Page 863 - Sports
Mandzukic fires Juventus into Champions League last 16
Mario Mandzukic scored the only goal as Juventus eased into the knockout stages of the Champions League on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Valencia in their Group H clash. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo provided the assist that allowed the Croatian World Cup runner-up to tap-in the winner just before the hour mark in Turin. The win for the Italian champions, who only needed a point to ensure qualification, combined with Manchester United snatching a late 1-0 win over Young Boys at Old Trafford means Valencia crash out of the competition. Ronaldo came out firing on all cylinders after his controversial red card during his first Champions League game for Juventus in Valencia back in September, which Massimiliano Allegri's side won 2-0 despite being down to ten men. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was in top form in the Allianz Stadium with chances in the first three minutes, with a powerful drive straight at Valencia's Brazilian goalkeeper Neto. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner ...
Guardiola says Champions League ultimate test after Lyon draw
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said the Champions League poses a tougher challenge than any other competition after his side salvaged a 2-2 draw at Lyon on Tuesday to qualify for the knockout phase. The Premier League leaders clinched a place in the last 16 for the sixth season in a row as headers from Aymeric Laporte and Sergio Aguero helped City twice recover after falling behind to goals from Maxwel Cornet. City need a point from their final game at home to eliminated Hoffenheim to secure top spot in Group F, although they were fortunate to avoid a second defeat by Lyon -- the only team to score more than once against them this season. "Today the Champions League showed me again that it's another different competition and especially for one reason. The players are better," said Guardiola. "That's why every time we think about the Champions League and people say it's easy for Manchester City, they are really confused about this. "Words are words. The people who say this never
Real Madrid go through top as Bale leads win over Roma
Gareth Bale helped Real Madrid beat Roma on Tuesday to ensure they will go through top of their Champions League group despite a chaotic start to the season. Bale scored one and then provided the cross that led to another as Lucas Vazquez wrapped up a clinical 2-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma squandered several chances in the first half, the best of them falling to Cengiz Under, who was guilty of a shocking miss from six yards, with the goal gaping. Federico Fazio's mistake then gifted Bale the opener and Roma faded thereafter, allowing Madrid to bounce back from their shock defeat to Eibar last weekend by finishing top of Group G. Both teams knew they had already qualified thanks to Viktoria Plzen beating CSKA Moscow in the early kick-off, making this a winner-takes-all contest for top spot. Madrid seized it, showing once again their magic touch in the Champions League, where the team's problems in domestic competitions are seemingly never transferred. They have gone more than ..
Mourinho brash as Fellaini late show secures Man Utd last 16 place
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho boasted about his Champions League record after Marouane Fellaini's injury time winner fired his side into the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Young Boys at Old Trafford. The three-time European champions sealed their place in the knockout stages with a slice of fortune when Fellaini controlled the ball with his hand before firing into the far corner, provoking Mourinho to throw a box of water bottles to the ground in a mixture of joy and relief. "For some of my lovers, for those who like stats, 14 seasons in the Champions League, 14 times qualify through the group phases," said Mourinho on his personal record as boss of Porto, Chelsea and Real Madrid as well as United. "Never one of my teams stays behind the group phase. The season I didn't play Champions League, I won the Europa League." But there was little for Mourinho to brag about from another laboured performance as United were on the verge of failing to score for a third consecutive European
Arsenal game moved to Kiev as Ukraine introduces martial law
UEFA has moved Thursday's Europa League game in Ukraine between Arsenal and FC Vorskla to the capital city of Kiev after parliament voted to impose martial law in parts of the country. Imposing martial law is Ukraine's response after Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships Sunday, capturing 24 men. Ukraine and Russia have blamed each other for the dispute off the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Neither Poltava, where the game was originally to be played, nor Kiev will come under martial law. UEFA says the game was moved "due to security concerns," adding that it "will continue to monitor and assess the security situation in Ukraine in the coming days before making any decision on potentially relocating other matches." That could include Shakhtar Donetsk's Champions League game against Lyon on Dec. 12. That's scheduled to be played in the city of Kharkiv, which is in a martial law zone.
Latvian Athletics Association head resigns after testing positive for doping
Ineta Radevica, a retired world-class long-jumper, resigned as president of the Latvian Athletics Association on Tuesday after a prohibited substance was found in her sample given during the 2012 London Olympics, according to the former athlete's statement to the media.
NorthEast move to 2nd spot with win over hosts Pune
Bartholomew Ogbeche and Juan Mascia scored a goal each as NorthEast United FC got the better of FC Pune City 2-0 to grab the second place in the points table of Hero Indian Super League, here on Tuesday. Ogbeche has now equalled Ferran Corominas' tally of eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot. FC Pune City, who started the match with four foreign players, created plenty of chances to score but failed to beat NorthEast United custodian Pawan Kumar. ISL's all-time top scorer Iain Hume made his first start of the 2018-19 league campaign but was substituted at the half-way stage. The hosts had the NorthEast backline on high alert during a Marcelinho corner-kick in the 12th minute. The Brazilian's delivery was headed by Rowllin Borges but fell to Ashique Kuruniyan inside the box whose powerful first-time effort was parried away by the custodian. NorthEast United broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Federico Gallego's flat corner-kick reached Ogbeche at the far post. The striker
Pakistan to host six matches of Emerging Nations Cup, India to play their fixtures in Sri Lanka
Pakistan will host six matches of the Asian Emerging Nations Cup in December after India refused to play in the country citing security concerns. A Pakistan Cricket Board said that the BCCI had refused to send its team to Karachi or Lahore for the tournament which features the best emerging talent from Asian countries. He said that India would be playing all their matches in Sri Lanka with the final also scheduled in Colombo. Bangladesh, UAE and Hong Kong are grouped with Pakistan for the Karachi leg of the tournament while Sri Lanka, India, Afghanistan feature in the other group in Colombo. The official said that in Karachi, three matches would be held at the National Stadium even though it is undergoing massive renovation and three games at the Southend cricket stadium in Defence. "A proper security plan has been prepared for the visiting teams and they will be given top security throughout their stay in Karachi from December 4 to 10." Another official of the board said that the ...
Men's Hockey World Cup kick starts in glittering fashion
The 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup kick started with a star-studded opening ceremony here at the Kalinga stadium on Tuesday.The event started on a vibrating note with 'Jai Hind India' being played in the background. FIH president Narendra Batra took the center stage to start the celebrations of the event. He extended best wishes to all the teams participating in the prestigious tournament.Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, with his appreciating words, declared the tournament open. "I welcome all the international hockey teams, the distinguished delegates, and the hockey officials to Odisha. You're the guests of 45 million Odia people," Patnaik saidAfter the captains of 16 participating teams took the center stage, it was time for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to make a grand entry. King Khan embraced Indian skipper Manpreet Singh with a warm hug and greeted every captain at the Opening Ceremony."Hockey feels like poetry in motion and players are artists when they run with the ...
Hockey World Cup: PM Modi extends best wishes to participating teams
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended his best wishes to all the sixteen teams participating in the 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup which is being held in Odisha.Taking to his official Twitter handle, the Prime Minister hoped that the tournament would be a delight for the sports lovers."A warm welcome and best wishes to all teams participating in the Hockey Men's World Cup 2018, being held in Odisha. I am sure this tournament will be a treat for sports lovers and will also be an opportunity to discover India's and especially Odisha's culture. @FIH_Hockey," he wrote.Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore also wished all the best to the Indian hockey team."As #HWC2018 begins, ALL THE BEST to @TheHockeyIndia! Give your best, boys! The entire country stands with you! #OdishaHockeyWCInauguration," he tweeted.The prestigious 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup is slated to begin from November 28 to December 16 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
German court hands 14-year prison sentence to Borussia Dortmund bus bomber
A German court on Tuesday awarded a 14-year prison sentence to the perpetrator of a shrapnel bomb attack on the Borussia Dortmund football team bus that injured Spanish international defender Marc Bartra and a police officer.
ISL: NorthEast United FC defeat FC Pune City 2-0
NorthEast United FC got the better of FC Pune City 2-0 in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex here on Tuesday.
PBL's fourth edition to start with Sindhu-Marin clash
The rivalry between reigning Olympic and World champion Carolina Marin and Rio silver medallist P.V.Sindhu will be renewed when they face off in the Premier Badminton League (PBL) Season 4 opener at the National Sports Club of India in Mumbai on December 22.
Marin-Sindhu face-off to mark PBL opening
The marquee clash between reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin and P V Sindhu will mark the beginning of Vodafone Premier Badminton League on December 22. The fourth season of PBL will begin its journey from Mumbai. Left-hander Marin, who will turn out for new team Pune 7 Aces, will open the campaign against her old team Hyderabad Hunters, which boasts of Sindhu now. Marin had helped Hyderabad hunt down the title last year. The badminton extravaganza would witness 30 ties being played including seven double headers this season. Each city will be hosting one double header though Pune and Ahmedabad will see two double headers. Syed Modi International champion Sameer Verma led Mumbai Rockets will open their campaign from Mumbai on December 23. The Pune leg will witness yet another marque clash between PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal when Hyderabad Hunters meet North Eastern Warriors on the New Year's Day. This contest would be as keen for both the top-ranked Indians as well as their ...
Defensa beats Tigre, closes in on Superliga Argentina leader Racing Club
Defensa Justicia defeated Tigre 2-1, moving into third place in the Superliga Argentina and closing in on league leader Racing Club.
Yuvraj returns for Delhi-Punjab Ranji tie
The Group B match between Delhi and Punjab, beginning here Wednesday, will see Yuvraj Singh playing his first match of the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy. Yuvraj's return is a boost for Punjab, who conceded first innings lead in their first two matches against Andhra and Madhya Pradesh. The 36-year-old southpaw, who last played for India in June 2017, will also be available for Punjab's next two matches against Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Rising star Shubman Gill will not be playing the game as he is with the India A team in New Zealand. Like Punjab, Delhi too would be aiming for their first win of the season, having drawn their matches against Hyderabad and Himachal Pradesh. The Nitish Rana-led side will be disappointed after conceding the first innings lead in the away tie against Hyderabad. Senior player Gautam Gambhir, who had missed the Hyderabad game due to injury, is set to return for the home game. Lead Delhi pacer Navdeep Saini remains unavailable as he is in New Zealand on India .
Yasir 'best ever' says Pakistan coach
Pakistan's head coach Mickey Arthur said on Tuesday that Yasir Shah's 14-wicket haul in the second Test against New Zealand featured some of the best leg-spinning ever seen. The 32-year-old, who took 8-41 on Monday, had figures of 6-143 in the second innings for a match haul of 14-184. New Zealand -- following-on after being dismissed for 90 in the first innings in Dubai -- were bowled out for 312 soon after tea on the fourth day. His figures are the second best match figures in all Tests for Pakistan, behind former captain and current prime minister Imran Khan's 14-116 against Sri Lanka in Lahore in 1982. For New Zealand, Ross Taylor top-scored with 82, while Henry Nicholls made 77 and Tom Latham 50. Arthur said Yasir is a match winner. "We knew he had a big performance inside of him," said Arthur of Yasir, who now has 195 wickets in 32 Tests. "That first innings, I think there was a spell of about half an hour of the best leg-spin bowling you will ever see. Fourteen wickets in a ...
Raghuvanshi recovers to advance into quarters
Hindu Gymkhana's Anand Raghuvanshi fought back and recovered from the brink of defeat to turn the tables on Vignesh Sanghvi of Pune by snatching a 4-3 win in a pre-quarter-final match of the BSAM Maharashtra State Senior Snooker & Billiards Selection (leg-2) Championship. Sanghvi took the first two frames and after Raghuvanshi won the third, he won the fourth to come within a striking distance of clinching the match. But, with a never-say-die attitude, Raghuvanshi showed tremendous fighting spirit and with some calculated play went on to pocket the last three frames to snatch a rewarding 37-52, 53-67, 54-43, 35-62, 70-21, 64-39 and 66-50 victory and a place in the last eight. Sparsh Pherwani, winner of the first leg, Nikhil Ootam and Mukund Bharadia, all from the Cricket Club of India, advanced to the quarter-finals. Results Pre-quarter-finals: Nikhil Ootam (CCI) beat Pankaj Khatri (Nashik) 4-1 (66-18, 59-51, 59-56, 47-61, 68-13); Krieshh Gurbaxani (Khar Gym) beat .
PM wishes luck to teams participating in hockey world cup
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes Tuesday to the 16 teams participating in the men's Hockey World Cup, beginning Wednesday in Odisha. "Welcome and best wishes to all teams participating in the Hockey Men's World Cup 2018, being held in Odisha. I am sure this tournament will be a treat for sports lovers and will also be an opportunity to discover India's and especially Odisha's culture," he tweeted. The 16 teams will play in four pools between November 28 and December 16 in the tournament.
Hafeez survives in unchanged Pakistan squad for final Test
Misfiring opener Mohammad Hafeez survived the chop on Tuesday as the Pakistan selectors named an unchanged 15 man squad for the third and final Test against New Zealand starting in Abu Dhabi next week. Hafeez has been struggling with his form ever since scoring a hundred on his comeback Test against Australia in Dubai last month. Since then he has managed just 66 runs in six innings. Hafeez has scores of 20, 10 and nine in the two Tests against New Zealand. Pakistan levelled the three-match series with a convincing innings and 16 runs win in the second Test in Dubai on Tuesday. New Zealand won the first Test by four runs in Abu Dhabi last week. Also retained is off-spinner Bilal Asif who has just five wickets to show in the last three Tests after taking six wickets against Australia in Dubai last month. The Pakistan selectors resisted the temptation to include dashing opener Fakhar Zaman who is recuperating from a knee problem after impressing with 94 and 66 in his Test debut against