In an unprecedented episode perhaps not only in the history of the World Cup but in all memorable international competition, the French national team players have revolted against team trainers and officials at today’s training session. Lead by team captain…
Author: 91minute
Refereeing Determinant Factor
Controversial officiating that started during South Africa’s match against Uruguay has spread around over the past few days. After the referees were complimented for fairly good work at the start of the tournament, the sentiment has turned definitively bitter. Several…
Bravo USA
The rising American national team performed admirably yesterday, not only for coming back from a 2-0 deficit and apparently winning the match, but for the attractive game the players put together in doing so. Surely the Americans gained supporters and…
Mexico Celebrates, France Crumbles
A day of opposite extremes, one that Mexicans around the world will remember for a long time, one the French will mark as one of the darkest moments of their sporting history. The match itself was not spectacular. France failed…
Argentina Rolls, Delivers Spectacle
On one of the best day of the World Cup thus far, the annoying buzzing of the vuvuzelas finally gave way to the marvelous chorus of chanting and the booming beat of the drums. Who else – Argentina, of course,…
Catch-a-Fire
Six days into the World Cup, every team has now appeared at least once and it is fair to say that, until today, the tournament has fallen short of the dazzling display anticipated. With the exception of Argentina – Nigeria,…
Argentina and Germany Impressive, England Swagger Deflated, Ghana Up
Amidst the incessant buzzing of the vuvuzelas, the first three days of the tournament are in the history books with a mixed batch of impressions and a couple of mild surprises. Concerns continue to float on and off the pitch,…
World Cup Predictions
The first ever World Cup to be hosted by an African nation, South Africa 2010, is on the verge of kick-off. In less than 24 hours, the home country’s Bafana Bafana will take on Mexico in the competition’s inaugural match.…
BarraBravas in Africa
A fascinating story has emerged during the past week concerning the arrival of Argentine supporters in South Africa, among them many leaders of supporter groups from various clubs in Argentina, effectively gangsters, referred to as Barrabravas at home. Incredibly, about…
Coaching Carousel
Jose Mourinho’s move to Madrid was not the only remarkable end of the season development. Last week Italy’s soccer federation unanimously selected Cesare Prandelli to succeed Marcello Lippi as Italy coach after the 2010 World Cup. This is an excellent…
Mourinho Arrives in Madrid
The word “saga” gets thrown around loosely among Anglo-American journalists, often in an effort to create a buzz about an unremarkable story, but the Mourinho episode during the past week correctly merits this designation. The “saga” ended today with the…
Inter Prevails, Celebration Tamed
Two excellent individual efforts by Diego Milito made the difference in Saturday’s Champions League final to complete Inter’s dream season and place the Italian club on course to match Barcelona’s unprecedented achievement in 2009. The moment of glory did not…
Champions League Preview
Bayern Munich’s path to today’s Champions League final in Madrid reflects the German club’s status as the competition’s team of destiny. Their passage from group stage to the semifinals had a touch of miracle just about every step of the…
Copa Libertadores Quarters
Heartbreak gave way to chaos in Buenos Aires after Estudiantes was eliminated from the competition by a late away goal from Brazilian club Internacional de Porto Alegre. The intensity of the match spilled over after the final whistle, sparked by…
Spanish Curtain Call
In front of 100,000 jubilant spectators that provided a great atmosphere at the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona, Sevilla claimed La Copa del Rey in Spain with an efficient win over Atletico Madrid, the newly crowned Europa League champion. The…