KBFC vs PFC: Read the highlights of the Indian Super League match between Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC, which was played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala

Punjab FC’s Wilmer Jordan goals and celebrates during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season match between Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on February 12, 2024. Photos: Shibu Preman/Focus Sports/ISL | Photo Courtesy: Shibu Preman

Welcome to Sportstar’s highlights of the Indian Super League 2023-24 match, where Kerala Blasters played Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala.

2. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 20:10

   GOAL

   39’ Goal! Drincic scores for Kerala Blasters

   Kerala Blasters is enjoying possession comfortably, waiting for a gap. Kotal then whips in a long ball for Diamantakos, which is headed out for a Kerala Blasters corner by Abhishek. Drincic heads the resulting corner, with the ball coming out after bouncing inside the line.

   And the referee rules that as a goal.
3. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 20:08

   34’

   Punjab FC tries to score with the long-ball approach. Jordan gets a long ball from Suresh from the back and catches Hormipam napping. However, his shot is off-target.

4. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 20:06

   33’

   As the match resumes after the cooling break, Kerala Blasters begins another attack with slow build-up. Daisuke gets a pass from Daisuke, beats three PFC players and passes it to Kotal on his right. However, Kotal’s cross is intercepted by Punjab.

5. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 20:03

   30’ Almost an own goal!

   Kerala Blasters attacks with Rahul getting a through ball for Diamantakos. The forward crosses for Daisuke, who passes it to Naocha Singh. The final cross is saved by Punjab FC’s goalkeeper but Salah almost steers it into the net, only to clear it in the eleventh hour.

6. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 20:00

   27’

   Madhi Tatal earns a free-kick just outside the penalty box and the Frenchman tries a goal from there. However, the shot goes just wide for a goal-kick to the host.

7. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:57

   25’

   Punjab attacks on the counter this time, with Jordan drawing defenders towards him and releasing Amarjit. He then passes it to Amarjit whose shot on target is saved by Sachin.

8. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:56

   24’ How did that stay out?

   Daisuke sets up Rahul with a wonderful floated ball and the Indian winger runs into the box and heads it over the PFC goalkeeper. However, the ball fails to get into the net in what would surely have been one of the best goals of this season.

9. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:54

   21’

   Rahul KP gets the ball along the right. He makes a run into the box and then tries a shot on the volley, which flies over the net.

10. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:53

    19’ Sachin to the rescue, again

    Jordan tries to attack using a long ball and almost gets into the box. However, Sachin Suresh wins the ball on a one-on-one situation to make it two good goalkeeping movements in two minutes.

11. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:51

    18’

    Talal tries to create something through set-pieces. He floats in a cross for Majcen in the box but Sachin gets to it first to put that development to bed.

12. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:49

    17’

    Punjab is looking to build up with small passes through the midfield but KBFC’s heavy mid-block is containing most developments.

13. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:47

    14’

    A similar off-side on the other side of the field this time, with Diamantakos off the line, just past Mahdi Talal, close to the Punjab FC penalty box

14. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:45

    12’

    Jordan Gill tries to make a run behind the KBFC defence but gets caught in the offside trap and another chance for the visitors ends in nothing.

15. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:44

    11’

    KBFC has moved into a 3-5-2 shape to contain the attacks along the wings. Vukomanovic’s KBFC usually plays a 4-4-2 and it will be interesting whether the change of plans bears any fruit after all.

16. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:42

    10’

    Kerala Blasters tries to attack on the counter and Rahul KP runs into the box, only to be sandwiched by two PFC defenders. He goes down, appealing for a penalty, but the referee is not interested.

17. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:40

    8’

    Daisuke comes close to scoring for Kerala Blasters. He receives a long ball from the right, along the left flank and then cuts to his right. His right-footed curler just misses the target

18. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:39

    7’

    Abhishek tries a long throw for Jordan, but KBFC intercepts the ball to give a corner to Punjab. Jordan takes the corner from a Talal corner kick, which flies off target.

19. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:38

    5’

    Vukomanovic’s men are playing a high-pressing game, trying to keep the visitors corralled in their own half. But slip-ups are allowing Punjab to march forward, especially along the wings

20. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:36

    3’

    Majcen sniffs a chance for Punjab FC, with a defensive mistake by Hormipam allowing him to barge into the final third. However, Sachin and the KBFC defense works as a unit to get the ball out of danger.

21. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:35

    2’

    Kerala Blasters has started on the offensive from the beginning with crosses from the flanks. But Suresh Meitei makes sure that the score remains 0-0 with a timely clearance in the box.

22. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:33

    Kick Off!

    The Indian Super League match between Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC begins with the visiting side getting the ball rolling. PFC starts from right to left while KBFC is playing from the other side.

23. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:26

    Minutes to kick-off!

    The players stand in a queue for the National Anthem before taking positions on the field. We are almost there in the match.

24. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 19:20

    Final warm-ups before the match!

    The players of both sides walk out for the final warm-ups before kick-off and the thousands of fans at the JLN Stadium cheer for their home team, in a similar way as it had done so far this season.

25. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 18:39

    Starting line-up of Punjab FC

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26. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 18:39

    Starting Line-up of Kerala Blasters

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27. FEBRUARY 12, 2024 17:27

    MATCH PREVIEW

    The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 enters a new phase with the matchweek 15 kicking off with the clash between Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Punjab FC resumed its ISL campaign after the mid-season break with a 3-1 victory over Bengaluru FC at home.

    It was only its second win in its maiden campaign in the top-tier and the team will be drawing confidence from that to take on the Yellow Army away from home.

    Kerala Blasters FC had pipped Punjab FC by a slender 1-0 margin, thanks to a Dimitrios Diamantakos penalty in the previous fixture between the two sides in New Delhi. Ivan Vukomanovic and his team will hence be looking to do the league double over Punjab FC, and in the process, become the first team to do so against them in the ISL.

    Vukomanovic’s boys need to recover from the 2-1 defeat to Odisha FC, which has complicated dynamics at the top of the points table. They will be backing their odds in the comfort of their home, against a team that is yet to win in an away fixture this season.

28. Main Update
    FT! Kerala Blasters 1-3 Punjab FC
    88′ Majesen scores for Punjab FC.
    61′ Jordan puts Punjab ahead!
    43′ Punjab FC are back level!
    39′ GOAL! Drinsik scores for Kerala Blasters
    Punjab FC starting line-up
    Kerala Blasters starting line-up
    February 12, 2024 21:31 full time
    FT! Kerala Blasters 1-3 Punjab FC
    Two goals from Luka Majcen and Jordan Gill in the second half ensured a well-deserved win for Punjab FC, continuing their late comeback in their maiden ISL season. With 14 points from as many games, they remain just two points away from a play-off spot.

    February 12, 2024 21:26
    90+3′
    Kerala Blasters fans walking out of the stadium even before the full-time whistle – a sight KBFC does not get to see at their home stadium. Nor is its coach Ivan Vukomanovic, who looks disappointed after his boys produced a second-best performance tonight.

    February 12, 2024 21:22
    90′
    Pandita wins the ball in the final third, setting up Diamantakos who tries a grounded shot from outside the box. Which has been blocked by Punjab FC.

    February 12, 2024 21:20Lakshya
    88′ Majesen scores for Punjab FC.
    Majsen moves forward for the spot-kick, tries a dummy and then shoots with his right foot, sending it wide of the goalkeeper the other way. And there is silence in JLN Stadium.

    February 12, 2024 21:19
    86′
    Punjab tried to attack the opponent with a floated pass on the counter and Majcen was denied a shot by Hormipum. Second later, he earns a penalty from a KBFC hand-ball.

    February 12, 2024 21:17
    84′
    Kerala Blasters are looking for every possible opening option – long balls, set-pieces and through balls. But none of them seem to be shaking the stout defense of Punjab FC, who are desperate for only their third win in 14 matches so far.

    February 12, 2024 21:14
    82′
    Kerala Blasters personnel changes! In: Freddy, Pandita, Out: Azhar, Daisuke

    February 12, 2024 21:12
    79′
    The frustration for Kerala Blasters is slowly becoming clear, with Drincic almost getting into the book with a tough challenge on Majsen.

    February 12, 2024 21:10
    76′
    Punjab have included Juan Mera and Prashant K in place of Madhi Talal and Jordan Gill. If it can maintain its lead, it will now move from second position to ninth position in the table.

    February 12, 2024 21:06
    74′
    Punjab FC seems to have returned to their habit of maintaining a heavy low-block to deny Blasters attacking opportunities. He has got the lead and at this moment he is trying more to prevent the equalizing goal than to score the second goal.

    February 12, 2024 21:03
    70′
    Diamantakos gets another chance with a header from the box. But there are three players around him (two defenders and a goalkeeper) and his header was comfortably saved by Ravi Kumar.

    February 12, 2024 21:02
    70′
    Kotal bowled the ball to Nihal and Abhishek failed to stop it. Nihal crossed for Diamantakos and Justin, who were waiting in the box but eventually Punjab FC cleared the ball away.

    February 12, 2024 20:59
    66′
    Punjab caught the KBFC defense napping and Majsen raced into the final third with the ball. And this time, Sachin Suresh’s alertness kept the ball out of danger as he intercepted the ball during Majsen’s run.

    February 12, 2024 20:57
    65′
    Kerala Blasters attacked on the flanks, with Naocha crossing from the left. But Justin misjudged his header and Kotal’s cross from the right flew over the net seconds later.

    February 12, 2024 20:53Lakshya
    61′ Jordan puts Punjab ahead!
    Punjab attacked on the counter with Mahdi, after receiving a long ball on the left flank, trying to get a shot on target. Sachin Suresh gets a glove on it but can only deflect it, which Jordan puts into the net.

    February 12, 2024 20:52
    59′
    Diamantakos gets the ball right in the box and before he can take a shot he goes down, appealing for a foul. The referee rejects any appeals, much to the striker’s anger.

    February 12, 2024 20:49
    56′
    Daisuke tries a cross from the left and Suresh intercepts it. His header went into the gloves of Ravi Kumar, who went behind the line but ensured that the ball remained out of his gloves.

    February 12, 2024 20:47
    55′
    Meanwhile, Kotal hit a cross into the box for Diamantakos, but Punjab got the better of that position, made a timely interception and wasted that chance.

    February 12, 2024 20:46
    54′
    Kerala Blasters have eight of their 10 players in the Punjab FC half, trying to make mistakes for another goal in what has been a thrilling encounter so far.

    February 12, 2024 20:41
    48′ Majsen’s goal is completed!
    Punjab FC try to make the most of a corner, with Suresh heading the ball before Majcen heads it. But eventually, the linesman raised the offside flag to rule out a goal.

    February 12, 2024 20:40
    47′
    Kerala Blasters try to attack on the counter and Daisuke, the usual suspect, tries a cross from outside the box, which Ravi Kumar easily catches.

    February 12, 2024 20:38
    Second part begins!
    Diamantakos got a chance to get the ball rolling in the second half. Punjab FC replaced Salah

    

Maxwell’s blazing knock powered Australia to another massive total of 241 for four in Adelaide in the second T20I against West Indies

Australia batter Glenn Maxwell, on Sunday, matched India captain Rohit Sharma‘s historic feat in T20I cricket after smashing an unbeaten 120 against West Indies in the second match of the three-game series at the Adelaide Oval. Maxwell’s blazing knock, with which he also shattered India batter Suryakumar Yadav‘s record in the format, powered Australia to another massive total of 241 for four.

Jason Holder dismissed Josh Inglis early in the innings before captain Mitchell Marsh and David Warner departed following handy cameos. Maxwell took no time settling down as he dealt with only boundaries, targeting every bowler. He got to the half-century mark in just 25 balls.

Marcus Stoinis then provided support to Maxwell in their 82-run stand, although the latter did the bulk of the scoring. Stoinis departed during his failed attempt to up the ante, but in Tim David, Maxwell found better assistance as the pair wrapped up the innings in style.

During the fifth-wicket stand, Maxwell notched up his fifth career century in T20I cricket, thus going level with Rohit on the all-time list. The Aussie batter, however, holds the record for most unbeaten centuries in the format (5), with Rohit standing second on the list with three such knocks.

Maxwell, with his unbeaten 120, also broke Suryakumar’s record for the highest score by a No. 4 batter in T20I cricket. The Indian previously held the record with his knock of 117 against England in 2022. Maxwell’s score is also the most by a batter in the format against West Indies, surpassing the previous best of 119 by Faf du Plessis of South Africa, who had brought up that knock in 2015.

Maxwell was elated that his parents were in the stands to witness his stunning knock, which he summed up as “good fun”.

“It was good fun, that’s for sure. Always good batting here, we saw in the Big Bash how good the wickets were during the tournament. The wicket was nice and true. I have always rely on my hand speed, worked for me today. Give myself the best chance always. My parents are here In Adelaide as well. Nice to play a positive knock,” he said at mid-innings break.

In Germany, for decades, they’ve been known as Neverkusen, a team defined by “nearly,” a club resigned to “not quite.” They were not supposed to lead the uprising. As Bayern Munich reigned, strengthening its grip on the Bundesliga, winning nine, 10, 11 straight titles, they, Bayer Leverkusen, were distant, absent. They watched from afar as Bayern occasionally stumbled; but whenever the door crept ajar, they were nowhere to be found.

Until 2023-24. Until the Leverkusen Revolution. Until now.

Leverkusen beat Bayern 3-0 at the BayArena on Saturday. But they did not stun the perennial champs. This was not an upset. It was everything Leverkusen has built toward under head coach Xabi Alonso. And it was the firmest expression yet of a statement that will startle and stir all of European soccer.

Bayern Munich’s reign has, finally, met its match.

Saturday’s win took Leverkusen five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga. The proverbial door is open, with 13 games to go. But not because Bayern has faltered. The champs entered Saturday’s match on pace for 85 points, their fourth-best tally ever. The door is only ajar because Leverkusen has forcibly opened it.

Alonso and undervalued players have opened it with flowing, shape-shifting football. They have not lost in 31 games this season, across three different competitions, in part because they are difficult to define. They pass and move like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. They defend and counter like Jose Mourinho’s 2012 Real Madrid.

They did all of that and more on Saturday. Florian Wirtz, a reborn wunderkind, exploded through midfield in the 18th minute, and nearly set up a Leverkusen opener. Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano eventually scraped away a dangerous rebound. But Leverkusen took the ensuing throw-in quickly, and caught the champions off guard.

Sacha Boey, Bayern’s latest solution to an injury crisis at fullback, fell asleep at the far post.

Josip Stanišić, a fullback deemed surplus by Bayern and loaned out to Leverkusen over the summer, snuck behind Boey and put the hosts ahead of his parent club.

Leverkusen had less of the ball but more of the chances throughout 90 minutes. They had eight shots on goal to Bayern’s one, and 1.5 Expected Goals (xG) to Bayern’s 0.6. They never once looked like they’d lose a game that their club, throughout its history, had almost never won. They doubled their lead five minutes after halftime, and buried second thoughts.

They punctuated a famous win in stoppage time. And then they partied.

They are wholly unencumbered by failures of the past. They are nothing more, nothing less than a brilliant soccer team.

Wirtz and others weren’t even alive when the Neverkusen tag began to stick, around the turn of the century. Leverkusen settled for four second-place finishes in a span of six Bundesliga seasons beginning in 1996, ending in 2002. In 2000, the club’s best-ever team reached the Champions League final and DFB Pokal final — but lost both.

So they became Vizekusen — runner-up-kusen. They haven’t won a trophy of any kind since. And they’ve never won the Bundesliga.

Their overlord, on the other hand, Bayern Munich, had won 11 consecutive titles. In some of those 11 seasons, Bayern lagged but nobody capitalized. In others, the so-called Rekordmeister ran away from the pack. And this, 2023-24, easily could have been the latter.

Bayern, despite injuries and constant pessimistic chatter, took 50 points from its first 20 games, the sixth-best pace in league history. Its underlying numbers were those of a tyrant, a dominant force, an untouchable ruler. They were better than 2017-18, when Bayern topped the league by 21 points. They were better than every season since, each of which ended with a familiar outcome.

But along came Alonso and Leverkusen, who’ve been even better. With shrewd summer signings — including Granit Xhaka from Arsenal and Victor Boniface from Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium — they have become a versatile machine. They can can stifle opponents and blitz them. Or they can lull opponents to sleep in possession, unbalancing them with the ball, stringing together patient attacks that tickle purists and go viral — even when the clips stem from friendlies.

They have shown character, again and again, coming from behind to win and nab points. They stole two from Bayern back in September, with a 94th-minute equalizer. They returned from winter break to win back-to-back games in stoppage time.

Some have suggested that their late heroics were unsustainable. That their underlying numbers might predict regression. That their lead was slim and the spring was long, long enough for Bayern to rise, as it always does.

But Saturday squashed all fears and hesitancy. The Bundesliga driver’s seat is Leverkusen’s. The king has been pulled from his throne, with only three months to recover it.

Valentine’s Week 2024: Romance is in the air with the month of love. Valentine’s week which begins today from February 7 is observed as Rose Day

Valentine’s Week 2024: Romance is in the air with the month of love, courtesy the universal celebrations of Valentine’s Day on February 14. It’s that time of the year, when couples go from giving roses to extending promises, chocolates to teddy bears all through the Valentine week.

Valentine’s week which begins today from February 7 is observed as Rose Day and falls on a Wednesday this year. Friends, lovers, partners, spouses and family can make this Valentine’s special by wishing their loved ones with quotes, messages and images.

Also read: Valentine Week List 2024: Here’s all the important days between 7-14 February you should know

While different colour roses mean different things, rose day brings an opportunity to give your message across to your loved ones. Pink roses are a symbol of admiration and grace, white roses are a symbol of purity, yellow roses are a symbol of pure bond of friendship and finally, red roses are a symbol of love. So while you decide upon what coloured rose to give, here are some of these heartfelt wishes, quotes, messages and images are listed below:

Also read: Rose Day Gift Ideas: Romantic alternatives to traditional roses for this Valentine week

*Keep making my life beautiful with the smile from rosy lips through the year. Happy Rose Day, Sweetheart.

*Giving you roses on this rose day to let you know how precious you’re to me. Happy rose day.

Also read: Valentines Day gift ideas: Capture spectacular aerial shots with top 10 drones

With Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating his 39th birthday today, let’s look at the five major records of the Real Madrid and Manchester United icon.

“I don’t follow records; records follow me,” Cristiano Ronaldo was bold enough to talk about his greatness during his bitter-sweet second stint at Manchester United. Known for rewriting history and topping goal-scoring charts in the world of competitive football, Portugal icon Ronaldo is celebrating his 39th birthday on Monday. One of the greatest players in the history of the beautiful game, Ronaldo championed multiple top-tier leagues through his glorious spells at Manchester United (English Premier League), Real Madrid (LaLiga) and Juventus (Serie A).

The former Sporting star left for Old Trafford in 2003. Nicknamed CR7, Ronaldo was on target when he made his UEFA Euro debut against Greece in 2004. Ronaldo has five more goals than Michel Platini, who is placed second on the list of leading goal-getters in the European Championship. No player has scored more goals than Ronaldo (14) at the UEFA Euro. Ronaldo has also scored the most UEFA Euro and FIFA World Cup final goals combined in men’s football. With Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo celebrating his 39th birthday today, let’s take a quick look at the five major records of the Real Madrid and Manchester United icon.

Hat-trick king!

Did you know? Ronaldo is the first player to score 10 hat-tricks in men’s international football. The Portuguese goal-machine achieved the staggering feat when he netted the record 10th hat-trick in Portugal’s 5–0 win over Luxembourg back in 2021. Ronaldo outclassed Sven Rydell, who scored nine hat-tricks in men’s international football.

Most international goals

Ronaldo surpassed Ali Daei when he netted his goal No.110 in 2021. A brace from Ronaldo for Portugal helped him shatter Daei’s record of 109 goals at the time. Ronaldo has more than 118 goals to his name in international football. The Portugal stalwart created history with his brace against the Republic of Ireland in 2021.

Only player to score in 3 Champions League finals

One of the reasons why Ronaldo is known as Mr UEFA Champions League. The former Real Madrid and Juventus star has scored in three Champions League finals. He holds the record for the most goals scored in the final games of the Champions League. Ronaldo has scored one for Man United and three for Real Madrid in the summit clashes.

Most Champions League goals

The Portugal captain is the all-time leading goalscorer in Europe’s biggest competition at club level. Ronaldo has 140 goals to his name in the celebrated tournament. The veteran forward has lifted the famous trophy on five occasions in his trophy-laden career. Ronaldo is also the most-capped player in the Champions League. Ronaldo has recorded 183 appearances in the Champions League.

First player to score 800 career goals

Earlier, Ronaldo became the first player to smash 800 goals for club and country. The former Man United star achieved the feat in November 2022. Ronaldo scored the historic goal in a Premier League match between the Red Devils and Arsenal. He also netted the match-winner for his side against the Gunners.