Soccer (FIFA)
fromThe New Yorker
11 hours agoWhy the World Cup Can Feel Like War
FIFA has long prioritized profit and political coziness over the sport's founding ideals, enabling authoritarian gestures and corruption.
I'm very happy, As I say so many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia. It's a country that has welcomed me very well, and my family and my friends. I'm happy here, I want to continue here. The most important thing is we keep pushing [for the league title], we are there at the top. We do our job, we win, make pressure, let's see at the end of the season.
If you still have the energy to tackle another round after that last brainteaser, we have curated a fresh selection of challenges to see if your footballing knowledge is truly top-tier, all courtesy of Kwizly. From the prestige of the Champions League to the unpredictable world of reality television, there is plenty here to keep your brain working overtime. We'll start with a look at the elite clubs of the continent.
For me, it's better to ease back into it a bit more slowly and hopefully be better by the end of the season. That's why I'm happy with the progress I'm making now. I'm doing a lot of extra training sessions so my foot always feels fresher. Some days it's a bit stiff. But like I said: I don't want any excuses; when I'm on the pitch, I have to perform and deliver,
Gilli had felt like a lame duck since the Arnault family took over the club midway through last season, but earning promotion to Ligue 1 at the first time of asking bought him a stay of execution. It didn't last long. With fears of relegation growing, Kombouare a former lame duck turned firefighter has taken his place. Just like Gilli, Kombouare too failed to fulfil the lofty ambitions of new owners; his face didn't fit.
RB Leipzig signed Diomande from Spanish side Leganes last summer, viewing him as a long-term investment with immediate upside. The move has proven inspired. In his first season in Germany, the winger has delivered nine goals and seven assists across all competitions, impressive numbers for a teenager adapting to a new league. Diomande's style is built around explosive pace, intelligent movement in wide areas and composure in one-on-one situations.
In 1986, when Norwegian delegate Ellen Wille stood on stage at Fifa's annual congress in Mexico and demanded the creation of a World Cup for women, it sparked support from one of the room's unlikeliest allies. Delegates from North Korea, so the story goes, were inspired by Wille's speech and returned to Pyongyang with a plan: to use women's football as a tool to reassert their collapsing power on the world stage.
Tottenham weren't quite as dreadful as they were in losing 4-1 to Arsenal in November, but they were still extremely so, devoid of wit, energy, solidity, creativity, quality, and everything else one would hope to see in a football team. Make no mistake, they are in serious danger of going down and, assessing their fixtures, it is not easy to see where they might win enough points to stay up
Andy Robertson's future at Liverpool is entering a delicate and defining phase, sources close to the agents indsutry have informed CaughtOffside. With the Scottish captain moving into the final year of his contract, the summer of 2026 looms as a potential turning point in a career that has become synonymous with the club's modern golden era. Since arriving at Anfield in 2017, Robertson has played a pivotal role in Liverpool's resurgence, helping deliver Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.
Image source, Getty Images Holders Chelsea edged past Manchester United into the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to an extra-time tap-in from defender Naomi Girma. The United States international prodded home from close range in the 99th minute to open her goal account for the Blues after the visitors had failed to clear their lines from a corner. It was a disappointing end to the tie for Marc Skinner's side, who had battled from behind to take the contest into extra-time.
Gian Piero Gasperini warned Roma they will be in a 'battle to the end' for the Serie A Champions League spots, despite him not expecting his first season to 'go quite this well'.
Another weekend of action from Europe's top leagues is in the books, and as always, we have plenty to break down! So let's begin with the big game of the Premier League weekend, Sunday's north London derby, where Arsenal stuck to a winning formula in thumping their rivals Tottenham 4-1 to remain in charge (for now, anyway) of the title race.
Clearly, Woltemade is an issue for Newcastle. They're trying to work out what's best for him. Is he a No.10? Probably not. They try and play him in more of a midfield role... you see he can't press, because he hasn't got the legs, he hasn't got the energy to do what Eddie Howe's teams have done which have made Newcastle successful over the years.
Arsenal forward Olivia Smith was taken off on a stretcher during the Gunners' 3-0 victory over Bristol City in the Women's FA Cup. Smith, 21, was involved in a clash of heads early in the second half, which led to lengthy pause in play and 14 minutes of second-half stoppage time. She was carried off the pitch, having been fitted with a neck brace, to a standing ovation inside the Mangata Developments Stadium.
Incidents at Friday's Louth derby in Dundalk, where the newly installed pitch suffered serious damage from flares thrown by Drogheda United supporters, with injuries suffered by a 12-year-old child, will have huge ramifications for Irish football.
Newcastle United are not actively looking to sell Nick Woltemade in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider . However, the Magpies will entertain offers for the Germany international striker should he himself demand a move away from St. James' Park.