These Football Times These Football Times

Author Christopher James Evans finds himself in the Centre Circle to discuss his excellent book on the history of Athletic Club. We would call it the last word on the club, but as they keep winning trophies, he has to keep adding chapters.

Pending a new in-depth South America Files series coming your way shortly, the team have produced this pilot project: pick the greatest five-a-side team possible from each of South America’s constituent countries. Think of it as the South America Files meets Mount Rushmore. We road test it by trying to compile Argentina’s finest five-a-side team. 

The European Championship is finally upon us and a month of magical moments and shattered dreams lie ahead. Will Gareth Southgate lead England to tournament victory or will M&S be awash with returned cardigans from disenchanted fans before the group stages are over? Matthew Gibbs, Rob Fletcher and Gary Thacker may have the answers.

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?

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. 

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.