Football
AIFF felicitates Sunil after Kuwait game
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Ray Sportz News Desk: The show didn’t go the way it was expected, at least for the huge number of Indian fans present at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Thursday, June 6, 2024, but it didn’t stop them from showering love and appreciation on Sunil Chhetri, who played his 151st and last international match in the goalless draw against Kuwait.
There were big cheers from the crowd as India’s all-time highest scorer in international football walked up on the dais on the pitch to receive a plaque that was handed over to him by the All India Football President Kalyan Chaubey.
The plaque that Mr. Chaubey presented to Chhetri on behalf of the Indian Football fraternity, said:
Dear Sunil,
You have been a gem in the crown of Indian football and a pride of the nation. Your achievement on the field, complemented by your demeanour off it, holds us spellbound. You have been a star on the Indian Football horizon since the momentous day you stepped onto the field in the Blue jersey. The star never stopped shining and like a luminous point in the night sky, it dazzled brighter for nearly two decades to accomplish amplified altitudes. We watched in awe as you guided Indian Football past many impediments and inspired generations to embrace the Beautiful Game.
Now, 19 years and 151 International caps later, as you have decided to enter a new life post-international football today, we remain firmly gripped by nostalgia. You have filled our hearts with extraordinary emotions that we will share with our family and friends until our last days. With your millions of fans, we will miss your great deeds on the field. Rest assured, your stunning skills, your exhilarating leadership, and your humility will forever be part of Indian Football’s folklore.
Thank you for everything you have accomplished and good luck with everything you will do in the future.
On behalf of the Indian Football fraternity
Kalyan Chaubey
President, All India Football Federation
Chhetri spoke briefly, saying: “To all my supporters, I thank all of you. These 19 years would not have been possible without each one of you. I genuinely mean it. All of you who are here, thank you so much. I will speak from my heart, all of you have been great. Stay happy, and thank you again.”
The Indian captain was also felicitated by the Indian Football Association, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, the Indian Army and senior ministers of the Government of West Bengal.
Football
Jordan Murray celebrated teacher’s day with the students of High School Tirildih.
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Ray Sportz Web Desk: In a heartwarming celebration of Teacher’s Day, Jordan Murray, the star forward of Jamshedpur FC, visited the Sports & Cultural Fest, Antaragani, organized by the Rotaract Club of Steel City at High School Tirildih. The event was a vibrant showcase of Jharkhand’s rich culture, and Murray was thoroughly mesmerized by the experience.
The highlight of the day was when Murray danced along with the little kids to the rhythm of a Santhali song, creating an unforgettable moment for everyone present. The event took a special turn when Rakhi Tudu, a student, gifted Murray a handmade card wishing him the best for the upcoming ISL season, which kicks off on September 21st against Mumbai City FC at the Furnace.
Murray also met with the school football team and shared his valuable experience with them. He collaborated with the kids, showcasing his impressive football skills and leaving them in awe. The fans and local community were thrilled to meet Murray, and they eagerly captured several selfies to cherish the moment.
The Antaragani fest was a resounding success, thanks to Murray’s presence, which added a touch of glamour to the event. His interaction with the students and the community was a testament to his dedication to inspiring the next generation of football enthusiasts. As Jamshedpur FC gears up for the new season, Murray’s visit has surely pumped up the excitement among the fans.
East Bengal
Packed gallery is not a concern for Altyn Asyr coach
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Shubham Mandal: Carles Cuadrat’s revenge match! Are you thinking, why? Then you have to go back six long years ago. The year was 2018, Bengaluru FC lost both legs of the AFC Cup inter-zonal semi-final against Altyn Asyr. At that time their head coach was Carles Cuadrat. Only the team has changed this time. He is now the head coach of East Bengal. This time also in that AFC Cup, his opponent is Altyn Asyr. Also in 2018, Yazguly Hojageldyyew was the head coach of Altyn Asyr. And he is still in charge of the team.
After setting foot in Calcutta, Altyn Asyr had his first practice in Yuva Bharati on this day. Altyn Asyr head coach said a lot about the East Bengal team while giving an interview to Ray Sportz after the practice. Here is the conversation:
Q: There are no foreigners in the team. Is that a problem for you?
Hojageldyyew: Not having foreigners in the team is not a big deal. It has been in our team for a long time. The current footballers have been the asset of this team for the last few years. So we are not worried about this.
Q: Have you been playing the same team for the last few years?
Hojageldyyew: Most of the footballers in this team have been playing together for several years. So all footballers are well aware of their responsibilities.
Q: Do you have any idea about the East Bengal team?
Hojageldyyew: There are quite a few good foreigners in the East Bengal team. Not only that, they have got some good quality Indian footballers in their team this season. They have won their last two matches. We have already seen the video of that match. Footballers know that the match is going to be tough.
Q: Are you stressed when playing in front of a packed gallery?
Hojageldyyew: Not at all! This is not the first time we will be playing an AFC match in front of a packed gallery for the opposition. So I don’t think there will be any extra pressure on the boys.
Football
Germany outplayed Scotland in the Euro cup opener
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Ray Sportz Web Desk: Scotland’s 2024 European Championships optimism was bludgeoned to a pulp by Germany in their Group A opener with Ryan Porteous seeing red before the interval in a 5-1 defeat.
Florian Wirtz opened the scoring for the hosts in the 10th minute with fellow attacker Jamal Musiala adding a second nine minutes later as Steve Clarke’s side were simply outclassed in the Munich Arena.
Defender Porteous was deservedly sent off just before the break for conceding a penalty with a reckless tackle, and Kai Havertz netted.
Substitute Niclas Fullkrug made it 4-0 in the 68th minute with a magnificent drive and then had a goal ruled offside as the 10-men in dark blue continued their struggle.
Germany defender Antonio Rudiger scored into his own net but that was cancelled out by substitute Emre Can to make it 5-1.
The beleaguered Scots face Switzerland in Cologne next week before taking on Hungary in Stuttgart. They have to quickly get this performance and result out of their heads while the Tartan Army will also have to regroup.
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