Germany, Bayern legend Kahn launches football academy in India
Mumbai, Nov 11: German and FC Bayern Munich goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn has launched his academy in India, aiming to “transform the landscape of football education” and development in the country. He has entered into a partnership with Pro 10 in Maharashtra. The Oliver Kahn Academy aims to become the hub for complete football education that would focus on grooming players along with well-rounded athletes. It has plans to establish academies across the country, in collaboration with football clubs, sports academies and educational institutions. Besides, goalkeeper academies will also be established in various parts of India. Kahn believes that the country has a wealth of untapped talent. “India is a country with great potential in football. This country requires the right football education, a disciplined curriculum, and world-class facilities to develop the game,” he said in a statement. “Our goal is to make India a better-playing nation, and I am confident that this country has the potential to flourish on the global football stage.” (PTI)
Eritrea withdraws from qualifying for 2026 WC days before first game
Zurich, Nov 11: Eritrea has withdrawn from African qualifying for the 2026 World Cup just days before its opening game against Morocco, FIFA confirmed. Eritrea last played an international game almost four years ago but was scheduled to open its qualifying program against Morocco next week. Morocco coach Walid Regragui on Thursday acknowledged that the game in Agadir likely would not go ahead. “All of Eritrea’s matches have been cancelled, while the rest of the match schedule for Group E remains unchanged,” FIFA said Friday. Morocco, the 2022 World Cup semifinalist, is favoured to advance from the group that includes Niger, Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia. Only teams that finish top in the nine African groups will advance directly to the 2026 World Cup being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. A 10th African team can qualify for the inaugural 48-team World Cup through inter-continental playoffs in March 2026. (AP)
Di Maria earns Argentina recall
for World Cup qualifiers
Buenos Aires, Nov 11: Veteran Benfica winger Angel Di Maria has been recalled to Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, the Argentine Football Association said. The 35-year-old has fully recovered from a leg muscle injury that kept him out of Argentina’s qualifying wins over Paraguay and Peru in October, reports Xinhua. The reigning world champions will meet Uruguay at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on November 16 and Brazil at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium five days later. Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni also called up uncapped defenders Pablo Maffeo and Francisco Ortega for the fixtures. Mallorca right-back Maffeo, 26, was born in Spain and represented La Roja at youth level but is eligible to play for Argentina through his mother. Former Argentina U-23 left-back Ortega, 24, has made a positive impact on Greece’s Olympiacos this season. As expected, Argentina’s attack will be led by eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and also includes Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez. Argentina currently lead the 10-team South American group with four wins from as many qualifiers. The top six teams at the end of the qualifying campaign will earn an automatic place at the 2026 World Cup, to be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The seventh-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff. (IANS)
Diaz named in Colombia squad
for World Cup qualifiers
Bogota, Nov 11: Liverpool winger Luis Diaz was among 26 players called up by Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo for World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay. The Colombian Football Federation published the squad on its official website just hours after Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel Diaz, was released by a guerrilla group following 13 days in captivity, reports Xinhua. Lorenzo also named influential Sao Paulo playmaker James Rodriguez and midfielder Jhon Arias, who was a key member of the Fluminense team that beat Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final last Saturday. But there was no place for veterans Yerry Mina, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and Radamel Falcao, who have lacked minutes for their respective clubs after recovering from injuries in recent weeks. Colombia will face Brazil in Barranquilla on November 16 and Paraguay in Asuncion five days later. The Cafeteros are currently fifth in the 10-team South American group with six points from their first four qualifiers. (IANS)
Real Madrid top scorer Bellingham to miss Valencia game due to injury
Madrid, Nov 11: Jude Bellingham will miss Real Madrid’s game against Valencia on Saturday because of a shoulder injury. Bellingham had stayed on the bench Wednesday against Braga in a 3-0 win that put Madrid into the Champions League knockout round. The La Liga home game against Valencia will be the last for Madrid before an international break. The team said hours before kick-off that Bellingham would sit out. Bellingham is supposed to play for England in European Championship qualifiers next week. England has already qualified for next year’s tournament in Germany before hosting Malta on November 17 and visiting North Macedonia three days later. The 20-year-old Bellingham leads Madrid with 13 goals, including a Spanish league-leading 10 goals, since arriving this summer from Borussia Dortmund. (AP)
Rohit Rajpal reappointed as India’s Davis Cup captain until Dec 2024
New Delhi, Nov 11: The All India Tennis Association (AITA) on Saturday reappointed Rohit Rajpal as the non-playing captain of the Indian Davis Cup team until December 31, 2024. The AITA said the decision was taken after careful consideration and evaluation of Rajpal’s successful tenure as captain. “We are delighted to extend Rohit Rajpal’s tenure as the captain of our esteemed Davis Cup team. His leadership qualities, vast knowledge of the game, and ability to bring out the best in our players make him an invaluable asset,” secretary general Anil Dhupar said in a statement. “We have full faith in his capabilities and believe that he will continue to steer the team towards greater success in the upcoming Davis Cup campaign.” (PTI)