Author: Barkha Roy

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…

Tunisia held tournament dark horses Denmark to a pulsating 0-0 draw in their opening group game, leaving Group D wide open ahead of France’s clash with Australia later Tuesday. Jalel Kadri’s men started the game stronger, with the African side pressing the opposition high up the pitch and denying their talented midfield trio any time on the ball. They nearly got their reward as well, with Issam Jebali poking home for the visitors only to see the offside flag raised before being denied later by an excellent Kasper Schmeichel save. However, even as Denmark grew into the game, the Eagles of Carthage continued to go toe-to-toe…

Argentina, one of the 2022 World Cup favourites, suffered one of the biggest shocks of the tournament on Tuesday, as Saudi Arabia came from behind to win 2-1 in front of 88,012 fans at Lusail Stadium. La Albiceleste took a 10th-minute lead from the penalty spot thanks to Lionel Messi’s penalty kick. However, two goals early in the second half, including an outstanding strike from Salem Al-Dawsari, turned the game on its head and left the Albiceleste with little margin for error in their remaining Group C games against Mexico and Poland. https://twitter.com/sportbible/status/1595079679270166528 Argentina were on course to match Italy’s record unbeaten run of…

France’s World Cup hopes were dealt a huge blow late Saturday when Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema was ruled out of the tournament in Qatar due to an injured left thigh. The 34-year-old Real Madrid striker had been battling an injury for some time and had played less than half an hour in his club’s last six games before the tournament. For the first time since the World Cup holders gathered last week ahead of the tournament, he participated in full training on Saturday. With the injury, the Real Madrid striker was forced to withdraw from the session at Qatari champions Al…