Posts

Showing posts from December, 2022

Nepal football in 2022:Left much to be desired

Image
As we bid farewell to 2022, it is that time of the year again  to look back at the key events of the year related to Nepal football. The year of the World Cup did not go down well for Nepal football on and off the field.It should not surprise anyone. There was nothing much to cheer about in regards to Nepal’s performances in international competitions. As usual,it was a repetition of poor performances and dismal results.There was no dearth of newsmakers who made headlines off the field.Overall,the football landscape remained the same as it has for decades. Football activities returned back to normal across the country,following relaxation of COVID-19 much to everyone’s relief. Nepal’s participation in international tournaments increased. After much suspense and speculation,the most anticipated All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) election was held. ANFA Elections  In the battle between former ANFA President Karma Tsering Sherpa and his deputy  ANFA VP Pankaj Bikram Nembang,the latter

Qatar World Cup will be remembered for controversies and knife-edge matches

Image
Argentina came up trumps against defending champions France in the 22nd World Cup football championship final filled with high-octane drama, intrigue and suspense recently in Doha, Qatar. Argentina’s glory  brought  down the curtain on the world’s biggest,most -watched and controversial sporting spectacle. Everyone agrees that the grand  final was a fitting end to the best World Cup in history in terms of competitiveness. Overall,the competition loaded with thrillers ,upsets and classic galore gave  the fans a treat that will remain in their memories forever. Once again football proved that it is the most lucrative and loved sport with overwhelming appeal globally.The fascination with football keeps growing by the day. Foreseeably,sports enthusiasts of all ages  in billions around the world watched the competition in its entirety, Yet again football proved its unprecedented reach,connecting and engaging audiences worldwide.Furthermore, its status as the numero uno sport in the world re

Argentina barely survives to win World Cup

Image
  In one of the greatest and sensational finals witnessed in our lifetime, Argentina gingerly hung on to lift the 22nd edition of the World Cup Football tournament in Doha,Qatar at the expense of defending champions France. In a ding- dong  battle, Argentina barely survived the French gallant fight back.They led  in the regulation time but failed to hold onto a 2-0 and 3-2 lead.They finally came through victorious in the nerve racking penalty shootout to crown themselves the world champions for the third time. At long  last  one of the finest players in the world, Argentina skipper and playmaker Lionel Messi's cherished dream of  World Cup glory came true.   He had a phenomenal tournament and  lived up to expectations. As skipper he dazzled,inspired teammates,delivered the goods consistently and lifted his team from a shock defeat in the opener against Saudi Arabia to the  game’s ultimate glory. He won a record breaking man of the match award five times. Furthermore, he scored seve

Argentina and France locked in epic battle

Image
The world waits for the grand finale of the World Cup football tournament in Doha, Qatar with bated breath. Come Sunday,we will witness the coronation of the champions.Either Argentina or France  will have the last laugh and bask in glory. Both semi finals did not rise to the level everyone had anticipated in terms of competitiveness. It was devoid of thrill and excitement and failed to keep spectators on the edge of their seats. Star player Lionel Messi, looking for his maiden World Cup  did not disappoint . He came up with another big and impressive performance  and was instrumental in his team’s victory over Croatia. He was declared man of the match for the fourth time in the competition for a goal and superb assist. Croatia got off to a bright start and dominated early proceedings but found themselves on the back foot following Messi’s penalty conversion.   The penalty awarded to Argentina raised many eyebrows and was questioned by Croatia manager, players and many football experts