It didn’t take long for it to emerge that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani shared an understanding of soccer’s political utility with his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who’s militant and conservative policies he hopes to reverse. Like Mr. Ahmadinejad, Mr Rouhani, a cleric, is seeking to identify himself with the success of his country’s national team that … Read more
#451053716 / gettyimages.com France take on Ecuador in Group E’s showdown at the Maracana after a sublime 5-2 win over Switzerland in their previous encounter which gave Didier Deschamps’ side got two consecutive wins in as many games. The South American side sit second in the group on goal difference, but they must match Switzerland’s … Read more
Italy vs Uruguay preview #451097536 / gettyimages.com Italy and Costa Rica have both suffered humiliating defeats at the hands of a Costa Rican team who have been the tournament’s surprise package. Uruguay were brushed aside by the power and movement of Costa Rica while an off day at the office for midfielder Andrea Pirlo sealed … Read more
#451098984 / gettyimages.com The group of Death will reach its final conclusion at the Estadio das Dunas in Natal as Italy take on Uruguay in a match in which ‘winners take all’ and progress through to the round of sixteen. While Costa Rice have shocked the entire football fraternity with their unusual 5-4-1 system, getting … Read more
#451109024 / gettyimages.com An out-foxed, out-thought and out-gunned England side take on Group D toppers Costa Rica as the Three lions are on the verge of finishing their disastrous World Cup campaign in Brazil. There have been repercussions back home, citing that Roy Hodgson’s men just travelled to Sambaland just to make up the numbers. … Read more
Costa Rica vs England preview #451111462 / gettyimages.com The clash with Costa Rica was expected to be a springboard for England to march into the knockout stages of the World Cup. Instead, the match has proven to be a farewell game for world football’s perennial underachievers and a parting occasion for Steven Gerrard and Frank … Read more
#451098984 / gettyimages.com After an impressive first game against England, Italy looked rather a shadow of the same team that outclassed the English. Dull and out of ideas, they lost to the surprise package of the tournament Costa Rica, putting their qualification to the next round in the balance. So what does Cesare Prandelli need … Read more
#451042390 / gettyimages.com After perpetrating defending champions Spain’s early demise from the World Cup, high fliers Netherlands and the resilient Chile take on each other at the Sao Paolo Arena to settle Group B’s bragging rights. Both teams arrive in Sao Paolo on the back of two consecutive wins and will lock horns for the … Read more
#451038406 / gettyimages.com Spain’s elimination in the group stages of the World Cup in Sambaland has come as a huge shock for the football fraternity all over the globe. Vicente Del Bosque’s gritty outfit were considered one of the pre tournament favourites, but the La Roja failed to live to the pressure and expectations back … Read more
#451042390 / gettyimages.com (We apologize for the mistake in the headline, it has been found and changed. Robin Van Persie is suspended for this game after receiving two yellow cards in the first two group games) After a superb comeback win in an enthralling contest against Australia, Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands take on Chile before … Read more