Also Read Bengali | মেসির জোড়া গোলে উড়ল অস্ট্রিয়া, বিশ্বকাপে গড়লেন নতুন রেকর্ড

The defending world champions started on the front foot and controlled possession from the opening whistle. Argentina earned a penalty inside the first quarter of the match after a foul by an Austrian defender. However, Messi failed to convert from the spot, allowing Austria to stay in the contest.

Despite the missed opportunity, Argentina continued to pile on the pressure. Austria attempted to respond through Michael Gregoritsch and Paul Wanner, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Argentine defence.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute. Defender Facundo Medina delivered a precise pass into the box and Messi produced a clinical finish to beat the goalkeeper and hand Argentina a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal ensured the South Americans went into the halftime break with an advantage.

Argentina maintained their attacking intent after the restart. Messi thought he had doubled the lead in the 50th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. A few minutes later, Austria received a golden opportunity to get back into the game but failed to capitalise.

In the 73rd minute, Messi created another chance from a corner, only for Nico Gonzalez to miss the target with his header. Argentina continued to dominate proceedings and eventually sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.

Launching a swift counter-attack, Messi produced a trademark finish to score his second goal of the night and put the result beyond doubt. The strike not only secured all three points for Argentina but also saw the legendary forward register another remarkable World Cup record.

With two wins from two matches, Argentina are now firmly on course for a place in the knockout stages. Austria, meanwhile, face a difficult challenge after suffering their second defeat of the tournament.

Once again, Lionel Messi proved why he remains one of football’s greatest-ever players. His match-winning performance has strengthened Argentina’s hopes of successfully defending their World Cup crown.

Read Bengali : এই ভারতীয় ফুটবলারের সঙ্গে চুক্তি বাড়িয়ে নিল পাঞ্জাব শিবির

With clubs actively strengthening their squads during the transfer window, Punjab FC have focused on retaining important members of their roster. After renewing contracts with several players in recent weeks, including Lungdim and other key squad members, the club has now tied down Arshdeep Singh to a new deal.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper was an important figure for Punjab FC during the previous ISL campaign. He featured in 12 league matches, conceding 12 goals while registering four clean sheets. His consistent performances between the posts attracted attention from several clubs after his previous contract expired in May this year.

Also Read |  FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5-1 to Storm Top of Group

However, Punjab FC have successfully fended off interest from rival teams by handing the Chandigarh-born shot-stopper a two-year contract extension, ensuring his stay at the club for the foreseeable future.

Speaking after signing the new deal, Arshdeep expressed his delight at continuing with the club.

“There is no greater feeling than representing my home state. It is a special privilege for me. I believe we are building something special here, and I am excited to play my part in what lies ahead,” he said.

The goalkeeper also thanked the club management for the faith shown in him since his arrival.

“I am grateful for the trust the club has placed in me since I joined last season. Their confidence has motivated me to keep improving and contribute to the team’s success,” Arshdeep added.

Punjab FC are expected to make further moves in the transfer market as they prepare for the upcoming season, with the club aiming to build on the progress made in recent years and establish themselves as strong contenders in Indian football.

Read বাংলা: মহাকাশে ফুটবল! বিশ্বকাপের বল নিয়ে অভিনব গবেষণায় নভোশ্চররা

But can sports be played in space? More specifically, can a game as popular as football function in a zero-gravity environment?

To find answers, astronauts aboard the ISS have begun a unique experiment involving the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026, named TriOnda. The innovative project aims to study how a football behaves in microgravity and whether the laws governing the sport on Earth change in space.

Recently, NASA released a video on social media showing four astronauts, two men and two women, conducting a series of tests with the World Cup ball. Floating inside the ISS, they kicked and passed the ball while observing its movement, speed and trajectory.

Read More: FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5-1 to Storm Top of Group

Unlike on Earth, where gravity dictates the path of a football, the near weightless environment of space produces entirely different results. The footage shows the ball moving much more slowly and taking longer to travel even short distances. With gravity having minimal influence, the ball’s balance, rotation and overall behaviour differ significantly from what players experience on a football pitch.

Scientists hope the experiment will provide valuable insights into how objects move in microgravity. Researchers are particularly interested in understanding changes in speed, spin and direction, and whether these findings could contribute to future developments in sports science and physics.

The project could also have practical implications for long-term human habitation in space. As missions become longer and future space stations or lunar bases become reality, recreational activities and sports may play an important role in maintaining physical and mental well-being.

The spotlight is also firmly on the TriOnda ball itself. Designed by Adidas, the ball celebrates the three host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the United States, Mexico and Canada. The name combines “Tri,” representing the three countries, and “Onda,” meaning wave, symbolising the unity of the tournament hosts.

Its design features red, green and blue colours inspired by the national identities of the three countries. Beyond aesthetics, the ball incorporates advanced technology, including embedded sensors capable of collecting data related to movement, touch and speed.

As detailed research on the ball’s performance in space continues, scientists believe the findings could contribute not only to future space missions but also to the evolution of football technology on Earth.

By bringing together the worlds of football and space science, the experiment has already captured global attention, proving that even the beautiful game can find a place among the stars.

বাংলায় পড়ুন:  টিউনিশিয়াকে উড়িয়ে জাপানের প্রথম জয়, দাপট দেখাল উয়েদা-কামাদা

The Blue Samurai were in complete control throughout the contest, with Ayase Ueda scoring twice, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also found the net.

The victory moves Japan into second place in the group standings, level on points with the Netherlands but behind the Dutch side on goal difference.

Japan made a dream start, breaking the deadlock within the opening four minutes. Midfielder Daichi Kamada finished off a swift attacking move to put the Asian side ahead and immediately set the tone for the match.

After conceding early, Tunisia adopted a more defensive approach, hoping to contain Japan’s attacking threat. However, Moriyasu’s men continued to dominate possession and create chances.

Their pressure paid off again early in the third quarter of the match when Ayase Ueda doubled Japan’s advantage. The striker’s clinical finish gave his side a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

Tunisia attempted to mount a response after the break and enjoyed brief spells of attacking momentum, but they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Japan’s well-organised defence.

Instead, it was Japan who continued to find openings. In the 69th minute, Junya Ito added a third goal to effectively end the contest. Ueda then completed his brace in the 83rd minute, scoring Japan’s fourth goal of the evening and capping off a superb individual performance.

Japan’s pace, movement, and attacking intensity proved far too much for Tunisia to handle. The African side looked increasingly overwhelmed as the match progressed and had no answer to the relentless pressure from the Blue Samurai.

The comprehensive victory not only gives Japan their first three points of the tournament but also significantly boosts their chances of reaching the knockout stage. With confidence growing and their attack firing on all cylinders, Moriyasu’s side will head into their next group match full of belief.

For Tunisia, meanwhile, the heavy defeat leaves them with plenty of questions to answer as they fight to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Read Bengali: FIFA World Cup: আইভরি কোস্টের বিরুদ্ধে রুদ্ধশ্বাস জয় জার্মানির

The hero of the night was Deniz Undav, who scored both goals for Germany. Yannick Kessié had earlier given Ivory Coast the lead, but the Germans showed their resilience to complete a thrilling comeback.

Germany started brightly and dominated possession from the opening minutes. Jamal Musiala came close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute with a powerful effort that narrowly missed the target. Three minutes later, Aleksandar Pavlovic thought he had put Germany ahead from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for a foul.

Despite Germany’s attacking pressure, Ivory Coast remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when Yannick Kessié finished clinically to put the West African side ahead against the run of play.

The goal stunned Germany, but Ivory Coast continued to threaten. Yohan Bony nearly doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, forcing veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into an important save. At the other end, Kai Havertz found the net moments later, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside.

Germany increased the intensity after the break as they searched for an equaliser. Their persistence finally paid off in the 68th minute when Deniz Undav brilliantly outmaneuvered the Ivorian defence and slotted home to make it 1-1.

With both teams pushing for a winner, the match appeared destined for a draw. However, Germany had other plans.

After six minutes of stoppage time were added, the decisive moment arrived in the 94th minute. Kalu Nmecha delivered a perfectly weighted assist for Undav, who calmly finished to complete his brace and send the German fans into celebration.

The late strike sealed a hard-fought 2-1 victory and maintained Germany’s perfect record in the tournament so far. While the Germans moved a step closer to the knockout stages, Ivory Coast were left heartbroken after producing a brave performance that ultimately yielded no reward.

Nagelsmann’s men may have secured the three points, but the match also exposed areas they will need to improve as the competition enters its decisive phase.

Also Read Bengali |  কমলা ঝড়ে বিধ্বস্ত সুইডেন, পাঁচ গোলের দাপটে শীর্ষে নেদারল্যান্ডস

Having failed to go all the way in the previous World Cup despite impressive performances, the Dutch entered this tournament determined to make a stronger push. Their intent was evident from the opening whistle against Sweden.

The star of the night was Brian Brobbey, who scored twice to put the Oranje firmly in control. Cody Gakpo also found the net, while Crysencio Summerville added another goal as the Dutch attack overwhelmed the Swedish defence. Sweden’s lone response came through Anthony Elanga, but it proved little more than a consolation.

The Netherlands took the lead early in the first quarter through Brobbey, who finished confidently after a flowing attacking move. The striker doubled the advantage early in the second quarter, giving the Dutch a comfortable two-goal cushion heading into halftime.

The attacking pressure continued after the break. Gakpo extended the lead with a clinical finish before adding another goal minutes later as Sweden struggled to contain the Dutch frontline.

Although Elanga briefly reduced the deficit for Sweden and offered a glimmer of hope, the comeback never materialised. Summerville then delivered the final blow, sealing an emphatic 5-1 victory and ensuring the Netherlands collected all three points in style.

The result lifts Virgil van Dijk and his teammates to the top of the group standings, strengthening their chances of reaching the knockout stages. Sweden remain in contention but now face increased pressure in their remaining group matches.

After their opening draw against Japan, this commanding win sends a clear message that the Netherlands are once again emerging as serious contenders on football’s biggest stage.

Also Read Bengali | অস্কারের পর বড় ধাক্কা! ইস্টবেঙ্গল ছাড়লেন জাভিয়ের স্যাঞ্জেজও

Physical trainer Javier Sanchez has officially ended his association with the Red-and-Gold Brigade, bringing to a close a successful chapter that culminated in East Bengal’s historic Indian Super League triumph.

On Saturday night, Oscar Bruzon put an end to all speculation by confirming through social media that he would not renew his contract with the club despite receiving an offer from the management. The Spaniard’s decision came as a major disappointment for supporters, many of whom had hoped to see him lead the team in the upcoming AFC competitions after last season’s memorable success.

Now, Javier Sanchez has followed the coach out of the club.

Sharing a photograph of East Bengal’s historic ISL title celebration, Sanchez posted an emotional farewell message for the club and its supporters.

“As my time at East Bengal FC comes to an end, I want to express my deepest gratitude. It has been a privilege to work alongside our staff, players, and the incredible team behind the scenes at this club,” he wrote.

The fitness expert also paid tribute to the passionate East Bengal fanbase, whose unwavering support played a major role throughout the season.

“To the supporters, your passion is what truly makes this club special. I am grateful for the support you gave us every step of the way. I leave with wonderful memories and immense pride in what we achieved together.”

Thanking everyone associated with the club, Sanchez added:

“Thank you for making this journey so meaningful. I wish the club nothing but success and all the very best for the future.”

The departures of both Oscar Bruzon and Javier Sanchez mark the end of an era that delivered one of the most successful seasons in East Bengal’s recent history. With pre-season preparations approaching, the club management now faces the challenge of rebuilding its coaching and support staff while maintaining the momentum generated by last season’s ISL-winning campaign.

Also Read Bengali | ব্রাজিলের বিশ্বকাপ ঘাঁটি যেন ফুটবলের ফাইভ-স্টার শহর, কী আছে কলম্বিয়া পার্কে?

Built and operated by Red Bull primarily for New York Red Bulls, this world-class complex offers everything a modern football team could ask for.

Spread across nearly 80 acres, Columbia Park features eight full-sized football pitches, including five natural grass fields and three artificial turf pitches. To combat New Jersey’s harsh winter conditions, several fields are equipped with advanced underground heating systems that prevent snow and ice from disrupting training schedules. As a result, the pitches remain playable throughout most of the year.

Before the tournament, participating nations were presented with several potential training bases by local organizers. However, after personally inspecting the facility, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti reportedly selected Columbia Park without hesitation. The combination of elite infrastructure, professional training conditions, and player-focused amenities made it the ideal choice.

The facility boasts modern dressing rooms, with separate sections for home and visiting teams. Beyond standard training requirements, Columbia Park is designed to maximize player performance and recovery. Alongside a fully equipped gymnasium, the complex includes a specialized rehabilitation center dedicated to physiotherapy and injury recovery.

One of the standout attractions is the 5,000-square-foot wellness laboratory, where cutting-edge technology is used to monitor players’ fitness levels, physical condition, and overall performance. The facility also houses multiple swimming pools used for hydrotherapy and recovery sessions, helping athletes recover more effectively after intense training.

Tactical preparation is equally well catered for. A dedicated audio-visual theatre allows coaches and players to conduct video analysis sessions, review match footage, and discuss tactical strategies. In addition, modern conference rooms are available for team meetings, coaching workshops, and media interactions.

Brazilian stars such as Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and their teammates are currently using the facility to prepare for their World Cup matches. Reports suggest that several other participating nations also expressed interest in securing Columbia Park as their tournament headquarters, but Brazil moved quickly to lock in the venue.

While Major League Soccer (MLS) may not yet match Europe’s biggest leagues in terms of global prestige, facilities like Columbia Park demonstrate how far football infrastructure in the United States has progressed. Combining advanced sports science, elite training resources, and comprehensive player care, the complex represents the highest standards of modern football development.

It is no surprise, therefore, that one of world football’s greatest powers has chosen Columbia Park as the foundation of its World Cup campaign.

Also Read Bengali | প্রস্তাব পেয়েও ইস্টবেঙ্গলে আর ফিরছেন না অস্কার, দলের দায়িত্বে কে?

For East Bengal supporters, Bruzon will always be remembered as the man who helped restore the club’s lost glory. After years of struggles in Indian football’s top tier, he took charge of the Kolkata giants and gradually transformed them into genuine title contenders. While silverware eluded the club in his first season, East Bengal’s performances showed clear signs of progress under his leadership.

Determined to go one step further, the club management built a stronger squad for the following campaign, focusing on a blend of quality foreign recruits and promising Indian talent. Following Bruzon’s vision, East Bengal enjoyed a successful season, making strong impressions in competitions such as the Durand Cup, IFA Shield, and Super Cup.

However, the ultimate target remained the Indian Super League. The team finally achieved that dream by defeating Inter Kashi in the title-deciding match and ending a 22-year wait for a national league championship. The triumph sparked celebrations among East Bengal supporters across the country.

Also Read | Pritam Kotal To Bengaluru FC? Transfer Speculation Grows Around Veteran Defender

In recent weeks, however, uncertainty has surrounded the club due to transfer developments. Players like Sayan Bandyopadhyay have already moved on, while Brazilian star Miguel Ferreira is reportedly set to join a rival club. Amid these changes, fans had hoped that Bruzon would continue his journey with the Red-and-Gold Brigade.

Those hopes were dashed when the coach released a statement on social media confirming his departure.

“I want to address the recent speculation directly. East Bengal FC formally offered me a contract renewal as head coach, and I am deeply grateful for that trust,” Bruzon wrote.

“After careful consideration, I have decided not to continue with the club. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right step for the next stage of my career.”

The Spaniard also reflected on the achievements of his tenure.

“I leave with immense pride in what we built together. Reaching the final stages of an AFC international competition, winning the ISL title after a 22-year wait, and competing in two major cup finals are memories I will always cherish.”

He went on to thank everyone associated with the club.

“None of this would have been possible without the club’s management, players, staff, and especially the supporters who stood by us throughout the season.”

Concluding his message, Bruzon wrote: “Thank you, East Bengal, for everything.”

With Bruzon’s departure now confirmed, attention will shift to the club’s next move as East Bengal begin the search for a new head coach to lead the reigning ISL champions into a new era.

বাংলায় পড়ুন: প্রীতম কোটাল কি বেঙ্গালুরু এফসিতে? জোরাল ট্রান্সফার জল্পনা

Although no official announcement has been made so far, discussions surrounding a possible move have intensified in recent days. According to reports circulating in Indian football circles, Bengaluru FC are looking to strengthen their defensive unit with experienced Indian players, and Pritam Kotal has reportedly emerged as one of their potential targets.

Pritam remains one of the most reliable and versatile defenders in Indian football. Over the years, he has represented both the Indian national team and several major ISL clubs with distinction. Known primarily as a right-back, he is equally comfortable playing as a centre-back, making him a valuable asset for any squad.

Last season, the experienced defender featured regularly for Chennaiyin FC. However, Chennaiyin endured a disappointing campaign overall, which has naturally led to speculation regarding the futures of several senior footballers within the squad. Pritam’s name is now firmly part of that conversation.

For Bengaluru FC, adding a player of Pritam’s experience could prove extremely beneficial. Apart from bringing stability to the backline, his leadership qualities and big-match temperament could also help guide younger footballers within the dressing room. Having captained Mohun Bagan in high-pressure matches, Pritam possesses the kind of experience few Indian defenders can match.

Football experts believe Bengaluru’s interest makes practical sense. The club has been rebuilding its squad with a mix of youth and experience, and an established Indian defender with ISL-winning experience could fit perfectly into their plans.

However, at this stage, the entire situation remains at the level of speculation. No formal agreement or confirmation has been reported from either side. Transfer discussions in Indian football often continue quietly before official announcements are made, and this case appears no different.

When asked about the growing rumours regarding his future, Pritam Kotal chose to remain cautious. He said, “There are many discussions going on regarding my future at this moment. But I do not want to comment on speculation. No official decision has been made yet. Right now, my focus is completely on my preparation and fitness. Everything will become clear at the right time.”

As the transfer window progresses, supporters will now closely watch whether the experienced defender eventually makes the move to Bengaluru FC or chooses a different path for the next phase of his career.