Argentina football legend Diego Maradona will be buried outside Buenos Aires on Thursday (Friday in India), his spokesman has confirmed. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-legend-diego-maradona-60-dies-of-heart-attack-345375">Maradona, aged 60, passed away</a> on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Maradona’s coffin arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires for a period of lying in state on Wednesday.

Maradona will be laid to rest in the Jardin de Paz cemetery, where his parents were also buried, Sebastian Sanchi told AFP.

On Thursday, hundreds of people began filing in to see the coffin of Diego Maradona in Buenos Aires’ Casa Rosada after he passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60. People passed in front of the coffin that was draped with the Argentine flag and his number 10 jersey.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/diego-maradona-five-of-his-greatest-goals-345386" hreflang="en">Diego Maradona - Five of his greatest goals</a>

Maradona's family and closest friends came at dawn before the start of the public wake. Tens of thousands of people spent the night in a vigil in the Plaza de Mayo, singing songs in tribute to Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup in 1986.

<img alt="Maradona" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40393dc5-d79d-4ab1-a1cf-ec4b77246461" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8VX2XF.jpg" />

Scores of people, with scarves and Maradona’s shirt, gathered outside Napoli’s stadium and chanted “Diego, Diego, Diego!” &nbsp;Napoli's blue and white have been hung on the fence, transforming it into a makeshift shrine to the city's adopted "king"

“You are eternal in every heart in world football,” the Twitter account of the Argentina national team posted alongside a picture of Maradona holding the World Cup.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ciao-diego-argentina-and-napoli-fans-mourn-maradonas-death-345538" hreflang="en">'Ciao Diego': Argentina and Napoli fans mourn Maradona's death</a>

The World Cup-winning Argentine maestro was recovering from brain surgery and died of a heart attack on Wednesday. Maradona was renowned for his majestic left-foot and impeccable control with the ball.&nbsp;

The former Napoli megastar had emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain. He was admitted to the hospital longer than expected as he was showing withdrawal symptoms for his dependency on alcohol before passing away on Wednesday after a heart attack, leaving behind rich legacy which only a few can match.

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona will be buried outside Buenos Aires on Thursday (Friday in India), his spokesman has confirmed. Maradona, aged 60, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona will be buried outside Buenos Aires on Thursday (Friday in India), his spokesman has confirmed. Maradona, aged 60, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Maradona’s coffin arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires for a period of lying in state on Wednesday. Maradona will be laid to rest in the Jardin de Paz cemetery, where his parents were also buried, Sebastian Sanchi told AFP. On Thursday, hundreds of people began filing in to see the coffin of Diego Maradona in Buenos Aires’ Casa Rosada after he passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60. People passed in front of the coffin that was draped with the Argentine flag and his number 10 jersey. ALSO READ: Diego Maradona - Five of his greatest goals Maradona's family and closest friends came at dawn before the start of the public wake. Tens of thousands of people spent the night in a vigil in the Plaza de Mayo, singing songs in tribute to Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup in 1986. Scores of people, with scarves and Maradona’s shirt, gathered outside Napoli’s stadium and chanted “Diego, Diego, Diego!” Napoli's blue and white have been hung on the fence, transforming it into a makeshift shrine to the city's adopted "king" “You are eternal in every heart in world football,” the Twitter account of the Argentina national team posted alongside a picture of Maradona holding the World Cup. IN PICS | 'Ciao Diego': Argentina and Napoli fans mourn Maradona's death The World Cup-winning Argentine maestro was recovering from brain surgery and died of a heart attack on Wednesday. Maradona was renowned for his majestic left-foot and impeccable control with the ball. The former Napoli megastar had emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain. He was admitted to the hospital longer than expected as he was showing withdrawal symptoms for his dependency on alcohol before passing away on Wednesday after a heart attack, leaving behind rich legacy which only a few can match.

Diego Maradona to be buried in Jardin de Paz cemetery on Thursday

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> clubs in Liverpool and London have been allowed to welcome some supporters back into their stadiums after the UK government announced different tiers for areas of the country after the second lockdown ends.

Greater Manchester has been classified as ‘very high’ risk area and will remain in Tier 3 – the only tier which doesn’t allow fans to attend matches when the new rules come into effect on December 2.

Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United, Leicester City, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Wolves and Aston Villa will be unable to host fans back in the stadium. However, Merseyside has been dropped to Tier 2 which means defending champions Liverpool and Everton can have 2,000 supports back in their stadiums while maintaining strict COVID-19 safety measures.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guardiola-klopp-welcome-virus-fan-return-plan-345147" hreflang="en">Guardiola, Klopp welcome virus fan-return plan</a>

The new regulations will see fans inside the Anfield for the first time since March when Liverpool took on Wolves in Premier League 2019-20 season on December 5. Meanwhile, London has been put in the Tier-2 areas, in ‘High’ risk category.

As many as 2,000 rugby union fans will be able to attend matches at Autumn Nations Cup at Twickenham, which will witness England play.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday confirmed that a further review of the tier ratings will be held on December 16.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-winner-napoli-legend-drug-addict-rise-and-fall-of-diego-maradona-345411">World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona</a>

Under tier 2 regulations, maximum of 2,000 fans are allowed to attend elite sporting events. Tier 1 rules permit a maximum of 4,000 fans to attend matches but clubs in tier 3 areas must keep their games behind-closed-doors.

Earlier this week, the Everton said: " Everton has welcomed confirmation from the UK Government that fans will be allowed to return to Premier League grounds after 2 December."

A Liverpool statement read, in part: "Liverpool Football Club welcomes the government's announcement regarding the proposed return of fans into sports stadia. We have greatly missed our supporters at Anfield and we look forward to welcoming them back when it is safe to do so."

Premier League clubs in Liverpool and London have been allowed to welcome some supporters back into their stadiums after the UK government announced different tiers for areas of the country after the second lockdown ends.

Premier League clubs in Liverpool and London have been allowed to welcome some supporters back into their stadiums after the UK government announced different tiers for areas of the country after the second lockdown ends. Greater Manchester has been classified as ‘very high’ risk area and will remain in Tier 3 – the only tier which doesn’t allow fans to attend matches when the new rules come into effect on December 2. Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United, Leicester City, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Wolves and Aston Villa will be unable to host fans back in the stadium. However, Merseyside has been dropped to Tier 2 which means defending champions Liverpool and Everton can have 2,000 supports back in their stadiums while maintaining strict COVID-19 safety measures. ALSO READ: Guardiola, Klopp welcome virus fan-return plan The new regulations will see fans inside the Anfield for the first time since March when Liverpool took on Wolves in Premier League 2019-20 season on December 5. Meanwhile, London has been put in the Tier-2 areas, in ‘High’ risk category. As many as 2,000 rugby union fans will be able to attend matches at Autumn Nations Cup at Twickenham, which will witness England play. Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday confirmed that a further review of the tier ratings will be held on December 16. IN PICS | World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona Under tier 2 regulations, maximum of 2,000 fans are allowed to attend elite sporting events. Tier 1 rules permit a maximum of 4,000 fans to attend matches but clubs in tier 3 areas must keep their games behind-closed-doors. Earlier this week, the Everton said: " Everton has welcomed confirmation from the UK Government that fans will be allowed to return to Premier League grounds after 2 December." A Liverpool statement read, in part: "Liverpool Football Club welcomes the government's announcement regarding the proposed return of fans into sports stadia. We have greatly missed our supporters at Anfield and we look forward to welcoming them back when it is safe to do so."

UK COVID-19 tiers: Liverpool, London to welcome supporters back in the stadiums

India is set to kickstart their Australian tour with the three-match ODI series commencing on Friday in Sydney. While India are on their first assignment since the COVID-19 lockdown and restart, Australia have faced England in an ODI series just before the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

The Indian squad has been in isolation, which ends on Thursday, since their arrival a fortnight ago but was allowed to train within a bio-secure bubble. Whereas the likes of Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins also underwent the mandatory 14-day quarantine after playing in IPL 2020.

Australia defeated England in the white-ball series in September but it would be interesting to see how the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue approach the series. India haven’t played a series since New Zealand tour in February, where they were whitewashed in the ODIs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-rohit-and-ishant-sharma-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-to-negotiate-quarantine-rules-with-ca-345518" hreflang="en">On Rohit and Ishant Sharma, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to negotiate quarantine rules with CA</a>

"I think it's important to start well in the white-ball series," said KL Rahul, who has been elevated to vice-captain.

"We are playing for the country after a while and we are all excited to play some hard cricket, some aggressive cricket." 
While a well-fought series is expected, Australian coach Justin Langer said it will be played in the right spirit.&nbsp;

"There's plenty of room for banter, having fun and having that competitive instinct but there's no room for abuse," he insisted.

While Australia have a single limited-overs squad, India have sent separate squads for ODIs and T20Is with star opener Rohit Sharma missing from the limited-overs series. There are question marks on whether Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah will play all the six matches of the ODIs and T20Is.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-vs-india-full-schedule-dates-venues-and-all-you-need-to-know-338518">Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know</a>

Notably, grounds will operate at 50 per cent capacity due to coronavirus restrictions as cricket opens it arms to welcome fans back in the stands again. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

<h2>India vs Australia: ODI head-to-head stats</h2>

Matches: 140 
Australia wins: 78 
India wins: 52 
No result: 10

<h2>India vs Australia: Last three ODI series</h2>

2019-20 India beat Australia 2-1 
2018-19 Australia beat India 3-2 
2018-19 India beat Australia 2-1

India Squad: Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur

Australia Squad: Aaron Finch, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Sams, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

<h2>India vs Australia, Schedule: One-day international series:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>November 27 – 1st ODI (Sydney, day-night)</li>
	<li>November 29 – 2nd ODI (Sydney, day-night)&nbsp;</li>
	<li>December 2 – 3rd ODI (Canberra, day-night)&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

India is set to kickstart their Australian tour with the three-match ODI series commencing on Friday in Sydney. While India are on their first assignment since the COVID-19 lockdown and restart, Australia have faced England in an ODI series just before the Indian Premier League.

India is set to kickstart their Australian tour with the three-match ODI series commencing on Friday in Sydney. While India are on their first assignment since the COVID-19 lockdown and restart, Australia have faced England in an ODI series just before the Indian Premier League. The Indian squad has been in isolation, which ends on Thursday, since their arrival a fortnight ago but was allowed to train within a bio-secure bubble. Whereas the likes of Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins also underwent the mandatory 14-day quarantine after playing in IPL 2020. Australia defeated England in the white-ball series in September but it would be interesting to see how the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue approach the series. India haven’t played a series since New Zealand tour in February, where they were whitewashed in the ODIs. ALSO READ: On Rohit and Ishant Sharma, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to negotiate quarantine rules with CA "I think it's important to start well in the white-ball series," said KL Rahul, who has been elevated to vice-captain. "We are playing for the country after a while and we are all excited to play some hard cricket, some aggressive cricket." While a well-fought series is expected, Australian coach Justin Langer said it will be played in the right spirit. "There's plenty of room for banter, having fun and having that competitive instinct but there's no room for abuse," he insisted. While Australia have a single limited-overs squad, India have sent separate squads for ODIs and T20Is with star opener Rohit Sharma missing from the limited-overs series. There are question marks on whether Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah will play all the six matches of the ODIs and T20Is. ALSO READ: Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know Notably, grounds will operate at 50 per cent capacity due to coronavirus restrictions as cricket opens it arms to welcome fans back in the stands again. India vs Australia: ODI head-to-head stats Matches: 140 Australia wins: 78 India wins: 52 No result: 10 India vs Australia: Last three ODI series 2019-20 India beat Australia 2-1 2018-19 Australia beat India 3-2 2018-19 India beat Australia 2-1 India Squad: Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur Australia Squad: Aaron Finch, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Sams, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa India vs Australia, Schedule: One-day international series: November 27 – 1st ODI (Sydney, day-night) November 29 – 2nd ODI (Sydney, day-night) December 2 – 3rd ODI (Canberra, day-night)

Australia vs India, ODI series: Preview, schedule, head-to-head stats and more

Former Tunisian football referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in which Diego Maradona scored his famous brace against England, lauded the Argentine as a “genius” after his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-legend-diego-maradona-60-dies-of-heart-attack-345375">demise at the age of 60 on Wednesday</a>.

Bin Nasser conceded that he doubted the validity of Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal but termed his second goal from the game as “masterpiece”.

In the 51st minute of the last-eight encounter in Mexico, Maradona outjumped England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his hand to slide the ball into the net to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-winner-napoli-legend-drug-addict-rise-and-fall-of-diego-maradona-345411" hreflang="en">World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona</a>

"I didn't see the hand, but I had a doubt," Bin Nasser, the first Tunisian to referee a World Cup quarter-final, told AFP.

"You can see the pictures -- I stepped back to take the advice of my assistant, Bulgarian (Bogdan) Dochev, and when he said it was good, I gave the goal."

The 76-year-old reckoned he was the go-to-man for FIFA in crunch matches while adding the football governing body rated him highly for his performance in the controversial match.&nbsp;

"I had already refereed a match between the USSR and China in 1985, I was the man of difficult missions for FIFA," Bin Nasser said.

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"FIFA gave me a 9.4 on this game, I did what I had to do, but there was confusion -- Dochev later indicated that he had seen two arms, and he didn't know if it was Shilton's or Maradona's."

Argentina went on to defeat England in the semi-finals of the World Cup they would go on to win when Maradona put them two goals ahead with the latter strike voted ‘Goal of the Century’.

The then-Napoli megastar dribbled past six England players before rattling the empty net.&nbsp;

"I was ready to whistle for a dangerous foul on Maradona," remembered Bin Nasser of a goal which proved to be the winner after Gary Lineker pulled one back for England.

"I thought after 50 yards of effort they were going to bring him down.

TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rip-maradona-relive-the-iconic-hand-of-god-moment-from-1986-world-cup-watch-video-345382" hreflang="en">RIP Maradona: Relive the iconic 'Hand of God' moment from 1986 World Cup - watch video</a>

"I was proud to participate in that masterpiece."

Maradona, 29 years later, visited Bin Nasser while shooting an advertisement in Tunisia and gave him a T-shirt bearing the words "To my eternal friend Ali".

"We had a good time, I told him that that day, it was not Argentina who won, but him, Maradona.

"He was a genius, a football legend. As a referee, I did not allow myself to close my eyes even for a second when following him, because he was capable of anything." 
&nbsp;

Former Tunisian football referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in which Diego Maradona scored his famous brace against England, lauded the Argentine as a “genius” after his demise at the age of 60 on Wednesday.

Former Tunisian football referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in which Diego Maradona scored his famous brace against England, lauded the Argentine as a “genius” after his demise at the age of 60 on Wednesday. Bin Nasser conceded that he doubted the validity of Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal but termed his second goal from the game as “masterpiece”. In the 51st minute of the last-eight encounter in Mexico, Maradona outjumped England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his hand to slide the ball into the net to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. IN PICS | World Cup winner, Napoli legend, drug addict: Rise and fall of Diego Maradona "I didn't see the hand, but I had a doubt," Bin Nasser, the first Tunisian to referee a World Cup quarter-final, told AFP. "You can see the pictures -- I stepped back to take the advice of my assistant, Bulgarian (Bogdan) Dochev, and when he said it was good, I gave the goal." The 76-year-old reckoned he was the go-to-man for FIFA in crunch matches while adding the football governing body rated him highly for his performance in the controversial match. "I had already refereed a match between the USSR and China in 1985, I was the man of difficult missions for FIFA," Bin Nasser said. ALSO READ: Diego Maradona's body arrives at presidential palace for period of lying in state "FIFA gave me a 9.4 on this game, I did what I had to do, but there was confusion -- Dochev later indicated that he had seen two arms, and he didn't know if it was Shilton's or Maradona's." Argentina went on to defeat England in the semi-finals of the World Cup they would go on to win when Maradona put them two goals ahead with the latter strike voted ‘Goal of the Century’. The then-Napoli megastar dribbled past six England players before rattling the empty net. "I was ready to whistle for a dangerous foul on Maradona," remembered Bin Nasser of a goal which proved to be the winner after Gary Lineker pulled one back for England. "I thought after 50 yards of effort they were going to bring him down. TRENDING | RIP Maradona: Relive the iconic 'Hand of God' moment from 1986 World Cup - watch video "I was proud to participate in that masterpiece." Maradona, 29 years later, visited Bin Nasser while shooting an advertisement in Tunisia and gave him a T-shirt bearing the words "To my eternal friend Ali". "We had a good time, I told him that that day, it was not Argentina who won, but him, Maradona. "He was a genius, a football legend. As a referee, I did not allow myself to close my eyes even for a second when following him, because he was capable of anything."

'Genius': Referee who missed 'Hand of God' lavishes praise on Diego Maradona

The fate of Indian opener Rohit Sharma and pacer Ishant Sharma lies on the hand of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly as he is set to negotiate quarantine terms in Cricket Australia. The Indian duo of Rohit and Ishant need quarantine relaxation if they are to be part of the four-match Test series against Australia, starting December 17.

Speaking to ANI, sources said that Ganguly will try and find a solution to the issue related to Rohit and Ishant after discussion with Cricket Australia. Both Rohit and Ishant are undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru with an eye on the four-match Test series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-hero-no-more-indian-sporting-icons-pay-tribute-to-diego-maradona-345502" hreflang="en">'My hero no more': Indian sporting icons pay tribute to Diego Maradona</a>

"The BCCI president will be speaking to his counterpart at Cricket Australia and a decision will be reached after their meeting. The current quarantine guidelines might make it impossible for the two to reach Australia and be a part of the Test series as, under existing rules, they will need to completely isolate themselves and cannot train in the quarantine period. "&nbsp;

The rest of the Indian cricketers were allowed to train during the quarantine period because they moved from one bubble - in Dubai - to the other - in Sydney. So, relaxation will be needed if the two are to be a part of the Test series," the source explained.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-pak-six-pakistan-cricketers-test-positive-for-covid-19-345489" hreflang="en">NZ vs PAK: Six Pakistan cricketers test positive for Covid-19</a>

There is a belief that the former Indian captain can find a solution as he has done so many times on the field. While NCA head Rahul Dravid had earlier said that Ishant would be fit in time for Test series, there are question marks whether he would be able last the entire series. Whereas, Rohit reportedly needs a couple of days to be 100 per cent fit.

Notably, the BCCI had added Rohit to the Test squad at the eleventh hour and decided to rest him from the limited-overs series against Australia. "The BCCI Medical Team has been monitoring Rohit Sharma's fitness and has briefed All-India Senior Selection Committee on the same. In consultation with Sharma, it has been decided to rest him for the ODIs and T20Is in Australia to regain full fitness and he has been included in Ind in India's Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy," the BCCI said in a release on November 9.&nbsp;

The Test series is set to commence from December 17 in Adelaide in what will be the day-night Test between India and Australia. 
&nbsp;

The fate of Indian opener Rohit Sharma and pacer Ishant Sharma lies on the hand of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly as he is set to negotiate quarantine terms in Cricket Australia.

The fate of Indian opener Rohit Sharma and pacer Ishant Sharma lies on the hand of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly as he is set to negotiate quarantine terms in Cricket Australia. The Indian duo of Rohit and Ishant need quarantine relaxation if they are to be part of the four-match Test series against Australia, starting December 17. Speaking to ANI, sources said that Ganguly will try and find a solution to the issue related to Rohit and Ishant after discussion with Cricket Australia. Both Rohit and Ishant are undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru with an eye on the four-match Test series. ALSO READ: 'My hero no more': Indian sporting icons pay tribute to Diego Maradona "The BCCI president will be speaking to his counterpart at Cricket Australia and a decision will be reached after their meeting. The current quarantine guidelines might make it impossible for the two to reach Australia and be a part of the Test series as, under existing rules, they will need to completely isolate themselves and cannot train in the quarantine period. " The rest of the Indian cricketers were allowed to train during the quarantine period because they moved from one bubble - in Dubai - to the other - in Sydney. So, relaxation will be needed if the two are to be a part of the Test series," the source explained. ALSO READ: NZ vs PAK: Six Pakistan cricketers test positive for Covid-19 There is a belief that the former Indian captain can find a solution as he has done so many times on the field. While NCA head Rahul Dravid had earlier said that Ishant would be fit in time for Test series, there are question marks whether he would be able last the entire series. Whereas, Rohit reportedly needs a couple of days to be 100 per cent fit. Notably, the BCCI had added Rohit to the Test squad at the eleventh hour and decided to rest him from the limited-overs series against Australia. "The BCCI Medical Team has been monitoring Rohit Sharma's fitness and has briefed All-India Senior Selection Committee on the same. In consultation with Sharma, it has been decided to rest him for the ODIs and T20Is in Australia to regain full fitness and he has been included in Ind in India's Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy," the BCCI said in a release on November 9. The Test series is set to commence from December 17 in Adelaide in what will be the day-night Test between India and Australia.

On Rohit and Ishant Sharma, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to negotiate quarantine rules with CA

Robert Lewandowski set Bayern Munich on the way to a 3-1 Champions League win over Salzburg on Wednesday as the holders joined Manchester City in qualifying for the last 16 with two group games to spare, while Liverpool went down to defeat and Marseille are now the owners of an unwanted record.

On a night when clubs marked news of the death of Diego Maradona by holding a minute's silence in memory of the Argentine before all Champions League games, Bayern eased to a record-extending 15th straight win in the competition.

Lewandowski scored the opener&nbsp;just before half-time at an empty Allianz Arena, his 14th goal of the season and also his 71st altogether in the Champions League, leaving him level with Real Madrid great Raul in third place on the all-time list behind Cristiano Ronaldo (131) and Lionel Messi (118).

Kingsley Coman scored Bayern's second and then crossed for Leroy Sane to head in their third, before Mergim Berisha pulled a goal back for the Austrian champions.

Marc Roca was sent off for Bayern, but they have a maximum 12 points and are guaranteed to advance as Group A winners, while Atletico Madrid sit second but continue to toil in Europe this season after being held 0-0 at home by Lokomotiv Moscow.

Pep Guardiola's City earlier secured progress as Phil Foden swept in from a Raheem Sterling back-heel to secure a 1-0 win away to Olympiakos in Greece, their fourth win out of four in Group C.

City had 21 attempts on goal and their bluntness in attack is a source of concern, even if their European progress provides a tonic to their mediocre Premier League form.

"It will come, we would love to do more, but one day it will come and will break everything," said Guardiola, whose side now just need a point from their final two matches to top the group.

<h2>- Unlucky 13 for Marseille -</h2>

Second-place Porto are on the brink of joining them in qualifying after a 2-0 win at Marseille, which was the French side's 13th consecutive defeat in the competition stretching over three campaigns going back to 2011-12.

The Nigerian Zaidu Sanusi gave Porto the lead six minutes before half-time and Sergio Oliveira scored a second-half penalty after on-loan Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic had been sent off for the Portuguese side.

Marseille, who had defender Leonardo Balerdi sent off, cannot now qualify for the last 16.

"We have hit rock-bottom," said Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas.

Six-time European champions Liverpool are not yet sure of progressing to the next round after going down 2-0 to Atalanta at Anfield.

Three weeks after beating the same side 5-0 in Italy, Liverpool struggled with a weakened starting line-up, and Josip Ilicic put Atalanta in front on the hour mark before German international Robin Gosens got the second goal.

"A deserved defeat in a difficult game," was how Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp summed up the game.

Liverpool are top of Group D on nine points, two points clear of Atalanta and Ajax, who were 3-1 winners at home to Midtjylland.

Second-half goals by Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui and David Neres boosted Ajax's hopes, with Awer Mabil getting a consolation from the penalty spot for the Danes who had captain Erik Sviatchenko sent off late on and are yet to register a point. Ajax go to Liverpool next week.

<h2>- Hazard on target for Real -</h2>

Meanwhile, Inter Milan are on the brink of being eliminated in the group stage after Arturo Vidal was sent off as they went down 2-0 at home to Real Madrid.

Eden Hazard gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot at San Siro for his first Champions League goal in a Real shirt, and Vidal was sent off before the break after seeing two yellow cards for dissent in quick succession.

A Rodrygo shot went in off Achraf Hakimi in the second half to make it 2-0, and Real are now on course to qualify from Group B after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk in their first game.

Shakhtar lost 4-0 to Borussia Moenchengladbach, with Lars Stindl scoring a penalty and Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo and Oscar Wendt also on target to keep the Germans on top of the group.

Barcelona, Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla punched their tickets to the knockout phase on Tuesday.

Robert Lewandowski set Bayern Munich on the way to a 3-1 Champions League win over Salzburg on Wednesday as the holders joined Manchester City in qualifying for the last 16 with two group games to spare, while Liverpool went down to defeat and Marseille are now the owners of an unwanted record.

Robert Lewandowski set Bayern Munich on the way to a 3-1 Champions League win over Salzburg on Wednesday as the holders joined Manchester City in qualifying for the last 16 with two group games to spare, while Liverpool went down to defeat and Marseille are now the owners of an unwanted record. On a night when clubs marked news of the death of Diego Maradona by holding a minute's silence in memory of the Argentine before all Champions League games, Bayern eased to a record-extending 15th straight win in the competition. Lewandowski scored the opener just before half-time at an empty Allianz Arena, his 14th goal of the season and also his 71st altogether in the Champions League, leaving him level with Real Madrid great Raul in third place on the all-time list behind Cristiano Ronaldo (131) and Lionel Messi (118). Kingsley Coman scored Bayern's second and then crossed for Leroy Sane to head in their third, before Mergim Berisha pulled a goal back for the Austrian champions. Marc Roca was sent off for Bayern, but they have a maximum 12 points and are guaranteed to advance as Group A winners, while Atletico Madrid sit second but continue to toil in Europe this season after being held 0-0 at home by Lokomotiv Moscow. Pep Guardiola's City earlier secured progress as Phil Foden swept in from a Raheem Sterling back-heel to secure a 1-0 win away to Olympiakos in Greece, their fourth win out of four in Group C. City had 21 attempts on goal and their bluntness in attack is a source of concern, even if their European progress provides a tonic to their mediocre Premier League form. "It will come, we would love to do more, but one day it will come and will break everything," said Guardiola, whose side now just need a point from their final two matches to top the group. - Unlucky 13 for Marseille - Second-place Porto are on the brink of joining them in qualifying after a 2-0 win at Marseille, which was the French side's 13th consecutive defeat in the competition stretching over three campaigns going back to 2011-12. The Nigerian Zaidu Sanusi gave Porto the lead six minutes before half-time and Sergio Oliveira scored a second-half penalty after on-loan Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic had been sent off for the Portuguese side. Marseille, who had defender Leonardo Balerdi sent off, cannot now qualify for the last 16. "We have hit rock-bottom," said Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas. Six-time European champions Liverpool are not yet sure of progressing to the next round after going down 2-0 to Atalanta at Anfield. Three weeks after beating the same side 5-0 in Italy, Liverpool struggled with a weakened starting line-up, and Josip Ilicic put Atalanta in front on the hour mark before German international Robin Gosens got the second goal. "A deserved defeat in a difficult game," was how Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp summed up the game. Liverpool are top of Group D on nine points, two points clear of Atalanta and Ajax, who were 3-1 winners at home to Midtjylland. Second-half goals by Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui and David Neres boosted Ajax's hopes, with Awer Mabil getting a consolation from the penalty spot for the Danes who had captain Erik Sviatchenko sent off late on and are yet to register a point. Ajax go to Liverpool next week. - Hazard on target for Real - Meanwhile, Inter Milan are on the brink of being eliminated in the group stage after Arturo Vidal was sent off as they went down 2-0 at home to Real Madrid. Eden Hazard gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot at San Siro for his first Champions League goal in a Real shirt, and Vidal was sent off before the break after seeing two yellow cards for dissent in quick succession. A Rodrygo shot went in off Achraf Hakimi in the second half to make it 2-0, and Real are now on course to qualify from Group B after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk in their first game. Shakhtar lost 4-0 to Borussia Moenchengladbach, with Lars Stindl scoring a penalty and Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo and Oscar Wendt also on target to keep the Germans on top of the group. Barcelona, Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla punched their tickets to the knockout phase on Tuesday.

Holders Bayern, Man City through to Champions League last 16 as Liverpool beaten

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona said his hero, late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro - whom he considered a “second father” and whose face he had tattooed on his leg - once urged him to go into politics.

Maradona, who died on Wednesday aged 60, never fulfilled those aspirations but he did play a role in championing leftist leaders across Latin America - such as Castro, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Bolivia’s Evo Morales - and in helping to lend them broader international appeal.

“Everything Fidel does, everything Chavez does for me is the best (that can be done),” Maradona said on Chavez’s weekly television show in 2007.

“I hate everything that comes from the United States. I hate it with all my strength.”

The son of a factory worker raised in a shantytown on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Maradona first met Castro in 1987, a year after helping Argentina win the World Cup and four years before the fall of the Soviet Union that would usher in a new era of economic hardship in communist Cuba.

An unlikely friendship between the often outlandish footballer and the well-read revolutionary deepened at the start of the century when Maradona spent four years in Havana to shake an addiction to drugs.

“Coming from such humble beginnings, Castro was his idol,” said Alfredo Tedeschi, an Argentine TV producer now based in Belgium who became close friends with Maradona during a stint working for Reuters in Havana.

“It was like he fell in love (with Castro), and then came Chavez, Morales and the rest,” said Tedeschi, who would often invite the footballer over for traditional Argentine steak barbecue dinners.

Tedeschi recalls the time Maradona knocked on his door and proposed a spontaneous visit to Castro. The Cuban leader received them within minutes of their arrival and cleared his busy agenda to spend three hours with them, including to play football in his office.

“They would always talk about politics - Diego was really interested in politics,” said Tedeschi, adding that Castro would also pay spontaneous visits to his Havana home.

In 2005, Maradona interviewed Castro on his Argentine TV show, asking how George W. Bush had been re-elected president of the United States, to which Castro responded: “Fraud. The terrorist mafia of Miami!”

As such, Maradona was also a propaganda tool for Latin America’s leftist leaders, said Tedeschi.

“Diego was the kind of guy where anything he said would have a repercussion,” said Tedeschi. “And for Fidel, that kind of propaganda was welcome.”

In a twist of fate, Maradona died on the same date, Nov. 25, as his idol did four years ago - upon which occasion he said he “wept uncontrollably.”

“These two dates are intertwined on Nov. 25, and will be throughout history: two greats, one of football and the other of the Cuban revolution,” said pensioner Luis Perez, 64, in Havana.

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on Twitter that Maradona’s “friendship with Cuba and especially with Fidel made him part of this people.”

Morales and Chavez’ successor, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, also poured out condolences on Twitter. Maradona had voiced support for Maduro in the face of U.S. sanctions on his government.

“With grief in my heart, I learned of the death of my brother, Diego Armando Maradona, a person who felt and fought for the poor, the best football player in the world,” wrote Morales, an avid soccer fan.

The former Bolivian president recruited Maradona to play against him in a charity match in La Paz in 2008 to show his backing for Bolivia’s campaign against a FIFA ban on matches at high altitude. The ban was later overturned.

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona said his hero, late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro - whom he considered a “second father” and whose face he had tattooed on his leg - once urged him to go into politics.

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona said his hero, late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro - whom he considered a “second father” and whose face he had tattooed on his leg - once urged him to go into politics. Maradona, who died on Wednesday aged 60, never fulfilled those aspirations but he did play a role in championing leftist leaders across Latin America - such as Castro, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Bolivia’s Evo Morales - and in helping to lend them broader international appeal. “Everything Fidel does, everything Chavez does for me is the best (that can be done),” Maradona said on Chavez’s weekly television show in 2007. “I hate everything that comes from the United States. I hate it with all my strength.” The son of a factory worker raised in a shantytown on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Maradona first met Castro in 1987, a year after helping Argentina win the World Cup and four years before the fall of the Soviet Union that would usher in a new era of economic hardship in communist Cuba. An unlikely friendship between the often outlandish footballer and the well-read revolutionary deepened at the start of the century when Maradona spent four years in Havana to shake an addiction to drugs. “Coming from such humble beginnings, Castro was his idol,” said Alfredo Tedeschi, an Argentine TV producer now based in Belgium who became close friends with Maradona during a stint working for Reuters in Havana. “It was like he fell in love (with Castro), and then came Chavez, Morales and the rest,” said Tedeschi, who would often invite the footballer over for traditional Argentine steak barbecue dinners. Tedeschi recalls the time Maradona knocked on his door and proposed a spontaneous visit to Castro. The Cuban leader received them within minutes of their arrival and cleared his busy agenda to spend three hours with them, including to play football in his office. “They would always talk about politics - Diego was really interested in politics,” said Tedeschi, adding that Castro would also pay spontaneous visits to his Havana home. In 2005, Maradona interviewed Castro on his Argentine TV show, asking how George W. Bush had been re-elected president of the United States, to which Castro responded: “Fraud. The terrorist mafia of Miami!” As such, Maradona was also a propaganda tool for Latin America’s leftist leaders, said Tedeschi. “Diego was the kind of guy where anything he said would have a repercussion,” said Tedeschi. “And for Fidel, that kind of propaganda was welcome.” In a twist of fate, Maradona died on the same date, Nov. 25, as his idol did four years ago - upon which occasion he said he “wept uncontrollably.” “These two dates are intertwined on Nov. 25, and will be throughout history: two greats, one of football and the other of the Cuban revolution,” said pensioner Luis Perez, 64, in Havana. Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on Twitter that Maradona’s “friendship with Cuba and especially with Fidel made him part of this people.” Morales and Chavez’ successor, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, also poured out condolences on Twitter. Maradona had voiced support for Maduro in the face of U.S. sanctions on his government. “With grief in my heart, I learned of the death of my brother, Diego Armando Maradona, a person who felt and fought for the poor, the best football player in the world,” wrote Morales, an avid soccer fan. The former Bolivian president recruited Maradona to play against him in a charity match in La Paz in 2008 to show his backing for Bolivia’s campaign against a FIFA ban on matches at high altitude. The ban was later overturned.

Maradona, football legend, was a champion of Latin America's left

Six players from the Pakistan cricket team tested positive for COVID-19. The positive reports from the Pakistan camp have thrown the preparations for the five-match series into jeopardy while causing scare in a country that has managed to control the coronavirus.

The Pakistan squad’s "exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed", the governing body said, adding that the six positive players would be moved into strict quarantine.&nbsp;

New Zealand’s ministry of health said that 53 team members passed a symptom check before leaving Lahore and were tested in Christchurch upon their arrival on November 24.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rip-diego-maradona-footballing-world-pays-tribute-to-former-argentine-345378" hreflang="en">'RIP Diego Maradona': Footballing world pays tribute to former Argentine</a>

While six players have now come back positive, two of the cases are believed to be "historical".&nbsp;

New Zealand Health said the participating players will now "be tested a minimum of four times while in managed isolation" and the entire squad would be confined to their rooms.&nbsp;

New Zealand Health also revealed that "several team members have been seen on CCTV at the facility breaching managed isolation rules, despite clear, consistent and detailed communication of expected behaviours".&nbsp;

"The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning," it said.&nbsp;

"It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return, teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep Covid-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe," said top health official Ashley Bloomfield.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-both-teams-to-likely-to-pay-tribute-to-phil-hughes-on-his-6th-death-anniversary-345365" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS: Both teams to likely to pay tribute to Phil Hughes on his 6th death anniversary</a>

New Zealand has registered just 1,684 cases since the pandemic began.

Even before Pakistan embarked on a journey to Kiwi soil, Pakistan’s tour was hit by ill-health after opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out at the 11th hour with persistent fever.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old left-hander tested negative along with the rest of the squad.&nbsp;

The tour, with three Twenty20 internationals and two Tests, is scheduled to begin on December 18 in Auckland.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

Six players from the Pakistan cricket team tested positive for COVID-19. The positive reports from the Pakistan camp have thrown the preparations for the five-match series into jeopardy while causing scare in a country that has managed to control the coronavirus.

Six players from the Pakistan cricket team tested positive for COVID-19. The positive reports from the Pakistan camp have thrown the preparations for the five-match series into jeopardy while causing scare in a country that has managed to control the coronavirus. The Pakistan squad’s "exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed", the governing body said, adding that the six positive players would be moved into strict quarantine. New Zealand’s ministry of health said that 53 team members passed a symptom check before leaving Lahore and were tested in Christchurch upon their arrival on November 24. ALSO READ: 'RIP Diego Maradona': Footballing world pays tribute to former Argentine While six players have now come back positive, two of the cases are believed to be "historical". New Zealand Health said the participating players will now "be tested a minimum of four times while in managed isolation" and the entire squad would be confined to their rooms. New Zealand Health also revealed that "several team members have been seen on CCTV at the facility breaching managed isolation rules, despite clear, consistent and detailed communication of expected behaviours". "The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning," it said. "It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return, teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep Covid-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe," said top health official Ashley Bloomfield. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Both teams to likely to pay tribute to Phil Hughes on his 6th death anniversary New Zealand has registered just 1,684 cases since the pandemic began. Even before Pakistan embarked on a journey to Kiwi soil, Pakistan’s tour was hit by ill-health after opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out at the 11th hour with persistent fever. The 30-year-old left-hander tested negative along with the rest of the squad. The tour, with three Twenty20 internationals and two Tests, is scheduled to begin on December 18 in Auckland. (With AFP inputs)

NZ vs PAK: Six Pakistan cricketers test positive for Covid-19

India will host England for four Tests in early 2021 in what could become the key clashes in deciding who reaches the world Test championship final.

Sourav Ganguly, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, announced the series, planned for February-March, late Tuesday, but warned the coronavirus pandemic could still cause problems.

Australia lead the nine-nation inaugural world Test championship league with India second and England third. The top two will go into the final next year at Lord's.

India host England shortly after their four-Test series in Australia and both showdowns will be key in deciding the final. England had originally been scheduled to play five Tests in India.

England will play four Tests, three one-day internationals and five T20s, Ganguly said, although he said the BCCI would "have to keep assessing the situation" because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"A lot of people are talking about the second Covid wave," he said. "We're already hearing of cases being on the rise again in Mumbai and Delhi, so we have to be careful and make sure everything is in order."

Ganguly revealed that he has undergone 22 Covid-19 Tests in the past four-and-a-half months because of his travel schedule. All had been negative, he said.

The coronavirus has claimed more than 100,000 lives in India, which is the second worst hit nation after the United States.

England's original limited-overs tour to India in September-October and the Twenty20 World Cup in October-November were both casualties of the pandemic.

India will host England for four Tests in early 2021 in what could become the key clashes in deciding who reaches the world Test championship final. Sourav Ganguly, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, announced the series, planned for February-March, late Tuesday, but warned the coronavirus pandemic could still cause problems.

India will host England for four Tests in early 2021 in what could become the key clashes in deciding who reaches the world Test championship final. Sourav Ganguly, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, announced the series, planned for February-March, late Tuesday, but warned the coronavirus pandemic could still cause problems. Australia lead the nine-nation inaugural world Test championship league with India second and England third. The top two will go into the final next year at Lord's. India host England shortly after their four-Test series in Australia and both showdowns will be key in deciding the final. England had originally been scheduled to play five Tests in India. England will play four Tests, three one-day internationals and five T20s, Ganguly said, although he said the BCCI would "have to keep assessing the situation" because of the coronavirus pandemic. "A lot of people are talking about the second Covid wave," he said. "We're already hearing of cases being on the rise again in Mumbai and Delhi, so we have to be careful and make sure everything is in order." Ganguly revealed that he has undergone 22 Covid-19 Tests in the past four-and-a-half months because of his travel schedule. All had been negative, he said. The coronavirus has claimed more than 100,000 lives in India, which is the second worst hit nation after the United States. England's original limited-overs tour to India in September-October and the Twenty20 World Cup in October-November were both casualties of the pandemic.

England to play four Tests in India: Ganguly

Erling Braut Haaland broke yet another Champions League record on Tuesday as he fired Borussia Dortmund a step closer to the knockout stages with two goals in a 3-0 win over Club Brugge.

Haaland's 18th-minute opener against Brugge saw him reach 15 Champions League goals in fewer games than any other player in the competition's history.

The 20-year-old Norwegian hit the milestone in just 12 appearances, smashing the previous record of 19 games held by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roberto Soldado.

"Erling is a fantastic player. He works hard on and off the pitch and he deserves everything that's coming his way," said team-mate Jadon Sancho, who provided the assist for Haaland's opener.

"I'm just happy that I can get my assists more easily because he's so clinical," Sancho told broadcaster DAZN.

Haaland added another in the second half to take his tally to 16, as he and Dortmund annihilated Brugge to defend top spot in Group F and move within touching distance of qualification for the second round.

With two games to go, Lucien Favre's side are now five points clear of third place and a point ahead of second-placed Lazio, who beat Zenit Saint Petersburg 3-1 on Tuesday.

Dortmund were predictably dominant in the first half, and it took Haaland just 70 seconds to send a shot fizzing past the Brugge post.

The Norwegian found the net on 18 minutes, placing a low shot past Simon Mignolet after Sancho set him up with an elegant through ball.

Sancho, who has faced criticism this season and was dropped to the bench for Dortmund's league win at Hertha Berlin last weekend, was in excellent form upon his return to the starting XI.&nbsp;

The 20-year-old Englishman doubled Dortmund's lead on the stroke of half-time, curling a free-kick into the top corner after compatriot Jude Bellingham was fouled on the edge of the box.

"I've been practising my free-kicks recently, so I'm happy it came off today," said Sancho.

"I'm just happy I'm playing and that I have coaches who believe in me. It's been a hard situation for me recently, but it's all about how I come back," he added.&nbsp;

Haaland put the game beyond reach on the hour mark, gratefully pouncing on an inadvertent assist from Brugge midfielder Ruud Vormer and sweeping the ball in from close range.

Erling Braut Haaland broke yet another Champions League record on Tuesday as he fired Borussia Dortmund a step closer to the knockout stages with two goals in a 3-0 win over Club Brugge.

Erling Braut Haaland broke yet another Champions League record on Tuesday as he fired Borussia Dortmund a step closer to the knockout stages with two goals in a 3-0 win over Club Brugge. Haaland's 18th-minute opener against Brugge saw him reach 15 Champions League goals in fewer games than any other player in the competition's history. The 20-year-old Norwegian hit the milestone in just 12 appearances, smashing the previous record of 19 games held by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roberto Soldado. "Erling is a fantastic player. He works hard on and off the pitch and he deserves everything that's coming his way," said team-mate Jadon Sancho, who provided the assist for Haaland's opener. "I'm just happy that I can get my assists more easily because he's so clinical," Sancho told broadcaster DAZN. Haaland added another in the second half to take his tally to 16, as he and Dortmund annihilated Brugge to defend top spot in Group F and move within touching distance of qualification for the second round. With two games to go, Lucien Favre's side are now five points clear of third place and a point ahead of second-placed Lazio, who beat Zenit Saint Petersburg 3-1 on Tuesday. Dortmund were predictably dominant in the first half, and it took Haaland just 70 seconds to send a shot fizzing past the Brugge post. The Norwegian found the net on 18 minutes, placing a low shot past Simon Mignolet after Sancho set him up with an elegant through ball. Sancho, who has faced criticism this season and was dropped to the bench for Dortmund's league win at Hertha Berlin last weekend, was in excellent form upon his return to the starting XI. The 20-year-old Englishman doubled Dortmund's lead on the stroke of half-time, curling a free-kick into the top corner after compatriot Jude Bellingham was fouled on the edge of the box. "I've been practising my free-kicks recently, so I'm happy it came off today," said Sancho. "I'm just happy I'm playing and that I have coaches who believe in me. It's been a hard situation for me recently, but it's all about how I come back," he added. Haaland put the game beyond reach on the hour mark, gratefully pouncing on an inadvertent assist from Brugge midfielder Ruud Vormer and sweeping the ball in from close range.

Haaland continues record exploits as Dortmund beat Brugge

Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla all claimed last-gasp wins as they qualified for the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Martin Braithwaite grabbed a double in Barcelona's 4-0 victory at Dynamo Kiev as they also secured a place in the knockout rounds.

They are the first teams to make it out of the group stage, doing so with two games to spare, on a night which saw Erling Braut Haaland, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes all get among the goals.

There was no Lionel Messi for Barcelona, with the Argentine rested for the trip to Ukraine, but Ronald Koeman's side got the job done to make it four wins from four in Group G.

All the goals came in the second half, with Sergino Dest opening the scoring before Danish striker Braithwaite added another and then converted a penalty to make it 3-0.

On as a substitute, Antoine Griezmann wrapped up the win on the night young centre-back Oscar Mingueza, Brazilian midfielder Matheus Fernandes and teenage American winger Konrad de la Fuente were all blooded in the first team.

"We've achieved our objective," said Koeman. "We looked hungry and scored four goals. Important players were able to rest and the youngsters deserved their minutes."&nbsp;

<h2>- Morata, Giroud strike late -</h2>

Juventus joined Barcelona in qualifying from Group G but the Italian champions needed a stoppage-time header by substitute Alvaro Morata to beat Ferencvaros 2-1 in Turin and seal their progress.

Albanian international Myrto Uzuni put the Hungarians ahead but Ronaldo drilled in the equaliser before half-time, meaning he has scored in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons.

Chelsea are through from Group E after edging Rennes 2-1 in France, with Olivier Giroud coming off the bench to head in an injury-time winner. Serhou Guirassy had cancelled out Callum Hudson-Odoi's breakaway opener.

Last season's Europa League winners Sevilla will not get to defend their trophy as they advanced to the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition and did so with a 2-1 win over Krasnodar in Russia, in a rare game played before a sizeable crowd.

Ivan Rakitic's drilled strike put the Spaniards in front only for the Brazilian Wanderson to equalise, but Munir El Haddadi won it for Sevilla five minutes into added time.

Sevilla and Chelsea are level on 10 points but Frank Lampard's side go to Spain next week, when the winner will secure top spot.

Manchester United are in pole position in Group H after a first-half Fernandes brace set them on their way to a 4-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir that made up for a 2-1 defeat in Turkey last time out.

The opener by Fernandes was a thunderous strike from outside the box, while the second was a tap-in after a horrible error by Mert Gunok in the away goal.

Marcus Rashford added a penalty, but there was a fightback from the away side, with Deniz Turuc's free-kick crossing the line before David de Gea could claw it away.

Edin Visca crashed a shot off the bar, but Daniel James made sure of the victory on the counter-attack.

"It's a Champions League night at Old Trafford, you'd expect them to enjoy themselves," United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said of his team. "We scored some very nice goals, I'm pleased."

<h2>- Haaland's frightening record -</h2>

Solskjaer's side are three points clear of both Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, after an early Neymar penalty gave the French side a 1-0 win over their German visitors.

PSG go to Old Trafford next week.

Borussia Dortmund need just one more point to qualify from Group F following a 3-0 win over Club Brugge as the prolific Haaland netted twice either side of a Jadon Sancho free-kick in Germany.

Haaland has 16 goals for the season, and has now scored 16 Champions League goals in just 12 appearances -- Messi had two goals and Ronaldo none after the same number of appearances.

"Erling is a fantastic player. He works hard on and off the pitch and he deserves everything that's coming his way," said Sancho.

In the group's other game Ciro Immobile was on target twice, including from a penalty, as Lazio beat Zenit Saint-Petersburg 3-1 in Rome, a result which eliminated the Russians. Marco Parolo also netted for Lazio, with Artem Dzyuba scoring for Zenit.

Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla all claimed last-gasp wins as they qualified for the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Martin Braithwaite grabbed a double in Barcelona's 4-0 victory at Dynamo Kiev as they also secured a place in the knockout rounds.

Juventus, Chelsea and Sevilla all claimed last-gasp wins as they qualified for the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Martin Braithwaite grabbed a double in Barcelona's 4-0 victory at Dynamo Kiev as they also secured a place in the knockout rounds. They are the first teams to make it out of the group stage, doing so with two games to spare, on a night which saw Erling Braut Haaland, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes all get among the goals. There was no Lionel Messi for Barcelona, with the Argentine rested for the trip to Ukraine, but Ronald Koeman's side got the job done to make it four wins from four in Group G. All the goals came in the second half, with Sergino Dest opening the scoring before Danish striker Braithwaite added another and then converted a penalty to make it 3-0. On as a substitute, Antoine Griezmann wrapped up the win on the night young centre-back Oscar Mingueza, Brazilian midfielder Matheus Fernandes and teenage American winger Konrad de la Fuente were all blooded in the first team. "We've achieved our objective," said Koeman. "We looked hungry and scored four goals. Important players were able to rest and the youngsters deserved their minutes." - Morata, Giroud strike late - Juventus joined Barcelona in qualifying from Group G but the Italian champions needed a stoppage-time header by substitute Alvaro Morata to beat Ferencvaros 2-1 in Turin and seal their progress. Albanian international Myrto Uzuni put the Hungarians ahead but Ronaldo drilled in the equaliser before half-time, meaning he has scored in 15 consecutive Champions League seasons. Chelsea are through from Group E after edging Rennes 2-1 in France, with Olivier Giroud coming off the bench to head in an injury-time winner. Serhou Guirassy had cancelled out Callum Hudson-Odoi's breakaway opener. Last season's Europa League winners Sevilla will not get to defend their trophy as they advanced to the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition and did so with a 2-1 win over Krasnodar in Russia, in a rare game played before a sizeable crowd. Ivan Rakitic's drilled strike put the Spaniards in front only for the Brazilian Wanderson to equalise, but Munir El Haddadi won it for Sevilla five minutes into added time. Sevilla and Chelsea are level on 10 points but Frank Lampard's side go to Spain next week, when the winner will secure top spot. Manchester United are in pole position in Group H after a first-half Fernandes brace set them on their way to a 4-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir that made up for a 2-1 defeat in Turkey last time out. The opener by Fernandes was a thunderous strike from outside the box, while the second was a tap-in after a horrible error by Mert Gunok in the away goal. Marcus Rashford added a penalty, but there was a fightback from the away side, with Deniz Turuc's free-kick crossing the line before David de Gea could claw it away. Edin Visca crashed a shot off the bar, but Daniel James made sure of the victory on the counter-attack. "It's a Champions League night at Old Trafford, you'd expect them to enjoy themselves," United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said of his team. "We scored some very nice goals, I'm pleased." - Haaland's frightening record - Solskjaer's side are three points clear of both Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, after an early Neymar penalty gave the French side a 1-0 win over their German visitors. PSG go to Old Trafford next week. Borussia Dortmund need just one more point to qualify from Group F following a 3-0 win over Club Brugge as the prolific Haaland netted twice either side of a Jadon Sancho free-kick in Germany. Haaland has 16 goals for the season, and has now scored 16 Champions League goals in just 12 appearances -- Messi had two goals and Ronaldo none after the same number of appearances. "Erling is a fantastic player. He works hard on and off the pitch and he deserves everything that's coming his way," said Sancho. In the group's other game Ciro Immobile was on target twice, including from a penalty, as Lazio beat Zenit Saint-Petersburg 3-1 in Rome, a result which eliminated the Russians. Marco Parolo also netted for Lazio, with Artem Dzyuba scoring for Zenit.

Barcelona, Juventus join Chelsea and Sevilla in Champions League last 16

The Australian Open will likely be delayed by one to two weeks, officials said Wednesday, as talks continue over staging the tournament in Melbourne, which has only recently emerged from months of coronavirus lockdown.

A delay for a week or two to the first Grand Slam of the year, scheduled to begin on January 18, was now "most likely", said Martin Pakula, the Sports Minister of the Victoria State government.

"I still think it's much more likely that it will be a shorter rather than longer delay,"&nbsp;Pakula said.

The "very complex negotiations" were still under way but he remained confident it would go ahead in the early part of 2021.

For eight months, Australia has virtually closed off from the rest of the world, with a blanket ban on non-residents entering the country and citizens strongly advised against all foreign travel.

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley&nbsp;had originally wanted &nbsp;players to start arriving in Australia from mid-December so they could undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine before playing traditional warm-up events.

But the plan was thrown into doubt by Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews, who reportedly will not allow players to arrive before January, which would make it all but impossible to hold the high-profile ATP Cup and other tournaments the start of the Open.

Still under discussion is whether players will be able to train or compete during quarantine.

It comes as Grand Slam winner Andy Murray called for all players to be vaccinated against Covid-19 when it becomes available.&nbsp;

"I would hope that all the players would be willing to do that for the good of the sport -- providing everything has proved to be safe, clinical trials and everything have been done and there are not any significant side-effects," Murray said.

Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Nadal said it was an unprecedented situation and urged patience from players.

"That is difficult for everyone," he said at the ATP Finals in London last week.

"We need to be flexible to understand the situation and to find a way to play as many tournaments as possible next year."

The Australian Open will likely be delayed by one to two weeks, officials said Wednesday, as talks continue over staging the tournament in Melbourne, which has only recently emerged from months of coronavirus lockdown.

The Australian Open will likely be delayed by one to two weeks, officials said Wednesday, as talks continue over staging the tournament in Melbourne, which has only recently emerged from months of coronavirus lockdown. A delay for a week or two to the first Grand Slam of the year, scheduled to begin on January 18, was now "most likely", said Martin Pakula, the Sports Minister of the Victoria State government. "I still think it's much more likely that it will be a shorter rather than longer delay," Pakula said. The "very complex negotiations" were still under way but he remained confident it would go ahead in the early part of 2021. For eight months, Australia has virtually closed off from the rest of the world, with a blanket ban on non-residents entering the country and citizens strongly advised against all foreign travel. Australian Open chief Craig Tiley had originally wanted players to start arriving in Australia from mid-December so they could undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine before playing traditional warm-up events. But the plan was thrown into doubt by Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews, who reportedly will not allow players to arrive before January, which would make it all but impossible to hold the high-profile ATP Cup and other tournaments the start of the Open. Still under discussion is whether players will be able to train or compete during quarantine. It comes as Grand Slam winner Andy Murray called for all players to be vaccinated against Covid-19 when it becomes available. "I would hope that all the players would be willing to do that for the good of the sport -- providing everything has proved to be safe, clinical trials and everything have been done and there are not any significant side-effects," Murray said. Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Nadal said it was an unprecedented situation and urged patience from players. "That is difficult for everyone," he said at the ATP Finals in London last week. "We need to be flexible to understand the situation and to find a way to play as many tournaments as possible next year."

Australian Open 'likely' to be delayed by two weeks

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