Sports

"The way fans chanted my name when I entered the field was really very exciting," Del Piero said after Delhi Dynamos' goalless draw against FC Pune City on Tuesday.

The third match of the inaugural season of the ISL tournament played between Delhi Dynamos and FC Pune City at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ended in a goalless draw.

Indian-origin English footballer Chopra, who plays for Kerala Blasters in the ISL, says India should focus on developing football from the grass root level.

The former England goalkeeper is the player-boss of Kerala Blasters who play their opening ISL game today against NorthEast United FC at Guwahati.

Nabi is doubtful for their next ISL fixture against Pune City FC after sustaining an ankle injury during the lung opener against Atletico de Kolkata here on Sunday.

Asian Football Confederation president hoped that the franchise-based Indian Super League will help in popularising football in the country.

According to insiders, the ISL's founding chairperson Nita Ambani will be accompanied by Mumbai co-owner Bimal Parekh and will do a final recce of Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

Former Germany international Manuel Friedrich will be the vice-captain of the team co-owned by Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor and Chartered Accountant Bimal Parekh.

The away goals rule used for settling the outcome of two-legged knockout ties has "fallen behind the times" and needs rethinking according to Sepp Blatter.

Out of favour India defender Masih said the upcoming Indian Super League would provide a great platform for players like him to give a new lease of life to their careers.

A five-man midfield of Saul, Gabi, Koke, Arda Turan and Tiago - who played for Juve from 2007-10 - had given the team the stability.

Xavi currently shares the appearance record of 142 Champions League matches with former Real Madrid and Schalke 04 striker Raul.

"The association with ISL brings in credibility and Puma is happy to be the official ball partner for the tournament", Puma India director said.

Neymar and Messi ran riot as Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the season with a stunning 6-0 demolition of Granada at Camp Nou.

"It was a break-out of a set-play of ours and he makes a professional foul, I think you can call it like that," Van Gaal told a news conference of Rooney's red card.

Captain Wayne Rooney was sent off after scoring but 10-man Manchester United clung on to beat West Ham 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday.