(Football news) Argentina had to defeat Poland to make it to the Round of 16 and they did exactly that in emphatic fashion. Poland were completely outplayed especially in the 2nd half and were lucky to have made it to the next round. From the very first minute Argentina were dictating play and putting relentless pressure on Poland. In the 38th minute goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny attempted to punch a cross away but instead caught Lionel Messi on the face. The referee controversially pointed to the spot but Szczesny made an incredible save to deny Messi. This was the Juventus shot…
Author: Kaustubh Thakur
(Football news) Even though France fielded their 2nd choice XI, the result was a massive upset. Tunisia almost pulled off a great escape to make it to the Round of 16 but their victory wasn’t enough. Raphael Varane was the only regular France player to start the match and he was given game time to reach full fitness. Despite the loss France still managed to top the group as they now prepare to face Poland in the Round of 16. Tunisia played out of their skin to win this encounter. France never looked comfortable until Didier Deschamps had to bring…
(Football news) France despite all their injury woes won their first two games to secure qualification. Now they take on Tunisia who need a win to have a chance at qualification. The African country also need Denmark to beat Australia by a small margin or the best case scenario for them would be a draw. France could rest some of their regulars which allow them to test out some other options. Even with their 2nd choice XI France are favorites going into the match. They will definitely want to keep up the rhythm going into the knockouts. After the injury…
(Cricket news) New Zealand won the ODI series against India. It was a disappointing performance for India in what was supposed to be the start of the 2023 World Cup preparations. Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl first before informing that Adam Milne is back in the side for Michael Bracewell. India went into the game unchanged as Shardul Thakur and Sanju Samson were left out. Batting first, India’s performance was nothing short of disappointing once again. Shreyas Iyer continued his good form in ODIs by scoring 49 in 59 balls. He was the only top order…
(Football news) The World Cup group stage is in its last phase and it is truly make or break time right now. Two Round of 16 ties – Netherlands vs USA and England vs Senegal have already been confirmed. Group C is in an interesting situation wherein any of the 4 teams can top the group and anyone can be eliminated. The clash between Argentina and Poland will be a very spicy one between former Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi and current Barcelona talisman Robert Lewandowski. Argentina were considered by a lot of people to be favorites to win the 2022…
(Football news) Garerth Bale’s Wales have had a pretty disappointing World Cup as they were knocked out in the group stages. They drew their first game against the USA before losing against Iran and England. At the centre of all this was captain Gareth Bale who will not be happy with his performance. He did get the only Wales’ goal from the penalty spot but apart from that he wasn’t really impactful. He didn’t look sharp or fit enough as he was taken off at half time against England in what is likely to have been Bale’s last one with…
(Football news) Portugal needed a win to secure qualification for the Round of 16 and that is exactly what they did. Ferando Santos made three changes to the starting XI that defeated Ghana. Pepe replaced Danilo Pereira at center back while William Carvalho replaced Otavio in midfield. Nuno Mendes started as the left back but unfortunately had to go off due to injury. The injury looked bad as he was in tears while being replaced by Raphael Guerrero. Uruguay benched Luis Suarez in favor of Edinson Cavani as they switched from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2. From minute one Portugal…
(Football news) Lionel Messi is currently playing at the World Cup with Argentina. After being stunned by Saudi Arabia in the first match Argentina won their 2nd game against Mexico. The PSG forward has 2 goals and 1 assist in those games and is hoping to lead his country to World Cup glory. Amidst all this, shocking reports have emerged from the USA which claim that Lionel Messi is close to agreeing a deal with MLS club Inter Miami. Their owner and football legend David Beckham has always said that he wants Messi and rival Cristiano Ronaldo to play in…
(Cricket news) The first ODI was a pretty convincing win for New Zealand while the next one was rained out. India now need a win to tie the series but they will need to improve in order to beat this New Zealand side in their backyard. This is by no means is India’s strongest squad but it is better than what it showed in the first match. This is the first series for India in preparation of the 2023 World Cup and a loss will not be an ideal way to start. Rain is expected to interrupt play but both…
(Football news) Portugal won a close contest against Ghana 3-2 in the opening match. Uruguay on the other hand played out a goalless draw against South Korea where neither team had a single shot on target. A win will be enough for Portugal to secure qualification while a draw would put them in a good position. Uruguay realistically needs a win to stay in the contest, a draw would make things very complicated for them while a loss could eliminate them. Uruguay defeated Portugal in the 2018 World Cup Round of 16 but these are different teams. Fernando Santos benched…