England v USA: How Europe embraced America’s young footballers November 25, 2022 When the USA hosted the World Cup in 1994, their squad was an overwhelmingly domestic selection. Fourteen of their 22-man party were based in the States, with 12 of those on central contracts with the US Soccer Federation. Only two of the players belonged to clubs in Europe’s five biggest leagues, among them Coventry City [...]
World Cup briefing: Friday’s games and why you should watch them November 25, 2022 The Qatar 2022 World Cup breaks new ground today when the first clutch of teams, including England, play their second group games. Here is why – and how – to watch them. Wales v Iran, 10am, BBC If they are going to reach the last 16 in their first World Cup for 64 years, Wales [...]
Ed Warner: Manchester United should have refused to tear up Cristiano Ronaldo contract November 24, 2022 Watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s conversation with Piers Morgan I was instantly reminded of Princess Di’s (in)famous interview with Martin Bashir, so much in the news in recent months. No sense here though that the footballer was duped into his doe-eyed criticisms of Manchester United – certainly not if we accept Morgan’s subsequent justifications for the guest [...]
World Cup briefing: Final day of round one gets underway in Qatar November 24, 2022 As Japan joined Saudi Arabia in inflicting a shock World Cup result on opponents fancied for the title, the final day of round one action gets underway in Qatar. City A.M. looks at today’s games and what’s at stake. Group G: Switzerland v Cameroon, ITV Having reached the last 16 in the previous two World [...]
Manchester United: Glazers face disappointment over £6bn price tag November 23, 2022 Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, look likely to have to drop their asking price of £6bn to £8bn for the Premier League football club. The Glazers, who also own NFL franchise the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced they were ready to sell United after 17 years in charge earlier this week. The Americans fired the [...]
World Cup briefing: Who are playing today and how to watch the matches November 23, 2022 Saudi Arabia sprung one of the World Cup’s biggest ever upsets when they beat Argentina yesterday but today sees some of Europe’s big teams playing their first-round match in Qatar. City A.M. previews Wednesday’s games. Group F: Morocco v Croatia, 10am, ITV The wannabe co-hosts of the 2030 tournament, Morocco, take on 2018 finalists Croatia [...]
Glazers to explore sale of Manchester United, state reports November 22, 2022 Premier League club Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, are reportedly ready to announce their intention to look at potential investment in the club. The news could see one of the world’s most famous clubs change hands after a dynasty of ownership lasting 17 years. The examination of potential income sources could include an auction, [...]
Trevor Steven: Iran showed why England will need back three later in this World Cup November 22, 2022 While England have made an almost perfect start to the World Cup, Argentina put in the sort of performance in their defeat to Saudi Arabia that we had dreaded from the Three Lions. Herve Renard and the Saudis got their tactics absolutely right, using a high line to suffocate Argentina and expose them as one-dimensional [...]
Saudi Arabia stun Argentina in one of World Cup’s biggest ever shocks November 22, 2022 Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating much-fancied Argentina in their opening match in Qatar today. Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead with a penalty but second-half goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al Dawsari stunned the two-time winners and delighted the strong Saudi support at the Lusail [...]
Only 5.8m viewers stuck around for whole England v Iran 6-2 victory November 22, 2022 Only 5.8m viewers stuck around to watch the whole of England’s 6-2 victory against Iran in its World Cup opening match yesterday. According to fresh data from ratings body Barb, the lunchtime match raked in far fewer viewers than the Lions’ opening match back in 2018 at the Russia World Cup, as well as the [...]