Milanello Corner

Cricket and football are not rivals in any objective sense: they reward different skills, create different viewing experiences and occupy different places in sporting culture. Football is easier to follow at first glance because the aim is simply to score more goals in a largely continuous 90-minute contest. Cricket is more layered, with runs, wickets, overs and innings creating several tactical contests within one match. Their contrast explains why many Indian supporters enjoy both rather than treating one as a replacement for the other.

  Norway marched into the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after claiming a memorable 2-1 victory over Brazil. Once again, Erling Haaland proved to be the difference as the Manchester City striker scored twice to send the Vikings into the last eight.

  Erling Haaland continued his outstanding goalscoring run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the Manchester City striker netted the winning goal in Norway's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Haaland's late strike secured an important win for the Vikings, sending them into the Round of 16 for a mouth-watering clash against Brazil.

  Gabriel Martinell i's dramatic late winner sent Brazil into the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan. Carlo Ancelotti's side had to come from behind before securing a precious place among the tournament's final 16 teams.

  One of the host nations, Canada continued their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey after defeating South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32. Jesse Marsch's side battled hard throughout the match, and a dramatic late strike from Stephen Eustáquio proved enough to book Les Rouges a place in the Round of 16.

   Ecuador kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive after battling to a 2-1 victory over an already-qualified Germany. Gonzalo Plata's second-half winner secured all three points for La Tricolor, while also confirming their place in the knockout stage as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams. Spirited Ecuador Edged Germany  Sitting third in Group E with just one point before the final round, Ecuador knew only a victory would keep their World Cup hopes alive. However, it was Germany who made the perfect start, taking the lead after just two minutes through Leroy Sané . Fortunately for La Tricolor, they responded quickly. A fortunate break allowed Nilson Angulo to race through on goal before firing a superb strike past Manuel Neuer in the ninth minute. The 1-1 scoreline remained until half-time, giving Ecuador plenty of confidence as Julian Nagelsmann's side appeared content with their already-secured qualification. Germany's lack of urgency becam...

  South Africa stunned South Korea to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. A second-half goal from Thapelo Maseko proved enough to earn all three points and lift Bafana Bafana into the Group A runners-up spot.  South Africa Shock South Korea to Secure a Knockout Ticket After receiving heavy criticism following their disappointing opening defeat to Mexico, South Africa turned things around in remarkable fashion in their final Group A match. Sitting at the bottom of the table with just one point before kick-off, Bafana Bafana knew that only a victory would keep their World Cup dream alive. Meanwhile, South Korea needed only a draw to secure qualification but remained determined to claim all three points. Following an entertaining yet goalless first half, South Africa finally made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute as Maseko finished clinically from inside the penalty area. The goal stunned the Taegeuk Warriors, who pus...