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Articles by Saumyajit Basu
GOATbye: Leo blows whistle on Messimerising international career Original
It was morning in Miami and late evening in India as Lionel Messi’s announcement through an Instagram post flooded social media. Having seen him light up our lives for two decades, the world suddenly felt strangely empty, unfamiliar. His great rival Cristiano Ronaldo must feel so lonely today.
Brazil game can't mask Indian football's crisis: Bhutia says 'timing of the match is a problem' Original
News Sports News Football Brazil game can't mask Indian football's crisis: Bhutia says 'timing of the match is a problem' Trending Bhaichung Bhutia (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: The announcement of a glamour friendly between India and Brazil should have been a moment of celebration for Indian football.
Luis de la Fuente: The architect behind Spain's FIFA World Cup revival Original
News Sports News Football Luis de la Fuente: The architect behind Spain's FIFA World Cup revival Trending Spaniards appear to be particularly skilled at frustrating their opponents.
Made in Barcelona, forever Argentina: Messi faces the school that shaped him
News Made in Barcelona, forever Argentina: Messi faces the school that shaped him BEST YOUNG PLAYER: A teenaged Messi in Dec 2005, flanked by Barca stars (Image; AFP/ Agencies) The story of Lionel Messi is as well known, as well documented, as elevated to a mythical realm as Che Guevara’s.Though weirdly incompatible, those in South Asia are mostly accustomed to hearing only three Argentine names.
Brazil can’t bring back the Brazil we knew
That 5-time winners have now been knocked out of the 6th consecutive World Cup is not a surprise. The game against Norway showed what’s wrong with Brazilian football.
Sensei vs Selecao: Zico's Japan dream comes full circle against Brazil at the FIFA World Cup
Saumyajit Basu There used to be a popular saying in Brazil: “Zico did not win a World Cup. Well, too bad for the World Cup.” “If I'm considered the king of football, then without doubt, the prince is Zico,” Pele had once said. Yet, Zico, much-feted and loved at home, left Brazil in 1991 on a journey to the farthest corner of the globe. The Land of the Rising Sun was seeking a master to show its football philosophy and project the right guidance.
Messi’s sunset Boulevard masterclass: Days before 39, he answers Mbappe’s challenge Original
News Sports News Football Messi’s sunset Boulevard masterclass: Days before 39, he answers Mbappe’s challenge Trending Argentina's Lionel Messi (Image: AP) It was as if one was watching a movie marathon at a film festival. Or a night-long musical soiree.First, the blockbuster from reigning superstar Kylian Mbappe, followed by new entrant Erling Haaland’s superhit debut feature.
FIFA World Cup: Carlo, the Redeemer? Between Brazil's flair and pragmatism looms Ancelotti's shadow
Saumyajit Basu One can call it irony or a simple twist of fate. A 35-year old, who had just relinquished his footballing kit for a coach's tracksuit, was conducting drills with the Italian team at Rose Bowl, Pasadena. It was the summer of 1994. Under the venerable Arrigo Sacchi, one of AC Milan's most famous sons, Carlo Ancelotti, was learning the tricks to undo Dunga's Brazil.
FIFA World Cup: Carlo, the Redeemer? Between Brazil's flair and pragmatism looms Ancelotti's shadow
News Sports News Football FIFA World Cup: Carlo, the Redeemer? Between Brazil's flair and pragmatism looms Ancelotti's shadow Trending Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti (AP Photo) One can call it irony or a simple twist of fate. A 35-year old, who had just relinquished his footballing kit for a coach’s tracksuit, was conducting drills with the Italian team at Rose Bowl, Pasadena.It was the summer of 1994.
'The less educated go down the racism path': Ademola Lookman Original
News Sports News Football 'The less educated go down the racism path': Ademola Lookman Trending NEW DELHI: Ademola Lookman has echoed similar sentiments as Lamine Yamal. Yamal, the FC Barcelona youngster was outraged after Spanish fans resorted to Islamaphobic and xenophobic chants during the international friendly against Egypt in Barcelona. An angry Yamal expressed his disgust in an Instagram post.
25 years of the historic 2001 India vs Australia Test: A rebirth at Eden Gardens Original
News Sports News Cricket News 25 years of the historic 2001 India vs Australia Test: A rebirth at Eden Gardens Trending File Pic: Image from the historic India vs Australia Test in 2001 at Eden Gardens. This week, twenty-five years ago, few were giving Indian cricket any hope. Bruised, sullied from the match-fixing scandal barely a year before and fighting to save face, here was a rudderless team hosting Steve Waugh’s ‘Invincibles’. What unfolded would change Indian cricket forever.
Spain, France favourites, but you never know with Germany: Benedikt Howedes
Saumyajit Basu NEW DELHI: Howedes is an unsung hero even in Germany and he likes it that way. One who played every minute in Germany's famous World Cup triumph in 2014, Howedes prefers to stay under the radar even after a decade. Not quite possible though for those who were fortunate to watch him keep Argentina's right flank rather quiet at the Maracana in that 2014 final.
Saina Nehwal: The unlikely architect who changed Indian badminton forever
Saumyajit Basu Saina Nehwal's retirement, announced in a podcast, was generally received with a sense of ennui. Out of circuit for almost two years, the badminton world accepted the former world No.1's absence as a receding hairline. The inevitable that happens with an athlete as years and injuries pile on. Reassessment and retrospection followed almost immediately after Saina's confession though she has refused to make her plans official.
Why 2025 was one of the worst years for Indian football
Saumyajit Basu TNNUpdated: Dec 29, 2025, 17:40 IST IST This year, most scrambled to check the Google Maps to find Curacao when the smallest-ever nation, in terms of population and size, qualified for next year’s mammoth World Cup 2026. With 155,000 inhabitants, the Caribbean island was guided to the top tier by Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers and PSV boss who has also worked with eight national teams including his native Netherlands (1992-94).
When Indian football descended into chaos Original
India vs. Bangladesh. (Image: Agencies) This year, most scrambled to check the Google Maps to find Curacao when the smallest-ever nation, in terms of population and size, qualified for next year’s mammoth World Cup 2026. With 155,000 inhabitants, the Caribbean island was guided to the top tier by Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers and PSV boss who has also worked with eight national teams including his native Netherlands (1992-94).
GOAT India tour: Lionel Messi delights Delhi with his language of football
Saumyajit Basu NEW DELHI: It's time for reels, memes and thrills. Finally, Lionel Messi graced the Capital with his friends, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, and entertained a 30,000 odd gathering of the city's elite fans at the sun-soaked Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. The next most-popular word the city is breathing these days, AQI, hovered around 451 which is marked severe.
Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: Juergen Klinsmann talks strikers, big moments and evolution of game
News Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: Juergen Klinsmann talks strikers, big moments and evolution of game Juergen Klinsmann, a former player and coach for Bayern Munich, anticipates the upcoming Der Klassiker clash between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. He highlights the excitement surrounding strikers like Harry Kane and Serhou Guirassy, emphasizing their desire to perform in such high-stakes matches.
India U-23 coach Naushad Moosa praises team, raises concern over lack of game time
Naushad Moosa, after his India U-23 team narrowly missed AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification, stayed back in Doha amidst reported bombings. Despite impressive wins against Bahrain and Brunei, and a narrow loss to Qatar, Moosa worries about the players' future. He emphasizes the need for consistent senior-level playtime to maintain their development and readiness for the national team. New Delhi: Naushad Moosa has taken a break.
'In the last five years we've been in five major finals. That's a golden era for a lot of other teams'
News Sports News Football 'In the last five years we've been in five major finals. That's a golden era for a lot of other teams' Trending Manchester United's Harry Maguire, in Mumbai as an ambassador for Apollo Tyres, reflected on a disappointing season, acknowledging the need for significant improvement and player turnover. Despite personal highs, Maguire faces uncertainty about his future with the club, with his contract nearing its end.
TOI Exclusive | Joachim Loew instructed us to be respectful after leading 5-0 vs Brazil in 2014 World Cup semifinal: Thomas Mueller | Football News - Times of India
News Sports News Football TOI Exclusive | Joachim Loew instructed us to be respectful after leading 5-0 vs Brazil in 2014 World Cup semifinal: Thomas Mueller Trending Thomas Mueller, known for his unwavering attitude, announced his arrival on the world stage after a clash with Diego Maradona in 2010. He played a pivotal role in Germany's successful World Cup campaigns, starting in 2010 and culminating in the 2014 victory.
Don Carlo in Brazil: Can Ancelotti reinvent Selecao's beautiful game?
Brazil's football struggles led to the unprecedented appointment of Italian Carlo Ancelotti as their national team coach. Tasked with reinventing Brazil's winning form, Ancelotti faces challenges including Neymar's fitness and presidential expectations. Despite some skepticism, many believe his European success and familiarity with Brazilian players like Vinicius Junior make him the right choice to lead the Selecao to victory.
Can Brazil find a saviour as its WC qualifying campaign implodes?
After a humiliating loss to Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers, Brazil is searching for a new coach to resurrect its fortunes. But the problems run much deeper than that The Brazilians are monumentally hurt. Vinicius Junior has called for a seismic rethinking after returning from an embarrassing trip across the border.
What's wrong with Brazil! Pele's children in a free fall, at home and abroad
News Sports News What's wrong with Brazil! Pele's children in a free fall, at home and abroad Trending Brazil is grappling with a major setback after a 1-4 loss to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier. This defeat echoes past humiliations, raising questions about the team's structure, coaching, and struggle to perform against European sides. Photo Source: @brfootball on X The Brazilians are monumentally hurt.
Vincent Kompany has given Bayern its DNA back: Lothar Matthaus
News Sports News Football Vincent Kompany has given Bayern its DNA back: Lothar Matthaus Trending Lothar Matthaus reflects on Bayern Munich's Champions League clash against Barcelona, praising Hansi Flick's efforts. He also discusses Bayer Leverkusen's fluctuating performance and the resurgence under Vincent Kompany. Matthaus touches on Germany's national team under Julian Nagelsmann and shares memories of the 1990 World Cup victory over rivals led by Diego Maradona.
Winning has become an addiction at Man City: Shaun Wright-Phillips
Shaun Wright-Phillips discusses Manchester City's rise from mediocrity to dominance, highlighting the role of new ownership and Pep Guardiola. He comments on the challenges posed by a packed schedule and contrasts City with Real Madrid. Additionally, he reflects on his father's impact on his career and personal development. Shaun Wright-Phillips has a favourite adage for life: If you fall from the bike, you get up and ride again.
A blast from the past, 22 summers on...
YOKOHAMA, JUNE 30, 2002: Ronaldo wheels away after capitalising on Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn's fumble to score Brazil's first goal during the World Cup final in Japan. Brazil won 2-0. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Manuel Neuer's slip was reminiscent of Kahn's butterfingers in 2002 WC final Goalkeeping howlers, as they say, are part of the game but some stay entrenched in minds much longer after the final whistle has been blown.
Would have loved to race with Mbappe at my prime: Usain Bolt
MADRID: Usain Bolt pulled a real quick one when he faced the media during the Laureus sports awards night in Madrid. Questions flew about his love for football and he said, "I would love to compete with Kylian Mbappe to see how fast he can run the hundred metres." He drew a huge round of applause for his quip on the France football captain. Bolt, winner of eight gold medals in three Olympic Games, shared the stage with Jude Bellingham.
I faced in Milan what Vinicius is facing in Madrid: Marcel Desailly
MADRID: The city is still reeling under the Clasico hangover and everyone is praising Jude Bellingham. Marcel Desailly, the former captain of France and a World Cup-winner, did not miss out on joining the chorus on England’s new-found ace who decided the Clasico at the Bernabeu on a raucous Sunday night. What makes Desailly stand out, apart from his outstanding physical appearance, is his composed articulation on matters others are apprehensive talking about.
It's difficult, but if I can do it, so can Neeraj Chopra: Michael Johnson - Times of India
MADRID: Michael Johnson, the one with the golden shoes, has some golden words for Neeraj Chopra. Neeraj will be defending his Tokyo javelin gold medal in Paris. Talking to TOI in Madrid on the sideline of the Laureus awards, Johnson said, "It's difficult. But if I can do it, so can Neeraj." Johnson's own career is a testament of the heights that can be achieved through dedication and perseverance.
Are termination safeguards adequate in Igor Stimac contract?
NEW DELHI: India's humiliating loss to Afghanistan in the World Cup qualifying campaign has shaken up the fans and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). It is learnt that the all-powerful technical committee headed by IM Vijayan wondered "how Stimac can continue (as head coach)" after the shocking 1-2 defeat to the depleted Afghanistan side in Guwahati on March 26.
AFC seeks evidence of corruption charges against AIFF boss Kalyan Chaubey
NEW DELHI: Reacting to media articles, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has asked the AIFF’s ousted legal head, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, to submit evidence for allegations of corruption he has levelled against national federation head Kalyan Chaubey, acknowledging it as a “serious matter.” “In light of the seriousness of this matter, we kindly request that you provide the AFC, with a full written report setting out your position on the matter by 18 March 2024 at the latest,” wrote deputy...
When we were Galacticos, we all were leaders: Luis Figo
Intelligent, skilful and fiercely competitive, Luis Figo was the original footballing superstar from Portugal till Cristiano Ronaldo made the mantle his own. An unhurried Figo spoke to TOI in a snap interview...
It was sad to see Cristiano Ronaldo leave Manchester United on a sour note, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
NEW DELHI: Who scored the most iconic goal in the history of Manchester United? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, of course, screams one half, the larger half. The other rattles up a host of legendary goals scored by George Best, Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Australia's World Cup journey: From embarrassing to inspiring
From deep square leg, Pegged at the bottom of the table after two back-to-back losses, Australia were hallucinating at the dangerous prospect of an early exit from their sixth World Cup-chasing campaign. Sri Lanka were cruising nicely with 125 for no loss and looking good for much more. Captain Pat Cumminswent for another bouncer and the Lankan right-hander went for the instinctive hook.David Warner, the youngest Aussie at 37, dived and effected a stunning catch.
India not living in real world, needs to change fast: Igor Stimac
The whole nation may be cheering the Indian football team's recent happy tidings, but the man at the helm is not letting himself go with the flow. Igor Stimac, the Croatian guide and mentor of the bunch which won the three nations trophy, Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Cup for the ninth time, said unequivocally, "I'm not happy." Stimac left for his home in Croatia on Tuesday night, even before the revelry of India's SAFF victory had died down.
Manchester United need to sign a striker, midfielder to fight for the title: Denis Irwin
Denis Irwin has seen the best and the worst of times at Manchester United. The adventurous left back witnessed the rise and rise of Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United since he joined in 1990 and played his last game in 2002. Ferguson later revealed that Irwin - dubbed ‘Mr Reliable’ - would be his first name on the team sheet. Currently in India, Irwin shared his thoughts exclusively with TOI on the ‘golden age’ of United and the rebuilding process under Erik ten Hag.
I really feel sorry for Napoli, they should have gotten that penalty: Juergen Klinsmann
Legendary German striker Juergen Klinsmann discusses the midweek CL drama and the German national team, which he feels must sort out the goal-scoring problem before Euro 2024. In Germany, the fans called him the “flipper” following a popular television show of the same name featuring a trick-performing dolphin. During his time in England with Tottenham Hotspur, Juergen Klinsmann was often called the "diver" by his detractors.
RIP Pele: Adeus the King of the beautiful game Original
The room was on the 11th floor. One could see the vast expanse of the city of Kolkata, spread almost like a dream. Inside, a bunch of over-eager people waited anxiously for the legend to arrive. It was Pele’s second visit to Kolkata, this time without his boots on. It was the autumn of 2015. Some 37 years ago, when his legend was at high noon, Pele had come to Kolkata for an exhibition match against Mohun Bagan. But age had withered him as the century turned.
FIFA World Cup: Tim's flick showcased Weah pedigree
American had displayed a glimpse of his talent during U-17 WC in Delhi Tim Weah will never forget Walker Zimmerman's moment of madness that denied USA and spoiled his spectacular premiere at Doha on Monday. A Christian Pulisic pass split through the heart of Wales defence and found Weah on the run. A rather ordinary and usual occurrence on the football field. What followed was out of the ordinary. The 22-year old, instead of cutting across with the ball, decided to go for the kill with one touch.
FIFA World Cup: Time for Brazil and Argentina to turn the tide Original
The 'winter' World Cup offers Brazil and Argentina an opportunity to break free from the grip of European hegemony The picture of Ronaldo's run towards the corner flag, waving his right index finger and flashing a toothy smile, from that celebratory evening in Yokohama hangs like a yellowing diploma on the wall. In twenty years, the collective memory of the world has shrunk to barely minutes if not less.
I would love to see either Messi or Ronaldo win the World Cup: Wayne Rooney Original
From being a prodigious talent, learning his trade on the streets of Croxteth area of Liverpool, Wayne Rooney has travelled the whole spectrum of the game with emotion and effervescence. His frenetic pace and taste for the spectacular are part of Old Trafford folklore. Long gone are those flamboyant days but Rooney is still very much part of the game, as he chose coaching after hanging up his boots.
I am the best man for the job: Bhaichung Bhutia Original
Bhaichung Bhutia (TOI Photo) NEW DELHI: It is one fight Bhaichung Bhutia is engaged in where the variables are beyond his actual control. For now, the Padma Shree awardee’s candidature for the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) presidential post has the explicit support of two, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, among the 35 state association votes.
Commonwealth Games 2022: Now the chase is for a singles medal, says Sathiyan Gnanasekaran Original
June has been a promising month for Sathiyan Gnanasekaran. To the shock and wonder of the world table tennis fraternity, the 25-year-old knocked the stuffing out of reigning European champion Jorgic Darko at WTT Contender Zagreb 2022. For Sathiyan, it was just a stepping stone in his search for a singles medal at the CWG 2022. Talking exclusively to TOI before flying out to Birmingham, Sathiyan’s answers had the lucidity of his forehand drive and the nuances carried the spin of his backhand slice.
Manchester United will regain glory days, says Dimitar Berbatov Original
Photo credit: Alex Livesey/Getty Images It’s been almost a decade now that Dimitar Berbatov gave up his Manchester United shirt. Time has failed to whittle away his passion for the red shirt. Berbatov used to be the stylist, the magician, a luxury that even Alex Ferguson, the master of the helter-skelter, could ill afford. Berbatov won two league titles at Manchester United and was the top scorer in the second of those — 2010/11.
Lionel Messi and beautiful madness
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2021 flashback: Lionel Messi and beautiful madness
August did not augur well for Lionel Messi. It was a month Messi and his family will never forget. They were on a holiday in Ibiza when a private plane brought them to the Catalonian capital Barcelona to put ink on paper. Messi's 21-year long stay - where he grew up from a boy to a man to a champion of rare excellence - was supposed to be extended. It was not to be. The club and Messi, even though unwilling to part ways, could not meet the demands of the salary cap.
A Champions League spot is our primary goal now: Lacazette
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Copa America final: Messi and Neymar clash in their chase for elusive title
The contrast could not have been more stark. The Maracana will look like a sparsely populated bastion on Sunday morning (IST), suffering from a lack of brightness which cannot be adjusted even on the latest model of your television set. In the evening though, or post-midnight, the same television set will be glowing with bright colours, costumes and cacophony from the cavernous Wembley where 60,000 will gather to witness England's chase for a continental title after 55 years.
Worrell to Sammy: From black and white to colour
Darren Sammy. (TOI Photo) It was another day, another era when cricket was yet to go colour. A Test series that Gary Sobers had called the greatest ever where every Test match was completed in the last over of the fifth day. One can frown trying to slide down the memory lane, removing the cobwebs of time and misinformation, but it had actually happened during West Indies' tour of Australia in 1960-61.
No SOPs for training facilities yet: Pullela Gopichand - Times of India
Pullela Gopichand. (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: The government directive to open the stadiums has come, bringing some cheer to the sports fraternity, but standard operating procedures (SOPs) for training facilities are yet to be issued. National badminton coach Pullela Gopichand is still waiting for the SOPs to start training at his facility in Hyderabad.
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