Sports

The fifth-place finish at the Hockey World League semis was enough for India to qualify as a place opened up after Netherlands and England reached the final of European Championships.

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.

Manchester City striker Aguero is racing against time to be fully fit in order to start Sunday's Premier League clash against defending champions Chelsea.

Everton, who started the Premier League campaign with a 2-2 home draw against promoted Watford last weekend, travel to Southampton on Saturday.

Van Gaal was adamant that he wanted to keep goalkeeper David de Gea at Old Trafford because the Spaniard was still Manchester United's best player.

Ten-man Chelsea had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Swansea after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was sent off in the first match of the team's Premier League title defense at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Sardar Singh, is set to marry soon – his long-time girlfriend Ashpal Kaur Bhogal confirmed it by tweeting on Friday.

Iniesta is the longest-serving player at Camp Nou, having made his debut in October 2002.

Argentine star Lionel Messi will play the friendly match against Mexico, media reported.