Kolkata's Footballing Giants Unite in Historic ISL Debut

Kolkata’s Footballing Giants Unite in Historic ISL Debut

Kolkata, the birthplace of Indian football, is set to witness a historic moment as three of its oldest and most iconic clubs—Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting—will compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) for the first time together.

Mohammedan Sporting, founded in 1891, will join Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, who have been part of the ISL since 2020-21, after winning the I-League last season. This marks the first time since 2013-14 that all three clubs will be in India’s top-tier football league.

The inclusion of these legendary clubs in the ISL is a significant development for Indian football. “It is a nice family to be part of,” said Mohammedan Sporting’s Russian coach Andrey Chernyshov. “This could encourage more players from Bengal,” added East Bengal’s Souvik Chakraborty.

However, Mohammedan Sporting faces a challenging task in the ISL. With a revamped roster featuring many young and new players, including three of the six foreigners, the team will need time to adjust to the league’s higher level of competition.

“Though we play to win, we would need to get the feel of the ISL first,” said Chernyshov. “We are not in a position to think about the first match yet.”

Punjab FC, another I-League champion, is also aiming for a strong performance in the ISL. With a new coach and a talented striker in Mushaga Bakenga, the team hopes to finish in the top six.

“We lost lots of points in the last minutes,” said Bakenga. “Lesson learnt, we are aiming for the top-six this time.”

The ISL media day provided a platform for coaches and players to discuss various issues, including the importance of Indian players. “Seven Indians need to be on the pitch,” said Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera. “Without a good group of Indian players, it is impossible to win.”

The inclusion of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting in the ISL is a testament to the rich history and passion for football in Kolkata. It is a moment that will undoubtedly captivate fans and further elevate the profile of Indian football.

Odisha FC Aims for ISL Title, Other Teams Set for Competitive Season

Odisha FC Aims for ISL Title, Other Teams Set for Competitive Season

Odisha FC, buoyed by their impressive AFC Cup campaign and a strong finish in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season, has set their sights on the ISL title this year. Head coach Sergio Lobera expressed confidence in his team’s ability to challenge for the championship, stating that they are better prepared than ever before.

“We had an amazing season last year, finishing at the top of the group in the AFC Cup. We were close to winning the Super Cup and we reached the ISL semifinals for the first time in the club’s history. I am very proud of what we did last season. And hopefully, with more luck we can do a little bit more this season,” Lobera said.

Odisha FC’s determination is shared by other teams in the league. Mohammedan SC, after winning the I-League last season, is eager to make an impact in the ISL. Head coach Andrey Chernyshov emphasized the importance of making their promotion count by reaching the playoffs.

NorthEast United FC, which narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, is also aiming high. Coach Juan Pedro Benali acknowledged the team’s past success in the Durand Cup but stressed the need to focus on the ISL.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending ISL champions, is looking to retain their title with a revamped squad. New coach Jose Molina is confident in the team’s preparation and is determined to keep the League Shield in Kolkata.

East Bengal FC, another Kolkata-based club, has also bolstered its squad and is hoping for a better performance this season. Coach Carles Cuadrat expressed optimism that the team can make it to the knockout stages.

Punjab FC and Jamshedpur FC are also among the teams hoping to make a mark in the ISL. Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis of Punjab FC and Jamshedpur FC’s coach analyzed their chances and expressed their desire to perform well.

The ISL is set to be a competitive and exciting season, with several teams vying for the title. Odisha FC, with its strong determination and improved squad, is certainly one to watch.

Record-Breaking Summer Transfer Window Sees Over 11,000 International Transfers

Record-Breaking Summer Transfer Window Sees Over 11,000 International Transfers

FIFA’s recent report reveals a record-breaking summer transfer window, with over 11,000 international transfers registered globally. Despite a slight decline in spending compared to last year, clubs across the globe invested heavily to bolster their squads.

The most expensive transfer of the window was Julian Alvarez’s move from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid for a staggering €75 million. Kylian Mbappe’s sensational free transfer to Real Madrid also made headlines, with the French forward reportedly receiving a hefty signing bonus.

However, overall spending on transfer fees cooled off during the mid-year trading period. FIFA’s research indicates that clubs committed to spend $6.46 billion on international player deals, down from $7.43 billion in the same period last year.

The average transfer fee paid by European clubs, the richest market, was $3.13 million, a decrease from $3.8 million a year ago. Notably, the FIFA study excludes the biggest transfer deal of the European offseason, Dominic Solanke’s move from Bournemouth to Tottenham.

English clubs emerged as the biggest net spenders, investing $1.69 billion on international transfers. Italy and Saudi Arabia also had significant net spending, while Belgian clubs made a net profit of $302 million.

Clubs from Argentina and Brazil also benefited from the transfer window, receiving more than they spent on international deals.

Of the record 11,000 international transfers processed by FIFA, nearly 6,300 were free agent players. This highlights the growing trend of clubs acquiring players without paying transfer fees.

Etihad Airways Soars as Official Sponsor of Mumbai City FC

Etihad Airways Soars as Official Sponsor of Mumbai City FC

Etihad Airways has solidified its commitment to the Indian market and Mumbai City FC’s burgeoning reputation as a premier Indian football club by becoming the official sponsor of the team for multiple years, commencing with the 2024-25 season. This partnership marks a record-breaking duration in Indian football history and coincides with Etihad’s 20th anniversary of operations in India.

The Etihad Airways logo will be prominently displayed on the front of Mumbai City FC’s first and youth team match shirts and training kits from the 2024-25 season onwards. This partnership underscores the deep-rooted connection between the two organizations’ home countries and their shared values of teamwork and excellence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Etihad on board as our Official Front of Shirt Sponsor,” said Kandarp Chandra, CEO of Mumbai City FC. “Their endorsement is a testament to the high-quality football we play, our commitment to performance, and our pursuit of excellence both on and off the field. Both Etihad and Mumbai City are proud to represent global cities that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity.”

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Mumbai City FC to the Etihad family. India remains a key strategic market for us, and we are committed to serving the Indian community with convenient connections from 11 destinations across India to the Middle East, Europe, and North America.”

To commemorate its 20th anniversary of flying to India, Etihad will deploy its A380 aircraft on the Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route from September 1st, further demonstrating its commitment to growth in the Indian market.

Luis Suarez to Retire from Uruguay National Team After 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Luis Suarez to Retire from Uruguay National Team After 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Luis Suarez, the legendary Uruguayan striker, has announced his retirement from international football. The 37-year-old, who is Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals, will bid farewell to the national team after the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on September 6, 2024.

Suarez’s decision comes after a remarkable career with the Celeste, spanning 142 appearances and four World Cups. He played a pivotal role in Uruguay’s 2011 Copa America triumph, scoring four goals in the tournament.

“Friday, it’s hard to even say it, will be my last game with my country’s national team,” Suarez said. “But it’s something that I’d been thinking about, analyzing. I think it’s the right moment because I have my reasons.”

Suarez’s departure marks the end of an era for Uruguayan football. He has been a talismanic figure for the team, inspiring a generation of players. His goalscoring prowess and unwavering determination have made him a fan favorite both at home and abroad.

In his debut MLS campaign with Inter Miami, Suarez has continued to showcase his predatory instincts, scoring 16 goals in 20 matches. His performances have helped the team climb the standings and challenge for a playoff spot.

Suarez’s retirement from international football will allow him to focus on his club career and spend more time with his family. However, his legacy with the Celeste will live on for generations to come. He will be remembered as one of the greatest players in Uruguayan history, a true icon of the game.

Leicester City Avoid Points Deduction in Premier League Financial Breach Case

Leicester City Avoid Points Deduction in Premier League Financial Breach Case

Leicester City have successfully overturned a decision that would have allowed an independent commission to investigate alleged breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). The English top flight expressed “surprise and disappointment” at the appeal board’s ruling, which effectively absolves Leicester of any potential points deduction.

The initial claim against Leicester alleged that the club had exceeded the maximum permitted loss of 105 million pounds ($138 million) over a three-season period. However, the appeal board determined that Leicester’s accounting period ended on June 30, 2023, after the club’s relegation from the Premier League. This decision means that the league cannot take action against Leicester for exceeding the PSR threshold during the relevant accounting periods.

Leicester welcomed the verdict, stating that it supported their “consistently stated position that any action against the club should be pursued in accordance with the applicable rules.” The club, which famously won the Premier League title in 2016, could have faced a significant points deduction if found guilty of breaching the financial regulations.

The Premier League’s decision to appeal the board’s ruling highlights the league’s commitment to enforcing its financial regulations. Last season, Nottingham Forest and Everton were both given points deductions for PSR breaches. Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, are also facing charges of 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations.

The outcome of Leicester’s appeal raises questions about the effectiveness of the Premier League’s PSR rules. The league will likely review its regulations and consider potential amendments to ensure that clubs are held accountable for financial irregularities.

England Ruled Out of Nations League Matches

England Ruled Out of Nations League Matches

Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Ollie Watkins have been ruled out of England’s upcoming Nations League matches due to injuries and illness. The trio will miss the games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, which will be England’s first under interim manager Lee Carsley.

Chelsea’s Palmer, who scored in England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, has returned to his club with an injury. Aston Villa striker Watkins has also returned to his club with an injury. Manchester City forward Foden did not join up with Carsley’s squad due to illness.

The match against Ireland will be England’s first since Gareth Southgate’s eight-year reign as manager ended. Carsley has been placed in temporary charge and has given Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White, Tino Livramento, and Angel Gomes their first call-ups.

England will face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday before hosting Finland at Wembley three days later in League B. No further additions are planned to the squad at this time, according to the English Football Association.

The absence of Foden, Palmer, and Watkins is a blow to Carsley, who will be looking to make a positive start to his tenure as interim manager. The trio are all key players for their respective clubs and would have been expected to play a major role in England’s upcoming matches.

Despite the setbacks, Carsley will be confident that his team can get positive results against Ireland and Finland. England have a strong squad, and Carsley will be hoping to get the best out of his players in his first games in charge.

India Stumble in Intercontinental Cup Opener Against Mauritius

India Stumble in Intercontinental Cup Opener Against Mauritius

India’s Intercontinental Cup opener against Mauritius ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw, leaving new coach Manolo Marquez with plenty to ponder. The match, played in Hyderabad, exposed the gulf in quality between the two sides, with India struggling to create clear-cut chances against a team ranked 55 places below them.

Marquez, who took over the reins from Igor Stimac, admitted that his team’s performance was “difficult to play worse than today.” He acknowledged the need for significant improvement ahead of their next match against Syria on Monday.

India’s preparations for the Intercontinental Cup have been far from ideal. They were eliminated from the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after a disappointing campaign that included a defeat to Afghanistan. Hopes were raised after a victory over Qatar, but a late winner from Kuwait dashed their dreams of qualification.

Despite the setbacks, India remain focused on the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Marquez handed Chinglensana Singh his first India cap in nearly 18 months, and the center-back impressed with a solid performance. Ashish Rai and Jay Gupta also made their debuts in defense.

Sahal Abdul Samad, who scored and won a penalty in the Durand Cup final, started on the bench but came on at half-time. Nandhakumar Sekar also made an appearance as a substitute.

India enjoyed superior possession but failed to test Mauritius goalkeeper Jean Luis Obrian until the 37th minute. Manvir Singh had a chance to break the deadlock but was denied by Obrian.

Mauritius threatened during a second-half spell, but their best chance came in the 37th minute when Jean grazed the crossbar with a long-ranger.

Overall, the match was a disappointing start to India’s Intercontinental Cup campaign. Marquez will need to find a way to improve his team’s attacking play if they are to have any chance of success in the tournament.

Myngken Christian Stuns Defending Champion in Subroto Cup Upset

Myngken Christian Stuns Defending Champion in Subroto Cup Upset

Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School from Meghalaya pulled off a stunning upset in the 63rd Subroto Cup junior boys football tournament, defeating defending champion Government Model Senior Secondary School from Chandigarh in a thrilling group-F league match.

The match, played at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, saw Myngken Christian emerge victorious with a narrow 1-0 scoreline. The lone goal of the match was scored by Banganson, who found the back of the net in the second half.

The victory was a major upset, as Government Model Senior Secondary School had been the reigning champion of the tournament. However, Myngken Christian played with determination and resilience, frustrating their opponents throughout the match.

The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances to score. However, it was Myngken Christian who took the lead in the second half, when Banganson capitalized on a defensive error to score the winning goal.

Government Model Senior Secondary School fought back valiantly in the remaining minutes, but they were unable to find an equalizer. Myngken Christian held on for a famous victory, sending shockwaves through the tournament.

The win was a major boost for Myngken Christian, who are now in contention for a place in the knockout stages. Government Model Senior Secondary School, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find their form if they want to defend their title.

Ronaldo and Messi Playing Football

How to improve your football dribbling skills: A path to mastery

Football dribbling is an art form that combines creativity, technique, and strategic thinking. It is more than just a skill. Improvement in dribbling abilities can have a significant impact on performance on the field for athletes, whether they are seasoned pros or prospective players wanting to improve their skills. This article offers a thorough guide for enhancing your football dribbling abilities, making you a more formidable player.

 

  1. Understand the Basics of Dribbling

To start down the path to becoming a better dribbler, you must understand the fundamentals. Dribbling calls for the ability to handle the ball while sprinting, which calls for both coordination and agility. During gameplay, maintaining the ball near your feet enhances control and responsiveness. This foundational knowledge lays the groundwork for later, more sophisticated methods.

  1. Master the Seven C’s of Dribbling

The “Seven C’s of Dribbling” cover a variety of abilities necessary for efficient dribbling. These include being able to change course, change speed, distance traveled, be creative, and adjust to various circumstances. By working on each element independently, athletes can create a versatile dribbling style that works in any situation during a game.

  1. Implement Dribbling Drills

Targeted drills are a great way to improve your skills while training. Here are some drills that work well:

Closed-Space Dribbling Drill: Practice moving through three triangle-shaped cones by using all of your foot’s surfaces. This exercise enhances ball control in confined areas.

Cone Dribble Drill: Place cones in a straight line and alternate between dribbling through your inside and outside foot. Your capacity to move in different directions is enhanced by this.

One-on-One Controlled Dribble: Work on your ability to manoeuvre under pressure by dribbling against defenders. This is a crucial skill for circumstances that arise during games.

 

  1. Work on Change of Pace

A proficient dribbler is aware of when to accelerate and when to slow down. Changing up the tempo during practice might help you confuse opponents and free up space for passes or shots. This essential talent can be developed with basic workouts like short bursts of acceleration followed by slower recovery periods.

  1. Focus on Close Ball Control

Players might gain the upper hand in games by keeping the ball close to them. Positioning yourself better against defenders is made possible by practising light touches and keeping the ball inside a few feet. Close ball control training on a regular basis can greatly improve this area of your game.

  1. Incorporate Creative Techniques

Participate in creative and enjoyable freestyle dribbling workouts to advance your dribbling. Through these activities, you may develop your signature moves that confuse opponents and open up space. You can also improve your game by studying the skills of professional dribblers and adopting their style.

  1. Develop a Strong Mental Game

Dribbling requires more than just good physical skill; it also requires a solid mental game. On the field, staying aware of your surroundings enables you to make judgments more quickly and strategically. To improve your ability to read the game, try imagining good dribbles or watching professional matches.

 

Football dribbling is a technique that requires commitment, repetition, and a willingness to get better. You may improve your dribbling skills and eventually your game by learning the foundations, implementing different drills, concentrating on creativity, and enhancing your mental sharpness. Remind yourself while you focus on your training because improvement takes time and that each touch you make with the ball will bring you one step closer to mastery. Put on your boots, step onto the field, and watch as your development into an expert dribbler takes place.

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