FIFA Archives

Spain vs Russia Is the World Cup’s Version of the Hare and the Tortoise

The hare and tortoise scenario is becoming commonplace at the World Cup. First, Argentina lost to Croatia, and South Korea beat Germany. Now, Russia has reaped the benefits of Spain playing a style of football they were well-prepared to counter.

Dushyant Shekhawat July 25, 2016

Sports

Immigrants Won the World Cup, But Ozil’s Retirement Reminds Us that Racism Isn’t Defeated

Mesut Ozil once said he had two hearts, one German and one Turkish. But regardless of his fame, he can’t transcend the stereotype of being a German only when he is useful to Germany. After a World Cup that was lauded for belonging to immigrants, Ozil’s retirement statement throws up a new question: Is it possible for immigrants to belong?

Kahini Iyer July 22, 2016

Sports

What a (S)PAIN! Inside the Mind of Manager Fernando Hierro

I have a game plan against Portugal, and his name is Sergio Ramos. I’m not going to go into much detail, but I’ll just whisper “Ronaldo” in his ears before kick-off and he’ll know what to do.

Hardik Rajgor July 20, 2016

Sports

The FIFA World Cup 2018 Goes to Migrants

Three-fourths of the World Cup-winning French side can trace its origins beyond France. At 6, Luka Modric, Croatia's star at the World Cup, was a refugee, and its heroic goalkeeper Danijel Subašić is a Serbian Croat. Their success pushes the argument in favour of diversity. This World Cup, then, belongs to migrants.

Priyansh July 18, 2016

Sports

Diego Maradona, Always The Man of the Match

Diego Maradona is GOAT. At the World Cup clash between Argentina and Nigeria, he showed us yet again that he is not just the world’s greatest footballer. He is also the world’s greatest football fan.

Hardik Rajgor July 9, 2016

Sports

How Belgium’s Eden Proved to be a Real Hazard This World Cup

The showiness of Eden Hazard is limited to trickery on grass. The World Cup has vaulted the Belgium skipper to his best – racing past defenders without a hint of stumble, dribbling past them as if it was the easiest option. Even so, Hazard’s genius remains under-appreciated.

Priyansh June 27, 2016

Sports

How I Turned My Gujarati Husband Madly Bengali About Football

My Gujarati husband knew as little about football as I knew about a “pure veg” meal. I taught him the basics, and to my surprise, my husband went much beyond the brief. Now as I cheer for Germany, he prays for Portugal, and our son is called Ochoa after the Mexican goalkeeper.

Runa Mukherjee June 27, 2016

Sports

Why Our Fathers and Mothers Cheer for Brazil at the World Cup

For second-generation Indians, football has existed like a good book, only in translation, with Brazil writing the most musical of sentences and poetic of thought all along. For them, Brazil’s preposterously stylised brand of football is the only version of the game worth watching.

Manik Sharma June 23, 2016

Sports

Football, the Religion Where Moses and Jesus Are on Opposing Teams

Moses plays for Nigeria, Jesus for Brazil, and for the coming month, Russia will be the Bethlehem of the world. Football’s the religion to follow, where prayer chants are easy, you can pick your own Gods, there are no compulsory rituals, and most of all, you don’t get lynched for nothing.

Arré Bench June 20, 2016

Sports

Lionel Messi: Argentina Ka Sachin Tendulkar

When Sachin didn’t do well, the Indian team would invariably fold like a pack of cards, and the situation isn’t too different for Lionel Messi, Argentina’s all-time top goal scorer. When Messi has a quiet game, Argentina looks more disjointed than India’s finance ministry.

Hardik Rajgor June 17, 2016