News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Is this a squad that will throw up 11 world-beaters who will go out and destroy all comers for nine consecutive matches, asks Krishnakumar Padmanabhan.
Benzema enjoyed a stellar campaign with Real Madrid last season, scoring 44 goals in 46 games in all competitions as he inspired them to a La Liga and Champions League double.
Two of the most intimidating strikers in world football, Argentina's 35-year-old Lionel Messi and Poland's 34-year-old Robert Lewandowski, line up against each other on Wednesday with a last 16 place at stake in the World Cup.
After going two games without a goal and being booed off the field by their own fans, the Brazilian men's soccer team found their scoring touch at the Rio Olympics on Wednesday with a 4-0 win over Denmark that sealed their place in the next round.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
With immense pressure on him to match the late great Diego Maradona and send the trophy back to Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi has lit up the Qatar tournament while others in the superstar stratum - Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo - have underwhelmed and gone home.
'I hope Messi wins something with his national team and not only with his club, then he would have won everything with everyone'
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
The Indian football team jumped four places to be at 148th spot in the latest FIFA rankings released today, on the back of an impressive 4-1 win over higher-ranked Puerto Rico in Mumbai last week.
The Indian football team moved a place up to 168 in the latest FIFA rankings issued on Thursday.
Maradona wore Argentina's No. 10 shirt in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England in Mexico
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar and PSG's owner, was a happy man as he enveloped PSG players Messi, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria with a warm hug.
Roberto Firmino scored twice and Marquinhos and Philippe Coutinho also got goals as Brazil hammered Bolivia 5-0 in their opening World Cup qualifier in Sao Paulo on Friday.
Messi or Suarez should win World Cup if not Spain, says Luis Enrique
Tiny Cape Verde Islands catapulted themselves into surprise World Cup contention with a 2-1 victory away to South Africa.
Lionel Messi reclaimed the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for the world player of the year on Monday from his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo who had walked off with the award for the previous two years.
Brazilian soccer legend Pele's cancer has advanced and he requires care related to renal and cardiac dysfunction, according to a medical report.
Hugo Lloris, announced his retirement from international football aged 36
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
The 2014 World Cup was a captivating carnival of football with high drama and Germany displayed their credentials as worthy champions.
This and more from the happenings in the world of football
Messi named FIFA player of 2022, England women rewarded for Euro campaign
Five strikers who surprised us in World Cup 2022.
'Before Maradona and the 1986 World Cup people were mostly fans of Brazil, but Maradona after the 1986 World Cup divided Kolkata in two halves.'
Maradona wore Argentina's No. 10 shirt in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England in Mexico.
World champions Italy have returned to the top of the rankings after leaping above Argentina and Brazil.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Last week's surprise 2-1 win over Argentina means victory over Mexico on Wednesday would take Saudi Arabia into the next round in Qatar and the Green Falcons' improved performances have come as a result of increased professionalism domestically.
French football president apologises for 'awkward remarks' on Zidane after backlash
City completed the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup titles, matching Manchester United's feat in 1999 and drawing comparisons with Guardiola's 2008-09 Barcelona team.
The Indian football team continued to paint a grim picture as they are languishing down at 156th spot in the latest FIFA rankings.
A picture of a Socceroos fan holding up a sign saying, "Give us a public holiday", was widely shared on social media.
Two goals in the first half from Roberto Firmino and Neymar gave Brazil an easy 2-0 victory over the United States in a friendly match in New Jersey on Friday.
It was rain of footballing gods as former stars Pele, Kaka, David Beckham and Carles Puyol graced the final.
'Trust me, the comeback of Leo Messi only depends on him.'
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field.
Messi mania highlights 'epic' year for MLS, Garber says
Have you joined the rediff fan club to support your favourite football team in the World Cup 2006?
Diego Maradona accused Argentine soccer chiefs of betraying him on Wednesday, a day after they voted unanimously to sack him as national team coach.
