Search results for 'opening matches'

Messi Magic Powers Argentina To World Cup Knockouts

Messi Magic Powers Argentina To World Cup Knockouts

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage on Monday as Lionel Messi recovered from an early penalty miss to score a record-breaking double in a 2-0 victory over Austria.

Gakpo's Tears: A World Cup Story Beyond Football

Gakpo's Tears: A World Cup Story Beyond Football

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Dutch footballer Cody Gakpo scored a goal at the World Cup against Morocco, immediately breaking down in tears due to the recent loss of his unborn baby boy. His emotional reaction, understood by teammates and visible to his parents in the stands, highlighted the profound personal grief he carried while competing on the global stage, overshadowing the team's eventual defeat.

Defiant Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw in Miami thriller

Defiant Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw in Miami thriller

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cape Verde pulled off a stunning 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.

Gurnoor Brar's run-up, bounce win Sunil Gavaskar's praise

Gurnoor Brar's run-up, bounce win Sunil Gavaskar's praise

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Following India's dominant win over Afghanistan in the second ODI in Lucknow, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar for his standout performance, highlighting his rhythm, run-up and ability to extract steep bounce.

3rd ODI: Rana returns, Jaiswal under scrutiny as India aim to sweep series

3rd ODI: Rana returns, Jaiswal under scrutiny as India aim to sweep series

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Harshit Rana returns to the Indian after regaining fitness even as Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to prove his ODI credibility as India look to sweep series against Afghanistan.

FIFA World Cup: Canada sends clear warning ahead of Qatar clash

FIFA World Cup: Canada sends clear warning ahead of Qatar clash

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Canada's national football team is preparing for their World Cup Group B match against Qatar in Vancouver, aiming to improve on their opening draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina. Coach Jesse Marsch emphasizes setting the tone early and confirms Alphonso Davies' fitness for the crucial game.

India Women Eye Dominance In T20 World Cup Clash With South Africa

India Women Eye Dominance In T20 World Cup Clash With South Africa

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

India Women's cricket team, fresh off two commanding victories, prepares to face a strong South Africa side in a crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup Group 1 match. The contest is expected to highlight India's powerful top order against South Africa's varied bowling, with both teams aiming to build momentum and address fielding improvements.

Shelton stuns Fritz to claim first-ever grass court crown

Shelton stuns Fritz to claim first-ever grass court crown

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

American tennis player Ben Shelton defeated Taylor Fritz to win the Stuttgart Open, marking his first career title on grass. This victory is Shelton's sixth overall and third this season, placing him alongside Jannik Sinner for most titles in 2024.

Cerundolo outlasts Paul, makes history at Queen's Club

Cerundolo outlasts Paul, makes history at Queen's Club

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Seventh seed Francisco Cerundolo out-lasted American Tommy Paul in a gruelling Queen's Club final to claim the biggest title of his career on Sunday, winning 6-7(4). 6-4. 6-3.

Deepti Sharma: 'I knew my time would come'

Deepti Sharma: 'I knew my time would come'

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Deepti Sharma produced a career-best 5/10 as India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in their Women's T20 World Cup opener at Edgbaston. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur also starred in India's dominant victory.

'I Hope to See Many More Singhs at World Cup': Sarpreet Inspires Next Gen

'I Hope to See Many More Singhs at World Cup': Sarpreet Inspires Next Gen

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh, the first Sikh footballer to play at a FIFA World Cup, hopes his historic appearance will inspire more players of Indian and South Asian heritage to reach football's biggest stage.

Australia's African diaspora takes centre stage at World Cup

Australia's African diaspora takes centre stage at World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Born in African refugee camps and raised in Australia, Mohamed Toure, Nestory Irankunda and Awer Mabil are carrying the Socceroos' World Cup hopes while showcasing the nation's increasingly diverse football identity.

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed that the US will continue to assess Iran's travel arrangements for the tournament despite their complaints about restrictions.

FIFA World Cup: Algeria Knocked Out As Switzerland Advance

FIFA World Cup: Algeria Knocked Out As Switzerland Advance

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Switzerland secured a vital 2-0 victory over Algeria propelling them into the Round of 16.

India rally to beat Pakistan in thrilling FIH Pro League clash

India rally to beat Pakistan in thrilling FIH Pro League clash

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling FIH Pro League match in London, extending their decade-long unbeaten streak against them in international hockey. Despite Pakistan taking an early lead, India rallied with goals from Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma, Sukhjeet Singh, and Rajinder Singh. Pakistan mounted a late comeback in the final quarter, but India held on for a crucial victory, moving up to seventh in the standings.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane leads from the front as England quell Congo challenge

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane leads from the front as England quell Congo challenge

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Harry Kane scored twice, including a 75th-minute equaliser and a late winner against DR Congo, to guide England into the last 16 with their first World Cup comeback victory since 1990.

India knocked out of AFC U-17 race after 2nd loss

India knocked out of AFC U-17 race after 2nd loss

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's chances of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup suffered a major blow after losing to Uzbekistan in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup group match.

3rd T20I: India women aim to clinch series vs England, address batting concerns

3rd T20I: India women aim to clinch series vs England, address batting concerns

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team will be looking to address their middle-order concerns in the final T20 International against England, aiming for a series-clinching victory ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Gavaskar praises India's team-first approach vs Afghanistan in first ODI

Gavaskar praises India's team-first approach vs Afghanistan in first ODI

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Sunil Gavaskar praised India's team-first approach and clinical chase against Afghanistan in the opening ODI, highlighting KL Rahul's selfless batting and the contributions of Nitish Kumar Reddy and debutant Gurnoor Brar. Former England spinner Graeme Swann warned of a tougher challenge in the second ODI in Lucknow due to Afghanistan's strong spin attack.

Unofficial Test: Jurel slams unbeaten ton as India A dominate Sri Lanka A

Unofficial Test: Jurel slams unbeaten ton as India A dominate Sri Lanka A

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

India A, led by skipper Dhruv Jurel's unbeaten 141, declared their first innings at 452 for six against Sri Lanka A. Early breakthroughs by Anshul Kamboj and Yash Thakur put Sri Lanka A in trouble, though Nuwanidu Fernando and Ashen Bandara mounted a recovery.

Was eyeing double hundred, Shubman Gill reveals after leading India to ODI series victory

Was eyeing double hundred, Shubman Gill reveals after leading India to ODI series victory

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India opener and captain Shubman Gill revealed his ambition to score a double hundred in the second ODI against Afghanistan, where he made a masterful 154. He also shared his pre-series goal of batting for at least 40 overs and finishing matches. India secured a dominant 170-run victory, sealing the series, despite challenging conditions and cramps faced by players.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashes fastest List A fifty in 11 balls vs Sri Lanka A

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashes fastest List A fifty in 11 balls vs Sri Lanka A

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Just days after an on-field confrontation with Sri Lanka A players in Dambulla, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a sensational 11-ball 50 to break the record for the fastest half-century in the history of List A cricket.

Sourav Kothari Advances At World Billiards Championship

Sourav Kothari Advances At World Billiards Championship

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Sourav Kothari survived a scare in his opening match of the IBSF World Billiards Championship, while Pankaj Advani and Dhruv Sitwala registered comfortable wins.

Nora Fatehi's FIFA Anthem Is A Sensation!

Nora Fatehi's FIFA Anthem Is A Sensation!

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Nora Fatehi has successfully transitioned to the global stage, with her FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem Siir Siir becoming a viral hit, especially following Morocco's impressive draw against Brazil.

Spain knock out Uruguay; take top spot in Group H

Spain knock out Uruguay; take top spot in Group H

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 in a crucial Group H match, with Alex Baena scoring the decisive goal. This victory secured Spain's top spot in the group and a place in the World Cup knockout stage, while Uruguay, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, was eliminated from the tournament. Cape Verde also advanced from the group.

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group C opening match. Morocco took an early lead through Ismael Saibari, but Vinicius Jr's brilliant goal brought Brazil level before halftime. Despite Brazil's second-half improvements, Morocco's strong defence held them to a point.

Vargas, Manzambi strike as Switzerland beat Canada to top Group B

Vargas, Manzambi strike as Switzerland beat Canada to top Group B

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored second-half goals as Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to qualify for the knock-out stage of the World Cup as Group B winners, with the tournament co-hosts also progressing as runners-up.

After four-year hiatus, Serena Williams marks return with Queen's Club victory

After four-year hiatus, Serena Williams marks return with Queen's Club victory

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Serena Williams stole the show at Queen's Club on Tuesday as the American icon made her eagerly awaited return to competitive action nearly four years after her last match.

Guess How Messi Celebrated His 39th Birthday

Guess How Messi Celebrated His 39th Birthday

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, on the eve of his 39th birthday, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by engaging in an intense gym session. The football legend, who is already the FIFA World Cup's all-time top goalscorer, is leading Argentina into the Round of 16 and continues to break records with his exceptional performance.

How To Get Tickets For The BWF World Championships In New Delhi

How To Get Tickets For The BWF World Championships In New Delhi

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The BWF World Championships are returning to India after 17 years, to be held in New Delhi from August 17-23. Tickets, priced from Rs 499 to Rs 5,500, are now on sale through BookMyShow, with various categories and early bird discounts available. Indian stars like Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu, alongside international badminton greats, are set to compete.

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

US win over Paraguay built on collective approach: Pochettino

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

US coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team's collective effort after their historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, a first for a U.S. player since 1930, though Christian Pulisic's calf injury raised concerns. Pochettino credited extended training time for the team's strong start.

P V Sindhu's Husband Makes Surprise Coaching Debut

P V Sindhu's Husband Makes Surprise Coaching Debut

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

P V Sindhu's husband Venkata Datta Sai made a surprising but delightful coaching debut after being called up to help the two-time Olympic medallist at the Australian Open on Thursday.

IPL 2026: Sanjay Bangar breaks down Kishan's match-winning blitz

IPL 2026: Sanjay Bangar breaks down Kishan's match-winning blitz

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar praises Ishan Kishan's aggressive batting performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals

'When it's your day, you make it count': Jaiswal's big message

'When it's your day, you make it count': Jaiswal's big message

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

With limited opportunities coming his way in the ODI format, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal said his focus was on making his starts count as he smashed a fine unbeaten century to guide India to a nine-wicket win in the third match against Afghanistan in Chennai on Saturday.

Ireland STUN India to seal historic series win

Ireland STUN India to seal historic series win

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Ireland produced one of the biggest wins in their T20I history, edging India by just one run in a thrilling second T20I in Belfast to complete a historic 2-0 series sweep.

Old Masters and New Icons: The Stars Defining World Cup 2026

Old Masters and New Icons: The Stars Defining World Cup 2026

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The expanded World Cup is being dominated by superstar performances from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, who are leading the scoring charts. Young talent like Lamine Yamal is also making a significant impact, while Harry Kane continues to impress. The tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling display of individual brilliance, with a potential repeat of the last final between Messi and Mbappe.

10 Black Comedies You Must Watch

10 Black Comedies You Must Watch

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

From Mollywood Times to Mohiniyattam, these black comedies from South Cinema prove that the darkest humour can also deliver the sharpest entertainment.

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ambati Rayudu says India's 0-2 T20I series loss to Ireland was the result of poor preparation for challenging conditions, urges Tilak Varma to improve against slow bowling, and advises patience with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Inspirational and epic: Djokovic lauds Serena's return at Wimbledon

Inspirational and epic: Djokovic lauds Serena's return at Wimbledon

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Novak Djokovic confirmed that Serena Williams is hitting the gym harder than ever ahead of her eagerly awaited Wimbledon return as he led the praise for the 44-year-old American icon on Saturday.

Australia ready to defy expectations against Turkey at World Cup

Australia ready to defy expectations against Turkey at World Cup

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Australia's coach Tony Popovic expresses confidence in his team's ability to challenge favourites Turkey in their World Cup opener in Vancouver, despite being considered underdogs. He also confirmed the squad is fully fit, including Mohamed Toure.