News for 'opening matches'

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.

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.

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.

Bangladesh heartbreak as Australia avoid whitewash

Bangladesh heartbreak as Australia avoid whitewash

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Australia secured a dramatic one-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the final One Day International, preventing a series whitewash. Cooper Connolly's superb century anchored Australia's chase of 274, despite a strong bowling performance from Bangladesh's Shoriful Islam.

Qamar Ahmed: Farewell To Cricket's Voice

Qamar Ahmed: Farewell To Cricket's Voice

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Although the front seat in my car will miss his presence, the echoes he left behind will remain for long. K R Nayar mourns legendary cricket writer Qamar Ahmed.

T20 World Cup: Mother sold her jewellery to buy me cricket kit: Kranti Gaud

T20 World Cup: Mother sold her jewellery to buy me cricket kit: Kranti Gaud

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Despite becoming a regular member of the Indian women's cricket team, pacer Kranti Gaud has not forgotten her roots and the sacrifices that her parents made to support her career and she wants to repay their faith by excelling at the ongoing T20 World Cup in Manchester.

US Calls For Openness, Security In AI Partnership With India

US Calls For Openness, Security In AI Partnership With India

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A senior US official has emphasised the importance of openness and security in the development of artificial intelligence between India and the US, urging both nations to avoid dependencies on adversarial countries.

Morocco stun Scotland with FIFA World Cup's fastest goal

Morocco stun Scotland with FIFA World Cup's fastest goal

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Morocco outmuscled Scotland for a 1-0 win thanks to the tournament's fastest goal on Friday, taking control of Group C in the World Cup and moving into top spot with one match left to play.

FIFA World Cup: Spain's Yamal says the best is yet to come

FIFA World Cup: Spain's Yamal says the best is yet to come

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Spain's teenage winger Lamine Yamal says he has plenty of improvement left in his fledgling career with fans not yet having seen the best.

'I Have Been Speaking To Ben Every Day': Brendon McCullum Backs Ben Stokes

'I Have Been Speaking To Ben Every Day': Brendon McCullum Backs Ben Stokes

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

England expect Ben Stokes to return to captain the side in the third Test against New Zealand, head coach Brendon McCullum said on Sunday.

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador -- the most in a 90-minute match in the World Cup history.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Brazil's World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Japan on Monday comes with the chance for revenge for Carlo Ancelotti's squad and a test of how far he has taken his team since a Tokyo collapse early in his tenure.

IPL 2026: Why Didn't RCB Remember Fans Lost In 2025 Stampede?

IPL 2026: Why Didn't RCB Remember Fans Lost In 2025 Stampede?

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A year after 11 fans died during RCB title celebrations, the franchise's IPL 2026 triumph has sparked discussion over whether the victims should have been acknowledged.

FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa salvage draw with late penalty vs Czechia

FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa salvage draw with late penalty vs Czechia

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

South Africa scored a penalty seven minutes from fulltime as they fought back to draw 1-1 with the Czechia at the World Cup on Thursday after falling behind early in the Group A clash.

Own Goal Surge Marks Early Stages Of World Cup 2026

Own Goal Surge Marks Early Stages Of World Cup 2026

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The 2026 World Cup has witnessed an unusual number of own goals in its opening 10 days, with seven already recorded, making it the second-highest tally in tournament history. The United States has benefited from two such incidents. This trend is notable given the tournament's expansion and could surpass the 2018 record of 12 own goals. Several players from different nations have contributed to this statistic, highlighting a peculiar aspect of the early matches.

East Bengal Appoints Antonio Lopez Habas As Head Coach

East Bengal Appoints Antonio Lopez Habas As Head Coach

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Reigning Indian Super League champions East Bengal have announced the appointment of decorated Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas as their new head coach for the 2026-27 season. Habas, known for his successful stints in Indian football, returns to familiar territory as the club prepares to defend its maiden ISL League Shield amidst ownership uncertainties.

Want To Invest In Life Cycle Funds?

Want To Invest In Life Cycle Funds?

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Life cycle funds may suit people who are starting their investing journey. They may suit those who do not want to monitor their investments frequently. Busy professionals, beginners and delegators, who lack the time, information or interest to manage asset allocation actively, may find these funds useful.

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

England Receive Saka Boost Before High-Stakes World Cup Test Against Ghana

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Bukayo Saka is fully fit and available for the World Cup clash against Ghana, while also voicing concerns that FIFA's mandatory hydration breaks are disrupting the flow and identity of football.

Haaland scores twice as Norway whip Iraq on World Cup return

Haaland scores twice as Norway whip Iraq on World Cup return

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Norway's prolific striker Erling Haaland wasted no time in opening his World Cup account as he found the net twice in a 4-1 defeat of Iraq in Group I on Tuesday that sent a warning to defenders in the rest of the tournament.

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Free, customizable "fan bands" have become the unexpected must-have souvenir at the 2026 World Cup, with over 700,000 distributed. Sponsored by Bank of America, these charm wristlets feature subtle branding and have gone viral, even appearing on resale platforms. This marketing strategy offers a counterpoint to the tournament's high ticket and merchandise prices, proving that unique, free items can create significant fan engagement and brand visibility.

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.

'We need doctors': SC rejects plea against medical college fee structure

'We need doctors': SC rejects plea against medical college fee structure

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the exorbitant fee structure in private medical colleges in Rajasthan, stating that self-financing institutions cannot be expected to charge the same fees as government institutions. The court emphasised the country's need for doctors and upheld the Rajasthan High Court's decision.

62 shots on goal but no returns: Tearful Turkey crash out of FIFA World Cup 2026

62 shots on goal but no returns: Tearful Turkey crash out of FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Goalless Turkey were ousted from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after losses to Australia and Paraguay in Group D, thwarted by poor finishing and a staunch opposition defence.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo ends World Cup drought, creates history in Portugal's must-win clash

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo ends World Cup drought, creates history in Portugal's must-win clash

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in emphatic fashion by scoring in Portugal's crucial FIFA World Cup Group K match against Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, becoming the first player in history to score at six different editions of a FIFA World Cup.

Will Messi play 2030 FIFA World Cup?

Will Messi play 2030 FIFA World Cup?

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has stated his intention to continue playing as long as he remains physically fit and can contribute to his team. He remained non-committal about his participation in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, stating it's too far off to consider. Messi also celebrated his 39th birthday amidst Argentina's strong performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he became the all-time leading goal-scorer.

FIFA World Cup: Turkey shocks USA with 99th-minute winner

FIFA World Cup: Turkey shocks USA with 99th-minute winner

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Turkey secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States in their FIFA World Cup Group D encounter, scoring a 99th-minute winner. The USA twice came from behind, with goals from Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter, but late heroics from Kaan Ayhan sealed the win for Trkiye after earlier goals from Arda Gler and Bar Alper Ylmaz. Despite the loss, the United States had already qualified for the knockout stage.

FIFA World Cup: Mexico top group, coach refuses to celebrate early

FIFA World Cup: Mexico top group, coach refuses to celebrate early

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre downplayed his team's achievement of topping their World Cup group, stating that true success would be measured later in the tournament. He highlighted the importance of playing at home and the team's improved maturity, while also reflecting on his own calmer coaching style. Aguirre expressed his ambition to guide Mexico into the world's top 10.

FIH Nations Cup Hockey: India women's stunning fightback to down United States

FIH Nations Cup Hockey: India women's stunning fightback to down United States

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Indian women's hockey team staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a thrilling 3-2 win over United States in the opening Pool A match of the FIH Nations Cup.

Serena Williams Set For Wimbledon Singles Comeback

Serena Williams Set For Wimbledon Singles Comeback

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

American tennis great Serena Williams has been granted a wildcard to play singles at this year's Wimbledon, marking her highly anticipated return to the tournament after a four-year absence.

End of Ben Stokes era: Iconic highs and dark lows

End of Ben Stokes era: Iconic highs and dark lows

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career defined by match-winning brilliance, iconic Ashes moments, World Cup glory, and a transformative impact on English cricket across all formats.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will finally get to watch her son play at the World Cup after receiving a visa to travel to the United States, following his tearful revelation that she missed his heroics against Spain due to travel issues.

Madrid Open: World No. 1 Sinner packs off Norrie to reach quarterfinals

Madrid Open: World No. 1 Sinner packs off Norrie to reach quarterfinals

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

World number one Jannik Sinner brushed aside Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-2 7-5 on Tuesday to book a place in the Madrid Open quarterfinals, stretching his ATP Masters 1000 winning streak to 25 matches as the players avoided the worst of the heat.

Fit-again Kohli back for England ODIs; Bumrah recalled

Fit-again Kohli back for England ODIs; Bumrah recalled

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Virat Kohli was on Sunday named in India's squad for the three-match ODI series against England next month, subject to fitness clearance.

Undav double powers Germany into FIFA World Cup knockouts

Undav double powers Germany into FIFA World Cup knockouts

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Germany secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Ivory Coast.

Historic! DR Congo Qualify for FIFA World Cup Knockouts After 52 Years

Historic! DR Congo Qualify for FIFA World Cup Knockouts After 52 Years

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo has made a historic return to the World Cup knockout stages, 52 years after a disastrous debut.

I, Nobody Review: A Good Thriller That Loses Its Way

I, Nobody Review: A Good Thriller That Loses Its Way

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A terrific first half makes I, Nobody look like a great thriller, until an increasingly muddled second half loses the plot, laments Sreeju Sudhakaran.

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi is above Pele, Maradona and Cruyff'

FIFA World Cup: 'Messi is above Pele, Maradona and Cruyff'

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Former football player Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lauded Lionel Messi for breaking the all-time FIFA World Cup goal record, stating that the Argentinian ace is in a 'category of his own', surpassing even legends like Pele, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff due to his numbers, longevity, and trophies.

Harry Kane's crucial miss delays England's World Cup knock-out stage confirmation

Harry Kane's crucial miss delays England's World Cup knock-out stage confirmation

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

England captain Harry Kane missed a crucial opportunity against Ghana, blazing a close-range shot over the bar, which denied his side an immediate spot in the World Cup round of 32. The 0-0 draw means England must now wait to confirm their progression.

Romelu Lukaku's late impact helps Belgium rally to hold Egypt

Romelu Lukaku's late impact helps Belgium rally to hold Egypt

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their World Cup opener after Romelu Lukaku's second-half introduction led to an own goal. Egypt had taken an early lead through Emam Ashour, and despite Belgium's numerous chances, they struggled to equalise until Lukaku's impact. Both coaches reflected on the match, with Belgium's coach highlighting the importance of their next game against Iran, and Egypt's coach feeling his side was closer to victory.

FIFA World Cup: Messi dazzles with a 'trick' as Argentina crush Algeria

FIFA World Cup: Messi dazzles with a 'trick' as Argentina crush Algeria

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi earned a spot in the World Cup history books with a hat-trick that saw Argentina begin the defence of their title with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium, Missouri, on Tuesday.