MONTEVIDEO: Brazil thrashed Uruguay to move to the brink of the World Cup finals on Thursday as Lionel Messi got Argentina’s faltering qualification campaign back on track with the only goal to sink Chile.
A superb hat trick from China-based midfielder Paulinho powered Brazil to a 4-1 drubbing of the Uruguayans in Montevideo to leave the five-time world champions all-but-certain of a place at next year’s finals in Russia.
The Brazilians now lead the 10-team round-robin competition by seven points after their latest win.
The top four teams in the standings qualify automatically and with only five rounds remaining, it would take a freakish set of results to deny Brazil.
Uruguay had taken the lead after only nine minutes when Brazil goalkeeper Alisson brought down Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani for a penalty.
Cavani got to his feet and drilled the spot-kick beyond the Brazilian goalkeeper to put Uruguay 1-0 up.
But Paulinho produced a thunderbolt 10 minutes later, uncorking a screamer into the top corner from 25 yards to level at 1-1.
The midfielder then stabbed home Philippe Coutinho’s shot in the 51st minute to make it 2-1.
Barcelona superstar Neymar added a third with a sublime chip in the 75th minute to effectively settle the contest.
Paulinho completed his hat trick in injury time, turning in a low cross with his chest to cap a fine display.
Uruguay, who were missing the suspended Luis Suarez, remain in second place in the standings.
“To come here and win by any score is a great result,” Brazil coach Tite said afterwards. “Playing in this stadium and beating Uruguay is difficult for anyone.”
Uruguay skipper Diego Godin said the final scoreline was not an accurate reflection of the game.
“We trained well, we looked strong,” the Atletico Madrid defender said. “It’s a bitter result. We had chances. This doesn’t reflect the game.”
“But this is a wake-up call.”
In Buenos Aires, Argentina had entered their clash with Chile desperately needing to take all three points to revive their campaign.
And captain Messi duly delivered when it mattered as Argentina avenged last year’s Copa America Centenario final defeat to the Chileans with a 1-0 win.
Messi stroked home his penalty on 16 minutes after veteran Chile defender Jose Fuenzalida brought down Angel Di Maria with a clumsy challenge.
Last year, Messi was left distraught after missing his penalty in the shootout at the Copa America Centenario in New York.
But the diminutive maestro made no mistake on Thursday, drilling his spot-kick beyond former Barcelona teammate Claudio Bravo to secure a vital three points for the two-time world champions.
Argentina finished the game on the back foot as Chile swarmed forward in search of an equalizer — a successful rearguard action that delighted coach Edgardo Bauza.
“It was great that we won against a good team, but for me the best thing was the way we fought,” Bauza said.
The win leaves Argentina in third place overall in the 10-team qualifying competition with 22 points from 13 games.
But the defeat means two-time reigning South American champions Chile are still struggling to qualify for Russia.
The Chileans remain outside the automatic qualification places.
Colombia, the 2014 World Cup quarterfinalists, boosted their chances of qualification with a 1-0 win over Bolivia in Barranquilla.
Real Madrid star James Rodriguez bundled in the rebound from his own late penalty to claim the points.
Rodriguez rammed home his finish at the second attempt after Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe had saved the playmaker’s spot-kick on 83 minutes.
Until Rodriguez’s late winner, it looked as if Bolivia had done enough to earn a point, defending in depth and frustrating the hosts at every turn.
But Bolivia’s luck ran out when Cristian Coimbra brought down winger Juan Cuadrado with a clumsy challenge to give Rodriguez his chance for glory.
Brazil on brink; Messi revives Argentina
Brazil on brink; Messi revives Argentina
Pakistan to lock horns with Zimbabwe in first T20I in Bulawayo today
- Pakistan beat Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series 2-1 last month
- Salman Agha to lead Pakistan as Pakistan rest regular skipper Rizwan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will lock horns with Zimbabwe in the first of a three-match T20I series in Bulawayo today, Sunday, state-run media said, after completing a 2-1 ODI series victory over the hosts this week.
After losing the first ODI against Zimbabwe last month, Pakistan beat the hosts by convincing margins in the second and third ODIs in Bulawayo.
Skipper Salman Agha will lead his side in the T20 fixture against Zimbabwe on Sunday, with the next two matches to follow on Dec. 3 and 5.
“The first T20I match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will start at 1:30 p.m. local time on Sunday,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Saturday.
Pakistan announced late Friday that they were adding Saim Ayub, Aamer Jamal and Abrar Ahmed from the ODI squad into the T20I series following impressive showings over the past week.
The green shirts have rested Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi from the tour while white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan is also not part of the T20Is, with Agha taking his place as captain.
The match is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time.
Las Palmas stun Barca on 125th anniversary, Atletico rout Valladolid
- Barca have now gone three league games without a victory, after a run of 11 wins in 12 prior in the top flight
BARCELONA: Las Palmas claimed a surprise 2-1 victory at La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday, spoiling the hosts’ 125th anniversary celebrations.
Atletico Madrid climbed provisionally second, within two points of Hansi Flick’s side with a 5-0 rout of Real Valladolid later on.
Sandro Ramirez sent Las Palmas ahead early in the second half and although Raphinha hammered home an equalizer, Fabio Silva struck to claim three points and take his team up to 14th.
Barcelona still lead champions Real Madrid by four points but third-place Los Blancos, who host Getafe on Sunday, have played two fewer games than the Catalans and Atletico.
Barca have now gone three league games without a victory, after a run of 11 wins in 12 prior in the top flight.
“We had a bad game, we have to look at what we’re doing badly to try and improve and win games,” Raphinha told Movistar.
“I don’t care about my goal, I care about winning, we didn’t win and I’m not satisfied with the game.”
Barcelona wore white shorts as part of their anniversary celebrations, as they used to back at the start of their history.
They held a gala in the city on Friday night to mark the occasion, having been founded on November 29, 1899, but came undone on Saturday afternoon.
“We have to (play) like we did at the beginning of the season... it’s a big disappointment today,” Flick told reporters.
“Today we have more than 70 percent ball possession but we’re not able to score the goals — maybe we have to change one or two things.
“We made some mistakes, but it was not the back four, it starts (with the players) in front, we have to speak about that.”
The Catalans were able to name teenage starlet Lamine Yamal on the bench after recovering from an ankle problem.
Raphinha came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, scoring from an offside position and hitting the crossbar after being played through by Gavi.
Flick threw on Yamal at the break, hoping the winger would give Barca the advantage after an even first half.
Las Palmas took a surprise lead early in the second half when Kirian Rodriguez played in Ramirez, who drilled home from the edge of the box.
Raphinha hit back quickly for Barcelona with a thumping long-range effort, but Las Palmas were soon ahead again.
Silva ran onto Munoz’s probing long ball and fired past Inaki Pena to restore the Canary Islanders’ advantage with his fifth goal in eight league matches.
Former Barca goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen made several good saves and Las Palmas survived eight minutes of stoppage time.
“It was a very important win, we worked hard for it, Barca put you under a lot of pressure,” midfielder Moleiro told Movistar after Las Palmas sealed their first away win at Barcelona since 1971.
Atletico Madrid romped to a five-star victory at bottom side Real Valladolid, with Antoine Griezmann scoring one of the goals of the season.
Diego Simeone’s team have won seven consecutive games across all competitions and moved two points clear of champions Real Madrid.
Clement Lenglet opened the scoring after 25 minutes and Julian Alvarez added the second.
Rodrigo de Paul swept home the third before half-time and Griezmann produced a wonderful turn and finish soon after the break to add the fourth on a memorable night for the Rojiblancos, which even some home fans applauded.
Alexander Sorloth wrapped up Atletico’s thumping victory in stoppage time.
Griezmann’s goal saw the French forward exchange passes with Alvarez before executing a sensational turn and beating goalkeeper Karl Hein with a delicate touch.
“I have to thank (the Valladolid fans), in the end it’s what all players want, we want people to enjoy it with us, whether it’s opposition fans or our own,” Griezmann told DAZN.
“In the end I have to be grateful for this love, I’m doing really well and I hope to give more.”
Atletico beat Sparta Prague 6-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, meaning Simeone’s side scored 11 goals this week without reply.
“There are always things to improve, the team is always looking to do better,” Simeone told DAZN.
“We have to keep our humility, the nobility of keeping on looking for more... in the second half we could have done more... but I’ll stick with what the team’s giving me, with humility you can do anything.”
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov re-elected president of fencing’s governing body
LAUSANNE, Switzerland: Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has been elected to a new term as president of the International Fencing Federation while he faces ongoing sanctions.
The federation, known as the FIE, said in an emailed statement that Usmanov won 120 votes for a majority at the congress on Saturday in Uzbekistan, where he was born.
Usmanov was first elected FIE president in 2008 and his funding was key to fencing’s growth.
Usmanov said in March 2022 he would step aside from his duties as FIE president “until justice is restored” after he was placed under sanctions by the European Union following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Greek official Emmanuel Katsiadakis served as interim president since then.
Usmanov thanked his supporters on Saturday and said he would work for a “bright future” for fencing.
“As is well known, I am still subject to unjustified restrictions, which I am currently challenging in court,” Usmanov said in a statement. “In this regard, I declare that I have always acted in the best interests of the FIE and will continue to take all necessary measures to prevent the legally unfounded restrictions imposed on me being extended to the FIE and its activities.”
F1 champion Max Verstappen takes pole for Qatar Grand Prix
- McLaren driver Norris admitted his disappointment at missing out on a front row start
DOHA: Newly-crowned four-time world champion Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position for five months on Saturday when he beat George Russell in a tense and tight qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver had forecast he would continue to struggle for pace after a disappointing showing in the earlier sprint race, but late set-up changes enabled him to clock a fastest lap in one minute and 20.520 seconds.
Russell was second for Mercedes just 0.055 seconds adrift of pole ahead of Norris, who needed a late lap to grab third for McLaren, 0.252 off the pace, ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was sixth in the second Mercedes ahead of Carlos Sainz, in the second Ferrari, two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Sergio Perez, in the second Red Bull.
Kevin Magnussen was 10th for Haas.
It was Verstappen’s career 41st pole and his ninth of the season.
“I didn’t expect that,” said Verstappen. “Honestly! But well done to the team to give me a car that feels a bit more connected — and once the car is a bit more together you feel you can push harder.”
The final seconds of the session saw Verstappen criticized by Russell for running too slowly in front of him.
“Super-dangerous by Verstappen,” said the Mercedes driver, whose thoughts prompted the stewards to investigate.
“I ended up going through the gravel and all over the floor it felt like it was scraping,” said Russell.
Norris admitted his disappointment at missing out on a front row start.
“It’s not what we hoped for, but it was the maximum we could do. My lap was pretty good, but not quick enough.”
Hamilton, set for Ferrari next year, finished sixth, admitting: “I don’t really care. I just want to get through these races, do my job, turn up and look forward to the winter break.”
After the early laps, Verstappen led before Russell went top in 1:21.519, a time that was seven-tenths quicker than Hamilton’s best as he struggled to extract matching pace on his way to ninth.
With four minutes to go, Russell offered Hamilton a tow which lifted him to sixth, 0.118 off the pace in a tight field before Russell trimmed two-tenths off his best lap in 1:21.241, beating Leclerc by 0.037 with Sainz third ahead of Norris.
Out went Alex Albon and his Williams team-mate Franco Colapinto along with Liam Lawson of RB, Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.
Russell began Q3 in the same style, clocking 1:21.161, but his top spot was quickly taken by Verstappen in 1:21.085, Red Bull’s set-up changes, following the sprint, paying dividends.
On his second run, Russell improved to go top again by 0.001 seconds, but it was not enough in improving conditions to resist a revitalized Verstappen, or Norris, who clocked 1:20.983.
It looked solid for McLaren, but in a final flurry of laps Verstappen went top in 1:20.687 with Hamilton rising to fifth, within 0.026 of Russell in fourth, and Alonso and Magnussen claiming top ten spots.
The ‘top 10 shootout’ began with Russell topping the pile in 1:20.575 ahead of Leclerc on their opening runs when Norris ran off at Turn Five and failed to clock a time before Verstappen slotted into second.
This left McLaren in need of a strong late lap in the final seconds as they all ran again and Verstappen, against his own forecasts, secured pole ahead of Russell and Norris — his first pole since the Austrian Grand Prix in June.
Milinkovic-Savic gets Al-Hilal back to winning ways
- Milinkovic-Savic lined up a free-kick just next to the ‘D’ and then curled the ball over the wall perfectly and into the top corner
RIYADH: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was the hero as Al-Hilal came from behind to win 2-1 at Al-Shabab on Saturday and move back to within two points of Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad.
It was a dramatic Riyadh Derby with both teams reduced to ten men but thanks to the intervention of the Serbian midfielder, who scored both goals, a poor week for the champions ended on a winning note.
They feared the worst in the sixth minute when Abderrazak Hamdallah struck to put Al-Shabab ahead. Daniel Podence broke down the right and his looping cross eluded three defenders but the Moroccan forward found his space and stopped to find his spot past the diving Yassine Bounou for his fifth goal of the season.
Just eight minutes later however, Hilal were level. This time it was Joao Cancelo who supplied the –more delicate – cross from the right and there was Milinkovic-Savic to nod home from close range.
Hamdallah looked to have restored Shabab’s lead just after the half hour but the goal was ruled out for offside. A minute before the break however, Al-Hilal were reduced to ten men as former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly was shown a straight red for bringing down Hamdallah as he was bearing down on goal.
The one-man advantage did not last long as two yellow cards in the first 15 minutes of the second half saw Nader Al-Sharari dismissed and Al-Shabab reduced to ten.
Two minutes after the hour, Al-Hilal were ahead. Milinkovic-Savic lined up a free-kick just next to the ‘D’ and then curled the ball over the wall perfectly and into the top corner.
After throwing away a 2-0 lead a week earlier to lose 3-2 to Al-Khaleej, Al-Hilal held on to this one to move on to 31 points from 12 games, two behind Al-Ittihad who, earlier in the day, won 4-0 at Ettifaq.
