News for 'opening matches'

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.

FIFA World Cup: South Africa seek to silence critics against Czech Republic

FIFA World Cup: South Africa seek to silence critics against Czech Republic

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

South Africa will look to bounce after a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in their opening FIFA World Cup match.

Women's T20 World Cup: Marizanne Kapp's masterclass helps South Africa overpower India in Manchester

Women's T20 World Cup: Marizanne Kapp's masterclass helps South Africa overpower India in Manchester

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Marizanne Kapp struck a scintillating 45-ball 81 as South Africa overwhelmed India by six wickets in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup clash, in Manchester, on Sunday.

'Host Vaishali-Ju World Title Match In India'

'Host Vaishali-Ju World Title Match In India'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

With D Gukesh and R Vaishali set to play world title matches, experts urge India to bid for hosting rights, calling it a major boost for the sport.

Tamil-Origin Star Makes FIFA World Cup Debut

Tamil-Origin Star Makes FIFA World Cup Debut

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Indian-origin forward Nishan Velupillay made his FIFA World Cup debut for Australia on June 14, coming on in the second half of their 2-0 victory over Turkiye. The 25-year-old, whose journey from academy football has been rapid, is considered one of Australia's most exciting attacking prospects. He now has eight international appearances and three goals for the Socceroos.

Gauff battles through illness to reach Madrid Open last 16

Gauff battles through illness to reach Madrid Open last 16

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Gauff threw up on court midway through the second set before recovering from a break down and then dominating the third set.

FIFA World Cup: Australia reaches knockouts after Paraguay draw

FIFA World Cup: Australia reaches knockouts after Paraguay draw

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Australia secured their spot in the World Cup's round of 32 after a 0-0 draw against Paraguay. The Socceroos finished second in Group D and will face the second-placed team from Group G. Paraguay now faces an anxious wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

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.

Jaiswal praises fearless Sooryavanshi after match-winning blitz

Jaiswal praises fearless Sooryavanshi after match-winning blitz

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Yashasvi Jaiswal praises teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after their explosive opening stand powered Rajasthan Royals to a 27-run win over Mumbai Indians.

Fans Ecstatic as South Africa Make History With World Cup Knockout Berth

Fans Ecstatic as South Africa Make History With World Cup Knockout Berth

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

South Africa has made history by securing their first-ever World Cup knockout stage berth after a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, leading to jubilant celebrations and setting up a clash with co-hosts Canada. This marks a significant achievement for the team, overcoming previous group stage exits.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi gets emotional, credits team for helping him through tough times

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi gets emotional, credits team for helping him through tough times

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

An emotional Lionel Messi was wiping his tears with his shirt after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in the World Cup, a strike that marked the beginning of a memorable performance where he netted thrice to secure a 3-0 win.

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.

Mirra Andreeva crushes Marta Kostyuk, storms into maiden Grand Slam final

Mirra Andreeva crushes Marta Kostyuk, storms into maiden Grand Slam final

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva powered into her maiden Grand Slam final with a ruthless 6-1 6-3 victory over Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk in a politically charged French Open semifinal on Thursday.

Rybakina, Muchova to clash in Stuttgart Open final

Rybakina, Muchova to clash in Stuttgart Open final

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Elena Rybakina defeated Mirra Andreeva to reach the Stuttgart Open final, where she will face Karolina Muchova. Rybakina displayed aggressive play, while Muchova overcame Elina Svitolina in a three-set match.

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.

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.

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.

India U17 Football Team Ready For Australia Challenge

India U17 Football Team Ready For Australia Challenge

Rediff.com5 May 2026

India's U17 football team is set to compete in the AFC U17 Asian Cup, starting with a challenging match against Australia. Coach Bibiano Fernandes emphasises the importance of staying organised and focused throughout the tournament.

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.

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 Overcomes Ukraine In Uber Cup Finals After Denmark Loss

India Overcomes Ukraine In Uber Cup Finals After Denmark Loss

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Indian shuttlers recovered from their initial defeat by securing a decisive victory against Ukraine in the Uber Cup Finals, keeping their quarterfinal hopes alive.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.