Search results for 'opening matches'

FIFA World Cup: Plucky Iran hold 10-man Belgium to goalless draw

FIFA World Cup: Plucky Iran hold 10-man Belgium to goalless draw

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ten-man Belgium dominated possession but could not break down a disciplined Iranian defence, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand producing a string of saves to preserve the result in the Group G encounter.

Budimir earns Croatia first World Cup points in win over Panama

Budimir earns Croatia first World Cup points in win over Panama

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Croatia secured their first points in the World Cup Group L by defeating Panama 1-0, thanks to a second-half goal from substitute Ante Budimir. The victory eliminated Panama from the tournament. The match also saw captain Luka Modric achieve his 200th cap for Croatia.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Portugal and Croatia's World Cup last-32 clash on Thursday could be Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric's final game on soccer's biggest stage, and the massive moment will unfold at the tournament's smallest venue.

India must shed 'underachievers' tag in foreign T20 conditions, says assistant coach

India must shed 'underachievers' tag in foreign T20 conditions, says assistant coach

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has challenged the T20 team to shed its 'underachievers' tag in foreign conditions, emphasising the need for quicker adaptation to varied playing environments after recent series losses.

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has called for Shreyas Iyer to assert his authority as captain in international cricket, criticising his tactical decisions in recent T20I losses against Ireland and England. Karim also suggested crucial batting order changes, advocating for Sanju Samson and Suryansh Shedge to be included in the playing XI to address India's struggles with English conditions and middle-order scoring.

Indian U-18 Hockey Teams Face Defeat Against Australia

Indian U-18 Hockey Teams Face Defeat Against Australia

Rediff.com17 May 2026

The Indian U-18 men's and women's hockey teams were defeated by Australia in their second match of the series at the SAI Centre in Bhopal. The men's team lost 1-3, while the women's side suffered a 1-4 defeat. Both teams will be in action again on Monday for their third match of the series.

I would say I'm an all-rounder now: Shafali Verma on growing role with ball

I would say I'm an all-rounder now: Shafali Verma on growing role with ball

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India's explosive opener Shafali Verma says her growing effectiveness with the ball is no accident as meticulous preparation and visualisation have helped her evolve into an all-rounder capable of contributing in multiple roles for the team.

Bellingham shines as England down Panama to top Group L

Bellingham shines as England down Panama to top Group L

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Jude Bellingham's stellar performance, including a goal and an assist for Harry Kane, propelled England to a 2-0 victory over Panama. This win secured England's top position in Group L of the World Cup, allowing them to avoid a difficult knockout phase route. The match saw England dominate possession and overcome a flat first half, with Kane also breaking Gary Lineker's World Cup goal record for England.

Mexico stay perfect and bounce Czechs out of World Cup

Mexico stay perfect and bounce Czechs out of World Cup

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Mexico continued their perfect start to the World Cup with a 3-0 romp against the Czech Republic on Wednesday, finishing their group-stage campaign with a flourish.

Australia's Socceroos Dismiss US Hype Ahead Of World Cup Showdown

Australia's Socceroos Dismiss US Hype Ahead Of World Cup Showdown

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Australia's assistant coach Hayden Foxe states that the Socceroos are mature enough to handle media hype and social media comments ahead of their World Cup match against co-hosts the United States. Despite being written off by some US commentators, the team is confident after a strong start to the tournament, having defeated Turkey 2-0. Players are focused on the upcoming game, drawing motivation from past criticisms while remaining grounded.

Austria, Algeria in knockouts after thrilling draw; Iran out

Austria, Algeria in knockouts after thrilling draw; Iran out

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Austria and Algeria played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in their final World Cup Group J match, with two stoppage-time goals ensuring both teams progressed to the Round of 32, while eliminating Iran. Argentina topped the group, with Austria finishing second and Algeria advancing as a best third-placed side.

Suthar shines for Warwickshire with three-wicket haul against Yorkshire

Suthar shines for Warwickshire with three-wicket haul against Yorkshire

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Fresh from a memorable Test debut for India, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made an immediate impact in county cricket, claiming two wickets on his Warwickshire debut against Yorkshire on day one of the County Championship Division One in Scarborough.

Pujara, Nayar pinpoint reasons for India's T20I series defeat in England

Pujara, Nayar pinpoint reasons for India's T20I series defeat in England

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and ex-assistant coach Abhishek Nayar have offered critical insights into India's recent T20I series defeat against England, highlighting issues with middle-order depth, all-rounders, poor fielding, and struggles against short balls.

Japan Coach Moriyasu Confident Ahead Of Brazil Clash

Japan Coach Moriyasu Confident Ahead Of Brazil Clash

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed confidence ahead of their World Cup last-32 clash against Brazil in Houston, stating his team will not be pushovers. He cited their previous 3-2 victory over Brazil as proof of their progress and readiness to challenge the five-time champions. Japan secured their spot by finishing second in Group F after a 1-1 draw with Sweden, a result Moriyasu strategically preserved. He also highlighted the significance of Japan's advancement for Asian football and the growth of the sport in his country.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo runs riot as Portugal thrash Uzbekistan

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo runs riot as Portugal thrash Uzbekistan

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups and Portugal's all-time leading marksman at the global finals with two goals in Tuesday's emphatic 5-0 Group K win over Uzbekistan in Houston.

FIFA WC 2026: Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to make semis

FIFA WC 2026: Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to make semis

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Alexis MacAllister has puts Argentina ahead in the10th minute.

Bishnoi set to be axed! India likely to play extra seamer in crucial 3rd T20I vs England

Bishnoi set to be axed! India likely to play extra seamer in crucial 3rd T20I vs England

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

A struggling Indian team, yet to secure a win on their UK tour, is set to make a crucial change for the third T20 International against England, likely replacing out-of-form leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi with an additional pace bowler to strengthen their attack.

Ecuador shock Germany to enter World Cup last 32 stage

Ecuador shock Germany to enter World Cup last 32 stage

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Germany in a crucial World Cup match, ensuring their qualification for the last 32. Despite an early German goal, Ecuador fought back with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata to clinch the win.

Argentina sweats over Messi hamstring injury before World Cup

Argentina sweats over Messi hamstring injury before World Cup

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Lionel Messi is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup, Inter Miami said on Monday after the Argentine forward was forced off in his final club match before the tournament.

India Aim to Seal Series While Testing New Combinations Against Afghanistan

India Aim to Seal Series While Testing New Combinations Against Afghanistan

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

India will look to seal the ODI series against Afghanistan while continuing to test combinations for the 2027 World Cup, with Kuldeep Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal among those pushing for opportunities in the second match.

Third Test: England respond in style after Latham-Conway onslaught

Third Test: England respond in style after Latham-Conway onslaught

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ben Duckett led England's reply with a brisk counterattack as the hosts reached 73 for 1 at tea on Day 2 of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Friday, responding to the tourists' 438.

Disciplinary Woes Mount At 2026 FIFA World Cup

Disciplinary Woes Mount At 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already seen eight red cards, matching the combined total of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. This surge in dismissals, including six straight red cards, highlights a significant increase in disciplinary actions compared to recent editions, with Belgium's Nathan Ngoy being the latest player sent off.

How To Integrate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Into India's T20 Squad

How To Integrate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Into India's T20 Squad

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian cricket team faces a significant selection challenge regarding the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, especially after recent losses to Ireland. The article explores various scenarios and opinions, including Sunil Gavaskar's strong recommendation, on how to integrate Sooryavanshi into the playing XI for the upcoming T20 series against England without disrupting the team's balance.

Vlasic's late header earns Croatia second place in Group L

Vlasic's late header earns Croatia second place in Group L

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Nikola Vlasic scored a late header from a Luka Modric corner to give Croatia a 2-1 victory over Ghana, securing second place in World Cup Group L and a spot in the last 32. Petar Susic had opened the scoring for Croatia, while Derrick Luckassen equalised for Ghana before Vlasic's decisive goal.

T20 World Cup: Pakistan women's team fined for slow over rate vs India

T20 World Cup: Pakistan women's team fined for slow over rate vs India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Pakistan have been fined five per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in their Group A match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup played at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday.

Ecuador Stuns Germany In World Cup Thriller, Exposing Defensive Flaws

Ecuador Stuns Germany In World Cup Thriller, Exposing Defensive Flaws

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Four-time champions Germany suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in a FIFA World Cup group stage match, marking a historic upset. This loss highlighted Germany's persistent defensive issues, as they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine World Cup games. Despite an early lead, Germany succumbed to Ecuador's determined comeback, which secured Ecuador's progression to the round of 32.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ruben Dias backs Cristiano Ronaldo amid growing scrutiny

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ruben Dias backs Cristiano Ronaldo amid growing scrutiny

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Portugal squad are shutting out criticism of the team and captain Cristiano Ronaldo following an underwhelming draw in their World Cup opener against Democratic Republic of Congo, defender Ruben Dias said on Friday.

IPL 2026: Jayawardene reveals MI's plan to end opening hoodoo

IPL 2026: Jayawardene reveals MI's plan to end opening hoodoo

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene discusses the team's preparation for the IPL season opener and their strategy to break their long-standing losing streak on opening days.

Kylian Mbappe's Double Secures France's Easy World Cup Victory Over Iraq Amidst Weather Delays

Kylian Mbappe's Double Secures France's Easy World Cup Victory Over Iraq Amidst Weather Delays

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, equalling Miroslav Klose's World Cup record, as France defeated Iraq 3-0 to advance to the last 32. The match was significantly delayed by thunderstorms, but France maintained control with Ousmane Dembele also scoring. Iraq's chances of progressing now depend on their final group match and other results.

Women's T20 WC: Can India fix middle-order woes, fielding lapses?

Women's T20 WC: Can India fix middle-order woes, fielding lapses?

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in a critical T20 World Cup Group A match, aiming to address persistent middle-order batting struggles and fielding lapses. While openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have provided strong starts, the inability of the middle order to capitalise has put pressure on the lower order. India, currently second in their group, needs a strong performance to solidify their semi-final chances, especially after a recent loss to South Africa highlighted their vulnerabilities.

Ehsan Malinga: The quiet match-winner in IPL's batting storm

Ehsan Malinga: The quiet match-winner in IPL's batting storm

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Ehsan Malinga shines amid a record SRH chase against MI, claiming the Purple Cap with a disciplined spell and continuing his impressive rise in IPL 2026.

FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Ease Past Tunisia

FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Ease Past Tunisia

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Netherlands secured the top position in World Cup Group F with a decisive 3-1 victory over Tunisia. Tunisia's campaign ended disastrously, marked by an early own goal and a series of errors, following previous heavy losses and a coaching change.

How Diksha Dagar Fared At SA Women's Open

How Diksha Dagar Fared At SA Women's Open

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Indian golfer Diksha Dagar experienced a challenging day at the Investec SA Women's Open, slipping down the leaderboard due to unfavourable weather conditions. Other Indian players, Pranavi Urs and Avani Prashanth, managed to improve their positions slightly, while several others missed the cut. Pia Babnik and Esme Hamilton are tied for the lead.

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

FIFA World Cup brings back bitter memories for Mexico's missing families

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Mexico counts more than 135,000 missing people, a figure that has surged since 2006 when then-President Felipe Calderon launched a war against the country's drug cartels.

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli matches Alex Hales' T20 record with another 500-plus season

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli matches Alex Hales' T20 record with another 500-plus season

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Virat Kohli continued his remarkable run in T20 cricket as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting stalwart drew level with Alex Hales for the most 50-plus partnerships in men's T20 history. Both batters now have 210 fifty-plus stands in the format.

Women's T20 World Cup: India Face Must-Win Clash Against Australia For Semi-Final Spot

Women's T20 World Cup: India Face Must-Win Clash Against Australia For Semi-Final Spot

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India will be desperate to overcome their fielding and batting woes when they take on six-time champions Australia in their final Group A clash at Lord's, in London, on Sunday.

Jordan Henderson Backs Jude Bellingham As England's X-Factor For World Cup

Jordan Henderson Backs Jude Bellingham As England's X-Factor For World Cup

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has publicly defended teammate Jude Bellingham, highlighting his crucial role and 'X-factor' for the team despite media scrutiny. Henderson also discussed his own controversial selection for his fourth World Cup and the challenge of facing Luka Modric.

The Odyssey Review: Christopher Nolan's Powerful Statement On War And Love

The Odyssey Review: Christopher Nolan's Powerful Statement On War And Love

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

By taking one of the oldest stories and finding new meaning within it, Christopher Nolan has created the most timely film of his career, asserts Mayur Sanap.

Nicholls, Ravindra shine as New Zealand tighten grip on second Test vs England

Nicholls, Ravindra shine as New Zealand tighten grip on second Test vs England

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

New Zealand took complete command of the second Test against England as Henry Nicholls struck a masterful century in a big partnership with Rachin Ravindra to stretch their lead to 352 on day three at the Oval on Friday.

Eustaquio's late strike takes Canada past South Africa to World Cup last 16

Eustaquio's late strike takes Canada past South Africa to World Cup last 16

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic 92nd-minute goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Canada over South Africa, propelling the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 for the first time. The tense match in Los Angeles saw few clear chances until Eustaquio's late strike, ending Canada's frustration and sending them to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the quarter-finals. South Africa, despite a strong defensive effort, exited the tournament.