Page 1444 - Sports
World Cup: Brazil look to seal qualification against Serbia (Preview)
Brazil will look to build on their morale-boosting 2-0 win over Costa Rica and seal a berth in the knockout stages when they take the field in their final Group E match here on Wednesday.
World Cup sees Iranian women score spot in the stands
For many of the thousands of joyful women packed into Tehran's largest football stadium, their first ever chance to watch a game at a sports arena was a victory for freedom despite Iran's agonising World Cup elimination. Cheering and with their cheeks painted with the national colours, women showed they were just as caught up in the World Cup fever sweeping the country as they seized the opportunity to attend a live screening at the 100,000 capacity Azadi (Freedom) Stadium, which, like other sports arenas, has been off-limits to them since the the Islamic revolution of 1979. While the exuberance turned to tears when Iran missed the chance to snatch a last gasp winner against Portugal, ending their tournament dreams, some in the mixed gender stands said they would still treasure the landmark night watching an open-air screening of the national team. "It felt weird to buy my ticket online, it's so exciting to come to the stadium," said Arezou, a psychologist in her thirties. "When I ...
German FA suspend two staff members over spat with Swedish bench
The German Football Association (DFB) has suspended two of its backroom staff for tomorrow's crunch World Cup clash against South Korea following an angry exchange with the Sweden bench. Media coordinator Uli Voigt and Georg Behlau, head of the backroom staff, have been told not to attend the final Group F match in Kazan, which Germany must win by a margin of two goals to be sure of reaching the last 16. The pair were stood down for provoking Sweden's bench in Sochi on Saturday with emotional celebrations, which sparked a heated exchange after Toni Kroos's last-gasp free-kick sealed the Germans' dramatic 2-1 victory. Sweden coach Janne Andersson complained about the incident, which FIFA are investigating and the DFB submitted a statement giving their version of events yesterday. The DFB said it "expressly regrets the gestures towards the Swedish bench by two members of the support staff" and that the pair had let their emotions get the better of them. According to reports, members of .
Malik plans to quit ODIs post 2019 World Cup
Ahead of Pakistan's tour of Zimbabwe later this month, former skipper Shoaib Malik has reportedly revealed his plans of retiring from 50-over cricket after the 2019 ICC World Cup in England and Wales.
Saina sails into second round of Malaysian Open
India's Olympic medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal sailed into the second round of the USD 700,000 Malaysian Open with a convincing 21-12 21-16 win over Yip Pui Yin of Hong Kong here today. The London Games bronze medal needed 42 minutes to clear the first hurdle at the Axiata Arena. Saina, who had won gold at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, has been in good form of late and she will look to continue in similar vein. However, the Indian has been drawn in a tough group and is meeting second seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the second round. Saina gave ample glimpse of her fitness and form en route to winning her match. Saina, who was runners-up at Indonesia Masters earlier in the year, will also look to continue her good run in the next round. Rejuvenated after a month-long break, India's other top shuttlers, including P V Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth, will also resume their quest for glory in the south-east Asia leg of BWF world tour.
Spain need to cut out errors: Isco
Spain must cut down on careless errors if they are to advance to the later stages of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia, midfielder Isco said after the Roja booked a place in the round of 16.
Fines for Swiss trio over goal celebrations
The Swiss trio of Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Stephan Lichtsteiner have been collectively fined fined over $25,000 by FIFA and warned over "unsporting behaviour contrary to the principals of fair play," following their celebrations in Switzerland's 2-1 win over Serbia in their group stage match.
Morocco leave Russia with 'heads held high': coach
Morocco coach Herve Renard said his players will depart the FIFA World Cup in Russia with their "heads held high" despite failing to advance beyond the group stage.
US to play football friendlies against Brazil, England, Italy
The US football team will play Brazil, England and Italy later this year, the US Football Association has announced.
Iran's coach says VAR not working
Iran national football team's coach, Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, was critical of the video assistant referee (VAR) despite his team earning a 1-1 draw in their match against Portugal, thanks to a penalty awarded because of the system.
Prayag announces Associate Gold Sponsorship with Netmeds Cup
Prayag, a leading brand in Bath Assets and Sanitaryware has announced its association with international cricket tournament Netmeds Cup - India Vs Ireland T20 series being held in Ireland.As Associate Gold Sponsor in this keenly awaited cricket tournament between India and Ireland, Prayag aims to increase its dominance in Europian markets on the back of the huge popularity of this grand international cricket series.Prayag's association with this keenly awaited international cricket tournament is also aimed at bringing into focus the company's meticulously crafted and superior quality bath fittings range across the entire world.The most exciting matches scheduled for June 27 and 29 at Malahide Cricket Club Ground, also known as 'The Village' in Ireland, enjoy potential TV reach which offers exposure of brand Prayag to millions of cricket fans across the globe."We are proud to win Associate Gold Sponsorship of this thrilling cricket tournament which will definitely help us expedite our .
No fielding coach for Pakistan in Zimbabwe tour, Berry to join in September
Pakistan will be without a fielding coach on their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe after Australia's Darren Berry, who has been shortlisted for the job, informed the nation's Cricket Board (PCB) that he won't be able to join the team before the Asia Cup in September. Berry, it is understood, has informed the PCB that he cannot take up the fielding coach's assignment until the Asia Cup in September due to his existing commitments in Australia. The former Australian first class wicketkeeper-batsman, who played for South Australia and Victoria and has also taken to top coaching positions at the state level, has apparently been recommended by Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur. Berry's name was shortlisted after fellow Australian Steve Rixon completed his contract with the PCB and left for home after the T20 series in Scotland instead of preferring to extend his contract. Though officially the reason given for Rixon not wanting to continue as fielding coach was family commitments, but it is no ..
With Neymar tears, might emotional frailty prove Brazil's undoing?
Brazil's inability to keep their emotions in check contributed to their spectacular implosion at the 2014 World Cup, so the worry is that once again the pressure might prove too much for the 'Selecao' in Russia. The enduring image of the 2-0 win over Costa Rica that kick-started their campaign in Saint Petersburg last Friday was Neymar's tears at full-time, after he scored the goal that clinched the victory. The world's most expensive player is carrying the weight of the nation on his shoulders, and only recently returned from three months out after a foot operation. However, seeing Neymar cry also brought back memories of Brazil's unravelling as hosts four years ago. Then, Thiago Silva and Neymar were among the players who memorably broke down in tears at the end of their penalty shoot-out win over Chile. At the time, some sections of the media labelled the team crybabies, and 1970 World Cup-winning captain Carlos Alberto accused them of not being mentally tough enough. Meanwhile, ...
Serena happy to plant seed of doubt for Wimbledon rivals
All eyes will be on Serena Williams when Wimbledon gets underway next week as the seven-time champion bids to win her first Grand Slam crown since becoming a mother. Williams' two-year reign as Wimbledon champion ended 12 months ago when she missed the grass-court Grand Slam while she prepared for the September birth of her first child. In the American's absence, Spain's Garbine Muguruza won Wimbledon for the first time with a final victory over Serena's sister Venus. Winning Wimbledon for the eighth time in her 18th visit -- coinciding with the event's 150th anniversary -- would be another memorable moment for Serena on the Centre Court she regards as a second home. But Williams has made only a tentative return to action following complications during daughter Alexis Olympia's birth. The 36-year-old was beaten by Venus at Indian Wells in March and suffered a dismal first round exit against Naomi Osaka in Miami. Williams played her first Grand Slam for over a year at the French Open ..
Federer eyes ninth Wimbledon title but wary of Nadal threat
Having seen longtime rival Rafael Nadal tighten his iron-grip on Roland Garros, Roger Federer aims to extend his personal dominance of Wimbledon by claiming a ninth title at the All England Club. Despite his 37th birthday fast approaching, and having been stunned by Borna Coric in the Halle grasscourt final last weekend, Federer will still start Wimbledon as the overwhelming favourite to clinch a 21st major. Federer set new records 12 months ago when he defeated a hobbling Marin Cilic in the final, becoming both the tournament's oldest champion and first to claim eight titles. That victory came after he decided to skip the entire claycourt season, a strategy he repeated this year as the Swiss sit at home watching Nadal romp to an 11th French Open. "I'm really going to love going to Wimbledon but being the defending champion always creates pressure," said Federer, who was quick to shrug off his loss to Coric which ended a 20-match win streak on grass. A week earlier, he had been buoyed
Swiss seek point and respite from politics
Switzerland head to Nizhny Novgorod searching for the point that will guarantee their place in the last 16 and also looking to put a political storm behind them. All eyes may be trained on Brazil's potentially explosive match against Serbia on tomorrow, but at the same time Switzerland have the opportunity to secure their place in the last 16 and even top Group E. A win, or even a draw, for the Swiss against an already eliminated Costa Rica would book their ticket in the knockout stages. A big victory could mean them taking the group and potentially setting up a clash with Germany in the last 16, providing the stuttering World Cup holders emerge from Group F. And if Brazil beat Serbia, the Swiss will go through even if they lose to Costa Rica. But although their progress on the pitch has been smooth -- a creditable 1-1 draw with Brazil, followed by an exhilarating win over Serbia -- off the field it has been anything but easy. - Threat lifted - ================= On Monday the threat .
Spain face 'moment of truth' at World Cup, says Isco
Spain playmaker Isco said the 2010 world champions are now facing "the moment of truth" after scraping a 2-2 draw with Morocco to secure a World Cup last-16 date with Russia. Isco scored in yesterday's dramatic stalemate here to earn the man-of-the-match award and his country top place in Group B, on goals scored, from Portugal. Portugal face Uruguay in the next round. "It's going to be a tough game, we're playing the hosts, the entire country will be behind them. They play excellent football," said Isco. "We played a friendly against them before the World Cup, we can't make any mistakes." The Real Madrid star added: "We're happy we've finished top of the group, that's what we wanted. Maybe we wanted to feel differently after the match but we're happy to go on. Now we are facing the moment of truth. "I have complete faith in this team." Fernando Hierro, who took over as coach hours before the World Cup began after Julen Lopetegui's sacking, said: "We know full well Morocco were going
Iran coach blasts VAR as Ronaldo escapes sending off
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was fortunate to escape a red card despite a VAR review following an elbow in Monday's 1-1 draw at the World Cup. Portugal will face Uruguay in the last 16 after advancing as runners-up of Group B, but Queiroz insisted Ronaldo deserved to be sent off for catching Iran defender Morteza Pouraliganji with an elbow to the face. "I don't want to talk too much, it's about my country and a player. I know it'll be a war against me," said Queiroz, who coached his native Portugal at the 2010 World Cup. "But the reality is you stopped the game for VAR, there is an elbow. An elbow is a red card in the rules. In the rules it doesn't say if it is (Lionel) Messi or Ronaldo..." It was a busy evening for the video assistant referee in Saransk as two penalties were awarded upon review, on top of the Ronaldo altercation. "We accepted human mistakes before, that was part of the game. Players make mistakes, coaches make mistakes and ...
Sweden must bounce back fast with World Cup group on knife-edge
Sweden coach Janne Andersson must find a way to pick up his deflated players following their devastating defeat to Germany in a World Cup Group F that stands tantalisingly poised. Sweden were on course for the last 16 until Toni Kroos stepped up with a wonderful winner in the fifth minute of injury time to rescue the reigning champions 2-1 in a Saturday-night thriller. It left Group F on a knife-edge going into the final round of games on Wednesday, when Sweden face Mexico in Yekaterinburg while at the same time Germany play South Korea in Kazan. Mexico have six points and one foot in the knockout rounds, with Germany and the Swedes both on three points and with the same goal difference and having scored the same number. Sweden will progress if they better Germany's result. Several Sweden players were left prone on the turf such was the late, excruciating nature of the defeat to Germany. Andersson said: "The whole group is still alive so we will have to lick our wounds and come back ..
US to play soccer friendlies against Brazil, England, Italy
The US men's soccer team will play Brazil, England and Italy this fall, the US Soccer Association has announced.