bbc--2020-03-03--World Bank pledges $12bn aid package

World Bank pledges $12bn aid package

The World Bank has committed $ 12bn ( £9.4bn ) in aid for developing countries grappling with the spread of the coronavirus .
The action comes as leaders around the world pledge to shield their countries from the economic impact of the outbreak .
It follows warnings that slowdown from the outbreak could tip countries into recession .
The aid is intended to help countries improve their public health response to the crisis , as well as work with the private sector to reduce the economic impact .
`` What we 're trying to do is limit the transmission of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President David Malpass told the BBC .
The organisation said it would prioritise the poorest and most at-risk countries in distributing the aid to counter the effects of the virus , which has spread to more than 70 countries around the world .
Half of the package comes from the bank 's International Finance Corporation , which works with the private sector .
About $ 4bn of the $ 12bn is being shifted from previously available funds .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts Authorities have confirmed more than 92,000 cases of the virus of which more than 80,000 are in China .
More than 3,000 people have died globally , the vast majority in China .
`` The point is to move fast ; speed is needed to save lives , '' Mr Malpass said in conference with reporters .
`` There are scenarios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 'll adapt our approach and resources as needed . ''
The Dow Jones shed nearly 800 points on Tuesday , paring Monday 's big gains .
This was despite a rare emergency move by the US Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by 0.5 % amid fears over the impact of the coronavirus .
It was the biggest cut since the global financial crisis more than a decade ago .
• Finance ministers from the G7 countries said they were `` ready to take action '' , including fiscal measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the global economy • Twitter told its employees to work from home How are different countries being affected ?
Iran has temporarily released more than 54,000 prisoners in an effort to combat the spread of the virus in crowded jails .
The country has reported 77 deaths in less than two weeks .
On Tuesday , the health ministry said the number of confirmed cases had risen by more than 50 % for the second day in a row .
It now stands at 2,336 , although the real figure is believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy has reported a 50 % jump in deaths in the past 24 hours , with the total standing at 79 .
Most of the deaths are in Lombardy .
Nine deaths have now been confirmed in the US .
All of those killed lived in Washington state .
And in Spain , an autopsy on a 69-year-old man who died on 13 February has revealed he was infected with SARS-CoV-2 , local media report .
It is the country 's first fatality from the virus .
The World Health Organization says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 , and people already ill .
In the first large analysis of more than 44,000 cases from China , the death rate was 10 times higher in the very elderly compared to the middle-aged .
Read more : How deadly is the coronavirus ?
Health experts believe Covid-19 does not transmit as efficiently as seasonal flu and is not generally passed on by people who have no symptoms .

Coronavirus: World Bank pledges $12bn in emergency aid Published 4 March 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, There are fears the slowdown from the outbreak could tip countries into recession
The World Bank has committed $12bn (£9.4bn) in aid for developing countries grappling with the spread of the coronavirus.
The emergency package includes low-cost loans, grants and technical assistance.
The action comes as leaders around the world pledge to shield their countries from the economic impact of the outbreak.
It follows warnings that slowdown from the outbreak could tip countries into recession.
The aid is intended to help countries improve their public health response to the crisis, as well as work with the private sector to reduce the economic impact.
"What we're trying to do is limit the transmission of the disease," World Bank Group President David Malpass told the BBC.
The organisation said it would prioritise the poorest and most at-risk countries in distributing the aid to counter the effects of the virus, which has spread to more than 70 countries around the world.
Half of the package comes from the bank's International Finance Corporation, which works with the private sector. About $4bn of the $12bn is being shifted from previously available funds.
Countries with weak health systems, limited financial resources and close economic links with China are said to be most vulnerable to the coronavirus outbreak.
The countries most at risk to the economic impact of the outbreak are Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines, according to a vulnerability index by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI).
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
Authorities have confirmed more than 92,000 cases of the virus worldwide of which more than 80,000 are in China. More than 3,000 people have died globally, the vast majority in China.
New infections and deaths have been declining in recent weeks in China due to draconian quarantine measures. The country on Wednesday reported 38 more deaths but a fall in fresh cases for a third consecutive day.
The worst-hit country outside China remains South Korea which on Wednesday reported 516 new confirmed infections, bringing the total to 5,328. The country's death toll stands at 33.
"The point is to move fast; speed is needed to save lives," Mr Malpass said in conference with reporters. "There are scenarios where much more resources may be required. We'll adapt our approach and resources as needed."
The Dow Jones shed nearly 800 points on Tuesday, paring Monday's big gains. This was despite a rare emergency move by the US Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by 0.5% amid fears over the impact of the coronavirus.
It was the biggest cut since the global financial crisis more than a decade ago.
In other developments:
Finance ministers from the G7 countries said they were "ready to take action", including fiscal measures to aid the response to the virus and support the global economy
Twitter told its employees to work from home
Google cancelled its annual developer conference
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, The Wuhan shake instead of a handshake?
How are different countries being affected?
Iran has temporarily released more than 54,000 prisoners in an effort to combat the spread of the virus in crowded jails. The country has reported 77 deaths in less than two weeks.
On Tuesday, the health ministry said the number of confirmed cases had risen by more than 50% for the second day in a row. It now stands at 2,336, although the real figure is believed to be far higher.
Meanwhile, Italy has reported a 50% jump in deaths in the past 24 hours, with the total standing at 79. Most of the deaths are in Lombardy.
Nine deaths have now been confirmed in the US. All of those killed lived in Washington state.
And in Spain, an autopsy on a 69-year-old man who died on 13 February has revealed he was infected with SARS-CoV-2, local media report. It is the country's first fatality from the virus.
How deadly is Covid-19?
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the virus appears to particularly affect those over 60, and people already ill.
In the first large analysis of more than 44,000 cases from China, the death rate was 10 times higher in the very elderly compared to the middle-aged.
The WHO also warned that prices of protective equipment, such as surgical masks and gloves, are soaring due to a global shortage, and asked companies and governments to increase production by 40%.


bbc--2020-03-03--Mount Merapi: Volcano eruption spews enormous ash cloud

Indonesia 's most active volcano , Mount Merapi , has erupted again , spewing ash 6,000m into the air and @ @ @ @ @ A nearby airport in the city of Solo has been forced to close , and @ @ @ @ @ stay at least 3km ( 1.8 miles ) away .

Indonesia's most active volcano, Mount Merapi, has erupted again, spewing ash 6,000m into the air and blanketing a nearby village.
A nearby airport in the city of Solo has been forced to close, and residents have been told to stay at least 3km (1.8 miles) away.


bbc--2020-03-03--EU chief says Greece is Europe's shield in migrant crisis

The head of the European Commission has sent a strong message of support to Greece in its attempts to stop migrants crossing its border from Turkey .
`` Our first priority is to ensure order is maintained at the Greek external border , which is also a European border , '' Ursula von der Leyen said .
She promised Greece , which she called a `` European aspida [ shield ] '' , €700m ( £608m ; $ 780m ) in financial aid .
Turkey lifted controls on migrants exiting for the EU on Friday .
It took the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north-west Syria , where it has been trying to create a safe area to resettle millions of Syrian refugees it took in during the ongoing civil war .
At least 24,000 people have been stopped from crossing the border from Turkey since Saturday , according to Greek government figures .
Austrian Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz has accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of using the migrants as pawns .
He also announced that his government had strengthened Austria 's borders to make sure the mass influx of refugees and migrants of 2015 was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Josep Borrell is due to visit Ankara to discuss Turkey 's decision to drop restrictions on migrants , abandoning a deal struck in 2016 .
What was the 2016 EU-Turkey deal ?
• It was proposed as a solution to the migrant crisis in which almost one million refugees and migrants arrived in the EU in 2015 and thousands died in mass drownings • On 20 March 2016 the EU and Turkey made a deal that saw Syrian refugees who arrived on Greek islands sent back to Turkey .
In return Turkey received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in EU aid for migrants and refugees • For every Syrian person removed from Greece to Turkey , another would be resettled from Turkey to the EU • The EU agreed to work towards lifting visa requirements for Turkish citizens by the end of June 2016 • After the deal was agreed , the number of migrants arriving in Greece declined sharply How is the EU helping Greece ?
Mrs von der Leyen inspected the land border on Tuesday along with European Council chief Charles Michel and European Parliament speaker David Sassoli , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The support she announced for Greece included : • A Frontex force comprising seven vessels , two helicopters , one plane , three thermal-vision vehicles and 100 extra border guards '' The Greek worries are our worries , '' she told reporters at the Kastanies border crossing .
`` This border is not only a Greek border but it is also a European border and I stand here today as a European at your side ... We have come here today to send a very clear statement of European solidarity and support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to mobilising all the necessary operational support to the Greek authorities . ''
She added that she wanted to express her `` compassion for the migrants that have been lured through false promises into this desperate situation '' .
Charles Michel said it was very important as to protect Europe 's borders but also to show respect for international law .
He called on Turkey to keep to the 2016 agreement .
Defending his tough line on maintaining the border , Prime Minister Mitsotakis said Greece could not and would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer a refugee problem , '' he said .
`` This is a blatant attempt by Turkey to use desperate people to promote its geopolitical agenda and to divert attention from the horrible situation in Syria . ''
He tweeted photos of himself meeting Greek security forces .
What is the situation at the border ?
Monday night was quiet in comparison with events over the weekend when thousands of migrants clashed with Greek security forces , a Greek army officer told Reuters news agency near the Kastanies border crossing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ by migrants to cross the border ] , '' he said .
`` Let 's hope they get the message . ''
Some migrants including women and children could be seen in custody after being detained on the Greek side of the land border .
On the Turkish side , migrants who had been waiting around the border city of Edirne were again moving towards the frontier .
Several hundred migrants crossed to Greece from Turkey by boat in recent days but people were deterred by choppy seas on Tuesday , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boy died when a boat capsized off the Greek island of Lesbos on Monday , Greek police say .
It was the first reported fatality since Turkey opened its border .
Why is the humanitarian crisis so grave ?
Nearly a million Syrians have fled to the Syrian-Turkish border since December , amid heavy fighting in the Idlib region between Turkish-backed rebels and Syrian government forces .
Turkey is already hosting 3.7 million Syrian refugees , as well as migrants from other countries such as Afghanistan .
President Erdogan said the EU had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in safe zones inside Syria and he predicted that `` millions '' of migrants would go to the EU .
Greece has blocked any new asylum applications for the next month , because of what it calls the `` coordinated and massive nature '' of illegal migration from Turkey .
But the UN Human Rights Council said Greece had no legal justification for suspending asylum procedures .
Europe 's top human rights watchdog , the Council of Europe , has condemned both Turkey and Greece , calling the situation an `` unprecedented humanitarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done to de-escalate violence in the border region , including by ensuring that law enforcement authorities refrain from using excessive force , '' it said .
• Why does the battle for Idlib matter ?

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bbc--2020-03-03--Colombia coca crop: Trump tells Duque to resume spraying

Colombia will have to resume aerial spraying to destroy coca crops , US President Donald Trump has said .
Mr Trump made the remarks at a joint press conference with Colombian President Ivan Duque in Washington .
Colombia is the world 's largest producer of cocaine , while the US is the world 's largest consumer .
Aerial spraying of crops was suspended in 2015 after a court ruled that the herbicide used - glyphosate - could cause cancer and pollute land .
`` Well , you 're going to have to spray .
If you do n't spray , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them .
So you have to spray , with regard to the drugs in Colombia , '' the US president told Mr Duque .
Mr Duque said that the country would `` combine all the options available '' in order to combat the problem , including the manual destruction of crops .
A recent UN report said the amount of agricultural land used for coca crops in Colombia had hit record levels .
The country has fought for years to tackle cocaine production , with the US providing about $ 400m ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producers and traffickers .
What is the scale of the problem ?
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC ) issued statistics in September that showed coca production acreage in Colombia in 2017 was the highest ever recorded .
The total surface area used for cultivation - about 171,000 hectares - was an estimated 17 % higher than 2016 .
The UN said the region bordering the Pacific Ocean in Colombia was the most intensively cultivated .
On its own , the state of Narino on the frontier with Ecuador has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole of Peru .
Eighty per cent of the coca has been grown in the same region for the past decade , while crops produce 33 % more coca leaf than they did in 2012 , the report said .
In August 2019 , President Duque said the government would create a new drug-fighting policy , saying the aim was to have `` concrete results '' in the next four years .

"Well, you're going to have to spray. If you don't spray, you're not going to get rid of them. So you have to spray, with regard to the drugs in Colombia," the US president told Mr Duque.


bbc--2020-03-03--Syria war: Three-year-old girl who laughed at bombs escapes to Turkey

A three-year-old Syrian girl whose father taught her to laugh at the sound of bombs in order not to be afraid has reached safety in Turkey , reports say .
Salwa made headlines in a video that went viral last month .
It showed her playing a game as warplanes dropped bombs near her home in Idlib .
The Turkish government helped her and her parents cross the border a week later , it has emerged .
Idlib is the final major rebel-held stronghold in Syria .
Nearly a million people have fled to the Syrian-Turkish border since December , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Turkish-backed rebels and Syrian government forces .
• Why does the battle for Idlib matter ?
• Why is there a war in Syria ?
Salwa and her father Abdullah Mohammad came up with a unique way to cope with the air strikes .
He taught her that rather than being scared , she could laugh at the sound of bombs .
He used the sound of children letting off fireworks to show her that loud noises could be funny , and said the game helped his daughter stay calm and happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sympathy and led the Turkish government to help them flee .
They crossed into Turkey at the Cilvegozu border gate on 25 February , Turkey 's Anadolu Agency says .
They were reportedly taken to a refugee camp in Reyhanli in southern Turkey .
Guardian reporter Bethan McKernan tweeted a photo of Salwa and her father on Tuesday .
`` For the first time ever , she can laugh at normal things , '' she wrote .
Abdullah Mohammad told Turkish media that he and his daughter had tried to send a message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said he was happy to have arrived in Turkey and that Salwa would get the chance to go to school .
`` I hope that the conflict in Syria can soon end and that I can return , '' he was quoted by Anadolu as saying .
It lifted controls on migrants exiting for the EU on Friday .
It took the decision after suffering a heavy military loss in north-west Syria , where it has been trying to create a safe area to resettle many of the Syrian refugees it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .


bbc--2020-03-03--In pictures: Brazil hit by deadly rain and landslides

At least 18 people have died in Brazil and more than 40 are missing after torrential rain and landslides hit coastal areas in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro .
The death toll is expected to rise further as firefighters and rescue crews are continuing to search for missing people .
Worst hit is São Paulo state , where at least 13 deaths have been reported .
Among the victims are a mother and her child , as well as two firefighters .
They were trying to rescue the child who was buried under the rubble when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guarujá municipality , a number of houses were swept away by landslides .
Local residents are helping the firefighters in the search and clean-up operation .
A number of roads have been blocked by landslides and falling trees .
Residents are desperate to salvage whatever belongings they can .
In the neighbouring Rio de Janeiro state , at least five people have died .
About a month 's worth of rain have been dumped on some areas in a matter of hours .
Brazil 's south-east region has suffered from heavy rainfall and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot summer .
In January , at least 30 people died during severe rainstorms in Brazil 's Minas Gerais state , which neighbours São Paulo .

Among the victims are a mother and her child, as well as two firefighters. They were trying to rescue the child who was buried under the rubble when a second landslide hit.


bbc--2020-03-03--IAEA 'asks Iran to explain possible nuclear activities at three sites'

A global watchdog has reportedly criticised Iran for not answering questions about possible undeclared nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three locations .
A leaked International Atomic Energy Agency document sent to member states said requests for access to two of the unidentified sites had been denied .
It is not clear what IAEA inspectors suspect might have happened at them .
But it is thought the activities took place in the early 2000s .
That is long before Iran struck a landmark deal with world powers that placed limits on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal dead or just dying ?
• Why do the limits on Iran 's uranium enrichment matter ?
• How renewed US sanctions have hit Iran hard The IAEA also reportedly said on Tuesday that Iran had almost tripled its stockpile of low-enriched uranium to 1,020kg ( 2,249lb ) since November in violation of the 2015 accord , meaning it would need only 30kg more to have the amount experts calculate it would need to produce a warhead if it chose to do so .
Low-enriched uranium - which has a concentration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fissile isotope U-235 - can be used to produce fuel for power plants .
Weapons-grade uranium is 90 % enriched or more .
Iran insists its nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes , but it has stopped abiding by a number of commitments since last year in retaliation for the US sanctions reinstated by President Donald Trump when he abandoned the deal .
The confidential IAEA report seen by journalists in Vienna on Tuesday said Iran had failed to co-operate with investigations into three sites of interest .
`` Iran has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two locations ... and not engaged in substantive discussions to clarify agency questions related to possible undeclared nuclear material and nuclear-related activities , '' Reuters news agency quoted it as saying .
`` The director general calls on Iran to immediately co-operate fully with the agency , including by providing prompt access to the locations specified , '' it added .
The IAEA report said inspectors wanted to know whether natural uranium was used at one of the sites that they could not visit .
At another site , it added , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sanitise part of the location '' .
Diplomats said the three sites did not include one where the IAEA said last year that inspectors had detected uranium particles of man-made origin .
The inspectors are believed to have taken samples from a location in Tehran 's Turquzabad district - the area where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged Iran had a `` secret atomic warehouse '' .
Iranian officials have insisted the site was merely a carpet-cleaning factory .
In an interview with AFP news agency on Tuesday , IAEA Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give the necessary clarifications '' about Turquzabad .
`` The fact that we found traces [ of uranium ] is very important , '' he said .
`` That means there is the possibility of nuclear activities and material that are not under international supervision and about which we know not the origin or the intent .
That worries me . ''
The leaked IAEA report said Iran had responded by to the questions about the three sites by saying it would `` not recognise any allegation on past activities '' .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IAEA suggests that until 2003 the country conducted `` a range of activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device '' .
Some of those activities allegedly continued until 2009 .

The IAEA also reportedly said on Tuesday that Iran had almost tripled its stockpile of low-enriched uranium to 1,020kg (2,249lb) since November in violation of the 2015 accord, meaning it would need only 30kg more to have the amount experts calculate it would need to produce a warhead if it chose to do so.


bbc--2020-03-03--Facebook 'rethinks' plans for Libra cryptocurrency

Facebook is reportedly rethinking its plans for its own digital currency after resistance from regulators .
It is now considering a system with digital versions of established currencies , including the dollar and the Euro , according to Bloomberg and tech site The Information .
The Libra Association , which Facebook founded to create the currency , will continue its work , the reports said .
The plan will include Libra , the company said in response .
The social network 's digital wallet is now expected to launch this autumn , several months later than initially planned , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it might drop Libra itself , the firm said : `` Facebook remains fully committed to the project . ''
Facebook announced in June last year that it would launch the Libra digital currency , with a goal of making payments easier and cheaper .
Its partners in the Libra Association include Lyft , Spotify , Shopify , but several other high-profile members such as Visa left after the idea was criticised by authorities .
In October , the world 's biggest economies warned cryptocurrencies such as Libra pose a risk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it threatens the `` monetary sovereignty '' of governments ; others have warned it could be abused for money laundering and other nefarious purposes .
• Libra : Could Facebook ’ s new currency be stopped in its tracks ?

Dante Disparte, head of Policy and Communications at the Libra Association said: "The Libra Association has not altered its goal of building a regulatory compliant global payment network, and the basic design principles that support that goal have not been changed nor has the potential for this network to foster future innovation."


bbc--2020-03-03--England's Mako Vunipola self-isolating

England's Mako Vunipola self-isolating

Prop Mako Vunipola is training with his club Saracens , despite being stood down by England over coronavirus fears .
The Rugby Football Union confirmed on Tuesday Vunipola was not available for Saturday 's Six Nations game against Wales after he travelled through Hong Kong last weekend .
An RFU spokesperson said Vunipola was `` not sick '' but was not in camp `` on medical grounds '' .
However , he is available for Sarries ' Premiership match with Leicester .
• Coronavirus - how worried should we be ?
The confusion centres around differing interpretations of the governmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
Vunipola spent much of the past fortnight in Tonga attending to a family illness , missing England 's victory over Ireland on 23 February .
He returned to the UK via Hong Kong , an area which has been hit by the virus since January .
Guidelines say those who have travelled from places such as Hong Kong should self-isolate if they `` have a cough , high temperature or shortness of breath '' .
While the RFU medics took the precautionary measure not to have Vunipola involved this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therefore Saracens feel Vunipola , along with brother Billy , are both safe to return to the club 's training base in North London .
Ireland 's game against Italy has been postponed because of coronavirus , but Six Nations organisers said on Monday that the rest of the weekend 's fixtures were currently set to go ahead .
Without Vunipola , England head coach Eddie Jones has streamlined his squad to a group of 27 players , with Exeter scrum-half Jack Maunder among those left out .
Exeter prop Harry Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre Ollie Devoto , Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley and Wasps fly-half Jacob Umaga were also omitted .
• Six Nations 2020 : England v Wales & Scotland v France to go ahead

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Mako Vunipola played in England's win against Scotland but missed the victory against Ireland
Guinness Six Nations: England v Wales Venue: Twickenham Stadium Date: Saturday, 7 March Kick-off: 16:45 GMT Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru, with text commentary on BBC Sport website and app.
Prop Mako Vunipola is training with his club Saracens, despite being stood down by England over coronavirus fears.
The Rugby Football Union confirmed on Tuesday Vunipola was not available for Saturday's Six Nations game against Wales after he travelled through Hong Kong last weekend.
An RFU spokesperson said Vunipola was "not sick" but was not in camp "on medical grounds".
However, he is available for Sarries' Premiership match with Leicester.
The confusion centres around differing interpretations of the governmental guidance for those potentially affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Vunipola spent much of the past fortnight in Tonga attending to a family illness, missing England's victory over Ireland on 23 February.
He returned to the UK via Hong Kong, an area which has been hit by the virus since January.
Guidelines say those who have travelled from places such as Hong Kong should self-isolate if they "have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath".
While the RFU medics took the precautionary measure not to have Vunipola involved this week, he has not shown any symptoms.
Therefore Saracens feel Vunipola, along with brother Billy, are both safe to return to the club's training base in north London.
Saracens said the Vunipolas made a "short stop" at Hong Kong airport on their return from Tonga.
"Travellers returning from Hong Kong are not currently subject to mandatory quarantine or self-isolation unless they become symptomatic," the club statement added.
"Neither Billy nor Mako have displayed symptoms of coronavirus and on their return to London were assessed by the club's medical staff.
"The duo have been around the Saracens environment for the past couple of days, with the latter available for selection this weekend."
Saracens will continue to follow the Public Health England and World Health Organisation regulations surrounding coronavirus and the medical staff will be closely monitoring Billy and Mako on a regular basis.
Ireland's game against Italy has been postponed because of coronavirus, but Six Nations organisers said on Monday that the rest of the weekend's fixtures were currently set to go ahead.
Without Vunipola, England head coach Eddie Jones has streamlined his squad to a group of 27 players, with Exeter scrum-half Jack Maunder among those left out.
Exeter prop Harry Williams, Bath hooker Tom Dunn, Exeter centre Ollie Devoto, Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley and Wasps fly-half Jacob Umaga were also omitted.
England squad
Forwards: Cowan-Dickie, Curry, Earl, Ewels, Genge, George, Itoje, Kruis, Launchbury, Lawes, Ludlam, Marler, Sinckler, Stuart, Underhill, Wilson.
Backs: Daly, Farrell, Ford, Furbank, Heinz, Joseph, May, Slade, Tuilagi, Watson, Youngs.


bbc--2020-03-03--Star Wars actor Mark Hamill surprises girl with R2-D2-style arm

Eleven-year-old Bella Tadlock is the first person in the US to receive a bionic arm designed in the style of @ @ @ @ @ .
Her story even caught the attention of Luke Skywalker .

Eleven-year-old Bella Tadlock is the first person in the US to receive a bionic arm designed in the style of the Star Wars droid R2-D2.
Her story even caught the attention of Luke Skywalker.


bbc--2020-03-03--New York houses frozen in ice by water and wind from Lake Erie

This might look like Elsa 's doing in Frozen , but it 's actually the effect of a blizzard in @ @ @ @ @ , which sits on the edge of Lake Erie in New York state , found @ @ @ @ @ layer of ice after a storm .
Strong winds bought huge waves and spray from @ @ @ @ @ state onto the shore and , because the temperature was below zero , the water @ @ @ @ @ dramatic icicles .
Many of the residents were left in the dark as the ice @ @ @ @ @ had to chip away at the ice to break themselves out of frozen doors .
@ @ @ @ @ coatings similar to this previously , but residents have said it has never been this @ @ @

Many of the residents were left in the dark as the ice covered windows, whilst others had to chip away at the ice to break themselves out of frozen doors.


bbc--2020-03-04--'I have sensation in my breasts again'

'I have sensation in my breasts again'

When Sarafina Nance found out she had a very strong chance of getting breast cancer , she decided to have a preventative double mastectomy followed by reconstruction .
The surgery would dramatically reduce the risk , but she would likely lose feeling in her chest .
The 26-year-old was `` fully prepared '' to be numb , until pioneering surgery changed her life .
The first time Sarafina was screened for breast cancer , doctors found something worrying .
She already knew she had inherited the BRCA2 gene from her father , after he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gene increases the risk of developing a number of cancers - including breast cancer ; Sarafina , who lives in California , was told she 'd need twice-yearly screening .
But after her first MRI scan , doctors ordered a biopsy .
`` Waiting for the results , I was completely debilitated , '' Sarafina says .
`` I remember calling my dad , asking him what happens if we both have cancer .
What if I die ? ''
The mass was benign , but Sarafina realised she did n't want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mid-20s , she decided to have a preventative double mastectomy with reconstruction .
She would have all her breast tissue removed and implants would create new breasts .
Typically , mastectomy with reconstruction is offered to two groups : those with a cancer diagnosis , and those who have a high genetic tendency to developing breast cancer who choose to undergo preventative operations .
Dr Emma Pennery , clinical director at UK charity Breast Cancer Now , says that there is a distinction between the procedures that may be offered to women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already developed breast cancer .
It 's of the utmost importance that the cancer is properly treated .
`` Breast cancer cells can exist in the area behind the nipple or behind the areola , so you have to be safe to get all the cancer out , '' Dr Pennery says , adding that ongoing cancer treatment plans may affect the method of reconstruction .
Sarafina is an astronomy PhD student at the University of California , Berkley , and when she started researching her surgical options , her science background kicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know what I should be doing , '' she says .
`` Women who have mastectomies and reconstruction can lose feeling in their breasts and that can mean you do n't feel hugs , or you do n't feel waves crashing into you if you 're in the ocean . ''
• Listen to You , Me and the Big C : Putting the can in cancer on BBC Sounds • The surgeon who said nipples were a `` faff '' Dr Pennery says the surgeons she 's worked with will try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having preventative mastectomies .
`` The ease of removing breasts and reconstructing the breasts does vary an awful lot on things like the size of the breast , the size of the nipple and areola and also how central it is , which can be affected , putting it bluntly , by how droopy one is , '' she says .
With implant reconstruction , it 's `` quite likely '' a woman will lose sensation afterwards , she says .
`` In order to do the mastectomy and reconstruction , the surgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply the area and that 's what leads to the numbness . ''
A study from the Royal Marsden in London , published in 2016 , found that `` breast sensibility is significantly impaired following mastectomy and reconstruction '' but noted the majority of women go on to recover some light touch sensation .
`` Sensory changes post-reconstruction have largely been overlooked in the past , but can be crucially important in a woman 's quality of life and affect how she accepts her reconstruction , '' says Ayesha Khan , a consultant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study 's authors .
`` Novel techniques to better preserve sensation post-reconstruction are in evolution and likely to be something women could benefit from in the future . ''
After weeks of research , Sarafina found Dr Anne Peled , who is based in California and trained in both breast cancer and reconstructive/plastic surgery .
`` When I had my own diagnosis , '' Dr Peled says , `` I had a really , really difficult time making a choice , because I felt like it was so daunting to consider at age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chest for the rest of my life . ''
She opted for an alternative surgery and is now working with her husband , a nerve specialist , on finding new approaches to preserve sensation .
Dr Peled performed a mastectomy and then a reconstruction with implants on Sarafina at the end of 2019 .
Sarafina 's first emotion when she woke up from the anaesthetic was relief , and her recovery has been going well .
`` I now have sensation in my whole right side and three-quarters of my left side and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day , '' she says .
Sarafina is now using social media to raise awareness of preventative mastectomies and reconstruction , studying for her PhD and applying to train as an astronaut .
It 's been a challenging time for her family , especially her father , who is still having treatment for his own cancer .
`` He was very sad that I have the [ genetic ] mutation , I have to undergo this and face things that I think he wishes I 'd never have to face , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's really proud and very relieved that everything went so well and that I feel 100 % like myself . ''
BBC 100 Women names 100 influential and inspirational women around the world every year .
We create documentaries , features and interviews about their lives , giving more space for stories that put women at the centre .
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"The ease of removing breasts and reconstructing the breasts does vary an awful lot on things like the size of the breast, the size of the nipple and areola and also how central it is, which can be affected, putting it bluntly, by how droopy one is," she says.


bbc--2020-03-04--Slovakia's Matovic: Europe's Mr Ordinary prepares for power

`` Who are you ? ''
It was an unusual opening gambit for what was the first foreign TV interview with the man who is likely to be Slovakia 's next prime minister .
But it is a reasonable one .
We know little about what Igor Matovic thinks of anything beyond the corrupt practices of some of his countrymen , so Czech Television 's rolling news network was right to ask it .
Analysts are talking about a new era for Slovakia after outgoing Prime Minister Robert Fico 's leftist SMER was defeated by this maverick anti-corruption activist and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as OLaNO .
In reality , the leader of the Ordinary People party is anything but ordinary .
`` For a long time I lived a comfortable life as a successful businessman .
In fact I was paying the highest taxes of any entrepreneur in Slovakia , '' he said , as the red , white and blue flags of Slovakia fluttered behind him against the backdrop of Bratislava Castle .
`` But at the same time I really resented the fact that the money was probably ending up in a bank account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2007 he decided to sign his regional media empire over to his wife and enter politics .
How Matovic made a name for himself He founded Ordinary People as a civic initiative in 2010 and was sworn in as an MP - wearing white trousers , sandals and a T-shirt - the same year , initially for the centre-right Freedom and Solidarity party .
With his rhetorical flair and newsman 's instincts , his PR stunts were soon making headlines .
To support a referendum on limiting MPs ' immunity he deliberately parked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of Bratislava ; the cameras filmed him showing his parliamentary pass to the police who were called to tow it .
As an MP , he could not be prosecuted .
In the 2012 elections , now standing on his own as the head of OLaNO , he took a lie-detector test to prove he had not accepted bribes , and demanded his fellow candidates do the same .
Several refused , saying it was insulting .
He passed , and the party won 16 MPs .
But he reserved most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fico and SMER , the party which had dominated Slovak politics since 2006 and one he saw as the head of a hydra of corruption that was slowly choking Slovakia .
• placing a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Mr Fico , holding a sign saying `` Donated Slovakia to the Rich '' , on the floor of parliament • along with party colleagues , erecting tents in a vineyard owned by the prime minister and camping there overnight • filming himself on the French Riviera outside a villa belonging to a former SMER @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck signs to the fence reading `` Property of the Slovak Republic '' .
The video has been viewed 170,000 times on YouTube .
Is he a serious politician ?
Stunts like these may have earned him labels such as `` joker '' , `` maverick '' and `` populist '' , but he has succeeded in attracting serious , reputable people to join him .
`` It 's a completely different position when you are in opposition with something like 6-8 % of the vote , and when you are the leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jaro Nad , former senior official at the Slovak defence ministry and now one of OLaNO 's 53 newly elected MPs .
`` Even two or three weeks ago , when the first polls started to show that he might be in a position to win the whole general election , you could immediately see in Igor 's face that now he feels responsibility , and that now we will see a different Igor Matovic , '' Mr Nad told the BBC by telephone .
OLaNO 's full name is Ordinary People and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not even be the most colourful personality in his own government .
What sort of government could he lead ?
One potential partner , Boris Kollar , leads a party called We Are Family - a claim that may strike some voters as literally true , seeing that he has so far fathered a total of 10 children with eight different women .
We Are Family belongs to the Identity and Democracy group , the alliance of nationalist , right-wing and Eurosceptic parties in the European Parliament .
France 's far-right leader Marine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congratulations to Mr Kollar .
If he does enter the Matovic government , it could be an interesting few years .
Mr Matovic is 46 - the same age as Slovakia 's President , Zuzana Caputova .
The liberal Progressive Slovakia party she once helped to lead narrowly failed to enter parliament , and Mr Matovic 's coalition is likely to be more conservative as a result .
Certainly there will be questions over the direction in which he will take Slovakia .
The country 's partners - both the EU and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group - are undoubtedly curious .
`` Because he will be the leader of a mostly conservative ruling coalition , Budapest and maybe Warsaw will welcome him as a representative of similar trends , '' Grigorij Meseznikov , one of Slovakia 's leading political analysts , told the BBC .
`` But I 'm not sure Igor Matovic will be very happy if Slovakia is dragged into some conflicts that Slovakia did n't cause . ''

"Even two or three weeks ago, when the first polls started to show that he might be in a position to win the whole general election, you could immediately see in Igor's face that now he feels responsibility, and that now we will see a different Igor Matovic," Mr Nad told the BBC by telephone.


bbc--2020-03-03--Chelsea knock Liverpool out of FA Cup

Chelsea knock Liverpool out of FA Cup

Ross Barkley said it was `` a dream '' to score against Liverpool as the midfielder helped Chelsea reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup .
The result meant Liverpool suffered their second successive defeat of this stellar season in a highly-competitive encounter at Stamford Bridge .
Liverpool made seven changes to the side that lost surprisingly at Watford on Saturday - the first reverse of their league campaign after 18 successive victories left them on the brink of a first title for 30 years .
Chelsea , however , still had to overcome a Liverpool team containing the likes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez in a hard-fought fifth-round tie .
Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian gifted Willian Chelsea 's opener after 13 minutes when he hopelessly fumbled his 20-yard shot , but the European champions had chances of their own only to see recalled keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga present a formidable barrier with a string of saves .
The game was effectively settled after 64 minutes when former Everton midfielder and Toffees fan Barkley surged from inside his own half on a solo run before beating Adrian with an emphatic strike .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lads , '' Barkley told BBC One .
`` We needed a top performance tonight at home after two disappointing results .
`` Scoring against Liverpool is massive for me .
As an Everton fan , it 's always a dream to score against them . ''
The hosts could have had more but Mason Mount rattled the crossbar with a 25-yard free-kick , before striker Olivier Giroud saw an effort brilliantly tipped on to the woodwork by Adrian .
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will now have Wembley in his sights while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task of wrapping up the Premier League title and overcoming a 1-0 deficit from the Champions League last-16 first leg against Atletico Madrid .
The tiny figure of Billy Gilmour looked like a boy among men at the heart of this FA Cup tie between two Premier League superpowers - but the 18-year-old Scot gave a performance that was huge in stature .
Gilmour , who has only played six games with three starts and a total of 281 minutes , may be short on experience but he looked big on talent as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him the man-of-the-match award .
He glided around midfield , happy to take the ball in deep positions but also willing to make an impact further forward in the face of experienced opposition such as Fabinho .
Lampard told BBC One : `` What an incredible performance for a young player .
He was a calm head in that first five or 10 minutes .
He 's a throwback of a midfielder .
`` Can you put your foot in ?
Yes .
Can you make angles to play the passes ?
Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he 's huge in personality .
He deserves people to talk about him after a performance like that . ''
Gilmour deserved to be on the winning side , victory clinched by the great enigma that is Barkley .
Barkley , at 26 , is approaching the key point of his career when potential must be transformed into something more tangible for Chelsea and England .
Here , Barkley showed both sides to his character , often making the wrong decisions but showing his natural brilliance when he took possession in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flashing finish past Adrian .
This was a big victory for Chelsea and Frank Lampard .
Their Champions League hopes look all but over after a 3-0 home defeat in the home leg of the last-16 tie against Bayern Munich and they face a fight to finish in the top four - but they are at the heart of that battle and are now in the later stages of the FA Cup .
Liverpool manager Klopp 's animated demeanour demonstrated that this was a match he was taking very seriously and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no avail .
It has been an unusual FA Cup campaign for Liverpool , with a scratch side full of youngsters winning a Merseyside derby against Everton in the third round , then effectively a youth team beating Shrewsbury Town in a fourth-round replay at Anfield while Klopp and his senior players enjoyed a winter break .
Liverpool and their fans have been given a glimpse of the talents of youngsters such as Curtis Jones and Neco Williams but this was the end of the line .
They had their chances , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a remarkable sequence in the first half when he blocked from Mane , Jones and Divock Origi in swift succession .
In the end , however , the task was too much , their cause not helped by Adrian 's awful blunder .
Liverpool may not have the Treble of title , FA Cup and Champions League to pursue any more - but the Premier League crown is coming back to Anfield and this side still has enough to make it a memorable night against Atletico Madrid .
Klopp said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really liked .
We know we have to improve , it is not about destiny , not about not clicking here or there , it is all about us and we have to take it in the right way .
`` It is not the best three weeks of the whole season but it is a chance to make it the best three weeks now and that is the plan .
`` We are not interested in Atletico Madrid , it is all about Bournemouth .
They are fighting with all they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chelsea .
`` Nobody has to feel sorry for us , we will win football games and that is what we want to do on Saturday . ''
Ex-Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas on BBC One : `` There have been a lot of good performances but I have been so impressed by this young lad .
He 's had such a calm head and he 's not given the ball away all night .
It 's been a brilliant evening for him . ''
• Chelsea have reached the quarter-finals of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past five seasons - going on to win the competition the last time they reached this stage in 2018 ( 1-0 v Manchester United in the final ) .
• Chelsea have won seven of their 11 FA Cup meetings with Liverpool - on the past two occasions they 've beaten them ( 1997 and 2012 ) they 've gone on to win the competition .
• Liverpool have been eliminated in three of their past five FA Cup fifth-round ties , losing at this stage for the first time since February 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool have lost three consecutive away games in all competitions for the first time since November 2014 .
• Since his FA Cup debut in January 2014 , Willian has been directly involved in 16 goals for Chelsea ( 11 goals , 5 assists ) , at least five more than any other player for the club in that time .
• Willian has scored 24 goals from outside the box since his Chelsea debut in September 2013 , 13 more than any other Blues player .
• Chelsea 's Ross Barkley scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 12th appearance .
Before today he had played more games against them ( 11 ) without scoring than against any other team .

Ross Barkley said it was "a dream" to score against Liverpool as the midfielder helped Chelsea reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
The result meant Liverpool suffered their second successive defeat of this stellar season in a highly competitive encounter at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool made seven changes to the side that lost surprisingly at Watford on Saturday - the first reverse of their league campaign after 18 successive victories left them on the brink of a first title for 30 years.
Chelsea, however, still had to overcome a Liverpool team containing the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez in a hard-fought fifth-round tie.
Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian gifted Willian Chelsea's opener after 13 minutes when he hopelessly fumbled his 20-yard shot, but the European champions had chances of their own only to see recalled keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga present a formidable barrier with a string of saves.
The game was effectively settled after 64 minutes when former Everton midfielder and Toffees fan Barkley surged from inside his own half on a solo run before beating Adrian with an emphatic strike.
"It was brilliant, a massive result for the lads," Barkley told BBC One. "We needed a top performance tonight at home after two disappointing results.
"Scoring against Liverpool is massive for me. As an Everton fan, it's always a dream to score against them."
The hosts could have had more but Mason Mount rattled the crossbar with a 25-yard free-kick, before striker Olivier Giroud saw an effort brilliantly tipped on to the woodwork by Adrian.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will now have Wembley in his sights while Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp returns to the task of wrapping up the Premier League title and overcoming a 1-0 deficit from the Champions League last-16 first leg against Atletico Madrid.
Gilmour's glowing impression
Barkley fires Chelsea into a 2-0 lead against Liverpool
The tiny figure of Billy Gilmour looked like a boy among men at the heart of this FA Cup tie between two Premier League superpowers - but the 18-year-old Scot gave a performance that was huge in stature.
Gilmour, who has only played six games with three starts and a total of 281 minutes, may be short on experience but he looked big on talent as his controlled, creative display deservedly won him the man-of-the-match award.
He glided around midfield, happy to take the ball in deep positions but also willing to make an impact further forward in the face of experienced opposition such as Fabinho.
Lampard told BBC One: "What an incredible performance for a young player. He was a calm head in that first five or 10 minutes. He's a throwback of a midfielder.
"Can you put your foot in? Yes. Can you make angles to play the passes? Yes. He's only slight in stature but he's huge in personality. He deserves people to talk about him after a performance like that."
Gilmour deserved to be on the winning side, victory clinched by the great enigma that is Barkley.
Barkley, at 26, is approaching the key point of his career when potential must be transformed into something more tangible for Chelsea and England.
Here, Barkley showed both sides to his character, often making the wrong decisions but showing his natural brilliance when he took possession in his own half and surged forward before sending a flashing finish past Adrian.
This was a big victory for Chelsea and Frank Lampard.
Their Champions League hopes look all but over after a 3-0 home defeat in the home leg of the last-16 tie against Bayern Munich and they face a fight to finish in the top four - but they are at the heart of that battle and are now in the later stages of the FA Cup.
Liverpool can take heart
Liverpool manager Klopp's animated demeanour demonstrated that this was a match he was taking very seriously and was desperate to win but it was to no avail.
It has been an unusual FA Cup campaign for Liverpool, with a scratch side full of youngsters winning a Merseyside derby against Everton in the third round, then effectively a youth team beating Shrewsbury Town in a fourth-round replay at Anfield while Klopp and his senior players enjoyed a winter break.
Liverpool and their fans have been given a glimpse of the talents of youngsters such as Curtis Jones and Neco Williams but this was the end of the line.
They had their chances, with Kepa keeping them at bay, particularly in a remarkable sequence in the first half when he blocked from Mane, Jones and Divock Origi in swift succession.
In the end, however, the task was too much, their cause not helped by Adrian's awful blunder.
Liverpool may not have the Treble of title, FA Cup and Champions League to pursue any more - but the Premier League crown is coming back to Anfield and this side still has enough to make it a memorable night against Atletico Madrid.
Klopp said: "A lot of parts of the performance I really liked. We know we have to improve, it is not about destiny, not about not clicking here or there, it is all about us and we have to take it in the right way.
"It is not the best three weeks of the whole season but it is a chance to make it the best three weeks now and that is the plan.
"We are not interested in Atletico Madrid, it is all about Bournemouth. They are fighting with all they have and they did really well against Chelsea.
"Nobody has to feel sorry for us, we will win football games and that is what we want to do on Saturday."
Man of the match - Billy Gilmour (Chelsea)
Ex-Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas on BBC One: "There have been a lot of good performances but I have been so impressed by this young lad. He's had such a calm head and he's not given the ball away all night. It's been a brilliant evening for him."
Cup specialists Chelsea - the stats
Chelsea have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in four of the past five seasons - going on to win the competition the last time they reached this stage in 2018 (1-0 v Manchester United in the final).
Chelsea have won seven of their 11 FA Cup meetings with Liverpool - on the past two occasions they've beaten them (1997 and 2012) they've gone on to win the competition.
Liverpool have been eliminated in three of their past five FA Cup fifth-round ties, losing at this stage for the first time since February 2014 (2-1 v Arsenal).
Liverpool have lost three consecutive away games in all competitions for the first time since November 2014.
Since his FA Cup debut in January 2014, Willian has been directly involved in 16 goals for Chelsea (11 goals, 5 assists), at least five more than any other player for the club in that time.
Willian has scored 24 goals from outside the box since his Chelsea debut in September 2013, 13 more than any other Blues player.
Chelsea's Ross Barkley scored his first ever goal against Liverpool on his 12th appearance. Before today he had played more games against them (11) without scoring than against any other team.


bbc--2020-03-03--Almiron scores twice as Newcastle beat West Brom to reach FA Cup quarters

Steve Bruce accused his Newcastle players of `` switching off '' after West Brom threatened an unlikely comeback before the Magpies reached the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2006 .
Inspired by two-goal Miguel Almiron , the Magpies raced into a 3-0 lead at The Hawthorns but were left hanging on as the Championship leaders rallied to score two late goals .
`` Unfortunately it 's in our DNA , '' a relieved Bruce , whose side are battling to stay away from the Premier League relegation zone , told BBC Sport .
`` When we went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think it 's too easy and suddenly they get a goal back .
`` It would n't be Newcastle if we did n't do something like that .
We made hard work of it . ''
Two goals from the impressive Almiron before half-time and another within two minutes of the re-start from Inter Milan loanee Valentino Lazaro put the visitors in control .
A much-changed West Brom improved after the introduction of Filip Krovinovic and hit the bar through Kyle Bartley before Matt Phillips crashed a shot in .
After a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retreat and ended the match in nervy fashion as substitute Kenneth Zohore scored in injury time .
Baggies boss Slaven Bilic was also livid that a subsequent penalty appeal was turned down .
But Newcastle 's victory was a welcome boost for Bruce , who has come under fire from some fans for a lack of creative football usually associated with the club .
The 5,000 travelling supporters will head back to Tyneside delighted by the manner of victory that will give them hope they can not only reach Wembley but also stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side , who are five points above the relegation zone , came into the game having failed to find the net in their past four Premier League games .
That run continued for the first half where they created plenty of openings , but chances that fell to Joelinton and Sean Longstaff were either saved or off target .
Lazaro and Nabil Bentaleb also wasted good opportunities , with Allan Saint-Maximin rattling the woodwork with a stinging shot from 25 yards .
But a recent change to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stationed on the right of a 5-4-1 set-up , ran onto Saint-Maximin 's through ball and slotted past Jonathan Bond .
It sent the travelling fans delirious , but after such a long wait for a goal , they could not believe their fortune when Almiron 's second followed in first-half stoppage time as he smashed in following Joelinton 's cheeky backheel .
The shirts came off in the away end , and a purple flare soon followed .
Lazaro 's bundled effort , which came after Almiron 's searching cross to Saint-Maximin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had the away fans singing of reaching Wembley .
The two West Brom goals made the win far more edgy than Bruce would have liked , especially as he took off Almiron and introduced Jonjo Shelvey to try and shore things up .
But after the desperation and lack of goals in recent matches , it was the perfect antidote as Bruce 's side reached the last eight for the first time in owner Mike Ashley 's era and put themselves within one win of reaching Wembley .
West Brom changes come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top of the Championship , and looking leggy after a first defeat in seven games against Wigan on Saturday , it was no wonder the Croat manager made nine changes to his side .
The team were largely the side who had beaten West Ham 1-0 in the fourth round and they looked fresh from the start as Kyle Edward 's early shot stung the palms of Karl Darlow .
But as Bentaleb pulled the strings in midfield for the visitors , the likes of Gareth Barry , 39 , and Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newcastle 's rhythm .
The Baggies were forced to cross from wide areas towards Charlie Austin but the deliveries were easily diverted by Newcastle defenders Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar .
Filip Krovinovic 's second-half introduction in place of Barry brought an instant improvement as his shot curled over the bar .
And once Zohore came on after 67 minutes the game began to turn .
First , his header back across goal led to Philips making it 3-1 and Schar 's clearance denied the Baggies a chance to gain more momentum .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors nervous as the Baggies were also denied a penalty by referee Anthony Taylor .
But the changes from Bilic perhaps came too late and his team can now concentrate on returning to the Premier League after a two-year absence .
A newspaper report on Monday claimed winger Saint-Maximin 's future at the club was in doubt after being dropped for Saturday 's goalless draw against Burnley because of a fallout with Bruce .
But the manager categorically denied the rumours , saying after the game : `` Allan was a doubt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had a fallout with him .
`` I do n't know where that has come from .
He did n't train Sunday , we were wary of him , and you have to be careful .
That is why I did n't risk him .
He trained well yesterday and that is the way it was . ''
Responding to the reporter who wrote the story , Bruce said in the post-match news conference : `` Total lies , it is nonsense .
I am glad your source is wrong .
Are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your reporting is wrong .
I 've had no row with Saint-Maximin . ''
'We showed too much respect ' - what they said West Brom boss Slaven Bilic , speaking to BBC Sport : `` I am proud of the performance but disappointed with the result .
We showed them too much respect in the first half and if you give them too much time on the ball then they can hurt you .
`` The reaction after conceding the third was brilliant .
We came back and had more than enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran out of time .
We needed maybe five more minutes . ''
• Newcastle have scored more FA Cup goals than any other Premier League side this season ( 11 ) .
Indeed , the Magpies are averaging 2.2 goals-per-game in the FA Cup compared to 0.9 in the Premier League .
• As a second-tier side , West Brom have been eliminated from five of their last six FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition , with the exception being their fourth round tie against West Ham this season .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his five FA Cup matches this season , double the amount he 's scored in 24 Premier League appearances ( 2 ) .
• Phillips scored his first goal for West Brom since December ( v Swansea ) , ending a run of 16 games without a goal for the Scotsman .
While Newcastle face a huge game at Southampton on Saturday ( 15:00 GMT ) as they attempt to stay away from relegation danger , West Brom look to take another big step towards promotion on the same day at Swansea @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section FA Cup
Steve Bruce accused his Newcastle players of "switching off" after West Brom threatened an unlikely comeback before the Magpies reached the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2006.
Inspired by two-goal Miguel Almiron, the Magpies raced into a 3-0 lead at The Hawthorns but were left hanging on as the Championship leaders rallied to score two late goals.
"Unfortunately it's in our DNA," a relieved Bruce, whose side are battling to stay away from the Premier League relegation zone, told BBC Sport.
"When we went 3-0 up we switched off. Sometimes you think it's too easy and suddenly they get a goal back.
"It wouldn't be Newcastle if we didn't do something like that. We made hard work of it."
Two goals from the impressive Almiron before half-time and another within two minutes of the re-start from Inter Milan loanee Valentino Lazaro put the visitors in control.
A much-changed West Brom improved after the introduction of Filip Krovinovic and hit the bar through Kyle Bartley before Matt Phillips crashed a shot in.
After a switch in formation, Newcastle began to retreat and ended the match in nervy fashion as substitute Kenneth Zohore scored in injury time.
Baggies boss Slaven Bilic was also livid that a subsequent penalty appeal was turned down.
But Newcastle's victory was a welcome boost for Bruce, who has come under fire from some fans for a lack of creative football usually associated with the club.
The 5,000 travelling supporters will head back to Tyneside delighted by the manner of victory that will give them hope they can not only reach Wembley but also stay in the Premier League.
Newcastle's positive formation pays off
Bruce's side, who are five points above the relegation zone, came into the game having failed to find the net in their past four Premier League games.
That run continued for the first half where they created plenty of openings, but chances that fell to Joelinton and Sean Longstaff were either saved or off target.
Lazaro and Nabil Bentaleb also wasted good opportunities, with Allan Saint-Maximin rattling the woodwork with a stinging shot from 25 yards.
But a recent change to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation by Bruce paid off when Almiron, usually stationed on the right of a 5-4-1 set-up, ran onto Saint-Maximin's through ball and slotted past Jonathan Bond.
It sent the travelling fans delirious, but after such a long wait for a goal, they could not believe their fortune when Almiron's second followed in first-half stoppage time as he smashed in following Joelinton's cheeky backheel.
The shirts came off in the away end, and a purple flare soon followed.
Lazaro's bundled effort, which came after Almiron's searching cross to Saint-Maximin, appeared to end the contest, and had the away fans singing of reaching Wembley.
The two West Brom goals made the win far more edgy than Bruce would have liked, especially as he took off Almiron and introduced Jonjo Shelvey to try and shore things up.
But after the desperation and lack of goals in recent matches, it was the perfect antidote as Bruce's side reached the last eight for the first time in owner Mike Ashley's era and put themselves within one win of reaching Wembley.
West Brom changes come too late
With Bilic's side at the top of the Championship, and looking leggy after a first defeat in seven games against Wigan on Saturday, it was no wonder the Croat manager made nine changes to his side.
The team were largely the side who had beaten West Ham 1-0 in the fourth round and they looked fresh from the start as Kyle Edward's early shot stung the palms of Karl Darlow.
But as Bentaleb pulled the strings in midfield for the visitors, the likes of Gareth Barry, 39, and Chris Brunt, 35, could not upset Newcastle's rhythm.
The Baggies were forced to cross from wide areas towards Charlie Austin but the deliveries were easily diverted by Newcastle defenders Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar.
Filip Krovinovic's second-half introduction in place of Barry brought an instant improvement as his shot curled over the bar.
And once Zohore came on after 67 minutes the game began to turn.
First, his header back across goal led to Philips making it 3-1 and Schar's clearance denied the Baggies a chance to gain more momentum.
Zohore's injury-time goal did make the visitors nervous as the Baggies were also denied a penalty by referee Anthony Taylor.
But the changes from Bilic perhaps came too late and his team can now concentrate on returning to the Premier League after a two-year absence.
Saint-Maximin fallout rumours 'total lies'
A newspaper report external-link on Monday claimed winger Saint-Maximin's future at the club was in doubt after being dropped for Saturday's goalless draw against Burnley because of a fallout with Bruce.
But the manager categorically denied the rumours, saying after the game: "Allan was a doubt. Nonsense written in a newspaper that I have had a fallout with him.
"I don't know where that has come from. He didn't train Sunday, we were wary of him, and you have to be careful. That is why I didn't risk him. He trained well yesterday and that is the way it was."
Responding to the reporter who wrote the story, Bruce said in the post-match news conference: "Total lies, it is nonsense. I am glad your source is wrong. Are you calling me a liar?
"Your reporting is wrong. I've had no row with Saint-Maximin."
Man of the match - Miguel Almiron (Newcastle)
Having scored four goals in this season's competition, Miguel Almiron has been a key figure in Newcastle's FA Cup run and showed excellent composure to score both his goals against West Brom
'We showed too much respect' - what they said
West Brom boss Slaven Bilic, speaking to BBC Sport: "I am proud of the performance but disappointed with the result. We showed them too much respect in the first half and if you give them too much time on the ball then they can hurt you.
"The reaction after conceding the third was brilliant. We came back and had more than enough chances to equalise.
"Unfortunately we ran out of time. We needed maybe five more minutes."
Goal crazy Magpies in FA Cup - the stats
Newcastle have scored more FA Cup goals than any other Premier League side this season (11). Indeed, the Magpies are averaging 2.2 goals-per-game in the FA Cup compared to 0.9 in the Premier League.
As a second-tier side, West Brom have been eliminated from five of their last six FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition, with the exception being their fourth round tie against West Ham this season.
Newcastle's Almiron has scored four goals in his five FA Cup matches this season, double the amount he's scored in 24 Premier League appearances (2).
Phillips scored his first goal for West Brom since December (v Swansea), ending a run of 16 games without a goal for the Scotsman.
What's next?
While Newcastle face a huge game at Southampton on Saturday (15:00 GMT) as they attempt to stay away from relegation danger, West Brom look to take another big step towards promotion on the same day at Swansea (15:00 GMT).


bbc--2020-03-03--Reading 1-2 Sheffield United: Billy Sharp's extra-time goal fires Blades into FA Cup quarter-finals

Sheffield United needed extra time to see off a stubborn Reading and reach the FA Cup quarter-finals .
Substitute Billy Sharp headed the winner from a Luke Freeman cross in added time at the end of the first period of extra time .
David McGoldrick had given the visitors the lead with a header from a Ben Osborn cross inside 90 seconds .
But Reading levelled with a George Puscas penalty on the stroke of half-time after Andy Rinomhota was fouled by George Baldock , and came close to causing an upset .
Chris Wilder 's side won what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go straight to extra time , to book their place in the last eight for the first time since 2014 .
But the Blades , flying high in eighth in the Premier League , were made to work hard for the victory , even after Sharp had headed in from close range .
Reading midfielder Pele twice came within inches of taking the game to penalties , forcing a save from Dean Henderson and then firing narrowly wide of the post in the final minute .
Earlier , striker McGoldrick had ended a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 22 April to seemingly set them up for a routine victory .
But Reading , currently in indifferent form in the bottom half of the Championship , showed resilience and patience .
Yakou Meite forced a smart reaction save out of Henderson with a left-foot drive from distance , while they limited their Premier League opponents to just a couple more chances before they were handed an opportunity to level from the penalty spot .
Romania striker Puscas made no mistake from 12 yards for his 12th goal in all competitions since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
The second half failed to produce another goal but it was certainly not short of energy or endeavour from either side .
Reading seemed to grew in confidence the longer they withstood long periods of Sheffield United pressure and possession , and nearly snatched a winner on the break when Henderson had to punch a John Swift cross away from the head of the advancing Meite .
However , the extra 30 minutes proved too much and the fresh legs off the bench proved pivotal for Sheffield United .
• Sheffield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time since 2013-14 - but the last time they did so as a top flight side was 1992-93 .
• Reading have lost their last five meetings with Sheffield United in all competitions ; only against Arsenal ( 14 ) , Manchester United ( 6 ) and Middlesbrough ( 6 ) are they on longer current losing streaks .
• Sheffield United 's Sharp has been directly involved in four goals in his last five appearances in all competitions ( 2 goals , 2 assists ) , he only scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season ( 1 goal , 0 assists ) .
• Reading forward George Puscas has scored in four of his last five appearances in all competitions ( four goals ) , as many goals as in his previous 24 for the club .
• David McGoldrick 's second-minute strike was his first goal of the season for Sheffield United , in his 21st game with what was his 37th shot . '
A long , hard-fought battle ' - what the managers said Reading manager Mark Bowen : `` It 's hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
We soaked up pressure and we had periods where we took the game to them .
It was a game of few chances and we have been done by two crosses into our box .
`` It was a long , hard-fought battle and it 's hard to take .
My players know what we 're about and what we can do together .
`` We have to take this on in our league form , we have 10 games to go and we will pick up points . ''
Sheffield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was always going to be tough .
We did n't under-prepare , we knew what we would face .
`` It was a fantastic start .
The Reading punters got right behind their team and they lifted their game .
It was never going to be easy .
`` As a Championship side we knocked out so many Premier League sides in this cup and the League Cup , so we knew it was never going to be easy .
We got the job done and found a way to win . ''

Last updated on .From the section FA Cup
Sheffield United needed extra time to see off a stubborn Reading and reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Substitute Billy Sharp headed the winner from a Luke Freeman cross in added time at the end of the first period of extra time.
David McGoldrick had given the visitors the lead with a header from a Ben Osborn cross inside 90 seconds.
But Reading levelled with a George Puscas penalty on the stroke of half-time after Andy Rinomhota was fouled by George Baldock, and came close to causing an upset.
Blades made to sweat
Chris Wilder's side won what is the first FA Cup fifth-round tie to go straight to extra time, to book their place in the last eight for the first time since 2014.
But the Blades, flying high in eighth in the Premier League, were made to work hard for the victory, even after Sharp had headed in from close range.
Reading midfielder Pele twice came within inches of taking the game to penalties, forcing a save from Dean Henderson and then firing narrowly wide of the post in the final minute.
Earlier, striker McGoldrick had ended a goal drought for the Blades stretching back to 22 April to seemingly set them up for a routine victory.
But Reading, currently in indifferent form in the bottom half of the Championship, showed resilience and patience.
Yakou Meite forced a smart reaction save out of Henderson with a left-foot drive from distance, while they limited their Premier League opponents to just a couple more chances before they were handed an opportunity to level from the penalty spot.
Romania striker Puscas made no mistake from 12 yards for his 12th goal in all competitions since completing a move from Inter Milan in August.
The second half failed to produce another goal but it was certainly not short of energy or endeavour from either side.
Reading seemed to grew in confidence the longer they withstood long periods of Sheffield United pressure and possession, and nearly snatched a winner on the break when Henderson had to punch a John Swift cross away from the head of the advancing Meite.
However, the extra 30 minutes proved too much and the fresh legs off the bench proved pivotal for Sheffield United.
Man of the match - John Egan (Sheffield United)
The Blades captain kept things calm at the back late on when other sides may have wilted
Sharp takes his chance - the stats
Sheffield United have reached the FA Cup quarter-final for the first time since 2013-14 - but the last time they did so as a top flight side was 1992-93.
Reading have lost their last five meetings with Sheffield United in all competitions; only against Arsenal (14), Manchester United (6) and Middlesbrough (6) are they on longer current losing streaks.
Sheffield United's Sharp has been directly involved in four goals in his last five appearances in all competitions (2 goals, 2 assists), he only scored once in his first 15 games this season (1 goal, 0 assists).
Reading forward George Puscas has scored in four of his last five appearances in all competitions (four goals), as many goals as in his previous 24 for the club.
David McGoldrick's second-minute strike was his first goal of the season for Sheffield United, in his 21st game with what was his 37th shot.
'A long, hard-fought battle' - what the managers said
Reading manager Mark Bowen: "It's hard to take when you put that much effort in. We soaked up pressure and we had periods where we took the game to them. It was a game of few chances and we have been done by two crosses into our box.
"It was a long, hard-fought battle and it's hard to take. My players know what we're about and what we can do together.
"We have to take this on in our league form, we have 10 games to go and we will pick up points."
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder: "It was always going to be tough. We didn't under-prepare, we knew what we would face.
"It was a fantastic start. The Reading punters got right behind their team and they lifted their game. It was never going to be easy.
"As a Championship side we knocked out so many Premier League sides in this cup and the League Cup, so we knew it was never going to be easy. We got the job done and found a way to win."


bbc--2020-03-03--England face world number ones Belgium as home countries learn Nations League draws

England will play world number one team Belgium , Denmark and Iceland in League A of the 2020-2021 Nations League .
Wales will face the Republic of Ireland , Finland and Bulgaria in League B , while Northern Ireland are grouped with Austria , Norway and Romania .
Scotland , also in League B , will play the Czech Republic , Slovakia and Euro 2020 play-off opponents Israel .
The first group games take place in September this year , with the finals scheduled for the summer .
England lost twice to Belgium at the 2018 World Cup in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage before losing 2-0 in the third-place play-off .
Iceland famously beat the Three Lions in the last 16 of Euro 2016 , while Daniel Sturridge earned Roy Hodgson 's side a 1-0 win in their last meeting with Denmark .
`` All of the groups are quite tough and it 's a really good fixture with Belgium as well - a team we have n't played as much in the last couple of years , '' England manager Gareth Southgate told Sky Sports .
`` The best way to improve is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very proficient in the European qualifiers at beating teams who defended deep , and managed to score a lot of goals .
But you are only developing one part of your game in those tests .
`` These matches will be a greater test of our all-round game . ''
Elsewhere , Wales are grouped with the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League for the second time in a row .
Ryan Giggs ' side won 4-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium in September 2018 before securing a 1-0 victory in Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are due to face Israel in a one-off Euro 2020 play-off semi-final at Hampden later this month , also face the Israelis in the Nations League once again .
Alex McLeish 's team lost 2-1 away in the inaugural edition of the tournament , before beating Israel 3-2 at Hampden to top League C Group One last season .
Northern Ireland lost twice to Austria , being beaten 1-0 away before a 2-1 defeat at Windsor Park .
What has changed in 2020-2021 ?
Uefa has increased the size of the top three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group will have four teams - and decreased the size of the bottom tier to seven .
The teams who win each group in the top division - as England did last time - will go into the finals tournament in June 2021 .
The teams who finish bottom will be relegated to League B .
Unlike the previous campaign , when everybody was qualifying for the Euro 2020 play-offs , only two World Cup play-off spots are on offer to the 55 countries .
The best two Nations League group winners who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or play-offs through normal qualifying , will go into the 12-team World Cup play-offs in March 2022 .
When are the games ?

Last updated on .From the section European Football
England lost to Belgium twice at the 2018 World Cup in Russia
England will play world number one team Belgium, Denmark and Iceland in League A of the 2020-21 Nations League.
Wales will face the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Bulgaria in League B, while Northern Ireland are grouped with Austria, Norway and Romania.
Scotland, also in League B, will play the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Euro 2020 play-off opponents Israel.
The first group games take place in September this year, with the finals scheduled for the summer.
Groups in full:
League A Group one Group two Group three Group four Netherlands England Portugal Switzerland Italy Belgium France Spain Bosnia and Herzegovina Denmark Sweden Ukraine Poland Iceland Croatia Germany
League B Group one Group two Group three Group four Romania Israel Hungary Bulgaria Northern Ireland Slovakia Turkey Republic of Ireland Norway Scotland Serbia Finland Austria Czech Republic Russia Wales
League C Group one Group two Group three Group four Azerbaijan Armenia Moldova Kazakhstan Luxembourg Estonia Slovenia Lithuania Cyprus North Macedonia Kosovo Belarus Montenegro Georgia Greece Albania
League D Group one Group two Malta San Marino Andorra Liechtenstein Latvia Gibraltar Faroe Islands
England lost twice to Belgium at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, going down 1-0 in the group stage before losing 2-0 in the third-place play-off.
Iceland famously beat the Three Lions in the last 16 of Euro 2016, while Daniel Sturridge earned Roy Hodgson's side a 1-0 win in their last meeting with Denmark.
"All of the groups are quite tough and it's a really good fixture with Belgium as well - a team we haven't played as much in the last couple of years," England manager Gareth Southgate told Sky Sports.
"The best way to improve is to play the best teams. We got very proficient in the European qualifiers at beating teams who defended deep, and managed to score a lot of goals. But you are only developing one part of your game in those tests.
"These matches will be a greater test of our all-round game."
Elsewhere, Wales are grouped with the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League for the second time in a row. Ryan Giggs' side won 4-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium in September 2018 before securing a 1-0 victory in Dublin the following month.
Scotland, who are due to play Israel in a one-off Euro 2020 play-off semi-final at Hampden Park later this month, also face the Israelis in the Nations League once again.
Alex McLeish's team lost 2-1 away in the inaugural edition of the tournament, before winning 3-2 at home to top League C Group One last season.
Northern Ireland lost twice to Austria, being beaten 1-0 away before a 2-1 defeat at Windsor Park.
What has changed in 2020-21?
Tuesday's 2020-21 Nations League draw was held in Amsterdam
Uefa has increased the size of the top three tiers to 16 countries - meaning each group will have four teams - and decreased the size of the bottom tier to seven.
The teams who win each group in the top division - as England did last time - will go into the finals tournament in June 2021. The teams who finish bottom will be relegated to League B.
Unlike the previous campaign, when everybody was qualifying for the Euro 2020 play-offs, only two World Cup play-off spots are on offer to the 55 countries.
The best two Nations League group winners who do not qualify for the World Cup or play-offs through normal qualifying, will go into the 12-team World Cup play-offs in March 2022.
When are the games?
Matchday 1: 3-5 September 2020
Matchday 2: 6-8 September 2020
Matchday 3: 8-10 October 2020
Matchday 4: 11-13 October 2020
Matchday 5: 12-14 November 2020
Matchday 6: 15-17 November 2020


bbc--2020-03-03--Team Ineos sporting director Portal dies at 40

Team Ineos sporting director Nicolas Portal has died at the age of 40 .
Former professional cyclist Portal helped oversee Briton Chris Froome 's four triumphs in the Tour de France from 2013 to 2017 .
A statement from Team Ineos said the Frenchman died at home in Andorra on Tuesday afternoon .
He rode for Team Sky and stayed on as a manager before taking over as directeur sportif following Sean Yates ' retirement in 2012 .
It was reported by Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport that he had suffered a heart attack .
A statement from Team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of our much loved team-mate , colleague and friend Nico Portal , who died suddenly this afternoon at his home in Andorra .
`` We are all overcome with grief at this terrible news and would ask everyone to respect the family 's privacy at this difficult time .
`` RIP Nico - your spirit will always be with us on the road and you will forever be in our hearts . ''
Froome was among many to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Nico 's wife and children tonight .
He was the kindest , happiest guy I knew and always lived life to the fullest .
Rest In Peace Nico , '' he wrote on Twitter .
Portal competed in the Tour de France six times as a rider and retired in 2010 after diagnosis of an irregular heartbeat .
He was part of the Sky set-up which helped Bradley Wiggins win the Tour in 2012 and had a growing influence as Froome ( 2013 , 2015 , 2016 and 2017 ) and Geraint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prize in cycling before Egan Bernal took the honours for Team Ineos last year .
The role of a directeur sportif - sporting director in English - can be seen as similar to that of a head coach in football .
During races directeurs sportif follow the peloton in a car , communicating with riders about tactics and passing on any required information , as well as liaising with organisers .

Portal was a 'much-loved team-mate, colleague and friend,' said Team Ineos
Team Ineos sporting director Nicolas Portal has died at the age of 40.
Former professional cyclist Portal helped oversee Briton Chris Froome's four triumphs in the Tour de France from 2013 to 2017.
A statement from Team Ineos said the Frenchman died at home in Andorra on Tuesday afternoon.
He rode for Team Sky and stayed on as a manager before taking over as directeur sportif following Sean Yates' retirement in 2012.
A statement from Team Ineos, previously known as Team Sky, said: "It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of our much loved team-mate, colleague and friend Nico Portal, who died suddenly this afternoon at his home in Andorra.
"We are all overcome with grief at this terrible news and would ask everyone to respect the family's privacy at this difficult time.
"RIP Nico - your spirit will always be with us on the road and you will forever be in our hearts."
Froome was among many to pay tribute.
"My thoughts are with Nico's wife and children tonight. He was the kindest, happiest guy I knew and always lived life to the fullest. Rest In Peace Nico," he wrote on Twitter.
Portal competed in the Tour de France six times as a rider and retired in 2010 after diagnosis of an irregular heartbeat.
He was part of the Sky set-up which helped Bradley Wiggins become the first British rider to win the Tour in 2012 and had a growing influence as Froome (2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017) and Geraint Thomas (2018) won the biggest prize in cycling before Colombian Egan Bernal took the honours for Team Ineos last year.
The role of a directeur sportif - sporting director in English - can be seen as similar to that of a head coach in football.
During races directeurs sportif follow the peloton in a car, communicating with riders about tactics and passing on any required information, as well as liaising with organisers.
"Can't quite get my head around it, it's too sad. Nico was so talented, warm, genuine and always there when I needed him," Thomas wrote on Twitter. "He was more than my colleague, he was my friend.
"My thoughts are with his wife and children, who he put above everything else. I'll always remember him dancing with his little girl in Paris in to the early hours. He was too young to be taken away from them. Nico, I'll miss you mate, you were one of the good ones."