“It ends, like it almost always does, in the familiarity of defeat. What else would you really expect when, in the only occupied stand, there is a group of fans named Brigata Mai 1 Gioia? Translation: the ‘Never One Joy Brigade’. When you are a supporter of San Marino, officially the worst international team in the world, it can be useful to have a sense of humour. …”
The Athletic (Video)
“It’s mid-afternoon in Malta, the sun is shining, a cooling breeze wafts from the coast and nothing, in particular, is happening. At a hotel in the northern part of the mainland, the mood is calm and peaceful. Then a faint noise catches the ear. It’s a low hum at first, but as it grows, it sounds like singing, which is odd, as this particular hotel has been almost empty for the previous 24 hours. The singing gets louder and louder… and leerier. It comes into focus. It’s being carried over the waves. It’s unmistakable now. Yes, it’s the sound of drunk Englishmen. …”
The Athletic (Video)
“Barcelona finished the 2020-21 season in deep financial distress. They activated a number of ‘financial levers’, but still had to wave goodbye to Lionel Messi. A couple of seasons have since passed, but have things really changed financially? Explained by Abhishek Raj, illustrated by Marco Bevilacqua.”
YouTube
“Three weeks on from Everton’s latest relegation escape and the focus is on how long Bill Kenwright will remain chairman of a board with a population of one. Him. Sean Dyche would be forgiven for asking if anyone at the club was listening when he delivered that blunt, honest and overdue appraisal of Everton’s predicament. ‘There is massive amounts of work to be done, not just from me but from everyone at the club,’ the Everton manager said after securing the club’s top-flight status for a 70th successive season with victory over Bournemouth. …”
Guardian
Scissors Kick 