European champions Barcelona overpowered Qatar’s Al Sadd 4-0 yesterday to reach the Club World Cup final, with Brazilian defender Adriano scoring twice in an embarrassingly one-sided contest.
The Spanish champions, bidding to win the seven-team competition for the second time in three years, face Brazil’s Santos in a mouth-watering final in Yokohama on Sunday.
The gloss was taken off an easy win in front of 66,000 spectators after Spain striker David Villa was rushed to hospital with a broken leg after going down awkwardly in the first half.
Barca took the lead in comical fashion after 25 minutes, Pedro’s cross bobbling off Al Sadd defender Nadir Belhadj and goalkeeper Mohamed Saqr’s panicked clearance crashing off Adriano’s shin into the back of the net.
Adriano scored his second two minutes before halftime, latching on to a pass from Thiago Alcantara to drive a powerful left-foot shot into the bottom corner.
Argentine wizard Lionel Messi brilliantly picked out Seydou Keita, who calmly flicked home Barca’s third in the 64th minute.
Substitute Maxwell added fourth in the 81st minute to complete the rout as Barca’s quick passing game befuddled Asian champions Al Sadd, who gave them less trouble than stadium security had on arriving for the match.
Messi and several Barcelona teammates looked confused at being held up by zealous Japanese security guards after getting off the bus for not having their accreditation visible.
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