Tag: Premier League

Sports

FC Goa Clinch AIFF Super Cup in Dramatic Shootout, Seal AFC Champions League 2 Spot

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

FC Goa secured a historic AIFF Super Cup triumph after edging East Bengal FC 6-5 in a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Margao. The victory not only allowed them to defend their title successfully but also helped them clinch a coveted berth in next season’s AFC Champions League 2. With this win, the Gaurs extended their record by lifting the trophy for the third time, establishing themselves as one of the most dominant sides in the competition’s history.

The final was a gripping affair from the outset, with both teams creating a flurry of chances and displaying relentless intensity. The home side began brightly, backed by strong local support, and threatened through early set pieces. East Bengal gradually settled and carved out opportunities of their own, including a clear chance in the 12th minute when Miguel Ferreira broke through but shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Bipin Singh and Mahesh Naorem kept Goa on high alert with dangerous plays from the flanks, while FC Goa responded with long-range efforts and probing through balls.

The match saw swings in momentum after the break, with both sides coming close to breaking the deadlock. East Bengal nearly scored in the 74th minute when PV Vishnu’s effort forced a fumble from goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, but the Goa custodian reacted quickly to prevent the ball from crossing the line. The close call awakened FC Goa, who hit the upright through Brison Fernandes before Dejan Drazic missed a clear header moments later. In extra time, Gill produced crucial saves for East Bengal to keep them in contention, including a reflex stop from Siverio’s rebound and a sharp grab from Timor’s header.

With no goals after 120 minutes, the final moved into a tense penalty shootout. Both teams held their nerve through the initial five attempts, finishing 4-4. In sudden death, Sahil Tavora converted for FC Goa after Udanta Singh scored his attempt for East Bengal. The game was finally decided when substitute Hamid Ahadad scored but PV Vishnu missed the target with his effort, handing FC Goa the victory. Despite Gill getting hands to a few penalties, East Bengal ultimately fell short by a single miss.

FC Goa’s composure under pressure, clinical finishing from the spot, and resilience throughout the contest underscored their championship mentality. The result cements their legacy in Indian football, gives them continental exposure next season, and marks another memorable night for the fans who witnessed a classic final unfold in Margao.

Events in Goa

AIFF Proposes Goa as Host for Super Cup 2025; Winner to Earn AFC Champions League Playoff Slot

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 14 September 2025: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally approached the Goa Football Association (GFA) to host the Super Cup 2025 across two prominent stadiums in Goa—Nehru Stadium, Fatorda and Athletic Stadium, Bambolim. The tournament is tentatively scheduled from October 25 to November 22 and will be held in a phased format, aligning with the upcoming FIFA international window.

According to AIFF’s proposed plan, the group stage—featuring 16 teams divided into four groups—will be held between October 25 and November 6. A break will follow for the international window, during which India will face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on November 18. The knockout stages, including the semifinals and final, are expected to resume post this fixture.

In a letter addressed to GFA President Caitano Fernandes, AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan requested the GFA’s assistance in securing both stadiums, along with four training grounds for participating clubs. AIFF has also asked for support in managing floodlights for evening matches, providing ambulances and medical rooms, and ensuring seamless coordination with the Goa state government. Matches at Fatorda will be played under floodlights at 7:30 PM, while those at Bambolim will kick off at 5:00 PM.

“The AIFF deeply appreciates the long-standing cooperation extended by the GFA in hosting major national and international football competitions, and we look forward to your continued support in delivering another successful tournament in Goa,” the letter read.

The GFA has responded positively, stating that it is keen to extend “all possible help” to ensure the successful conduct of the tournament.

The Super Cup 2025 is expected to include 13 clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL) and 3 from the I-League, though four ISL clubs have only “conditionally consented” to participate due to pending clarity on the ISL start date and financial receivables. Odisha FC has already communicated its decision to opt out of the Super Cup but left the door open to reconsider if there is greater clarity.

A key incentive this year is the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 berth. With India ranked 10th in the Asian Football Confederation’s Member Association standings for the West Zone, it has secured two continental spots. The ISL winner will gain direct entry into the ACL Two group stage, while the Super Cup winner will receive the second slot via a play-off, provided the club meets Premier 1 licensing requirements. Should the team not progress through the play-off, it will automatically be included in the AFC Challenge League group stage, ensuring India maintains strong representation at the continental level.

With continental qualification on the line, participation decisions pending, and Goa ready to host, the stage is being set for one of the most significant domestic football tournaments in the Indian calendar.

Sports

60-Year-Old Superfan Breaks World Record With Massive Liverpool Jersey Collection

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 31, 2025, a football field in the quiet Swiss village of Magglingen transformed into a sea of red, white, and yellow—each jersey representing a chapter in the history of Liverpool Football Club. The reason? A lifelong Liverpool fan, Florian Thürler, chose to celebrate his 60th birthday in the most unforgettable way possible—by unveiling his record-breaking collection of 1,047 Liverpool FC jerseys, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records.

Florian Thürler’s love for Liverpool spans more than five decades, and this dedication is now enshrined in football history. His collection includes kits dating back to the 1950s, spanning eras from Shankly and Dalglish to Klopp and Salah. Displayed meticulously on the pitch, the jerseys formed a living timeline of the club’s iconic evolution—each one a symbol of moments that defined generations of fans.

A former striker for Swiss club Young Boys, Thürler’s passion for football goes beyond admiration—it’s deeply personal. As reported by Swiss publication 20 Minuten, Thürler views each shirt as more than fabric; to him, every jersey “tells a story”—whether it’s about triumph in the European Cup during the ’70s or the brilliance of Mohamed Salah in recent years. “When you support a club like this, it’s for life,” Thürler told the publication.

The display drew attention from local Swiss media and global football fanatics alike. Social media buzzed with admiration, while Liverpool fans across continents shared photos and memories inspired by Thürler’s effort. For many, this wasn’t just a Guinness World Record—it was a tribute to the kind of love only true fans understand.

While jersey collectors are common in football culture, what sets Thürler apart is the scale and consistency of his devotion to a single club. In a world of shifting loyalties and club-hopping, Florian’s lifelong commitment to Liverpool is both rare and remarkable.

From a pitch in Switzerland to the record books of the world, Florian Thürler has proven that fandom isn’t measured in chants or cheers alone—it can be stitched into every thread of a jersey, worn proudly, and remembered forever.

Sports

Lionel Messi Set to Play in Kerala This November in FIFA Friendly

Tanisha Cardozo

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – It’s official: football legend Lionel Messi will be returning to India for the first time since 2011, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The reigning world champions will play a FIFA international friendly in Kerala in November 2025, a momentous occasion for Indian football fans and a massive win for Kerala’s growing sporting ambitions.

The fixture is part of three international matches scheduled during the FIFA window from November 10 to 18, with the other games set to be played in Luanda and Angola. While the opponents are yet to be announced, anticipation is already surging across the country.

The AFA’s official statement reads:

“The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows in the remainder of 2025… The second, a FIFA friendlies in November, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India.”

This visit also puts to rest speculation surrounding Argentina’s participation in India. Earlier, the Kerala government faced criticism for reportedly allocating a substantial sum to host Messi and the team, amid rumours of the invitation being declined.

However, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman reaffirmed that the AFA has committed to the match, adding that his recent visit to Spain was not only to meet AFA officials but also to discuss Kerala’s new stadium project in Thiruvananthapuram with Spain’s Sports Council.

“The AFA has assured that the visit in November will take place with the new sponsor. Necessary security arrangements have already been requested for the team,” said the minister.

Messi’s Return: A Historic Moment

Messi’s last trip to India was in September 2011, when he led Argentina against Venezuela in an international friendly at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. Now, over a decade later, his return marks a rare and historic moment for Indian football, especially for Kerala, a state deeply passionate about the sport.

The announcement cements Kerala’s place on the international football map and could boost local enthusiasm, tourism, and infrastructure investment.

Sports

Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Killed in Tragic Car Crash

allycaralgoa

Zamora, Spain – July 3, 2025 : In a tragic late-night accident, Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva lost their lives in a car crash near Zamora, Spain, according to statements from the Portuguese Football Federation and Spanish emergency services

The brothers, aged 28 and 25, respectively, were traveling on the A‑52 motorway close to Cernadilla/Palacios de Sanabria when their Lamborghini veered off the road—reportedly due to a tyre blowout—and burst into flames Emergency responders confirmed both were killed instantly at the scene

Diogo Jota—a key player for Liverpool since 2020—scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, helping the club win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup . He also represented Portugal 49 times, contributing to their UEFA Nations League victories

His younger brother, André Filipe Teixeira da Silva, starred as an attacking midfielder for Penafiel in Liga Portugal 2 and was widely respected for his talent and dedication.

The brothers had recently celebrated Diogo’s wedding on June 22, with Rute Cardoso, and welcomed their third child just last year