News for 'opening matches'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Calls for pitch board changes after FIFA World Cup injury scare

Calls for pitch board changes after FIFA World Cup injury scare

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro has called for a reassessment of pitch-side advertising boards at the World Cup after player Julio Enciso collided with one during their match against Australia. Alfaro expressed concerns about player safety due to the intensity of play and potential for injury. Despite the 0-0 draw, which leaves Paraguay's advancement uncertain, Alfaro remains optimistic about his team's performance.

1st T20I vs Ireland: Why Sooryavanshi was not picked in the Playing XI

1st T20I vs Ireland: Why Sooryavanshi was not picked in the Playing XI

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

He will get his opportunity when the time comes, captain Shreyas Iyer said at the toss.

From Colombia to Mexico's World Cup hero: Quinones inspires a nation

From Colombia to Mexico's World Cup hero: Quinones inspires a nation

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Julian Quinones continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign with his third goal as Mexico defeated Ecuador to reach the last 16, ending a 40-year knockout drought and inspiring fresh belief among the home fans.

Trossard double fires Belgium into World Cup knockouts with 5-1 rout of New Zealand

Trossard double fires Belgium into World Cup knockouts with 5-1 rout of New Zealand

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Belgium secured top spot in Group G and a place in the World Cup round of 32 after a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

FIFA World Cup 2026: Beccacece completes dramatic redemption as Ecuador reach last 32

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador's World Cup nightmare turned into a dream, as La Tri's once seemingly doomed campaign was resurrected against Germany in a remarkable conclusion to Group E on Thursday.

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.

Bosnia beat Qatar, keep World Cup knock-out hopes alive

Bosnia beat Qatar, keep World Cup knock-out hopes alive

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their World Cup hopes alive thanks to a stunning goal from teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, which powered them towards a tense 3-1 win over Qatar on Wednesday and secured third place in Group B to eliminate their opponents.

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.

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.

Pollard becomes T20 cricket's leading run-scorer with century for MI New York

Pollard becomes T20 cricket's leading run-scorer with century for MI New York

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Pollard becomes T20 cricket's leading run-scorer with century for MI New York

FIFA World Cup: 'Impossible' done! Ecuador stuns Germany

FIFA World Cup: 'Impossible' done! Ecuador stuns Germany

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ecuador's World Cup nightmare turned into a dream, as La Tri's once seemingly doomed campaign was resurrected against Germany in a remarkable conclusion to Group E on Thursday.

FIFA World Cup: Austria return in style with dramatic 3-1 win over Jordan

FIFA World Cup: Austria return in style with dramatic 3-1 win over Jordan

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Austria made a winning return to the World Cup after 28 years, defeating debutants Jordan 3-1 in a Group J opener. The victory was secured with a second-half own goal and a late penalty, following a tense match where Austria initially led, was equalised, and had a goal disallowed by VAR.

'We overcame every obstacle': Tuchel after England survive Mexico scare

'We overcame every obstacle': Tuchel after England survive Mexico scare

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his side's "pure mentality and heart" after the 10-man Three Lions survived a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium to book a FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway.

Cerundolo's Grass Court Mastery Leads To Queen's Club Final

Cerundolo's Grass Court Mastery Leads To Queen's Club Final

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Francisco Cerundolo has become only the second Argentine to reach the Queen's Club Championships final, defeating Brandon Nakashima in a tough three-set match. Despite his limited experience on grass courts, Cerundolo displayed remarkable composure and skill, setting up a final clash against Tommy Paul. This marks his first ATP 500 final appearance.

'People Want To Kill Me'

'People Want To Kill Me'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

'My wife was disturbed. She didn't know how to sleep next to me. It was traumatising.' 'I remember having a frankie at a roadside stall, and a lady came to me and shouted, 'Oh my God!'' 'I said, 'No, no, no... I'm just an actor'.

Records Tumble as Jaiswal and Gurnoor Star in India's ODI Clean Sweep

Records Tumble as Jaiswal and Gurnoor Star in India's ODI Clean Sweep

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Yashasvi Jaiswal became the fastest Indian to score two ODI centuries while debutant pacer Gurnoor Brar set a new Indian bowling record as India completed a dominant 3-0 ODI series sweep over Afghanistan in Chennai.

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup campaign has left many Iranian-Americans torn between supporting Team Melli and opposing the country's leadership, highlighting deep divisions within Los Angeles' influential Iranian diaspora.

How Karachi's Football Fans Celebrate The FIFA World Cup

How Karachi's Football Fans Celebrate The FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Despite Pakistan not qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Karachi is buzzing with excitement as the global event begins. "WC Football" villages have been set up in areas like Malir and Lyari, known for their love of the sport, featuring large screens, decorations, and enthusiastic fans. The city's passion for football is evident, with local clubs and administration organising events for youngsters, highlighting the sport's growing influence beyond cricket.

My bowling was underutilised during England tour last year, alleges Shardul Thakur

My bowling was underutilised during England tour last year, alleges Shardul Thakur

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Shardul Thakur on Monday expressed his disappointment on not being "utilised properly" during India's 2025 tour of England last year for five Tests, saying that he had performed the last time he played for the country.

Vekic denies Raducanu dream title at Queen's

Vekic denies Raducanu dream title at Queen's

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Croatia's Donna Vekic resisted a gutsy fightback by Emma Raducanu in front of a partisan crowd to claim the Queen's Club title with a 6-0, 7-6(6) win in a high-quality final on Sunday.

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran footballers faces cheers and jeers in their come-from-behind 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup final opener in Los Angeles on Monday.

Indian Men's Hockey Team Falls To England In FIH Pro League Penalty Shootout

Indian Men's Hockey Team Falls To England In FIH Pro League Penalty Shootout

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Indian men's hockey team was defeated by England 1-4 in a penalty shootout after their FIH Pro League match ended in a 2-2 draw during regulation time. Dilpreet Singh scored both goals for India, while David Goodfield and Nicholas Bandurak netted for England. England secured the bonus point with a dominant shootout performance at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

'Sooryavanshi Would Have Taken Their Pants Off'

'Sooryavanshi Would Have Taken Their Pants Off'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

'Which fast bowler did he spare? And you're making him warm the bench.'

FIFA World Cup: How South Korea pulled off a stunning win

FIFA World Cup: How South Korea pulled off a stunning win

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

South Korea's football team, coached by Hong Myung-bo, secured a 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic in their World Cup Group A opener.

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.

Indian Women's Hockey Team Eyes Undefeated Pool Run Against Uruguay

Indian Women's Hockey Team Eyes Undefeated Pool Run Against Uruguay

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Indian women's hockey team, having already secured a semifinal spot in the FIH Nations Cup, is set to face lower-ranked Uruguay in their final pool match. India aims to maintain their undefeated record and bolster confidence, especially as winning this tournament is crucial for their return to the elite FIH Pro League after being relegated last season. Coach Sjoerd Marijne hopes for improved field goal conversions and may experiment with combinations ahead of the World Cup and Asian Games.

India Women Storm To Hockey Nations Cup Title; Secure Pro League Return

India Women Storm To Hockey Nations Cup Title; Secure Pro League Return

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Indian Women's Hockey team secured their second FIH Women's Nations Cup title by defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final.

T20 Women's World Cup: India-Pakistan no handshake policy continues

T20 Women's World Cup: India-Pakistan no handshake policy continues

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Indian women's cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur maintained the BCCI's 'No Handshake' policy with Pakistan's Fatima Sana at the toss of their T20 World Cup match, a policy reportedly initiated after a terror attack and military operation last year.

India Men Edge Netherlands To Clinch Thrilling Win In Hockey Pro League

India Men Edge Netherlands To Clinch Thrilling Win In Hockey Pro League

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Indian men's hockey team defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in their final match of the FIH Pro League Rotterdam leg.

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.

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Can Senegal pull off a miracle FIFA World Cup escape?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Senegal's coach Pape Bouna Thiaw insists his team's World Cup hopes are not over despite two consecutive defeats to France and Norway. The team needs to beat Iraq in their final group game to have a chance at qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.