284/2018 • 15 DECEMBER, 2018 WEEKEND ISSUE
DAILY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Hungarians protest changes to labor laws and the creation of government-controlled courts Thousands of Hungarians took to the streets in a second day of protests in the capital Budapest
They are furious about the governmentʼs decision to allow employers to demand up to 400 hours of overtime from workers.
Migrant girl dies in US Border Patrol custody
Irish parliament passes bill to legalize abortion
A 7-year-old girl has died while in the custody of the US Border Patrol. The girl crossed the U.S.-Mexico border with her father last week. Federal immigration authorities confirmed the case, first reported by the Washington Post, on Thursday. The Washington Post said the girl died of dehydration and shock more than eight hours after she was arrested by agents near Lordsburg, New Mexico. She was from Guatemala and was traveling with a group of 163 people who approached agents to turn themselves in on December 6.
The Irish parliament on Thursday passed legislation allowing abortions for the first time. The new legislation allows terminations to be carried out up to 12 weeks of pregnancy or in conditions where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant person. Read more: Irelandʼs abortion referendum: What you need to know The bill will also allow terminations in cases of foetal abnormality which could lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth.
Some 3,000 angry demonstrators took to the streets of Budapest on Thursdayto protest laws passed in a tumultuous parliamentary sessiona day earlier. Many of the protesters gathered in front of parliament, while others blocked streets and bridges in the city. Protesters could be heard shouting "Dirty Fidesz" and "Orban go to hell," references to Prime Minister Viktor Orbanand his right-wing Fidesz party. Many protesters were angry about new labor laws that willallow employers to require up to 400 hours of overtime from workers each year. Others denounced the governmentʼs decision to create new administrative courts that will be run by the government and tasked with overseeing elections and other sensitive governmentrelated procedures. One protester, Tamas Szabo, told Reuters news agency: "Discontent has brought us here … one is the issue of the courts, which is the next phase of cementing their power. The other is a slap in the face of working people." Many university students taking part in the protests said they were demonstrating against the governmentʼs ouster of Central European University (CEU),an institute founded by Hungary-born billionaire and Orban-critic George Soros. Although the government rejected claims that the new courts would lead to political interference of the countryʼs judicial system, critics are not convinced. Since taking power in 2010, Orban has consistently worked to undermine the
rule of law in Hungary. Orban and Fidesz have been able to hang on to a two-thirds majority in the Hungarian parliament by taking control of the media and making changes to the countryʼs election system. The European Parliament has become so incensed over Orbanʼs blatant disregard for EU rules regarding democracy, civil rights and corruptionthat it triggered sanction procedures against Hungaryin September. Orban, however, is relying on support from allies within the EU, such as Poland, which faces similar criticism, to shield Hungary from any penalties. Orban and Fidesz have been able to hang on to a two-thirds majority in the Hungarian parliament by taking control of the media and making changes to the countryʼs election system. The European Parliament has become so incensed over Orbanʼs blatant disregard for EU rules regarding democracy, civil rights and corruptionthat it triggered sanction procedures against Hungaryin September. Orban, however, is relying on support from allies within the EU, such as Poland, which faces similar criticism, to shield Hungary from any penalties. The European Parliament has become so incensed over Orbanʼs blatant disregard for EU rules regarding democracy, civil rights and corruptionthat it triggered sanction procedures against Hungaryin September. Orban, however, is relying on support from allies within the EU, such as Poland, which faces similar criticism, to shield Hungary from any penalties.
Indian court rejects graft probe into French jet deal
Strasbourg terror suspect shot dead by police
Indiaʼs Supreme Court on Friday rejected petitions calling for an investigation into a fighter plane contract worth an estimated $8.7 billion (roughly €7.6 billion), amid accusations of financial irregularities. The court heard a series of petitions that questioned thedeal involving 36 Rafale jets, finalized in 2016. The arrangement attracted controversy over its spiraling price tag — and the suspicion that officials granted favors to an Indian partner company.
French police have shot dead Cherif Chekatt , who police believe was behind theStrasbourg Christmas market attackthat killed three people on Tuesday. French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner confirmed Thursday evening that police shot Cherif Chekatt after he fired at them in a street in Strasbourgʼs Neudorf neighborhood. Authorities said the suspect was armed with a knife and pistol. Hours after the incident took place, the news agency of the terrorist organization "Islamic State" (IS) said Cherif Chekatt was an IS miltant, but provided no evidence for the claim.
284/2018 • 15 December, 2018 Weekend issue
ʼDefender of Srebrenicaʼ Naser Oric acquitted of war crimes Naser Oric, a Bosniak military leader once tasked with defense of Srebrenica, was cleared of crimes against Serb prisoners on Friday in Sarajevo. The ex-military leader and his co-defendant Sabahudin Muhic werecharged with killing Serb prisoners in villagers around Srebrenicain 1992, years before a Serb attack on the town would end with a massacre of some 8,000 Bosniak men and boys. The 51year-old was detained in Switzerland on a warrant from Serbia in 2015. However,the Swiss authorities decided to extradite them to his native Bosniawhere a probe against him was also underway. Oric was put on trial and eventually acquitted in October 2017. Subsequently, the prosecution managed to overrule this decision and secure a retrial. The chief prosecutor said the verdict was based on "imaginary evidence" and accused the judge of delivering a different version of the verdict compared to the written document.
Montenegro detains opposition leader Nebojsa Medojevic outside parliament A police squad detained Montenegro government critic Nebojsa Medojevic as he was heading home from the parliament early on Friday, following a lengthy parliamentary session. "Police were out in force outside the parliament, they were waiting — we didnʼt know who they were waiting for, but we knew something was going on," said lawmaker Slaven Radunovic from Medojevicʼs Democratic Front (DF) party in video published on Facebook. Medojevic "got in the car with me and we started off home […] when a police car cut in front of us and Nebojsa was arrested," Radunovic added. "It was said that they have some kind of a warrant, we donʼt know what this is about." Another opposition deputy, Milan Knezevic, was still hiding in the building to avoid detainment. Earlier this year, Medojevic publicly accused Montenegro special prosecutor Milivoje Katnic of taking a €100,000 ($113,670) bribe from a former mayor of Podgorica in order to keep him out of jail. Following the Friday incident, authorities said Medojevic was detained for his refusal to testify in the probe which was triggered in the wake of his statement. Medojevicʼs claims were backed by Knezevic, who now faces detainment on similar grounds. 2
Julian Assange facing embassy exit and uncertain fate Julian Assange is fighting to stay at Ecuadorʼs embassy
Julian Assange is fighting to stay at Ecuadorʼs embassy in London, but his hosts donʼt want him anymore. The WikiLeaks founder accused the embassy of carrying out a surveillance operation on behalf of the FBI. WikiLeaks founder and transparency activist Julian Assange islocked in a legal battlewith Ecuador over the newstringent conditionsimposed in October on his embassy stay. This week, he has threatened to take his case to the International Court of Justice if a second appeal against the Ecuadorian government fails. The new rules by the Ecuadorian Embassy have resulted in the tightening of privileges he is allowed and put financial demands on his remaining in the building. It also introduced the option for Quito to expel the Australian if he breaks the
French prime minister to meet ʼyellow vestʼ protesters French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is to meet with some protestersʼ representatives on Friday, French media said, as the country prepares for a third weekend of protests over rising taxes. Philippe will be joined by Environment Minister Francois de Rugy at the meeting with spokespeople for the so-called ʼyellow vests,ʼ the first time since demonstrationsstarted two weeks agoas protests against a fuel tax hike. Philippe said on Tuesday that he was ready to meet protesters, adding: "What they say includes a lot of very legitimate demands that must be heard." A meeting on Friday between Franceʼs minister for overseas territories, Annick Girardin, and fuel-tax protesters on the French island of Reunion ended abruptly after some be-
new rules. Assange sought to challenge the new house rules in court in November, saying they violated his fundamental rights, but judges ruled against him. He has appealed the decision and should receive a verdict on in eight days. For the past year, the Ecuadorian government has been seeking to rid itself of what it sees as an international problem it inherited from the previous administration. The WikiLeaks founder has been at the embassy since 2012, when he was granted asylum by the administration of President Rafael Correa. gan calling loudly for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Activists have called for further rallies on Parisʼ famed Champs-Elysees boulevard, where a demonstration last weekendwas marred by violence. The demonstrations in France have grown from protests by motorists angry at having to pay more for gas into a movement drawing in farmers, whitecollar workers, retirees and others concerned about the countryʼs high cost of living.
Nazi-looted art: Why are restitutions still the exception? Historians estimate that more than 5 million items have changed hands inappropriately during the Second World War in Europe. But despite the dimension of the crime, the question of works that were looted from Jew-
Homophobia: What is sport doing to combat it? Sport is often seen – and sold – as one of lifeʼs great levellers, a beacon of meritocracy in societies in which ability is often trumped by nepotism or vested interests. But, despite the perception, evidence suggests that, in one area at least, the goal of equality remains a pipe dream. The first results of a 5,500-person European Union-wide study, conducted and published earlier this month by the German Sport University in Cologne (DSHS), found that nine of 10 respondents from the LGBTI community believe sport has a problem with homophobia and transphobia. The most common way this prejudice is experienced is through derogatory slurs (82 percent of those surveyed) and sexuality-based discrimination (75 percent) while one in five respondents reported violent altercations and more than a third "physical transgressions." Professor Ilse HartmannTews, who was part of the DSHS team that conducted the study, told DW that, although it was early days in analyzing the results, experiences varied widely across the 28 EU nations and that sporting bodies needed to do more to address such concerns.
ish owners remained the elephant in the room for much of the 20th century. It was only in 1998 that representatives of 44 countries convened in Washington D.C. to establish a set of principles to help descendants reclaim their familyʼs art. The goal of the non-binding "Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art" was "to complete by the end of this century the unfinished business of the middle of the century," declared Stuart Eizenstat, the US official who hosted the conference. The guidelines were praised as revolutionary at the time. However, 20 years later, "The Washington Principles have been a failure," says historian Marc Masurovsky. Masurovsky is the cofounder of the Holocaust Art Research Project (HARP), which was established in 1997. Through HARP, he aimed to focus on archival research, and he unwillingly became a restitution activist through his work. He says he can name a dozen cases off the top of his head of claimants who are still seeking justice.
284/2018 • 15 December, 2018 Weekend issue
Dark, intense shades meet casual feminine style: Högl Collection A/W 2018/2019 watch out for our SALE prices up to 50%! WINTER SALE! UP TO 50% ON THE COLLECTION AUTUMN/WINTER IN OUR BUDAPEST STORES!!
The Högl autumn/winter 2018/19 collection confidently showcases the new on-trend colours dark plum, violet, rust brown and different shades of grey. The new season’s styles are impressively strong, but still feminine. They come in a range of new colours and materials, in slim, elegant styles with block heels and profiled soles – guaranteed to turn heads. Nightwalker Mysterious and as dark as the night, the styles in this part of the collection won’t fail to impress. The focus is on new interpretations of classics: boots and ankle boots with stylish details such as laces, eyelets and buckles. The colour palette
ranges from black to dark grey to the new addition of dark plum. Swarovski® crystal detailing emphasises the feminine look and adds a hint of opulence. Winter styles are enhanced by a Gore-Tex® membrane, and are available in both casual suede and metallic leather. Sense Maker Delicate greys bring a ray of light in the winter darkness, complemented by clean, simple lines. The urban focus of the collection uses a palette of flattering dark grey, stone, nude and mauve tones. Trendy block heels and new queenie heels feature strongly. From sneakers to heels (in round, V-neck and high-fronted cuts) to
bootees and over-knee boots, the high-quality leather and soft neutral colours of these new designs complement next season’s relaxed, feminine look perfectly. Experiencer The third theme of the collection is expressed in earthy tones, from espresso to rust brown and camel. Sneakers, bootees and heels in burnt colours and retrochic style invite to experiment with all sorts of different combinations. The multi-tone effect of the new materials used for ankle boots – such as crushed Naplak – adds a surprising twist to their look. Singer Adrien Szek‐ eres is now 3rd year brand ambassador of Högl Shoes in Hungary!
Europe’s Nr. 4. most impressive Advent fair awaits its visitors at the Basilica The Advent Fair opens its gates again this year from November 23rd at the St. Stephens’s Basilica eighth time in a row. This event is considered to be the fourth most beautiful Christmas fairs on the old continent according to Europeans. Besides the unique 3D light paint projected on the facade of the Basilica, the spectacular and adventurous seasonal meeting point offers a free skating ring, special hand crafted items, local food and drink specialties until January 1st. The creators of the event are proud of the Advent Feast at the Basilica being listed amongst the top 5 in Europe. The carefully prepared venue and programs are to grant the visitors the cozy ambience they love to return to year by year at this magical social scenery. The joyful crowd of the skating ring, the luxurious lights and the Christmas aromas create the holiday atmosphere where the excitement of getting in the Christmas mood can settle in. Several special programs for children and adults, like arts and crafts, flash mobs, dance and music performances and other surprises will await the visitors. The Fair is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to donate, help those in need. On the public poll of the European Best Destination the Advent Fair at the Basilica was again listed amongst the top 20 nominees of best destinations as the only Hungarian event and might even win a trophy this year.
A new exhibition celebrates 100 years of Budapest’s Gellért Hotel A recreated Baroque-style guest room, photos of the building taken during World War II and Communist-era posters reflect the history of Budapest’s most legendary hotel, the Gellért. A new exhibition at the Museum of Commerce & Catering celebrates the centenary of this institution which opened on 24 September 1918. Attached to the hotel is Budapest’s Art Nouveau Gellért Baths, whose outdoor wave pool, also illustrated at the museum, was the first of its kind in the world.
3
284/2018 • 15 December, 2018 Weekend issue
Alma Abonyi bag under every Christmas tree! Last call! Christmas Fair in Clique Design Studio this Saturday and Sunday!
Dark, intense shades meet casual feminine style: Högl Collection A/W 2018/2019 The Högl autumn/winter 2018/19 collection confidently showcases the new on-trend colours dark plum, violet, rust brown and different shades of grey. The new season’s styles are impressively strong, but still feminine. They come in a range of new colours and materials, in slim, elegant styles with block heels and profiled soles – guaranteed to turn heads. Nightwalker Mysterious and as dark as the night, the styles in this part of the collection won’t fail to impress. The focus is on new interpretations of classics: boots and ankle boots with stylish details such as laces, eyelets and buckles. The colour palette ranges from black to dark grey to the new addition of dark plum. Swarovski® crystal detailing emphasises the feminine look and adds a hint of opulence. Winter styles are enhanced by a Gore-Tex® membrane, and are available in both casual suede and metallic leather. Sense Maker
Delicate greys bring a ray of light in the winter darkness, complemented by clean, simple lines. The urban focus of the collection uses a palette of flattering dark grey, stone, nude and mauve tones. Trendy block heels and new queenie heels feature strongly. From sneakers to heels (in round, V-neck and high-fronted cuts) to bootees and overknee boots, the high-quality leather and soft neutral colours of these new designs complement next season’s relaxed, feminine look perfectly. Experiencer The third theme of the collection is expressed in earthy tones, from espresso to rust brown and camel. Sneakers, bootees and heels in burnt colours and retro-chic style invite to experiment with all sorts of different combinations. The multi-tone effect of the new materials used for ankle boots – such as crushed Naplak – adds a surprising twist to their look. Singer Adrien Szekeres is now 3rd year brand ambas‐ sador of Högl Shoes in Hungary!
50% SALE on every left piece of the first leather collection, until on stock! Visit almaabonyi.com for more information! "Itʼs unbelievable but from the first leather collection there are only a few pieces left. You can get them with
50% discount now, until Christmas, as long as we have them on stock!"
Hungary’s Recirquel to stage
Diplomático - Rum you never experienced before!
Budapest premiere of hit
Foto: Forgeron Studio
Edinburgh show “My Land” The show runs at Müpa Budapest every day from 16 to 19 October and on 21 October. From tonight, Budapest audiences can expect gravity-defying acts performed in their purest form, through physical feats of the body. Presented on the stage of the prestigious Müpa Palace of Arts are stunts by globally renowned company Recirquel, whose new ballet-like production “My Land” was top-rated by critics at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We talk to Recirquel founder and choreographer Bence Vági, who has taken acrobatics to new heights. Performers in skin-tight unitards rise up from a dirt-covered set to share personal stories, their bodies contorted and biceps straining. What unfolds in front of the viewers appear as illusionary images combining light, shadow and reflection – nature’s elements. Tradition, freedom and love all form part of My Land, a real physical feat enacted by a team of Ukrainian artists to traditional Tatar and Moldavian music. 4
WhiskyNet covers the entire vertical range of distribution and sales of quality spirits (rum, cognac, calvados, armagnac, gin, vodka, etc.) and other premium drinks (vermouth, tonic, etc.) on the Hungarian market. The company’s more than 11-year-old history has inextricably linked with spreading and promoting Hungarian quality spirits and the demand for a civilised and informed way of drinking. Visit GoodSpirit Shop Address: 1053 Budapest Veress Pálné utca 7. Opening hours: Mondy-Friday: 11:00 – 19:00 Saturday: 11:00 – 16:00 Website: http://goodspiritshop.hu/, also GoodSpirit Whisky & Cocktail Bar Opening hours: Mondy-Friday: 11:00 – 24:00 Address: 1053 Budapest, Veres Pálné utca 7. (Nyáry Pál utca angle) Website:http://goodspiritbar.hu/
ʼYou are a woman, a mother, a sister and a daughter; dare to be yourself with Celeniʼ
A line born in Budapest embracing the female body through precised tailoring to achieve effortless sophistication together with timeless classics. Look inside the pieces to discover our story hidden in the details! Celeni is a lifestyle brand designed
for educated and powerful, yet feminine women, who love art and culture. It focuses on everyday luxury, creating classic, but modern pieces season after season highlighting womenʼs natural beauty. Celeni’s pieces are wearable and versatile transitioning from daywear to eveningwear with just the change of accessories. All of Celeniʼs products are proudly crafted in Hungary. End of season sale has kicked off in our showroom. Grab your favorite unique pieces at unbelievable prices until stock lasts. If you can’t find what you are looking for, we design it for you. Our showroom is situated in the very heart of Budapest. Book an appointment today. Contact us at: info@celeni.hu +36-70/670-0116 Metropolitan Store 1054 Budapest, Aulich utca 4. Visit our showroom in Metropolitan Store - we also ship abroad!
284/2018 • 15 December, 2018 Weekend issue
Greenland ice sheet melting at ʼexceptionalʼ rate The disintegrating Greenland ice sheet is the leading cause of global sea level rise
German band Kraftwerk gets boost on ʼsamplingʼ copyright case In 1997, German rapper and hip-hop music producer Moses Pelham copied a two-second sequence from the pioneering electronic band Kraftwerkʼs 1977 track "Metall auf Metall" (Metal on Metal) without permission and placed it in an endless loop in the song "Nur mir" by rapper Sabrina Setlur. Ralf Huetter and Florian Schneider-Esleben, founding members of Kraftwerk, sued Pelman, citing infringement. "Sampling" is a technique that extracts bits of another work, such as a rhythmic sequence, and incorporates them into a new composition. Copying and applying such excerpts interferes with the rights of the producer and, without permission, constitutes infringement, said Maciej Szpunar, an advocate general of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), on Wednesday.
Visit Budapest’s most charming Basilica Advent Fair And, according to a new study, itʼs melting faster than it ever has in recorded history. Greenland may be a remote and scarcely populated island, but, as a new study highlights, deep environmental changes happening there are having consequences for the entire globe. The worldʼs largest island is a vital cog in the planetʼs climate system — 80 percent of it is covered in ice, known as the Greenland ice sheet. Although itʼs well known that this ice has been gradually melting over time — adding 1.3
millimeters (about .05 of an inch) to global sea levels each year — researchers have now confirmed that the melt is accelerating at an alarming rate. The newreport, published on Wednesday in Nature, maps the pace of the melting ice over 350 years. It shows that melting has rapidly increased over the last few decades — it is 50 percent faster today than it was in the preindustrial era.
Why it took 54 years for Mary Poppins to return The magical nanny, portrayed by Julie Andrews, first floated over London in 1964. Disney actually wanted to produce a sequel to its hit musical a year later. Now, over half a century later, Mary Poppins finally returns. Back in 1964, millions poured in from all over the world: "Mary Poppins" was a box office sensation. It turned Julie Andrews into a star, and people cheerfully sang the filmʼs catchy tunes all the way home, and shared the experience with their children for the decades that followed. To this day, Mary Poppins remains one of the most successful musi-
cal films ever made. While it was directed by a seasoned filmmaker, Robert Stevenson, it remains above all a Disney production. At the time, Walt Disney was best known as an animation specialist. With movies including Bambi, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, the US production company had already enchanted millions of people — and not only children. But Disney had to come up with something new to keep building on its success. That happened with Mary Poppins, a musical that innovatively combined live action and animation.
Weather
Sun
1/3
Mon
Tue
0/2
-1 / 2
Hungary Budapest: Debrecen: Eger: Hévíz:
8/3 9/3 7/5 8/3
Athens: Berlin: Bratislava: Bucharest: London: Madrid:
15/11 5/9 7/11 6/11 11/14 10/15
Kecskemét: Keszthely: Siófok:
6/3 7/4 7/5
Europe Moscow: Paris: Prague: Rome: Varsaw: Vienna:
2/6 11/14 8/10 8/15 3/8 9/8
Culture
Renovated Museum of Fine Arts to Open on 31 October AFTER MORE THAN THREE YEARS OF RENOVATION, THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS BUDAPEST WILL OPEN ON 31 OCTOBER. NOW OPEN TO PUBLIC
The Advent Fair by St Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most atmospheric in Budapest. Centrepieced by a towering Christmas tree and a free ice-rink for kids, stalls offer delicious dishes and all things jolly, while special light shows projected onto the façade of the Basilica make every night special. See below for tips on what to eat, drink and buy – and find out what film star Antonio Banderas was up to here last year! Right in the city centre, this Christmas fair has been improving year upon year, offering an enchanted experience for all ages. The main attraction is a recent one, illuminated visuals projected onto the façade of the historic Basilica.
Thanks to the largest-scale and most comprehensive reconstruction project in the museum’s history, the museum building has been renewed, and, returning to the collection’s first concept, the museum’s permanent exhibitions will also be rearranged. Besides the new permanent exhibitions, the revamped museum will welcome visitors with a chamber exhibition titled Leonardo & the Budapest Horse and Rider. The museum reconstruction, implemented within the framework of the Liget Budapest Project, included the restoration of the Romanesque Hall, which sustained severe damage in World War II and since then had been only partially renovated and used as a storage area, along with the modernisation of the building’s obsolete heating system, the installation of air conditioning in some of the exhibition halls, the renewal of a large part of the roof structure, as well as the addition of new exhibition spaces, visitor areas and modern storage facilities.
5
284/2018 • 15 December, 2018 Weekend issue
Champions League: Schalke lose, but make last 16
Before a ball was even kicked in Portugal, Schalke secured the result they wanted. Galatasarayʼs defeat to Lokomotiv Moscow left the Turkish side four points behind Schalke with just one game to play, securing the Bundesliga clubʼs spot in the Champions League last 16. Domenico Tedesco made five changes to the starting lineup, but Schalke eventually succumbed to the better side. Ralf Fährmann made a strong save at the end of a fairly even opening quarter of an hour, pushing away a powerful half-volley from Moussa Marega. Three minutes later, Fährmann stretched even further to claw out another special effort from Marega.
Steph Curry: Golden State Warriors star helps young girl wear his trainers
NBA superstar Steph Curry has come to the aid of a young fan who couldnʼt find a pair of his basketball trainers for her. Nine-year-old Riley wrote to the Golden State Warriors player as she was "disappointed" there were no ʼCurry 5ʼ for sale under the girlsʼ section of the Under Armour website, but they were available for boys. "I know you support girl athletes because you have two daughters and you host an all girls basketball camp," said Riley in apost from her dad shared on social media."I hope you can change this." Three-time NBA champion and father-of-three Curry is an advocate of womenʼs rights. 6
Aleksandar Kolarovʼs free kick stunner secures Serbia win over Costa Rica A brilliant second half free kick from captain Aleksandar Kolarov led Serbia to a deserved win over Costa Rica. Serbia were wasteful in front of goal but did enough to secure three vital points in Group E. Another World Cup day, another sublime freekick. If Cristiano Ronaldo’s ice-cold effort tosnatch a point against arch-rivals Spain on day two was the current goal of the tournament front-runner, the Portuguese may have just met his match. Aleksandar Kolarov, take a bow. A combination of poor finishing and sublime goalkeeping had kept the scores level until Serbia’s no.11 produced his moment of magic. Kolarov’s powerful left foot is no secret, but few inside the stadium would have expected such a thunderous strike when the Roma defender stood over a free kick midway through the second half. His shot was unstoppable; a side-footed missile which screamed into the top corner of the Costa Rica net. Kaylor Navas, who kept his team in the game with several crucial saves either side of half time, was nowhere near it.
Bayern Munich players look to turn words into actions in Bremen Bundesliga:
Niko Kovac has received public support from his Bayern Munich players – but talk is cheap. The Bavarians need to step up when they travel to Bremen. Elsewhere, Dortmund welcome Freiburg while Gladbach travel to Leipzig. A series of internal meetings, a couple of tactical adjustments, qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League and some public statements of support for Niko Kovac from key players – Bayern Munich are back on track. That, at least, is the impression the Bavarian giants want to convey as they go into their final five Bundesliga games of the year, starting with a
trip to Werder Bremen on Saturday five games that striker Robert Lewandowski believes the team must win in order to stay in touch in 2019. "I hope it will have a liberating effect," said Kovac, referring to Tuesdayʼs 5-1 hammering of Benfica. "I hope the players see that the instructions we give them make sense. Now my team needs to dig as deep as they can."
Alexis Sanchez: Jose Mourinho fears Man Utd forward will be out for long time Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez could be out for a "long time" with a hamstring injury, says manager Jose Mourinho. The 29-year-old Chilean suffered the injury in training on Thursday. Sanchez is yet to have a scan to determine the extent of the damage but Mourinho said he was "screaming" in pain and would miss up to six weeks. "It is not a little muscular injury from which he will be ready in a week or 10 days," he added. Mourinho says it is more severe than the hamstring injury
defender Victor Lindelof has suffered. The Sweden international, who was injured in Saturdayʼs home draw against Crystal Palace, is expected to be out until the festive period. On Sanchez, Mourinho added: "It is an aggressive muscular injury. He has not had a scan yet but the player is experienced. He knows what the injury is. "From my experience, the painful scream and the way it happened, it will be a long time. "For me and Alexis Sanchez, the grade is different to the one that Lindelof has and that was not easy."