Messi goal helps keep Argentina World Cup hopes alive
DOHA: Lionel Messi helped keep Argentina's World Cup bid alive with the first goal in a 2-0 victory over Mexico on Saturday (Nov 26).
Diego Maradona Sport News
Analysis:Messi brings Argentina to life, but can he match Maradona?
LUSAIL, Qatar : Lionel Messi drew level with Diego Maradona's number of World Cup goals and appearances on Saturday, but the current No. 10 knows that only winning the trophy at long last will earn him the same eternal love of his fellow Argentines.
Messi magic guides relieved Argentina past feisty Mexico
LUSAIL, Qatar: Lionel Messi thumped in a 64th minute goal and Enzo Fernandez added another late in the game to give Argentina a 2-0 victory over battling Mexico in their World Cup Group C match on Saturday and reignite their tournament hopes.Messi, who equalled Diego Maradona’s Argentina record of 21 matches and eight goals at the World Cup, was nowhere to be seen for more than an hour before picking up an Angel Di Maria pass, finding just enough space and rifling in from 20 meters.Substitute Fernandez made sure of the three points when he curled a superb shot into the top corner in the 87th minute.The result restored order for the Argentines in Group C after their shock opening 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.Argentina, on three points, can guarantee progress with a win over Poland, top on four, in their final game on Wednesday.“Today starts another World Cup for Argentina,” Messi said.
Mexico and Argentina fans bring spicy rivalry to Qatar
DOHA: The big and boisterous fan bases of Argentina and Mexico were out in force on Saturday (Nov 26) as one of Latin American football's biggest rivalries spiced up the World Cup ahead of their latest clash.
Rolls-Royces all round as Saudi Arabian prince gifts soccer players for Argentina defeat - report
The 2022 FIFA World Cup has seen the most upsets in the first round for as long as anyone can remember. The underdogs are outplaying the favourites.
Argentina honours Maradona anniversary, hopes memory can spur World Cup revival
BUENOS AIRES: Argentines honoured football icon Diego Maradona on Friday (Nov 25), the second anniversary of his death, including with a huge new painting of the striker in the centre of Buenos Aires, hoping to spur the national team ahead of a must-win World Cup game.
Pakistan pins its hopes on return to cricket’s world stage
Fallout in the aftermath of the 2022 ICC men’s T20 World Cup continues to affect cricket nations around the globe.
Giroud ready to tower above French giants
DOHA: From Raymond Kopa to Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane to Thierry Henry, France has produced some of football’s all-time greats, but Olivier Giroud needs just one more goal for Les Bleus to tower over all of his compatriots.The giant 1.93m tall center-forward and 2018 World Cup winner equalled Henry’s record mark of 51 goals for the French national team by scoring twice in his country’s 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday.He had already long since left behind the likes of Platini, David Trezeguet, Jean-Pierre Papin and Just Fontaine, the striker who famously scored 13 times in one World Cup in 1958.France’s oldest international goalscorer at the ripe old age of 36, Giroud has reached his tally in 115 appearances for his country, eight fewer than the number of caps obtained by Henry between 1997 and 2010.“It is a source of pride, an honor,” Giroud said after his brace against Australia which saw him draw level with Henry as France began their defense of the World Cup.“It makes you think about all the hard work I have put in to get here but also the superb teams I have played in.”Now ready to go beyond Henry’s mark, he added: “Watch out ‘Titi’, I’m coming.”Giroud’s performance against Australia has raised hopes that France can cope just fine in this World Cup without Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner who pulled out injured on the eve of the tournament.After all they did just fine without Benzema four years ago in Russia, even if Giroud failed to score a single goal during the World Cup in Russia.But there is a growing feeling that Didier Deschamps’ side might even be better off this time despite all the injuries in their squad, given the fruitful relationship that Giroud has developed of late with Kylian