It’s an often repeated sentiment that the World Cup and the Champions League only really come alive after the group stages. Once the initial excitement subsides, it’s best to wait until the phoney wars are over and the true drama of the knockout stages commences. This year’s Champions League may be a rare exception though. […]
Champions League
Club success gives Southgate Nations League dilemma
While English football looks forward to the prospect of four domestic clubs competing in two European cup finals next week, the historic achievement threatens to overshadow the national side’s appearance in the semi-finals of the inaugural Nations League. When Gareth Southgate’s men qualified for the latter stages of the tournament back in November, the country […]
Zidane’s exit heightens uncertainty over Bale’s future
After reminding fickle Real Madrid fans of his match-winning ability in the Champions League final, Gareth Bale spoke of his frustration after the game about the lack of playing time he has received this season. In spite of all the success he has enjoyed in the Spanish capital, a week ago it looked more likely than […]
Messi shines to leave the Premier League in the shade
Broadcasters regularly tell viewers the Premier League is the greatest league on Earth. However, as Lionel Messi’s hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League demonstrated this week, for all its riches, British clubs fail to attract the very best players. While Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have been praised for […]
Milan in a muddle
Arriving in Milan this week, it quickly became clear that the the names on the back of replica Inter and AC Milan shirts are not players belonging to the the upper echelons of the beautiful game. In years gone by, fans would wear the names of Ronaldo, Vieri, Shevchenko and Kaka with pride. Today though, […]
Lukaku cements his place in Everton history
It’s a bold statement to say Everton’s most expensive ever signing, who has suffered from indifferent form for much of the season, has written himself into the club’s folklore just six months into his contract at the club. However, he is able to state a claim after becoming Everton’s highest ever goalscorer in European competitions. […]