The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team will start their 2018 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games adventure in Barranquilla, Colombia on Friday, as coach Russell Latapy tries to make his mark with what is expected to be the youngest squad in the competition. The young Soca Warriors face …
Read More »Unpacking the 2018 World Cup: Hart, Walkes, Hislop and Sheppard talk France, trends and lessons from Russia
“Teams that couldn’t adjust defensively and show patience and discipline to withstand those spells [of possession from opponents] found themselves chasing the game. France were without question the best at this…” “There was […] a return to what we would consider ‘outdated’ centre forwards like Mario Mandzukic, Olivier Giroud and, …
Read More »Sputnik 2018: Oh là là! France wins cracking final against Croatia; Downer rules on controversial penalty
Compelling, crazy, comic, controversial… France are now the World Cup champions and the greatest international team on the planet, after a 4-2 win over Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow today. The first own goal of a final, a controversial penalty, VAR, a teenaged goal scorer, stifling reactive tactics, …
Read More »Sputnik 2018: Hazard lights up play off, as Belgian joins Modric, Kane, Griezmann and Mbappé in awards chase
Belgium majored in minors at Saint Petersburg today, as they won one of the least meaningful matches in any competition: the third-placed play off. The “Red Devils” defeated England 2-0, which, ironically, was the second time the two teams met in a quasi-competitive fixture at the Russia 2018 World Cup. There was …
Read More »Shabazz names King and Kimika in 20-member CAC squad; but no sign of new additions
Trinidad and Tobago Women’s National Senior Team coach Jamaal Shabazz reiterated that he is aiming for a final four spot at the CAC Games this month, as he selected his 20-member squad for the competition today. Copa Libertadores winner and star goalkeeper Kimika Forbes, Canada-based central defender Arin King and …
Read More »Sputnik 2018: Super Mario spoils England homecoming; Croatia set up revenge match with France
England football fans started the day singing “It’s coming home”; but they will end it crooning “Closing Time.” A predatory finish by Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic in extra time separated the two nations in today’s semifinal and set up a World Cup final date with France on Sunday. The only …
Read More »Look Loy serves DJW with pre-action protocol letter; TTFA president gets deadline for Home of Football details
Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams has received a pre-action protocol letter for his non-disclosure of financial details relating to the football body’s controversial US$2.25 million Home of Football project. The pre-action protocol letter was issued yesterday by TTFA board member Keith Look Loy, who is represented …
Read More »Gally Cummings: My tribute to the late Lawrence Rondon and Muhammad Isa
“We all stand as living proof of the kindness of Lawrence and Muhammad, because we saw their dedication and passion for the game on and off the football field. “We also witnessed their care and concern as we whisper prayers of thanks that we were privileged enough to be associated …
Read More »Sputnik 2018: A flash of Umtiti stuns Belgium as France advance to World Cup final
In another topsy turvy duel, Belgium tried to continue their daring 2018 World Cup run in Saint Petersburg today; but, in the end, the “Red Devils” were left ashen-faced by a flash of Samuel Umtiti, as Les Bleus snatched a 1-0 win. Eh? If Mr Live Wire was a bit …
Read More »What’s up with England? Fenwick suggests why “Three Lions” are roaring at Russia World Cup
On Wednesday, England will contest a FIFA World Cup semifinal for the first time in 28 years. But should we be surprised by their success in Russia? In 2017, England secured a historic treble of international titles at youth level as they were crowned FIFA Under-20 and Under-17 World Youth …
Read More »Sputnik 2018: Coming home? England continue aerial assault on Russia; while Croatia enjoy la Vida loca
Eh… It’s coming home? Barely two months ago, Russia president Vladimir Putin expelled nearly five dozen British diplomats, as the two countries bickered over the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in London. Who would have thought that the England football team would be more difficult to dislodge? For …
Read More »Sputnik 2018: Neymar blanked by VAR as Brazil tumble out; France, Belgium advance to all-Euro semis
Mr Live Wire has not seen so many disappointed faces in yellow jerseys since the 2015 General Elections. For the fourth straight tournament, perennial World Cup favourites, Brazil, failed to navigate their way to the final, as the five-time champions tumbled out in the quarters after a 2-1 loss to …
Read More »