A Tale of Resilience: New Zealand’s Grit Denies India a Famous Win in Kanpur

Test cricket is a canvas where the drama unfolds in slow-burning brilliance, and the first Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur painted a masterpiece of grit, skill, and resilience. Over five enthralling days, the Green Park Stadium bore witness to a battle of attrition, where New Zealand clawed their way to a draw, denying India a victory that seemed inevitable at several junctures. 

Day 1: Shreyas Iyer’s Dream Debut 

India, led by stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane in the absence of Virat Kohli, took to the field with a depleted XI missing key players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. Opting to bat first, Rahane entrusted his spinners to exploit the Kanpur surface as the match progressed. 

Shreyas Iyer, making his Test debut, showcased poise and maturity beyond his years. Walking in at a precarious 106 for 3, Iyer anchored the innings with a sparkling 75 not out at stumps. His unbroken 113-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja lifted India to 258 for 4, setting a solid foundation. Iyer’s audacious six off Will Somerville to close the day epitomized his confidence, while Jadeja’s steady half-century underlined his value as an all-rounder. 

Day 2: Southee’s Spell and New Zealand’s Response 

Tim Southee, a craftsman with the red ball, delivered a masterclass on the second morning. His relentless precision and ability to extract movement from the surface yielded a five-wicket haul, his 13th in Tests and second in India. India’s innings folded for 345, with Iyer etching his name in history as the 16th Indian to score a century on debut. 

New Zealand’s openers, Tom Latham and Will Young responded with remarkable composure. Their unbroken 129-run stand defied India’s spinners on a surface offering variable bounce and turn. While the ball occasionally misbehaved, the Kiwi pair’s disciplined technique and patience ensured all results remained possible. 

Day 3: Axar Patel’s Precision 

The third day saw Axar Patel reaffirm his status as a lethal weapon in Indian conditions. His relentless targeting of the stumps reaped rewards as he claimed his fifth five-wicket haul in just four Tests. New Zealand, despite Latham’s valiant 95, were bowled out for 296, conceding a 49-run lead. 

India’s second innings began under ominous skies and ended on a somber note as Kyle Jamieson shattered Shubman Gill’s stumps with a peach of a delivery. At stumps, India held a slender lead of 63, with Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara tasked with building a defendable total. 

Day 4: Iyer and Saha Steady the Ship 

Shreyas Iyer continued his dream debut with a composed 65, rescuing India from a precarious 51 for 5 alongside Wriddhiman Saha, who battled a stiff neck to score an unbeaten 61. Their partnerships with Ashwin and Axar Patel ensured India set New Zealand a challenging target of 284. 

The declaration came late in the day, leaving New Zealand to navigate a tricky four-over spell. Ashwin struck immediately, trapping Will Young lbw with a delivery that stayed low. At stumps, New Zealand were 4 for 1, and the match seemed firmly in India’s grasp. 

Day 5: New Zealand’s Great Escape 

The final day will be etched in the annals of Test cricket as a testament to New Zealand’s resilience. Tom Latham and nightwatchman William Somerville blunted India’s attack in a marathon partnership, denying the hosts any breakthroughs in the first session. Their defiance sowed seeds of doubt in the Indian camp. 

Post-lunch, the tide began to turn. Somerville fell, and Latham followed soon after. Ross Taylor’s dismissal before tea left New Zealand wobbling, but Kane Williamson’s stoic presence offered hope. 

The final session was a cauldron of tension. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja unleashed their full repertoire, exploiting the sharp turn and low bounce. Jadeja’s three wickets reduced New Zealand to their last pair, debutant Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel, with more than eight overs remaining. 

What followed was a masterclass in survival. Ravindra’s dogged 91-ball vigil for 18 runs and Patel’s nerveless defense defied India’s relentless spinners. Fielders crowded the bat, every ball was an event, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Yet, the Kiwi duo held firm. 

As bad light descended, the umpires called off play, sealing a dramatic draw. For New Zealand, it was a moral victory, showcasing their ability to withstand pressure in alien conditions. 

Post-Match Reflections 

Kane Williamson lauded his team’s fight, highlighting the contributions of Southee, Jamieson, and the last-wicket pair. “We hung around, showed fight, and earned a result against a formidable Indian side,” he remarked. 

Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged India’s effort but rued missed opportunities. “We tried our best, but credit to New Zealand for their resilience. Shreyas was outstanding, and our bowlers gave it their all,” he said. 

Conclusion 

The Kanpur Test reaffirmed why Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport. It was a contest of skill, endurance, and mental fortitude, where both teams displayed qualities that define greatness. While India dominated large swathes of the match, New Zealand’s unyielding spirit ensured they walked away with their heads held high. 

As the teams head to Mumbai for the second Test, the series remains tantalizingly poised, a fitting testament to the enduring magic of the longest format. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

El Clásico: Real Madrid Reign Supreme at Camp Nou

The stage was set at Camp Nou for another chapter in the storied rivalry of El Clásico. Though the absence of past icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has dimmed the allure of this fixture, the passion, stakes, and history ensured that the encounter remained a marquee event. As the final whistle blew, Real Madrid once again asserted their dominance, carving out a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their eternal rivals, Barcelona. 

A Cautious Start, A Strategic Battle 

The opening stages of the match were marked by caution from both sides. The intensity and pace that typically define El Clásico were notably absent, as both teams prioritized defensive solidity over attacking flair. Barcelona’s Ronald Koeman surprised many with his starting XI, opting for Oscar Mingueza at right-back and deploying Sergiño Dest as a makeshift right-winger. Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, fielded an attack-minded lineup, with Rodrygo Goes and Vinícius Júnior flanking Karim Benzema. 

The first ten minutes were cagey, with neither side willing to take risks. Real Madrid, however, broke the monotony when Vinícius Júnior’s surging run into the left channel signalled their intent. Though his cutback for Benzema was intercepted by Eric García, it was a warning shot that Madrid had come to Camp Nou to claim all three points. 

The First Half: Alaba’s Moment of Brilliance 

As the game unfolded, it became clear that Barcelona’s lack of cohesion was their Achilles’ heel. Dest squandered a golden opportunity to put the hosts ahead, blazing over from close range after a lung-bursting run and cutback from Memphis Depay. The miss would prove costly. 

Real Madrid struck with precision and ruthlessness. David Alaba, the Austrian stalwart, initiated and finished a devastating counterattack. Dispossessing Depay on the edge of his own box, Alaba surged forward as Rodrygo threaded a perfectly weighted pass into his path. Alaba, now in the left-inside channel, unleashed a thunderous strike into the top-right corner, leaving Marc-André ter Stegen with no chance. It was a goal worthy of the occasion, a moment of individual brilliance that underscored Madrid’s clinical edge. 

Barcelona pushed for an equalizer before halftime, with Alba’s cutback finding Ansu Fati, only for Alaba to block the young forward’s effort. The visitors entered the break with a deserved lead, their defensive organization and counterattacking prowess shining through. 

The Second Half: Barcelona’s Struggles and Madrid’s Control 

Koeman’s halftime adjustments saw Philippe Coutinho replace Mingueza, with Dest reverting to his natural right-back position. The tactical tweak gave Barcelona more attacking impetus, but their efforts were repeatedly stifled by Madrid’s resolute defence. Éder Militão and Alaba formed an impenetrable wall, while Thibaut Courtois was alert to every threat. 

Real Madrid, content to absorb pressure, sought opportunities to strike on the counter. Vinícius Júnior and Benzema both came close to doubling the lead, but Ter Stegen stood firm. Barcelona, for all their possession, lacked the creativity and cutting edge to break Madrid’s defensive lines. 

As the game wore on, Ancelotti’s substitutions reflected his tactical acumen. Marco Asensio replaced an injured Vinícius, while Dani Carvajal came on to reinforce the defence. The introduction of fresh legs allowed Madrid to maintain their structure and exploit Barcelona’s vulnerabilities. 

The Decisive Moments 

In stoppage time, Real Madrid delivered the coup de grâce. A swift counterattack saw Lucas Vázquez tap in from close range, capitalizing on Barcelona’s desperation to equalize. The goal epitomized Madrid’s game plan: disciplined defending paired with devastating efficiency on the break. 

Barcelona managed a late consolation through Sergio Agüero, who converted from close range after a low cross from Dest. It was too little, too late. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, their fourth consecutive El Clásico triumph. 

Analysis: A Tale of Two Philosophies 

This clash highlighted the contrasting trajectories of the two clubs. Real Madrid, under Ancelotti, showcased a team built on experience, discipline, and pragmatism. Their defensive solidity, coupled with the flair of Vinícius and the leadership of Benzema, proved decisive. 

Barcelona, in contrast, remain a team in transition. Koeman’s tactical experiments and reliance on youth have yet to yield consistent results. The absence of a creative fulcrum in midfield was glaring, with Sergio Busquets unable to dictate play as he once did. Dest’s miss and the lack of composure in the final third underscored the team’s struggles. 

The Bigger Picture 

For Real Madrid, this victory solidifies their status as the kings of El Clásico in the post-Messi-Ronaldo era. It also underscores their ability to adapt and thrive under Ancelotti’s guidance. 

For Barcelona, the loss is a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead. As they languish in mid-table, the club must find a way to rebuild and rediscover their identity. The road to recovery will be long, but El Clásico has always been a stage for reinvention. 

As the dust settles, one truth remains: an El Clásico is never just a game. It is a battle of legacies, philosophies, and pride. On this day, Real Madrid emerged victorious, leaving Barcelona to ponder their path forward.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Tite’s Tactical Labyrinth: The Selecão’s Stagnation

Brazil’s recent performances in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers have left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. A lacklustre draw against Colombia followed a similarly uninspired win over Venezuela, and the cracks in Tite’s tactical framework are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. While the Selecão remain a formidable side on paper, their on-field displays suggest a team struggling to find cohesion and purpose. 

The Persistent Void: Between Defense and Attack 

At the heart of Brazil’s struggles lies an enduring issue: the disjointed space between their defensive and offensive units. Since the 2018 World Cup, this gap has remained largely unaddressed, a glaring flaw in Tite’s otherwise meticulous approach. While Alisson and Casemiro provide solidity at the back and Neymar leads the charge up front, the midfield lacks the creativity and structure to bridge the two ends effectively. 

Tite’s reliance on formations such as the 4-2-2-2 and his favoured 4-1-4-1 has failed to resolve this disconnect. Players like Fred and Gabriel Jesus, pivotal in recent matches, have appeared out of sync with the tactical demands placed upon them. Fred, in particular, has struggled to impose himself, often overwhelmed by opponents and unable to inject the creativity needed to unlock defences. 

Misplaced Roles and Missed Opportunities 

One of Tite’s most puzzling decisions has been the deployment of Lucas Paquetá in roles that do not suit his natural abilities. Whether as a winger or a false nine, Paquetá has looked out of place, his creative instincts stifled by the demands of unfamiliar positions. A deep-lying playmaker by trade, Paquetá thrives when orchestrating play from midfield, a role he has rarely been afforded under Tite. 

Similarly, Everton Ribeiro’s inclusion as a right-winger raises questions. While Ribeiro possesses technical finesse, his lack of pace and incisiveness limits his impact in a position that demands dynamism and directness. Gabriel Jesus, despite his strong club form, has also struggled to replicate his performances for Brazil, often left isolated and ineffective in Tite’s system. 

The Search for Balance 

Tite’s challenge lies in finding harmony between Brazil’s offensive model and the players best suited to execute it. The Selecão have no shortage of attacking talent, with Raphinha, Antony, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo Goes all capable of providing the pace and unpredictability needed to unbalance defences. However, these players require a midfield capable of quick transitions and intelligent distribution to maximize their impact. 

Brazil’s current midfield options lack the versatility and tactical intelligence seen in their European counterparts. While Rodrigo De Paul orchestrates Argentina’s play with precision and Marco Verratti dictates Italy’s tempo, Brazil has yet to identify a midfielder capable of fulfilling a similar role. The decline of Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho has further compounded this issue, robbing Brazil of two players who could have bridged the gap between defence and attack. 

Tactical Stagnation 

Tite’s tactical evolution, once a hallmark of his success, now appears to have stalled. His experimentation with a 2-3-5 formation and other positional adjustments has yielded minimal results. The team’s build-up play, often reliant on an excessive number of players in defensive positions, lacks the fluidity and creativity needed to break down organized opponents. 

In contrast, Tite’s earlier successes were built on balance. At Corinthians and during his early tenure with Brazil, he relied on fast, incisive attackers and creative midfielders to dictate play. Renato Augusto and Paulinho, for example, provided a perfect blend of control and penetration, supporting both defensive transitions and attacking movements. 

The Path Forward 

Brazil’s current predicament demands bold decisions. Tite must abandon his over-reliance on underperforming players and instead build his team around those who can execute his vision effectively. Players like Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães should be given the freedom to dictate play from midfield, while dynamic wingers like Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior must feature prominently in the starting XI. 

Additionally, Tite must address the systemic issues in his tactical setup. A more compact midfield, capable of quicker ball progression and positional fluidity, is essential. The inclusion of a second defensive midfielder with a blend of creativity and defensive discipline could provide the stability needed to connect Brazil’s defensive and offensive units. 

Conclusion: A Team in Transition 

This is not the era of Brazilian football where every player could seamlessly adapt to any position. Instead, Tite must recognize the specific strengths of his players and deploy them accordingly. The Selecão’s current crop of talent, while not as extraordinary as past generations, possesses the potential to succeed if given the right framework. 

As the World Cup looms, the question remains: can Tite adapt and evolve in time? His legacy as Brazil’s coach will depend on his ability to resolve the tactical dilemmas that have plagued his tenure since 2018. The clock is ticking, and the Selecão cannot afford to stagnate any longer.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

 

Brazil’s Narrow Escape in Caracas: A Tale of Pragmatism and Potential

Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Venezuela in Caracas might read as a routine triumph for the Selecão, but the performance revealed deeper cracks in the team’s tactical framework. Against a Venezuelan side that had managed just four points before this encounter and had never defeated Brazil in an official match, Tite’s men were expected to dominate. Instead, they laboured through the contest, relying on late heroics to salvage the result. 

Venezuela’s Game Plan: Organized Resistance 

Venezuela, aware of the gulf in quality, approached the game with a disciplined defensive structure and counterattacking intent. Manager Fernando Batista deployed a compact 4-3-3, with captain Tomás Rincón anchoring the midfield and Salomón Rondón’s absence necessitating a reshaped attacking trio of Peñaranda, Ramírez, and Machís. 

Their plan bore fruit early. Brazil’s right flank, manned by the struggling Danilo and supported by an out-of-form Everton Ribeiro, was repeatedly exposed. It was from this vulnerability that Yeferson Soteldo, Venezuela’s diminutive creative spark, carved an opportunity. His chipped cross found Eric Ramírez, who directed a precise header past Alisson to give Venezuela a deserved lead. 

Brazil’s Stagnation: A Tale of Misplaced Pragmatism 

Tite’s reliance on his preferred 4-4-2 system, coupled with a conservative approach, stifled Brazil’s creativity. The absence of Neymar, suspended for this match, was glaring. Lucas Paquetá, deployed as a No. 10, struggled to provide the incisiveness needed to unlock Venezuela’s disciplined defence. 

Brazil’s midfield pairing of Fabinho and Gerson offered solidity but lacked the dynamism to transition effectively into attack. Meanwhile, Ribeiro’s ineffectiveness on the right flank further compounded the team’s issues. 

Opportunities came sporadically, often through individual moments rather than cohesive team play. Gabriel Jesus and Gabigol both missed chances, while Ribeiro’s crossbar-rattling effort symbolized Brazil’s lack of clinical finishing. 

The Turning Point: Injecting Dynamism 

The introduction of Raphinha at halftime proved transformative. The Leeds United winger brought pace, creativity, and directness to the right flank, exposing Venezuela’s defensive frailties. His set-piece delivery immediately caused problems, with Thiago Silva’s disallowed goal serving as an early warning sign for the hosts. 

Vinícius Júnior’s arrival further shifted the balance. Deployed on the left, the Real Madrid starlet injected urgency and flair, repeatedly troubling Venezuela’s defence with his pace and dribbling. His presence raised the question: why wasn’t he included in the starting XI? 

Brazil’s Revival 

The equalizer came in the 71st minute, courtesy of a corner from Raphinha. Marquinhos rose highest to power a header past Venezuela’s goalkeeper, Wuilker Faríñez, bringing Brazil level and reigniting their attack. 

Tite then made two crucial substitutions, introducing Antony for the underwhelming Jesus and Emerson Royal for Danilo. These changes provided the Selecão with the attacking impetus they had lacked throughout the first half. 

Vinícius and Raphinha continued to terrorize Venezuela’s defence, forcing errors and creating opportunities. It was Raphinha’s relentless pressure that led to a penalty, as Gabigol was fouled inside the box. The Flamengo striker converted confidently, giving Brazil the lead. 

Antony, making his debut, capped off the night with a well-taken goal after a sublime assist from Raphinha, sealing a hard-fought victory for the visitors. 

Lessons for Tite 

While the result might paper over the cracks, Brazil’s performance highlighted systemic issues. Tite’s pragmatic approach, while effective against stronger opponents, often stifles the creative potential of his squad against weaker sides. With players like Vinícius, Raphinha, and Antony, Brazil possesses the tools to play a more expansive and attacking brand of football. 

The continued reliance on Danilo and Ribeiro on the right flank is another area of concern. Both players struggled to cope with Venezuela’s pace and physicality, and their lack of offensive contribution further hindered Brazil’s attack. Emerson Royal and Raphinha demonstrated that better options exist. 

Conclusion: A Pyrrhic Victory 

Brazil’s late revival in Caracas showcased the team’s depth and individual brilliance but also underscored the limitations of Tite’s tactical philosophy. Against stronger opponents, such pragmatism might yield results, but against teams like Venezuela, it risks undermining the Selecão’s attacking identity. 

If Brazil is to truly capitalize on its wealth of talent, Tite must embrace a more proactive approach. The second-half performances of Raphinha, Vinícius, and Antony offered a glimpse of what this team can achieve when allowed to play with freedom and creativity. Whether Tite heeds this lesson remains to be seen, but the road to Qatar 2022 demands more than just scraping by against underdogs.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Vinícius Júnior: From Prodigy to Poster Boy of Real Madrid

When Kylian Mbappé’s much-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid fell through, the collective sigh of disappointment from Madridistas reverberated across the footballing world. The summer window, expected to herald a marquee signing, instead saw Florentino Pérez pivot toward a different vision—investing in youth and potential. The arrival of Eduardo Camavinga symbolized this shift, but it was the faith placed in Carlo Ancelotti and a maturing Vinícius Júnior that truly underscored the club’s long-term strategy. 

Once touted as the "next Neymar," Vinícius’ journey at Real Madrid has been anything but straightforward. Arriving in 2018 amidst immense hype, the young Brazilian struggled to adapt to the demands of European football, sparking criticism from fans and pundits alike. His raw talent was evident, but the end product—a critical attribute for any forward—was conspicuously lacking. 

The Neymar Comparisons: A Heavy Burden 

The comparisons to Neymar were inevitable. Both players shared a Brazilian heritage, a flair for the spectacular, and an early move to La Liga. However, Neymar arrived at Barcelona at 21, already a global superstar. Vinícius, by contrast, was a 17-year-old prospect, raw and unpolished. The weight of expectations often seemed too heavy for his young shoulders, as his inconsistent finishing and decision-making became frequent talking points. 

Yet, even in his early struggles, there were glimpses of brilliance. Under Zinedine Zidane, Vinícius began to show signs of maturity, with standout performances such as his brace against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals. By the end of the 2020-21 season, the CIES Football Observatory rated him as Real Madrid’s most valuable player, a testament to his potential despite his flaws. 

A Season of Transformation 

The 2021-22 season, however, marked a turning point. In just six La Liga matches, Vinícius had already scored five goals—surpassing his previous best tally of three in an entire domestic campaign. This newfound clinical edge in front of goal was no accident but the result of meticulous work under Ancelotti’s guidance. 

The Italian coach, known for his ability to nurture talent, identified the key to unlocking Vinícius’ potential: simplicity. 

“Vinícius is very good in one-on-one situations. As for scoring goals, I’ve told him that it’s rare to score after taking five or six touches. To score, you need one touch or maybe two maximum. You have to be in the box,” Ancelotti revealed after a match against Levante. 

This advice has paid dividends. All of Vinícius’ goals this season have come from inside the box, with most requiring no more than two touches. His improved positioning, decision-making, and finishing have transformed him from a raw talent into a reliable goal threat. 

The Data Behind the Evolution 

Statistical analysis underscores Vinícius’ remarkable progress. According to *Managing Madrid*, the Brazilian has significantly increased his shot volume, with an average of two additional shots per game and 2.5 more shots on target. He has also reduced the distance from which he takes his shots by 2.6 yards compared to the previous season and by 6.3 yards since his debut campaign. 

These changes have translated into a per-90 non-penalty xG (expected goals) of 0.76—a figure indicative of elite-level efficiency. Moreover, his positioning has become more advanced, as he now takes an average of seven more touches in the final third per game and receives one additional progressive pass per match compared to the previous season. 

A New Kind of Superstar  

What sets Vinícius apart is not just his statistical improvement but his stylistic evolution. While Neymar’s dribbling is characterized by intricate footwork and close control, Vinícius relies on explosive acceleration and directness. His ability to push the ball past defenders and outpace them has become a hallmark of his game, making him a nightmare for opposition full-backs. 

Though his dribbling instincts sometimes lead to turnovers, Vinícius’ relentless determination ensures he never shies away from taking risks. His quick in-to-out movements and intelligent use of space demonstrate a growing tactical awareness, while his willingness to counter-press and recover possession highlights his commitment to the team. 

The Ancelotti Effect 

Ancelotti’s influence cannot be overstated. By simplifying Vinícius’ game and instilling confidence, the veteran coach has helped the young forward channel his natural abilities into consistent performances. Vinícius has become an integral part of the team, featuring in every game this season alongside stalwarts like Karim Benzema, Thibaut Courtois, and Fede Valverde. 

“Vinícius has taken the team on his back on several occasions. At this moment, that’s what he has to do. When he’s older, he’ll add character and experience to his game,” Ancelotti remarked, reflecting on the Brazilian’s growing influence. 

The Road Ahead 

At just 21 years old, Vinícius has already achieved milestones that place him among Real Madrid’s youngest centurions. His 125 appearances for the club by this age are a testament to his durability and importance. Yet, his journey is far from complete. 

Some players, like Neymar, burst onto the scene fully formed. Others, like Vinícius, take time to blossom. But when they do, they often shine brighter for the lessons learned along the way. With each passing game, Vinícius is proving that he is not just the “next Neymar” but a unique talent capable of carving his own legacy. 

As he continues to refine his game, Vinícius Júnior is emerging as the face of Real Madrid’s future—a player who embodies the club’s rich history of flair and excellence while charting a path that is distinctly his own. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar