Paris 2024: India faces Germany in do-or-die hockey semis
In a keenly awaited semifinal at high-stakes Paris Olympics 2024, India is up against World champion Germany at the Yves du Manoir Stadium on Tuesday, 06th August, 2024, with the challenge of defending without its key player, Amit Rohidas. Rohidas got a red card in the quarter-final match against Great Britain and has been suspended for one game; the appeal by Hockey India to get the order reversed was turned down. Resilient Defense: India’s Strength Though Rohidas was missing, India showed some steel to fight out three quarters without their main player against Great Britain before bucking up a great defense that has increased manifold compared to the earlier pool matches. The victory came and now it will face an even more supreme German side that is adept at offense, scoring the most number of goals in the tournament while winning five out of its six matches. Past Encounters and Current Expectations While India had mixed results against Germany this year, with a victory and defeat in the FIH Pro League last June, the Olympic stage is intense and should raise the competition a notch higher. In the case of Rohidas, which affected the strategy of rolling substitution by the team, Manpreet will be called upon to essentially cover up at the back. On the other side, India’s strengthened defense needs to be extra cautious against Germany’s prolific scorers Christopher Ruhr and Justus Weigand. At the same time, drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will also have a significant role in maximizing the potential created from penalty corners as much as possible without Rohidas, both as a penalty corner extractor and rusher. Anticipation for a Thrilling Match Germany would look towards carrying the winning momentum forward after getting the better of Argentina in the quarters, while India will look forward to rise to the occasion as it has done so many times in times of adversity. It’s going to be a great game of hockey with both teams promising a high level of hockey. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
EURO 2024: Germany’s Labour Law Impacts Yamal’s Playing Time
Lamine Yamal has been the talk of Euro 2024, not only for his talent but also for rewriting history as the tournament’s youngest ever scorer. At just 16 years and 362 days old, Yamal left a lasting impression with a breathtaking goal against France in the semi-finals, showcasing his skill and potential with a composed finish that belied his age. Regulatory Challenges for Spain’s Coach However, despite his stellar performances, Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente has faced a challenge in fielding Yamal for full games due to strict labour laws in Germany, where the tournament is being hosted. These regulations state that individuals under the age of 18 cannot work past 8 PM local time without special exemptions. While athletes are allowed to compete until 11 PM, exceeding this limit incurs hefty fines on their team or organization—in this case, the Spanish Football Association (RFEF). Management of Yamal’s Playing Time De la Fuente has voiced uncertainty about how these rules apply to Yamal’s playing time, stressing the importance of complying with local laws while also nurturing the young star’s development. In the semi-final against France, Yamal was substituted in stoppage time to ensure adherence to these regulations, restricting his playing minutes despite his impactful performance earlier in the game. Coach’s Reflection on Yamal’s Potential Reflecting on Yamal’s rise to prominence, De la Fuente praised the teenager’s footballing genius and maturity beyond his years. He emphasized the need to guide Yamal with care, urging him to stay grounded and focused on continuous improvement. “Watching a talent like Lamine is a privilege,” De la Fuente remarked, highlighting Spain’s excitement about Yamal’s potential in the years ahead. Despite the challenges posed by regulatory limits, Yamal’s presence is set to be a significant asset for Spanish football, provided his growth is managed thoughtfully within both sporting and legal frameworks. With Spain gearing up for the Euro 2024 final against England, all eyes are on Yamal and the delicate balance between nurturing young talent and complying with international regulations in the world of sports. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
EURO 2024: Toni Kroos Bids Farewell to Football: A Bittersweet Ending
Toni Kroos‘s illustrious football career came to an end in what could have been his last match. The football world held its breath in anticipation and the German midfielder finally bid farewell to the sport. Despite Germany’s epic battle to force extra time, just when a penalty shootout seemed inevitable, Mikel Merino’s header silenced the German fans and left Kroos shaking his head in disbelief. At the end of the day, Spain had an upper hand over Germany, winning the contest by a 2-1 lead. Kroos had one last chance to extend his career at least until penalties, but his cross into the box in the final play of the game landed in Unai Simón’s hands. Then came the final whistle, marking the end of his career—a bitter conclusion to a stellar journey. A Strong Start and a Bitter End Kroos began the game with intensity, causing Pedri’s injury that led to his substitution in the 8th minute, and later stepping on Lamine Yamal in another tough challenge. Remarkably, he escaped booking on both occasions. A Glorious Career Unblemished Toni Kroos retires from football at the age of 34, having won an impressive 34 titles. With Bayern Munich, he claimed ten trophies, including the 2013 treble. He was also part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad in Brazil, just before joining Real Madrid. At the Spanish club, he added another 23 titles, notably six Champions League victories. This achievement cements his place in history alongside Paco Gento, Carvajal, Nacho, and Modric as one of the players with the most wins in the tournament. Toni Kroos’ Career In Numbers Toni Kroos’ Career In Numbers CATEGORY STATISTIC Total Games 832 Goals 80 Champions League Titles 6 Club World Cup Titles 6 UEFA Titles 5 LaLiga Titles 4 Supercopa de España Titles 4 Bundesliga Titles 3 DFB-Pokal Titles 3 DFL-Supercup Title 1 Copa del Rey Title 1 FIFA World Cup Title 1 Retiring at His Peak Kroos leaves football as he always said he would—at his peak. Despite the sad and bitter ending, this cannot overshadow the illustrious career he has had. Now, he hangs up his boots, and football already misses him. Toni Kroos’s legacy remains untarnished, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come. The Sportz Planet,Atharva Shetye
