Czechs take 2-0 lead over United States in Fed Cup final Czech Republic's Barbora Strycova celebrates winning her match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. at O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic November 10, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS PRAGUE (REUTERS) - World doubles number one Katerina Siniakova and veteran Barbora Strycova powered the Czech Republic to the verge of another Fed Cup title in the final against defending champions the United States on Saturday. Their opening day victories ensured the Czech team will take a 2-0 lead into Sunday as they seek a sixth Fed Cup triumph since 2011 against the only the country to have won more titles. The two most successful teams in the tournament’s history were facing off without their top players. Americans Serena and Venus Williams, Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens were all unavailable while, for the Czechs, world number eight Karolina Pliskova pulled out with injury and Petra Kvitova was sidelined on the first day with illness. … [Read more...] about Czechs take 2-0 lead over United States in Fed Cup final
Calder cup final
France, Croatia favourites to set up World Cup final repeat
France, Croatia favourites to set up World Cup final repeatThe Saigon Times Daily General view of the trophy during the match between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Belgium's David Goffin at Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille, France November 26, 2017 – PHOTO: REUTERS LILLE (REUTERS) - France and Croatia, who contested football’s World Cup final this year, will start as favourites this weekend to set up the men’s tennis equivalent in the Davis Cup. With Rafael Nadal injured, France’s semi-final task against Spain in Lille has taken on a very different hue with Yannick Noah’s champions now favourites to be only the second team to reach back-to-back finals since the challenge round was abolished in 1972. Meanwhile, in Zadar, where the Marin Cilic-inspired Croats face the United States in the other last-four contest which also starts on Friday, there will be plenty of scrutiny of umpire Carlos Ramos. He has come into this passionate tie straight from the … [Read more...] about France, Croatia favourites to set up World Cup final repeat
Croatia will be ready for France in World Cup final, says coach Dalic
Ecstatic Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is confident tiredness will not be an issue for his side when they face France in the World Cup final despite once again coming through extra time to beat England on Wednesday (Jul 11). Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic with skipper Luka Modric during their extra-time win over England AFP/Mladen ANTONOV Croatia came from behind to win 2-1 in the semi-final clash in Moscow, with Mario Mandzukic claiming the winner in the 109th minute after Ivan Perisic had earlier cancelled out Kieran Trippier's free-kick opener. Dalic's side were clearly exhausted, but they managed to fight on to the end of two hours of gripping football to take the country of just over four million people into the final for the first time. However, the biggest concern looking ahead to Sunday's game is bound to be fatigue, with Croatia having also required extra time and penalties to come through ties against Denmark and hosts Russia in the past two weeks. France will have had 24 … [Read more...] about Croatia will be ready for France in World Cup final, says coach Dalic
England target World Cup final but gifted Croatia stand in the way
England will seek to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 when they lock horns with a talented Croatia team on Wednesday for the right to play France for the trophy. Midfielder Luka Modric makes Croatia tick while Harry Kane has scored six times for England AFP/Adrian DENNIS, FRANCK FIFE France reached the final for the third time in their history on Tuesday when a second-half header from Samuel Umtiti gave the 1998 champions a 1-0 victory against Belgium in a tactical battle in Saint Petersburg The win sent tens of thousands of French fans pouring onto the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris in scenes of joy last seen when France won the World Cup two decades ago. France coach Didier Deschamps said he was delighted to have the chance to bury the pain of the Euro 2016 final, which his side lost on home soil to Portugal. "Finals have to be won because we have still not got over the one we lost two years ago," he said. EXPECTANT NATION In England too, World Cup fever has … [Read more...] about England target World Cup final but gifted Croatia stand in the way
World Cup: France eye World Cup final but Belgium have Henry factor
World Cup favourites France are targeting the final in Russia two decades after their 1998 triumph with one of their greatest players, Thierry Henry, plotting their downfall from the dugout of opponents Belgium. Belgium assistant coach Thierry Henry is plotting the downfall of France in the World Cup semi-finals AFP/FRANCK FIFE The European neighbours meet in Tuesday's (Jul 8) first semi-final in Saint Petersburg for the right to play England or Croatia in Sunday's showpiece in Moscow. Former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Henry, who was part of the squad that won the World Cup on home soil 20 years ago, is now alongside Belgium coach Roberto Martinez and eyeing the chinks in France's armour. "It will be bizarre to have him up against us," said France striker Olivier Giroud. "He is a living legend of French football. "He has given so much to the France team and we have got a lot of respect for what he has done. But we're not thinking about it too much, we're going to be … [Read more...] about World Cup: France eye World Cup final but Belgium have Henry factor
World Cup final in Vietnam: advertising rates on national broadcaster skyrocket
The Television Advertising and Services Center (TVAd) of national broadcaster VTV has upped the ad fees for halftime airtime during the final match of World Cup 2018 by 60 percent. Businesses will have to pay VND800 million ($35,020) per 30 seconds to advertise on the VTV6 and VTV2 channels during halftime of the 2018 World Cup final match and the time between the end of the match and beginning of the closing ceremony. Another option for these periods is a 10 seconds pack for VND400 million ($17,475). Enterprises can save VND50 million for each pack if they choose to advertise their product or service during the halftime commentary. On June 11, VTV had announced halftime advertising rates for the final at VND500 million ($21,854) for 30 seconds. Just a fortnight later, it has jacked up the price by VND300 million. The current price is a record for an advertisement during World Cup final on VTV. The last World Cup in 2014 saw enterprises paying $15,297 for 30 seconds on air. “The … [Read more...] about World Cup final in Vietnam: advertising rates on national broadcaster skyrocket
World Cup final in Vietnam: halftime airtime prices skyrocket
The Television Advertising and Services Center (TVAd) of national broadcaster VTV has upped the ad fees for halftime airtime during the final match of World Cup 2018 by 60 percent. Businesses will have to pay VND800 million ($35,020) per 30 seconds to advertise on the VTV6 and VTV2 channels during halftime of the 2018 World Cup final match and the time between the end of the match and beginning of the closing ceremony. Another option for these periods is a 10 seconds pack for VND400 million ($17,475). Enterprises can save VND50 million for each pack if they choose to advertise their product or service during the halftime commentary. On June 11, VTV had announced halftime advertising rates for the final at VND500 million ($21, 854) for 30 seconds. Just a fortnight later, it has jacked up the price by VND300 million. The current price is a record for an advertisement during World Cup final on VTV. The last World Cup in 2014 saw enterprises paying $15, 297 for 30 seconds on air. … [Read more...] about World Cup final in Vietnam: halftime airtime prices skyrocket
He has spoken: Beckham tips England versus Argentina World Cup final
Former captain David Beckham has tipped England to play Lionel Messi's Argentina in the World Cup final, reflecting rising optimism about the Three Lions' chances after a positive start in Russia. David Beckham played three World Cups with England. (File photo: AFP/Fred Dufour) Beckham was speaking at a promotional event in China after England beat Tunisia 2-1 in their opening game, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout rounds. England have long stuttered on the big stage and they last reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2006, when Beckham was captain. Their only World Cup final was way back in 1966, when they beat Germany at Wembley. "I believe Argentina will play against England in the final," Beckham predicted at an event to promote China's largest collegiate football league. "I think obviously my choice would be England to win the competition, but that's me being biased and passionate about my country," he added. But the former Manchester United and Real … [Read more...] about He has spoken: Beckham tips England versus Argentina World Cup final
Chelsea face Man Utd in FA Cup final as Giroud sinks Saints
Chelsea's Spanish striker Alvaro Morata (centre) celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Southampton during the English FA Cup semi-final football match. (Glyn KIRK/AFP) Giroud has made a habit of scoring against Southampton and the France forward was their nemesis in a one-sided semi-final. Opting to select Giroud instead of Alvaro Morata proved a shrewd move by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte as the former Arsenal star produced a tremendous piece of skill to break the deadlock early in the second half. Giroud has feasted on Southampton this season, scoring twice to spark Chelsea's 3-2 win last weekend and also netting a late equaliser against them for Arsenal in December. His fourth goal for Chelsea since his January signing was followed by a late header from substitute Morata, setting up a heavyweight final against United at Wembley on May 19. That will be Chelsea's last chance to win major silverware at the end of a troubled season. "The most important thing is to reach … [Read more...] about Chelsea face Man Utd in FA Cup final as Giroud sinks Saints
Vietnam may face regional rivals in Asian Cup finals
The Vietnamese national football team could face regional rivals Thailand or the Philippines in the final round of the 2019 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because the three Southeast Asian football teams have been drawn into two separate groups. Vietnam may face regional rivals in Asian Cup finals Vietnam were seeded into the third group, with Iraq, Uzbekistan, India, Qatar, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Meanwhile, the Philippines and Thailand were unseeded. They were drawn into the fourth group, with Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, and Turkmenistan. As they are in separate groups, there is a chance that Vietnam will have to play one of the two Southeast Asian teams to secure progression in the knock-out round. Twenty-four teams have won a place in the finals of the 2019 Asian Cup, including the host country of the UAE, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Uzbekistan, Iran, Syria, Iraq, China, Palestine, Oman, India, … [Read more...] about Vietnam may face regional rivals in Asian Cup finals