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Iceland surprises football fans, becomes smallest nation to qualify for World Cup

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Iceland surprises football fans, becomes smallest nation to qualify for World Cup

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Being the smallest nation to get qualified for the WC, Iceland topped the Europe Group 1, leaving behind Croatia, Ukrain, Turkey and Finland.

With a population of just 334,252 people, now Iceland shatters all records to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2018, for the first time after beating Kosovo 2-0 at home. Being the smallest nation to get qualified for international football’s biggest event, Iceland topped the Europe Group 1, to book a place for the final show in Russia, next year. With ‘Strákarnir okkar’s qualification at the top position of the group, one of Europe’s favorite, Croatia could just manage its place at the second spot at the Group, even after defeating Ukraine 2-0 in Kiev.

Iceland surprises football fans, becomes smallest nation to qualify for World Cup - 1Earlier, Paraguay held a similar record to get qualified for the 1930 World Cup, with an estimated population of 850,000 and later in 2005, Trinidad and Tobago broke the record, becoming the smallest nation with a population just over 1.2 million, to get qualified for the 2005 World Cup. However, Iceland now stands as the smallest nation ever to have qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

Keeping up its good form from the momentum it picked up when the team made it to the 2016 European Championship quarter-finals, Iceland led the first half of the qualifying match against Kosovo with a goal from Gylfi Sigurdsson. And they finally booked a place in the World Cup, for the first time, after the second goal from Johann Gudmundsson in the second half of the match.

Iceland topped the group by two points, moving ahead of clear-favorite Croatia, leaving behind star-studded Ukraine which was third, Turkey at fourth and Finland at fifth. Having defeated 2-0 by Iceland, Kosovo could just bag a single point in their maiden attempt to qualify for the international event.

Sigurdsson, who scored the first goal for the team, in their last Group match against Kosovo, is Iceland’s biggest star who signed for Everton with a reported transfer fee of 40 million pounds. However, an overall team effort, from Icelandic players who started their carrier with a variety of small European clubs, helped the team to mark a place in the history.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Cricket news

Jasmin Walia’s viral gesture at Ind vs Pak match sparks dating rumours with Hardik Pandya

Prayagraj residents plead for relief as Maha Kumbh crowds swell. Overcrowding and traffic chaos have reached a breaking point. Locals beg visitors to reconsider.

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Jasmin Walia blows kisses to Hardik Pandya during the Ind vs Pak match

Jasmin Walia, a British singer and TV personality, has sparked fresh rumours regarding her relationship with Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya after a video surfaced from the India vs Pakistan ODI match in Dubai. The video, which was shared on social media by an X user, shows Jasmin extending a sweet gesture of blowing kisses towards Pandya during the intense game.

The moment quickly went viral, with social media users taking notice of her affection. Some fans speculated whether the singer and cricketer were indeed an item, especially after some users remarked on her beauty, calling her Hardik’s “girlfriend.”

The dating rumours between Hardik Pandya and Jasmin Walia have been circulating since August of last year when fans noticed similarities in the social media posts shared by both personalities. This speculation grew stronger following the announcement of Hardik’s divorce from Natasha.

Who is Jasmin Walia? Known for her catchy songs and television appearances, Jasmin gained popularity with the hit track “Bom Diggy” alongside Zack Knight, a song that resonated with the youth. She also made headlines when she became the first British Indian female artist to be featured on the Times Square Billboard. Her earlier attempt on “The X Factor” didn’t result in a spot on the show, but she has since carved out a niche in the entertainment industry.

As for Hardik Pandya, the Indian cricketer remains a key figure in India’s cricketing success, and his relationship status continues to grab attention from fans and the media alike. Whether or not the two are romantically involved is still a mystery, but the buzz surrounding their possible relationship shows no signs of dying down.

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Kohli’s century silences critics, Rizwan’s tribute sparks admiration

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 and record-breaking milestone earned rare admiration from Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan, redefining sportsmanship in cricket

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Virat Kohli in full swing during a cricket match

In a dramatic turn of events at the post-match press conference, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan left no doubt about his admiration for India’s cricket superstar, Virat Kohli. In a display that transcended fierce on-field rivalries, Rizwan began his address by extolling Kohli’s form and commitment—an unprecedented gesture in high-stakes international cricket.

A masterclass on the field

Virat Kohli delivered a stunning performance with an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls—a knock that not only thrilled millions of cricket enthusiasts but also underscored his immense talent. His innings, punctuated with seven powerful fours, came at a time when doubts about his form were rife. Critics had questioned his place in the team following a series of lackluster performances, but Kohli’s resolute comeback silenced his detractors instantly. Moreover, he achieved the milestone of becoming the fastest to reach 14,000 ODI runs, reaffirming his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Kohli’s innings was a blend of grit and flair, combining impeccable timing with an aggressive yet controlled approach. His performance was a masterclass in batting, where every stroke was executed with precision and purpose. This resurgence was not only vital for his team but also served as an inspiration for cricket fans worldwide.

Rizwan’s candid praise

What made the press conference truly memorable was Rizwan’s unexpected openness. Despite representing Pakistan—a team locked in a fierce rivalry with India—Rizwan chose to spotlight Kohli’s excellence before delving into his own team’s shortcomings. “First, let’s talk about Virat Kohli. I am surprised at his hard work. The world says he is out of form, but he comes to such big matches and easily hits the ball,” Rizwan remarked, his words resonating with admiration and respect.

In an environment where sportsmanship is often overshadowed by rivalry, Rizwan’s tribute was both surprising and refreshing. He acknowledged Kohli’s relentless work ethic and exceptional fitness, highlighting the Indian captain’s unwavering dedication even at the age of 36. Such commendation from a rival captain speaks volumes about Kohli’s consistency and the high regard in which he is held across borders.

The ripple effects on the match

Kohli’s towering performance not only steered India to a memorable victory but also left Pakistan grappling with introspection. While Rizwan’s comments celebrated Kohli’s brilliance, he was equally candid about his team’s failings. Reflecting on Pakistan’s performance, Rizwan admitted, “All three departments have made mistakes. That’s why we are losing the match.” His frank assessment underscored a challenging night for Pakistan, whose efforts fell short in batting, bowling, and fielding.

With a second consecutive defeat, Pakistan’s title defense now hangs in the balance. The pressure mounts as their fate rests on future matches, with upcoming encounters against teams like Bangladesh and New Zealand holding the promise of either redemption or further disappointment. The on-field dynamics of cricket often pivot on such performances, and Kohli’s display has inadvertently added another layer to the unfolding narrative.

Beyond the numbers: the spirit of cricket

This episode serves as a potent reminder that cricket, at its core, is as much about respect and passion as it is about competition. Rizwan’s praise for Kohli transcends the traditional rivalry, spotlighting an era where sportsmanship can shine even in the heat of battle. His comments resonate deeply with fans and fellow players alike, challenging the often adversarial tone of international sports.

Kohli’s performance, characterized by both brilliance and consistency, reaffirms his position as a linchpin in modern cricket. His ability to turn the tide of a match, even when the odds are stacked against him, is a testament to his mental strength and technical prowess. As the cricketing world continues to evolve, moments like these remind us that the spirit of the game is not solely defined by victories or defeats, but by the grace and humility exhibited by its players.

While the match’s outcome casts a shadow over Pakistan’s title hopes, it has simultaneously illuminated the extraordinary talent of Virat Kohli. His latest innings stands as a beacon of inspiration—a narrative of resilience, determination, and excellence that transcends national rivalries.

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PCB blames ICC for India’s national anthem incident during AUS vs ENG, demands explanation from apex body

After extensive negotiations, Dubai was finalized as the venue for all of India’s matches in the tournament.

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The opening week of the Champions Trophy was marked by unexpected mishaps, causing tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The trouble began when the PCB lodged a complaint regarding a broadcasting error during India’s initial game against Bangladesh in Dubai.

The situation escalated when, before the match between Australia and England at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, a brief playing of India’s national anthem occurred instead of England’s “God Save the King/Queen.” This unexpected blunder took spectators by surprise and further aggravated the PCB.

In response, the PCB sought clarification from the ICC, emphasizing the mistake was particularly perplexing given that India was not participating in the Pakistan leg of the tournament. According to a source within the ICC, the PCB demanded an explanation, asserting that the ICC should be accountable for the anthem playlist used during the Champions Trophy.

“The PCB has made it clear that the ICC needs to offer some explanation as their people are responsible for the (national anthem) playlist of teams in the Champions Trophy,” the source stated, questioning how India’s anthem was mistakenly included.

The backdrop to these incidents is BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan, a decision influenced by the Indian government’s denial of clearance. After extensive negotiations, Dubai was finalized as the venue for all of India’s matches in the tournament.

The PCB’s grievances didn’t stop there. They had already addressed another broadcast issue to the ICC, pointing out that the tournament logo was not displayed during India’s match with Bangladesh. Reports indicated that during the broadcast of the Champions Trophy matches, the logo prominently featured ‘Pakistan’ as the host nation except for the India-Bangladesh game.

Initially, the ICC claimed the omission was due to a longer screen time that required a smaller logo. However, they later acknowledged the oversight and agreed to correct the graphic for all subsequent matches.

These consecutive missteps in the Champions Trophy have highlighted the logistical challenges faced by organizers and the significance of maintaining respect for national identities in international events.

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