Page 45 - Football

Asiad 2023 India vs China football highlights: China thrashes India 5-1

This was India's 57th game in the Asiad history as they returned to the continental tournament after a break of 9 years

Iranian fans flock Cristiano Ronaldo's hotel after he arrives in Tehran

Hundreds of soccer fans stormed into a hotel in Tehran on Monday, hoping for a glimpse of star player Cristiano Ronaldo after he arrived with his Saudi teammates ahead of a game. Chanting Ronaldo, Ronaldo, the fans pushed past police, filling the corridors and public spaces of the Espians Palace Hotel. Ronaldo arrived on his first visit to Iran with the Saudi football club Al Nassr, which is set to play Iran's Persepolis in Tehran on Sept. 19. The return game will be played in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Nov. 27. Ronaldo was the first of several big-name players to accept lavish contracts to play for Saudi teams. The oil-rich kingdom is spending billions of dollars to try to transform itself into a sports and entertainment powerhouse. The Asian Champions League games are made possible by the restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia following an agreement brokered by China earlier this year. The longtime rivals had severed ties in 2016 after an angry crowd

Prosecuting Spain's Rubiales for World Cup kiss illogical: UEFA president

Prosecuting Spanish soccer official Luis Rubiales for kissing a FIFA Women's World Cup-winning player on the lips without her consent seems completely illogical, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has suggested. Spanish state prosecutors are investigating Jenni Hermoso's accusations against Rubiales of sexual assault for the kiss at the August 20 final and coercion for then pressuring her to defend him. A restraining order was issued Friday by a judge in Madrid that prohibits Rubiales from being within 200 meters (656 feet) of Hermoso. Rubiales denied both accusations at the closed-door hearing. Ceferin, who was a criminal defence lawyer before being elected UEFA president in 2016, said in an interview published Sunday in his native Slovenia that what Rubiales did was inappropriate and not understandable. But, when I read it was deemed as a felony - as a lawyer, that seems completely illogical, Ceferin told Slovenian media outlet N1. Rubiales faced a torrent of criticism from the .

Asiad 2023: No training and proper rest, India football team face China

Set to play their opening match without any training session and proper rest after the last-minute announcement of the squad, India will be the clear underdogs against formidable China in their Asian Games group game here on Tuesday. India were able to stitch a rag-tag final squad only on Friday and the team left for China on Sunday, leaving no time for the players to even have a training session together. Moreover, two players -- defenders Konsam Chinglensana Singh and Lalchungnunga -- out of the 22 players picked will join later as their visas were not ready. The Indian contingent's chef de mission Bhupinder Singh Bajwa has, however, said that the duo will get their 'express visas' in a day or two and they will join the team. In any case, the duo will not be available for the Group A match against China on Tuesday and that will be a blow for India. Also head coach Igor Stimac said on Sunday that senior defender Sandesh Jhingan and talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri will not play the

Asiad 2023: Stimac says certain elements stopped us from having best team

India football team head coach Igor Stimac, on Sunday, lashed out at the Indian Super League (ISL) organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and clubs for not releasing players for the Asian Games as the national federation was forced to stitch an under-strength ragtag side at the last moment after hectic parleys. While Stimac did not take names while addressing a virtual press conference ahead of team departure but dropped enough hints about who all scuppered his and AIFF's plan to field a strong squad, comprising players from current senior national side. "If I knew that certain elements will stop us from going with the best possible team, I would have rather picked all the players from the I-League and request to train with them for two months and prepare with them for the Asian Games," a fuming Stimac said during media interaction. "It would not have been much different," he added, making clear what he thinks about the third-string players that ISL clubs have ...

The Rubiales scandal: Spanish football's #MeToo moment explained

Spain's football scene recently witnessed its own #MeToo moment, following an incident at the 2023 Women's World Cup final. On August 20, the Spanish women's team marked their first World Cup victory.

La Liga signs agreement to set up football academy in West Bengal

Spanish football league La Liga signed an agreement with the West Bengal government to set up an academy in the state for nurturing young talents, an official said on Friday. The MoU was signed during a closed-door meeting between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and La Liga president Javier Tebas in Madrid, he said. Banerjee, who is on a 12-day trip to Spain, met Tebas in Madrid on Thursday evening and held a closed-door meeting, which focussed on strengthening relations through linking sports and cultural institutions. "This remarkable MoU intends to promote football to foster sportsmanship, health, and prosperity. La Liga will develop a football training academy in West Bengal," the official said. According to the agreement, coaches and players from the state will be trained by the coaches of La Liga. They will also share their experience and expertise to assist the football clubs of West Bengal and make them self-sustainable, the official said. Banerjee was accompanied by forme

Three Real Madrid players arrested for sharing sexual video involving minor

Police said that the three players had been detained at the Real Madrid sports complex in Madrid, and a fourth player was being investigated

Asiad 2023: India football squad announced, Sunil Chhetri named captain

The Indian football governing body thanked clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) and the FSDL for coordinating with the national body to release players in the Asian Games.

We have sent players list to AIFF for Asiad selection: East Bengal coach

East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat on Wednesday said that his club has sent a list of players to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the selection of the national team for the Hangzhou Asian Games. Most of the clubs had shown unwillingness to release the 22 players named in the Indian squad as the Asian Games' football competition schedule clashes with the ISL, which starts on September 21. We have respect for the national team and have sent them a list of players they can use. The clubs and federation (AIFF) must cooperate to do the best for the country," Cuadrat said during a press conference ahead of the ISL. "We have players in the U-23 and the senior team, and we support the national team. There is a list of East Bengal players who can take part in the Asian Games, he added. The Indian team is scheduled to begin its Asian Games campaign with a match against China on September 19, followed by games against Bangladesh (September 21) and Myanmar (September 24). The t

Messi-less Argentina beat Bolivia 3-0 in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier

Argentina expected a struggle in the altitude of La Paz. The World Cup champion's climb appeared even steeper with Lionel Messi out of the lineup. Argentina still beat Bolivia 3-0 on Tuesday in its second match of the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. It's now two for two in qualifiers for coach Lionel Scaloni's team, which was led by veteran ngel Di Mara and a strong midfield. Uruguay had the chance to join Argentina atop the standings table, but lost 2-1 at Ecuador. The Ecuadorians now have moved back to zero; they started the tournament at -3 after having three points deducted by FIFA for the falsification of birth information of defender Byron Castillo, who is of Colombian origin. Brazil, which also won its opening game, was playing Peru later Tuesday. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is expanding to a 48-team format. The top six teams in South America will secure a direct spot. The seventh-place team will contest an intercontinental playoff

Germany beat France 2-1, ending winless run days after removing Hansi Flick

From jeers to cheers inside three days. Germany beat World Cup runner-up France 2-1 in a friendly on Tuesday in a dramatic turnaround from being whistled by the crowd in a 4-1 loss to Japan on Saturday. That defeat cost Hansi Flick his job as coach the following day. The win lifts some of the gloom around the team hosting the European Championship next year. We really threw ourselves into it and I think people saw that, goalkeeper Marc-Andr ter Stegen told broadcaster ARD. These have been strange, difficult days and it was all the better that we could turn things around with the win. I think it gives us confidence and that was what we definitely need right now. Thomas Mller scored early on and Leroy San added a second on a late counterattack, ending the run of five winless games which led to Flick being ousted Sunday. The search is on for a new permanent coach ahead of games against the United States and Mexico next month. Against France, Germany was coached by a three-person ...

Bellingham stars as England beats Scotland 3-1 in international football

Scotland vs. England is international's soccer's oldest rivalry. Jude Bellingham is one of the sport's brightest young stars. And on Tuesday the Real Madrid midfielder continued his outstanding start to the season by inspiring England to a 3-1 win at Hampden Park. Bellingham scored a goal and provided an assist for Harry Kane after Phil Foden had fired the Three Lions ahead in the game that celebrated the 150-year anniversary of the Scottish Football Association. A Harry Maguire own goal provided the only moment of cheer for the hosts. Bellingham is back with his England teammates after making a sensational start to life at Madrid, where he has scored five goals in four games since joining from Borussia Dortmund in June for a fee that could reach $139 million. He is quickly establishing himself as one of the world's elite players and is likely to be central to England's bid to win next year's European Championship. He's so mature for his age, an unreal talent, a massive talent and

Time has come to put all cards on table: Stimac on astrologer controversy

In the eye of the storm for his alleged correspondence with an astrologer during the Asian Cup Qualifiers, India coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday hinted at major revelations ahead and reaffirmed his dream of transforming the country into a footballing nation. The controversy has once again cast a shadow over Indian football and this time the national men's team coach is being linked to it. "Target or honest fighter for the betterment of Indian football? The time is coming to put all cards on the table and see how much and who really cares about football in this country," Stimac posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Give it a thought before making up your judgment and thanks once again for your support. My dream of making India a football nation is still alive," he added. That the AIFF had hired an astrologer for predictions on the Indian football team, for an estimated cost of Rs 16 lakh, was reported by PTI earlier. As per media reports, Stimac was directly in touch with the astrologer to

Rubiales resigns as Spain's soccer president 3 weeks after the Kiss scandal

Luis Rubiales, the suspended head of the Spanish soccer federation, finally folded under immense pressure Sunday and resigned three weeks after his kiss of a player on the lips overshadowed Spain's first-ever Women's World Cup title. Rubiales had been at the center of a controversy that had gone far beyond Spain's borders and the world of sport after he kissed Jenni Hermoso during the globally televised awards ceremony after Spain beat England to win the title on Aug. 20 in Sydney, Australia. The player said the kiss was without her consent. After my swift suspension by FIFA, and the rest of the cases building against me, it is clear that I cannot return to the post, Rubiales said on Sunday in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. He had already been temporarily suspended from his job by FIFA for his conduct at the final and, after soccer's world body opened a disciplinary case, remained defiant and hostile toward those who criticized him. Then came the most serious thr

King's Cup Football: India squander chances to lose 0-1 to Lebanon

A 77th-minute strike by Kaseem Al Zein put paid to India's hopes of retaining the third place in the King's Cup football tournament as Lebanon emerged 1-0 winners here on Sunday. Lebanon, who couldn't get the better of India in their last two meetings in Bhubaneswar and Bangalore, proved to be third time lucky despite the Blue Tigers putting immense pressure on the rival defence, especially during the closing stages. Just when it looked like India would force open the Lebanon defence at any moment, things completely went the other way as the west Asian side made most of a corner kick. While Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu managed to palm away the first attempt, he had no time to do an encore when Kaseem Al Zein went for a spectacular acrobatic back volley from close range. It was a goal that certainly came against the run of play but made all the difference as the Indians failed to come up with a fitting reply. Thus India, the bronze medal winners in 2019, finished their .

Premier League: Manchester United's Antony takes leave of absence from club

Manchester United winger Antony has been given a leave of absence in order to address allegations made against him of violence towards women. The 23-year-old player earlier this week was dropped from the Brazil squad after accusations of physical aggression on several occasions since January towards his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, which are being investigated by police and which he denies. United have agreed with the player for him to stay away from the club in order to focus on defending himself. Antony has not been arrested or charged and says he will co-operate with police in order to prove his innocence. United, fresh from dealing with Mason Greenwood's exit from the club, said in a statement: "Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony. "Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday. However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the

India emerge SAFF U-16 champions, make short work of Bangladesh in final

India's U-16 team became winners of the SAFF U-16 Championship by beating Bangladesh 2-0 in the title clash here on Sunday. Bharat Lairenjam (8th minute) found the net in the first half, while Levis Zangminlun (74th) sealed the victory with a second-half goal at the Changlimithang Stadium. Guided by head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, the Blue Colts had a sparkling run throughout the championship. They exhibited a brand of free-flowing, attacking football that left opponents struggling. They finished top of Group A after edging out Bangladesh and Nepal with 1-0 victories in both instances. Their semi-final clash with the Maldives was a masterclass in offence, resulting in an 8-0 triumph. Remarkably, the team accomplished all of this without conceding a single goal throughout the tournament. In the final against Bangladesh, India displayed tactical prowess and control. With adept ball distribution and intelligent utilisation of available space, they effectively countered Bangladesh's more ...

India concede late to lose 1-2 to China in AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India conceded a late goal to lose 1-2 against hosts China in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers here on Saturday. No Indian player managed to register his name on the score sheet as China's Hu Hetao scored an own goal. Tao Qianglong and Naibijiang Mohemati were the goal scorers of the match. Both teams went back and forth with their series of attacks initially into the game, but the deadlock refused to be broken, as it remained goalless at half-time. Following the switch of ends, the Chinese elevated their assertiveness, making Indian goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill do some hard work and come up with some saves. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 68th minute when Vibin Mohanan conceded a penalty off a sliding tackle. Skipper Qianglong easily converted it to give China the lead However, India managed to level the score in the 92nd minute thanks to an own goal by China. Narender Gehlot took a smart low drive from a melee and the ball hit China's Hetao before rolling into th

After impressive show against Iraq, Indian football team face Lebanon

Heartbroken but head held high after their penalty shootout loss to Iraq in the semifinals, India would look to continue their recent domination against Lebanon when they face off in the third-place match of Kings Cup here on Sunday. India were just 10 minutes away from recording their maiden win over higher-ranked Iraq but the West Asian country equalised (2-2) though a debatable penalty and then went on to win the semifinal match 5-4 on shootout. Head coach Igor Stimac had lashed out at the referee for "robbing" India of a victory. Captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was also critical of the 80th minute penalty awarded to Iraq after their striker Ghadhban was squeezed by two Indian defenders inside the box during a high-ball tussle. India will, however, gain a lot of confidence from the feisty fight against 70th ranked Iraq and the world number 99 Stimac's side will hope to sign off the tournament with a win and end at third place. India and Lebanon had played against each other three