ANDREA PIRLO has blasted Italy’s “scared” flops. A 1-0 defeat in Sweden left the four-time World Cup winners facing up to the prospect of missing out on a first finals in 60 years. Azzurri boss Gian Piero Ventura took another battering in his homeland after an insipid display against a team without an obvious matchwinner. […]
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs could make millions if their stars light up the World Cup. Fifa has trebled the amount of money it will give clubs for releasing players for Russia 2018 compared to Brazil 2014. Everyone in the 23-man squads of the two finalists – even if they have not been on the pitch for […]
CYRUS CHRISTIE’S uncle Errol inspired him to stay away from a life of crime — and make his name as a World Cup star. The Middlesbrough right-back goes into the Republic of Ireland’s play–off against Denmark on Saturday still carrying the heartbreak of Errol’s passing. Errol was once England’s boxing captain and in the Guinness […]
CROATIA are on the brink of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup after blitzing to a 4-1 win at home to Greece. Luka Modric, Nikola Kalinic, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric all got on the score sheet as Zlatko Dalic’s men proved to be too good at Stadion Maksimir. The home country got off to the […]
MICHAEL O’NEILL’S worst nightmare came true in the ground where they tell you to DreamBigger. A shocking decision by French ref Marc Batta leaves Northern Ireland facing a massive uphill battle to reach their first World Cup finals for 32 years. A dreadful penalty decision 13 minutes into the second half puts the Swiss favourites […]