Beyond The Goal

SOCHI, Russia: Despite the defeat against Croatia, England has surprised everyone at the World Cup with a very young side who almost made their second final after 1966.     The past English sides have been mocked and jeered not by their fans but by the experts, who felt that the Three Lions were simply over-rated. It has been true at all the World Cups barring the 1990 edition (in Italy) where they had reached the last four. “Don’t look back in anger,” the fans sang to heartbroken players who stood drained and defeated in front of them on Wednesday night. Whether it’s their set-piece innovations or tenacity, Gareth Southgate inculcated a self-belief which was so crucial to their survival in the tournament. A country which boasts of the best and richest leagues in the world has never been able to garner respect and awe from their opponents and football-lovers. The David Beckham or Wayne Rooney era was a hyped one, with the former was more of a glamourous model...

MOSCOW: Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev used his hand and feet in the penalties to help Russia overcome Spain in a Round of 16 match here on Sunday. On a rain-drenched evening at the Luzhinki Stadium, the 32-year-old showed excellent athleticism by using the heel to deny Aspas in the last shot as the hosts overcame the 2010 winners 4-3 on penalties after match ended 1-1 in extra time. The Russian victory against a top side could be a turning point for sport’s future in the country as it’s still not one of their favourite games. Basketball, volleyball and ice hockey continue to attract the Russians. Lack of international results may have had a deep impact on football not becoming a main sport. Russia has reached the quarterfinals for the first time after 1966 as the erstwhile USSR. Akinfeev was in great form after he made couple of excellent saves in the match including the one from substitute Rodrigo’s fiercely-driven shot while the defenders cleared Carvajal’s second...

By the time the next World Cup takes place in Qatar, Lionel Messi would be 35. Logically, the Argentinian has played his last World Cup at the Kazan Arena on Saturday. But why did the entire world rooted for the Barcelona star at all these World Cups, knowing that he is only good in his club shirt? Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo over these years have fuelled the expectations of fans across the globe, but Messi had deprived them of further celebrations in Moscow and elsewhere. He may have ignited hopes for his countrymen in the last group match against Nigeria in Saint Petersburg last week, but that wasn’t enough. World Cup is a big tournament and that’s where a player like him should’ve dazzled. In the last one decade since his debut with Barcelona in 2005, Messi enjoyed a near demi-God status across the various continents and also drew comparisons with compatriot Diego Maradona following that epic goal against Villa Real in La Liga. From journalis...