Try the powerful search:
Selected WPSN searches:
Football Soccer Formula 1 Rugby Racing Golf Blogs TennisPublished: March 19, 2014
The World Cup is the planet’s biggest festival of football. No player in their right mind, once qualification is secured, would dream of missing the tournament. Unfortunately for some, fate often has different ideas in the months leading up to the extravaganza. Absence via injury is always a concern as the World Cup inches closer, and every competition sees a few unlucky souls miss out....
Published: March 13, 2014
Argentina have been a perpetual candidate for the World Cup ever since winning their first title at home in 1978. With an enviable roster of stars and some of the best players in the world, it is therefore surprising to learn that the nation has not managed to pass the quarter-final stage for 24 years. In 2014, however, many observers believe that it could be the year of the Albiceleste. The...
Published: March 11, 2014
It is no coincidence that World Cup years often lead to intense transfer market activity. Rarely are so many top-quality players brought together in the same arena; and the result is a bonanza for managers and scouts looking for the next big talent. But who will be the players on everybody’s lips come the end of the next tournament in July 2014. The following 10 stars are better-placed...
Published: March 6, 2014
It is easy to look down on friendly internationals. For many fans, not to mention club coaches, they are an unwelcome distraction from the regular season that put their stars at risk of injury. For national teams themselves, they serve a valuable role in working out the strongest 11 players. This is even more important in a World Cup year, as the last few kinks are ironed out before the most important...
Published: March 6, 2014
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has been nothing if not consistent with his selections since taking over in 2011. The ex-Estudiantes man and Copa Libertadores winner has kept faith with the same group of players, valuing squad unity and experience over experimentation. For that reason, and given Argentina’s form in finishing first during the South American World Cup qualifying competition,...
Published: February 28, 2014
Just over three months away from the start of the World Cup, favourites to lift the trophy are already being identified. As is almost habitual, the Argentina national team is being mentioned as a strong candidate for glory in neighbouring Brazil. Coach Alejandro Sabella has an enviable wealth of talent at his disposal. This is particularly true when taking into account the attacking force the...
Published: February 26, 2014
Coming every four years, the World Cup is inevitably a watershed for football’s top stars. A good tournament can assure a player’s place in the history books, while an indifference or disappointing competition may leave a stain on one’s career that is difficult to remove. But as ever, the stakes are not equal for the competitors of each of the 32 competing nations in Brazil...
Published: February 20, 2014
While we are not quite in the home straights for Europe’s top leagues, the end of the season is moving ever nearer. In Spain particularly, the Liga race looks set to be closer than ever. Only goal difference separates leaders Barcelona from the two Madrid clubs, with Real followed by Atletico. All three teams are on 60 points after 24 games, and Round 26 sees Madrid visit Atletico in one...
Published: February 13, 2014
The Copa Libertadores unfortunately does not get as much press attention as it deserves. But the tournament that unites the continent’s best clubs is so much more than, as some dub it in Europe, “South America’s Champions League.” It is an historic and hyper-competitive competition in its own right. Over the next six months, the region’s finest talents will be on...
Published: February 5, 2014
At times, it seems that Argentina enjoys an almost bottomless pool of footballing talent. Like in any team, there are weaknesses, but the South American nation has a virtual production line of prospects eager to displace those world-class names at the top in attacking and creative positions. As coach of the Albiceleste, Alejandro Sabella faces the dilemma of cutting that list of hopefuls...