FOOTBALL
World Cup Predictions: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia
South American champions Argentina will meet Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium to begin their quest for the first World Cup trophy since 1986.
Saudi Arabia are one of the strongest football forces in Asia, having worn the crown of continental supremacy no less than three times, but they will enter the fray as underdogs against La Albiceleste.
Lionel Messi has announced that this will be his last World Cup journey.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or-winner will have one last attempt at the only trophy that has eluded him in his illustrious career, the World Cup.
Messi came agonisingly close to ending his nation’s World Cup drought in 2014, but the heartbreak of a 1-0 loss in the final to Germany prompted him to retire from international duty.
He would return later, but back-to-back final losses to Chile in the Copa América before a humiliating round-of-16 exit from the 2018 World Cup heaped more misery on the mercurial forward.
But then came Lionel Scaloni.
The Scaloni effect
Scaloni was a unproven name when he took charge of Argentina following the 2018 World Cup catastrophe.
He laid the foundations of a formidable team with excellent chemistry between the players.
The former Lazio defender became the first Argentina manager to win an international title since Alfio Basile (1993 Copa América) when he oversaw Argentina’s Copa América-winning campaign in 2021.
Now Scaloni would hope to become the third Argentina manager after Carlos Bilardo and César Menotti to win the World Cup.
He has a vitalised squad at his disposal with the perfect blend of youth and experience.
Argentina would like to get their World Cup mission running with a big win and extend their unbeaten run to 37 matches and match Italy’s world record for the longest unbeaten streak in international football.
Saudi Arabia’s track record
Saudi Arabia played in the inaugural match of the 2018 World Cup, but Al-Saqour will not be keen to relive that memory as they lost 5-0 against the hosts, Russia.
They will be keen to avoid a similar result this time around as they face an even stronger opposition.
The Asian side only progressed beyond the group stages once.
Apart from the round of 16 appearance in the 1994 World Cup, Saudi Arabia never managed to make it into the knockout stages.
Hervé Renard’s team will face an uphill battle to avoid that fate once again as they are scheduled to play against Argentina, Mexico, and Poland in their three group matches.
Saudi Arabia can’t look at their recent results for inspiration either.
They warmed up for the World Cup with a one-all draw with Panama and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Croatia. Over the last ten matches, the Falcons have emerged victorious only twice.
The only advantage Saudi Arabia have over Argentina is that they are more familiar with Qatar’s desert climate than their Monday afternoon oppositions. So, they will hope to take advantage of the sweltering midday heat.
Team News
Lionel Messi’s absence of training sparked rumours that he might not be available for the Group C opener, but the latest reports rubbush such claims and say that the PSG ace will be available to line up alongside Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María.
Inter Milan forward Joaquín Correa went back home after sustaining an injury in training. Atalanta’s Thiago Almada took his place in the squad.
In defence, Scaloni might sacrifice Lisandro Martínez in favour of a natural left foot-right foot centre-back pair of Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero.
The latter was doubtful for the Saudi Arabia match, but concrete reports have surfaced that Romero will be fit to start.
Saud Arabia midfielder Riyadh Sharahili has picked up a muscle injury during training which could not only keep him out of the Argentina match, but also end his World Cup campaign.
Defender Hassan Tambakti was not seen in training on Saturday.
Saudi Arabia already had suffered a massive blow to their World Cup ambitions when they were compelled to send Fahad Al-Muwallad, one of their best forwards, back home as his doping test results came back positive.
Our Predictions
Saudi Arabia have two draws in their four encounters with Argentina, but both of those draws came in friendlies, and the World Cup is different gravy.
Argentina have been on red hot form lately, so we expect them to pick up a dominant 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
FOOTBALL
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Moment Recalled by Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand shared an emotional incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Ferguson during their Manchester United days. The story highlights Ferguson’s management style and Ronaldo’s journey to becoming a football legend.
According to Ferdinand, the incident occurred early in Cristiano Ronaldo career. Ferguson criticized Ronaldo in front of the team after a subpar performance. The harsh words left Ronaldo in tears, but they also sparked a determination to improve.
Ferdinand explained that Ferguson used such moments to build mental toughness in young players. The criticism wasn’t meant to demean but to push Ronaldo toward greatness. This tough-love approach became a hallmark of Ferguson’s management.
Ronaldo responded by working harder on his game, focusing on areas Ferguson pointed out. Ferdinand recalled how Ronaldo’s commitment to improvement impressed both teammates and coaches. This incident marked a turning point in Ronaldo’s development.
The story also sheds light on Ferguson’s ability to read players and tailor his approach. While his methods were tough, they often brought out the best in players like Ronaldo.
Ferdinand emphasized that Ronaldo’s resilience and willingness to learn set him apart. He turned criticism into motivation, eventually becoming one of the greatest footballers in history.
This anecdote offers a glimpse into the dynamics of a legendary player-coach relationship. It also highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in professional sports.
Ronaldo’s ability to handle challenges and grow from them remains a key lesson for aspiring athletes. The story serves as a reminder of how tough moments can lead to extraordinary success with the right mindset.
FOOTBALL
Bukayo Saka Injury: Arsenal Star Out for Several Weeks
Bukayo Saka had hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for several weeks, confirmed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. This announcement comes as a significant blow to Arsenal’s campaign, as Saka plays a pivotal role in the team’s attack.
Arteta revealed that Bukayo Saka injury occurred during a recent match and requires adequate recovery time. Medical evaluations confirmed the severity of the issue, necessitating a break from competitive football.
Saka’s absence creates challenges for Arsenal, particularly in crucial upcoming matches. The team must now explore alternative strategies to maintain their performance without one of their key players.
Arteta emphasized the importance of player health and stressed that Saka’s recovery would not be rushed. The manager expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and adaptability to manage this period effectively.
Arsenal’s medical staff will closely monitor Saka’s rehabilitation to ensure a safe and complete recovery. The club remains optimistic about his return later in the season.
Fans expressed their support for Saka, wishing him a speedy recovery. His contributions this season have been vital, making his absence a significant setback. Arsenal supporters eagerly await updates on his progress.
This development highlights the physical demands on players in competitive football. Teams must balance performance and player welfare to prevent such injuries. Arsenal’s handling of Saka’s situation reflects their commitment to safeguarding their players’ health.
Saka’s injury adds pressure on Arsenal to perform without their star winger. The team’s response during this period will test their resilience and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.
FC Goa
FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
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