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Players to watch out for at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 : Part 1

We've created a list of the players to watch out for at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, they're one of the best in this year's World Cup.

Jul 12, 2023, 11:21 AM5 min read

Players to watch out for at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 : Part 1

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, starting from July 20 and happens to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Women's football has reached extraordinary heights in the last decade or so and therefore FIFA has decided to make the tournament consist of 32 teams, like the men's, for the first time in the history of Women's Football. So we've created a list of players to watch out for at this year's World Cup because they're gonna light this tournament up.

Check out the full squad of all 32 teams at FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

Players to watch out for at FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

This tournament is either going to be a last chance for the Veterans to add something more to their legacy or a stepping stone to a brighter future for the young-emerging talents. So here are the players to watch out for at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, in no particular order.

Ada Hegerberg, Norway

Ada Hegerberg | Norway | Sportz Point |
Ada Hegerberg will try to win Norway their second ever World Cup. (Photo by Reuters)

The Lyon striker was the first-ever recipient of the Ballon d'Or Feminin and has also scored the most no. of goals in the Champions League. She was instrumental in Lyon's Champions League success in 2022 and would like to carry on with the same form for Norway.

Ada Hegerberg has scored 43 goals in 76 appearances for her country. In the World Cups, she has chipped in with 3 goals in 4 matches. Despite making her debut in 2011, the Norwegian has only featured in a single World Cup, so she would like to make the most of it in this one.

Lucy Bronze, England

Lucy Bronze | England | Sportz Point |
Lucy Bronze will be hoping to help England win their first Women's World Cup this summer (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA/PA Wire)

The England international is one of the most decorated players in the world of football. She has probably won it all for the clubs she played for and with winning the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 with England, the only thing remains to be added in her trophy cabinet is the World Cup.

The Barcelona right back is fluid in her position and can also play in the midfield region, if necessary. Over the years, she has gained a lot of experience which allows her to understand the game better than most players on the pitch. So she would have to play a big role for England to have a good run at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

Lena Oberdorf, Germany

Lena Oberdorf | Germany | Sportz Point |
Lena Oberdorf for Germany. (Photo by Fifpro)

The 21-year old is one of the most exciting talents in the world of football right now. Oberdorf has the capability to play in the midfield region and as a centre back, which makes her pretty versatile. Thus making it quite obvious for her to be in the starting XI of the team and work as an Anchor man.

She made her international debut in 2019 and since then, she has played 38 times for her country. The German also became the best young player in the UEFA Women's Euro 2022. So it is pretty clear that she's gonna be one of the players to watch out for in this year's World Cup.

Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria

Asisat Oshoala | Nigeria | Sportz Point |
Asisat Oshoala for Nigeria. (Photo by Getty Images)

The Five-time African player of the year, Asisat Oshoala is set to bring her country glory in the upcoming World Cup. Having won the Champions League final this season with Barcelona, she's full of confidence and would look to work her magic for Nigeria too. The whole of Nigeria is relying on her to deliver because she's their best player and one of the best in the world too.

She has scored only 2 goals in 6 World Cup matches and is expected to do better in this World Cup and guide her team out of the group stages. She had a great season with Barcelona and would like to carry on with that form.

Yui Hasegawa, Japan

Yui Hasegawa | Sportz Point | Japan |
Yui Hasegawa is gonna be very important for Japan in this year's World Cup. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)

Hasegawa has been immense for Manchester City and is also an integral part of Japan's midfield. The 26-year old has scored 14 goals in 65 appearances for Japan and is ready to add some more to her tally in this World Cup. Over the years she has played for different clubs in different clubs which helped her in being one of the most technically sorted players in Women's football.

She would like to bring Japan success in this World Cup as the last two ones were disappointing campaigns for the Asian giants. Japan's World Cup campaign would depend on Hasegawa's performance, such is the importance of hers in this Japanese side. She would have to take up additional responsibility in the absence of some senior players from the team and show some leadership qualities when the team is down.

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Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football

In this special article, Sportz Point explores the footballers in international football who played crucial roles in their team's success but often remained underrated.

Feb 7, 2025, 2:17 PM13 min read

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football | sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Getty Images)

Football is a sport that often brings limelight to certain footballers but sometimes keeps many at bay. Around football discussions worldwide, these footballers are not mentioned often, even after achieving significant accolades. 

Talking about the underrated footballers in International football, we must understand that it is very different from club football. It is tougher to leave a mark except performing in the continental and World Cup-like tournaments in every four years.

However, these footballers have always performed masterfully well while donning their national kit, bringing noteworthy achievements to their respective nations. Still, they have remained underrated in the consideration of either the fans or the football pundits.

Sportz Point explores the top 20 most underrated players in international football in this special article. This list is not a rank, but a summarisation of some underrated footballers who deserve more praise. 

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football

Angel Di Maria

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Argentina
  • Position: Right Winger
  • Appearances: 145
  • Goals: 31
  • Assists: 32

Notable trivia: Angel Di Maria is not given the importance he deserves for the recent successes of the Argentina National team. The 36-year-old winger retired from international football in July 2024, leaving behind an unmatched legacy. 

Most importantly, Di Maria won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles in 2020 and 2024, and the Finalissima 2022, as he scored in each of the finals for Argentina except for the 2024 Copa, showing his towering presence for the national team. 

Di Maria remained underrated for the gigantic presence of Lionel Messi as his teammate, but nothing can belittle his huge contribution to Argentina's recent success of winning four trophies in four years.

Thomas Muller 

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Germany
  • Position: Attacking Midfielder
  • Appearances: 131
  • Goals: 45
  • Assists: 41

Notable trivia: Thomas Muller has 10 goals and 6 assists in 19 World Cup appearances for Germany. The attacking midfielder registered 5 goals and 3 assists in his first-ever World Cup campaign in 2010, earning him the Golden Boot.

In the following World Cup, Muller was pivotal in Germany's World Cup glory, having scored 5 goals and 3 assists. Although he lost the Golden Ball to Lionel Messi that year, Muller was undoubtedly the best player of the German team, along with Manuel Neuer and Miroslav Klose.

Muller won the 2014 World Cup and finished third in EURO 2012 with Germany, as he retired in July 2024 after Germany's elimination from the EURO 2024.

Olivier Giroud

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: France
  • Position: Forward
  • Appearances: 137
  • Goals: 57
  • Assists: 15

Notable trivia: Despite playing for a country that produced goalscorers such as Thierry Henry, Michel Platini, Karim Benzema, and David Trezeguet, Olivier Giroud tops the list of the all-time top scorers for the France national team with 57 goals.

Giroud's achievements are often overlooked both at the international and club levels, though he is one of the best French footballers of this generation. Giroud finished the EURO 2016 as the joint second-highest scorer, with 3 goals and 2 assists. 

Giroud was also part of the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League-winning France team, providing significant contributions to the team. He also scored 4 goals for France in the 2022 World Cup. However, the striker retired from international football in July 2024.

Davor Šuker

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Croatia
  • Position: Forward
  • Appearances: 68
  • Goals: 45
  • Assists: 6

Notable trivia: Davor Šuker is arguably the greatest Croatian footballer ever, leaving an unparalleled legacy behind him for the national team.

The year 1998 is popularly known as the 'Davor Šuker Year' among football fans, as the forward led the Croatia team to a third-place finish in the 1998 World Cup. He also scored 6 goals in 7 appearances in the tournament to earn the Golden Boot. 

Šuker also won the Silver Ball as the second-best player of the tournament in 1998 WC. He is the top Croatian goalscorer of all time as well, bagging 45 goals in 68 official appearances before retiring in 2002.

Antoine Griezmann

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: France
  • Position: Attacking Midfielder
  • Appearances: 137
  • Goals: 44
  • Assists: 38

Notable trivia: Antoine Griezmann achieved innumerable honours with the France national team, but sadly, is often not regarded as one of the greatest international footballers ever. 

Griezmann led France to a second-place finish in EURO 2016, scoring 6 goals and 2 assists to win the Golden Boot. He was also named the Player of the Tournament in that edition.

However, Griezmann achieved his first senior international silverware in 2018, when France won the World Cup in Russia. The attacking midfielder was crucial for the team with a tally of 4 goals and the tournament-most of 4 assists, also being named the third-best player of the tournament.

Apart from the 2021 UEFA Nations League title, Girezmann orchestrated the French attack in the 2022 World Cup, providing three assists to be the joint-top assist provider. However, he retired from international football in September 2024.

Sergio Busquets

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Spain
  • Position: Defensive Midfielder
  • Appearances: 143
  • Goals: 2
  • Assists: 9

Notable trivia: We all are yet to see a central-defensive midfielder in modern football who has such a high IQ in reading the game, such as Sergio Busquets. 

Busquets was popularly called 'Octopus' for his immaculate passing ability and intimidating defensive screening without breaking a sweat most of the time. the Spanish midfielder became the heart of Barcelona but his contribution was often overlooked at the national team level.

In a star-studded midfield with Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, Busquets emerged as the only one of his kind, making significant contributions to Spain's World Cup glory in 2010 and EURO 2012 victory. Busquets retired from international football in December 2022.

Hugo Lloris

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: France
  • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Appearances: 145
  • Clean sheets: 68

Notable trivia: It is said in football, that being a goalkeeper is a 'thankless job'. Goalkeepers are always the last guardian of a team, but their contributions are hugely overlooked. Hugo Lloris, the former French goalkeeper is a burning example of that sensation.

Lloris kept three clean-sheets in all 7 appearances for France in the World Cup 2018, leading the team to the final glory. The French custodian has kept a staggering 68 clean-sheets overall for France in 145 appearances.

He also captained the Les Bleus in three World Cup editions from 2014 to 2022. Lloris retired from the national team in January 2023, being the most-capped player for France in history.

Edin Džeko

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • Position: Forward
  • Appearances: 139
  • Goals: 67
  • Assists: 29

Notable trivia: Edin Džeko is not often mentioned as one of the best international footballers in the modern era, only because he represents a country like Bosnia, that mostly fail to apear in big tournaments.

Yet Džeko, the greatest Bosnian footballer, led the Bosnia team to its first-ever World Cup appearance in 2014 after scoring a whopping 10 goals to be the second-top scorer in the qualification round.

He also scored 9 goals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying round to be the second-top scorer in the qualification round as well. Džeko also ranks sixth among the active footballers with most international goals.

Michael Laudrup

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Denmark
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Appearances: 103
  • Goals: 37
  • Assists: 14

Notable trivia: Michael Laudrup is often considered the greatest Danish footballer of all time, yet he doesn't always receive the full recognition that his remarkable talent deserves. He delivered outstanding performances for Denmark, scoring 37 goals in 103 appearances.

Laudrup won the 1995 Confederations Cup with Denmark, providing commendable performances throughout the tournament. German legend Franz Beckenbauer praised the Danish midfielder in the best possible way, saying, “Pele was the best in the 60s, Cruyff in the 70s, Maradona in the 80s, and Laudrup in the 90s.”

Gabriel Batistuta

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Argentina
  • Position: Forward
  • Appearances: 78
  • Goals: 56
  • Assists: 14

Notable trivia: Gabriel Batistuta was nicknamed 'Batigol' for his ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch with unmatched power and precision.

Batistuta was mostly recognized for his inhuman performance in the 1991 Copa America, as Argentina won the title and he was the highest goalscorer of the tournament with 6 goals. He won his second Copa with Argentina in 1993, scoring a brace in the final.

Although he could not achieve the coveted success in the World Cups, Batistuta was one of the greatest footballers for Argentina in the World Cups, with 10 goals in 12 appearances.

Andrea Pirlo

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Italy
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Appearances: 116
  • Goals: 13
  • Assists: 25

Notable trivia: Current UEFA vice-president and former Polish footballer Zbigniew Boniek praised Andrea Pirlo by saying something that probably best defines the Italian midfielder. He stated, "To pass the ball to Andrea Pirlo is like to hide it in a safe."

Andrea Pirlo is inarguably one of the most prolific playmakers who ever graced the football pitch. Famous for his outstanding passing and free-kick skills, Pirlo was essential to Italy's victory in the 2006 World Cup. Pirlo won three man of the match awards in the tournament, most by any player in that edition. 

Retiring in 2017, Pirlo remains one of the supreme players who played exceptionally well at international levels, but the recognition was never enough to praise the midfied maestro.

Ronald Koeman

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Netherlands
  • Position: Defender
  • Appearances: 78
  • Goals: 14
  • Assists: 10

Notable trivia: Ronald Koeman is often overlooked, but he was a top-tier central defender known for his exceptional passing ability and masterful free-kick skills. With a record of 238 goals across club and international levels, Koeman is the highest-scoring defender in football history. 

However, the defender was a crucial part of Rinus Michels' formidable Netherlands team in the 90s, which won the 1988 European Championship. He also won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award twice in 1987 and 1988.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Netherlands
  • Position: Forward
  • Appearances: 76
  • Goals: 42
  • Assists: 12

Notable trivia: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is often overlooked among the contemporary Dutch stars of his generation. The forward is the third-highest goalscorer for the Dutch national team, with 42 goals.

Although he had a brief appearance in the 2010 World Cup, Huntelaar proved himself crucial for the team, scoring the most goals (12) in the 2012 European championship qualification round.

However, he was also a part of the Netherlands squad that finished third in the 2014 World Cup. He retired in 2021 but never got the recognition he deserved.

George Best

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Northern Ireland
  • Position: Winger
  • Appearances: 37
  • Goals: 9
  • Assists: 0

Notable trivia: "Maradona Good, Pele Better, George Best" is the greatest quotation that can define how good George Best was. The Irish winger is also considered as the greatest footballer who never played in a World Cup. 

Despite having immense talent and potential, he is often overlooked in the discussion of the greatest footballers. He was named European Player of the Year in 1968, delivering consistent performance for his club and national team.

If he did not struggle with his self-destructing lifestyle, he may have achieved more accolades with Northern Ireland before retiring in 1982.

Gheorghe Hagi

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Romania
  • Position: Attacking Midfielder
  • Appearances: 124
  • Goals: 35
  • Assists: 23

Notable trivia: Gheorghe Hagi was such a good player that he was nicknamed "Maradona of the Carpathians". The attacking midfielder was also called 'Regele', which translates to 'The King' for his immaculate shooting ability, playmaking skills, and vision on the pitch.

The attacking midfielder was the heart of an exciting Romania team of the 1990s. Hagi put up a memorable performance for Romania in the 1994 World Cup, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists to lead the team to the quarter-finals, where they eventually lost against Sweden.

He retired in 2001 but still holds the record for the most goals scored for the Romania national team, alongside Adrian Mutu, with 35 goals.

Günter Netzer

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Germany
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Appearances: 37
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 9

Notable trivia: Günter Netzer played an integral role in Germany's 1972 European Championship victory.
The midfielder provided two assists in the semi-final of the tournament, inspiring a 2-1 win over Belgium.

Netzer was also included in the 1974 World Cup squad for Germany. Although he did not play in the final, Netzer is still regarded as the first World Cup winner who, at the time of his victory, played for a club based outside his home country.

Despite not having many opportunities to represent the national team, he was often considered as one of the best German footballers in the 70s.

Hristo Stoichkov

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Bulgaria
  • Position: Winger
  • Appearances: 83
  • Goals: 37
  • Assists: 8

Notable trivia: Hristo Stoichkov was the standout performer in the 1994 World Cup as he inspired Bulgaria to a fourth-place finish and was awarded the Golden Boot for being the top scorer with 6 goals. In the tournament, he scored in the shock wins against Argentina in the Group stage and against Germany in the quarter-finals.

Stoichkov, who re-defined the 'inverted winger' role in world football, scored 37 goals in 83 games for the Bulgarian national team before retiring from international football in 1999.

Gaetano Scirea

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Italy
  • Position: Sweeper Defender
  • Appearances: 78
  • Goals: 2
  • Assists: 1

Notable trivia: Despite Franco Baresi's absence, Gaetano Scirea was pivotal in Italy’s victorious 1982 World Cup-winning campaign. The defender, who played mostly as a sweeper, remained underrated due to his contemporary Italian defenders. 

Playing for a country where the best defenders are born and brought up, Scirea always stayed out of the recognition. His untimely death at the age of 36 in 1989 also restricted his legacy.

Rudi Völler 

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Germany
  • Position: Forward
  • Appearances: 90
  • Goals: 47
  • Assists: 18

Notable trivia: Rudi Völler was a very dependable player striker at both club and international levels. He came off the bench to equalize in the 1986 World Cup Final after scoring in the semi-final against France. Unfortunately, the Germans lost the final against Argentina. However, after four years, he played a crucial role for Germany that became World Champions in 1990, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists.

His contemporary Jurgen Klinsmann always received the highlight for the Germans, but it can not tear down his achievements with the national team. Völler's international goal-scoring record is impressive with a staggering 47 goals in 90 caps.

Matthias Sammer

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football-sportzpoint.com

  • National team: Germany
  • Position: Defensive/Central Midfielder
  • Appearances: 51
  • Goals: 8
  • Assists: 3

Notable trivia: Matthias Sammer was sometimes overlooked compared to their contemporary Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. However, he played a crucial role in Germany's victory at the 1996 European Championship, where he was named the tournament's best player. 

The midfielder also won the Ballon d'Or in 1996 and was also named the German Footballer of the Year in 1996, after earning the same accolade in 1995.

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Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee

USWNT defender Naomi Girma was presented at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea Women roped her in after completing a world-record deal for a female footballer.

Jan 27, 2025, 11:07 AM3 min read

Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Chelsea)

USWNT Defender Naomi Girma has joined Chelsea Women for a world-record transfer fee for a female footballer. The Women's Super League leaders paid €1 million to San Diego Wave FC to secure the services of the 24-year-old defender.

Girma was officially presented on the pitch by the Women’s Super League champions before Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Arsenal Women at Stamford Bridge.

Girma signs for Chelsea for a world-record fee

Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | Getty Images)

The world record for the highest transfer fees paid for a female footballer was held by Bay FC, who paid €685,000 for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.

Chelsea has broken the transfer world record and also surpassed the British transfer signing record as well, previously held by Mayra Ramirez, who signed for Chelsea for a €384,000 transfer fee.

Girma has also become the first-ever €1M signing in women's football.

Chelsea Women gaffer Sonia Bompastor has made her first January 2025 signing with Girma as she will enter the team roster after Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan suffered an ACL tear injury in November 2024.

Naomi Girma played an integral part in USWNT's Olympic Gold-winning campaign in Paris last year and was also named the US Soccer’s female player of the year in 2023. She was also named the NWSL Defender of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

However, Girma has signed a huge 4-year deal until 2029 as Chelsea head of women’s football Paul Green affirmed his confidence in this signing.

Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.

Girma also expressed her excitement about joining the Blues as she stated to BBC Sport:

I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real,

There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here - the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players.

It's a top environment to learn and grow in. Right now, that's what I'm looking to do.

Record transfers in women's football

Player Position Signed for Transfer fee
Naomi Girma CB Chelsea Women €1M
Racheal Kundananji FW Bay FC €685K
Barbra Banda FW Orlando Pride €581K
Mayra Ramirez FW Chelsea Women €426K
Keira Walsh MF Barcelona Femeni €400K

 

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East Bengal begins IWL 2025 Journey with dominant over Kickstart FC

East Bengal made a strong statement in their Indian Women's League opener, defeating Kickstart FC with a solid performance. The team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, set down the foundation for a promising campaign.

Jan 10, 2025, 5:27 PM2 min read

East Bengal begins IWL 2025 Journey with dominant over Kickstart FC | sportzpoint.com
Image | East Bengal FC

East Bengal commenced their Indian Women's League (IWL) 2024-25 season with a commendable 2- 0 victory over Kickstart FC at the historic East Bengal Ground on 10th January 2025. Two brilliant goals scored by Sandhya Ranganathan and Resty Nanzary are enough to take three points for the Red and Gold brigade.

East Bengal begins IWL 2025 Journey with dominant over Kickstart FC | sportzpoint.com

The home side's first goal materialized by another regular starter for India Soumya Guguloth played a crucial role in that goal. She delivered a ball from the right for Sulanjana Raul, whose header struck the crossbar. The rebound was found by Sandhya Ranganathan, who netted it with a beautiful header.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Maintaining their momentum, East Bengal doubled their lead early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Ugandan recruit Resty Nanzari, made a beautiful run from the left side of the pitch and showcased her skill by delivering a precise low shot into the near post, and securing a goal. That was enough to start a season with a commendable victory for the home side.

East Bengal begins IWL 2025 Journey with dominant over Kickstart FC | sportzpoint.com

Kickstart FC, originating from Bengaluru, attempted to penetrate East Bengal's defence but struggled to create promising opportunities in the attacking third. The host's defence was rock solid and effectively neutralized a clean sheet to start their IWL campaign on a positive note.

Read Also | Indumathi, Shilky, Shreya among the winners of IWL 2023-24 awards

The victory provided East Bengal with a solid foundation for positive progress in the IWL season, they were rock solid in defence and also offensively great. Conversely, Kickstart FC will aim to enhance their strategies in the upcoming matches to rebound from the initial setback. 

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Debutant Lhingdeikim shines for India with four goals: India beat Maldives by 11-1

Debutant Lhingdeikim's four goals along with Simran Gurung's brace helped the Indian Women's Football team thrash Maldives by 11-1 in their FIFA Friendly match in Bangalore.

Jan 2, 2025, 2:50 PM3 min read

Debutant Lhingdeikim shines for India with four goals: India beat Maldives by 11-1 | sportzpoint.com
Image | AIFF Media

Debutant Lhingdeikim's four goals along with Simran Gurung's brace helped the Indian Women's Football team thrash Maldives by 11-1 in their FIFA Friendly match in Bangalore. Kajol Dsouza, Pooja, Sibani Devi, and Khumukcham Bhumika Devi were the other scorers for Blue Tigeress. 

After beating Bangladesh by 14-0 in their final match of 2024, the Indian Women's Football team started the 2025 on a great note with an emphatic win over the visitors, Maldives. 

India head coach Joakim Alexandersson made many changes to the team that played against Bangladesh which handed two debutants a chance in the starting XI. Lhingdeikim, who scored four goals (twice in both halves) and Shibani Devi, who last year featured for East Bengal FC in the Indian Women's League were among the changes Alexandersson.

Read Also | Indian Women's Football team crush Maldives 14-0 in FIFA Friendly

Ribansi Jamu, Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi, Juhi Singh, Monisha Singha, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi and Simran Gurung were the players who made their debut off the bench. 

Read Also | Exclusive: Here's how Football giving hope to "Mini-Brazil of India"

Maldives looked good in the early minutes which forced Linthoingambi Devi to make some saves but once the Indian team resolved the issue and found their pace, they were tough to resist.

Debutant Lhingdeikim shines for India with four goals: India beat Maldives by 11-1 | sportzpoint.com
Image | AIFF Media

Lhingdeikim started the onslaught for India with an early goal in the 12th minute before providing an assist for Kajol Dsouza to extend the lead three minutes later. She found the net again in the next minute after receiving a perfect ball from Sibani. In the 17th minute, Sangita Basfore's header was deflected into the goal by Maldives captain Hawwa Haneefa. 

However, right before the halfway mark, Maldives scored their only goal of the match as Mariyam Rifa found the net after a defensive error from the Indian team. 

But, India struck again before half-time with Pooja and Shibani scoring one each. At half-time, India were leading by 6-1 and it looked like we would have the scoreline just like the last match. 

Debutant Lhingdeikim shines for India with four goals: India beat Maldives by 11-1 | sportzpoint.com
Image | AIFF Media

Lhingdeikim started the second half by scoring from a beautiful assist by Pooja in the 56th minute. A minute later she scored her fourth goal of the match by flicking a ball with his right foot for a neat finish. This time, Kajol was the assist provider for her. 

Simran Gurung, who came off the bench at halftime, scored two goals in the 62nd and 68th minutes. A red card for Maeesha Abdul Hannan did not help the Maldives as well as the defender made a deliberate handball inside the penalty box. Bhumika Devi converted the penalty in the 71st minute to complete the riot. 

Scorecard | India vs Maldives | FIFA Friendlies (Women's)

Maldives 1 (Mariyam Rifa 27’)

India 11 (Lhingdeikim 12’, 16’, 56’, 59’, Kajol Dsouza 15’, Hawwa Haneefa 17’ o.g., Pooja 41’, Sibani Devi 45+1’, Simran Gurung 62’, 68’, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi 71’ p)

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Players with the Most T20I Runs in 2024

From UAE's Muhammad Waseem to Japan's Kendei Kadowki-Fleming, here are the cricketers who have amassed the most T20I runs in 2024.

Dec 31, 2024, 2:54 PM2 min read

Players with the Most T20I Runs in 2024-sportzpoint.com

T20 International cricket saw many unfamiliar names emerge as the breakout stars across the year. The T20I batting charts have been mostly dominated by these players who have represented their nation on the international stages.

In this special article, Sportz Point aims to delve into those cricketers who have accumulated the most T20I runs in 2024.

1. Muhammad Waseem | 909 runs

UAE के मुहम्मद वसीम ने बनाया गजब रिकॉर्ड, T20 इतिहास में ऐसा रिकॉर्ड बनाने  वाले दुनिया के पहले क्रिकेटर बने - Muhammad Waseem Becomes The First Player  To Score 2 Hundreds In
(Image Credit | Cricketmore)
  • Nation: United Arab Emirates
  • Runs: 909
  • Matches: 26
  • Centuries: 1
  • Half-centuries: 8
  • Highest score: 100 

2. Kendei Kadowki-Fleming | 860 runs

Japan Cricket Association Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming
(Image Credit | cricket.or.jp)
  • Nation: Japan
  • Runs: 860
  • Matches: 20
  • Centuries: 1
  • Half-centuries: 6
  • Highest score: 109*

3. Nizakat Khan | 784 runs

Nizakat Khan: For associates, every tournament is a pressure tournament
(Image credit | Cricket.com)
  • Nation: Hong Kong
  • Runs: 784
  • Matches: 28
  • Centuries: 0
  • Half-centuries: 5
  • Highest score: 81

4. Alishan Sharafu | 770 runs

Alishan-sharafu Cricket Profile - Matches, Stats, and Insights | CricHeroes
(Image credit | Cricheroes)
  • Nation: United Arab Emirates
  • Runs: 770
  • Matches: 24
  • Centuries: 0
  • Half-centuries: 7
  • Highest score: 90*

5. Babar Azam | 738 runs

T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan captaincy is PCB's decision, concedes Babar  Azam – Firstpost
(Image credit | Firstsport)
  • Nation: Pakistan
  • Runs: 738
  • Matches: 24
  • Centuries: 0
  • Half-centuries: 6
  • Highest score: 75

6. Oscar Manishimwe | 723 runs

Rwanda Registers Their First Win In The T20I Series Courtesy Of Oscar  Manishimwe's Excellent Performance - Athlon Sports
(Image Credit | Athlon Sports)
  • Nation: Rwanda
  • Runs: 723
  • Matches: 24
  • Centuries: 0
  • Half-centuries: 6
  • Highest score: 89*

7. Asif Khan | 719 runs

Trying to deliver 100%' - Asif Khan hopes to kick on again at ODI World Cup  Qualifier
(Image credit | Crictracker)
  • Nation: United Arab Emirates
  • Runs: 719
  • Matches: 22
  • Centuries: 0
  • Half-centuries: 5
  • Highest score: 79

8. Faisal Khan | 702 runs

Faisal Khan's 70 off 40 | Match 11
(Image Credit | Fancode)
  • Nation: Saudi Arabia
  • Runs: 702
  • Matches: 22
  • Centuries: 1
  • Half-centuries: 3
  • Highest score: 101
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