Page 36 - Football

Euro Cup 2024 opening ceremony live time, performer, streaming today

Uefa and the German Football Association (FA) will honour the legendary German player and coach Franz Beckenbauer, who breathed his last earlier this year

Chhetri-less India enter transition phase with WC qualifier against Qatar

The influential Sunil Chhetri's absence will be a difficult void to fill as the Indian football team enters a testing transition phase with a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match against heavyweights Qatar here on Tuesday. The 39-year-old Chhetri called time on his glorious international career by playing in last week's fixture against Kuwait in Kolkata, which ended in a goal-less draw as the team failed to give him a fitting farewell. Chhetri ended with 94 goals in 151 matches, having led the country with aplomb for more than a decade. The Indian team will be led by the 32-year-old first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who has so far appeared in 72 internationals and is the most experienced player in the 23-member squad after Chhetri's retirement. An acid test awaits India as they run into two-time Asian champions Qatar at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, knowing well that a defeat will end their campaign and dash all hopes of securing a maiden entry into the third round

FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier, India vs Kuwait highlights: Sunil Chhetri finishes without scoring

In his last appearance for India, the 'captain, leader, legend' Sunil Chhetri couldn't score and neither could India and Kuwait with the match ending 0-0, India's chances of qualification diminishing

Rise in global transfers, fees show increasing options for women in soccer

One of the most striking signs of the global rise of women's soccer is the growing international transfer market and the fees club teams are shelling out for players. Case in point was the record transfer fee of $788,000 paid by National Women's Soccer League expansion team Bay FC for Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji this year. The Orlando Pride acquired fellow Zambian Barbra Banda for a $740,000 fee. More international movement shows not only that players have more options, but that women's clubs have more resources. "I thinks it's really cool that now you're seeing it go both ways, you're seeing players going to Europe and major clubs, and those players getting a massive deal like at Bay FC," said U.S. captain Lindsey Horan, who plays professionally in France for Lyon. I think that's incredible. It says a lot about the women's game right now and that's what we want. We want it to grow. We want players to want to come to the NWSL, we want players to want to go to Europe. Other U

City Club to club football's Citadel: Making of the legend Sunil Chhetri

Playing for the City Club in Delhi at 18, Chhetri scored in one of the four games in the Durand Cup 2001-02 and made it to the top five promising players of the tournament

Here's how legend Sunil Chhetri shaped Indian football for the future

The tidal shift in the football fandom of the national team can be credited to one man in particular and that is Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri's dedication, ability to evolve set him apart: Rahim Nabi

Former India midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi on Thursday heaped praise on Sunil Chhetri, who is retiring from the international game after Thursday's World Cup qualifying round match against Kuwait, saying the records set by the iconic footballer will be difficult to surpass. He, however, hoped that someone in future will fill the boots of Chhetri. "The records that he (Chhetri) has set, surpassing that will be very difficult," Nabi told PTI at the East Bengal club ground a few hours before the all important match at Salt Lake Stadium. "Bhaichung (Bhutia) filled the boots of the great IM Vijayan, Sunil filled Bhaichung's boots, someone will fill his (Chhetri's) boots but what he has done," said Nabi, who had played many matches together with Chhetri in the national team. He complimented Chhetri for his longevity and said that the ace striker was always able to adapt and evolve. Nabi, who played in more than 60 matches for India between 2004 and 2013, said it was a matter of pride that

Euro 2024: Netherlands coach Koeman looks to ditch favourite 4-3-3 setup

Few aficionados in European soccer obsess about numbers the way the Dutch do. Like 4-3-3. Or 5-3-2. There's also the traditional 4-4-2, and even 4-2-3-1. But mostly, in their part of the world, it's all about 4-3-3. As baffling and bewildering as those digits may look to some, each of them relates to a specific soccer formation. And for Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, as he hones his squad for the European Championship in Germany, maybe the numbers game has gone too far. We in the Netherlands sometimes talk too much about systems, Koeman told Dutch national broadcaster NOS in a sideline interview before his team playing 5-3-2 (five defenders, three midfielders, two forwards) beat Greece 3-0 in Amsterdam in a Euro 2024 qualifier. The Dutch fixation with the formation of four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards is rooted in the golden age of the small nation's soccer history. The 4-3-3 system was the bedrock for the Clockwork Orange brand of soccer, led by the mercuri

Real Madrid end rumours, confirm signing of Mbappe in five-year deal

Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Madrid player for the next five seasons

FIFA adopts protocols to support players during pregnancy, after birth

Soccer's international governing body is implementing new measures designed to further support the well-being of players and coaches during pregnancy and after the birth of their children. The FIFA protocols give both players and coaches a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, and a minimum of eight weeks paid leave for those who adopt a child younger than 2. There is also a minimum eight weeks paid for women who are non-biological parents of newborns. While the players' maternity leave was previously adopted in 2020, the new rules extend it to coaches, non-biological and adoptive mothers. The protocol goes into effect on Saturday. It was approved last month by the FIFA Council. I think it's a big statement, former U.S. coach Jill Ellis said in a statement Friday. These are big steps and big strides to really normalize the life that we go through as women that's what we want to provide now at every level, the club level, the national team level the opportunity for pro play

IND vs KUW: Chhangte 'ready' to step up as next No. 9 in post Chhetri era

Talented winger Lallianzuala Chhangte "would not mind" stepping up as the next number 9 of the Indian football team, after talismanic forward Sunil Chhetri's illustrious career comes to an end here on June 6. Chhetri, who has been a pivotal figure of Indian football for 19 years, is set to make his final appearance in the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium here on June 6. "Of course, I won't mind if the team wishes for me to play in the center," the 27-year-old Chhangte, who plays for Indian Super League final winning side Mumbai FC, said during a media interaction hereon Thursday . "My height and attributes are suited for a proper number 9. Ultimately, it's God's decision, but I would not mind if the country needs me in that role. "Everyone is sad. But looking at all his achievements, we are happy for him as well. We will miss him a lot in the dressing room and what he has done for the country. I hope someone will take responsibility," added Chhangte, who

Champions League final: Plenty of fear for Real Madrid coach Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti is going into his eighth Champions League final, having won all but one of them. He is the most successful coach in the competition thanks to four titles. He also lifted two European trophies as a player. There is no lack of experience for the veteran Italian manager. But there is still plenty of anxiety and fear for Ancelotti ahead of yet another big game. It's the same as it was the first time, the 64-year-old Ancelotti said as Real Madrid entered the final week of preparations ahead of Saturday's final against Borussia Dortmund in London. First there is the joy of being here, then the concerns will come and the fear will come, he said. But before they come we have to enjoy this week and I'm going to enjoy it. The cold sweat will arrive Saturday afternoon, it's normal, I'm already prepared for it. And this team gives me a lot of confidence, I see them focused on the match, they are in Champions (League) mode. Ancelotti won the Champions League with Madrid in 2022

Uefa CL Final: Dortmund seals sponsorship deal with arms manufacturer

Borussia Dortmund has signed a new sponsorship deal with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and will display the defense company's logo ahead of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Dortmund said Wednesday the three-year deal with Rheinmetall includes wide-reaching advertising space, marketing rights and event and hospitality arrangements in the stadium and on the club grounds" starting from this week's buildup for the Champions League final Saturday. Rheinmetall is building a new plant in northern Germany to produce around 200,000 artillery shells per year as part of European efforts to increase weapons production against the backdrop of Russia's war in Ukraine. Security and defense are fundamental cornerstones of our democracy. That is why we believe it is the right decision to take a very close look at how we protect these cornerstones, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke said in a statement. Especially today, when we see every day how freedom must be defended in

Indebted to the sport, my team: Sunil Chhetri emotional ahead of farewell

Approaching his international retirement, Indian football talisman Sunil Chhetri on Wednesday said he remains indebted to his teammates, and the sport, for helping him become one of the country's greatest players. The Indian team arrived in the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait on June 6, which will be the 39-year-old Chhetri's final outing in the blue jersey. All eyes were on the goal-machine as the players exited the airport. "These last few days, I've been caught in a bit of a dilemma. Now that there's a number to my days with the national team, what's the right route to take - do I count every day, every training session? Or do I simply turn up without the thought of how this is coming to an end?," said Chhetri. Chhetri, who has scored 94 goals from 150 international appearances, said he is counting his blessings every day. "Over time, I seemed to have found middle ground. They say, count your blessings. And every single day I get to be on the pitch is

Euro Cup 2024: De Bruyne to lead Belgium at with unretired Witsel

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will lead a rejuvenated Belgium side including a once-retired Alex Witsel at the European Championship next month. De Bruyne and Witsel were on the 25-man list unveiled by coach Domenico Tedesco on Tuesday. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, preparing for the Champions League final, was not. Full back Maxim De Cuyper, who won the Belgian league with Club Brugge last weekend, was the only newcomer. De Bruyne and Witsel are remaining members of the so-called golden generation of Belgian players. While De Bruyne's presence was expected, Witsel's was a surprise after Tedesco dropped him from his first squad last year. Witsel soon after announced his retirement from international soccer and did not play in qualifying. But Tedesco said Witsel's recent showings with Atletico Madrid convinced him the 35-year-old midfielder was the right choice. I have the best feelings with Axel, Tedesco said. Tedesco said Courtois was not ready for Euro 2

Sunil Chhetri farewell game: How to book tickets for IND vs KUW match?

Even with a seating capacity of nearly 85,000, it is getting difficult for people to get hold of their tickets. Here's a stepwise guide on how to book them on BookMyShow

What made three Argentina's national women's team footballers quit?

Three players quit Argentina's national women's squad Monday after a dispute over a lack of pay and conditions at a camp ahead of two international friendlies, an unthinkable scenario for the country's World Cup winning men's squad. Goalkeeper Laurina Oliveiros, defender Julieta Cruz and midfielder Lorena Bentez, all regular starters for the national team, announced their move as the squad started fine-tuning for friendlies against Costa Rica on Friday and on June 3. We reached a point in which we are tired of the injustices, of not being valued, not being heard and, even worse, being humiliated, Cruz posted on Instagram. We need improvements for Argentina's women's soccer national team, and I am not only talking about finances. I speak about training, having lunch, breakfast. Cruz and Bentez said during national squad training sessions they received a ham and cheese sandwich and a banana, which they believe is inadequate for high-performance athletes. They said Argentina's soccer

Ratcliffe doesn't name Ten Hag in Man Utd's FA Cup win celebratory message

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe failed to mention manager Erik ten Hag by name when congratulating the team for its FA Cup final victory against Manchester City on Saturday. The British billionaire was quick to say how proud he was after seeing United win its first trophy since he became a minority shareholder in February. United won 2-1 at Wembley, where Ratcliffe was in attendance with the other co-owners. But a lack of direct reference to Ten Hag in Ratcliffe's message of congratulations was notable at a time when the Dutchman's future at the club remains uncertain and there are reports he is about to be fired. It is a glorious feeling to win the FA Cup final at Wembley, Ratcliffe said in a statement. "Manchester United clearly were not the favorites to win today but they played with total commitment and skill and overcame one of the great teams in football. We are all very proud of the players and the staff who work tirelessly to support them. It was reported on Friday

FA Cup2024 final highlights: Garnacho, Mainoo scored as United beat City to lift their 13th title

Man City vs Man United FA Cup Final 2024 Highlights: The possession was with City, but the goals were with United as they won the derby and FA Cup 2-0 and manged to reach Europe for the next season

FA Cup Trophy winners and runner-ups' list; which team has most FA Cups?

Arsenal have won FA Cup 14 times. The Gunners are followed by Manchester United, who have won FA Cup 13 times.