Confusão continua…

By David Patrick Lane | January 11th, 2010 | No Comments

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CAF have announced Togo will be disqualified if they do not materialize for the kick off of their fixture against Ghana tonight in Cabinda.

Rumours abound whether Botswana, The Republic of the Congo or Namibia will be invited to do a “Denmark”.

Cabinda’s separatist rebels, FLEC, have apologized for the attack, claiming it was a mistake to attack the Togolese, and have presented their condolences to the families of the deceased.

Pessimists supported by hustlers and vultures from the security and shock industry continue to make fear representations to the press about South Africa’s World Cup.

And it now seems Confusão has rubbed off on the Algerian defence, who are being torn to shreds by Malawi.

The Screamer in Sudan

By David Patrick Lane | November 19th, 2009 | 1 Comment



In case you missed the goal of the World Cup playoffs. Here it is. Antar Yahia’s screamer in Sudan.

Relive the goal. Relive the celebrations. Be in no doubt: This is for 1982. This is for the players with the peppery hair and tears in their eyes. This is for the players who were robbed.

Ireland may get their revenge vicariously through Algeria. The Desert Foxes will show Monsieur Henry and his merry band of collaborators no mercy.

Khartoum Crossbar Challenge

By David Patrick Lane | November 19th, 2009 | No Comments

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Algeria’s Rafik MacSaifi celebrates against the auld enemy in Omdurman.

Babylon Fútbol Café

By David Patrick Lane | September 12th, 2009 | No Comments



Rafik Saidi’s 59th minute winner in Algiers this past weekend looks to have ended Zambia’s hopes for South Africa. Rwanda must beat Algeria and Zambia must beat Egypt for Zambia to have any chance. The Phoraohs will be praying for Rwanda too.

Algerians can get busy securing their various vantage points for the tournament. Save me a Spec at the Babylon Fútbol Café!

One…Two…Three…Algérie !!!

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Filed under: Qualification

Austria and the Revenge of the Desert Foxes

By David Patrick Lane | August 13th, 2009 | 1 Comment

[So to Group 7. Serbia seem sure to advance. France are well positioned also. The rest are reliant on France falling over themselves. The golden era of Faroe Islands football may have passed.]

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It is often forgotten that Austria has some football pedigree. The inter-war years saw Central Europe develop a contrasting style of play to the hoof and charge of the British game. Austrians, Czechs, Hungarians and the other nationalities and ethnic groups who made those countries dynamic and interesting, had fused football into a game based on narrow exchanges, firm organization and superior technical ability. It was known as the Danubian School.

Italy was taking notes. Austrian coaches were demonstrating the finer details on chalkboards at clubs all over the country. The cappuccinos kept on coming. Train timetables were reorganized. And the best refs always arrived on time.

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