A decade after the Brazilian World Cup winner left the Emirates Arsenal look to have at last found a defensive midfielder of similar stature in the powerful pocket-sized UruguayanSo it turns out what Arsenal had been missing all this time has been an energetic deep-lying midfielder. Who knew? It was entirely fitting that it should be Lucas Torreira who rounded off their 4-2 victory in the north London derby on Sunday; he had been the key player in the game, not just for what he did with the ball, and without it, but because of what he embodies.In the days of the debilitating niceness, Arsenal would probably not have come back from conceding two goals in quick succession just after...
We rank the eight quarter-finalists in Russia with Roberto Martínez’s team at No 1 after their magnificent defeat of Brazil Would anyone have stood a chance against Belgium’s first-half evisceration of Brazil? Their front three were irresistible and in the process answered the lingering questions about Roberto Martínez’s ability to mastermind success on this stage. Martínez got his set-up spot on and, if he is similarly tuned into France’s weaknesses, his team has an outstanding chance of making the final – although Didier Deschamps will spy some susceptibility at the back, particularly when faced with pace. There will never be a better opportunity for this set of players, many of them at or approaching their peak, to confirm the promise...
Argentina’s first opponents are following in the tradition of Uruguay by achieving big results from such a small base and it may require Leo Messi’s genius to crack their rock-like resolveHow many inhabitants does a country need before we have a right to demand a footballing style? I have been thinking that as Argentina prepare for their opening game, just as I wonder that every time I think of Uruguay, who have been determined to win since the beginning of time without getting into debates about the way they do it. Related: Uruguay’s Diego Godín: ‘They kicked Luis Suárez out like a dog. It was unjust, disproportionate’ Related: Iceland’s Heimir Hallgrímsson: I have one of the best jobs in the...
Before the 2014 World Cup, Suárez had been on a PR campaign – but that lasted for about two hours of play in stifling Natal In the first half of Uruguay’s final group game against Italy at the 2014 World Cup, Luis Suárez launched a late, clumsy challenge on Andrea Pirlo, upending the playmaker with the subtlety of a man taking down a tree with a blunt axe. As Pirlo tumbled, a flailing forearm struck Suárez around the ear. Suárez, assuming the role of the wronged man, held his head, stared at Pirlo, looking hurt and shocked – shocked! – that anyone could do such a thing.Around 40 minutes later, the score still 0-0, Suárez did similar. But this time...
Twenty-three nations have booked their places for the World Cup in Russia, with the holders and Brazil looking in good shape but we rank England in 13th place, below IcelandIf the world champions were frustrated by their failure to win continental honours at Euro 2016 they have certainly taken it out on everyone else since. Germany won 10 qualifying games out of 10 and, even if San Marino’s presence in Group C needs taking into account, a record 43 goals scored suggests things are back in their old working order. So too did their Confederations Cup title in July, achieved with an experimental squad; Joachim Löw can select from an unrivalled depth of talent and, while winning back-to-back World Cups...