The 4-2-4 is a mythical formation, immediately bringing to mind the Brazil side of 1970, maybe the greatest international side in history. Read more »
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-2 Zenit St Petersburg: open, attacking, attractive and plenty of chances. Why?
The simple answer to this question lies in the situation within Group G. Read more »
Napoli 1-1 Bayern: all the action in the first half
These two sides seemed to settle for a draw in the final stages – they remain in the top two positions in Group A, the toughest in the competition. Read more »
Lazio 2-1 Roma: Full-backs give Roma the early advantage but Lazio nick it late on
A game that turned on a red card and penalty decision – Luis Enrique won the early battle, but Eddy Reja’s side came through for him in stoppage time. Read more »
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United: little technical quality in open play, goals from set-pieces
A poor first half was followed with a more positive second, but neither side stamped their authority on the game. Read more »
No longer underdogs, Ghana need to become a more complete attacking force
When you’re an unfancied side, playing reactive football is natural. Read more »
Venezuela 1-0 Argentina: Sabella switches to three at the back; Argentina play terribly
Alejandro Sabella’s honeymoon didn’t last long, as Argentina looked completely disjointed in Puerto la Cruz. Read more »
France 1-1 Bosnia: Bosnia dominate first half, France lucky to get back in the game late on
Bosnia were 15 minutes from topping the group, but Samir Nasri’s late penalty put France into Euro 2012. Read more »
Argentina 4-1 Chile: debut victory for Sabella
Alejandro Sabella’s first competitive game ended in a convincing 4-1 win over an ever-entertaining Chilean side. Read more »
Why are Manchester United allowing so many shots on their goal this season?
Top of the league, unbeaten and best goal difference – not much to worry about for Manchester United so far this season. Read more »
Valencia 1-1 Chelsea: Chelsea let the lead slip
An open game ended with a point apiece. Read more »
Mihajlovic manages to push Napoli out of shape
An interesting feature of Napoli’s 0-0 draw with Fiorentina last night was the sight of a back three up against a front three, with Sinisa Mihajlovic exploiting Napoli’s weakness on the flanks. Read more »
Porto 2-2 Benfica: Porto generally on top
A scrappy game that neither side played well in – but Benfica will be more thankful for the point having twice gone behind. Read more »
Valencia 2-2 Barcelona: Emery gets the better of Guardiola early on, but Barca fight back
Cesc Fabregas’ goal secured a point for Barcelona, but they were the weaker side in the first half. Read more »
Rubin 2-3 Zenit: Rubin blow a two-goal lead thanks to Spalletti’s Plan B
Danny scored twice to give Zenit St Petersburg an important win over Rubin Kazan. Read more »
PSV 2-2 Ajax: PSV press, Ajax fight back
PSV twice took the lead by exploiting a clear weakness in the Ajax defence, but the away side managed to claim a point. Read more »
Napoli 3-1 Milan: Counter-attack and Cavani hat-trick
Hat-trick specialist Edinson Cavani bagged another as Napoli confirmed their title potential. Read more »
Ten points on Manchester United 3-1 Chelsea
A crazily open game with no overall pattern, so here are some disparate observations. Read more »
Tottenham 4-0 Liverpool: Tottenham dominate
A wondergoal got them going and the rest came when Liverpool had a numerical disadvantage, but Tottenham were clearly the better side in this match. Read more »
Inter 0-0 Roma: interesting in theory, but not on the pitch
Two sides lacking confidence contested a fairly tame 0-0 draw in Milan. Read more »
Eight points on Manchester City 1-1 Napoli
Walter Mazzarri’s tactics should be commended after a disciplined Napoli side deserved their point at Manchester City. Read more »
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