Sport
-
Germany crash out in greatest shock so far
Is it wrong to take pleasure in other people’s misfortune? As Germans despaired at their early World Cup exit, the world rejoiced. The World Cup has been blown wide open.
-
England smash Panama to reach knockout stages
Is this team the real “golden generation”? England are through to the next round with a game to spare after dismantling Panama 6-1. Why is this team succeeding where others failed?
-
Big guns fire blanks in World Cup week one
Can a new team win the World Cup? Germany lost; Brazil drew; Argentina are on the brink — the minnows now have a chance. Here are five things you may have missed from the matches so far.
-
England dreams of glory after last-gasp winner
What would happen if England won the World Cup? Overcome with relief and joy last night after a late winner against stubborn Tunisia, England fans are now dreaming of the ultimate prize.
-
England aim to end 52 years of World Cup pain
How excited should England fans be? The Three Lions kick off their World Cup campaign today. The familiar tournament hype is engulfing the country. Does pressure help players or hinder them?
-
The World Cup, patriotism and a history of sport
Is sport really a force for good? The 32 countries competing at the World Cup will be spurred on by nationalist sentiment. But many feel sport is the perfect place to express these feelings.
-
El Gasico, Vikings and a Spanish inquisition
Can football triumph over World Cup controversies? Tonight the greatest show on earth kicks off as Russia takes on Saudi Arabia. We explore the deeper stories behind week one’s biggest games.
-
The World Cup’s big match: politics v sport
Is it true that politics and sport don’t mix? The world’s biggest ever sporting event will launch on Thursday to bitter accusations against Russia, the next host, Qatar, and the organisers,...
-
How data has transformed the World Cup
Are statistics killing the magic of football? The upcoming World Cup will be the most analysed ever, as football has finally started to take data seriously. How much does it matter?
-
Vanity rubs with poverty at £8bn World Cup
Is hosting the World Cup worth it? Russia’s tournament looks set to be the most expensive of all time. Organisers hope it will reboot the country’s economy, but many remain unconvinced.
-
Football meets politics at Russia’s World Cup
Could the World Cup bring Russia back in from the cold? The tournament starts in just over two weeks’ time. Some expect a turning point for relations with the West; others are more sceptical…
-
England’s true football champion: Huddersfield
Do you agree? Manchester City may have won the title, but at the other end of the table, financial featherweight Huddersfield Town pulled off the greatest survival in Premier League history.
-
Liverpool triumph in 13-goal Roman epic
Is football the greatest sport? Liverpool has thrilled the world with its full-blooded football — with a bruised Roma the latest victim of the team’s march to the Champions League final.
-
Adieu Arsène: the ‘last emperor of management’
Is Arsène Wenger a true great of football? The long-serving Arsenal manager announced that he would step down at the end of the season. Supporters are divided over his legacy.
-
Cheating Aussies and a mealy-mouthed apology
Have public apologies become meaningless? Australian cricket is in crisis after their team was caught blatantly cheating. Captain Steve Smith faces a lengthy ban as his tepid apology falls flat.