France ready to win World Cup ugly as Croatia eye history

Substance over style is the order of the day for France striker Antoine Griezmann.
Updated 14 July 2018
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France ready to win World Cup ugly as Croatia eye history

  • Style not important for Les Bleus striker Antoine Griezmann
  • Croatia players will tell Dalic if they are not fit, coach says

France may have been criticized for the lack of flair they have shown on route to the final but Antoine Griezmann does not care, with the striker claiming Les Bleus will win ugly if they have to.
The favorites have failed to fire in Russia, a brilliant second-half showing in their 4-3 win over Argentina in the second round the only period of brilliance they have really produced.
Belgium’s players criticized the tactics France used in their 1-0 semifinal win as Didier Deschamps’ team sat deep and Samuel Umtiti’s headed goal came from a corner, but Griezmann dismissed the criticism.
“I don’t care. I want the star (on my shirt for World Cup winners). If I get that star, I don’t care about how we play,” the 27-year-old said.
Griezmann came into the tournament as one of the favorites for the golden boot, but so far has only scored three times. Two from penalties and one largely thanks to a goalkeeping howler from Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera. And he said he had changed the way he plays for France in order to benefit the team.
“At the Euros two years ago I was top scorer but we lost, so I said to myself: ‘I am going to score less to see if we can win’,” he said. “My game is changing, now I am more likely to dictate the rhythm or hold onto the ball. If I score, then that’s great, but I am more a player who thinks of the team than of scoring.”
After a slow start in Russia, France have picked up form. Their blend of experienced campaigners like Griezmann and Paul Pogba, and young stars like Kylian Mbappe and Benjamin Pavard, ensures they head into the match as favorites.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is prepared to make changes for the clash if some of his players have not recovered from their exertions in reaching the final. Dalic’s men have been forced to go through three periods of extra-time to become the smallest country in 68 years to make the final.
“(It) is the World Cup final. Simply, the players know what that is,” Dalic said. “All my players tell me if they are not 100 percent fit. They know what is at stake, but if they are unable to give their all they will tell us. They have such an attitude.”
Ivan Perisic, who scored and set up Mario Mandzukic’s winner in a 2-1 semifinal win over England, was among five Croatian players to miss training on Friday.
“I hope my players will be ready. If not, I have great players on the bench who will be raring to go.”

SUMMARY

You can argue it both ways. Either France have been the best side in the tournament and have reached the final without ever, bar the second-half performance against Argentina, having to get out of third gear, or they have sleepwalked there thanks to some pretty indifferent opposition and will be found out against a hungry Croatia side. We think the truth lies somewhere 
in-between the two.
What is not in doubt is that the Croatians have done brilliantly to get this far. They have played three consecutive extra-times and will turn up at the Luzhniki Stadium 
not afraid of anything other than an early onset of tired legs. Whether that is enough to |
breach a brilliant France defense is the key, but they will back themselves.

KEY CLASH — N'GOLO KANTE vs LUKA MODRIC

The fluid nature of the modern game means there are rarely exclusive head-to-head battles, but the performances of these two men will undoubtedly be key to today’s result. When either play well their side tends to do likewise. Modric was imperious against England, he ran the show, constantly looking for the ball and the incisive pass. If he gets a foothold against Kante and the ever impressive Paul Pogba France will worry. Kante is about more than simply snuffing out danger in front of the France backline, he can move well with the ball, is key to the side’s counterattacks and can score from distance. Whoever gets the upper hand in the midfield battle will be the team lifting the trophy later on today.

PREDICTION — FRANCE TO WIN 3-1

Croatia will go into the match fearless, and with Modric, Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic in the side they have the weapons to hurt France. But they also go into the clash after three tense and tiring extra-times, two of which they won thanks to a penalty shootout. That will undoubtedly take its toll. You also get the feeling that France have an extra gear to go into if they have to. Les Bleus will attack on the counter and with Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezeman in fine form will always be a threat. The match, like most of the knockout stages so far, will be a close-fought contest — the strong French defense against the probing Croatians. But France will have too much for Croatia and will win by two goals.


Liverpool rotate squad for game at PSV Eindhoven to rest Salah, Van Dijk and others

Updated 59 min 4 sec ago
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Liverpool rotate squad for game at PSV Eindhoven to rest Salah, Van Dijk and others

  • The Reds have already advanced to the round of 16
  • manager Arne Slot opted to take a second-string squad to the Netherlands

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool will give some star players including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk a rest for the Champions League game at PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
The Reds have already advanced to the round of 16, so manager Arne Slot opted to take a second-string squad to the Netherlands.
Along with Salah and Van Dijk, the other players who were left in Merseyside were Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz.
Liverpool are in first place and can finish no lower than second in the league phase of the Champions League.
On Tuesday, Slot said with the packed schedule it was a chance for players to “get some freshness back.”
The Premier League leaders play at seventh-place Bournemouth on Saturday.


ABB FIA Formula E World Championship announces rookie free practice session at Jeddah E-Prix

Updated 28 January 2025
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ABB FIA Formula E World Championship announces rookie free practice session at Jeddah E-Prix

  • ‘It’s a crucial next step in fulfilling our commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing talent,’ says chief championship officer
  • Teams must nominate driver, allocate race car number 7 days prior to event

JEDDAH: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship announced on Tuesday a rookie free practice session designed for drivers who have never raced in the championship, as part of the Jeddah E-Prix.
Scheduled for Feb. 13, the 40-minute session will provide experienced racing talent from other motorsport championships valuable track time to discover the new, groundbreaking technology of the Formula E GEN3 Evo car.
Alberto Longo, Formula E’s co-founder and chief championship officer, said: “Following on from the success of our official women’s test in November, we’re thrilled to introduce this dedicated rookie free practice session at the Jeddah E-Prix.
“It’s a crucial next step in fulfilling our commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing talent, including young women.”
The opportunity to drive the cutting-edge GEN3 Evo car will, according to Longo, provide invaluable experience for young drivers, and “we believe it will significantly contribute to developing the future stars of Formula E and motorsport as a whole.”
Pablo Martino, the head of the Formula E Championship, said: “It’s crucial for the FIA to allow drivers to develop their careers through FIA world championships, and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has one of the most competitive grids around.”
Teams must nominate a driver and allocate a race car number seven days prior to the event, meaning the lineup will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The initiative follows the successful inaugural women’s test in Madrid, and further emphasizes the dedication of Formula E and the FIA to creating diverse and inclusive pathways for the next generation of racing drivers.


Ex-Belgium midfielder Nainggolan charged in drug trafficking probe

Updated 28 January 2025
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Ex-Belgium midfielder Nainggolan charged in drug trafficking probe

  • The 36-year-old footballer was charged with “participating in a criminal organization” and then conditionally released, his lawyer Mounir Souidi told media
  • Antwerp-born Nainggolan came out of retirement last week to join a lower-tier Belgian side

BRUSSELS: Former Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan was charged on Monday as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking on an international scale, a day after he was arrested, the Brussels prosecutor’s office said.
The 36-year-old footballer was charged with “participating in a criminal organization” and then conditionally released, his lawyer Mounir Souidi told media after a hearing in Brussels.
Nainggolan was among 18 suspects arrested following a series of 30 searches carried out on Monday morning in the northern province of Antwerp, as well as in the Brussels area. Ten of them were imprisoned after being brought before a judge.
The majority of those held face charges of “importation, transport and selling of drugs without permission” and with the “participation in organized crime as leaders.”
Nainggolan was released on bail as he was charged with being a “member” of the organization and not a “leader.”


“The investigation concerns alleged facts of importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium,” prosecutors said in a statement on Monday.
In addition to 2.7 kilos (six pounds) of cocaine, police seized around half a million euros ($521,000) in cash and gold coins, a stash of jewelry, and luxury watches including two worth some 360,000 euros each.
They further seized three firearms, two bullet-proof vests and 14 vehicles, prosecutors said.
Antwerp-born Nainggolan came out of retirement last week to join a lower-tier Belgian side — adding a final spell to a long career that saw him play 30 matches and score six goals for the national team.
Having played for Italian teams Cagliari, Inter Milan and Roma, he had been without a club since last summer before signing with Belgian second-tier outfit Lokeren last week.
He marked his debut with a goal at the weekend in Lokeren’s 1-1 home draw to K. Lierse.
He had previously returned from Italy to Belgium in the summer of 2021 to join Royal Antwerp.
A tattooed midfielder known for his off-field antics, he parted ways with Antwerp in early 2023.
A few months earlier he had been suspended for being caught smoking an electronic cigarette on the bench, according to Belgian media.


Neymar thanks Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal, fans after departing to Santos

Updated 28 January 2025
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Neymar thanks Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal, fans after departing to Santos

  • ‘To everyone at Al-Hilal, to the fans, thank you,’ Neymar writes on X
  • ‘To Saudi, thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences. I now know the real Saudi and have friends for life’

BEIRUT: Brazilian forward Neymar took the opportunity on Tuesday to thank Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal, and their fans after concluding his 17-month stint at the Saudi Pro League side.
“To everyone at Al-Hilal, to the fans, thank you,” said Neymar in a social media post on X, after returning to his Brazilian club Santos after originally leaving them in 2013 to join Barcelona.
He wrote: “I gave everything to play and I wish we (had) enjoyed better times on the pitch together.
“To Saudi, thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences. I now know the real Saudi and have friends for life. I always felt your love and passion for the game. I will be following your journey ahead as a club and a country towards 2034.


“Your future will be incredible, special things are happening and I will always support you!”
Marcelo Teixeira, Santos’ president, said on social media channels: “It is the time (to come back), Neymar. It is time for you to come back to your people. To our home, to the club in our hearts.
“Welcome, our boy Ney! A boy of Vila (Belmiro, Santos’ stadium). Come back to be happy again with the white and black shirt. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms.”
The 32-year-old, who has scored 79 international goals for his home country, moved to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for a world-record fee of €222 million in August 2017.
Al-Hilal announced Neymar’s departure on Tuesday on X, saying: “The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career at Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career.”
Neymar arrived at the Saudi club in August 2023 after signing from PSG, but only played seven games due to injuries.
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: “Teixeira confirms Neymar Jr’s return to the club. Six-month contract to be formally signed this week, as reported.”


Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah wins ICC cricketer of the year award

Updated 28 January 2025
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Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah wins ICC cricketer of the year award

  • Nominees included Travis Head of Australia, English duo Joe Root and Harry Brook
  • Pacer becomes fifth Indian to win award after Dravid, Tendulkar, Ashwin and Kohli

DUBAI: Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah won the ICC’s award for men’s cricketer of the year on Tuesday for his stellar performances in both the red-ball and white-ball format during 2024.

The 31-year-old right-arm paceman became the fifth Indian cricketer to win the award, after Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli.

“When I was a youngster, I saw many of my childhood heroes winning this great award, so (I’m) very happy,” Bumrah said.

Kohli won back-to-back awards in 2016 and 2017.

Travis Head of Australia and English duo Joe Root and Harry Brook were the other nominees for the award.

On Monday, Bumrah was also named the ICC men’s test cricketer of the year for his 71 wickets in 13 matches.

Bumrah masterminded India’s successful campaign at the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies with 15 wickets at a staggering average of 8.26 and impressive economy of 4.17, which also earned him the player of the tournament award.

“Last year was really memorable and specially winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados will always be close to my heart and I’ll always remember it forever,” Bumrah said.

In a memorable game at the T20 World Cup, Bumrah grabbed 3-14 against archrival Pakistan in a thriller in New York which India won by six runs. He went on to bag 2-18 in the final against South Africa.