Brazil’s Bitter Qualification: A Historic Low Amid Triumph for Bolivia

 

Brazil has secured its passage to the 2026 World Cup, but the journey there was etched with an unfamiliar shade of failure. The Seleção, so often synonymous with dominance in South America, concluded the qualifiers with its most dismal campaign since the competition adopted its current format in 1996.

A 1–0 defeat to Bolivia in the thin, punishing air of El Alto on Tuesday night sealed Brazil’s fate: fifth place, 28 points, and a meager 51% success rate. Numbers that, in the cold language of statistics, tell a story of erosion—of a team that once set the standard now struggling to hold its ground.

A Nation of Coaches, A Team Without Rhythm

Three coaches guided Brazil through this turbulent qualifying journey: Fernando Diniz, Dorival Júnior, and finally Carlo Ancelotti. Each brought a different blueprint, yet none managed to restore the rhythm of Brazil’s past. The nadir came in March, when Argentina dismantled the Seleção 4–1—Brazil’s heaviest defeat in the history of the qualifiers, compounded by the ignominy of their first-ever home loss.

For perspective, even in 2002, when qualification was a stumbling, uncertain ordeal, Brazil still crossed the 30-point threshold before rising in South Korea and Japan to claim their fifth World Cup crown. This time, they fell short of that mark, revealing a fragility that lingers even as they retain a seeded place in the World Cup thanks to their FIFA ranking.

Bolivia’s Night of Redemption

If Brazil’s evening was one of reckoning, Bolivia’s was pure release. At 4,100 meters above sea level, fueled by the fervor of El Alto, the home side played with urgency and conviction. Thirteen shots rained in during the first half alone, with young Miguelito—an América-MG forward forged in Santos’ youth academy—emerging as the game’s protagonist.

On the cusp of halftime, a foul by Bruno Guimarães on full-back Roberto led VAR to award a penalty. Miguelito, already the heartbeat of Bolivia’s attacks, struck decisively from the spot. His goal was more than a scoreline shift; it was a symbol of Bolivia’s fight to remain relevant in the continental hierarchy.

The final whistle was greeted with tears, embraces, and unrestrained joy. Bolivia’s 20 points lifted them above Venezuela into seventh, enough to secure a playoff berth and keep alive their dream of returning to the World Cup stage.

Brazil, Breathless and Bereft

Brazil’s impotence was glaring. Just three shots, with only one resembling true danger, underscored their struggles to cope with both Bolivia’s momentum and the crushing altitude. Even with Ancelotti’s quadruple substitution—João Pedro, Estêvão, Raphinha, and Marquinhos arriving in quick succession—the Seleção could not transform possession into menace.

Meanwhile, Bolivia, emboldened yet disciplined, carved further chances through Miguelito and Algarañaz, threatening to deepen Brazil’s humiliation. The score remained 1–0, but the weight of the result went beyond the numbers.

A Tale of Divergent Emotions

For Bolivia, the night was unforgettable—a victory that married resilience, symbolism, and hope. For Brazil, it was another reminder that the myth of invincibility has long been punctured. They may still march into the World Cup as a seeded team, but their aura has dimmed, and their authority in South America is under question.

Football often thrives in paradox: Brazil qualifies, yet bleeds credibility; Bolivia wins, yet still must climb higher. One team leaves with a burden, the other with a dream. And in El Alto, at the edge of the sky, the dream felt more powerful.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Sachin Tendulkar’s Maiden ODI Century: The Long-AwaIted Milestone, Birth of a Colossus

By the early 1990s, Sachin Tendulkar had already established himself as one of the brightest young stars in world cricket. Having made his international debut in 1989 as a 16-year-old, he quickly gained a reputation for his precocious technique, fearless stroke play, and ability to take on the world’s best bowlers. His performances in Test cricket had been exceptional, but in One Day Internationals (ODIs), he had yet to reach a significant personal milestone—the elusive century.

Despite playing several impactful innings, Tendulkar had to wait almost five years and 78 matches to register his maiden ODI hundred. This statistic baffled many, considering his obvious talent and attacking approach. However, the moment finally arrived on September 9, 1994, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In the third match of the Singer World Series against Australia, Tendulkar not only scored his first ODI century but also announced his arrival as a dominant force in limited-overs cricket.

A New Role: Opening the Innings

Before 1994, Tendulkar had primarily batted in the middle order in ODIs. While he had played several aggressive knocks, he often didn’t get enough time at the crease to convert his starts into big scores. The decision to promote him to the opening slot, made earlier that year, proved to be a masterstroke. It unleashed a more attacking, authoritative version of Tendulkar—one who could dictate terms from the very first ball.

As India opted to bat first against a formidable Australian bowling attack, Tendulkar and Manoj Prabhakar walked out to open the innings. The conditions in Colombo were humid, the pitch slow, and Australia’s fast bowlers, led by Craig McDermott, were eager to exploit any early movement. Yet, from the very start, there was a sense of control and confidence in Tendulkar’s batting.

A Masterclass in Stroke Play

Tendulkar’s innings was a blend of aggression and elegance. He reached his first fifty in just 43 balls, a blistering pace by the standards of that era. His shot-making was a delight to watch—textbook cover drives, effortless flicks through midwicket, and crisp lofted shots over mid-on. The Australian bowlers, usually disciplined, struggled to contain him.

McDermott, a seasoned pacer, tried to outthink him with short deliveries, but Tendulkar responded with controlled pulls. Glenn McGrath, still in the early years of his career, bowled with accuracy, but Tendulkar countered him with deft placement. Even the spinners found no respite as he used his feet brilliantly to disrupt their rhythm.

The most striking aspect of the innings was how Tendulkar paced it. He started with controlled aggression, dominated the early part of the innings, and then adapted as wickets began to fall at the other end. While Prabhakar provided good support early on, the rest of India’s batting order failed to capitalize.

Lone Warrior Amidst a Collapse

At one stage, India looked set for a total well above 250, but a sudden collapse put them in danger of falling short. The last seven batsmen failed to reach double digits, exposing India’s fragile middle and lower order. Yet, Tendulkar held his composure. He slowed down when necessary, rotated the strike, and ensured India had a fighting total.

His century was brought up with a sense of inevitability, a culmination of years of promise finally materializing into a tangible milestone. He eventually fell for 110 off 130 balls, bowled by McDermott, but by then, he had already done enough to leave an indelible mark on the match. India finished at 246/8, a competitive score given the conditions.

Defending the Target: Prabhakar’s All-Round Brilliance

With the bat, Tendulkar had been the undisputed hero of the innings. But with the ball, it was Prabhakar who stole the show. His clever medium pace and disciplined line troubled the Australian batters. He not only took crucial wickets—including that of Mark Taylor—but also contributed in the field with a fine catch and two crucial run-outs.

Australia’s chase never really gained momentum. Their only substantial partnership came from Mark Waugh and David Boon, who added 67 runs. However, the required run rate kept climbing, and once their stand was broken, the Indian bowlers tightened their grip. Eventually, India secured a comfortable victory, marking a successful day for the team.

Beyond the Match: A Defining Moment in Tendulkar’s Career

For Tendulkar, this century was not just a statistical achievement; it was a defining moment in his career. Until then, he had been regarded as a prodigious talent, a player who had the potential to dominate world cricket. But this innings signified something more—it was the first glimpse of his ability to control an ODI innings, to construct a match-winning knock, and to anchor a batting lineup with unmatched authority.

This century marked the beginning of a phenomenal journey in ODI cricket. From that point onward, Tendulkar would go on to revolutionize the role of an opener in the format. His fearless approach, coupled with technical brilliance, changed the way opening batsmen were expected to play in ODIs. He ended his career with a record 49 ODI centuries, a staggering 18,426 runs, and a total of 100 international centuries—an achievement that remains unparalleled.

A Night to Remember

The match in Colombo was more than just another ODI; it was a night when an era began. It was the night when Sachin Tendulkar transitioned from a promising youngster to a genuine match-winner. It was the night when India found its batting talisman for the decades to come.

Even today, when one looks back at Tendulkar’s illustrious career, this innings holds special significance. Not because it was his highest or most dramatic knock, but because it was the first. The first of many. The first of 100. The first that gave the world a glimpse of a legend in the making.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Cricket: From Patience and Character to a Game of Entertainment and Commerce

The Golden Era: A Symphony of Patience and Skill

When I first began to follow cricket and football during the 1980s and 1990s, cricket stood tall as a game of endurance, artistry, and strategy. It was not merely a contest of bat and ball, but a theatre of discipline and mental resilience. Test cricket, in particular, was the ultimate trial—where each session and each delivery tested a player’s character and temperament. Patience was not just a virtue; it was the foundation of greatness.

One-day cricket (the 50–over format) emerged as a bridge between tradition and modernity. It offered a beautiful balance—where careful construction and bold aggression could coexist. It added vibrancy to the game without sacrificing its soul.

This was an era illuminated by legends: Viv Richards’ swagger, Gordon Greenidge’s aggression and solidity of Desmond Haynes, Malcolm Marshall and Curtly Ambrose’s fire,  Brian Lara’s artistry, Workhorse like Stamina of Walsh, Imran Khan’s all-round brilliance, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis' swing and pace, Richard Hadlee and Glenn McGrath's precision, Steve Waugh’s grit, David Gower and Mark Waugh's style, Ponting, Hayden, Langer and Gilchrist's effectiveness, Abdul Qadir and Shane Warne’s magic, Allan Border’s resilience, intensity of Martin Crowe, Graham Gooch, Graham Thorpe, Allan Lamb, Michael Atherton, Alec Stewart and Mike Gatting, Javed Miandad’s guile, class of Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul-Haq, chicky a TS of Moin Khan, Romesh Kaluwitharana and Salim Yousuf, Sanath Jayasuriya’s revolution, Aravinda de Silva’s finesse, Leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga, Muttiah Muralitharan’s sorcery, impact of Vaas, Gary Kirsten's class, Jacques Kallis’ completeness, Allan Donald’s pace, the mastery of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohinder Amarnath, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman, the impactful display of Flower Brothers, Heath Streak, Alastair Campbell, David Houghton, Eddo Brandes , Paul Strang, Henry Olonga and Neil Johnson—the list is endless. 

These were not merely players; they were custodians of cricket’s enduring spirit - fit for any era - on any testing conditions. 

The Rise of T20: Speed, Spectacle, and the Lure of Wealth

The early 21st century ushered in a new epoch, Twenty20 cricket. Initially introduced as a novelty to attract crowds, it soon became the heartbeat of modern cricket. Short bursts of excitement, relentless hitting, and guaranteed results transformed the game into a spectacle tailor-made for television audiences.

Yet, this transformation came at a cost. The essence of cricket began to erode. Players earned immense wealth and global recognition, but the depth of the craft diminished. Batters became addicted to extravagant strokes, their defense weakened, and footwork—once the bedrock of technique—grew careless.

Statistics flourished, but substance declined. James Anderson’s 700 wickets, remarkable as they are, came in an age where batsmen are often reckless. Ten thousand runs, once the Everest of batting, now appear more achievable, aided by flatter pitches, batting-friendly laws, and a culture designed to glorify aggression.

Media, Franchises, and the Changing Priorities

The media’s obsession with franchises and the glamour of league cricket has further altered the game’s identity. Commentators heap praise on franchise heroes, while technically sound, consistent performers often go unnoticed.

The shift in priorities is stark. The pride of representing one’s country has diminished for many players, overshadowed by the allure of lucrative leagues. Cricket boards struggle, national teams weaken, and fans find themselves fragmented. What once united nations is now often reduced to fragmented loyalties, tied to franchises rather than flags.

Powerhouses and the Forgotten Few

In the 1990s, nearly every Test-playing nation posed a serious challenge. The West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, even Zimbabwe, were forces to be reckoned with. Today, the cricketing world is polarized: India, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand dominate, while others languish in decline.

The fall of West Indies, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka is not just disappointing—it is tragic. Once brimming with champions, they now struggle to compete. Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland have emerged as spirited “giant-killers,” but remain on the periphery of consistent dominance. Zimbabwe, ravaged by political turmoil, has all but vanished from the competitive stage.

Gambling, Fixing, and the Shadows of T20

T20’s meteoric rise has also carried darker undercurrents—gambling, spot-fixing, and corruption. The brevity of the format makes manipulation easier, and leagues across the globe have become breeding grounds for illicit money flows.

It's not that such things didn't exist before T20 arrived, but in the longer formats, it's never easy to fix a match. The shorter the format, the easier it becomes for fixing - no wonder T20 is the fertile ground for fixing. 

From tea stalls in the subcontinent to betting websites across the region and beyond, the shadow economy of cricket thrives. Bangladesh Premier League, Indian Premier League, The Hundred, even women’s tournaments, are exploited by gamblers. Arrests, scandals, and even violent crimes linked to betting highlight the corrosive influence of this culture.

It is not merely the game that suffers; society itself absorbs the damage. Young people, drawn by the glamour of easy money, slip into destructive habits. What was once a game of inspiration risks becoming a conduit for vice.

The Soul in Crisis—and the Way Forward

In its bid to evolve, cricket has misplaced its soul. Once a symbol of patience, character, and national pride, it now often resembles a commercial enterprise fueled by entertainment value and financial stakes.

Yet, hope remains. To restore balance, the guardians of the game must protect the sanctity of Test cricket, reinvigorate the 50–over format as the bridge between eras, and regulate the excesses of franchise cricket. Without such recalibration, cricket risks becoming a hollow spectacle—loud but shallow.

Conclusion: Cricket Belongs to All of Us

For over fifteen years, I have written as a cricket lover, not merely as a spectator. To me, cricket is not just entertainment; it is culture, history, and inspiration. It has shaped generations and built character.

The custodians of the game must remember: progress must not come at the cost of cricket’s soul. The game belongs to all of us, and its future lies in striking a balance between innovation and tradition, between entertainment and essence.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Brazil’s Farewell at the Maracanã: Order, Elegance, and the Birth of New Stars

Brazil’s 3–0 victory over Chile at the Maracanã was more than a routine qualifier; it was a symbolic farewell. Already assured of a place in the 2026 World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti’s men treated 57,000 fans not only to goals but to a glimpse of continuity—between tradition, tactical maturity, and the emergence of fresh talent.

A Match of Controlled Grandeur

The opening half unfolded in measured tones. Brazil pressed with authority, commanding over 60% possession, but struggled to find a way through in the final third. Casemiro’s early strike—correctly disallowed for offside—was a warning rather than a breakthrough. The fans, subdued despite Raphinha’s attempts to whip up energy, seemed caught between admiration and expectation.

When the goal finally came, it was crafted with precision: João Pedro and Douglas Santos combined, Raphinha forced a save, and Estêvão, poised and clinical, seized the rebound. At just 17, he marked his debut in the iconic jersey with the decisiveness of a seasoned forward. Yet, the applause at halftime was polite rather than fervent, the stadium content but not electrified.

Ancelotti’s Quiet Authority

If Brazil’s play seemed restrained, it mirrored their manager’s presence. Carlo Ancelotti, hands often tucked behind his back or buried in his coat, orchestrated with economy. He spoke sparingly, often through Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães, transmitting composure as much as instruction. His detachment was deceptive; Brazil’s compact structure and well-timed transitions bore the imprint of his methodical hand.

“It was a serious game,” he later remarked. “We defended compactly, pressed with intensity, and once the first goal came, the rhythm unfolded more naturally.”

Ancelotti was not seeking spectacle; he was sculpting balance.

The Crowd Awakens: Luiz Henrique’s Entrance

The second act belonged to substitution. Ten minutes into the half, the Maracanã demanded Luiz Henrique. A former Botafogo prodigy, now at Zenit, he had been omitted from Ancelotti’s initial squads. His entrance—alongside Andrey Santos—shifted the atmosphere from observation to celebration.

Luiz Henrique’s impact was immediate. He stretched Chile’s defence, injected pace, and carved openings where patience had dulled Brazil’s edge. His cross found Lucas Paquetá, who scored with his first touch—his personal redemption after months of absence and legal battles. The crowd erupted louder for Luiz Henrique’s name than for the scorer’s.

Moments later, Henrique again split Chile apart, striking the crossbar before Bruno Guimarães buried the rebound. The ovation was deafening. Brazil’s third goal was less about the finish than about the artistry of its architect.

Between Past and Future

The symbolism was hard to ignore. Estêvão’s goal, Paquetá’s redemption, Guimarães’s authority, and Luiz Henrique’s explosion condensed Brazil’s spectrum of possibilities: youth, return, reliability, and disruption. Each represented a different thread in Ancelotti’s tapestry.

The crowd, once hesitant, ended the night chanting “olé” and applauding the players’ lap of honour. It was a reminder that Brazilian football, even when efficient rather than flamboyant, can still command reverence when talent converges with structure.

Ancelotti’s Verdict and the Road Ahead

Ancelotti’s post-match praise was as restrained as his touchline demeanour. “Luiz Henrique has extraordinary talent—physically strong, fantastic one-on-one. When he entered, fresh against tired legs, he changed the game. That is the value of having depth.”

Brazil will now depart from home soil until the 2026 World Cup itself. Their last Maracanã outing before Qatar ended in a 4–0 victory over Chile. History repeated itself, though in subtler tones: fewer fireworks, but perhaps more layers.

What lingers is not just the scoreline but the impression of a side evolving. Brazil under Ancelotti is less a carnival of chaos than a carefully tuned orchestra. And yet, in Luiz Henrique’s bursts and Estêvão’s youthful fearlessness, the samba spirit remains alive—waiting to be unleashed when the stage is grandest.

 Thank You

Faisal Caesar

India's Tour of England, 1979: A Tale of Triumph Denied

The summer of 1979 was a challenging one for Indian cricket. Coming off a dismal performance in the Prudential World Cup, where they lost all three matches—including an embarrassing defeat against Sri Lanka, then a non-Test-playing nation—India's tour of England was marred by inconsistency. They managed only one victory in 16 first-class matches and suffered a crushing defeat in the first of four Test matches. Yet, despite their struggles, the team displayed resilience, drawing the remaining three Tests and producing one of the most memorable run chases in cricket history at The Oval.

The Struggles of India's Spin Quartet

India’s famous spin quartet, once their greatest strength, proved ineffective on English soil. Erapalli Prasanna was not included in the squad, and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar withdrew after the first Test due to an Achilles tendon injury. Bishan Singh Bedi, though experienced, managed only seven wickets at an average of 35.57, while captain Srinivas Venkataraghavan fared even worse, claiming six wickets at an expensive 57.50 apiece. This left India reliant on their seamers, Kapil Dev and Karsan Ghavri, both of whom bowled with heart but lacked the necessary support. Consequently, India had no choice but to turn to their batsmen for salvation.

The Path to The Oval

The first Test at Edgbaston ended in a heavy defeat for India. However, rain played a crucial role at Lord’s in the second Test, enabling the visitors to salvage a draw. The third Test at Headingley, heavily affected by weather, ended in another draw. This meant that heading into the final Test at The Oval, India trailed 0-1 but had a chance to level the series.

The Oval: The Test That Almost Changed History

England, under Mike Brearley’s leadership, batted solidly, amassing a 103-run first-innings lead. Geoff Boycott's measured century, coupled with some late aggression from debutant David Bairstow, allowed Brearley to declare in the fourth innings, setting India a daunting target of 438 in 500 minutes. Given India's past struggles, the prospect of such a chase seemed improbable. Many believed their best chance was to bat out a draw, while Brearley was criticized by sections of the English media for an overly cautious declaration.

A Steady Beginning, A Growing Belief

Sunil Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan started the chase confidently, guiding India to 76 without loss by the close of the fourth day. Gavaskar, ever the master technician, reportedly told his roommate Yajurvindra Singh that the wicket was so good that India had a genuine chance of an unlikely victory.

A relatively modest crowd gathered at The Oval on the final day, expecting an England victory or, at best, a dull draw. As the morning session unfolded, however, those expectations began to shift. Gavaskar and Chauhan batted steadily, taking India to 169 without loss by lunch. Even when Bob Willis dismissed Chauhan for a well-compiled 80, the belief persisted. Vengsarkar, with a more aggressive approach, joined Gavaskar, and by tea, India were an astonishing 304 for 1, well within reach of the impossible.

Hope Turns to Chaos

As the final session began, India required 110 runs in 20 overs with nine wickets in hand. Even English supporters, caught in the drama of the moment, began hoping for an Indian victory. However, England, sensing the urgency of the situation, slowed down the over rate—a strategy that frustrated the Indian camp.

The crucial turning point came when Vengsarkar, after a brisk 52, misjudged a drive and fell to Phil Edmonds. India, surprisingly, altered their batting order, sending Kapil Dev ahead of Gundappa Viswanath, a move later criticized as a tactical blunder. Kapil departed for a duck, triggering a collapse that cost India dearly. Viswanath, when he eventually arrived, batted aggressively, but his late entry meant that the required momentum had already slipped away.

Botham’s Decisive Spell and Gavaskar’s Departure

With 49 needed from eight overs, Ian Botham, largely ineffective throughout the day, produced a match-defining spell. His first major breakthrough came when Gavaskar, trying to maintain the tempo, clipped a delivery to David Gower at mid-on. His monumental innings of 221 off 443 balls spanned over eight hours, a masterclass in concentration and technique. With his dismissal, India’s chase began to unravel.

Botham then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Yajurvindra and Yashpal Sharma. With the wickets tumbling, Venkataraghavan controversially promoted himself above Karsan Ghavri, a more competent batsman, further damaging India's chances. England, once desperate, now sniffed a potential victory.

The Final Over: A Conclusion Amid Controversy

As the last over began, India needed 15 runs with two wickets in hand. England, sensing an opportunity, crowded the bat. Bharath Reddy managed a boundary, but with nine needed off the final delivery, Brearley and Venkataraghavan mutually agreed to settle for a draw. The Test ended in heartbreak for India, who came agonizingly close to completing what would have been the greatest run chase in history.

Umpiring and Tactical Missteps: The Lingering Debate

Many Indian players later expressed frustration with the umpiring, suggesting that crucial decisions had gone against them. Yajurvindra Singh claimed that “the umpiring was the main cause of us not making those runs. It was horrifying.”

Tactical blunders, particularly the rearrangement of the batting order, also came under scrutiny. Wisden noted, *“To most people’s surprise, Viswanath did not come in until the fifth wicket fell at 410. His delayed entry possibly cost India the victory which almost everyone—except the England team and officials—hoped they would achieve.”* Even Brearley admitted in *The Art of Captaincy* that he felt India had erred in their order change.

A Test for the Ages

Despite the disappointment of falling short, India’s valiant effort at The Oval remains one of the most heroic near-misses in cricket history. Gavaskar’s innings was a masterpiece, proving that even in an era where such chases were considered improbable, resilience and skill could push the limits of possibility. The match was a testament to the unpredictability of Test cricket, where fortunes can shift dramatically in a single session. It was a battle of tactics, endurance, and psychology—one that still resonates as a tale of triumph denied, yet remembered as a classic of the game.

Legacy and Reflections

This Test match reinforced Sunil Gavaskar’s reputation as one of the greatest batsmen in the world, highlighting his technical brilliance and unshakable temperament under pressure. The performance also showcased the fighting spirit of the Indian team, foreshadowing their historic victories in the years to come. Although the 1979 series ended in disappointment, it laid the foundation for future success, inspiring a new generation of Indian cricketers to believe in achieving the impossible.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar