Sport
France battle to stop spread of virus on eve of World Cup Final
Didier Deschamps said Saturday that France was taking "as many precautions as possible" to stop the spread of a virus threatening preparations for their World Cup final showdown with Argentina, AFP reported.
Central defensive pair Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate missed training on Friday due to illness, along with winger Kingsley Coman.
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Dayot Upamecano did not play in Wednesday's semi-final win over Morocco.
"We are trying to take as many precautions as possible, to adapt as necessary and get on with it," France coach Deschamps said at a press conference in Doha on the eve of Sunday's match.
"It would be better if this wasn't happening but we are handling it as well as possible with our medical staff."
Deschamps and his captain Hugo Lloris both insisted they could not offer any health updates, with the team set to train again later in the day.
Players, staff and other sources close to the squad have spoken of a range of symptoms affecting the team in recent days, including fever, stomach pain and headaches.
Measures have been taken at the team's hotel, including isolating certain players, but Covid-19 testing is no longer imposed by the world governing body FIFA.
France is aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup, AFP reported.
They are facing an Argentina side determined to win the trophy in what is likely to be Lionel Messi's last-ever match at the tournament.
Sunday’s Final
Fans around the country can tune in to Ariana Television on Sunday and watch what will be an exhilarating final live.
The live broadcast starts at 6pm Kabul time. The match is aired in Afghanistan exclusively by Ariana Television.
International Sports
Manchester United ace rumored to be heading for Al-Nassr
Manchester United are unlikely to do big business in January and one high earner could be on his way out.
Ruben Amorim wanted an improved start to 2025 after five defeats in six Premier League games to end 2024.
This did not happen entirely as Sunday’s match saw United draw 2-2 with Liverpool.
That performance sparked some hope for United fans but Amorim will still need plenty of signings in 2025 to make real progress.
Amorim isn’t expecting a major January though and certainly needs players to leave in order to make new signings.
United will however also be looking to offload big earners this year and one player who fits the bill is Casemiro.
Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 with the Brazilian arriving in a big-money move – both in terms of fee and wages.
Selling Casemiro this month is something football journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed is on the cards – a move which could save United a whopping £350,000-a-week (about $440,000).
It is also a move which could prove lucrative for United, with Saudi Arabia appearing to be the likeliest move for Casemiro.
It is thought that United would sell Casemiro for around €30m ($52 million), which represents a huge loss on the €70m ($73 million) which was spent on the Brazilian back in 2022.
If United receive £25m, it would pay off a big chunk of one possible replacement.
Sport
Afghanistan triumphs in Test victory against Zimbabwe
Rashid Khan played a key role, claiming 7-66 and helping Afghanistan clinch the series
Afghanistan secured victory on Monday against Zimbabwe in their second test match, winning by 72 runs in just 15 balls at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Rashid Khan played a key role, claiming 7-66 and helping Afghanistan clinch the series.
This marks Afghanistan's fourth test win since obtaining test status in 2017.
Zimbabwe was all out for 205 without adding to their overnight score, losing the final two wickets in a quick 13 minutes.
Richard Ngarava's run-out in the day's second over, due to confusion with skipper Craig Ervine, set the tone.
Ervine fell in the next over, trapped leg before wicket by Rashid Khan's decisive leg-spin, culminating in figures of 7-66.
Khan's performance on Sunday shifted momentum when Zimbabwe was poised for victory at 157-4, chasing 278.
The first test in Bulawayo ended in a draw, but Afghanistan's win secured their fourth test victory, two coming against Zimbabwe, since acquiring test status in 2017.
Sport
Rashid Khan puts victory in sight for Afghanistan v Zimbabwe
Three wickets in the last hour of play for Rashid Khan put Afghanistan on the cusp of victory in the second test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, with the home team still 73 runs shy of their target at the close of day four.
Zimbabwe were 205 for eight at stumps on Sunday, chasing 278 to win the series after the first test ended in a high scoring draw, Reuters reported.
Captain Craig Ervine (53 not out) and Richard Ngarava (3 not out) will resume on Monday after Afghanistan hauled themselves back into the contest when veteran Khan’s leg-break bowling put the brakes on the home team’s march.
Zimbabwe were 205 for eight at stumps on Sunday, chasing 278 to win the series after the first test ended in a high scoring draw.
Captain Craig Ervine (53 not out) and Richard Ngarava (3 not out) will resume on Monday after Afghanistan hauled themselves back into the contest when veteran Khan’s leg-break bowling put the brakes on the home team’s march.
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