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Denmark, Sweden through to quarters Euro nightmare spurs Germans on
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Make-or-break tie for Dutch Braga (Portugal), June 22 The Netherlands’ Euro 2004 campaign could come to an abrupt end as Dick Advocaat’s side square up to so-called minnows Latvia in Braga’s stadio Municipal tomorrow.
Hype over Rooney continues Vonlanthen’s delight tempered
Henman survives first-round scare  World page: Imran
Khan, Jemima split
Sports club office-bearersPatiala, June 22 Mr J.S. Kler was elected president of the newly formed Urban Estate (Phase 1, 2 and 3) Residents Sports Club at a meeting held here today. Dr M.L. Kamlesh, a retired Principal of the Trivandrum-based Laxmi Bai Physical College, has been elected senior vice-president of the club which has been formed to enhance sports activity in the urban estate area.
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Italy win, but head home Guimaraes, June 22 Bulgaria, who lost their opening two games without scoring, had taken a shock 1-0 half time lead with a Martin Petrov penalty just before the break, awarded after Marco Materazzi pulled back Dimitar Berbatov in the area. Italy, runners-up to France in Euro 2000, equalised three minutes after the break when Simone Perrotta hooked the ball in with the outside of his right foot from close range after a shot from Antonio Cassano hit the underside of the bar. Cassano then popped up with the winner deep into stoppage time but it was not enough to put the Italians through. In an uninspired first half, neither team settled on a slippery, rain-lashed surface and there were few chances. Bulgaria, though, surprisingly broke the deadlock just before halftime with a penalty — their first goal of the tournament — leaving Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni to decide his options during the halftime break. After Italy equalised in the 48th minute, he decided to risk striker Christian Vieri, left out of the starting lineup with an injured knee, bringing him on after 53 minutes for Bernardo Corradi. Vieri immediately pepped up the Italian strike force, and they attacked for almost the entire second half in search of an all-important second goal. Cassano wasted several chances, opting to shoot himself rather than play in better-positioned opponents and Italy's frustration grew as the match progressed. Hardly a classic compared to some of the matches over the last few days, it was nevertheless a tense and keenly fought match with the Bulgarians trying to hang on to a point. Italy were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when substitute Kiril Kotev brought down Cassano after 76 minutes but Russian referee Valentin Ivanov waved play on. — Reuters |
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Denmark, Sweden through to quarters
Porto, June 22 Jon Dahl Tomasson's second goal of the game had looked like giving Denmark victory on Tuesday but Jonson's close-range shot saved the Swedes and sent out Italy, whose 2-1 victory over Bulgaria was not enough as all three sides finished on five points. Sweden topped the group and will play the group D runners-up, Germany, the Netherlands or Latvia, in the last eight, while Denmark face the Czech Republic. Tomasson beat Swedish keeper Andreas Isaksson with a dipping 20-metre shot into the top right-hand corner to put the Danes ahead after 28 minutes. Sweden striker Henrik Larsson won and converted a penalty at the start of the second half to equalise with his third goal of the tournament but Tomasson matched the feat with a close-range finish after 66 minutes. Italy had raised fears about the local rivals engineering a high-scoring to send both sides through but the way the tackles came flying in hardly pointed to a friendly fix. With the ball skidding around on a pitch that had already been watered before kick-off, Denmark worried their opponents continually with sharp balls through the middle and the fizzing runs of wingers Jesper Gronkjaer and Martin Joergensen. Gronkjaer popped up to take Tomasson's pass on 14 minutes and fire a shot into the side netting. With Sweden sitting deep, Denmark continued to attack and Tomasson's spectacular strike gave them the opener just before the half-hour mark. Sweden nearly equalised twice at the end of the first half, with defender Olof Mellberg and midfielder Jonson both sending in dangerous headers from corners, and they were level within two minutes of the re-start through Larsson's successful raid. Sweden enjoyed a period of dominance but outstanding goalkeeping by Thomas Sorensen kept Denmark in the game, and Tomasson's sharpness almost clinched victory after 66 minutes.
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Euro nightmare spurs Germans on
Lisbon, June 22 A disappointing 0-0 draw with Latvia on Saturday has heaped the pressure on Rudi Voller’s team who have collected just two points, scoring one goal, in Group D and need to defeat the Czechs to qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2004. Having already qualified the Czechs will rest key players such as the yellow-carded Tomas Galasek, Pavel Nedved, Tomas Rosicky and Milan Baros, fielding a second-string side. How motivated this reserve outfit will be is questionable but Germany are not taking anything for granted. “We just have to look at Euro 2000 and the match against Portugal if we need a warning,” explained Voller. On that occasion, the Czechs, like Portugal this year, had already qualified and opted to rest influential players, but still routed Germany 3-0 to send them out of the tournament and prompt the dismissal of coach Erich Ribbeck. Former AS Roma marksman Voller (44) succeeded Ribbeck but questions could be asked about his future if Germany do not make the quarter-finals. Czech coach Karel Bruckner, who is two decades older than his opposite number, insists the eleven players he sends out will be a match for Germany’s full-strength side. “We have enough good players in our squad to play in this match,” said Bruckner. Germany need to win the tie to be certain of a place in the last eight although a draw will suffice should the match between the Netherlands and Latvia fail to produce a winner. In fact the 1990 World Cup winners could even make the knockout phase if they lose a high-scoring match against the Czechs by a single goal and the Dutch lose. “It is in our hands and that is a huge advantage,” explained captain Kahn. “But it would be suicide to think playing a weakened team is something in our favour.” Assistant coach Michael Skibbe claims the team “have played well in the tournament so far” but that view is not shared by many fans, who are frustrated by the lack of creativity on display against Latvia. Getting goals is the main problem for Germany with a toothless attack firing blanks and goalscoring midfielder Michael Ballack (27) yet to open his account. “It is always the way with the national team,” confessed Dietmar Hamann. “We have problems when we have to take the game to opponents. “I will be digging out the tape from 2000 as a reminder.” Liverpool star Hamann (30) is a doubt for the match along with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Bernd Schneider who have all missed training this week but the Germans are confident all three will be available to face the Czechs. The structure of the Czech line-up is a mystery but the budding stars will want to prove their worth and enact revenge with the memories from the Euro 96 final — when Germany won 2-1 courtesy of a golden goal from Oliver Bierhoff — still fresh. — AFP
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Make-or-break tie for Dutch
Braga (Portugal), June 22 The Dutch must take all three points from the team that held Germany to a goalless draw and pray that the Germans at best draw against already qualified Group D leaders the Czech Republic. Dick Advocaat’s side were bitterly disappointed after seeing a two goal lead evaporate against the Czechs in Aveiro on Saturday. Advocaat’s tactics were called into question after that 3-2 loss, especially over his controversial decision to replace winger Arjan Robben with defender Paul Bosvelt. The move was criticised by Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, who has been a constant thorn in Advocaat’s side. “I would never have made a substitution like that,” the 1974 World Cup runner-up claimed. The under-fire Advocaat, who is without the suspended defender Johnny Heitinga, held his hands up and conceded he had been outsmarted by his opposite number on the Czech bench. “(Karel) Bruckner won the tactical battle,” he said. “His tactics proved superior on the night.” That defeat following the Oranje’s 1-1 draw with Germany left the 1988 champions facing a serious case of premature elimination. Manchester United’s goal scoring machine Ruud van Nistelrooy who cut a forlorn figure after the final whistle confessed: “I found it so difficult to cope with.” The striker who missed Euro 2000 because of injury and the 2002 World Cup when the Dutch failed to qualify added, “To lose after going two goals in front is so disappointing.” Van Nistelrooy, whose deployment as a lone striker has been unpopular with fellow strikers Patrick Kluvert and Roy Makaay with both of them reportedly refusing to talk to him, is intent on adding to his goal tally against Latvia. “I have scored two goals in as many matches and want to continue that against Latvia. “We can still qualify and have to keep going,” declared the 27-year-old. With the axe hovering over his manager’s head Marc Overmars rated the Dutch’s chances of making it to the last eight as only 20 per cent. “It would be a drama if we were knocked out,” the Barelona winger said with masterly understatement. The Latvians have failed miserably to play the role assigned to them as the group’s perceived whipping boys, their opening 2-1 loss to the Czechs followed by a point off former champions Germany. That leaves them in the same position as their rivals here if they are to secure a quarter-final date with either Sweden, Denmark or Italy. Latvia defender Mihails Zemlinskis said his side’s Euro dream was not over yet. “We surprised everybody by getting here and now will try and produce something magical,” said Zemlinskis, who is the only remaining player to have played in Latvia’s first ever international (in 1992) after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The Latvians are fully prepared to postpone celebrating one of the biggest holidays in the country’s calendar, Janis Day, if they succeed. Given the surprises dished up so far in Portugal nothing can be ruled out at Braga’s bizarre mountainside stadium.
— AFP |
Lisbon, June 22 It was his second double and his second man-of-the-match performance after a standout showing in England’s 3-0 win over Switzerland last Thursday. England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said he didn’t think any other young player had made such an international impact since Pele at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Aged 17, Pele scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 win over Sweden in the final. “There was Pele in 1958 in Sweden but I don’t remember anybody at 18-years-old since then,” Eriksson said. “I doubt it very much. But he is not a (potential) talent anymore, he is ready.” “He drops into midfield and can take (the ball) and hold it. He can turn with it. When we have problems he drops into midfield. I don’t need to tell him how to score goals. It is better I don’t say anything, his vision is incredible, he’s ready for anything.” Rooney is now the top scorer at Euro 2004 with four goals. He was substituted on 71 minutes to deafening chants of his name to make sure he was available for Thursday’s quarterfinal against Portugal after picking up a yellow card against Switzerland. “When you see him perform, you know nothing fazes him,” England captain David Beckham said. “He deserves all the praise that he is going to get.” Rooney has garnered praise from defenders to rival strikers and coaches alike. But Croatian coach Otto Baric wasn’t overly impressed. “Rooney is a very good player,” said 71-year-old Baric. “A phenomenon? I wouldn’t say that. I think in Europe there are at least 10 players who can stop him.” Baric didn’t elaborate on who and Eriksson wasn’t worried. — AP
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Vonlanthen’s delight tempered COIMBRA: Swiss striker Johann Vonlanthen said his delight at becoming the youngest player to score at a European Championship was tempered by his team’s first-round exit on Monday. The 18-year-old, starting an international for the first time, scored the Swiss goal in the 1-3 defeat by champions France that sent them out of the tournament. Vonlanthen struck after 26 minutes, running on to a Ricardo Cabanas pass and slipping the ball wide of Fabien Barthez to break the record set only four days previously by England’s Wayne Rooney. Vonlanthen is 18 years and four months old, three months younger than Rooney when he scored in the same goal at the same stadium against the Swiss. “Of course, I’m happy but only for myself,” Vonlanthen told reporters, “When you score one goal and concede three, the record doesn’t mean much.” — Reuters.
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Lisbon, June 22 Collina (44) was the referee of yesterday’s group B game, where England defeated Croatia 4-2. He will retire next season when he turns 45. He is the game’s most distinctive face for his bald head and glaring eyes. EMPTY SEATS: In a move to keep England fans away from visiting Croatia fans in yesterday’s match, the English Football Association purchased several thousand seats for the match that were allocated to Croatia — but unsold. About 40,000 England fans attended the match with 9,000 Croatians in the 65,000-seat Stadium of Light. GOODBYE RUSSIA: Russian coach Georgy Yartsev said goodbye and confessed he’d become a Portugal fan after playing and practising in the country. Ousted from group A on Sunday — despite a 2-1 victory over Greece — Russia’s Yartsev said he admired Portugal’s Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari. “I’m really happy that Portugal made it, especially because since the stage of the draw we have built a very good relationship with Luiz Felipe Scolari, who I have a lot of respect for,” he said. “For every game, except the one against Portugal, we were receiving faxes from our Portuguese colleagues signed by Luiz Felipe Scolari and the captain of the Portugal team where they were wishing us good luck.” — AP
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London, June 22 Ranked 415 in the world, the rangy Croatian dismantled his opponent’s game on Centre Court with his swinging serve and crisp volleys to win 6-3 7-6 6-2. Ivanisevic, who is retiring at the end of these championships, saluted the heavens and blew kisses to the delighted crowd when Youzhny floated a backhand long after 86 minutes. He will next face either British qualifier Jamie Delgado or Filippo Volandri of Italy. Jelena Dokic cut a sorry figure at Wimbledon after she was overwhelmed 3-6 3-6 by Argentina’s Gisela Dulko in the first round. Dokic had arrived at the grasscourt Grand Slam hoping to snap a two-month losing streak and set up a mouthwatering second-round showdown with Martina Navratilova. Instead Dulko, who ended Navratilova’s singles comeback at the French Open with an opening-round drubbing, set up a re-match with the nine-times Wimbledon singles champion. From the moment the blonde, pony-tailed players started trading blows from the baseline, it was evident Dulko felt at home on the slick surface. There was little to suggest that Dulko was making her debut at the event as she unleashed a series of ferocious returns to break Dokic in the third game and that set the tone for the rest of the 51-minute contest. While Dulko skipped off court 18 to prepare for her date with a Wimbledon great, Dokic was left to contemplate her earliest exit here in six visits to the All England Club. The Yugoslav-born player, a semifinalist here in 2000, was ranked as high as fourth in the world less than two years ago but is now languishing at 25 and has just eight wins under her belt this season. — Reuters
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Henman survives first-round scare
London, June 22 Playing his 96th match on grass, Henman had been expected to demolish a opponent making his debut on the slick turf, but initially it was 89th-ranked Ramirez-Hidalgo who took the game to the serve-and-volley exponent on court one. Volatile Russian Marat Safin said he had had enough of Wimbledon after he was knocked out in the first round by compatriot Dmitry Tursunov on Tuesday. "I give up on Wimbledon," said the former world No 1 after his 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-7 defeat. "It is definitely not the tournament for me. I give up on spending time on these courts. I give up on practising before the tournament..." "I hate. I hate this. I have to admit it." "I tried and tried but it doesn't work," the 19th seed added. "Really this is not a tournament where I can play well because I don't feel comfortable. I cannot move." Watched by former Russian President Boris Yeltsin, Safin seemed to be coasting to an easy victory when serving for a two sets to love lead, but then his booming serve and pinpoint accuracy deserted him in spectacular fashion. The results: Albert Montanes b Bohdan Ulihrach 6-4, 6-2, 6-3; Hicham Arazi b Andre Sa 6-,1 6-4, 6-2; Carlos Moya b Olivier Patience 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-7 (6-8), 6-1; Tim Henman b Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 6-2; Martin Verkerk b Nikolay Davydenko 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5; Xavier Malisse b Jiri Novak 6-3, 6-4, 6-4; Ivo Heuberger b Flavio Saretta 5-7, 6-0, 6-1, 7-6 (11-9); Alexander Peya b Jeff Salzenstein 6-2, 6-4, 6-2; Irakli Labadze b Kristof Vliegen 6-2, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2; Mark Philippoussis b Christophe Rochus 6-3, 6-4, 6-2; Wayne Ferreira b Ivan Ljubicic 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5, 6-2; Cyril Saulnier b Michael Llodra 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-3); Dmitry Tursunov b Marat Safin 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7-1); Jan-Michael Gambill b Max Mirnyi 6-3, 7-5, 6-4; Lu Yen-Hsun b Jan Vacek 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2; Sargis Sargsian b Marc Lopez 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2; Joachim Johansson b Arnaud Clement 6-2, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (9-7); Florian Mayer b Wayne Arthurs 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-4); Mardy Fish b Ivan Navarro Pastor 6-3, 6-2, 6-3; Karol Kucera b Oscar Hernandez 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. — Reuters
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Warne fit for Lanka series
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Sports club office-bearers Patiala, June 22 The other office bearers are: vice-president — Dr M.S. Sohal, Prof and Head of the Department of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Punjabi University, honorary secretary — Mr Kulwant Singh , finance secretary — Mr D.S. Mehrok, joint secretary — Mr Gulzar Singh. Executive members: Dr B.S. Gill, Mr R.K. Sharma, Mr Gurdev Singh, Mr Harbhajan Singh and Dr Darshan Singh.
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Melbourne, June 22
