Spain look to seal World Cup spot with win over Albania
NEW DELHI: Amidst all that has been going in Catalonia regarding the region’s independence, Spain take on Albania in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Alicante. A win for La Roja for all intents and purposes will seal their direct spot in next year’s showpiece event.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been subject of abuse at training sessions from a section of crowd after his stance on the issue says he is fully committed to Spain
“I considered it (quitting the Spain team) but in the end you have to evaluate every option and after thinking about it for a long time that I decided not to as leaving now would be letting the people who insult me win,” Pique said.
“I believe the people who boo me are a minority and I don’t want to give them the luxury of quitting. I have every confidence that there are many people, including in this group, who want me to stay and help the team win matches.”
Injuries have affected the Spain squad with Andres Iniesta, Alvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal all ruled out.
INDIA A LOSE TO VICTORIA IN MEN’S AHL
PERTH: India ‘A started off their second round mens Australian Hockey League (AHL) with a 2-5 loss to Victoria in a Pool C clash. Goals from drag-flicker Chris Ciriello , James Webster and Aaron Klienschmidt were enough for Victoria to register their first win of Pool C to take the three points. The only positive for India ‘A’ was the performance of Amit Rohidas, who converted two penalty corners
INDIA A WOMEN LOSE TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA
PERTH : India A hockey team lost 1-2 to Western Australia a women’s Australian Hockey League encounter. Western Australia went ahead in the 13th minute via field goal from Shanea Tonkin. Rachael Frusher converted a drag flick in the 19th minute to increase the tally.
India A skipper Preeti Dubey pulled one back in the 56th minute.
HADDIN, PRABODH ADVANCE TO SEMIS
NEW DELHI : Top seed Suraj R Prabodh and second seed Bava Haddin were tested by veteran Nitin Kirtane and Arjun Kadhe respectively before they sealed the men’s singles semifinal spots at the Fenesta National Tennis championship. The 43-year-old grunting Kirtane made life tough for Prabodh, who is 21 years younger than him, before losing the quarter-final 3-6 6-7(4). Haddin also had to battle hard before prevailing 7-5 6-7(6) 6-4 over favourite Kadhe, who twisted his right ankle mid-way into the match but continued to resist his opponent from Kerala.
NADAL ADVANCES TO QUARTERS
BEIJING : Rafael Nadal saw off Karen Khachanov of Russia in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 in a one-sided match. to sail into the quarter-finals of the China Open .