Few individuals have had such an enduring impact upon what we think constitutes beautiful football than Johan Cruyff.
As a playmaking forward in the great Ajax and Netherlands teams of the 1970s, Cruyff oozed inimitable style as he bent games to his will and thrilled the world with his eponymous turn.
An icon of his era and arguably the greatest European footballer ever to play the game, Cruyff s impact as a coach was somehow even more profound.
The irresistible approach of his Barcelona Dream Team in the early 1990s brought a maiden European trophy to Camp Nou along with four consecutive LaLiga titles. It is a legacy that sets the standard for the Catalan giants to this day
Beyond that, he switched on a generation of fans to the frictionless wonder of…
Friday did not go according to plan for Uruguay. La Celeste were beaten 1-0 by Lionel Messi s Argentina in their Copa America opener.
It was another match and another blank for Uruguay, who have not scored this calendar year amid a four-game winless streak.
Not since 2013 have Uruguay got the better of their old rivals, while Argentina are undefeated in five games against Uruguay at the Copa America.
Despite Uruguay s current problems and attacking woes, even with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in the line-up, Oscar Tabarez s legend continues to grow.
Tabarez is battling an ailment but is still serving the football-mad nation, dating back to 2006.
His story is not only legendary, but inspirational.
Final del partido en el estadio Mané G…
David Alaba is to join Real Madrid on a free transfer upon the expiry of his Bayern Munich contract, Los Blancos have confirmed.
The versatile Austria defender announced back in February that this season would be his last at the Allianz Arena, having initially joined Die Roten s youth set-up in 2008.
LaLiga giants Madrid have now swooped to bring Alaba to the Santiago Bernabeu on a five-year deal, beating off a host of Europe s elite clubs for his signature.
Alaba made his debut in a DFB-Pokal meeting with Greuther Furth in February 2010, becoming the club s youngest player in history at the time and setting up a goal for Franck Ribery within a minute of coming on.
The Austrian was 17 years, seven months and 18 days old when he made his debut, but Jamal …
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker:
Knowing that they can officially book their knockout stage ticket on Wednesday night, Switzerland will travel to Cologne when they meet Scotland.
Scotland
Starting with Scotland, while Steve Clarke’s camp might have opened this summer’s European Championships with the mood in their camp at a real high, the Tartan Army endured what was a nightmare opener last weekend. Eventually blown away in Munich as they suffered an infamous 5-1 drumming at the hands of host nation Germany, the former Kilmarnock boss has come under a huge amount of scrutiny. Despite opening this summer’s tournament with their sights set on securing a maiden knockout stage ticket, Scotland are already facing the prospect of being hit with a speedy return home.…
New England Revolution completed a stunning last-gasp comeback to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw with Orlando City in MLS thanks to two-goal hero Adam Buksa.
Supporters Shield winners the Revolution trailed 2-0 with nine minutes of regulation remaining before Poland international Buksa rescued an unlikely point for the high-flying outfit on Sunday.
Buksa pulled a goal back in the 81st minute and then struck in the third minute of stoppage time to salvage a dramatic draw and extend the Revs undefeated run to nine matches.
Orlando had been in control thanks to quick-fire goals from former Manchester United star Nani and Daryl Pike, who made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half.
With the point, New England (70 through 32 games) – having equalled the record …
Sunday finally sees the start of a tournament that has already been rescheduled twice as the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 begins in Cameroon.
Originally scheduled for last year, organisers decided to move the tournament from the original dates of June and July 2021 forward to January and February due to concerns about the unfavourable climactic conditions in Cameroon.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic saw the whole thing pushed back by a year, and so here we are. Third time lucky, and with some of the game s biggest stars ready to create more memories as Africa s best tussle it out for the continent s biggest prize.
On the eve of the competition, Stats Perform takes a look at some previous memories and classic moments from Africa Cup of Nations history, with penalty shoot…
Manchester United became the first team to win 700 Premier League games following their thrilling 4-2 victory over Leeds United.
The Red Devils had to work hard for their milestone triumph at Elland Road on Sunday. Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes put them 2-0 ahead by the interval in torrid conditions in Yorkshire, but Rodrigo and Raphinha restored parity with quickfire goals early in the second half.
However, Fred scored immediately after coming on from the bench before fellow substitute Anthony Elanga netted a fourth late on.
Overall, the Old Trafford club are 90 wins ahead of Chelsea, who have won the second-most matches (610), with Arsenal close behind in third on 609.
Manchester United great Ryan Giggs has won the most games in the competitio…
Chris Wilder has replaced Paul Heckingbottom as the Sheffield United manager, just in time to lead his team against Liverpool on Wednesday.
The 56-year-old was in charge at Bramall Lane for nearly five years, between May 2016 and March 2021, overseeing their promotion from the Championship to the Premier League ahead of the 2019/20 campaign. Following the disappointing 5-0 loss at the hands of fellow relegation battlers Burnley a few days ago, the club obviously felt the time had come to bring him back.
It s not about me, It s not about people I m bringing in, It s about the crowd, it s about the players setting the crowd alight giving them something to shout about.
Leave everything out there give everything for the badge they will be right behind you.
F…
While might have made real history last season as they claimed a first La Liga crown since 2019, Xavi’s side have struggled to hit a similar level this time around.
Opening the New Year sat seven points adrift of both Girona and bitter historic rivals Real Madrid, it has been reported that there is some mounting pressure on Xavi’s shoulders.
However, despite still dealing with some public financial issues behind the scenes in Catalonia, it has been suggested that Barca are keen on being active during January’s transfer window.
Although the reigning La Liga champions might not have much financial pull during this month’s window, it has been reported that is eyeing up a handful of Premier League superstars.
Douglas Luiz Aston Villa
With Aston Vi…
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker:
Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Premier League table, Manchester City will make the trip to Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
Everton
Starting with the hosts, putting in what was a stunning display on the south coast earlier in the week, Everton have certainly breathed life back into their charge for Premier League safety. Eventually putting in a season-best performance as they stormed their way to a 5-1 romp against European contenders Brighton, Sean Dyche’s side have also skyrocketed their way out of the bottom-three. However, while the former Burnley boss might have seen his squad draw a line under their seven-match winless run, the Blues will be more than aware that they face a monumental …