On language, Marcus Edward’s played for Sporting and as far as I know he doesn’t speak Portuguese.

I’d read less into that, he isn’t coming from Adelaide United. That sort of money is what it takes to pry a young talent away from the Championship. Even more than that in many cases. Not saying they don’t rate him, but that’s more the English tax.

This would be incredible if it comes to fruition. Sporting are a winger factory. Rui Borges is a great up and coming manager. Trincão has just left for Saudi and Quenda I believe is leaving for Chelsea so there’s a genuine opening in that squad for Nestor.

I think you’re talking about Cambiaso’s goal against Serbia/Montenegro (at that time). Pékerman was the manager that day. One of my fav’s.

Very good post this. From reading the papers in Argentina, I feel as though regardless of the result and the approach, there is a huge amount of love for the Selección because of Messi and what they did 4 years ago. I don't think Argentina are ready for a reckoning until Messi retires and...

Glad this shitfest of cronyism is over and we can now return to the bread & butter of football, being club football.

It helps to have a manager like Simeone to raise the valuation of the squad (including his son ;))

I'm not big on "IF" scenarios in football, but a world class front three would have put Argentina to bed in 90mins without needing a man down and extra time. The total domination from back to front was clear to see, Spain just don't have elite forwards. That's why they have a defensive...

Yeah everyone understands that re: possession is the best form of defence. Spain needed extra-time and a man down to beat a bunch of mid table dross built around a brilliant little guy pushing 40, after 68% possession and 20 shots. I think what that points too is Spain's front three are mid...

I’m sure many people would disagree with my opinion. I just think for all the resources they have, this reliance of false 9’s just makes hard work of it. They could be so much more ruthless. They beat 10 men. If Enzo stays on the field, that game goes to penalties, I have no doubt about it.

It’s a good thing Spain won but I personally do not like their football philosophy of essentially 11 highly technical midfielders across each position on the pitch. It’s also really boring to watch. WC finals are always cagey affairs for the most part, but Spain’s development system almost shot...

Oh did the donkey defender come striker miss another sitter?

Alcaraz is, I’m sorry.

This is what happens when you stop developing Raul, David Villa & Fernando Torres. Oyarzabal and heaven forbid Morino are nowhere near that class. Spain will still go on and win it now.

Is it just me or does is FIFA slowly releasing all the shit ideas they’re doing to the sport one by one:

Yeah so my argument isn't so much the result, rather the way we went about it. Approach/Style doesn't really have anything to do with the age of the player.

I'm unsure about this to be fair. We fielded the youngest starting XI in the tournament. Most of our players are nowhere near their peak. I think where their career takes them is still to be determined, but signs are we have a very good young crop of players, who some are finding their way to...

If money is the big issue which we know it is then there’s very limited choice. Lee Carsley would be one out of left field. Probably wouldn’t cost a bomb and has worked extensively at both youth and National Team level with the English FA. Kasper Hjulmand might be gettable at similar money to...

I don’t think it’s cultural appropriation or inheritance. I think Poppa and Tuchel sing from the same hymn sheet in coaching philosophy. There’s nothing wrong with different styles, just how you read game state matters. Tuchel was a genius at the Azteca and a dunce in Atlanta.

I don’t think there’s one without one from my count. Only serious football countries win knockout games.