These Football Times These Football Times
-
- Sports
-
Traversing the world of football in search of the stories that matter, brought to you by expert journalists and guests. Check out our print magazine.
-
Euros Revision: France 3-2 Portugal, 1984
Aidan Williams takes Gary Thacker on a rollercoaster ride through what he considers to be the greatest match in European Championship history, France’s 3-2 win over Portugal in the semi-final of Euro 84. Iconic venue, iconic kit, Michel Platini at his peak and John Motson going all boy soprano. What’s not to love?
-
Euros Revision: David Trezeguet and the Golden Goal
Many methods of deciding drawn cup ties have been tried done the years, from drawing lots and tossing coins to penalty shootouts and the golden goal, which was a part of the Euros in 1996 and 2000.
In the latter tournament, France rescued themselves from seemingly certain defeat, equalising against Italy in the 93rd minute of normal time before going on to win it with David Trezeguet’s extra-time golden goal. But what would VAR say about such shenanigans these days? Rob Fletcher and Gary Thacker look for an answer. -
Euros Revision: Michels, Netherlands and 1988
The European Championship final of 1988 will always be remembered for that goal by Marco van Basten, but beyond that, it was the day when Rinus Michels, architect of the Total Football that took the Netherlands so close to the summit in 1974, finally won a major international tournament. Dr David Turner relives that day, that goal and that trophy.
-
Everton: the grand old club
It’s a grand old team to write about and These Football Times is proving the point with a special magazine dedicated to Everton. Aidan Williams, Chris Lepkowski and true blue Evertonian Paul Mc Parlan talk you through some of the contents of the magazine, covering league and cup wins, great players and managers, and Goodison Park itself, and ruminate on Everton’s place in the wider scheme of English football, past and present.
-
Euros Revision: Stuart Pearce, 1996
It might not have been a Panenka, but when Stuart Pearce blasted his penalty into the Spanish net during the quarter-final shootout at Euro 96, he produced a penalty, and certainly a celebration, every bit as iconic. Dave Bowler and Gary Thacker debate the stones of steel shown by Pearce on a day when, after his penalty nightmare at Italia 90, lesser men might have found their way to the back of the bus queue.
-
Euros Revision: Hal Robson-Kanu outdoes Cruyff, 2016
Johan and his famous Cruyff turn at the 1974 World Cup was all very well, but did it end up with the ball in the back of the net? It did not. Some 42 years later, Hal Robson-Kanu showed how it should be done in the white heat of the 2016 Euros quarter-final, sending the Belgian defence for a bag of chips - mayonnaise optional - and then bludgeoning the ball past Thibault Courtois. Matthew Gibbs points out to Gary Thacker that the Welsh are therefore better than the Dutch. Popcorn all round.
Customer Reviews
Great content but poor audio
For whatever reason, I have to crank the volume up just to listen to this. They need to modernize more than the English FA. That’s why I’m giving four rather than five stars.
Other than that, it’s generally great content. They have a thorough understanding of the game from almost all viewpoints. There is however, a distinct lack of understanding of the American model of sport and a openly secret loathing/jealousy of the strange stability of MLS.
The hosts also posses a romanticism for the days gone by of the Cup Winners Cup, old UEFA Cup, and the pre-social media days. I agree wholeheartedly with their sentiment.
SOCCER IN THE 70’S SERIES… AWESOME!
Great site, great pod, but this summer’s 70’s series has been spectacular. Terrific insight into the clubs, managers and players who contributed to this remarkable era, and one season had more twists and turns than the next!
Love this.
Greatest podcast out there. This is a gem of a series. So relaxing. Sit back and enjoy. Cheers!!!