Latest Sports Stories

Football News

Last triumph was in 2002 but Italian head coach, without Neymar against Morocco, brings ‘joy and enthusiasm’It is Marcio Santos who best sums up the predicament Brazil’s players found themselves in before the 1994 World Cup. “We hadn’t won in 24 years. That’s way too long for the Brazilian people,” says the former defender in the new Netflix documentary USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory.Having suffered the ignominy of a first defeat in qualifying that prompted the manager, Carlos Alberto Parreira, to offer to step down, the fabled Romário and Bebeto strike partnership inspired the Seleção to win a fourth World Cup the last time the tournament was held on American soil.Thirty-two years on, Brazil supporters will be hoping history is about to repeat itself for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they prepare for the most awkward of opening matches against Morocco on Saturday, who became the first African country to reach the last four, in 2022.The World Cup’s most successful nation has made it past the quarter-final stage once since Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo sealed a fifth title in 2002. That this is now the joint-longest Brazil have gone without winning the World Cup is not the only parallel with 1994. A disastrous qualifying campaign meant they finished a lowly fifth after six defeats – more than any of the five other South American teams that made it to the World Cup – and many have written off their chances.Ancelotti has had mixed success since leaving Real Madrid last year to take his first steps in international management. Yet despite criticism of his decision to omit Chelsea’s João Pedro and recall 34-year-old Neymar for the first time since 2023, the Italian still has the tools at his disposal to become the third manager to win the World Cup and Champions League, after Marcello Lippi and Vicente del Bosque.Neymar is the only surviving squad member from the 7-1 semi-final thrashing against Germany in 2014 – aka the Mineiraço – albeit he was forced to watch the nightmare unfold from the sidelines after being injured against Colombia in the previous round.“Since Ancelotti’s arrival, the environment has been transformed. He carries a strong presence and gives us the tranquility of an environment focused on work, without controversy,” said the Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson this week.“He’s a multi-champion. He has won everything in football and is here with joy and enthusiasm. His position perhaps has more pressure than being the president of the country.”If anyone can cope with that it is Ancelotti. But he must find the right balance in attack to build on a defence that should be one of the strongest in the tournament. The partnership between the captain, Marquinhos, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães – who was immediately consoled by his Brazil teammate after missing the crucial penalty in the Champions League final a fortnight ago – is the foundation of that, even if the full-back positions are more of a concern.A traditional strength – think Carlos Alberto in 1970, Branca and Jorginho in 1994 and Cafu and Roberto Carlos in 2002 – now relies on thirtysomethings Douglas Santos, Danilo and Alex Sandro.The calf injury Neymar sustained a couple of days after being called up means he is likely to sit out the opening game, with the teenager Endrick vying with Brentford’s Igor Thiago to lead the line. Vinícius Júnior – who thrived in Madrid under Ancelotti and has been backed to produce his best form at the World Cup – and Raphinha provide the spark in attack, while a rejuvenated Casemiro will anchor a strong midfield also featuring Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães.Brazil have won their group at every World Cup since 1978, when draws against Sweden and Austria meant they finished second after scoring two goals in three matches. They missed out on the final after a controversial 0-0 draw in the second group stage against the eventual winners, Argentina.It is unlikely Ancelotti will be so pragmatic, but even a draw against Mohamed Ouahbi’s side would not be a disaster with Haiti and Scotland to come.The only match to feature two teams ranked inside Fifa’s top 10 certainly makes the first game at the New York New Jersey Stadium – the 82,500-capacity venue for the final on 19 July – one of the standout picks of the group stage and there are thousands of supporters from both countries in town.The New York Knicks will be in action at the same time as they seek the NBA title for the first time since 1973 and a massive police operation that has been planned for 12 months will be in place to prevent any problems.Brazil are not used to having to compete for attention at World Cups. But with the group winners on a potential collision course with England, should they top Group L, in the quarter-finals they have an opportunity to show they mean business against Morocco.

Football News

Australia, the USA and Turkey should not underestimate La Albirroja, who have gone from mockery to one of the most feared teams in South AmericaParaguay are back at a World Cup after almost two decades of absence and tribulations – and ready to give Australia, the USA and Turkey a run for their money. Their last appearance was at South Africa 2010, their best performance to date, when they reached the quarter-finals before saying goodbye with a loss against the greatest Spain team of all time.La Albirroja seemed lost for years. But after a dismal 2024 Copa América, everything changed. Destiny delivered Gustavo Alfaro, the man who saved Paraguay from what looked like another impending catastrophe.The 63-year-old Argentinian breathed new life into a hopeless team. He restored morale, revived belief and strengthened the side both individually and, more importantly, collectively. From a team that was widely mocked to one of the most feared in South America, La Albirroja have made the continent tremble – and should pose problems for Australia, the US and Turkey. In qualification, they defeated Brazil and the reigning world champions Argentina – coming from behind in the latter match to record a famous victory in Asunción.None of the teams in Group D can afford to underestimate La Albirroja. They have recovered, consolidated and added countless strengths. “I would love people to see Paraguay again as the team no one wants to face,” Alfaro said upon his arrival in August 2024. Although his appointment initially raised doubts, his words have proved prophetic.Under Alfaro, Paraguay lost just one away match in the qualifiers – to Brazil – and, alongside Ecuador and Argentina, finished as one of the strongest teams in the competition under the man they call “the hunter of utopias”.La Albirroja have regained their historic strengths: an almost unbreakable defence and excellent structural balance. They do not apply a high press; instead, they press in midfield, which can become a dangerous trap for opponents.Thanks to their tactical discipline, they consistently frustrate the opposition’s creativity. While rivals become disorganised in attack, Paraguay strike with rapid transitions and clinical accuracy. They usually set up in a 4-2-3-1 during midfield pressing phases, but drop into a compact 4-4-2 when defending deep.Paraguay are not a high-scoring or overly attacking side, but they rely on effectiveness and efficiency to get results. Dominating possession against them can be risky, because it often plays into exactly what Alfaro wants. That might be more of a potential problem for Turkey, who are expected to enjoy more possession than their opponents, than for Australia or the US.Defence has always been a hallmark of Paraguayan football. Under Alfaro, La Albirroja have not only recovered this virtue but have evolved it, adding progressive buildup play. Central defender Omar Alderete has been outstanding, while captain Gustavo Gómez remains one of the best centre-backs in South America. As proof of their solidity, Paraguay conceded just 10 goals in 18 qualifiers – the best defensive record in the competition.The heart of the team is Vancouver Whitecaps’ Andrés Cubas. The defensive midfielder closes spaces, reads the game superbly and brings relentless aggression. At just 1.66m, he may not look imposing, but his intensity often leaves opponents stunned.In attack, they rely heavily on the creativity of Julio Enciso. The Strasbourg player is arguably the greatest Paraguayan talent produced in the past 30 years. He possesses every attribute of a gamechanger: dribbling, speed, creativity, power, and a potent mid-range shot. Yet, in concerning news for the South Americans the 22-year-old went down with a thigh injury in the pre-tournament friendly against Nicaragua in Asunción, just a week out from their opener against the USA. He remains in the squad and his recovery will be closely monitored.Although Paraguay are highly practical and efficient, they lack creativity and sustained offensive volume. They depend heavily on Enciso’s individual brilliance or set-pieces to create danger. Antonio Sanabria leads the line. Elegant and technically gifted, the striker has quality but arrives at the World Cup short of match fitness after limited minutes for Cremonese in Italy.Paraguay are the prototype of a team nobody wants to face at a World Cup: disciplined, physical and suffocating. They are dangerous on the counterattack, which is a longstanding specialty and akin to the Socceroos’ vibrant youthful attack line. And they are equally threatening from set-pieces – their aerial power is sure to test even the most physically imposing defences.