World Football Columns
World Cup
Blues Beat: Chelsea Seek To Avoid Another Early Winter Frost
Chelsea are approaching their annual bump in the road, and the trip thus far hasn’t exactly been smooth. Continue reading
Neymar: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?
Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro may have shot himself in the foot in his joy over re-signing his young star, Neymar. Continue reading
Hot Dogs, Apple Pie & The MLS Cup: The Last Stand Of David Beckham?
For David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy, it may literally be now or never. Continue reading
On Italian Managers & The English Media
Giovanni Trappatoni’s colourful personality flouts animal activists and English professors everywhere, whereas Fabio Capello’s quiet dignity is far more sinister, if the Fifth Estate is to be believed. Continue reading
Lazio’s Eagles Dare Dream Again
Key players have departed but Rome’s ‘other’ club has retooled in a big way, to again set the early pace in Lega Calcio. Continue reading
Have UEFA’s Big Boys Decided To Spit In The Face Of Financial Fair Play?
Whatever happened to the new economic reality? Continue reading
Culture Schlock: Soccer Men, By Simon Kuper
Andrew Beasley was impressed by Simon Kuper’s new book, Soccer Men: Profiles of the Rogues, Geniuses, and Neurotics Who Dominate the World’s Most Popular Sport. Continue reading
England & France Failures At The U17 World Cup Suggest Fundamental Flaws
Whilst France fell to the hosts, England were victimised by a familiar foe. Yet, the difficulties for both sides might be rooted in their political ideologies. Continue reading
FIFA Asks: Is There An Honest Politician In The House?
Accusations of corruption from former FA chief Lord Triesman and CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer have led to summons for both candidates in Wednesday’s FIFA Presidential election. Will anything come of it? Do bears shit in your living room? Continue reading
The Scouser Report – The End Of A Liverpool Era: Thanks For The Good Times, Nando.
As anyone who knows me will be able to tell you, I went through a severe bout of depression a few years back. It was a time, at the age of sixteen, when I should have been embracing life and finding my way in the world. Instead, events led me to become embittered, consumed by … Continue reading
Channel Surfing: FIFA’s Focus Moves East, Wenger’s Weapon, Kings of Lyon, And Other Ramblings
<click> Hi all! This column will be crossing back and forth over the Channel, keeping an eye on events involving the French. Be it players, coaches or executives, in Ligue 1 or elsewhere, I’ll have something to say on it. I’ll be praising the piercing runs of Samir Nasri, scoffing at the pierced nose of … Continue reading
The Legacy Virus: Thoughts On FIFA, Russia 2018 & Qatar 2022
Well, that’s that then. If you live in the English-speaking world, there’s nothing to see here. It’s all done and dusted. Time to move along. If you’re a Muscovite, chances are the corner package shop is almost out of Stoli, so you’d better get a move on. If you’re a Qatari, I guess the hard … Continue reading
Wanted: Manager To Take Ghana Into The Stratosphere
Despite the cruel intervention of fate, in the World Cup quarter-finals, Ghana, under Milovan Rajevac, earned a place on the global stage. Now that their mentor has moved on, the young squad awaits the Ghanian FA’s choice of successor. Chris Mann reveals the top candidates for the post. Continue reading
This Is Not The Key Player In Real’s Title Dreams
Does Ronaldo have enough of a desire to win to put aside his ego and permit someone else to take the lead? Continue reading
Calcio Returns — The 2010-11 Serie A Preview
Jose Mourinho may have taken his act to Spain but Italy is still special. Continue reading
England's Left Side Answer
Charles N’Zogbia has set his sights on playing in the World Cup but for England. Would Fabio Capello consider taking a foreigner as part of the 23 man squad? Continue reading
The long winding road
While South Africa is anxious to welcome the World Cup and millions dream of Ghana or Ivory Coast as champions, the continent needs a step forward. But the latest events in Cape Verde show how far off the African football is from its Europe counterpart, organization-wise. And it’s mostly about money. Continue reading
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