Jorge Sampaoli has restored order amid the chaos but Argentina still face some searching questions on their rocky road to Russia 2018The good news for Argentina is that this isn’t as bad as 2010. At least this time round they only lost 2-0 rather than 6-1 in Bolivia and at least this time they were able to get rid of their coach afterwards, rather than being caught up in the multiple contradictions that occur when you’ve appointed a shambolic legend who is widely worshipped but is a genuinely terrible football manager. But the situation is not good. Argentina lie fifth in Conmebol World Cup qualifying, a play-off spot, having scored fewer goals than every side bar Bolivia and Paraguay. Related:...
Fifa must deprive Russia from staging next year’s World Cup if possible doping offences by the country’s 2014 World Cup squad are found to be trueOf course there were denials. There are always denials. It is part of the dance, the fast‑paced barynya, when it comes to Russia and doping allegations. No sooner had the Mail on Sunday revealed that the country’s entire 23-man squad for the 2014 World Cup was under investigation by Fifa for possible doping offences, than its deputy prime minister, and chairman of 2018 World Cup Russia, Vatily Mutko, put up the shutters. “There have never been and will never be any problems with doping in our football,” he said. “They have written some sort of...
On the eve of the Confederations Cup, the focus for officials is on having a smooth event now that shows fans there is nothing to fear from coming to Russia for the 2018 World CupWith less than a year to go until the World Cup kicks off at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, excitement is building inside Russia as the country prepares to host the Confederations Cup, the eight-team warm-up tournament designed as a dress rehearsal for 2018.As the authorities promise a spectacular, exciting finals next year, the setup is beset with all the usual worries that accompany a major tournament, as well as a couple of Russia-specific ones. Related: Fifa ‘has come up short’ in protecting Russia 2018 stadium workers Related:...
Coach called on Jones to give his squad a lesson in winning before their match with Lithuania and his charges are learning the value of initiativeGareth Southgate handed the stage to the player at his side when it came down to dissecting more precisely the advice and guidance offered up by Eddie Jones on Friday night. The England rugby union coach had addressed the nation’s senior football squad back at their team hotel in Hertfordshire, his presentation devoid of PowerPoint slides or whiteboard bullet points. Players have a tendency to drift off on such occasions, staring blankly at the rat‑a‑tat of buzzwords, but the Australian apparently held the room.“We have taken massive inspiration from his work,” said Ryan Bertrand. “His...
The Peruvians haven’t been to a World Cup since 1982, and two huge matches this week could decide my team’s fate. For better or worse, I’m keeping the faithWith six matches to go in South American World Cup qualification, the table could hardly be tighter. The difference between first-placed Brazil and fifth-placed Argentina is eight points. Below them, three other teams still have a realistic chance of qualification. Only Bolivia and Venezuela are out of it. Related: Germany 1-0 England: five talking points from the friendly in Dortmund | Jamie Jackson Continue reading...