The first World Cup that I remember properly is Spain ’82; I have vague memories of Kempes et al in 1978 but Bryan Robson and Paulo Rossi in 1982 is where it really started for me. Aged ten and a bit I was embarking on my first Panini sticker mission (I was already an accomplished trader [...]

As the furore of another eventful season dies down all eyes turn towards South Africa and the first World Cup to be staged on African soil. Unless your loyalties lie in non league football, in which case you are probably keeping a keen eye on the maelstrom that began unfolding early in the season and [...]

History has proved that home advantage always plays a part in a major tournament, particularly the FIFA World Cup. Six of the seven world champions have won on their own turf, Brazil being the exception (beaten finalists as hosts in 1950). England and France won their only title as hosts, Uruguay, Italy and Argentina won [...]

Another article that I recently wrote for the Soccerphile website… The UEFA Champions League has reached its climax and a competition that always manages to write its own headlines has produced another; albeit a headline that few would have predicted but one that could have significant ramifications for the 2010 World Cup. This was a season [...]

I’m currently doing some writing for a couple of Football / World Cup sites & blogs. I’ll post links to the articles that I produce for anybody that is interested… These are on the World Cup site – Rooney Injury | Fifa Rankings This one’s on the Soccerphile site – Rooney Or Messi? And this one will be [...]