Category: Football

MUMBAI: Mexico’s midfielder Katherina Guijarro Silas’ strike in the stoppage time went in vain as China sealed a comprehensive 2-1 victory to start their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign triumphant.

The highly-competitive Group C encounter between the two sides witnessed a goalless first half as both teams’ strikers tested opposition’s defences. Both goalkeepers, however, displayed remarkable grit as the scoreboard remained intact at 0-0.

Mexico’s Maribel Hernandez was rewarded with a penalty following a handball foul by Chinese defender, but failed to seize the opportunity as she hit the crossbar.

China’s Ruiqi Qiao then opened the scoring for her side as she successfully availed the awarded penaly in the 49th minute.

Yu Xingyue’s substitution in the 89th minute proved crucial for China as the midfielder, one minute in the field enhanced her side’s lead to 2-0.

Mexico’s midfielder Guijarro saved her side from a goalless defeat as she netted the ball in the stoppage time to reduce China’s lead to one.

Mexico then continued their expedition for the equalizer but the Chinese defence held their nerves calm to deny a draw as their goalkeeper blocked a couple of attempts and bolstered her side to an opening victory.

Meanwhile, the Group D fixture between Canada and France resulted in a 1-1 draw and the two teams shared a points each.

French striker Lucie Calba struck an equalizer in the 73rd minute – six minutes later Canada’s Annabelle Chukwu’s strike – as France held on for draw in their opening match.

The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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WARSAW: Real Madrid reached the Champions League last 16 with a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw on Tuesday.

Antonio Rudiger scored a brave header deep in stoppage time to equalise and earn the reigning champions passage to the knock-out rounds.

The Ukrainian side, playing their home matches in Poland because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, impressed and took the lead through Oleksandr Zubkov early in the second half.

It seemed like Madrid were poised to lose their first match of the season across all competitions, but Rudiger headed home from Toni Kroos’s cross in the fifth minute of five added-on, colliding heads with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in the process.

Rudiger left the pitch covered in blood, and the Shakhtar goalkeeper had to see out the final seconds with a bandage wrapped round his head.

“He’s got quite a long cut on his forehead, there’s a lot of blood, but he’s doing well,” coach Carlo Ancelotti told Movistar. “He wanted to go back on to the pitch, but we realised he was injured. I don’t think it’s too serious.

“We did not play well, but this team never gives up. We are in the last 16, on a night that looked bad. That’s a good thing. (But) as a team it was not an ideal night.”

Madrid now lead Group F on 10 points, ahead of RB Leipzig on six, after they beat Celtic 2-0 in Scotland, while Shakhtar are third on five.

Ancelotti had rested Vinicius Junior, among others, keeping an eye on Sunday’s Clasico against bitter rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Madrid talisman Benzema started the game after missing the 1-0 win over Getafe on Saturday, and was the first to test Trubin with a blast straight at the goalkeeper.

The Ukrainian made several brilliant saves at the Santiago Bernabeu in a 2-1 defeat last week, but had a much quieter opening half on this occasion.

Trubin made another stop to deny Benzema from a tight angle, but had little else to do as Los Blancos rarely clicked in attack. Belgian playmaker Hazard, given a rare start in attacking midfield, was invisible.

“Eden, like Karim, had difficulties, the lines were hard to break through, they didn’t have much chance to get between them,” Ancelotti told a press conference.

“We played very badly today, but even when things don’t go well, we don’t give up and we fight to the end. And we qualified for the next round, because only those who are in the next round can win the Champions League.”

Ancelotti reacted to the Shakhtar goal by taking off Hazard and Aurelien Tchouameni and threw on Vinicius and Luka Modric.

Still, the Ukrainian side, filled with youth players after many senior squad members departed because of the war, were tireless.

Pouring forward, Zubkov played in Lassina Traore, who was first denied by Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, and then the crossbar, coming inches from the second goal.

Lunin was forced into another save by the electric Zubkov from distance and Ancelotti threw on more stars from the bench, with David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga and Marco Asensio entering the fray.

Vinicius should have equalised with three minutes remaining but headed well over the crossbar from close range, perhaps put off by defender Valeriy Bondar flinging himself in front to try and block the Brazilian.

It was also another frustrating night in front of goal for Benzema, who has not netted in three appearances since returning from a thigh injury and drifted out of the game, despite staying on for the full 90 minutes.

With the clock ticking down it looked like Madrid’s unbeaten streak was up, but Rudiger’s bravery at the last meant they have not tasted defeat in 13 matches, and will be in the last 16 of the Champions League, come February 2023.

“Like always, we kept going until the last minute and I think we deserved it,” said Toni Kroos. “We weren’t as good as last week, we gave away the ball a lot. That makes it a hard game, especially in the Champions League. It’s a very important point, if you look at the group table.

“We know how strong Antonio is in the box. I saw (his injury), I’ve seen nicer things in my life — I hope he’s better as soon as possible.”

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BHUBANESHWAR: Hosts India were off to a dismal start to their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign as they went down 8-0 against the United States of America (USA) on Tuesday.

As hosts, India earned an automatic qualification in Group A and are one of three debutants in the event, along with Morocco and Tanzania (Group D).

Riley Jackson, the Golden Ball winner of the U-17 CONCACAF Championship led the attack for USA as she set up the opening two goals when Melina Rebimbas and Charlotte Kohler respectively converted her crosses.

The home side began to panic following an early attack launched by the strong American forwards and gaps began to emerge in their defence.

In the 26th minute, Onyeka Gamero snatched goalkeeper Anjali Munda’s pass to centre-back Purnima Kumari, who subsequently beat Anjali to make it 3-0.

Riley then passed the ball to Melina, who blasted it into the net with her second touch.

Minutes before half-time, Olivia Thompson entered the Indian box and took a well-calculated shot at near post and enhancing USA’s lead to 5-0.

USA captain Natalia Astrain then decided to test the bench strength of her side as she replaced Riley Jackson with Mia Bhuta in midfield.

Six minutes into the second half, Mia assisted Emri Ella to make it 6-0, while Taylor Suarez scored from the penalty spot to establish the record for the USA’s biggest win in tournament history.

Mia’s 62nd-minute strike then turned out to be a cherry on top for the USA when she buried the ball into the net with a left-footed curler from outside the box.

Meanwhile, India failed to net a single goal in the one-sided clash.

In the Group B match between Germany and Nigeria, the former came back from a goal down in the first half to win 2-1.

Four minutes into the second half, Svea Stoldt guided a corner strike as it sneaked through the Nigerian defence and neutralized the latter’s lead.

12 minutes later, Mara Alber then put her side into the lead that lasted till the final whistle and completed her side’s astounding comeback after a frustrating start.

The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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INDIA: Chile outclassed New Zealand 3-1 in the first Group B fixture of the recently-commenced FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Tuesday, while Brazil downed Morocco 1-0 in the Group A fixture.

The opening match of Group B witnessed utter domination from Chile as Ambar Figueroa capitalized on a brilliant assist from Constanza Oliver in the 12th minute to get her side on the scoreboard.

A gruelling collision between the Kiwi goalkeeper and Oliver in the 22nd minute earned Chile a penalty and Tali Sima Rovner Yudelevich made the most of it as she successfully struck for her side and enhanced their lead to 2-0.

New Zealand also found a couple of chances to get the scoreboard moving in their favour but the side failed to utilize them and the scores remained intact at 2-0 in the first half.

However, the team had a change of fortune in the second half as Emily Clegg scored the goal just seven minutes into the second half, thanks to a corner assist from Helena Errington.

Chile then bounced back in the 64th minute and restored their lead after Anais San Juan netted after a long strike.

Meanwhile, in the Group A fixture, Brazil outclassed Morocco 1-0, courtesy of a brilliant strike from Ingrid Johnson in the fifth minute.

Chile and Brazil have attained the top spots in their respective groups following their victories.

The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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ROME: Lionel Messi will headline a star-studded lineup for a ‘match for peace’ in tribute to fellow Argentina soccer great Diego Maradona on November 14 in Rome, organisers announced on Monday. 

In addition to Messi, former Brazilian star Ronaldinho, Italian World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon and Roma’s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho confirmed their presence in a video published by the WEPLAYFORPEACE platform for the third edition of the “match for peace” organised by a Foundation created by Pope Francis.

The video was uploaded on October 10, to signify 10/10, in tribute to the number 10 jersey worn by Maradona during his career. His nickname was ‘el ultimo Diez’ (the last 10).

Former World Cup winner Maradona died aged 60 of heart failure in November 2020.

The match will take place on November 14 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, less than a week before the start of the World Cup in Qatar.

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LIVERPOOL: Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 700th club goal of his career after coming off the bench to put Manchester United in front at Everton on Sunday.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been relegated to the bench for the majority of Erik ten Hag’s time in charge at United but made his entrance on the half-hour mark to replace the injured Anthony Martial.

It took Ronaldo just 14 minutes to net his first Premier League goal of the season as he latched onto Casemiro’s pass before firing low past Jordan Pickford to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

That strike took the 37-year-old’s tally in two spells with United to 144.

Real Madrid’s record goalscorer hit 450 for the Spanish giants, while he scored 101 times for Juventus and five for Sporting Lisbon.

The Portugal captain also holds the record for goals at the international level with 117.

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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Army troops on Monday left for Qatar for the security of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 — the mega event scheduled from November 21 to December 18.

The Pakistan Army troops comprising officers, junior commissioned officers and jawans will assist the Qatari government during the FIFA WC22.

The Qatari Interior ministry delegation had visited Pakistan in August and requested Pakistan to provide troops for the security of the mega event.

Earlier, an eight-member FIFA team also visited Pakistan and gave training to the Pakistan Army troops before leaving for Doha, Qatar for the security of the mega event.

The approval was given by the federal cabinet to the Pakistan Army-Qatar agreement on providing assistance during the mega football event.

The FIFA WC22 will be played from November 20 to December 18 in Qatar.

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BARCELONA: Barcelona extended their win streak to seven and returned to the top of the LaLiga table after they edged past Celta Vigo 1-0 on Sunday at Camp Nou.

Barca held off Real Madrid from the top spot on the basis of goal difference as the competition intensified before they face each in the first El Clasico scheduled on October 16 (Sunday).

The two Spanish rivals remain undefeated throughout the season so far as both sides have won seven and drawn one of their opening eight league games.

19-year-old Pedri scored the decider between Barca and Celta Vigo as he netted the ball in the 17th minute after a brilliant cross from Gavi.

The match witnessed a disorganised performance from Xavi’s side as Celta almost had an equalizer when Jorgen Strand Larsen’s header found the back of the nets but the goal was disallowed.

Iago Aspas’ effort to double the lead in the final minutes was also saved brilliantly by Celta’s goalkeeper Ter Stegen.

Meanwhile, in another game on Sunday, Real Sociedad beat Villareal 1-0 at Anoeta Stadium, San Sebastian, with Brais Mendez scoring the winner in the 33rd minute.

At Nuevo Mirandilla, home side Cadiz denied Espanyol their second win of the season, despite a brilliant brace from Joselu, as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile, Valladolid and Real Betis finished in a goalless tie at Jose Zorrilla stadium in another LaLiga fixture on Sunday.

The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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GETAFE: Reigning Champions Real Madrid regained the top spot in the LaLiga table after they edged past the home team Getafe 1-0 at  Coliseum Alfonso Perez.on Saturday. 

Eder Militao scored the lone goal of the match as he headed the ball into the nets of Luka Modric’s corner in the third minute.

Real had almost doubled the lead after halftime but Rodrygo’s strike was ruled out for offside.

The finest opportunity for Getafe to tie the score came midway through the first half when Borja Mayoral was unable to net Fabrizio Angileri’s shot across the goal.

With the narrow win, Los Blancos went three points ahead of second-placed Barcelona who will face Celta Vigo on Sunday in a bid to top the standing at the end of matchday eight of LaLiga 2022-23.

Meanwhile, in another game on Saturday, Angel Correa’s brace powered Atletico Madrid to go 2-1 up over Girona in a home game.

Correa scored the first goal in the fifth minute after a brilliant assist from Griezmann. He then doubled his team’s lead three minutes into the second half.

Rodrigo Riquelme, however, reduced the deficit with a long-range shot which landed in the nets through deflection.

Following this win, Atletico moved to the fourth position on the table while Girona took the 13th spot.

Almeria, on the other hand, thumped Rayo Vallecano 3-1 at home, thanks to the goals by Lucas Robertone, Srdan Babic and El Bilal Toure.

Meanwhile, Sevilla and Athletic Club ended in a 1-1 draw as Mikel Vesga equalized Oliver Torres’ early goal.

The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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PAMPLONA: Justin Kluivert scored his maiden goal for Valencia and aided in his side’s dominating 2-1 victory over Osasuna in the first match of Matchday eight in the ongoing La Liga 2022-23.

Kluivert, a forward, who was making his fourth appearance since joining Valencia from Roma on loan, made a nice run behind the defence, took a through ball from Edinson Cavani, and dodged the goalie to score in the 28th minute.

Defender Mouctar Diakhaby then further enhanced the visitors’ lead over Osasuna to 2-1, after the home side failed to clear a ball from a corner kick in the 54th.

Both sides then missed a penalty each with Osasuna forward, Chimy Avila, sending his chance well high after Valencia’s Hugo Duro fouled Kike García in the 59th, while Edinson Cavani, who has yet to score since joining Valencia, hit the crossbar with the resulting penalty.

Osasuna also got on the scoreboard as Darko Brasanac netted the ball in the stoppage time but the side, fielding with nine players, following Ruben Pena receiving a direct red for kicking a prone Duro, could not score the equalizer and Valencia, as a result, ran away with the victory.

The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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