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Contenders line up for a shot at title
Russia complete q-final line-up Russian forward Andrei Arshavin celebrates after scoring the second goal against Sweden on Wednesday. Russia won 2-0 and will play the quarterfinal against the Netherlands on June 21. AFP photo
Time to give Croatia billing they deserve
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Second-string Spain too good for Greece
We are coming up: Hiddink
Champions Trophy
Champions Trophy
Sehwag favours review system
India's star batsman Virender Sehwag at a cricket academy in Dehra Dun. Photo by Vinod Pundir
Pak pacer Asif released
Raikkonen hungrier than ever for win
Sub-Jr National Basketball
Narrow miss for Joseph, Ramesan
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Contenders line up for a shot at title
Basel, June 19 The first 24 matches of the tournament produced 55 goals but, perhaps more importantly, almost every one of the 16 finalists came with a positive, attack-minded approach that has produced a memorable and outstanding group stage. As expected neither of the co-hosts Austria or Switzerland made it to the last eight, although at least the Swiss won their first match in three European finals with a consolation victory over already-qualified Portugal who fielded a reserve side. Greece also went out, ending their unlikely four-year reign as European champions in the more familiar position of being bottom of their group. They scored just one goal and failed to collect a point even against a second string Spain side. France, European champions in 2000 and World Cup runners-up to Italy two years ago, also finished bottom of their group. Their early elimination brought down the curtain on the international careers of Lilian Thuram, 36, who retired having played an all-time record 142 matches for the French side, and Claude Makelele, 35, who won 71 caps. Koebi Kuhn, the 64-year-old coach of Switzerland, and Czech Republic manager Karel Brueckner, 68, also stepped down, the latter after the most remarkable match of the opening phase. With 75 minutes played against Turkey, the Czechs were coasting to a 2-0 victory and a place in Friday's quarter-final against Croatia in Vienna. Just 15 minutes later they were out. Turkey struck three times in the closing stages with two goals in the last four minutes from captain Nihat Kahveci, to secure an unlikely and astonishing comeback. That game not only marked the end of Brueckner's six-year spell as national coach but also ended Jan Koller's international career with 55 goals in 90 appearances, leaving the stage as the Czechs' all-time leading scorer. Turkey will meet Croatia in the last eight, attempting to end the 100 per cent record of Slaven Bilic's men. The Croatians underlined their title potential with a gritty, tactical 2-1 win over Germany to seal first place in their group with a maximum nine points. Marco Van Basten's exciting Dutch side, though, have emerged as favourites after winning all three matches including a 3-0 victory over world champions Italy and a 4-1 win over France. They look capable of lifting their first title since 1988 while Spain have also played some superb football, raising hopes among their fans of a first major trophy since 1964. Guus Hiddink's Russia made a late run to reach the last eight and have been boosted by the return of playmaker Andrei Arshavin from suspension but will surely fall to the Dutch. Portugal, who went close on home soil four years ago, beat Turkey and Czech Republic with a swagger and confidence that could take them all the way to a first senior success. Germany are in the knockout phase after failing to reach it in 2000 and 2004 but will find a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal tough to beat in the quarter-finals. Italy flirted with elimination but, after beating France 2-0 on Monday, made the last eight and are unlikely to play as badly against Spain as they did versus Netherlands and Romania. Reuters |
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Russia complete q-final line-up
Innsbruck, June 18 Few believed coach Guus Hiddink when he said he might not start with his deep-lying attacker due to a lack of match fitness after the inspirational Arshavin was forced to sit out the first two Group D games through suspension. But nobody could have envisaged what an impact the midfield schemer would make within minutes of joining the party as Russia beat Sweden 2-0 to set up a quarter-final with Netherlands. Operating in a productive no-man's land between Sweden's midfield and defence, Arshavin roamed left, right and centre, collecting the ball from deep, probing, passing and driving into the box with menace. His team mates, who looked flat in their first two games, seemed to be lifted by his presence and suddenly passes were zipping in and around the Swedish box with hitherto unseen zest. Midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov was everywhere while striker Roman Pavlyuchenko rediscovered the touch and confidence that destroyed England in qualifying but then deserted him to the point that Hiddink threatened to leave him at home. Both were involved in the first goal after 24 minutes, one of the best here so far, when Zyryanov and Alexander Anyukov neatly set up Pavlyuchenko to fire in a crisp first-time shot. Arshavin got the second just after the break when he ran 50 metres to finish off another sweeping move and, along with several of his team mates, should have scored again in the final quarter as Sweden's defence was punctured time and again. Suddenly, Russia were transformed into a team who look capable of giving any defence a grilling and the return of the number 10 was key. "Arshavin is a player who can decide very, very fast where he can create danger... he can turn left, right, he knows where an opponent is so he is a very smart player," Hiddink said. "You can see he can make the difference, not for himself by the goal but for the other guys on the field. "We tried to play with him between their defensive line and their two defensive midfielders and he's very smart to play in that area because we knew from the analysis that the Swedish team was not covering there." The Dutch, who have been revelling in their own attacking performances, might pay now more attention to their defence in the next few days because Arshavin's presence means Saturday's showdown in Basel suddenly looks a lot more interesting. Reuters
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Time to give Croatia billing they deserve
Vienna, June 19 Indeed, it would be more of a shock if the 1998 World Cup semi-finalists did not progress against a battered, bruised but not yet broken Turkish side in Vienna. Croatia did raise some eyebrows when they reached the last eight at Euro 96 only four years after coming into existence and it was certainly a stunning upset when they beat Germany 3-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals two years later. But they are regulars at major tournaments now and come into Euro 2008 having topped their qualifying group ahead of Russia after seeing off England with home and away victories. Once here they collected maximum points from their group after another win over the Germans to take top spot in Group B and earn their shot at the Turks, who snatched second spot in Group A with a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Czech Republic. While reaching the quarter-finals in England 12 years ago was cause for celebration in the new country, coach Slaven Bilic, a player then, considers that the minimum expectation these days. "We don't see ourselves as a revelation any more, although some people perhaps still do," he said. "In our own eyes, we haven't achieved anything spectacular by reaching the last eight because that was our primary objective before the tournament started." Poland's experienced Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker, whose team were eased aside 1-0 by Croatia's second-string in their final group game, always predicted that Bilic's team would top the section and thinks they can go further. "They have a lot of talent and if they can act as a team and not fall back to individuals showing how good they are, and I think Bilic will make them play like a real team, then they will be very dangerous for anyone," Beenhakker said. Bilic rested nine first-choice players in that game and is expected to recall them all on Friday, though Ivan Klasnic, who scored and was impressive against Poland, could start up front. Turkey, World Cup semi-finalists themselves six years ago, have it all to do after giving so much, physically and mentally, against the Czechs. Injuries and suspensions have taken seven players out of consideration and, despite some brave talk, there does not appear to be the depth in the squad to cover such a loss. Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel is banned after his red card against the Czechs, meaning a recall for former number one Rustu Recber, while midfielder Mehmet Aurelio is also suspended. Despite the problems, however, their terrific late fightback in the Czech game has given the whole squad a massive dose of self-confidence. "Our biggest advantage is that we never give up." said coach Fatih Terim.
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Second-string Spain too good for Greece
Salzburg, June 19 Striker Daniel Guiza headed the winner two minutes from time when he met a cross from Sergio Garcia to hand a third straight defeat to already eliminated Greece yesterday. The Greeks had taken the lead late in the first half through a header from striker Angelos Haristeas but midfielder Ruben de la Red equalised just after the hour. With Spain resting almost their entire first-choice side ahead of their quarter-final showdown against Italy on Sunday and Greece playing for little more than pride, the game lacked the intensity and edge of the previous group clashes. Spain had an early chance when De la Red sliced wide and Xabi Alonso almost caught Greece keeper Antonis Nikopolidis out when he launched a long-distance drive from inside his own half. Alonso shaved the post with two more firm drives, but it was Greece who broke the deadlock and took the lead against the run of play three minutes before halftime. The unmarked Haristeas outjumped the Spain defence and sent a powerful header spinning past keeper Pepe Reina to score his side's first goal of the tournament after midfielder Giorgios Karagounis had clipped a free kick into the area. The Greek players ran down the pitch to celebrate with keeper Nikopolidis who had been given the captain's armband in honour of his last match before his international retirement. Alonso almost scored when he hammered a 25-metre drive against the post early in the second half, but it was De la Red who equalised with his first goal for Spain. He blasted home after Dani Guiza had headed back a long pass from Cesc Fabregas into his path just after the hour. Guiza then got on the scoresheet himself with his first goal for his country with a powerful header past Nikopolidis to extend Spain's winning run to nine games. If the Spanish reserves saw the game as a chance to break into the lineup against Italy, however, most of them failed to take the chance with Fabregas and Alonso the only players other than first-teamer Andres Iniesta to show any spark. Reuters |
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We are coming up: Hiddink
Innesbruck, June 18 Russia, who now face Netherlands on Saturday, dominated from the off in their final Group D match and had plenty of opportunities to make the victory more emphatic. "The only criticism you can make...is that we don't score enough with the opportunities we have," Hiddink told a news conference. "Nevertheless I think this team has made tremendous progress. They were so committed...it was what we call adult and more streetwise football." He said his young players had come on leaps and bounds since what he branded a naive display in their opening 4-1 defeat by Spain, when their eagerness to attack left them repeatedly exposed at the back. "Flight or fight, it's the choice we offered (the players) - they chose to fight," he said. The Dutchman said he was looking forward to facing his fellow countrymen on Saturday, although he wished his team had had as long as Netherlands to prepare for the match. Netherlands were able to field a second-string side in their final Group C game against Romania on Tuesday, having already qualified. "It's a special game, I know the players, I know the coach...so it's special. It will be an exciting clash," he said. "It is very difficult for our team, it may be our problem that we have two days to prepare. We don't have 23 players who can replace each other." Whatever the outcome of Saturday's game in Basel, Hiddink said this tournament had already been a triumph. "It's already a success, if you see where Russia has come from, if you see the FIFA and UEFA rankings from a year ago or two years ago it means that we are coming up," he said. "I am very proud of the team for the achievement of tonight." Reuters |
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Champions Trophy
New Delhi, June 19 Dhoni pointed to India's amazing consistency for most part of the season and said provided his teammates continue in the same vein, there is no reason why India cannot win the elite biennial tournament. "The Indian team did very well in limited-overs cricket in 2007-08. Winning the one-day series in Australia was a monumental achievement. Not only did we beat the World Cup winners, but also Sri Lanka , which was runner-up in the Caribbean," said the buoyant India captain. "We would like to continue in the same vein and take the ICC Champions Trophy home with us to India," Dhoni added. Dhoni would be eager to make up for the Bangladesh disappointment where his team thoroughly dominated the tournament only to lose to arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said he and his team would do everything to win the title before the home crowd. "This is the biggest cricket event to come to Pakistan in more than a decade. I am sure that there will be a fantastic atmosphere for all the games and that the people of Pakistan will make it a happy and memorable event," he said. "The fact we beat India earlier this week, which showed what a good side it is when it beat Australia earlier this year, means that it will be very difficult to predict the outcome of matches. I think this could be one of the most closely contested tournaments for a long time," Malik said. South Africa captain Graeme Smith said the format would require his team to stay on top of their game. "Having won it once before (in 1998) we are obviously keen to do so again and it is important that we take the extra step because we have been in a lot of semi-finals without going to the final stage," he said. West Indies captain Chris Gayle said with his team doing well in the last two editions, all he wanted was to carry forward the momentum. "In 2004 it was great feeling to be part of the team which won that amazing final against England at The Oval. I will always remember that day and cherish those memories. Two years later we went close again, only to lose to Australia in the final in India. "We believe we have the right combination and all the players know their roles and responsibilities. You can expect the West Indies to be bold and brave in the ICC Champions Trophy 2008," the left-hander said. England captain Paul Collingwood said his team was fancying its chance after they gathered good knowledge about conditions in the sub-continent. "We have come close to winning the Champions Trophy before and would love to go one better this time. In England, in 2004, we played some excellent cricket beating Australia in the semi-final and were very disappointed to lose to West Indies in the final after getting ourselves into a very good position to win the game. "Most of our squad have the experience of playing in Pakistan. We have played plenty of cricket in the sub-continent in recent years so I am sure we will be able to adjust to the conditions quickly and we will be very keen to make a big impact on the tournament," Collingwood said. New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said the Kiwis are eager to make an encore of their 2000 triumph.
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Champions Trophy
Melbourne, June 19 According to Australian media, their players would pull out of the Champions Trophy if the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not shift the venue of the tournament. ''It is going to come down to the individual's decision,'' an anonymous member of the Australian team, currently touring West Indies was quoted as saying to 'Sydney Morning Herald'. ''We have talked about it, and there are some guys who will go if security advice says it's OK. But there are others who have said they won't go, regardless. At this stage, we are waiting to hear more,'' he added. Australia had already postponed its March-April tour of Pakistan this year for security reasons and their star all-rounder Andrew Symonds had clearly said that he would not tour the trouble-torn nation. Amidst this whole situation, Cricket Australia (CA) look in deeper trouble as it would wish that its players take part in the Champions Trophy which is in September this year. Not only the Australian players, but players from England, New Zealand and South Africa too are apprehensive about touring Pakistan. However, the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have asserted that the security would not be a problem during the tournament and proper arrangements would be made to ensure that the event goes trouble-free. But the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) is not pleased by the governing body's assurance and would not give a green signal before it gets convinced that the players would be safe in Pakistan. UNI
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Sehwag favours review system
Dehra Dun, June 19 The star Indian batsman, who was in city to play a Twenty20 match between ONGC XI and Chief Secretary XI, at Abhimanyu Cricket Academy, said, "Just a single umpiring blunder could change the outcome of the match. Therefore, seeking a review of the match official's decision seems to be a good move by the ICC. The batsman will get much needed reprieve from the new system." Sehwag, popularly known as Nawab of Najafgarh, told The Tribune that the team India was a strong contender in the upcoming Asia cup. "In the recent past, I was not consistent with my batting but now everything is fine and my bat is scoring runs. We hope to put up a good show in Asia Cup", he said, adding that he was concentrating on playing natural strokes. Commenting on the IPL, Sehwag said that because of its magnificent format, Twenty20 cricket has captured the imagination of the people. The jampacked stadiums indicated that this format of game would gain more popularity in the coming days. Sehwag said the IPL had provided a platform to young and budding cricketers to showcase their skills. The Indian opener felt that if IPL is played on knockout format, it could well be organized twice a year. He said he did not feel that T20 cricket will diminish the charm of ODI and Test cricket. |
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Dubai, June 19 Asif was caught with opium in his wallet at the Dubai airport on his way to Lahore after taking part in the Indian Premier League. Pakistan embassy officials told PTI the deportation process is complete and barring some unforeseen delays, he will be deported soon. Pakistan Cricket Board officials were, however, unable to confirm the development. Forensic examinations had confirmed that Asif was in possession of the banned recreational drug opium. It is believed that Asif had 0.24gms of opium in his wallet when he was transiting through Dubai en route to Pakistan from India. To be tried under WADA rules: ICC Lahore: Embattled fast bowler Mohammad Asif's miseries could further mount once he is released from detention in Dubai as the ICC is keeping a close watch on his drug scandal and said the pacer would be liable to penalties under the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) rules. The ICC's acting chief executive Dave Richardson told mediapersons yesterday that the governing body has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to keep it updated on the Asif issue. ''As far as we know he has not been charged as yet. But since the ICC is a signatory of WADA regulations if he is charged then he is liable to penalties under WADA code of conduct,'' Richardson said. Asif was detained on June 1 for alleged possession of contraband drugs and so far the Attorney General, who is presiding over his case, has not reached any decision. An official at the Pakistan embassy in Dubai said the AG would meet Asif's lawyers and embassy officials only in another three days' time. Agencies
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Raikkonen hungrier than ever for win
London, June 19 ''I don't remember when I had such a great lust for winning,'' the Finn told his team's Web site (www.ferrariworld.com). ''The last two races were a disappointment, caused by different problems,'' added Raikkonen, who was shunted out of the last Canadian Grand Prix by championship rival Lewis Hamilton in a pit-lane collision. Before that, the Finn had himself smashed into the back of Adrian Sutil's Force India in the closing stages of the showcase Monaco Grand Prix while in fifth place. ''I think that things will look really different at Magny-Cours compared to the last GPs,'' said Raikkonen, who won in France last year. Raikkonen had been 26 points behind McLaren's Hamilton before arriving in Magny-Cours last year, and without an appearance on the podium for four races.
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Sub-Jr National Basketball
Jalandhar, June 19 Maharashtra girls took an early lead in 10 points at the end of first quarter (11-12). Punjab girls put up a splendid performance and scored 16 points. In the third quarter Maharashtra consolidated the lead and finally won the match. For Maharastra Shireen Leema (12), Kritika (12), Shweta (09) and Mayura Bhatt (09) were the main scorers. In another match, Maharastra boys defeated Karnataka 52-34. The former were trailing by 21-22 at the end of the second quarter, but regrouped in the third quarter to take a lead of six points (35-29). Eventually, Maharastra won the match by 52-34 points. The scorers for Maharashtra were Ibrahim (12), Naveen (22), Uday (6) and Saleem (6). Results: Boys: (pre-quarterfinals): Maharashtra beat Karnataka by 52-37, Uttar Pradesh beat Kerala by 72-35, Chhattisgarh beat Manipur by 54-22, Delhi beat Jammu and Kashmir by 36-09 points. Girls: (pre-quarterfinals): Tamil Nadu beat Gujarat 32-14, West Bengal beat Haryana 51-29, Jharkhand beat Delhi 38-09, Maharastra beat Punjab 54-45.
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Narrow miss for Joseph, Ramesan
London, June 19 Joseph and Ramesan clocked 1:47.89s and 1:47.93s, respectively, fractions of seconds outside the Olympic qualification 'B' standard of 1:47.00s, to finish second and third behind Jeff Riseley (1:47.65s) of Australia. The 2006 World Cup Champion Australian Craig Mottram leading the filed till the 600m mark but Riseley, Joseph and Ramesan surged ahead to fight it out in the last 100m. In the women's 800m, Sinimole Paulose's quest for Olympic qualification bore no fruit once again though she won the race with a timing of 2:03.79s, much below the Olympic 'B' standard of 2:01.30. Sushma Devi registered a comfortable victory in women's 1500m with 4:22.51s while Preeja Sreedharan, who bettered the Olympic 'B' standard in 10,000m at the British Miles Club Elite Grand Prix on June 15, clocked 4:26.49s to come second. In men's 1500m, Indians seized all top three places though clocking well below Olympic qualification standards. Ravinder upstaged favourite Chatholi Hamza with a timing of 3:44.93s. Hamza, who had clocked 3:40.10s on June 14 at Watford, looked like to push for the Olympic 'B' mark of 3:39.00 but returned with a disappointing 3:46.21s while Paritam Bind finished third with 3:44.99s. PTI
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Basel, June 19
Innsbruck, June 19
Dehra Dun, June 19
Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Asif, in detention in Dubai since June 1 for carrying contraband drugs, has been discharged and will be deported to Pakistan at the earliest, according to Public Prosecutor Mohammad Al Nuaimi.
