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MSLK Kicks Off with Star-Studded Roster and Young Talent

MSLK Kicks Off with Star-Studded Roster and Young Talent

By September 6, 2024 0

The Mahindra Super League Kerala (MSLK), India’s only domestic league allowing foreign players, kicks off on Saturday night at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The league has attracted a mix of experienced and talented young players, including former Indian Super League (ISL) champions and top scorers.

Forca Kochi FC coach Mario Lemos emphasized the importance of experienced players mentoring young talents, who aspire to reach higher leagues like the ISL. The league aims to provide a platform for these young players to showcase their skills and bridge the gap to bigger opportunities.

One notable signing is Alex Sanchez, last season’s I-League top scorer, who turned down an ISL offer to remain with Malappuram FC in the MSLK. Malappuram, known for its football enthusiasm, has offered attractive packages to fans, including transportation and refreshments, to encourage attendance at the opening match against Forca Kochi.

Despite the excitement, the league faces challenges. The Kerala Police is yet to release its players, including Santosh Trophy stars, due to pending government clearance. Additionally, some foreign players have not yet joined their teams.

Despite the short pre-season, Lemos remains optimistic and sees Malappuram as a formidable opponent. The opening ceremony will feature performances by Jacqueline Fernandez, Stephen Devassy, and ‘Drums’ Sivamani, followed by the opening match at 8 p.m.

The MSLK aims to fill the void for football fans in Kerala after the ISL season. However, it remains to be seen whether the league can overcome its initial hurdles and establish itself as a viable platform for young players and a source of entertainment for football enthusiasts.

Categories: Football
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Ronaldo Reaches 900 Goals, Declares Euros Equivalent to World Cup

Ronaldo Reaches 900 Goals, Declares Euros Equivalent to World Cup

By September 6, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has reached the remarkable milestone of 900 career goals. After scoring the winning goal in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo expressed his unwavering belief in his own superiority.

Despite not having won the FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo maintains that Portugal’s triumph in the UEFA Euro is on par with the global quadrennial event. “Portugal winning the Euros is the equivalent of winning the World Cup,” he declared. “I’ve already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted, so I’m not motivated by that [World Cup].”

Ronaldo’s sentiments echo those of Kylian Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain. “For me, [the Euros are] more complicated than a World Cup,” Mbappe said. “Even though there’s more pressure at the World Cup, we know all the teams in the Euros, and it’s tactically similar.”

Ronaldo’s comments have sparked a debate among football fans, with some arguing that the World Cup is the ultimate test of a player’s ability. Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has stated that “the Euros are important, but he [Mbappe] leaves out Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay — all World Cup winners. In the World Cup, you have the best teams in the world. That’s why everyone dreams of being world champion.”

Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess is undeniable. He has scored 137 goals for Portugal and has represented Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, scoring a total of 900 goals in his illustrious career.

Ronaldo’s achievements have cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His unwavering belief in his own abilities and his relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire fans around the world.

Categories: Football
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Chelsea Excludes Palmer from Conference League Squad to Manage Player Overload

Chelsea Excludes Palmer from Conference League Squad to Manage Player Overload

By September 6, 2024 0

Chelsea’s Palmer Omitted from Conference League Squad Amidst Player Overload Concerns

Chelsea has excluded Cole Palmer from its UEFA Conference League squad to manage his workload in a season that could extend into mid-July. The decision aligns with concerns raised by the global footballers’ union FIFPro about the excessive demands placed on players due to expanding tournaments.

Palmer, who scored in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat, has withdrawn from the England squad for upcoming Nations League matches. FIFPro has urged football governing bodies to prioritize player welfare by implementing minimum rest periods and potentially limiting the number of games played.

Chelsea’s decision also considers the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, which will run from June 15 to July 13. The Blues will face Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, Astana, and Shamrock Rovers in the group stage of the Conference League.

Palmer’s exclusion highlights the growing recognition of the need for player rest. The Professional Footballers’ Association has pointed to the impressive form of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who both benefited from summer breaks from international duty.

Chelsea’s decision to manage Palmer’s minutes is a proactive measure to prevent burnout and ensure his availability for the crucial latter stages of the season. Should Enzo Maresca’s side progress in the Conference League, Palmer could be added to the squad.

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San Marino Ends 20-Year Winless Streak with Historic Victory

San Marino Ends 20-Year Winless Streak with Historic Victory

By September 6, 2024 0

San Marino, the perennial underdogs of international football, etched their name in history on Thursday by securing their first-ever competitive victory. The tiny nation, nestled within the heart of Italy, stunned Liechtenstein 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League, ending a remarkable 140-game winless streak that had spanned over two decades.

The match at San Marino’s Stadio Olimpico was a tale of resilience and determination for the home side. Liechtenstein, ranked 195th in the FIFA rankings, had the better of the chances in the first half, but a disallowed goal for offside kept the scores level.

The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when San Marino capitalized on a defensive lapse by Liechtenstein. Nicko Sensoli, a 19-year-old forward, pounced on a loose ball and fired home the historic goal. The stadium erupted in jubilation as the team celebrated their long-awaited triumph.

San Marino’s victory is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the players and the unwavering support of their fans. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the world, they refused to be defined by their past failures. Their recent string of draws in friendly matches against Seychelles, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis had hinted at a growing confidence within the squad.

The win against Liechtenstein is a watershed moment for San Marino. It marks the end of a painful chapter in their footballing history and signals a new era of hope and optimism. The team’s performance in the UEFA Nations League, where they are grouped with Liechtenstein and Gibraltar, will be closely watched as they aim to build on their historic victory.

Categories: Football
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Ronaldo's 900th Goal Powers Portugal to Nations League Victory

Ronaldo’s 900th Goal Powers Portugal to Nations League Victory

By September 6, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into footballing history on Thursday, scoring his 900th career goal to lead Portugal to a 2-1 victory over Croatia in their Nations League opener.

The 39-year-old superstar reached the milestone in the 34th minute, tapping in from close range after a perfect cross from Nuno Mendes. The goal was a testament to Ronaldo’s enduring brilliance and his ability to find the back of the net even at the twilight of his career.

Portugal had taken an early lead through Diogo Dalot, who fired home in the seventh minute after a clever pass from Bruno Fernandes. However, Dalot’s night took a turn for the worse when he deflected a sliding effort from Borna Sosa into his own net four minutes from the break, giving Croatia a lifeline.

Despite Croatia’s late surge, Portugal held on for a hard-fought victory. The win gives them a strong start to their Nations League campaign, as they look to defend their title.

In the other League A Group 1 game, Poland edged out Scotland 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. The Poles took the lead through Robert Lewandowski, but Scotland fought back to level the scores. However, Poland ultimately prevailed, with goals from Arkadiusz Milik and Krzysztof Piatek securing the victory.

Portugal will host Scotland on Sunday, while Croatia will entertain Poland. Both matches promise to be exciting affairs, as the teams look to make their mark in the Nations League.

Categories: Football
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Japan Thrashes China 7-0 in World Cup Qualifier Opener

Japan Thrashes China 7-0 in World Cup Qualifier Opener

By September 5, 2024 0

Japan’s national football team, the Samurai Blue, made a resounding statement in the third round of Asian World Cup qualifiers, thrashing China 7-0 in Saitama on Thursday (September 5, 2024).

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, returning from injury, marked his comeback with a first-half header, while Liverpool’s Wataru Endo opened the scoring with a set-piece goal. Takumi Minamino added two more goals after the break, putting Japan in complete control against a Chinese side desperate to qualify for their first World Cup since 2002.

Junya Ito, also making his first appearance for Japan since the Asian Cup, extended the lead before late goals from Daizen Maeda and Takefusa Kubo capped a dominant performance from Hajime Moriyasu’s side.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, Endo emphasized that the victory was not easy. “We came onto the pitch with positive energy,” he said. “We got the first goal from a set piece and then we played our own football and the goals kept coming. We got the three points and it was a great game.”

China, who qualified for the third qualifying round thanks to a superior head-to-head record over Thailand, had a night to forget. “Japan are very strong. They are the top team in Asia and it’s not just Asia — they are a world-class team,” said China’s Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic.

Japan and China have been drawn together in a tricky-looking Group C, which also includes Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Indonesia. The top two teams in the group will qualify for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed sides will enter a further round of qualifying.

Japan’s next match is an away fixture against Bahrain on Tuesday (September 3, 2024), while China will host Saudi Arabia on the same day.

Categories: Football
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OCA Considers Downsizing Asian Games to Ease Logistical Burden

OCA Considers Downsizing Asian Games to Ease Logistical Burden

By September 5, 2024 0

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is considering downsizing the Asian Games by eliminating certain team sports and non-Olympic disciplines. The move aims to address the growing logistical challenges faced by host nations.

OCA Deputy Director General Vinod Tiwari revealed that discussions are underway with various sports federations, including the Asian Football Confederation, to reduce the number of teams participating in the 2026 Asian Games. “We are also talking to handball, hockey, volleyball, and some other federations,” Tiwari said.

The Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022 saw over 15,000 athletes competing, with team competitions accounting for a significant portion. In contrast, the recent Paris Olympics hosted approximately 10,500 athletes. “In Hangzhou, we had 38 football teams, and that is a lot,” Tiwari added.

The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Nagoya and Aichi, Japan. The 44th General Assembly of the OCA will take place in New Delhi on Sunday, where veteran sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh is expected to be elected unopposed as president.

Another agenda item is the inclusion of Yoga as a demonstration sport in the 2026 edition. The OCA is exploring ways to make the Asian Games more manageable and sustainable for host cities while maintaining its status as a premier multi-sport event in Asia.

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Ballon d'Or Shortlist Unveiled: Messi and Ronaldo Omitted for First Time in Over 20 Years

Ballon d’Or Shortlist Unveiled: Messi and Ronaldo Omitted for First Time in Over 20 Years

By September 5, 2024 0

The Ballon d’Or, the prestigious annual football award, has unveiled its 30-player shortlist for 2023, marking a significant shift in the landscape of the sport. For the first time in over two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, the two dominant figures of the past era, feature on the list.

Messi, a record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS. Despite his recent Copa America and FIFA World Cup triumphs, an injury has sidelined him from contention. Ronaldo, a five-time winner, has also been omitted from the shortlist.

The absence of these superstars opens the door for a new generation of players to claim the coveted award. Among the nominees are Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.

Vinicius and Bellingham, key members of Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga-winning team, are considered strong contenders. Rodri, a vital cog in Manchester City’s Premier League success and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, is also a favorite.

The Ballon d’Or, presented by French magazine France Football since 1956, has undergone rule changes in 2022. The award now focuses on achievements within a football season rather than a calendar year. Additionally, a single journalist from each country in the top-100 of the FIFA Men’s ranking determines the winner.

Messi remains the most decorated player in Ballon d’Or history with eight awards, while Ronaldo has won it five times. Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten have each won the award three times, while Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Kevin Keegan, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge have won it twice.

The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced later this year, marking a new chapter in the history of the prestigious award.

Categories: Football
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Rohit Sharma's 'Walk' Trophy Celebration Becomes Global Phenomenon

Rohit Sharma’s ‘Walk’ Trophy Celebration Becomes Global Phenomenon

By September 5, 2024 0

Rohit Sharma’s Iconic ‘Walk’ Trophy Celebration: A Global Phenomenon

Rohit Sharma’s unforgettable “walk” trophy celebration at the T20 World Cup has left an indelible mark on cricket history. Inspired by Lionel Messi’s iconic walk after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup triumph, Rohit’s slow and deliberate stride to collect the trophy after India’s victory over South Africa captivated the world.

The gesture, a symbol of triumph and confidence, has since become a global phenomenon. Cricket teams worldwide have adopted the “walk” as a way to celebrate their victories. Hayley Matthews, captain of the Barbados Royals Women, recently recreated the walk after leading her team to victory over Trinbago Knight Riders Women, paying homage to Rohit’s iconic moment.

Rohit’s celebration not only showcased his leadership and determination but also highlighted the growing influence of football on cricket. The “walk” has become a bridge between the two sports, uniting fans and players alike.

Beyond its symbolic significance, Rohit’s walk has also sparked a conversation about the importance of mental strength in sports. The slow and deliberate pace of the walk represents the focus and composure required to succeed at the highest level.

As the second Indian captain to win the ICC T20 World Cup title, Rohit has etched his name in cricket history. His iconic “walk” trophy celebration has become a testament to his leadership, confidence, and the enduring power of sport to inspire and unite.

Categories: Cricket
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SFA Championships 2024-25: Over 150,000 Athletes to Compete in 10 Indian Cities

SFA Championships 2024-25: Over 150,000 Athletes to Compete in 10 Indian Cities

By September 4, 2024 0

Sports For All (SFA) is revolutionizing grassroots sports in India with the launch of the SFA Championships 2024-25. This grand event will span 10 cities across the country, engaging over 150,000 participants from 7000 of India’s leading sporting schools. The championships will feature a staggering 31 sports, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.

For the first time in its nine-year history, the SFA Championships will venture into Nagaland (Dimapur). Registrations are now open for this highly anticipated event.

Since its inception in 2015, the SFA Championships have witnessed remarkable growth. Starting with Mumbai as the inaugural host, the championships have graced Hyderabad, Uttarakhand, Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru, Indore, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. The 2024 edition will commence on October 4 in Uttarakhand, culminating in the grand finale from December 6-16 in Jaipur.

SFA’s mission is to transform India into a nation that values and invests in sports culture. Rajas Joshi, Founding Member and Chief Operating Officer of SFA, emphasized, “Our commitment extends beyond organizing championships; it’s about elevating grassroots and participative sports across India. By prioritizing athletes’ needs and leveraging technology, we have created a unified platform to discover talent across multiple sports.”

The SFA Championships have ignited a passion for sports among over 350,000 young athletes from nearly 7000 schools. This initiative aims to foster a resilient and resurgent sporting nation by placing school sports in the spotlight.

The championships will return to the national capital for the second time, taking place from October 5-15 in Delhi. Prestigious venues like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Indira Gandhi Stadium will host the event. In the inaugural Delhi edition, over 6200 athletes from 500 schools participated, bringing glory to their institutions.

SFA offers a wide range of sports for athletes aged 3-18, including basketball, football, volleyball, swimming, athletics, and many more. To enhance the experience and benefits for competing athletes, SFA has integrated technology into the championships. AI-powered match videos and tech-enabled fitness assessments provide athletes and coaches with detailed performance analytics, enabling them to make data-driven training decisions.

The SFA Championships will also be showcased in a series on grassroots and participative sports on JioCinema, one of India’s largest OTT platforms.

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