Football

Queiroz has dubbed the FIFA rankings as a quantitative figure which will be of no importance once the World Cup qualifier against India kicks off at the Kanteerava Stadium.

Iceland's goalless draw against Kazakhstan was a drab affair, but it was enough to guarantee the tiny nation a place as one of the top two finishers in Group A, along with the Czech Republic.

Lyngdoh said that India's 2018 World Cup qualifying round football match against Asian heavyweights Iran would be a perfect platform to test the mettle of the home side.

Hulk scored in the 10th minute after an early stretch of Brazilian dominance and the five-time world champion beat Costa Rica 1-0 on Saturday in a World Cup qualifying tuneup match.

Kane scored 31 goals in his breakthrough campaign for Spurs last season, including 21 in the Premier League, and is in the England squad for their European Championship qualifiers.

While United goalkeeper Valdes spoke highly of his club and its supporters, Pedro admitted his Spain team-mate did not recommend life under Van Gaal.

Fuelled by the money from the Premier League's increasingly lucrative broadcast deals, English clubs made six of the biggest seven signings in the window.

India once again take on their neighbours Nepal in an international friendly football match ahead of their crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers match against Iran early next month.

India now face Nepal in the title clash of the championship, which is slated to kick off on Saturday.

Hailing from Pakistan's tribal province of Balochistan, Raheela Zarmeen, the young but determined manager of the country's women's football team, is on a mission to break the age-old stereotypes.

Valencia gave Spain a record five teams in the Champions League group phase after eliminating Monaco, while Malmo rallied to oust Celtic in their playoff.

Benitez said last week he was not concerned about his side's relative goal drought in their final warm-up matches before they began their latest La Liga campaign.

Lionel Messi missed a penalty kick but Luis Suarez scored in the second half to give Barcelona a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

Manchester City on Thursday announced the signing of defender Nicolas Otamendi on a five-year deal.

Pique has been banned for four matches by the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) after he was sent off for insulting a linesman during Super Cup second leg against Athletic Bilbao.

Liverpool were thumped 6-1 by Stoke City on the final day of last season but won 1-0 in their league opener against the same opponents last week.