India thrash Malaysia by 142 runs in the opening game of Women’s Asia Cup
Electing to bat first, India rode on Mithali Raj's brilliant 97 to post a score of 169 for 3 wickets in 20 overs. Malayasia started positively by picking up opener Smriti Mandhana's wicket in the second over. Ainna Hamizah Hashim cleanly bowled Mandhana to provide the breakthrough. But that was the only lightning point of Malayasia's effort in the match. All-rounder...
That 22nd June of 1986, when infamy and virtuosity occurred in a span of five minutes
The blazing hot afternoon in Mexico City was hotter at the famous Estadio Azteca as England took on Argentina in the quarterfinal of 1986 World Cup. England, had a horrific start to their World Cup campaign with a loss and a draw. But a lean striker, not so much known to the world, brought them back in the campaign....
India ride on Sunil Chhetri’s hat-trick to outclass Chinese Taipei 5-0 in the Intercontinental Cup
Football captain Sunil Chhetri presented another master-class performance to guide India to a thumping victory against Chinese Taipei in the first match of the Intercontinental Cup at Mumbai. Chhetri led from the front with a hat-trick as the hosts won 5-0 against Taipei. The leading goal-scorer for India, Sunil Chhetri, netted in the 14th, 34th and 62nd minute to complete...
Sanjita Chanu suspended after testing positive; will challenge the decision
Dope shame returned to Indian Weighlifting as Sanjita Chanu, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist in the 53kg Women’s category, was tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid and was provisionally suspended by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). "IWF reports that the sample of Ms. Sanjita Chanu Khumukcham (IND) has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for Testosterone (S1.1 Anabolic Agents). As...
Argentina’s first time summit victory immortalised by the ’Embrace of the Soul’
As the final whistle blew to declare Argentina’s home-turf triumph over the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup final of 1978; a certain Victor Dell’Aquila jumped the fence, evaded the police, rushed onto the field and hugged his heroes Alberto Tarantini and Ubaldo Fillol, who were kneeling on the field embracing each other. But what made that moment at...
When East faced West in a torn Germany- the only time the two teams met in Football’s highest stage
After the terrific heat of Mexico during the 1970 World Cup, it was a relatively cooler but rainy West Germany that welcomed one and all for the 1974 edition. Having being the reigning European Champions, West Germany came a long way after their upset 1954 World Cup win. They progressed a lot in terms of professionalism and were a...
Brazilian hurricane swept Mexico throughout to own Jules Rimet trophy in Pele’s final bow
1970 World Cup had seen many ‘firsts’- substitutions were allowed (previously, teams could not replace injured or tired players), red and yellow cards were introduced and matches were broadcasted in colours. But these reasons were eclipsed by a bigger and more important occasion for which this edition is remembered. The host nation of Mexico danced to the samba rhythm as...
The famous yet ‘infamous’ hat-trick of Geoff Hurst that gave England their only World Cup
The only man to have scored a hat-trick in the final of a World Cup remains Geoff Hurst since 1966- the year in which England became world champions for the first and last time till date. In front of a strong Wembley crowd, the hosts defeated West Germany by 4-2 in which Hurst scored three goals- of which the...
Threats, thefts, recovery, demolition- the mystery behind non-existence of Jules Rimet trophy
A trophy made of gold-plated sterling silver on a white-yellow marble base was manufactured following the design of French sculptor, Abel Lafleur. It depicted Nike, the Greek Goddess of victory holding a cup. This came to be known as the ‘World Cup’ and later nicknamed ‘the Golden Goddess’. The first Football World Cup tournament was held in Uruguay in 1930. The...
Vava keeps his name in record book- the only person to score in the consecutive World Cup final
Edvaldo Isidio Neto, better known to the world as Vava, has a unique record set against his name. Among the four players who have scored in two FIFA World Cup finals, Vava is the only one who has managed it in successive editions. The dynamic Brazilian scored twice in the 1958 final in Sweden and a single goal in...