Author: Barkha Roy

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…

Argentina’s hopes of ending a 36-year World Cup title drought in Qatar can be hampered by Brazil, France, and England, according to Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi. “Whenever we talk about candidates, we always talk about the same teams,” “If I have to put some above others I think Brazil, France and England are a little bit above the rest. But the World Cup is so difficult and so complicated that anything can happen.”the Paris Saint-Germain attacker said in an interview with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). Lionel Scaloni’s men are unbeaten in their last 35 games, which includes the Copa America final…

Manchester City has received an unexpected short-term loan offer for Erling Haaland to keep the prolific Norwegian striker busy during the World Cup break. Due to Norway’s failure to qualify for Qatar, the 22-year-old will be out until after Christmas. He will, however, have the opportunity to keep his match sharpness at non-league Ashton United. The Manchester minnows have attempted to sign one of the world’s most lethal attacking forces to help them avoid relegation from the National League North, England’s sixth tier in professional football. Credit: YouTube / Ashton UnitedTV Following Saturday’s defeat to Gainsborough Trinity, Ashton manager Michael Clegg hinted…

Edouard Mendy’s future at Chelsea is uncertain ahead of the World Cup, with the 30-year-old considering a move amid concerns that his first-team opportunities will be limited. Since his arrival from Rennes in a deal worth 22 million pounds in September 2020, the shot-stopper has been a huge success at Stamford Bridge. However, the keeper’s position as Blues’ No. 1 has been called into question following the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel and the arrival of current head coach Graham Potter. Kepa Arrizabalaga began Potter’s reign as Chelsea’s first-choice keeper while Mendy was out with a knee injury. Due to Arrizabalaga’s foot injury, Chelsea’s previous four…

Brazil coach Tite named his 26-man World Cup squad for Qatar on Monday, including 39-year-old defender Daniel Alves but leaving out Aston Villa attacker Filipe Coutinho and Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino as the five-time champions prepare for the tournament, which kicks off on November 20. https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1589754577099685891 The Brazilian manager will only take four centre-backs, with Juventus’ Bremer trailing Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, and Eder Militao, and leaving out Roger Ibanez (AS Roma) and Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal). Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal was named to a list dominated by 12 English Premier League players. Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, as well as Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha and Newcastle midfielder Joelinton,…