Football

India's SAFF Women's Championship campaign came to an abrupt end in a chaotic semifinal match against Nepal. The match, played in Kathmandu on Sunday, ended in a 2-4 penalty shootout loss for India after a controversial refereeing decision sparked a lengthy protest from the home side.Nepal will now face Bangladesh in the final, who defeated Bhutan 7-1 in the other semifinal.The match at the Dasharath Stadium was marred by drama from the outset. India took the lead in the 62nd minute through Sangita Basfore's stunning strike from outside the box. However, Nepal's celebrations were cut short when the referee disallowed a goal, sparking a furious protest from the home side.The match was then held up for over 70 minutes as Nepal refused to continue, demanding a reversal of the referee's decision. The scene on the pitch descended into chaos, with players and officials from both sides engaging in heated exchanges.After lengthy discussions between the supervising officials and the Nepal side, the match eventually resumed. However, the long delay appeared to have disrupted India's rhythm and concentration. Seconds after the restart, Nepal equalized through Sabitra Bhandari, sending the game into extra time.In the penalty shootout, Nepal converted all four of their attempts, while India could only manage two. Skipper Ashalata Devi and Ranjana Chanu missed their spot-kicks, handing Nepal the victory.The controversy began in the second half when Nepal striker Rekha Poudel was sent off for a second yellow card offense. The Nepal players protested vehemently, leading to a tense atmosphere in the stands.The situation escalated after India's goal, when Nepal attempted to restart the game and score into an empty net. The referee disallowed the goal, prompting the Nepal players and officials to walk off the pitch.It took over an hour for the organizers and supervising officials to resolve the issue and get the match back underway. However, India were unable to regain their composure and ultimately fell to defeat.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by both brilliance and frustration. The Portuguese superstar has been a constant presence in the spotlight, but his on-field performances have left much to be desired.Ronaldo's struggles began with a series of on-field incidents. He was booked for a rash challenge against a referee, booted away a water bottle in frustration, and remonstrated angrily in the dugout. These outbursts have raised questions about his temperament and whether he is still capable of handling the pressure of major tournaments.Compounding his on-field woes, Ronaldo has failed to score a single goal in seven consecutive matches at major tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. This is the first time in his illustrious international career that he has ended a group stage without a goal.Despite his lack of goals, Ronaldo's coach, Roberto Martinez, remains steadfast in his support. He has praised Ronaldo's work ethic and his ability to inspire his teammates. Martinez believes that Ronaldo's experience and leadership are invaluable to the team, even if he is not scoring goals.However, some critics argue that Ronaldo's continued presence in the starting lineup is a distraction for the team. They point to his declining mobility and pressing ability, which they believe are hindering Portugal's overall performance.As Portugal enters the knockout stage, the question remains: will Ronaldo's drama continue to overshadow the team's pursuit of a major title? Or will he rise to the occasion and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with?