News for 'Defender'

FIFA backs Brazilian referee Claus after Trump's criticism on red card

FIFA backs Brazilian referee Claus after Trump's criticism on red card

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

FIFA has strongly defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump questioned his integrity following a controversial red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun at the World Cup.

Rory McIlroy holds nerve to defend Masters title

Rory McIlroy holds nerve to defend Masters title

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Rory McIlroy overcame a shaky start to secure his second consecutive Masters title, joining an elite group of golfers who have achieved this feat. His victory came after a tense final round where he held off a strong challenge from Scottie Scheffler.

FIFA World Cup: From hero to outcast: Balogun sent off, US move on

FIFA World Cup: From hero to outcast: Balogun sent off, US move on

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Balogun scored and celebrated in style before a VAR review turned his night around for the worse, as he was sent off for a foul. Even with 10 men, the United States stayed disciplined and beat Bosnia 2-0. Malik Tillman sealed the win with a free-kick goal. The result sends the U.S. into the last 16 against Belgium. Balogun is suspended for that match.

Ultimate Table Tennis: Indian Players Eye Asian Games Momentum

Ultimate Table Tennis: Indian Players Eye Asian Games Momentum

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The seventh edition of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) tournament is set to begin in Panaji, featuring top Indian and international players. Indian paddlers like Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah, and Diya Chitale view the tournament as crucial preparation for the upcoming Asian Games, aiming to build momentum and gain competitive experience. The league also introduces an AI-powered review system.

Wimbledon 2026: Sinner, Djokovic send title warning with contrasting wins

Wimbledon 2026: Sinner, Djokovic send title warning with contrasting wins

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Jannik Sinner's Wimbledon title defence gathered pace on Friday as the world number one swept aside American Jenson Brooksby 6-4 6-3 6-4 to enter the fourth round and reinforce his status as the man to beat at the All England Club.

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Thousands of ecstatic supporters welcomed the Egyptian national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the last 16 for the first time, despite a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.

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.

Haaland plays the underdog card against England ahead of FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash

Haaland plays the underdog card against England ahead of FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Norway's star striker Erling Haaland is attempting to pile pressure on England ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash, labelling them 'clear favourites' and urging the media to amplify expectations on the English squad.

'Where is the consistency?': Ex-referee slams FIFA World Cup ban row

'Where is the consistency?': Ex-referee slams FIFA World Cup ban row

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny over its inconsistent handling of two World Cup red-card cases involving England's Jarell Quansah and the USA's Folarin Balogun. While Quansah received a two-match ban, Balogun's one-match suspension was controversially suspended, leading to accusations of external interference and a lack of transparency from the governing body.

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Japan's Yuto Nagatomo made history by becoming the first Asian player to feature in five FIFA World Cups during Japan's 1-1 draw against Sweden. This achievement places him among an elite group of players globally. The draw secured both Japan and Sweden's advancement to the Round of 32 in the 2026 tournament.

Wimbledon: 9 straight defeats! Can Zverev finally stop Sinner?

Wimbledon: 9 straight defeats! Can Zverev finally stop Sinner?

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Alexander Zverev, fresh off his French Open victory, faces the daunting task of overcoming Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final, who has beaten him nine times in a row and won their last 14 sets.

FIFA World Cup: Messi Magic: When Rivals Become Fans

FIFA World Cup: Messi Magic: When Rivals Become Fans

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi's unparalleled influence extends beyond his on-field performance, transforming opponents into admirers. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Messi effect,' sees rival players expressing awe and seeking mementos after matches, highlighting his profound impact on the current generation of footballers.

FIFA World Cup: Cape Verde keeper sets up dream clash with Messi

FIFA World Cup: Cape Verde keeper sets up dream clash with Messi

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cabo Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha has expressed confidence ahead of their FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Argentina, vowing to make history. The debutant nation has impressed with three draws in the group stage, becoming the smallest country to reach the knockout phase. Vozinha also achieved a rare feat, becoming only the third goalkeeper over 40 to register multiple clean sheets in the tournament. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged Cabo Verde as a tough opponent.

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

BJP state general secretary S Suresh defends party leader Shone George's criticism of a Malayalam daily, Deepika, alleging its misuse for political interests ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls. The BJP maintains it respects all religions and aims for equal justice, denying any communal stance.

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The BJP has defended its leader Shone George's criticism of a Malayalam newspaper, Deepika, alleging it was favouring the UDF ahead of Kerala's Assembly elections. The party claims it respects all religions and aims for equal treatment.

Did Kangana Really Make Vir Das' Lips Bleed During Kiss?

Did Kangana Really Make Vir Das' Lips Bleed During Kiss?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

'This is unfair slander to Kangana.'

1st ODI: Axar, Gill shine as India crush England in Birmingham

1st ODI: Axar, Gill shine as India crush England in Birmingham

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India comfortably chased down 259 to beat England by six wickets in the first ODI, with Shubman Gill scoring 80 before Axar Patel and Washington Sundar guided the visitors home with unbeaten fifties.

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Thierry Henry, including the UEFA, Belgium and several football figures questioned FIFA's late decision to suspend USA's Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban.

US coach Pochettino brushes off Turkey defeat

US coach Pochettino brushes off Turkey defeat

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

US coach Mauricio Pochettino downplayed his team's 3-2 loss to Turkey in a World Cup group stage match, emphasising that the United States still finished top of Group D.

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Cape Verde head into the biggest match in their football history full of belief, with coach Pedro Leitao Brito insisting his side will play "with courage" against defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Kohli, Shastri, Dhawan Witness India's World Cup Heartbreak

Kohli, Shastri, Dhawan Witness India's World Cup Heartbreak

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and Ravi Shastri watched Australia beat India by six wickets at Lord's.

Linda Noskova survives Muchova fightback in thrilling final to win Wimbledon

Linda Noskova survives Muchova fightback in thrilling final to win Wimbledon

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Linda Noskova survived missing five match points to outlast compatriot Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 to win a maiden Grand Slam title as she extended the Czech Republic's remarkable Wimbledon success story.

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.

Why RBI Should Stop Defending Rupee

Why RBI Should Stop Defending Rupee

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The measures announced by it risk backfiring, disrupting the foreign exchange market, and intensifying the very pressures they seek to contain, with broader consequences for the economy points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to make World Cup last 8

Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to make World Cup last 8

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after the teams were locked goalless at the end of extra-time in the Round of 16 match to enter the World Cup quarter-finals at BC Place, Vancouver, on Tuesday.

Akshaye Khanna's 7 Best Villain Acts: From Humraaz To Dhurandhar

Akshaye Khanna's 7 Best Villain Acts: From Humraaz To Dhurandhar

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Long before Rehman Dakait made the Internet swoon, Akshaye Khanna had already mastered the art of stealing the show from the dark side.

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.

Haaland scores twice as Norway shock Brazil to make World Cup quarter-finals

Haaland scores twice as Norway shock Brazil to make World Cup quarter-finals

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Erling Haaland scored two crucial late goals to lead Norway to a stunning 2-1 victory over five-times champions Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Neymar's late penalty was not enough for Brazil, who also missed an earlier spot-kick.

India's T20 Experiments End In Disaster

India's T20 Experiments End In Disaster

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The umbrella of 'inexperience' or 'reset' is merely an excuse. Team India's think-tank will have to admit that this is experimentation without a roadmap, points out K R Nayar.

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.

Serena Williams Faces Unknown Aussie On Wimbledon Return

Serena Williams Faces Unknown Aussie On Wimbledon Return

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to make her highly anticipated return to Wimbledon, facing Australia's Maya Joint in the first round.

FIFA World Cup: France's firepower puts Sweden in the firing line

FIFA World Cup: France's firepower puts Sweden in the firing line

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

France's formidable attack has propelled them through the World Cup group stage, but coach Didier Deschamps is focused on resolving issues on the team's left side before their Round of 32 match against Sweden.

Sometimes Trump and I don't see eye to eye: Netanyahu

Sometimes Trump and I don't see eye to eye: Netanyahu

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his actions amid growing resentment over an emerging US-Iran deal, asserting that Iran would never possess nuclear weapons. He faced criticism from opposition figures like Naftali Bennett and addressed concerns about Israel's security zones and relations with the US.

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia's Litchfield nears return for crucial India clash

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia's Litchfield nears return for crucial India clash

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Australia coach Shelley Nitschke hints at Phoebe Litchfield comeback for India clash

FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium find winning formula beyond star power

FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium find winning formula beyond star power

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Belgium look to have found their best playing style at the World Cup after thrashing co-hosts the US 4-1 on Monday, but the successful tinkering of coach Rudi Garcia has come at a cost to his top players.

Neymar hints at return for Scotland game

Neymar hints at return for Scotland game

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Neymar missed Brazil's first two games of the FIFA 2026 World Cup and his likely to play against Scotland on Thursday.

Paolini ends Eala's fairytale run to reach Wimbledon quarters

Paolini ends Eala's fairytale run to reach Wimbledon quarters

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Jasmine Paolini defeated Alexandra Eala in a three-set thriller at Wimbledon, ending Eala's impressive run to reach the quarterfinals. The match, witnessed by Roger Federer, saw Paolini's experience prevail after Eala had previously upset World No. 3 Iga Swiatek.

Ancelotti Vows Brazil Will Use World Cup Exit As Motivation

Ancelotti Vows Brazil Will Use World Cup Exit As Motivation

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed disappointment after the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 defeat to Norway, but stated the team would use the exit as motivation for future improvements. He highlighted the need for new midfield talent as key players like Neymar are expected to retire from international football.

De Ketelaere double as Belgium thrash USA to make last 8

De Ketelaere double as Belgium thrash USA to make last 8

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The United States' World Cup dreams came to a crashing halt in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a 4-1 win, overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun's ban.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's Laporte stays calm ahead of high-stakes Uruguay clash

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain's Laporte stays calm ahead of high-stakes Uruguay clash

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Spain have gone 33 matches unbeaten and faced opponents of every kind along the way, which is why defender Aymeric Laporte is not losing sleep over what Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay might bring to their World Cup Group H clash.