Author: Barkha Roy

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…

Wales suffered World Cup 2022 heartbreak when Iran won 2-0 in second-half stoppage time, leaving their knockout hopes hanging by a thread. Roozbeh Cheshmi’s stunning goal in the eighth minute of extra time broke Wales’ resistance after goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was shown a straight red card in the 84th minute for racing off his line and fouling Mehdi Taremi. Credit: FIFA Ramin Rezaeian finished off another quick counter-attack with a cool finish over substitute goalkeeper Danny Ward to give the Asian side a 2-0 lead with practically the last kick of the game. The Red Dragons were looking for a win to boost their chances of reaching the knockout…

Chennaiyin FC manager Thomas Brdaric claims that the Indian Super League was once a bit wild, but it is now one of the world’s most improved leagues. The tactician also stated that having a longer season with a pre-season tournament will be beneficial to Indian football in the long run. “We not only want to get good results as a team, but we also want to contribute to the growth of Indian football. I see a lot of potential for Indian football. Having a longer season is a way (of improving football in India). We also need to work together. The…

The German national team players covered their mouths with their hands, implying that they had been gagged by FIFA during the World Cup of protest and rancour. Their message was reinforced by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who sat next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino while wearing a OneLove armband, which promotes tolerance, diversity, and LGBTQ+ rights. It was a calculated act of defiance against football’s governing body, which had warned seven nations, including England and Wales, that wearing OneLove armbands during matches would result in sporting sanctions. During the team’s 2-1 defeat to Japan, six players, including captain Manuel Neuer and Ilkay Gundogan, wore Adidas boots with rainbow stitching,…

Japan came from behind to stun 2014 world champions Germany in their World Cup Group E opener on Wednesday. Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, and forward Kai Havertz had the ball in the net just before halftime, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Japan responded in the final 15 minutes with goals from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano to claim their first-ever win over Germany and cause an early tournament upset. https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1595441660015644675 Hansi Flick’s side are looking for redemption after a shock group-stage exit in the 2018 edition…

Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to leave the club with immediate effect after reaching an agreement with the Red Devils board. United announced that the Portuguese will leave following an explosive interview in which he criticised the club and manager Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils initially confirmed that they had “initiated appropriate steps” in response to the interview, but have now announced that they have parted ways with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect,” read a club statement.  “The club thanks him for his immense contribution…

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has urged the fans to unite and deliver a compelling response to Saudi Arabia’s “hard blow” in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Messi’s penalty spot conversion after 10 minutes in Lusail raised the prospect of an Argentina cruise, which was widely expected. Lionel Scaloni’s men threatened to extend their lead several times and had three ‘goals’ disallowed for offside. However, the valiant Saudis stunned their illustrious opponents with two goals in five second-half minutes to turn the game – and the established order of world football – on its head, leaving them with…

Saudi King Salman declared a holiday for all public and private employees on Wednesday following the country’s 2-1 victory over Argentina in their FIFA World Cup opener. After conceding an early Lionel Messi penalty, Saudi Arabia produced one of the greatest World Cup upsets thanks to a Saleh Al-Shehri equaliser and a sublime Salem Al-Dawsari winner at Doha’s Lusail Stadium. Saudi Arabia ended Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten streak, which included a Copa America 2021 title. After the final whistle, fans formed impromptu dance circles and waved the sword-emblazoned national flag from the windows of speeding cars throughout the capital Riyadh. https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1595097777687740417 The government declared a public holiday…