|
|
|
|
|
England Suarezed
|
|
|
'Hodgson jibe fired me up'
group of death
Germans know Ghana no pushovers
A clash of unequals Bend it like a Brazilian? Not in this World Cup Honda’s drive comes to a stop in Greece
Sangakkara holds up England with 47th Test half-century
WI on brink of victory
Jeev tied 9th after solid start at Irish Open
IOA sends expression of interest to host 2019 Asiad Saina out of Indonesia Open
|
|
England Suarezed
Sao Paulo, June 20 They never imposed themselves upon the game and they twice allowed Luis Suarez the kind of goalscoring chances that Norwich City would be ashamed to give him. Roy Hodgson’s team were out of their depth against a Uruguay side who relied upon a striker who has not played a single game since the end of the season. It is a miserable way to go. England had even fought their way back into the game with five minutes left to play, a first World Cup goal from Wayne Rooney, his 40 for his country and a moment that felt like it could be significant.
England do not have a centre-half capable of carrying the ball out of defence and it showed; in fact there were times when even if they had, the list of options open to play the ball was badly limited. Suarez started the game. Was he ever going to be any other way? He chased all along the England back line trying to apply pressure on their defence and, by and large, it worked. It was a poor start from England. Raheem Sterling gave the ball away. Joe Hart almost got caught by a Suarez corner aimed at his near post. It was only when Rooney and Gerrard quickly combined to get Glen Johnson free out on the right side in the sixth minute that it felt like they could spread their wings a little. After that England settled, although it was not for long. Diego Godin was booked for handling a chipped ball through the back four and the Uruguayan captain should really have been sent off after 29 minutes when he flailed an elbow. — The Independent
|
|
'Hodgson jibe fired me up'
Sao Paulo, June 20 After England's defeat to Italy last Saturday, Hodgson declined an invitation to describe Suarez as a "world-class" forward who was in the same bracket as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. "He (Suarez) will only be at that level when he shows it on this particular stage (the World Cup)," Hodgson said. Those words, and the constant talk about Suarez's knee injury, made the striker more determined to make a full recovery and defeat Hodgson's side. "It wasn't revenge, but in England they talked about the injury and the coach had words that annoyed (me)," Suarez was quoted as saying on Uruguayan website. Suarez's place in Uruguay's World Cup squad was thrown into doubt almost five weeks ago when he had to have surgery because of a knee injury. But after sitting out the 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica, Suarez returned to the starting XI for the England game, with deadly consequences for Hodgson's side. Suarez celebrated his first goal by hugging team physio Walter Ferreira, who he credits for helping him make a rapid recovery. "My wife and my two children are important to me and Walter is also important, the goals were for him because of what he did for me," Suarez said. — Reuters Hate figure
Suarez’ last action as Ajax's captain was to bite PSV player Otman Bakkal, resulting in a suspension in 2010. At Liverpool, he was suspended for flipping off Fulham fans, calling Manchester United defender Patrice Evra a "negrito," and for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in 2013. |
|
Italy in limbo, heaven for Costa Rica
Recife, June 20 Ruiz headed powerfully home a minute before halftime to leave Costa Rica fans dancing in the sunshine. "We kept up our heads. It was a beautiful match... The people of Costa Rica deserve this. They supported the team and me. This was for them," said ecstatic coach Jorge Luis Pinto.
In making the last 16 for the first time in 24 years, the Central Americans ensured Enggland are leaving the group stages for the first time since 1958. The midday sun reduced the early stages to shadow boxing, with Italy hogging the ball but strolling round the pitch at walking pace while Costa Rica were busy but cautious. Costa Rica's back-five pushed high up the pitch to compress the space as Italy sat back and looked to hit on the break, a tactic which almost paid dividends on the half-hour mark as Mario Balotelli was sent clear by a superb through ball from Andrea Pirlo. But the striker miscontrolled the ball with his first touch and then tried and failed to lob keeper Kaylor Nevas with his second. — Reuters
|
|
|
Germans know Ghana no pushovers
Porto Seguro, June 20 The Germans routed Australia to start their 2010 campaign, but then lost to Serbia 1-0 in the next game. After beating Portugal 4-0 in Brazil on Monday, Germany are wary of another letdown in Fortaleza against Ghana, the same team they beat 1-0 in their third game in South Africa to reach the knockout round. "The second match from four years ago is a warning," Germany defender Per Mertesacker said. "We opened very well, then lost. We'll have to take it very seriously." Ghana lost their opening match 2-1 to the United States and can't afford another loss, while Germany would all but clinch a spot in the knockout rounds with another win. A big downside from the opening win, though, was an injury picked up by central defender Mats Hummels. Hummels did not practice with the team on Thursday and a decision on his fitness won't be made until shortly before the match. "I hope he will be able to play, we've just started getting accustomed to playing alongside each other and to have more confidence," Mertesacker said. "It would be a little question mark if Mats can't play but we all know what we have to do." The rematch also brings together again the Boateng half-brothers, Jerome, a Germany defender, and Kevin-Prince, a forward for Ghana, who started on the bench against the United States. Regardless of whether he starts on Saturday, the Germans are quite familiar with their opponents. "Ghana is a very physical team, they try to outplay you, they want to shine," Mertesacker said. "They are a dangerous team and we'll have to be very clever, especially in the heat. We'll have to play good defense." Germany are likely to stick to the same formation without a true striker, which worked so well against Portugal when Thomas Mueller scored a hat-trick. Captain Philipp Lahm will continue in defensive midfield, assistant coach Hansi Flick said. Players revolt?
Ghana team officials have denied reports of a "player revolt" against coach Kwesi Appiah following the loss to the United States. Ghana's Joy FM said players, in particular Kevin-Prince
Boateng, were unhappy with Appiah's tactics in the defeat to the Americans. AC Milan's Michael Essien also started on the bench. The radio station misinterpreted the reason why a news conference at the team base in Maceio was postponed on Tuesday, the Ghana Football Association said, denying players had refused to report for the conference. — PTI |
|
|
Bend it like a Brazilian? Not in this World Cup Rio de Janerio, June 20 There are even a few modern European pretenders to the free kick taker's throne in the shape of sharpshooters like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Italy's sublime Andrea Pirlo, but in northeastern Brazil, there is only one name that matters - Juninho Pernambucano. "From distance you could add Roberto Carlos because of the strength and change of direction," said former team mate Wendel Geraldo, "but for the overall perfection, at the height of his career I would say Juninho. Without question." Speaking to Reuters at the training ground of Sport Club do Recife, where Juninho honed his technique as a young professional before moving to Europe, Wendel explained why the former Lyon and Brazil midfielder was the best in the business. Juninho scored dozens of goals from free kicks in a career that saw him win seven league titles in France with Lyon and 40 caps for Brazil before retiring from the game in 2013 at the age of 38. Now among the ranks of Juninho's successors as one of the players who takes free kicks at Sport, Wendel says a lot of hard work goes into becoming an expert like his predecessor or Roberto Carlos. Practice makes perfect
“The best characteristic you can have is the training, day after day, perfecting it," the 32-year-old said. "A free kick taker is already born with that gift, and during training he perfects it. It's a gift that you don't achieve overnight." Wendel says Brazilian players practice many different kinds of free kicks in order to master the dead ball. "From distance, you need to hit more with the top of your foot and with more power. From up close to the goalie, you’d need to hit more with the inside of the foot," he added, pointing to his instep." He blames the lack of goals from free kicks at the World Cup on the retirement of some of the foremost Brazilian exponents of the art. Despite the presence of Ronaldo and Messi, precious few free kicks have actually troubled goalkeepers. — Reuters |
|
Honda’s drive comes to a stop in Greece
Both sides were looking to get their campaigns back on track after losing their opening encounters and Greece will be the happier after playing for 52 minutes without skipper Kostas Katsouranis, who was sent off for two yellow card offences. Japan dominated possession but were unable to make the most of the chances they created against a Greek defense which once again looked like the one that conceded four goals in 10 qualifying matches for Brazil. "We tried to attack. We had to play our match. We couldn’t settle for a draw. This is not a positive result. We absolutely needed to win," said Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni. “We lacked ideas for the final ball. We did a lot of good things but we really lacked speed.” — Agencies
|
|
Brazilians arrested for throwing firecrackers
Police arrested 14 Brazilians for throwing firecrackers at England fans at a bar in Sao Paulo before their team's World Cup match Thursday, allegedly a bid to provoke a brawl. The Brazilians went on the rampage as fans gathered to watch the England-Uruguay game, which the South Americans won 2-1. Initial reports said the Brazilians had thrown Molotov cocktails or flares, but police spokesman Romulo Gabrette Lara said the projectiles were in fact relatively small firecrackers of the kind used at Brazil's traditional June festivals. "They have powder, they make a big noise, but they don't burn," he told
AFP. "They were thrown in the direction of the England fans. "The people who were in the bar ran, there was a commotion, but no one was hurt or hospitalized." Police said they had confiscated six flares and other fireworks from those arrested, plus a knife and brass knuckles. "Their plan was to throw some noisemakers and use the fireworks in case there was a confrontation," said
Lara. Balotelli: I want a kiss from the Queen
Italy striker Mario Balotelli has put the kiss of death on England with his winning goal at their World Cup opener, but before the Italy lost the match to Costa Rica, Mario had cheekily expressedhis eagerness for royal recompense if he becomes their savior. "If we beat Costa Rica I want a kiss, obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen," Balotelli, 23, had Tweeted after England's defeat in Sao Paulo. Well known to the English from his days — and antics — at Manchester City, it was Balotelli's cool header that gave Italy a 2-1 win over them in Manaus. While Princes William and Harry are known football-lovers and would no doubt love to meet the maverick Italian, Queen Elizabeth is more passionate about horse-racing and may not be over-enthused at the prospect of giving him a peck. World Cup emotion too much for tearful Die
Tearful Ivory Coast midfielder Serey Die said the emotion of playing at the World Cup had simply overcome him during his country's national anthem before they lost to Colombia.Pictures of Die crying during the Elephants' hymn were beamed around the world, sparking social media rumours that his father had died just a few days ago. Die dismissed those rumours and said it was simply the occasion that got to him in Brasilia. "I'm a very emotional person. My life has always been difficult. I thought about my father who died in 2004, and I also thought about my tough life," said Die yesterday. "I never thought I would be here one day, that one day I would play for my country. That emotion took over."I fought (to hold back the tears) but I couldn't. I didn't think that could happen to me but it was stronger than
me." Boatengs put brotherly love on hold again
Kevin-Prince Boateng and half-brother Jerome grew up in the tough Berlin district of Wedding, learning about the subtleties of soccer and the inequalities of life in tiny caged-in cement playgrounds the size of an inner city basketball court. The Boateng boys have come a long way from that under-privileged, run-down high-rise section of Berlin and will once again be applying those life lessons learned on the biggest stage at the World Cup on Saturday. Kevin-Prince and his Ghana team square off against Jerome and Germany in the Group G showdown, a rematch for the brothers of their 2010 battle in South Africa which Germany won 1-0. Of ballboys, burgers: Hazard heeds the warnings
Thee tempestuousness of youth has seen Eden Hazard being hauled over the coals. Last year he was given a straight red card and banned for three matches after kicking out at a ballboy who was refusing to hand over the ball during a match. In 2011 he stormed off the pitch after being substituted and ended up eating a hamburger from a stall outside the stadium while Belgium were still playing a Euro 2012 qualifying match. That incident earned him a one-match suspension. But none of these flaws have proved fatal to a career that is truly beginning to flourish. Hazard appears to understand the need to constantly improve and seems aware of his shortcomings. — Agencies |
||
|
A clash of unequals
Belo Horizonte: Argentina captain Lionel Messi believes coach Alejandro Sabella has to back his side's attacking capabilities and include him among a front three when they face Iran tomorrow in Belo Horizonte. Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is expected to return to Sabella's starting line-up as the two-time winners look to seal their place in the second round with a victory over Iran. Higuain came on as a substitute to set up Messi to score just his second ever World Cup goal as Argentina got their campaign off to a winning start against Bosnia and Herzegovina. And Messi said he feels more comfortable playing with both Higuain and Sergio Aguero in attack. "We are Argentina and I think we need to concentrate on ourselves without fixating on who we are playing," he said. "We feel more comfortable with two up front and me behind because it makes it easier to counter-attack and, because we have more people in attack, we have more possibilities." Messi eased some of the pressure on his shoulders to finally deliver his best form at a major tournament for his country with his stunning effort in the 2-1 win over Bosnia. However, his underwhelming first-half performance was still criticised by some and he admitted he needs to play closer to the opposition's goal. — PTI
|
|
Sangakkara holds up England with 47th Test half-century
Leeds, June 20 Sangakkara should have been run out on nought by wicketkeeper Matt Prior then Prior dropped him on 27 before Moeen Ali put down a high chance off Chris Jordan when he had made 57. At tea he was 67 not out after holding the Sri Lankan innings together with Mahela Jayawardene who was one of Liam Plunkett's victims in a two-in-two spell, the tall fast bowler wresting back the initiative for England. Jordan took a splendid catch low to his right to dismiss Jayawardene for 22 then from the next ball Lahiru Thirimanne fended a fierce delivery straight to Sam Robson a short-leg. Brief scores: Sri Lanka 182-5 at tea (Sangakkara 67*). — Reuters
|
|
|
Trinidad, June 20 An unbroken 45-run partnership between BJ Watling and Mark Craig for the ninth wicket helped New Zealand push the match into a fifth day. When stumps were drawn, the Kiwis were 257 for eight. — Reuters Brief scores: New Zealand: 221 and 257/8 (Williamson 52) lead WI: 460 by 18 runs.
|
|
|
Jeev tied 9th after solid start at Irish Open
Cork (Ireland), June 20 Jeev was placed tied ninth at the end of the first day. He had a total of six birdies, two on front nine and four on the back journey and made three bogeys. Things were however not so good for the other two Indians, Shiv Kapur and Gaganjeet Bhullar. Both Kapur and Bhullar carded three-over 74 each. The event is one of the events on The Open Qualifying Series. Three players, who have not already qualified and who finish in the top ten at the Irish Open, will secure places in The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool from 17-20 July. None of the Indians in the field have qualified as yet. Finland's Mikko Ilonen fired five birdies in his closing seven holes to establish a two shot advantage after the opening round. — PTI
|
|
IOA sends expression of interest to host 2019 Asiad New Delhi, June 20 IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta today sent an official letter addressed to Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) chief Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah saying that India would like host the 2019 Asian Games in New Delhi. “The Indian Olympic Association would officially like to submit its bid for hosting 18th Asian Games in Delhi,” Mehta wrote in the letter. “The members of the IOA have approved the bid. We are in dialogue with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, for obtaining the necessary approvals.” Mehta said that the IOA will approach the government after the OCA sends the bid documents. The deadline for the submission of official bid documents to the OCA is July 1. — PTI
|
|||||
|
Jakarta, June 20 Saina, seeded eighth, lost 20-22 15-21 to the Chinese shuttler in 44 minutes. With this victory, the top-seeded reigning Olympic champion has now extended her record against Saina to 7-2. Saina gave a tough fight to her opponent in the opening game but failed to keep up the momentum in the second and went down tamely. — PTI
|
|||||
Anand falls behind in World Blitz after three losses Japan Open: Ghosh beats higher-ranked Russian Austrian GP: Mercedes dominate practice West Indies on brink of
victory over NZ Broad hat-trick and fiery Plunkett lift England
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
In past tournaments, England’s demise has been a slow drawn-out affair, with the handwringing and the tears and the dreadful sense of foreboding. Brazil 2014 promises to be short and sweet.
Germany repeated their feat from four years ago by opening the World Cup with a 4-0 victory. Now they are hoping there won't be a repeat of their second game in South Africa when they take on Ghana on Saturday.
A desperate rearguard action from 10-man Greece held Japan to a 0-0 draw that suited neither side in a match which ended with boos ringing around the Dunas arena and sent Colombia into the last 16.
Both sides were looking to get their campaigns back on track after losing their opening encounters and Greece will be the happier after playing for 52 minutes without skipper Kostas
Katsouranis, who was sent off for two yellow card offences.
Kumar Sangakkara profited from three "lives" to hit his 47th Test match 50 but England's pacemen hit back to reduced Sri Lanka to 182 for five at tea on the first day of the second Test in Leeds on Friday.
Sangakkara should have been run out on nought by wicketkeeper Matt Prior then Prior dropped him on 27 before Moeen Ali put down a high chance off Chris Jordan when he had made 57.
At tea he was 67 not out after holding the Sri Lankan innings together with Mahela Jayawardene who was one of Liam Plunkett's victims in a two-in-two spell, the tall fast bowler wresting back the initiative for England.
In past tournaments, England’s demise has been a slow drawn-out affair, with the handwringing and the tears and the dreadful sense of foreboding. Brazil 2014 was a short and not so sweet affair. Costa Rica’s shock defeat of four-time champions Italy on Friday meant that Roy Hodgson’s men are out six days after they began. That throat-slicing moment from Greg Dyke at the draw back in October will not tell even half the story. If there was honour in defeat against Italy in Manaus, then this was just a very poor England performance. 
England had been ragged, desperate at times, but they were improbably level again. Then they allowed a clearance by the Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to carry all the way through to Suarez who, becalmed since his first half goal, pounced on the chance. Steven Gerrard had said that England’s performance would be defined by the way they defended. Well, their defending was shocking and it is primarily that reason why they have lost two opening games for the first time in World Cup history. But it is hard to see where they gather their momentum from now.
From the start Uruguay exerted a ferocious pressing game upon Hodgson’s side and for much of the game the men in white simply could not live with it. 
Costa Rica produced another huge upset to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the second time on Friday with Bryan Ruiz's goal securing a 1-0 Group D win over Italy that also ensured England were eliminated.
Costa Rica top the group with six points, having already beaten Uruguay in their first game, while Italy, three points adrift, now need at least a draw from their final game against Uruguay, also on three points, to go through on goal difference.
Germany repeated their feat from four years ago by opening the World Cup with a 4-0 victory. Now they are hoping there won't be a repeat of their second game in South Africa when they take on Ghana on Saturday.
Manaus, June 20
