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FIFA official in ticket scam
Japan, Croatia keen to bounce back
Maradona fined for speeding
HC bars 92 cable operators from showing matches
Churches reach out to fans
Azlan Shah hockey: India take on Australia today
Majha Youth Hockey Club launched
Tharanga’s ton props
up Lanka
US Open Jeev makes the cut, Jyoti crashes out
C’wealth team visits MDU campus
Rupesh-Sanave bow out
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Cologne, June 17 Asamoah Gyan fired Ghana ahead in the second minute of the match and deservedly doubled their advantage eight minutes from time when Sulley Muntari blasted in another. They could have made the result more emphatic but for a penalty miss by Gyan in the second half. The foul that led to the penalty also saw Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi red-carded on his 50th appearance for the national side, leaving the pre-match favourites struggling with 10 men for the final 24minutes. Following the Ivory Coast’s early elimination and a string of disappointing results for the Africa’s other teams, Ghana bounced back from their own opening defeat to Italy 2-0 with a magnificent display. Forced to play without injured strikers Jan Koller and Milan Baros, the Czechs, meanwhile, looked a shadow of the team that put three goals past the USA without reply in their opener. Starting the match at a fierce tempo, Ghana won a corner with less than a minute played and forced Petr Cech into an early clearance. If that was a warning, the Czechs seemed unable to heed it with Gyan firing into the net just a few seconds later. Receiving a cross from captain Stephen Appiah, the Modena striker chested the ball down before unleashing a low strike past Cech. Karel Bruckner’s men enjoyed their best moments during the early stages of the second half and thought they had found an equaliser when Pavel Nedved headed home in the 46th minute only for the move to be ruled offside. Gradually, though, Ghana took charge and enjoyed a succession of chances before their missed 66th minute penalty. The dismissal of Ujfalusi after a trip on Matthew Amoah led to a twice-taken penalty from Gyan. He tucked in the first top left but the referee said he had not blown for the kick to be taken and booked him. The second cannoned off the right post and bounced to a Czech defender.
— Reuters
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Frankfurt, June 17 In an often tetchy and generally drab Group D encounter, Iran held Portugal at bay for 63 minutes. Playmaker Deco, back in the side after injury, broke the deadlock by thumping in a sweet right-foot shot following a left-wing cross from captain Luis Figo. Iran, eliminated after suffering their second successive defeat, went close to an equaliser four minutes later when substitute Rasoul Khatibi shaved the woodwork. Portugal had much more of the possession but Iran's defence did well to keep lone striker Pauleta quiet. Ronaldo made sure of victory with 10 minutes to go, clipping his spot kick high into the net after Figo was sent flying by a tackle from skipper Yahya Golmohammadi. After converting his penalty, winger Ronaldo fell to his knees and screamed with joy. Portugal, who made three changes to the side which struggled past Angola 1-0 on Sunday, had wasted several good chances in the first half. Deco pounced on a Figo cross to force a fine save from Iran goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour in the 13th minute. Portugal then cranked up the pressure towards the interval, with Ronaldo's powerful left-foot strike striking the side-netting. Right back Miguel also pushed forward, stretching Mirzapour again as the ball almost squeezed under his body. Iran had an opportunity of their own when a header from Vahid Hashemian forced Portuguese keeper Ricardo into a smart stop. — Reuters
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Hanover, June 17 Mexico striker Omar Bravo almost broke the deadlock with two minutes left but his close range shot from the right of the area hit the outside of the post. The Mexicans also hit the woodwork in the first half and had an effort cleared off the line. Angola had to play the last seven minutes without midfielder Andre Macanga, who was sent off for a second bookable offence after unnecessarily handling the ball, but they hung on. The draw takes Mexico on to four points, one ahead of Portugal, who play their second game against Iran today in Frankfurt. Angola have one point with Iran bottom on none. Roared on by a 43,000 crowd dominated by their green and red clad fans, the technically and tactically superior Mexicans had poured forward in the second half, helped by a switch to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation just after the break. But the African debutants defended in numbers and looked increasingly confident going forward as the game went on, without creating many clear-cut chances. Mexico's Omar Bravo had a chance in the 66th minute when he was put clear by a defensive error only to fire straight at keeper Joao Ricardo. Earlier, Angola defender Jamba cleared off the line from substitute Jesus Arellano after Ricardo saved from Mexico striker Guillermo Franco. The Mexicans started well but coach Ricardo La Volpe's five-man backline struggled to get forward fast enough to trouble an African team who defended deep from the start. The first half's best chance fell to Franco, who picked up a loose ball in the box only to hit his shot straight at keeper Joao Ricardo from point blank range. Mexico's captain and Barcelona centre back Rafael Marquez also smacked a free kick off the post in the 13th minute from just outside the area. Angola again seemed awestruck and their first meaningful attack did not come until the 23rd minute, when Figueiredo fired a powerful right footer from about 20 metres just over the bar. Captain Akwa looked an isolated figure up front against Mexico's three central defenders until a switch in the second half. But he also went close after 32 minutes, heading over from Figueiredo's nicely-curled free kick. — Reuters
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FIFA official in ticket scam Berlin, June 17 Ismail Bhamjee of Botswana has signed a statement admitting selling 12 tickets for England’s match against Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday for 300 euros each, 200 euros more than the face value, FIFA said in a statement. He was told to resign from all FIFA World Cup duties. “I am very disappointed about the conduct of a member of the FIFA Executive Committee,” FIFA president Sepp Blatter said. “In such a situation, FIFA acts immediately and firmly.” FIFA said it had been presented with evidence of Bhamjee’s actions by a British Sunday newspaper, the Mail on Sunday. “As an immediate reaction to this behaviour, FIFA’s Emergency Committee under the chairmanship of President Blatter decided that Bhamjee had to immediately resign from all FIFA World Cup-related duties and leave Germany at the earliest possible moment,” the statement said. Bhamjee said: “I deeply regret this incorrect act and apologise to FIFA for violating the relevant terms and conditions governing the sale of tickets.”
— Reuters
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Japan, Croatia keen to bounce back
Bonn, June 17 Japan held a 1-0 lead with six minutes of regulation remaining before losing 3-1 to Australia, a team that was making its first World Cup appearance in over three decades. Croatia, meanwhile, lost 0-1 to Brazil, but exposed some flaws in the defending champion. And Japan has the tougher final game. The Asian champion faces Brazil in its final Group F match, while Croatia takes on Australia. The last time the teams met, Croatia defeated Japan 1-0 at the 1998 World Cup. "This is by far our biggest test yet," said Japan captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto. "Croatia is a good team and the important thing for us is to believe in ourselves and play like a team." Japan coach Zico has indicated he will go with a four-man defense instead of his preferred 3-5-2 formation after the team surrendered three goals in the final minutes to Australia in Kaiserslautern. In the midfield, attack-minded Mitsuo Ogasawara is expected to get his first World Cup start, joining Hidetoshi Nakata, Shunsuke Nakamura and Takashi Fukunishi. "We've got to create some space and take more shots," said Ogasawara. "We've played a 4-4-2 before, so it should be no problem." Japan's only goal against Australia came when forward Naohiro Takahara bumped goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, allowing Shunsuke Nakamura's cross to float into the net. Australia protested the goal and referee Essam Abd El Fatah later admitted he made a mistake by allowing it. Croatia, a semifinalist at France '98, heads into the Japan match with more confidence. Croatia made Brazil work hard for its 1-0 victory and was unlucky not to gain a draw. "We played well against Brazil and it is a boost before we take on Japan," Croatian defender Josip Simunic said. — AP
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Maradona fined for speeding
Berlin, June 17 The 1986 World Cup winner had to pay $250 on the spot after being stopped for travelling at 120 km/h on a stretch of road limited to 80 km/h in Gelsenkirchen yesterday, Bild newspaper said in its online edition. Maradona, 45, who has battled against drugs and his ballooning weight in recent years, has been an enthusiastic supporter at both of Argentina's matches, accompanied by an entourage, including his daughter Giannina.
— AFP
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HC bars 92 cable operators from showing matches
New Delhi, June 17 In its order, the HC held that any other channel showing FIFA World Cup matches would be held liable for prosecution. The court's order came in response to a civil suit filed by 'ESPN Star Sports' against 92 cable operators, across the country, for unauthorised broadcast of the FIFA World Cup. The 92 cable operators restrained from authorised telecast were from Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam, Tripura, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Bihar and Punjab, he added.
— UNI
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Churches reach out to fans
Stuttgart, June 17 A drunken France supporter began belting out team songs, and Bruckmann quietly escorted him outside, reminding him that he was in a church, after all. No one else stuck around this time to talk about soccer — and maybe God — with Bruckmann, but that's no reason to lose hope. Like many pastors across Germany, he has seized the world's biggest sporting event as a chance to reach those indifferent to or estranged from religion. — AP
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Azlan Shah hockey: India take on Australia today
Kuala Lumpur, June 17 India coach Vasudevan Baskaran is aware of the importance of the tournament and is treating it as a preparatory step for the World Cup this September. "Azlan Shah tournament is a significant outing for every team playing the World Cup. Our target here is a podium finish. I am pretty confident that we will be able to achieve that," Baskaran said here. Incidentally, India last won the tournament in 1995 when Baskaran was the coach. Previously, they had won it in 1985. But, a podium finish this year would be an achievement for the side considering the fact that last year they finished last among six teams. Looking ahead to the opening game against the Aussies, Baskaran admitted that it will be a tough encounter. "The Australians, though without several key players, are still a strong team and they showed good form last night while beating the Koreans 6-0 in a practice match. But then, if we can deny them early success, then half the battle is won," Baskaran said. The Aussies always look to early goals that allow them to dominate the opposition. Pacy and supremely fit, the Australians also have several brilliant players to set up the game, something that the Indian camp is well aware of. "We will be opting for a half-court press instead of emphasis on a strong build-up. But the big gamble is I am taking is to go in with just one goalkeeper, Adrian D'Souza, so that I get to utilise an additional player instead of having the second goalkeeper (Bharat Chhetri) simply sitting on the bench. This is something new, and let's see how it goes," Baskaran said. So far, the preparations for the tournament has gone well for India. They arrived here a week in advance and played two practice games against New Zealand, winning both 3-2. "I am happy to say that our team showed improvement and I especially liked the way we played last night when we came back from 0-2 to win 3-2. We played a disciplined game and did not panic even after the Kiwis scored their second goal. That is a good sign and I am hopeful of a good finish here," Baskaran said. The coach was also happy at the improvement in drag-flicker Sandeep Singh's tackling and covering. "Sandeep is a good talent, and he has shown a lot of improvement in other areas of his game. I am confident that with time, he will develop into a fine all-round player and not just a drag-flick expert," he said. Groupings: Pool A: Australia, India, Korea and Malaysia. Pool B: The Netherlands, Pakistan, Argentina and New Zealand. India vs Australia at 12.30 pm on Star Sports — PTI
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Majha Youth Hockey Club launched
Amritsar, June 17 Mr Raj Babbar, MP, who is president of the club, launched its logo and assured all help to the cause. Arjuna awardee Col Harcharan Singh (retd) , who played two Olympics, three World Cups and two Asian Games, is the coordinator of the club. He said the club had identified six pockets — Batala, Pakhar Pura, Baba Bakala, Khadoor Sahib, Attari and Sarhali — for spotting talented the youngsters.
— OSR
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Tharanga’s ton props
up Lanka
London, June 17 England, who won the toss in sunny conditions, staged a good comeback after Sri Lanka had reached 102 for one off 16 overs in the first match of a five-game series. Tharanga, 21, scored 120 and was the only batsman to play with authority, plundering 14 boundaries. England, being captained by Andrew Strauss, failed to capitalise initially with their bowlers sending down 10 wides from the first five overs. There were 42 extras in total, which exceeded their previous extras record of 41, also committed against Sri Lanka, in New Delhi in 1989. Wides totalled 23. England’s indiscipline may have stemmed from inexperience because they were without several bowlers because of injury such as Andrew Flintoff, Simon Jones, Ashley Giles, James Anderson and Ian Blackwell.
— Reuters
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US Open Jeev makes the cut, Jyoti crashes out
Mamaroneck, June 17 Jeev, cheered by family members and making his second appearance in the Open, carded a second round of six-over 76 to be tied for 53rd with a two-day total of nine-over 149 at the challenging Winged Foot Golf Club. The 34-year-old had a nervy start with back-to-back bogeys at the second and third holes. But the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit leader regained his footing through birdies at the fourth and fifth holes before dropping a shot at the sixth hole. He suffered a double bogey on the par-four ninth and ended his round with three more bogeys on the 15th, 17th and 18th holes. Randhawa, however, did not have a dream debut at the treacherous course and his round of 75 could not see him through. Five bogeys in his front nine put paid to his hopes of making the cut and he ended with a total of 152 as the door was slammed on him. Meanwhile, it maybe nine weeks since his father passed away but Tiger Woods is yet to recover from the trauma and he missed his first ever cut at a major as a professional. Woods carded his second successive round of 76 for a two-day total of 152, same as Randhawa's. Only the top 60 and anyone within 10 shots of the lead qualify for the third round. At the top of the table, American Steve Stricker (139) grabbed the lead with a round of 69 while Colin Montgomerie trailed by a stroke after carding 71.
— UNI
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C’wealth team visits MDU campus
Rohtak, June 17 The members of the panel were: Andrew Simmons, Deputy Director, Department of Youth Affairs, Commonwealth Secretariat, London, Hassan Shifau, acting Regional Director, Commonwealth Youth Programme, Asia Centre, Vikram Kaul, President, Commonwealth Youth Sports Development Council (India), Harish Mehta, General Secretary and Dev Sindhu, Ex- Chairperson, Commonwealth Youth Sports Development Council. The panel conferred with MDU Vice- Chancellor R. S. Dhankar, Director (Sports) K. S. Sangwan, Deputy Commissioner R. S. Doon and other officials. The delegation visited the varsity sports complex, swimming pool and multi-purpose indoor gymnasium.
— TNS
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Rupesh-Sanave bow out
New Delhi, June 17
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