6 Bold Predictions for World Rugby This Weekend: European Playoffs Set to Dazzle

The postseason proceedings continue in Europe this week as the Top 14, Pro12 and Premiership campaigns edge toward their climaxes, along with the RFU Championship. Only the best and brightest of France, England, Ireland and Scotland remain clinched in the struggle for supremacy of their respective divisions, with some all-star encounters already on the slate. In Round 14 of the Super Rugby season,... 

Will Croatia Play Without a ‘True’ Holder at the World Cup?

Croatia’s provisional squad list for the World Cup tells a story—but only if you know what to look for. Those who are really familiar with manager Niko Kovac‘s tactical leanings and the characteristics of the players in question will, however, notice one important detail: There’s only one “true” holding midfielder on that list, as reported by BBC Sport. The... 

Lionel Messi Brushes off Diego Maradona, Pele Pressure Ahead of World Cup

Lionel Messi is already a certified football icon, sitting alongside the sport’s greatest talents at the age of 26. The four-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose list of accolades covers every major club trophy with Barcelona, doesn’t feel he has anything to prove at this summer’s World Cup. Detractors suggest that, because Messi hasn’t led Argentina to glory, he cannot be compared... 

Selecting an Argentina XI from World Cup Absentees

Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano, Pablo Zabaleta. The talent that Argentina will have on display at the 2014 World Cup is awe-inspiring. Coach Alejandro Sabella named a strong preliminary squad of 30, which will try and break a 28-year drought in the competition starting next month.  The list certainly looks daunting for opponents, but could it have been even stronger?... 

Is Luiz Felipe Scolari Taking a Massive Gamble with No Experience in Attack?

Fred, Neymar and Hulk. In Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari‘s line-up, these are the three charged with finding the goals that will lead the Selecao to a sixth World Cup crown. After such an impressive run of form, who could blame Felipao for sticking with the tried and tested? As hosts, Brazil have not had to qualify for the tournament. That means, in the last two years, the side has played just... 

2014 World Cup Tactics Board: Analysing Didier Deschamps’ France

Welcome to the latest of our World Cup tactics boards, our series looking at each of the 32 qualified nations for the 2014 FIFA tournament in Brazil. This time around we’re looking at France, the mighty European nation led by Didier Deschamps. Despite winning the World Cup on home soil in 1998, they have twice failed to progress past the group stages in the three tournaments since then. Having... 

5 Surprise Omissions from the France World Cup Squad

On Tuesday night, French national team boss Didier Deschamps went on French TV to announce his squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Everyone knew he was going to pick 30 names for the upcoming friendlies, but it was unclear if he would leave it open or pick a 23-man squad with reserves. In the hours building up to the announcement, the list of 30 names could have featured around 50 different players... 

Calvin Verdonk Scores Long-Range Wondergoal for Netherlands vs. England

The UEFA European Under-17 Championships are currently taking place in Malta, where the Netherlands beat England 2-0 on Thursday to top Group A. Their opening goal, scored on the brink of half-time, was a stunner by Feyenoord youngster Calvin Verdonk. His strike for the Dutch U17 side was reminiscent of the famous goal scored by compatriot Arie Haan in the 1978 World Cup against Italy. Compare... 

5 Surprise Omissions from the Italy World Cup Squad

There was always going to be disappointments when Cesare Prandelli announced his provisional 30-man squad for this summer’s World Cup. Italy might not be as highly regarded as Spain or Brazil, but the Azzurri aren‘t short on talent and the coach has called up a wide selection of players over the course of the qualification campaign.  Some of the names left out were surprising, however,... 

England National Team: Predicting Their 5 Most Important Players at World Cup

After Roy Hodgson revealed his youthful 23-man squad on Monday, opinions were largely split on the subject of England’s World Cup chances. The English government is very pessimistic of its team’s chances, while Wayne Rooney has boldly stated that the Three Lions can become heroes in Brazil. Whether Hodgson’s team flops or flourishes, it will come down largely to the play of the... 

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