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10 Classic Hollywood Films That Remain Terrifying Even Decades Later

2026-10-18T11:28:27.250+05:00

10 Classic Hollywood Films That Remain Terrifying Even Decades Later

As the Halloween festival approaches, the desire to watch films filled with fear and suspense intensifies once again. Some movies become memorable due to their storylines, terrifying characters, or specific scenes that remain etched in the viewers' minds for years.

From psychological horror to tales of mysterious creatures, supernatural entities, and killers, many classic horror films still possess the power to terrify audiences today.

This year, Halloween will be celebrated on October 31st—an ideal occasion to dive into an extensive list of horror movies.

If you are planning to watch some memorable horror films this Halloween, here are 10 classic Hollywood movies that redefined the genre. The list includes films ranging from *Rosemary’s Baby* to *The Exorcist*—movies that remain just as terrifying today as they were upon their release.

*Rosemary’s Baby*

This psychological horror film tells the story of Rosemary Woodhouse, who moves into an apartment in New York City with her husband. While the couple hopes to begin a new life, they soon encounter the peculiar behavior of their new neighbors. Rosemary becomes particularly unsettled by the neighbors' growing interest in her once she becomes pregnant.

As time passes, Rosemary begins to suspect a sinister conspiracy surrounding her unborn child. Amidst isolation, uncertainty, and mounting anxieties, she struggles to determine whether her fears are grounded in reality or if she has become the target of a scheme she does not yet understand.

What sets this film apart is its reliance on psychological tension and suspicion to evoke fear, rather than relying on sudden, startling shocks.

*Halloween*

*Halloween* is considered one of the most iconic films in horror cinema; it introduced the character of the killer, Michael Myers.

The story follows Michael, who—15 years after murdering his older sister—escapes from a psychiatric institution and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield. On Halloween night, he begins stalking a young woman named Laurie Strode and her friends.

Michael’s former psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Loomis, discerns his dangerous intentions and attempts to prevent him from committing further murders. The killer’s mysterious silence, his relentless pursuit, and the presence of danger lurking within an ordinary setting all serve to deepen the film’s atmosphere of terror.

This film played a significant role in popularizing a specific type of killer in horror cinema—one who emerges from the midst of ordinary life to suddenly bring death.

*A Nightmare on Elm Street*

This film tells the story of a terrifying killer named Freddy Krueger, who targets teenagers within their dreams. The plot follows Nancy Thompson and her friends as they begin to experience recurring nightmares featuring a man with a disfigured face.

He is made even more menacing by a glove fitted with sharp, bladed fingers. The teenagers soon discover that the attacks occurring in their dreams can have lethal consequences in the real world. Nancy attempts to uncover the truth behind this threat and save herself, but to escape Freddy, she must confront the harrowing connection between the states of sleep and wakefulness.

An interesting detail about this film is that it features one of Hollywood actor Johnny Depp’s earliest screen roles. The concept of transforming dreams into a realm of terror cemented this film as a memorable work in the horror genre.

*Poltergeist*

*Poltergeist*

follows a family whose peaceful home becomes the setting for mysterious and supernatural occurrences.

Initially, the Freeling family perceives these events as unusual but harmless; however, the situation takes a terrifying turn when strange, inexplicable sounds begin emanating from the household television. Subsequently, the family’s youngest daughter, Carol Anne, suddenly vanishes—revealing that she has become trapped in a mysterious spirit realm. A family confronts extraordinary forces in an attempt to bring their daughter back. Chairs moving on their own, doors opening by themselves, and other bizarre occurrences within the house are among the film's most striking sequences. The movie transforms an ordinary domestic setting into a terrifying experience, illustrating that the place one considers the safest can also become a source of profound dread.

'Re-Animator'.......

This film tells the story of a medical student named Herbert West, who develops a mysterious serum capable of reanimating dead bodies. In his quest for success, he begins testing the serum on corpses at his medical school—but the consequences prove far more horrific than he ever anticipated.

West’s fellow student, Dan Cain, and his girlfriend also become entangled in these dangerous experiments. The attempt to reanimate the dead spirals into a chain of events that quickly spins out of control. 'Re-Animator' blends horror with dark humor and gruesome, blood-soaked imagery, setting it apart from conventional supernatural films.

It belongs to a category of stories that explore the terrifying implications of human curiosity and the boundaries of scientific experimentation.

'The Thing'

At a research station in the frozen wastes of Antarctica, the lives of American researchers are imperiled when they encounter a mysterious creature capable of shapeshifting into other living beings. The story begins when the researchers bring an ordinary-looking sled dog into their facility—only for the terrifying truth hidden within it to soon be revealed. The team’s greatest challenge now is determining who among them is still a real human being and who has been replaced by this creature. A remote location, extreme cold, and growing mutual distrust make the situation even more perilous. A defining feature of *The Thing* is its ever-escalating tension; the threat is not merely external—it could be lurking from within the team itself. This pervasive uncertainty makes the film a quintessential blend of science fiction and horror.

*Candyman*

*Candyman* follows Helen Lyle, a graduate student conducting research on urban legends and superstitions in Chicago. During her investigation, she learns of a mysterious figure known as "Candyman"—a legend claiming that if one says his name five times in front of a mirror, he will appear.

In an attempt to uncover the truth behind this lore, Helen repeats his name five times, triggering a series of terrifying events. Mysterious murders, chilling revelations, and inexplicable occurrences begin to drive Helen’s life toward ruin.

She becomes ensnared in a reality where the lines between urban legends, collective fear, and actual events blur. Beyond its frightening narrative, the film also explores social issues and superstitions embedded within urban life.

*The Exorcist*

*The Exorcist* stands as one of the most iconic films in the horror genre, centering on 12-year-old Regan MacNeil.

When Regan begins to exhibit sudden and bizarre behavioral changes, her mother, Chris MacNeil, explores various medical avenues to uncover the cause of her condition. However, when medical treatment proves ineffective, they begin to suspect that their daughter has been possessed by an evil force. Ultimately, they seek help from two Catholic priests, Father Damien Karras and Father Lankester Merrin.

The two priests attempt to perform an exorcism to rid Regan of this mysterious, malevolent force. The film portrays the mother’s helplessness, the child’s deteriorating condition, and the priests’ struggle in a highly suspenseful manner. Even decades after its release, the film remains a landmark in the genre of supernatural horror.

'Night of the Demons'

This film tells the story of a group of young people who gather in an abandoned funeral home on Halloween night for some fun. Initially, the gathering resembles an ordinary party, but when the group performs a mysterious ritual, a malevolent force is awakened.

The situation quickly turns terrifying as some members of the group fall under the influence of these mysterious forces. Those who remain trapped inside the building must fight to save their lives and find a way to escape.

As the night deepens, the dangers intensify, and trust among the friends begins to waver. Combining the themes of Halloween, supernatural entities, and a desolate setting, 'Night of the Demons' presents a story where a seemingly innocent outing transforms into a life-threatening ordeal.

This film may be particularly appealing to viewers who enjoy classic horror movies featuring demonic forces and mysterious, supernatural occurrences.

Escalating Houthi Attacks and the Makkah Defense Pact: What Is Turkey Going to Do to Assist Saudi Arabia?

2026-10-17T19:37:02.831+05:00

Escalating Houthi Attacks and the Makkah Defense Pact: What Is Turkey Going to Do to Assist Saudi Arabia?

In light of the escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Turkey is considering various options to assist Riyadh under the 'Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.'

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense indicated that the specific nature of military support—to be provided under agreements reached with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan—will be determined based on operational requirements, following the completion of the necessary constitutional processes and approval by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

In this context, Ankara’s immediate priorities are to secure parliamentary ratification of the 'Mecca Joint Defense Agreement' and to seek parliamentary approval for a resolution authorizing the deployment of troops abroad.

Furthermore, the scope of the support provided will be tailored to align with the specific needs and requests of Saudi Arabia.

A primary option under consideration involves bolstering Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities by activating air defense systems and providing other military logistical support.

Saudi Arabia’s Military Support

Clashes between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia have intensified, particularly over the past two weeks.

In these clashes, Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and airports, as well as certain holy sites, have been targeted.

Several countries, including Turkey and Pakistan, have responded to the attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis.

On October 7, while answering questions from journalists at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed a query regarding the decision by "both countries" to provide military support to Saudi Arabia, stating: "I think they want to help Saudi Arabia, and that is a good thing."

Turkey has specifically included the provision of military support to Saudi Arabia—within the framework of the 'Mecca Alliance'—on its agenda.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have made it clear through their statements that there is a strong political commitment in Ankara to provide this support.

In a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on October 13, President Erdoğan affirmed that Turkey would stand by Saudi Arabia.

The process concerning this potential support for Saudi Arabia is being managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense.

Legal Process to Precede Action

A statement issued by the Ministry of National Defence on Thursday outlined the legal and military roadmap regarding the modalities of assistance to Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry's statement indicates that the process concerning the potential military force and capabilities to be provided by Türkiye to Saudi Arabia will be carried out in accordance with constitutional provisions.

This requires, first, the Turkish Parliament's approval of the joint defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, followed by the approval of a resolution authorizing the deployment of Turkish armed forces abroad.

Article 92 of the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye stipulates that the authority to send Turkish troops abroad or to station foreign forces within Türkiye rests with the Turkish Parliament.

President Erdoğan had also stated on October 12 that the agreement would be presented to Parliament in the coming days.

A simple majority in Parliament is sufficient for the approval of both the agreement and the resolution.

Regarding how military support would be determined once the legal process is complete, the Ministry of National Defence stated:

"The principles governing the scope of potential cooperation will be determined based on assessments by our relevant institutions and the consensus reached between the parties, while taking into account Saudi Arabia's needs and requests, developments on the ground, and operational requirements."

Direct confrontation with the Houthis is not expected.

According to assessments in Ankara, Turkey’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia will primarily focus on enhancing the Kingdom’s defensive capabilities—with particular priority given to air defense, logistics, and intelligence support.

A statement made by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on October 8th serves as a key reflection of Ankara’s position in this regard.

Fidan stated: "The Makkah Agreement is a defensive pact; it is not an agreement for launching attacks. If a party to the agreement comes under attack, you stand by them to assist in their defense."

He further added, "Turkey will not launch attacks by deploying troops onto the territory of another nation."

For Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, the core priorities of the Makkah Alliance are collective defense and the capacity to deter adversaries from launching attacks.

Furthermore, much like Article 5 of the NATO treaty, the agreement among these three nations incorporates the principle that an attack on one member shall be considered an attack on all allies.

The primary decision-making body of the Makkah Alliance is the Strategic Political and Defense Committee (SSSK).

During its meeting on October 5th, this committee decided to provide immediate military support to Saudi Arabia.

However, given that the alliance is in its nascent stages and its institutional frameworks are not yet fully established, it is anticipated that the implementation of these military support measures will take some time.

In the lead-up to the next meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee, the parties are expected to further refine their consultations regarding the provision of military support.

Developments on the ground could influence Ankara’s cooperation.

Clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis—who control large parts of Yemen—have been occurring intermittently since 2014.

The Houthis' attempts to restrict the movement of tankers through the Bab al-Mandab Strait—particularly within the context of the US/Israel-Iran conflict—have highlighted the international dimension of the Saudi-Houthi dispute.

Reports have emerged in the US media suggesting that Washington, in coordination with Riyadh, is considering launching military action against the Houthis; meanwhile, Israel is also evaluating options such as providing intelligence and military support.

A statement from the Ministry of National Defense indicated that "developments on the ground" would be taken into account when determining the scope of any cooperation.

Turkey may conduct its final assessment regarding its potential military involvement by taking all these options into consideration.

Dialogue with Iran Continues

In this process, Turkey is also mindful of another crucial balancing act: avoiding potential tension in relations between Ankara and Tehran.

On October 12, President Erdoğan stated: "Turkey’s position, sensitivities, and the principles we uphold are all clear. We never view events through an ethnic or sectarian lens."

Erdoğan added, "May peace and stability prevail across our entire region. We will continue to champion peace and strive for it, guided by our sense of regional responsibility."

On October 13, Foreign Minister Fidan discussed measures to de-escalate rising regional tensions during a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Discussions between officials from both countries regarding regional developments are expected to continue in the period ahead.

A mass wedding that appeals to lovers and cheaters alike: 'One bride even made her brother appear as the groom'

2026-08-10T11:30:07.650+05:00

A mass wedding that appeals to lovers and cheaters alike: 'One bride even made her brother appear as the groom'

The northern Nigerian city of Kano has been abuzz with colour and excitement over the past week as 1,500 couples have tied the knot in a mass wedding.

For days, the city’s streets have been abuzz with the activities of brides and their families, who are busy preparing their dresses and attending other organised events.

On Friday, brides in red hijabs and grooms in matching red caps and white robes went to the palace of the city’s traditional Muslim leader, the Emir of Kano, for the main ceremony, where they officially became husband and wife.

On Saturday, the wedding festivities concluded with a reception breakfast hosted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, where he offered his prayers and best wishes to the newlyweds.

The Kano state government funded the project and spent 1.5 billion naira ($1 million) to help the couple. It provided a bride’s dowry and furniture for the couple’s first home.

The scheme is for low-income individuals who cannot afford the high financial costs associated with a wedding.

The annual event was started by the then governor in 2012, when 100 couples, mostly widows and divorcees, were married at the palace.

The mass weddings continued under subsequent governors, with the number of couples increasing each year as demand increased, including from Muslim families with multiple marriages.

The state government has spent about 1 million naira ($735; £544) on each participating couple.

According to Hasba, the assistance package given to a couple includes household items needed to set up a new home, such as beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, furniture and food.

Each bride is given 100,000 naira as a dowry, while another 100,000 naira is provided as start-up capital to encourage small-scale businesses and enable the couple to become financially self-sufficient after marriage.

All prospective couples must undergo a full medical check-up, including HIV, hepatitis, pregnancy and genetic compatibility tests, before being approved to join the programme.

Aminuddin said some couples were disqualified when it was discovered that they had tampered with their medical test results.

In one case, a prospective bride posed as her brother as the groom in an attempt to take advantage of the scheme.

Local journalist Yusuf Ali Abdullahi, who has been reporting on these mass weddings for several years, says Nigeria’s weak economy this year is causing anxiety and worry among applicants.

“As we all know, marriage costs money and the country’s economy is not in a good shape at the moment,” he told the BBC.

“That is why some people are very eager to be on the list.”

He said one couple who were already married tried to pretend to be newlyweds, but were kicked out of the programme after being caught.

Other scammers also tried to take advantage of the pressure from those who wanted to be on the sponsored list. The list was released two weeks ago.

A Kano resident, who asked not to be named, said he was asked for a bribe to be included in the list.

“But in fairness to the organizers, I later found out that it was not the Hasba officials who asked me for money,” he said.

He and his fiancée were not selected for the wedding ceremony in August, but they say they will try again next year.

Aminuddin admitted that the Islamic police are aware of such allegations.

He said: “We have seen some people asking for money from others saying they can get their names on the list.”

But the Hisbah officer assured all future wedding hopefuls that they would not have to spend a single naira on the entire process.

“We want to tell the people of Kano that the entire process is free. From the selection to the medical check-ups, and the equipment that is provided for the couples, everything is provided by the government,” he said.

One of the successful grooms, 43-year-old clothes trader Rabi Yusuf, also agreed that the process of applying for the marriage was easy for him.

He told the BBC: “Nobody asked me for anything personally. I was told that the government would bear all the expenses.

His new wife is Aisha Awal. The two met when Aisha used to come to his shop regularly to buy clothes.

Yusuf, who already has five children from his first wife, said he was “very happy and eager to start a new life with his customer-turned-bride.”

Amina Al-Hassan, 24, echoed similar sentiments. She said she had no problems applying for marriage with Nora Abdullah, 40.

Their relationship was first arranged by their families in Dambata village, after which they went to Hasba.

“Everything has been free and I want to commend the Kano government for this project, because without it, many people could not afford the cost of a wedding due to rising inflation.”

The distribution of household goods began after the wedding invitation on Saturday.

However, it will take several days for the excitement in Kano to die down, while the newlyweds will be busy settling into their new homes.

Is the Russian elite's trust in Putin shaky? Billions of dollars transferred abroad, revealed

2026-07-17T12:19:55.355+05:00

Is the Russian elite's trust in Putin shaky? Billions of dollars transferred abroad, revealed

Moscow: (Web Desk) The economic pressure caused by the long war between Russia and Ukraine has posed new challenges for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A report by the American magazine Bloomberg claims that several billionaire investors and oligarchs in Russia are rapidly moving their assets abroad, as they fear that the Russian government may take strict measures on private assets in the future to cover war expenses. However, the official position of the Russian government has not been revealed on these claims.

According to the report, for the first time during Putin’s nearly twenty-six years in power, such anxiety is being seen among the Russian elite. According to Bloomberg, several Russian billionaires are preferring gold, cryptocurrency, properties in Gulf countries and private investment funds to protect their capital. The report also claims that billions of dollars have been transferred out of Russia so far through various secret and unconventional means, although no official data has been released in this regard.

According to economic analysts, Western sanctions imposed on Russia, rising war costs and financial uncertainty have affected investor confidence. They say that if this trend of capital flight abroad continues, further pressure may come on the Russian economy, which is likely to affect investment, the financial system and economic activity.

On the other hand, claims are being made that Russia is also facing difficulties on the war front. According to various reports, Ukrainian forces have increased naval pressure around Crimea, while Russian oil refining facilities are also being targeted through drone attacks. Some unconfirmed reports have claimed that a large part of Russia’s refining capacity has been affected by these attacks, however, these claims could not be fully confirmed by independent sources.

The reports also claim that fuel supply has been affected in some regions of Russia, due to which long queues are being seen at petrol pumps in several cities. Some observers have described it as one of the most serious energy supply challenges since the collapse of the Soviet Union, although Russian authorities have not officially confirmed a nationwide fuel crisis.

According to political and economic experts, the longer the Russia-Ukraine war drags on, the deeper its economic, financial and political consequences will be. Analysts say that the future of the war, Western sanctions and the situation in the global energy market will also depend on Russia's domestic economy and political stability in the coming months.

Famous American actor converts to Islam

2026-07-16T12:59:57.876+05:00

Famous American actor converts to Islam

Famous American actor Giancarlo Esposito converted to Islam while recording a new project in Saudi Arabia.

The chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Sheikh, said that famous Breaking Bad actor Giancarlo Esposito has formally converted to Islam after spending some time in Saudi Arabia and working with Muslim colleagues during production.

Turki Al-Sheikh said that Giancarlo Esposito confessed to entering the Muslim faith by reciting the Kalima Shahadah and later prayed in the mosque with his production team.

In a video shared on social media, it can be seen that the famous American actor is praying with his production team, which is receiving a lot of attention on social media.

In a video shared on social media, the famous American actor can be seen praying with his production team, which is receiving a lot of attention on social media.

Turki Al-Sheikh said that Giancarlo Esposito’s decision is the result of his positive personal experience in Saudi Arabia, where he greatly appreciated the hospitality, sense of mutual solidarity and warmth of the people while working on this project.

The American actor’s decision also sparked a debate on social media, especially among fans who have been watching Giancarlo Esposito’s film and TV acting for many years.

Giancarlo Esposito won the hearts of fans with his role as Gus Fring in the famous TV series Breaking Bad and his excellent performance in Battlecry Soul, in addition to which he gained worldwide fame from The Mandalorian and famous Hollywood films.

The actor is currently in Saudi Arabia where he is working on a production called Seven Dogs, which is part of a major production in Saudi Arabia's emerging entertainment industry.

Argentina defeats England to qualify for FIFA World Cup final

2026-07-16T12:06:21.805+05:00

Argentina defeats England to qualify for FIFA World Cup final

Atlanta: (Dunya News) In the second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina defeated England 1-2 after a thrilling match and qualified for the final of the tournament.

The semi-final saw a tough competition between the two teams, however, Argentina took full advantage of key opportunities and scored two goals, while England managed to score only one goal.

Anthony Gordon scored the only goal for England, Enzo Fernandez scored for Argentina in the 85th minute, while Lautaro Martinez scored in injury time to give the team the victory.

With this victory, Argentina will now face Spain in the final match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, while England will have to face France in the third-place play-off match.

Argentina's victory was celebrated by football fans, while the team's organized strategy, strong defen

se, and timely goals brought it closer to another world title.

Charlize Theron's interesting response to rumors of using Ozempic

2026-07-16T11:29:55.581+05:00

Charlize Theron's interesting response to rumors of using Ozempic

Hollywood Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron has recently caught the attention of fans by responding to the criticism and rumors circulating on social media after losing weight.

The 50-year-old actress shared photos of dinner at New York's famous Japanese restaurant Tamayura on her Instagram account, where she enjoyed various types of sushi, mushroom soup and finally ice cream decorated with blueberries and strawberries.

Along with the pictures, she humorously wrote, "You all said to eat something... Thank you for the best food in New York." Her message was interpreted by social media users as an indirect response to the recent criticism against her

A few days ago, Charlize Theron attended the premiere of director Christopher Nolan’s new film “The Odyssey” in Paris in a white and black lace Dior gown, where her more frail figure than ever sparked a new debate on social media. Some users expressed concern about her health, while others made sarcastic comments, comparing her to a “frame”. Movies

Many users also speculated that the actress may be using the weight loss drug Ozempic, but Charlize Theron did not directly comment on these rumors. However, her food photos and sarcastic captions are being described as a silent but effective response to critics.

Fans also expressed strong support for the actress’s post. One user wrote, “Not only are you eating, but you are also looking stunning as always.” Another fan commented, “Haters will always hate, keep living your life with that confidence.” Many fans praised Charlize’s style, saying that she has given the best and most dignified response to criticism.

Do you use cotton buds to clean your ears? First, know the disadvantages of using them.

2026-07-15T13:00:28.931+05:00

Do you use cotton buds to

clean your ears? First, know the disadvantages of using them.

Many people use cotton buds or cotton wool as a daily routine to clean their ears, but health experts warn that this habit can cause harm rather than benefit. According to them, this method of ear cleaning can sometimes be dangerous for hearing and the eardrum.

Experts say that most cotton buds clearly state on the packaging that they should not be used to clean the inner ear canal, but are only suitable for cleaning the outer part of the ear. Despite this instruction, many people use them even inside the ear, which pushes the wax further in. Textiles& Nonwovens

According to medical experts, cotton buds can push the natural wax (ear wax) inside the ear further in instead of removing it. As a result, the wax can accumulate and block the ear canal, while in some cases there is a risk of damage to the eardrum.

Experts say that earwax is actually the ear's natural defense system, which helps prevent dust, germs, and bacteria from entering. If this wax is pushed in improperly, the risk of infection can also increase.

British experts have warned that if cotton buds go too deep into the ear, there is a possibility of the eardrum bursting. In such a case, problems such as severe pain, bleeding, and temporary hearing loss can occur.

According to experts, a safer way to clean the ears is to wash the outer part of the ear with lukewarm water while bathing and clean the outside only with the help of the little finger. If the ear wax accumulates a lot, it is also considered useful to put a few drops of olive oil in the ear using a dropper and leave it for some time, as this can help the wax soften and come out naturally. Textiles & Nonwovens

In addition, medicated ear drops can also be used on the advice of a doctor. Hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, peroxide, baby oil and other solutions are also available in the market, which can be used as directed to soften earwax.

Experts say that earwax kits are also available at medical stores, however, if you experience ear pain, persistent blockage, difficulty hearing or any other discomfort, it is safer to consult an ear, nose and throat specialist instead of self-treating.

Spain in FIFA World Cup final after 16 years, 'Today France was unrecognizable'

2026-07-15T11:58:33.803+05:00

Spain in FIFA World Cup final after 16 years, 'Today France was unrecognizable'

Spain have reached the World Cup final after defeating France in the semi-finals, despite being considered favourites.

Spain's success has also sparked debate on social media, with users praising Spain's organised and effective performance while also criticising France's disappointing performance.

In the match played in the US city of Dallas, Texas, Spain's team neutralized an attacking France team, maintained control of the match, and secured their place in Sunday's final thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.

Midway through the first half, Oyarzabal gave his team the lead with a penalty. The penalty was awarded when France's left-back Lucas Digne collided with Lamine Yamal while trying to clear the ball, which the referee awarded.

Spain's grip on the match grew stronger from then on, and France's performance fell short of expectations.

In the second half, France were expected to come back in full force, but by then Spain's confidence had also grown. Pedro Poro exchanged beautiful passes with Dani Olmo and then scored a second goal to give his team a further lead.

Now France was running out of time. To save themselves, France tried to break through the highly organised Spanish team's defence but failed to score any goals.

It should be noted that the Spanish team has only conceded one goal in this entire tournament.

This match was said to be a contest between the best attacking team and the strongest defending team. But in the end, it turned out to be no contest.

Although France impressed the fans with their attacking play on some occasions, they could not show any better performance overall.

The identity of the Euro 2024 winning team was the thrilling wing play of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, this time due to injury, both of whom had limited their impact.

The winning team of the 2010 Football World Cup was also Spain and this time they have their eyes on success.

Rodri showed a brilliant performance against France, he thwarted numerous attacks, pushed his team forward and controlled the pace of the game. Along with him, Fabian Ruiz played the role of an excellent assistant.

Spain's defense was so strong that France did not get a single chance to take a shot that the goalkeeper had to save until the 81st minute of the entire match.

France had just three shots on target throughout the match, none in the first 80 minutes.

At times during this World Cup it felt like France were just days away from lifting the trophy.

They had a brilliant attacking team led by Kylian Mbappe, and they had easily reached the semi-finals.

They comfortably beat Sweden in the knockout stages, had an impressive win over a formidable Paraguay and then won the match against Morocco with ease.

The presence of Michel Oliseh, Ousmane Dembele and two-time Champions League winners Bradley Beal and Desiree Doyen meant that even if Mbappe had not performed well on the day, it would not have made much of a difference to the team’s overall performance.

But that was not the case here.

The French team, known for their energy and freshness, were crushed by Spain.

Most of the comments on social media after the match were about Spain’s brilliant performance and France’s disappointing performance.

Social media commentator Mario Nafel pointed to Mbappe's reaction after Spain's second goal, writing that his face showed disappointment and surprise. "Today, France was unrecognizable," he said.

They were not the only ones criticizing France's performance. A user named Pete sarcastically said goodbye to France after Spain's 2-0 victory, writing that he would "wave the white flag" for them.

On the other hand, some users attributed Spain's success to its overall superiority. Pakistani journalist Ajmal Jami wrote that Spain, four-time European champions and 2010 world champions, have made it to the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over France, "a victory they achieved in a magnificent way."

Ajmal Jami said that he would have liked to see Spain face England in the final.

Some comments cited a mistake by France as the turning point of the match. A user named Tekwan Hamid Shahzadah Jr. wrote that France lost confidence after a mistake that led to a penalty, while according to him, Spain once again proved that they are one of the toughest opponents for Mbappe.

Ryan Metivier also shared a similar view. He wrote that if any team could have beaten France, it was Spain, but he was still surprised by the result. According to him, keeping a clean sheet and not allowing Mbappe to have a single shot on goal was particularly impressive.

Some users summed up the matter in more simple terms in their comments. A user named Mr. O wrote that France's performance was very poor while Spain deserved to win.

Meanwhile, Ayush Singh commented that

Spain kept France helpless.

Bellingham's two goals send England into the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup

2026-07-13T20:46:37.828+05:00

Bellingham's two goals send England into the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup

Jude Bellingham scored two brilliant goals, including the decisive one in extra time, as England beat a hard-fought Norway 2-1 in a thrilling match at Miami Stadium on Saturday to reach their fourth World Cup semi-final.

The two teams were level at 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

Norway's Andreas Schjeldrop had given his team the lead in the 36th minute, but just before half-time, Bellingham controlled the ball and scored a stunning move in the penalty area to level the score.

In the third minute of extra time, Morgan Rodgers fired a powerful shot from distance at the Norwegian goal, which goalkeeper Orian Nyland could only stop, and Bellingham turned the rebound into the net.

The goal gave England fans in the 64,478 spectators in the stadium a chance to celebrate.

England will now face Argentina in the semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, where they will be looking to repeat their historic success of 1966.

England coach Thomas Tuchel said after the match, "The result is fantastic and we are in the last four, but I am not happy with the team's performance. We made the match difficult with our slow play and technical errors. We were lucky today."

On the other hand, Norway's World Cup journey ended after 28 years, but they have exited the event with their heads held high.

They produced a fine performance against England and kept star striker Erling Haaland from scoring for the first time in his last 16 international appearances.

Norway captain Martin Odegaard said: "It's a bitter defeat but it's been an adventure, the whole world is talking about us."

The goal sent England fans out of the 64,478 spectators in the stadium into celebration (Photo: Reuters)

The first half of the match started defensively in the scorching heat, but Schjeldrop put Norway ahead in the 36th minute.

England were under pressure from the goal and Norway had a chance to double their lead but failed to capitalise.

Bellingham equalised in added time after half-time with a superb finish from Anthony Gordon.

The Norwegian coach claimed that England had the chance after a Norwegian clearance hit a camera cable, but FIFA denied this.

In the second half, VAR technology came into play when Norway's Hyppeghem scored from a corner but it was ruled out for a foul by the Netherlands.

In the second half, Norway's Oscar Bob and England's Bukayo Saka created some good chances but no further goals were scored in stoppage time.

The Netherlands were substituted in extra time and after Bellingham's second goal, Norway tried desperately to equalise, but the England defence stood firm.

"I'm proud of the boys, we played great football against a super team but we couldn't get through," said Norway coach Stål Solbakken, in awe.

When Holland scored a hat-trick, Israel scored two goals against itself and the match went to Gaza.

2026-07-11T11:26:30.065+05:00

When Holland scored a hat-trick, Israel scored two goals against itself and the match went to Gaza.

It was October 11, 2025, and the place was Oslo, the capital of Norway. The evening had not yet fully fallen, but the atmosphere of the city had already changed.

Thousands of feet were moving in the same direction on the roads leading to the U-Level Stadium, but not all of them had football flags in their hands.

Someone was holding a Palestinian flag, someone was wearing a Palestinian national team jersey, someone was holding a red card, and someone was holding a small placard that read 'Game Over Israel'.

Burning torches, chanting slogans, waving rows of Palestinian flags and banners in favor of Gaza, this was not the scene before a typical football match.

A heavy police presence was deployed near the stadium, but the protest was peaceful. The protesters demanded that they oppose Israel's participation in the World Cup qualifying matches due to the ongoing war in Gaza.

Some protesters even remained outside the stadium after the match started.

On the other hand, there were about twenty-three thousand spectators inside the stadium. Due to security concerns, many seats were left empty, especially those areas that were close to Israeli fans.

Before the match, the Israeli national anthem began to play, and the entire stadium began to boo loudly. The spectators raised the Palestinian flag. A large banner appeared in the stands, which read 'Let the children live.' Several fans also raised red cards in protest.

The atmosphere was already unusual when the match started, but a few moments later another scene emerged, when a man wearing a 'Free Gaza' T-shirt entered the field and the game had to be stopped for a short time.

When the game resumed, the focus was on one name and that was Erling Haaland.

The start was not good for them though. The Israeli goalkeeper saved their penalty, and they were denied a second penalty kick. It looked like this might not be Holland's day.

But then the match turned. In the 18th minute, a dangerous Norwegian move saw Israeli forward Anan Khalili's ball go into his own net.

Just nine minutes later, the Netherlands scored their first goal in spectacular fashion. Just a minute later, the Israeli goalkeeper's clearance hit his own defender Aidan Nachmiash and went back into the Israeli net. And two such goals were scored by Israel against themselves.

In the second half, the stage was once again in Holland's name. In the 63rd minute, he scored his second goal with a header, which was also the historic milestone of his 50th international goal for the Norwegian national team.

Just nine minutes later, another move in almost the same style was made, and the Netherlands once again completed their hat-trick by putting the football in the net.

Thus, Norway defeated Israel 5-0.

Three of those five goals were scored by Erling Haaland, while two were scored by Israel against their own team.

The Norwegian fans in the stadium were singing happily, but another topic was constantly being discussed along with the football that night.

The proceeds from the ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Norway and Israel

After the match, the Norwegian Football Federation announced that the proceeds from the match, plus additional funds raised by the Norwegian Football Federation, would amount to 1.5 million Norwegian kroner, which is providing humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Mbappe and Dembele take France to semi-finals, Morocco suffers disappointing defeat

2026-07-10T14:29:28.247+05:00

Mbappe and Dembele take France to semi-finals, Morocco suffers disappointing defeat

France confirmed their status as the strongest team in the World Cup with a stunning 2-0 win over African champions Morocco on Thursday and reached their third consecutive semi-final.

Kylian Mbappe scored his eighth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute, before Ousmane Dembele doubled the lead six minutes later to complete an easy victory at Gillette Stadium near Boston, according to French news agency AFP.

The victory sent the 2018 champions into the semi-finals, where they will face either Spain or Belgium at the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, next Tuesday.

"I think it's three semi-finals in a row, which is already a good thing," said France coach Didier Deschamps. "It seems logical and natural, but you still have to achieve it. Obviously, I have great players, otherwise we wouldn't be here." Morocco were considered a big threat to France, but Deschamps' team always kept control. Morocco's players did not have a single shot on goal until the 83rd minute, when Azzedine Onahi's long-range shot was saved by France goalkeeper Mike Magnan. France initially struggled to score. Mbappe was awarded a penalty in the 28th minute but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bonou saved it. Mbappe was awarded the penalty when he was brought down by Nousser Mezrouy, but he had to wait several minutes du

Morocco held out for the first half, but could not hold out long against France's constant pressure. The wait for a goal ended in the 60th minute, when Mbappe curled a stunning right-footed shot past Bono from the edge of the area. Paris Saint-Germain star Dembele sealed the win in the 66th minute, when he powered through midfield and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Mbappe, who was later substituted with a minor ankle injury, said it was too early to consider France favourites. "We are in the semi-finals and we are very happy. There is still a long way to go and we know that the next stage will be more difficult, but we are ready."

Why not men?', when the French brand made men wear plastic shoes on the ramp

2026-07-10T12:16:47.503+05:00

Why not men?', when the French brand made men wear plastic shoes on the ramp

See-through shoes for women, like glasses, are nothing new in the fashion world, but now this trend has also entered men's fashion. According to the American fashion magazine WWD, French luxury brand Saint Laurent presented dress shoes for men in its Spring 2027 collection during Paris Men's Fashion Week in which the foot is clearly visible.

The shoes were introduced by the brand's creative director Anthony Vaccarello. They were made in different colors and were presented on the ramp with belted coats, loose suits and traditional Saint Laurent dresses.

Until now, this style of shoes has been mostly associated with women's fashion. Shoes made of PVC, TPU and other transparent materials have been part of fashion ramps and street fashion for many years.

Many celebrities, including singer Ciara and actress Mindy Kaling, have also worn such shoes on various occasions. However, this is the first time that this style of dress shoes for men has been introduced in a significant way.

Fashion editor Miles Socha wrote in his report that at the Saint Laurent show, the transparent shoes, like long-nosed glasses, appeared to be fogged by humidity and sweat due to the intense heat of Paris, which became part of the overall look of the show.

“I asked myself, ‘Why should women wear plastic shoes, why not men?’” Vaccarello said of the new design. (Photo: WWD)

“I asked myself, ‘Why should women wear plastic shoes, why not men?’” Saint Laurent also shared photos of the shoes on his Instagram account, after which there was a mixed reaction on social media.

View this post on Instagram

One user raised the question in the comments and wrote, “Haven’t we already been through enough?” While another user expressed his liking and wrote, “I definitely want this.”

Most users did not like the idea of transparent shoes for men, however, some called it a unique and bold experiment in fashion. WWD sarcastically wrote that perhaps if these shoes had been open-toed, the reaction would have been a little different.

In recent years, the men's shoe market has been rapidly evolving with new designs.

In addition to Saint Laurent, other brands are also experimenting with unconventional styles. These include Jaden Smith's designs for Christian Louboutin, which feature unique colors and wide-toed shoes.

New fashion style Luxury brand Saint Laurent shoes Men's transparent shoes Trend Social media urdu news

American woman sets new world record for solo sailing

2026-07-09T17:27:42.359+05:00

American woman sets new world record for solo sailing

Kelsey Pfendler, a river guide at the American Grand Canyon, has completed a historic and record-breaking journey by sailing alone across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii.

According to local media, Kelsey Pfendler arrived in Honolulu on Friday night aboard her 21-foot-long boat, the Lily, after spending about a month and a half at sea, where she was warmly welcomed by hundreds of people.

She began her more than 2,400-mile journey from Monterey, California, in May. Her goal was to become the first American woman, the youngest woman, and the fastest woman to complete the journey across the Pacific Ocean alone.

During the journey, millions of people followed her campaign on social media, where she shared videos of moments spent alone at sea, difficulties, and interesting experiences.

According to initial records, Kelsey Pfendler has broken not only women's but also previous speed records for men.

However, their feat has yet to be officially confirmed by the Ocean Rowing Society International, which verifies ocean rowing records for Guinness World Records.

Islamic Republic of Japan, Trump slips his tongue, video goes viral

2026-07-09T12:34:12.031+05:00

Islamic Republic of Japan, Trump slips his tongue, video goes viral

Trump did not realize his mistake and continued his remarks

US President Donald Trump slipped his tongue while talking about the rising tension in the Middle East and mistakenly called Iran the ‘Islamic Republic of Japan’.

According to media reports, this comment by Trump came during the NATO summit in Turkey where Trump was discussing the recent military attacks against Iran.

While explaining the Iranian missile attack on the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, Trump mistakenly said that the Islamic Republic of Japan fired 111 missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Trump did not realize his mistake and continued his remarks, adding that all the missiles were stopped.

This verbal error by Trump caught the attention of viewers around the world and went viral on social media.

Within minutes, video clips of the speech spread across social media platforms, with users highlighting the apparent mix-up between Iran and Japan. Thousands of people have shared the clip and posted hilarious reactions so far.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina's memorable victory, defeating Egypt to make it to the quarter-finals

2026-07-08T16:54:56.230+05:00

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina's memorable victory, defeating Egypt to make it to the quarter-finals

Argentina qualified for the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup by defeating Egypt 2-3 in the pre-quarter-finals.

The match played in Atlanta, USA, on Tuesday was very interesting and thrilling. Despite going down by two goals, the Argentine players continued to attack the Egyptian goal post and won the knockout match by three goals to two at the end of the game.

With this victory, Argentina secured its place in the top eight (quarter-finals) stage of the World Cup, where it will face the winner of the match between Switzerland and Colombia.

Football fans were overjoyed at Argentina's victory, while Egypt's team was eliminated from the tournament despite its excellent performance.

After winning the match, captain Lionel Messi was overwhelmed and hugged his team players and congratulated them. Later, his teammates also lifted their captain on their shoulders and threw him in the air and celebrated the victory.

Goal details

Egypt played an aggressive game at the beginning of the match and in the 15th minute, Yasser Ibrahim scored a brilliant header from Marwan Attiya's corner to give his team a 0-1 lead.

Argentina was awarded a penalty in the 21st minute, but captain Lionel Messi could not take advantage of the opportunity. Egyptian goalkeeper Mustafa Shobir made a great save to save the penalty and maintain his team's lead.

Egypt further consolidated its lead in the second half. In the 67th minute, Mustafa Zico scored a goal from a pass by Hossam Hassan to make it 0-2. Earlier, another Egyptian goal was also disallowed by VAR as a foul.

Despite the two-goal deficit, Argentina did not give up and in the 79th minute, Cristian Romero scored a header from a brilliant assist by Lionel Messi to make it 1-

Just four minutes later, in the 83rd minute, Lionel Messi headed in a pass from Gonzalo Montiel to level the score at 2-2 and also made up for a penalty missed in the first half.

With the match drawing to a close in regulation time, Enzo Fernandez scored the decisive goal with a stunning header from Lautaro Martinez's cross in the second minute (90+2) of injury time, giving Argentina a memorable 2-3 victory.

Egypt also appealed for penalties in the final minutes, but the referee ruled that play should continue on both occasions.

With this victory, defending champions Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, where they will face the winner of the match between Switzerland and Colombia.

Britain's next prime minister must play an active role in global affairs: Keir Starmer

2026-07-07T21:47:32.363+05:00

Britain's next prime minister must play an active role in global affairs: Keir Starmer

Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned his potential successor Andy Burnham that he cannot ignore international affairs and focus only on the country's domestic problems.

In his first interview published on Saturday since announcing his resignation on June 22, Starmer said that the new leader of the ruling Labour Party must also pay close attention to the ongoing global turmoil and cannot ignore international affairs, according to AFP news agency.

So far, former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is the only candidate to take over the leadership of the Labour Party, and he is expected to take office by mid-July.

Starmer told the BBC that “whoever succeeds me will have to face the same global conflicts. We say it again and again, and it is true, that we are probably living in a more dangerous and uncertain world than we have lived in most of our lives. This is not just a phrase, it is a reality.”

Andy Burnham’s supporters say he should focus more on domestic issues such as inflation and the rising cost of living. Brandy Burnham himself said this week that decentralisation would be one of his top priorities.

However, in a question-and-answer session on social media on Friday, he also discussed international affairs and said he would take a “100 percent” stance, like Starmer, on supporting Ukraine. When asked by the BBC whether his successor could spend less time on diplomacy, Starmer said: “There is often a debate about what the right balance should be between international and domestic affairs, but the reality is that the two are intertwined.”

“If you are prime minister and you are concerned about how much the bills are going to be for any household in the country, then you should also be concerned about finding a sustainable solution to the situation in Ukraine, and you should also be keeping an eye on what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

Starmer said he had never had any personal animosity towards Burnham, and would “do everything I can to ensure that the next government is successful.”

Starmer, who led the Labour Party to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, said he would remain an MP until at least the next general election, but made it clear that he would “mainly remain silent” rather than constantly advising his successor.

Starmer had previously vowed to That he would continue to lead the country despite any challenge, but ultimately he had to bow to intense pressure from his party.

He said, “Ultimately it became a very personal decision.”

According to him, he made this decision after spending two days with his wife and children at Chequers, the British Prime Minister’s country residence.

He said, “We went to Chequers and spent two days with the family, and that’s where I made my final decision.”

: Ronaldo's dream of winning the World Cup shattered in tears

2026-07-07T13:23:03.601+05:00

: Ronaldo's dream of winning the World Cup shattered in tears

Portugal's great footballer Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey ended with a 0-1 defeat against

Spain in the last 16.

Spain's Mikel Merino's decisive goal in extra time eliminated Portugal from the tournament, after which the 41-year-old Ronaldo could not control his emotions and appeared in tears on the field.

Ronaldo had earlier announced that the 2026 World Cup would be the last international tournament of his career.s=20

However, after the match, he said that he would first consult his family and then decide on his future in the national team.s=20

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has scored 976 goals in his career and is also the only player to score in six different World Cups.

Despite this, he could not fulfill his dream of winning the World Cup. His best performance was leading Portugal to the semi-finals in 2006.

Ronaldo's continued involvement during the tournament was also questioned.

Critics said that his presence influenced coach Roberto Martinez's selection, even though the team had talented players like Goncalo Ramos, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes.

Ronaldo scored three goals in this World Cup, but his overall performance was also criticized.

On the other hand, coach Roberto Martinez announced his resignation after the match, calling Ronaldo a great icon of football and saying that he worked hard to win the World Cup and set a great example for young players.

FIFA World Cup: US's defeat by Belgium, Trump declares match-fixing?

2026-07-07T11:55:52.344+05:00

FIFA World Cup: US's defeat by Belgium, Trump declares match-fixing?

The key match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between the United States and Belgium was played on Monday night, in which Belgium defeated the host United States 1-4 to advance to the quarterfinals.

This match was also important in that American player Balogun was facing a one-match suspension due to a red card, but FIFA immediately postponed the suspension and allowed him to play after Donald Trump intervened.

Belgium also filed an appeal against FIFA's decision, but FIFA rejected it.

Before the match, US President Donald Trump, while talking to the media at the White House, said that if the United States lost this match, he would call it a 'fixed'.

Trump said that both teams will enter the field with their full strength and if Belgium succeeds, they should be proud of this achievement.

However, he sarcastically said that if the US loses, he will say that this match was also ‘fixed’ like the 2020 presidential election, but will not discuss this matter further.

FIFA World Cup: Brazil's star footballer Neymar announced retirement after defeat by Norway

2026-07-06T16:57:24.037+05:00

FIFA World Cup: Brazil's star footballer Neymar announced retirement after defeat by Norway

Brazil star Neymar Jr. announces retirement from international football after losing to Norway in the pre-quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Norway defeated five-time world champions Brazil 1-2 in a match played in New Jersey to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time, while Brazil's journey in the event came to an end.

Erling Haaland scored both goals for Norway. He scored the first goal in the 79th and 90th minutes, while Neymar Jr. scored the only goal for Brazil with a penalty kick in the closing moments of the match.

After the defeat, Neymar could not control his emotions and became emotional on the field after his dream of winning the World Cup was shattered. He later announced his retirement from international football.

According to foreign media, Neymar said while talking to Brazilian journalists, "I tried my best, it all started here in this stadium and I ended it here. Now it's all over." Following Neymar's retirement announcement, football fans around the world are paying tribute to him for his brilliant international career.

FIFA World Cup: Videos of celebrations in Gaza over Egypt's victory go viral

2026-07-05T21:10:14.493+05:00

FIFA World Cup: Videos of celebrations in Gaza over Egypt's victory go viral

Egypt’s historic victory in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup also provided a rare opportunity for the besieged and oppressed people of Gaza to rejoice.

Videos going viral on social media showed a large number of Palestinian citizens gathered to watch the match amidst bombed buildings and makeshift tents.

People expressed joy after Egypt’s victory, with many children even wearing Egyptian flags on their faces.

Palestinian football fans also took to social media to express their joy over Egypt’s victory.

A user from Gaza wrote that this was probably the first time they had watched the World Cup with such enthusiasm.

According to him, the most beautiful sight than Egypt's victory was the thousands of people who came out of their tents and destroyed homes to watch the match, where smiles and sounds of joy could be heard everywhere, as if people had experienced a few happy moments in their lives despite all the difficulties. It should be remembered that after the victory, Egypt's head coach walked around the field carrying a Palestinian flag and waving it, dedicating this victory to the Palestinian people and the martyrs.

Will players who go viral at the Football World Cup be able to benefit financially from this fame?

2026-07-05T12:35:12.241+05:00

Will players who go viral at the Football World Cup be able to benefit financially from this fame?

The biggest event in the world of football, the FIFA World Cup 2026, is currently underway and fans around the world are talking about the performance of their favorite teams and star players.

Many players in the World Cup have not only become the center of attention on the field due to their outstanding performance, but their number of fans has also increased significantly on social media.

Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, is among the few players who have gained extraordinary fame worldwide in just 90 minutes and his number of followers on Instagram has become more than that of NFL legend Tom Brady.

Vozinha’s outstanding performance against Spain in the group matches resulted in a goalless draw, which was a big upset against Spain, one of the strongest teams in the World Cup.

After the match, Vozinha's Instagram followers increased from 50,000 to 17.3 million, more than Tom Brady's 15.5 million.

Players like Vozinha could use the social media fame they've gained during the World Cup to gain financial benefits.

However, media expert Mike Serazio says that "such opportunities can be temporary." According to him, "it's a case of going viral, and as fast as it goes up, it also comes down."

Such a huge increase in the number of fans on social media can provide opportunities for brands to show off in partnerships and advertisements and get paid big.

A different way to achieve social media fam

New Zealand defender Tim Paine was named the ‘least known’ player by an Argentinian influencer before the World Cup. Valen Scarsini, known online as ‘Elscarso’, appealed to his millions of followers to help him increase Tim Paine’s popularity.

Tim Paine was also heavily involved in the campaign. He increased his activity on social media and was in constant contact with relevant influencers. In a few days, his Instagram followers grew at an astonishing rate, and their number increased from around 5,000 to almost 6 million. Tim Paine himself mentioned this extraordinary increase, saying that “his number of followers now exceeds the population of his native country, New Zealand, which is approximately 5.3 million.”

Unlike Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, Tim Paine did not achieve this new fame through a performance in a match.

According to Mike Serrazio, a professor at Boston College who studies the relationship between media and sports, this trend is growing rapidly in the world of sports.

He added that “in the past five to ten years, there has been a trend of players whose fame is largely due to social media and promotional activities, rather than their actual playing abilities.”

According to Mike Serrazio, “Every player who reaches the national team has extraordinary talent, but in the past, a player had to be considered one of the best players to make a place in TV commercials or on the packaging of a product.”

He said that “now players do not need to rely on traditional media as much as they used to. They are using social media to grow their followers, sign deals with brands, increase income and benefit from their growing popularity.”

Will this fame continue after the World Cup?

According to Mike Serrazio, the way sports are broadcast is changing, with the focus shifting from long matches to viral clips and short videos.

“Your performance in the entire match is no longer as important as a memorable moment that goes viral on social media and is widely shared,” he said.

He added that “the viral moment has become more important and is now more important than the game itself.”

However, the real question is whether a player who gains millions of new fans during the World Cup can turn that fame into a permanent career outside the football field.

“You have a limited time to gain attention. Nobody knew the Cape Verde goalkeeper before and I don’t think people will remember him even after the World Cup is over,” Serrazio said.

He said big names like Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and Mbappe will continue to sign deals with brands even after retirement. According to him, there are very few athletes who have been able to successfully use the fame they received from a single big moment in their later careers.

A prominent example of using the power of social media and the popularity it brings effectively is American rugby player Ilona Maher, whose popularity increased dramatically during the 2024 Paris Olympics. She runs her own podcast, is an ambassador for various brands, has modeled for Sports Illustrated and was also the runner-up on the TV program ‘Dancing with the Stars’. In 2025, she also won the award for Best Emerging Athlete.

According to Brooke Duffy, “There are opportunities for new stars who suddenly become popular on social media, but it is difficult to accurately estimate the income they will generate.”

He said that “there is no clear standard for compensation for sponsored posts, as is the case in traditional media, such as TV advertising.”

Duffy added that “there are also very few safeguards to determine appropriate income.” According to him, “it will be interesting to see how these football-related players adapt to the changing and uncertain economy of digital media.”

Currently, these viral stars of the World Cup are at the peak of popularity, but their future after the tournament will depend on how well they manage to keep their new fans engaged with them.

FIFA World Cup: Argentina beat Cape Verde in nerve-wracking encounter to advance to pre-quarterfinals

2026-07-04T21:21:05.382+05:00

FIFA World Cup: Argentina beat Cape Verde in nerve-wracking encounter to advance to pre-quarterfinals

Defending champions Argentina were brought to the brink of defeat by Cape Verde's incredible grit and determination, but an extra-time winner secured a dramatic 3-2 victory on Friday to book their place in the World Cup's round of 16. Cape Verde, playing in their first World Cup, came from behind twice to equalise in a thrilling encounter in front of more than 64,000 fans in the hot and humid atmosphere of Miami Stadium.

However, in the sixth minute of the second half of extra time, Lionel Messi took a corner kick in the box and Cristian Romero headed the ball into the net, which went off the hand of Cape Verde's Dani Borges.

The goal sealed Argentina's line-up for the match against Egypt in Atlanta next Tuesday.

Lionel Messi, as expected, scored his seventh goal of the tournament in the 29th minute to give Argentina the lead, but Deroy Duarte equalised with just under an hour to go.

In the second minute of the first half of extra time, Argentina's Leandro Martinez struck a stunning shot into the top of the net and thought they had won the match.

But CapeVerde did not give up and their left-back Sidney Lopez Cabral curled a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net to level the score at 2-2 once again.

After the decisive own goal, Lopez Cabral had another chance to equalise but his excellent free kick was saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had to be at his best in the closing minutes to thwart Cape Verde's attacks.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who was overseeing his 100th match with the Albiceleste (Argentine team), said: "The match was incredibly tough. You always have to look at the positive side and that is that this team never gives up. I want to congratulate our opponents. Today they showed that they are a great team. When they say that no match is easy at the World Cup, it is absolutely true.

Cape Verde lost, but they won everyone's hearts with a fourth brilliant display of teamwork and courage in their first World Cup against the three-time world champions.

"I am proud of my team and their hard work. We should be proud of what we have done for our country. Playing like this against the world champions and drawing twice is incredible," said coach Bobista.

Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world, were the only team of the four first-time participants to reach the last 32. They had come with the hope of upsetting Argentina, just as they had done by holding Spain and Uruguay to draws in the group stage.

He was successful in this for a large part of the match thanks to his never-give-up spirit, while he also demonstrated his skill with an excellent game of short passes.

New Auto Policy: Will small cars become affordable for the common man in Pakistan?

2026-07-04T12:17:48.808+05:00

New Auto Policy: Will small cars become affordable for the common man in Pakistan?

Middle-class car buyers in Pakistan are once again hopeful that small cars may now be within their purchasing power in the country.

The reason for this hope of consumers is the new auto policy under consideration by the federal government, which is expected to be implemented this month, and officials of the Ministry of Industries and Production claim that with the advent of this policy, there will be a significant reduction in vehicle prices and it will be possible for an ordinary buyer to get a new car between 2 million and 2.5 million rupees.

However, in the current economic conditions, the question remains as to how and through what measures can the government make this remarkable reduction possible?

What is the current market for small cars?

Small cars in Pakistan, which were once available in a budget of nine to one million rupees, such as the Suzuki Alto, are now touching the three million rupee mark due to the heavy burden of taxes and the flight of the dollar.

The same is true of other popular cars in the 1000 cc category, where the prices of Suzuki Wagon R and Cultus have now reached four and a half million rupees, while other small hatchbacks like Prince Pearl and United Alpha are not available for less than two and a half to two and a half million rupees.

‘The real decision lies in the hands of car assemblers’

But on the other hand, auto sector experts in Pakistan do not seem very optimistic about these government claims. Mian Shoaib, Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Car Dealers and Importers Association, while talking to Urdu News, has identified several practical obstacles to reducing vehicle prices.

He said that ‘the real price reduction does not depend on the government but on local car assemblers whether they pass on the benefit of tax exemption to the consumers or not.’ According to Mian Shoaib, past experience shows that sometimes companies reduce prices for some time, but then increase them again under some pretext.

Mian Shoaib also expressed concern that ‘the government has not yet allowed a healthy competition in the market and has always given preference to certain companies.’ Questioning the effectiveness of the new auto policy, he said, ‘This policy is not yet clear, nor has it received final approval from the Prime Minister, which is why there is still ambiguity in its regular implementation and implementation.’

Prime Minister apologizes for forced adoption, calling it a 'black spot in British history'

2026-07-03T13:06:45.751+05:00

Prime Minister apologizes for forced adoption, calling it a 'black spot in British history'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer formally apologized on Thursday for the forced adoption of an estimated 185,000 children born to unwed mothers in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976, calling the practice a “dark stain on British history.”

According to the French news agency AFP, during the scandal, mothers were pressured to separate from their children, many of whom were young girls. They were convinced through social, institutional and family pressure that adoption was the only way out for them.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in parliament that “we deeply apologize to those mothers who were not considered fit for the role of motherhood and who were prevented from raising the children they so desperately wanted and who have been bearing the burden of this separation for decades.”

“This shame is not yours, mothers,” he insisted. “It was never yours. This shame is ours.”

The British Prime Minister paid tribute to the victims who campaigned for the apology and “told their painful stories with extraordinary courage and fought time and again to bring the truth to light.”

The apology comes four years after a parliamentary committee recommended a formal apology.

The Australian government made a historic apology over forced adoptions in 2013, while Ireland did so in 2021.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking to British lawmakers after meeting a group of victims in Downing Street, said: “What happened to them and the treatment of thousands of mothers, children and families should never have happened.”

“The state is responsible for the entire system that funded the process of forced adoption and made these practices possible by providing legal protection. I sincerely apologize for this administrative failure.”

Former Labour health minister Anne Keane said that in 1966, when she was 17, her newborn son was taken from her in Wales shortly after birth.

A parliamentary committee investigating the scandal found that mothers were abused in a number of ways.

According to the report, painkillers were deliberately withheld in hospitals during and after childbirth as a form of “punishment”.

In some cases, babies were forcibly taken from crying mothers’ arms and taken away for adoption.

Last month, the Church of England also apologised for its role in forced adoptions.