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Showing posts from June, 2018

Messi misses penalty as Iceland hold Argentina 1-1

2014 World Cup runner-up, Argentina, were held by Iceland. Playing their first ever World Cup, Iceland were the underdogs but still they managed to get a draw.  Argentina were certainly the more operating team and had the stats by their side but if it wasn't for Halldorsson who heroically saved a penalty struck by Messi, the Argentines would've won. From the beginning, Argentina were pressing high on the Icelanders but they didn't come through until Sergio Aguero thumped the ball into the back of the net in the 19th minute.  He scored his first WC goal for the white and blue colors. Within a matter of minutes, Iceland backfired with 3 continuous shots on goal but were denied by Caballero till Finnbogason scored a goal to give Iceland it's first ever World Cup goal. With the scores back level, Iceland did what they were notoriously known. They started playing defensively, leaving out no space for the Albiceleste to get through.  Argentina wer...

Ronaldo's late freekick stunner helps Portugal hold Spain back

Cristiano Ronaldo scores a hat-trick to confine a strong Spain side 3-3 in their first group match on Friday. European Champions, Portugal were certainly not the favorites to win their group match against Spain but with the help of Ronaldo, they proved that they are as good as any other team in Russia. Spain's Diego Costa, having scored a brace, was overshadowed by the Real Madrid star. Portugal had the dream start and it looked like they were prepared for all tricks Spain used. Ronaldo earned a penalty in the 4th minute which he took full advantage of and gave Portugal a 1-0 lead.  Spain equalized with the help of their Centre Forward, Diego Costa in the 24th minute. Before entering the six-yard box, Costa pushed Pepe and the decision went towards VAR who allowed the goal. The Atletico Madrid star became the first player to be awarded goal through VAR.  As the game started leaning towards Spain before half-time, Portugal came right back in as Ronaldo scored his br...

How strong is FRANCE!

When it comes to World Cup, no team can be underestimated though there are favorites. This time, it’s France, a squad filled with immaculate talent, to be the ones with more strength than any other team. French Football had been on a downfall after their shocking defeat in the 2006 WC final but over the last few years, it has rejoiced with some young players coming in. Despite the fact that their squad looks inexperienced and immature, they still play as finely as they can.           Stars like Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba were a part of the 0-1 defeat against Portugal in the Euro 2016 final. The defeat still teases them to be so close yet not champions. The French squad includes players like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Oliver Giroud and Pogba, who are well known for their athletic display on the pitch and also for their record-breaking transfers. They are most likely the ones who can make a difference in the attack. Big names lik...

The Azzurri and The Oranje- A World Cup without them

World Cup is the biggest event in Football- A competition with the greatest footballing Nations going against each other. But this time, it won't seem right to many fans as contenders like Italy and Netherlands failed to make it to Russia.  Azzurri Italy, a country crazy for football, has qualified for every World Cup in the last 60 years but not this time. The four-time World Champions missed out due to poor performances in qualifying. The Azzurri is a team filled with natural talent and an experienced defense.  Gianluigi Buffon, 40, had a season to forget as he couldn't lead his team to WC and also got a three-match ban for his acts in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. His absence from the mega-event will be a heartbreak for all die-hard football fans. Oranje     Netherlands have never won a World Cup but yet their presence in any event is remarkable as well as entertaining. With a star-studded squad including Arjen Robben, Van Dijk, De...

Neymar back in training for WC

Three months ago, a fatal injury created doubts for the World's most expensive player to miss the biggest event in football but Neymar recovered and is going to make comeback for Brazil when they go up against Croatia on Sunday. Neymar's form would still be a concern for the Brazilians as they approach Russia but his teammate Fernandinho, gave a statement that the 26-year old has been improving day by day in training. Coach Tite has told that Neymar will start from the bench but is certainly going to be on the pitch at Anfield.  After the humiliation in the semifinal in Brazil, the Canarinho have shown their aspiration to go all the way in Russia. They are, as always, included in the favorites and have a star-studded squad, ready to give their best.