Two Brazilian footballers, two completely different lives. One who enjoyed success at every stage of his career, the other who endured an immense struggle over the years. While one nursed a burning ambition of being a lightning-quick goalscorer capable of scoring goals against the toughest of defences with his pace and trickery, the other was more…

If you’re going to try, go all the way… Unlike Iceland and Nigeria, the people of Zagreb and Buenos Aires have always had good World Cup stories to tell, but en route Russia 2018, it was Croatia and Argentina who faced the embarrassing likelihood of failing to qualify. Had things turned out differently in AFCON…

Russia 2018 will go down as one of the greatest World Cup tournaments in history. At the semi final stage, the contrast between the two games couldn’t have been any more different. On one side, the golden generations of Belgium and France squared off, and as pre-tournament favorites, it came as no surprise. On the…

Belgium was the team that pleased the neutrals the most at the 2018 World Cup with its attacking play, thanks largely to its golden generation of footballers coming to the fore. Prior to the tournament, De Rode Duivels were considered to be dark horses for the trophy, but there was skepticism over the team. Under…

In one of the best group stage matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the defending champions Germany took on Sweden in their second group stage match. Both European teams were coming off different scenarios in their first match in Group F; Sweden was fighting to advance into the Round of 16, Germany was fighting…

In a recent match that took place in Group E of the World Cup, Serbia played Switzerland in Matchday 2 of 3 in the group stage. A dramatic contest, the Serbians scored first but were unable to preserve their lead, conceding 2 unanswered goals to the Swiss – goals supplied in the second half by…

After witnessing the performances decline the second half of the Serie A season, Italian club Sampdoria should be active when the 2018 summer transfer window opens. The Genoese club was in contention for Europa League spot in the early stages of the 2017/18 campaign and the Doriani played some splendid football but the lack of…

Yet another graduate of the ever-so-popular FFA COE, Iranian-born winger Daniel Arzani is the youngest player in the Australian World Cup squad. He’s not even 20 years old, and the fact he is going to Russia is a rare feat for an Australian. However, the national media has been raving about him and they would…

The World Cup’s perennial dark horses go into this year’s competition boasting one of the most talented squads they have ever taken to a major competition. A delightful blend of youthful flair, pace and exuberance coupled with seasoned, experienced veterans of the game has prompted many of the Portuguese faithful to have high hopes ahead…