Frei’s Goal Right To Stand

Mike Martin has a new favourite Argentine…
A word of praise for Horacio Marcelo Elizondo, the South American referee of the Switzerland v South Korea match on Friday evening in Hanover.

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French Progress Fails To Disguise Major Flaws

France are through but will have it all to do to beat the impressive Spanish, writes Mike Martin…
Even by France’s recent low standards, failure to beat Togo, one of the worst teams in the tournament, would have been a cataclysmic failure. Yet it took until nine minutes into the second half before their sometimes [...]

Happy Harry

Harry Kewell, perhaps a little harshly, has a reputation as a good player who fails miserably on the biggest stage. But Kewell’s goal 11 minutes from time saw Guus Hiddink’s side scrape into the last 16 at the expense of Croatia, after an enthralling 2-2 draw awash with intriguing sub-plots.

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In defence of a Poll

I try not to get caught up in the euphoria, but Australia’s 2-2 draw with Croatia left me delirious and must have been the best game of the tournament so far in terms of non-stop action, end-to-end chances and two teams paying complete disregard for the traditions of the World Cup and going at it [...]

Gladiatorial Clash Serves As Euro Taster

The big nations had better get used to group stage clashes ahead of Euro 2008, writes Mike Martin.
It’s Argentina v Holland tonight. No, not a semi final, but an ordinary group stage clash. A bit of the edge has been lost as the draw made it the final match of the group, with [...]

Individual Errors To Blame For England

Mike Martin on the worrying England performance against Sweden.
In all honesty, and with a bit of sober hindsight, there were some positives from England’s 2-2 draw with Sweden. They have a second round match against surely inferior opposition, Gerrard looks like the best player in the world and Joe Cole scored with the best [...]

The Kid grows up

Fernando Torres, though just 22, has long been touted as the saviour of the Spanish national side.
Until now, his performances for his country have hinted at some of the vast potential he has shown for club Athletico Madrid, but fans have generally been disappointed – especially at Euro 2004. However, in fairness to Torres, [...]

Goals of the World Cup

I don’t think anyone can remember a World Cup with so many great goals in such a short period. The group stages are still to be concluded but already there are many candidates for the goal of the World Cup accolade. Footballing World runs through some of the best so far, with 15 on the [...]