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The biteback: Suarez gets 9-game ban
Not a perfect finish for US, but enough
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Ghana flies in cash to pay players after revolt
Shaqiri’s Waka Waka moment
Nadal fights off bogeyman Rosol 
London, June 26
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal pulled back from the abyss to reach the Wimbledon third round on Thursday just when it looked as though bogeyman Lukas Rosol had returned to haunt him. Two years after being knocked out at the same stage by the hard-hitting Czech in a late night Centre Court horror show, the Spaniard found himself a point away from falling two sets behind before fighting back to win 4-6 7-6(6) 6-4 6-4.
Saina, Sindhu through to the quarterfinals
Srinivasan takes over as ICC chief
My conscience is clear: Srinivasan
IOA prez won’t become Asian Games OC chairman
India to play six bilateral series against Pakistan
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The biteback: Suarez gets 9-game ban
Rio de Janeiro, June 26 Suarez was also suspended from any football-related activity for four months and fined 100,000 Swiss francs ($111,000). The 27-year-old striker will miss the first nine Premier League matches of the season, as well as three Champions League group stage ties, and one Capital One Cup fixture. The match Suarez is expected return for is Newcastle United at St James' Park in the league on 1 November. “Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field," Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, said in a statement. “The Disciplinary Committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr Suarez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code. The decision comes into force as soon it is communicated.” The incident occurred 10 minutes before the end of Uruguay's 1-0 win over Italy in their final Group D match in Natal on Tuesday. Suarez will miss Uruguay's match against Colombia in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday and will play no further in the tournament. Will not apologise
Suarez will not aplogize but fight the ban. Uruguay will appeal against the “excessive” four-month ban given to Luis Suarez. “We are preparing our appeal now, we have three days to do it. It is an excessive decision and there was not enough evidence and I have seen more aggressive incidents recently. It is a severe punishment. I don’t know exactly which arguments they used but it is a tough punishment for Suarez. It’s feels like Uruguay has been thrown out,” said a top official. Uruguay's president: What bite? I didn’t see anything
Uruguay's president Jose Mujica said, “We didn't choose him to be a philosopher, or a mechanic, or to have good manners – he's a great player. I didn't see him bite anyone. But they sure can bash each other with kicks and chops,” he added. Uruguay captain Diego Lugano tackled one English journalist head on. “It's clear that Uruguay's triumph doesn't make you happy, it's obvious on your face,” said Lugano. “I understand that the figure of Suarez sells because he's very charismatic ... I'm calm because I know Luis will pick himself up. That's what people fear. They're right to fear that.” — Agencies |
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Not a perfect finish for US, but enough
Germany top the group and will face the runner-up in Group H while the United States finish second and will face Group H's winner. Portugal who beat Ghana 2-1 are eliminated with the Africans. The Germans dominated the game with Juergen Klinsmann's team, with their backs against the wall, creating very few chances. The breakthrough came after 55 minutes when Tim Howard parried out a Per Mertesacker header but Mueller collected the loose ball on the edge of the area and superbly side-footed into the bottom corner. "For once I scored a beautiful goal. If I don't watch out I'll become a legend? OK, I won't watch out," Mueller told ZDF Television after being told he had outscored Diego Maradona in World Cups.
Despite the fact that both sides only needed a draw to qualify there was no shortage of attacking intent in the lively opening exchanges, with Mueller going close early on from Lukas Podolski's low cross. Both sides frequently flew into challenges in the battle for supremacy in midfieldbut the referee didn't wave the yellow card more often. Portugal beat Ghana in vain as both sides bow out
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Ecuador divides the match into equal halves
With little pressure on France, who were all but assured of a place in the second round, coach Didier Deschamps made six changes to his starting lineup. Ecuador knew they needed a victory to have any hope of progressing but they struggled to create many opportunities. A relaxed-looking France team had the better of the early exchanges, but it was not until the 38th minute that they threatened when Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez tipped over a powerful header from Paul Pogba. Ecuador's only first half opportunity came when Michael Arroyo burst down the left flank and Enner Valencia met his cross. — Reuters
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Ghana flies in cash to pay players after revolt
BRASILIA, June 26
Midfielders Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari have been suspended from Ghana's World Cup team with immediate effect after they clashed with coach Kwesi Appiah and a soccer federation (GFA) official. The GFA, who said on Wednesday they had solved a row over player appearance fees, confirmed the decisions on their website ahead of the game against Portugal in Brasilia later on Thursday. Boateng was sanctioned following "vulgar verbal insults targeted at coach Kwesi Appiah during the team's training session in Maceio this week," the GFA said. Muntari's suspension was handed down "in the wake of his unprovoked physical attack on an executive committee member of the GFA and a management member of the Black Stars, Mr. Moses Armah, on Tuesday 24th June during a meeting," they added. Boateng had shown "no remorse for his actions" and both players had their World Cup accreditation withdrawn. — Reuters
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For many Swiss fans it has been a long time coming. The cheeky and instinctive Kosovo-born player, who looks as if he might have learned the game on the streets of South America, made his international debut as an 18-year-old and was still a teenager when he was voted Switzerland's Player of the Year in 2011. Since then, the 22-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance on the international stage, including a hat-trick in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria, and for his club Bayern Munich, but has not shone on a consistent basis. A lack of playing time for Bayern this season coupled with some frustrating muscular injuries had even begun to spark concern that he could become another player of unfulfilled potential.
But in Manaus, Shaqiri gave the performance that everyone had been waiting for, helping to send the Swiss into the knockout stages as Group E runners-up. His opening goal was not dissimilar to Messi's effort. — Agencies
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Latin passion dominates at midpoint
Sao Paulo, June 26 Midway through the tournament, armies of Latin American fans who invaded Brazil by car, plane and busloads have often been the loudest while their teams dazzled on the pitch. After European teams triumphed in the previous two World Cups, they have reason to celebrate. From Mexico to tiny Costa Rica, down to Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay, Latin American teams have mostly outplayed their European, Asian and African rivals during the group stage. But they have also been the rowdiest fans, giving Brazilian security officials an extra chore while they deal with a waning anti-World Cup protest movement. And the real excitement has yet to come. After the first gameless day on Friday, the elimination round starts Saturday, with an all-South American lineup: Brazil-Chile and Colombia-Uruguay. No European team has ever won the trophy in Latin America. “The first half of the Cup was positive overall. The protests have had little impact. The Brazilian people want to enjoy the cup,” said Pablo Azevedo, a sports management expert at Brasilia University. While fears of anti-Cup protests deterred some Europeans from traveling, Latin Americans “came in much larger numbers than we anticipated,” he said. Azevedo said a survey conducted by his sports research lab found that 300 foreign fans gave a good grade to the tournament’s organization, belying fears of chaos. This is good news for President Dilma Rousseff, who formally launched Saturday her bid for re-election in October, leading in opinion polls despite a drop in popularity over the cost of what she has dubbed “the cup of cups.” Stadium invasions
But some fans have gone overboard. Authorities deployed extra police around the 12 arenas this week to prevent more security breaches after scores of ticketless Argentine and Chilean fans gatecrashed the Maracana Stadium in two games. Some 85 Chileans were kicked out of Brazil over the incident at the Rio de Janeiro stadium, site of the July 13 final. But tens of thousands turned the Maracana into homefield advantage as Chile upset Spain 2-0, eliminating the defending champions. Their sombrero-wearing Mexican amigos have been loud, too. Maybe too loud. FIFA investigated the “puto” anti-gay slur that they chant against opposition goalkeepers during games, but the sport’s governing body did not sanction Mexico’s football federation. “Hinchas” (fans) from Argentina, Brazil’s eternal rivals to the south, have come in droves, causing security headaches. Police used stun grenades in the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte on Saturday to disperse a group of Argentines who clashed with Brazilian fans. Hours later, police used non-lethal munitions to break up a crowd of fans who tried to break through security to approach Argentina’s team bus before their 1-0 victory over Iran. — PTI
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Man from another planet
HIS name was ringing out into the darkness on the long road home to Uruguaiana, on the Argentine border, and well beyond, last night. Lionel Messi’s compatriots had made the 11-hour trek by road to belong to this World Cup campaign in some small way, and for the tens of thousands who did not even step inside the stadium, the journey was worth it because of him. “Messi is is from Jupiter. He is different. He is one hell of a player. You can’t take it away from him,” the Nigerian manager Stephen Keshi reflected in defeat.
Messi’s relationship with his country has been a complicated one, ever since he left for Spain on an Aerolineas Argentinas jet as a 13-year-old. The Buenos Aires locals expect their nation’s stars to play for one of the city’s clubs before they leave. But in one hour of football Messi added to the real notion that this tournament will all boil down to a two-man shoot-out between Neymar and him. Single-handedly, the Barcelona men have borne their countries into the second round. They have both scored four goals at this World Cup. The Brazilians are ready for that match-up. Though the affection for Messi is something of a guilty secret in Sao Paulo, where shirts bearing his name are seen.
— The Independent
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POPE FRANCIS WAVES ARGENTINA
FLAG
Listen suarez... there is no biting in sports!!!
The US singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen voiced his opinion that biting in sports is never okay. The 64 year-old ‘Born in the USA’ singer laughs as he admits that he only follows the World Cup half-heartedly, but states that: “Biting has no place in sports.” Springsteen then adds that the now-infamous moment in 1997, when Mike Tyson bit off part of his opponent's ear, should have been sport's “last bite”.
Neymar wins appeal for Playboy to withdraw magazine
Brazil forward Neymar has won an appeal to have the local June edition of Playboy magazine, which claimed to feature his ex-girlfriend, removed from the stands.A court in Sao Paulo state said in a decision on Wednesday that all copies of the magazine featuring model Patricia Jordane as “The brunette who charmed
Neymar” on the cover should be removed from circulation immediately. The decision can be appealed. — Agencies Honduras Coach Quits After Elimination
Honduras lost all three of its matches at the World Cup, and then lost its coach. Luis Fernando Suarez, a Colombian who led Ecuador to the second round of the 2006 World Cup, quit his job Wednesday following a third straight loss in Brazil. “I’m sorry I didn’t manage more,” said Suarez, who has been Honduras coach since March 2011. “I’m sad because I had a dream about this World Cup.” Alberto Zaccheroni quits after Japan flop
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni announced his resignation on Wednesday and said he took “full responsibility” for the Asian champions’ winless exit from the World Cup. Zaccheroni, 61, brought a squad full of optimism to Brazil but the Blue Samurai suffered a brutal reality check. “I am disappointed and not satisfied with the results,” the Italian said. — Agencies Germany, USA through to the Round of 16 Germany beat USA 1-0, courtsey Thomas Mueller's goal in 55th minute to top the Group G. Both the teams are through to the Round of 16 as Portugal beat Ghana 2-1. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal (80) of the tournament but both teams, Portugal and Ghana were eliminated as the United States held on to second place in Group G. — Agencies Even England's hotel knew they'd be leaving early England staff were still dismantling the team games room and meeting room at their Royal Tulip base on Wednesday but the hotel clearly anticipated their early departure from the World Cup. The place was heaving with new guests, many of them French. Only a few rooms were available. One reminder could be found that the England party had been in residence: the Cross of St George next to a Brazil flag in the lobby bar. — Agencies
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Nadal fights off bogeyman Rosol
London, June 26 Two years after being knocked out at the same stage by the hard-hitting Czech in a late night Centre Court horror show, the Spaniard found himself a point away from falling two sets behind before fighting back to win 4-6 7-6(6) 6-4 6-4. If Nadal is being made to work overtime so far, women’s favourite Serena Williams, bidding for a sixth singles Wimbledon title, has marched through untroubled so far. The American beat South African Chanelle Scheepers 6-1 6-1 and has dropped a mere five games so far. Australia wildcard Nick Kyrgios produced the comeback of the day to knock out French 13th seed Richard Gasquet. One of several young guns making an impact at the championships, the 19-year-old battled back from a two-set deficit and saved nine match points in a cliffhanger decider before sealing a 3-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5 10-8 victory. As well as reaching the third round of a slam for the first time, Kyrgios also earned the distinction of saving the most number of match points by a man at Wimbledon. Kyrgios, who could play Nadal in the last 16, was not the only player to survive a five-setter. His third round opponent, Czech Jiri Vesely, beat French 24th seed Gael Monfils 7-6(3) 6-3 6-7(1) 6-7(3) 6-4 while Monfils’s compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga edged past American Sam Querrey, winning a deciding set hung over from Wednesday 14-12. — Reuters
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Saina, Sindhu through to the quarterfinals
Sydney, June 26 As expected, world No. 8 Saina had an easy outing against compatriot PC Thulasi, beating her 21-18 21-15 in a 42-minute battle, while eighth seed Sindhu took just 31 minutes to overcome Thailand’s Nichaon Jindapon 21-13 21-7. Saina will clash with Eriko Hirose of Japan in the last eight stage, while Sindhu will next take on Carolina Marin of Spain. Sai Praneeth fought hard before going down 15-21 21-8 19-21 to sixth seed Chinese Zhengming Wang. In the men’s doubles, Alwin Francis and Arun Vishnu lost 18-21 9-21 to third seeded combo from Taipei, Lee Sheng Mua and Tsai Chia Hsin, in round two, while Pranaav Chopra and Akshay Dewalkar went down 13-21 19-21 to Korea’s Sung Hyun Ko and Baek Choel Shin. — PTI
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Srinivasan takes over as ICC chief
Melbourne, June 26 The powerful 69-year-old industrialist was elected despite being suspended by India’s Supreme Court as the country’s cricket chief after being named in a damning report into corruption allegations in the IPL. Srinivasan was nominated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for global cricket’s top position and will take charge following the ICC Annual Conference in Melbourne this weekend. “It is an honour to be confirmed as the chairman of the International Cricket Council,” Srinivasan said. “I will leave no stone unturned in trying to strengthen the pillars and foundations of our sport, both on and off the field I want to ensure that cricket retains and grows its popularity, and that the ICC plays a leading role in this global growth.” He added: “I want to see more strong teams in international cricket. For this to be achieved, we all need to work hard to develop local talent in our countries.” Srinivasan was among 13 people named in a report into corruption claims in the IPL Twenty20 competition, which has been embroiled in allegations of illegal betting and spot-fixing, including against his son-in-law. — AFP
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My conscience is clear: Srinivasan
Immediately after his appointment to the new post, Srinivasan was asked by the media if he was the right choice to run world cricket since India’s Supreme Court had sidelined him due to investigation into IPL spot-fixing scandal. “....as far as I’m concerned, I have done nothing wrong. There is no wrongdoing on my part, and therefore my conscience is very clear that there is no taint on me, and whatever investigation is there will take its course will come out, reports will come out,” the BCCI President-in-exile said. On being reminded that since his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan was facing betting charges, it reflected on him, Srinivasan said, “He (Meiyappan) has to defend himself in court. I mean, it’s a question of whether it’s going to be proved or not, but that’s up to him. This is a question about me. I think you have to wait until everything is clear at the end of the day. If nothing is proved, I think all this comment would have been unfair, isn’t it.” — PTI
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IOA prez won’t become Asian Games OC chairman
New Delhi, June 26 The alleged corruption surrounding the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which resulted in the arrest of Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi and others, played heavily on Ramachandran’s mind. “Kalmadi, Bhanot and other top officials have cases related to financial bungling pending against them. The bad experience of hosting the CWG influenced Ramachandran’s decision,” an official told The Tribune. “We (IOA) see the Asian Games as an opportunity for India to improve its image. But, having said that, the IOA will keep itself restricted to the organisational matters and leave it to the government to handle the financial part,” the official added.
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India to play six bilateral series against Pakistan
Karachi, June 26 Pakistan did not oppose the election of Srinivasan and has been rewarded with a six-series agreement between 2015 and 2023 “After N Srinivasan’s election as the first ICC chairman, India has officially turned the MOUs (memorandum of understanding) signed earlier this year with regard to six rubbers between the two nations into binding agreements straightaway,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Thursday. “Four of these series will be hosted by the PCB in the United Arab Emirates or Pakistan with mutual consent. The six tours are now part of the Future Tours Program and are to be played from 2015 to 2023.” — Reuters
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Sydney, June 26
Recife, June 26
“We are ready for the knockout stage. We keep working hard and we are full of team spirit." The game had been threatened by a torrential downpour in the north-eastern city of Recife on Thursday morning but the heavy rain that hampered the preparations of fans and players alike eased to a drizzle as kickoff approached.
BRASILIA: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the tournament but missed a glut of other chances as Portugal's 2-1 win over incident-hit Ghana on Thursday was not enough to make the second round as both sides exited. Portugal finished level on four points with the United States in Group G but the Americans advanced to the last 16 courtesy of a better goal difference despite their 1-0 loss to group winners Germany in Recife. Ghana defender John Boye's first-half own goal summed up a match that disappointed for long spells between two teams who needed victories — Portugal by a large margin — in the Brazilian capital to have any chance of advancing. — Reuters
Rio de Janeiro, June 26
BRASILIA , June 26
His first two performances at the World Cup were disappointing and Shaqiri complained about the raised expectations on the eve of Wednesday's game in Manaus. "It doesn't all depend on me," he said. "It gets on my nerves that more critical things are written about me than the others." 
Though he has vowed to remain neutral, Pope Francis, a devoted fan of Argentina's soccer team, received and waved an Argentina jersey and a flag during the general audience in Saint Peter's Square on Wednesday. Pope Francis is from Argentina, but told a Spanish newspaper, "The Brazilians asked for neutrality. I'll keep my word because Brazil and Argentina are always opponents."
Melbourne, June 26
