Brazil bound!
A century ago today, 15 footballers set off on a boat trip into the unknown. They played for modest Southern League outfit Exeter City and their destination was Brazil. For the later five-time world champions, this would be their first competitive football match, against a non-league team of farmers and yet-to-be discovered England internationals. This […]
When Lisbon roared
With the Champions League final this Saturday, it’s a timely reminder of the last time Europe’s showcase event was staged in Lisbon. Chris Hunt meets veterans of Celtic’s victory over Internazionale, one crazy evening in May 1967. While the later named Lisbon Lions were preparing for the final, their fans were selling their houses and […]
The dutiful game
Founded in 1857, Sheffield FC are struggling with the responsibility of being the world’s oldest football club. Ridding debts by reforming would ruin their raison d’être – but eighth-flight football before 200 people every other Saturday means wage cuts, want-away players and withering form. Paul Martin visits Dronfield to see if ‘The Club’ can climb […]
Gimme a See…
With the illuminated Dome of St Peter’s in the background, the Stadio Petriana provides the perfect setting for Saturday’s tussle between Vatican City and Monaco. Ahead of the clash, Kate Carlisle visits the Vatican and its team of Swiss Guards and Post Office workers. This Saturday, in the shadow of St Peter’s, Vatican City face off […]
Vepsu challenge
This Sunday, VPS (‘Vepsu’ to fans) take on Finnish champions HJK Helsinki in the silverware-bereft regional capital of Vaasa. After a surprise third-place finish in 2013, and the return of European football after 15 years, VPS are currently part of an upsurge in the game around the Ostrobothnia region. Peterjon Cresswell and Miika Kemilä visit the […]
Olympique Lyonnais
Aulas sells his OL empire, seven
titles, stadium and all
Lyon
France’s second city and former football capital
AS Monaco
More titles than Lyon, lower crowds than Le Mans
Monaco
Moneyed principality places its chips on ASM