Search results for 'opening matches'

USA's Balogun becomes fourth player to score and see red in FIFA World Cup knockout

USA's Balogun becomes fourth player to score and see red in FIFA World Cup knockout

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament but was later sent off, becoming only the fourth player to score and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the turnaround after England had taken the lead.

Plucky Spain throttle France to reach World Cup final

Plucky Spain throttle France to reach World Cup final

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot and Pedro Porro added another goal as Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning in 2010 with a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday.

Klose Hails Messi After World Cup Record Is Broken

Klose Hails Messi After World Cup Record Is Broken

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi's record-breaking night draws ultimate praise from former record-holder Miroslav Klose.

Keegan Smith Wins Men's Singles Title At Karnataka Open

Keegan Smith Wins Men's Singles Title At Karnataka Open

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Keegan Smith defeated Philip Sekulic to win the men's singles title at the Karnataka Open. Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha and Saketh Myneni won the men's doubles title.

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricket prodigy, joined the senior Indian team for the first T20I against Ireland but did not make his debut.

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India has been eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup after a six-wicket defeat to Australia at Lord's. Despite a strong batting performance led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Australia successfully chased down India's target of 171, with Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner scoring crucial half-centuries. This marks India's second consecutive group-stage exit from the tournament.

Sanju Samson dropped for Zimbabwe T20I series; Prabhsimran Singh called up

Sanju Samson dropped for Zimbabwe T20I series; Prabhsimran Singh called up

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson has been dropped from the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, making way for Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh.

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that the team management will continue to back openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, despite the impressive performance of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Morkel stressed the importance of showing faith in established players who have performed well previously, while also acknowledging the excitement around new talents like Sooryavanshi and pacer Prince Yadav.

Latham's Milestone: Joins Crowe In Elite Test Century Club

Latham's Milestone: Joins Crowe In Elite Test Century Club

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

New Zealand opener Tom Latham has equalled legendary Martin Crowe's record of 17 Test centuries, becoming the joint third-highest century-scorer for his country. This milestone was achieved during his impressive 151-run knock against England in Nottingham, further solidifying his place in New Zealand's cricketing history.

Iga Swiatek On Wimbledon Exit: 'Need To Trust The Process'

Iga Swiatek On Wimbledon Exit: 'Need To Trust The Process'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek was defeated by Filipina Alexandra Eala in the third round of Wimbledon. Swiatek attributed the loss to shortcomings in her game rather than pressure, contrasting it with her French Open exit. She acknowledged a year of inconsistency and stated her intention to "trust the process" and focus on improving her tennis.

Wimbledon: Coco Gauff survives scare, Sabalenka cruises

Wimbledon: Coco Gauff survives scare, Sabalenka cruises

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

oco Gauff staved off another early exit from Wimbledon by beating Argentina's Solana Sierra 6-3 3-6 7-6(10-7) with a tiebreak turnaround to reach the third round on Wednesday.

'There's a few scars against India, so it's nice to get one up on them'

'There's a few scars against India, so it's nice to get one up on them'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

England batter Jacob Bethell scored an unbeaten 76 against India in the second T20I, leading his team to a four-wicket victory while chasing 191.

Sasikiran Advises Gukesh On World Championship Preparation

Sasikiran Advises Gukesh On World Championship Preparation

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran has offered advice to World Champion D Gukesh ahead of his title defence against Javokhir Sindarov. Sasikiran highlights Gukesh's tendency for time trouble due to complex play and suggests improving technique, speed, and defensive accuracy. He also advises Gukesh to identify and exploit opponent weaknesses, while acknowledging Sindarov's strong preparation and reliance on memory and speed.

Indian Recurve Mixed Pair Misses Bronze At Archery World Cup

Indian Recurve Mixed Pair Misses Bronze At Archery World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India's recurve mixed pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti Sharma lost 3-5 to Italy, missing out on the bronze medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid. Kirti Sharma also failed to secure a medal in the individual recurve section, resulting in India's recurve archers returning empty-handed from the event. The overall campaign concluded with two medals (one silver, one bronze) from the compound section.

FC Barcelona acquire Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim on three-year deal

FC Barcelona acquire Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim on three-year deal

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

FC Barcelona have signed Egypt forward Hamza Abdelkarim on a three-year deal, the LaLiga club said in a statement on Tuesday.

'Crazy to play Serena': Maya Joint relishes dream Wimbledon clash

'Crazy to play Serena': Maya Joint relishes dream Wimbledon clash

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Serena Williams returns to Wimbledon for the first time since 2022, with fans eagerly awaiting the seven-time champion's comeback as she faces Australian teenager Maya Joint in a blockbuster first-round clash.

Cricket Doesn't Respect Reputation; It Respects Courage

Cricket Doesn't Respect Reputation; It Respects Courage

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

This is not just a historic series sweep for Ireland, but for world cricket itself. To beat India, which hasn't been beaten in 16 series over three years, is truly remarkable.

Wimbledon: Dmitrov overcomes fear and injury to stun young Mensik

Wimbledon: Dmitrov overcomes fear and injury to stun young Mensik

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Grigor Dimitrov, the veteran Bulgarian stylist, defeated rising Czech star Jacub Mensik at Wimbledon, overcoming past injury fears. Dimitrov, who had suffered multiple Grand Slam withdrawals due to injury, showcased a masterclass performance, drawing inspiration from Roger Federer's style, to advance to the third round. He expressed his determination to push limits and compete at the highest level despite his history of injuries.

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.

Wimbledon 2026: Defending champ Swiatek shocked by promising star Eala

Wimbledon 2026: Defending champ Swiatek shocked by promising star Eala

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Philippines' Eala beat the World No 3 Swiatek 7-6(9), 6-2 on a centre court duel to advance to the fourth round.

Punjab Kings' Openers Prabhsimran-Priyansh Set IPL Partnership Record

Punjab Kings' Openers Prabhsimran-Priyansh Set IPL Partnership Record

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Punjab Kings' opening batsmen Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have become the first uncapped pair to score over 1000 partnership runs in the Indian Premier League.

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India's men's hockey team head coach Craig Fulton believes the squad can defeat any country if they stick to their game plan, following confidence-boosting victories against Germany and the Netherlands in the FIH Pro League, despite finishing eighth overall. The team's improved performance and maturity are seen as crucial stepping stones for upcoming major tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games.

FIFA World Cup: Harry Kane breaks Pele record, closes in on Ronaldo

FIFA World Cup: Harry Kane breaks Pele record, closes in on Ronaldo

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

England captain Harry Kane continued his record-breaking run, scoring a match-winning brace against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup. His goals not only secured England's progression but also saw him surpass football legends like Pele in World Cup goals and join Cristiano Ronaldo as only the second player with 20+ goals across both FIFA World Cup and Euro Championships. England now faces Mexico in the Round of 16.

England series decider 'a good challenge' for India women ahead of T20 World Cup

England series decider 'a good challenge' for India women ahead of T20 World Cup

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Left-arm spinner Sree Charani acknowledged that a win in the second T20I against England would have boosted India's confidence, but the team is now focused on winning the series decider. The series is a crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Can Ronaldo Spark Portugal's Revival Against Uzbekistan?

Can Ronaldo Spark Portugal's Revival Against Uzbekistan?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Portugal's football team faces Uzbekistan in their next World Cup match, needing a significant improvement in their attacking performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

Lord's Test: Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti hit fifties as India make 285 vs England

Lord's Test: Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti hit fifties as India make 285 vs England

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma struck well-timed fifties but regular strikes helped England bundle out India for 285 on the opening day of the one-off women's Test at Lord's on Friday.

Knight Riders Cricket Ground Makes Historic Debut In Los Angeles

Knight Riders Cricket Ground Makes Historic Debut In Los Angeles

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, which is set to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics, recently held its inaugural competitive match. Developed by the Knight Riders Group, the venue saw the Los Angeles Knight Riders play against Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, with Washington Freedom securing a six-wicket victory. This new, purpose-built stadium is a significant development for cricket in the United States.

Kostyuk crushes Andreeva to win Madrid Open title

Kostyuk crushes Andreeva to win Madrid Open title

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Marta Kostyuk defeated Mirra Andreeva in straight sets to win the Madrid Open title, marking her third singles title.

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Argentina's title defence faces first test against fearless Algeria

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Argentina start their bid for back-to-back World Cups on Tuesday with a side full of familiar faces from Qatar 2022, facing an Algerian team buoyed by warm-up wins and featuring a 20-year-old rising star nicknamed after Diego Maradona.

Bengaluru Police Probe Missing Mobile Phones at IPL Opener

Bengaluru Police Probe Missing Mobile Phones at IPL Opener

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Bengaluru police have launched an investigation following reports of multiple mobile phones going missing during an IPL match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

England defender Dan Burn, 34, has emerged as an unlikely hero at the World Cup, making crucial clearances and blocks in high-pressure matches against Mexico and Norway, defying a career path that saw him released by Newcastle as a boy and playing in lower divisions.

Mixed Pair Offers Hope After India's Recurve Teams Exit World Cup

Mixed Pair Offers Hope After India's Recurve Teams Exit World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Indian recurve teams faced early exits at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid, losing to the USA in both men's and women's quarter-finals. Despite team setbacks, hopes remain high for the recurve mixed pair event featuring Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti Sharma, and several archers are still in contention in individual categories.

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.

FIFA World Cup: 10-man US overcome red card to knock out Bosnia

FIFA World Cup: 10-man US overcome red card to knock out Bosnia

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The United States defeated Bosnia 2-0 to advance to the World Cup round of 16. Malik Tillman scored the decisive goal from a free kick after Folarin Balogun was sent off, having previously opened the scoring. This marks their first knockout win since 2002.

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Reach Thailand Open Quarterfinals

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Reach Thailand Open Quarterfinals

Rediff.com14 May 2026

PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen progressed to the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open Super 500 tournament with straight-game wins. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also advanced, while Kidambi Srikanth and other Indian players were eliminated.

India Edge England In Hockey Pro League Penalty Shoot-Out

India Edge England In Hockey Pro League Penalty Shoot-Out

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India secured a hard-fought 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory against England in the return leg of the Hockey Pro League after a goalless draw. Key contributions from goalkeepers Mohith Shashikumar and Sanjay Karkera, along with successful shoot-out conversions by Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, and Hardik Singh, ensured India avenged their previous defeat and earned a crucial bonus point.

Former India Coach Constantine Weighs In On Messi's Legacy

Former India Coach Constantine Weighs In On Messi's Legacy

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former India coach Stephen Constantine shares his views on Lionel Messi, ranking him below Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldinho due to his reliance on teammates for defensive work. He also predicts Spain will win the upcoming final against Argentina, despite acknowledging Argentina's experience and Messi's match-winning ability. Constantine further discusses England's semi-final exit and criticises hydration breaks and refereeing controversies.

Cristiano Ronaldo Cements Lasting Legacy Despite World Cup Exit

Cristiano Ronaldo Cements Lasting Legacy Despite World Cup Exit

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious World Cup career concluded with tears after Portugal's 1-0 defeat by Spain in the round of 16, marking the end of his sixth attempt to win the coveted trophy.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun brace as US prove too good for Paraguay

FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun brace as US prove too good for Paraguay

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The United States men's national team secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup Group D opener, with Folarin Balogun scoring two goals and Giovanni Reyna adding another.