The performance of the minnows Many predicted that the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams would render the Group stage largely meaningless, and would lead to a number of very one-sided matches. In the event, there were few walkovers, and one or two of the less-heralded teams massively exceeded expectations. Chief among them […]
Tag: ronaldo
The best (and worst) Portuguese ever to play in the Premier League
Goalkeeper, Rui Patricio – Capped over 100 times for his country, Patricio was part of the Portuguese ‘take-over’ of Wolves from the mid-2010s. Something of an ‘old school’ keeper, the 6’3” Portuguese was no wannabe outfielder, but was instead an acrobatic shot stopper with great reflexes, who was also strong in one-on-ones with attackers. Wolves […]
The best and worst of the World Cup – 1998 France
The wonder goal – Michael Owen, England 2-2 Argentina, Round of 16 It was clear from his earliest days that Michael Owen was a very special talent. A prolific scorer at all levels as a junior, he made his debut for Liverpool’s senior team aged only 17 yrs 143 days, a game in which he […]
The best and worst of the World Cup – 2002 South Korea/Japan
The Saipan incident – Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy It took the Republic of Ireland many, many attempts before they managed to qualify for the World Cup. Indeed, it was 13th time lucky when they finally made it in 1990 under the singular leadership of Jack Charlton. When Charlton led them again to the finals […]
The best and worst of the World Cup – 2006 Germany
The moment of madness – Zinedine Zidane, Final, 9 July 2006 One of the greatest footballers of all-time, Zinedine Zidane was a midfield playmaker who could do everything. Blessed with immense skill, great vision and a unquenchable desire to win, he dominated the midfield, making every team he played for both dangerous and difficult to […]