Author Archives: Ahmed Yussuf

The two biggest clubs in British soccer history are on their way to Australia this summer. Make no mistake about it; this is a huge scalp for Australian football. Manchester United announced the pre-season tour mid-December with great effect. Tickets … Continue reading →

Following Arsenal’s 2-1 loss in the north London derby, questions have to be asked about Arsene Wenger’s grip on the club he has managed since 1996. Wenger has been regarded as one of the greatest managers in Europe. His revolution … Continue reading →

Arsenal is under the microscope yet again. At the beginning of the season, it was “No RVP, no goals, and no Song.” Now it’s cries of “Wenger OUT,” even more-so after the loss at Old Trafford. But, wasn’t this the … Continue reading →

Arsenal was earmarked as potential dark horses in the title race before the loss of Robin van Persie. Now without Van Persie, the hope for a title challenge has suddenly disappeared and has been replaced with doubts of Champions League … Continue reading →

With just hours to go until the Euro 2012 final begins, flashbacks to past encounters between the Azzurri and La Furia Roja are coming to mind. Classic football matches, those that have shaped both national times significantly. Do you remember … Continue reading →

It was the 1970 World Cup semi-final. Now Italian manager Cesare Prandelli recalls where he was that day. “I watched it at home on TV with my father and it was the greatest emotion I’d got from football.” They’d defeated … Continue reading →

The Azzurri are marching with their heads held high after defying the pre-tournament critics and escaping group C. Coach Cesare Prandelli’s tactical masterstroke against Spain demonstrated his vision. The Catenaccio styled Italy has been absent this tournament, and a new more … Continue reading →

Italian football has been criticised for its overtly physical approach. The classic Catenaccio style played in the past has been altered. A fresh faced Italian with the name of Cesare Prandelli is the culprit. Prandelli’s appointment has allowed Italy to … Continue reading →

Editor’s note: Is Chelsea’s victory against Barcelona a sign that English football is in a revival, or is it a false dawn? EPL Talk blogger Ahmed Yussuf takes one side of the argument, while I (The Gaffer) take another. Read both … Continue reading →

Barcelona in recent seasons has been lauded as potentially the greatest side in modern football. However, does this fluid and total football playing side have any flaws? One may argue the club showered with praise should act accordingly to their … Continue reading →

Yesterday’s Newcastle United against Liverpool match demonstrated the flaws in modern soccer. The simulation by James Perch after a clash of heads between him and Pepe Reina was a prime example of this. The blatant deception of officials seems to … Continue reading →

The word “football” in Australia may be interpreted in recent years as an oval shaped ball played on a oval pitch with four large poles. This game called AFL has been an infatuation of Australians everywhere. However, football — known … Continue reading →