SAMARA, Russia – Australia captain Mile Jedinak hit a second-half VAR-assisted penalty to secure a 1-1 World Cup draw with Denmark on Thursday, June 21, that left the Socceroos' last-16 hopes hanging by a thread.

Bert van Marwijk's men travelled to Samara needing a win after their unfortunate 2-1 defeat to France in their Group C opener.

Australia battled back impressively after Christian Eriksen's 7th-minute opener but were unable to find a way past Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel from open play despite dominating a pulsating second half.

The result leaves Denmark on four points and Australia with just a single point after two games apiece.

Tottenham midfielder Eriksen, identified as the dangerman by Australia in the run-up to the game, showed sublime technique to finish after Nicolai Jorgensen's neat lay-off in the area.

Australia's response was impressive but with just one point from two games the Socceroos' chances of advancing in Russia now appear slim.

Eriksen's early opener was a body blow for Australia but they were given a lifeline when an outswinging corner seemed destined for the head of Hertha Berlin winger Mathew Leckie but came off the arm of Yussuf Poulsen.

The Leipzig front man had been Denmark's hero with the matchwinner against Peru but was adjudged to have handled the ball and the referee consulted the Video Assistant Referee system before pointing to the spot.

Jidenak, who had scored a penalty against France, stepped up to fire easily past Schmeichel in the 38th minute.

Eriksen's free kick caused mayhem in the box just minutes later, with Mat Ryan collecting in relief after the ball came off the leg of Trent Sainsbury a yard from the goalline.

The Socceroos were quickly into their strde after the restart, only for Pione Sisto to curl just wide of Ryan's goal.

Yet Australia went on to dominate a second half that saw Aaron Mooy and late substitute Danel Arzani go agonisingly close.

Van Marwijk, who replaced Ange Postecoglou at the helm of the Australian team in January, handed 19-year-old Arzani another chance to impress after a late cameo appearance against France.

With practically his first touch, the teenager set up Huddersfield Town midfielder Mooy for a drive that flashed just wide.

Andrew Nabbout's game ended prematurely when he fell and suffered what looked like a dislocated shoulder, the Urawa Reds front man replaced by Tomi Juric.

Arzani did well to keep the ball in play and outfox Sisto to fire across the area but the chance went begging.

Just minutes before the final whistle the Iranian-born teenager produced an angled strike that forced a great block from Schmeichel. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It has been almost a month since FIBA suspended Kiefer Ravena from international play and the PBA, but the NLEX star is keeping himself busy. (READ: FIBA suspends Kiefer Ravena for 18 months after testing positive for banned substances)

For one, he said he's working to get 8-pack abs, which he vowed to achieve in one year and 5 months. (READ: Kiefer Ravena finds silver lining in ‘painful and life changing’ suspension)

"He still keeps working out, his training everyday [focuses on] strength and conditioning," Kiefer's father Bong Ravena said in an interview after the UAAP-NCAA Collegiate Basketball Awards on Thursday, June 21, where he received Thirdy Ravena's Mythical 5 citation. 

"Then on the side, relax-relax pag minsan (sometimes he just relaxes) with golf," added the elder Ravena. 

Even his girlfriend and volleyball phenom Alyssa Valdez unwinds with him, as she will be juggling the Premier Volleyball League Final 4 schedule with her national team training starting on July 1. 

The college basketball phenom may have been forced to take a break from basketball, but all he wants now is to get back on court with the NLEX Road Warriors, who are currently facing a 3-game losing streak and dealing with his absence and the key losses of Kevin Alas and Larry Fonacier to injuries. 

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1 month after my ban....  just want to get back on the floor with my <a href="https://twitter.com/ArangkadaNLEX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArangkadaNLEX</a> brothers.</p>&mdash; Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) <a href="https://twitter.com/kieferravena/status/1009657741617451008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source}

"We're waiting for the latest regarding FIBA and we're hoping that it will be shortened," Bong Ravena said of Kiefer's suspension.

It's one month down, but if the appeal doesn't pan out, Kiefer has 17 more months to fill in his calendar.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It is going to be an interesting 2018 Philippine Superliga (PSL) invitationals as it welcomes a guest squad in the Philippine national women’s volleyball team. 

But members of the national squad, composed mostly of players from Grand Prix finalists Petron Blaze Spikers and F2 Logistics, face a grueling grind.

In some playdates, the country’s cream of the crop may end up doing double duty – playing two games in one day for both the national team and their respective clubs.

"I see it as a challenge, of course," said Philippine team captain Aby Maraño, who also plays for F2 Logistics. 

“(Noong) nalaman po namin na maglalaro kami, ang national team, for PSL Invitationals (When we heard that the national team is playing in the PSL),  we thought it’s a really big challenge for us, to juggle both playing for our club team and for the national team."

F2 has a whopping number of 6 national team players in its lineup, while Petron has 3.

In cases where the Philippine team players will face their respective club teams, they are expected to suit up for their clubs, tournament director Ana Tomas said.

The PSL gets going on Saturday, June 23, with F2 Logistics and Foton colliding in the 6 pm main game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

United Auctioneers-University of the Philippines (UA-UP), meanwhile, debuts against Generika-Ayala at 4 pm, right after the 3 pm opening ceremony.

While champion Petron and F2 vie to meet again in the finals, 3rd placer Foton Tornadoes aim for a higher playoffs finish with Jaja Santiago and new recruit Bea de Leon at the helm.

Semi-finalist Cocolife Asset Managers, headed by Serbian coach Moro Bransilav, also hope to crash the podium this time.

The Sta. Lucia Realtors expect a better run after acquiring the services of Ateneo Lady Eagle Jho Maraguino, who relinquished her 5th playing year in the UAAP.

Generika-Ayala Lifesavers, meanwhile, look to bounce back from a poor 3-7 record.

After a winless stint in the previous conference, the Smart Giga Hitters hope to turn things around with the veteran presence of Ging Balse, who was part of the 2005 SEA Games team that won a bronze medal.

Collegiate teams University of the Philippines and University of the East, the two league debutants who won't square off with the national team, complete the 10 teams participating in the invitationals. – Rappler.com

MOSCOW, Russia – Lionel Messi sloped off down the tunnel in Nizhny Novgorod with his head bowed, knowing Argentina face the humiliation of a group-stage exit at the World Cup in Russia.

The Barcelona star was silenced by a far superior Croatia side in a brutal 3-0 defeat that left the South Americans needing an unlikely series of results to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive. 

The World Cup is likely to lose the man who – along with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo – has dominated and defined football for a decade.

Messi is just days short of his 31st birthday and fans may be witnessing him on football's biggest stage for the final time – a talent curiously unfulfilled at international level despite his astonishing feats for his club.

Emotionally broken

"After they scored we were emotionally broken and we didn't have any footballing arguments to change the course of events,” said Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli.

He said his team did not "gel" and plans to feed Messi with more of the ball failed.

Second-half goals from Ante Rebic – the first from a horrendous error by Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero – Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic sealed a deserved victory for the European side and ensured their passage into the last 16.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://twitter.com/lukamodric10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lukamodric10</a> <br><br>The goal of the tournament so far? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCupGOT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCupGOT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Hyundai_Global?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hyundai_Global</a><br><br>Highlights  <a href="https://t.co/LOdKDX2Cwn">https://t.co/LOdKDX2Cwn</a> <br>TV listings  <a href="https://t.co/xliHcxWvEO">https://t.co/xliHcxWvEO</a> <a href="https://t.co/dbbLVwUrOE">pic.twitter.com/dbbLVwUrOE</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1009904483189608448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Sampaoli begged for forgiveness from Argentina's fans and said the rout was his fault entirely. He apologized to supporters left in tears in the Nizhny Novgorod stadium on the banks of the River Volga on Thursday, June 21. 

"First and foremost, I would beg for their forgiveness, especially those who came great distances to see Argentina," said the softly spoken Sampaoli.

"I am responsible for this result but I was as dreamy-eyed as the fans."

Weight of expectations 

Messi hinted before the start of this World Cup that he could quit international football after the tournament, having already retired in 2016 before swiftly reversing his decision.

After missing a penalty in the opening 1-1 draw with Iceland in Argentina's first game in Russia, there was little doubt Messi was looking to atone against Croatia.

But he appeared tense even before kick-off, his body language betraying a man feeling the weight of expectations as he nervously rubbed his forehead amid deep contemplation during the national anthems.

An early darting run within seconds of the start suggested it could be his night, but it was not to be.

Messi was almost invisible as he was restricted to just 20 touches in an alarmingly subdued first half. 

Only strike partner Sergio Aguero was less involved, with even goalkeeper Willy Caballero seeing the ball more frequently.

Feet on the ground

Modric hailed Croatia's "deserved" victory, but called on them to keep their "feet on the ground" after qualifying for the knockout rounds.

"Let's not be euphoric or get ahead of ourselves," said Real Madrid midfielder Modric, who scored the second goal.

"Of course this win will boost our confidence for the next game, and we have shown we can create opportunities, but let's keep our feet firmly on the ground.

"Our team effort throughout (was the key) and particularly in the second half when we had more possession.

"In the first half when Argentina had the ball we cut off Messi and stopped him getting the ball. We created three clear chances which we missed. But in the second half it opened up and we deserved to win." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It's not just about tuning in to the 2018 FIFA World Cup for 30 lucky coaches and 300 children, as they will also take part in a football clinic organized by YKK and Real Madrid Foundation (RMF) starting on Friday, June 22. 

"[We] want the kids to learn how to make the right decisions and enjoy the World Cup now," said AVP for Marketing of YKK Philippines Agustin Villarama. 

RMF coaches Pablo Gomez Revenga, Santiago Sanchez Martin and Hector Vicente will take charge of the event by sharing footballing tips, techniques and basic fundamentals over the weekend at the McKinley Stadium. 

Three different NGOs were responsible for selecting the 300 children from underprivileged backgrounds, with some even coming from Batangas. 

"Chidren from Batangas and Punta Fuego will be part of this. It is not just limited to Manila," said Villarama. 

Not only will the children undergo a Madrid-style of training, but they will also receive a full set of football gear, which includes jerseys, football boots, a cap, socks and a certificate of participation in order to kickstart their football career in the grassroots level. 

RMF has been conducting football clinics in the Philippines since 2012. The team continues to gain success as it recently won its 33rd championship title – the most in La Liga history. 

The coaches selected by the Philippine Football Federation will begin their clinic on Friday, June 22, 2:30pm, while the children will kick off their two-day training on Saturday, June 23, 8:30am. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – To say that Robert Bolick is one of the most successful collegiate basketball players in the country today can be an understatement. 

He has won championships in the NCAA, UAAP, PBA D-League, Filoil Preseason Cup, and recently, bagged the 2018 Collegiate Basketball Awards' Collegiate Player of the Year plum. 

But the versatile guard is not shy to admit that he emulates other players to stay at the top of his game. 

Bolick, a member of the national team cadet squad, said he takes some pages from the books of Gilas Pilipinas teammates and Ateneo players Matt Nieto, Thirdy Ravena and Isaac Go. 

"Si Matt, I like how he plays the point guard position. Idol na idol ko siya sa kung paano niya iha-handle 'yung bola," said Bolick. "Magaling siya e, ninanakaw ko 'yung konting galaw niya."

(I like how Matt plays the point guard position. He is my idol when it comes to ball handling. He is a great point guard and I steal some of his moves.)

"Si Thirdy din, lakas ng katawan, hindi ko naman kayang gawin. Si Isaac din, pareho lang kami ng storya, bench and then worked hard lang." 

(I also admire Thirdy. He has a strong body, although I cannot do what he does. And I am just like Isaac, we went from bench players to playing big minutes because of hard work.) 

"'Yung mga galaw nila, chini-cheat ko lang, dinadaya ko lang, pinapanood ko lang, dagdag ko lang nang dagdag sa arsenal ko 'yung mga ginagawa nila para mag-improve ako nang mag-improve," he added.

(I watch how they play and I add their moves to my arsenal so I can keep on improving.) 

The 23-year-old is the undisputed leader in San Beda University's title run in NCAA Season 93. 

Bolick was the catylst for the Red Lions in sweeping the ertswhile undefeated Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates in the best-of-3 championship duel, averaging 23.0 points to give the school its league-leading 21st NCAA title. 

However, he ended the season without taking home an individual award after he was ruled ineligible for a Mythical 5 selection following a controversial ejection in the elimination round and after teammate Donald Tankoua beat him for Finals MVP. 

Still, his efforts did not go unnoticed as scribes from print and online media outfits deemed him worthy of the highest honor – becoming the first Red Lion and NCAA stalwart to be named Player of the Year. 

Bolick, together with Nieto, Ravena, De La Salle University's Ben Mbala and Lyceum's CJ Perez, were feted in the Mythical Team in an event presented by Chooks-to-Go at The Bayleaf Intramuros last Thursday, June 22. 

Meanwhile, San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez and Ateneo de Manila University tactician Tab Baldwin were recognized as Coaches of the Year.

Fernandez steered the Red Lions to their 10th title in the last 12 years while Baldwin guided the Blue Eagles to their first championship since 2012 against bitter rivals La Salle. 

Go and Tankoua were named Pivotal Players of the Year, University of the East's Alvin Pasaol was hailed as Breakout Player of the Year while former National University standout Afril Bernardino was given an Award of Excellence. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines  – The Philippines' top players clung to the lead in the Under-20 division of the 19th Asean Age Group chess championship after the 5th round Thursday night, June 21, in Davao City.

The defending champion Filipinos were ahead in 7 age categories, followed by Vietnam with 6 and Indonesia with one, as the tournament heads to the last 3 rounds at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Paulo Bersamina and Setyaki Azarya Jodi of Indonesia tied for the lead with 4.5 points in the Under-20 division where an unrated player from Sulu rocked the field by taking his 3rd scalp. 

Sarri Subahani, a 20-year-old from Sulu downed Kyle Rhenzi Sevillano in a 32-move Center Counter. Sevillano, board one of FEU's varsity team last season, used the opening employed by teammate Merill John Jacutina in winning a pretty miniature in the 4th round.

"I underestimated him and I lost," said Sevillano, who upset top seed John Marvin Miciano on Wednesday, in a private Facebook message.

Subahani defeated junior stalwarts Daniel Quizon, the 14-year-old Dasmariñas star who is entered in the Under-20, and Stephen Rome Pangilinan.

Bersamina, playing in his final Asean Age Group event, defeated Indian Sai Agni Jeeviteesh J in the black side of a 29-move Nimzo-Indian Defense in the 4th round before drawing with Jodi in the 5th round. 

National champion Shania Mae Mendoza, the FEU women's board one, led the Under-20 by one point ahead of  3 others including Filipinas Grace Moulic and Kyleen Joy Mordido.

In the boys' Under-18, FEU players occupied the top spot led by Dale Bernardo, the leader with 4.5 points. At second are Israelito Rilloraza, Jacutina with Carl Sato, the only non-FEU chesser. Bernardo upset the Vietnamese top seed Tran Minh Thang.

In the boys' Under-16, Alekhine Nouri and two other Vietnamese are tied for the lead with 4 points. 

Al-Basher Buto defeated two Vietnamese contenders to register a perfect 5-of-5 in the under-8 division.  He disposed of  Pham Viet Thien Phuoc in an 84-move irregular opening in the 4th round and routed Nguyen Vuong Thung Lam as white in a 28-move Pirc Defense.

His father, Bong, told Rappler in a phone interview that the Grade 3 student at Faith Christian School nearly didn't join due to financial constraints. "I am glad our barangay captain who lost in the election gave money along with other supporters," said the elder Buto.

Buto won the under-7 category in the Asian Schools tournament's standard and rapid chess last March in China. He is up against another Vietnamese in Friday's 6th round. 

Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro and Angela Gadut are leading the girls' Under-10 with 4.5 points. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Stanley Pringle displayed his offensive arsenal in full effect as as he gave GlobalPort a fighting chance in the playoff race of the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup. 

In a performance for the ages, Pringle exploded for a career-high 50 points in the Batang Pier's 133-115 demolition of the Columbian Dyip at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, June 22. 

With GlobalPort badly needing a win after succumbing to a 27-point beating from the Phoenix Fuel Masters in its previous game, the spitfire point guard made sure to put on a show.

Pringle, who also finished with 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals, poured in 25 of his output in the first half, 12 in the 3rd quarter and 13 in the final frame on an ultra-efficient 60% clip, highlighted by a 9-of-14 shooting from deep.

He notched his 50th point with an emphatic dunk off a steal with 50.9 seconds remaining in the game – becoming the first local player to score at least 50 in the PBA since Asi Taulava erupted for 51 points in 2004. 

The guard out of Penn State now holds the season-high for all players and the franchise record for the Batang Pier, who remained in contention for a quarterfinals slot with a 5-5 record.

"Tonight is Stanley's show, diba. 'Yun lang, puro Stanley. Nine 3-points tapos 50 points," marvelled GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio. 

(Tonight is Stanley's show. That is just it, it is pure Stanley. Nine 3-points and he scored 50 points.) 

Import Malcolm White scattered 28 points and 14 rebounds, Jonathan Grey chipped in 16 points and 4 rebounds while Sean Anthony made his presence felt with an all-around effort of 12 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals in the win. 

The Dyip, who are virtually eliminited from playoff contention with a 4-7 slate, were still in striking distance heading into the 4th period, 88-96, before Pringle caught fire from deep and buried back-to-back triples for a 107-93 GlobalPort lead. 

John Fields paced Columbian with 26 points, 23 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks while Eric Camson chalked up 24 points.

Jerramy King had 21 points, 9 rebounds and two steals, Rashawn McCarthy churned out 21 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds and two steals and Glenn Khobuntin added 11 points in the losing cause. 

The Scores:

GlobalPort (133): Pringle 50, White 28, Grey 16, Anthony 12, Tautuaa 8, Guinto 5, Esoinas 4, Taha 4, Elorde 3, Javelona 3, Teng 0

Columbian (115):  Fields 26, Camson 24, King 21, McCarthy 21, Khobuntin 11, Celda 5, Cahilig 3, Ababou 2, Tubid 2, Corpuz 0, Escoto 0

Quarter scores: 25-29, 66-56, 96-88, 133-115

– Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Like coach, like player. 

Stanley Pringle did what no one has ever done in the PBA in 14 years by erupting for 50 points. And GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio couldn't help but compare the spitfire guard to himself back when he was the one torching the nets. 

Jarencio was left in awe after his 31-year-old cager hit the half-century mark to power the Batang Pier to a 133-115 romp of the Columbian Dyip on Friday, June 22.

"Tonight is Stanley's show, diba. 'Yun lang, puro Stanley. Nine 3-points tapos 50 points. Parang ako noong college," said "The Fireman," who once shot the lights out after pouring in 48 points for University of Santo Tomas (UST ) in its UAAP Finals duel against University of the East (UE). 

(Tonight is Stanley's show. That is just it, it is pure Stanley. Nine 3-points and he scored 50 points. He was just like me when I was in college.)

"Dito career-high ko 45 lang, siya 50," added Jarencio, who fired 45 points for Barangay Ginebra in 1992.  

(My career-high in the PBA is 45 points only, Stanley has 50.) 

While scoring 50 points meant shooting a ton of shots, Pringle, who now holds the season-high for all players and the franchise record for the Batang Pier, achieved the feat without compensating for accuracy and efficiency.

The 4-year pro made 18 of his 30 shots for an impressive 60% clip. But what made his performance extra special was his pinpoint long-range sniping, with Pringle draining 9 of his 14 3-point attempts for a stellar 64%. 

"I wasn't thinking about 50 points, I was just thinking about getting the ball to the rim because my shot has been flat. Finally made some threes and then next thing you know I have 40-something points," said Pringle.

Pringle finished the maiden period with 11 points before catching fire in the second quarter with 14 markers. He then churned out 12 in the 3rd frame before finishing his night with 13 points in the 4th. 

And what better way to cap off Pringle's historic outing – the first 50-point game since Asi Taulava's 51-point eruption in 2004 – is to slam it home. 

After scoring 11 points in the first 6 minutes of the payoff period, Pringle was often double-teamed and had trouble heading into the hoop to hit the 50-point plateau. 

But just as the clock eclipsed the last-one-minute mark, the guard out of Penn State stole the ball from Rashawn McCarthy before going for a dunk with 54 seconds left.

"When I hit 48 then they were like, 'Oh, get two more points, leak out.' So I was like 'Alright.' Coach didn't even want to sub me out, he was like, 'Score two more.' So I was, 'Okay, I need two more." 

With the Batang Pier still in contention for a quarterfinals berth after improving to 5-5, Pringle was just glad to have helped his team stay alive. 

"I honestly don't care about the 50 points. I'd rather get to the playoffs and do something in the playoffs," he said. 

GlobalPort seeks to punch its ticket to the playoffs when it clashes with Barangay Ginebra on July 6 at the Cuneta Astrodome. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – TNT arrested its two-game skid even without import Joshua Smith playing down the stretch as the KaTropa hacked out a 91-85 triumph over Meralco in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, June 22. 

Troy Rosario waxed hot and put up 30 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-19 shooting to go with 12 rebounds as the KaTropa survived sans Smith, who did not play in the final 18 minutes after getting hit in the nose midway through the 3rd quarter. 

TNT, which gained a share of the 3rd place with the Bolts after improving to 7-3, headed into the 4th period with a 65-59 lead and continued to hold the upper hand as its advantage swelled to as large as 15 points, 84-69, off a Jericho Cruz trey.

The Bolts tried to mount a last-ditch effort by trimming their deficit to just 6 points off back-to-back Anjo Caram buckets, 85-91, with 25 seconds left but to no avail. 

Jayson Castro backstopped Rosario with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Cruz had 11 markers while Kelly Williams made his presence felt for the KaTropa with 10 boards and two blocks. 

Chris Newsome paced Meralco, which saw its 4-game winning streak come to a halt, with 17 points and 8 rebounds while Jared Dillinger and Baser Amer chipped in 12 points apiece. 

The Scores:

TNT (91): Rosario 30, Castro 20, Cruz 11, Pogoy 7, Romeo 6, Smith 6, Trollano 4, Semerad 3, Taha 2, Williams 2, Carey 0, Garcia 0, Paredes 0, Reyes 0

Meralco (85): Newsome 17, Amer 12, Dillinger 12, De Ocampo 11, Hodge 11, Onuaku 8, Baracael 2, Canaleta 2, Hugnatan 0, Lanete 0

Quarter scores: 21-16, 36-38, 65-59, 91-85

– Rappler.com

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia – Philippe Coutinho and Neymar broke down dogged Costa Rica in injury time on Friday, June 22, sealing a 2-0 win for Brazil that propels the 5-time champions towards the World Cup last 16.

The Central Americans looked likely to hold on for a hard-earned draw, particularly after Neymar had a penalty award chalked off by referee Bjorn Kuipers after he consulted the Video Assistant Referee.

But Coutinho and Neymar finally broke through, scoring in the 91st and 97th minutes to put Tite's side on the brink of the knockout stages.

At the final whistle, Neymar sat down on the grass and wept, with the emotion of victory hitting home after the tense Group E contest at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.

Neymar started despite limping out of training on Tuesday with a hurt ankle, which the Brazilian FA said was sustained as a result of snapping Swiss defenders. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Key stats: <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CRC</a> are eliminated from this year&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <br><br> Only <a href="https://twitter.com/Pele?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pele</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Ronaldo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ronaldo</a> have scored more goals for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRA</a> than <a href="https://twitter.com/neymarjr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@neymarjr</a> (56)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRACRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRACRC</a> <a href="https://t.co/HKloRQtvBK">pic.twitter.com/HKloRQtvBK</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1010163044075401224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

After a ponderous start, Brazil enjoyed a gradual crescendo during the first period but their dominance in possession was not reflected in chances created.

Neymar faced the most devoted of markers in Costa Rica's Cristian Gamboa, the Brazilian spending most of the half hopping over scything tackles or dodging past a barging shoulder. 

It was a compelling battle. One sumputous Neymar flick sent the ball flying over Gamboa's head and  later he made an excellent run onto Coutinho's pass, only to squander the chance with a heavy touch. 

Marcelo, Coutinho and Neymar, however, hardly make for the most conscientious combination out wide and when Johan Venegas ran clear down the right, his pullback should have been converted by Celso Borges, who skewed past the post. 

Brazil might have had a penalty when Oscar Duarte blocked Paulinho at a corner and Costa Rica rode their luck again after the break, as Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Coutinho all went close. 

Jesus' header crashed against the crossbar and after some excellent work by Paulinho, Coutinho's follow-up hit the ever-present Gamboa on the line. 

Neymar fired over from Paulinho's cutback and Coutinho shot straight at Keylor Navas after, again, Paulinho had teed it up.

With 20 minutes left, Gamboa made his first mistake and Neymar should have capitalized. A sloppy touch allowed the striker to cut inside from the left but his bending finish curved around the outside of the post.

There was more drama to come. With just over 10 minutes left, Neymar's turn prompted Giancarlo Gonzalez to lose his footing and put his arm across the Brazilian's chest. 

Neymar arched back as if losing his balance before falling to the ground. Kuipers pointed to the spot but after reviewing the video replay, reversed his decision.

Frustration brewed but Costa Rica's resistance was finally ended in the 91st minute.

Marcelo's deep cross was kept alive by Roberto Firmino and a loose touch by Jesus dribbled perfectly into Coutinho's path. Six yards out, he sidefooted home.

Costa Rica conceded again right at the death. Substitute Douglas Costa squared for Neymar to finally find the net. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Ever since Ranidel de Ocampo won 6 championships and two Finals MVP awards with the TNT KaTropa, fans and pundits expected him to end his storied career with the franchise he had helped become a PBA juggernaut. 

However, to everyone's surprise, the veteran forward ended his 9-year stint with the KaTropa after the squad traded him to sister team Meralco Bolts late last season.

That is why it is understandble that De Ocampo has "mixed feelings" when he faced TNT for the first time even if it has already been 8 months since he was shipped to the Bolts. 

"Mixed emotions, mixed feelings," said De Ocampo when asked by reporters after meeting his former team. 

"Iba na rin sila kasi syempre, marami na silang bagong player. Ilan na lang naman din ang nakasama ko doon e, si Jayson (Castro), Ryan (Reyes), Harvey (Carey), Kelly (Williams) – sila lang naman ang nakasama ko na lang doon dati pa." 

(They are a different team now, they have many new players. There are only a few players whom I spent time with in TNT and those are Jayson, Ryan, Harvey and Kelly.)

The 36-year-old was supposed to clash horns with the KaTropa in the Philippine Cup but missed the entirety of the conference due to a calf injury. He also suffered a mild tear on his left Achilles heel early in the Commissioner's Cup.

Fortunately, De Ocampo returned to action with half of the conference finished and he finally got a chance to go up against the KaTropa. But it did not end the way he probably wanted to as Meralco lost to TNT, 85-91, on Friday, June 22.

"Siguro kung magkaharap kami next time, mas magiging maganda 'yung laban katulad nito," said De Ocampo, who had 11 points and 6 rebounds in the defeat. 

(Probably if we face next time, it will be a better game.) 

With both teams heading into the quarterfinals, De Ocampo is not one to pass up on the opportunity of clashing with his former team deep into the playoffs.

"Siyempre ibang istorya na 'yun 'pag nagkaharap kami sa playoffs. First time namin sila nakaharap ngayon. Siguro sa susunod, mas exciting, mas grabe at mas intense," he said.

(Facing them in the playoffs is a different story. This is the first time I battled against them. Probably the next time, it will be more exciting and more intense.) 

Meralco seeks to bolster its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage when it squares off with the league-leading Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday, June 24, at the Araneta Coliseum for its final elimination round game. – Rappler.com

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia – Neymar rounded on his critics and defended his emotional reaction to scoring in Brazil's 2-0 World Cup win over Costa Rica after he broke down in tears at the final whistle.

A largely frustrating afternoon for the 5-time world champions was forgotten thanks to two goals in stoppage time.

Philippe Coutinho broke the deadlock before Neymar tapped home with virtually the last kick of the game.

"Not everyone knows what I went through to get here," he posted on Twitter and Instagram.

"Even parrots can talk, but walking the walk... not everyone does it. I cried out of happiness, overcoming, grit and desire to win.

"Things were never easy in my life, so why would they be now? The dream – no, the OBJECTIVE – is still alive. Congratulations for the performance, guys.”

The world's most expensive player was making just his 4th appearance after breaking a bone in his foot in February.

And Brazil coach Tite admitted the Paris Saint-Germain star is still not fully match-fit.

"He needs some time to resume his high standard. Before then there is a team that has to be strong and not depend on him." 

Neymar's emotions at the end highlighted Brazil's relief at getting their first win of the tournament after being held 1-1 by Switzerland in their opening match.

Tite fell to the floor as he sped onto the pitch following Coutinho's strike.

However, there is some concern in Brazil that Neymar's tears are a sign he may struggle to handle the pressure against tougher opposition as the tournament progresses.

"It's not normal to cry in the second game of a World Cup," Brazil's biggest newspaper, O Globo, said.

"A team needs to demonstrate mental strength, not fragility. Genuine or not, Neymar's crying is worrying."– Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Novak Djokovic joined the 800-win club as the former world number one moved into the Queen's Club semifinals with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Adrian Mannarino on Friday, June 22.

Djokovic took just 78 minutes to crush Mannarino at the Wimbledon warm-up event, in the process becoming the 10th player in the Open era to reach 800 match wins.

The 31-year-old will play France's Jeremy Chardy or American youngster Frances Tiafoe in the last four as he bids for his second Queen's final appearance.

If Djokovic wins the semifinal and goes on to take the Queen's title for the first time, he will pass Stefan Edberg into 9th place on the all-time wins list.

Jimmy Connors is on top of the elite 800-win group with 1,256 wins ahead of second placed Roger Federer, who has 1,156.

Djokovic is through to only his second semifinal of a troubled campaign as he hunts his first title in 2018.

He is a lowly 22nd in the rankings after an embarrassing French Open quarterfinal defeat against Italian journeyman Marco Cecchinato.

Hampered by an elbow injury last year, Djokovic has failed to reach the semifinals in any of his last 5 Grand Slam appearances.

Djokovic hasn't earned a major title since competing his career Grand Slam by winning the 2016 French Open.

Dogged by rumors that he no longer has the motivation to return to the top, the 12-time Grand Slam winner decided to start his bid for a 4th Wimbledon crown by accepting a Queen's wild card.

With Wimbledon starting on July 2, Djokovic is slowly getting back in the groove.

Djokovic had lost just 8 games in his first two Queen's matches, demolishing Grigor Dimitrov in the second round to claim his first win over a top 10 player since May 2017.

A wobbly start against Mannarino could have squandered the momentum from those wins and Djokovic shrieked in frustration when a wayward forehand gifted the world number 26 a break in the 3rd game of the first set.

But Djokovic found his rhythm and converted his 6th break point to level at 4-4.

From 4-2 down, Djokovic had wrestled the initiative from Mannarino and another break secured the first set.

The second set was a procession as Djokovic overwhelmed Mannarino from the baseline with a series of searing winners. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – University of the East played spoiler as the Red Warriors slipped past a University of the Philippines side that unveiled new recuit Ricci Rivero. 

The former La Salle hotshot wore the UP jersey for the first time and erupted for 34 points, but the Red Warriors proved steadier down the stretch for a 69-68 triumph in the 2018 Milcu Sports Basketball presented by Got Skills Adidas Summer Showcase. 

Despite the Maroons' strong start, the Red Warriors rallied behind swingman Chris Conner and big man Wilson Bartolome, who finished with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Forward Rey Acuno was right there with them and scored 10 points of his own while rookie guard Jojo Antiporda chipped in 9 markers on Friday, June 22, at the Buddha Care Gym in Quezon City.

Rivero, who joined the Maroons just last month, was on the mark from start to finish for an impressive 63.6 clip from the field. But he didn't get much help from his teammates as no one else finished in double-digits. 

The Warriors improved to 5-3 while the Maroons absorbed back-to-back losses to slip to 4-4.

Last Tuesday, the Maroons also fell to National University, 64-59, at the Trinity University Gym.

Sweet-shooting forward JP Cauilan was the lone double-digit scorer with 14 points, but his efforts were more than enough to tow the Bulldogs to 5-4.

Meanwhile, Letran powered its way to the top spot after outmuscling La Salle, 72-67.

Wing player Allen Mina showed the way for the now 7-2 Knights with 17 points, while bigs Gerwin Sangalang and Daryl Pascual combined for 22 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks.

Transferee guard Jordan Bartlett was the lone bright spot for the Green Archers with 24 points.

La Salle, which came off a 71-56 domination of Manuel L. Quezon University 3 days earlier, improved to 5-3.

The Scores:

UE (69) – Conner 14, Bartolome 11, Acuno 10, Antiporda 9, Varilla 6, Lacap 6, Maloles 4, Dimayuga 3, Gagate 2, Manalang 2, Beltran 2, Gallardo 0, Strait 0, Sobrevega 0, Cullar 0, Guion 0.

UP (68) – Rivero 34, Madrigal 9, Battad 7, Gomez de Liano 5, Gregorio 5, Ong 4, Malik 2, Ollano 2, Malingin 0.

Quarter Scores: 16-27, 33-34, 56-52, 69-68.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Vietnam took a step towards regaining the overall championship from the Philippines at the 19th Asean Age Group Chess Championship in Davao as it tightened its hold on 8 of 14 divisions after the 7th round on Friday night, June 22.

Although the Philippines ruled the boys and girls Under-20, the boys Under-8 and girls under-10, the Vietnamese leaned on their superiority in the girls division in the last two rounds. 

The Vietnamese girls led in the Under-18, Under-16, Under-14, Under 12 and Under-10.

Vietnam failed to field a delegation when the Philippines won the overall championship for the first time last year in Macau.

With 6 points, Paulo Bersamina led the Under-20 by half-a-point as John Marvin Miciano held the pursuing Indonesian Setyaki Azraya Jodi. 

In the girls under-20, national women's champion Shania Mae Mendoza had 6 points and took a one-point lead over fellow Filipina Grace Moulic.

FEU players kept their hold on the boys Under-18 behind Dale Bernardo, who had 6.5 points, while Alekhine Nouri and Vietnamese Pham Phu Vinh were tied for the Under-16 lead with 5.5 points.

Al-Basher Buto drew with Arav Nambiar T of India in the 7th round but he still led with a commanding 6.5 points, a point ahead of two chasing Vietnamese.

Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro also towed the Under-10 field with 6.5 points where Mecel Angela Gadut  of Ilocos Sur and Daren dela Cruz were running second and third. 

The Philippines could turn things around in the girls' Under-16 where national junior champion Francois Marie Magpily will face the leading Bach Ngoc Thuy Duong, while Jerlyn San Diego will tangle with the pacesetting Vuong Quynh Anh. 

After the standard tournament, the rapid and blitz events will be held and the overall title will be awarded. – Rappler.com

YEKATERINBURG, Russia – Senegal faces Japan on Sunday, June 24, at the World Cup fired up by an "ignorant" tweet by a British tycoon and reality television star that has become the talk of the team. 

Along with Nigeria, a powerful Senegal side spearheaded by Liverpool striker Sadio Mane are flying the flag for Africa in Russia. 

After battling to a 2-1 opening win over Poland in Group H, Aliou Cisse's Senegal can take a major step towards the last 16 with victory over Japan.

They unwittingly found themselves at the center of a Twitter storm this week after businessman Alan Sugar tweeted a picture of the Senegal team with the caption, "I recognize some of these guys from the beach in Marbella."

Alongside the picture, the billionaire Briton posted images of sunglasses and handbags for sale. 

 {source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alan Sugar trending on twitter for all the wrong reasons is long overdue. He was vocal in falsely calling out <a href="https://twitter.com/jeremycorbyn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jeremycorbyn</a> as anti semitic yet demeans an entire nation <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Senegal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Senegal</a> with his odious Racist tweet. He is a disgraceful hypocrite of the highest order. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FireSugar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FireSugar</a> <a href="https://t.co/uVnuJymd22">pic.twitter.com/uVnuJymd22</a></p>&mdash; Ray Spencer (@Armsman47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Armsman47/status/1009408322292854784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

The Apprentice presenter took down the post and later apologized after being accused of racism, but the incident angered Senegal and could serve to further inspire them against Japan.

Ndongo Ndiaye, a former basketball player and now an adviser to Senegal President Macky Sall, told The Times at the team's base in Kaluga, south of Moscow: "Everyone here is talking about this tweet, it has made headlines in Senegal too.

"I think it is very ignorant from someone in his position," said Ndiaye, calling for Sugar to be sacked by the BBC. 

"Of course, there must be freedom of speech but this was wrong and it is hurtful to the players and people from Senegal."

Livewire forward Mane is Senegal's prime dangerman, but it was the raw pace and power of Mbaye Niang and a mistake by Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny that clinched victory on Tuesday after Thiago Cionek's own goal put the Africans ahead. 

Cisse and his men are now dreaming of a repeat of their run to the quarterfinals in 2002 – he captained that team.

"Of course we represent our country but I can also guarantee that the whole of Africa is supporting us," said Cisse, the only black coach at the World Cup.

Weak second half? 

A week ago, Japan – which sacked Vahid Halilhodzic and brought in Akira Nishino as coach just weeks before the World Cup – looked the easiest game in the group.

But a shock 2-1 win over Colombia made them the first Asian side to beat a South American team at a World Cup and will have infused the Japanese with badly needed belief.

In mitigation, Colombia played almost the whole game with 10 men after Carlos Sanchez was sent off on 3 minutes. 

Japan's attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda said on Friday they were wary of Senegal – but could also see a major weakness.

"It's going to be tough, they have great players. They're physical, they're fast and they'll play in front of a big crowd," he said.

"But I know the weakness of some African teams... You know, no one can play perfectly for 90 minutes, and African players especially lack concentration, particularly in the second half." –Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Joshua Smith's hefty frame should have been an advantage for the TNT KaTropa in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup, but head coach Nash Racela said it is starting to become a "weakness."

But make no mistake, Racela is not referring to how the hulking import – arguably the biggest among the reinforcements in the mid-season conference – should slim down. He is concerned about the lack of calls Smith gets. 

"As a team, we would want to take advantage of that size, use that to our advantage like how San Miguel with June Mar (Fajardo) in an All-Filipino tournament. When you have a big guy like that, you use that to your advantage," said Racela.

"I think at this point, it's becoming – the way I see it – it's becoming a weakness because he's not getting the fouls, the calls he should be getting."

Things turned ugly in TNT's 91-85 triumph over the Meralco Bolts on Friday, June 22, after Smith suffered an apparent broken nose following an accidental hit from import Arinze Onuaku midway through the 3rd quarter. 

Although Smith, who chipped in 6 points, 7 rebounds and two assists in the win, had a premature exit as he headed into the hospital to get his nose checked, he still did not draw a foul from Onuaku. 

"If the referees are waiting for a lost possession, they won't get it because Josh is really too strong. If they hold on to his arm, even if he takes a shot, they should call a foul as simple as that," Racela said.

With the KaTropa heading into the quarterfinals, Racela hopes Smith finally gets the call he deserves. 

"I'm sure as we play more games and now that we bring it to their attention, they will be able to make their adjustments."

TNT, which is currently tied with Meralco at 3rd and 4th place with identical 7-3 cards, aims to bolster its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage when it faces the Magnolia Hotshots on July 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel bucked a lethargic first quarter to inch closer to a playoff berth in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup following a 125-114 triumph over NLEX at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan on Saturday, June 23. 

All starters finished in double figures for the Beermen, who stymied the Road Warriors despite Arnett Moultrie's monstrous 43-point and 14-rebound effort to notch their 5th win in 9 games and move within a win from securing a quarterfinals seat. 

June Mar Fajardo churned out 30 points and 13 rebounds while Renaldo Balkman submitted 25 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals as San Miguel eliminated NLEX, which fell to 2-8, from playoff contention. 

The Beermen trailed by as much as 8 points in the maiden period before finding their footing in the second quarter, using a 14-2 run, powered by Marcio Lassiter's back-to-back treys, to swing a 48-50 deficit to a 62-52 advantage. 

San Miguel's lead swelled to as large as 15 points in the 4th quarer and the Road Warriors, missing key cogs Kiefer Ravena (suspension), Kevin Alas and Larry Fonacier (injuries), failed to recover, never going closer than 8 points. 

Lassiter fired 26 points off 6 triples, Alex Cabagnot chipped in 17 markers, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Chris Ross had 12 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds in the win. 

Asi Taulava was the only other NLEX player to breach double figures with 18 points and 9 rebounds. 

The Scores:

San Miguel (125): Fajardo 30, Lassiter 26, Balkman 25, Cabagnot 17, Ross 12, Heruela 4, Santos 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Mamaril 2, Nabong 2, Pessumal 0

NLEX (114): Moultrie 43, Taulava 18, Tiongson 8, Baguio 7, Ighalo 6, Tallo 6, Quinahan 6, Uyloan 5, Rios 5, Soyud 5, Buenafe 3, Gotladera 2, Marcelo 0

Quarter scores: 31-34, 65-55, 97-85, 125-114

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After a shaky start, Generika-Ayala quickly got back to its system to turn back newcomer United Auctioneers-University of the Philippines in 4 sets in­­ the 2018 Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference opener on Saturday, June 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Generika team captain Angeli Araneta pumped in 26 points, 23 coming off attacks, to power the Lifesavers to a 25-23, 25-9, 23-25, 25-16 victory over the Lady Maroons.

Patty Orendain also tallied 16 spikes and two blocks for 18 points, the last on an attack that made the Lady Maroons fall to their knees as the Lifesavers secured the first win of the conference.

Generika overpowered UP in the second set, 25-9, as they pulled away early with an 11-3 outburst.

But UP regrouped in the next set, spoiling what seemed to be a sweep for Generika. 

Nicole Magsarile scored all of her 11 points on attacks to save the Lady Maroons in the third frame, capping it with back-to-back points that gave UP a 25-23 set win.

Isa Molde topscored for the Lady Maroons with 15 points off 12 attacks and three blocks. Roselyn Rosier and Lorielyn Bernardo also helped the team, finishing with 6 and 5 points, respectively. – Carla Molina/Rappler.com