Blogs
The Algerian-Russian Connection
17 February 2012, 8:52 pm
It’s not always good news, is it? Though this seems it could be at least partly the plot to a Bond film, so if any of the victims fancy whipping up a quick screenplay – and they are – there’s certainly some money to be made from this. There’s been a disturbing trend of disabled children [...]...The Herve Renard Moment
13 February 2012, 7:25 pm
It’s going to take something absolutely monumental to top this moment on a similar stage at any point this year – or perhaps in the long-distance future. Herve Renard, Zambia’s coach and honorary royalty in the nation now, one would assume, carries the injured Joseph Musonda to celebrate Zambia’s AFCON win. (In case you’ve ignored newsy [...]...Unexpected Zambia Nets AFCON Final
8 February 2012, 8:20 pm
Odds before the tournament of Zambia making it to the AFCON final probably weren’t particularly high – they’ve never won and have only been to two finals, the last nearly twenty years ago. ELO has them 56th in the world, but for all intents and purposes, they’ll be at least second on the continent come [...]...Water Sports At AFCON
26 January 2012, 6:24 pm
Including both diving and synchronized swimming. His name is Narcisse Ekanga, and there is a pool of water near him – or all around him, rather. There’s also a rounding of the football gods cursing him with some really bad karma for the rest of AFCON. There’s actually a very real chance he was hurt on the [...]...A Lesson In Nonchalance
25 January 2012, 8:23 pm
It’s going to take quite a bit for Olympic qualifying of any type to make any type of news, unless David Beckham is personally championing his merits for the cause. Women’s CONCACAF qualifiers? That will take something extraordinary. Like Costa Rica’s keeper Julieth Arias and the dreaded bouncy backpass. Julieth might become infamous for this clip [...]...
Thanks
15 July 2010, 1:48 pm
...TFT World Cup Podcast No.8
14 July 2010, 9:03 am
...Top 10: World Cup 2010 players
14 July 2010, 8:00 am
...Graham Poll on World Cup refereeing
13 July 2010, 1:40 pm
...The team of the World Cup: Gary's version
12 July 2010, 8:00 pm
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Guilty verdict in Virginia lacrosse murder
23 February 2012, 1:54 am
...Tiger escapes Match Play upset bid
23 February 2012, 1:54 am
...Celtics visit Thunder
23 February 2012, 1:54 am
...UConn coach Calhoun will undergo back surgery
22 February 2012, 11:25 pm
Surgery scheduled for UConn coach Calhoun...Temple now in talks to join Big East in all sports
22 February 2012, 10:00 pm
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A person familiar with the talks says Temple is in negotiations with the Big East about joining the conference in all sports next season....
Panini 83: revisited
2 October 2010, 2:36 pm
Back in June WCC posted an article which explored Glenn Hoddle’s maverick proclivities. Visual analysis of my Panini ’83 sticker album showed that all players in the English top flight managed to pose for a full length snap – except … Continue reading →...Cheerio & Thanks!
16 July 2010, 12:01 am
That’s all from World Cup College! We would like to thank our loyal readership‚ and pass on special thanks to those who have left regular comments. It’s been a lot of fun keeping the site going over the past few … Continue reading →...Thomas Hobbes & English Mechanism
15 July 2010, 11:00 am
WCC has noted previously that the England team appears to operate somewhat mechanistically. Even over a successful qualification campaign it seemed that Fabio Capello’s efforts had yielded mechanical rather than organic solidarity. The team was playing well together, but like … Continue reading →...The W-W formation: the future?!
14 July 2010, 11:01 pm
It is hard to envisage how formations will evolve in response to the current formational hegemony 4-2-3-1. It is an adaptable format which matches up well against other approaches. Two defensive midfielders provide a shield for the back four, which … Continue reading →...The Capello Project 2010: the end!
13 July 2010, 11:01 pm
Throughout the qualification campaign it appeared that Fabio Capello had struck upon a workable formula. His England side were arranged under 4-4-2, but it appeared that 4-2-3-1 inhered in this approach as Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard were conservative in … Continue reading →...
Napoli 3-1 Chelsea: Ivanovic plays high up and Napoli exploit the space in behind him
22 February 2012, 1:05 pm
Napoli played their classic counter-attacking game to put themselves in a strong position going into the second leg. Walter Mazzarri was suspended from the touchline, so assistant Nicolo Frustalupi took charge. Morgan De Sanctis returned in goal, Hugo Campagnaro was fit to start, and Juan Zuniga was picked rather than Andrea Dossena on the left. Andre Villas-Boas [...]...PSG 2-2 Montpellier: narrowness versus width
20 February 2012, 8:23 pm
First played second in Ligue 1, and PSG maintain their one-point lead. PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti was unable to use Javier Pastore from the start – he was fit only for the bench. The only change from the 0-0 draw with Nice was Blaise Matuidi coming in for Mathieu Bodmer on the left of midfield. Rene Girard [...]...Barcelona 5-1 Valencia: Valencia do their Nou Camp usual – start well, then tire in second half
19 February 2012, 10:55 pm
Lionel Messi hit four goals as 2nd-placed Barcelona thrashed 3rd-placed Valencia. Pep Guardiola was without the suspended Daniel Alves, so Martin Montoya played at right-back. Xavi Hernandez was only fit enough for the bench. At the back, Gerard Pique returned after being left out in the 3-1 Champions League win over Leverkusen in the week. Unai Emery [...]...Nationalities of managers in European leagues
17 February 2012, 12:45 pm
England are without a manager, and the FA are known to favour an English candidate for the job. Harry Redknapp is the overwhelming favourite, but the problem with favouring an English candidate is that there are so few English managers working in the Premier League. How does this situation compare to other major footballing countries in [...]...ZM elsewhere: February so far
17 February 2012, 6:44 am
After an absence of a couple of weeks, here’s some pieces I’ve done so far this month elsewhere: ESPN David Pizarro Guardian Juan Mata ESPN Daniel Sturridge WhoScored Milan ESPN Kevin-Prince Boateng TheScore Danny ESPN Africa Nations Cup FourFourTwo FA Cup previews Betfair Barcelona v Valencia preview...
FA Cup is alive and well in Stevenage
19 February 2012, 8:44 pm
At The Lamex Stadium From the moment Harry Redknapp arrived at the Lamex Stadium to the applause of Stevenage supporters and high fives from a man trapped inside a giant bear's outfit, this was a day with an old-fashioned FA Cup feel about it. The circus was in town and a giant big top festooned with stars and stripes towered over one end of the compact stadium Stevenage hoped would be home to an FA Cup fifth round shock against Tottenham. To call this goalless draw a contender for the greate...Suarez misses chance to move on
11 February 2012, 9:25 pm
At Old Trafford The romantics hoped Luis Suarez would end it with a handshake. The flaw in this theory is that, at least between Manchester United and Liverpool, the age of romance is long since dead. In truth not much romance exists anyway, and certainly less since Liverpool's striker received an eight-game ban after the FA found him guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra at Anfield in October. But the fervent hope of most observers was that the pair could at least limit further damage from th...Wembley feels Redknapp's presence
9 February 2012, 5:48 pm
At Wembley Harry Redknapp may have been in his trademark pose, conducting interviews out of an open car window many miles away - but in spirit he was almost in the room with the Football Association's delegation at Wembley. Fabio Capello's decision to quit as England manager brought the world's media to FA headquarters as chairman David Bernstein led the response with a detailed timeline of four hours on Wednesday that ended with the Italian walking away from his £6m-a-year post. And through...New boss, new England?
8 February 2012, 9:36 pm
As Fabio Capello clears his desk at Wembley, the Italian's successor as England coach will discover that he has left a congested in-tray behind him. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is at the front of a short queue of contenders to replace Capello following his resignation at the conclusion of a chain of events that moved rapidly after the Football Association board stripped John Terry of the captaincy. And when the FA's new man is appointed, there will be no time for gentle introductions or a...Suarez makes return but Liverpool continue to misfire
7 February 2012, 8:05 am
At Anfield Harry Redknapp could not make it but Fabio Capello did. Luis Suarez, the man all Liverpool supporters came to see, arrived late but still had enough time for another brush with authority and headlines. The stories and sub-plots proved more intriguing than a match that failed to deliver on its promise of entertainment as Liverpool and Tottenham played out a 0-0 draw that did not serve the purposes of either side. If England coach Capello was seeking a low profile away from his public d...
Newspapers
Nicolas Anelka's move from Chelsea to China is no Shanghai surprise | David Hytner
12 December 2011, 7:01 pm
The French striker's Jedi cool has always meant that he will not be forced down anything other than his own chosen pathThe hooded figure walked calmly through the frenzy, headphones in, dark glasses on, like some sort of Jedi. Nicolas Anelka had landed back in Europe, at Heathrow, after his World Cup tantrum in South Africa had sparked mutiny and meltdown in the France camp. He was click‑clicked every step of his way to the getaway car.He did not need the shades. Anelka's public face has alway...Audio slideshow: Soweto teenagers photograph their lives
11 July 2011, 9:02 am
Sounds and sights of Johannesburg in the lead-up to the 2010 World Cup – as seen through the lenses of eight South African teenagersPeter SaleJohn Domokos...Playing for England scares some players, claims Jamie Carragher
28 June 2011, 10:14 am
• 'One mistake and you could be absolutely slaughtered'• It could be months before you have another game, he addedJamie Carragher has pointed out that some players are burdened with a fear factor when they play for England. The Liverpool defender came out of international retirement when he was selected for last year's World Cup in South Africa, although he and the rest failed to impress.England crashed out 4-1 to Germany in the last 16, leading to a torrent of criticism for players and mana...Arsenal's Alex Song fined for clash with Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o
26 June 2011, 11:22 am
• Last year's World Cup disagreements have not been forgotten• Tottenham's Benoît Assou-Ekotto warned after missing gameThe Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has been fined for a bust-up with Samuel Eto'o, reflecting continuing divisions in the Cameroon team following last year's disastrous World Cup campaign.Song was fined one million CFA francs (about £1,350) after a Cameroon Football Federation disciplinary hearing heard that he had refused a reconciliatory handshake from Eto'o, Cameroon sta...James Corden, the History Boy, grows up after learning the perils of fame
14 May 2011, 11:04 pm
First there were Alan Bennett's play and the hit sitcom Gavin & Stacey. Then the backlash. Now James Corden is backMost actors would happily admit to trampling their own mothers if it meant getting a part in a new play at the National theatre directed by Nicholas Hytner. Who wouldn't want a potentially career-defining role with the director who gave the world critically acclaimed versions of Henry V, King Lear and Hamlet? And yet how many actors, faced with the choice, would be prepared to take ...
Harry Keough, 84; Helped U.S. to Soccer Upset
14 February 2012, 5:00 am
Harry Keough, United States soccer team player best known for his role in defeating England at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, dies at age 84. Photo (M)2...For Sydney Leroux, Dual Citizenship, Single-Minded Approach
29 January 2012, 5:00 am
Sydney Leroux has been called a traitor by fans in Canada because of her decision to play internationally for the U.S., not Canada, where she was born....England — Dempsey Scores a Hat Trick in Fulham’s Win in F.A. Cup
8 January 2012, 5:00 am
The U.S. international Clint Dempsey scored a hat trick as Fulham beat Charlton, 4-0, in the English F.A. Cup....2011: The United States of Soccer
26 December 2011, 5:00 am
Toni Monkovic reflects on memorable sports moment from 2011; notes Abby Wambach's header to give United States the tying goal in overtime against Brazil in Women's World Cup quarterfinal. Photo...Remembering Kim Jong-il’s Ventures Into the Sporting World
21 December 2011, 5:00 am
The late North Korean leader played a big role in his country’s international sporting endeavors. He also bowled a 300 the first time he ever played — according to state-run news media....
Sepp Blatter announces reforms and vows to restore scandal-hit Fifa's reputation within next two years
21 October 2011, 7:35 pm
Fifa president outlines two-year 'road map' to restoring the tarnished image of world football's governing body....World Cup 2014: Long journeys for teams and fans as Brazil unveils schedule
20 October 2011, 7:09 pm
Football fans face late nights at home and long journeys in Brazil after organisers reveal the match schedule for the tournament....True team spirit and solidarity paved the way for Spain's glorious World Cup coronation in South Africa
29 September 2011, 12:48 am
A moving documentary, Cuando Fuimos Campeones, tracks how a fractured country united behind Spain on their journey to World Cup glory. Oliver Brown reports...What you could buy for the £138 billion the 2022 World Cup will cost Qatar
8 September 2011, 3:46 pm
The 2022 World Cup could cost £138bn. Is there a more creative use for such wealth?....Qatar World Cup in 2022 could cost £138 billion according to financial analyst
8 September 2011, 3:44 pm
Bill for holding 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be £138bn, says analyst....
Fabio Capello drops hint he will take Rooney to Euro 2012 despite three-match ban
19 October 2011, 9:16 pm
Fabio Capello has given a firm hint that he still intends to take Wayne Rooney to the European Championships despite his three-match ban. England may still appeal....
Web
Grant: South African stay, by the numbers
14 July 2010, 11:13 am
Grant: These are the things I left behind...Brewin: Observations and conclusions on the Monday after
12 July 2010, 5:29 pm
Cheers, South Africa. It was a pleasant stay, writes John Brewin....Carlisle: Thanks for the memories, South Africa
12 July 2010, 4:18 pm
Thanks for the memories, South Africa, writes Jeff Carlisle...ESPN Stats & Information: Spain-Netherlands
12 July 2010, 2:45 pm
Fast facts on the Spain-Netherlands game....Hill: I won't soon forget seeing Nelson Mandela
11 July 2010, 6:49 pm
I won't soon forget seeing Nelson Mandela at the World Cup, writes Jemele Hill....
Osieck: Bresciano ready to return
22 February 2012, 8:42 am
Australia coach Holger Osieck has revealed how he convinced midfielder Mark Bresciano to end his 18-month exile from the national team....Costly: Honduras have what it takes
22 February 2012, 8:14 am
Honduras ace Carlos Costly sat down for an exclusive chat with FIFA.com, touching on his hopes of reaching Brazil 2014, his new national team coach and how CONCACAF has improved....Osieck names new trio, recalls Bresciano
21 February 2012, 1:38 am
Mark Bresciano is set to make his first appearance for Australia since the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ after being named for the Brazil 2014 qualifier against Saudi Arabia in a squad that features a blend of youth and experience....Pele: I was born to play football
20 February 2012, 8:11 am
Speaking to FIFA.com, the one and only Pele discusses Brazil 2014, the host nation’s chances of winning world title number six, the joys of watching Barcelona, and his natural gift for the game....Al Hosni: We’ll give it our best shot
17 February 2012, 9:48 am
Striker Amad Al Hosni talks to FIFA.com about Oman's date with destiny later this month, his hopes for a win over Thailand and a place in the next round of Brazil 2014 qualifying....
Anelka reveals depth of tensions
15 July 2010, 10:54 am
Nicolas Anelka speaks for the first time since he was sent home from the World Cup, describing the tensions inside the France camp as a "timebomb"....Argentina offer Maradona new deal
15 July 2010, 7:14 am
Diego Maradona is to be offered a new deal that would keep him in charge of Argentina through to the summer of 2014 - when Brazil stages the World Cup....Ballack warns Lahm over captaincy
14 July 2010, 8:02 pm
Injured Germany captain Michael Ballack warns World Cup skipper Philipp Lahm he expects to take back the armband on his return to fitness....Cup flops England climb rankings
14 July 2010, 8:17 am
England rise one place to seventh in Fifa's world rankings, despite an early World Cup exit, while Spain replace Brazil at number one....Uruguay hails its football heroes
14 July 2010, 7:54 am
Uruguay's national footballers are given a rapturous welcome back home after their World Cup success....
