Football

Calicut FC emerged victorious in their Super League Kerala match against Malappuram FC, securing a 2-1 victory at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. This triumph marked Calicut's first home win, propelling them to the top of the table with 13 points from seven matches.The match began with Calicut dominating possession but struggling to find the net. However, their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Thoi Singh's cross from the right found Gani Ahmmed Nigam inside the box. Nigam, under pressure from two defenders, swiftly passed the ball to Kervens Belfort, who unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner.Calicut's second goal came just nine minutes later, once again initiated by a move from the right. Muhammed Riyas and Andres Nia combined effectively, setting up Belfort for a neat header that beat goalkeeper Tenzin Samdup.Malappuram, who had won their opening match against Forca Kochi but had struggled since, managed to reduce the deficit in the 80th minute. Pedro Manzi, who had just entered the game, converted a penalty to give his team a glimmer of hope.However, Calicut held on to their lead, securing a crucial victory that boosted their title aspirations. The win also marked the first time Calicut had defeated Malappuram in the Super League Kerala.

Germany's Nations League hopes received a boost on Friday as Deniz Undav's brace secured a 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The win puts Germany on the cusp of the quarter-finals, while the Netherlands salvaged a 1-1 draw in Hungary despite playing with 10 men.Undav, making his second international start, opened the scoring for Germany in the 30th minute, tapping in a backheel assist from Florian Wirtz. The Stuttgart forward doubled his tally in the second half, converting Maximilian Mittlestaedt's cross. Bosnia responded with 20 minutes remaining through Edin Dzeko's header, but Germany held on for the victory.In Budapest, Hungary took the lead against the Netherlands through Roland Sallai's close-range finish. However, the Dutch equalized in the 83rd minute when Denzel Dumfries headed in a free-kick from Cody Gakpo, despite Virgil van Dijk's red card four minutes earlier.Elsewhere, Wales squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Iceland in Reykjavik. Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson gave Wales a comfortable advantage at the break, but Iceland fought back in the second half with goals from Logi Tomasson and Danny Ward's own goal.Turkey defeated Montenegro 1-0, while Sweden and Slovakia drew 2-2 in Bratislava. The Czech Republic earned a 2-0 home win over Albania, and Ukraine defeated Georgia 1-0.

Former Manchester United legend Gary Neville will grace India with his presence to support the Apollo Tyres grassroots football programme, United We Play. Neville, renowned as one of the greatest right-backs in football history, will attend the grand finale of the programme's fourth edition in Chandigarh on October 18, 2024.Neville's illustrious career boasts eight English Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League triumphs with Manchester United. He spent nearly two decades with the club, making 602 appearances and becoming a symbol of loyalty and dedication. Neville also represented England with distinction, earning 85 caps over a 12-year international career.The United We Play programme aims to nurture young football talent in India by providing a platform to showcase their skills and introduce them to global training methodologies. Supported by Manchester United, the initiative has reached over 15,000 young footballers across 18 cities in India.Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President, Commercial, India and SAARC, Apollo Tyres Ltd, expressed his excitement about Neville's visit: "We are thrilled to welcome a player of Gary Neville's stature to India. His presence will inspire young footballers and offer valuable insights into his remarkable career."The fourth edition of United We Play was launched in Kolkata last year by former Manchester United and French footballer Louis Saha. The programme has expanded to include cities in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, reaching out to young footballers in Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka, and Dubai.Neville's visit to India is expected to motivate aspiring footballers and further enhance the impact of the United We Play programme. His presence will provide a unique opportunity for young players to learn from a footballing icon and gain inspiration for their own journeys in the sport.

Argentina's World Cup qualifying campaign hit a roadblock as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela, despite Lionel Messi's return. Messi's free-kick set up Nicolas Otamendi's early opener, but Salomon Rondon's header equalized for Venezuela. Argentina remain atop the standings, but the draw dents their hopes of a comfortable qualification.Meanwhile, Brazil got their campaign back on track with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chile. Eduardo Vargas gave Chile an early lead, but Savinho and Igor Jesus equalized for Brazil. Luiz Henrique's late strike secured the win, moving Brazil into fourth place.Bolivia boosted their World Cup hopes with a gutsy 1-0 win over Colombia in the thin air of El Alto. Miguel Terceros' stunning individual goal lifted Bolivia into the automatic qualification positions. Bolivia's move to play qualifiers in El Alto has paid off, with two wins in two games at the high-altitude venue.Ecuador and Paraguay played out a goalless draw in Quito, leaving Ecuador in fifth place. The top six finishers in South America's 10-team round-robin qualifying competition will earn a ticket to the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Borussia Dortmund fans are reeling from the news that former coach Jurgen Klopp will join Red Bull as head of football operations. Klopp, who led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a German Cup during his seven-year tenure, has been a beloved figure in the city. However, his decision to join Red Bull, a company that owns several football clubs including Dortmund's rival RB Leipzig, has sparked outrage among fans.The Dortmund fanzine Schwatzgelb has accused Klopp of "tearing down" his reputation with his move to Red Bull. The magazine criticized Klopp's self-proclaimed status as "the normal one," comparing him to Jose Mourinho's infamous declaration of being "a special one." Schwatzgelb also accused Klopp of giving a "well-mannered middle finger" to Dortmund fans.Klopp's decision has also drawn criticism from other quarters. Some fans believe that RB Leipzig, founded in 2009, violates Germany's 50+1 rule, which requires member control of clubs. Others have criticized Red Bull's multi-club ownership model.Despite the backlash, Klopp's decision did not come as a complete surprise to Dortmund managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke. Watzke said that he and Klopp had discussed the move personally. Klopp has previously defended the Red Bull model, calling it a "football idea" rather than a "money idea."Former Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick, who held the same position Klopp will take over in January, said he is excited to see what Klopp can contribute to Red Bull. However, it remains to be seen how Klopp's move will be received by the wider football community.

Juventus' injury woes continue to mount as Teun Koopmeiners has been diagnosed with a fractured rib, adding to the growing list of absentees for coach Thiago Motta.The Netherlands midfielder, who joined Juventus from Atalanta in August, was forced off at half-time during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Cagliari. Subsequent tests revealed a "slightly dislocated fracture of the second right anterior rib."The club has not provided a specific timeline for Koopmeiners' return, stating that his recovery will be "evaluated according to his symptoms." However, reports suggest he could be sidelined for up to four weeks.This latest setback is a significant blow for Juventus, who are already without key defender Gleison Bremer due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season.Wingers Nicolas Gonzalez and Timothy Weah, as well as striker Arkadiusz Milik, are also currently on the treatment table. Milik has been struggling with persistent left knee problems.Juventus' injury crisis comes at a crucial time, with the team sitting third in Serie A, three points behind leaders Napoli. They face a tough test next against Lazio, who are level on points with them.The absence of Koopmeiners and other key players will undoubtedly test Motta's squad depth and tactical flexibility. The Italian coach will need to find solutions to compensate for the loss of his influential midfield presence.Juventus will be hoping that Koopmeiners and their other injured players can make swift recoveries and return to action as soon as possible. However, the club's injury woes serve as a reminder of the challenges they face in maintaining their title challenge and competing on multiple fronts this season.

Odisha FC's AFC Women's Champions League campaign came to an abrupt end on Wednesday as they suffered a disappointing 1-3 defeat to hosts Ho Chi Minh City FC in Vietnam. The loss marked the Kalinga Warriors' second consecutive defeat in the tournament, effectively eliminating them from contention for the knockout round.From the outset, Odisha FC found themselves on the back foot as Ho Chi Minh City FC seized the initiative. Within the opening minute, Nguyen Thi Kim Yenfrom capitalized on a corner kick to give the hosts an early advantage. The home side continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 42nd minute when Odisha failed to clear a cross from Huynh Nhu, allowing Ho Chi Minh City to extend their lead to 2-0 heading into the break.Determined to salvage their chances, Odisha FC emerged from the interval with renewed vigor. They created several promising counter-attacking opportunities, and their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Malati Munda initiated a swift attack that culminated in Jennifer Yeboah's powerful finish.However, Ho Chi Minh City FC extinguished Odisha's hopes of a comeback in stoppage time. Ngo Thi Hong Nhung delivered the decisive blow, securing the hosts' passage into the knockout round. The victory also ensured the progression of Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies, who will face Ho Chi Minh City FC on Saturday to determine the Group C winners.Odisha FC will now face Taichung Blue Whale in their final group match, with both teams seeking a victory to end their respective campaigns on a positive note.

Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as the head of football operations at Red Bull, the Austrian energy drinks giant. This move marks a significant departure from Klopp's previous role as a hands-on coach, but it aligns with his desire to take on a more strategic and advisory position.Klopp's appointment at Red Bull is a testament to his exceptional leadership and football acumen. During his nine-year tenure at Liverpool, he transformed the club into a formidable force, winning the Premier League and Champions League titles. His ability to motivate players, implement innovative tactics, and create a winning culture has earned him widespread admiration.In his new role, Klopp will not be directly involved in the day-to-day operations of Red Bull's football clubs, which include RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, and the New York Red Bulls. Instead, he will serve as a mentor and advisor to the coaches and management of these clubs, providing strategic guidance and support.Klopp's decision to join Red Bull is also influenced by his desire to pursue other interests. He has expressed a keen interest in Formula One, where Red Bull is the principal sponsor of the reigning champion team of Max Verstappen. Additionally, Klopp retains a sponsorship role with German sportswear maker Adidas.The move to Red Bull also provides Klopp with an opportunity to spend more time at his home on the Spanish island of Majorca. He has previously stated that he was exhausted by the demands of his role at Liverpool and that he needed a break from the intense pressure of coaching.Klopp's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans and pundits have expressed concerns that he may not be as effective in a non-coaching role, while others believe that his experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable to Red Bull's football operations.Regardless of the differing opinions, Klopp's move to Red Bull is a significant development in the world of football. It marks the end of an era at Liverpool and the beginning of a new chapter for one of the most successful managers in recent history.

Bayern Munich's recent defensive struggles have cast a shadow over their impressive attacking performances. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the German giants have conceded five goals in their last three matches, raising concerns among fans and analysts.Head coach Vincent Kompany's high-risk, high-pressing style has been both praised and criticized. While it has led to thrilling attacking displays, it has also left Bayern vulnerable at the back. In a 3-3 draw against Frankfurt, Bayern had 74% possession, 24 shots, and 11 corners, but their defensive lapses allowed their opponents to snatch a point.Similar statistics were evident in their draw against Bayer Leverkusen and their Champions League loss to Aston Villa. Critics argue that Kompany's aggressive approach has left the team exposed to counterattacks.However, Bayern veteran Thomas Muller remains optimistic. "It was a pleasure to dominate our opponents," he said. "Out of 15 games like this, we win 13."Sporting director Max Eberl and other key figures within the club believe that only minor adjustments are needed. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich urged the team to capitalize on their chances to secure victories.Despite the recent setbacks, Bayern's attacking prowess has been undeniable. They have scored 23 goals in their last six matches, including a 6-1 win over Holstein Kiel, a 5-0 rout of Werder Bremen, and a 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.Kompany remains confident in his approach, stating that "this performance will lead us to success." Bayern's faith in their style will be tested in upcoming matches against Stuttgart, Barcelona, and other formidable opponents.