Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football

IANS | March 27, 2024 8:25 PM

New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed twenty months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they didn’t let the dream fly away and pursued it with more conviction.

Football: Australia guarantee their progression in AFC qualification for FIFA World Cup

IANS | March 26, 2024 10:53 PM

Canberra, March 26 (IANS) Australia has guaranteed their progression to the third round of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a victory against Lebanon on Tuesday. The Socceroos beat Lebanon 5-0 in Canberra to make sure of a top-two finish in Group I in the second round of AFC qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, securing their progression to the third round as well as qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

International Friendly: India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie

IANS | March 25, 2024 11:12 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The India Under-23 men’s national team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Both goals came in the second half. With this, the India U23 side ended their FIFA Window two-match friendly tour of Malaysia. In the first match last week, the Blue Colts lost 1-2 at the same venue.

Football: Atletico Madrid legend Koke agrees to new deal

IANS | March 25, 2024 10:48 PM

Madrid, March 25 (IANS) Atletico Madrid legend Koke on Monday agreed to extend his stay with the club until June 2025. The 32-year-old has made 626 first-team appearances for Atletico, his only career club, and has been captain since 2019. During his 14 seasons with Atletico, he has helped them win La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, as well as the Copa del Rey in 2013 and the UEFA Europa League in 2012.

Football: Ter Stegen stuck in goalkeeper's purgatory in Germany team as Neuer is named No1

IANS | March 25, 2024 9:46 PM

Berlin, March 25 (IANS) World-class in Barcelona's shirt, world-class in the Germany shirt, but still only the No.2 in the national team: Marc-Andre ter Stegen might feel stuck in endless purgatory. Only a few days ago, the former Borussia Monchengladbach player again received a disappointing message. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann told him that Manuel Neuer would remain as first-choice goalkeeper for UEFA Euro 2024 this summer.