Colombia face host nation Brazil in the Quarter Finals of the World Cup tonight, in possibly the biggest game of their footballing history; the game taking place 20 years and 2 days after defender Andrés Escobar was shot dead having scored the own-goal which eliminated his team from the 1994 World Cup in the USA.
Continue reading Colombia: An altered image 20 years on from Escobar
From the vaults: A personal view of QPR’s first away game of the 2010/11 season, a campaign which ended in a triumphant return to the Premier League – originally posted on www.qprdot.org Sunday 15th August 2010
Just Recovered . . .
Sometimes I wonder why I do it?
Continue reading Away Days: Blades 0, QPR 3, August 14th 2010
As the final whistle blew at Natal’s Estadio das Dunas, Uruaguay striker Luis Suárez stood alone in the centre circle. As his team-mates celebrated the 1-0 victory which had ensured their progress to the last 16 of the World Cup Finals at the expense of Italy, the Liverpool striker suspected his own tournament would end in customary controversy. Continue reading Street fighting Suárez bites off more than he can chew
The term “false 9” refers to a player playing in a lone-striker position who drops deep to search for the ball. The intention is to draw opposing central defenders with him and create a diversion for team-mates to move into space behind the defensive line and exploit chances to score. Continue reading The False 9: Explained
The incident leading to Portugal defender Pepe’s red-card against Germany at the World Cup Finals has again drawn the issue of “play-acting” into sharp focus.
With the Germans 2-0 up and comfortably heading for half-time, attacking-midfielder Thomas Müller, 24, was felled by a stray finger to his upper lip whilst competing for the ball with Pepe.
Continue reading Müller and Pepe’s clash shows FIFA must act to curb simulation
A common stereotype in the coverage of Italian football is that it is still bound and shackled in the all-encompassing embrace of Catenaccio, the tactical system which came to prominence during the 1960s with a strong emphasis on defence.
The Azzurri are often described as playing in the “Catenaccio style” and whilst certain characteristics remain, the system itself died many years ago.
Tiki-Taka is a set of tactics and style of play which aims to make the best use of space on a football pitch though precise, patient passing and the fluid movement of players between positions.
The aim is to monopolise position and possession of the ball, thus limiting chances for the opposition and creating regular chances for players to score.
When played well, it can lead to some of the most beautifully exhilarating scenes in sport, yet when plans go awry; it can also bring some of the most frustrating.
Continue reading Tiki-Taka: Explained
The World Cup begins on Thursday evening in São Paulo with hosts and 5 times champions, Brazil, taking on a Croatian side with 2 members of their squad returning to the land of their birth.
Continue reading It’s just like watching Brazil: Diego Costa and the expat players returning home
Andy Murray has surprised many by appointing former women’s world number one Amélie Mauresmo as his new coach in preparation for his bid to become the first Briton to defend a Wimbledon title. Continue reading Mauresmo to serve as Murray breaks down boundaries
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
The opening words from Charles Dickens’ 1859 novel “A Tale of Two Cities” go some way to describing the feelings of A-League side Melbourne Heart’s fans after two announcements on Thursday.
News that Spain’s all-time leading goal scorer David Villa, 32, was moving down under to join Melbourne Heart as a loan signing from sister club New York City was promptly followed by the unveiling of the club’s re-branding as “Melbourne City.”
Continue reading David Villa and a tale of two (new) cities
Fresh claims surrounding the choice to award the 2022 World Cup Finals to Qatar surfaced this week; the latest in a long line of stories to challenge the legacy of football’s world governing body FIFA, and its president Sepp Blatter. Continue reading Sepp, FIFA, and a challenged global legacy
Whilst the name Lance Armstrong continues to arouse conflicting emotions, his enduring legacy is one of hope and courage. Continue reading Lance Armstrong continues to inspire in life as well as sport
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