Football

Indian football head coach Igor Stimac has named a 23-member squad for India's crucial World Cup Qualifier against Qatar on June 11. The match will be India's first since the retirement of legendary captain Sunil Chhetri.Stimac has made several notable changes to the squad, most notably the omission of experienced defenders Subhasish Bose, Amey Ranawade, and Lalchungnunga. Jay Gupta has been handed a debut call-up, while Bose and Ranawade were named on the bench but did not feature in the previous match against Kuwait.India currently sits in third place in Group A with five points, behind Qatar (13 points) and Afghanistan (five points). A win against Qatar is crucial for India's hopes of advancing to the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers. A draw would also suffice if Afghanistan and Kuwait draw their match.The Blue Tigers will face a formidable challenge against Qatar, who are the reigning Asian champions. However, Stimac remains optimistic about his team's chances. "We have a good team, and we are confident that we can get a result in Qatar," he said.India's squad for the match against Qatar:Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal KaithDefenders: Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul BhekeMidfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh WangjamForwards: Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh, David Lalhlansanga

England's Euro 2024 preparations hit a major roadblock as they suffered a humiliating 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final warm-up match at Wembley. The result sent shockwaves through the English camp, raising serious concerns about the team's readiness for the upcoming tournament.Gareth Southgate's side, considered one of the favorites for the Euros, had hoped to boost their confidence with a victory before heading to Germany. However, Iceland, ranked 72nd in the world, spoiled the party with a stunning first-half goal from Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson.England's performance was lackluster throughout, with Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, and Kobbie Mainoo failing to impress in their bids for starting roles. The hosts were booed off at half-time and the final whistle, as fans expressed their frustration with the team's disjointed and disappointing display.Southgate admitted that the defeat was a "reality check" for his players. "We have to be better. We didn't get our pressing right. There were questions asked that we weren't able to answer," he said. "It was obviously a disjointed and disappointing performance. We didn't show enough character."The England manager also expressed concerns about the team's defensive frailties, with just two clean sheets in their last seven games. "We've got to be far better without the ball and we've got to show more composure with it," he said.Southgate's worries were compounded by the absence of John Stones after the interval, who fell awkwardly in the first half. The England center-back's injury status remains uncertain.The defeat has raised questions about Southgate's starting lineup, with the team looking short on energy and composure in the absence of Jude Bellingham. Fans were left bored and entertained themselves by buzzing the pitch with paper airplanes.Southgate acknowledged that the result will count for nothing when England begin their quest for a first major trophy in 58 years. However, he admitted that it was an alarming performance that highlighted key areas of concern."We need to stay calm. No excuses on the result but there are a lot of things we can put right quickly. It actually gives us a chance to focus the mind," he said.

Germany's Euro 2024 hopes received a boost with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Greece in a friendly on Friday. Despite a shaky start, the hosts rallied to secure a late win thanks to a stunning strike from Pascal Gross.Greece, who failed to qualify for the tournament, stunned Germany with an early goal from Georgios Masouras. The visitors took advantage of a Manuel Neuer error to take the lead in the 33rd minute. However, Germany responded well in the second half, with Kai Havertz equalizing in the 56th minute.With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Gross emerged as the hero. The Brighton midfielder unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box in the 89th minute, leaving Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos with no chance.Despite the victory, Germany's performance raised some concerns. Coach Julian Nagelsmann's team lacked fluidity in the first half and struggled to break down Greece's defense. However, Nagelsmann praised his side's improvement in the second half, saying, "The win is important for the atmosphere before the tournament."Toni Kroos, who returned to the team after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, acknowledged Germany's shortcomings but remained optimistic. "We finished the match much better, we concentrated and controlled the ball," he said.The victory will provide a confidence boost for Germany as they prepare for their Euro 2024 opener against Scotland next Friday. However, questions remain over Neuer's form, with Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen waiting in the wings.

Kerala Blasters Bolster Coaching Staff with European ExpertiseKOCHI: Kerala Blasters, the Indian Super League (ISL) club, has strengthened its coaching team with the addition of two European professionals: Bjorn Wesstrom and Frederico Pereira Morais. Wesstrom, a Swede, will serve as the assistant coach, while Morais, a Portuguese, will be the assistant coach for set-pieces.Wesstrom brings a wealth of experience to the Blasters, having previously served as director of football at Danish club Odense Boldklub. He is known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young players. Morais, on the other hand, has a reputation for his innovative approach to training, analysis, and set-piece execution. He was previously an assistant coach at London's Leyton Orient.The appointments of Wesstrom and Morais are part of a wider overhaul of the Blasters' coaching staff under new head coach Mikael Stahre. Stahre, also a Swede, has a proven track record of success in the ISL, having led Chennaiyin FC to the title in 2017-18."I have known Bjorn for a long time and worked with him in various roles, so I am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside him again," said Stahre. "Bjorn is a highly experienced football professional who will positively complement the current staff while bringing enthusiasm and depth to the coaching team.""Frederico is very modern in his approach to training, analysis, and set pieces, which is a huge strength," added Stahre.Wesstrom and Morais will join assistant coach T.G. Purushothaman and goalkeeping coach Slaven Provegcki in the Blasters' backroom for the upcoming season. The club is hoping that the new coaching team will help them improve on their disappointing performance in the previous ISL season, where they finished ninth in the standings.

Sunil Chhetri's retirement from international football marks the end of an era for Indian football. The diminutive forward, who played for India for nearly 19 years, is the nation's all-time leading scorer with 94 goals in 151 appearances.Chhetri's longevity and consistency are remarkable. He made his international debut in 2005, when Indian football was still a niche sport. Over the years, he became a household name, leading the national team to numerous victories and inspiring a generation of young players.Chhetri's greatness lies not only in his goal-scoring prowess but also in his leadership and unwavering commitment to the team. He was the captain for 12 years, carrying the nation's hopes on his shoulders. His ability to motivate and inspire his teammates was instrumental in India's success.Despite his individual brilliance, Chhetri always put the team first. He was a selfless player who was willing to sacrifice his own glory for the greater good. His humility and dedication made him a role model for both his teammates and fans.Off the field, Chhetri was a fitness fanatic. He worked tirelessly to maintain his peak physical condition, even as he approached the twilight of his career. His relentless pursuit of excellence inspired his teammates to push themselves harder.Chhetri's retirement leaves a void in Indian football. He was not only a great player but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for the nation. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Indian footballers.

Robert Lewandowski, the prolific Polish striker, is eagerly anticipating a sentimental return to Germany for Euro 2024. Having spent a significant portion of his illustrious career in the Bundesliga, Lewandowski left an indelible mark on German football.During his stints at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Lewandowski amassed an astonishing 312 goals in 384 Bundesliga appearances, becoming the competition's second-highest scorer behind Gerd Mueller. He also holds the record for the most Bundesliga top scorer awards, sharing the honor with Mueller with seven accolades."It's already sentimental for me, a return to the country where I spent many years, where I lived, and where I played in these stadiums," Lewandowski expressed to Polish TV channel TVN. He emphasized his positive outlook and appreciation for his current position in life and career.However, Poland faces a daunting task in Germany after narrowly securing their Euro spot through a penalty shootout victory over Wales in the play-offs. The team has also grappled with leadership challenges, having cycled through five coaches in the past three years.Despite the setbacks, Poland's current manager, Michal Probierz, remains optimistic about their chances. "We don't want to just go there on tour. We want to play a very good tournament, get out of the group, and fight for something more," he declared.Poland has been drawn into a challenging Group D, facing the Netherlands, Austria, and France. It will be their fifth consecutive appearance at the continental tournament, having reached the quarter-finals in 2016.Lewandowski, who has played in the last three Euros, is hoping for a different outcome this time around. "I have changed my approach to these big tournaments a bit, because I'm aware of the high expectations and that there will be pressure," he said.He praised the team's positive atmosphere and chemistry, stating, "I can definitely say that there is an atmosphere, there is chemistry, we seem to be aware of it, what we are preparing for and what a great tournament lies ahead of us."Lewandowski's inner peace stems from the team's strong work ethic and dedication in training. "The training really looks nice, and the way the boys approach training, there is nothing to complain about," he remarked.

Belgium's golden generation may be fading, but the Red Devils remain a formidable force in international football. Led by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, Belgium will be looking to make a deep run in this summer's European Championship.After a disappointing World Cup campaign in Qatar, Belgium has undergone a significant overhaul. Eden Hazard has retired, and coach Roberto Martinez has been replaced by Domenico Tedesco. Tedesco has brought in a number of fresh faces, while also relying on a core of experienced players.Belgium cruised through Group F qualifying, with Lukaku scoring a record-breaking 14 goals. Under Tedesco, Belgium is unbeaten in 13 matches, but few of those fixtures have come against Europe's top teams.The Red Devils will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is still recovering from a knee injury. Matz Sels is likely to deputise for Courtois, while Wout Faes and Jan Vertonghen are expected to form a solid partnership in central defence.Axel Witsel has been coaxed out of international retirement, but Toby Alderweireld is gone from the team. Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, and Orel Mangala are among the midfield options for Belgium.De Bruyne will be the key man for Belgium in attack. The Manchester City playmaker is one of the best players in the world, and he will be looking to lead Belgium to their first major trophy. With Hazard and Dries Mertens no longer involved, the likes of Lois Openda, Charles De Ketelaere, and Jeremy Doku must shoulder more of the responsibility in attack.Belgium is a team with a lot of potential, but they will need to prove themselves against Europe's best teams. The European Championship will be a good test for Tedesco's new-look side.

Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, bid farewell to international football with a tearful farewell at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The 39-year-old talisman, who has been a beacon of hope for Indian football for nearly two decades, played his final match for the Blue Tigers against Kuwait in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.Despite the match ending in a goalless draw, the stadium erupted in a standing ovation as Chhetri walked off the pitch for the last time. His teammates formed a guard of honor, a fitting tribute to the man who has captained India with distinction for many years.In an emotional speech, Chhetri thanked everyone who had been a part of his glorious journey. "The ones who have watched in videos, the ones who have taken autographs, the ones... the old-time supporters, thank you everyone. These 19 years would not have been possible without each and everyone of you and I genuinely mean it," he said.Chhetri, who has played a record 151 matches for India and scored a record 94 goals, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time. He has led India to numerous victories, including the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, and the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023.His most memorable achievement came in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, where he scored a hat-trick in the final to help India qualify for its first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football. He has been an inspiration to countless young players and has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of the sport in India. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

India's hopes of advancing to the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers suffered a major setback as they were held to a goalless draw by Kuwait in a fifth-round Group A league match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.With India having secured a 1-0 victory in the first round in Kuwait City last November, expectations were high for the national team to repeat that result at home and boost its qualification chances. However, India failed to replicate its previous performance, effectively dashing its World Cup qualification dreams in front of a massive turnout of 58,921 fans.India, which remains on five points from as many matches, now faces a daunting task. It travels next to Doha to play its last match on June 11 against a formidable Qatar, which currently tops the group with a perfect record of four wins.The match against Kuwait was largely uneventful, with India struggling to find its footing in attack. Indian head coach Igor Stimac employed a youthful attacking midfield featuring Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Lallianzuala Chhangte to support captain Sunil Chhetri in attack. India made a few incursions inside the Kuwait box but failed to find the finishing touch to decisively beat the opponent goalkeeper, Sulaiman Abdulghafoor.Kuwait, on the other hand, put in a more cohesive performance and troubled India on numerous occasions. Kuwait had the first chance in the fourth minute when its winger Mohammed Abdulah latched onto a through-pass and found himself unmarked inside the Indian box. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh came out of the line to salvage the situation for India.India found its first chance in the 11th minute when Colaco darted into the Kuwait box before squaring the ball for an onrushing Chhetri. But the Kuwait defender Hasan Alenezi reacted first to clear the ball. India had a great chance to find the lead off the resultant corner, but defender Anwar Ali sent a free header over the crosspiece.Stimac tried to overhaul the attack, introducing the likes of Rahim Ali, Manvir Singh, and Brandon Fernandes after the break, but that hardly helped the Indian cause as the host's finishing failed to reach the desired standard.