Florian Wirtz Scores Record-Breaking Goal as Germany Beats France

Florian Wirtz Scores Record-Breaking Goal as Germany Beats France

Florian Wirtz, the 20-year-old German prodigy, etched his name into international football history with a stunning goal that propelled Germany to a 2-0 victory over France in an international friendly on Saturday.

Just seven seconds after the opening whistle, Wirtz received the ball from Toni Kroos and unleashed a fierce drive that left French goalkeeper Brice Samba rooted to the spot. The ball flew under the crossbar, setting a new record for the fastest goal in German international history.

“I don’t think anyone understood or realized what was happening,” Wirtz said after the match. “We were all quite surprised, but there was obviously a lot of joy. You can’t start a match any better.”

Wirtz’s goal came close to equaling the record for the fastest international goal ever, which was set by Lukas Podolski in 2013. However, Christoph Baumgartner’s strike for Austria against Andorra earlier on Saturday had already set a new mark of six seconds.

Kai Havertz doubled Germany’s lead just four minutes into the second half, tapping in a pass from Jamal Musiala. France, despite fielding star striker Kylian Mbappe, struggled to create clear-cut chances and were unable to find a way back into the game.

Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany side looked the more dangerous throughout the match, with Maximilian Mittelstaedt and Thomas Mueller both denied by fine saves from Samba. France nearly pulled one back in the 88th minute when Mittelstaedt mistimed a clearance, but Antonio Rudiger cleared the ball off the line and VAR ruled the handball to be unintentional.

“We can obviously be very satisfied,” said Kroos. “We’ve taken some good steps forward, some important steps forward. These are the last few chances for us to get a bit of a feel for Euro 2024. We’ll take that with us today.”

Both teams will continue their preparations for this summer’s European Championship, with France facing Chile and Germany hosting the Netherlands on Tuesday.

Musetti vs. Safiullin: Underdog Italian Eyes Upset in Miami

Musetti vs. Safiullin: Underdog Italian Eyes Upset in Miami

Lorenzo Musetti, the 22-year-old Italian tennis star, is set to face Roman Safiullin of Russia in the second round of the Miami Open on Sunday. While Musetti would have been the clear favorite in previous years, his recent form has raised some doubts.

Musetti has struggled since the start of 2024, winning only five of his 14 matches. However, he has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, including a hard-fought win over Denis Shapovalov in Indian Wells.

Safiullin, on the other hand, has also been in poor form, losing seven of his last nine matches. The Russian is known for his powerful baseline game, but he has been struggling with his consistency lately.

Despite Musetti’s recent struggles, he remains a dangerous opponent. He has the ability to match Safiullin’s power and is a better mover. Additionally, Musetti is due for some positive regression in his return and serve percentages.

The oddsmakers have Musetti as a slight underdog, but the Italian is worth considering at these odds. He is a talented player who is starting to find his form again.

New Zealand Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Win Over England in T20I Thriller

New Zealand Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Win Over England in T20I Thriller

New Zealand’s dramatic three-run victory over England in the third T20I kept the series alive, thanks to a captain’s performance from Sophie Devine and a late collapse from the visitors.

Devine led the charge with a blistering 60 off 37 balls, while Amelia Kerr contributed 44* as New Zealand posted 155 for 3. England appeared to be cruising towards victory with Maia Bouchier’s 71, but Devine’s dismissal of Bouchier sparked a middle-order meltdown.

Kerr ran out Heather Knight and removed Amy Jones, leaving England needing eight off the last over. Suzie Bates, bowling her first over of the match, held her nerve to secure the win for New Zealand.

The final over was filled with drama, as Devine’s penultimate delivery looked to be a wide but was not called. England needed eight off the last ball, and Bates delivered, removing Holly Armitage and then Charlie Dean to seal the victory.

Devine and Kerr had earlier laid the foundation for New Zealand’s total, adding 99 for the third wicket. Devine’s fifty came off 30 balls, while Kerr remained unbeaten on 44*.

Bouchier gave England a strong start with her maiden T20I fifty, but her dismissal proved to be the turning point. Tammy Beaumont and Bouchier had put on 92 for the second wicket, but New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip after Beaumont’s departure.

England’s attack suffered a setback when Sarah Glenn was forced off the field after failing a concussion test. Her absence will be a blow, but the return of Sophie Ecclestone in the fourth match will provide some compensation.

Osaka Dominates Svitolina, Sets Up Garcia Rematch in Miami

Osaka Dominates Svitolina, Sets Up Garcia Rematch in Miami

Naomi Osaka’s resurgence continued at the Miami Open on Saturday as she dispatched Elina Svitolina in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (5). The former world No. 1 displayed her best tennis of the year, showcasing her power and precision.

Osaka, who is making her return from maternity leave, has been steadily improving with each match. She credited her coach, Wim Fissette, for helping her regain her form. “I’m definitely feeling more confident and comfortable on the court,” Osaka said. “I’m just trying to take it one match at a time and see how far I can go.”

Against Svitolina, Osaka’s strategy was clear: dictate the rallies and go for winners. She used her powerful serve and groundstrokes to keep Svitolina on the defensive. The Ukrainian fought back in the second set, but Osaka remained composed and closed out the match in a tiebreak.

Osaka’s victory sets up a fourth-round clash with Caroline Garcia, who she has faced three times this year. Osaka leads their head-to-head 2-1, but Garcia won their most recent encounter at the Australian Open.

“She’s an amazing player,” Osaka said of Garcia. “Every match we play is really difficult. It’s just going to be interesting playing on these courts because I really like these hard courts.”

Osaka’s performance in Miami is a promising sign for her return to the top of the women’s game. She is clearly enjoying herself on the court and is playing with a renewed sense of purpose. If she can continue to improve, she will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Grand Slams.

Hardik Pandya Expresses Gratitude for IPL's Transformative Impact on His Career

Hardik Pandya Expresses Gratitude for IPL’s Transformative Impact on His Career

Hardik Pandya, the newly appointed captain of Mumbai Indians (MI), has expressed his profound gratitude for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in shaping his illustrious career. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Pandya acknowledged the transformative impact the T20 league has had on his journey.

“In my 10th IPL season, I’m grateful for the journey, the growth, and everything that’s come my way,” Pandya captioned the post. “And to be back with a team that’s always been in my heart.”

Pandya’s journey with MI began in 2015 when he joined the franchise for a modest fee of INR 10 lakh. Since then, he has evolved into one of the world’s most formidable all-rounders. His exceptional performances with both bat and ball have earned him a reputation as a match-winner.

In the video, Pandya emphasized the pivotal role the IPL has played in his career. “IPL has given me everything,” he said. “IPL gave me my identity. Otherwise, I would still be in Baroda where I am but not this Hardik. Some other Hardik would’ve been there.”

Pandya’s return to MI marks a significant chapter in his career. He replaces Rohit Sharma, the five-time IPL-winning skipper who led the franchise to unprecedented success. Pandya’s appointment has been met with both excitement and skepticism, but he is determined to prove his worth as a leader.

“I’m really excited about this new challenge,” Pandya said. “I’ve always wanted to captain MI, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I know it’s a big responsibility, but I’m ready for it.”

Pandya’s appointment has sparked controversy among fans, with some questioning the decision to remove Sharma from the captaincy. However, Pandya has remained focused on his goal of leading MI to another IPL title.

“I’m not here to replace Rohit,” Pandya said. “I’m here to lead MI in my own way. I have my own style, and I’m confident that I can bring success to this team.”

As the IPL 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Pandya and MI. The all-rounder will be eager to prove his mettle as a captain and guide his team to glory.

Endrick Makes History with Goal at Wembley

Endrick Makes History with Goal at Wembley

Real Madrid’s future star, Endrick, made history at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, becoming the youngest male player to score an international goal at the iconic venue. The 17-year-old striker, who will join Madrid from Palmeiras at the end of the season, netted the only goal in Brazil’s 1-0 friendly victory over England.

Endrick entered the match as a second-half substitute and wasted no time making an impact. Just nine minutes after coming on, he pounced on a loose ball in the England penalty area and fired into an empty net after Vinicius Junior’s shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.

The goal was a testament to Endrick’s exceptional talent and composure. Despite being the youngest player on the pitch, he showed no signs of nerves and celebrated his historic strike with a passionate knee slide.

Endrick’s goal not only secured the victory for Brazil but also extended England’s winless streak at Wembley to 21 games. The Three Lions had dominated possession and created several chances, but they were unable to find a way past a resolute Brazilian defense.

After the match, Endrick expressed his joy and gratitude. “My family is here, my girlfriend, my agents. I am not much of a crier, I am holding myself, but this is something unique and I am very happy,” he said.

Endrick’s performance has further solidified his status as one of the most promising young players in the world. Real Madrid has secured a major talent for the future, and Endrick is poised to become a key figure for both club and country in the years to come.

KKR's Victory Overshadowed by Shah Rukh Khan's Smoking Controversy

KKR’s Victory Overshadowed by Shah Rukh Khan’s Smoking Controversy

Shah Rukh Khan’s Smoking Controversy Overshadows KKR’s Thrilling Victory

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) thrilling 4-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens on Saturday was marred by a controversy involving team owner Shah Rukh Khan. Social media posts alleged that Khan was smoking inside the stadium premises, sparking criticism and debate.

The incident occurred during the IPL 2024 match, with pictures and videos circulating online suggesting that Khan was smoking in the VIP box. NDTV could not independently verify the authenticity of the claims. However, the incident drew widespread attention and condemnation from many users.

The controversy comes amidst a similar incident during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final, where Imad Wasim was photographed smoking a cigarette inside the dressing room. Such incidents have raised concerns about the adherence to smoking regulations in sports venues.

Meanwhile, on the field, Andre Russell’s explosive half-century propelled KKR to a challenging total of 209. SRH’s Heinrich Klaasen fought valiantly with a 29-ball 63, but his efforts ultimately fell short as KKR held on for a narrow victory.

The match began with a blistering start from SRH openers Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma, who raced to 50 runs in just 4.3 overs. However, Harshit Rana dismissed Agarwal for 32, and Andre Russell claimed the wicket of Sharma for 32, leaving SRH at 71/2.

Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram helped SRH cross 100 runs, but Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine struck to leave the visitors in trouble at 111/4. Heinrich Klaasen and Abdul Samad briefly threatened a comeback, but Russell dismissed the latter for 15.

Klaasen and Shahbaz Ahmed then forged a 50-run partnership, giving SRH hope. Klaasen reached his half-century in just 25 balls, and the duo needed 13 runs off the final over. However, Rana dismissed both Klaasen and Ahmed in the final over, securing a thrilling victory for KKR.

Shreyas Iyer: 'Shahid Afridi with Brains,' Says Navjot Singh Sidhu

Shreyas Iyer: ‘Shahid Afridi with Brains,’ Says Navjot Singh Sidhu

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has heaped praise on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer, comparing him to the legendary Shahid Afridi with the added advantage of brains. Sidhu believes Iyer has the potential to excel in the upcoming IPL 2024, especially after being overlooked for the BCCI central contracts.

Sidhu lauded Iyer’s ability to adapt to different situations while batting, saying, “He reminds me of a better Shahid Afridi. An Afridi with better brains. He adapts to the situation.” Sidhu also praised Iyer’s tenacity and determination, particularly after recovering from a serious injury.

Meanwhile, KKR’s former captain Gautam Gambhir has returned as a mentor for the team. Gambhir, who led KKR to two IPL titles and five playoffs during his tenure, has been tasked with guiding the team to success once again.

KKR has made a significant signing in Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who will be expected to play a crucial role in the power-play and death overs. The team also boasts a strong batting lineup, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, and Shreyas Iyer.

However, KKR’s success will depend on the performance of their spinners, such as Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Suyash Sharma. The team will need to utilize the home conditions to provide assistance to their spin bowlers.

Alcaraz, Sinner, Murray Advance; Swiatek, Osaka Shine at Miami Open

Alcaraz, Sinner, Murray Advance; Swiatek, Osaka Shine at Miami Open

Miami Open: Alcaraz, Sinner, Murray Advance; Swiatek, Osaka Impress

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his Miami Open campaign with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory over Roberto Carballés Baena on Saturday night. The 20-year-old Spaniard showcased his exceptional speed and agility, saving all three break points he faced to extend his winning streak to seven matches.

Jannik Sinner, the Australian Open champion and last year’s Miami Open runner-up, also advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Andrea Vavassori. The Italian attributed his success to the court conditions, which he found more suitable for his style of play.

Andy Murray, a two-time Miami Open champion, overcame a nine-match losing streak against top 50 players with a 7-6, 6-3 victory over Tomás Martín Etcheverry. The 36-year-old Scot expressed gratitude for his longevity in the sport, having played nearly 1,000 career matches.

In women’s action, world number one Iga Swiatek continued her impressive form with a 6-1, 6-1 triumph over Camila Giorgi. The victory marked her 81st win in her first 100 matches at the WTA-1000 level, a feat surpassed only by Serena Williams.

Naomi Osaka, who recently returned from a break, defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 7-6 (5). The Japanese star expressed satisfaction with her performance, considering it one of her best matches of the year.

Despite rain delays, the Miami Open witnessed several upsets on the men’s side. Thiago Seyboth Wild of Brazil stunned Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, while Christopher O’Connell defeated Francis Tiafoe 7-5, 7-6. Tommy Paul was forced to retire due to an ankle injury, while last year’s champion Daniil Medvedev advanced with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Márton Fucsovics.

In other notable results, Jessica Pegula advanced to the second round after Zhu Lin retired due to illness.

Congress, BJP Announce Candidates; Electoral Bond Controversy, AAP Office Blockade

Congress, BJP Announce Candidates; Electoral Bond Controversy, AAP Office Blockade

Congress, BJP Announce Candidates for Lok Sabha Polls; Electoral Bond Controversy Rages

The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have released their fourth and third lists of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, respectively. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh will contest from Rajgarh, while Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai will run from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Varanasi seat.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) is investigating allegations that electoral bonds were used to influence project clearances in Telangana. The report submitted to the EC suggests a link between bond purchases and the award of contracts to donor companies.

The Congress has also accused the BJP of legalizing bribes through electoral bonds, claiming that they facilitate “prepaid, postpaid, and post-raid bribes.” An analysis of State Bank of India data reveals that 38 corporate groups received government contracts worth ₹3.8 lakh crore after donating electoral bonds to the BJP.

In other developments, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised concerns with the CEC over the Delhi Police blocking access to its office after the arrest of party chief Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP has sought a meeting to present their grievances.

Munnar, known for its misty mornings, has experienced an unusual lack of frost this winter, marking a departure from its usual pattern. Data from the United Planters Association of South India tea research center shows that no sub-zero temperatures were recorded in Munnar town this year.

In Bihar, the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has shortlisted candidates for its 16 constituencies, with several incumbents being repeated. The party president and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has opted to retain many candidates, barring a few seats.

The Karnataka government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Centre for denying financial assistance for drought management in the state. The move is expected to trigger a political debate ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar has maintained an ambivalent stance towards forging an alliance with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The VBA will announce its decision on March 26 on whether it will contest the elections independently or join the MVA.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP will deploy women members from the Muslim community as agents on minority-dominant polling booths to prevent bogus voting. The BJP Minority Morcha has planned this initiative, focusing on areas where the party claims to have received reports of bogus voting in previous elections.

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