Ireland’s football team was cruelly denied a place at next year’s World Cup in South Africa due to a blatant piece of cheating from the French this morning, declares Neil Walker.
The World Game
A 2020 vision of Australian sport
As the century’s first decade comes to an end, a look at how various Australian sporting codes are faring, and where they might be in another ten year’s time.
Family ties: the curse of sports fans
Last week, Neil Walker did something far worse to his four-year-old son than hitting him with a wooden spoon: he took him to his first football match.
Political snippets: The Pope signs a record deal
Pope Benedict XVI is preparing to record and album, and a German football team’s anthem casts doubts on the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s sporting knowledge.
Political snippets: It’s not just mad rich men with too much money
Richard Farmer on why football is attractive to crooks, journalists aren’t evil bludgers, pollies are cracking down on those darn kids and more.
UK media collapses
Pay TV channel Setanta is expected to go bust in the UK today, while the tottering Independent News & Media group is said to be considering a deeply discounted cash issue to raise enough money to keep staggering on.
MCG vs. Stadium Australia: a FIFA World Cup final showdown
Despite the love in the room for the G last night, there are serious questions over the suitability of the ground for hosting the FIFA World Cup.
Iran’s soccer team back Mousavi?
Members of Iran’s soccer team wore green armbands during their World Cup qualifying match against South Korea, in an apparent display of support for Mir Hussein Mousavi.
Should its fans buy Newcastle United?
Should Newcastle supporters ride to the rescue by joining forces to buy the club themselves?
The Lowy down on why Rudd Labor just loves the round ball code
It’s always unwise to get between an Australian politician and some sportsmen.
Will ‘Marinergate’ be the last straw that breaks Belinda Neal?
Crikey understands a bitter row, annoyingly dubbed “Marinergate” by insiders, is brewing between Central Coast ratepayers and two cash-strapped local councils.
Barcelona the Great destroy Manchester United
This morning’s humbling of Man Utd in the Champions League final showed Barcelona might even be better than Cruyff’s originals
The $100m match
With $100m on the line, it’s the richest single game of sport in the world — but you’ve probably never heard of it…
Britain’s war on football indecency
Duleep Allirajah defends his Democratic right to sing really offensive songs at the footy.
Crikey Sports Q&A: Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley
Crikey Sports had the pleasure to talk to the man we all hope will deliver a World Cup to Australia — whether we win it or we host it or both.
Why Steven Gerrard is two steps away from greatness
Steven Gerrard is England’s finest midfielder since Bobby Charlton.
Manchester United, champions again
As befitted their campaign as a whole, Ferguson’s side did only what was needed and amid the odd murmur of dissent
When Cristiano Ronaldo met Usain Bolt
If Cristiano Ronaldo manages to stay on his feet today and help seal a point for Manchester United it could be because of meeting Usain Bolt.
The Top 50 Newcastle United players ever
The Times has compiled its list of the best players ever to have worn the famous black and white stripes.
Introducing the “pay what you like” season-ticket scheme
Rebel non-league English football club “does a Radiohead” with fans naming the price.
Football’s greatest defences
The Guardian’s Rob Smyth selects half a dozen unbreachable rearguards.
Are Mexican football clubs being treated like swine?
After the swine flu outbreak tore through Mexico, South American nations wanted nothing to do with Mexico, its teams, its players and even its officials.
Sing when you’re winning: why are British football songs so good?
No one comes up with chants like British football fans.
Ronaldo or Messi: who is best player in the world?
Anyone who has watched the last few games in the Champions League should have little doubt about who the better player is.
