We take a look at this past weekend’s sporting action that saw France crowned champions of world football, Djokovic and Kerber winning the Wimbledon singles titles, the Sharks securing a quarter-final Super Rugby berth, and the Proteas being bundled out by Sri Lanka within three days. Read more here.
Weekend Highlights
France are crowned champions of the World
France cleaned up Croatia in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2018, winning the match 4-2. Croatia got off to the worst possible start after Mario Mandzukic’s header off a Antoine Griezmann free-kick found the back of his own net. Ivan Perisic levelled matters in the 28th minute, but France would be back in front 10 minutes later to the aforementioned Perisic handling the ball in the penalty area, and Griezmann putting away the spot kick. Paul Pogba silenced his critics with a left-footed strike that found the back of the net, with Croatia’s fate finally being sealed with a Kylian Mbappe strike. Mbappe became the first teenager since Pele in 1956 to score a goal in a World Cup final. Croatia were handed a consolation goal after Mandzukic capitalized on a poor clearance attempt by French goalkeeper-captain Hugo Lloris, but that was all she wrote as France ended the match 4-2 winners.
Modrić wins Golden Ball
Luka Modrić (Croatia) was crowned player of the tournament and rewarded with the Golden Ball. Harry Kane from England became only the second Englishman after Gary Linneker in 1986 to win the Golden Boot award, ending the tournament with six goals. 19-year old Kylian Mbappe won the young player of the tournament award, ending the tournament with four goals. Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois won the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper.
Anderson reaches the Wimbledon Final
Kevin Anderson became the first South African to reach the final of Wimbledon in 97 years, after a marathon semi-final match against Jon Isner went to the fifth set. The score was 24-24, before Anderson broke Isner’s serve, and finished him off winning 26-24. This was the second longest match in Wimbeldon history going for 6 hours and 36 minutes. The final score 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 26-24.
Unfortunately the match had taken his toll on the South African, and he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the final 6-2, 6-2, 7-6. This was Djokovic’s fourth Wimbledon title, and thirteenth Grand Slam.
Another South African, Raven Klaasens, made it to the Men’s Doubles final with his New Zealand partner Michael Venus, but unfortunately they too were defeated by the USA pairing of Mike Bryan and Jack Sock. The score 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 5-7, 7-5.
Kerber humbles Serena
Angelique Kerber defied the odds and cleaned up Serena Williams in the women’s singles final at Wimbeldon 6-3, 6-3. The pair previously met in the 2016 Wimbledon final where Williams won that battle, but Kerber was far too clinical in this affair, and Williams just had no answer to the accuracy of the German.
Stone misses putt for 59
South African Brandon Stone missed a 10-foot putt on the 18th hole at the Scottish Open to secure what would have been a historic 59 in the final round. The performance however was enough to secure him a four-shot victory at Gullane Golf Club, and an entry into this week’s British Open.
Sharks qualify for Super Rugby Knockouts
The permutations required for the Sharks to qualify for the knockout of Super Rugby 2018 was a victory over the Jaguares, and for the Highlanders to beat the Rebels. After the Highlanders duly obliged earlier on Saturday in a close fought 43-37, the Sharks followed suit at a wet and rainy Kings Park. Tries from Akker van der Merwe and Kobus van Wyk clinched a victory for the hosts, the score ending 20-10.
The Sharks will now travel to New Zealand to play the defending champions the Crusaders in the first round of knockout matches this Saturday.
Other Super Rugby results saw the Crusaders crush the Blues 54-17, Lions dominating the Jukskei Derby with a 38-12 victory over the Bulls, and the Brumbies beating the Waratahs away from home 31-40.
Proteas in a spin against Sri Lanka
South Africa had no answer to the spin of Sri Lanka in the first test at Galle, with the tourists being bundled out for 126 and 73 in their innings respectively, and losing by 278 runs. The only standout performances for the Proteas were Rabada’s seven wickets in the match, and Keshav Maharaj’s 4/58 in the second innings.
Coming up this week
The much anticipated Open Championship at Carnoustie gets underway on Thursday, and the current bookmaker’s favourite is Dustin Johnson. Jordan Spieth won last year’s tournament at Royal Birkdale by three strokes, and will attempt to be the first player since Padraig Harrington in 2008 to win back-to-back Opens. Funnily enough, the last time the Open took place at Carnoustie was in 2007, where it was Harrington who earned his first Open win. Spieth, Rose, Fowler, Rahm and Justin Thomas are all value at odds ranging between 16/1 and 18/1, while Tiger Woods is currently on offer at 25/1.
Super Rugby action hits the quarter-final stage, with the Hurricanes hosting the Chiefs in the sole game on Friday. Saturday action starts with the Crusaders hosting the Sharks, Waratahs taking on the Highlanders in Sydney, and the Lions tackling the Jaguares in Johannesburg.
The Proteas need to bounce back against Sri Lanka in the 2nd test on Friday, and a team selection that will suit the spinning sub-continent conditions will need to be addressed. It is very likely that Vernon Philander or Dale Steyn (or both of them) will be dropped for the 2nd test in Colombo, with debuts being handed to either spinner Shaun von Berg, or batsman Heinrich Klaasen.
The Tour de France continues into it’s 2nd week, with Greg van Avermaet from the BMC Racing Team the current holder of the Yellow Jersey. Defending champion Chris Froome is less than 2 minutes behind the leader, and an enticing week of cycling action awaits!
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