Footballing World | World Cup Blog

Round-up: Argentine presents ample chance for an excuse

By Matthew Day ⋅ June 29, 2006 ⋅ Post a comment

The news Horacio Elizondo will boss England’s quarter-final with Portugal is a relief to England’s players and fans who will have someone to blame if even a minor decision goes against the team.

Henry’s time is now

By Tim Wigmore ⋅ June 28, 2006 ⋅ Post a comment

France confounded the critics by coming from behind to beat Spain; if Thierry Henry joins Zidane and Vieira in hitting top form, then beating Brazil is possible.

Henry Has A Nerve

By Mike Martin ⋅ June 28, 2006 ⋅ Post a comment

Mike Martin on the World Cup’s latest moment of shame…
The World Cup needed two great matches to conclude Round 2, after the dross served up by Switzerland and Ukraine on Monday night. Brazil v Ghana was a wonderful display of open, positive football and Spain v France was a rollercoaster of a match, with […]

Africa’s Bright Future, CONCACAF’s Shaky Present

By Guest Writer ⋅ June 27, 2006 ⋅ Post a comment

World Cup offers hope for Africa but North/Latin America have uncertain future, says Emmett Williams.
The knockout rounds of the World Cup are featuring just one team from Africa and one team from the CONCACAF region, which is basically North and Latin America.
While this is not totally unexpected, it holds completely different meanings for each […]

Over the limit

By Matthew Day ⋅ June 26, 2006 ⋅ Post a comment

Graham Poll may have been shrouded in controversy for only a relatively minor error that lasted three minutes, but a lot more should surround Valentin Ivanov for his over-zealous performance led to 16 yellow cards and a record-breaking four dismissals – plus a lot of enjoyment. Despite the excitement Ivanov’s display gave everyone, Sepp Blatter’s […]

Figo Gets Off

By Mike Martin ⋅ June 26, 2006 ⋅ Post a comment

Mike Martin on FIFA’s latest failure to act For The Good Of The Game…
Few English fans will be glad to see Luís Figo lining up against them in their quarter final with Portugal on Saturday. Figo has been one of Europe’s outstanding players over the last decade and has been rejuvinated at Internazionale in […]