It’s all about the ball, until, in an instant, it’s about something else entirely. On Sunday afternoon Godoy Cruz met Defensores de Belgrano in Nacional B, the second tier of Argentine football, and amid a sea of blue home banners hung two St George’s crosses, apparently snatched from England supporters at the 2014 World Cup. […]
Continue ReadingThis is a query that has come up time and again. Especially at the get-togethers marking Leeds’ championship in 1992 or Blackburn Rovers’ Premier League triumph three years on. Batty played a part in both historic feats, but former Blackburn midfielder Mark Atkins hasn’t been in touch with him since their playing careers ended. “We’ve […]
Continue ReadingWithin this Argentina side, Rodrigo de Paul has grown into a figure similar to what José Manuel Pinto represented at Barcelona, or what Luis Suárez would later become: the companion who makes Messi feel instantly at ease. Their bond was built during time with the national team. Before that, the midfielder’s only link to Messi […]
Continue ReadingArgentina haven’t produced consistently outstanding football to reach this stage, yet they have managed to come up with some spectacular strikes. They are a battle-hardened, savvy side, and they are the current holders of the trophy. They are not operating at the same level as when they lifted the title four years ago, but what […]
Continue ReadingThomas Tuchel expects England to encounter an Argentina side “driven by their past” in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. This marks the sixth World Cup meeting between the two countries, with the last three encounters taking place after the 1982 Falklands conflict. The most contentious clash occurred in the 1986 quarter-finals when Diego Maradona’s […]
Continue ReadingDidier Deschamps belongs to an elite trio who have claimed football’s most prestigious trophy both on the pitch and from the touchline, sharing the distinction with Mario Zagallo of Brazil and Franz Beckenbauer of West Germany. His extended tenure at the helm is highly unusual in the modern game — spanning 14 years in charge […]
Continue ReadingPerhaps Didier Deschamps had the right idea from the beginning. Over his 14-year tenure leading France, he has faced scrutiny for being overly conservative, emphasizing stability, and not fully unleashing his array of attacking talent. At this competition, his final one as head coach, Deschamps has become more permissive — at least in terms of […]
Continue ReadingSpain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the Dallas semi-final, as strikes from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro proved decisive.
Continue ReadingMike Maignan: Dived the correct direction for Mikel Oyarzabal’s spot-kick but was beaten by its velocity and precision. Also culpable for some wayward clearances. 5 Jules Kounde: Had difficulty with his distribution at times. France had been so resolute defensively throughout this tournament, yet they crumbled in what many will view as their first genuine […]
Continue ReadingManchester United have finalized the acquisition of Youri Tielemans in a transfer valued at around £35m, with the Belgian international signing a five-year contract and expressing his desire to help the team compete for the most prestigious honors. The 29-year-old arrives from Aston Villa, becoming the second midfield addition in quick succession following the capture […]
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