Wednesday, December 4

Football

Can Odisha FC defy the odds against Central Coast Mariners in the AFC Cup?
Football, Sports

Can Odisha FC defy the odds against Central Coast Mariners in the AFC Cup?

The Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar is set to witness a tense battle in the AFC Cup 2023-24 Inter-zonal semifinal second leg. Odisha FC, trailing 0-4 on aggregate after a drubbing in the first leg away against Central Coast Mariners, faces an uphill task to stay alive in the competition. Lobera Seeks Inspiration from Kalinga Magic Head coach Sergio Lobera understands the daunting challenge ahead. He acknowledges the Mariners' quality, calling them "one of the best teams in Australia." However, Lobera, known for his tactical acumen, refuses to give up. He emphasizes belief and the unique home advantage the Kalinga Stadium provides. "They need to play here, and it's not easy to play in Kalinga," said Lobera. "In football, everything is possible, and we need to believe in the end...
Mumbai City FC Mauls NorthEast United FC 4-1: Vikram Partap Steals the Show with a Hat-Trick
Football, Sports

Mumbai City FC Mauls NorthEast United FC 4-1: Vikram Partap Steals the Show with a Hat-Trick

Mumbai City FC tightened their grip on the top spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a convincing 4-1 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Tuesday. The win extends their lead at the top of the table and keeps their dream of retaining the ISL League Winners Shield title very much alive. Vikram Partap's Night: A Hat-Trick Hero Emerges The star of the night was undoubtedly 22-year-old Vikram Partap Singh, who etched his name in ISL history by scoring a magnificent hat-trick. His clinical finishing and opportunistic runs proved too much for the NorthEast United FC defense to handle. Partap's first goal came early in the third minute, capitalizing on a delightful assist from Dutch midfielder Yoell van Nieff. He doubled the lead just seven minutes late...
ISL 2023-24: Goa Grab Playoff Spot in Six-Goal Thriller Against Punjab FC
Football, Sports

ISL 2023-24: Goa Grab Playoff Spot in Six-Goal Thriller Against Punjab FC

FC Goa booked their place in the Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24) playoffs with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The match was a rollercoaster ride of attacking football, with both sides displaying moments of brilliance and defensive lapses. Dominant Goa Frustrated by Brick Wall Ravi Kumar: The Gaurs began the match like a house on fire, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. Carl McHugh opened the scoring in the first half with a powerful header off a cleverly taken corner by Borja Herrera. Opportunities rained down on the Punjab goal, with Raynier Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui, and Herrera all testing the resolute Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar, who made a string of impressive saves to keep his side in the game. Punj...
Mohun Bagan Triumphs in Kolkata Derby, Secures Top Spot in ISL Standings
Football, Sports

Mohun Bagan Triumphs in Kolkata Derby, Secures Top Spot in ISL Standings

The Indian Super League witnessed a thrilling return leg of the Kolkata derby this Sunday! Mohun Bagan SG emerged victorious against their arch-rivals East Bengal by a convincing 3-1 scoreline at the Salt Lake Stadium. This dominant performance not only secured all three points for Mohun Bagan but also propelled them to the top of the ISL table with 36 points from 17 matches. While Mumbai City FC holds the same number of points, Mohun Bagan's superior goal difference gives them the edge. Turning the Tide East Bengal started strong with a penalty opportunity in the 14th minute, but their captain, Cleiton Silva, failed to convert. This missed chance proved to be a turning point. Mohun Bagan capitalized on this momentum shift, scoring two goals before halftime through Jason Cumm...
Football, Sports

Santosh Trophy 2023-24: Railways Stuns Karnataka, Manipur Cruises into Quarterfinals

The Santosh Trophy 2023-24 served up a thrilling double-header on Thursday, with both matches witnessing unexpected results and a nail-biting finish. In the first match, Railways pulled off a major upset by defeating the defending champion, Karnataka, 1-0 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Itanagar. The lone goal of the match came in the second half, courtesy of Subrata Murmu (53'). This win puts Karnataka's qualification chances in jeopardy, leaving them with just two points from four matches. Railways, on the other hand, strengthened their position in Group B with this victory. They currently sit comfortably with seven points from four matches and need just a draw in their final group-stage encounter against Mizoram to potentially secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Despite a...
Who Won ISL 2023? A Look Back at an Exciting Season
Football, Sports

Who Won ISL 2023? A Look Back at an Exciting Season

The 2023 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) concluded in March 2023, leaving behind a trail of thrilling matches, nail-biting finishes, and exceptional individual performances. As the dust settles, let's revisit the season and answer the question - Who won ISL 2023? The Road to the Finals: Playoff Drama and Underdog Stories The 2023 ISL season saw a revamped playoff format, featuring six teams vying for the coveted trophy. The top two teams from the league stage, Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC, secured direct spots in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, teams placed third to sixth, including ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and Odisha FC, battled it out in knockout matches for the remaining semi-final berths. These knockout encounters were filled with dram...
Who is The King of ISL? Unveiling the League’s Top Scorer and More!
Football, Sports

Who is The King of ISL? Unveiling the League’s Top Scorer and More!

The Indian Super League (ISL) has become a hotbed of exciting football, showcasing both domestic and international talent. Among the players who have left their mark on the league, one name consistently rises to the top when discussing the "Who is the King of ISL": Ferran Corominas. However, the story doesn't end there. This article delves into the legacy of Corominas, explores the debate surrounding the title of "King", and highlights other players who have made significant contributions to the ISL. The Reign of Ferran Corominas: Goals Galore Ferran Corominas, also known as "Coro", arrived in the ISL in 2017, joining FC Goa. His impact was immediate. The Spanish forward displayed exceptional goal-scoring prowess, amassing an impressive 48 goals in just 57 matches. This f...
ISL 2023-24 East Bengal VS Chennaiyin FC: A 1-0 Victory for East Bengal FC!
Football, Sports

ISL 2023-24 East Bengal VS Chennaiyin FC: A 1-0 Victory for East Bengal FC!

East Bengal FC secured a vital victory against Chennaiyin FC in the 17th match week of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season (East Bengal VS Chennaiyin FC). The lone goal scorer, Nandhakumar Sekar, emerged as the hero for the Red & Gold Brigade, propelling them to an 18-point tally and the eighth position in the league standings. East Bengal VS Chennaiyin FC: Chennaiyin's Missed Opportunities Haunt Them Despite needing a win to remain in contention for the playoffs, Chennaiyin FC failed to capitalize on their first-half dominance. Attackers Rahim Ali, Jordan Murray, and Farukh Choudhary squandered several promising opportunities, leaving their team frustrated. East Bengal VS Chennaiyin FC: East Bengal's Second-Half Resurgence East Bengal coach Carlos Cuadra...
Football in the Mahabharata: Did You Know the Game Had Ancient Indian Roots?
Football, Sports

Football in the Mahabharata: Did You Know the Game Had Ancient Indian Roots?

Cricket might reign supreme in modern India, but football's presence goes surprisingly far back in the country's history. Forget European origins, this beloved sport finds mention in the grand Indian epic, the Mahabharata, weaving a fascinating connection between the ancient world and the modern passion for the beautiful game. So, put on your thinking caps and prepare to be amazed, because we're delving into the intriguing world of football in the Mahabharata! But First, What is the Mahabharata? For those unfamiliar with this epic tale, the Mahabharata is a Sanskrit poem considered one of the longest surviving literary works in the world. Dating back to the 8th-4th centuries BCE, it narrates the story of a war between two branches of a royal family, the Pandavas and the Kaur...
10 Fun Facts About Indian Football You Didn’t Know (But Should!)
Football, Sports

10 Fun Facts About Indian Football You Didn’t Know (But Should!)

Cricket might be the undisputed king of Indian sports. But, football holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. From the electrifying atmosphere of the Durand Cup to the rising stars of the Indian Super League, Indian football boasts a rich history and exciting future. But how much do you really know about the beautiful game in the land of chai and chapatis? Buckle up, football fans, because we're about to unveil 10 fun facts that will surprise and delight you: 1. Once upon a World Cup Believe it or not, India actually qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1950! Back then, the tournament worked differently, and India received a direct entry alongside a handful of other Asian nations. Unfortunately, they had to withdraw due to financial constraints, leaving a "what if?" ling...