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Frappart makes history as first woman referee in men’s World Cup match

The 36-year-old is eagerly looking forward to the World Cup and her chance to take the centre stage as a match referee…reports Asian Lite News

On Thursday night at the Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor, fans attending the crunch match between Costa Rica and Germany were in witness to a new chapter of football history being written on the football turf.

When the kick off of the last and concluding match of the Group E, French referee Stephanie Frappart entered the record books as the first woman to take charge of a FIFA World Cup match.

Her appointment was announced by the tournament organisers on Tuesday and means the 38-year-old match official will take her place in the history of the game. Frappart took charge of two matches in the qualifiers for the tournament, but her presence at the World Cup itself is a significant moment.

The Frenchwoman was the fourth official in the 0-0 draw between Mexico and Poland of Group C, becoming the first woman to occupy the role at a men’s World Cup.

Frappart is no stranger to the biggest stage in the game, having officiated in six matches at the last two FIFA Women’s World Cup competitions – Canada 2015 and France 2019.

Frappart felt a special pride in representing France as a FIFA World Cup referee.

“I felt enormous emotion because it wasn’t particularly expected that I would be picked. So, (I feel) a lot of pride, a lot of honour, to represent France at the World Cup.”

Frappart said that being a referee at the FIFA World Cup 2022 would mean that she would have to keep emotions in check to ensure optimal performance on the pitch.

“I think I’ll have everything that’s around me in mind, and the aim will still be the same, that is the referee according to the performance on the pitch. So, I’m really going to head into this with enormous emotion, but you have to channel that because clearly the important thing is the pitch.”

“The first thing will be all the emotions of returning to the World Cup stadium, packed with a large crowd and plenty of expectations. But after that, I’ll be focused on the pitch because we need to make the correct decisions and perform well by concentrating on the primary objective on the pitch.”

Besides, two other women referees are on the brink of history as they look set to officiate at the men’s football World Cup in the coming days after Frappart.

Yamashita Yoshimi and Salima Mukansanga have all been named among the 36 referees selected for the tournament that concludes on December 18.

They will also be joined by Neuza Back of Brazil, Mexico’s Karen Diaz Medina and American Kathryn Nesbitt who are headed to the World Cup as three of 69 assistant referees. Japanese Yamashita is set to appear at a second consecutive World Cup after officiating the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France. She also took charge at the 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021, in a game between the USA and Sweden.

Yamashita is another one who has set her own records on the referees front this year. She officiated the AFC Champions League between Melbourne City and Jeonnam Dragons in the FC Tokyo and Kyoto Sanga match of the J1 League – becoming the first female referee to do so.

The 36-year-old is eagerly looking forward to the World Cup and her chance to take the centre stage as a match referee.

“There are hardly any female referees in the Middle East, so I would like to see that change, with the Qatar World Cup as the catalyst,” she said recently.

“The fact that women are officiating for the first time at a men’s World Cup is a sign to other people that women’s potential is always growing and that is something I also feel strongly about.”

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Portugal joins Brazil, France into knockouts stage of World Cup

Portugal continued to dominate possession but could not create a clear-cut chance while Uruguay struggled to get any control of the ball…reports Asian Lite News

A brace from Bruno Fernandes helped Portugal to a 2-0 win over Uruguay and a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.

On Monday, in the last match of the day at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, Portugal’s second successive win took them to six points and to the top of the Group H standings leaving Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea to fight for the second qualification spot from the group.

Portugal joins Brazil and France, the other two teams which have made it to the knockout stage so far.

Portugal started well on the ball, enjoying the lion’s share of possession but Uruguay fashioned the best chance. Rodrigo Bentancur worked his way brilliantly through Portugal’s defence but squandering the game’s best chance in the 33rd minute, firing straight at Diogo Costa from a one-on-one situation.

At the other end Bruno worked hard, winning 100 per cent of his tackles, registering a 93 per cent pass accuracy rate and generally stringing play together for his side and with Joao Felix looking lively for Portugal on the left, Uruguay had a handful to deal with.

An attempt from distance from Joao flew wide but marked a warning shot for Uruguay, from the 23-year-old Atletico Madrid star.

Portugal continued to dominate possession but could not create a clear-cut chance while Uruguay struggled to get any control of the ball.

After a barren first half, Portugal coach Fernando Santos was hoping that his side could find a way to break the deadlock, and they did by scoring nine minutes into the second half through Bruno. The Manchester United striker added a second one in stoppage time of the second half.

Bruno’s first goal was initially credited to his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo but thereafter credited to Bruno.

In a breakthrough move Bruno’s cross was travelling towards the net, Ronaldo tried to produce a glancing header but did not make contact which ended up in the back of the nets after eluding Uruguay keeper Sergio Rochet’s reach. Ronaldo celebrated wildly, but Bruno was officially credited with the goal.

Uruguay down by a goal pressed the panic buttons and shifted gears during which period they came close to scoring a few times with one of their efforts hitting the metal work. Due credit to the Uruguay substite who changed the pace of the match. All of a sudden, Uruguay had just grabbed the bull by the horns and were taking the game to Portugal

And it was a stunning introduction from Maxi Gomez. After getting a pass on the edge of the box, his first time curled past a flinging Diogo Costa under the Portugal bar only to find the ball bounce off the right upright and away. That was the closest Uruguay came close to equalizing.

Portugal celebrated the goal with a second one through a controversial injury-time penalty which was awarded after VAR review.

Portugal had a penalty awarded after a VAR check. Jose Maria Gimenez handled as he fell backwards after being nutmegged by Bruno. Absolutely unintentional, but it has been given “The guy’s literally putting his hand down to cushion his fall” and it is not for the first time that VAR has been found wanting on penalties

With Ronaldo substituted, the trio of changes that coach Santos made pulling Ronaldo, Felix and Carvalho making way for Joao Palhinha, Goncalo Ramos and Matheus Nunes it was Bruno, who stepped up to take the spot kick, he made a little skip in the air and just waited for Sergio Rochet to fall to the left and just stroked it to the right. A really comfortable hit into the back of the net, 2-0.

Thereafter, Bruno had a chance to register his hat trick but his effort in the eight minute of stoppage time came off the metal work.

Former winners and hosts of the first edition of the football showpiece event Uruguay which drew with South Korea in their first match now have just a point from two matches and play their last match against Ghana. The African side earlier on Monday defeated South Korea 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.

The match saw five players aged 35 and above figuring in the game — Pepe (39), Cristiano Ronaldo (37), Diego Godin (36), Luis Suarez (35) and Edinson Cavani (35) — the most in a World Cup match in history.

Meanwhile in the second half, there was a pitch invader who ran on the pitch holding a rainbow flag.

His T-shirt had “Save Ukraine” written on one side and on the back were the words “Respect For Iranian Woman”.

ALSO READ-IPL 2022 final enters Guinness World Record

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P.T Usha elected as Indian Olympic Association president

PT Usha .(photo:Twitter)

One of the most decorated athletes in India, Usha won four gold medals and seven silver medals at the Asian Games…reports Asian Lite News

Legendary Indian athlete P.T Usha on Monday elected as the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Union Law Minister and former Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju congratulated the veteran sprinter on her appointment as the president of IOA. On November 26, the 58-year-old took to social media to inform everyone that she has filed her nomination for the top post in next month’s IOA elections.

The deadline to file nomination papers for the IOA elections ended on November 27. IOA elections returning officer Umesh Sinha did not receive any nominations for the top post till November 27. However, 24 candidates filed nominations for various posts on Sunday.

“Congratulations to legendary Golden Girl, Smt. P T Usha on being elected as the President of Indian Olympic Association. I also congratulate all the sporting heroes of our country on becoming the office bearers of the prestigious IOA! A nation is proud of them!,” tweeted Rijiju. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) also retweeted Rijiju’s tweet.

One of the most decorated athletes in India, Usha won four gold medals and seven silver medals at the Asian Games.

Usha is among the eight sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs) picked by the newly-elected Athletes Commission to vote during the December 10 elections for the new executive committee of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The other seven SOMs are Yogeshwar Dutt (wrestling) M.M. Somaya (hockey), Rohit Rajpal (tennis), Akhil Kumar (boxing), Suma Shirur (shooting), Aparna Popat (badminton) and Dola Banerjee (archery).

On November 15, the Supreme Court said its orders in connection with the adoption of the constitution and polling for executive committee of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) should be scrupulously followed.

The bench said there is a broad consensus in terms of the note submitted by Justice Rao that the elections should be held on December 10.

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Sport

IPL 2022 final enters Guinness World Record

BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that proud moment for everyone as India creates the Guinness World Record….reports Asian Lite News

New Delhi, Nov 27 (IANS) BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Sunday tweeted that the IPL 2022 final, which was held earlier this year, has set a Guinness World Record for the largest attendance in a T20 match.

“Extremely delighted & proud to receive the Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a T20 match when 101,566 people witnessed the epic @IPL final at @GCAMotera’s magnificent Narendra Modi Stadium on 29 May 2022. A big thanks to our fans for making this possible! @BCCI”, tweeted Shah.

IPL 2022 final sets Guinness World Record for biggest crowd attendance in a T20 match

In the final which was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a determined Gujarat Titans, led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya, made their maiden IPL season an unforgettable one by lifting the title at their home ground in a seven-wicket win over Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals.

“A proud moment for everyone as India creates the Guinness World Record. This one is for all our fans for their unmatched passion and unwavering support. Congratulations to @GCAMotera and @IPL,” tweeted the BCCI.

By finishing off a chase of 131 with 11 balls remaining and defeating Rajasthan for the third time in IPL 2022 after losing the toss, Gujarat capped off a season where they exceeded everyone’s pre-tournament expectations to become champions in their debut season of the competition.

Pandya led the Gujarat Titans from the front with an all-round performance, picking figures of 3/17 in his four overs with the ball and making 34 off 30 balls with the bat, and picked the Player of the Match award in the final.

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Qatar games unite people

“Football is universal. In other words, sport is universal and unifying. No other issue should be included in the sport”…reports Asian Lite News

As the 2022 FIFA World Cup enters the semi-final stage, football fans in Türkiye said the month-long event would contribute to eradicating prejudices among religions, nations and people.

The World Cup displays the unifying power of sports and helps people erase their bias against each other, Ecem Koc, a young woman in Istanbul, told Xinhua. “Football is universal. In other words, sport is universal and unifying. No other issue should be included in the sport.”

“There is such a multicultural environment. … Qatar is very open to different nations, values and cultures,” said Feyza Gumusluoglu, foreign news department coordinator of Istanbul-based broadcaster EkoTurk.

However, the journalist, who lived in Qatar’s capital Doha from 2010 to 2016, noticed that the country’s achievements on the course to the World Cup were being overshadowed by unfair news from western media. “The handling and the coverage of this World Cup by the Western press, has come to a point of smearing,” she told Xinhua.

Gumusluoglu said she believes that Qatar did a tremendous job transforming the country in line with the requirements of such a big sports event, implementing a series of reforms on labor policy, building and improving infrastructure, and redesigning cities.

In early November, the Arab League said some Western countries had politicized the games by fabricating a “baseless campaign of defamation” against Qatar through their media coverage. Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, recently lashed out at some Western media, blaming certain Westerners for having “hypocritical double standards.”

For Fatih Ahmetcan Alpcan, a 24-year-old social media manager in Türkiye, the World Cup is where people can get rid of their current problems for a while and only focus on football.

“Even though we (Türkiye) did not participate in the World Cup, it is an organization where we get away from current issues for a while and talk about football and sports. It is important in this sense,” Alpcan said.

Murat Tufan, an analyst with Ekoturk, said the World Cup in Qatar shows that another world is possible and that tolerance should prevail in such a world.

Fans Throng

After the first round of FIFA World Cup group stage matches were completed, official figures show that the average overall match attendance stands at an impressive 94% compared to stadium capacities for the event, according to a report published by FIFA on its website.

With all 32 nations having taken to the field – and more than three million tickets sold for the tournament – the strong attendance figures also follow the recent news that the preliminary comparable television viewing figures are up in nations across the world from the previous FIFA World Cup edition.

The highest match attendance of the tournament was the game at Lusail Stadium on 24 November, with 88,103 there to see Brazil beat Serbia 2-0. On the same day, the FIFA Fan Festival in Doha’s Al Bidda Park has also achieved its highest accumulative attendance, with a total of 98,000 fans throughout the day. The multi-national and multi-cultured festival of football is screening every FIFA World Cup game on giant screens, as well as providing free entertainment between games with some of the most famous names from music scenes around the world – and has been enjoyed by fans from every corner of the globe.

While FIFA requests that venues hosting the final match, opening game and semi-finals can host a minimum of 80,000 and 60,000 spectators respectively, the magnificent Lusail Stadium can accommodate 88,966 spectators, while Al Bayt Stadium can host up to 68,895 fans. For all other matches, a minimum 40,000-seater capacity is required, with the demountable Stadium 974 being the most compact of all Qatar 2022 venues (44,089).

The capacity figures for the tournament have been finalised after all operational arrangements were made – from the final seating map to temporary infrastructure to accommodate media, broadcasters, and guests. It was also explained that capacities for specific matches such as opening and final may vary slightly, and that figures for legacy mode are different and provided by the Host Country.

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Mbappe’s double helps France qualify for knockout stage

In the last round matches of the group, Tunisia meet France and Australia take on Denmark, which will turn out to be a winner-takes-it-all clash…reports Asian Lite News

Defending champions France became the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a fighting 2-1 win over Denmark at the 974 stadium on Saturday.

With two successive wins, the first one against Australia (4-1), the French men now lead Group D with six points, leaving Denmark, Australia and Tunisia to fight for the remaining qualifying spot from the group.

Australia, which earlier in the day defeated Tunisia 1-0, are on three points while Denmark, which drew their first match against Tunisia, have one point in their kitty from one loss and one draw.

In the last round matches of the group, Tunisia meet France and Australia take on Denmark, which will turn out to be a winner-takes-it-all clash.

On Saturday, Kylian Mbappe scored both goals while Andreas Christensen struck for Denmark. Mbappe scored in the 61st minute while Christensen equalised seven minutes later for Denmark, only to find the Frenchman scoring again in the 86th minute to register his second goal of the match and the third of the tournament.

After a goalless first half, Mbappe came alive in the second session, producing one breathtaking run, forcing Kasper Schmeichel into a smart save followed by a goal,

Mbappe struck in the 61st minute. The goal came through the combined efforts of Theo Hernandez and Mbappe, the latter converting a pull-back from the former, the ball taking a little deflection off Christensen on its way past Schmeichel.

France’s lead was short-lived as Denmark fought their way back with a goal in the 68th minute.

Denmark drew level with Christensen scoring with a powerful header off a corner after Joachim Andersen gets a flick on Eriksen’s delivery to the near post.

France restored the lead soon, this time Mbappe bundled the ball home with his thigh, stealing in behind Kristensen to convert a curled Griezmann cross. He scored from all of six inches out there but his movement as soon as he saw Griezman get the ball was terrific.

“Yes, we need to win against Australia. We know that. We are very much focused on that,” Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said during the post-match press conference.

Sitting third in the group with one point, Denmark have to beat Australia in their final group game or they’re out of the tournament.

The qualification equation will change if Tunisia upset France then it could come down to the goal difference between Tunisia, Denmark and Australia as to who goes through in second place.

ALSO READ-Stoppage time goals help Iran defeat Wales 2-0

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Stoppage time goals help Iran defeat Wales 2-0

Iran then added their second with practically the last kick of the game when Ramin Rezaeian finished off another rapid counter-attack with a cool finish over substitute goalkeeper Danny Ward…reports Asian Lite News

Reduced to 10 men, Wales were left heartbroken as Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaein scored in the stoppage time to help Iran claim a valuable 2-0 win in a Group B match of the FIFA World Cup at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium here on Friday.

Iran made the most of their one-man advantage, scoring two injury-time goals to beat Wales and maintain their chances of advancing from Group B.

Rouzbeh Cheshmi’s stunning goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time broke Wales’ resistance after goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey had been shown a straight red card for racing off his line and fouling Mehdi Taremi in the 84th minute.

Iran then added their second with practically the last kick of the game when Ramin Rezaeian finished off another rapid counter-attack with a cool finish over substitute goalkeeper Danny Ward.

Wales’ goalkeeper Hennessey was initially shown yellow for a challenge on Mehdi Taremi though it was checked by VAR with the referee swiftly overturning the decision.

ALSO READ-Belgium spoils Canada’s World Cup return with 1-0 win

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Belgium spoils Canada’s World Cup return with 1-0 win

Canada squandered another scoring opportunity in second-half stoppage time as Tajon Buchanan’s sliding shot from point-blank range sailed over the bar after Laryea’s cross from the right flank…reports Asian Lite News

Michy Batshuayi struck a first-half goal as Belgium opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Canada here late on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Fenerbahce striker gave the European side the lead on the stroke of halftime when he thumped a first-time effort into the far corner following a counterattack.

Canada were denied an early lead by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who dived low to his right to keep out an Alphonso Davies’ penalty, reports Xinhua.

The result extended Belgium’s unbeaten record in the World Cup group stage to 13 matches, a run that dates back to 1998.

Canada, playing on football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1986, continue their search for a first World Cup goal. On Wednesday’s form, they will be odds-on to break their duck against Croatia or Morocco in their remaining group matches.

Canada took the initiative from outset at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha, rushing forward in numbers and unsettling a Belgium defense that was repeatedly caught off guard.

The North American side appeared set to take the lead in the 10th minute when referee Janny Sikazwe awarded a penalty for a Yannick Carrasco handball. But Courtois was equal to the task, comfortably saving Davies’ resultant spot-kick.

Belgium’s defence was under siege and Courtois again came to the rescue by denying Richie Laryea with his right leg after another threatening Canada foray.

Roberto Martinez’s men struggled to maintain possession, with midfielder Kevin De Bruyne often drawn deep into his own half, blunting his attacking threat.

Belgium struck against the run of play when Alderweireld floated an inch-perfect pass into the path of an onrushing Batshuayi, who sent an unstoppable shot past Milan Borjan.

Canada squandered another scoring opportunity in second-half stoppage time as Tajon Buchanan’s sliding shot from point-blank range sailed over the bar after Laryea’s cross from the right flank.

Canada continued to rattle Belgium’s defence after the restart and Stephen Eustaquio found Jonathan David with a pinpoint cross only for the striker to misdirect his header at the far post.

De Bruyne’s influence grew as the match progressed, even if his teammates couldn’t capitalize on his sublime vision and passing.

Batshuayi failed to get a clean shot away after the Manchester City midfielder’s probing run and cross, and the striker was again at fault when De Bruyne’s dangerous long-range pass bounced out of play off his shin.

Belgium struggled to put the result beyond doubt and Canada almost equalised in the 80th minute through David, whose threatening header was smartly kept out by Courtois.

ALSO READ-Richarlison double propels Brazil to win over Serbia

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Richarlison double propels Brazil to win over Serbia

Richarlison twin strikes came in the 62nd and 73rd minute and helped him to take his individual goals tally to 19 goals….reports Asian Lite News

Two second half goals from Richarlison helped Brazil to begin their group campaign with 2-0 win over Serbia at the Lusail stadium in Doha on Thursday evening.

Richarlison twin strikes came in the 62nd and 73rd minute and helped him to take his individual goals tally to 19 goals.

The Selecao were far from impressive in the first half.

The flair which Brazil was known for has vanished to a large extent.

But more than the flamboyant style of play it was the precision passing and the decisive final touch which were eluding the South Americians in the first half. They had the ball possession, had most of the cracks at the goals, earned some five corner kicks and kept the rivals guessing but the goal eluded them in the first half.

After Vinicius Junior and Neymar had come close to breaking open the Serbia defense in the first half it was in the second half that Brazil.stepped up the pace.

After some close look in at the Serbia goal, the Brazilians nearly took the lead-up but were denied by the metal work.

With a quarter gone unto the match Alex Sandro’s long drive eluded a full stretched Serbia keeper but crashed into the goal post and rebounded into play.

Brazil did not have to wait long to take the lead and it came two minutes later.

Richarlison slotted home a loose ball from close range.

It was Neymar’s fancy footwork at work. He got past three players on the edge of the box before Vinicius stepped in and whipped a shot to the far post. The goalkeeper gets down to low to stop it but Richarlison is sniffing around and smacks in the rebound and the deadlock was broken.

Richarlison scored his second goal when his right footed elegant drive from the centre of the box after been set up by Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius firing in a cross with the outside of his foot and Richarlison controlling the ball with the inside of his left foot before spinning around, and firing an overhead kick with his right into the corner of the goal.

Thereafter in the 81st minute, Casemiro strokes a shot with his instep — with seemingly no power — that crashes off the bar.

In between Serbia came with a couple of efforts which Brazilian defenders kept away from the safety of the goal, including a goalie clearance.

Thereafter both Brazil and Serbia created chances but didn’t trouble the goal scorers.

ALSO READ: Spain thrash Costa Rica 7-0 in World Cup opener

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Portugal get off to a winning start

Ronaldo scored from the spot 20 minutes into the second half thus becoming the first man to score in five World Cups….reports Asian Lite News

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo put all the off-field worries surrounding Manchester United to rest as he scored an opening goal in the 3 2 win over Ghana in the Group H match at the Stadium 974 in Doha on Thursday evening.

After a barren first half, the second half produced five goals with Ronaldo opening the scoring for Selecao de Quinas.

Ronaldo scored from the spot 20 minutes into the second half thus becoming the first man to score in five World Cups.

The Ghanians refused to throw in the towel and bounced back with a goal from A. Ayew in the 73rd minute.

The joy was short lived as Felix got his name on the scorers’ list five minutes later giving Portugal the lead, making it 2-1.

Two minutes Portugal struck again this time Leao getting into the thick of action to make it 3 -1 and make it difficult for Ghana to make a late fightback.

The Africans, however, fought back scoring a goal with one minute left for the normal time through O. Bukari.

Earlier, in the first half Ronaldo’s goal was overuled. The star striker finished quite splendidly with the free kick taken by Bruno Fernandes but the referee blew the whistle to cancel out the goal, much to the protestations of the Portuguese faithful at the stadium.

The atmosphere was electric. All eyes were on one man. The man who doesn’t need any introduction. However bigger things were at play.

The crowd erupted as soon as the great man Cristiano Ronaldo took his first touch. Ghana on the other hand were looking to stay in shape and frustrate Portugal. Fernando Santos’ men were trying to play attacking football.

Bruno and Ronaldo’s combination play and Santos’s tactics were under scanner.

Ronaldo spearheaded Portugal’s attack alongside Joao Felix in their opening match while Danilo Pereira joined Ruben Dias in the centre of defence. In midfield, Santos chose an attacking formation with only Ruben Neves as an anchor.

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