Goalkeeper of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 winning Argentine team, Emiliano Martinez, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter's office today (July 03, 2023).  During the meeting, the PM appreciated the Argentine footballer for his stellar performance that contributed to Argentina lifting the Football World Cup 2022 trophy.  Martinez presented a signed Argentine jersey to the PM during their meeting. "You are the man who brought glory for Argentina. I wish you all the success," she was quoted as saying. Messi mania grips Argentina in 1st match as World Cup champs PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting. Sheikh Hasina said football is the most popular sport in the world and Bangladeshis are passionate about it. She mentioned that her family is also a sports-loving one. "My father and grandfather were footballers," she said. The premier said her government has been constructing upazila-level mini-stadiums across Bangladesh to promote football and other sports. Read more: Indonesia to Host Argentina In a Friendly Football Match on June 2023 Emiliano Martinez, the Golden Gloves winner of FIFA World Cup 2022, was overwhelmed after learning of Bangladesh's huge fanbase. "I'm very happy to be here and happy to know about the passion for football among Bangladeshis," he said. Indian organizer and sports promoter Satadru Dutta and personal manager of Martinez, Santiago Liotta, are among the visiting delegation members. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Swapan Bhattacharjee, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Sheikh Helal Uddin MP and Sheikh Tonmoy MP were present at the meeting between PM Hasina and star Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Read more: Messi mania grips Argentina in 1st match as World Cup champs

A footballer apparently committed suicide in the dressing room of Shahid Abdur Rab Serniabat Stadium in Barishal early Sunday. The deceased, Sohel Jamaddar, 23, was the goalkeeper of Dhaka’s Saif Sporting Club’s U-17 team. He went to the Shahid Abdur Rab Serniabat Stadium for a match scheduled for Sunday. Also Read: JU student commits suicide in dormitory According to his family sources, they couldn’t contact Sohel from Saturday evening. Sohel’s sister Shanata said his brother’s wife had left their house with their eight-month-old child on Saturday following an altercation over his extramarital affair with a girl. He committed suicide by hanging himself during a video call on Imo with the girl, she said. SI Shahidul Islam of Kotowali Modern police station said an unnatural death case was filed in this regard. Further legal action will be taken upon receiving a complaint, he said.  

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa says people still come up to him on the street to gush about his performance in the 2014 World Cup against Brazil. Ochoa made six saves in the scoreless draw with Brazil, which was among the favorites as the tournament’s host. He even denied Brazilian star Neymar on a header and afterward called it the “game of a lifetime.” “I feel really grateful to be recognized globally, that means you have done good work,” Ochoa said Tuesday. A towering fixture on Mexico’s roster since 2005, the 6-foot goalkeeper recalled the match eight years ago as he prepared to play in his fifth World Cup. Mexico opens the tournament on Tuesday against Poland in Group C. Argentina and Saudi Arabia are also in the group. Read more: Meet Caramelo, Mexico's super fan who has attended 10 World Cups “I have seen how he plays in the World Cups and he has always been a genius. I especially remember what happened in 2014 and, to be honest, he is an excellent goalkeeper, with a lot of experience, Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny said. Guardado and Ochoa hold the distinction of being the first teammates to play together in five straight World Cups. Both made their debuts with the Mexican national team on Dec. 14, 2005, a 2-0 friendly victory over Hungary. “I think that by being in my fifth World Cup I am lucky,” Ochoa said through an interpreter. “On top of that, being in a World Cup is never easy for a footballer. There are great players throughout history who don’t have the opportunity. For me, playing in five has been wonderful.” Mexico has appeared in the last eight World Cups and has advanced to the knockout round in the last seven. Mexico also has oldest player at the World Cup, fellow goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera, who is 40. Ochoa is 37, while Guardado is 36. Read more: Players who will be absent from Qatar World Cup including Haaland, Salah