Last Argentina match with Iran was full of surprises; perhaps, it was the first game where Argentina faced first startled resistance when Iran did not let them rule the field for almost full ninety minuets. It was the last minute of the game that brought a smile over Alejandro Sabella face when his ace Lionel Messi struck a brilliant shot to lead the score. This triumph not only ensured their supremacy in the Group F, but also an entry to the knockout stage. If we look at the performance of Argentineans in the last fourteen world cup matches, they lost just one and impressively their 22 goal difference is also incredible. As far Messi is considered, he has now scored forty goals for his national side, however as far world cup is concerned, he could only score one in last eight world cup games which is strange looking at the hike of supremacy he enjoyed in the last couple of years. Manager Sabella seems to be extremely impressed with 26-year-old forward who has been lethal for every … [Read more...]

Dreams of English fans were shattered when Costa Rica defeated Italy in the Group D match confirming first English exit in the group stage itself since 1958. This is the first high profile departure from the Brazil – just after playing two games actually! Roy Hodgson, the manager of Three Lions, who has been an optimistic mentor before FIFA event began, is not ready to accept that his team could not even enter into the next stage; perhaps, he does not think his side deserves to be ousted from the event so easily. Now, reactions have started coming from every corner: while almost all are unhappy with the way England performed in first two games, there are few who are openly accusing manager’s highly overconfident approach for the biggest soccer event. There had initially been several media statements passed by the English manager saying they are in a better position to enter into the finals that put lots of pressures on players’ shoulders and result is in front of all of us. Despite all … [Read more...]

You can call it the mega night of Brazilian world cup when both the top contenders of Group D met each other to survive a place for themselves. Since, they had lost their earlier games, it was their last chance to continue in the tourney and here comes the power of your star players and Uruguayan proved to have an edge in this respect. Luis Suarez, the 27-year-old Uruguayan forward, who has until been suspected to even play in the world cup for his knee injury, played magnificently and proved why he had been the eye candy for Liverpool in the last English season. He not only fired both the goals for his team but also offered a tough resistance to English counterparts who could not offer any fight until the last few moments. Suarez scored in both the halves: first one came in the thirty ninth minute and second one came in the eighty fifth minute - just after the quality shot of Rooney. Now, let us discuss the implications of this defeat for the Three Lions, in fact, they are now … [Read more...]

FIFA’s most promising technological step, The Goal Line Technology that is being used in the world cup, will soon be subjected to some modifications as reported by the supreme governing body. The decision was taken after a confusion struck during the Group E match between France and Honduras, in fact, it became the first ever game where first goal using goal line technology was awarded in the WC, and interestingly, in its first use, a need to tweak its algorithm also originated. The confusion started three minutes past half time when Karim Benzema’s shot volley against the insides of Honduras post and ball flew back to mark the score when goalie Noel Valladares stopped it. The drama ended within few seconds coz of the Brazilian referee’s decision to award a goal to France and whole stadium chanted ‘No Goal’ instantly, quickly followed by ‘Goal’ after looking the replay on the large screen. Notably, it is the first big event GoalControl, the technology shortlisted by the FIFA to be used … [Read more...]

On one side, Uruguayans are expecting their star player Suarez to heal his injury and come back in the team as early as possible, English side is not away of similar problem as they are also missing Wayne Rooney who may or may not impart in the curial second world cup tie with Centenario side. Actually, Rooney is not injured but feels manager could put him out as he almost did in the first match and for that reason there is no reason he should celebrate his selection until he actually plays in the do or die game on Thursday. Though, Manchester United forward helped Daniel Sturridge to score equalizer in the first game with Italy, yet he strongly believes Liverpool’s promising Raheem Sterling could be the first choice for manager Roy Hodgson who takes him as better player than 28-year-old at this moment. Suspecting a place in the team for next match, Rooney said, “Why would I feel my place in the team is guaranteed? I work hard to try and get into that team. “I have never said my … [Read more...]