More than 200 nations have officially thrown their support behind Gianni Infantino’s re-election as Fifa president, even amid the turmoil triggered by the controversy over Folarin Balogun’s suspension being overturned. It is understood that just a few of Fifa’s 211 member associations have yet to submit letters of support for Infantino, who is set to […]
Continue ReadingThe top Lithuanian club might have to compete in a landmark Champions League qualification match later this month away from home, having leased their home ground for a performance by American musician Pitbull. On Tuesday evening, FK Kauno Zalgiris, winners of the Toplyga, defeated Kosovo’s title-holders Dritam 3-2, advancing 4-3 on aggregate to earn a […]
Continue Reading“I desired for it to be you. I desired it desperately.” As England’s World Cup ambitions fade into yet another chapter of sorrow, let down in Atlanta by the latest dashing, gaunt Mr. Perfect, a touch more melancholy, not much more enlightened, sunburned, broke, spooning Jägerbomb ice cream straight from the tub, this is an […]
Continue ReadingAs Cristian Romero prepared to collect a pass just 10 yards from his own goal, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon spotted an opportunity to pounce. The center-back’s body shape was awkward after he backpedaled to receive the ball, facing the left touchline as the two opponents closed in rapidly. He would have only a split […]
Continue ReadingArsène Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, noted that although the United States confronts many structural barriers to emerging as a genuine football powerhouse, those challenges are being tackled by the leadership of the US Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer. During a Thursday roundtable discussion with US Soccer CEO JT Batson and COO […]
Continue ReadingFuture coaching manuals might well use England’s display against Argentina as the textbook example of how to squander a narrow advantage. The statistical evidence from the match strongly supports such a judgment. When the inquest began, a host of unflattering numbers surfaced. The most striking observation came from a leading stats account, which revealed England […]
Continue ReadingA verbal agreement worth up to €40m (£34m) has been reached between Arsenal and Club Brugge for the transfer of Christos Tzolis, who is set to replace Leandro Trossard. The club is also accelerating its search for defensive reinforcements amid worries that William Saliba’s persistent back problem could rule him out of the opening games […]
Continue ReadingIn a dimly lit storage facility in Hillsborough, North Carolina, rests a detached head. Sealed in plastic, impeccably conserved and almost pleading to be brought back to life, it is the head of a legendary figure in U.S. soccer. During that groundbreaking summer 32 years ago, Striker the dog was everywhere, more visible than any […]
Continue ReadingFootball is now facing the realities of a warming world. An examination of this year’s tournament reveals that almost 20% of the more than 100 matches occurred under heat and humidity levels that a global players’ organization has indicated should lead to game delays or postponements. A further 23 matches were played in host cities […]
Continue ReadingAndrey Santos swapping Chelsea for Manchester United was not a move many anticipated this summer, but the Brazilian has turned into Michael Carrick’s initial acquisition. The club was in urgent need of midfield additions, particularly following Casemiro’s exit and a serious injury to Manuel Ugarte, so the arrivals of Santos and Youri Tielemans will be […]
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