WHAT LIES AHEAD?

 

Image Credit- Hindustan Times.

On 26th March 2024 Indian Football Team faced Afghanistan in a World Cup Qualifier Game. A win in this game would have improved their chances of qualifying in the next round of the World Cup. However, what happened in this game was nothing short of a disgrace.   

The Indian national football team took the lead in the 37th minute of the game. A handball in the penalty area led to the hosts being awarded a penalty. Sunil Chhetri confidently stepped up and successfully converted it, marking his 94th goal in his 150th appearance. However, in the 70th minute, Rahmat Akbari equalized with a goal aided by a significant deflection. Sharif Mukhammad then scored from a penalty kick in the 88th minute, taking advantage of an error by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The 2-1 defeat left fans and players frustrated as this outcome further underscores the challenges facing Indian football. 

India maintained their second position in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, positioning themselves well for advancement to the third round. However, their journey is becoming increasingly challenging. Initially, they only required to avoid defeat against Kuwait in Kolkata in June after leading with Chhetri's penalty until the 71st minute in Guwahati on Tuesday. Now, securing a victory has become imperative. The question remains: will India fulfill Stimac's repeated promises and targets to qualify for the third round? This will be determined in June when they confront Kuwait at home before traveling to Qatar for the final two World Cup qualifiers.

THIS IS FOOTBALL HERITAGE

 

Image Credit- This is Anfield.

Whenever Manchester United plays Liverpool FC the world stops to watch them play. Even though the Mancs are not in their best of forms, but whenever they face Scousers in a FA Cup game they come out with their best. And this is what happened on 17th March, 2024. The stage was the quarterfinals of the prestigious FA Cup. Manchester United were facing Liverpool in their home. The Scousers were the favorites to march forward in the semi-final. But, this is football. Anything can happen any moment.  Manchester United came from the back and won a thriller in the 120th minute of the game. 

It was a high octane game with both sides attacking continuously. Scott McTominay scored the opening goal of the game as Manchester United were 1-0  up in just 10 minutes. However on the brink of half-time Liverpool scored 2 goals and were up 2-1. It appeared that they will hold the game now and eliminate Manchester United from the FA Cup. However in the nick of time Antony scored the equalizer and the game went into extra time.

In the Extra-Time Liverpool once again took the lead as Elliot scored a goal in 105th minute of the game. However 7 minutes later Rashford scored the equalizer and the Mancs were back in the game. It seamed anyone can win the game, but this is when a young Amad scored a brilliant goal in the 120th minute of the game and sealed a semifinal spot for the Mancs. 

The Old Trafford erupted as Liverpool were knocked out from the FA Cup, The Manchester United are now in the semi-finals wherein they will face Coventry. On the other hand the second semi-final will be played between Manchester City and Chelsea. Whether it will be a repeat of 2018 Final or 2023 Final. The answer lies in the womb of time. But, for the time being its all good in Manchester. 

To watch the highlights of the game, Click Here. 

THE HARRY KANE SAGA

 

Image Credit- CNN.

In the summer of 2023 Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich in the hunt of trophies. Kane is indeed one of the greatest strikers of his generation, but also the unlucky one. Despite his goal scoring abilities, he has failed to win a silverware for whichever team he has played. Be it Tottenham or England, Kane went till the finals but ended up in the losing side. 

As a result, when he joined FC Bayern Munich it was expected that his trophy drought is about to come to an end. However, what happened next is something truly unbelievable. FC Bayern Munich is on the verge of going trophyless this season. Firstly, they lost the Super Cup. Post this they were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal. Furthermore, they are 10 points behind the League Leaders which makes the chances of a comeback bleak. The only tournament where they are alive is the UEFA Champions League wherein, they will be facing the toughest of opponents. 

However, despite the struggles of FC Bayern, Harry Kane has been in red hot form. He has scored more than 30 goals in his debut season with Bayern and is on the cusp of winning the Golden Boot. However, will he win a Silverware with his Team? The answer lies in the womb of time. 

THIS IS PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Image Credit- Sky Sports.

English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga are the 5 topmost leagues in the world. However, its only March and we very much know the winners in 4 out of 5 leagues. Bayer 04 Leverkusen is on its way to end Munich's Bundesliga run. Inter Milan in Serie A, PSG in Ligue 1 and Real Madrid in La Liga are also very comfortable in the moment. Unless these 4 clubs commit hara-kiri, we know who the winner of this season is going to be. 

However, in Premier League the situation is completely different. 3 Clubs are fighting hammer and tongs for the EPL Title- Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. Any of them can win the league. The competition is so so tough. One mistake and the title hopes will get destroyed. Such is the nature of Premier League.  

THE GERMAN SNIPER IS BACK

 

Image Credit- The Guardian.

After UEFA European Championship 2021, German Midfielder Toni Kroos announced retirement from International Football. Everyone in the footballing world was shocked and sad. Afterall he was just 31 years old and was also in good touch. Hence everyone wanted him to reverse his decision. The prayers were heard as in February 2024 Toni Kroos announced that he is coming out of retirement and will play the UEFA European Championship 2024. The fans are super excited with his decision. Furthermore, this has also given a big boost to the German ambitions who are eying glory in their home. For the last 7 years they have been continuously struggling on the big stage. Will the coming of Kroos improve their performance? Will this be Germany's Year? The Answers lie in the womb of time. But everything is good for now. Afterall the German Sniper is back. 

THE CURSE OF WEMBLEY

 

Image Credit- BVM Sports.

In 2016-17 Season, Chelsea lost the F.A. Cup Final against Arsenal in Wembley. It was a closely fought game, but a defeat in final always pinches hard. However, in the very next season we came back strong and won the F.A. Cup title against a strong Manchester United Side in Wembley. Unfortunately, since then winning a final at Wembley has become an elusive dream. In the past 6 years we have played 6 finals in Wembley. It includes 3 Carabao Cup Finals and 3 F.A. Cup Finals. However, we have failed to win every single time. 2024 Carabao Cup final is the latest defeat in that list. I don't know when this curse will end. But, for the time being watching Chelsea play in Wembley is nothing short of a nightmare. The curse of Wembley is for real.