Gelson Fernandes described his goal for Switzerland in their shock World Cup win over Spain as the best of his career but was so tired he missed out on the team’s post-game celebrations.
The midfielder, who is of Cape Verdean descent, seemed reluctant to be cast in the role of Swiss hero at a news conference yesterday following Wednesday night’s win.
“It wasn’t the nicest goal I’ve scored, but the best of my career. I don’t score much, though. It was a good feeling to see the ball go in the net and we deserve it in a way because we worked hard, we ran a lot,” he said.
PHOTO: EPA
“It is memorable to score against as good a team as the Spanish, because they have so many players of world class quality,” he said.
Fernandes said he had missed the post-match celebrations in the changing room and bus after the match in Durban because he had to go for a doping test.
“When I got to the plane I was too tired,” he said.
The Swiss flew back after their victory on Wednesday to their headquarters at a casino resort, some 90km south of Johannesburg.
It was only Fernandes’ second goal in 24 internationals and he said it was a stroke of good fortune he was on hand to tap in the ball after Eren Derdiyok’s surging 52nd-minute run was halted by a combination of Iker Casillas and Gerard Pique.
“To be fair, I’m not used to scoring goals, so I was a bit surprised,” Fernandes said. “It was a bit of luck.”
Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said Fernandes forced his way into the World Cup squad with good performances in the qualification matches he played in.
Since then, he has developed into a key member of the tightly organized team.
“Fernandes hopped onto the bandwagon very late — but he’s shown great form,” Hitzfeld said. “He’s a very valuable player — you just love them. He plays in many positions and motivates his teammates.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely