#451440530 / gettyimages.com Nigeria will etch their name in history as the African side feature in their first World Cup knockout match since 1998 when they face France in Monday’s knockout clash in Brasilia. The build up to the last sixteen clash has been marred with controversies over unpaid bonuses which has threatened to derail … Read more
No matter how entrenched animosities in the Middle East may be, one principle is upheld by all: never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. The controversy over access to broadcasts of World Cup matches makes that clear. Pricing by Qatari entities holding World Cup rights for the Middle East and North Africa, including Al … Read more
Colombia vs Uruguay preview #451339564 / gettyimages.com Uruguay have come through the ‘Group of Death’, but at the cost of losing their best player. Suarez’s bite on Chiellini’s shoulder has resulted in the Uruguayan facing a ban of four months from any football related activity. Suarez will not be representing the Celeste for nine international … Read more
#450772912 / gettyimages.com Brazil vs Chile Match Preview Brazil’s home record against Chile is nearly perfect. Undefeated in 26 meetings spanning 95 years, but Luis Felipe Scolari’s side have no illusions of the fact that they will have to produce their finest performance in the World Cup so far to overcome their tricky South American … Read more
#451273962 / gettyimages.com An all South American knockout clash is set on the cards as hosts Brazil take on a belligerent Chile side who can upset the odds against anyone if they are at their best. Jorge Sampaoli’s side will look to take advantage of the immense pressure on Brazil to fathom a major upset while … Read more
World Cup – Round of 16 Preview Many say that this World Cup is shaping out to be one of the best ever due to its sheer amount of goals, drama, surprising package performances and of course the occasional bite. With the final group stage matches coming to a close I am going to look … Read more
#451109480 / gettyimages.com Roy Hodgson will fly home from this summer’s World Cup in a strange situation. Having guided England to their first group-stage elimination since 1950, the FA chairman Greg Dyke committed his full-backing to the 66 year old and announced he would be the man to continue his job until the 2016 … Read more
Football is never far from the headlines. England are on their way home from Brazil having disappointed a nation, but in just a month’s time thoughts will turn from international football to the domestic game and the Premier League in particular. For some supporters, their clubs will always be more important than how England fare … Read more
USA vs Germany preview #451209092 / gettyimages.com USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann took on FIFA on Sunday when he said that football’s governing body had indulged in favoritism when it came to his homeland Germany. He complained that Germany had played against Ghana a day earlier in relatively friendly conditions in Fortaleza, while the USA had … Read more
Through the ITV commentary box at the World Cup, hundreds of fizzy drink and crisp adverts and episodes of The Simpsons, our stereotype of Brazilian football fans is that of young men, in the peak of physical health, with no jobs or responsibilities, spending all day everyday kicking footballs up and down Copacabana beach, demonstrating … Read more