Mumbai, Jan 19 (Football News) A title has eluded eight-time champions China in the last four editions of the women's AFC Asian Cup but head coach Shui Qingxia says her side would fancy its chances this time.

China last won the trophy in 2006 after claiming the title for an unprecedented seven editions on the trot from 1986 to 1999. They have finished runners-up in 2008, third in 2024 and 2018.

"As the head coach and also from the point of view of the Chinese women's national team, we wish to do our best and to win the trophy, definitely," said the 55-year-old Qingxia, who will be in her first international match as head coach on Thursday against Chinese Taipei.

"Our wish is to go to the final and win the trophy. Of course, we know this requires a little bit of luck as well." Qingxia is a legend in her country as she is a five-time Asian champion as a player.

While there are a handful of new faces, Qingxia’s squad retains the experienced core of Wang Shanshan, Wang Shuang and Zhang Rui, although regular captain and defensive lynchpin Wu Haiyan has been ruled out of the tournament owing to an injury.

A major boost to the Steel Roses' chances came in the form of Tottenham Hotspur forward Tang Jiali, who has returned to the side after being unexpectedly overlooked for their Tokyo Olympics campaign.

Qingxia said Jiali may not be an immediate starter having played a full match in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United as recently as Sunday night.

"Tang Jiali had a match in England on the 16th, and after discussion between the team we decided that Tang would travel after that match," she explained.

Having won the title thrice in the 1970s and 80s, Chinese Taipei have qualified for the showpiece tournament after a 14-year absence.

"Among the team members from 2008, from that moment we have only two members in the (current) team,” said head coach Kazuo Echigo.

"Everything feels brand new for us, and I'm so excited." Chinese Taipei have never beaten China in over three decades of trying, with their most recent attempt ending in a comprehensive 0-5 defeat during the Tokyo Olympics qualifying.

The current squad is dominated by domestic players, with only two goalkeepers -- Tsai Ming-Jung and Cheng Ssu-Yu -- registered to overseas clubs in Japan. 

Also Read : Asian Cup: Two members of Indian team test COVID positive on eve of tournament

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Mumbai, Jan 19 (Football News) COVID-19 breached the Indian women's football team's bio-security bubble here on Wednesday ahead of the AFC Asian Cup with two players testing positive for the virus, forcing the organisers to shift them to a medical facility for isolation.

"Two members of the Indian Women's Senior National Team for the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 have tested positive for COVID-19, and are currently in isolation at a designated medical care facility," the All India Football Federation (AIFF) tweeted.

"The AIFF prioritises the health and safety of its players, and are following all," the organising federation wrote in another tweet.

One of the players would have featured in the starting XI in the campaign opener against Iran, a source close to the AIFF said.

Hosts India open their campaign in the continental showpiece against Iran at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

The tournament assumes significance as the top-five finishers will book a place in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

India are grouped with China, Chinese Taipei and Iran in Group A. 

Also Read : Attention of footballing world shifts to India: AFC chief ahead of women's Asian Cup

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Mumbai, Jan 19 (Football News) The attention of the footballing world shifts to India, the games Asian chief Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said on Wednesday in a message ahead of the women's continental showpiece here.

The 20th edition of women's AFC Asian Cup will kick off when eight-time champions China face Chinese Taipei in Thursday's first match at Mumbai Football Arena. Hosts India open their campaign against Iran in Thursday's second match at DY Patil Satdium in Navi Mumbai.

The third venue of the tournament is the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.

“The attention of the footballing world shifts to India tomorrow, and I wish all teams the very best in the tournament. Your performances on the pitch will be watched by millions worldwide including young girls who will aspire to follow in your footsteps,” Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman said in his message.

“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a competition that is rich in history and continues to be the catalyst for the development of women’s football in Asia.

“I must thank all the participating teams, our stakeholders and the Local Organising Committee for sharing the AFC’s ambitions to organise the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 with the health and safety of everyone as our highest priority." On Friday, reigning champions Japan begin their title defence against Myanmar in Pune. The 2010 champions and runners-up in the last two editions Australia face Indonesia, who are making their first appearance in the tournament since 1986, at Mumbai Football Arena on Friday.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup will boast a stellar field of international icons like Sam Kerr of Australia, who recently finished second in both Ballon d'Or and the FIFA Best Awards, Saki Kumagai of Japan, and Ji So-yun of Korea Republic, while emerging talents are expected to light up the showpiece. 

Also Read : Bagan ready to re-launch top-four ambitions with Blasters encounter

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Vasco da Gama, Jan 19 (Football News) ATK Mohun Bagan will look to stretch their unbeaten run when they take on table-toppers Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League here on Thursday.

The Mariners have played only nine games so far with 15 points and placed sixth in the points table. A win against current league leaders Kerala would take them to the top-four with a game in hand but in Blasters, they face a team brimming with confidence.

Kerala are unbeaten in 10 games and Ivan Vukomanović can rely on a collection of attacking players who are in top form.

Adrian Luna has provided six assists in 11 matches this season for Kerala and sits at the top of the assist leaderboard along with Ahmed Jahouh and Greg Stewart. Despite it being his first year in the ISL, Luna has already started breaking assist records.

Kerala have found a dependable goalkeeper in Prabhsukhan Gill as well, the young shot-stopper impressing under the bar in his first season.

Gill has made eight appearances this season and kept four clean sheets so far. No keeper apart from Gill has kept more than two clean sheets, underlining this being a dismal year for keepers.

ATKMB, meanwhile, bolstered their backline with the addition of Sandesh Jhingan, who returned to the fold from Croatian side HNK Šibenik.

The last time the two sides met in the first game of the season, ATKMB ran out 4-2 winners under then-coach Antonio Lopez Habas.

ATKMB have conceded 18 goals in their 9 matches this season and Ferrando would be concerned about his porous defence. They have now gone seven matches without a clean sheet, their joint-highest such run in the tournament.

ATKMB will also miss the services of playmaker Hugo Boumous who is suspended for the tie. Boumous has been a crucial cog in ATKMB's attack.

In nine matches this season, he has scored five goals and provided three assists for the club. He is currently the joint highest goal scorer for the club. 

Also Read : FC Goa eyeing nothing less than victory against winless SCEB

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(Football news) Ever since their big money takeover, Newcastle have been linked to a lot of players. The Magpies have been very busy in this transfer window as they have already signed Kieran Trippier from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid and Chris Wood from relegation rivals Burnley.

Now Newcastle are in search of a center back and Diego Carlos is at the top of the list. The Brazilian is the perfect candidate for them going into the transition period. Carlos has been excellent for Sevilla ever since he joined the Spanish side from Nantes. He has been a rock at the back along with Jules Kounde. The 28-year-old was an integral part of the team that won the Europa League in 2020. He is a leader in the Sevilla squad which Newcastle desperately need.  

Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascells, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett and Emil Krafth are the current center backs at Eddie Howe's disposal. Diego Carlos is from a different league altogether and will bring his experience of playing at the European level with Sevilla. Going into the transition period he will be good to build the team around as he can be at the top level for the next 5 years. 

The immediate worry for the Magpies is that relegation is currently looming large on their head. If things don't change immediately then Newcastle will have to start from scratch in the championship next season. Newcastle have the 2nd worst defense in the Premier League, having conceded 43 goals this season. It is no secret that they need to strengthen their back line. Along with Diego Carlos they have also been linked with Diego Costa amongst a few others.

Also read: Umtiti to undergo surgery and miss 3 months just days after contract extension

(Football news) Manchester United are set to travel to West London to face Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium. The Red Devils are currently 7th in the Premier League table, five points behind fourth place West Ham while Brentford are 14th, 10 points clear of the relegation zone. Thomas Frank’s team have won five, drawn nine and lost ten Premier League games so far and won back-to-back games against Aston Villa and Port Vale earlier this month.

Brentford haven't defeated Manchester United since 1938 and the two sides are meeting for the first time since 1947 in a fixture that ended in a goalless draw. However, the Bees will definitely not be intimidated as they welcome the 20 times league title holders and will be looking for their seventh win of the season and their fourth at home. Manchester United are not in the best of form, having conceded two late goals for a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa but they did play well for the first 30 minutes or so in the clash. Rangnick would hope to maintain that level of performance for the entire 90 minutes as it would be the only way Manchester United can hope for a top four position this season.
 
Brentford will be without Julian Jeanvier, David Raya, Charlie Goode and Josh Dasilva due to injuries while Mathias Jorgensen remains doubtful. Frank Onyeka will also be unavailable due to his involvement in the African Cup of Nations but Rico Henry has recovered from his injury and is back in the squad. For Manchester United, Paul Pogba remains unavailable as he is recuperating from his thigh injury but Rangnick has confirmed that the Frenchman will be back in the squad after the international break. Eric Bailly is unavailable due to his involvement in the AFCON while Aaron Wan Bissaka is doubtful due to illness.

Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from a hip injury and is expected to feature against Brentford while Rashford could be back in the squad after suffering from a dead leg before the match against Aston Villa. Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are also available for selection after serving their suspension in the last match while Harry Maguire is expected to feature in the starting XI. After an impressive performance, Anthony Elanga could retain his spot against Brentford while Victor Lindelof, Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani could be dropped.

Also read: Premier League: Chelsea’s dip in form continues after draw against Brighton

Navi Mumbai, Jan 19 (Football News) A FIFA World Cup play-offs spot within their grasp, hosts India would seek a winning start against an under-prepared and lower-ranked Iran in their women's AFC Asian Cup campaign opener here on Thursday.

Hosting the continental showpiece for the second time after 1979, India would look to script history by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 12-team tournament, which will see some of Asia's and world's best players in action.

India had finished runners-up twice -- in 1979 and 1983 -- and third in 1981.

A win against Iran at the DY Patil Stadium will assure India of at least a third-place finish in Group A. Besides the two top teams, two third-placed sides across the three groups will also qualify for quarterfinals.

Iran are the lowest ranked team in the group which also has China and Chinese Taipei. They are ranked at 70th in the world as against India's 55th.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian team had the luxury of a good number of exposure tours and international matches last year, including against former World Cup runners-up side Brazil.

These international match experience is expected to keep Thomas Dennerby's team in good stead even though the hosts are playing without star striker Bala Devi who is recovering from a surgery.

On the other hand, debutants Iran, who began their journey in international football only in 2005, have not played any international match in the last six months.

Dennerby understands the importance of Thursday's match in the home side's bid for a knock-out berth.

"Our first target is to get to quarterfinals, we have a realistic chance to do that. Anything can happen from there on," the experienced Swede said.

"They (Iran) have strong defence and it's going to be a challenge for us to score. It's not going to be an easy game. We are hoping that with some creative and good passing game, we can break down their defence," he added.

"We have players who can create chances and score goals. We have to be good all through the match." All the semifinalists will directly qualify for the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Two more teams from the remaining four quarterfinalists will also get direct berths to the World Cup if Australia make it to the semifinals of this tournament, which is highly probable.

That means even the teams that lose in quarterfinals can directly qualify for the World Cup if they win the play-off matches of the AFC Asian Cup on February 2 and 4. The two losing quarterfinalists will feature in the Intercontinental play-offs.

Iran will be playing in their maiden AFC Asian Cup after defeating Jordan in penalty shoot-out in the qualifying round.

"We have analyzed the Indian team, and are aware that they are strong and fast. Despite our lack of experience, we are motivated. We have reached this level and we we are ready," Iran head coach Maryam Irandoost said.

Besides Behnaz Taherkhani and forward Sara Ghomi, their most experienced player, 22-year-old striker Hajar Dabbaghi, will be the player to watch.

For India, the experienced Aditi Chauhan is expected to don the goalkeeper's gloves while captain Ashalata Devi will marshal the deep defence.

The likes of seasoned Kamala Devi, Indumathi Kathiresan and Anju Tamang will man the midfield, while Manisha Kalyan, who scored India's lone goal against Brazil recently, can be India's trump card.

India have played just three times against Iran in the past and have won twice -- 3-1 in 2007 and 1-0 in 2019. The other match was won by Iran 4-1 in the second leg of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2007.

Eight-time champions China face Chinese Taipei in the tournament opener at Mumbai Football Arena earlier in the day.

Australia captain Sam Kerr, who finished runner-up in this year's Ballon d'Or and FIFA Best Player Award, will easily be the star attraction as the Chelsea player seeks to lead her country to second title after the 2010 triumph. India Squad (From): Aditi Chauhan, Maibam Linthoingambi Devi, Sowmiya Narayanasamy, Dalima Chhibber, Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Ritu Rani, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Manisa Panna, Hemam Shilky Devi, Sanju Yadav, Yumnam Kamala Devi, Anju Tamang, Karthika Angamuthu, Nongmeithem Ratanbala Devi, Naorem Priyangka Devi, Indumathi Kathiresan, Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei, Pyari Xaxa, Renu, Sumati Kumari, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Mariyammal Balamurugan.

Match live on Eurosport from 7:30pm IST. 

Also Read : Umtiti to undergo surgery and miss 3 months just days after contract extension

News Source : PTI

(Football news) Samuel Umtiti has been out of favor at FC Barcelona for around three and half seasons now. Despite that he has still managed to stay at the club. Reports have suggested that Barcelona have been trying to sell Umtiti for a while but there haven't been any offers that the player has been interested in.

On 10th January Barcelona extended Umtiti's contract until 2026. The reason they extended an out of favor player's contract was because of financial reasons. Due to financial fair play and La Liga wage cap rules, Barcelona struggled to register new signings at the start of the season. Gerard Pique took a massive pay cut to allow Barcelona to register Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia. When Barcelona signed Ferran Torres in January they initially couldn't register him.

Samuel Umtiti agreed to take a pay cut and extend his contract so that Torres can be registered. Now just over a week after the deal was made official Umtiti has suffered an injury on his right foot and has to undergo an operation. The contract extension would've been a good way for Barcelona to increase his transfer value and sell him in January itself or in the summer. Now the surgery will not only keep him out for around 3 months but will also make his sale more complicated.

Barcelona are still in the midst of financial crisis despite signing quite a few players and the infamous statement by president Joan Laporta where he said that Barcelona are back in the market to sign the best players in the world, hinting towards Erling Haaland. Barcelona will be in more trouble if Umtiti's injury troubles continue it will become almost impossible to sell him. Barcelona will be hoping that the Frenchman can get fit and be sold as soon as possible.
 

Also read: Out of favour Eden Hazard pushing for a move away from Real Madrid

(Football news) Chelsea’s winless run in the Premier League extended to four games after a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. A victory would have ensured Thomas Tuchel’s team would progress to second place in the league table above rivals Liverpool but the Blues have only won one more game than Norwich City since the start of November and eight fewer than league leaders Manchester City.

The hosts made three changes as Adam Lallana missed out due to injury while Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard found a place on the bench. Tariq Lamptey featured in the starting XI against his former side alongside Steven Alzate and Danny Welbeck. Chelsea made three changes with Malang Sarr, Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic being dropped while Jorginho, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi were included in the starting lineup. 

The game had an uneventful start for the first 15 minutes even though Brighton could have taken an early lead when Danny Welbeck flicked the ball into the path of Jakub Moder who failed to hit the target. Chelsea’s first shot came 14 minutes into the match when Robert Sanchez tipped Cesar Azpilicueta's effort over the bar. The Blues took the lead in the 28th minute after some combination play between N’Golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech, the latter swept the ball under Alexis Mac Allister’s leg and beyond Sanchez.

Chelsea could have scored a second goal when Marcos Alonso’s cross from the left flank was punched away by Sanchez and Jorginho failed to hit the target on the rebound. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s effort also went over the crossbar just before the break. Brighton ended the first half without a single shot on target but the tables turned immediately after the break as they shot a warning through Danny Welbeck whose effort went over the bar. 

The hosts then found the target twice at the hour mark with one being the equalizer. Mac Allister won the corner and found Webster completely unmarked and able to head the ball home. Danny Welbeck was substituted immediately afterwards for Neal Maupay who continued to test Chelsea’s defense. With both sides pushing for an important winner, Tuchel made three changes by bringing on Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner but the trio failed to make a significant impact to bring home the three points. 

With this result the Blues remain third in the Premier League with 44 points, one point behind Liverpool who have two games in hand while Brighton are ninth, just three points behind Manchester United in seventh place and will hope to compete for a place in Europe this season. Speaking after the match, Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel said  "We have to respect the opponent - it's very tough to play at Brighton. They played it like a cup game and the noise at the end of the whistle was like if we lost the game and it can very easily give you the impression that we lost, but we didn't.

"Other teams will struggle to get points here, and even tougher if you're full strength and not tired. There are some obstacles to overcome here and I refuse to be angry because it's not about ambition. We were a bit lucky to be 1-0 ahead and you can take advantage to score a second one, but we struggled to show the quality. We know the reasons behind it and we demand a lot from us. But it's not the moment to be too harsh on the team."

Also read: Everton part ways with Rafa Benitez, shortlist Martinez and Rooney for the job

(Football news) Odisha FC progressed from ninth to fifth place in the Indian Super League table after a 2-0 victory over NorthEast United at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Tuesday. The result means they are only a point behind reigning champions Mumbai City FC who currently occupy the fourth spot while NorthEast United’s winless run extends to five games and Khalid Jamil’s team are currently 10th on the table. The Kalinga Warriors got an early lead through Daniel Lalhlimpuia in the 17th minute while Aridai Suarez extended the advantage five minutes later and was involved in both the goals.

Both sides created half-chances after kick off as NorthEast United’s Suhair Vadakkepeedika provided Lalkhawpuimawia a decent opportunity which the latter could not capitalize on after miscuing his shot from 12 yards away. NorthEast United’s inability to make use of their chances cost them dearly as Odisha FC scored through Daniel Lalhlimpuia in the 17th minute from a simple tap-in. He was provided an assist from Aridai Suarez who went past Provat Lakra and provided a precise low cross that became an assist. 

Arindai scored a goal just five minutes after creating the first as he found space on the left flank, cut inside on his right foot and unleashed a shot which went past Mirshad Michu and into the back of the net in the 22nd minute. The second half saw the Highlanders push for a goal and get back into the game as Hernan Santana’s volley hit the crossbar from long range. Odisha FC’s Nandhakumar Sekar came on as a substitute and had a great one-on-one opportunity to score his team’s third goal but his shot was saved.

NorthEast United did find the back of the net through Laldanmawia Ralte in the late stages of the match but his goal was ruled out for off-side. Despite four minutes for stoppages being added in the second half, Odisha FC not only secured the three points but also a clean sheet in a morale boosting win. NorthEast United will next face Chennaiyin FC at the PJN Stadium on Saturday, 22nd January while Odisha FC will take on Hyderabad FC at the Tilak Maidan on Thursday, 27th January.

Also read: FC Goa lodge complaint to AIFF over 'poor standard' of refereeing in their ISL matches

Panaji, Jan 19 (Football News) FC Goa have lodged a formal complaint with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) regarding the standard of refereeing in the ongoing Indian Super League and have also sought clarification over certain decisions in their matches against Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United earlier this month.

The club said in a statement that it has written to the AIFF's Referee's Department regarding the decisions during their matches played on January 2 and 14. FC Goa had drawn 2-2 and 1-1 against Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United in the two matches, respectively.

It said "the standard of decision making demonstrated was below the required and desired standards of professional football." “We’re pained and disappointed with the standard of refereeing that the team has been subjected to. We’ve held the referees in the highest esteem and have always accounted for a margin of error on tight calls," FC Goa’s Director of Football Ravi Puskur said.

"However, since the turn of the year, there have been two clear cut decisions in two different games that indicate the standard of decision making demonstrated was below the required and desired standards of professional football," he added.

The club has sought clarity over several decisions in these two matches, including the invalidation of a goal against NorthEast United in their last game which would have placed the team a goal ahead with 10 minutes to play.

The team has also sought clarity on the decision to not award a penalty to it in the match against Kerala Blasters. A yellow card was instead handed to Jorge Ortiz for simulation.

It said a "clear contact was made and the player was impeded while attempting to get into a goal scoring position".

The club said the decisions had an adverse effect on their points tally in the season so far.

"We owe it to our players, staff and our fans to seek an explanation on the same. We await to hear back on the response from the referees dept.” 

Also Read : Aim is to get a lot of experience, says Iran skipper Taherkhani

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, Jan 18 (Football News) Iran skipper Behnaz Taherkhani says their aim is to get a lot of experience from the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup, their maiden appearance in the marquee event.

Iran will make their Asian Cup debut after coming through the qualifiers in dramatic fashion -- with a penalty shootout win over Jordan.

"We are extremely excited, and happy to be a part of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022. It is a proud moment for us, and we will do our best to be successful," Taherkhani was quoted as saying in a media statement issued by the All India Football Federation.

"Our aim is to gain a lot of experience from this tournament. We know we have a long way to go, but being here is a good start," said the defender.

Iran, who are clubbed in Group A, begin their campaign against hosts India on Thursday.

Nicknamed 'Team Melli Baanovaan' (Ladies National Team), Iran played their first international match in 2005, in the WAFF West Asian Women's Football Championship, when they beat Syria 5-0.

Since then, they have come a long way, and are currently ranked 70th in the world and 14th in Asia.

Iran were clubbed alongside Jordan and Bangladesh in the qualification round for the Asian Cup. They defeated Bangladesh 5-0 in their opening game, but so did Jordan, setting up a winner-takes-all clash between the two in the final game in which Iran prevailed.

"Despite our lack of experience, the team is motivated, and works hard. We have reached this level. We are ready," said head coach Maryam Irandoost.

"We have analyzed the Indian team, and are aware that they are strong and fast. The opener is one for everyone to look forward to," Irandoost signed off. 

Also Read : FC Goa eyeing nothing less than victory against winless SCEB

News Source : PTI

 

Bambolim, Jan 18 (Football News) Unbeaten in their last three games, FC Goa will look to climb up the ladder with a victory against winless SC East Bengal in an Indian Super League match here on Wednesday.

FC Goa haven't really burst to life under Derrick Pereira but the veteran coach has managed to remain unbeaten in the last three outings, playing out a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in their last game.

Jorge Ortiz has looked extremely sharp for the Gaurs even though they had the likes of Edu Bedia and Ivan Gonzalez missing against NorthEast United.

A win on Wednesday will see Goa move up from the bottom half of the table and close the gap on the top four teams, and against SC East Bengal they will fancy their chances.

"When I came in, I did not want to change too much. We kept the same formation, the 3-4-3 system but just adjusted the structure and the boys have responded well. There is always scope for improvement and we will look to do well in the coming days," Pereira said on the eve of the game.

SCEB showed defensive solidity under interim coach Renedy Singh and held fort until the very end against Jamshedpur FC before conceding in the dying minutes of the second half.

But the red and golds have had no attacking teeth whatsoever with striker Daniel Chima Chukwu also jumping ship to Jamshedpur. They have roped in Brazilian striker Marcelo Ribeiro dos Santos but he won't be available against FC Goa.

In their 11 league games, SCEB has failed to score in five games.

SCEB has new coach in Mario Rivera and the Spaniard will have his task cut out with the team rooted to the foot of the table with just six points from 11 games.

Rivera guided East Bengal to a second-place finish in the I-League two seasons back.

The last time the two sides met this season, FC Goa edged past their rivals 4-3 in a high-octane tie. 

Also Read : Social audience of La Liga has grown 2000% in last five years

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(Football news) European football league the La Liga has completed five years since establishing its local presence in India. Since then, there has been a 2000% increase in social audience, grassroot development initiatives which have impacted 20,000 youth in India as well as strengthened ties with local partners and Indian fans. 

The La Liga has had supporters in India for decades which has led to the Spanish top flight opening it’s second Asian office in New Delhi in 2016. Since then, the La Liga has entered into a broadcast partnership with Viacom18 and increased the number of fans on social media by 2000%, going from 300,000 when LaLiga started working in the country to 6,400,000+ in 2022. They have also worked at the grassroots with initiatives like LaLiga Football Schools and work with the Rural Development Trust (Vicente Ferrer Foundation) as well as established strong partnerships with Dream11, BKT and HeroVired.

Oscar Mayo, Executive Director, LaLiga, said, “Five years ago, we embarked on an ambitious mission to bring the entertainment and emotion of LaLiga to more fans around the world and to help grow football as a sport everywhere. We are very proud that LaLiga and its main protagonists, clubs, players, coaches, are closer today to more people around the world than ever before. That said, this is just the beginning, together with clubs and with the support of our new partner CVC we will give our international efforts a massive boost.”

Speaking about the anniversary, Jose Antonio Cachaza, Managing Director, LaLiga India, said, “As we celebrate five years of being in India, we want to thank our fans and partners in the country for having helped us achieve so much more than we imagined. The 2000% growth in social audience is an exciting number, but a big outcome cannot be measured – how we have deepened our connection with local fans. For the future, we are looking forward to making more meaningful contributions towards improving grassroots football in the country and delivering the best possible experience for the Indian football fans.”

Also read: Late Courtois heroics help Real Madrid clinch the Spanish Super Cup title

(Football news) Eden Hazard was one of the best players in the world at Chelsea. He rarely got injured despite being the most fouled player in Europe every season consistently. Hazard secured a big money move to his dream club Real Madrid in 2019. The Belgian has made only 43 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos after suffering a total of 14 injuries since he has been in the Spanish capital. 

It all started when Hazard was overweight when he arrived in Madrid after his transfer. The winger since then kept getting injured at regular intervals and couldn't get an extended run of games. The final blow was Vinicius Jr's unbelievable performances in his preferred left wing position. Hazard has been an unused substitute for the last three games and reports suggest that he has given up on his Real Madrid dream and is now seeking a move away from the Bernabeu. He now finds himself behind Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Marco Asensio in Carlo Ancelotti's preference of wingers.

After the Saudi conglomerate’s big money takeover, Newcastle United is a possible destination while a return to Chelsea could also be on the card. The Premier League looks to be the likely destination for the Belgian. There is very little hope that Eden Hazard would stay at Real Madrid; the only question is if he will leave in the ongoing winter transfer window or in the summer. Real Madrid will be keen on selling Eden Hazard as soon as possible to get him off their wage bill as the 31 year old is being paid way too much money to sit on the bench.

With rumours of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland coming to Madrid, Eden Hazard doesn't fit into the side. The entire saga of Eden Hazard has been very sad for both the player and the fans. Madridistas can only imagine what it would be like to watch a fit and in-form Eden Hazard lighting up the Santiago Bernabeu.

Also read: Late Courtois heroics help Real Madrid clinch the Spanish Super Cup title