Back page 
Sampaoli saga highlights contrasting approaches to international management
Ahead of today’s World Cup last 16 clash with France, Gian Chansrichawla looks at how Argentina’s Jorge Sampaoli matches up to his opposite number.
Tag: World Cup
The double standards of England and Belgium’s doping agenda
Ahead of the World Cup clash between Belgium and England, Alan Moore looks at the hypocrisy of repeated investigations into Russian football doping.
Argentina reach World Cup knockout stage in a way that only Argentina know how
Robert Barter reflects on a wild night in Saint Petersburg as Argentina left it late to overcome Nigeria in the final round of Group D games.
World Cup punditry watch – Assessing the shortcomings of Patrice Evra
With accusations of sexism from some quarters on social media, Felix Tasker looks at the shortcomings of Patrice Evra’s World Cup punditry.
Square eyes – Examining our continuing obsession with football punditry
Kevin Coleman looks at our continuing obsession with football punditry and the changing face of television coverage.
Competition – Win a World Cup print by Art of Football
On the eve of the World Cup, we have teamed up with Art of Football to offer you the chance to win an excellent print.
Unfancied Australia will aim to surprise under Van Marwijk in Russia
The Australia squad lacks the household names of yesteryear but they aren’t heading to the World Cup just to make up the numbers.
The unquantifiable issue facing England and Gareth Southgate
Felix Tasker looks at the mental aspects of the England nation team’s tournament failures and the task facing Gareth Southgate.
The Maroons – Assessing Qatar’s ability to make an impact on the pitch
With controversy overshadowing Qatar and the 2022 World Cup, Ollie McManus takes a look at the host’s chances of making the right sort of statement.
Brazil hoping to banish memories of 2014 World Cup humiliation
Following humilation in their own backyard four years ago, Brazil head to the 2018 World Cup with a point to prove to themselves and their supporters.