SPORTS ROUNDUP – 7th July 2018

FOOTBALL: FIFA 2018

The battle to clinch the ultimate title of champions has already begun… as now just eight top sides remain i.e. Uruguay, France, Brazil, Belgium, Sweden, England, Russia and Croatia, off the initial 32 at the World Cup in Russia.

England Clinch Quarter-Final Spot

After a high drama night in Moscow, England beat Colombia 4-3, during the penalty shootout as Eric Dier scored the winning goal after Jordan Pickford’s brilliant save, with both teams locked 1-1 at the close of 90 minutes, plus an added extra 30 minutes. Earlier Kane scored a penalty for his side during the 57^th minute while Mina scored for Columbia during (90+3) minute.

Argentina Out World Cup

2014 runner-up Argentina were left shocked as they lost 4-3 to France. A brilliant brace from Kylian Mbappe of France during the 64^th and 68^th minute sealed the match for France. Griezmann gave France the initial lead with a penalty during the 13^th minute while Argentina’s Di Maria scored the equaliser in the 41^st minute. Mercado gave Argentina the lead in the 48^th minute making it 2-1. Pavard scored in the 57^th minute for France making it 2-2. Two quick fire goals from French Mbappe received a comeback with Argentina’s Aguero header in the (90+3) minute, but that was not enough.

Brazil Seals Quarter-Final Spot

Though Mexico dominated Brazil in the opening period, Brazil regained control of the match. Neymar first scored for Brazil during the 51^st minute while Roberto Firmino doubled the lead to make it 2-0 V/s Mexico during the 88^th minute of the clash.

CRICKET

India’s Victorious Start In England Campaign

A brilliant five wicket haul by Kuldeep Yadav (5-24) coupled with an unbeaten 101 by KL Rahul helped India win the first T20 match V/s England by eight wickets. Batting first, the hosts managed 159-8 in 20 overs courtesy Jos Buttler’s 69 and Jason Roy’s 30. Along with Kuldeep, speedster Umesh Yadav snapped up (2-21). In reply, India cruised to victory in style finishing with 163-2 in 18.2 overs. For the hosts, David Willey and Adil Rashid picked two wickets each. Kuldeep Yadav was awarded Man of the Match.

BADMINTON

Sindhu, Prannoy Advance Into Indonesia Open Quarter-Finals

Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu and Prannoy won their respective rounds, while Saina Nehwal got knocked out by opponent China’s Chen Yufei 21-18, 21-15. Sindhu won 21-17, 21-14 defeating Japan’s Aya Ohori of Japan in 36 minutes. Prannoy beat Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei after losing the first set 21-23 and winning the the second and third set – 21-15; and 21-13, respectively.