Highlighting Enzo Fernandez's importance in Argentina's World Cup quest
by Ben McAleer
at Jumanne, Des 6 2022 15:50
It's been a whirlwind 12 months for Enzo Fernandez. This time last year, he hadn't even earned his first senior cap for Argentina, and had only been a first team regular for heavyweights River Plate for a few months. As Julian Alvarez hogged the limelight, Fernandez casually went about his business ...
Ziyech's return key as Morocco eye World Cup upset against Spain
by Ben McAleer
at Jumatatu, Des 5 2022 15:55
Even without Hakim Ziyech, Morocco still had one of the strongest squads at AFCON 2021, yet crashed out at the quarter-final stage at the hands of eventual finalists Egypt. Nevertheless, it was a sub-par campaign for the Atlas Lions, who had been one of the pre-tournament favourites.Fast forward to ...
Messi, Mbappe and Fernandes make World Cup group stage best XI
by Ben McAleer
at Jumamosi, Des 3 2022 11:10
With the group stages having come to an end, and the last-16 now set, it's time to take a look at the group stage best XI of those to have made at least two appearances. France are the dominant side in the team, while Argentina, England, Brazil, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Morocco and Cameroon ar...
Gvardiol's World Cup showings cementing reputation as one of Europe's top defenders
by Ben McAleer
at Ijumaa, Des 2 2022 16:11
Buying a player on the back of their performance at an international tournament is so often a risk. The standout example is Karel Poborsky, who was excellent for the Czech Republic at Euro 96, playing a key role in their progression to the final, and sealing a summer move to Manchester United as a r...
Why Fernandes, and not Ronaldo, is now Portugal's most important player
by Ben McAleer
at Jumatano, Nov 30 2022 16:35
Cristiano Ronaldo may have claimed the goal was his, but after going through the footage with a fine tooth comb, Portugal's opener against Uruguay was awarded to Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United man put a perfectly weighted cross into the box early in the second half that ended up sneaking pas...
Fullkrug proving the unlikely saviour of Germany's World Cup campaign
by Ben McAleer
at Jumatatu, Nov 28 2022 16:50
Kai Havertz as a striker for Germany failed. Thomas Muller as a striker for Germany failed. Niclas Fullkrug as the super-sub worked, or at least it did against Spain. With 20 minutes to go, Germany stared down the very likely scenario of a second successive World Cup group stage exit as they trailed...
Harry Maguire silences critics as he again shines for England
by Ben McAleer
at Jumamosi, Nov 26 2022 16:47
Gareth Southgate's England squad was always going to draw groans of discontent. There were maybe one or two issues with his selection for Qatar 2022, but on the whole; the squad was fine. There is ample experience and plenty of exciting youngsters to select from, though based on form, the centre-bac...
Richarlison primed to channel inner R9 as Brazil chase sixth World Cup
by Ben McAleer
at Jumamosi, Nov 26 2022 09:15
Unsurprisingly, Brazil got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start. There were some concerns over how Tite's side would live up to their favourites billing, especially having watched on as powerhouse pair Argentina and Germany both got their respective campaigns off to a disastrous start, lo...
Why Lucas Hernandez's injury could prove a blessing for France in Qatar
by Ben McAleer
at Jumatano, Nov 23 2022 13:40
As France seek to defend their World Cup crown, a succession of injuries hasn't aided their cause. Their starting central midfield pairing at Russia 2018 - Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante - were ruled out before the tournament forced its way to the forethought of France fans, while Ballon d'Or winner Ka...
Are Brazil's full-backs cause for concern at Qatar 2022?
by Ben McAleer
at Jumanne, Nov 22 2022 16:55
Brazil are the overwhelming favourites to win the 2022 World Cup, and it is easy to see why. There is a raft of talent within the Selecao squad, notably in attack with Tite able to call upon the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison, to name four, in what is arguably the mo...