Thariq Amir

What on paper promised to be a tightly fought contest ended up being a walk in the park for Germany and Joachim Löw. Portugal will be bitterly disappointed with their performance as they fell apart. And if they continue to play this way against the USA and Ghana, they’ll be on the first plane back […]

Except for the incredible ending, the match between Switzerland and Ecuador was not one for the purists, but it was an energetic, all action affair. Switzerland’s last gasp winner means that after nine games in this World Cup, there has yet to be a draw. If that wasn’t enough, this has been a tournament of […]

England vs. Italy – Observations: Despite the concerns about the state of the pitch and the weather conditions the match between Italy and England was extremely entertaining and tactically intriguing. Italy leaves Manaus happy after collecting all three points whilst England has a few questions to ponder before their next game. 1 – Italy dictated […]

Sometimes words just can’t do justice to describe a game of soccer. The first half of Netherlands against Spain was entertaining enough but the action in the second were simply breathtaking. Whenever Holland attacked in the second period, they looked like they were going to score whilst the Spaniards were made to look like an […]

We've already covered our Group Stage predictions for World Cup Groups A through D. And now we still have four more groups to cover in this predictions bonanza. Let’s not waste any more time shall we, and dive straight in. Group E: Switzerland, France, Ecuador & Honduras Switzerland, under German coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, qualified for […]

The clock is ticking and we’re coming closer and closer to kick-off. The world’s biggest football carnival will soon burst into life and we’ll see numerous footballing heroes (and possibly villains) emerge. There will be controversies aplenty on and off the pitch, but which teams will finish in the top two in their group to […]

The Sunday Times’ report into alleged corruption surrounding Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid is yet another unwanted body blow to FIFA’s credibility as the custodians of world soccer. The central allegation revolves around former Asian Football Confederation President Mohammed Bin Hammam, who is claimed to have paid a total of $5million to so-called ‘senior football […]

Belgium, the 5th favorites for the World Cup, has been touted as the tournament’s ‘dark horse’ by pundits and fans alike. The ‘dark horse’ tag is a bit of a misnomer though as the Belgians possess a squad replete with talent, but the title could fit quite comfortably on shoulders of their neighbors to the […]

Before starting this piece in earnest, I think it’s only fair to acknowledge my personal view about the Glazer family’s ownership of Manchester United. I’ve never been a fan of the takeover, nor do I agree with the way in which it was completed. I fully understand that Manchester United were always susceptible to a […]

The World Cup is nearly upon us and as the anticipation is ramping up for the biggest sporting event on the planet, so will the debates, talking points, narratives and clichés. No doubt soccer fans from all over will gather together with like-minded friends and discuss everything there is to talk about regarding the World […]

In Ed Woodward’s ideal world, he would be congratulating David Moyes on delivering the Premier League title. The midfield duo of Cesc Fàbregas and Thiago Alcantara – both signed early in the transfer window thanks to the combined convictions of Woodward and Moyes, inspire United to a 21st league success. A fit and happy Robin Van […]

Anyone remember a player by the name of Teeratep Winothai? Yes? No? David Moyes may not recall him but Winothai scored the winner for the Singha All Star XI as Manchester United succumbed 1-0 in the Scot’s first game in charge of the Red Devils. Though the result seemed harmless enough, it was nonetheless an […]

Few footballers in the English game today polarise opinion as much as John George Terry. To his supporters he’s a warrior with the heart of a lion and to many Chelsea fans he’s simply their “Captain, Leader, Legend”. To his detractors Terry is a nasty boor, an arrogant individual whose powers are on the wane. […]

When Luciano Spalletti used it, it made Roma one of the most talked about teams in Europe. When Scotland manager Craig Levein used it, he was roundly castigated for even trying it. And when Spain used it in Euro 2012, it caught pundits, fans and the opposition alike off-guard. The 4-6-0 formation in itself is […]

Charlie Adam is looking to get his Premier League career back on track. His transfer deadline day move to Stoke City may work out for both him and manager Tony Pulis. After having a memorable season during Blackpool’s stint in the Premiership scoring 12 goals, Adam earned himself a £6.75 million move to join Kenny […]