France- World Cup Champions 1998, now- World Cup Champions 2018

Class of '98- the Past; Class of 2018- the Present!

Didier Deschamps, Fabian Barthez, Zinedine Zidane and a young Thierry Henry- 1998.

Didier Deschamps, Hugo Lloris, Antoine Griezmann and a young Kylian Mbappe-2018.

France 1998- Champions
Credit: Google.com

20 years on, the name, Didier Deschamps stands tall. He became, only the third footballer to lift the World Cup as a player and a coach. He was the player cum captain in 1998, He is the Coach in 2018. While, Deschamps, the captain, had the likes of Zidane & Henry at his disposal, Deschamps, the coach had the following XI to call upon at the Luzhniki stadium, Moscow:

1) The 'Dependable' Hugo Lloris (c) standing guard between the posts.

2) The 'Mighty Steel Leg' Benjamin Pavard striking them hard from 25 yards.

3) The 'Wall of Barca' Samuel Umtiti spelling doom for the 'high flying' Belgians.

4) The 'Golden Head' Raphael Varane started the procession against 'La Celeste'

5) The 'Machine' Lucas Hernandez, bombing up and down the left flank.

6) The 'Mercurial Red Devil' Paul Pogba, pulling the chords from central mid-field.

7) The 'He Can' N'Golo Kante, notching up mile after mile on Russian soil.

8) The 'Blazing' Blaise Matuidi, breaking up all attacks on the Left.

9) The 'Ballon D'or prospect' Antoine Griezmann, France's creator in chief.

10 The ' Scorpion King' Olivier Giroud, zero shots on Target, yet 564 minutes of footballing action.

11) The ' Pele of 2018' Kylian Mbappe, the lightening of Mbappe stuck 4 times at the Russian World Cup.

France-2018 Champions
Credit: Google.com

The whole world watched as these 11 french warriors took the field against the Croatian Soldiers. The Croats had played out of their skins throughout the tournament to reach the final. Croatia had braved extra time twice in three knockout matches while France had faced none. They were adept at closing matches in the stipulated time. Why wouldn't they? With a solid back-line and one of the most creative midfield trio backing them, the French attackers had their task cutout. An Antoine Greizmann free-kick led to an own goal by Mario Mandzukic. The prolific scorer for Croatia finding the wrong end within the first 20 mins. It took 10 mins for Croatia to equalize and keep their title hopes alive. Ivan Perisic and his left foot coming to the rescue again at the end of a well planned move.             

Paul Pogba at his soaring best.
Credit: Google.com

VAR, the Video Assistant Referee had a field day at the Russian World Cup. It was apt that technology would raise its head again in the final to wrap up an eventful tournament. Perisic, the hero from the semi-finals couldn't avoid the ball hitting his left arm. The Croatian players and its fans stood still as the On-Field Referee, Nestor Pitana pointed for the Spot-kick post consultation with VAR. Antoine Griezmann then, maintained his perfect record of dispatching the penalties taking France to a 2-1 lead at half-time. There was belief among the French walking down the tunnel, while the Croatians tried to motivate themselves for another testing 45 minutes of their career.

Mbappa- the young sensation
Credit: Google.com

The second half didn't have any major surprises. Paul Pogba scored from outside the box, Mandzukic scored after a 'Hugo Lloris' howler and Mbappe wrapped up the tournament in favor of the French contingent. Croatia won a lot of hearts at the World Cup, their 'never say never' attitude led them to the finals fighting the best competition at stake. But, France were indeed the deserving champions. They came unscathed out of a tricky group, thrashed the South American duo of Argentina & Uruguay, won against the pre-tournament favorites, Belgium and produced a clinical display in the Final. They had talent and passion in tandem. They had built a team based on its requirements rather than the credentials. Players like Frank Ribery, Karim Benzema missed out to the likes of Steven Nzonzi and Adil Rami.

Deschamps & team, did their homework well and ensured success for France. Coach Deschamps took over the reigns in the year 2012. He had to face a Quarterfinal ouster against Germany in WC 2014. He followed it up with a Final showdown with Portugal in Euro 2016. The Extra time loss to Portugal must have been at the forefront of his mind, as France took the field in the Final at Moscow. Indeed! France, rested the demons of Paris 2016 and replaced the same with Euphoria in Paris 2018. Given the current age of the French players, France would look forward to Qatar 2022.

Didier Deschamps- the Glorious Coach!
Credit: Google.com

One last time, from India, in Russian, "Dasvidaniya"

P.S: Cristiano Ronaldo, will now ply his trade for 'The Old Lady' :) !!

Russia's knock-out rounds of Football WC- Round of 16 & Quarter-Finals!

No Suarez, No Neymar, No Messi, No Ronaldo either!

Too Fast for Rojo?
Credit: Google.com

Mbappe's Greasy pace & Muslera's Karius moment:

Argentina had a 'MessI' world cup until Marcus Rojo came up with a late winner against the Nigerians. Rojo was Argentina's 'Hero' that night. Alas! He couldn't repeat the heroics against the young fast legs of one, Kylian Mbappe. 3 of the four french goals had Mbappe's hand. Or should I say, his feet. France's performance was ruthless against the men from South America. They had another match against a team from the same continent in the Quarterfinals, Uruguay. 

Muslera or Karius?
Credit: Google.com

Unlike 'La Albiceleste', 'La Celeste' were having their best World Cup yet. But they had their Hero from the last round, Edinson Cavani absent for the crucial encounter. His double against Portugal ensured Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait another 4 years to pursue his World Cup dream. Cavani's absence meant Godin's men would need a stupendous effort against Didier Deschamp's men. Two kicks from Antoine Greizman, one headed in by Madrid's Rafael Varane and another parried into his own net by Fernando Muslera, were enough to see the French through to their first semi-final since 1998.

Japan's Annihilation & De Bruyne's scorcher:

The last kick of the match- Japan Out!
Credit: Google.com

Asia's last hope, Japan were up by 2 goals against the high flying Belgian side. But, the Red Devils had other plans. Vertonghen started the process in the 69th minute, Maraune Fellaini's head ensured an equalizer in the 74th minute. Extra time was inevitable when Japan had a bout of heroism and deployed their entire squad for the killer move. Alas! A fast counter-attack culminated in a Nacer Chadli winner for Roberto Martinez and his men. 

The De Bruyne 'Missile'
Credit: Google.com

Brazil and Neymar were the two big names left at the Quarterfinal stage. Both names were wiped out by Belgium's pragmatic approach. Neymar and his theatrics were enough to overcome the Mexican challenge at the Samara Arena. They were then foiled by Kevin De Bruyne's magical strike from outside the box. Russia's Kazan Arena witnessing the last sojourn of the talented Brazilian side. 

Saint Petersburg will witness a colorful clash between the 'Blues' and the 'Reds' from Europe on June 10th. 

Croatia, Russia and plenty of Penalties:

Another Penalty Shootout- Another Victory
Credit: Google.com

Luka Modric had the chance to seal a 2-1 victory for the Croatians. With the entire world at his feet, the Real Madrid playmaker placed his shot into the doting arms of Kasper Schmeichel. A proud Peter watching his son save millions of Danish hopes and taking the match into Extra time. Penalties ensued. Schmeichel couldn't replicate his efforts in the shootout and was outplayed by one, Daniejl Subasic of Croatia, who save 3 penalties, a joint World Cup record. The Croats winning 3-2 on penalties.

The Modric 'Talisman'
Credit: Google.com

Russia, on the other hand had the Spanish Goliath facing them at the Luzhniki stadium. The team from Spain marred by the controversial sacking of their talisman, coach Julen Lopetegui, couldn't progress beyond the round of 16. Igor Akinfeev saved Iago Aspas's penalty shocking the champions from the 2010 World Cup. Their Quarterfinal against Croatia would be another cracker of an encounter. The match tied at 1-1 progressed to extra time where Domagoj Vida placed the croatian side ahead only to be equalized by a last minute Fernandez header. An injured Subacic, again using his golden gloves to take the Croatians to the Semi-finals. A feat achieved by the legendary batch of 1998 when they faced France in France.

It's coming home: England Fans:

Pickford with the PICK of his many saves
Credit: Google.com

David Seaman, David James, Paul Robinson and Joe Hart. Add Jordan Pickford to the list of legendary English Goalkeepers. The 6 foot 1 inch giant ensured the Swedish strikers couldn't breach his defense in the Quarter finals. The young custodian pulled one save after another to ensure the English side made it into the semifinals on Wednesday. A few days before, Pickford's Penalty Shootout saves against a passionate Colombian side won England, its first ever shootout at the World Cups. 

England, the home of Football since long haven't tasted success at the World Cup since 1966. They were dismantled by the legendary Brazilians in 2002, shot-out by the Portuguese in 2006, robbed by the Germans in 2010 (Goal Line Technology, where were you?) and left humbled at the Group stage in 2014. 2018 Semifinals will give the young men led by Gareth Southgate, an opportunity at the Holy grail of Football. With the talent and passion at his disposal, the Russian World Cup is a Golden opportunity.

They Believe, England Believes
Credit:Google.com

Croatia vs England at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow to follow on Wednesday,11th June.

2018 Russian World Cup has been a delight till date. With 4 matches remaining, we are all set for the finish of a lifetime.

From India, in Russian, "Dasvidaniya" .

P.S: The words are mine, the pictures aren't :) !!

Russia's Third Round and World Cup's Top 16

Iran's luck with the VAR, the Korean heist & the cruel strike of Fair Play

VAR in action- plenty of VAR
Credit: Google.com

Beiranvand thwarting Cris. Ronaldo
Credit: Google.com

Russia vs Spain & Uruguay vs Portugal: 

Russia & Uruguay had their spots fixed in the Round of 16, even before they took the field at the Samara Arena. With the top spot up for grabs, the 'La Celeste' unleashed their impeccable forward line upon the high flying Russians. The goals from Suarez & Cavani sandwiching a Cheryshev own goal ensuring victory for the Uruguay side. Group B was tantalizingly close with 3 teams still with a chance to progress to the knockout rounds. Iran and Portugal, played out the best match of the World Cup. A match full of controversies, end to end action and the periodic reliance on the Video Assistant Referee. Young Alireza Beiranvand's rags to riches story had another chapter added to it, the day he saved a Cristiano Ronaldo spot kick (thanks to VAR). Ronaldo himself, was lucky enough to escape with a Yellow after 'Elbowing' the Iranian right-back. A 93rd minute Iranian penalty and a near-miss from Mehdi Tarimi ensured Portugal & Spain (held 2-2 by a fighting Moroccan team) booked their pre-quaterfinal spots against Uruguay and Russia respectively. 

Messi & Argentina riding on Rojo's back
Credit: Google.com

France vs Argentia & Croatia vs Denmark:

France & Denmark played out the first 0-0 draw of the World Cup ensuring a 1-2 finish on top of the Group C Table. The non-consequential match between Peru and Australia ending in a victory for the South Americans. The South American giants, Argentina returned from the dead to set up a mouth-watering clash against The French to kick of the Round of 16. A delightful control and finish by the genius of Lionel Messi and a Marcus Rojo side-foot ensured no further setbacks to the side cheered on by a possessed Diego Maradona from the stands. The talented Croatian side will face the solid defence of Denmark at the Nizhny Novogorod stadium. Hopefully, the match will be as entertaining as the name of the stadium.

The Hand of 'God' was behind Argentina
Credit:  Google.com

Brazil vs Mexico & Sweden vs  Switzerland:

The team from Mexico (read: Mehico) were taken to the cleaners by a polished Swedish side. A 3-0 demolition could have meant the door for the side from the south of North America. But a German tragedy at Kazan ensured both Mexico and Sweden progress to the pre-quarters. The defending champions and the main contenders to retain their title came across a highly motivated South Korean side. The Asians faced waves of attack from Joachin Loew's men and emerged victorious at the end of the ordeal. The talented German team stuck by the curse of the champions in the 1st round of the World Cup. The Mexican side will now face the resurgent Brazilians. After a lack-luster draw with Switzerland and a last gasp finish against Costa Rica, Tite's men displayed the erstwhile Brazilian magic against Serbia taking the team to the next round without any hiccups.

Even 'Kroos' couldn't save the  German blushes.
Credit: Google.com

Meanwhile, Sweden, with its top of the table finish will face the dark horses in Switzerland. The Swiss are enjoying their best ever World Cup with two draws and one victory ensuring their presence among the mighty of the world.

Belgium vs Japan & Columbia vs England:

A second string of Belgium players was fielded by Roberto Martinez against Gareth Southgate's England who had rested their own key players. The prize from the match was a comparatively easier opponent in Japan which the Belgian side claimed as its own. Japan, the only Asian side to progress, had its own share of luck. They turned out to be the good Samaritans in Group H, trumping the Senegalese side, locked on points but with lesser number of  'Yellow Cards'. It was the first time that 'Fair Play' stuck its head out to choose the side making it to the next round. 

The Blue Samurai survives.
Credits: Google.com

The young English side will face of against the silky Colombians. The Colombian footballing lords, led by the quintessential Radamel Falcao, destroyed the Polish challenge. They will now face the English gentlemen with the probable absence of James Rodriguez who retired midway from their last match. His absence, will rob the match from an exciting outcome though.

The knockout stages have always exhilarating. With no second chances, teams go all out to make it to the quarterfinals. Lets hope, the World Cup continues to progress at its current pace with more penalties, last minute finishes and of course, UPSETS!!

From India, in Russian, 'Dasvidaniya'!

P.S: The words are mine, the pictures aren't. 

Russia's Vtoroy (read: Second) round of World Cup Football!

Saudi's tryst with a failed engine, Argentina's reality check & the flight of Kroos.

Even 'Salah' couldn't save Egypt.
Credit: Google

After a resounding victory over the Arabs, the hosts Russia made light work of the challenge posed by an Egyptian side, motivated by the return of Mohammed Salah, buoyed by a brilliant English season at Liverpool. The other team from the opening day, the Saudi Arabian team had a mid-air scare on their way to Rostov, Russia. One of their flight engines caught fire while landing on the runway. A  scare indeed. Alas! Their own engines refused to get started in the match against Uruguay. A customary Luis Suarez world cup goal ensured 'La Celeste' would make their final match against Russia, a game for the top spot. 

The youngest football dancer(I mean, Scorer) ever.
Credit: Google

Diego Costa ricochet & a diving Ronaldo header ensured Spain & Portugal had their destinies firmly in their hands. Iran & its World cup luck (lack of luck, precisely) continued from South America to Russia. Kylian Mbappe, became the youngest goal scorer in the history of World Cup football with his strike against Peru ensuring top spot in the group for France. Australia & Denmark kept their hopes alive with a 1-1 draw in front of an audience of 40000 supporters.

Will he retire again?
Credit: Google.

Luka Modric, had Lionel Messi's number since the day he joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspurs. He chose to dial the same when Argentina faced Croatia in the 2nd round of Group D matches. Rebic, Modric & Rakitic (Messi's Barcelona teammate) ensured the finalists of 2014 will have their task cut-out against a rampaging Nigerian side. Little Iceland couldn't replicate their performance from the last round and lost 2-0 to the Super Eagles led by a soaring Ahmed Musa brace.

And the ball 'KROOSed' into the net.
Credit: Google

Brazil and Switzerland had drawn their opening matches. Brazil seemed to be heading on a similar path again before Coutinho & Neymar rescused Brazil with two goals in extra time. While, Costa Rica suffered at the hands of Brazilian resilience, a fast Xherdan Shaqiri counter-attack ensured three points for Switzerland against the powerful Serbians. Group F, had the Mexicans sailing to a comfortable victory over the South Koreans. While the Mexicans had it easy, the Germans had to rely on the genius of Tony Kroos to escape the Swedish maze. All 3 teams have a chance to progress from the Group of Death.

Artificial Intelligence in Football?
Credit: Google

Harry Kane & Romelu Lukaku had contrasting seasons domestically. While Kane chased the Golden boot till the very end, Lukaku had his share of injuries hindering his pursuit. But now, both prolific strikers are at their best, ensuring England & Belgium leave their tag of Dark horses behind and start counting themselves as contenders for the World Cup. Group H is also evenly poised with Japan needing a point to qualify from their last match against Poland. Meanwhile, Columbia & Senegal will participate in a "Winner takes it all" match in their last match.

With the VAR in action, this World Cup has become the most controversial of all time. With 20 awarded penalties till date, most in any World Cup, the football fans are having their best time ever. It remains to be seen if any more upsets will be recorded before the World cup moves in to the Knockout stages. For neutral football fans, the more the better!

From India, in Russian, "Dasvidaniya"

P.S: The words are mine, the pictures aren't.

Russia's First Round of WC Football- Highlights

Russia's First Round of WC Football- Highlights

Who else? The goal scoring, freakishly fast Cris Ronaldo
Source: Google

Cristiano Ronaldo buried a trademark free-kick against Spain, Lionel Messi missed a regulation penalty & a certain Hirving Lozano shocked the defending champions, Germany. The aforementioned headlines dominating the newspapers across the globe. Indeed, the world cup kicked off to a number of fascinating encounters. 

From L-R: Prince Salman, Football, Vladimir Putin
Source: Google

Vladimir Putin & Prince Mohammed bin Salman watched from the stands, as Russia dismantled an' 'out of order' Saudi Arabian side. It was funny to see Mr Putin at his diplomatic best waving his hands in despair on each of the Russian Goals. A 6-0 scoreline will lead to a lot of 'Whips (figuratively speaking)' back in Riyadh. While, Russia made a bright start to the competition, a Salah-less Egypt were left heart-broken as Uruguay sneaked in a late winner to dent the hopes of 'The Pharoahs' . With Salah expected to be back for the remaining encounters, the North African team can still count its chances. 

Iran, in Group B, were persistent throughout the regulation time of Ninety minutes. A compact defense, popular since Carloz Queiroz took over in 2010, well supported by quick counter-attacking prowess. Team Melli, worked hard and were rewarded in the 95th minute, when one of the Moroccan midfielders headed the ball into the wrong net. Tehran & the other Iranian supporters erupted in Joy. Their joy would be enhanced further when the two European powerhouses, Spain & Portugal played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. All 3 goals scored by serial Ballon d'or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, his 51st career hat-trick.  

Messi, Messi? First Chile, now Iceland.
Source: Google

Lionel Messi had the script written in his favor. With the score tied at 1-1, the little master from Argentina couldn't beat the extended fingers of the Icelandic goalkeeper. The tiny Atlantic nation continuing its 'Giant-killing' form from the Euros. Croatia had its task cut-out against the African powerhouse, Nigeria. A 2-0 victory, well deserved by the Croatians. It took the silky touches of Paul Pogba to clinch a 2-1 victory for France against the Aussies in Kazan. Serbia & Denmark won their respective matches against Costa Rica & Peru. The results were on expected lines, 1-0 scorelines depicting the cagey nature of the ensuing World Cup. 

The World Cup arrives every 4 years & so, arrive the Hot favorites Brazilians. Neymar Jr, wielding the baton of brilliance for the South Americans in Russia. A Phil Coutinho cracker had the Brazilian flag flying, only to be cut short by a minute of Swiss flair. A 1-1 draw, an upset, indeed. Speaking of upsets, Germany, the defending champions from Brasil 2014 were left shocked as Mexico, scored & defended their goal as if their life depended on the same. England's Fergie time winner against Tunisia was not the only entertaining match as Russia rounded its first round of matches. Japan & Senegal clinching first ever victories for Asia & Africa over South America & Europe respectively.

As, we move in to the second round of matches, a lot of questions will be answered. Will the likes of Brazil, Germany, Argentina & Spain stand up and make their experience count. Will we see a couple more upsets as we move further towards the knock-out stages. It would be awesome if the same level of Football is reproduced in the 2nd week. 

Till then, Dasvidaniya :) !! 

The World of 'Football' is upon us. Yay!!

The World of 'Football' is upon us. Yay!!

Neither my impulse to create a blog nor my craze for Football/Soccer is an overnight idea. My craze for the 'beautiful game' dates back to the start of the 21st Century, when one Mr Ronaldinho decided to chip his free-kick over an astounded David Seaman during the 2002 World Cup. The idea of establishing a 'proper' blog had been persisting since the year, Abhinav Bindra won India's first individual Olympic Gold (the year: 2008). (Ronaldinho's Goal against England -2002)

Now, with your first thought taken care of. Let me take you through my experiences with the World's  2nd biggest (if not the 1st) event since 2002, the eighth year of the horse.

2002- The 'FIRST' Ronaldo & the "KAHNtastic" Germans: 

One of many WC Goals - 2002 Final

Source: Google

Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos & Cafu.. Do I need to say anything more. The South Americans, were a team possessed in Asia's first rendezvous with football's greatest. If Ronaldo's goal scoring streak was the talk of the town in Seoul, Oliver Kahn was turning back the years between the goalposts. He, along with a young Miroslav Klose took Germany to the last hurdle. I still remember, Micheal Ballack bringing one of the South Korean players down in the last minute to avoid a goal scoring opportunity in the semi-final. His 'Red card' meant, Germany lived to fight another day. But, the Samba boys had everything sorted and made Yokohama its home on 30th June,2002. Who else, but one Mr. Ronaldo scoring 2 goals.

2006- The Stamp & the Butt, Head Butt!

Materazzi- Hey, Zidane, Log Chlormint kyun Khaate hai?
Zidane- Chall Hatt!!

Source: Google

Fabio Grosso, scored the winning penalty in Berlin & wheeled around to celebrate Italy's World cup win in Berlin. But Berlin & Rome weren't the only two cities rejoicing that night. There was an opposite reaction in Paris, one of 'Despair'. Their talisman, their messiah from 1998, Zinedine Zidane had "Headbutted" an unpleasant Marco Materazzi in the 110th minute of his last match. A glistening career ended on a bruising note (Fans & Materazzi alike). The headbutt wasn't the only altercation from the world cup. Rooney's 'Stamp' & the subsequent 'Wink' by Cristiano Ronaldo left millions of Manchester United Fans hanging by the thread. It took the managerial brilliance of Sir Alex to salvage the premier league campaign and emerge victorious in the end.

2010- Tiki Taka & Barca's imprint on 'La Roja'
The starting eleven for Barcelona in the world cup final had, oh wait, I meant 'Spain'. Why? Six of the eleven Spanish players plied their trade for the major city from Catalonia. South Africa (and the whole world) witnessed a brilliant lesson of tactical football in 2010. Pep Guardiola & his silky players dominated the Spanish Primera Liga for nearly 6 years with their exquisite short passing style of football. Spain used the same 'Tiki Taka' to enthrall the footballing world. The Vuvuzela & the Waka Waka, created the other 'loud' attractions. It was the 'Time for Africa", indeed.

Spain a.k.a. Barcelona a.k.a 2010 Champions
Source: Google

2014-The Flying Dutchmen & the Brazilian Tears!

Spanish Fans: We heard Van Persie can fly
Vincent Del Bosque: We will know now, wouldn't we?
Source: Sportskeeda

Louis Van Gaal, was the most confident man in Rio de Janeiro. With the lucrative Manchester contract on the near horizon, the former Ajax coach was at his tactical best. He pulled a certain 'Tim Krul' out of his magic hat to stop the Costa Rican express in the quarterfinals. Robin 'The flying' Van Persie & Arjen 'the old Rocket' Robben had left the Spanish gasping in the earlier encounter. But they were brought down by a spirited Argentinian ship, anchored by a certain Lionel Messi. It seemed apt that Mario Gotse would fire his volley beyond the Argentinian goalie, Romero and into the hearts of the Argentinian fans in the final. Argentina weren't the only South American team disappointed by Joachim Low's men. The host country of Brazil & millions of its fans were left in tears as Germany ran riot in Belo Horizonte. A 7-1 scoreline puncturing the rich legacy of Brazilian Football.

2018- The world cup of 'Possibilities' !

The World of Football is upon us.
Source: Forbes

The Dutch, The Azzuris, The Chileans & ironically, the Americans, didn't make it to the world cup in Russia. Why?? No controversies (political or otherwise) here. The likes of Panama, Iceland & Peru ensured that the latest world cup will lack the traditional legendary teams. But, the excitement remains. And possibilities remain. The sacking of the Spanish coach (Real Madrid, the rich anti-Hero!), Nike's hypocritical withdrawal from the Iranian sponsorship of shoes (Sanctions? No wonder US didn't make it to the world cup) and other instances have already created the necessary hype around the current world cup. It remains to be seen if this will be the last world cup for the club stars, Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi. A World cup would definitely be the cream of their achievements.

On that victorious note, Wishing all my fellow football fans, Eid-ul-Fitr mubarak. 

From India, in Russian, "Dasvidaniya" 😇

P.S: The words are mine, the images aren't. Credit: Google !