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Manchester City, Real Madrid Lead The Contenders As Champions League Knockouts Begin

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Manchester City and Real Madrid will both be in action when the UEFA Champions League knockout stages begin this Tuesday, and it is the last two winners of European football’s greatest prize who appear the strongest contenders to go all the way this season. Pep Guardiola has been busy playing down City’s chances of repeating their remarkable treble triumph of last year, when they retained the English Premier League title and won the FA Cup before claiming their first ever Champions League crown. “We have 99.99 per cent possibility that we are not going to win the treble because it has never, ever, ever been done,” Guardiola said this week when asked about the prospect of retaining all three trophies. Yet City seem to be finding their very best form again just at the right time, and they head to Denmark for Tuesday’s last 16, first leg against FC Copenhagen on a run of 10 straight wins in all competitions. Copenhagen are into the knockout phase of Europe’s elite club competition for just the second time, and first since 2011. They held City at home in last season’s group stage and beat Manchester United 4-3 earlier this season at their Parken Stadium, so Tuesday’s game will perhaps not be straightforward for the reigning champions. But Guardiola’s team will surely be far too strong over two legs, and Madrid should also have too much for RB Leipzig, who they face in Germany first. Led by Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are in superb form in La Liga despite being hampered by a cascade of injuries in defence. The draw for the last 16, made in December, was somewhat underwhelming, even if the meeting between last season’s runners-up Inter Milan and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid has the makings of a cracker. It will also be fascinating to see how Barcelona fare against Napoli as the Catalans head into their final months under Xavi Hernandez before their legendary former player departs as coach at the end of the campaign. Given Napoli’s own difficulties in following up their stunning run to the Serie A title last season, Barcelona will be hopeful of advancing to a first Champions League quarter-final since 2020. That year they beat Napoli in the last 16 before a stunning 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich in Lisbon. Bayern themselves travel to face Lazio reeling from a 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen which leaves their decade-long grip on the Bundesliga title looking more fragile than ever. Harry Kane and his teammates will hope that the return to continental competition brings out the best in them, especially with the increasing prospect that the England star’s first season in Germany might end without a major trophy. PSG’s last chance with Mbappe?  A classic quarter-final line-up could be in store if all the heavyweights avoid shock defeats in the last 16. Arsenal should be too strong for Porto, while PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Dortmund meet in a battle of two outsiders. Then there is Paris Saint-Germain, the club who have made a habit of failing spectacularly in Europe in recent years despite the lavish spending of their Qatari owners. PSG have been eliminated in the first knockout round in five of the last seven seasons, and it seems certain that this will be their last chance to win the Champions League with Kylian Mbappe in their ranks. The France captain’s future appears likely to lie elsewhere — most probably with Real Madrid — as his contract expires after this campaign. Yet PSG’s form this season under Luis Enrique — the man who led Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2015 — has been so unconvincing that the prospect of them going all the way in Europe appears slim. Understandably wary supporters of the French club may even be dreading facing Real Sociedad, who they face in Paris in the first leg on Wednesday. The Basque side come into the tie in poor form and with considerable injury problems, but the pressure will all be on PSG. “If you want to get to the final you have to play against the best teams,” said Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil as he reflected on the draw. “That is their objective, to get to the final. Imagine what a bombshell it would be if we eliminated them.”

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India vs Australia Live Score, U19 World Cup Final: Australia win toss, opt to bat

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IND vs AUS Live Score, ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024 Final Match: Australia skipper Hugh Weibgen elected to bat against defending champions India in the final of the U-19 World Cup on Sunday. India, who are vying for a recording-extending sixth title, are unchanged. Australia made one change to their playing eleven, bringing in Charlie Anderson for Tom Campbell. The clash promises to be a spectacle of skill and determination as these young cricketers aim to etch their names in history. While memories of the senior team’s defeat against Australia in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 may linger, Indian skipper Uday Saharan asserts that the team is solely focused on the present, refusing to dwell on past disappointments or future uncertainties. The squad remains determined to seize the moment and emerge victorious against their formidable opponents. Australia, with a formidable quartet comprising skipper Hugh Weibgen, opener Harry Dixon, and seamers Tom Straker and Callum Vidler, poses a significant challenge to India’s aspirations. However, with a history of triumphs in the U-19 World Cup, including victories in 2012 and 2018, India enter the final as favorites. The Indian team’s consistent success in age-group cricket reflects the country’s robust talent pipeline and effective development system. With appearances in nine global finals since 2016, India’s young cricketers have consistently showcased their prowess on the international stage. The U-19 World Cup has served as a launchpad for several cricketing luminaries, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, highlighting the tournament’s significance in nurturing future stars. However, the transition from junior to senior cricket presents its own set of challenges, with many promising talents failing to replicate their early success at the highest level. Amidst the hype and anticipation surrounding the final, the spotlight falls on standout performers such as Sachin Dhas and Saumy Pandey, who have exhibited the potential to excel in senior cricket. While Dhas’ batting prowess and Pandey’s spin bowling have garnered attention, the team’s collective effort and resilience have been instrumental in reaching the summit clash. As the young Indian cricketers brace themselves for the ultimate challenge, their collective determination and skill will be put to the test against Australia.

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Breaking: Shreyas Iyer complains of stiff back and groin pain, likely to miss last three Tests

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Indian cricket fans hold their breath as reports emerge of Shreyas Iyer’s potential absence from the upcoming Test matches against England due to injury. The talented middle-order batsman has voiced concerns about stiffness in his back and discomfort in the groin area, particularly while executing the crucial forward defensive shots. This development casts a shadow over his participation in the remainder of the series, leaving selectors and supporters alike anxious about the team’s prospects. Sources reveal that Iyer’s equipment was dispatched to his Mumbai residence rather than being routed to the team’s destination for the third Test in Rajkot, exacerbating concerns about his availability. This logistical hiccup underscores the seriousness of the situation, hinting at the possibility of an extended absence for the player. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee faces a pivotal decision as they prepare to announce the squad for the forthcoming matches. With the series finely poised at 1-1, every selection carries significant weight, and Iyer’s potential absence leaves a critical void in the team’s lineup. The absence of his dynamic batting prowess and sharp fielding skills could significantly impact India’s performance in the crucial encounters ahead. In a bid to assess the extent of his injury and chart a path towards recovery, Iyer is slated to undergo further tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. While the exact nature and severity of the injury remain undisclosed, the batsman remains optimistic about returning to competitive cricket ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commencing next month. However, concerns linger over the recurrence of injury woes for Iyer, who underwent surgery last year following a back injury. His history of physical setbacks raises questions about his durability and long-term fitness, prompting the cricketing fraternity to closely monitor his rehabilitation process. The potential absence of a key player like Iyer not only impacts India’s immediate prospects in the Test series against England but also raises broader questions about the team’s depth and resilience in the face of adversity. It calls for a recalibration of strategies and a reliance on alternate resources to fill the void left by the injured stalwart. As the cricketing world awaits the official announcement from the selection committee, the fate of Shreyas Iyer hangs in the balance, with hopes pinned on his swift recovery and return to the field. His absence would undoubtedly be felt, underscoring the unpredictable nature of sports and the challenges athletes face in navigating the rigors of professional competition. “Iyer has informed the Indian team management and the medical staff that his back gets stiff after playing more than 30 balls and he feels pain in his groin while playing forward defence,” a source told The Indian Express. “Post surgery, he is facing this issue for the first time so he has been advised to rest for a few weeks. He will head to NCA later.”

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IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli set to miss 3rd Test, but window remains open for his return in 4th and 5th Tests

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Virat Kohli’s highly anticipated return to the Indian cricket team faces further delay, casting doubts on his participation in the crucial third Test against England in the ongoing five-match series. While hopes linger for his comeback before the series concludes, Kohli’s absence from the upcoming Rajkot Test, set to commence on February 15, appears increasingly likely due to his failure to communicate his availability to the team management by Wednesday evening. Amidst this uncertainty surrounding Kohli, there emerges a glimmer of hope for the Indian team as two key players, known for their match-winning capabilities, are poised to make their comeback. The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) senior selection committee is slated to convene virtually on Thursday to finalize the squad for the remaining three Test matches. It is widely speculated that Kohli will be omitted from the initial squad selection, with provisions made for his inclusion once he becomes available for selection. The ongoing five-match Test series between India and England hangs in the balance following India’s triumph in the second Test, leveling the series at 1-1. As the teams gear up for the critical phase of the series, the absence of Kohli, India’s talismanic former captain, could prove to be a significant challenge. However, the team remains hopeful of his eventual return, aiming to bolster their lineup with his formidable presence. Stay tuned as the saga unfolds, with the BCCI’s selection committee poised to make crucial decisions that could shape the trajectory of the series. Amidst the anticipation and speculation, one thing remains certain – the battle on the cricket field promises to be intense and captivating, with both teams vying for supremacy in this fiercely contested Test series. Kohli had missed the first two Test matches of the series due to personal reasons and it is learnt that he had flown to England thereafter with his family. “Virat will decide when he wants to make a comeback to the Indian side. He hasn’t informed us till now but whenever he decides to play, he will be included in the team,” a BCCI official said. Meanwhile, AB de Villiers, Kohli’s close friend and former teammate at Royal Challengers Bangalore, had revealed that Kohli was expecting his second child. “All I know is he is fine. He is spending a bit of time with his family, that is the reason he is missing the first two Test matches. I am not going to confirm anything else. I cannot wait to see him back. He is fine, he is doing well,” AB de Villiers said in a video. “Yes, his second child is on the way. It’s family time and things are important to him… I think most people’s priority is family. You can’t judge Virat for that. He has made absolutely the right decision.” n an exciting development for cricket fans worldwide, the Indian cricket team gears up for the upcoming third Test against England with a significant roster update. As preparations intensify for the crucial encounter scheduled to commence in Rajkot on February 15, the team management has summoned the selected players to report at the venue starting from February 11. Amidst the buzz surrounding the squad selection, one prominent name poised to make a triumphant return to the Indian side is none other than the dynamic batsman, KL Rahul. After a brief absence due to a quad strain, Rahul is set to rejoin the squad, injecting a potent blend of skill and experience into the team’s lineup. Rahul’s impending comeback adds an extra dimension to India’s batting arsenal, offering versatility and firepower at the top of the order. His ability to adapt to various conditions and play match-winning innings makes him a valuable asset for the team, particularly in high-stakes encounters like the upcoming Test against England. As the Indian contingent braces itself for the challenges ahead, the inclusion of Rahul brings renewed optimism and confidence to the squad. His return not only bolsters the team’s batting depth but also provides leadership and guidance on the field, further enhancing India’s prospects in the fiercely contested Test series. With the stage set for a thrilling showdown in Rajkot, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Rahul’s resurgence as he aims to make a resounding impact and contribute significantly to India’s quest for victory. As the countdown to the third Test begins, all eyes will be on Rahul and the rest of the Indian team as they strive to seize the momentum and turn the tide in their favor. Stay tuned for more updates as the anticipation builds and the excitement reaches fever pitch ahead of the highly anticipated clash between India and England in the third Test. Don’t miss out on the action as the drama unfolds on the cricket field, promising thrills, spills, and unforgettable moments aplenty! 🏆🔥

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Why Shreyas Iyer is living on borrowed time in the England series

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Kevin Pietersen was raging. “Listen, when Kohli comes back and other guys come back [KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja] and these are the days these boys are going to look back and go, ‘oh why did I not get a hundred? I had the opportunity to get the hundred’. And when you are sloppy like that, getting out doesn’t impress me at all,” the former England batsman, and now television pundit, fumed after the first innings in the second Test at Vizag. His anger was directed at India’s No.4 for the game Shreyas Iyer Now, even without Virat Kohli playing, but the “other guys” returning, the pressure is still on Iyer. Luckily for him, his contender Rajat Patidar didn’t make it count either and the shootout between the two for a spot in the team when the third Test swings into action in Rajkot on February 15 will be interesting. With Rahul’s return, India might want the more overtly aggressive Iyer in the mix but you never know. That it has come to this is Iyer’s own making. One thing is clear from his brief Test career. He is not going to look ‘composed’ or show ‘hunger’ or not be ‘sloppy’ in traditional terms as Pietersen wishes. That doesn’t seem his way. As a batsman he puts himself in unique positions that can bewilder even former cricketers, let alone the fans.

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Australia vs Pakistan, Semifinal U19 World Cup 2024 highlights: Ali Raza masterclass in vain as AUS enter 6th final

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Australia vs Pakistan, highlights U19 World Cup 2024, AUS vs PAK: Staging a comeback for Pakistan in the low-scoring contest, 15-year-old Ali Raza bowled a double-wicket maiden to turn the tie on its head. However, Raza’s death-over heroics went in vain as Raf MacMilllan hit the winning runs in the 50th over to seal Australia’s one-wicket win over Pakistan. Australia will meet defending champions India in the final on Sunday. The Australian bowling spearheaded by Tom Straker wreaked havoc on Pakistan’s batting lineup, limiting them to a mere 179 runs in 48.5 overs. Straker’s exceptional performance saw him clinch six crucial wickets for just 24 runs, sealing Pakistan’s fate and leaving them struggling at 5 down for 79. Despite a resilient half-century from Azan Awais and a promising partnership with Arafat Minhas, Pakistan’s hopes were shattered as Straker struck again, leaving them reeling at 6 down with less than 10 overs remaining. Earlier in the match, Callum Vidler, Straker, and Raf MacMillan had set the tone by dismissing key Pakistani batsmen, with the Australian side dominating the Powerplay. Straker’s prowess was evident as he accounted for the dismissals of Shamyl Hussain and Pakistan captain Saad Baig, while Vidler removed Shahzaib Khan early on. The introduction of spin by MacMillan further added to Pakistan’s woes, culminating in the loss of half their side. Australia, led by captain Hugh Weibgen, chose to bat first after winning the toss, making three changes to their lineup. Despite a shaky start with early wickets and a couple of dropped catches, Australia managed to steady themselves, with Harry Dixon notably scoring a vital half-century off 70 balls. However, Pakistan fought back valiantly, with Ali Raza’s double-wicket maiden injecting life into the contest. In the end, it was Raf MacMillan who sealed the deal for Australia, striking a boundary in the final over to secure a thrilling one-wicket victory over Pakistan. With both teams maintaining their undefeated streaks in the tournament, the stage is set for an epic final showdown between Australia and India, promising a fitting climax to the U19 World Cup.

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Delhi Capitals Top Official’s Huge Update On Rishabh Pant Ahead Of IPL 2024

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Rishabh Pant’s Remarkable Comeback: From Car Accident Sidelines to Anticipated Return in 2023 As speculation swirls around the potential return of Rishabh Pant to the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the team’s top official, PKSV Sagar, has finally broken his silence on the star player’s status. Pant has been on the sidelines since a car accident in December 2022, but encouraging signs of recovery have fueled hopes for his comeback this year. Sagar sheds light on Pant’s progress, the first hints of his return, and the team’s strategy ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. Early Hints and Recovery Progress a head of IPL 2024: The anticipation for Rishabh Pant’s return to the IPL gained momentum in November, with his presence at a Delhi Capitals camp in Kolkata. The camp, attended by senior support staff including Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting, and Pravin Amre, hinted at Pant’s active involvement in team discussions despite his absence on the field. Sagar acknowledges Pant’s recovery, stating that the wicketkeeper-batsman is making excellent progress and is likely to grace the pitch this year. “We hope by March he will fit and play for us,” Sagar expressed optimism about Pant’s potential return to action, highlighting the concerted efforts of the coaching and physio team to ensure the player’s fitness. Rishabh Pant, a mainstay in the Delhi Capitals since 2016, has been a prolific run-scorer, accumulating 2,838 runs in 98 matches with an impressive average of 34.61 and a striking strike rate of over 147. Sagar acknowledges Pant’s importance to the team, emphasizing that his return would significantly bolster their chances in the upcoming IPL season. “Yes, we are hoping for the best. He is the biggest player… if he plays, then it will be good for us,” says Sagar, highlighting the impact of Pant’s presence on the team’s performance. The Auction Adds Strength to the Squad: Title: “Delhi Capitals’ PKSV Sagar Breaks Silence on Rishabh Pant’s Potential IPL 2024 Return and Team’s Auction Strategy” Introduction: As speculation swirls around the potential return of Rishabh Pant to the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the team’s top official, PKSV Sagar, has finally broken his silence on the star player’s status. Pant has been on the sidelines since a car accident in December 2022, but encouraging signs of recovery have fueled hopes for his comeback this year. Sagar sheds light on Pant’s progress, the first hints of his return, and the team’s strategy ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. Early Hints and Recovery Progress: The anticipation for Rishabh Pant’s return to the IPL gained momentum in November, with his presence at a Delhi Capitals camp in Kolkata. The camp, attended by senior support staff including Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting, and Pravin Amre, hinted at Pant’s active involvement in team discussions despite his absence on the field. Sagar acknowledges Pant’s recovery, stating that the wicketkeeper-batsman is making excellent progress and is likely to grace the pitch this year. “We hope by March he will fit and play for us,” Sagar expressed optimism about Pant’s potential return to action, highlighting the concerted efforts of the coaching and physio team to ensure the player’s fitness. Team Dynamics and Auction Strategy: Rishabh Pant, a mainstay in the Delhi Capitals since 2016, has been a prolific run-scorer, accumulating 2,838 runs in 98 matches with an impressive average of 34.61 and a striking strike rate of over 147. Sagar acknowledges Pant’s importance to the team, emphasizing that his return would significantly bolster their chances in the upcoming IPL season. “Yes, we are hoping for the best. He is the biggest player… if he plays, then it will be good for us,” says Sagar, highlighting the impact of Pant’s presence on the team’s performance. The Auction Adds Strength to the Squad: Delhi Capitals, known for their strategic approach in team-building, made noteworthy acquisitions in the IPL 2024 auction. The franchise secured the services of hard-hitting Harry Brook for INR 4 crore, Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson for INR 5 crore, and West Indian wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope for INR 75 lakh. Additionally, they added uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra for INR 7.2 crore. Sagar sheds light on the team’s strategy, stating, “We want Harry Brooke to come and play for us in the middle order, and we made our team strong by adding Kushagra.” David Warner’s Impact: The team also welcomed the addition of Australian star opener David Warner to their ILT20 franchise, Dubai Capitals. Sagar expresses optimism about Warner’s presence, stating, “We wish that his presence can make many things good in the team.” FOR MORE LATEST SPORTS NEWS CLICK HERE

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Tata Group Retains IPL Title Sponsorship For Next Five Years (5 Years ) : Sources

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Introduction: The Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the most-watched and lucrative cricket tournaments globally, is set to continue its association with the Tata Group as the title sponsor for the next five years. Sources have confirmed that Tata successfully retained the sponsorship rights until 2028, after a competitive bidding process that involved the use of the Right to Match (RTM) card. This marks a significant development in the business and sports partnership landscape, as the Tata Group solidifies its presence in the IPL, taking over from Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo in a deal that began in 2022. Background: The IPL has been a platform for intense cricketing action and high-profile sponsorships, capturing the attention of millions of fans worldwide. Vivo, with a hefty deal of Rs 2200 crore, held the title sponsorship rights from 2018 to 2022. However, after the 2020 Galwan Valley military face-off between Indian and Chinese Army soldiers, Vivo took a one-year hiatus, and Dream11 stepped in as the interim title sponsor for the IPL. The Return of Vivo and the Tata Takeover: Vivo made a comeback as the IPL title sponsor in 2021, sparking speculation about the company’s intentions to transfer the rights to a suitable bidder. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approved this move, and as a result, the sponsorship landscape witnessed a shift. In 2022, the Tata Group emerged as the new title sponsor, replacing Vivo in a two-year deal from 2022 to 2023. This marked a strategic move for Tata, as it delved into the realm of sports sponsorship, aligning its brand with one of the most prominent T20 cricket leagues globally. Renewal and Competitive Bidding: With the initial two-year deal set to conclude in 2023, the latest development reveals that the Tata Group has successfully renewed its title sponsorship rights for an additional five years, extending its commitment to the IPL until 2028. The renewal process involved competitive bidding, with Aditya Birla presenting a formidable offer. Tata secured the deal by utilizing its Right to Match (RTM) card, matching the figure presented by Aditya Birla. This strategic move showcases Tata’s determination to maintain its association with the IPL and underscores the value the tournament holds for corporate sponsors. Significance of the Tata-IPL Partnership: The Tata-IPL partnership holds immense significance for both entities. For the Tata Group, it provides a powerful platform to enhance brand visibility, engage with a diverse audience, and leverage the popularity of T20 cricket. As one of India’s largest business conglomerates, Tata’s involvement in sports sponsorship aligns with its commitment to various sectors of the economy. The IPL, being a cricketing extravaganza with a massive viewership, offers an ideal avenue for Tata to connect with consumers on a broader scale. On the other hand, the IPL gains from the association with a reputable and globally recognized brand like Tata. The financial infusion from title sponsorship deals is crucial for the league’s continued success and the enhancement of the overall cricketing experience. Tata’s commitment to the IPL for the next five years not only secures a stable financial backing for the tournament but also adds prestige to the event by aligning with a brand known for its business excellence and corporate responsibility. The retention of IPL title sponsorship rights by the Tata Group for the next five years signifies a successful and strategic move in the competitive landscape of sports sponsorship. The IPL, as a sporting spectacle, continues to attract major corporate entities eager to associate their brands with the tournament’s popularity and reach. The Tata-IPL partnership goes beyond mere sponsorship, reflecting a commitment to the growth and promotion of cricket as a premier sporting event in India. As the Tata Group takes center stage in the IPL sponsorship journey, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate a synergistic collaboration that transcends boundaries and contributes to the enduring success of both the brand and the tournament. for more latest sports news click here The retention of IPL title sponsorship rights by the Tata Group for the next five years signifies a successful and strategic move in the competitive landscape of sports sponsorship. The Tata-IPL partnership goes beyond mere sponsorship, reflecting a commitment to the growth and promotion of cricket as a premier sporting event in India. Cricket enthusiasts can anticipate a synergistic collaboration that contributes to the enduring success of both the brand and the tournament.

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FIH INDIAN WOMEN HOCKEY TEAM DEFEATED BY 3-1 BY NETHERLAND

FIH Pro League: Heavyweights Netherlands beat India 3-1

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The Indian women’s hockey team faced a challenging encounter in the FIH Pro League, succumbing to a 1-3 defeat against the Netherlands in Bhubaneswar. This marked their second consecutive loss in the tournament, following a defeat to China the previous day. The match showcased India’s persistent struggle with penalty corners, a critical aspect of modern hockey, as they squandered six opportunities, a weakness that proved costly in the end. The game began with India’s goalkeeper Savita Punia being immediately called into action, making successive saves to deny the Netherlands an early lead. However, the opposition was soon awarded a penalty corner, and Yibbi Jansen, the season’s leading goal-scorer, capitalized on the opportunity, firing a powerful shot down the middle to put the Netherlands in front. Undeterred, India mounted a spirited counter-attack, catching the Netherlands off guard. Sunelita Toppo made a decisive run down the right wing and delivered a precise pass to Navneet Kaur at the top of the shooting circle. Navneet, displaying her goal-scoring prowess, turned and unleashed a thunderous strike, leveling the score and bringing India back into contention. The second quarter saw both teams creating goal-scoring opportunities. The Netherlands came close to regaining the lead when Pien Dicke maneuvered past the Indian defense, only for her shot to hit the post and deflect away. On the other end, Sunelita found herself in acres of space and set up Vandana Katariya for a one-on-one chance with the Netherlands’ goalkeeper Josine Koning, who managed to diffuse the situation. However, the Netherlands didn’t stay on the defensive for long. Laura Nunnink initiated a counter-attack, swiftly passing to Fay van der Elst, who dove to deflect the ball past Savita, restoring the Netherlands’ lead. Despite both teams earning a couple of penalty corners, the scoreline remained 2-1 at halftime. Third Quarter (FIH) The third quarter saw the Netherlands intensifying their pressure on India. Jansen extended their lead with another powerful drag flick from a penalty corner, making it 3-1. Savita, who had been a crucial figure in goal for India, had little chance against Jansen’s precision. The Netherlands earned another penalty corner, but Savita thwarted the shot, showcasing her resilience. India, trailing by two goals, pushed forward in search of a comeback. They succeeded in pushing the Netherlands back but struggled to find the final pass to convert opportunities. The fourth quarter saw both teams creating back-to-back chances. India earned a penalty corner early in the quarter, but the Netherlands’ defense held firm. As the game progressed, the Netherlands aimed to extend their lead, with Jansen attempting a reverse shot from the top of the shooting circle, only for it to bounce off the post again. The Netherlands maintained control in the final period, effectively managing the ball to run down the clock and secure a 3-1 victory. In summary, India’s women’s hockey team faced a tough challenge against the Netherlands, grappling with penalty corner struggles and missed opportunities. The team showed moments of resilience and attacking flair but fell short against a determined Dutch side. Addressing these shortcomings will be crucial as they continue their journey in the FIH Pro League, aiming for improvement and success in future encounters. FOR LATEST SPORTS NEWS CLICK HERE For More Tech Related News Visit Here

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Explained: Why it was a dry January transfer window in the Premier League as spending fell by nearly 90%

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was distraught at not being able to sign a striker in the January transfer window this year. “I wanted a striker, and because of the injury to (Anthony) Martial, we don’t really have the back-up. It was not possible because we have to meet the FFP rules,” he said. It’s been a while since the Premier League managers have had to worry about Financial Fair Play rules as witnessed by their spending in the last three record-breaking winter windows. Even last year, the EPL clubs had spent £815m. This year, it has seen a mighty fall with the 20 top-flight clubs spending just £100m, which is £715m less than last year according to a report by Deloitte, with Tottenham’s signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £25m the highest spent this time around. So, was the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) the only factor that restricted the clubs from going all out in the market this year? Let’s find out. Written by Sayak DuttaUpdated: February 4, 2024 18:51 IST Follow Us The 20 top-flight Premier League clubs spent just £100m in January 2024, which is £715m less than last year, with Tottenham’s signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £25m the highest spent this time around. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was distraught at not being able to sign a striker in the January transfer window this year. “I wanted a striker, and because of the injury to (Anthony) Martial, we don’t really have the back-up. It was not possible because we have to meet the FFP rules,” he said. It’s been a while since the Premier League managers have had to worry about Financial Fair Play rules as witnessed by their spending in the last three record-breaking winter windows. Even last year, the EPL clubs had spent £815m. This year, it has seen a mighty fall with the 20 top-flight clubs spending just £100m, which is £715m less than last year according to a report by Deloitte, with Tottenham’s signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £25m the highest spent this time around. So, was the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) the only factor that restricted the clubs from going all out in the market this year? Let’s find out. https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=indianexpress&dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1753438927019561126&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Findianexpress.com%2Farticle%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2Fexplained-why-it-was-dry-january-transfer-window-in-the-premier-league-9143927%2F&sessionId=470acc4d789929bd578f882eb2212ea1637666ef&siteScreenName=The%20Indian%20Express&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px What are the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules? According to the rules, Premier League clubs are allowed to lose a maximum of £105 million across a three-year assessment period. However, for every season a club was in the second-tier Championship, that amount is reduced by £22 million. There are a number of deductions allowed for spending on costs that are deemed to be in the general interest of the club and the game. Everton and Nottingham Forest have been charged with breaching the financial rules with both clubs being referred to an independent commission for their 2022-23 accounts. The Toffees have already faced a 10-point deduction this season due to t heir alleged breaches in the 2021-22 season where their losses amounted to £124.5m. Meanwhile, the reigning champions Manchester City are also under the scanner after getting accused of more than 100 financial breaches in an investigation which has gone on for 5 years, with charges dating way back to 2009 by a Premier League investigation. An independent commission is now in charge to pass the verdict on the matter at a date yet to be confirmed. What might have been the other factors for a dry January? There might be many other factors that have led to such an uneventful month in transfers in January with the past record-breaking windows having already strengthened teams that do not have to spend more. There can also be the factor that only 2 managers were sacked this season compared to 11 last year so there was no need for an influx of new players for a new manager. Which transfer was the biggest deadline day permanent signing in January 2024? In order to understand how far the mighty have fallen, you just have to look at the biggest deadline day permanent signing in the country with Crystal Palace spending £18m for Blackburn’s Adam Wharton, a fee that can rise to £22m. In January 2023, the highest deadline day deal was Chelsea’s £107m signing of Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.

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