Iran women players thank Australian government for protection
Iranian women's soccer players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh thanked the Australian government on Friday for offering a "safe haven" and said they wished to resume their sporting careers after rebuilding their lives, Reuters reported.
In their first public comments since being granted humanitarian visas, the players said in a statement the compassion and support shown to them had provided them hope for a future where they could live and compete in safety.
"We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Australian government, and particularly Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for granting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country," they said.
Kohli and Dar shine as Bengaluru ease past Lucknow in IPL
Veteran batter Virat Kohli and fast bowler Rasikh Dar led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a comfortable five-wicket win over struggling Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Kohli anchored the 147-run chase with authority alongside captain Rajat Patidar as Bengaluru sealed victory in front of a packed M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in only 15.1 overs.
Put in to bat, Lucknow struggled on a batting-friendly surface, crawling to 35-1 in the powerplay before being bundled out for 146.
Bayern showed belief in brave comeback win over Real, Kompany says
Bayern Munich showed mental strength and absolute belief to come from behind three times before beating Real Madrid 4-3 to reach the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, coach Vincent Kompany said, Reuters reported.
Kompany, who was booked during the game and will miss their last-four first leg against holders Paris St Germain, said the Bavarians, who are chasing a treble of titles, had to dig deep to overcome record 15-times European champions Real 6-4 on aggregate in a classic tie.
"The boys were mentally strong today to recover from setbacks," Kompany said. "The fans helped us as well. We stayed calm and always felt that our moment would come. The boys deserved this win.
Arsenal scrape past Sporting to reach Champions League semi-finals
Arsenal edged past Sporting to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the second successive season with a 0-0 home draw earning them a 1-0 aggregate victory on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
It was far from convincing though for Mikel Arteta's side as they held on to the lead given to them by Kai Havertz's stoppage-time goal in Lisbon last week.
The well-organised visitors posed a threat at times, especially in the first half, and almost went ahead on the night just before halftime when Geny Catamo's volley clipped the post.
