new zealand: Rain interrupts play in second ODI against New Zealand with India on 22-0 after 4.5 overs

India were 22 for no loss in 4.5 overs against New Zealand when rain stopped play in the second one-day international at Seddon Park here on Sunday. Shubman Gill was batting on 19 and captain Shikhar Dhawan (2) was supporting him when the skies opened up.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to bowl against India. A win for New Zealand would propel the hosts to the top of the World Cup Super League standings, while India need to win to keep the series alive.

The Black Caps won the opening match on Friday by seven wickets led by a batting masterclass from Tom Latham, who scored 145 off just 104 balls. This was New Zealand’s 13th consecutive ODI win on home soil.

New Zealand have made one change with Michael Bracewell in for Adam Milne while India have brought in Deepak Chahar and Deepak Hooda for Shardul Thakur and Sanju Samson. New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson

India: Shikhar Dhawan (Captain), Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Originally published at Pen 18

messi: Messi helps give Argentina peace of mind with victory over Mexico

Captain Lionel Messi said Argentina took the pressure off their World Cup opener defeat to Saudi Arabia after beating Mexico on Saturday and can now take it easy in their final group match against Poland.

Second-half goals from Messi and Enzo Fernandez helped Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 at the Lusail Stadium to move into second place in Group C, one point behind Poland.

“It’s a load off our shoulders,” Messi said. “We have peace of mind and it’s in our hands again.”

Mexico’s high press weakened Argentina’s attack in the first half before Messi’s spectacular 64th-minute strike eased the pressure on a side who would have been eliminated from the tournament had they lost. “I think the first half was difficult because of the situation and our need to win,” Messi said. “We didn’t find space. We weren’t moving the ball from side to side.

“But in the second half we started doing what we stand for. We started finding space between the lines and then the goal changed the game.

“We needed the win but the game had to be played that way. We had to win to give everyone peace of mind and to be able to look at the game for Poland in a different way.”

immense pressure

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his team were under a lot of pressure before the match and the overwhelming feeling after the win was one of relief.

“We should have more common sense. It’s just a football game,” he said. “It’s not good, the feeling that you’re playing something more than a football match. It’s not good.

“The feeling is relieved for all of us (but) we need to make some adjustments.

“We have to try to make the players feel that it’s a football game because every time we need to play a match, or go to the knockout stage, a tournament or whatever, always with Argentina. This will happen.

“Of course it’s hard to explain to people that the sun will shine tomorrow whether you win or lose. And what matters is how you did things, if you did it in the best possible way. That’s what we always try to do.” ” ,

Scaloni also appealed to his players to stay grounded after the win and focus on the task ahead. Argentina can guarantee progress with a win over Poland on Wednesday.

“Maybe you think I’m crazy, but we can say yes, we want to enjoy. Of course they enjoy the moment in the dressing room. I enjoyed the moment too.

“But that’s all. Tomorrow, we will prepare the next game, the same thing we did when we won the Copa America (last year).

“Happiness lasts only for a few minutes. We need to find that emotional balance, whether we win or lose. That’s what we need.”

“Poland will be a tough match. That’s the reality… I won’t say we’ll try, I’ll say we win the game. That’s what we all want. And if it doesn’t happen, we’ll bring our A game.” ” Like we did today.”

Originally published at Pen 18

Why big business can’t get enough of the FIFA World Cup, scandal and all

रविवार को कतर में जब विश्व कप का पहला मैच शुरू हुआ तो मोहम्मद जैदा प्रमुख स्थान पर थे। अल बेयट स्टेडियम के वीआईपी हॉस्पिटैलिटी सुइट में एक सोफे में डूब गया कतरी कार्यकारी, इसके बुफे और खुले बार के साथ (अधिकांश प्रशंसकों के लिए प्रतिबंधित होने के बावजूद शराब चुनिंदा दर्शकों के लिए शामिल है) और पिच के एक मृत दृश्य, इस तथ्य पर आश्चर्यजनक टूर्नामेंट बिल्कुल हो रहा था।

जैदा समूह के समूह कार्यकारी निदेशक जैदाह, फीफा प्रायोजक हुंडई के लिए कतर में एक वितरण भागीदार, अभी भी पुराने घाव को लाने में मदद नहीं कर सका। उन्होंने कहा, “यहां बहुत से लोग 2010 में हमारे द्वारा विश्व कप की मेजबानी के अधिकार जीतने से खुश नहीं थे।” “लेकिन इसने हमें 12 साल के मीडिया नरक से गुज़रने के लिए और भी गौरवान्वित कर दिया।”

टाइम्स और अन्य द्वारा “नरक” को अच्छी तरह से प्रलेखित किया गया है। इसमें मानवाधिकार संगठनों द्वारा लगाए गए आरोप शामिल हैं कि सात विश्व कप स्टेडियमों और अन्य परियोजनाओं के निर्माण की प्रक्रिया में हजारों प्रवासी कामगार मरुस्थलीय गर्मी में मर गए; सरकार ने काम से संबंधित तीन मौतों को स्वीकार किया है। और अभी भी सवाल हैं कि फुटबॉल के शक्तिशाली शासी निकाय, फीफा ने ग्रह पर सबसे बड़ी खेल आयोजनों में से एक को एक छोटे से देश द्वारा आयोजित करने की इजाजत दी जहां समलैंगिकता आपको जेल में डाल सकती है।

खिलाड़ी बोलना चाहते हैं। कई यूरोपीय खिलाड़ियों ने देश में एलजीबीटीक्यू समुदाय के कतर के इलाज पर चिंताओं के बीच अल्पसंख्यक समूहों का समर्थन करने के लिए इंद्रधनुषी रंग “वन लव” आर्मबैंड पहनने की योजना बनाई थी, जब तक कि फीफा ने कहा कि अगर टीमों ने ऐसा किया तो उन्हें दंडित किया जाएगा। बुधवार को होने वाले मैच से पहले जर्मनी के खिलाड़ियों ने अपना मुंह ढक कर फीफा के फैसले का विरोध किया जबकि प्रशंसक और टीवी दर्शक देखते रहे। जापान से करारी हार के बाद भी कई दिनों तक विद्रोह की खामोशी गूंजती रही। सामान्य क्षणों में, खेल का व्यवसाय अक्सर अप्रत्याशित और अव्यवस्थित होता है। कुछ संगठनों ने उस वास्तविकता को भुनाया है जैसे कि फीफा, जिसकी पेशेवर खेलों में बेजोड़ शक्ति है। देश – अगला विश्व कप संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका, कनाडा और मैक्सिको में होगा – लगभग एक महीने तक चलने वाले टूर्नामेंट की मेजबानी करने के अवसर के लिए स्वयं यात्रा करें। एशिया, दक्षिण अमेरिका और अफ्रीका में कई सरकारें, बड़े व्यापार के लिए भविष्य के विकास बाजार, पश्चिमी समाचार मीडिया कवरेज पर हावी होने वाले सामाजिक मुद्दों के बारे में बहुत कम परवाह करते हैं। जिस तरह से शहरों को अक्सर जनता के उग्र विरोध के कारण ओलंपिक की मेजबानी के लिए बोली लगाने की योजना को छोड़ना पड़ता है, यह सब उसके बिल्कुल विपरीत है। और फीफा, यह ध्यान में रखते हुए कि फ़ुटबॉल सरकारों के लिए एक विजयी कार्यक्रम है, ने अपने राष्ट्रीय संघों के लिए बड़ी धनराशि का वादा किया है – देशों को वफादार रखने का एक निश्चित तरीका।

फीफा ने 2010 में फुटबॉल की दुनिया को चौंका दिया जब इसके कार्यकारी सदस्यों ने 2022 के मेजबान के रूप में कतर के लिए मतदान किया, अमेरिका को हरा दिया। 24 साल की अवधि में विश्व कप विपणन सौदों को बंद करने के लिए भुगतान किए गए 150 मिलियन डॉलर की रिश्वत सहित “गहरी जड़ें” भ्रष्टाचार।

FBI के छापों और गिरफ्तारियों के कारण फ़ुटबॉल की शासी निकाय का लगभग पतन हो गया और इसके लंबे समय तक अध्यक्ष रहे सेप ब्लैटर ने इस्तीफा दे दिया। फिर, 2020 में, न्याय विभाग ने कहा कि फीफा के कुछ मतदान अधिकारियों ने रूस के लिए 2018 विश्व कप की मेजबानी के अधिकारों को सुरक्षित करने के लिए और चार साल बाद कतर के लिए लाखों डॉलर की रिश्वत प्राप्त की थी।

कतर ने किसी भी गलत काम से इनकार किया है, और फीफा का कहना है कि उसने बुरे अभिनेताओं के संगठन को शुद्ध कर दिया है।

फिर भी, वीज़ा, सोनी और मैकडॉनल्ड्स सहित सबसे बड़े ब्रांड, साइन अप करने के लिए तत्पर थे और विवाद के बीच जंपिंग शिप के बहुत कम संकेत दिखाई दिए। जब ब्लूमबर्ग ने इस महीने 76 फीफा प्रायोजकों और टीमों से संपर्क किया, तो किसी ने भी नहीं कहा कि वह अपनी भागीदारी पर पुनर्विचार कर रहा है। एडिडास को टूर्नामेंट से 400 मिलियन यूरो की बिक्री में वृद्धि की उम्मीद है।

फिर भी एक बार करोड़ों खर्च करने के बाद भी, नियम बदल सकते हैं और कंपनियां इसके बारे में बहुत कुछ करने में शक्तिहीन हैं। टूर्नामेंट की शुरुआत से दो दिन पहले, कतर ने आठ स्टेडियमों में शराब पर प्रतिबंध लगा दिया। AB InBev, पेय समूह जो प्रत्येक चार साल के विश्व कप चक्र के लिए फीफा को 75 मिलियन डॉलर का भुगतान करता है ताकि उसका बडवाइज़र ब्रांड एक बियर प्रायोजक बन सके, को अपने उत्पादों को स्थानों से बाहर निकालना पड़ा और कई मार्केटिंग कार्यक्रमों को रद्द करना पड़ा। ट्विटर पर बडवाइज़र की अब-हटाई गई प्रतिक्रिया: “ठीक है, यह अजीब है।” कम अजीब: बडवाइजर 2026 विश्व कप में प्रायोजक के रूप में वापस आ जाएगा, हालांकि यह कथित तौर पर फीफा से छूट की मांग कर रहा है।

बाजार ने कहा है: कोई पता लगाने योग्य व्यापार बहिष्कार नहीं हुआ है और, जैसा कि फीफा ने बताया है, प्रायोजन बेचे गए हैं, कोका-कोला और एडिडास जैसे लंबे समय के भागीदारों के साथ क्रिप्टो डॉट कॉम सहित नए लोगों के साथ दिखाई दे रहे हैं।

घर वापस, इनमें से कई कंपनियां अपने पर्यावरण, सामाजिक और शासन, या ESG, क्रेडेंशियल्स का विज्ञापन करने और LGBTQ अधिकारों जैसे कारणों के प्रति अपनी प्रतिबद्धता को बाजार में लाने के लिए तत्पर हैं। फिर भी एक ऐसे युग में जहां कतर में एक कॉरपोरेट गलत कदम को सोशल मीडिया पर बढ़ाया जा सकता है, टूर्नामेंट दिखा रहा है कि कंपनियां एक प्रतिक्रिया का जोखिम उठाने को तैयार हैं कि वे शर्त लगाएंगे कि उन्हें माफ कर दिया जाएगा (या भुला दिया जाएगा) जब तक कि दुनिया ट्यूनिंग कर रही है। संभावित भुगतान बहुत बड़ा है। फ़ुटबॉल दुनिया का सबसे लोकप्रिय खेल है, और फीफा को उम्मीद है कि 5 अरब लोग टूर्नामेंट देखेंगे (सोचें कि सुपर बाउल दर्शकों की संख्या लगभग 50 है)। फीफा को इस आयोजन से करीब 4.7 अरब डॉलर मिलने की उम्मीद है। ऐसा प्रतीत होता है कि संगठन ने घोटाले से किनारा कर लिया है, और पैसे और इसके साथ जाने वाली सारी शक्ति के साथ जगमगा रहा है।

स्विस फ़ुटबॉल के कार्यकारी अधिकारी, 52 वर्षीय जियानी इन्फेंटिनो ने 2016 में कार्यभार संभालने के बाद भ्रष्टाचार को जड़ से खत्म करने और फीफा की कलंकित छवि को साफ करने की कसम खाई थी। वह अभी भी उस संदेश को आगे बढ़ाते हैं। टूर्नामेंट शुरू होने से ठीक पहले, उन्होंने कतर को विश्व कप देने के फैसले का मजबूती से बचाव किया और कहा कि उनका संगठन बदल गया है। उन्होंने कहा, “फीफा में पैसा अब गायब नहीं होता है।” “पैसा वहाँ जाता है जहाँ उसे जाना होता है, और यह फुटबॉल के विकास में जाता है।” (ब्लैटर, इस बीच, अब दावा करते हैं कि कतर को नहीं जीतना चाहिए था। “यह एक ऐसा देश है जो बहुत छोटा है,” उन्होंने एक स्विस समाचार पत्र समूह को बताया।)

क़तर ने विश्व कप के लिए हाई-स्पीड रेल, सड़कों और स्टेडियमों के निर्माण पर लगभग 200 बिलियन डॉलर खर्च करने का अनुमान लगाया है। यह 2018 टूर्नामेंट की मेजबानी के लिए रूस द्वारा खर्च किए गए 15 गुना से अधिक है। कतर, जो दुनिया के सबसे बड़े प्राकृतिक गैस क्षेत्रों में से एक है, ने सरकारी आंकड़ों के अनुसार, 2022 की पहली छमाही में तेल और गैस राजस्व से लगभग 32.2 बिलियन डॉलर की कमाई की, जो पिछले साल की समान अवधि की तुलना में 67% अधिक है।

सबसे बड़े खेल मंच पर कतर का आगमन फीफा को लुभाने से कहीं आगे बढ़ गया है। “विश्व कप सब कुछ बदल रहा है – यह हमारे लिए बहुत अच्छा है,” क़तर स्पोर्ट्स इन्वेस्टमेंट्स के प्रमुख नासिर अल-खेलफ़ी ने 2013 में कहा था। “यह एक परिवर्तनकारी उपकरण है।”

टूर्नामेंट की मेजबानी का अधिकार जीतने के एक साल बाद, कतर ने पेरिस सेंट-जर्मेन का अधिग्रहण किया, जो फ्रांस की राजधानी में एक नकदी-संकटग्रस्त, कम प्रदर्शन करने वाला पेशेवर क्लब था, और इसे एक वैश्विक बिजलीघर में बदल दिया। अध्यक्ष के रूप में अल-खेलफी के साथ, पीएसजी ने खेल की सफलता हासिल की है, एक ब्रांड बनाया है और अब घरेलू लीग पर हावी है। कतर ने क्लब के लिए कई सुपरस्टार खिलाड़ियों को स्नैप करने के लिए अनुमानित $ 1.45 बिलियन खर्च किए हैं, जिनमें अर्जेंटीना के लियोनेल मेसी, ब्राजील के नेमार और 23 वर्षीय फ्रेंच फारवर्ड किलियन एम्बाप्पे शामिल हैं, जिन्होंने एक नए अनुबंध पर हस्ताक्षर किए जो कथित तौर पर उन्हें $ 250 का भुगतान करेगा। अगले तीन वर्षों में मिलियन।

जैदाह, कतरी व्यापार कार्यकारी, आरोपों का विरोध करते हैं कि दोहा ने विश्व कप के साथ वैश्विक खेलों में अपना रास्ता खरीदा और उनका कहना है कि उनका मानना ​​है कि मानवाधिकारों पर हमलों ने बैकफायर किया है और देश को एकजुट किया है। पश्चिमी लोगों के लिए, वे कहते हैं, “यह एक तरह से अशोभनीय लगता है, जैसे कि हम उस धन के लायक क्यों हैं और हम इसे क्यों रखते हैं? कतरियों को लगता है, ‘यह हमारा देश है, हमारा धन है।'”

इस बीच, मनी-मशीन जो कि फीफा है, पिच पर और बाहर जीत रही है। इन्फैनटिनो का अनुमान है कि अरबों लोग 18 दिसंबर को होने वाले फाइनल में पहुंचेंगे, जो एक न छूटने वाला मार्केटिंग अवसर है।

Originally published at Pen 18

neymar: Who can replace Neymar following injury?

With Neymar ruled out for at least one more match, Brazil coach Tite must now start thinking about a replacement – and this time he has plenty of options.

Brazil isn’t as dependent on Neymar as it used to be, and Tite could go a number of different ways to replace the Paris Saint-Germain forward for Monday’s Group G match against Switzerland.

Neymar injured his right ankle in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win against Serbia on Thursday. He has ligament damage and team doctors haven’t given a timetable for his recovery – or whether he’ll recover at all.

Tite brought nine forwards into the World Cup, and could also add a midfielder as a replacement for Neymar if desired. The most straightforward option would be to use Rodrygo in Neymar’s position, keeping Rafinha, Vinicius Junior and Richardson in attack. Rodrigo plays more as an attacker in Real Madrid, but he has trained in Neymar’s “no”. 10″ playmaking positions while in Qatar with Brazil.

Another option would be to have an extra midfielder in Neymar’s position – Manchester United’s Fred or Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, for example – freeing up attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who played close.

For defensive midfielder Casemiro against Serbia.

Another attacking midfielder available for Tite is Everton Ribeiro, while there are other forwards in the squad.

Gabriel Jesus, Antony, Gabriel Martinelli and Pedro.

Neymar drew the most attention from the tough Serbian defence, which troubled him from the outset. He was fouled nine times during the game, the most by any player in the first round of the World Cup.

matches in the group stage.

Neymar is Brazil’s second all-time top scorer with 75 goals, two behind Pelé’s record with the national team.

The last time he was ruled out of the World Cup was due to a back injury in the quarter-finals against

Colombia in 2014 – Brazil lost 7–1 to Germany in the semi-finals.

Tite will not be able to count on right back Danilo, who also sprained his ankle against Serbia. Danilo could be replaced by veteran Daniel Alves, although Tite could also use central defender Eder Militão in that position.

Brazil, seeking their first World Cup title in two decades, will face Cameroon in their last group match. it can reach

If Cameroon does not beat Serbia in its second group match, a win on Monday will advance to the round of 16.

Originally published at Pen 18

Do or die Mannschaft

If Costa Rica does not beat Japan, a win against Germany would put Spain through to the last 16. Expectations grew around Spain’s youth team after an outstanding performance against Costa Rica, when the team reintroduced the “tiki-taka” ball-possession style and 18-year-old Gavi became the youngest world captain since Pelé in 1958. Became a cup scorer. The score against Costa Rica matched Spain’s tournament total from Russia in 2018. “The result gives us a big boost,” said Spain coach Luis Enrique.

Originally published at Pen 18

‘No country can overlook India’: Anurag Thakur on PCB chief Ramiz Raja’s 2023 World Cup warning – The Economic Times Video

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur, when asked about Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Rameez Raja’s remarks during a roadshow in the national capital, said that India is a big force in the world of sports and any country Can’t ignore India. 2023 Cricket World Cup. “Wait for the right time. India is a major force in the world of sports and no country can afford to ignore India,” said Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports.

Originally published at Pen 18

vanshaj: Vishwanath, Vanshaj, Devika clinch gold medals at Youth World Boxing Championships

Indian boxers Vishwanath Suresh, Vansh and Devika Ghorpade lived up to their favorite tag as they registered commanding victories to clinch gold medals at the IBA Youth Men’s and Women’s World Championships 2022 in La Nucia, Spain. Chennai-born Vishwanath won India’s first gold at the prestigious championship by defeating Ronal Suyom of Philippines without breaking a sweat in the men’s 48kg final.

Bhavna Sharma won the silver medal in the women’s 48kg category after going down 0-5 against Uzbekistan’s Gulsevar Ganieva in the opening match of the day.

Ashish (54kg) was the other Indian to end with a silver medal. He lost 1–4 against Japanese boxer Yuta Sakai in a thrilling final.

Devika, who hails from Pune, added a second gold to India’s tally by defeating England’s Lauren Mackie in the women’s 52kg final. Youth Asian champion Vanshaj ended the day on a high note for India by winning his third gold.

The confident boxer from Sonipat comfortably outclassed Georgia’s Demur Kazia in the men’s 63.5kg final.

With 11 medals, India topped the ongoing edition of the event, followed by Uzbekistan (10), Ireland (7) and Kazakhstan (7).

Around 600 boxers from 73 countries participated in this year’s championship.

India’s eight medals in the women’s category is also the most for any country.

Already having won three gold medals, Raveena (63kg) and Kirti (plus 81kg) will look to add two more yellow metals to India’s kitty in the women’s final on the last day of competition.

Raveena and Keerthi will take on Megan Decler of the Netherlands and Elizabeth D’Arcy of Ireland respectively.

Apart from three gold and two silver on the final day, India’s tally also featured four bronze medals from Tamanna (50kg), Kunjarani Devi Thongam (60kg), Muskaan (75kg) and Lashu Yadav (70kg), who advanced to the semi-finals. I was defeated.

Originally published at Pen 18

spain: World team chess: India lose bronze medal play-off to Spain

India lost 1-3 to Spain in the tie-break after the two-round bronze medal play-off ended in a tie at the FIDE World Team Chess Championship, here on Saturday.

In both the rounds the teams played out a 2-2 draw. But Jaime Santos Latasa and David Anton Guijarro gave Spain the advantage by defeating Vidit Santosh Gujrati and Nihal Sarin respectively in the blitz tie-break.

In other games, SL Narayanan played out a draw with Alexey Shirov and Abhijit Gupta drew with Miguel Santos Ruiz. This gave Spain a 3-1 victory early on Saturday.

In the first round, Gujarát drew Santos Latasa playing black, while Sarin signed peace with Guijarro in the last game of that match. Two other games Narayanan versus Daniel Yufa and Gupta against Santos Ruiz also ended in draws. The pattern was repeated in the second round as games on all four boards with equal players ended in draws.

Spain took the tie-break for a 4–2 victory and their first medal in the team competition.

Meanwhile, China defeated Uzbekistan 4–0, winning the two rounds by identical 2.5–1.5 scorelines.

Originally published at Pen 18

FIFA World Cup: Football: Why is Italy not in the World Cup 2022?

Four-time champions Italy are not at this year’s World Cup in Qatar, marking the second time the ‘azzurri’ will miss the tournament. Here’s what you need to know about the European Champions’ failure to qualify:

How did Italy’s World Cup qualification campaign unfold?

* Italy was drawn in Group C of the UEFA World Cup qualification round, along with Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania. * The pressure on coach Roberto Mancini and the team was high after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia four years ago.

* They started with three consecutive wins against Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania before taking a break for last year’s European Championships.

* After winning the tournament, they drew twice in a row away to Bulgaria and Switzerland, before claiming a 5–0 victory at home against Lithuania.

* With two games left, Italy appeared to be in pole position to secure qualification, but drew 1–1 with Switzerland to leave both teams on equal points before the final round.

* Four months after Euro 2020 success, Italy’s 0-0 draw in Northern Ireland meant Switzerland topped their World Cup qualifying group after victory over Bulgaria, putting Mancini’s side through to the playoffs .

How did the World Cup playoffs unfold for Italy?

* Italy were on course to meet Portugal in the deciding playoff tie, but they lost the World Cup final after losing 1-0 at home to North Macedonia thanks to a last-gasp strike from Aleksandar Trajkovski.

* North Macedonia reached the final, where they were beaten 2–0 by Portugal, which secured a place in the World Cup.

Why didn’t Italy qualify for the World Cup in 2018?

* Italy qualified for the 2018 World Cup by finishing second in Group G.

* They then failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years in 2017 after being held to a 0–0 home draw, making it to the final with a 1–0 aggregate victory in Russia. ,

* The Italians, who had not missed a World Cup since the 1958 final in Sweden, saw Andrea Barzagli, Daniele De Rossi and captain Gianluigi Buffon all announce their retirements from the national team just after the game.

Originally published at Pen 18

world cup: Argentina look to Messi to salvage FIFA World Cup bid

Argentina will look to save their World Cup skins in Qatar on Saturday when Lionel Messi and his men face Mexico in a match they cannot afford to lose.

A surprise 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia has left Argentina, who arrived in Doha on a 36-match unbeaten run and in a precarious position as one of the overall favourites.

Argentina said they would look to the memory of superstar Diego Maradona, the 1986 World Cup-winning captain who died two years ago this week, to inspire them against the Mexicans.

Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez said, “We keep him in mind. He was a very important figure in world football, not just for us in Argentina.” “Today is a sad day for everyone and hopefully tomorrow we can give happiness.”

Argentina know they cannot afford a repeat of their opening match in Group C.

“It was difficult but we are a united group, a strong group that knows what we want, we know about our opponents, we have already overcome many things,” said Martínez, who won two The bar goal was disallowed for offside. Saudi.

The surprising Saudis have their chance to prove they can’t shine in the pan when they face Poland and Robert Lewandowski, who is still looking for the first World Cup goal of his career.

The Barcelona forward missed a penalty in a goalless draw against Mexico.

In other games on Saturday, defending champions France can book their place in the last 16 if they beat Denmark at Stadium 974, which incorporates shipping containers in its design.

The French lost defender Lucas Hernandez to injury in their opening 4-1 win against Australia, adding to a list of absences headed by Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, who was world number one before kicking a ball. were out of the cup.

Australia faced another tough ride against a strong Tunisian side.

– Hosts Qatar out – In Friday’s action, host nation Qatar crashed out of their own World Cup after suffering a second straight defeat.

Qatar lost 3–1 to Senegal and became the first team to be eliminated from this World Cup after Netherlands and Ecuador drew 1–1 in their other Group A game.

Asian champions Qatar had high hopes coming into the tournament, but became only the second home team after South Africa in 2010 to crash out in the group stage.

Goals from Boule Dia, Famara Didhiou and Bamba Dieng were enough to seal the victory for African champions Senegal.

Mohamed Muntari scored Qatar’s only World Cup goal to date in a disappointing debut on football’s biggest stage – the first time a World Cup host nation has been knocked out after just two games.

Qatar defender Tarek Salman said, “We want to say that we are very sad for the supporters, the country.”

We have made them feel bad by losing two consecutive matches in the World Cup.

Senegal will now need to beat Ecuador to progress to the knockout stage, while Qatar will face the Dutch.

An indifferent England missed the chance to qualify for the knockout stage after a 0–0 draw with the United States.

After defeating Iran 6–2 in their opening match, England rarely troubled a well organized USA unit and were booed at full-time.

England captain Harry Kane said, “A draw isn’t the end of the world for us, it puts us in a great position in the group.”

England need to avoid a four-goal defeat by neighbors Wales on Tuesday to progress and know that a win would see them progress as group winners.

Earlier, Iran scored twice deep in stoppage time to beat Wales 2-0 and breathe new life into a World Cup campaign that has been overshadowed by massive anti-government protests in the country.

Iranian players sang the national anthem ahead of their win over Wales, opting to remain silent at their opener in Qatar in an apparent gesture of support for the protesters.

They were deserved winners against a 10 man team late in the match.

Iran, who would have finished on the losing side, earned Gareth Bale’s Wales penalty in the eighth minute of injury time when substitute Roozbeh Cheshmi smashed home.

The Iranians drove thousands of their fans crazy when Ramin Rezian slotted in the second goal on the counter-attack.

Superstar forward Neymar will miss the team’s next match against Switzerland after suffering an ankle ligament injury in their opening 2-0 win against Serbia, the Brazilian squad announced.

Neymar could also be sidelined for Brazil’s final group game against Cameroon, according to a report in Brazil’s Globo Esporte.

Originally published at Pen 18

Brazil sprinkle stardust on Qatar football world cup

It is pertinent to note that no World Cup can really start until Brazil plays. The magic of this most famous tournament doesn’t really reach its peak until it is sprinkled with the stardust of the Selecao.

On this one, here in Qatar, the real tournament kicks off in five days with five-time winners – and opponents Serbia – the 31st and 32nd teams to start and run their campaigns. He had top billing. After the undercard, the main event. It was never too soon for Lusail Stadium streaming in yellow, its sight and sound and the samba becoming synonymous with this grandest of stages.

The pressure on the pitch is always on Neymar. The Talisman of Talisman is certainly still the star attraction, with the mere mention of her name ahead of enough kick-offs to deafen anyone within this raucous arena. Almost the exact same age Pele was when he won his third of three World Cups, the one he wants more than any other if Brazil are to end their 20-year wait for a trophy, you think That it would still come on the strength of another supernatural power of the greatest No. 10 of all time.

If the real Brazil will go on to reveal themselves later in this tournament, as they are expected to, signs of a higher plane were still visible here, albeit a disappointing first half. The magnificence of Casemiro’s distribution, the spark of Vinicius Junior’s change of pace, the nutmeg of Neymar. Serbia, to their credit, were in no mood for fall. His place in Qatar was barely won and he fought his heart out here. Two, three and even four were deployed to shadow Neymar’s every touch, any chink in the armour, any rogue touch. Chances came and went, Vinicius and Rafinha made mistakes when a calm head would surely have prevailed. Sandro knocked over a post from afar. Neymar, the god, proved with incredibly uncharacteristic abuse that he was ultimately human. But as nerves picked up, relief finally came. Richardson would not be the first Brazilian forward name you pull from history out of thin air. He won’t even make his debut with R. But if the first goal to break the deadlock – a tap after Vinicius’ rebound shot – was not worthy of those great No. 9s of the past, his second was well and truly.

Flicking the ball and rotating it to meet his shoulder in one movement, Richardson’s sensational overhead kick volley to double the lead and decisively seal victory was as special as any World Cup goal you can think of. can do. Pay Le, Carlos Alberto, Ronaldinho. The World Cup is often remembered for Brazil’s goal. This one, too soon, may be remembered for Richardson. This tournament may be five days old, but now the World Cup can start in true sense. Brazil has arrived.

Originally published at Pen 18

qatar: Qatar loses 3-1 to Senegal as host nearing World Cup exit

Senegal sent hosts Qatar to yet another World Cup defeat on Friday, winning 3-1 after a defensive error gave the African champions the lead.

Qatar defender Boualem Khouki tried to make a clearance under no pressure, failed to connect and fell on his back, before striker Boulaye Dia drilled in the first goal.

At the beginning of the second half, Famara Didhiu made it 2-0 with a header from a corner.

Qatar’s substitute Mohammad Muntari put the hosts 2-1 ahead with a header. But Qatar’s fightback lasted six minutes before Bamba Dieng put Senegal two goals back. Qatar has lost both its games and will be out of the World Cup in less than a week if the other Group A match between the Netherlands and Ecuador is drawn later on Friday.

Originally published at Pen 18

neymar: Neymar undergoing treatment to ankle injured at World Cup

Brazil star Neymar was tested and receiving treatment at the team hotel on Friday after injuring his right ankle in their 2-0 defeat of Serbia in their World Cup opener. The team did not provide any details about the extent of his injury. Neymar sprained his ankle in the second half of a tough match against Serbia on Thursday. He had tears in his eyes as he sat on the bench and limped off the field on his way to the locker room after the match.

“Difficult game, but it was important to win,” Neymar said on his social media accounts shortly after leaving the Lusail Stadium without speaking to the media.

“Congratulations team, the first step has been taken. Six more to go.”

In an Instagram story following the match, Neymar posted a text that mentioned the need to “keep the faith”. “It’s about believing that everything will be alright despite the chaos. It’s certain that the best is yet to come. It’s the understanding that everything has its time,” said the text.

Brazil coach Tite had already expressed hope about Neymar’s condition.

After the match he said, “You can be sure Neymar will still play in this World Cup.”

“I’m sure of that.”

Team doctor Rodrigo Lassmar said after the game it was too early to know the extent of the injury. He said he began treating the injury as soon as Neymar left the field and continued after the match.

Neymar was substituted in the 79th minute after nearly 10 minutes injuring his ankle while being tackled by Serbia defender Nikola Milenkovic.

Neymar had been tackled several times earlier in the match, and was seen grinning and limping on a few other occasions. He was fouled nine times, the most of all World Cup players after the first round of group stage matches.

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson said, “We will be excited, that is the specialty of this team.”

“These adverse conditions will only make the group stronger.”

Brazil’s next match is against Switzerland on Monday. The five-time world champions ended their group-stage campaign against Cameroon on 2 December. Brazil leads Group G along with Switzerland, which opened with a win against Cameroon.

If Neymar is unable to play, he could be replaced by Rodrigo, who came on as a second-half substitute against Serbia on Thursday.

Neymar, 30, also suffered an injury at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when his tournament ended with a back injury in the quarter-finals against Colombia. He had to be carried off the field on a stretcher, and Brazil lost 7–1 to Germany in the semi-finals.

Neymar’s right foot has given him problems in the past in a series of injuries since the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Another right ankle sprain ruled him out of the 2019 Copa América, which was won by Brazil.

Neymar, 30, is yet to win a major title with the national team. He helped the “Seleção” win their first Olympic gold medal at the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

With 75 goals for the national team, he is two shy of Pelé’s scoring record.

Another player with a sprained right ankle on Thursday was defender Danilo, although Lassmar said his injury was not serious.

Originally published at Pen 18

fifa world cup 2022 today match: FIFA World Cup 2022, matchday 6: Today’s match times and full schedule

The fifth match of the Football World Cup in Qatar saw thrilling action, with Portugal beating Ghana 3-2 in a close encounter, while Brazil and Switzerland kept clean sheets against Serbia and Cameroon respectively. Yesterday also saw the third goalless draw in this year’s tournament between Uruguay and South Korea.

Friday – the sixth day of matches – sees Group A and Group B back in action, having played the opening day of the last match. Hosts Qatar will face Senegal while fellow Netherlands will take on Ecuador. The top match of the day sees Group B’s USA and England face each other in what could be a cracker of a game, while Wales face Iran in their first match of the day.

wales vs iran
The Welsh are looking to make a better impression in their second game of the tournament, after drawing their first match against the United States, while Iran focuses heavily on events at home, with government crackdowns on protesters. The crackdown has been tightened. , The Iranians suffered a 6–2 defeat at the hands of England in their first game.

Wales will play Iran at 3:30 PM IST.


Qatar v Senegal

Hosts Qatar would like to take the embarrassment of their opening match defeat at the hands of Ecuador in front of the Senegalese team. The African champions came into the game with a good performance against the Netherlands, despite losing 2–0, while the hosts dealt with the infamy of becoming the first host nation in World Cup history to lose an opening match.

The Qatar vs Senegal will start at 6:30 PM IST.

Netherlands vs Ecuador
Louis van Gaal’s Dutch team and Gustavo Alfaro’s Ecuador team were involved in this match-up after close 2–0 wins against Senegal and Qatar respectively. Ecuador will hope to become the latest in a line of Davids defeating Goliaths against a formidable Dutch side.

Netherlands face Ecuador at 9:30 PM IST

england vs usa
The most anticipated match of the match day, a spirited England will face a motivated American team. The Brits head into the fray after beating Iran 6-2, while their opponents look to get their first win of the tournament after drawing their opening game against Wales.

ENG vs USA will start at 12:30 AM IST on November 26.

Originally published at Pen 18

FIFA WC 2022: Portugal beats Ghana 3-2; Ronaldo becomes first man to score at 5 World Cups

Originally published at Pen 18

neymar: Neymar injured, Richarlison scores as Brazil beat Serbia 2-1 at World Cup

With Neymar going off the field with an ankle injury, Richardson came on for the “Seleção”.

Richardson scored both goals in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia at the World Cup on Friday, a brilliant acrobatic kick after a simple tap-in from close range.

After the match, the Tottenham striker became aware of Neymar’s injury.

“The most important thing for us is for him to be at 100 per cent for the next match,” said Richardson, whose first goal came after a buildup by Neymar. “When I get to the hotel I’ll go and see how he is.” Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lassmar said Neymar had sprained his right ankle. He declined to speculate on whether he would be available for the team’s next game against Switzerland on Monday.

“We iced him while he was on the bench and then in physical therapy,” Lassmer said. “No tests are scheduled for now, but we will schedule one if needed. He will remain under observation. We’ll know more tomorrow.”

Neymar was also injured in the 2014 World Cup. Playing at home to Brazil, his tournament ended with a back injury in the quarter-finals against Colombia, when he had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. Brazil lost 7–1 to Germany in the semi-finals.

Neymar was fouled nine times in the match against Serbia, four more than any player so far at this year’s World Cup. But the opposition defense could not stop Richardson, taking care of Neymar.

He turned his back to goal when he used one touch to bring the ball up in the air near the penalty spot, then turned around and ground before firing the ball into the net with his right foot in the 73rd minute. jumped from

Richardson, playing his first World Cup, said, ‘My childhood dream has come true. “We knew they would be difficult to overcome. I’m used to playing against defensive teams like this in England. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunities I had and I did.”

Brazil struggled to penetrate the Serbian defense until Richardson scored from close range in the 62nd. Vinicius Junior assisted on both goals.

Neymar, with Brazil looking for his first major title, finished with 75 goals for the national team, two shy of Pelé’s scoring record.

He struggled at times and sprained his right ankle in the second half. He was crying on the bench after being substituted in the 79th and was limping as he left the stadium.

Brazil coach Tite started with an offensive-minded squad consisting of four forwards – Neymar, Vinicius Júnior, Rafinha and Richardson. Attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta played alongside Casemiro, the sole defensive midfielder.

But Serbia had many players and was able to prevent Brazil from creating many important chances. Neymar tried to control the pace but struggled to break free. He, Vinicius Junior and Rafinha missed chances early on.

Brazil’s best chance before Richardson’s opening goal was Alex Sandro’s low long-range shot that hit the post in the 60th. Neymar had the best chances with a free kick in the 50th and a shot from near the penalty spot in the 55th.

Serbia had its own injury issues for the match.

“We have three key players out injured – it’s too much for us,” said Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic. “We are not Brazil with 200 million people. We are a very small country.”

Neymar, 30, arrived at his third World Cup as Brazil’s main attraction. He helped the “Seleção” win the 2013 Confederations Cup and his first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, but has yet to win a major title with the national team.

Brazil, seeking to win its first World Cup in two decades, is unbeaten with 17 wins in its last 20 opening matches. It has finished first in its group in the last 10 World Cups.

Originally published at Pen 18

portugal: FIFA WC: Cristiano Ronaldo stars as Portugal defeat Ghana 3-2 in thrilling match

A resilient Portugal put on a fine display against Ghana to register a 3-2 win in their thrilling opening match of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Stadium 974.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed some great chances in the early stages of the match in the first half but finally scored from the penalty spot to put Portugal in front.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in five different World Cups in 65 minutes of play. After long protests from the Ghanaian players and Ronaldo the ball went past the goalkeeper when the box was finally cleared. Ronaldo won the penalty and made no mistake to score for his team.

However, Portugal’s joy was short lived as Andre Ayew pulled one back for Ghana in the 73rd minute of the match, but Portugal responded quickly with quick goals from João Félix (78) and substitute Rafael Leão (80). Portugal made a triple substitution and one of the players they brought on was Ronaldo. The cross came in from the left and Perera looked uncomfortable as Usman Bukhari came on to convert it.

Inaki Williams stunned Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa with a steal in the area in the 10th minute of stoppage time, giving Ghana a great chance to tie the score. However, the forward lost his footing at a crucial moment, allowing Ronaldo and his teammates to hold on for victory.

Earlier in the first half, Ghana’s defense managed to hold down Portugal’s attacks and ensure that there were no goals in the first half.

In the fifth minute, Portugal’s Otavio Edmilson da Silva Monteiro fired a right footed shot from outside the box to the left of the corner. In the very next minute, Ruben Neves’s right footed shot from outside the box was blocked.

In the 10th minute, assisted by Otavio, Cristiano Ronaldo fired a right footed shot from the center of the box which was saved in the center of the goal.

Three minutes later, a cross after a corner from Rafael Guerrero helped Ronaldo’s header miss from the right side of the six-yard box.

Joao Felix also had an attempt but his left footed shot from the center of the box went over the top. Another effort was saved by the Ghanaian when Otavio’s right footed shot from outside the box was blocked.

In the 42nd minute, Rafael Guerrero’s assist to Cristiano Ronaldo was blocked on the left side of the box. Ghana’s defense remained strong despite several attempts.

Portugal enjoyed 70 percent possession, compared to Ghana, which only had 30. Portugal had two shots on target while Ghana had none.

Originally published at Pen 18

uruguay: Stuttering Uruguay held by South Korea in goalless stalemate

Uruguay faltered against lively and energetic South Korea in their World Cup opener as they were held to a 0-0 draw on Thursday in Group H in a contest where both teams struggled to find a clinical edge. Was

Clear-cut chances were rare for either side at the Education City Stadium and although Uruguay created more scoring chances, neither team was able to register shots on target.

Uruguay captain Diego Godin was denied the woodwork, while South Korean forward Hwang Ui-jo burst onto the scene with a goal at his mercy before the two teams meet group rivals Portugal and Ghana later in the day. Missed opportunities found.

Uruguay’s first sight of goal came through Federico Valverde in the 19th minute, who connected with Jose Maria Jimenez’s pass and took a touch before firing a half-volley towards goal, but his ambitious effort went just over the bar. The South Americans were beginning to gain their footing when South Korea, who had so far been patient, disrupted their rhythm and scored on a counter-attack from a Uruguayan corner just before the half-hour mark.

Son Heung-min picked up the ball on the left flank and cut inside, past two Uruguayan defenders, before curling a right-footed effort towards goal, but left-back Mathias Oliveira was able to clear it away.

South Korea should have taken the lead in the 34th minute when Moon-Hwan Kim fired the ball into the penalty area and into the path of Hwang in front of goal, but the forward lost his composure and sent it over the crossbar.

Uruguay came close to scoring in the first half just before the break when centre-back Godin rose to head a header from Valverde’s corner but it bounced off the left post.

Jimenez pulled off a crucial tackle to deny Son five minutes after the restart following South Korea’s quick move, while Jung Woo-young held off a powerful attack from midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur at the other end.

Uruguay saw more of the ball but had few chances to break through the South Korean defense until the closing stages, when Valverde struck a volley in the final minute of regulation time that hit the top of the post.

Originally published at Pen 18

Seven Indian boxers roar into final at Youth World Boxing Championships

Young Indian boxers continued their dominance at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Youth Men’s and Women’s World Boxing Championships 2022 as seven of them advanced to the finals after their stunning victories in La Nucia, Spain.

Youth Asian champions Vanshaj and Vishwanath Suresh marched into the men’s semi-finals along with Ashish to maintain the all-win record for India, while Keerthi (+81kg), Bhavna Sharma (48kg), Devika Ghorpade (52kg) And Raveena (63kg) advanced in the women’s section.

Vishwanath from Chennai registered a 4-1 win over Puerto Rico’s Juanma Lopez, Vanshaj (63.5kg) and Ashish (54kg), who are from Haryana, won 3-1 against Deshawn Croklem of the United States and Khujnazar of Uzbekistan. 2 and won 4-3. Nortojiev respectively in their thrilling semi-final bouts, read a statement issued by the Boxing Federation of India. ,

Women boxers, on the other hand, registered comfortable wins apart from Keerthi’s 3-2 win against Kazakhstan’s Asel Toktasyn. Raveena and Bhavna defeated their Kazakh opponents Asem Tanatar and Gulnaz Burbayeva by unanimous decision. Devika of Maharashtra defeated America’s Amida Joy 4-1.

Meanwhile, four other Indian women – Tamannaah (50kg), Kunjaradevi Thongam (60kg), Muskaan (75kg) and Lashu Yadav (70kg) signed off with bronze medals after their respective semi-final losses.

Indian boxers have reasserted their dominance at the prestigious championship as 11 out of 17 quarter-finalists have confirmed medals – the most for any country in the ongoing edition, which has seen close to 600 boxers from 73 nations participate .

Uzbekistan are second with 10 assured medals while Ireland and Kazakhstan are joint third with seven medals each.

India’s dominance in the women’s section is another highlight of the tournament as eight boxers have won medals, the most for any country, followed by Kazakhstan (5) and Uzbekistan (4).

Bhawna and Devika along with all three male boxers will fight for the gold on Friday while the others will play the finals on Saturday.

Originally published at Pen 18

world cup: FIFA World Cup 2022 matchday 5: Today’s games and schedule

November 24, 2022 The fifth day of the Qatar World Cup sees World Cup powerhouse Brazil in action, at a time when both Argentina and Germany have lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia and Japan in their last two matches. Today’s matches and match timings are as follows:

Switzerland v Cameroon
In today’s first kick-off, Granit Xhaka-led Switzerland will face five-time AFCON winners Cameroon. The Europeans introduce a new coach and remain unbeaten in World Cup qualifying. The Cameroonians, on the other hand, are a bit shaky and come into the tournament as the fourth lowest ranked side.

Switzerland vs Cameroon begins at 3:30 PM IST.

Uruguay vs South Korea
An uneven matchup, today’s second game could prove to be another surprise result as South Korea have confirmed talisman Hyung-min Son is fit to play against Uruguay today. The South American came into the game in uncertainty with new coach Diego Alonso – who takes over at the end of 2021 – leaving the team in disarray.

Uruguay vs South Korea will start at 6:30 PM IST.


portugal v ghana
Cristiano Ronaldo-led Euro winners Portugal will face four-time AFCON champions Ghana in what is predicted to be a spicy fixture as the African nation returns to the World Cup having been absent for the 2018 edition. This is his fourth World Cup appearance since 2006.

Portugal vs Ghana will start at 9:30 PM IST.


brazil vs serbia
Technically a November 25 match, the Brazil v Serbia game takes place on matchday five in Qatar, with the South Americans projected as favorites to win this year’s tournament. Their first test comes in the form of a dark horse Serbian team, who topped their group in qualifying after beating eventual Euro winners Portugal 2–1.

The Brazil vs Serbia match will begin at 12:30 PM IST on November 25.

Originally published at Pen 18