Author: Barkha Roy

Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Croatia on Thursday. To advance past the group stage, Roberto Martinez’s side needed a win against the 2018 World Cup finalists, but they were unable to find the back of the net. Croatia dominated from the start and had a chance within the first 20 seconds, but Ivan Perisic blazed his shot over the crossbar. After 14 minutes, Belgium counterattacked quickly, but Dries Mertens was unable to find the target after a fine through ball from Kevin de Bruyne. Croatia were awarded a penalty less than a minute later after Yannick Carrasco was…

Japan rallied from a goal down in the second half to defeat Spain 2-1 on Thursday and advance to the World Cup knockout stages as group winners. Nevertheless, Luis Enrique’s have qualified for the round of 16 on goal difference, thanks to Germany’s win over Costa Rica in the other final game of Group E. La Roja appeared to be in complete control after Alvaro Morata put the 2010 champions ahead after only 11 minutes, and they finished the first half with nearly 80% possession. But Japan, knowing they needed at least a draw to advance, exploded at the start of the…

Having saved Lionel Messi’s penalty in their final Group C game, Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has hilariously claimed that the only person who can stop Kylian Mbappe at the FIFA World Cup is himself. The Juventus custodian also stated that France is the favourite in the Round of 16 match but he is confident of putting in a strong performance. Poland lost to Argentina in the final group stage match on Wednesday night but still managed to qualify for the pre-quarters. They finished with the same number of points as Mexico but finished second in the table due to a better goal…

Australia advanced to the World Cup last 16 for the first time since 2006, thanks to a 1-0 win over Denmark in their final Group D match on Wednesday. Denmark created chances in the first half of the match at Al Janoub Stadium in Wakra and could have taken an early lead, but Jesper Lindstrom’s close-range shot was blocked, and Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan parried Mathias Jensen’s attempt. In the 19th minute, Australia’s defence gave Joakim Maehle space on the left and the defender drilled the ball into the box, but Ryan came to Australia’s rescue again, kicking the ball away. As forward Duke Mitchell took aim from…

Argentina and Lionel Messi dominated Poland 2-0 on Wednesday at the World Cup to win Group C and advance to the last 16 at Stadium 974 in Qatar. Alexis MacAllister and Julian Alvarez scored second-half goals for La Albiceleste, who were stunned by Saudi Arabia in their group opener, to keep their quest for a first World Cup title since 1986 alive. Even though Robert Lewandowski-led Poland were outplayed for the entire 90 minutes, they advanced to the knockout round in second place thanks to a better goal difference than Mexico and will face Group D winners France on Sunday. Argentina will play Australia on Saturday for a place in the…

On November 27, Morocco have scored twice in the second half to hand the Red Devils a crushing defeat in Group F. As a result, Roberto Martinez’s side sit third in the table and face the risk of early elimination. If the reports are to be believed, Belgium superstars Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen, and Kevin De Bruyne were reportedly involved in a major brawl after the game at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. They reportedly got into a heated argument, which Romelu Lukaku had to break up. After the game, midfielder De Bruyne stated that the national team’s players are too old to win the…

Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar came off the bench to score one goal and set up Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as the Indomitable Lions salvaged a point in their 3-3 draw with Serbia on Monday, ending the African side’s run of eight consecutive World Cup losses. Both sides have a single point from their two games and are still in contention for a round of 16 spot, though Cameroon must face Brazil in their final match on Friday, while the Serbians play Switzerland. Jean-Charles Castelletto gave Cameroon the lead just before the half-hour mark, but a quick-fire double from Strahinja Pavlovic and the hugely impressive Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at the end of…

Morocco’s 2-0 win over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup on Sunday became a cause of destruction and violence as rooting and looting began in several Belgian and Dutch cities, most notably capital Brussels and the northern city of Antwerp. Tear gas was utilised and water cannons had to be deployed to disperse crowd. The Red Devils’ loss in the group stage clash was seen as a major upset in this year’s World Cup and it quickly became a reason for enthusiastic celebration by fans with Moroccan immigrant roots in many Belgian and Dutch cities. Police had to be dispatched…

Brazilian centre-back Marquinhos is of the opinion that Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo aren’t limited by their nationality. Rather, they are assets to be treasured by the entire football world.  “I think what happens with these players is that Messi is not Argentine, Cristiano is not Portuguese…they go further than that. They are a privilege for football. For the people who love this sport, the tournaments, the competition, They’re a treasure. They don’t just belong to their countries.””We all enjoy their presence, watching them play. I’ve played with Neymar, with Messi, and I benefit from their presence. Life…

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez stated that if his native Spain fails to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup then he would like to see Lionel Messi and Argentina win it. La Albiceleste had a nightmare start to their campaign in Qatar. They were defeated 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in their first game. However, Lionel Scaloni’s team has since made a strong comeback, defeating Mexico 2-0 in their next match. Messi has scored a goal in both games. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also set up Enzo Fernandez’s spectacular goal against the Mexicans. If Spain fails to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Xavi believes his former Barcelona teammate…