Back page Football
With the World Cup just over a week away, there are reputations on the line as some of the BackPageFootball regulars give their predictions. Who will win the World Cup? Kevin Coleman: I’m going to go predictably here and pick Spain. They’ve had the same squad for a couple of years now, and are as […]
After a hugely impressive group stage performance at the European Championship two years ago (dispatching of France, Italy and Romania), the Netherlands will be desperate to replicate the same form beyond the first round this time around. Despite only playing in one qualifying match during Holland’s road to South Africa, Eljero Elia could be Bert […]
Australia grabbed a late victory over neighbours New Zealand in their last game on home soil before heading off to South Africa to prepare for the World Cup Finals. Both nations fielded strong sides in front of a crowd of over 55,000, though both Mark Schwarzer and Harry Kewell were absent for the hosts through […]
England have today been given a favourable draw in today’s World Cup group draw, while Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast will meet in the ‘Group of Death’. Tournament favourites Spain will also be happy with their draw having been placed in Group H alongside Switzerland, Honduras and Chile. England boss Fabio Capello will no […]
A goal from Plymouth Argyle striker Rory Fallon has sent New Zealand to the World Cup for the first time since 1982 as they overcame Bahrain 1-0 on aggregate in a playoff today. With the sides level at 0-0 after the first leg, Fallon sent the Wellington crowd wild with a headed goal in the […]