Blogs
The Girls Of Germany Sing For Holland
18 May 2012, 6:34 pm
I haven’t the slightest clue what’s going on here, but no one’s complaining. The lasses in the German shirts are singing the Dutch national anthem in a suspiciously bouncy van. Obviously this has some link to these rivals in the same Euros group. Outside of that, its effectiveness is up for debate. It’d be more [...]...Roy Hodgson Names Squad, Already Confused
16 May 2012, 3:05 pm
The Roy Hodgson era has begun for England with a slight stumble, and a delightfully promising one at that. He named his official 23 today, and two of the names garnering the most attention seem to be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andy Carroll, two youngsters with lots of potential, but actual contributions to the Euros up [...]...The Japanese Women Turn To “Supergirl”
15 May 2012, 4:15 pm
Guess which one she is. World class keepers on the male side tend to be fairly tall, and even the bejeweled Iker Casillas is considered undersized at 182cm, or under six feet. The keepers of Europe’s better national teams typically range over 190cm – Neuer, Buffon, Cech, Hart, Stekelenburg, et cetera, et cetera. Japan’s a different story, [...]...Euro 2012 Squads Begin Rolling Out
7 May 2012, 5:39 pm
Most domestic seasons haven’t closed, yet the names of those heading off to the lands of continental glory in the Polkraine are already dropping, along with some of the squads to be whittled down in the coming weeks (the deadline being May 29th). Today Giovanni Trappatoni announced Ireland’s formal 23 and Germany a damn close [...]...Poland’s Euro 2012 Song: Euro Koko Spoko
4 May 2012, 1:54 pm
Poland chose it, and Poland isn’t happy. Hip hip for democracy. When going for official songs in this day and age, less clothing is a rule – see: Shakira, World Cup 2010. In this case, it turns out the more clothing the better. And oh, do they wear more clothing. In fact they look like they’re [...]...
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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Cuerto vs. Sabathia as Reds visit Yankees
20 May 2012, 5:55 pm
...Byron Nelson Round 4 underway
20 May 2012, 5:55 pm
...Spurs' big rally puts Clippers in 0-3 hole
20 May 2012, 5:55 pm
LOS ANGELES (AP) Nothing was going to rattle the calm, cool and collected Spurs. Not even a 24-point deficit....Durant's three lifts Thunder past Lakers
20 May 2012, 5:55 pm
LOS ANGELES (AP) Kevin Durant stood above the 3-point line and watched the shot clock dwindle in the final seconds of Game 4. When Metta World Peace backed up slightly on defense, Durant hesitated only an instant before launching a 26-footer....Sharapova beats Li Na to retain Italian Open title
20 May 2012, 5:42 pm
ROME (AP) -- Maria Sharapova retained the Italian Open title on Sunday with a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory over Li Na....
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 →...
Bayern 1-1 Chelsea: Chelsea win it on penalties
20 May 2012, 12:47 am
Chelsea lifted the European Cup after a tight match was decided on penalties. Jupp Heynckes named his expected line-up: Diego Contento came into the side at left-back, Antoliy Tymoshchuk played at centre-back, with Toni Kroos deep in midfield, allowing Thomas Muller a start in the attacking role. Roberto Di Matteo’s line-up featured one surprise name – Ryan [...]...Bayern v Chelsea – European Cup final preview
18 May 2012, 10:33 pm
If Chelsea did an ‘Inter 2010′ in the semi-final against Barcelona, they need to repeat the trick here – Inter went onto beat Bayern in the final that year. Jose Mourinho’s side played extremely defensively in the final two years ago, essentially continuing the strategy they’d used at the Nou Camp a few weeks earlier, despite [...]...Wigan stay up after a switch to 3-4-3
16 May 2012, 5:41 pm
The surprise package in the second half of Premier League season was the only side who switched to a back three on a permanent basis. Background It seems odd to trace Roberto Martinez’s successful experiment with a three-man defence back to an eight-goal defeat, but that’s where we’re going to start. On the final day of the [...]...Atletico Madrid 3-0 Athletic Bilbao: Falcao wins the Europa League again
9 May 2012, 10:56 pm
Atletico Madrid lifted the UEFA Cup for the second time in three years. Diego Simeone named his expected line-up – Tiago was suspended, so Mario Suarez and Gabi played in the centre of midfield. None of the starting XI started the 2010 final. Marcelo Bielsa’s line-up was also as expected – Fernando Amorebieta was declared fit to [...]...Inter 4-2 Milan: Inter build up play down the left, then spread it to the right
6 May 2012, 11:12 pm
This was a rather eventful Milan derby – not only were there six goals (including three penalties), but the result confirmed Juventus as Serie A champions. The game was frantic, open and often lacking any kind of shape or structure, which was completely unexpected when the line-ups were announced – it set to be a battle [...]...
Chelsea end Champions League agony in Munich
19 May 2012, 11:53 pm
As Chelsea walked out into the Allianz Arena a giant red mosaic was revealed at one end that covered the entire expanse of the massed ranks of Bayern Munich's support. The message - with a Champions League trophy as its centrepiece - read: "Unser Stadt. Unser Stadion. Unser Pokal." Our City. Our Stadium. Our Cup. Hours later, at a cost of around one billion pounds, Munich was Chelsea and owner Roman Abramovich's city. The Allianz Arena was their stadium and - most significantly of all - the C...Hodgson unveils solid if unspectacular England vision
17 May 2012, 10:16 am
Roy Hodgson's only complaint about the next phase of his new life as England manager was being asked about Rio Ferdinand "until the cows come home" - the rest was happily filed under football reasons. Indeed, Hodgson used the phrase "footballing reasons" so often that he received that ultimate seal of approval, or disapproval depending on your viewpoint, and started a Twitter trend. If Hodgson was playing it by the Football Association's book when he made his introductions following his appoin...American revolution dethrones King Kenny
16 May 2012, 6:57 pm
Liverpool owner John W Henry's parting words to the manager he sacked could have been plucked straight from the mouths of the supporters who still refer to Kenny Dalglish as "The King". The American, who completed the formalities of Dalglish's removal after the Scot returned from a meeting in Boston with an ominous lack of assurances about his future, said in his farewell message: "He is, in many ways, the heart and soul of the club. He personifies everything good about Liverpool Football Club."...United must strengthen to keep pace with City
14 May 2012, 2:24 pm
Manchester United stood 100 seconds from a 20th title when Sergio Aguero ripped the Premier League prize from their grasp and transported it to Manchester City. And when the dust settles on a finale to the season that was pure sporting theatre, Sir Alex Ferguson will move to ensure time does not stand still for United in the face of City's new domestic supremacy. For all the scenes of bedlam at the Etihad and talk of a shift in the balance of power, assessment of United's season and the road a...Tears of triumph for Manchester City
13 May 2012, 10:30 pm
At Etihad Stadium The group of Manchester City fans standing on Joe Mercer Way were smiling but silent. It was as if they could not find the words to articulate what they had just witnessed. They were not alone. Manchester City's history suggested they might put their supporters through late dramas before ending a 44-year wait to be crowned champions.Nothing, however, could have prepared anyone for this as City threatened to collapse in a manner that would have haunted them forever before winnin...
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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 ...
Big Sporting Events Find New Frontiers
25 April 2012, 4:00 am
The world’s biggest sporting contests, like the soccer World Cup and the Olympics, are moving away from traditional sites like London and in the direction of emerging powers and economies....U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Draws Path Against Japan for Olympic Gold
25 April 2012, 4:00 am
The Americans, alone in the spotlight with the men having failed to qualify, will open play against France on July 25....Emotions Ran Deep in Chinaglia's Family
4 April 2012, 4:00 am
Giorgio Chinaglia never was reserved during his heyday in the 1970s, and neither was his father when he watched his son play....GOAL; Japan 1, United States 0: Japan's Women Repeat Their Triumph Over the U.S.
6 March 2012, 5:00 am
Japan women's soccer team defeats the United States, 1-0, at the Algarve Cup, their first meeting since the exhilarating final of the 2011 Women's World Cup. Photo...Women Are Closer to Playing With Headscarves
4 March 2012, 5:00 am
Soccer’s international rules board agreed in principle to allow hijabs. A final endorsement is to be made in July....
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....
Rebuilt Aussies aim for hat-trick
20 May 2012, 9:37 am
After ending a 32-year drought in reaching the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, a new-look Australia have overcome the pain associated with those failed campaigns and are optimistic of a third straight appearance on the world stage....Sabella names foreign-based squad for Ecuador
19 May 2012, 10:13 am
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has named an 18-man squad of foreign-based players for his team's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ecuador and friendly with Brazil....Farina’s PNG aiming to defy odds
18 May 2012, 1:04 am
Papua New Guinea may be inexperienced at international level heading into next month's Brazil 2014 qualifiers following years of inactivity, however, the future is looking bright on the back Frank Farina's appointment as coach....Cahill returns to Australia squad
15 May 2012, 9:17 am
Tim Cahill was today named in the Australia squad for the first time in nine months but Brett Emerton will not feature in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifiers against Oman and Japan. ...Strong All Whites squad for Brazil 2014 campaign
15 May 2012, 2:53 am
South Africa 2010 surprise packets New Zealand will begin their tilt for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ next month, with a strong and experienced squad named by coach Rick Herbert....
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....
