Spain secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Austria in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, extending their unbeaten streak to 34 matches across all competitions. This win propelled them into the Round of 16, marking another strong performance in their campaign.

Mikel Oyarzabal was a key player in the match, scoring two goals. Pedro Porro added another goal, contributing to Spain’s comfortable progression. The team’s strong form and defensive solidity have positioned them as significant contenders for the title.

Spain’s impressive form and defence

Spain has demonstrated consistent strength throughout the tournament, maintaining an unbeaten run of 34 matches in normal play. Their last defeat occurred against Colombia in March 2024. Under Luis de la Fuente, the team has developed a blend of confidence, discipline, and attacking prowess, making them a formidable opponent.

The team’s defence has been particularly notable, having not conceded a single goal in four World Cup matches. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has delivered outstanding performances, supported by the reliable central defensive partnership of Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí. Laporte provides experienced leadership, while Cubarsí has impressed with his composure and tactical awareness.

In midfield, Pedri continues to dictate play with his passing and movement, facilitating quick transitions that make Spain dangerous in possession. The attacking line has seen standout performances, with Oyarzabal’s two goals against Austria bringing his tournament total to four. His intelligent movement, finishing, and work rate are crucial for the team.

Young winger Lamine Yamal has also drawn attention with his dribbling and creativity, regularly beating defenders and creating scoring opportunities. Despite recent fitness concerns, his performance against Austria indicated a return to form. The left side of Spain’s attack, featuring Marc Cucurella and Álex Baena, has also been effective, with Cucurella creating two goals through his attacking runs.

Challenges and historical penalty record

Despite their current strong form, Spain faces a historical challenge regarding penalty shootouts in the World Cup. They have won only one out of five shootouts in the tournament’s history, having been eliminated from the last two tournaments via penalties. Their sole shootout victory came against the Republic of Ireland in the Round of 16 in 2002.

Spain has previously lost penalty shootouts to Belgium in 1986, South Korea in 2002, Russia in 2018, and Morocco in 2022. This track record highlights a potential area of pressure for the team in knockout stages where matches could extend beyond regular time.

Austria, who finished second in their group, is returning to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 1954. They faced their own fitness concerns, with captain David Alaba and striker Marko Arnautovic picking up knocks in a recent 3-3 draw against Algeria. The last World Cup encounter between Spain and Austria was in 1978, where Austria secured a 2-1 victory, though Spain has won four of their last five meetings across all competitions.

The possibility of a semi-final clash between Spain and France is a highly anticipated prospect, provided both teams advance through their respective knockout rounds. Spain’s next knockout match will be against either Croatia or Portugal on July 6.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down from his role as head coach of Germany following the team’s exit from the World Cup. Reports indicate that former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is prepared to take over the national team if he is approached for the position.

Nagelsmann’s departure comes after discussions with officials from the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday. These talks followed Germany‘s unexpected elimination in the last 32 of the World Cup after a match against Paraguay.

Nagelsmann’s tenure and World Cup exit

Nagelsmann, who is 38 years old, assumed leadership of the Germany national team in September 2023. During his time, he guided the nation to the quarter-finals of the Euro 2024 tournament, where they were defeated by Spain, who went on to win the competition.

In the recent World Cup 2026, Germany initially topped Group E based on goal difference. They secured a 7-1 victory against Curacao in their opening game and followed it with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. However, a 2-1 loss to Ecuador preceded their knockout stage match.

The team’s journey in the tournament concluded with a loss to Paraguay on penalties, after the game ended in a 1-1 draw following extra time in Boston. This result led to widespread speculation regarding Nagelsmann’s future.

Following the team’s elimination, Nagelsmann had expressed his desire to continue in the role if the DFB wished for him to do so. He stated, “I am not someone who runs away.” He also acknowledged that changes were needed but affirmed his willingness to stay if the football association supported it.

Klopp linked as potential successor

Sky Germany has reported that Jurgen Klopp is ready to consider taking on the role of national team coach if an offer is extended to him. Klopp is currently serving as the head of global soccer for Red Bull Group. His existing contract reportedly contains a specific clause that would allow him to exit for the Germany job.

Several German media outlets, including Sky and the Munich daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung, have identified Klopp as the leading candidate to succeed Nagelsmann. The DFB president, Bernd Neuendorf, had previously announced an immediate investigation into the team’s performance at the World Cup.

Reports from Bild indicated that Nagelsmann was offered a severance package of approximately €7 million during a three-hour meeting. His contract, which was last renewed in January 2025, was set to run until 2028.

The DFB had been expected to make a decision on Nagelsmann’s future by the beginning of the following week at the latest, according to AFP sports subsidiary SID.

Reflecting on Germany’s World Cup performance

Germany‘s performance in the World Cup 2026 has been a subject of considerable discussion. Despite topping their group, their exit in the last 32 was unexpected for a team that had previously been World Cup winners in 2014.

Nagelsmann’s tenure saw the team achieve a nine-game win streak leading into the World Cup group stage, and they showed promise in their opening match against Curacao. However, the team ultimately faltered in the knockout stages, a pattern that had been noted in previous tournaments.

The DFB’s decision to replace Nagelsmann comes after two years of multiple opportunities for the team to improve their performance in major competitions. The official confirmation of Nagelsmann’s resignation is still awaited from the DFB.

The discussions surrounding Nagelsmann’s departure and the potential appointment of Jurgen Klopp highlight a significant moment for German football as the national team looks to address its recent tournament performances.

Source: skysports.com

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Senegal experienced a dramatic exit from the World Cup after conceding three late goals to Belgium, resulting in a 3-2 defeat. The match, played in Seattle, saw Senegal hold a two-goal lead before Belgium mounted a comeback in the final minutes of regular time and secured victory with a penalty in extra time.

The atmosphere in Dakar, Senegal, was initially filled with anticipation as the nation watched its team compete in the first knockout round. Habib Diarra opened the scoring for Senegal in the 25th minute, and Ismaila Sarr added a second goal early in the second half, putting Senegal in a strong position. Celebrations began prematurely in Dakar, with car horns and firecrackers, as victory seemed imminent.

However, Belgium scored their first goal in the 86th minute through Romelu Lukaku, followed by an equaliser from Youri Tielemans just three minutes later. The decisive moment came in extra time when a penalty was awarded to Belgium after a VAR review for a foul by Lamine Camara. Tielemans converted the penalty in the 125th minute and 44th second, marking the latest winning goal in World Cup history.

Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny

The defeat has led to significant discussion and criticism regarding Senegal‘s coaching decisions. Former Senegal international Ferdinand Coly, who was part of the 2002 World Cup squad, described the collapse as “incomprehensible.” He suggested that substitutions made by the coaching team significantly altered the midfield and contributed to the team’s fragility once Belgium scored.

Coly believes that the problem lies not in talent but in preparation, criticising an over-reliance on data and statistics instead of developing a cohesive team identity and tactical strategy. He contrasted this with Belgium‘s coach, who was observed making adjustments until the final moments of the game.

The sentiment is echoed by supporters, including Ibrahima Diop, who highlighted a lack of concentration in the final minutes. Diop also noted the absence of a strong fan presence due to visa restrictions and economic challenges, which he felt impacted the team mentally. This pattern of late collapses has been observed in other African teams in the tournament, according to Diop.

Journalist Babacar Fall suggested that issues within the national team began before the tournament, citing uncertainty over the coach’s future, disagreements within the federation, and unresolved contractual issues as factors that created instability. He specifically pointed to a substitution made ten minutes from the end against Belgium that he believes broke the defensive structure.

Following the match, midfielder Pape Gueye announced a break from international football, stating he would not return as long as the current technical staff remains in charge. Gueye, who was substituted in the 66th minute, had been a standout performer for Senegal, scoring three goals and providing an assist during the campaign.

Echoes of Previous Heartbreak

The late defeat to Belgium draws parallels with Senegal‘s experience in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final earlier in the year. In that match against Morocco, Senegal was also affected by a controversial late penalty decision. While Senegal eventually won the game in extra time, they were later stripped of the title by a Confederation of African Football appeal board, a decision currently under appeal.

Pape Thiaw, Senegal‘s coach, expressed his disappointment, stating that the loss felt “cruel.” He acknowledged that the team dropped deeper after conceding the first goal, leading to the second. Despite protests from Senegal‘s players regarding the decisive penalty against Belgium, the decision stood. Thiaw admitted that it was difficult to accept but that they had to.

The absence of injured goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who had been a key figure in previous matches, was noted. His understudy, Mory Diaw, was beaten by Tielemans‘ penalty and was also deemed at fault for Belgium‘s equaliser in the 89th minute. The comeback by Belgium from a two-goal deficit was the latest such turnaround in World Cup history.

This defeat has left a profound impact in Senegal, where football is seen as a significant source of national pride and unity. The team’s performance in the World Cup, including becoming the first African nation to score 10 goals in a single edition, had raised expectations among supporters that the team should compete with the world’s best.

The silence that followed the match in Dakar reflected a deep disappointment, not just at the loss, but at how victory slipped away in a matter of minutes.

Source: aljazeera.com

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Spain saw a goal by Marc Cucurella disallowed during their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Austria in Los Angeles. The incident, which occurred just before the half-hour mark, led to confusion among fans and sparked debate regarding officiating decisions in the tournament.

The play unfolded from a corner kick, which found Cucurella amidst a scramble in front of the penalty box. The Real Madrid full-back struck the ball into the net, initiating celebrations that were cut short when referee Glenn Nyberg disallowed the goal.

The Disallowed Goal and VAR Intervention

The decision to disallow Cucurella’s goal stemmed from a foul identified during the build-up. Referee Nyberg determined that Pau Cubarsi had fouled Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. This ruling was supported by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team.

According to Rule 10.1 of the laws of football, a goal is only valid if no offence has been committed by the scoring team. Cubarsi’s contact with Schlager was deemed a violation of this rule, providing sufficient grounds for the goal to be chalked off.

Further reports indicate that the VAR review panel and the on-field referee concluded that a Spanish player, while in an offside position, interfered with the Austrian goalkeeper. This decision was made under FIFA Law 11’s offside interference clause, even though the player did not touch the ball.

The semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) flagged the offside position, and the VAR team then assessed whether this position constituted ‘interference with an opponent’ as per Law 11, Section 2. This assessment led to the recommendation to disallow the goal.

Debate Over Interference and Consistency

The disallowing of Cucurella’s goal has reportedly ignited a debate concerning the consistency of VAR decisions and the interpretation of interference rules. The ‘interference with an opponent’ clause in Law 11, Section 2, states that a player in an offside position is penalised if they ‘clearly attempt to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent’ or if they make ‘an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball.’

Guidance notes from 2024–25 expanded this interpretation to include scenarios where an offside player’s proximity ‘prevents an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or movement.’ This means that even without touching the ball, if an offside player’s presence is judged to have hindered the goalkeeper’s ability to perform their role, the goal can be disallowed.

Spain’s coaching staff have reportedly questioned the degree of interference, suggesting that the offside player may not have genuinely obstructed the goalkeeper’s line of sight. They noted that the goalkeeper appeared to dive in the correct direction, implying he might not have been impeded. They also raised concerns about consistency, citing at least one comparable situation earlier in the tournament where a similarly positioned offside player was not penalised, and the goal stood.

The incident adds to a pattern of officiating controversies that have marked the 2026 World Cup. While the technology for detecting offside positions is precise, the human judgment involved in interpreting ‘interference’ remains a contentious aspect of VAR implementation.

Despite the disallowed goal, Austria conceded shortly after, with Mikel Oyarzabal finding the net for Spain in the 36th minute.

Match Details and Broader Implications

The match between Spain and Austria took place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on July 2.

The decision regarding Cucurella’s goal highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding VAR’s impact on football. Coaching circles are reportedly discussing the implications of such rulings, particularly how they might affect set-piece strategies in the knockout rounds.

The incident underscores the challenge of balancing technological precision with the subjective interpretations required in football officiating, a topic that continues to generate debate among players, coaches, and fans alike.

Source: sportstar.thehindu.com

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Spain secured their place in the World Cup Round of 16 following a decisive 3-0 victory over Austria. The match saw Mikel Oyarzabal score a brace, with Pedro Porro adding his first-ever senior international goal for his country. This result brings an end to Austria‘s hopes in the tournament, marking their first knockout appearance in 44 years.

The European champions, managed by Luis de la Fuente, delivered a strong performance in Los Angeles. Despite an early disallowed goal for Marc Cucurella due to a foul on the goalkeeper, Spain maintained pressure. Oyarzabal opened the scoring late in the first half, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. His contributions were crucial, as he continued his strong scoring form in the tournament.

Pedro Porro then extended Spain‘s lead by heading in a cross from Alex Baena. This goal further solidified Spain‘s control over the game, making a comeback for Austria increasingly difficult. Oyarzabal later converted a centre from Cucurella to secure his second goal of the match and Spain‘s third, sealing a comfortable win.

Austria, under the management of Ralf Rangnick, made three changes to their squad for the match, bringing in Kevin Danso, Paul Wanner, and Michael Gregoritsch. Despite these adjustments and a spirited effort, they were ultimately outclassed by the Spanish side. Rangnick attempted to replicate previous successes by introducing Sasa Kalajdzic, who had been a stoppage-time hero in a previous match against Algeria. Kalajdzic had a chance to equalize but headed the ball over the bar.

Spain‘s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, made two changes to his starting lineup, with Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo coming in. Marcos Llorente and Mikel Merino were moved to the bench. Lamine Yamal started in attack alongside Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal, while Nico Williams was still recovering from a leg injury. Yamal has scored a goal in three appearances for Spain in this tournament.

Mikel Oyarzabal‘s performance was particularly noteworthy. He has proven to be a prolific scorer, with these goals being his third and fourth of the World Cup. His impact has been significant, especially after taking over from Alvaro Morata, who captained Spain to victory at Euro 2024 but scored only once in seven appearances during that tournament. Oyarzabal‘s ability to find the back of the net provides Spain with a different attacking dimension.

Speaking after the match, Oyarzabal expressed his satisfaction, stating he was happy to help the team progress to the next round. He acknowledged Austria as a physical and challenging opponent but felt Spain played well. De la Fuente also commented on the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of the knockout stage match and noting that while they were almost perfect, there are still areas for improvement. He emphasized that every subsequent match would be more difficult, requiring continued focus.

Spain‘s journey in the World Cup has seen them remain unbeaten in 34 competitive international matches within 90 minutes. They have also not conceded a single goal in this tournament so far. This defensive solidity, combined with the attacking talent of players like Lamine Yamal, who showed glimpses of his quality, positions Spain as a strong contender. Their next match in the Round of 16 will be against either Portugal or Croatia.

The team’s group stage performance included a draw with Cape Verde, which was considered somewhat underwhelming by some. However, their dominant display against Austria demonstrated their capability to perform under pressure in the knockout stages. The comfortable 3-0 victory sends a clear message to other teams in the tournament.

Source: thehindu.com

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Day four of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships saw several top players secure their spots in the last 32. Reigning champion Iga Swiatek, along with Alexander Zverev, Elena Rybakina, and Frances Tiafoe, all advanced after their respective matches on Thursday.

Iga Swiatek, the third seed, moved past Karolina Pliskova with a 6-1, 6-3 victory. This performance followed a challenging first-round match where she defeated Taylor Townsend. Swiatek commented on her improved focus, stating, “For sure the first round was really emotional but today I felt like it’s another day at the office, I need to be ready, be sharp.” The Polish player has maintained a strong record in Grand Slams, reaching at least the third round on each of her past Grand Slam appearances since losing in round two at the 2019 U.S. Open.

Swiatek, who won her sixth Grand Slam title at the All England Club a year ago, is set to face the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala next. Eala, the 29th seed, made history by becoming the first woman from the Philippines to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, defeating Maya Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 on Court Three. Eala, at 21 years old, praised the atmosphere, describing it as “amazing, it was electric, respectful and all that I could have hoped for.”

In other women’s singles action, last year’s runner-up Amanda Anisimova came back from a break down in the third set to defeat Sofia Kenin in a deciding tie-break. Former Australian Open champion Madison Keys ended British interest in the women’s singles by beating Katie Swan in straight sets. Second seed Elena Rybakina also progressed, defeating Caty McNally 6-1, 6-2. Rybakina is bidding to take the world number one ranking from Aryna Sabalenka next week.

Men’s Singles Progress

Alexander Zverev, the second seed, delivered a strong performance against Valentin Royer, winning 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). Zverev, who secured his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open last month, has historically not progressed far at Wimbledon, having never advanced past the last 16 in nine previous attempts. He expressed optimism about his current form, noting, “If I keep playing like this I definitely think it can happen this year.” He also highlighted the importance of a short-term memory in tennis, whether for good or bad results.

Zverev’s path in the tournament appears promising, with Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic in the other half of the draw, and fourth seed Ben Shelton already out of the competition. Zverev’s victory over Royer helped to erase memories of his first-round exit last year against Arthur Rinderknech.

American sixth seed Taylor Fritz continued his strong run at the All England Club, defeating compatriot Patrick Kypson 6-2, 6-2, 7-5 to reach the third round. Fritz has reached at least the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in three of the past four years, having lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals a year ago.

Fifth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also advanced with a straight-sets victory over French veteran Adrian Mannarino. Rising Spanish player Rafael Jodar completed a comeback win over Pablo Carreno Busta in a match that was delayed by darkness on Wednesday, winning the last two sets. Jodar, a Wimbledon debutant, had never played a Tour-level match on grass before this week but reached the French Open quarter-finals this year.

Other Notable Matches

Frances Tiafoe, the 17th seed, rallied after losing the first set to defeat Jan Choinski 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, 6-2. Tiafoe recorded nine aces and 33 unforced errors, while Choinski had 41 unforced errors. Tiafoe also secured five breaks compared to his opponent’s one.

Grigor Dimitrov claimed a victory against the 15th seed Jakub Menšík with a score of 7-6(5), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3. Alexander Bublik, the 10th seed, also moved into the third round by defeating Kyrian Jacquet 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(5). Bublik served 15 aces and made 16 unforced errors, while Jacquet had 25 unforced errors.

Jiří Lehecka, the 13th seed, advanced with an assertive 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Alex Molcan, hitting 25 aces and securing six breaks. Karen Khachanov, the 19th seed, defeated Yannick Hanfmann 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Flavio Cobolli, the ninth seed, won against James Duckworth 7-6(4), 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-1. Matteo Berrettini defeated Arthur Fils 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. Arthur Fery kept British hopes alive by beating Otto Virtanen in four sets.

The third round of the Wimbledon Championships is set to continue tomorrow, July 3, 2026, with matches featuring Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff.

Source: thehindu.com

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England’s World Cup encounter

England secured a dramatic victory against DR Congo in the World Cup, a match that captivated a peak audience of 16.3 million viewers on Wednesday. The game, which kicked off at 17:00 BST, was watched by an average of 14 million people on BBC TV, marking it as the most-watched moment on the BBC this year. Additionally, there were 10.4 million streams across the BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and its app.

The live coverage page for the match garnered over 20 million views globally, with 14 million of those originating from the UK. This made it the busiest day for the BBC Sport website and app since the previous World Cup. Harry Kane was instrumental in England’s comeback, scoring twice within the final 15 minutes after DR Congo had taken an early lead in the seventh minute.

The match saw England facing an early exit scare after DR Congo scored past Jordan Pickford. England has not won a knockout game after falling behind since 1966. Harry Kane’s first goal came after Declan Rice moved to right-back and passed to substitute Anthony Gordon, who then floated the ball for Kane to head home. His second goal, also from Gordon, was a powerful shot that secured the win.

Audience engagement and upcoming fixture

The World Cup has significantly boosted streaming figures, accounting for more than a third (34%) of all hours streamed on BBC iPlayer during the final week of the group stage. The Football Daily visualised podcast has also proven popular, generating over two million streams during the group stages. Across social media platforms, BBC Sport has accumulated 889 million video views throughout the tournament so far.

Previous England World Cup group stage matches also attracted substantial audiences. The opener against Croatia reached a peak of 15.4 million viewers, while the win over Panama saw a peak of 13.76 million. The draw with Ghana attracted a peak audience of 15.4 million on the BBC, alongside 8.3 million requests on the BBC Sport app and BBC iPlayer.

England is now set to face Mexico in the last 16 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Monday. This match is scheduled for 01:00 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC One, radio, and online. This will be the Three Lions’ first overnight game of the tournament for UK viewers.

Coach’s perspective on fan support

The late kick-off time for the upcoming match against Mexico presents a challenge for young England fans, as it falls on a school night for many children. England head coach Thomas Tuchel addressed this dilemma following the win against DR Congo. He encouraged parents to allow their children to watch the game.

Tuchel stated, “Write an excuse for school and let them watch. There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch. There will be a big match in four days, and we need the support of everyone, especially the children.” This highlights the importance of fan support for the team’s continued journey in the tournament.

The upcoming match against Mexico will be a significant event for England as they aim to progress further in the World Cup.

Source: bbc.com

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Iyer achieves significant career milestone

Shreyas Iyer, the Indian middle-order batter and T20I skipper, has achieved a notable career milestone, surpassing 5,000 international runs across all formats. This accomplishment occurred during the first T20I match against England at Chester-le-Street. Iyer scored a 47-ball 68 during the match, which included six fours and a six, maintaining a strike rate exceeding 144.

Iyer’s international career now includes six centuries and 37 fifties. Across 147 matches for India, he has accumulated 5,031 runs at an average of 39.61 and a strike rate of 96.06. His highest score stands at 128*.

In Test cricket, Iyer has played 14 matches, scoring 811 runs in 24 innings at an average of 36.86, with one century and five fifties, and a best score of 105. In 79 One Day Internationals (ODIs), which is noted as his strongest format, he has made 3,035 runs in 73 innings at an average of 45.98, including five centuries and 23 fifties, with a strike rate of 98.60 and a top score of 128*.

For T20Is, Iyer has played 54 matches, scoring 1,184 runs in 50 innings at an average of 30.38, with a strike rate over 135, and nine fifties, his best being 74*. This recent innings against England marked his ninth fifty in T20Is for India and his second fifty against England. He is also closing in on 100 fours (98) and 50 sixes (45) in T20Is.

During his innings of 68, Iyer also became the first Indian captain to score a fifty in T20I cricket on English soil, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous best of 47 as captain in a T20I match in Cardiff in 2018. Other former captains like Rohit Sharma had a top score of 31 in 2022, and MS Dhoni had a best of 30 not out in 2009. The highest score by any captain in a T20I match on English soil remains Steve Smith’s 90 in Cardiff in 2015.

Iyer’s achievement places him among the fastest batters to reach 5,000 international runs. Virat Kohli holds the record, achieving this in 113 innings, while Sachin Tendulkar reached the landmark in 121 innings.

Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking performance

The match also saw a landmark performance from Abhishek Sharma, who completed 100 sixes in T20Is. He reached this milestone in just 785 balls, making him the fastest player from a Test-playing nation to do so, surpassing West Indies’ Evin Lewis, who achieved it in 789 balls. Sharma scored an aggressive 59 off 24 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes, at a strike rate exceeding 245. He now has a total of 102 T20I sixes.

The partnership between Iyer and Sharma was crucial for India. After a shaky start where Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan were dismissed early, Sharma went on the attack, scoring a blistering 50 off just 20 balls. He and Iyer built an impressive 82-run stand for the third wicket. Iyer then continued to contribute with partnerships of 36 runs with Tilak Varma and 42 runs with Shivam Dube.

Match summary and upcoming fixture

The contributions from Iyer and Sharma, along with a power-packed cameo from Shivam Dube, who scored 42* in 21 balls with two fours and three sixes, propelled India to a total of 189/7 in 20 overs. However, the match was ultimately abandoned due to rain, preventing England from batting.

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara praised Iyer’s innings, highlighting his maturity in leading the team after early wickets. Pujara noted that Iyer’s ability to hold one end up and then play quality shots once set was crucial for putting the team in a commanding position. The second T20I of the series is scheduled to take place at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday.

Source: m.rediff.com

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England secured a victory against DR Congo in a recent World Cup match, a game that featured a strong performance from DR Congo’s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi. Despite the win, the match presented a significant challenge for Thomas Tuchel‘s squad, who are now preparing for their next fixture in Mexico.

The match was marked by several dramatic moments, including a missed opportunity for DR Congo to extend their lead after going ahead, and a controversial penalty decision involving Harry Kane that was not awarded. Despite these incidents, Kane scored two goals, contributing to England’s progression in the tournament.

Kane’s historic performance

Harry Kane‘s performance against DR Congo was notable for its historical significance. Within a span of minutes in the second half, the England captain matched and then surpassed a significant scoring record in the FIFA World Cup. He moved past Pelé on the tournament’s all-time scoring chart.

Kane’s goals also positioned him in second place in England‘s World Cup knockout goalscoring history. This achievement further solidifies his standing among prominent tournament forwards.

One of Kane’s goals brought his World Cup tally to a number that drew him level with Pelé. Pelé‘s goals were achieved across World Cup appearances where he helped Brazil secure multiple titles.

Subsequently, Kane’s next goal moved him beyond Pelé on the all-time scoring list for the tournament. This rapid succession of goals allowed him to first equal and then surpass one of football’s celebrated goalscorers.

His performance also reshaped England‘s own World Cup history. Kane’s goals against DR Congo moved his career knockout-stage tally in the World Cup beyond Sir Geoff Hurst, whose knockout goals have been a significant part of England‘s tournament achievements since the 1966 World Cup.

Only Gary Lineker, with a higher number of World Cup knockout goals, remains ahead of Kane on England‘s all-time list. This places Kane close to matching another national record as England prepares for the next round.

Kane’s broader international career includes a number of goals in major international tournaments for England, encompassing both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. He holds the record as England‘s all-time leading men’s goalscorer and also the outright record for the most goals scored by an England player in major tournaments.

The striker first gained recognition as a World Cup marksman during the Russia 2018 tournament, where he scored a certain number of goals as England reached the semi-finals. His recent goals mean he has a specific number of goals in the current tournament.

In the match against DR Congo, Kane also made his World Cup start, which is the most by any England men’s outfield player. His overall club and country goal total for the season is a notable figure. His display earned him the Superior Player of the Match award.

Diverse tactical approaches in the tournament

The current World Cup has showcased a variety of tactical approaches, moving away from a previously observed trend towards a specific European style of play. Teams like Japan, DR Congo, and Paraguay have challenged more established football nations.

Paraguay, for instance, demonstrated an older tactical formation, featuring robust tackling. This style contrasts with some of the more contemporary European approaches.

Other teams, such as Germany, have employed different strategies, focusing on opportunities within the box. This method is distinct from the possession-based styles often associated with certain European clubs.

The tournament has highlighted that various cultures and styles of play continue to thrive, preventing a homogenization of tactics. This diversity has been a positive aspect of the competition.

The World Cup continues to deliver engaging matches, with the knockout phase often intensifying the competition. The next challenge for England is a match against Mexico, which will involve playing in different environmental conditions.

The match against DR Congo saw Lionel Mpasi, the goalkeeper, deliver a performance that included a series of saves against England‘s attackers. Despite his efforts, DR Congo ultimately lost the match.

Source: bbc.com

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Rain interrupts opening T20I

The first T20I match between India and England at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street was abandoned due to persistent rain. The weather conditions rendered the outfield unfit for play, preventing England from beginning their chase in the second innings. The match was officially called off without a single delivery bowled in England’s innings, resulting in a no-result for both teams.

Heavy rain started shortly after the innings break and continued throughout the evening. Ground staff were unable to prepare the playing surface before the cut-off time, leading to the abandonment of the game. The umpires made the decision to call off the match with approximately 40 minutes remaining until the cut-off for a five-over game.

India’s strong batting performance

After winning the toss, India elected to bat first and managed to post a competitive total of 189/7 in their allotted 20 overs. This strong recovery came after a challenging start to their innings. The batting effort was highlighted by an explosive half-century from Abhishek Sharma and a captain’s knock from Shreyas Iyer.

India’s innings began on a difficult note, with Saqib Mahmood striking early to dismiss Sanju Samson. Additionally, Ishan Kishan was run out following a mix-up, leaving the team struggling at 6/2. Despite this early pressure, the Indian batters managed to build significant partnerships and accelerate their scoring.

Abhishek Sharma initiated a counterattack, taking on England’s seamers with a display of aggressive strokeplay. The left-hander reached his fifty in just 20 deliveries. During his innings, Sharma also achieved the milestone of becoming the fastest batter from a Full Member nation to complete 100 sixes in T20 Internationals. He eventually fell for a scintillating 59 off 24 balls, an innings that included six fours and four sixes, before being trapped lbw by Sam Curran.

Key partnerships and individual milestones

A crucial partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer added 82 runs for the third wicket, helping India regain control of the innings. Following Sharma’s dismissal, skipper Shreyas Iyer took charge in the middle overs. He combined calculated aggression with sensible strike rotation, compiling a composed 68 off 47 deliveries, which featured six boundaries and a six.

During his captain’s knock, Iyer also crossed the landmark of 5,000 international runs, becoming the latest Indian batter to achieve this feat. Although Saqib Mahmood returned to dismiss Iyer, finishing with impressive figures of 3/33, India found valuable late runs to bolster their total.

Shivam Dube, the all-rounder, contributed significantly towards the end of the innings. He remained unbeaten on 42 off just 21 balls, striking three sixes and two fours, which helped propel the visitors to their final score of 189/7. The strong batting display set a challenging target for England, but the weather ultimately prevented any further play.

Looking ahead to the next fixture

With the first match of the series abandoned, attention now turns to the remainder of the tour. The second contest of the five-match series is scheduled to be held in Manchester on July 4.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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