro 2020 tournament where, should they qualify comfortably, Belgium will be among the favourites. Belgian football has got a wealth of young talent coming through and in my role, I ve got an eye on the Euros in 2020, said coach Roberto Martinez, who signed a two-year contract extension to take him through to 2020 just weeks before the World Cup kicked off. It s too early to make a sort of assessment of the (Russia) tournament at the moment, we need to focus on that final game, coming back to St Petersburg and facing the opportunity of fighting for that third place. Then we ll need to regroup again, as it happens after any tournament, we need to look at the younger generation and try to become stronger from tournament to tournament. There is the drive and ambition, he added. Belgium play on Saturday against the loser of yesterday s semi-final between Croatia and England in the third place playoff. The disappointment is massive but we must be realistic. We have had a good tournament, even the match against France was good, and we can be proud despite the fact that we lost, said De Bruyne Players like captain Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are still aged under 28 and will be eager to have another chance. The disappointment is massive but we must be realistic. We have had a good tournament, even the match against France was good, and we can be proud despite the fact that we lost, said De Bruyne. There was little difference between us and France and, in the end, it was just one corner that proved decisive. Belgium s best international performances have been European Championship runners-up in 1980 and now two World Cup semi-finals, the first of which was in Asked whether being knocked out of the World Cup represented the last chance for a talented group of players who have promised much in recent years, Courtois said: I don t know. The Euros are only two years away. In this July 12, 1998, picture, French player Didier Deschamps and teammates celebrate their World Cup win at the Stade de France. () BOTTOMLINE France holds collective breath as WCup feats fuel joy and hope Paris Millions of jaded but jubilant French were recovering yesterday after a night of celebration following the team s 1-0 World Cup semi-final win against Belgium, a victory that has generated a rare but contagious mood of optimism. For those who returned to work, many had barely slept after the spontaneous explosions of revelry, dancing and car-horn blaring from the streets of Paris to the smallest village squares of a nation heaving to the beat of football chants. The Champs Elysees and the vast circle around the Arc de Triomphe were packed with an estimated 200,000 fans, who danced, sang and drank late into the night. The immediate question on most people s minds yesterday was who will reach the final to face Les Bleus. England and Croatia were scheduled to play in the other semi-final in Moscow later yesterday. There was no consensus about which team would be a preferable meaning easier opponent for France and its hopes of triumphing in a competition it has won just once before, on home soil in On social networks, football buffs shared space with more light-hearted commentators, France fans celebrate the FIFA World Cup semi-final victory over Belgium on the Champs Elysees in Paris on Tuesday. () France were lucky, Belgian PM tells Macron Brussels T he Belgian prime minister told French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday that France had been very fortunate to beat Belgium and reach the World Cup final in Russia. Welcoming fellow leaders including Macron and US President Donald Trump to a summit of the Nato defence alliance in Brussels, premier Charles Michel said the Western bloc some of whom were more interested in the historical and political ramifications of a final faceoff between arch-rivals England and France. Winning the final over England would be sublime, but losing to them would be so awful that I m hoping for Croatia, said one Twitter fan by the name of Antoine. Another contributor made fun of France s rivals on the other side of the channel, saying: Just spoke to an English friend. He tells me England s playing Croatia on Wednesday. So I m like, What a coincidence. We re playing them on Sunday. French TV channels and radio stations talked about little but football, relegating coverage of weightier issues such as a fractious Nato summit to a few seconds. An estimated 19mn of France s 67mn population watched the Belgium game, with that number only likely to grow for the final. Football pundits and celebrities waxed lyrical about the young French side, particularly must go on setting aside differences to protect each other. Then he added: Yesterday in Russia, Belgium played a great game against France. Belgians are generally not too chauvinist but frankly, Emmanuel, yesterday, the French team was very lucky. Like in football, fair play and team spirit are what we need more than ever.. Macron attended the semi-final in St. Petersburg along with the Belgian king and saw France win 1-0 to earn a place in Sunday s final in Moscow. lightning fast striker Kylian Mbappe, one of the stand-out stars of the tournament. In Paris, graffiti popped up on one wall reading Liberte, Egalite, Mbappe!, a play on the national motto of Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite (Freedom, Equality, Brotherhood). In the Belgian capital Brussels, yesterday morning commuters had to endure more than the pain of the previous evening s loss. Honouring a bet between the cities respective metro operators, the Brussels subway train company piped music by late French singer Johnny Hallyday over its sound system.

3 The only manager to win successive World Cups was Italy s Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and FOCUS Deschamps says France can write the most beautiful page It s sport, we have this privilege to give happiness to the French people and the public France s coach Didier Deschamps blows kisses as he celebrates at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final against Belgium in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. () Nick Ames The Guardian France s run to the World Cup final presents an opportunity to erase the pain of Euro 2016, according to Didier Deschamps, who believes his players can write the most beautiful page in the football history of their country when they face England or Croatia on Sunday. Deschamps was in charge when France, favoured to win their home tournament, fell at the final hurdle against Portugal. After his side overcame Belgium to earn their shot at a second world title he explained the experience made their present achievement feel even sweeter. I was there two years ago with my staff, Deschamps said. It was so painful we really want to taste the victory tonight. It s not nothing to win the semi-final of the World Cup after losing the final of the Euro. It s sport, we have this privilege to give happiness to the French people and the public. Comparisons with the World Cup-winning side Deschamps captained in 1998 arose frequently during his post match Deschamps was in charge when France, favoured to win their home tournament, fell at the final hurdle against Portugal press conference, to which he arrived more than an hour after their 1-0 win. He sought to play down any influence that could have on his players, pointing out that their memories will generally be minimal. You have to live in your own times: I never, never, never mention my own history, Deschamps said. Some of them were not born but saw pictures. It belongs to a lot of French people that lived through it but not the young generation. I m here to write a new page in history, the most beautiful page. I m not saying I m not proud of what we did 20 years ago. Nobody will be able to erase it. But we can t look back and see what is in the rear-view mirror. Deschamps was thrilled with the way France nullified a Belgium side he described as being like lightning rods if given space. When it comes to mental strength and solidarity my team demonstrated everything is positive, he said. His counterpart, Roberto Martínez, said the disappointment is huge and he was left to regret the fine margins lax defending that allowed Samuel Umtiti to head the only goal which consigned Belgium to the third place play-off on Saturday. Losing or winning was down to just one deadball situation and that shows how close the game was, he said. We couldn t find that bit of magic in front of goal, that bit of luck. But I m so proud of the players. If you re going to lose, you lose giving everything you ve got and drive until the last second. SPOTLIGHT French defensive strength key to World Cup charge Saint Petersburg France have a muchvaunted attack but it is their defence marshalled by Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane that is impressing at the World Cup - at both ends of the pitch. Centre-back Umtiti scored the only goal in Tuesday s semi-final to condemn Belgium s golden generation to the third-place playoff in Russia. For the third straight knockout match, France needed a gamechanging goal from a defender despite boasting a fearsome attacking pair of 19-year-old sensation Kylian Mbappe and Euro 2016 Golden Boot winner Antoine Griezmann. Right-back Benjamin Pavard s stunning long-range effort from left-back Lucas Hernandez s cross levelled Les Bleus last-16 tie with Argentina at 2-2 after Didier Deschamps side fell behind for the first time in the tournament. Mbappe then took centrestage in a thrilling 4-3 win on the only occasion the French defence have looked vulnerable in Russia. Varane headed the opener in a 2-0 quarter-final win against Uruguay as Luis Suarez was shut out. And Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku could not break through in Saint Petersburg as France registered a fourth clean sheet in six World Cup games to reach the final. The defence was excellent, said Deschamps when asked if Tuesday s performance was the best defensive display during his reign. We had to defend deep, very deep at times because Belgium have technical quality. The idea was not to give them space because they ve rolled over everyone (in reaching the semi-finals), even Brazil. On the few occasions the French defence has been breached, captain Hugo Lloris has come up with big saves against Uruguay and Belgium. Deschamps cautious approach does not win admirers from all quarters. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois declared the result a shame for football. But the success of reaching the World Cup final after also playing in the Euro 2016 final is hard to argue with. More mature As France look to make amends for losing to Portugal on home soil two years ago, the presence of Varane could make the difference. Fresh from winning his fourth Champions League title at just 25 with Real Madrid, Varane missed the Euros two years ago due to a thigh injury. Rivals at club level, he and Barcelona s Umtiti have formed a strong partnership with a combination of aerial power and speed across the ground. As in 2016, the dynamic within the team is very good, but the team is more mature. There is more experience, said Varane. Umtiti was drafted in for his international debut to cover for Varane two years ago, and is determined not to suffer another disappointment in a final. I m not a lucky charm, he said. We did not win the final at the Euros - that s why it s important for me to reach the World Cup final. I hope it will be different and we can bring it back to France. Either side of Varane and Umtiti, Deschamps decision to use 22-year-old converted centrebacks Hernandez and Pavard instead of Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sidibe for their better defensive qualities has been thoroughly justified. Deschamps France may not enthral like the World Cup-winning side of 1998 he captained, but they will be hard to beat for England or Croatia come Moscow on Sunday. England, Uruguay fined for breaching marketing rules England were fined 70,000 Swiss francs ($70,585.9) and Uruguay were given a 50,000 Swiss francs sanction for breaking media and marketing rules during the World Cup, FIFA said yesterday. Several members of the English national team continued to display unauthorised commercial branding on playing equipment items before and during the World Cup quarter-final match between Sweden and England, world Soccer s governing body said. FIFA added that the Football Association had previously been asked to desist. No specific details were given but Croatia and Sweden were previously fined because players wore unauthorised ankle socklets over their team kit or took a drink with a non-sponsors logo onto the field. Uruguay were fined for a similar offence plus for arriving late for one of their matches, which FIFA did not detail. ANALYSIS Set-piece decider proves it is still a simple game St Petersburg For all the intricate planning, cagey tactics and chess-like choreography, the simplicity of football was again emphasised as France secured a place in the World Cup final from a basic set-piece. Antoine Griezmann s nearpost corner was firmly glanced in by Samuel Umtiti as he beat Marouane Fellaini in the air to earn France a 1-0 win over Belgium on Tuesday and a place in Sunday s final against Croatia or England. The 51st-minute goal proved the uncomplicated difference in a match where a rich cast of exciting footballers held out the promise of exquisite skills, devastating movement and brilliant finishing. We have been strong at defending dead ball situations but today it was unfortunate. We got our (defensive) structures right at that corner but it was just a matter of centimetres, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said. Kylian Mbappe s run down the right inside the first 15 seconds suggested France planned to run the Belgians ragged but it was a fleeting illusion as France employed exactly the opposite tactics. They sat back, sometimes dangerously deep on the edge of their penalty area, and let Belgium have the ball, opting instead for counter-attacking. Eden Hazard with the ball at his feet on the edge of the area and Kevin de Bruyne dictating play are dangerous prospects and it was risky business for the French, but when they did get a chance to counter, they were frighteningly quick and equally dangerous. It was like watching two heavyweight boxers eyeing each other out and waiting for the first to blink. When the breakthrough came it was not from a flowing move or piece of individual skill but rather a standard situation - one that is still proving unusually decisive at the highest level of the game. As football grows increasingly sophisticated with cutting-edge science and video technology, it was a vivid reminder of how simple a sport it still remains. The goal gave the French license for a more expansive approach but not at the expense of keeping their defensive shape and they turned the screws on De Bruyne and Hazard by quickly closing them down. France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris did make a world-class save to deny Toby Alderweireld in the first half but after the interval he only had to deal with Axel Witsel s long-range thunderbolt as his team mates controlled the game. Criticised for a slow start to the tournament, France seem to be peaking at exactly the right time and they might well look to keep it simple again in the final. France s defender Samuel Umtiti (top) heads the ball to score the opening goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final against Belgium in Saint Petersburg. ()

4 The record for the lowest attendance was for the match between Peru and Romania in 1930, where just 300 people watched the game 4 SPOTLIGHT French star Pogba looks to be WC hero I ll be 29 in four years; who knows if other young players will come through to take my place France s midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates after defeating Belgium at the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg. () OPINION Belgium s Martinez says disappointed team must try to finish at third spot St. Petersburg Belgium paid the price for failing to take their chances against France but will now have to shake off their disappointment and focus on finishing third at the World Cup, their coach Roberto Martinez said after his team s defeat in the semi-final. Samuel Umtiti headed in from a corner for the only goal of the game to knock Belgium out, and Martinez said that while he was pleased his team negated France s threat on the counter-attack, his players did not show their usual finesse in front of goal. It was a tight game, the Spaniard told reporters. There weren t many big moments... The difference between defeat and winning was just one dead ball situation. We controlled their counterattacks. We had the ball but have to give credit to the way France defended, and we couldn t find that little bit of magic in front of goal. The match was a fascinating tactical battle, with France content to surrender possession and looking to use Kylian Mbappe s pace to hurt Belgium on the counter-attack. Martinez said his team had done well to nullify the French threat from open play and denied that his decision to start Mousa Dembele in midfield had a major effect on the outcome. Dembele was a surprise selection in place of wide man Yannick Carrasco, with Martinez opting to start playmaker Kevin De Bruyne on the right side of attack instead of the middle of the park. But De Bruyne s best moments came when he combined with Eden Hazard on the opposite side of the pitch to the one he was stationed on, and Belgium missed his ability to pick a pass, with striker Romelu Lukaku mostly deprived of service. After his team fell behind, Martinez took off Dembele and pulled De Bruyne back into central midfield, and though Belgium did not get a goal, they controlled the play better and created more chances. I didn t see France running away with the game, Martinez added. It came down to a corner kick. That s why I don t think the performance came down to individuals. From dreaming of a first World Cup final, Belgium will now have to be content with a playoff for third place, but Martinez said he was proud of his players and would do all he could to get them ready for their final match of the tournament. The disappointment is huge... It s a very sad dressing room right now, he said. I don t want any of my players to be frustrated and disappointed. It s a difficult emotion to manage. You re disappointed because you lose the semi-final, and it s very difficult to see the opportunity of playing another game as a positive. We need to regroup and recover and see the opportunity. To try to finish third in the World Cup doesn t happen often. The only time it happened in Belgian football was in 1986, when we finished fourth. We need to understand it s an important game, but I accept it s very difficult after a game with the emotions we had today. When you had the ambition of getting to the final, it s tough individually and collectively to prepare for the next game. IANS St. Petersburg Earlier in this World Cup, 25-year-old French star Paul Pogba said that it could be the last time he appeared in the tournament. If that is the case, he will be bowing out young but on a high. I ll be 29 in four years; who knows if other young players will come through to take my place? Pogba said. If he continues to play like he has in his last two appearances for his country, it is the younger players who should be worried, reports Xinhua news agency. He s a monster, said France coach Didier Deschamps following his team s 1-0 win over Belgium in Tuesday s semi-final. Deschamps, nicknamed the water carrier during his international career as a player, knows a bit about playing in midfield. He has grown in the team, he s an expressive player and his performance only increases his importance to the side, Deschamps said. It all shows how a World Cup can turn a player s fortunes around in a short period of time. Pogba travelled to Russia after a difficult season with Manchester United, where he often seemed at odds with manager Jose Mourinho s plans. If he continues to play like he has in his last two appearances for his country, it is the younger players who should be worried Perhaps because of his club issues, he also struggled to make an impact in France s opening game in the World Cup, even prompting the call from the French fans and media for him to be dropped, which is probably what had him mulling over his international future. But World Cups are special events, with a possible seven games in a month compressing development in a short space of time, and Pogba has grown as France has progressed. Of course it helps that he has N Golo Kante at his side. Pogba can play knowing the Chelsea holding midfielder will be scurrying around filling any gaps behind him, sweeping the ball up and feeding him with a simple pass, allowing him to stride forward rather than being caught in an attack-nor-defence no-man s land in midfield. An intelligent man, who speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish (even though he has never lived in Spain), Pogba dedicated Tuesday s win to the 12 boys rescued from a cave in Thailand. Pogba will be in the side when France take the field for the World Cup final on Sunday and it s clear that in this tournament, it s not how you start, it s how you finish. Pogba dedicates France semi win to rescued Thai boys France midfielder Paul Pogba dedicated his side s World Cup 1-0 semi-final win over Belgium to the 12 Thai boys who were rescued from a flooded cave along with their coach on Tuesday. This victory goes to the heroes of the day, well done boys, you are so strong, Pogba wrote on his official Twitter account after Samuel Umtiti s headed goal put France in Sunday s World Cup final in Moscow. The Wild Boars football team, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-year-old coach became trapped on June 23 while exploring the cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai when a rainy season downpour flooded the tunnels. Yesterday, La Liga said they had invited the boys and their coach to Spain to attend a Spanish top flight game in the future when they have fully recovered from the ordeal. La Liga s president Javier Tebas said: When the moment is right and everyone is ready I would like to invite the children and their coach to go to a Liga game. We would like to host them and share with them the happiness of football, hoping that this can go some way to helping them after everything they ve been through in the last few weeks. FIFA had invited the boys to Sunday s World Cup final although the world organising body said that due to medical reasons the boys would not be in a position to travel to the game, although they would invite them to an event in the future. Belgium s midfielder Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco (left) is consoled by Belgium s coach Roberto Martinez at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final against France at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg. () FOCUS French fans get new angle on Russia at WCup IANS Moscow France, like many other countries, has sent thousands of ambassadors to Russia to root for the national team at the World Cup. Some fans have talked to Sputnik news agency and shared their impressions of the country, recommending that anyone interested should see for themselves. An overwhelming majority of the France fans who talked to Sputnik in Moscow s streets were making their first-ever visit to the capital. The World Cup gave them a unique opportunity to see things from another perspective. We were told that Russians would be fighting with fans all the time. It turned out that this was not true! They are normal! No, this is a good country, said Loic who came to Russia from Nice. We hosted Euro 2016, but the atmosphere here is much better than in France, noted a Frenchman. He pointed to a big number of South American fans, regretting that there were only a few French people. France fans are in the minority at the ongoing World Cup. According to the French Football Federation and FIFA, Russia welcomed from 17,000 to 20,000 fans from France. Those who made it to the host country were lavish with compliments. We re impressed. This is a wonderful city, very beautiful, very clean. Russians are very nice, Margerie and Alain from Lille said. When asked about what was her biggest impression in Russia, Margerie responded, after a pause, Cleanliness. It is much cleaner here than in France. The organisation is another thing, everything is awesome. Maxime from the town of Huez, Isere department praised Moscow s architecture. There are many buildings here that were constructed in the past hundred years. There are more historic, older buildings in France, Maxime said. Those that were built in the Soviet era represent a culture that is closer to us than the French culture in general. Maxime has already visited Red Square, had a tour of several churches and landmarks, and has been to a market. The atmosphere (here) will show Russia from another side, not the one displayed in the mass media. The media only talk politics, but when you come to Russia, you see the Russian people and everything else, and this is a big pleasure, Maxime said. He also gave a thumbs-up to the security during the World Cup. You should come and see Russia, see other cultures, and form your own opinion, he believes. France s supporters celebrate France s 1-0 victory over Belgium in the World Cup semi-final outside the Saint Petersburg Stadium. () FIFA s Samoura says Russia sets bar high for Qatar 2022 FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said yesterday that Russia s staging of the soccer World Cup had set the bar high for Qatar, the tournament s next hosts in I feel for Qatar, because (Russia) has set the bar very, very high, Samoura, referring to the next World Cup in four years time, said at a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of the upper house of Russia s parliament. Samoura asked Matviyenko to convey to Russian President Vladimir Putin FIFA s profound appreciation for everything that he has done to make it possible for the world to watch the beautiful game. I d like to express to Russia the dear, heartfelt thanks of FIFA, Samoura said. The tournament has left visitors with good memories, Samoura said, adding that she thought the doping level has been at record lows. Russia is hosting the tournament for the first time, in 12 stadiums spread across 11 cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi. France will take on either Croatia or England in the final at Moscow s Luzhniki stadium on Sunday. ()

5 SPORT 5 HORSE RACING Countdown on for Qatar Goodwood Festival 2018 Denise Marray London The countdown is now on for the Qatar Goodwood Festival which runs for five days from July 31 to August 4. This great annual celebration of racing is one of social highlights in the UK. Elegant fashion, combined with some of the greatest races in the world, create a festival week like no other. The 10-year partnership with the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), now in its fifth year, has taken Goodwood to a new level in terms of its ability to attract top trainers and horses from around the world. Prize money has grown significantly since before the deal and there is an increasing number of international horses entering and running. Horses and Goodwood are inextricably linked, and it is his Qatari partners love of horses that The Duke of Richmond, Chairman of Goodwood Racecourse West Sussex, most appreciates. What is really refreshing is that we are working with partners who truly value and prize the horse, he said. My mother was mad about Arab horses, and she created the dressage element here. We had the World Championships and Olympics here, he explained. The Duke of Richmond has vivid childhood memories of summer days of racing. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh used to stay with my grandparents every year. They stayed Tuesday to Friday, and it was a big party, he recalled. Speaking of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-thani, owner of Al Shaqab Racing, The Duke of Richmond said: Sheikh Joaan has a lot of vision. I think he feels that with Goodwood it is possible to do something exceptional. We have a good understanding. The Duke of Richmond and his team also work closely with Hamad al-attiyah, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF). Established in 1979, QEF is dedicated to celebrating and encouraging the country s equestrians. A member of the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) since 1980, QEF is focused on the advancement of good horsemanship, and good sportsmanship, in a family orientated environment. The Federation has a focus on building courage, confidence and commitment within its riders; and this dedication has catapulted Qatari athletes to the world stage. In recent years equestrians from the country have qualified for the Asian, Olympic and World Equestrian Games. Prize money for the Qatar Goodwood Festival now totals over 5.5million, with three prestigious Group 1 races and one Group 1 PA race taking place over the first three days of the meeting. The opening day, Tuesday, July 31, features the Qatar Goodwood Cup, a two-mile race with a rich history, which was last year upgraded from Group 2 to Group 1 status. The richest individual race of the week is the Qatar Sussex Stakes on Wednesday, August 1, with prize money of 1million. Some of the most celebrated trainers in the world saddle horses for this prestigious race and there is an unmissable buzz around the Parade Ring beforehand. Also staged on the Wednesday will be the Qatar International Stakes, a Group 1PA race for purebred Arabian horses. The field for this race typically lives up to the name, with horse travelling from France, the Netherlands and Qatar to compete. The third Group 1 of the week is the Qatar Nassau Stakes for fillies and mares, and in 2018 the entries include the winners of the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Oaks at Epsom. As well as the top-level races, there are a number of hugely competitive handicaps, including the Stewards Cup, in which nearly 30 horses will charge down Goodwood s straight at speeds of around 45mph. His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-thani with Chairman of Goodwood Racecourse West Sussex The Duke of Richmond. FOOTBALL Italian media hail Ronaldo signing Just think that he has more than 300 million followers on social networks, that he is known in every corner of the globe and that he is one of the five most famous celebrities on the planet Rome Italian media was bubbling with enthusiasm yesterday after Serie A club Juventus announced the 100 millioneuro deal of the century and wrestled superstar Cristiano Ronaldo from European champions Real Madrid. The country s number one daily the Corriere della Sera led the cries of joy at Ronaldo s arrival by acclaiming a dream come true, while La Repubblica hailed a 117 million-euro dream, referring to the huge investment Juventus will make in their marquee signing. La Repubblica breaks down the cost of the deal to Juventus as 100 million euros going to Real Madrid, a five million-euro solidarity contribution paid to FIFA and 12 million incidental costs. The Corriere della Sera believes that the latter sum is actually the commission being paid to those who facilitated the transfer - principally Ronaldo s agent Jorge Mendes. Spark lit The front page of Italy s principal sport daily Gazzetta Dello Sport has Ronaldo exclaiming I m coming! after what it calls the coup of the century. Rome-based paper Il Messaggero meanwhile acclaimed club president Andrea Agnelli for pulling of the deal of the century. A spark has been lit, let us rejoice, said Corriere Della Sera columnist and Juventus fan Pierluigi Battista. And to think that we saw him as unpleasant, CR7... with his arrogant attitude, statuesque posing and perfectly defined Italian newspapers front pages yesterday enlightening the arrival of Portugal s Cristiano Ronaldo at the Italian Serie A club Juventus. () muscles, continued Battista. But he was applauded by the whole stadium for a scissor kick of absolute beauty that he inflicted on Juventus (in the first leg of the quarter-final of last season s Champions League). We understood that this beauty could and should be ours. Turin-based daily La Stampa, owned by the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group that is in turn the majority shareholder in Juventus, claimed that everyone will watch us. Just think that he has more than 300 million followers on social networks, that he is known in every corner of the globe and that he is one of the five most famous celebrities on the planet. Suffice to say that there will be a positive impact not just for Juve but for the whole of Italian football. Sports daily Corriere dello Sport led with Fiat Lux, a play on the Latin phrase meaning let Teenager Guendouzi achieves childhood dream in joining Arsenal French teenage midfielder Matteo Guendouzi says he wants to become part of the history of Premier League side Arsenal after signing for them yesterday for a fee reported to be 7million ($9.2million). The 19-year-old Arsenal s fifth signing since Unai Emery was appointed Arsene Wenger s successor in late May joins from Ligue 2 outfit Lorient Guendouzi, who began his career in the youth system at Paris Saint Germain before moving to Lorient in 2014, told Arsenal s website for him the move is a dream come true. Arsenal have always been the team closest to my heart and a side I ve wanted to join since I was a child, said Guendouzi. It gives me great pride it s incredible. I hope I can do great things here. It doesn t get any better than coming to a club like this, with so much history, like Arsenal. I m hugely proud. I want to become part of the club s history and to achieve great things here. Emery, who was appointed to the Gunners post after he lost his job at Paris Saint Germain, said Arsenal had fended off several other clubs in securing the signature of Guendouzi, who has been capped at three different age categories by France. He is a talented young player and a lot of clubs were interested in him, said Emery. He has big potential and gained good first-team experience last season with Lorient (in all he made 26 appearances since he made his debut in 2016). He wants to learn and improve and will be an important part of our first-team squad. Guendouzi joins Uruguayan international midfielder Lucas Torreira, veteran Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, German goalkeeper Bernd Leno and experienced Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopouloss as new arrivals at the Gunners. there be light and the world famous car brand. Italian media reports that Ronaldo will be unveiled, after a medical, on Monday morning at Juve s state-ofthe-art Allianz Stadium, where he is set to receive more standing ovations like the one given to him by Juve fans in the spring. NBA Magic waited outside LeBron s house for free agency to start Los Angeles Magic Johnson is nothing if not punctual. The Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations sat in a car for an hour outside LeBron James Southern California home on the night of June 30 before the NBA s free agency period opened. The meeting started promptly at 9:01pm PT, and the next day, James announced that he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign with the Lakers. Johnson told Spectrum SportsNet on Tuesday of his talk with James, We had a great time of going back and forth, here we are, two guys, similar. Both from the Midwest. Both grew up poor. Both love to compete. Both love to win, and I think both excel at the highest level. We connected right when I walked in the door. Just two guys that talk free to each other, and talk basketball, and that s what I love about LeBron. James didn t need to be sold on the Lakers, according to Johnson. He already knew the team. Almost better than I did, Johnson said. He broke the roster down right in front of me. Kuz likes to do this, so and so likes... oh I can t wait, this guy is this. I was like, man, he knows the entire roster. Loves (coach Luke Walton s) system. He said Earvin, you know, I just want to come and be able to just play basketball and be me. And you have the type of roster, I think, that I think I can do that. In the same Spectrum SportsNet interview, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka detailed how he learned the franchise-changing news that James was joining the club. I was outside around 4 or 4:30 p.m. (on July 1), saying, I wonder when we re going to find out the answer? because LeBron and his camp was meeting with another team that day, Pelinka said. At about 5pm, I got a text from LeBron s agent, Rich Paul, and the text just said Congrats. And it had balloons. It was one of those moments in life you ll never, ever forget. Everything went into slow motion. Does this mean what I think it means? He called seconds later with the official news. Meanwhile Lance Stephenson, who once blew in the left ear of LeBron James trying to disrupt the NBA superstar, signed a new contract Tuesday to join James on the Los Angeles Lakers. The 27-year-old American guard played for Indiana the past two seasons, each campaign ending with a firstround playoff loss to James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Stephenson has a history with James, including a choke sign to Miami s bench after James missed a late free throw in a lopsided Indiana playoff win in 2012, trash talk and the ear-blow incident when Miami met Indiana in the 2014 Eastern Conference finals and striking James in the groin when the star drove to the hoop in a game last November. It s actually funny that I m actually on the same team as him. I m very excited to see what that brings, Stephenson said. It s going to be amazing. The deal, reportedly for one year at $4.5 million, unites Stephenson with fellow Lakers free agent signings James, 2008 champion with Boston and four-time All-Star Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. In eight career NBA seaons, five of them with Indiana, Stephenson has averaged 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists a game. After four seasons with Indiana, he played for Charlotte, the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis, New Orleans and Minnesota before rejoining the Pacers just ahead of the 2017 playoffs. Dortmund sign Hakimi Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Morocco international Achraf Hakimi from Real Madrid on a two-year loan deal, the Bundesliga club announced yesterday. An attacking full back, Hakimi started all three of Morocco s games at the World Cup in Russia before they were eliminated in the group stage. The 19-year-old Real Madrid academy graduate made nine league appearances for the Spanish club under Zinedine Zidane last season, as well as playing five times in the King s Cup and twice in the Champions League. Achraf Hakimi is a young, very dynamic full-back who has played at the very highest level with Real Madrid and the Morocco national team, Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said in a statement. Hakimi is new manager Lucien Favre s latest acquisition in a busy close season following the arrival of goalkeepers Marwin Hitz and Eric Oelschlagel, Thomas Delaney and Marius Wolf and defender Abdou Diallo.

6 6 SPORT CYCLING Sensational Sagan clinches another Tour de France stage Olympic road race champion Greg van Avermaet of BMC retains the yellow jersey QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Ahli unveil Dutch midfielder De jong Al Ahli unveiled Dutch player Nigel de Jong for the new QNB Stars League season that kicks off next month. The former LA Galaxy and Galatasaray midfielder was presented in front of the media at the club headquarters. The club said the 32-yearold had passed the medical. I am delighted to join Al Ahli and to feature in the QNB Stars League, De Jong said. I have been warmly received from the moment I landed at the airport right until the medical was conducted, he added. Al Ahli had finished last season in 9th place and will be hoping their new signing can improve their fortunes. De Jong said he sees playing in Qatar a good thing for professional players, noting that football in the Gulf region has evolved a lot. He also said the presence of Spanish legend Xavi in the QNB Stars League had presented a positive image of the league across the world. Arif Abdul Rahman, CEO of Al Ahli, said: De Jong is a great addition to our team. He will be a great asset for us as we play our matches. He will be with our side for the pre-season training camp as soon as possible. QATAR SC HELD BY SERBIAN CLUB Qatar SC played a 2-2 draw against Serbian club FK Mladost in what was the first pre-season friendly for the QNB Stars League outfit. Qatar SC coach Abdullah Mubaraq opportunities to all his players in the friendly clash. Brazilian striker Dudu and Youssef Kubaisi scored goal apiece in each half. The team will continue preparations at the pre-season camp in Serbia. The QNB Stars League outfit will play four more friendly matches with Serbian teams, the club said. Qatar SC will kick off their new season campaign against Al Gharafa on August 4. UMM SALAL ARRIVE IN SLOVENIA FOR PRE-SEASON TRAINING Umm Salal arrived in Slovenia for their pre-season training camp on Tuesday. The Umm Salal contingent arrived in Slovenia after a flight from Doha to Croatia and then to Slovenia by bus. Umm Salal will remain in Slovenia until July 25. The delegation is headed by Nasser al-fadala, the team s manager. French coach Laurent Banide preferred not to train after the arrival at the team s hotel to allow players some much needed rest. The first training session was held yesterday morning. The team will play four friendly matches during the camp with teams from Croatia, Slovenia and Turkey. Coach Banide confirmed the players will undergo training twice a day so that the squad quickly gets into the groove ahead of the new season in Qatar. Umm Salal play Al Sailiya in the season-opener on August 4 at Khalifa International Stadium. Peter Sagan of Slovakia (centre) sprints to win ahead of Sonny Colbrelli (second right) of Italy and Philippe Gilbert (right) of Belgium during the km fifth stage from Lorient to Quimper in France at the Tour de France cycling race yesterday. () Quimper, France Slovakia s Peter Sagan clinched his second stage win of the 2018 Tour de France yesterday, beating Sonny Colbrelli and Philippe Gilbert at the uphill finish of stage five. Defending champion Chris Froome (Team Sky) and the other overall contenders finished in or close to the main group as overnight leader and Olympic road race champion Greg van Avermaet (BMC) retained the yellow jersey. Belgian Philippe Gilbert sparked the hostilities early on the uphill finish of the km ride from Lorient, but the Quick Step rider failed to open up a significant gap on the chasing bunch. Van Avermaet, wearing the yellow jersey, then pulled to the front in a bid for the stage win as the finish line approached but peaked too early. The race leader was left powerless when Sagan sped past on his left. Colbrelli pushed the Slovakian all the way but, as he did on stage two, finished second best to Sagan. Sagan said following the yellow jersey had helped land him the stage. I d like to thank Greg (van Avermaet) because he did me a favour when he went for it, I don t know if he did it on purpose but he dropped a lot of people, said Sagan, who has tightened his grip on the points classification s green jersey. Asked if it would be a battle all the way to Paris with Fernando Gaviria for the green jersey prize, Sagan said: I hope not! The pair have two stage wins each from the first five and Sagan had predicted Tuesday the Colombian might struggle with the climbs. The fact he wasn t in the sprint was good for me, Sagan said. With five categorised climbs to be negotiated over the narrow, tree-lined Brittany roads a breakaway was to be expected. An escape group featuring Sylvain Chavanel embarked on a long range bid with Van Avermaet s BMC doing most of the work at the head of the chasing peloton, and Bora joining the chase late. Today s sixth stage is expected to shake up the peloton as it culminates in the double ascension of the feared Mur de Bretagne climb, a 2km long 6.9% gradient affair. On paper, it looks a step too far for Sagan. Lighter, more agile riders like Van Avermaet, Aejandro Valverde, Julian Alaphilippe and Gilbert are expected to shine. Tomorrow s finish will be very difficult to control over the final 2km, Sagan said. I ll try my best to win but you saw all that today. The Mur de Bretagne is much harder than this, said Van Avermaet, who would not rule Sagan out of contention for the sixth stage. Valverde or Alaphilippe will be there, it s their kind of race, he said. But Gilbert and Sagan will be there until the end. The double ascent of the Mur may tempt a yellow jersey contender to steal a march on his many GC rivals, and is keenly awaited as a key stage on the Tour. Sky were omnipresent over the final kilometres of racing and Luke Rowe said he felt they had been getting a more positive reaction from the crowds after being booed at the presentation. We have actually been getting quite a complimentary reception, of course for every thousand cheers you might get one negative person but you take that in your stride, I ve got broad shoulders, its in one ear and out the other for those who don t appreciate what we re doing. STAGE FIVE STANDINGS 204.5km ride from Lorient to Quimper 1. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) 204.5km in 4hr 48min 06sec 2. Sonny Colbrelli (ITA/BAH) at 0sec. 3. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/QST) Alejandro Valverde (ESP/MOV) Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/QST) Daniel Martin (IRL/EAU) Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/BMC) Soren Kragh Andersen (DEN/SUN) Andrea Pasqualon (ITA/WGG) Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) 0. TOP 10 OVERALL STANDINGS 1. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/BMC) 18hr 22min 00sec, 2. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/BMC) at 2sec. 3. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/QST) Geraint Thomas (GBR/SKY) Julian Alaphilippe (FRA/QST) Bob Jungels (LUX/QST) Tom Dumoulin (NED/SUN) Soren Kragh Andersen (DEN/SUN) Rigoberto Uran (COL/EFD) Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) 52. Nigel De Jong poses with his Al Ahli jersey. US PGA ANNOUNCE REVAMPED SCHEDULE WITH SHORTER PLAYOFFS Miami: A revamped US PGA Tour schedule for the season, with a shortened playoff race and a campaign ending in August, was unveiled on Tuesday by tour commissioner Jay Monahan. Triggered in part by the shifting of golf majors with the PGA Championship moving from August to May starting in 2019, the season will end before the start of the television-dominating NFL season. A 46-tournament schedule begins the week after the Ryder Cup in France with the Safeway Open on October 4-7 in Napa, California, followed by stops in Malaysia, South Korea and Shanghai among eight 2018 events, which top stars typically skip. The season resumes in January with the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, features The Players Championship shifting to March from May to avoid the PGA Championship and again sees the Masters open the major schedule April The 101st PGA Championship will be staged May at Bethpage Black with the US Open four weeks later at Pebble Beach June and the British Open concluding the major schedule July at Portrush in Northern Ireland. The US PGA playoffs will now start August 8-11 with the Northern Trust, which will be played near New York in 2019 and Boston in 2020 as the cities exchange host rights each year rather than each hosting a playoff event as they will this year. Next year s playoffs will continue with the BMW Championship at Medinah near Chicago and conclude the following week at the Tour Championship in Atlanta on August We re extremely pleased with the way the schedule has come together, particularly with the number of changes that were involved and the strength of the partnerships required to achieve this new look, Monahan said. By concluding at the end of August, the FedExCup playoffs no longer have the challenge of sharing the stage with college and professional football. The revamp avoids tight scheduling around the season finale at the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup dates as well as provides options around the Olympics, which saw golf return at Rio in The Houston Open and Greenbrier Classic will move to the fall schedule in 2019 with new US Midwest events added. The Rocket Mortgage Classic, which replaces the Tiger Woodshosted National near Washington, will be played June at Detroit and the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota will be staged the following week. The Canadian Open will move from late July to June 6-9 as a lead-in to the US Open the following week. The Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial tournament remains the top US Open tuneup May 30- June 2. The Puerto Rico Open will return after being cancelled this year due to the devastation from Hurricane Maria. It will be February 21-24, the same week as the World Golf Championships Mexico Championship. The WGC will play in Akron, Ohio, for the final time next month as the event moves to Memphis for the WGC St. Jude Invitational, replacing a regular tour event, next July. The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill will be played the week before the Players while the WGC Match-Play Championship and a PGA event in the Dominican Republic come two weeks before the Masters, whose lead in remains the Texas Open. The PGA plays May 2-5 at Quail Hollow, host of last year s PGA Championship, two weeks before next year s PGA Championship, which splits the tour s two events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. QATAR ROUND-UP Mubarak wins club tournament in France Qatar s Mubarak Shanan claimed the title at the US PEQO Tennis Club Tournament held in Cannes, France, where the Qatar team is holding a training camp. Mubaraka al-naimi had also clinched the title at Opio Tournament earlier this week. Coached by Younes El Aynaoui, the Qatari squad includes Mousa Shanan, Mubarak Shanan, Issa Shanan, Jabor al-mutawa, Rayene Alami and Mubarak al-sulaiti. Ibrahim al-khelaifi, Deputy Head of National Teams Committee at the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) is heading the Qatari delegation. Khalid al-khelaifi, the QTSBF Board Member and Head of National Teams Committee, said: The men s team training camp being held in France comes as a part of the plan developed by the federation to provide its players with opportunity to compete with players from other countries. We are impressed with their performances in club tournaments so far. QATAR TO PLAY THREE FRIENDLIES AHEAD OF 2019 AFC ASIAN CUP Qatar s senior football team will play three international friendly matches as part of their preparation for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup to be held in January in United Arab Emirates. Qatar squad take on China in the first friendly game on September 7 at Khalifa International stadium, followed by a second friendly against Palestine on September 17. The third game will be played against Ecuador October 2. Currently, the Qatar national team is undergoing intensive training programme in Austria. QATAR BEACH VOLLEYBALL TEAM RISES TO 16TH RANK Qatar beach volleyball team duo of Sharif Younis and Ahmed Tijana are currently Mubarak Shanan placed 16th in the FIVB World Rankings. They had finished fifth at the Espinho tournament recently held in Portugal. The world ranking is led by the Poland.

7 CRICKET 7 SPOTLIGHT England series useful World Cup rehearsal: Rohit In the last year or so we have played some good cricket, in and out of India London India can use the three-match One Day International series with England as a useful learning curve ahead of next year s World Cup, says the tourists vice-captain Rohit Sharma. England and Wales are hosting the quadrennial one-day tournament and Sharma told the media on the eve of their first ODI game at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, the series will tell them much about how they are placed in their bid to be crowned world champions for a third time. It is very important, since the World Cup is going to be played in this part of the world, said Sharma. In terms of preparation it s very important, in terms of our combinations and what our targets are going to be. We have seen England against Australia and they were really high scoring games, it s gong to be crucial to see where we are as a team. In the last year or so we have played some good cricket, in and out of India, this tour brings another challenge for us. Sharma, who comes into the ODI series in fine fettle having scored an unbeaten 100 in India s seven wicket T20 series clinching win over England last Sunday, says he and his teammates would not be intimidated even if the hosts post a high target. England scored a world record 481 runs in their last ODI match at Trent Bridge, admittedly against an under-strength Australian side, who were white-washed 5-0 in the series. This team (India) likes chasing down targets, said Sharma. Whatever we do we don t go out and bat like we have to score 400 runs. We bat normally and see where you are at 30 overs and analyse it. We noticed the last series played here it was high scoring games and this is where they scored 481 runs. I m expecting nothing else than a high-scoring series. It s always nice to see the score in front of you and see how you can bat. England batsman Joe Root the national side s Test captain but who reverts to the ranks for the shorter format versions of the game when Eoin Morgan is the skipper said he wasn t going to make any wild predictions of them topping the score they posted against the Australians. It s dangerous to think too far ahead, said Root, who will hope to retain his place in the ODI line-up after being dropped for the final T20 match. One thing we have been good at is assessing things early on and planning an innings. It might be the case, it might not, but ultimately it s about winning the series and coming out of what has been an impressive white-ball summer. DOOR NOT CLOSED ON MY T20 CAREER, SAYS ENGLAND'S ROOT London: England s Test captain Joe Root says his career in the T20 format is far from over despite being dropped for last Sunday s third and final game with India. The 27-year-old batsman says it will be hard for him to gain much-needed experience in the lucrative T20 leagues around the world because he prioritises playing for England. Root s omission didn t have a beneficial effect on England as they lost both the match by seven wickets and as a result the series 2-1. I don t have any fears about it, I want to see us being as complete a side as possible in all three competitions, but I want to be a part of them, said Root ahead of the first one-day international against India at Trent Bridge today. Playing for England comes first. All the domestic tournaments around the world have to fit India s captain Virat Kohli (left) and his England counterpart Eoin Morgan pose with the trophy yesterday, ahead of the three-match ODI series beginning at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Britain, today. () around playing for England. Until there s a really good block for me to go and play T20 cricket somewhere in a domestic tournament, it s going to be hard to get a string of games to put that case (that he deserves a place in the T20 team) across. Root, whose top T20 score is 90 not out, says he needs to show he is worthy of a place in the side by impressing when he does get a chance, but understands why he was left out. I m fully confident in the ability I have in that format, said Root. I can perform in T20 cricket. I don t see it as a closed door for me, but I have to make sure, in the limited opportunities I have, to keep performing. I fully understood the decision, that s part of having a really strong squad. You never like it as a player, but having been captain myself I know how hard it can be. ROUND-UP Pakistan s Shehzad provisionally suspended over failed dope test Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad has been provisionally suspended and charged with violating anti-doping regulations after he tested positive for a prohibited substance in May, the cricket board (PCB) has said. The 26-year-old s in-competition urine sample, which was collected during the domestic Pakistan Cup tournament in May, tested positive and an independent review board confirmed the result in June. He has been given till July to advise whether he wishes to have his B Sample tested and till July 27 to respond to the charges levelled in the Notice of Charge, the PCB said in a statement on its website. The PCB has also provisionally suspended Ahmed Shehzad pending the outcome of the charges. Shehzad most recently played for Pakistan in the two-match Twenty20 series in Scotland in June. SRI LANKAN SPINNER HERATH CONTEMPLATING RETIREMENT IN NOVEMBER Sri Lanka s Rangana Herath might retire from international cricket after the three-match Test series against England in November, the left-arm spinner has said. Herath has notched up 418 wickets in 90 test matches for Sri Lanka and is the country s highest wicket-taker after Muttiah Muralitharan, who has a staggering 800 test wickets to his name. Maybe my final series will be the England series later in the year, the 40-year-old said. There comes a time for every cricketer, when they have to stop playing. I think that time has come for me. Herath, who retired from oneday and Twenty20 internationals in 2016, is in the squad for Sri Lanka s two-match Test series against South Africa, which kicks off today in Galle. With spinners like Dilruwan Perera, Akila Dananjaya and Lakshan Sandakan in the national side, Herath believed Sri Lanka would be in good hands post his retirement. PONTING BACKS AUSTRALIAN TURNAROUND AT WORLD CUP Australia still have the best depth of any cricket nation, former skipper Ricky Ponting has said while backing them to turn around their poor one-day international form in time to defend their World Cup title in England and Wales next year. Five-time World Cup winners Australia were whitewashed 5-0 by hosts England in the ODI series which concluded last month, extending their poor ODI run having won only 16 of their last 18 matches. There are 16 one-dayers to be played between now and the next World Cup, the 43-year-old said. I ll guarantee you when you put the Australian group of 15 players down on a sheet of paper, that group will line up as good as any other team in the world. Ponting, who captained Australia in their 2003 and 2007 World Cup victories, said the ODI series against England helped young players to get some games and he believes the team will keep producing great players. One thing I do know is we ve got still the best depth of any cricket nation in the world and I will continue to say that, he added. Australia will host South Africa in November for three ODIs and one Twenty20 and will then host Virat Kohli-led India for three T20s, four test matches and three ODIs. FORMER ENGLAND CAPTAIN BOYCOTT RECOVERING AFTER HEART SURGERY Former England Test captain Geoffrey Boycott is recovering after undergoing quadruple heart bypass surgery and will miss commentating on England s first two tests against India next month. The 77-yearold, who scored 8114 runs in 108 tests and led England in four of them, had the operation on June 27 and spent 10 days recovering in hospital. The surgeon says the operation was a success and has now allowed him home to recover, Boycott s daughter Emma said in a statement on behalf of her father on his official Twitter account. The statement also said that Boycott was hopeful of returning to the commentary box for the third Test of the fivematch series between England and India at Nottingham. The first Test starts in Birmingham on Aug. 1. INDIAN WOMEN S CRICKET COACH QUITS OVER TRAINING METHODS The Indian women s cricket coach has quit just over year into the job after a string of defeats and apparently alienating players, four months before the World Twenty20. Tushar Arothe, who was instrumental in India reaching the final of the women s World Cup in England last July, stepped down from his post citing personal reasons. But a senior official in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that a few senior players were not happy with Arothe s style of training. Some players and selectors met BCCI administrators to convey that they were not comfortable with Arothe s method of training, the official said on condition of anonymity. FOCUS QCA holds umpiring course The Qatar Cricket Association hosted a fourday Umpiring Course for the local male and female candidates in Doha. The purpose of the course was to create a group of keen and enthusiastic aspirants who wish to serve the game as umpires. As many as 35 candidates were registered for the basic course, which was held at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters from July 1 to 4. Riyaaz Kurupkar and Shivani Mishra provided the guidance to the participants and 32 of them were accredited by the QCA for next step Level 1 Umpiring Course. At a simple ceremony, successful candidates were presented with certificates. Hamad Abdulla Anbar, Administration Head of the Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation, Amin-Ul Islam, Member of QCA School Boys Cricket, Mohaed Asif Raza, QCA Finance & Logistics Manager, Jamshaid Ahmad, Supervisor Teams and Players at QCA, and Paramjit Kaur Bhullar, Women s Wing Umpire, attended the closing ceremony. QCA officials and instructors pose with Umpiring Course candidates after the closing ceremony at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters in Doha. FIRST TEST Steyn set to roar back in Sri Lanka Tests Galle, Sri Lanka South Africa s fast bowler Dale Steyn (second left) trains with his teammates in Galle, Sri Lanka, yesterday. () South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis yesterday backed dangerous paceman Dale Steyn and the rest of his bowlers to wreak havoc in Sri Lanka on the eve of the first Test. Steyn gets one wicket and he is up there with the most dangerous bowlers in the world because he is so skilful. I am hoping to see Dale bowl really quick again, du Plessis said. In our bowling attack that we have, we have the ability to get 20 wickets on whatever the surfaces. I think this series will be won where the batters need to stand up for both teams, he said. Steyn, who is returning from an injury and last played a Test in January, is expected to be a part of South Africa s potent pace attack in the first of two Tests starting in Galle today. The 35-year-old speedster needs three wickets to add to his 419 scalps and surpass retired quick Shaun Pollock (421) to become South Africa s leading wicket-taker in the five-day format. Du Plessis said he was also banking on Kagiso Rabada to swing it South Africa s way and eventually to step into Steyn s shoes as their foremost attack paceman. Rabada, 23, is returning from a lower-back injury that saw him miss the Indian Premier League, but is still the year s leading wicket-taker with 38 in seven Tests. The remarkable thing about KG (Rabada) is how quickly he learns. He has the ability to swing the bowl both ways which I think not many bowlers have, said Du Plessis. KG will take over that mantle (from Steyn). He has got the skills, pace and control to do well in all the conditions of the world, he added. But Sri Lankan batsman Roshen Silva also struck a confident note, saying they will make most of the home advantage in conditions that favour spin more than seam. At the moment they, South Africa, are the number two team in ranking. We expect them to come really hard at us. (But) we have prepared and we will give our best, said Silva, who has played six Tests since making his debut in India last year. If you take Bangladesh and in India, we did well (during those tours). We will gave a good fight and we hope to win the series. The two sides are also scheduled to play five one-day internationals and one Twenty20 international after the Test series.

8 GULF TIMES SPORT ASIAN GAMES Goal is to make our nation proud, say Qatar athletes By Sports Reporter Doha Six of Qatar s most talented and ambitious athletes outlined their hopes and aspirations for the Asian Games today, in a lively question and answer panel session hosted by The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) at Olympic Tower. The session, threw a light on what it takes to prepare for the Asian Games, the second biggest multi-sport events in the world after the Olympics, which will take place in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia from 18th August 2nd September and involve over 250 athletes from Team Qatar across 30 different sports. Taking part in the session were three talented shooters including Reem al-sharshani, Matara al-aseiri and Ahmed Mohsen al-ali, Team Qatar boxer Abdullatif Mohamed Sadiq and Team Qatar Olympic football team member Hatem Kamal. Speaking at the event, Ahmed Darwish Deputy Head of Administrative Delegation, said: We are now at the final stage of preparations and we are working with all participating federations to confirm the final list of all participating athletes. Qatar will participate with 245 athletes competing in 30 sports. Our athletes are currently attending training camps to be well prepared for the games in Indonesia. We will have two delegations, one for competitions that will take place in Jakarata and one for the competitions in Palembang. Our united goal is to represent Qatar in the best way possible and for Qatar we do anything. Hatim Kamal spoke about the relationship between his team members, saying: Our relationship is very strong as a team; we work and train together as one family. We look forward to competing at the Asian Games where it s an opportunity for the team to gain experience and help us prepare for the Asian Cup. Speaking about her greatest achievement and the local competitions organised by the shooting federation, Reem al-sharshani said: I won a team gold medal at the Asian Championship. We competed against best athletes from both Asian and International Qatar s shooters Reem al-sharshani, Matara al-aseiri and Ahmed Mohsen al-ali, boxer Abdullatif Mohamed Sadiq and footballer Hatem Kamal pose with the QOC officials yesterday. world and this enriches our experience. Our federation is committed to organise local and international championships and we have recently got Al Nishan Shooting championship which is a strong competition and a great opportunity for all shooters in Qatar to gain points and for the amateurs to participate. It is also an opportunity for people here to know more about different shooting weapons. Matara al-aseri, also a shooter who competes in the air rifle said about her beginning with the sport: I stared the sport in 2001 when I used to go with my sister to practice. Then I joined the federation and I participated at a Championship held in Iran. My best achievement was in 2011 when I won team gold in the Arab Championship and the 2nd place in the individual category. There were strong opponents from Kuwait and Egypt but the team and I gained great experiences. About his hopes for the Asian Games and the future, aspiring shooter Ahmed al-ali said: The Asian Games is a great opportunity to gain the experience needed in achieving my goals for the future. I am juggling between my studies and my sport, hoping I can graduate and still practice shooting. I am always giving fair attention to both my training and my studies because I want to excel in both. I even train during exam periods. Abdullatif Mohamed Sadiq who holds a gold medal from Qatar boxing open 2018 and has a Guinness record, spoke about his achievement and goals by saying: I achieved this record in 2009 in push-ups on two fingers of each hand. I managed to achieve 132 push-ups in one minute. The previous record was 124 in one minute. My goal to achieve more records. About his training, he added: An athlete has to dedicate enough time for training if they want to achieve greatness and this comes with the support of his family and coach. Before the games, we have to have enough rest, and during the game, we have to apply all the tips and instructions all in one minute that could make a huge difference. When asked about how boxers get to know their opponents before a championship: We usually check the list of boxers in the championship s website and then we search about their playing style. Is my opponent left-handed or right-handed? Does he depend on defence or attack during a match? So this way we can be more prepared. Fans can follow Team Qatar s preparations for the Asian Games on the Team Qatar social media channels and website, where further information and insights about their journeys and their achievements are shared regularly. TENNIS Anderson stuns Federer in quarters Nadal to face Djokovic in semi-finals; Isner sets up Anderson clash after beating Raonic London Eight-time champion Roger Federer was sensationally knocked out of Wimbledon yesterday, surrendering a two-sets lead and a match point at the hands of South African giant Kevin Anderson. World number one Rafael nadal set-up a mouthwatering semi-final against old rival Novak Djokovic after battling back to beat Juan Martin del Potro in a Centre Court thriller. Nadal triumphed 7-5, 6-7 (7/9), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 after four hours and 48 minutes to reach his sixth Wimbledon semi-final and 28th at the majors. The two-time Wimbledon champion will face Djokovic, a three-time winner at the All England Club, for a place in Sunday s final. Djokovic leads their epic head-to-head rivalry Defending champion Federer, chasing a 21st Grand Slam title, lost a Court One epic, 2-6, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-4, as 32-year-old Anderson became the first South African in the Wimbledon semifinals since Kevin Curren in Down two sets to love I tried my best to keep fighting. Beating Roger Federer here at Wimbledon will be one I remember, especially in such a close match, Anderson said. I kept telling myself to keep believing. I said today is going to be my day. In a nail-biting four hour and 13 minute classic, it was 36-year-old Federer s earliest exit at the All England Club since his shock second round defeat against Sergiy Stakhovsky in Sometimes you don t feel good, and you try your best. Today was one of those days. I didn t see it coming, said Federer. I think it went in spells a bit also, how I was able to return his serve. I had moments where I was great, I felt like I was reading his serve, other moments where I don t know where the hell I was moving to. Eighth seed Anderson will play American ninth seed John Isner tomorrow for a place Sunday s final. Isner won the battle of the big servers against Milos Raonic. Isner s 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, 6-3 victory in the quarter-finals booked his first appearance in the last four at a Grand Slam. Three-time champion Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, reached his first semi-final at the majors in more than two South Africa s Kevin Anderson celebrates after his shock win over Switzerland s Roger Federer at the Wimbledon yesterday. () years by seeing off Japan s Kei Nishikori 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. he 12-time Slam champion will face either world number one Rafael Nadal or Juan Martin del Potro for a place in the final. For the only the second time at Wimbledon, Federer was beaten after holding a two-set lead, with his previous loss from that position coming against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the 2011 quarter-finals. The 20-time Grand Slam champion appeared to be moving towards his fifth successive Wimbledon semi-final after taking the opening two sets. That initial burst gave Federer 34 successive sets won at Wimbledon, equalling his own record set between 2005 and But, playing on Court One for the first time in three years, Federer was unusually error-prone. Anderson had failed to take a single set off Federer in their previous four meetings. Yet once he had ended Federer s run of holding serve for 85 consecutive games a streak dating back to last year s semifinal Anderson s confidence soared. Only once before had Federer played more games at a Grand Slam and on that occasion, he prevailed in the 2009 Wimbledon final against Andy Roddick. But this time Federer cracked, serving his first double fault at in the decider to give Anderson the crucial break that ushered the Swiss to the exit door. Djokovic reached his eighth Wimbledon semi-final and 32nd at the majors after a stormy Centre Court clash against Nishikori. It will be the 31-year-old Serb s first semi-final at a Slam since the 2016 French Open when he completed the career Grand Slam. The 12-time major winner prevailed despite picking up two code violations and accusing umpire Carlos Ramos of double standards. I think the first warning was unnecessary, said Djokovic, who was sanctioned in the second set for spearing his racquet into the court. It didn t harm the grass. Kei did the same in the fourth set but wasn t warned. The umpire said he didn t see it. I don t think it s fair but it is what it is. Despite his anger and picking up a time violation in the fourth set 12th seed Djokovic still reeled off 10 of the last 12 games. Nishikori was bidding to become the first Japanese man to make the semi-finals in 85 years. Well, maybe wasn t my best, but I thought I was playing good enough, said Nishikori. But he was making me run all the time. Especially with his backhand, he can go both ways. That gave me real trouble. PREVIEW Williams serene at Wimbledon London Serena Williams may be on the verge of making history at Wimbledon, but the stress-free former champion insists she doesn t feel under any pressure. Williams reached her 35th Grand Slam semi-final with a gritty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 quarter-final win over Camila Giorgi. The American star faces German 13th seed Julia Goerges today hoping to book a 10th final appearance at the All England Club. Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon winner, was outwardly full of fire as she shrieked her way to victory against the unseeded Italian. But beneath the surface, the 36-year-old insisted she is feeling unusually calm as she enters the business end of the tournament. It s weird. Sometimes I feel, Man, I m in trouble. Sometimes I feel I can fight. For whatever reason, I was so calm, Williams said of her emotions as she battled back against Giorgi. It was just the way I felt. I never felt it was out of my hands. It s weird. I can t describe it. I just felt calm. I m hoping I can channel that all the time, but one day at a time. I m hoping this is like a new thing. Honestly, I highly doubt it! Serena hasn t won a Grand Slam since the birth of daughter Olympia in September and her last trophy came at the 2017 Australian Open. Having shaken off the rust following her lengthy lay-off after the complications with Olympia s birth, Serena is on the verge of a 30th Grand Slam final berth. She is aiming to win a 24th major title, which would move her level with record holder Margaret Court on the all-time list of women s singles champions. You re only as good as your last win. It s been a while since I ve won a championship, Williams said. Everything right now is a little bit of a surprise, to be here, to be in the semi-finals, she said. I always say I plan on it. But when it actually happens, it still is, like, Wow, this is really happening. Having won the title in the previous two years she played Wimbledon in 2015 and 2016, Williams, who missed last year s tournament due to her pregnancy, has extended her winning streak at the All England Club to 19 matches. In contrast, Goerges is in the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time. The 29-year-old had suffered five successive opening round defeats at the All England Club before this year. It also took her until her 42nd Grand Slam appearance to finally get through to the last four at a major. Yet Goerges insists she can cause an massive upset against Williams. It is a great opportunity to play Serena here where she has won so many times and is a great champion. I think everyone here has a great chance so you have to take it, Goerges said. Angelique Kerber, the German 11th seed, faces former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the other semi-final. Ostapenko struggled with the pressure of defending her maiden Grand Slam title, losing in the first round of the recent French Open. But that lifted a weight off her shoulders at the All England Club, where she has become the first Latvian to make a Wimbledon semi-final. The 21-year-old is the only female player yet to drop a set in this year s tournament. At the French Open a couple weeks ago I had so much pressure. It s now all gone, Ostapenko said. I m just enjoying the moment. It s so much fun. However, Kerber, beaten by Serena in the 2016 Wimbledon final, doesn t believe Ostapenko will be able to play completely free of anxiety with the title match within touching distance. Kerber, the 2016 Australian and US Open champion, said: I mean, the pressure is not always on my side. She (Ostapenko) won a Grand Slam, as well.