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Last week, a three-and-a-half-year economic blockade on Qatar by Saudi Arabia and three of its regional allies came to an end.

The end of the restrictions means that regional diplomatic and economic ties will be restored between Qatar and its neighbouring countries. And this development will have an impact on football as well, especially the 2022 World Cup.

Qatar, set to host the first-ever World Cup to be held in the Arab world, have been hard-at-work preparing for the event in earnest. They have already inaugurated four of the eight planned venues for the World Cup apart from related infrastructure projects including metro line extensions and more.

The stadiums feature cutting-edge technology like the Advanced Cooling Tech and more. Safe to say that from what has been seen, the impressive stadiums are set to offer the fans a very memorable World Cup experience.

The rest of the venues are also progressing on schedule, along with other related projects. The fact that Qatar has accomplished all this while being caught up in the middle of a global pandemic speaks volumes of its resilience.

With the added inconvenience of the economic blockade over, the Middle-East nation will be hopeful of stepping up its preparations for the 2022 World Cup in earnest.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation responsible for the delivery of the 2022 World Cup, has always maintained that the 2022 World Cup was a tournament that will unite the world, especially in a post-pandemic situation.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected life all around the world with major events including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics postponed. The 2022 World Cup was to be one of the biggest sporting events that would have given fans a cause to celebrate in a world that, hopefully by then, would have had access to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Hassan Al Thawadi, General Secretary of the SC, had earlier (during a conversation with James Worrall, Leaders CEO & Founder) said, "It may sound idealistic, but Covid-19 has made us realise we are all social creatures. The impact on our mental health, the uncertainty, social distancing, not being able to engage with each other – everyone misses human interaction. I’ve always dreamed big and said this is a World Cup to bring people together – and goodness knows, after Covid, we have to come back together. We need to get over this and celebrate collectively during Qatar 2022."

Al Thawadi had also expressed hope back then that the economic blockade imposed on Qatar would end soon, helping them to celebrate Middle-East's first World Cup in a truly befitting manner along with their neighbours.

"Support from the people of the region – notably blockading countries – is there. People are very excited about the tournament. I hope the blockading countries remove travel restrictions. There are no restrictions from Qatar. I hope they remove them for what is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the people of our region."

Now that the blockade has come to an end, it seems Al Thawadi's wish is very well coming true.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also stated after the blockade ended that football will bring the region together. "Football has shown throughout this crisis that it is a unique platform of exchange for people of the Gulf and I am sure the game will continue to unite the region in the near future," the Swiss official said.

The co-operation between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has already started manifesting itself on the sporting stage. With both countries going head-to-head for the rights to host the 2030 Asian Games initially, they have recently decided to come to a compromise with Doha hosting the 2030 event and Riyadh to host the 2034 edition.

While Qatar continue to build a legacy with their stated aim of 'Deliver Amazing' for the 2022 World Cup, prospective co-operation from their neighbours will be a big boost to their World Cup work, with the event just less than two years away.

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler was embroiled in a controversy after just two matches into the Indian Super League (ISL) when he had inadvertently remarked that it seemed some of the Indian players in his East Bengal squad seemed to have never any coaching. The English coach though later clarified that his comments were taken out of context.

What Fowler wanted to convey was that many of the Indian players be it in East Bengal or in other clubs are not always very technically sound and that is predominantly due to the training they received or didn't receive at a younger age.

The East Bengal coach, in a chat with Goal, once again spoke about his observation of Indian football and Indian players and what he felt needed to be done to improve the overall standard of the game in the country.

"With Indian players and with the players we have and the kind of understanding they have, at times it can be better. It is not me being disrespectful, it is me being realistic. It is not easy to change people's perceptions, something they have been brought up doing.

"Football in India needs to change at the grassroots level. It needs to educate and develop the younger generation so that when they become professional players and play in the I-League or ISL, they understand the game a lot more and a lot better," he said. 

While Fowler stressed that there is no dearth of talent in India, the problem lies with their composure and decisions. And that is something that is down to the football education they receive (or don't receive) from a very young age.

"There are good talented players here but the game intelligence is something which needs to grow and get better for the benefit of the game here. We want the Indian national team to be successful. We want to help the younger generation understand the game better, know when to pass and how to pass.

"At times when people are in better positions pass the ball and make sure you pass it properly. You don't have to beat them all the time, let the ball do the work."

Robbie Fowler who is the seventh highest goal scorer in Premier League's history had some valuable suggestions for budding Indian footballers. 

"It is not just for a striker, it is anywhere on the pitch. What we need to remember is players get anxious. When players haven't scored for a while they become anxious and feel they need to score at every opportunity they get or need to give an unbelievable pass whenever they get the ball. Football is simple and more simple things you do, the better you will become. We are trying to do the same things with our players."

Odisha found themselves two goals down at the break against Chennaiyin in their 11th match of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL). 

They managed to put out an improved display in the second half but in the end, the result was one that Stuart Baxter has become used to this season - a painful defeat. 

It could be argued that Odisha deserved a point for their efforts but near comebacks in the second half do not offset the team's lacklustre starts.

Of the 18 goals Odisha have conceded this season in the ISL, 13 have been in the first halves of games. And that is the highest tally in the league. Once again, Odisha's poor start has cost them three extremely valuable points. And as a result, they are still at the bottom of the table with just one win in 11 matches. 

Baxter's lineup had a few surprising yet understandable changes. Diego Mauricio, their best player this season, had to be rested due to fatigue. Manuel Onwu and Marcelinho were given a chance to impress and neither of them did. 

Chennaiyin, on the other hand, were eager to impress right from the off. There was notable desperation to score the opening goal in the early moments of the game and in the end, they were gifted two. 

Gaurav Bora, who has looked promising in previous fixtures, had a highly forgettable first half as he was directly at fault for the two goals scored by Isma Goncalves. His poor touch allowed Isma to snatch the ball outside the box and slot past the keeper to break the deadlock. Bora fouled Anirudh Thapa inside the box and conceded a spot-kick which Isma converted to double the lead. 

Although the Machans registered more than 60 per cent possession in the first half, the intensity dropped after the break and Odisha clawed their way back into the contest. A delightful curling effort by Diego Mauricio set up a nervous end to the game. 

But Laszlo, desperate to end his team's four-game winless run, brought on Deepak Tangri in place of the goalscorer Isma and called for an organized set up to hold onto their lead. Laszlo will be happy that his team finally converted the chances they created but the fixture against Odisha also witnessed wasted chances in front of goal when Odisha pushed forward in search of their equaliser.

Chennaiyin failed to finish the game off and one can wonder what would've happened against a more in-form team. As for Odisha, the focus should be on how to not lose games in the first half itself. 

At age 31, which many would think too young to quit playing professionally, Terengganu FC midfielder Abdul Shukur Jusoh has announced his retirement.

He revealed his decision in a frank, heartbreaking social media post.

"Praise Allah, who has given me a long career in football. I apologise that my participation had been a nuisance and an eyesore to many. If the sight of me playing had caused you to froth at the mouth, I beg forgiveness of you.

"My involvement in the sport never relied on personal connections. My late father and mother never even came to see me play because they weren't quite supportive of this passion of mine. I only kept doing it because I felt that I had the talent, even as a boy.

"I never expected to generate such an intense resentment, and I hope to never again cause anyone to hate me. I pray to Allah that those who deplore me will end up working alongside me in the future, so that they can see for themselves that I was never the type of player who relies on connections or sucks up to the coach to get ahead. Thank you all."

The Terengganu-native had started his professional career at the now-defunct Harimau Muda set-up in 2008, before embarking on his first stint with the Turtles in 2011 and 2012. He then left for Selangor, ATM and Felda United, before rejoining Terengganu in 2017. It was his second stint, which would end up being his last, that would lead to him hanging up his boots.

Shukur (left) playing for Selangor. Iimages & Cornerflag

Goal's casual browsing through the club's social media posts in the weeks leading up to the one-time Malaysia international's decision saw fan comments which insinuated that he has only been retained on the team due to his individual connections. The veracity of these passive-aggressive accusations are unknown.

Trinity Rodman has said she doesn't want to be defined only by her famous father after she was selected second overall by the Washington Spirit in the NWSL draft.

The U.S. youth international is the daughter of former NBA champion Dennis Rodman, but she is determined to move out of his shadow as she begins a career of her own in professional sports.

"[Being a professional] has been my dream forever so this is unreal to me," Rodman said after she was selected. "The one thing I'm most excited for is just to learn from this. [At] the professional level you're going to learn more than you're going to do well, really, but I'm excited to learn.

"With my dad I'm just so thankful, obviously he was an amazing athlete and I got those genes from him but I'm excited to be known as Trinity Rodman and not just Dennis Rodman's daughter, so I'm excited to pave my own path and get better throughout this journey."

Rodman was set to attend Washington State and play the fall season, but the coronavirus pandemic meant the season was moved to the spring. 

Rather than wait for the spring, the U.S. youth international attacker decided to get a head start on her pro career and declare for the draft before playing a single minute in college.

"Washington State is an awesome school, awesome staff, awesome people. I fell in love as soon as I got there, but I think as Covid hit in the environment, I was just kind of feeling stuck in a way," Rodman explained. 

"Obviously professional is a higher level [than college] and I know I'm at a point right now where I could be at that level to get even better than I would be in college, so I was just kind of like, 'let's just go, I want to get better. Let's go.'"

With the first pick in Wednesday night's draft, expansion franchise Racing Louisville picked Emily Fox out of the University of North Carolina. Fox's college teammate Brianna Pinto rounded out the top three when Sky Blue FC selected her. 

The feud between Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez and PSG forward Neymar continued on Wednesday, with the Spaniard calling the Brazilian "trash" on Twitter after the teams faced off in the Trophee des Champions.

New PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino won his first trophy with the club in the match, with Mauro Icardi and Neymar scoring for the Parisians and Dimitri Payet adding a late consolation for Marseille.

Neymar and Gonzalez have a history that stems from an incident in a match in September, in which Neymar was sent off for slapping Gonzalez in the back of the head.

Following the game Neymar accused the Spaniard of making racist comments toward him, saying on Twitter after the game: "My only regret is not hitting that asshole in the face."

Gonzalez, meanwhile, denied Neymar's claims, saying that Neymar needed "to learn how to lose and accept it on the field." 

After an investigation, the French federation announced that neither Neymar nor Gonzalez would face any additional punishment for the incident.

The two players would clash again on the pitch on Wednesday, with Gonzalez fouling Neymar several times including one incident in which he put his hands on the Brazilian's face.

After the game, Neymar took the opportunity to aim a dig at Gonzalez on Twitter, posting a picture directed at the defender.

Gonzalez would quickly respond, replying: "My parents always taught me to take out the trash. Go OM always."

Unlike September's meeting, which Marseille won 1-0, PSG would triumph on Wednesday to give Pochettino a trophy in just his second week as head coach.

Following the match, PSG captain Marquinhos hailed Pochettino as "an exceptional coach."

“It’s a pleasure to be on the pitch, to be able to give your all so that you can win matches and trophies. That’s why I came to PSG,” the Brazilian told Canal+. “There is a new coach with a new philosophy; it’s not always easy to change during the season but Pochettino is an exceptional coach. He talks a lot with the players and explains well what he wants.

“We thank [Thomas] Tuchel for what he did here, for me because I progressed well under him and he showed me a new level of football that I never expected to reach.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lauded Thomas Partey and his impact as the star midfielder prepares to return for the Gunners.

Partey has been restricted to just six matches for Arsenal since arriving from La Liga side Atletico Madrid in a £45 million deal three months ago.

Only one of those appearances has come in the last two months, having aggravated a thigh injury in Arsenal's 2-0 loss to London rivals Tottenham in December.

However, Partey is back in contention for Thursday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace and Arteta is excited to be able to call upon one of his key men once again.

"I think he's got a different presence - he brings something different to the team," Arteta said. "It's not just about his talent, it's not just about his physicality, it's who he is as a person. 

"He makes players better around him and that's a big, big quality.

"It's incredible that we are in January, we signed him in October and we have only played him [a handful of times]."

Partey has completed 2.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in his five Premier League outings and attempted 3.25 tackles per game, which no other Arsenal player can match.

And though the north London side have won only one of those five matches, compared to six victories in 12 league games without him, Arteta admitted Arsenal have missed the midfielder's presence.

"We haven't really seen the impact he could have on the team. Obviously we have missed him. I think it's going to be a big bonus if we can keep him fit," he said.

"When you are injured you feel first of all the responsibility when the club has made the effort we made to sign him.

"He was so willing for months to be joining us. He really wants to be a part of it and knows how much he can help. 

"Then he had to deal with the injuries, with the lockdown and moving into a new place, and that's been tough for him.

"That's why sometimes he was rushing and wanted to do everything straight away, because he's so willing to come back, he doesn't want to be alone at home. 

"He's in a really good place, he's settled really well in the dressing room, around the staff. He's a special character and hopefully we can see him on the pitch finally."

Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig says he will continue to fight for his place in the team after scoring the decisive spot-kick in Wednesday's penalty shootout win over Real Sociedad.

Puig helped his side advance to the Supercopa de Espana final after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. The 21-year-old scored from the spot to clinch a 3-2 victory on penalties for his side.

While many fans have called for the talented youngster to receive more minutes, Puig has been used sparingly this season by Barca head coach Ronald Koeman.

Puig came off the bench against Sociedad on Wednesday for just his seventh appearance of the season, all of which have come as a substitute. 

Although his chances of consistent minutes still appear to be slim, Puig said after the game that he would continue to fight for his place at Camp Nou.

"I'm very happy to have scored the last penalty," Puig said. "I volunteered to take it. I shot with great conviction – you have to believe in yourself. I have never lost the desire to be in the first team and I will continue to fight for it.

"Ronald named four players to shoot the penalties. I asked for the fifth one. I'm a very happy guy, I have never lost my smile. I'm lucky, I will never give up."

Koeman confirmed that Puig had volunteered to take the decisive spot-kick.

He said: "The final penalty? I had four names written down, and I asked who wanted to shoot the last one to win. Riqui wanted to take it, with determination."

Koeman also had praise for two other 21-year-olds who have broken through with Barca this season, Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza.

"Araujo has improved a lot in a short time, especially in how calm he is and his personality," Koeman said. "He has also improved on the ball. He's on a very good path, but he has to keep working. He's the future of the club, like Mingueza. Be humble and keep your feet on the ground."

Barcelona will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Real Madrid and Athletic Club in the final on Sunday.

Mauricio Pochettino says "this is only the beginning" after he won the first trophy of his managerial career just three games into his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain.

Mauro Icardi and Neymar scored as PSG beat Marseille to lift the Trophee des Champions on Wednesday.

While Pochettino achieved much during his spells at Tottenham, Southampton and Espanyol, he had never won a piece of silverware as a coach. Now, with Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and Champions League all still up for grabs this season, he is hungry for more.

“After ten days as a coach, three matches played and this final against our biggest rival, it's very important to win,” Pochettino told Canal+. “More than the trophy, it is honour and pride that are most important for the club and for the fans. Little by little, the team is doing the things that I ask for. I've been here for two weeks and we've done a lot of preparation.

“This is only the beginning. We believe that with time and work, we can install our ideas and that the progress will be good because the quality we have. We have little time to train but my players deserve this trophy, the recognition and they have adapted quickly to my requirements.”

Pochettino also paid tribute to his predecessor, Thomas Tuchel, who won the domestic quadruple last season to take PSG to the Trophee des Champions.

He said: "I want to thank the players, [Leonardo] and Nasser [El-Khelaifi] for the opportunity, but also Thomas Tuchel and his staff because we are here because they have won titles.”

Neymar made his comeback from injury off the bench and capped a livewire performance with the winning goal from the penalty spot.

“He's a special player and I'm very happy for him,” Pochettino added. “He scored the winning goal and I'm happy with the overall performance of my team, who had a good game.”

Pochettino was pleased with his players and so too was his opposite number, another former Spurs boss in Andre Villas-Boas.

"I have nothing to say to my players, we were the best team,” Villas-Boas said. “The best honour that PSG give us is the party they're throwing."

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho says that Spurs must learn how to kill a game after seeing his side squander another lead on Wednesday.

After going up 1-0 through a Harry Kane header, Spurs conceded a late goal to Fulham in what ended as a 1-1 draw.

Having lead for a bulk of the match, Spurs conceded a 74th-minute goal to Ivan Cavaleiro before seeing a goal of their own called back for offside.

Mourinho admitted after the match that Spurs lack killer instinct to finish off a game and are betting too hard on playing mistake-free football.

"Once more we concede a goal that is completely avoidable," Mourinho told Amazon Prime. "I have to admit in the second half they played more. They were losing and tried but Hugo Lloris did not make a save but we did not kill the game. Again we lose the man in the corner.

"We have lots of opportunities to kill off matches. In other cases especially away we are winning but then don't have that ambition to get the goal and kill the game.

"There are things that are individual. There are things that are individual qualities and individual mistakes. I cannot say much more than that."

Having conceding late yet again on Wednesday, only Brighton (12) and Sheffield United (11) have dropped more points from winning positions than Spurs (10) this season in the Premier League.

As a result, Spurs, picked by many to be title contenders, are currently in sixth, six points behind league-leaders Manchester United.

"We have to kill a game and we didn't - but you have to keep a clean sheet, not make mistakes, so it was a very avoidable goal. The markers are there, there wasn't even an advantage in terms of numbers," he told BBC Sport.

"They were intelligent enough to understand the way they play, they change, they become more defensive and they are getting results. I thought they were a bit lucky but they were good. We have bad results and we should - and we could have - avoided these results."

Despite the recent struggles to close out games, Mourinho says that Spurs likely will not dip too hard into the transfer market.

When asked if he expects a busy January, Mourinho replied: "No, I am not expecting."

Spurs are set to visit Sheffield United on Sunday in their next Premier League match before taking on Wycombe in the FA Cup on January 23.

Barcelona reached the Supercopa de Espana final after beating Real Sociedad 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Cordoba.

With Lionel Messi sitting out the tie with a slight injury, it was Frenkie de Jong who continued his strong recent form with the opening goal in the first half.

De Jong conceded the penalty that allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to equalise, though, and it was Sociedad who threatened most as the game entered extra time, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen in strong form and substitute Adnan Januzaj hitting the post with a free-kick.

Ter Stegen proved pivotal in the shoot-out, making two saves, before Riqui Puig buried his spot-kick to send Barca through.

The Germany international made a fine one-on-one save to deny Alexander Isak as La Real looked by far the more threatening in the early exchanges.

Barca seemed to settle after 25 minutes and twice came close through Martin Braithwaite, while Ousmane Dembele was menacing Nacho Monreal down the right.

The Catalans' growing pressure told six minutes before half-time, Antoine Griezmann clipping a cross towards De Jong, who reacted well to steer a header past Alex Remiro.

But De Jong handed Sociedad an equaliser 51 minutes in, his handball allowing Oyarzabal to send Ter Stegen the wrong way from the spot.

An end-to-end contest ensued, La Real threatening on the break through Isak and both Pedri and Griezmann coming close with powerful efforts.

In extra time, Ter Stegen made a spectacular one-handed save to keep out Joseba Zaldua's rocket before Dembele sent a shot straight at Remiro after Griezmann had stolen back possession.

Griezmann saw a volley smothered and Barca were very nearly hit on the break, Ter Stegen doing enough to deny Oyarzabal after the forward had failed to connect properly with Januzaj's cross.

Januzaj himself had a shot just prodded past the left-hand post after a strong run and then came closest of all to a winner, clattering the post with a wicked free-kick as Ter Stegen looked to get a fingertip to the ball.

De Jong hit the post with Barca's first penalty, but Ter Stegen saved from Jon Bautista and Oyarzabal and Willian Jose hit the post after Dembele had scored.

Griezmann skied his effort horribly after Miralem Pjanic and Mikel Merino each scored, but although Januzaj also converted, Puig showed nerves of steel to send the Catalans into the final.

What does it mean? Renewed spirit carries Koeman towards first trophy

Barca's 2-1 LaLiga win over Sociedad in December was something of a turning point under Koeman, a battling win in which, according to Jordi Alba, they played some of their best football in 2020.

Similar character was on show here in an engrossing and finely balanced contest that was ultimately settled by Puig, a player whose very future under Koeman has often looked bleak.

The Catalans progress to the final in Seville on Sunday, where they will meet Real Madrid or Athletic Bilbao for the chance of a first trophy of Koeman's era.

Tremendous Ter Stegen

The spine of Barca's team was strong throughout: Sergio Busquets was impeccable in midfield and Ronald Araujo outstanding at centre-back.

Ter Stegen was the real hero, though, making six excellent saves and keeping out two penalties in the shoot-out. He also completed 33 passes, more than all but five of Sociedad's starting line-up.

Nacho night

Nacho Monreal was too often left in an unfair foot race against Dembele and Barca's number 11 should have done much more with the openings he had.

Monreal did make five tackles, the joint-most of any Sociedad player, but he only twice regained possession and lost it 16 times - and he only twice attempted crosses.

What's next?

Barca face either Madrid or Athletic in Sunday's final, while La Real have a week off until they face Cordoba at this same venue in the Copa del Rey.

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos hailed Mauricio Pochettino as "an exceptional coach" after the Argentine won the first trophy of his managerial career.

Just three games into his tenure as PSG boss, the former Tottenham, Southampton and Espanyol manager won his first piece of silverware as his side beat rivals Marseille in the Trophee des Champions.

Mauro Icardi opened the scoring just before half-time before Neymar capped his return from injury with a late goal from the penalty spot, with Dimitri Payet’s effort only a consolation.

The game was Marquinhos’ 300th in a PSG shirt, and he was delighted to cap the occasion with a win and another trophy.

“It’s a pleasure to be on the pitch, to be able to give your all so that you can win matches and trophies. That’s why I came to PSG,” the Brazilian told Canal+. “There is a new coach with a new philosophy; it’s not always easy to change during the season but Pochettino is an exceptional coach. He talks a lot with the players and explains well what he wants.

“We thank [Thomas] Tuchel for what he did here, for me because I progressed well under him and he showed me a new level of football that I never expected to reach.”

Wednesday’s game was keenly anticipated following the full-blooded meeting between the teams in Ligue 1 back in September. Marseille’s 1-0 win on that day saw five players sent off in stoppage time following accusations of racism and an on-pitch brawl.

“Against Marseille, we know it's not always easy,” Marquinhos noted. “They are a team with a lot of commitment, but we like to play this kind of game.

“Overall, we had a very good game. We had some difficult times but we are progressing and that is the most important thing. Both teams had great players to put on a good game and left what happened in the league game behind.”

PSG will now turn their attentions back to Ligue 1, with the reigning French champions one point behind leaders Lyon at the midway point of the season. They travel to Angers on Saturday before finishing January with fixtures against Montpellier and Lorient.

Bayern Munich have been knocked out of the DFB-Pokal on penalties by second-tier side Holstein Kiel following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

The Bavarian giants had reached the last 16 stage in each of the previous 19 seasons and had lifted the cup in the last two of those, but they were stunned by Kiel in Wednesday's clash at Holstein-Stadion.

Leroy Sane had Bayern on the brink of a place in the next round with his sublime free-kick early in the second half after Fin Bartels had earlier cancelled out Serge Gnabry's close-range opener.

But Kiel skipper Hauke Wahl scored in the 95th minute to force extra time and Bayern, who brought on star striker Robert Lewandowski with 74 minutes played, could not find a third goal as the tie went the distance.

The first 10 penalties were successfully put away but substitute Marc Roca was denied by Ioannis Gelios, setting up Bartels to convert and send the home side through 6-5 on spot-kicks, with Darmstadt to come in the last 16.

Gnabry was tasked with leading the line for Bayern and was gifted his sixth goal of the campaign by Gelios, who could only push Thomas Muller's header into the makeshift striker's path - the offside goal allowed to stand due to the absence of VAR.

The same two players linked up again later in the half but Muller lifted Gnabry's knockdown over the bar from inside the six-yard box.

That proved to be a big miss as Bartels chased down Jannik Dehm's simple pass over the top, raced clear of Bayern's covering defenders and calmly slotted past Manuel Neuer.

Bayern captain Neuer was making his 410th competitive appearance for the club, taking him level with Lothar Matthaus, and he was grateful that the offside flag went up a minute after that equaliser to deny Lee Jae-sung a quickfire second.

But the cup holders required just 119 seconds of the second half to regain their lead as Sane lifted a sublime free-kick over the Kiel wall from 25 yards and into the top-right corner of the net.

Alexander Muhling put a glorious chance over the crossbar almost instantly but Bayern had chances of their own to extend their advantage, with Gelios doing well to get down and push Jamal Musiala's shot onto the post.

In an incredible late twist, Wahl guided Johannes van den Bergh's left-sided delivery away from Neuer with the final touch of normal time to stun the German champions by forcing an additional 30 minutes.

Joshua Kimmich went closest to finding a winner in extra time with a shot that clipped the crossbar, while Alphonso Davies had a weak effort saved as the game went the distance.

After Lewandowski, Kimmich, Muller, David Alaba and Douglas Costa had found the net from 12 yards, Roca was denied by Gelios and Bartels stepped up to score his penalty in one of the most famous moments in the competition's history.

Hansi Flick warned Bayern that Kiel, positioned third in 2.Bundesliga, "had nothing to lose" in this second-round tie and so it proved. The cup holders had last failed to reach the last 16 in 2000-01 when losing on penalties at this stage at the hands of Magdeburg.

This is also the first time Bayern have been eliminated by a lower-division side since a 2-1 loss to second-tier Alemannia Aachen in 2003-04, the competition's most successful ever side prevailing in 38 straight games against underdogs since then.

After winning a clean sweep of honours last season, including the DFB-Pokal, Flick's men are now left to lick their wounds and focus on retaining the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Sane stepping up

The Germany winger endured a difficult first five months to his Bayern career but has now either scored or assisted in all three of his appearances this calendar year.

His impressive free-kick here, adding to the goal scored against Mainz and his assist against Borussia Monchengladbach, is further proof that he is finally starting to find his feet - though it counted for little in the grand scheme of things.

Sule caught out

Niklas Sule allowed Dehm's pass to sail over his head and into the path of Bartels for Kiel's first goal and he was unable to get close to Wahl for the late second.

The centre-back may have completed more passes (113) and turned over possession (12 times) more than any other player on the field, though ultimately Kiel scored from two of only three attempts on target and questions must be asked of the defence.

What's next?

Bayern will be desperate to respond to this shock setback when they return to Bundesliga action with a home match against Freiburg on Sunday, the same day that Kiel take on Karlsruher in 2.Bundesliga.

Hamza Rafia scored the winner on his debut as Juventus needed extra time to beat Genoa 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.

A much-changed Juve side were a cut above Serie A strugglers Genoa in the first half at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday, but made hard work of setting up a last-eight tie against Sassuolo or SPAL.

Dejan Kulusevski was outstanding in the opening 45 minutes, scoring inside two minutes and laying on a second goal for Alvaro Morata.

Lennart Czyborra pulled a goal back from out of the blue in an otherwise one-sided first half and Filippo Melegoni later equalised, but 21-year-old Tunisia international Rafia came off the bench to settle the tie late in the first half of extra time.

Kulusevski got the Turin giants off to a dream start, controlling an incisive pass from Giorgio Chiellini superbly with his right foot and firing home with his left.

Genoa were unable to live with Juve's intensity and Kulusevski was denied by Alberto Paleari when he went one-on-one with the Genoa goalkeeper, but Morata was on target 23 minutes in.

Kulusevski turned provider on this occasion, helping another pinpoint ball from Chiellini into the Spanish striker's path with a sublime cushioned pass and Morata kept his composure to beat Paleari at his near post.

Juve were totally dominant but Czyborra got Genoa back in it when he stole in at the back post to head home Edoardo Goldaniga's cross totally against the run of play, before Arthur and Manolo Portanova had goals ruled out for offside in a pulsating first half.

Paleari kept out Morata's shot at his near post early in the second half, but Genoa were almost level when Marko Pjaca rattled the crossbar from outside the penalty area.

Davide Ballardini's men got back on terms after 74 minutes, though, Melegoni curling beyond Gianluigi Buffon from around 25 yards out with a measured right-footed finish.

Pirlo introduced Cristiano Ronaldo and, although Juve were unable to advance in 90 minutes, Rafia bundled in off Lukas Lerager after Morata had cut the ball back.

Arthur nodded off the line as Genoa fought until the end and Kulusevski could have settled it, but Juve held on to advance.
 

What does it mean? Bianconeri breathe a sigh of relief

Juve were cruising at 2-0 up as they bossed the first half, but their failure to add further goals could have come back to bite them.

Pirlo would have hoped to keep Ronaldo on the bench with a Serie A clash against fellow title hopefuls Inter to come this weekend, but instead the prolific forward was called upon late in normal time.

They were still able to maintain their perfect record this year, though, making it four wins out of four – and scoring 13 goals in the process - the hard way.

Kulusevski stakes his claim

Midfielder Kulusevski staked his claim to become a regular starter with a lively display.

The Sweden international drifted into space intelligently and was a real menace to the Genoa defence, making four key passes and having as many shots on target - the first of which was a clinical finish to open the scoring.

Wesley caught napping

It was not the best of evenings for Juve full-back Wesley, who was caught out of position to allow Czyborra to head home unchallenged.

The Brazilian won only 53.8 per cent of his 13 duels and lost possession 10 times before he was replaced by Ronaldo.

What's next?

Juve face a mouthwatering trip to second-placed Inter in Serie A on Sunday, while Genoa have a tough test against in-form Atalanta on the same day.

FC Goa are set to host Jamshedpur in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa, on Thursday. 

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

TEAM NEWS

FC Goa Possible XI:   

Injured - None
Doubtful - None  
Suspended - None

Key Players - Igor Angulo, Jorge Ortiz   

Jamshedpur FC Possible XI: 

Injured - None  
Doubtful - None  
Suspended - None

Key Players -  Nerijus Valskis, Stephen Eze  

Harry Kane's brilliant header was not enough for Tottenham as Jose Mourinho's side were pegged back to a 1-1 draw by Ivan Cavaleiro's equally fine effort.

Spurs looked set to claim back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since November thanks to Kane's 25th-minute effort – his 36th league goal against a London rival.

Scott Parker was enraged by the decision to reschedule his team's trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at such short notice, but Fulham stayed in the game and, with Son Heung-min squandering a great chance to wrap things up, got their reward.

Substitute Ademola Lookman proved the difference-maker as he pinged in a cross that was met by the towering Cavaleiro to seal a share of the spoils.

Sergio Reguilon blazed over inside the opening 10 minutes, but Fulham showed plenty of intent and Hugo Lloris had his palms stung by Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's strike.

Alphonse Areola came to the fore with two superb stops, both from Son, who prodded goalwards from point-blank range before attempting to guide a header into the top-right corner.

Areola was beaten in the 25th minute, though. Where Son went for height, Kane went low, diving to meet Reguilon's exquisite left-wing cross and head in off the post.

Kane was the beneficiary of another terrific cross – this time from Serge Aurier – soon after, but failed to keep his header down.

Tosin Adarabioyo made a fantastic last-ditch tackle to frustrate Moussa Sissoko after the restart, while Areola had to lunge across to keep out Harry Winks' dipping effort.

Son could have wrapped things up with just under 20 minutes remaining, yet hit the base of the right-hand upright, and Spurs were made to pay.

Cavaleiro towered over Eric Dier to meet Lookman's cross and send a powerful header beyond Lloris, rescuing a hard-earned point with Fulham's first shot on target of the half, with Reguilon rightly denied a last-gasp winner by the offside flag.

What does it mean? Fulham taking it point by point, but Spurs frustrated

Mourinho's team had just five shots after the break, in contrast to Fulham's eight, and questions might again be raised over a lack of ambition or ability to kill games off.

Fulham have now drawn their last five league games to move within two points of safety, while Spurs sit sixth, two points behind Everton, Manchester City and Leicester City.

Kane clinical but Son found wanting

Son and Kane's near-telepathic partnership has been integral to Tottenham's form, and the latter – who has now scored 25 top-flight goals with his head, left foot and right foot – has steadily racked up the goals, and is on 11 in the Premier League for the campaign.

That is one behind Son, who missed three gilt-edged opportunities, including that crucial one-on-one just prior to Fulham's equaliser.

Lookman sparks the comeback

Bar an infamous Panenka attempt against West Ham that cost Fulham a point, Lookman has been extremely impressive since joining on loan from RB Leipzig.

His introduction from the bench in the 67th minute injected fresh impetus into the visitors, and the 23-year-old created three chances during his cameo, more than any other Fulham player and fewer than only Serge Aurier (four) in the game.

Key Opta Facts

- Tottenham and Fulham have played out their first draw in the Premier League since December 2009, with Spurs winning 10 of the last 11 encounters (L1).
- Spurs are unbeaten in their last eight London derbies in the Premier League (W3 D5), they have never gone longer without defeat against sides from the capital in the competition.
- Fulham have drawn five consecutive Premier League games, their longest such run since January 2007 (six games).
- Only Brighton (12) and Sheffield United (11) have dropped more points from winning positions than Spurs (10) in the Premier League this season.
- Lookman has been directly involved in five goals (two goals, three assists) in the Premier League this season, more than any other Fulham player.

What's next?

Sheffield United picked up their first league win of the season against Newcastle United on Tuesday, and they host Spurs on Sunday, while Fulham face Chelsea a day earlier.

Mauricio Pochettino secured the first trophy of his managerial career as Paris Saint-Germain edged past Marseille 2-1 in the Trophee des Champions on Wednesday. 

In just his third game in charge of the French giants, former Tottenham boss Pochettino watched his side claim the trophy for the eighth consecutive year without ever having to get out of second gear. 

Mauro Icardi got them on their way, sliding in from close range after 39 minutes before Neymar, making his first appearance in a month after an ankle injury, added a second from the penalty spot five minutes from time.

Dimitri Payet pulled one back for Marseille in the 89th minute, but PSG held on to claim a deserved win. 

Icardi squandered a golden opportunity to hand PSG an 18th-minute lead, the striker inexplicably heading wide from six yards following Angel Di Maria's inswinging corner.

The Argentina international and Kylian Mbappe then both had efforts ruled out for offside before the half-hour mark as PSG dominated. 

Icardi was not to be denied six minutes before the interval, though, tapping in from a yard after his initial header had been diverted onto the post by Steve Mandanda. 

He then rounded off his action-packed first half in stoppage time, thundering a strike against the crossbar from 15 yards.

Keylor Navas denied Florian Thauvin as Marseille started the second half with a spring in their step.

Further pressure from Andre Villas-Boas' side failed to materialise, though, with substitute Neymar adding a second from the spot after Icardi had been brought down by Yohann Pele, the penalty ultimately given after referee Ruddy Buquet was encouraged to check the pitchside monitor by VAR. 

Payet set up a tense finale with a cool finish from Thauvin's cross, but PSG held on to continue their Trophee des Champions dominance.

What does it mean? 

It was not exactly pretty, but Pochettino will scarcely care after getting his hands on a trophy for the first time in his 12-year coaching career. 

Marseille finished the game having had four shots on target to PSG's three, although Villas-Boas can have no complaints that the best side won, with the Parisians enjoying a whopping 63.6 per cent possession and completing 268 more passes than their opponents. 

Icardi maintains streak 

Icardi's first-half goal was his fourth in just five starts so far this term. He had more shots than any other PSG player (four) and drew the foul for Neymar's late penalty. 

Mbappe off the boil

Despite playing the full 90 minutes, Mbappe did not register a single shot. In a strangely subdued performance, the France international won just one of his five duels and lost possession 19 times - more than any other PSG player. 

What's next?

Both sides are in Ligue 1 action on Saturday, with PSG travelling to Angers and Marseille hosting Nimes.

FIFA has approved Catarina Macario to represent the U.S. women’s national team in international competition, U.S. Soccer has confirmed.

Macario, who was born in Brazil but moved to the United States at age 12, announced in October that she had become an American citizen and had petitioned FIFA to secure her eligibility for the USWNT.

The governing body has now approved that request, meaning the 21-year-old phenom could make her USWNT debut on Monday in a friendly against Colombia. The U.S. will then face Colombia again in a friendly four days later.

"I want to thank everyone at U.S. Soccer, past and present, for the opportunity and I sincerely appreciate the literal years of work that went into getting this done," Macario said in a statement.

"Now that I’m approved to play, it’s up to me to show the coaches I deserve to be on rosters and get playing time.

"Nothing is guaranteed, and everything needs to be earned, so it’s up to me to get my fitness to the level needed and keep learning every day. Just to be in the position is a dream come true and I’ll never take any of it for granted."

Macario announced on Tuesday that she had signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with European champions Lyon after announcing earlier this month that she would forgo her final year of college at Stanford to turn professional.

The forward opted against signing with the National Women's Soccer League, where she would have almost certainly been the first overall pick in Wednesday's draft.

Macario, though, did say later on Tuesday that she is still planning on playing in the NWSL in the future.

"I would love to play in the NWSL one day and I know that will happen," Macario said to reporters. "I’m not sure necessarily when but obviously as an American it’s my dream to play where I reside and so I’ll definitely be coming back."

Macario has become one of the most coveted prospects to emerge from the U.S. in recent years, having won the Hermann Trophy as the best collegiate player in the U.S. in back-to-back years.