News / Author / Ashish Magotra

Ashish Magotra

Articles by Ashish Magotra

The agony of Kylian Mbappe

The Frenchman became just the second player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final, but he will have to deal with the dejection and disappointment of ending up on the losing side

France's Kylian Mbappe sits on the bench at the end of the World Cup final (AP)

sports

Published on Dec 19, 2022 10:40 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

Breaking down the goals that have lit up Qatar

While the 2022 edition has seen the fourth-highest number of goals in a World Cup with two matches left, the percentage of goals from outside the box is the lowest in the last five tournaments

The best goals stay with us a lot longer than we think possible and each time we think back to them, we find ourselves smiling(Getty Images)

sports

Published on Dec 16, 2022 11:24 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Past forward: Run Mbappe run

The 23-year-old's game plan of outpacing opponents with his searing speed is simple and devastating at the same time.

France's Dayot Upamecano, right, embraces teammate Kylian Mbappe following the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor(AP)

sports

Published on Dec 15, 2022 10:58 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

The Magicians: 17 years on, Messi and Modric still pulling the strings

Having first met in an international match in March 2006, the two stars will hope to get another crack at the World Cup trophy.

sports

Published on Dec 12, 2022 10:45 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

Argentina march into semis after beating Netherlands in an epic

In a match that went down to the wire, the Albicelestes managed to somehow beat the determined Netherlands team.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates at the end of the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between the Netherlands and Argentina, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended tied 2-2.(AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)(AP)

sports

Published on Dec 10, 2022 09:46 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

No Ronaldo, no problem: Ramos hat-trick helps Portugal smash 6 past Switzerland

He became the second youngest man (21y-169d) to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup knockout stage match.

Portugal's Rafael Leao, left, and Portugal's Goncalo Ramos celebrate after the win (AP)

sports

Published on Dec 07, 2022 02:45 AM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

Just for kicks: The supremacy of style: Tiki taka and its offsprings

“I don’t care where you are from... I don’t care... if you tell me that you love football and you don’t love Barcelona, you have a problem.”

Led by Messi, Argentina ran circles around the deep-sitting Poles, coming at them from the centre and both flanks, keeping them guessing about how the threat would materialise. (AFP)

india news

Updated on Dec 02, 2022 12:34 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Just for kicks: Team USA, and America’s brush with greatness

There are 50,000 people waiting outside the gates, trying desperately to get in and join the 25,000 who’ve already made it. This was the USA of the 1970s, and this was all for a sport they call soccer.

Pelé celebrates after a win with the New York Cosmos in 1978. (Getty Images)

india news

Published on Nov 30, 2022 11:22 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Just for kicks: Ronaldo: A fading superstar with an insatiable hunger

As Bruno Fernandes curled the ball into the box, Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet wasn’t sure if Cristiano Ronaldo, who had made a run, would get to it. In the confusion, he forgot to cover the main line.

Cristiano Ronaldo was whiskers away from becoming Portugal’s highest World Cup scorer as he barely missed landing a touch on a cross that became his team’s first goal against Uruguay. (AFP)

india news

Updated on Nov 30, 2022 01:52 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Just for kicks: Has Belgium’s golden generation lost its lustre?

In an interview with The Guardian on Saturday, Belgium playmaker Kevin de Bruyne said the team, ranked second in the world, had “no chance” of winning the World Cup because “we’re too old”. On Sunday, his words appeared to ring true.

Belgium, third in Russia four years ago, lost to Morocco 0-2 in the World Cup group F match at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on Sunday. Belgium will now battle for a last-16 spot against Croatia. (AP)

india news

Updated on Nov 29, 2022 02:15 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Just for kicks: A quest for immortality for the king and heir apparent

“One more Messi moment!” That was the incomparable Peter Drury serenading the microphone just after the “magic man”, as he called him, had given Argentina the lead against a feisty Mexico

india news

Updated on Nov 28, 2022 12:55 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Driven by himself: Cristiano Ronaldo clings on to his redemption dream

One of the biggest players in the world is on the biggest stage in the world, without a club and a chance to show just how good he can be; how good he STILL is

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup 2022 match between Portugal and Ghana(FIFA Twitter)

sports

Published on Nov 25, 2022 05:07 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Just for kicks: The story behind the secret sauce in Saudi football

How did Saudi Arabia, 51st in the Fifa rankings and rank outsiders in the context of the 2022 World Cup, beat Argentina, the most in-form team in the world?

Saleh Al-Shehri after scoring the equaliser against Argentina on Tuesday. (AFP)

india news

Updated on Nov 25, 2022 01:41 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Just for kicks: Zizou, France and the genesis of a football revolution

The 1990s in France was a very different time. The country was racked by racial tension. With far-right politicians such as Jean-Marie le Pen stoking the fire, the question on everyone’s mind was a complex one: What does it mean to be French?

Zinedine Zidane with the trophy after France won the 1998 World Cup. (Getty Images)

india news

Updated on Nov 24, 2022 07:52 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Just for kicks: In the shadow of Maradona, Messi looks for a crown

Maradona was a genius. So is Messi. Maradona could dazzle you with his skills. So can Messi. Maradona’s left foot was a gift from the heavens. So is Messi’s. Maradona could take over the game. So can Messi. Maradona won club titles. So has Messi. Maradona was one of the best. So is Messi. But Maradona, almost single-handedly, inspired his team to a World Cup. Messi hasn’t. Yet.

Lionel Messi after the loss to Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday. (REUTERS)

india news

Updated on Nov 23, 2022 12:27 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Just for kicks: England’s saga of loss, and its hope for redemption

England has one of the most competitive professional football leagues in the world. It is also one of the oldest and most-watched leagues in the world. But one look at their World Cup and Euro history and you will know they could have and should have done better.So why haven’t they?

England’s Bobby Moore holds up the trophy after winning the 1966 World Cup. (Getty Images)

india news

Updated on Nov 22, 2022 01:00 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Just for kicks: Why this really is a ‘Europe vs the World’ Cup

The nine-pass move begins deep in Brazilian territory with centre-forward Tostao tracking back into his own half to retrieve the ball

Flags on sale at a marketplace in Doha. (AFP)

india news

Published on Nov 20, 2022 11:40 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Cup of dreams: A world apart, yet our very own

The Fifa World Cup kicks off today amid enormous interest in the quadrennial championship. This is perhaps because of the game’s inherent simplicity. This truly is the Coupe de Monde — the Cup of the World

The football World Cup may be far away from the madness of the jam-packed professional leagues, but it remains the most prestigious and cherished trophy of all (Hindustan Times)

opinion

Updated on Nov 19, 2022 07:31 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

India need 2007-like T20 reset after crushing exit

Just a few minutes after India crashed to a humbling 10-wicket defeat against England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup at Adelaide on Thursday, skipper Rohit Sharma sat in the dugout, just behind Rishabh Pant, with his head bowed.

England's Captain Jos Buttler (C) and Alex Hales bump gloves during the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2022 semi-final cricket match between England and India at The Adelaide Oval on November 10, 2022 in Adelaide. (AFP)

india news

Published on Nov 10, 2022 11:17 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

Ind face a stiff Eng challenge as mercurial Pakistan await in World Cup final

Pakistan continued their incredible resurgence against New Zealand in the first semi-final of the T20 Word Cup at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday, adding a dash of extra spice to India’s knock-out match against England at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday for a spot in the summit clash.

Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi celebrates the dismissal of New Zealand's skipper Kane Williamson. (ANI)

india news

Updated on Nov 10, 2022 02:12 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

Irrepressible Pakistan waltz into the final

Babar Azam’s team put in a near-perfect performance to send New Zealand packing.

cricket

Updated on Nov 09, 2022 10:33 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Mercurial Pakistan face consistent New Zealand in T20 World Cup semifinal

Wednesday’s T20 World Cup last four tie in Sydney will be between a team that can ride the crest or plumb the depths and one that has reaped rewards of staying steady

Pakistan's players Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan(AFP)

cricket

Updated on Nov 08, 2022 05:20 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

'If things continue to progress in same way, I see marathon being run in 1:45'

Ethiopian athletic great Haile Gebrselassie hails Kenyan marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge while pointing out how the rapid improvement in shoe technology has changed the game

Haile Gebrselassie during the unveiling of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon Finisher's medal.(Twitter)

sports

Published on Oct 15, 2022 05:46 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Surya is shining

The 32-year-old has just played 34 T20Is, but is arguably the most important batter for India at the T20 World Cup

India's Suryakumar Yadav during a practice session(BCCI Twitter)

cricket

Published on Oct 14, 2022 07:21 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

Rolling back time: Cricket legends and a game called nostalgia

The matches have so far been held in Kolkata, Lucknow, Delhi, Cuttack and Jodhpur, where the final leg is taking place.

From L to R - Virender Sehwag, Mohammed Kaif, Tillakratne Dilshan, and Harbhajan Singh(LLC)

cricket

Published on Oct 02, 2022 08:08 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

It’s the federation that needs to deliver: Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

With the central government backing elite athletes in a big way, sports bodies too must step up to ensure overall development of sports in the country.

sports

Published on Sep 26, 2022 10:02 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

A Federer moment in time

It was hard to not go down memory lane as Roger Federer played his final match

Roger Federer is given the bumps by teammates after playing his final match at Laver Cup(AFP)

sports

Published on Sep 24, 2022 05:20 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

Why everyone loves Roger Federer

There were greats before him. There will be greats after him. But few have brought as much joy to so many with just a swing of their racquet. Roger Federer is so loved simply because of the kind of guy he is.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Croatia’s Marin Cilic (REUTERS)

sports

Published on Sep 15, 2022 11:04 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

In the dark: The professional silence of India's selectors

There was no explanation given by the national cricket selector why some of the players were picked and some others contenders left out.

cricket

Published on Sep 13, 2022 11:46 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra

Kohli's revival promises another great run

His century against Afghanistan ended a long wait. If the careers of past greats are anything to go by, it could be the springboard for Kohli to find his best again.

India's Virat Kohli celebrates his century during the Asia Cup Super Four match between India and Afghanistan(ICC Twitter)

cricket

Published on Sep 10, 2022 04:33 PM IST

ByAshish Magotra, New Delhi

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Ashish Magotra

The Frenchman became just the second player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final, but he will have to deal with the dejection and disappointment of ending up on the losing side

While the 2022 edition has seen the fourth-highest number of goals in a World Cup with two matches left, the percentage of goals from outside the box is the lowest in the last five tournaments

The 23-year-old's game plan of outpacing opponents with his searing speed is simple and devastating at the same time.

Having first met in an international match in March 2006, the two stars will hope to get another crack at the World Cup trophy.

In a match that went down to the wire, the Albicelestes managed to somehow beat the determined Netherlands team.

He became the second youngest man (21y-169d) to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup knockout stage match.

“I don’t care where you are from... I don’t care... if you tell me that you love football and you don’t love Barcelona, you have a problem.”

There are 50,000 people waiting outside the gates, trying desperately to get in and join the 25,000 who’ve already made it. This was the USA of the 1970s, and this was all for a sport they call soccer.

As Bruno Fernandes curled the ball into the box, Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet wasn’t sure if Cristiano Ronaldo, who had made a run, would get to it. In the confusion, he forgot to cover the main line.

In an interview with The Guardian on Saturday, Belgium playmaker Kevin de Bruyne said the team, ranked second in the world, had “no chance” of winning the World Cup because “we’re too old”. On Sunday, his words appeared to ring true.

“One more Messi moment!” That was the incomparable Peter Drury serenading the microphone just after the “magic man”, as he called him, had given Argentina the lead against a feisty Mexico

One of the biggest players in the world is on the biggest stage in the world, without a club and a chance to show just how good he can be; how good he STILL is

How did Saudi Arabia, 51st in the Fifa rankings and rank outsiders in the context of the 2022 World Cup, beat Argentina, the most in-form team in the world?

The 1990s in France was a very different time. The country was racked by racial tension. With far-right politicians such as Jean-Marie le Pen stoking the fire, the question on everyone’s mind was a complex one: What does it mean to be French?

England has one of the most competitive professional football leagues in the world. It is also one of the oldest and most-watched leagues in the world. But one look at their World Cup and Euro history and you will know they could have and should have done better.So why haven’t they?

The nine-pass move begins deep in Brazilian territory with centre-forward Tostao tracking back into his own half to retrieve the ball

The Fifa World Cup kicks off today amid enormous interest in the quadrennial championship. This is perhaps because of the game’s inherent simplicity. This truly is the Coupe de Monde — the Cup of the World

Just a few minutes after India crashed to a humbling 10-wicket defeat against England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup at Adelaide on Thursday, skipper Rohit Sharma sat in the dugout, just behind Rishabh Pant, with his head bowed.

Pakistan continued their incredible resurgence against New Zealand in the first semi-final of the T20 Word Cup at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday, adding a dash of extra spice to India’s knock-out match against England at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday for a spot in the summit clash.

Babar Azam’s team put in a near-perfect performance to send New Zealand packing.

Wednesday’s T20 World Cup last four tie in Sydney will be between a team that can ride the crest or plumb the depths and one that has reaped rewards of staying steady

Ethiopian athletic great Haile Gebrselassie hails Kenyan marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge while pointing out how the rapid improvement in shoe technology has changed the game

The 32-year-old has just played 34 T20Is, but is arguably the most important batter for India at the T20 World Cup

The matches have so far been held in Kolkata, Lucknow, Delhi, Cuttack and Jodhpur, where the final leg is taking place.

With the central government backing elite athletes in a big way, sports bodies too must step up to ensure overall development of sports in the country.

It was hard to not go down memory lane as Roger Federer played his final match

There were greats before him. There will be greats after him. But few have brought as much joy to so many with just a swing of their racquet. Roger Federer is so loved simply because of the kind of guy he is.

There was no explanation given by the national cricket selector why some of the players were picked and some others contenders left out.

His century against Afghanistan ended a long wait. If the careers of past greats are anything to go by, it could be the springboard for Kohli to find his best again.

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