Since French midfielder Alain Giresre launched the World Cup’s first penalty shootout in 1982, a total of 342 players have endured football’s most high-pressure moment from the spot. Here, we spotlight some of those who chased glory from 12 yards.
Continue ReadingManchester City are determined to acquire Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal worth €100m (£85m). The teenager has drawn widespread attention after his displays for Morocco at the World Cup, and although the price tag appears steep for a player of his age, City regard him as a prospect for the years ahead. […]
Continue ReadingIt was 2 May 2009, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, during a La Liga fixture. Guardiola made a tactical choice. He shifted Messi away from the right flank and positioned him at the spearhead of the attack — but without the duties of a conventional centre-forward. Samuel Eto’o moved to the right, Thierry […]
Continue ReadingOver 100,000 supporters poured into the streets of the Norwegian capital, Oslo, to offer their side a heartfelt homecoming, transforming the disappointment of a World Cup elimination into an immense nationwide celebration. A 2-1 extra-time loss against England on Saturday ended Norway’s trailblazing campaign at the quarter-final stage, dashing their hopes of reaching the last […]
Continue ReadingEverton are progressing in negotiations with defender Hannah Blundell regarding a permanent transfer, after her fruitful loan period last season. The 32-year-old featured in 12 matches for the club during her temporary switch from Manchester United last campaign. The defender became a free agent after her contract with United expired in June. The seasoned full-back, […]
Continue ReadingKosovare Asllani, the captain of London City Lionesses, is expected to agree to a one-year renewal of her contract even though she sustained a severe injury. In March, the club announced that the Swedish national team player had incurred a “complex multi-ligament injury” which involved a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The 36-year-old is set to […]
Continue ReadingGuillem Balague, a journalist from Spain: Spain – the strongest side. France – boasts the finest individual and the most terrifying offensive line. Argentina – the smartest approach: achieving more with fewer resources than the rest. England – two elite performers hitting their stride. Each of the four remaining teams possesses the qualities required to […]
Continue ReadingA final call on Declan Rice’s availability to feature in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina will be made closer to kick-off. Nevertheless, there is still confidence that the Arsenal midfielder will overcome the lingering effects of an illness in time to take the field on Wednesday. Rice, who was dealing with a stomach virus […]
Continue ReadingDeclan Rice is expected to shake off a sickness bug and keep his spot in the lineup for England’s World Cup semifinal clash with Argentina on Wednesday. The Arsenal player was taken off at the break during England’s quarterfinal victory against Norway, after manager Thomas Tuchel disclosed that Rice had been bedridden for much of […]
Continue ReadingIt was an evening when, in Didier Deschamps’ words, the spark had vanished by the interval. A revamped French team had been easily defeated by Italy in their Nations League opener, and the Parisian supporters left no doubt about their discontent at the final whistle. Three days later, the traveling show of Les Bleus headed […]
Continue Reading