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

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

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.

Japan Thrashes China 7-0 in World Cup Qualifier Opener

Japan Thrashes China 7-0 in World Cup Qualifier Opener

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.

OCA Considers Downsizing Asian Games to Ease Logistical Burden

OCA Considers Downsizing Asian Games to Ease Logistical Burden

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.

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

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.

Rohit Sharma's 'Walk' Trophy Celebration Becomes Global Phenomenon

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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