Football Archives

Liverpool Rout Sparta Prague 5-1 in Europa League

By Nilay March 8, 2024 0

Liverpool took a commanding step towards the Europa League quarterfinals with a resounding 5-1 victory over Sparta Prague on Thursday. Darwin Nunez starred for the Reds, scoring twice to help secure a comfortable first-leg advantage.

Nunez opened the scoring in the sixth minute, converting a penalty after Alexis Mac Allister was fouled in the area. The Uruguayan international doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 25th minute with a stunning right-footed shot from distance.

Sparta Prague pulled one back through an own goal by Conor Bradley, but Nunez restored Liverpool’s three-goal advantage just before halftime. Luis Díaz extended the lead further in the second half, before Dominik Szoboszlai scored a consolation goal for the hosts in stoppage time.

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp praised his team’s performance, saying, “Our goals were fantastic.” He also welcomed the return of Mohamed Salah, who came on as a substitute in the 74th minute.

In other Europa League action, Bayer Leverkusen extended their unbeaten run to 35 games across all competitions with a 2-2 draw at Qarabag. Roma continued their resurgence under coach Daniele De Rossi with a 4-0 thumping of Brighton, while Marseille beat 10-man Villarreal 4-0.

AC Milan took control of their tie against Slavia Prague with a 3-1 victory at San Siro, while Freiburg secured a 1-0 home win over West Ham. Benfica salvaged a 2-2 draw at Rangers, while Aston Villa held Ajax 0-0 in Amsterdam.

In the Europa Conference League, Lille recorded a 3-0 victory at Sturm Graz, Maccabi Tel Aviv won 4-1 at Olympiacos, and Molde beat Club Brugge 2-1. Fiorentina secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Maccabi Haifa, while Fenerbahce won 3-0 at Union Saint-Gilloise.

Categories: Football

Goa’s Comeback Stuns Manipur, Secures Santosh Trophy Final Berth

By Nilay March 8, 2024 0

Goa’s resilience shone through as they staged a remarkable comeback from a goal down to defeat Manipur 2-1 in extra time, securing their 14th appearance in the Santosh Trophy final.

The match began with a high tempo, with both teams creating early chances. However, it was Manipur who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Ngangbam Pacha Singh unleashed a stunning strike from 30 yards that left Goa goalkeeper Antonio Dylan Inacio da Silva rooted to the spot.

Goa’s hopes seemed to dwindle as Manipur employed a high press that stifled their passing game. However, the Goan team refused to give up and fought back valiantly. Deep into injury time, Necio Maristo Fernandes produced a moment of brilliance, acrobatically back-volleying the ball into the goal from inside the box to send the game into extra time.

In extra time, Manipur came out strong, but Goa remained resolute and looked to hit on the counter. With just four minutes remaining on the clock, Fernandes struck again, running onto a low center from the right and poking the ball in from close range.

The match ended in a flurry of red cards as tempers flared. Manipur head coach Thangjam Saran Singh and a team staff member were dismissed just after Goa’s second goal, while substitute Sushilkumar Singh was sent off in the sixth minute of injury time in extra time.

Goa’s victory sets up a thrilling final against Services, who defeated Mizoram 2-1 in the other semifinal. The Goan team will be aiming to add to their record-breaking 13 Santosh Trophy titles, while Services will be looking to claim their first title since 2012.

Categories: Football

Messi’s Name Saves 90-Year-Old Woman from Armed Intruders

By Nilay March 8, 2024 0

Lionel Messi’s global influence extends far beyond the realm of football, as evidenced by a remarkable incident involving a 90-year-old woman in Israel. Ester Cunio, a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, found herself facing armed intruders who stormed her home. Amidst the chaos, Cunio’s mention of Messi’s name proved to be a life-saving intervention.

The gunmen demanded information about Cunio’s family, but she claimed to have limited Hebrew proficiency and spoke in Argentine Spanish. In an interview with Fuente Latina, Cunio recounted the encounter: “I told him not to talk to me because I didn’t understand his language. The Arab language, and I speak poor Hebrew. I speak Argentinian Spanish, so he asks what Argentina is. Then I tell him, ‘do you watch football?’ He said he liked it and I told him I am from Messi’s country.”

To Cunio’s astonishment, the gunman expressed admiration for Messi and placed his arm on her shoulder. He handed her his gun and instructed her to make the peace sign, which was captured in a photograph. Cunio expressed her hope that Messi would see the image and assist in the release of her abducted grandchildren, David and Ariel.

Messi’s impact transcends sports, serving as a symbol of peace and unity. This incident highlights the profound influence he wields on a global scale, inspiring hope and fostering connections across cultural and linguistic barriers.

Categories: Football

Chelsea Reports £90.1 Million Losses Amidst Spending Spree and On-Field Struggles

By Nilay March 7, 2024 0

Chelsea Football Club has reported pre-tax losses of £90.1 million ($114.8 million) for the 2022-23 financial year, marking a reduction from the previous year’s losses of £121.4 million. Despite the losses, Chelsea remains compliant with UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.

The club’s financial results reflect increased scrutiny on league profit and sustainability rules, which allow for losses of up to £105 million over a three-year period. Chelsea’s parent company, Blueco 22 Ltd., which also owns Racing Club Strasbourg, reported a net loss of £653 million ($833 million) for the year.

Chelsea’s losses come amidst a significant spending spree on transfers since the club was acquired by a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022. Despite the investment, Chelsea has struggled on the field, currently sitting 11th in the Premier League and facing the prospect of missing out on Champions League qualification for the second consecutive year.

The club’s financial report highlights the challenge of balancing on-field success with financial sustainability. Chelsea’s turnover increased from £481.3 million to £512.5 million, but decreased broadcasting revenue due to the team’s poor performance in the previous season impacted the club’s finances.

Chelsea’s failure to qualify for the Champions League this season and the potential absence from the competition next season could further strain the club’s finances. The club’s financial performance will be closely monitored in the coming years as it navigates the challenges of complying with financial regulations while striving for on-field success.

Categories: Football

Services Edge Mizoram in Santosh Trophy Semifinal Thriller

By Nilay March 7, 2024 0

In a thrilling semifinal clash of the 77th National Football Championships for the Santosh Trophy, Services held off a late surge from Mizoram to secure a narrow 2-1 victory.

Services, a six-time champion, dominated the proceedings from the outset, controlling possession and creating several scoring opportunities. In the 21st minute, left-back Subham Rana set up Rahul Ramakrishnan with a sharp cross, which the latter converted with a left-footed drive to give Services the lead.

After the break, Services continued to press forward and doubled their advantage in the 83rd minute. Substitute Bikash Thapa pounced on a back-pass that Mizoram goalkeeper F. Lalmuanawma failed to control and slotted home the insurance goal.

Mizoram, however, refused to go down without a fight. Substitute Malsawmfela, introduced in the 71st minute, caused problems for Services with his physical play. In injury time, Malsawmfela pulled one back for Mizoram with a free-kick, setting up a tense finish.

Despite losing defender Zothanpuia to a red card in the 88th minute, Services held on to their lead, with goalkeeper Shafeel P.P. making a crucial save in the dying seconds to deny Malsawmfela an equalizer.

The victory sends Services to their 12th final in the tournament’s history, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Kerala and Punjab.

Categories: Football

India Recall Ali, Singh for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

By Nilay March 7, 2024 0

India’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign has received a boost with the return of key players Anwar Ali and Jeakson Singh. The duo, who missed the recent Asian Cup due to injuries, have been named among 35 probables for the upcoming matches against Afghanistan.

Ali, a central defender, has been out of action for an extended period due to an ankle injury. He also suffered a minor setback in an ISL match last month. Singh, a defensive midfielder, underwent left shoulder surgery in November. Both players have since returned to action for their respective Indian Super League teams.

The inclusion of Ali and Singh strengthens India’s defense, which has been a concern in recent matches. Ali’s experience and leadership will be crucial, while Singh’s ball-winning abilities will provide stability in midfield.

However, India will be without key winger Ashique Kuruniyan, who is still recovering from an ACL injury sustained last year. Kuruniyan’s absence is a blow to India’s attacking options, but the team will hope to compensate with the return of Ali and Singh.

India are aiming to reach the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time in their history. They are currently placed in Group A of the second round, alongside Qatar, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. The top two teams from the group will progress to the third round.

India have a chance to make history after beating Kuwait 1-0 in Kuwait City last year. Head coach Igor Stimac has promised to lead the country to its maiden third round of the FIFA World Cup qualification.

The probables for the Afghanistan matches are as follows:

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Phurba Tempa Lachenpa, Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Chandrashekhar Poojary, Subhasish Bose, Narender, Anwar Ali, Roshan Singh Naorem, Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Jay Gupta

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Deepak Tangri, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Lalengmawia Ralte, Imran Khan

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Nandhakumar Sekar, Isak Vanlalruatfela

Categories: Football

Ronaldo’s United Return Ends in Disappointment

By Nilay March 7, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo’s tumultuous second stint at Manchester United ended abruptly in November 2022, following a controversial interview where he criticized the club’s hierarchy and manager Erik ten Hag. The decision to terminate his contract marked a bitter end to a transfer that had initially sparked excitement among United fans.

United had acquired Ronaldo from Juventus in the summer of 2021 for a fee of 15 million Euros, plus potential add-ons. The Portuguese superstar’s arrival was seen as a major coup for the club, given his legendary status and prolific goalscoring record. However, the move proved to be a disappointment, with Ronaldo struggling to adapt to ten Hag’s high-pressing style of play.

As the season progressed, Ronaldo’s playing time diminished, leading to growing frustration. The situation reached a boiling point when he gave an unauthorized interview to British broadcaster Piers Morgan, in which he expressed his dissatisfaction with the club’s management and coaching staff.

In the interview, Ronaldo claimed that he felt “betrayed” by United and that he had no respect for ten Hag. The club responded by suspending Ronaldo and eventually terminating his contract by mutual consent.

Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who had initially signed Ronaldo, has since admitted that the transfer was a mistake. “With the ball, with him in the team, it was no problem,” Solskjaer said. “But without him [pressing], we had to change a little bit from the different roles we’d gotten used to.”

Solskjaer also acknowledged that Ronaldo’s age and fitness levels played a role in his reduced playing time. “Cristiano – when you know him and speak to him, he wanted to play three out of four games, he realized he’s getting older as well,” Solskjaer said. “But when you leave him out once, he’s not happy!”

Ten Hag’s position as United manager is now under scrutiny following a string of poor results, including a humiliating 1-3 defeat to Manchester City in their latest Premier League fixture. United currently sit sixth in the standings, with their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League fading.

Categories: Football

Messi’s Summer Schedule: Copa America, Olympics, and Leagues Cup

By Nilay March 7, 2024 0

Lionel Messi’s summer schedule is shaping up to be a whirlwind of international commitments and club obligations. The Argentine maestro will be a key figure for his country at the Copa America (June 20-July 14) and is rumored to be considering participation in the Paris Olympics (July 24-August 10).

Adding to Messi’s packed itinerary, Inter Miami, his current club, will compete in the Leagues Cup (July 26-August 25). The tournament pits MLS teams against Liga MX clubs, further complicating Messi’s availability.

Javier Mascherano, Messi’s former Barcelona and Argentina teammate, provided an update on the star’s potential Olympic involvement. “Lionel is aware that age is catching up with him,” Mascherano told Tyc Sports. “He has to manage his workload because he has had a year of heavy activity.”

Mascherano emphasized that the invitation to the Olympics was extended to give Messi time to consider his options. “We believed it was necessary to extend this invitation so that he has the time to think it over and analyze it because he would have to leave his club,” he said.

Mascherano also commented on the possibility of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez joining the Olympic squad. “How could we not consider Dibu Martínez? We have the advantage of having the World Cup-winning team,” he said. “Dibu is among the best goalkeepers in the world.”

However, Mascherano ruled out the inclusion of Ángel Di María, another former Argentina teammate. “Ángel appreciated the call, but he has no intention of going to Paris,” he said. “We have ruled him out; he wants to give space to the younger players.”

Messi has previously won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, but his participation in Paris remains uncertain. He is expected to be a key player for Argentina in their Copa America title defense, as they aim to retain the trophy they won in 2021.

Categories: Football

Salah Returns for Liverpool Ahead of Manchester City Showdown

By Nilay March 7, 2024 0

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is cautiously optimistic about Mohamed Salah’s return to action against Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday. The Egyptian star has been sidelined for the past four games due to muscle fatigue.

Salah joined his Liverpool teammates on Wednesday’s flight to Prague after missing the previous four games due to muscle fatigue. The 31-year-old has played just 46 minutes for Liverpool since leaving the Africa Cup of Nations early when he sustained a hamstring injury in a group-stage game against Ghana in January.

Salah’s substitute appearance came against Brentford on February 17, the forward scoring at the Gtech Community Stadium before subsequently being sidelined with the muscle issue. He trained with the rest of the Liverpool squad on Wednesday and could feature in the last 16 first-leg meeting with Sparta.

Salah’s availability is significant for Klopp ahead of Sunday’s seismic showdown with Manchester City in the Premier League. Second-placed City will arrive at Anfield one point behind leaders Liverpool in a tense title race.

“It is so good that he (Salah) is back,” Klopp told a pre-match press conference on Wednesday. “Two days in team training: in a different situation players are not in the squad in this moment but now the situation makes sense.”

The German added: “We want to be careful, we have to be careful but we’re in the middle of a super-intense period of the season and we need everyone. So let’s see how long we can use him and these kinds of things.”

Quadruple-chasing Liverpool won the League Cup final against Chelsea without Salah, and also beat Luton, Southampton, and Nottingham Forest in his absence. But having Salah back is a huge boost for Liverpool heading into the decisive final weeks of Klopp’s last season in charge.

The Egyptian has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season, including 15 in 21 league games. Klopp has taken his strongest available squad to Prague, with Darwin Nunez and Wataru Endo in contention to start after coming on as substitutes in last weekend’s win at Forest.

Categories: Football

Manchester City Advance to Champions League Quarterfinals with 3-1 Win over Copenhagen

By Nilay March 7, 2024 0

Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of Champions League glory continues as they secured a 3-1 victory over Copenhagen on Wednesday, advancing to the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-2 aggregate scoreline. The triumph marks the seventh consecutive season that Pep Guardiola’s team has reached the last eight of Europe’s elite club competition.

Manuel Akanji opened the scoring for City within five minutes, capitalizing on a corner from Julian Alvarez. Alvarez doubled the lead shortly after, with a long shot that slipped through the grasp of Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. Despite Copenhagen’s impressive goal from Mohamed Elyounoussi, Erling Haaland restored City’s two-goal advantage just before halftime.

Guardiola praised his team’s consistency, highlighting their unbeaten home run in the Champions League that stretches back to 2018. “It’s a question of time, a process,” he said. “We are a team that believes we can do it.”

City’s victory sets up potential clashes with European giants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain in the next round. However, few teams would relish facing the defending champions, who remain on course to become only the second team after Real Madrid to retain the trophy in its modern format.

Guardiola’s team extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 20 games, showcasing their ominous form. “We can compete everywhere because we come from the final, semifinal, final, and now the quarterfinals again,” Guardiola said.

City’s seven consecutive quarterfinals appearances equal the feats of Bayern and Manchester United. Barcelona holds the record for the most consecutive last-eight appearances, with 13 between 2008 and 2020.

The defending champions remain in contention for a treble this season, sitting just a point behind Liverpool in the Premier League and having reached the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.

Categories: Football

Liverpool Rout Sparta Prague 5-1 in Europa League

Goa’s Comeback Stuns Manipur, Secures Santosh Trophy Final Berth

Messi’s Name Saves 90-Year-Old Woman from Armed Intruders

Chelsea Reports £90.1 Million Losses Amidst Spending Spree and On-Field Struggles

Services Edge Mizoram in Santosh Trophy Semifinal Thriller

India Recall Ali, Singh for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Ronaldo’s United Return Ends in Disappointment

Messi’s Summer Schedule: Copa America, Olympics, and Leagues Cup

Salah Returns for Liverpool Ahead of Manchester City Showdown

Manchester City Advance to Champions League Quarterfinals with 3-1 Win over Copenhagen

NO SHIPPING CHARGES

CUSTOMER SERVICE

100% AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS

SECURE SHIPPING

Main Menu

Search For Products

Login

Category: Football

NO SHIPPING CHARGES

CUSTOMER SERVICE

100% AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS

SECURE SHIPPING

Main Menu

Search For Products