Football

India's U20 football team made a triumphant start to their AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers campaign, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Mongolia on Wednesday. The Blue Colts dominated the match from the outset, relentlessly attacking the Mongolian defense.Kelvin Singh Taorem opened the scoring for India in the 20th minute with a curling corner that eluded the goalkeeper. Despite Mongolia's captain being sent off in the 28th minute, they managed to equalize just before halftime through Temulen Uuganbat.Undeterred, India stepped up their assault in the second half. Manglenthang Kipgen scored two quick goals in the 51st and 54th minutes, restoring India's lead. Korou Singh Thingujam sealed the victory with a goal in the 85th minute.India's victory was a testament to their superior skill and determination. They controlled possession throughout the match and created numerous scoring opportunities. Mongolia, despite their numerical disadvantage, showed resilience and managed to score a consolation goal.The Blue Colts will now face Iran and hosts Laos in their remaining Group G matches. A win against either team will secure their place in the knockout stage.

Punjab FC continued its impressive start to the Indian Super League (ISL) season, securing a dominant 2-0 victory over Hyderabad FC on Wednesday. This marks the first time Punjab has won three consecutive games in ISL history, showcasing the team's determination to overcome the absence of their talismanic skipper Luka Majcen.With an unchanged line-up and a clean sheet for the first time this season, Punjab started the match on the front foot. Mushaga Bakenga missed an early chance, hitting the upright in the seventh minute. Hyderabad's Ramhlunchhunga had a shot saved by Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar in the 12th minute, but the visitors struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities.Ezequiel Vidal broke the deadlock for Punjab in the 35th minute with a well-placed free kick into the bottom left corner. The second goal came in the 71st minute when Filip Mrzjlak tapped into an empty net after a through ball from Bakenga. Mrzjlak could have scored more but missed the target, while Bakenga also had a few wide shots.Hyderabad's night worsened when Leander D'Cunha received a second yellow card in the final 15 minutes, reducing them to 10 men. The result leaves Hyderabad with only one win from the entire last season, while Punjab FC now sits atop the ISL table.Punjab's coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, praised his team's performance, saying, "We are very happy with the result. We played well and deserved to win. We have a good team spirit and we are working hard to improve."Hyderabad's coach, Thangboi Singto, acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, "We had a difficult game today. Punjab played very well and we couldn't match their pace. We need to work on our mistakes and come back stronger in the next match."

Raphael Varane, the former French international and Real Madrid defender, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31. The announcement comes after a glittering career that saw him win a World Cup title with France in 2018 and numerous club trophies with Real Madrid.Varane began his career at Lens in France before moving to Real Madrid in 2011. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Spanish giants, forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos at the heart of the defense. During his time at Real Madrid, Varane won four Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and numerous other domestic and international trophies.In 2018, Varane played a pivotal role in France's World Cup triumph in Russia. He was named the tournament's best defender after helping France keep clean sheets in four of their seven matches. Varane's performances at the World Cup further cemented his reputation as one of the best defenders in the world.After the World Cup, Varane moved to Manchester United in 2021. However, his time in England was hampered by injuries, and he was restricted to just 95 appearances in three seasons. Despite his injury struggles, Varane remained a key figure in the Manchester United dressing room, providing guidance and support to his younger teammates.Varane's retirement marks the end of an era for French football. He was part of a golden generation of players that included Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba. Together, they helped France win the World Cup in 2018 and reach the final of the 2022 World Cup.Varane's legacy as a defender is secure. He was a world-class player who combined physical strength with technical ability. He was also a leader on and off the pitch, and his retirement will be a significant loss for the football world.

Real Madrid extended their unbeaten streak in La Liga to 39 matches with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Kylian Mbappé continued his impressive form, scoring his seventh goal in nine matches for Madrid in all competitions.Mbappé's goal in the 40th minute was a thing of beauty. The French forward started a give-and-go with Jude Bellingham with a heel flick, then picked up the pass inside the area and used a nifty move to clear a defender before finding the net.Lucas Vázquez and Rodrygo also scored for Madrid, while Carlos Benavídez and Kike García netted for Alaves in the final minutes. Despite the late surge, Alaves couldn't find the equalizer and Madrid moved within one point of league leader Barcelona.Mbappé's goal was his fifth in La Liga, one behind leading scorer Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona. The France star, who signed as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, also had a goal disallowed for offside in the 22nd minute.Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti used most of his regular starters and did not immediately rotate his squad despite a congested schedule. Vázquez started as a right back in place of regular starter Dani Carvajal, who was rested with fitness issues.Teenage Brazil forward Endrick replaced Rodrygo in the 69th minute, his earliest appearance off the bench, and a couple of minutes later struck the post from inside the area.Madrid's next match is the city derby against Atletico Madrid at Atletico's Metropolitano stadium.

Chennaiyin FC Aims for Home Advantage in Indian Super LeagueAs the Indian Super League (ISL) season kicks off, Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle has emphasized the importance of home support for his team. With seven of their first 10 matches scheduled away from home, CFC is eager to make a strong impression in front of their passionate fans."The scheduling is what it is. We prepare for the games and we know we can win. We are at home now, one of the few games here in the first 10 for us," Coyle said. "We want to make sure we do our very best here."Last season, Chennaiyin had a difficult start but rallied to qualify for the playoffs. Coyle is aiming for a better beginning this time around. "Hopefully, if we are really strong in the second half like last year, we will be in a really good position. We have to also gather points away from home to capitalize on those run of home games when they come about."Coyle also stressed the importance of building a team that can "do justice" to its loyal fans. "I want to provide a team the fans enjoy watching, and that is (when we) win/lose/draw. Hopefully, we can give them a team that's representative of them."Chennaiyin's home opener against Mohammedan SC on Tuesday will be a crucial test. The team will be looking to establish a winning rhythm and create a positive atmosphere for the rest of the season.

India continued their dominant run at the SAFF U17 Championships, securing a 3-0 victory over Maldives in their second Group A match on Tuesday, September 25, 2024. The victory propelled India to the top of the group standings with six points, ensuring their qualification for the semi-finals.The match began with India taking the initiative, and their efforts were rewarded in the 14th minute when Samson Ahongshangbam connected with a cross from Manbhakupar Malngiang to score a spectacular diving header. The goal gave India a 1-0 lead, which they held until halftime.In the second half, India continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when substitute Hemneichung Lunkim doubled their lead. Lunkim capitalized on a fumble by Maldives goalkeeper Hassan Nasir to finish decisively.Lunkim proved to be the star of the day, scoring his second goal in the 89th minute with a fine long-ranger that crashed against the net. The goal sealed India's victory and earned Lunkim the man of the match award.India's head coach, Ishfaq Ahmed, made three changes to the starting lineup that played against Bangladesh, bringing in Karish Soram, Rishi Singh, and Malngianng. The changes paid off, as India controlled the game throughout and created numerous scoring opportunities.Maldives, on the other hand, struggled to create chances and were unable to find a way past the Indian defense. The result leaves Maldives with no points after two matches, while India will face the runners-up from Group B in the first semi-final on September 28.

Punjab FC, riding high on two consecutive victories, will face Hyderabad FC in a midweek clash on Wednesday. A win for Punjab would mark their first three-game winning streak in ISL history.Currently third in the standings with six points, Punjab aims to maintain its momentum and potentially take the top spot. The absence of Slovenian striker Luka Majcen has not hindered Punjab's attacking prowess, with Felip Mrzljak stepping up with assists and youngster Nihal Sudeesh impressing with goals and threatening runs.Norwegian Mushaga Bakenga, who has taken on Majcen's role, is yet to find the back of the net, but coach Panagiotis Dilmperis remains confident in his abilities. "Bakenga is a quality player who's played at the highest level. He needs time to adjust, but I have full faith in him," Dilmperis said.Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, has struggled in its only game so far, losing 0-3 to Bengaluru FC. The absence of talented young striker Joseph Sunny due to a knee injury will further hinder their chances. Abdul Rabeeh will be hoping to make an impact for Hyderabad, who managed only a single win last season."We need to create more scoring opportunities and be clinical. The effort from the boys has been good, but we must improve tactically," head coach Thangboi Singto admitted.Punjab FC will be confident of extending their winning streak, while Hyderabad FC will be desperate for their first points of the season. The match promises to be an exciting battle between two teams with contrasting fortunes.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has extended his sporting prowess beyond the cricket field by co-owning FC Goa, a prominent team in the Indian Super League (ISL). Kohli's passion for football has driven his involvement in the club, reflecting his desire to contribute to the growth of sports in India.FC Goa was one of the founding franchises of the ISL, established in 2014 to revolutionize Indian football. Kohli, a fervent football enthusiast, recognized the opportunity to support the development of the sport and became a co-owner of the Goa-based club. His involvement was not merely financial but stemmed from a genuine love for the game.Kohli has often shared his childhood memories of playing football, emphasizing its role in his fitness regimen. He has expressed that if not for cricket, he might have pursued football professionally. His association with FC Goa provided a platform to channel this passion into action, supporting a team in a region with a rich footballing heritage.Kohli's presence has significantly boosted the visibility of the ISL and FC Goa. His immense fan following in India and abroad has drawn attention to the league, contributing to its growth and popularity. As one of the most recognizable names in Indian sports, Kohli's involvement has added credibility and legitimacy to the ISL, which was still in its early stages when FC Goa was launched.While Kohli acknowledges that he is still learning the intricacies of football ownership, his influence extends beyond the financial aspect. He actively supports youth development programs, grassroots initiatives, and advocates for creating a sports culture in India. FC Goa, under Kohli and the other owners, has become one of the most competitive teams in the league, known for its attacking style and nurturing local talent.For Kohli, owning a football team aligns with his broader vision of promoting sports in India. He believes that football has immense potential for growth, and his involvement with FC Goa is a step towards building a culture where football is as popular as cricket. His journey with FC Goa highlights his commitment to contributing to the rise of football in India while balancing his own legendary cricket career.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur embark on their Europa League campaigns this week, seeking solace from disappointing Premier League starts.Erik ten Hag's United have struggled to improve upon last season's dismal performance, languishing outside the top 10 with just seven points from five matches. Despite heavy spending in the transfer market, the expected resurgence has yet to materialize.United's Europa League opener against Twente on Wednesday is crucial, as anything less than a victory would intensify pressure on Ten Hag. The Dutch club, returning to the competition for the first time since 2012, poses a significant challenge.Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, have also faced growing discontent among fans. After a blistering start to the season, successive Premier League defeats have dampened spirits. The Europa League, now without teams dropping down from the Champions League, presents a golden opportunity for Spurs to end their trophy drought.They host Qarabag on Thursday, hoping to build on their recent 3-1 victory over Brentford. Postecoglou remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in achieving success.Elsewhere, crisis-hit Roma welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Stadio Olimpico. The Serie A club has enjoyed recent success in Europe, reaching the Europa League semi-finals three times in the past four seasons. However, the sacking of coach Daniele De Rossi has sparked fury among supporters, who have expressed their anger towards management and players.Other notable Europa League fixtures include 2022 winners Eintracht Frankfurt hosting Viktoria Plzen, while four-time European champions Ajax take on Besiktas in Amsterdam.