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Suarez in biting storm as Italy out of the
race
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Suarez could face ban after bite claim
Scolari backs ‘spectacular' defence
The Sky Blues need to step it up
Fidel Castro praises Maradona, Messi
Costa Rica draw with England to top Group
France aim for top spot
Swiss hope to banish 2010 nightmare
Who’ll make it? scenarios before group finales
Iran looking to party like it’s 1998
HI threatens to pull out of CWG, Asiad
Punjab-born wrestler in Oz team for CWG
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Suarez in biting storm as Italy out of the race
The Italian players were still complaining to the referee after Uruguay striker Luis Suarez appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini shortly before Godin rose to head in the winner. The match was sparked into life just before the hour mark when Italy's Claudio Marchisio was shown a straight red card for a foul on Egidio Arevalo Rios. Before that, it looked like Italy would succeed in suffocating Suarez and the Uruguayan attack and secure the point they needed to progress along with group winners Costa Rica. After 81 minutes, though, Godin rose above a scrum of players in the Italy box to power the ball into the net off his head and shoulder and give the Uruguayans a lead they never relinquished. Italy, who had sat back in numbers before Marchisio's dismissal, poured forward to try to rescue the situation but Andrea Pirlo's 85th-minute free kick was their best chance and Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera swept it around the post. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli had made his intentions clear by starting with a 3-5-2 formation and for most of the first hour they succeeded in shackling the Uruguayans. It was a brilliant if often brutal display of the art of defense from the Italians, who, when they lost possession, swarmed around the Uruguay players and fouled them with monotonous regularity. Suarez was successfully subdued for the most part. — Agencies PRANDELLI RESIGNS Cesare Prandelli gave his resignation to the Italian FA's president after the defeat to Uruguay, who says he hopes Prandelli will reconsider his decision. The coach however said he will stand by his decision to step down. “The technical set-up didn't work, and I take all responsibility for that," he said. Italian FA President Giancarlo Abete said, "I would like to announce my resignation. I do hope that they can persuade Cesare [Prandelli] to reconsider his position."
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Suarez could face ban after bite claim
NATAL, June 24 The Italians were still complaining about the incident when Uruguay captain Diego Godin scored with an 81st-minute header to secure a 1-0 win that sent them into the second round and eliminated Italy. "It was ridiculous not to send Suarez off," Chiellini told Rai TV. "It is clear, clear-cut and then there was the obvious dive afterwards because he knew very well that he did something that he shouldn’t have done." Suarez was banned for 10 games last year after biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in a Premier League game and in 2010 he was suspended for seven games for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal while playing for Ajax Amsterdam. Four years ago he missed Uruguay's World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands after being sent for a handball on the line that denied Ghana what would have been a match-winning goal in the final minute of extra time in a last-eight match. — Reuters
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Brazil’s Talisman
Manaus, June 24 And while they did enough to achieve their primary goal, there were the same concerns in defence that have stalked them at this World Cup. Indeed after Neymar put them in front early on, rather than lead to a predicted thrashing, the home side gulped and briefly froze. Joël Matip’s equaliser for Cameroon midway through the first period prodded and probed at a shock result, but Neymar netted again before half-time and only then did they do what we all expected of them. He was the star of the show once more which begs the question of what might happen against better opposition on a night he goes quiet. The nation dare not think of that, but it’s relevant because others do not look like stepping up. Fred, who tapped home the third early in the second half, was not threatening for the most part. And that after a promising start. After all, men with nothing to lose can do remarkable things and there were several half openings. There was a tetchiness about Cameroon throughout as well, best surmised by Allan Nyom’s shove into the back of Neymar with the ball out of play. On 17 minutes, Luiz Gustavo turned the ball over on the left, his low cross split the centre-halves and Neymar finished like a man who refuses to let this World Cup be just about Lionel Messi. But think the floodgates were about to open? Think again. Sure enough, Neymar had a volley batted away and Fred — who entered the game with unwanted history breathing heavily behind him as no striker wearing No 9 had ever failed to score for Brazil in the group stage of the World Cup – nearly bundled home. The equaliser. came through a cross by Nyom in 26 minutes and Matip had the easiest of finishes from six yards. Brazil scored three after that. Neymar, Fred and Fernandinho took the team home.
— The Independent |
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Scolari backs ‘spectacular' defence
Brasilia,June 24 Scolari was also pleased that his team were improving with every game, although he said he would have preferred to have avoided second round opponents Chile. "We could have scored seven or eight and conceded a couple more goals," Scolari told reporters after his team finished top of Group A. "We have improved again and for the next game we should improve a little bit more." Although the final scoreline was emphatic, Brazil suffered some anxious moments after being pegged back to 1-1 during the first half when they gave Cameroon chances that more ruthless teams might have punished them for. "I don't have one little drop of fear about the defence, they are spectacular, (although) naturally they can be beaten like any defence," said the man known as Big Phil. "David Luiz is one of the most important players in the team," he added, referring to the central defender who many critics see as erratic. "I like the way the team played, there were some highs and lows which is normal and sometimes we lost the ball in midfield, which made us anxious." However, Scolari added that there was too much of a gap between the midfield and attack which was rectified at halftime, and too many long balls forward for Neymar and Hulk to chase.
— Agencies |
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The Sky Blues need to step it up
Argentina were among the favourites going in to the tournament but despite a much-vaunted front four, they have yet to come alive, with the exception of some moments of match-winning magic from Lionel
Messi. Nigeria, representing Africa’s richest and most populous nation, have also laboured to convince as a team. Nonetheless, Argentina sit atop Group F with six points. The Sky Blues have already qualified for the Round of 16 but will still want finish first to ensure an easier opponent — in principle at least — in the next stage. Nigeria have four points and a draw would be enough to ensure qualification but a loss to Argentina could put them in
trouble. Messi’s sublime strike against Iran in stoppage time only highlighted the danger of Argentina relying on the Barcelona man too much. It wasn’t supposed to be like that. He and his fellow strikers Sergio
Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria form what should have been one of the most formidable attack forces in the tournament, but so far it has been rather blunt.
The defence has also looked shaky, with central defender Ezekiel Garay repeatedly caught off guard against Iran. “We have a few causes for concern,” head coach Alejandro Sabella admitted after the close-shave against Iran. With other Latin American teams such as Chile and previously unheralded Costa Rica powering ahead and delighting fans along the way, Argentina will need to step up the pace if they are to quickly regain what they see as their rightful place at the front. “We know we are not playing as well as we are expected,” Messi said. “But as we go along in the tournament, we will be improving and we will reach our full potential.” Argentina will be able to count on fervent support - tens of thousands of fans are expected to flood over the border into the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, a region which shares its gaucho culure but harbours an intense soccer rivalry. — Reuters
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Mexico wins, coach’s antics talk of town
Mexico, who will face the Netherlands in the last 16, had looked happy to hold out for the draw that would have put them into the knockout stages before the Manchester United forward came off the bench to turn the match on its head. Within 10 minutes of Hernandez entering the fray in the second half, Rafael Marquez put Mexico ahead with a powerful header, Andres Guardado rounded off a swift counter-attack and Hernandez himself struck with a close-range header. It was the striker's first international goal since last year's Confederations Cup and capped an all-round performance in which his energy, clever movement and precise hold-up play proved the difference in a previously cagey clash. "We needed someone who would revolutionize (our game)," Mexico's jubilant coach Miguel Herrera told reporters. "Javier did a very good job, he came in held the ball and did very well and even got a goal which was great... "We know he gives everything and we are very happy with his attitude today and all the time." Mexico, securing a sixth successive appearance in the second round, finished second in the group with seven points, behind Brazil on goal difference after the hosts beat Cameroon 4-1. They briefly flirted with top spot, needing one more goal to depose Brazil before the hosts got a fourth against their opponents.
— Agencies |
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Fidel Castro praises Maradona, Messi
HAVANA, June 24 Castro's written message was published late Monday in official Cuban media and served as a reminder that Cuba and Castro helped Maradona recover from substance abuse and a weight problem when he came to the island for help in 2000. The retired revolutionary, better known as a baseball fan, also praised Maradona for his past support of Hugo Chavez, the former Venezuelan president and close Cuban ally who died of cancer in office in March 2013. "Every day I have the pleasure of following your program, on Telesur, about the World Cup of soccer; thanks to that, I can observe the extraordinary level of that universal sport," Castro wrote. "Just as I salute you, I also salute Messi, a formidable athlete who gives glory to the noble Argentine people," Castro wrote. Maradona, who after straightening out his life in Cuba went on to coach the Argentine squad, is now serving as an analyst alongside journalist Victor Hugo Morales.
— Agencies |
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Short passes Costa Rica marched into the second round of the World Cup proudly top of a Group D containing three former winners after a 0-0 draw with already-eliminated England on Tuesday. The 'Ticos', assured of progress before kickoff, comfortably held their own against an England team showing nine changes from the team beaten by Uruguay in a game short on goalmouth action or any real tension. Costa Rica will face the runners-up of Group C — likely to be one of Ivory Coast, Japan or Greece — in the last 16. Uruguay finished second on six points with Italy on three and England, in their worst World Cup showing since 1958, on one. "We played a very sure, dynamic game," Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto, whose team beat former World Cup winners Uruguay and Italy in their other games, said. "I have enjoyed the three games. We're unbeaten, it's historic." "Now we're going to prepare our best. First, a bit of rest." Godin strikes late to send Uruguay through
Uruguay captain Diego Godin scored with an 81st-minute header to secure a 1-0 win over Italy in Group D on Tuesday and send the South Americans into the last 16. The Italian players were still complaining after Uruguay striker Luis Suarez appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini minutes before Godin rose to head in the winner. Italy had been reduced to 10 men in the 59th minute when midfielder Claudio Marchisio was harshly sent off for a challenge on Egidio Arevalo Rios. Italy, with 55%, dominated the ball possession. Azzurri attempted five shots on the target while Uruguay took nine. In a match where tempers ran high for most of the time, Italy committed 19 fouls, Uruguay committed 20. Costa Rica finished top of the group after drawing 0-0 with England and Uruguay take second place. Yaya Touré has claimed Manchester City denied him the chance to spend time with his brother Ibrahim, who died of cancer last week. Touré took part in the Premier League champions’ end-of-season tour to Dubai before flying to the World Cup with Ivory Coast while his family tended to Ibrahim in Manchester. In an interview with France Football, Touré said: “I confess that I am still very sad. I’m suffering because I feel I have done nothing useful for him the last few weeks.“At the end of the season, I wanted to stay for four or five days with my brother before I flew to prepare for the World Cup with Ivory Coast, except that City did not want to give me a few days. “I went to celebrate the title championship in Abu Dhabi while my brother was in his sickbed. By fortune, Kolo was at his bedside. After that I blame myself for not insisting and for not leading them to respect me. Suarez mocks England; Barca bound
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has heaped more scorn on England by claiming he beat them without even being fully fit in Sao Paulo last week. And the 27-year-old has revealed that he scored twice against England last week while suffering from exhaustion and cramps. “I was not really 100 per cent fit and sometimes this happens,” he said. “I was the other day really at the limits of my physical capacity, as I was for the last match with Liverpool last season. Last week I was full of cramps and I was tired but of course you have a certain experience and you can build yourself up and come to the next assignment and this is what I am doing.” Liverpool star is set to ditch his current club and head to the Catalan giants after the World Cup. Mundo claims "Luis Suarez wants to come to Barca" and "Luis Suarez has decided to leave Liverpool and the Premier League this summer". Belgian queen mistakenly congratulates Lukaku
Belgian Queen Mathilde embarrassingly mixed up Belgium's strikers after the country's victory over Russia, congratulating Romelu Lukaku for scoring the winning goal. Lukaku made way after almost an hour for goalscorer, 19-year-old Divock Origi, brushing off the offered hand of coach Marc Wilmots and muttering angrily on the bench. Video of the royal encounter was shown by Dutch-language broadcaster VRT late on Monday evening.
— Agencies |
Rio de Janeiro, June 24 However, second-placed Ecuador will be desperate to pull off a shock win over the resurgent former world champions as they seek to book their own spot in the knockout stages ahead of Switzerland, who trail them on goal difference, and Honduras. A win or draw for France would mean they will probably avoid meeting Argentina in their first knockout round match. In contrast to the lack of discipline four years ago, when the players went on strike and France were knocked out in the first stage, France coach Didier Deschamps has stamped his authority on the team, leaving top players on the bench when he sees the need. Striker Olivier Giroud was surprisingly named as a substitute for their first match against Honduras but returned to the team in style on Friday when he scored the opener and created another goal in the 5-2 rout of Switzerland. He is likely to retain his starting place against Ecuador. There could be a recall to the starting 11 for midfielder Paul Pogba who was relegated to the bench against Switzerland after nearly getting sent off against Honduras. — Reuters New French order down to Deschamps’ iron will
Ribeirao Preto: France coach Didier Deschamps embodies Michel Platini’s dictum that football is all about control, and he has brought those skills learnt as the 1998 World Cup winning captain to the current French squad. While some have queried whether statements from players about being happy together are directed by Deschamps, he firmly denies it. His attitude has met with no complaints from his employers the French Football Federation, who themselves lost a president because of the shenanigans at the 2010 World Cup. “He is at times close to the players, tough when he needs to be, but consistent,” said the current president Noel Le Graet. |
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Swiss hope to banish 2010 nightmare
Manaus, June 24 Switzerland manager Ottmar Hitzfeld, trying to repair his team’s spirit after their 5-2 thumping against France in the previous game, dismissed questions about the parallels with four years ago. Just as in 2010, the two sides are meeting in their final group game. Four years ago a Swiss win by a two-goal margin would have taken them into the second round. Hitzfeld said it was no use making comparisons “because we are going to win. It’s as simple as that. The team today has more offensive potential”. Hitzfeld played down talk of a draw, saying the Swiss had to win “since that’s the only way to get through this round”. “The team is still very disappointed by what happened against France,” Hitzfeld said. The German coach’s main decision will be what to do about his central defense, which had a torrid time against France after Steve von Bergen came off in the ninth minute with a broken bone in his face. Philippe Senderos came on for von Bergen but did not have a good game and Hitzfeld could turn instead to youngster Fabian Schaer.
— Reuters |
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Who’ll make it? scenarios before group finales
Group E: With maximum six points and an enviable goal difference of +6, France look assured of qualification from Group E but do not yet have mathematical certainty. It would take a heavy Ecuador defeat of ‘Les Bleus’ and a big win from Switzerland over Honduras to cause that unlikely scenario. Should France win or draw against Ecuador, they would top the group. Though bottom on zero points, Honduras could still qualify if they beat Switzerland and Ecuador lose, though goal difference would be the deciding factor. The Swiss will be hoping that France beat Ecuador, which would mean a draw or win against Honduras would promote them to second in the group. Group F: Nigeria and Iran are battling for the second qualifying berth, with Nigeria on four points and Iran one. To have any chance, Iran have to beat Bosnia, who are already out, and hope that Argentina defeat Nigeria. A 1-0 win for Iran and 1-0 defeat for Nigeria would leave them level on both points and goal difference. In that scenario, the teams will be separated by goals scored in all matches, then points between them and goals between them. But given Iran and Nigeria would have both scored one goal each in the group, and they drew 0-0 against each other, that would not separate them so there would have to be a drawing of lots. |
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Iran looking to party like it’s 1998
SALVADOR, June 24 Iran arrive in Salvador with just one point but a host of new fans thanks to a gutsy 0-0 draw with Group F rivals Nigeria and an excellent display against twice champions Argentina, where a late Lionel Messi goal denied them a famous stalemate. They face already eliminated Bosnia knowing a win, coupled with defeat for Nigeria against qualified Argentina, could see them go through if goal difference goes their way. Much of Iran’s good work in Brazil has been built on a extremely disciplined defensive structure but against the might of Argentina they showed plenty of will to break fast and attack dangerously, going close several times to claiming a shock win. “We proved that we defend always with our eyes pointed to the Argentine goal,” Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said. Such attacking endeavor has not been so forthcoming for Bosnia, whose defensive focus in their first World Cup proved too cautious and ultimately sealed their exit following defeats to Argentina and Nigeria. Bosnian pundits have criticized coach Safet Susic for his defensive formation and the squad’s apparent poor fitness levels, and have turned on the performances of key striker Edin Dzeko and captain Emir Spahic in defense.
— Reuters |
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Federer back with a flourish
London, June 24 Serena Williams put the disappointment of Paris behind her, beating Anna Tatishvili 6-1 6-2 on Centre Court, after world No.1 Rafael Nadal overcame first-round jitters to beat Slovakia’s Martin Klizan 4-6 6-3 6-3 6-3. Maria Sharapova, bidding for a French Open and Wimbledon double, ended the hopes of a British player named Murray — Samantha being no relation to Andy. The Russian crushed the local girl’s hopes 6-1 6-0. In normal circumstances Bartoli would have played Centre Court’s opening match on so-called Ladies Day — the honour traditionally bestowed on the defending women’s champion on the second day of the tournament. The Frenchwoman retired shortly after her fairytale run to the title last year, sick of the physical demands of a sport that left her barely able to lift her arm above her head. She still honoured her appointment, though. The 29-year-old received a standing ovation from the packed stands as she walked on to the Centre Court turf just before play started. With Bartoli now retired, last year’s runner-up Sabine Lisicki was asked to perform the stand-in role. The German obliged beautifully, easing past Israel’s Julia Glushko 6-2 6-1. But for all the early theatre, it was Federer who stole the show, again proving he remains a force to be reckoned with. The dashing Swiss produced some dazzling moments to outclass fellow 32-year-old Lorenzi.
— Reuters First round blues continue for Somdev
Somdev Devvarman battled for more than three hours but had to swallow yet another bitter first-round defeat as he bowed out of the Wimbledon championships after losing his marathon opening match to 15th-seeded Polish Jerzy Janowicz. Somdev’s 6-4 3-6 3-6 6-3 3-6 defeat was his 10th first round defeat in his last 13 tournaments.
— PTI |
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HI threatens to pull out of CWG, Asiad
New Delhi, June 24 “As per the SAI letter, the participation cost for Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams to Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will only be met out of the budget earmarked under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) 2014-15. We have been informed that only Rs 31 lakh is left for Hockey up to March 31, 2015 and we have CWG, Asian Games and Champions Trophy (in India) in 2014. It is not possible for us to send teams within Rs 31 lakh for CWG. Shall we withdraw the teams from CWG if the Government of India does not have funds and what should we do for Asian Games and Champions Trophy?” Batra asked in his letter to SAI. “In case SAI and the Government of India do not have funds, then hockey teams may not be able to participate in CWG and Asian Games this year,” he wrote. The SAI had, in a letter to all the National Sports Federations (NSFs) last week, informed that participation cost of the Indian teams in the CWG and Asian Games will be met out of the ACTC 2014-15. “It may please be noted that no separate funds will be allocated to the Indian teams for the CWG and Asian Games,” the letter said. However, a senior SAI official informed that the issue will be sorted out soon with HI. “We are waiting for the Union Budget to come on July 10 after which we would be able to release more funds to Hockey India. We are hoping for increase in sports budget,” said the official. HI has already spent Rs 9.69 crore from April till June this year out of their allocated budget of Rs 10 crore. |
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Punjab-born wrestler in Oz team for CWG
Melbourne, June 24 “This is the first time I am participating in an international game for Australia as I did not have my permanent Australian residency,” Rupinder said in an interview to a radio channel recently. Rupinder, who migrated to Australia seven years ago from Punjab, said she had won many gold medals in several National Games in Australia. “I was born in Patiala. I was into judo and played national level competition at school. However, my coach encouraged me to join wrestling. I took part in all national games in Australia including Australian cup,” she said. “My family and friends have always been very supportive. They have always encouraged me and have been happy to see my success in the game,” she said.
— PTI |
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NATAL, June 24
There were signs of a predictable way this could go from the first seconds as Hulk went easily around Henri Bedimo before being hauled down by the shoulders. Cameroon had their entire team in their own half Neymar still found space twice in the following moments and Brazil might have broken open the game even that early. But it was not just him providing the threat. This is an imperfect team and a serious problem at striker and down the wings has left perhaps too much centralised pressure on the creative three behind the attack. Granted, the other problem with Brazil thus far has been an edginess in defence and that was on show
throughout.
The fear beforehand was that Cameroon had so little to play for, after showing so little pride, that anything was possible. 
PORTO ALEGRE, June 24
Recife, June 24
