PARIS (REUTERS) - Already-qualified Paris St Germain finished the Champions League group stage in style as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi bagged doubles in a 4-1 home win over Club Brugge on Tuesday (Dec 7). France forward Mbappe put the Ligue 1 side 2-0 up in the first seven minutes and Messi added a third before the break plus a fourth with a penalty after the interval. PSG were guaranteed second place in Group A before kickoff while Manchester City, who lost 2-1 at RB Leipzig on Tuesday, had already secured top spot and finished with 12 points, one ahead of Mauricio Pochettino's Paris side. Brugge were eliminated from European competition after finishing bottom with four points, three behind Leipzig. Visiting goalkeeper Simon Mignolet clumsily punched Nuno Mendes's cross into the path of Mbappe who fired home after two minutes and the striker was at it again five minutes later when he volleyed past the Belgian from Angel Di Maria's pass. Mbappe is the youngest player to reach 30 goals in the Champions League, less than two weeks before his 23rd birthday. Messi added the third seven minutes before halftime with a trademark curled attempt from outside the area and although Mats Rits pulled one back in the 68th, PSG were always in control. Messi wrapped up a comfortable victory with a 76th-minute spot kick after being brought down by substitute Ignace Van der Brempt. More on this topic Related Story Football: Perfect Liverpool knock Milan out of Champions League Related Story Football: Walker sent off as Man City crash in Champions League at Leipzig
After Covid-19 hit Singapore, Madam Tina Soh has had to wait longer for groceries bought online to be delivered to her home. The 57-year-old merchandising manager in textiles, who began shopping for groceries online before the pandemic struck, noted that Covid-19 has led to an uptick in demand for online grocery services, causing delays. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.
SINGAPORE - A policeman driving a car failed to slow down or stop before making a left turn, hitting an elderly pedestrian who later died in hospital. After hitting her, he stopped his car "for around three seconds" before driving forward again, running the car over the woman, the court heard. Norazlan Abdul Aziz, now 44, a station inspector, was on Friday (Oct 22) sentenced to two weeks' jail and disqualified from driving all classes of vehicles for five years, after he pleaded guilty to causing the death of Ms Lee Swee Huak, 84, by negligent driving. In an earlier statement, the police said that he was still in service, adding: "Should he be convicted in court subsequently, SPF (Singapore Police Force) will commence disciplinary proceedings against him." Court documents did not mention if the Singaporean policeman was on the job or off duty at the time of the fatal accident. Deputy Public Prosecutor Claire Poh said that Norazlan had exited a multi-storey carpark at Block 808 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1 and was driving along a service road near Block 807D towards the main road shortly before the accident on Sept 21, 2017. Ms Lee was crossing a junction at the service road and Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1, but Norazlan failed to keep a proper lookout and hit her around 4.20pm. DPP Poh said: "If the accused had stopped, he would have seen the deceased... the deceased was walking at a normal pace. "The deceased fell on the road in front of the car. The accused then stopped the car for around three seconds before driving forward again. As a result, both the car's front and rear left tyres ran over the deceased." The police were alerted and Ms Lee was taken to the National University Hospital where she died of multiple injuries about two hours later. Defence lawyer Patrick Fernandez said that his client joined the SPF in 1999 as a corporal and rose through the ranks to become a station inspector. The lawyer added that in the last decade, Norazlan had been an investigation officer who specialised in property-related crimes. In his mitigation plea, Mr Fernandez said that his client is truly remorseful and deeply regrets the loss of Ms Lee's life. Pleading for a high fine, the lawyer added: "Immediately after the accident, our client stopped and did his best to render assistance to the victim, including calling the ambulance and cooperated with police investigations." More on this topic Related Story Police sergeant charged with corruptly soliciting relationship with woman Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories Norazlan's bail was set at $10,000 on Friday and he was ordered to surrender himself at the State Courts on Oct 25 to begin serving his sentence. For causing a death by negligent driving, an offender can be jailed for up to two years and fined.
LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Manchester City twice came from behind to prevent Liverpool moving back to the top of the Premier League in a pulsating 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday (Oct 3). Liverpool weathered a City storm in the first-half and hit the English champions with a sucker punch when Sadio Mane opened the scoring just before the hour mark. Phil Foden levelled before Mohamed Salah looked to have won the game with a moment of individual brilliance as he jinked around four defenders before firing past Ederson. However, Kevin De Bruyne's shot that deflected in off Joel Matip nine minutes from time salvaged the point Pep Guardiola's men at least deserved. A share of the spoils leaves the title race tantalisingly poised with Liverpool a point behind leaders Chelsea and City two points off the top in third. It could have been much worse for City as a 0-0 draw at home to Southampton two weeks ago left them three points off the top of the table ahead of two of the most daunting away trips in the Premier League. However, rather than being cut adrift from the contenders to take their title, they have laid down a marker in schooling Chelsea on their own patch and doing the same to Jurgen Klopp's men for the majority of a thrilling contest. Guardiola's side won 4-1 when the sides met behind closed door last season, but City have still not won in front of a crowd at Anfield since 2003, long before an Abu Dhabi takeover transformed the club's fortunes. They should have ended that run by putting the game beyond doubt in a dominant first-half when, not for the first time this season, they just lacked the finishing touch. Foden had the majority of the chances before the break, but could not find a way past Alisson Becker. Bernardo Silva's mazy run beyond five players cut open the Liverpool defence, but Foden's low shot was repelled by the Brazilian international. The England international then had strong claims for a penalty or a red card against James Milner for a foul outside the box waived away by referee Paul Tierney. De Bruyne headed over a glorious chance with Foden this time the creator before Alisson had to sprint off his line to block from Foden once more just before the break. HIGHLIGHTS | Liverpool 2-2 Man City | Foden, De Bruyne, Mane, Salah | Premier League Liverpool were clinging on for the half-time whistle, but were able to reorganise themselves at the break to turn the game into a far more competitive contest in the second-half. Mane hit City with the sucker punch as Salah skipped past Joao Cancelo and played in the Senegalese to slot calmly into the far corner. Anfield was suddenly stirred and Liverpool's players crashed into challenges in response as they didn't allow City to get into the rhythm they enjoyed before the break. However, one slick move from Guardiola's men finally saw them find the net to level 21 minutes from time. Gabriel Jesus skipped across the face of the Liverpool box before finding Foden, who this time drilled the ball low into Alisson's far corner. Guardiola was then infuriated as Milner avoided a second yellow card after chopping down Silva. More on this topic Related Story Football: Guardiola says Klopp has made him a better manager Related Story On The Ball: A counter to Guardiola's well-laid plans is key to victory for Klopp And moments his later his mood soured even more when Salah's stunning solo goal swung the game in Liverpool's favour. The Egyptian danced around Cancelo, Silva and Aymeric Laporte before firing on his weaker right foot high past Ederson. Guardiola was then booked for taking his protests too far, but five minutes later he was screaming in celebration as De Bruyne's effort from the edge of the box deflected in off Joel Matip. Liverpool had the best chance to win the game in a breathless finale, but Rodri blocked Fabinho's goal-bound effort after Ederson flapped at a free-kick. More on this topic Related Story Football: Man United stumble again as Chelsea top Premier League
CHICAGO (REUTERS) - Former world number one Kim Clijsters, in her latest comeback to tennis, suffered a 6-3 5-7 6-3 loss to Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei in first-round action at the Chicago Fall Classic on Monday (Sept 27). The 38-year-old Belgian, who accepted a wild card into the hardcourt event, looked competitive during her first match of the season but misfired at key moments to remain without a win in four events since her comeback last year. Clijsters made a quick start as she raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first set before world number 97 Hsieh won the next eight games to take control. But Clijsters, competing for the first time since a first-round loss at the 2020 US Open, came back from a break down to force a third set where Hsieh proved the steadier of the two in a match that lasted two hours and 18 minutes. Next up for 35-year-old Hsieh, who reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final at this year's Australian Open, will be world number 16 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia. Clijsters launched her second comeback from retirement in February 2020 and played two WTA Tour events before the Covid-19 outbreak halted action across the global sporting calendar. The four-times Grand Slam champion resumed play at the 2020 US.Open, where she lost to Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova, before knee surgery forced her to shut down her season. She then contracted Covid-19 in January 2021. Clijsters won the US Open in 2005 before her first retirement two years later. She returned to the sport in 2009 and won a second major title in New York as an unseeded wild card in her third tournament back. The Belgian defended her US Open crown in 2010 and picked up the last of her four major titles at the Australian Open in 2011 before retiring again in 2012.
BRUGGE, BELGIUM (REUTERS) - Lionel Messi failed to provide Paris St Germain with any sparkle as the Ligue 1 team's potent attacking trio lacked inspiration in a disappointing 1-1 draw at Club Brugge in their Champions League opener on Wednesday (Sept 15). Making his first start for the French team, the Argentine forward hit the woodwork but was otherwise far from his brilliant best alongside the hugely disappointing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who set up Ander Herrera for PSG's first-half opener before being replaced injured after the break. Brugge, who levelled before halftime through Hans Vanaken, were more aggressive and had the best chances against a PSG side lacking quality and defensive focus. The result left PSG and Brugge trailing Group A leaders Manchester City by two points after the Premier League champions crushed RB Leipzig 6-3. "We didn't play a fantastic game but to be fair we did enough to win, we deserved to win," said Herrera. "Maybe they had opportunities at the beginning of the second half but I think we controlled the match, we had a lot of chances." Brugge keeper Simon Mignolet disagreed. "I didn't have a lot of work, I just pulled a couple of saves. We played as a compact side, it was the right approach," the Belgian said. With Messi, Neymar and Mbappe together on the pitch for the first time, PSG made a confident start but Brugge responded well. Mbappe broke down the left flank and his low cross was met by Herrera, who opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a low finish for his fourth goal of the season - his third in his last two games. Messi set up Mbappe, who went close in the 23rd minute with an angled shot that was deflected by Mignolet but PSG were lulled into a false sense of security. On a sharp attack, the visitors' defence was overwhelmed on the right side and after a late run into the box, Vanaken connected with Eduard Sobol's cutback to beat Keylor Navas after 27 minutes. Messi hit the woodwork with a fine curling shot from the edge of the box before Brugge threatened again as Vanaken forced Navas into a diving save with a low free kick. The keeper was made to work again to tip Charles De Ketelaere's rising shot over the bar before halftime. Danilo replaced Leandro Paredes as PSG's holding midfielder while Julian Draxler took over from Georginio Wijnaldum as roving midfielder after the break. PSG suffered a blow six minutes into the second half when Mbappe limped off the pitch after taking a knock on his ankle and was substituted by Mauro Icardi. Messi had PSG's first chance of the second half 20 minutes from time with an angled shot before picking up a yellow card, but Brugge did more than enough to claim a well-deserved point.
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Olympic and world champion gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman are to testify before a Senate committee on Wednesday (Sept 15) looking into FBI failures in investigating sexual abuse by former team doctor Larry Nassar, the committee said. Nassar, 58, is serving a life sentence after pleading guilty in late 2017 and early 2018 to sexually assaulting women and girls while working as a sports medicine doctor at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University (MSU). Some 265 women - including Olympians, gymnasts and collegiate athletes - accused Nassar of sexually abusing them over a more than two-decade career. Biles, Maroney, Raisman and another former gymnast, Maggie Nichols, will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the "FBI's dereliction of duty in the Nassar case," the committee said Monday. FBI Director Christopher Wray and Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz will also testify but in a separate session. Horowitz's office was the author of a damning report published in July that looked into the FBI's handling of accusations against Nassar. It found that despite the "extraordinarily serious nature of the allegations" against Nassar, senior officials in the Indianapolis Field Office of the FBI failed to respond with the "utmost seriousness and urgency that they deserved." USA Gymnastics reported Nassar to the FBI in July 2015, but he continued to see patients at MSU until a newspaper exposed him in September 2016. More on this topic Related Story FBI badly botched sex-abuse probe of US gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, watchdog says
BELFAST (AFP) - Kepa Arrizabalaga was the unlikely hero as Chelsea started the new season as they ended the last with a European trophy by beating Villarreal 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the Uefa Super Cup in Belfast. The Spaniard, who has lost his place as number one since joining the club for a world record fee for a goalkeeper in 2018, was introduced late in extra-time as a substitute for the shootout by Thomas Tuchel. Kepa famously refused to be replaced by former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri in a League Cup final defeat to Manchester City two years ago. But this time he rewarded his manager’s faith with saves from Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol. “It was not spontaneous,” said Tuchel who explained the plan had been hatched in the FA Cup last season. “We talked about it with the goalkeepers after the first cup game against Barnsley. “Kepa has the best percentage at saving penalties, the analysing guys and goalkeeping coaches showed me the data. We spoke to the players that this could happen when we play in knockout games. It’s fantastic how Edouard (Mendy) accepted it. “There is proof that Kepa is better in this discipline. They’re team players. Edouard does not show the pride to not step off the field. He was happy to do it for the team and take this for the team.” Chelsea’s win over Manchester City in Porto to lift the Champions League trophy for a second time in May was the culmination of a meteoric rise in Tuchel’s first five months in charge. The German has bemoaned having to manage a 42-man squad during pre-season and could soon have even more firepower to call on with Romelu Lukaku expected to complete a return to Stamford Bridge later this week for a club record £97 million (S$180 million). But the depth of resources available to Tuchel was on show early on. Euro 2020 finalists Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Jorginho all had to settle for a place on the bench after their late return to pre-season training, but Chelsea still had far too much for the Europa League winners in the opening half hour. Bittersweet for Ziyech Hakim Ziyech had a bittersweet evening as he continued his fine pre-season form into competitive action with the opening goal. Marcos Alonso fed Kai Havertz down the right and from the German’s low cross, Ziyech swept home. However, the Moroccan was forced off before half-time in a sling by a shoulder injury. More on this topic Related Story Football: Chelsea reportedly agree club record deal to re-sign Lukaku Related Story Football: Chelsea sign goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli In stark contrast to Chelsea’s haul of now 20 trophies in the nearly 20 years since Roman Abramovich’s takeover transformed the club, Villarreal’s Europa League final victory over Manchester United in May secured their first ever silverware. After an overly cautious start from Unai Emery’s men, going behind forced the Yellow Submarine out of their shell and they were unfortunate not to be level by half-time. “I am proud to represent Villarreal, our project and the Spanish league,” said Emery. “We knew how to compete.” Mendy scampered from his line to deny Boulaye Dia a debut goal before Villarreal twice hit the woodwork either side of the break through Alberto Moreno and Gerard Moreno. Villarreal were the dominant force in the second-half as Chelsea physically faded after their flying start. Tuchel turned to his bench to stem the tide as Mount, Jorginho and Andreas Christensen were introduced. More on this topic Related Story Football: Tuchel, Thiago Silva and Giroud extend Chelsea contracts Related Story Football: Chelsea shatter dream of Guardiola’s Man City to win Champions League final But the Spaniards finally got their deserved equaliser when Moreno played a clever one-two with Dia before firing high past Mendy. Neither manager would have welcomed an extra 30 minutes just days before their respective league campaigns kick-off. Chelsea had the better of extra-time as Christian Pulisic fired inches wide before Sergio Asenjo produced a fine save to deny Mount. Asenjo also gave Villarreal a dream start to the shootout by saving from Havertz. But Chelsea were flawless with their next six spot-kicks to allow Kepa to take centre stage.
LONDON (AFP) - Roger Federer crashed out of Wimbledon in the quarter-finals at the hands of Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Wednesday (July 7), but insisted he will not be rushed into retirement even with his 40th birthday just five weeks away. Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam title winner, lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 to a player 15 years his junior. It was only the eight-time Wimbledon champion's 14th defeat at the tournament in 119 matches and his first straight-sets loss since an opening round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002. It was also the first time he had lost a set 6-0 at Wimbledon and just the third time at a Slam. The other two occasions both came at the French Open - against Pat Rafter in 1999 and Rafael Nadal in 2008. "I don't know. I really don't know. I've got to regroup," said Federer when asked if his Wimbledon career was over. "With everything that comes after Wimbledon, we were always going to sit down and talk about it because clearly now Wimbledon is over. I got to take a few days. "Just see, Okay, what do I need to do to get in better shape so I can be more competitive." Those discussions will also centre on his participation in the Olympic Games in Tokyo which start in just over two weeks' time. Federer is now without a Slam since the 2018 Australian Open but he had two match points to beat Novak Djokovic in the epic 2019 Wimbledon final. "Clearly, there's still a lot of things missing in my game that maybe 10, 15, 20 years ago were very simple and very normal for me to do,' he added ruefully. Federer had only played eight matches this year before Wimbledon as he recovered from two knee surgeries in 2020. "Of course I would like to play it again, but at my age you're just never sure what's around the corner," added Federer. "I will take my time, not feel rushed by you guys or anybody else. I got to take my time, take the right decision, the one decision I want to take and where I feel most comfortable. "The team and me were actually very happy I made it as far as the quarters here. That's how it goes. I'll be fine. I have perspective about it, so it's all good." Roger Federer Quarter-Final Press Conference | Wimbledon 2021 More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Federer crashes out at Wimbledon to cast doubt on future Former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, however, has his doubts Federer will play Wimbledon again. Had he won on Wednesday, Federer would have been the oldest man in over half a century to get to the last four. "I noticed the mis-hits, awkward looking points from Roger and obviously the last set of course, 6-0," said Becker. 'See him again?' "He would never ever say if there was a niggle, but I don't know if we will ever see the great man again here." World number 18 Hurkacz, 24, had never got beyond the third round of a Grand Slam before this Wimbledon. However, boosted by having defeated world number two Daniil Medvedev in five sets in the last 16, he was a break up on a sluggish-looking Federer in the sixth game of the opening set. The Swiss star carved out a break for 2-0 in the second set. He couldn't hang on and Hurkacz levelled in the seventh game from 1-4 down before dominating the tiebreak. Federer looked punch drunk and he was quickly down 0-2 in the third set before Hurkacz wrapped up the decider in just 29 minutes. Roger Federer Exits Centre Court After Hubert Hurkacz Defeat | Wimbledon 2021 Match Point Moment | Hubert Hurkacz Defeats Roger Federer | Wimbledon 2021 He is only the second Polish man to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon - Jerzy Janowicz being the other in 2013. Up next is a clash with Matteo Berrettini of Italy for a place in Sunday's final. "Roger was congratulating me and wishing good luck for the next matches," said Hurkacz. "Obviously, walking off the court realising that I won against Roger, I mean, just kind of a dream come true, especially here on grass in Wimbledon. "Felt so special with the crowd around as well." Hubert Hurkacz Quarter-Final Post-Match Interview | Wimbledon 2021 More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Djokovic into 10th Wimbledon semi-final after straight-sets win Related Story Tennis: Shapovalov into Wimbledon semis after outlasting Khachanov Hurkacz had only met Federer once before Wednesday - a straight sets loss at Indian Wells in the quarter-finals in 2019. His run to the semi-finals is impressive, however, as he had won just one match on tour between his surprise Miami Masters title in March and the start of Wimbledon. That dismal streak included defeat in the first round of the French Open to world number 154 Botic Van de Zandschulp and first-up losses in the grass court events at Stuttgart and Halle. The defeat in Stuttgart was particularly painful as it came at the hands of Dominic Stricker, ranked a lowly 335 at the time.
LONDON (AFP) - Roger Federer crashed out of Wimbledon in the quarter-finals at the hands of Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Wednesday (July 7), potentially bringing down the curtain on the Swiss legend's All England Club career. Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam title winner who turns 40 next month, lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 to a player 15 years his junior. It was only the eight-time Wimbledon champion's 14th defeat at the tournament in 119 matches and his first straight-sets loss since an opening round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002. It was also the first time he had lost a set 6-0 at Wimbledon. "It's super special to have played Roger here, it's a dream come true," said Hurkacz. "He's done so many special things here." World number 18 Hurkacz, 24, had never got beyond the third round of a Grand Slam before this Wimbledon. However, boosted by having defeated world number two Daniil Medvedev in five sets in the last 16, he was a break up on a sluggish-looking Federer in the sixth game of the opening set. The Swiss star, who underwent two knee surgeries in 2020, carved out a break for 2-0 in the second set. He couldn't hang on and Hurkacz levelled in the seventh game from 1-4 down before dominating the tiebreak. Federer looked punch drunk and he was quickly down 0-2 in the third set before Hurkacz wrapped up the decider in just 29 minutes. He is only the second Polish man to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon - Jerzy Janowicz being the other in 2013. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Djokovic into 10th Wimbledon semi-final after straight-sets win Related Story Tennis: Shapovalov into Wimbledon semis after outlasting Khachanov Up next is a clash with either Matteo Berrettini of Italy or Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime for a place in Sunday's final. "I noticed the mis-hits, awkward looking points from Roger and obviously the last set of course, 6-0," said former champion Boris Becker commentating on Federer's performance. "He would never ever say if there was a niggle, but I don't know if we will ever see the great man again here."
LONDON (REUTERS) - Eight-time champion Roger Federer survived a massive scare against Adrian Mannarino before advancing to the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday (June 29) when the Frenchman retired with a knee injury after slipping on court. The match was poised at 6-4 6-7(3) 3-6 6-2 with Federer forcing a fifth set before Mannarino, celebrating his 33rd birthday, decided he could not continue. “It’s awful,” Federer said in his on-court interview. “It shows that one shot can change the outcome of a match, a season, a career. I wish him all the best and I hope he recovers quickly so we see him back on the courts. “He could have won the match at the end. Obviously, he was the better player, so I definitely got a bit lucky.” Federer, seeded sixth, was serving with a 4-2 lead in the fourth set when the 41st-ranked Mannarino slipped while attempting a return and twisted his right knee. The Frenchman received medical attention on Centre Court and limped back to complete the set before shaking hands with Federer, who now has a 7-0 head-to-head record against him. “You don’t get many walkovers throughout a career and you try also not to have it happen to yourself,” Federer added. “It’s a reminder how quickly it goes. But of course, I’m obviously happy I can get another chance for another match here. “I worked very hard and at the end I enjoyed myself out here today. It was great fun until the end, obviously.” The 20-times Grand Slam winner came into Tuesday’s match having lost just one set in his six previous meetings against the left-hander, including three on the manicured grass at Wimbledon. Wrong foot Federer started off on the wrong foot, trailing 0-40 in the opening game but managed to hold serve and soon found his groove and his nimble footwork to put Mannarino under constant pressure. It was not until his sixth break point opportunity in the opening set that the Swiss finally managed to convert and he did it in style with a breathtaking backhand crosscourt pass. The second set went on serve before Federer completely lost control over his forehand in the tiebreaker and four consecutive errors helped Mannarino level the match. Federer knows the All England Club like the back of his hand but the rust from having playing only eight matches this year and missing most of 2020 after two knee surgeries started showing in his game. After an early exchange of breaks, Mannarino got a second break in the third set as Federer started finding it difficult to land his first serves and his errors mounted. As the Centre Court crowd started facing the prospect of Federer exiting Wimbledon in the opening round for the first time since 2002, the 20-times major champion responded by raising his game. After saving a break point to hold his serve in the opening game of the fourth set, Federer quickly jumped out a 3-0 lead and looked the dominant player and on course to force a deciding set before his opponent’s injury. Federer, at 39 the oldest man in the singles draw, will meet either Frenchman Richard Gasquet or Yuichi Sugita of Japan for a place in the third round. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Fourth seed Zverev eases past qualifier Griekspoor Related Story Tennis: Tiafoe dumps third seed Tsitsipas out of Wimbledon
MUNICH, GERMANY (AFP) - A Greenpeace activist crash-landed on the pitch in Munich on Tuesday (June 15) before the Germany-France match at Euro 2020 after his powered parachute microlight struck spidercam cables at the Allianz Arena, with Uefa saying he had "injured several people". The pilot flew over the pitch just before kick-off in the Group F clash with "Kick out oil" written on the canopy of his parachute. However, when the pilot hit television cables above the pitch, it knocked his microlight off balance and he landed on the turf after clipping one of the stands. This is when Uefa said several people were injured and had to be hospitalised. "This inconsiderate act - which could have had very serious consequences for a huge number of people attending - caused injuries to several people attending the game who are now in hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action," European football's governing body said in a statement. "The staging of the match was fortunately not impacted by such a reckless and dangerous action, but several people were injured nonetheless." The activist seemed unhurt and was quickly arrested. The stunt was a protest against German car manufacturer Volkswagen, one of the sponsors of the European Championship, Greenpeace explained in a Twitter post. "Uefa and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable Euro 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions," said Uefa. A Greenpeace protester glides on to the pitch before the match. PHOTO: REUTERS More on this topic Related Story Football: Hummels own goal gifts France 1-0 Euro win over Germany Related Story Football: Ronaldo breaks Euro goalscoring record as Portugal beat Hungary
BUDAPEST (REUTERS) - Hungary drew a blank in their Euro 2020 dress rehearsal at home against Ireland on Tuesday (June 8) as the two sides played out an entertaining 0-0 draw in front of thousands of fans on a balmy night in Budapest. The home side were almost caught out in the opening exchanges as the Irish won a free kick on the right and defender John Egan saw his header cannon off the crossbar. Both teams were keen to get the ball down and pass it and striker Adam Szalai went close to giving the Hungarians the lead six minutes before the break with a powerful header, but Ireland's 19-year-old goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu pulled off a world-class save to turn the ball away for a corner. Bazunu was replaced at the break by Caoimhin Kelleher and 10 minutes into the second half he too denied Szalai, swatting away a snap shot after the striker picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box. Kelleher pulled off a superb pair of saves in the final 10 minutes, first tipping another header from Szalai over the bar and then stopping a shot from his namesake, defender Attila Szalai, as the Hungarians pressed for a late winner, but to no avail. Hungary open their Group F campaign against Portugal at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest on June 15 before meeting France at the same venue four days later and then taking on Germany in Munich.
STOCKHOLM (REUTERS) - A superb first half from winger Emil Forsberg paved the way for Sweden's 3-1 win over Armenia in their last friendly game before Euro 2020 gets underway next week. Forsberg gave the Swedes the lead in the 16th minute with a free kick from distance that dipped viciously, leading keeper David Yurchenko to mistime his dive as the ball bounced and flew into the net. Forsberg also played a part Sweden's second, whipping in a corner that Marcus Danielson headed in to make it 2-0 in the 34th minute with his third goal in nine internationals. Given a free role from his position on the left wing, Forsberg won a penalty just before halftime but Yurchenko got down smartly to save Sebastian Larsson's spot kick. Vahan Bichakhchyan pulled a goal back for the visitors just after the hour mark, but the Swedes netted a third when Robin Quaison dinked a delightful pass to set up fellow substitute Marcus Berg to score. Janne Andersson's side begin their Euro 2020 Group E campaign against Spain in Seville on June 14 before taking on Slovakia and Poland in St Petersburg.
CAGLIARI, ITALY (REUTERS) - Italy warmed up for the European Championship in style with a 7-0 thrashing of San Marino in a friendly on Friday (May 26). Roberto Mancini's side struggled to break down the minnows early on in Sardinia, but captain Federico Bernardeschi hammered them into a 31st minute lead before Sassuolo defender Gian Marco Ferrari added a second three minutes later on his debut. Matteo Politano fired home four minutes into the second half to make it 3-0 and Torino striker Andrea Belotti scored a well-taken fourth before Matteo Pessina netted a fifth moments later. A brilliant volley from Politano and a close-range finish by Pessina late on sealed a seventh straight win for Italy. Italy play one more warm-up match ahead of the June 11-July 11 Euro 2020 against Czech Republic next Friday in Bologna. The Italians play in the tournament's opening match against Turkey before facing Switzerland and Wales, all in Rome. "The result was obvious, it was important to be aggressive and to play well with speed in our passing," Mancini told Rai Sport. "Some performances gave me something to think about (for the final Euros squad selection). I've some very good players." The Azzurri coach gave some of the fringe members of his provisional 33-man Euro 2020 squad a chance to impress as he looks to cut his selection to 26 before the tournament, but Italy struggled to make any inroads in the opening half hour. Bernardeschi's sixth goal for his country broke the deadlock as he scored with a powerful strike from the edge of the area before Ferrari capitalised on a goalkeeping error to fire home the second as Mancini's men eventually clicked into gear. After the break, the floodgates opened as the defensive mistakes started to creep into San Marino's play. Politano's first goal came about due to a defensive slip, before Belotti's 12th Italy strike extended the advantage. After Pessina's fifth, his first goal for his country, Politano became the second-ever Napoli player to score a double for Italy. Pessina then capped a night to remember for the Atalanta midfielder with his second. Italy are now unbeaten in 26 matches under Mancini, the country's second longest run without losing, one ahead of Marcelo Lippi and only behind the great Vittorio Pozzo, whose side did not lose in 30 games between 1935 and 1939.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND (AFP) - Liverpool moved into the Premier League top four for the first time since February with a 3-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday (May 19), as Jurgen Klopp’s men remain on course to salvage a place in next season’s Champions League. Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Phillips struck either side of half-time before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain smashed home two minutes from time as the Reds edged ahead of Leicester on goal difference into fourth. Victory at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday in front of the biggest crowd at Anfield since they ended a 30-year wait to become champions of England last season will almost certainly guarantee Liverpool’s place in the top four. Leicester are four goals behind on goal difference so need to better Liverpool’s result when they host Tottenham at the King Power. Third-placed Chelsea, who are a point ahead of both, travel to Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign. Liverpool have now won four consecutive league games for the first time in a difficult season ravaged by injuries to key players. Klopp’s side needed Alisson Becker to score the first goal ever scored by a Liverpool goalkeeper to secure a dramatic late win at already-relegated West Brom on Sunday. But despite the return of supporters to Turf Moor for the first time in 14 months, Burnley were more easily swept aside. Liverpool would have been out of sight by half-time with more ruthless finishing as a series of clear-cut chances came and went. Sadio Mane somehow skewed wide from point-blank range inside three minutes before Firmino also pulled an effort off target from Mane’s inventive backheel. Alisson’s charge forward at the Hawthorns proved inspired, but the Brazilian’s decision to back track to a long ball over the top nearly cost the visitors as Chris Wood blasted wide from close range. At the other end, Thiago Alcantara dragged a shot wide after a one-two with Mohamed Salah before the Egyptian was also guilty of firing wastefully over when one-on-one with Will Norris. The Burnley number three was making his Premier League debut and will be disappointed about the opener when it finally arrived two minutes before half-time as he did not get a strong enough foot to Firmino’s effort to keep it out. Liverpool had breathing space seven minutes into the second period when Philipps powered home Mane’s cross at the back post. The 24-year-old has had to become the senior member of an inexperienced centre-back pairing in recent weeks alongside Rhys Williams with Ozan Kabak joining Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip on the sidelines. More on this topic Related Story Football: Liverpool's Jota out of final three games of the season Related Story Football: Goalie Alisson heads Liverpool to last-gasp victory Phillips has excelled as the season has gone on and rescued his side from a nervy finale as he cleared off the line from James Tarkowski’s looping header. Oxlade-Chamberlain is another Liverpool player to have had an injury-disrupted season, but he came off the bench to round off the scoring when he powered home at Norris’s near post two minutes from time.