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