Schalke 04 kept up their chase for the Bundesliga runners-up spot with a dominant 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday to move level on points with second-placed Borussia Dortmund.
Max Meyer put the hosts into the lead in the 59th minute after Sead Kolasinac’s long-range effort hit the woodwork and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, back in the side after an injury layoff, had his rebound saved by Kevin Trapp.
Trapp denied the Netherlands striker again seven minutes later by saving his penalty, but the hosts kept pouring forward in a one-sided affair with Brazil coach Felipe Scolari in the stands of the Veltins-Arena.
Photo: AFP
Schalke hit the bar again through Leon Goretzka in the 81st minute, but winger Jefferson Farfan, also returning from injury after a six-week absence, curled a superb free-kick into the top corner to seal the win in stoppage time.
“I was not satisfied at all in the first half because we did a lot of things wrong,” said Schalke coach Jens Keller, whose future at the club has been the subject of speculation during a rollercoaster season that has produced a strong finish.
Schalke are unbeaten in seven league games and have won all four of their recent home matches.
“I told my players exactly that at halftime, but after that we improved greatly. A lot of respect for that,” Keller told reporters.
As for Huntelaar’s fourth spot-kick miss out of his last six, Keller said: “The chances of him taking another penalty are diminishing.”
Schalke have 58 points with four games left, trailing only on goal difference behind Dortmund, who were to travel to champions and bitter rivals Bayern Munich yesterday.
Fourth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach, who were to host struggling VfB Stuttgart yesterday, are 10 points off the teams in second position.
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