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 October 2020

13
FEATURES THE WORLD THIS MONTH
People in the news...on and off the pitch
4 In pictures
10 From the Editor
11 Heroes & Villains
12 On the radar
13 Jim Holden Timo Werner
14 Keir Radnedge VAR 24

15 Obituaries
16 Jonathan Wilson Man. City’s defensive frailties
17 Reports we couldn’t make up
18 ESM Golden Shoe
33 2020-21 season preview 20 Ins & Outs People on the move
Your essential guide to 12 major European leagues
HEADLINERS 26
22 Milan
23 Iker Casillas
24 Xavi
26 Istanbul Basaksehir
27 Cyriel Dessers

EYEWITNESS
28
28 Portugal

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
58 Special report 66 European season preview
Preseason cancelled
STADIUMS
98 Mercedes-Benz Arena

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Arjen Robben interview

80 Champions League

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South America

Japan
Exclusive reports from our worldwide
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P L U S 74 Global diary 75 Tahiti 82 UEFA Nations League 84 2020-21 season fixtures 94 Results, tables, fixtures
THE WORLD THIS MONTH

The global game caught on camera

4 WORLD SOCCER
 Portugal…Bayern
Munich defender
Lucas Hernandez
celebrates the1-0
victory over Paris
Saint-Germain in the
2020 Champions
League final

WORLD SOCCER 5
THE WORLD THIS MONTH

England…a new
mural of Liverpool
captain Jordan
Henderson lifting
the Premier League
trophy is unveiled
next to Anfield

Mexico…staff attempt to
clear a waterlogged pitch
ahead of the game between
Leon and Monterrey

Portugal…Lionel
Messi hangs his head
after Barcelona are
hammered 8-2 by
Bayern Munich in the
Champions League

6 WORLD SOCCER
 IN PICTURES

China…the Workers’ Stadium

in Beijing, one of the 2008
Olympics host venues, is
demolished as work to
rebuild the ground begins

South Korea…fans return to

stadiums in the K-League for
the clash between Incheon
United and Gwangju FC

France…the final of the CAN

des quartiers, an amateur
football tournament in Paris

WORLD SOCCER 7
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 FROM
THE WORLD THIS MONTH

THE
EDITOR Dream job…Koeman has always
wanted to coach Barcelona
The “New Season” special issue is a regular edition of World
Soccer I avidly looked forward to collecting as a reader, and
after a 2019-20 season we will never forget – primarily for
all the wrong reasons – it is nice to finally get back to some
semblance of normality within the football calendar by
compiling this 2020-21 edition.
After a condensed schedule to complete last season’s
campaigns, including the Champions League and Europa
League “mini-tournaments” (page 70), within the blink of
an eye, the 2020-21 season is upon us. But not everything is
quite back to normal yet. The ramifications of the coronavirus
pandemic are still lurking – we bring
you comprehensive previews of 12
It is nice
major European leagues (page 33) but
some are already experiencing new to finally get
postponements (Scotland, page 52). back to some
The usual money-spinning preseason semblance of
friendly tours have been cancelled, normality within
impacting both club finances and the football
transfers (page 58); the transfer calendar SPAIN
window has been uniquely extended
until October – although we round-up Barcelona turn
the biggest done deals (page 20); and major continental
tournaments such as the Copa Libertadores (page 76) and
to Koeman
Asian Champions League (page 80) still have lingering Barcelona have appointed Netherlands
manager Ronald Koeman as their new
doubts over their futures. head coach following the dismissal of
Nonetheless, there is still plenty to look forward to. Stars Quique Setien.
and clubs to watch, new signings and coaches, rising talents The club hierarchy wasted little time in
the aftermath of their shocking 8-2 defeat
and big talking points are all covered in our European season to Bayern Munich, acting quickly on a clause
preview. Plus, will Timo Werner (page 13) be a hit at Chelsea? in Koeman’s contract which allowed him to
Will the return of Arjen Robben (interview on page 62) be a join the Catalan club.
The new man will have a big rebuilding
success? Will VAR (page 14) finally improve? How does the job on his hands. Club president Josep Maria
UEFA Nations League work again? See our “explainers guide” Bartomeu recently announced that the entire
(page 82). And what on Earth is going on at Barcelona? Their first-team squad is up for sale, with the
exception of Lionel Messi, Frenkie de Jong,
crisis is covered in depth in our La Liga preview (page 54). Clement Lenglet, Marc-Andre ter Stegen,
In offering a comprehensive guide to 2020-21, this Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele
issue attempts to provide and Nelson Semedo, as well as the
brightest graduates from La Masia.
you with an answer to all of Koeman, who scored 88 goals in 264
these questions and more. games for Barca, including the winner in
I hope you enjoy reading it the 1992 European Cup final, becomes the
latest in a growing trend of European clubs
as much as we’ve enjoyed appointing former players as head coach,
putting it together. with Andrea Pirlo taking over the Juventus
reins from Maurizio Sarri following the club’s
Stephen Fishlock, Group Editor shock Champions League exit to Lyon.
Read more on page 54.

10 WORLD SOCCER
 GLOBAL FOOTBALL INTELLIGENCE

“There is negativity but we are the best team in the world…Bayern

will be confident but they know they are not just playing against an
ordinary team in the Bundesliga, they’re playing against Barca”
Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal’s pre-match optimism came back to haunt him following Bayern’s 8-2 demolition job

HEROES VILLAINS
AU YEUNG WAI KAY
Reports have emerged that the businessman
enquired about putting Wigan Athletic into
administration before he had even completed
his takeover of the club. The subsequent
12-point deduction cost the Latics their place
in the English Championship, and they have
been forced to sell many of their best players,
with manager Paul Cook resigning in August.

ALEKSANDAR ANTONOV
The winner of the 2019-20 Fantasy Premier
League was stripped of his title, following
alleged offensive comments made about
Redemption…Lopetegui lifts the trophy Raheem Sterling. Antonov, from Bulgaria, said
on Twitter: “I am not racist...I would never say
JULEN LOPETEGUI anything like that to a player with the intent to
In 2018, Lopetegui was sacked from two of the offend them. It’s a small chat with friends, in
most prestigious jobs in the world within the a different language and different culture.”
space of five months – first Spain, and then
Real Madrid. By guiding Sevilla to their sixth RUBEN SEMEDO
Europa League, he has reminded Europe of The former Villarreal defender was given
the coaching ability that made him so sought a five-year suspended prison sentence and
ENGLAND after two years ago. banned from visiting Spain for eight years after
being found guilty of several crimes during his
FA announce Phil BODO/GLIMT
The Norwegian side made an explosive start
time in La Liga. The Portuguese centre-back,
who is set to join champions Porto, was charged
Neville’s successor to the 2020 season, winning 12 of their first 14
matches and drawing the other two, averaging
with offences including robbery, kidnapping,
assault and possession of a firearm.
As well as losing their men’s head coach, the over three goals a game in the process. Glimt
Dutch FA (KNVB) were dealt a further blow with are chasing their first-ever top-flight league BOLI BOLINGOLI
the news that the manager of their women’s title after finishing second for the fourth time The Celtic defender has been widely-criticised
team, Sarina Wiegman, will leave her post to in 2019. No Norwegian team has ever finished for a serious breach of Scotland’s lockdown
take over England women in September 2021. runners-up as often without winning the rules. Bolingoli took a secret day trip to Spain,
Wiegman, who guided the Netherlands Eliteserien, Norway’s top flight. failed to quarantine, then trained with the squad
to the 2017 European Championship, beating before playing against Kilmarnock, resulting in
England in the semi-finals, will remain in charge MAROUANE FELLAINI the postponement of two Scottish Premiership
until the conclusion of next summer’s Olympic The former Belgium, Manchester United and fixtures. Eight Aberdeen players were also fined
Games in Tokyo. Everton midfielder netted a stunning hat-trick after visiting a bar together, leading to two
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: for Chinese side Shandong Luneng. With his of them testing positive for COVID-19.
“Sarina was the outstanding candidate from team trailing 1-0 to Dalian Pro in the 79th
a very strong field. She is a proven winner and minute, Fellaini rose to the challenge, scoring
we are confident she can take England to the three headers in just eight minutes to fire
next level.” the title-chasers to victory.
The KNVB are likely to focus on appointing
Koeman’s replacement before turning their ATALANTA FANS
attention to the women’s next coach. After Atalanta reimbursed the fans who had
bought tickets for their Champions League
clash with Valencia in March, club’s ultras
arranged for the money to be given to a local
hospital in Bergamo instead. In total, around
Runner-up…
Sarina Wiegman
1,200 supporters donated €60,000 to the
applauds the fans Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital, while ultras also
after losing last sold T-shirts to pay for a new ambulance. Disgraced…Boli Bolingoli
year’s World Cup
final to the USA

WORLD SOCCER 11
THE WORLD THIS MONTH

“It’s nothing like La Liga. Defenders kick the s*** out of you
and nothing gets given, they don’t blow for free-kicks like they
would in Spain. I don’t know how that would affect Messi”
Gonzalo Higuain warns his international team-mate Lionel Messi against a move to the Premier League

Eddie
NEWTON
(Trabzonspor)
2020 has been a roller-coaster ride
for former Chelsea midfielder Newton.
The 48-year-old left Stamford Bridge
in February to become Trabzonspor’s
assistant coach, but when Huseyin Cimsir
was sacked for failing to win the title, he
was hired on a caretaker basis. In only
his second match, he oversaw a 2-0
win over Alanyaspor in the Turkish Cup
final, which landed him the job full-time.
Newton spent eight years at Chelsea
after returning as Roberto Di Matteo’s
assistant in 2012, but felt ready for a new
challenge. He told Sky Sports: “I’ve been REINIER JENS PETTER HAUGE
trying to become a number one for a (Dortmund – on loan from Real Madrid) (Bodo/Glimt)
while and felt there was more opportunity Real have entrusted Dortmund with the The 20-year-old forward has been key
here. The figures don’t lie – there are development of the 18-year-old forward to Glimt’s flying start, scoring eight goals
very few black managers [in England].” on a two-year loan. They have previous and assisting six in his first 12 games of
Trabzonspor are currently serving when it comes to developing top talent. the season. Linked with Man. United.
a one-year ban from Europe for FFP
breaches, so Newton will be able to fully ANGEL GOMES XAVI SIMONS
focus on domestic success in 2020-21. (Boavista – on loan from Lille) (Paris Saint-Germain)
Manchester United’s youngest player Highly sought-after Dutch teenager
since Duncan Edwards, but only played who left Barcelona in 2019, Simons
45 league minutes after his debut. played his first senior game for Paris
Joined Lille when his contract expired Saint-Germain in a friendly against
and was immediately sent on loan. Sochaux and has a bright future.

MALIK TILLMAN ROMELU LUKAKU

(Bayern Munich) (Internazionale)
The latest in a very long line of exciting Although his own goal cost Inter the
graduates from the Bayern academy, Europa League, he set a new record in
Tillman is comfortable in midfield or up the competition by scoring in 11 games in
front, and scored 13 league goals in 17 a row to reach the final. The run stretches
games for the Under-19s last season. back to 2014-15 and includes 15 goals.

12 WORLD SOCCER
THE WORLD THIS MONTH

Jim
HOLDEN
AT THE HEART OF THE GAME

Timo Werner: Chelsea’s new talisman

Look at the numbers, as any wise
football fan does, and it’s plain to see
why Chelsea’s £54 million acquisition
of Germany striker Timo Werner is
a move of thrilling potential.
He scored 28 goals in the Bundesliga
last season for RB Leipzig. His overall
record through four years at the club
was 95 goals in 159 matches, as he
became the club’s record goalscorer.
Werner is only 24. These are
fabulous statistics for a relatively
young forward; beyond a surge of
good fortune, far beyond a one-
season dazzler who can be shackled
when opposition teams work him out.
The stats are why Liverpool were also
seriously interested in taking him to
Anfield before the financial impact of
the coronavirus pandemic prompted
them to be cautious about transfers.
In the case of Werner, however,
numbers are only part of the story. Bundesliga, even at matches where Boy in blue... Then it was to my left foot. We even
Werner’s ready to
Look at his character and personality, RB Leipzig were not playing. They ran up mountains together. I learned
make a big impact
and then you see why this move may continued for two years. at his new club quickly that to become a professional
be the most significant in the Premier It flared up even a few months ago you always have to do more.”
League, and why it will transform when Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp Perhaps all this explains why he is
Chelsea into credible title challengers. was the subject of offensive banners so nerveless in one-on-ones against a
Werner’s career has been forged in and chants, which even stopped a goalkeeper. Strikers say these are the
the heat of cruel and sustained abuse match against Bayern Munich. hardest to score, but Timo has become
from Bundesliga crowds over several Stuttgart ultras found another way a maestro of dinking the ball over the
seasons. Rarely in the history of the to display their anger with a subsequent keeper or curling a shot past him.
game has there been such a vicious banner that read simply: “Dietmar No transfer is guaranteed to be a
and widespread campaign of hatred. Hopp ist ein Timo Werner!” success, but the feeling here is that
His crime was committed in Most footballers would have wilted Chelsea have bought superbly well.
December 2016 when the striker amid such intense personal hostility. Along with his formidable mentality
conned the referee with a dive to win Werner’s resolve was implacable, his and shooting accuracy, Werner is
genuinely two-footed and one of
The German will become as integral to the fastest footballers in Europe.
Chelsea as Didier Drogba was a decade ago “Turbo Timo” is his happy nickname,
for sprinting 100m in just 11.11 seconds.
a penalty he converted in a match ambition only expanded. He can play as a main centre-forward,
against Schalke. “It made me stronger,” is his verdict. on either flank or as a second striker,
It was blatant cheating; he fell “I don’t think many strikers would have dropping deeper between the lines.
without contact from an opponent. But scored so many goals with the What is the vision of Chelsea boss
Werner is hardly alone in trying such atmosphere so firmly against them.” Frank Lampard as he plots new seasons
tricks in a modern game where ethics He believes this mental strength in the Premier League and Champions
have become an optional luxury extra. came from endless football lessons as League? We will find out soon enough,
The reaction was exacerbated by a boy from his father Gunther Schuh, but the team he is creating will surely
general dislike of RB Leipzig among a former professional himself. be built to suit Werner’s strengths.
German football fans, and created “My dad would pass me the ball The German will become as integral
an imperfect storm for the player. and I would take shots at goal,” said to Chelsea as Didier Drogba was a
“Timo Werner is a son of a bitch” Werner. “First it was the right foot, and decade ago. He will end the club’s
was a chant across stadiums in the we’d work on my technique on that. long search for a true talisman striker.

WORLD SOCCER 13
THE WORLD THIS MONTH

Keir
RADNEDGE
THE INSIDER

VAR must improve in 2020-21

Sepp Blatter composed his most
lugubrious expression, leaned forward
meaningfully, gazed around the
expectant quorum of reporters and
admitted: “We are a laughing stock
around the world.”
The phrase has been re-coined
more recently about the erratic
and belated arrival of VAR in
the Premier League.
But Blatter was speaking as FIFA
president a decade ago, the day after
witnessing Frank Lampard’s infamous
“phantom goal” against Germany
at the 2010 World Cup.
There had been none of the
“was-it-or-wasn’t-it?” guesswork
which surrounds England’s third goal
in the 1966 final against the same
opposition; nor even the “did-I-see- Platini was also correct: a mere eight No goal…VAR played wise as initial tales of confusion and
its part in the post-
what-I-think-I-did?” over Diego years and two World Cups later, video lockdown Premier
complication erupted in Germany,
Maradona’s “Hand of God” audacity assistant refereeing was imported League Italy, Netherlands and Portugal.
for Argentina in Mexico in 1986. at the 2018 World Cup. These included a counter-attacking
Everyone in the Bloemfontein sun VAR is often misunderstood. This is a goal denied by an earlier VAR incident
had seen Lampard’s shot strike the different beast to goal-line technology, at the other end, mistaken identities,
underside of the crossbar and spin which is only about fact: the whole of a team summoned from the dressing
down behind the line. Everyone, that the ball is either over the line or it is room at half-time after an over-
is, except referee Jorge Larrionda not. But VAR relies to a significant extended VAR review and a VAR
and his assistant. extent on subjective judgement. boss in Germany sacked midway
through the season as the price
Pandora’s box has been thrown open and all for his referees’ blunders.
the little devils lurking around offside, handball, English football dipped its toe
in the waters in the 2017-18 FA Cup
televisual lines and pitch-side screens have and did not like what it saw. Hence
the Premier League waited until last
been cast into the worldwide game season when it paid an exposed
It was to trigger a total change Not that there is any going back. reputational penalty for having
of heart for the head of FIFA. Pandora’s box has been thrown open fallen behind the curve.
Blatter’s reversal was momentous and all the little devils lurking around On the face of it, the margin for
because it destroyed the concept of offside, handball, televisual lines and error should be minimal. Only four
universality; that all football should pitch-side screens have been cast sectors of play are targeted: goal or
be played within the same basic into the worldwide game. no goal; penalty or no penalty; direct
conditions, from World Cup to Surprisingly, considering red card (not second yellow); and
pub league. the Premier League’s symbiotic mistaken identity.
Embracing technology drove an relationship with TV and the alacrity FIFA refereeing bosses Pierluigi
irrevocable chasm between the elite with which it led the take-up of Collina and Massimo Busacca have
minority and the grassroots majority. goal-line technology in 2013, it always insisted that VAR is only
Within two years, goal-line was caught off-balance by the recourse for “clear and obvious”
technology had been developed VAR revolution. mistakes. But what is clear and
and approved. But, as Michel Platini IFAB – with the four British obvious to the video referee is not
forecast: “With goal-line cameras we FAs comprising half its members, clear and obvious to the live spectator.
will be on a slippery slope; people will remember – approved the start of Thus, chaos reigned over goals
want even more technology.” worldwide VAR trials in 2017. Some 12 disallowed by the man in Stockley
Denied…Frank
Of course, Blatter was correct to countries rushed in. But not England. Lampard in Park, who could zero in on a trailing
change his mind. But the pessimistic Such caution may have appeared Bloemfontein, 2010 finger or raised boot stud or armpit

14 WORLD SOCCER
 GLOBAL FOOTBALL INTELLIGENCE

OBITUARIES

all beyond the visual scope of the very

match referee.
Officials sent out by Mike Riley,
Premier League
manager of Professional Game Match VAR stats 2019-20: Hero...Hagen during his spell with Hearts at Tynecastle Park
Officials Limited, were hampered by not
only their own instructions but by the Total overturns: 109 David HAGEN (1973-2020)
laws of the game themselves. Leading to goals: 27 The former Rangers midfielder started his career at
Concern about the time taken for Leading to disallowed goals: 56 Ibrox, and played in The Gers’ treble-winning season
a VAR decision saw them effectively Penalties awarded: 22 (9 missed) of1992-93. He also scored the winner for Falkirk in
barred from using the pitchside monitor. Pens overturned: 7 (1 for offside) the 1997 Scottish Challenge Cup final and had spells
This meant the referee on the pitch was Pens retaken: 4 (1 from scored, at Hearts, Livingston, Clyde and Peterhead. Hagen
undermined by a colleague sitting often 3 from missed) was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018.
hundreds of miles away. That, in itself, Goals ruled out for offside: 34
is contrary to Law Five, which states: Awarded after incorrect offside: 8 Stephen TATAW (1963-2020)
“The decisions of the referee Ruled out for handball: 14 Cameroon captain at Italia 90, where they became
regarding facts connected with play, Allowed after wrong handball: 2 the first African team to reach the quarter-finals.
including whether or not a goal is Red cards awarded: 9 The right-back was one
scored and the result of the match, Red cards overturned: 3 of the few Indomitable
are final. The decisions of the referee, Lions who did not go
and all other match officials, must on to join a European
always be respected.”
Not delegated to a video referee.
Fair play? club, in spite of a trial
at QPR. Instead he
Certainly referees are ill-served by Laments that Financial Fair Play is went to Asia after
the absurdity of the current handball dead in the water after the Manchester competing at the
interpretation that varies between goal City case are way off the mark. The 1994 World Cup,
area and midfield. This is an example Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration becoming the first
of the nonsense emerging from IFAB for Sport overturned UEFA’s imposition African to play in
ever since it was saddled with advisory of a two-year ban on City for alleged Japan. Also won the
committees who seek to justify their breaches of FFP. Neither UEFA nor 1988 Africa Cup of
own existence by needless meddling City emerged unscathed from the Fallen Lion...Tataw Nations.
with the Laws of the Game. 93-page judgement. Questions was a Cameroon icon Mark Gleeson
No wonder FAs around the world remained unanswered over time-
struggle to find enough referees; no limited sponsorship cash while UEFA Gabriel Ochoa URIBE (1929-2020)
wonder confidence appeared, almost badly needs to close loopholes in The most successful coach in the history of
visibly, to be draining out of some its own regulations. The concept Colombian football, winning 14 league titles – six
Premier League officials as the extended is fine – the application needs with Millonarios, one for Santa Fe, and seven with
season drew to its conclusion. urgent attention. America de Cali, whom he also led to three Copa
Hopefully, belatedly, lessons have Libertadores finals in a row, yet lost all three.
been learned. It can only be good news
that, now VAR is firmly established, its
Perfect choice Tom FORSYTH (1949-2020)
policing has been taken over by FIFA Jordan Henderson’s election as After playing more than 200 games for Motherwell,
which possesses the authority to Footballer of the Year was well judged Forsyth joined Rangers in 1972 and enjoyed
dictate uniformity of application. by the English Football Writers’ tremendous success
Referees should demonstrate their Association. Liverpool’s captain led in a decade at the
authority by using the monitors while by example, both on and off the pitch, club. The centre-back
thicker analysis lines should reduce the during the active season and during the won three league titles
tally of “armpit offsides”. Accidental pandemic lockdown. Kevin De Bruyne, in Glasgow, including
handball will be penalised only if it Marcus Rashford two domestic trebles,
results immediately in a goal, not back and Raheem and scored the winner
in the build-up, and goalkeepers must Sterling were also against Celtic in the
be monitored on stepping off the line serious claimants. 1973 Scottish Cup
at a penalty. The Premier final. He also won 22
These amendments will not defuse League is lucky to caps for Scotland,
all disputes. As Collina and Busacca boast individuals appearing at the 1978
have always insisted: “VAR is only a tool of such quality – World Cup, and earned
to reduce the number of mistakes not and three of them the nickname “Jaws” for International...Forsyth made
eradicate them entirely.” England players. his aggressive style. his Scotland debut in1971

WORLD SOCCER 15
THE WORLD THIS MONTH

Jonathan
WILSON
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

Manchester City must overcome defensive frailties

The game that settled the 2019-20
Premier League title was a microcosm
of the season. Manchester City played
some extraordinary possession
football. They moved the ball around
in mesmerising patterns. At times,
particularly in the opening quarter
of the game, there was a sense of
greatness about them, such that
the thought Liverpool had a lead
of more than 20 points felt vaguely
incredible. And then Chelsea broke,
Benjamin Mendy dived in and
Christian Pulisic scored.
That’s the way it was all season
for City. They dominated games and
struggled to create or take chances
at times but, more especially, they
were extremely vulnerable to quick
counter attacks. Even in the second
half at Stamford Bridge, as City
equalised and began to assert
pressure, Chelsea kept troubling
them with balls in behind the back
four. It’s that, really, that was the
difference between Liverpool Barcelona side were masters of it. Laporte…keeping Nine league defeats is a huge
the centre-back fit
and City. They pioneered a number of aspects will be key to City’s
number for a club of their stature,
Liverpool maintained the high that have been so widely adopted 2020-21 hopes and they were exposed not only
standards of their 2018-19 season they now seem basic. One player by the likes of Liverpool and
– indeed, through November and would go to the man with the ball, Manchester United, but also by
Southampton and Norwich City.
Increasingly, Guardiola sides have proved It may be that is primarily an
issue of personnel. The decision not
to have a glass jaw. Get through the to sign a replacement for Vincent
press and they can be exposed Kompany looks baffling, particularly
given the questions over the form of
December probably exceeded three others forming a ring around John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi,
them; City did not. After that game him to cut off passing options. If
at Stamford Bridge, both Liverpool the ball wasn’t won back within five Van Dijk…few
and City had played 31 games. At seconds of it being lost, they would defenders combine
that point, City had scored eight fall back into their defensive shape. technique and
strength like the
goals more than Liverpool, but It was so new, so ferociously acted Liverpool man
Jurgen Klopp’s side had conceded that Alex Ferguson admitted his side
14 fewer (afterwards, with the title had been bewildered by Barcelona’s
won, Liverpool’s focus wavered). intensity both in the 2009 and 2011
It’s not in any way to downplay the Champions League finals.
excellence of Liverpool’s attacking Yet increasingly, Guardiola sides
play to observe that the reason have proved to have a glass jaw. Get
they won the title was the quality through the press and they can be
of their defending. exposed. That was brutally clear
Which raises a vital question: last season. With the ball, City were
pressing and preventing the counter brilliant, which is why they scored
has always been a key part of the four or more on 11 occasions. But
Pep Guardiola philosophy. His without it they were badly flawed.

16 WORLD SOCCER
 GLOBAL FOOTBALL INTELLIGENCE

REPORTS WE COULDN’T MAKE UP

bring himself to utter the name of

his team’s biggest rivals, FC Cologne.
Effectively turning down €500,
he said: “No, I won’t say that, not as
a Monchengladbacher!” Gladbach
responded on Twitter, saying:
“This exemplary behaviour must
be rewarded. Dear candidate,
and those shortcomings were exposed please contact us.”
with the injury to Aymeric Laporte,
which in turn meant Fernandinho having RED TAPE NIGHTMARE
to play as a defender, placing increased
pressure on Rodri in midfield. City have
signed Nathan Ake from Bournemouth
for £40 million to try to remedy that,
4 Portuguese side Portimonense
were the lucky beneficiaries
of an administrative mix-up last
month, cancelling their relegation
and may even look to sign another from the top flight. Having finished
centre-back before the deadline. second from bottom and set for
There are issues at centre-forward relegation, the club were spared
as well. Sergio Aguero is 32, while when it was announced that Vitoria
Gabriel Jesus remains frozen in his Setubal, a point ahead in 16th, were
development. At the moment he is to be demoted instead after failing to
just a notch below the very highest present the necessary requirements
level. He’s only 23 and it may be that for professional registration ahead
he suddenly explodes with a 40-goal of the 2020-21 season.
season, but equally it may not. They The ruling, which also affects
may also wonder when Mendy is ever LATHERED UP bottom-placed side, Aves, means

1
Preparing…
Adama Traore
going to deliver on the potential he Wolverhampton Wanderers that both clubs are banned from
showed at Monaco, and whether may have come up with an competing professionally for the
Rodri really is a long-term successor ingenious way to help their winger new season, sending them down
to Fernandinho, who is now 35. Adama Traore escape the attention to Portugal’s third tier.
But the biggest question is over of opposition defenders. The pacy
structure and organisation. There is an dribbler, who was recently recalled ROSS JOINS ROSS
element of self-perpetuation here, that
once a weakness is seen, teams try to
exploit it and so it becomes more and
more apparent. And perhaps to an
to the Spanish national team squad,
rubs baby oil onto his arms to prevent
opponents from pulling him back,
with the Wolves physio spotted
5 Scottish Premiership side Ross
County have stumbled upon
an innovative new way of scouting
players: signing players called Ross.
extent it is reasonable to point out that administering it on the pitch. By signing Ross Doohan on loan
no team can do everything perfectly, from Celtic, the club moved closer
and that if you prioritise passing and THREE IN A ROW to a full team of players with the
touch in your defenders it almost
inevitably means that certain defensive
qualities will be compromised. The
likes of Virgil van Dijk – or Kompany
2 RB Salzburg goalkeeper
Daniel Antosch made history
in the quarter-finals of the UEFA
Youth League when he saved three
Ross Draper…
another Ross in
action for County
same name as the team itself,
with five Ross’ in the squad –
three of which are goalkeepers.

– who are both good on the ball and penalties in a row against Lyon.
commanding defenders, are very rare. The 20-year-old dived to his right
But the success of Liverpool raises to keep out Florent da Silva’s shot
a vital question. They are at least as before being penalised by the referee
aggressive in their press, and yet they for coming off his line too early. The
very rarely get caught out by simple exact same thing happened on the
balls in behind them. What is it that retaken penalty, leading to a third
they are doing differently? Is the spot-kick, which Antosch also
success of their Gegenpressing simply saved, this time to his left.
a result of their ferocity through
midfield, something Guardiola again SILENT SUPPORT
perhaps has to sacrifice to an extent
to encourage his side’s mastery of the
ball? Or is it that opponents have
become familiar with the Guardiola
3 “Which club won the second
division championship in the
2018-2019 season?” For close
followers of German football, this
style of pressing that seemed so was a straightforward question
radical a decade ago, and that Klopp on quiz show Gefragt–Gejagt,
has taken that to new extremes of the German equivalent of The
organisation? If that is the case Chase. Contestant Claus Blumel
then for perhaps the first time knew the answer, but refused to
in his career, there is tactical say it. The problem? The Borussia
work for Guardiola to do. Monchengladbach fan could not

WORLD SOCCER 17
THE WORLD THIS MONTH

OCTOBER 2020
ESM
EUROPEAN SPORTS MEDIA

Immobile ends Barca-Real grip on Golden Shoe

Lazio striker Ciro Immobile has become
the first player from outside Barcelona
or Real Madrid to be named Europe’s
outright top marksman since Diego
Forlan in 2008-09.
Luis Suarez shared the Golden Shoe
with Cristiano Ronaldo while he was
still a Liverpool player in 2013-14, but
otherwise Spain’s two biggest clubs have
dominated the award in the last decade.
Immobile is also the first Italian to
win it since Francesco Totti collected
the honour in 2006-07, and only the
third Serie A striker since the award
was taken up by ESM in 1996.
The 30-year-old overtook long-time
leader Robert Lewandowski in the last
week of the Serie A campaign to finish
with 36 goals. Bayern’s Lewandowski
was runner-up with 34, while four-times
winner Ronaldo was third with 31.
The Golden Shoe computation is Prolific…Erling Haaland
based on UEFA’s national rankings at
the start of a season. Thus, marksmen This explains the joint-fifth positioning Golden Shoe… the second half. They placed him level
Immobile scores
from among the top five European of Erling Haaland, who scored 16 goals against Brescia
with Barcelona’s record six-time winner
leagues benefit from a multiple of 2, at a 1.5 factor for Austria’s RB Salzburg to move ahead Lionel Messi on 50 points, even though
the next batch (places six to 22) in the first half of 2019-20, and then 13 of Lewandowski the Norwegian scored more goals.
a factor of 1.5, and the rest 1. at a 2 factor for Borussia Dortmund in Keir Radnedge

ESM GOLDEN SHOE 2019-2020: FINAL RANKING WINNERS IN THE LAST 20 YEARS:
(Ranking multiplication based on UEFA coefficient status)
Year Name Goals Factor Pts
Pos Name Goals Factor Pts
2018–19 LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona) 36 2 72
1 CIRO IMMOBILE (Lazio) 36 2 72 2017–18 LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona) 34 2 68
2 ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI (Bayern Munich) 34 2 68 2016–17 LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona) 37 2 74
3 CRISTIANO RONALDO (Juventus) 31 2 62 2015–16 LUIS SUAREZ (Barcelona) 40 2 80
4 TIMO WERNER (RB Leipzig) 28 2 56 2014–15 CRISTIANO RONALDO (Real Madrid) 48 2 96
5= ERLING HAALAND (RB Salzburg/Dortmund) 29 1.5/2 50 2013–14 LUIS SUAREZ (Liverpool) 31 2 62
5= LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona) 25 2 50 Goal machine... CRISTIANO RONALDO (Real Madrid) 31 2 62
7 JEAN-PIERRE NSAME (Young Boys) 32 1.5 48 Jean-Pierre Nsame 2012–13 LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona) 46 2 92
8= ROMELU LUKAKU (Internazionale) 23 2 46 2011–12 LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona) 50 2 100
8= JAMIE VARDY (Leicester City) 23 2 46 2010–11 CRISTIANO RONALDO (Real Madrid) 40 2 80
10= PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (Arsenal) 22 2 44 2009–10 LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona) 34 2 68
10= DANNY INGS (Southampton) 22 2 44 2008–09 DIEGO FORLAN (Atletico Madrid) 32 2 64
12= KARIM BENZEMA (Real Madrid) 21 2 42 2007–08 CRISTIANO RONALDO (Man. United) 31 2 62
12= FRANCESCO CAPUTO (Sassuolo) 21 2 42 2006–07 FRANCESCO TOTTI (Roma) 26 2 52
14 RAHEEM STERLING (Manchester City) 20 2 40 2005–06 LUCA TONI (Fiorentina) 31 2 62
15 MOHAMED SALAH (Liverpool) 19 2 38 2004–05 THIERRY HENRY (Arsenal) 25 2 50
16= WISSAM BEN YEDDER (Monaco) 18 2 36 Last year’s winner... DIEGO FORLAN (Villarreal) 25 2 50
Lionel Messi
16= HARRY KANE (Tottenham Hotspur) 18 2 36 2003–04 THIERRY HENRY (Arsenal) 30 2 60
16= SADIO MANE (Liverpool) 18 2 36 2002–03 ROY MAKAAY (Deportivo La Coruna) 29 2 58
16= KYLIAN MBAPPE (Paris Saint-Germain) 18 2 36 2001–02 MARIO JARDEL (Sporting) 42 1.5 63
16= GERARD MORENO (Villarreal) 18 2 36 2000–01 HENRIK LARSSON (Celtic) 35 1.5 52.5
16= LUIS MURIEL (Atalanta) 18 2 36 1999–00 KEVIN PHILLIPS (Sunderland) 30 2 60
16= JOAO PEDRO (Cagliari) 18 2 36
16= ALEXANDER SORLOTH (Trabzonspor) 24 1.5 36 The Golden Shoe is administered, computed and formulated by the European Sports
16= DUVAN ZAPATA (Atalanta) 18 2 36 Media group whose members include World Soccer (UK) along with A Bola (Portugal),
ElfVoetbal (Netherlands), Fanatik (Turkey), Foot Magazine (Belgium), Frankfurter
25= RAUL JIMENEZ (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 17 2 34 Allgemeine Zeitung (Germany), Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy), GoalNews/Sentragoal
25= ANTHONY MARTIAL (Manchester United) 17 2 34 (Greece), Guerin Sportivo (Italy), Kicker (Germany), Marca (Spain), Nemzeti Sport
Surprise package... (Hungary), SoFoot (France), Sport Express (Russia), Telegraaf/Telesport (Netherlands)
25= MARCUS RASHFORD (Manchester United) 17 2 34 Southampton’s and Tipsbladet (Denmark). Affiliated members are Kick Off (South Africa),
25= JADON SANCHO (Borussia Dortmund) 17 2 34 Danny Ings Titan Sport (China), Netease (China) and SportalKorea (South Korea).

18 WORLD SOCCER
THE WORLD THIS MONTH

“I learn about David Silva’s transfer to Real

Sociedad. I have great respect for the player,
but not for the man”
Lazio sporting director Igli Tare

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

EUROPE
CARLOS CORBERAN left the
coaching staff at Leeds United to
replace Danny Cowley at Championship
club Huddersfield Town. Birmingham
City appointed AITOR KARANKA
as manager, former assistants DEAN
HOLDEN and JASON TINDALL were
promoted to head coach at Bristol City
and Bournemouth respectively, while
ex-Australia star HARRY KEWELL
was appointed Oldham manager.
Watford installed Serbian coach
VLADIMIR IVIC as manager.
Returning…
Robin van Persie Monaco appointed ex-Bayern coach Change of heart…
NIKO KOVAC after firing Robert Moreno. David Silva

EUSEBIO DI FRANCESCO took over over from Javi Calleja. PABLO MACHIN ROBIN VAN PERSIE returned to
at Roma following Walter Zenga’s exit. was appointed Alaves coach, days after Feyenoord to begin his coaching career.
pulling out of a deal to join Chinese side
Villarreal announced ex-Arsenal and Qingdao Huanghai, and Valencia hired DAVID SILVA signed for Real
Sevilla boss UNAI EMERY would take ex-Watford manager JAVI GRACIA. Sociedad having seemingly agreed

SUMMER 2020 BIGGEST DEALS SO FAR

£73.2m Victor Osimhen £22.5m *Nicolo Barella £12m *Kyle Walker-Peters
Lille to Napoli Cagliari to Internazionale Tottenham to Southampton
£66m Arthur £21.7m *Suso £11.7m Kostas Tsimikas
Barcelona to Juventus Milan to Sevilla Olympiakos to Liverpool
£59.2m *Alvaro Morata £21m Ferran Torres £11.7m Axel Disasi
Chelsea to Atletico Madrid Valencia to Manchester City Reims to Monaco
£54.8m Miralem Pjanic £19.1m *Tomas Soucek £10.9m Mohammed Salisu
Juventus to Barcelona Slavia Prague to West Ham Real Valladolid to
Manchester
£54m Timo Werner £18.5m Aaron Ramsdale Southampton
City…Ake RB Leipzig to Chelsea Bournemouth to £10.9m Dejan Lovren
£45m *Mauro Icardi Sheffield United Liverpool to Zenit
Internazionale to PSG £18m Everton £10.7m Martin Terrier
£40.9m Leroy Sane Gremio to Benfica Lyon to Rennes
Man. City to Bayern Munich £16.2m Pedrinho £9.9m *Carles Perez
£40m Nathan Ake Corinthians to Benfica Barcelona to Roma
Bournemouth to Man. City £16m *Helder Costa £9m Seko Fofana
£36m Achraf Hakimi Wolves to Leeds United Udinese to Lens
Real Madrid to Internazionale £15m Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg £8.25m *Matheus Pereira
£33.6m Hakim Ziyech Southampton to Tottenham Sporting to West Brom
Internazionale… Ajax to Chelsea £15m *Anthony Knockaert £9m Adrian Grbic
Hakimi £28.3m Francisco Trincao Brighton to Fulham Clermont to Lorient
Braga to Barcelona £14.18m Antony £8.1m Hwang Hee-chan
£27m Jonathan David Sao Paulo to Ajax RB Salzburg to RB Leipzig
Gent to Lille £14.1m *Karl Toko Ekambi £7.2m Francis Coquelin
£27m Rodrigo Villarreal to Lyon Valencia to Villarreal
Valencia to Leeds United £14m *Pablo Mari £7.2m Alexander Schwolow
£22.8m *Emre Can Flamengo to Arsenal Freiburg to Hertha Berlin
Juventus to B. Dortmund £13.5m Luca Waldschmidt £7.2m Sven Botman
£22.8m Jude Bellingham Freiburg to Benfica Ajax to Lille
Birmingham City £13.5m *Mario Pasalic
Lille…David to B. Dortmund Chelsea to Atalanta (* Loan deal made permanent)

20 WORLD SOCCER
 GLOBAL FOOTBALL INTELLIGENCE

“I love playing with this lot. We’ve got some special young players.
I’m really happy to share the pitch with them. I joined when I was
17 and some of the lads are the same age…I can guide them”
Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho distances himself from a summer move

Appointments, sackings and loans

World Cup
Reunion… winner…
Matuidi and Benedikt
Beckham Howedes
played with
each other
at PSG

EUROPE
Former Schalke and Lokomotiv
Moscow defender BENEDIKT HOWEDES
announced that he is retiring aged 32
for family reasons. Everton left-back
LEIGHTON BAINES, 35, also ended his
career after 420 games for the Toffees.

Veteran Chile goalkeeper CLAUDIO

Inter Miami make Matuidi first major signing Baines…bows out
BRAVO left Manchester City after his
David Beckham’s MLS outfit Inter Miami made their first major move in the contract expired.
transfer market, recruiting France midfielder BLAISE MATUIDI from Juventus
on a free transfer. AFRICA
The club had been linked with a host of big names as their first marquee
signing, including Uruguay duo Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, but opted for ARISTIDE BANCE, cult-hero of
the industrious World Cup winner, who has won multiple league titles with Burkina Faso, retired after a remarkable
both Paris Saint-Germain and Juve, as well as 82 international caps. career involving 22 different clubs
across Europe, Asia and Africa.

to join Lazio. Other notable free transfers JORDI CRUYFF was appointed ASIA
included JOE HART joining Tottenham coach of Chinese Super League outfit
Hotspur, JAN VERTONGHEN to Benfica, Shenzhen FC, just a month after leaving LEE LIM-SAENG stepped down as
WILLIAN to Arsenal, BURAK YILMAZ his post as Ecuador national team boss Suwon Samsung Bluewings head coach
to Lille, and Champions League winner without managing a game. after a disappointing start to the season,
JON OBI MIKEL moving to Stoke City with boss CHOI YONG-SOO also
in the English Championship. departing from FC Seoul.

Talented Asian duo, Malaysia striker Ex-China goalkeeper YANG ZHI

LUQMAN HAKIM and Iran goalkeeper announced his retirement aged 37.
ALIREZA BEIRANVAND, joined Belgian
outfits Kortrijk and Antwerp respectively. CONCACAF
CONCACAF Atlanta United and FRANK DE BOER
parted ways after the club’s poor showing
Former APOEL and Leeds United at the MLS Is Back Tournament.
manager THOMAS CHRISTIANSEN
was appointed head coach of Sacked…
Panama’s national team. De Boer

ASIA
In South Korea, ex-Premier League
players KI SUNG-YEUNG and MODOU
BARROW joined Seoul FC and Jeonbuk
Motors respectively. China-bound…Jordi Cruyff

WORLD SOCCER 21
 Headliners
Milan
Italian giants tear up plans for a new sporting director

A
little over a year Milan began to climb back towards
ago, Serie A the top of the table. In particular,
giants Milan, Milan blossomed in the post-lockdown
unhappy with restart period in June and July, picking
their seasonal up nine wins and three draws in 12
results, sacked Serie A games. No side did better
coach Gennaro in that period.
Gattuso. To many, it seemed harsh. Milan picked up wins against Roma
After all, Gattuso had done reasonably (2-0), Lazio (3-0) and champions
well, claiming fifth place in Serie A, Juventus (4-2), while it it took two
just one point away from Champions equally in-form sides, Napoli (2-2)
League qualification. 12 months later, and Atalanta (1-1), to call a temporary
Milan have just finished sixth, 12 points halt to their winning gallop. The only
adrift of the Champions League. other stain on their record, a 2-2
However, this time the club have kept draw with SPAL, involved a comeback
faith with current coach Stefano Pioli. of true character, scoring twice in the
It is of course true that it is not last 15 minutes.
always a good idea to sack the coach. Not only did Milan hit a white-hot
The thing is for months now, Italian and streak of good results, but they also
German media have been assuring us produced some very attractive football.
that the former RB Leipzig coach, Ralf Suddenly, all those ugly ducklings –
Rangnick, would be Milan’s head coach Rafael Leao and Ante Rebic in attack,
and sporting director in time for the Ismael Bennacer, Hakan Calhanoglu
2020-21 season. That plan has now and Franck Kessie in midfield, and
been abandoned. Theo Hernandez in defence began
Last October, after a poor start to look like world beaters.
which saw the club lose four of their What had happened? In one
first six league games, then Milan word – Ibrahimovic. New era… When “Ibra” was pulled out of MLS,
coach, Marco Giampaolo, the man who Obviously, Milan’s good form Ibrahimovic attracted back to Milan from LA Galaxy
is central to
succeeded Gattuso, was given the old depended on a combination of factors, Milan’s plans last December, many wondered if this
heave-ho. Suddenly, the sacking of but nothing was more game changing was not a pathetic last hurrah for both
Gattuso did not look so smart, as for them than the leadership, wisdom player and club. Could Zlatan still be
experienced stop-gap coach Pioli, effective, indeed influential, in Serie A?
formerly of Lazio, Internazionale and Media have been assuring us that The answer, with ten goals and
Fiorentina, was rushed in. five assists in 18 league games, was
Not long after that, Milan CEO Ivan
Ralf Rangnick would be Milan’s a resounding yes. He reached the
Gazidis was assuring fans that the club head coach and sporting director... milestone of 50 goals in his second
was laying serious plans for the future that plan has now been abandoned spell at the club, becoming the first
with a view to finding a permanent, player in history to reach half a century
non-caretaker coach. The successful and class of the 38-year-old. for both of the Milan teams.
Rangnick was reported to have Remember, this is a young Milan Perhaps the Swede was helped
concluded a deal to take up his – Leao and goalkeeper Gianluigi by the tempo of Serie A, less intense
new role at the club. Donnarumma are 21, Bennacer Celebrating... than the Premier League, where he
Zlatan with vice-
And then, the results began to talk. and Hernandez 22, Kessie captain Gianluigi was last seen in Europe. But what is
Having sunk as low as 12th, Pioli’s and Lucas Paqueta 23. Donnarumma beyond doubt is that he is a huge
influence on this team.
It was at this point, then, that Milan’s
best laid plans fell apart. If it ain’t broke,
don’t fix it, and by the season’s end
Milan were looking anything but broke.
Just as the team was beginning to
seriously come together, it made no
sense to dismantle it and start all over
again with the wholescale rebuilding
job that Rangnick, in various interviews,
had indicated as necessary.
By the middle of July, the Rangnick
Milan coach... idea was dropped while Pioli was
Stefano Pioli
confirmed, given a two-year contract

22 WORLD SOCCER
 PEOPLE ANDPEOPLE
PLACES IN THE
AND PLACES NEWS
IN THE NEWS

Iker Casillas
Real’s greatest keeper set for shock return

R
eal Madrid legend HONOURS & rousing send-off worthy of a player
Iker Casillas is ACHIEVEMENTS who has played more Champions
expected to make FIFA World Cup League games than any other.
a special return (2010) Real Madrid president Florentino
to the Bernabeu 2x UEFA European Perez was widely criticised by the
as an adviser, five Championship club’s supporters at the time, but looks
(2008, 2012)
years after an set to try to redeem himself by bringing
5x La Liga
acrimonious exit from the club. (2000-01, 2002-03,
the former icon back to the club five
The 39-year-old announced his 2006-07, 2007-08, years on. According to reports, Casillas
retirement from football last month, 2011-12) will return to the Bernabeu as an
having spent the final five years of 3x UEFA Champions adviser, working directly under Perez.
his illustrious playing career at Porto. League (1999-2000, It seems like the logical next step
2001-02, 2013-14)
Unfortunately for Porto and Casillas, for a player who is undoubtedly the
FIFA Club World Cup
he didn’t make a single appearance (2014) best goalkeeper in the 118-year history
in his final year at the club after Primeira Liga
of Madrid. However, at one stage, it
suffering a shock heart attack (2017-18) seemed as though Casillas might be
in training early last year. Portuguese Super set for a different career. He had
Addressing his 9.1 million followers Cup (2018) considered the possibility of moving
on Twitter, the three-time Champions 2x UEFA Super Cup into football politics and running for
League winner said: “The important (2002, 2014) president of the Royal Spanish Football
thing is the path you travel and the 2x Copa del Rey Federation (RFEF). If it wasn’t for the
(2010-11, 2013-14)
people who accompany you, not coronavirus pandemic, this may well
2x Intercontinental
the destination to which it takes you. Cup (1998, 2002)
have been an avenue he pursued.
I think I can say, without hesitation, 4x Spanish
Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos
that it has been the path and the Super Cup (2001, led the tributes to the goalkeeper
dream destination.” 2003, 2008, 2012) following his retirement. The former
While he’ll be remembered by most Most appearances in scored 17 of his 26 Clasico goals
extension. Furthermore, it looks likely for his exploits for Real Madrid and the UEFA Champions past Casillas, while the latter is the
League (177)
that Ibrahimovic, Donnarumma and Spain, Casillas also had great success only player to have made more
others such as Leao, Bennacer, Kessie, in Portugal. He made 156 appearances appearances for Spain. The pair were
Rebic, Calhanoglu and Hernandez will for Porto after joining in 2015, winning Historic moment… close team-mates for club and country,
all be staying. Milan’s future will be the title in 2017-18 and Portuguese Casillas celebrates forming the heart of the defence that
built upon a group of talented young Super Cup in 2018. He was given a winning the 2010 won the 2010 World Cup and two
World Cup against
players, led by one old one. role on the club’s coaching staff during the Netherlands European Championships.
Some big questions still remain his recovery, but never made a return to with Carles Puyol Sam Straw
unanswered, though. Milan is currently the pitch during last season’s double-
owned by US investment firm, Elliott winning campaign. His popularity was
Management Corporation, one of the summed up by a social media campaign
biggest of its kind and a company set up by supporters in a bid to get
whose business concerns hedge funds, him one final appearance before his
share prices and profit margins, not retirement. Sadly, Casillas couldn’t
football. Sooner or later, Elliott will feature due to medical reasons, but
want to sell Milan. it’s not the first time that he’s been
If for some ill-fated reason, the Milan denied a fairy-tale ending.
of Pioli, Ibrahimovic and Donnarumma Real Madrid released a statement
does not work out next season, do not on their website shortly after the
be surprised if we all go back to the goalkeeper’s retirement referring to
drawing board again. The “Rangnick him as “one of the greatest legends
Revolution” was not enacted this of our club and world football”, but his
spring, the coach was not sacked this exit from Los Blancos certainly didn’t
time – but 12 months from now, if live up to that title. Casillas made
seven-time winners Milan are still not 725 appearances for Real during
in the Champions League, do not be a 16-year spell at the club, winning
surprised if you hear people talking three Champions League titles and
about a new Milan coach. That may five La Liga crowns. However, after a
however, be too late for Rangnick, couple of difficult seasons under Jose
whose work in Germany has made Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, Casillas
him highly sought after. was left to say his goodbyes alone in
Paddy Agnew a press conference – far from the

WORLD SOCCER 23
 Headliners

Xavi
Legendary midfielder’s future as Barca coach is a matter of when, not if

B
arcelona president
Josep Maria
Bartomeu was clear:
“Xavi will be Barca’s
coach, sooner or
later.” Just not quite
yet, it seems.
On July 5, the former Blaugrana
playmaker penned a new deal to see
him remain as coach of Qatari club
Al Sadd until the summer of 2021. A
month later, his former club appointed
Ronald Koeman to replace Quique
Setien.
“Happy to be a part of this great
club for another year,” Xavi commented
on Instagram after his new contract
was announced. “We will keep up our
hard work and total dedication to the
club to repay their confidence in us.”
The caveat? As Barcelona-based
newspaper Sport reported, the
contract includes a clause that allows
him to leave if his former employers
come calling.
It’s no secret that Xavi, like Koeman,
sees Barcelona as his dream job. The
former midfielder, however, has already
turned it down.
“Yes, I received an offer from
Barcelona when Abidal and Oscar
Grau were here, but I didn’t accept it
because it’s too soon. But let nobody
doubt that it’s my dream in the future
to coach Barca.” Champion…
Al Sadd players
The reasons for Xavi’s rejection celebrate winning
have been debated, with speculation the Qatar Cup
surrounding a frosty relationship with in January
“It’s too soon [to coach Barcelona].
Bartomeu – a notion that the coach
himself seemed to allude to in further supporters. With Xavi in charge, there But let nobody doubt that it’s my
comments to Sport in June. would be no suggestion of Barca’s dream in the future to coach Barca”
“I want to take footballing decisions identity being forgotten or ignored –
at Barcelona. It’s clear that, after the an accusation that was made against Ending his playing career on a
elections, the stage would be set. Setien, Ernesto Valverde and Luis high, he took advantage of manager
I’m not ruling anything out.” Enrique. Jesualdo Ferreira’s decision to step
Barcelona’s presidential elections The appointment of Koeman, down, and replaced him a month after
are planned for March 2021, a couple himself a former Barca hero, is unlikely clinching the title as a player.
of months before Xavi’s Al Sadd to be a significant obstacle for Xavi. It wasn’t long before he lifted the
contract expires, with businessman Barring an extraordinary turnaround first trophy of his coaching career. His
Victor Font the favourite to replace from the Dutchman, the next president side triumphed over Al Duhail in the
Bartomeu. will make appointing their own head Qatar Super Cup in August 2019, in
Font and Xavi are fond coach a priority. doing so becoming the first person
acquaintances, and the presidential Whether Xavi actually is the right to win the competition as a player and
hopeful has already spoken of his man for the job is another question. It a coach.
desire to instate the club legend was only in May 2019 that he retired He tasted further success in the final
as coach. from playing, having made 117 of the Qatar Cup in January, contested
A proud Catalan, all-time great appearances for Al Sadd in four years, between the previous season’s top
and captain for many years, it’s clear and helping them to their first Qatar four, while his team lead their group in
why he is such a romantic choice for Stars League title in six years. the 2020 AFC Champions League –

24 WORLD SOCCER
 PEOPLE AND PLACES IN THE NEWS

Record-breaker…
Xavi played
a record 767
games for Barca

Al Sadd attack and defend as 20 goals – more than any midfielder

a team, with a high press applied if in La Liga.
they’re close to the opponent’s goal. At the age of 35, he was one of the
They prefer attacking, though – in their best midfielders in Spain, and returned
first 18 games of 2019-20 they were to the national squad in 2019.
by far the top scorers in the league Selection for Euro 2020 is not out of
with 47, yet also had the fifth-worst the question.
defence, conceding 28. With so much still to give the
Experienced midfielders Gabi and European game, the timing of his
Marco Fabian have recently left the decision to step down is questionable.
club, but their replacement is more Speaking to Villarreal’s website,
than equipped to shoulder the Cazorla said: “I’ve had a great time, but
creative burden. it’s time to end this stage of my career.
Santi Cazorla played his last game It’s a decision I’ve thought about a lot.
for Villarreal in July after 334 games Every game I find it harder to give 100
and 57 goals across three spells at the per cent and I had to be honest with
club where he began his career. His myself and the club.”
final years at Arsenal were plagued by The midfielder has suffered more
set to resume in September. injuries – after eight operations on his than most during his career, and he’s
Domestically, Al Sadd progressed ankle he contracted gangrene and was got the scars to prove it: his final ankle
to the semi-finals of the on-hold Emir even in danger of losing his leg – yet operation required skin grafted from a
and Ooredoo Cups this year and his recovery has been remarkable. He tattoo on his arm. He has earned the
finished third in the league. Victory in played 35 league matches in each of right to ease his way into retirement
Legend…Cazorla left
the Emir Cup will guarantee them a Villarreal as the club’s his last two seasons, and in his final with a final generous payday in a
place in the 2021 Champions League. top-scoring midfielder campaign was directly involved in less demanding league.
His reign hasn’t been without Still, his career is far from over.
its bumps, though. A run of three Cazorla and Xavi were team-mates
defeats in October sparked concerns, in Spain’s successful 2008 and 2012
especially after he decided to rotate European Championship squads, and
his squad against Al Wakrah in the the prospect of them teaming up again
Ooredoo Cup, resulting in a 5-1 loss. is an intriguing one. The new arrival will
Unsurprisingly, he favours a 4-3-3 likely pull the strings for Al Sadd’s
formation, which occasionally becomes attack, while managing such a talent
a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 while defending. will be a valuable experience for Xavi.
His centre-backs adopt wide positions, This time next year, he could find
encouraging his full-backs further up himself in charge of several others
the field – much like Barcelona did in the Nou Camp dugout.
while he was at the club. Jared Tinslay

WORLD SOCCER 25
 Headliners

Istanbul Basaksehir
Turkish minnows’ rise to the top is no fairy tale

F
or only the second
time since 1985,
Turkey has a league
champion from outside
the “Big Three” of
Besiktas, Fenerbahce
and Galatasaray.
Unlike Bursaspor’s surprise success
in 2009-10, this is more than a
one-off. Istanbul Basaksehir are
genuine game-changers in Turkey.
Istanbul is a divided city. The
so-called “Intercontinental Derby”
pits Fenerbahce from the Asian side
against Galatasaray in the European
side. It is a ludicrously passionate affair,
while Besiktas’ clashes against the two
sides are equally fiery. Football in the
city has often quite literally been a
matter of life and death, with fans
obsessively devoted to their own
club to extreme levels.
The idea of another Istanbul team
elbowing their way into top spot ahead
of all three seemed inconceivable. In In addition, they have a relatively Erdogan FC… Erdogan during his time as mayor of
Basaksehir are the
such a tribal city, with the battle lines new ground, the Basaksehir Fatih Istanbul, and is populated by many of
favoured club of the
already so clearly drawn, how could Terim Stadium. Built in 2014 and Turkish president his supporters. Even the club colours
a club like Istanbul Basaksehir named after the current Galatasaray of orange and blue are those of the
– founded as an amateur side coach, it has a capacity of just over country’s ruling party, the AKP.
in 1990 – attract any fans? 17,000, but is yet to sell out. Erdogan’s patronage explains the
The truth is that they haven’t. A clue to their success can be found club’s sponsorship from Turkish Airlines
Figures vary, but their average in the exhibition match that took place and DenizBank, one of the country’s
attendance during their title-winning when the ground was opened. Amongst largest private banks. With such
season was somewhere between 500 the stars on show that day was Turkish backing, more investment is sure
and 2,000, the lowest in the league. president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. After to follow. Arsenal outcast and known
When they were drawn against Burnley scoring a hat-trick, the No.12 shirt that Erdogan supporter Mesut Ozil is among
in the Europa League two years ago, he was wearing was officially retired by
they drew a home crowd of just 4,503, the club, and his portrait was hung up Erdogan’s patronage explains the
and didn’t sell any tickets for the at the training ground.
second leg at Turf Moor. In July the Shortly before the new ground was club’s sponsorship from Turkish
team paraded their league trophy opened, they announced new sponsors Airlines and DenizBank
through the city on an open-top bus Medipol, a network of health clinics,
to virtually empty streets. Lockdown founded by Erdogan’s health minister those linked with the club, although
restrictions are in place of course, Fahrettin Koca. The club president at whether this will be enough to attract
but it’s unlikely that these would the time, Goksel Gumusdag, is married more fans remains to be seen.
have stopped fans of the Big to one of Erdogan’s wife’s nieces. The Sooner or later, Basaksehir will need
Three from celebrating. district of Basaksehir itself was built by to attract bigger crowds if they are to
Yet, although they have very little continue growing and avoid scrutiny
support, this is not a team that has from UEFA. In June, Trabzonspor
been built on a shoestring budget. became the latest Turkish side to
They have several big names in the fall foul of FFP regulations, and were
autumn of their careers (far from a handed a one-year ban from European
new phenomenon in Turkish football), competition. If it hasn’t already, the
with former Premier League stars regulators’ gaze will soon be turning
Martin Skrtel, Gael Clichy, Gokhan Inler, to the Turkish champions in an empty
Robinho and Demba Ba all appearing stadium from an Istanbul suburb.
for them last season, while the likes Then again, with such friends in high
Top scorer…former
of Emre Belozoglu and Emmanuel Newcastle United places, the club may not need to worry.
Adebayor have signed in the past. striker Demba Ba Jamie Evans

26 WORLD SOCCER
 PEOPLE AND PLACES IN THE NEWS

Cyriel Dessers
Eredivisie top scorer targeting international recognition at new club

C
yriel Dessers wasted confidence but after one week I was
me I had to go to a club where I would
no time in beginning play weekly,” he explained. on the bench. But in Almelo the coach
to pay back the left me in the team even when things
At that stage, Dessers’ potential
investment made in weren’t going well. He knew I could
had been recognised by FC Utrecht.
him by Racing Genk be important with goals and assists.”
The Eredivisie club signed him after
with a goal on his And so it proved, as Dessers went
22 goals in the Dutch second division
debut at the start of on to dominate the scoring charts
for NAC Breda, but he made more
the new Belgian season, following his in the Dutch league. There were key
appearances as a substitute than
€4 million move from Heracles Almelo goals too, like the winner over Ajax
a starter in his first season, and his
in the neighbouring Netherlands. in a rare triumph for the provincial
second campaign was ruined by
With 15 goals from 26 matches, he a bad knee injury. club over the Amsterdam giants. By
had topped the Eredivisie’s goal charts mid-season he had created enough
The move to Heracles in 2019, who
alongside Feyenoord’s Steven Berghuis, paid €1m for him and have realised
interest that there were talks with
firing Heracles to eighth place. Celta Vigo and struggling SPAL in
a four-fold profit on their investment,
It proved a breakout campaign for was both a setback and an opportunity.
Serie A about a January move,
the 25-year-old, something of a late “Everyone has to deal with setbacks
but neither were concluded.
bloomer but now with his sights firmly at one time or another. Injuries, form,
“I do have the ambition to still
set on an international career. confidence, coaches who are not sure
play in one of the top five leagues in
Belgian-born Dessers received about you. When Dick Advocaat took
Europe but it was not to be this time
one call-up at Under-21 level for his over at Utrecht I thought I had his
around because of the coronavirus.
country of birth but was an unused I think the crisis
substitute. Now he is being earmarked “I do have the ambition to still made it difficult
for a debut with Nigeria, where his for the agents
mother hails from.
play in one of the top five leagues in the transfer
New signing…Dessers in Europe but it was not to be this
“Before the 2018 World Cup I had signed for Genk at market,” he
some contact with them and they told the end of June time around” added. But
Cyriel Dessers Genk was
a more than
satisfactory alternative. It was the
club he supported as a boy, having
had trials there as a seven-year-old
and he often played against them
in preseason scrimmages with his
first professional club OH Leuven.
“I had long dreamed to play in
their stadium. Hard work has paid
off and I’m now where I want to be.”
Next then is to win a first cap
for Nigeria. Dessers popped over
to London to speak to Super Eagles
coach Gernot Rohr in the early part
of the year and not long after received
a call-up for two Africa Nations Cup
qualifiers in March against Sierra
Leone. The matches were put on
ice by the pandemic but will likely
be played in November.
“That was painful because I thought
it could have been one of the best
moments of my life, certainly my
career.”
That debut is not far away, even with
stiff competition for places in Nigeria’s
attack – not least from Napoli’s new
€60m man Victor Osimhen. Still, if
Dessers can reproduce at Genk what
he did at Heracles last season, he will
be more than worth his place.
Mark Gleeson

WORLD SOCCER 27
 eye
witness Tom Kundert reports

PORTUGAL

Dragons rise again

Porto’s new emphasis on youth
Porto are back on top. After team” document of two targets for
dominating Portuguese football every position on the pitch from
for decades, their hegemony all around the world, ready to be
seemed to have been wrested purchased in anticipation of the
away by Benfica, who reeled off four latest star being transferred for
straight championship triumphs from a huge profit.
2013 to 2017. But the appointment Unfortunately for Porto, others
of fiery former winger Sergio caught on. The ever-increasing
Conceicao as head coach has wealth of Europe’s major leagues
proven a wise decision. Porto were enabled richer clubs to set up
at the summit of the league when complex global scouting networks
it was interrupted, and they stayed and make irresistible offers for
there when football resumed, the football stars of tomorrow.
clinching a second title win When UEFA outlawed third-party
in three years. ownership, a system routinely used
This one, however, feels like the by Porto, the Portuguese side
beginning of something different. definitively could not compete for
Porto’s domestic supremacy the best young South Americans
in Portugal (the Dragons won the and the scout-buy-develop-sell
league 16 times between 1992 and model that had served them so
2013), which extended to success well was largely defunct.
in Europe, winning one Champions How did Porto respond? In
League and two Europa Leagues in the same way that all of Portugal’s
that time, was fundamentally built major clubs did. By investing heavily
on brilliant scouting. in their youth training structure.
Porto made a habit of enticing If you cannot buy top talents,
talented players squandered by their you must create them yourself.
biggest rivals, who would then excel The efforts made in this area
at the Estadio do Dragao, such as have borne fruits. Ruben Neves,
Maniche, Deco and Joao Moutinho. Andre Silva and Diogo Dalot were
But the biggest difference-maker, sold for a combined total of almost
especially in international €80 million. The club’s financial
competition, was the club’s ability difficulties – which included falling
to identify emerging talent from foul of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play
South America, develop it and reap policy, leading to a ban on buying
the rewards both on the pitch and players – necessitated the sale of
subsequently in the transfer market. the aforementioned trio before they
Radamel Falcao, Hulk and James were able to leave a lasting mark
Rodriguez are just three from a on Porto’s senior team.
lengthy list of players who gave Today, the hope among Porto
magnificent service to the Blue fans is that homegrown stars will
and Whites on the pitch, and who play a big role in the first team.
subsequently boosted the club’s The evidence from the latest league
coffers by generating huge fees conquest has raised those hopes
when sold on. further. Porto became the first
The formula was so well Portuguese team to win the UEFA
implemented that former football Youth League in 2018-19, and eight
director Antero Henrique kept a of the players from that side helped
meticulously elaborated “shadow them lift the title this year.

28 WORLD SOCCER
 Back on top…Porto
won their 29th league
title in July

WORLD SOCCER 29
eyewitness

Vitor Ferreira

Romario Baro

Since the turn of the millennium, transmitted to him by the older players
Porto can lay undisputed claim to and the coach, he will become a
the crown of the most successful reference point at our club and even
club in European competition outside for Portugal. He’s a centre-back with
the continent’s four richest leagues, rare qualities: a superb left foot, fast,
adorning their trophy cabinet with an strong, very good at bringing the ball
array of international silverware that out, and he reads the game well.”
is the envy of all but the so-called Exciting attacking right-back
super-clubs, and which even betters Tomas Esteves is another name that
some of those. The dream now is that has created a buzz in the world of
the new iterations of Porto can emulate youth football. On the back of his
the success of the exceptional teams burgeoning reputation, for several
of the recent past, only this time not months it seemed Porto would lose
with footballers bought from far-off him as negotiations to extend his
lands, but with local talent nurtured contract dragged on, but in June he
in-house. signed on the dotted line, with Porto
president Pinto da Costa announcing
PORTO’S PEARLS the deal himself. “Lots of people have Fabio Vieira took his bow after the
It may have been the most untypical been asking us to renew his contract, resumption of football and made an
of seasons owing to the coronavirus but that’s not the reason we renewed immediate impact. The 226 minutes
pandemic, but 2019-20 will forever it. We renewed it because the coach granted to the stylish midfielder over
be etched in the memory of eight told me he has big expectations eight matches were enough for him
young players who were given of Esteves, he has a lot of quality to score two goals and add an assist.
their professional bow in top-level and enormous potential. Given his Goalkeeper Diogo Costa, midfielder
football and ended the season passion for football and for our club, Vitor Ferreira and winger Joao Mario
with a championship medal everything is in place for things to have all had limited opportunities so
around their necks. go well.” far. However, none of the trio looked
Curiously, the highest hopes for Romario Baro is a combative and overawed when given the chance to
making it big are reserved for two technically-gifted holding midfielder turn out for the first team, and with
players who have featured less than who started the season strongly, all three shining brightly for Portugal’s
many were expecting this season. until injuries halted his progress. youth teams over a number of years,
Centre-back Diogo Leite is a regular The Guinea-Bissau born player has they will be knocking on the door
Portugal Under-21 international. reportedly attracted interest from of the first team next season.
Porto stalwart Pepe knows a thing Juventus and Real Madrid. P
or two about making a success of Darting striker Fabio Silva Name Position DOB (age) 2019-20
that position, and he has no doubts became Porto’s youngest debutant league games
about the quality of his young in a league match when he came
Fabio Silva Striker 19/7/2002 (18) 12
defensive partner. on as a substitute in the opening
Romario Baro Midfielder 25/1/2000 (20) 9
“In my opinion, Leite is the best match of the season against Gil Diogo Leite Centre-back 23/1/1999 (21) 9
central defender in Portugal,” says Vicente, three weeks after his 17th Vitor Ferreira Midfielder 13/2/2000 (20) 8
the former Real Madrid man. “I see birthday. As the campaign progressed, Fabio Vieira Midfielder 30/5/2000 (20) 8
a very rosy future for him. Provided he subsequently became the youngest- Diogo Costa Goalkeeper 19/9/1999 (20) 3
he remains focused and humble and ever starter and the youngest-ever Tomas Esteves Right-back 3/4/2002 (18) 2
continues to assimilate everything scorer for the Dragons. Joao Mario Winger 3/1/2000 (20) 2

30 WORLD SOCCER
 PORTUGAL

Diogo Leite

Diogo Costa

Fabio Silva…Porto’s
youngest-ever player

CONCEICAO’S SOFTLY-SOFTLY I don’t want to give players more them an edge over young players
APPROACH chances just because they came from my playing days.
While utilising the fledgling players through the academy. I’ll never do “It’s a question of finding the
at his disposal regularly throughout that, because we’re talking about right balance to launch the careers
their title-winning season, Porto of these players not because of
coach Sergio Conceicao has been what their parents want, what
happy to drip-feed them into the first “I don’t care if a player is 17 years their agents want, or what the
team, and has even made a point old or 35 years old. What’s important fans want, but in accordance
of pouring cold water on the lofty is the quality they show and the with what the team needs.”
expectations of the fans and media effort they make in training”
who are hungry to see the local
kids make good. Porto head coach, Sergio Conceicao
“Porto are in great shape in terms
of young players that can contribute to a professional squad of players
the senior team. But this question of and everybody has to work hard
youth players seems to be in fashion. to earn their place, then it’s up
It’s almost as if I have to play them to me to choose.
because they came through the “But there are youngsters working
academy, and that’s not right. That with us who are ready. I see youth
is not how I think. I don’t care if a players with a lot of quality. Now it’s
player is 17 years old or 35 years a question of adding a competitive
old. What’s important is the quality mentality, and that doesn’t come
they show and the effort they overnight. I think in this respect,
make in training. these youngsters are a little lacking
“Only by watching the players in compared to what happened in the Sergio Conceicao…
Porto’s head coach
training every day can the coach pick past. On the other hand, they have since 2017
the best team for any given match. some positive qualities that give

WORLD SOCCER 31
 Global football intelligence

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CONTENTS
ENGLAND 34 RUSSIA 49
FRANCE 38 PORTUGAL 50
BELGIUM 41 SCOTLAND 52
GERMANY 42 TURKEY 53
NETHERLANDS 45 SPAIN 54
ITALY 46 UKRAINE 57

WORLD SOCCER 33
 ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE
Season preview 2020-21

Big six back on top

PLAYERS TO WATCH

MASON GREENWOOD NATHAN FERGUSON BEN WHITE WILLIAM SALIBA HAKIM ZIYECH
(Manchester United) (Crystal Palace) (Brighton) (Arsenal) (Chelsea)
One of the biggest young The young defender’s Leeds fans were desperate Gunners fans have high With simply astounding
English talents to break free transfer from West to keep White after starring hopes that the tall France numbers during his spell
through in recent times. Bromwich Albion went in their promotion season, Under-20 centre-back can with Ajax in the Eredivisie,
Two-footed with a hammer somewhat under the radar, starting the social media finally solve their perennial the Moroccan assist king
strike, he hit ten Premier but the 19-year-old is campaign #FreeBenWhite. problems in defence. He’ll could form one of the best
league goals in a breakout a versatile defender Can the 22-year-old need time to settle, but his attacking trios in Europe
2019-20. If he continues with plenty of talent centre-back adjust to the potential is limitless. Could if his partnership clicks
with his progess, he’ll be and potential, plus Premier League – wherever really complement David alongside Timo Werner
a certainty for Euro 2020. England youth caps. he ends up plying his trade? Luiz in central defence. and Christian Pulisic.

34 WORLD SOCCER
 F
or large parts of the last
Premier League season,
it seemed certain that the
“Big Six’s” vice-like grip on the
Champions League places was to end.
Leicester City were flying high and
offering the closest challenge to the
top two; Wolverhampton Wanderers
were building on their impressive debut
season; new boys Sheffield United
were breathing down everybody’s neck.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, Tottenham and
Manchester United all had problems
of their own, and when Manchester
City were banned from European
football, it seemed that a thorough
shake-up was on the way.
In the end of course, it was normal One to watch…it’s pulled off a counter-attacking

ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE 2020-21

service resumed. CAS overturned a big season for masterclass in July’s North London
City’s Phil Foden
Manchester City’s ban, and they and derby, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also
Liverpool were joined in the top four countered his way to a Manchester
by Chelsea and Manchester United, derby double. As Jonathan Wilson
who capitalised on Leicester’s post- points out in his column (page 16),
lockdown implosion. Tottenham City often came unstuck against fast,
completed the top six, while Arsenal, direct counters, though they may
the one side to miss out, leapfrogged take encouragement from their 4-0
Wolves into the Europa League by thrashing of Liverpool – even if the
virtue of winning the FA Cup. The top Reds had already won the league at
six’s dominance was re-established. that point. In the same period, the
champions also came unstuck against
There is an almost rock-paper-scissors quality Guardiola’s former understudy, Arteta.
Nevertheless, it is fair to say that
to the top six: all just as capable of beating one Jurgen Klopp’s side are an exception to
as they are losing to another this rule, on the evidence of last season.
They lost just once before the title was
How they will stack up in 2020-21 sealed – a rare off day away at Watford
will be intriguing. As it stands, there is – and won 11 out of 14 games against
an almost rock-paper-scissors quality to their top eight rivals. Undoubtedly, they
them: all just as capable of beating one are still the team to beat.
as they are losing to another. If they have a weakness, it is that they
In the FA Cup final, Arsenal manager thrive so much on momentum. In the
Mikel Arteta outthought Chelsea’s Frank relentless nature of the Premier League
Lampard, who in turn has outfoxed where the games come thick and fast,
his old mentor, Tottenham boss Jose this is usually a positive, particularly in a
The team to
beat…Liverpool Mourinho, twice. Spurs themselves season where the games will need to be

GRADY DIANGANA JOSH BROWNHILL JACK GREALISH CHE ADAMS FERRAN TORRES
(West Ham) (Burnley) (Aston Villa) (Southampton) (Manchester City)
Manager David Moyes has After arriving from Bristol The clever playmaker is Adams had to wait until City have an abundance
often signed Championship City in January, the central established as an Aston July for his first Premier of stars able to perform on
talent in the past, this time midfielder quietly became Villa legend and has proven League goal, then added the wing – Sterling, Mahrez,
one has been handed to a key cog in Burnley’s well- that he can compete in the three more before the end Bernardo and Foden – but
him. Diangana’s form on oiled machine, improving Premier League. His next of the season, suggesting Torres is a special talent.
loan at West Brom earned with every game. If the challenge is whether he that he has found his feet One of the best players
him a spot in the England Clarets are to improve on can perform in a side not in the top flight. His strike of his generation, he has
U21s, and he is ready for last season’s tenth place, built around him and break partnership with Danny outstanding ability on the
the Premier League. he will play a big role. into the England team. Ings could be lethal. ball and an eye for goal.

WORLD SOCCER 35
 ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE Season Preview 2020-21

crammed in after a delayed start. Yet

they are susceptible to rustiness and PROMOTED TEAMS
a lack of fluidity when they don’t have
games in their legs, as evidenced by
their patchy form both post-lockdown
and after the mid-season break
in January.
They were also guilty of an
overreliance on their full-backs,
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Caption
Robertson, though this may be
remedied by the promotion of LEEDS UNITED
academy product Neco Williams After winning the league by ten
and new signing Kostas Tsimikas, an points, Leeds’ players are ready to
£11.7 million arrival from Olympiakos. be tested at the top. Kalvin Phillips
If other managers can learn from is a holding midfielder of Premier
Klopp, it is in the way that he identified League class and exciting winger
Liverpool’s biggest weakness and Jack Harrison will remain on loan
improved it, even at the expense of from Manchester City, while top
positives. The Reds’ defence was the Evergreen… Ake; United, on the other hand need to goalscorer Patrick Bamford has
Jamie Vardy
best in the league in 2019-20, yet their be better at breaking down deep-lying plenty of critics to disprove.
famed front three had their lowest- defences, hence their interest in Jadon
scoring league season since they Sancho and Jack Grealish. Chelsea’s WEST BROMWICH ALBION
began playing together – Roberto young side are already due to improve The ultimate yo-yo club were
Firmino didn’t even score his first by virtue of another year’s experience, promoted from the Championship
league goal at Anfield until July. though they also need to concede fewer for a record fifth time with a hugely
The side that can address their own goals and may replace goalkeeper Kepa experienced squad. Between them,
weaknesses best will be the most likely Arrizabalaga in order to do so. Like Kieran Gibbs, Jake Livermore, Hal
to close the gap. Manchester City have Manchester United, Tottenham need Robson-Kanu, Gareth Barry, Matt
moved to strengthen their “glass jaw” by Chris Wilder…second more variety in attack to overcome Phillips, Chris Brunt and Charlie
adding Bournemouth defender Nathan season syndrome? stubborn defences, and also cover for Austin have amassed over 1,500
the fragile Harry Kane. Arsenal have Premier League appearances.
the most ground to make up, but have
finally shown signs of being able to take FULHAM
points from their top six rivals, and with The Cottagers significantly
more consistency can be a force once overspent in their last Premier
more. The experience of ex-Chelsea League campaign, so are likely
winger Willian will be a helpful mentor to place more faith in the current
for emerging stars like Gabriel Martinelli squad this time. Rookie manager
and Bukayo Saka. Scott Parker masterminded an
Leicester City fans will rightly bristle impressive victory over play-off
at their exclusion from the Big Six. In favourites Brentford in the final,
terms of league titles, they have been suggesting he has the nous to
more successful than Tottenham and guide Fulham to safety.
Arsenal in the last ten years, and
equally as much so as Liverpool, while
Manchester United and Chelsea only the question of how much further they
just pipped them to the top four. can take their teams remain, particularly
If Brendan Rodgers can identify the with so many other clubs believing they
belong in the top half of the table too.
Everton, Newcastle and West Ham all
If Brendan Rodgers can continue have aspirations of catching them, as do
to get the best out of 33-year-old Southampton, Crystal Palace and Aston
Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy, Villa, while the three promoted sides will
Leicester will certainly be want more than just safety. Helped by
new signing Adam Lallana, Brighton also
contenders again have the potential to shock in innovative
coach Graham Potter’s second season.
cause of their collapse in form, The reality of course is that three will
and continue to get the best out go down, others will be sucked into the
of 33-year-old Golden Boot winner relegation dogfight, and for the others a
Jamie Vardy, the Foxes will certainly spot in the top half will be the absolute
be contenders again. height of their ambition.
For Wolves, Sheffield United and The Premier League elite remain
Burnley, their ability to close the gap just that, and their battles will continue
to the top seven will depend on their to fascinate and excite. For the rest, it
managers. All three – Nuno Espirito is a scrap for the crumbs that fall from
Santo, Chris Wilder and Sean Dyche – the top of the table.
have rightly received huge praise, but Jamie Evans

36 WORLD SOCCER
Bielsa-ball’s Premier
League bow
I
t is hard to think of a more
eagerly anticipated promotion
to the Premier League than
Leeds United’s.
Their long journey back to the top
flight has been well documented, and
their return was always bound to attract
significant spotlight. What might not
have been expected, however, was
that that spotlight would be focused
so closely on one man – manager,

ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE 2020-21

Marcelo Bielsa.
The former Newell’s Old Boys boss
is Leeds’ 15th manager since their
relegation from the Premier League in
2004. He has the best win rate in the
club’s history; better even than the great
Don Revie, although whether he can
maintain that record in the top flight
remains to be seen.
There is a contradiction to Bielsa’s
arrival in the Premier League: he
is simultaneously one of the most
respected and influential coaches in Bielsa…Leeds’ against local non-league sides. Progressing to a league with fewer
manager will be
world football, while also something of the focus of much of
He completes a forensic analysis matches will be a welcome change
an unknown force in the English game. the club’s coverage of all his opponents to uncover any for the Leeds players, and it is likely
Before arriving at Elland Road, he was this season weaknesses, yet combines this with to be the same group that Bielsa has
last seen on English soil when his a commitment to his own style of worked with for the last two years.
Athletic Bilbao side tore Manchester play, built on relentless pressing and It has far proven extremely difficult
United apart on the way to the 2012 overwhelming movement off the ball. to integrate new players into his style,
He insists that his players have the which is why he is keen to make
physical fitness to maintain maximum only a couple of additions.
Bielsa is simultaneously one of intensity and the tactical understanding Whether or not they have the quality
the most respected and influential to implement his plans. to handle the step-up, there will be no
coaches in world football, while also With such demands upon his teams, shortage of entertainment at Elland
something of an unknown force fatigue has often been cited as a factor Road. Several of Leeds’ fixtures are
in his failings, and so it was for Leeds positively mouth-watering, with some
in the English game in his first year in Yorkshire. Top of the fascinating rivalries to renew.
table on New Year’s Day, they only won Their clashes with Yorkshire rivals
Europa League final, yet he didn’t cross half of their remaining games before Sheffield United in 2018-19, who pipped
the radar of some pundits until his suffering a meltdown against Derby in them to promotion, were thrilling affairs,
infamous “spy-gate” run-in with Frank the play-offs. Cracks appeared in the while their last meeting with Aston Villa
Lampard and Derby County in 2018-19. middle of last season too, but a long was mired in drama. Leeds allowed Villa
Nobody really knows what to expect Champions… mid-season break was certainly to their to score following a controversial goal,
Leeds sealed the
from Bielsa and Leeds. His last top-flight Championship title advantage – when the league resumed though that was nothing compared to
experience was in France, where he was back in July they won seven out of nine. the spat with Lampard. His presence on
sacked by Lille in 2017. But if Leeds fall the Chelsea bench will add to what is
short, it will be not for a lack of effort already a significant rivalry, though not
from their manager. as great as the one with Manchester
While top-flight managers often speak United, who remain Leeds’ most hated
of the need to find time to get away from opponents. It will be fascinating to see
the game, this is an alien concept to the how Bielsa measures up against the
former Argentina boss. Bielsa consumes likes of Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola,
an extraordinary amount of football in and Jose Mourinho, while he has already
his pursuit of every scrap of detail about faced Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in last
his opponents. According to The Athletic, season’s FA Cup.
when Leeds faced Forest Green Rovers The spotlight then will remain on
in his first preseason game, he requested the man from Rosario. His first tilt at
footage of the League Two side’s England’s top flight is not to be missed.
previous three games – all friendlies Jamie Evans

WORLD SOCCER 37
 FRANCE LIGUE 1
Season preview 2020-21

No end in
sight for PSG’s
dominance
W
hile the rest of Europe’s
top leagues somehow
found a way to complete
their 2019-20 league
seasons behind closed doors, the
French – as is often their way –
chose to do things differently.
Governing body the LFP suspended
both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 on March 13,
and with all sporting events in the
country banned until September, on
April 28 they announced that neither
competition would resume. Paris
Saint-Germain were crowned Ligue 1
Champions having topped the table by
12 points with a game in hand when the
virus stopped play. After a bit of a legal
kerfuffle, it was finally decided that the
two bottom sides Amiens and Toulouse
would be relegated and replaced by
Lorient and Lens for the new season,
which got underway on August 21
when Bordeaux drew 0-0 with Nantes
in a Friday-night curtain-raiser.
It’s hard to know how the unusual
routine experienced by French sides this
year will affect their European chances
in 2020-21 (PSG, Marseille and Rennes
are in the Champions League, and Lille
and Nice are in the Europa League).
But given PSG and Lyon’s top displays
in the Champions League in August, it Winners…PSG
looks like it may actually benefit them. completed their
fourth domestic
treble in six seasons
PLAYERS TO WATCH

Top dogs PSG are in something of

a transitional phase right now, with two
of the club’s talismen, striker Edinson
Cavani and defender Thiago Silva,
having left as free agents this summer.
But head coach Thomas Tuchel still has
a hugely impressive squad of players
at his disposal, with Neymar, Kylian
Mbappe, Marquinhos and Mauro Icardi
FLORIAN THAUVIN MAURO ICARDI EDUARDO CAMAVINGA just four players any club in Europe
(Marseille) (Paris Saint-Germain) (Rennes) would like to have on their books. Such
The 27-year-old midfielder With the departure of Edinson The ridiculously talented a plethora of talent has given the club
missed most of last season Cavani, Icardi now needs to and mature midfielder will a headache, in that they’ve been
through injury, but is now a far step up and become the main continue his development in unable to hold on to many of their
better player than when he was goal man in the French capital. Ligue 1 despite serious interest talented youngsters, frustrated by what
in England at Newcastle United. Signed until 2024 after scoring from Real Madrid. Played 25 they see as an impassable route to the
38 Ligue 1 goals in his previous 20 goals on loan last season, games last campaign, even first team. In the summer, PSG lost two
two seasons, and should the Argentine is well placed though he doesn’t turn highly-rated 18-year-olds – midfielder
improve again in 2020-21. to make his mark. 18 until November. Adil Aouchiche to Ligue 1 rivals

38 WORLD SOCCER
 Villas-Boas…can the Marseille coach
improve on last season’s second place?

head of recruitment for Recreativo

de Huelva in Spain. Longoria replaces
the departing Andoni Zubizarreta to

FRANCE LIGUE 1 2020-21

“supervise the entire sporting functions
of the club, from the first team through
to the academy and including
recruitment.”
So far, he has
recruited two
Despite these setbacks, 21-year-olds
it’s hard to see – midfielder
anything other than Pape Gueye
another season of from Le Havre
and Argentinian
Parisian domination defender Leonardo
Balerdi on loan
from Borussia Dortmund – while
Villarreal defender Alvaro Gonzalez
has joined permanently after last
season’s loan. With Marseille playing
Champions League football for the
first time in seven years, they will
need the stars of last season to
hit the ground running.

Saint-Etienne and defender Tanguy

Kouassi to Bayern Munich.
Despite these setbacks, it’s hard to
see anything other than another season
of Parisian domination. Given that they
completed another domestic treble by
winning both the Coupe de France and
League Cup behind closed doors in July,
it’s going to be mighty hard for anybody
to push PSG off their perch.
Marseille have put their faith in
Pablo Longoria to help them do just
that. The 33-year-old Spaniard was
installed as OM’s sporting director in
July, having previously worked at clubs
like Valencia, Juventus, Atalanta and
Newcastle United. He is a fan of Andre
Wonderkid…
Villas-Boas, and even tried to recruit Saint-Etienne new
the Portuguese coach while he was boy Adil Aouchiche

WORLD SOCCER 39
 FRANCE LIGUE 1 Season Preview 2020-21

Rennes, France’s third representatives

in the Champions League this season,
have been quietly going about their
business under young coach Julien
Stephan. After leading the club to
victory against PSG in the final of the
2019 Coupe de France – their first
major trophy in 48 years – Stephan
took Rennes to a highly creditable
third-place finish last season with a
squad consisting almost entirely of
French players, including highly rated
17-year-old midfielder Eduardo
Camavinga. They’ve added much-
travelled France international midfielder
Steven Nzonzi to the ranks on loan from
Roma, and it will be interesting to see
if they can continue their impressive
progress this season.
It’s also going to be a big season for
two of France’s most prestigious clubs
as they attempt to claw their way back
to the top table. Monaco narrowly
avoided relegation in 2018-19, but
bounced back to finish a creditable

FRANCE LIGUE 1 2020-21

ninth last time out. That still wasn’t
enough to keep Roberto Moreno in
the job however, with the Spaniard
replaced by Niko Kovac. lose to PSG, despite having veteran Goal machine… director of football and only just
With his predecessor lasting less than defender Loic Perrin sent off in the Wissam Ben Yedder managed to persuade coach Paulo
seven months, Kovac will be under no first half in his final game for the club Sousa to remain at the club. They’ll
less pressure than he was in his previous before retirement. need a lot of hard work and a fair
role at Bayern Munich – particularly as With the likes of Reims, Lyon slice of luck to turn things around.
he takes charge of a team featuring and Montpellier also harbouring big HowardJohnson
Ligue 1’s joint-top scorer last term, ambitions for the coming campaign,
Wissam Ben Yedder, who notched 18 Bordeaux won’t find it any easier this
goals to match PSG’s Kylian Mbappe. time around than they did last season. PROMOTED TEAMS
Saint-Etienne, meanwhile, will be Having been dogged by off-the-field
hoping that coach Claude Puel can ownership problems and highly
finally bring the good times back to disgruntled fans for quite some time
the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Puel now, Girondins recently lost their
has already coached Monaco, Lille,
Lyon and Nice in France, so is a vastly
experienced helmsman. Despite
With his predecessor lasting less
finishing a ghastly 17th last season, than seven months, Kovac will be Caption

Les Verts did at least make it to the under no less pressure [at Monaco]
cup final where they were unlucky to than he was in his previous role LORIENT
It was extremely tight at the
at Bayern Munich top of Ligue 2 when Lorient were
promoted as champions 28 games
into last season. Coach Christophe
Pelissier’s side were on 54 points,
one ahead of Lens and with just
four points separating the top five
teams. The vastly experienced
Fabien Lemoine, formerly of Rennes
and Saint-Etienne, will be a key
player for them in Ligue 1.

LENS
It’s good to see one of France’s
best-loved clubs back in the top
flight after an absence of five years.
Coach Franck Haise will be hoping
that the notoriously fanatical fans
of the “Blood And Golds” will give
his side extra impetus in their
Under pressure…
new Monaco bid to remain in Ligue 1.
coach Niko Kovac

40 WORLD SOCCER
 BELGIUM PRO LEAGUE
Season preview 2020-21

New kings
of Belgium
U
ncertainty, if not outright
COVID-19 chaos, has
proved the order of the
day in Belgian football
of late. Whether caused by panic,
hesitancy, absence of leadership or
judicial battles, the image of the game
here has taken a real battering.
It’s been a spring and summer of
backroom adjudications, lawyers on the
make, indecision and flux. The executive

BELGIUM PRO LEAGUE 2020-21

board of the Pro League dithering for
six long weeks before finally holding a
General Assembly to ratify the proposal
that the championship be wound up
early, scratching the last weekend of the
regular season and play-off series. The Making their mark… he is one canny operator. Under him, Mboakani and Israeli attacking
title awarded to runaway leaders Club Club Brugge stunned Club are a force in any formation: midfielder Lior Refaelov form a
Real Madrid with
Brugge, with Waasland-Beveren, in last a 2-2 draw at the 4-3-3, 3-5-2, or 4-5-1. formidable goal-grabbing partnership
place at shutdown, successfully going to Bernabeu in October Within a framework of “all-for one, and the morale in the camp received
court to appeal against their demotion. one-for-all” togetherness, Brugge have a timely preseason boost thanks to
Only a week before the scheduled excellent individuals all over the park. a 1-0 victory over Club Brugge in the
date of the 2020-21 kick-off, no one Belgium keeper Simon Mignolet has national cup final, the game held over
even knew how many teams would be bounced back superbly following his from the end of last term.
competing in the new campaign. Would fall from grace at Liverpool; Angolan A big talking point around the
it be 16? Would it be 18? Pro League right-back or central defender Clinton Pro League is what Brussels giants
Mata was deservedly voted their Player Anderlecht have in store for us. So used
of the Year, and they boast a fine to ruling the roost in these parts, with a
Club Brugge, who only lost one midfield engine room, manned by record 34 titles to their name, Les Mauves
league game in all last season, will Mats Rits, skipper and assist king Ruud endured a nightmarish campaign last
again be the team to beat Vormer and Belgian Footballer of the term, finishing in a humiliating 8th
Year Hans Vanaken. Definitely one to place, their worst performance since
watch for the future is homegrown 1937. It’s been tough times all round at
clubs ultimately plumped for the teenager Charles De Ketelaere, a left- the Parc Astrid: financial losses of €27m
second option, increasing the runners footed No.10 of elegance and vision. in 2019, 30 staff redundancies and an
and riders by two. No relegation for Despite their recent success, Brugge increasing number of fans turning on
Waasland-Beveren and two clubs haven’t won back-to-back titles since the veteran centre-back Vincent Kompany,
promoted from the second tier instead ’70s, so last season’s runners-up, Gent, who returned to his mother club in a
of one, with both promotion play-off have a chance too. Their president Ivan blaze of publicity a year ago.
finalists (OH Leuven and Beerschot) De Witte is talking openly of a title push Kompany was brought in as player-
allowed to upgrade. and he has sanctioned a raft of impressive manager in 2019, but was swiftly forced
The 18-team format will be valid for Rocky start… summer signings, including highly-rated to share head coach duties with
Kompany has had a
the next two campaigns. It will then tough introduction to Charleroi full-back Nurio Fortuna and ex-Anderlecht and Belgium midfielder
revert to 16. This season, Belgium’s life at Anderlecht German striker Tim Kleindienst from Franky Vercauteuren. The former
play-offs for the title and Europa Heidenheim. Manchester City man has now ended
League qualification will involve The one fly in the his playing career, but the Purple-and-
fewer clubs than normal. ointment? Star Whites’ failure to qualify for Europe
Flemish flag-carriers Club Brugge, striker Jonathan leaves him vulnerable, and a quick
who only lost one league game last David has left turnaround is needed.
season, will again be the team to beat. to join Lille for Fortunately, the 34-times Belgian
Having finished runners-up a record 25 €30 million. champions have a wonderful youth
times, the “Blauw en Zwart” (Blue and Antwerp, system. Full-back Killian Sardella,
Blacks) have the potential to become Belgium’s oldest centre-back Marco Kana, midfielders
Belgium’s dominant force, winning three club, are another Yari Verschaeren and Albert Sambi
of the last five titles. Their ace in the hole outfit with serious Lokonga, and wingers Jeremy Doku and
is coach Philippe Clement. Responsible aspirations. DR Francis Amuzu are a guarantee of a
for Belgium’s last two champions (Genk Congo striker brighter tomorrow.
in 2018-19 and Club Brugge last term), Dieumerci Nick Bidwell

WORLD SOCCER 41
 GERMANY BUNDESLIGA
Season preview 2020-21

Bayern still hungry for more

History-makers…
Bayern Munich
are chasing their
ninth title in a row

PLAYERS TO WATCH

JUDE BELLINGHAM SEBASTIAAN BORNAUW DANIEL CALIGIURI ERMEDIN DEMIROVIC MARTIN HINTEREGGER
(Borussia Dortmund) (Cologne) (Augsburg) (Freiburg) (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Yet another example of The Belgium Under-21 Augsburg director of sport The 22-year-old Bosnian If there was an award for
Dortmund’s capacity to centre-back is assured of Stefan Reuter definitely forward was in fine form the most underrated player
attract global golden boys. a bright future. Not only pulled off a coup in bringing for Swiss outfit St. Gallen in the Bundesliga, the
The word in Germany is does he muzzle opposition in the vastly experienced last season. Freiburg are Austria defender would
that Bayern Munich were forwards but he regularly ex-Schalke midfielder and renowned transfer-market certainly be a contender.
also interested in signing appears on the scoresheet, skipper on a free transfer. bargain hunters, and will Combative and aware,
the 17-year-old midfielder bagging six in his first year The sort of player fans regard the €3.7 million Hinteregger was the
from Birmingham City, but with Cologne after leaving love: hard-running and they paid for Demirovic as Bundesliga’s top-scoring
failed with a late bid. Anderlecht in 2019. a never-say-die character. a very sound investment. centre-back in 2019-20.

42 WORLD SOCCER
 E
x-Bayern Munich and replaced last November, Flick enjoys an
Germany playmaker Mario infinitely better working relationship with
Basler has one basic message the players. The feeling in the dressing
on the eve of the new room is that Flick is everything Kovac
Bundesliga campaign – don’t expect wasn’t: an attack-conscious risk-taker,
Bayern’s eight-year championship much clearer in his match-day
hegemony to crumble any time soon. instructions and a superior
Basler, still as trenchant in his communicator.
opinions as he was in his playing days, Flick has revived Bayern in more
does not merely feel good about the or less every possible way. The football
Bavarians’ exceptional squad. Equally, is more fluid, enterprising and attractive;
if not more important for Basler, work rate and tactical flexibility have
is Bayern’s remarkable desire improved enormously and after the
and mental toughness. collective hiccups of the Kovac era,
In a recent interview with France the Reds suddenly are a slick,
Football magazine, Basler explained: cohesive unit again.
“Winning is in the DNA of the club. Inevitably, all eyes at the Allianz
When the situation demands it, Bayern Arena will be on striker extraordinaire
players always step up to the mark. Robert Lewandowski – who topped
They adore these instances. While the Bundesliga scoring charts last term

GERMANY BUNDESLIGA 2020-21

Chasers…Haaland
they are energised, other teams seem will lead Dortmund’s with 34 goals – and newly-acquired
to shrink as the pressure mounts in the title challenge big-money winger Leroy Sane. The
home stretch. Bayern have an appetite
for success that has no limits. They are
ravenously hungry.
“I fear that clubs like Dortmund and
RB Leipzig are too inconsistent and
fearful in the key moments to unseat
Bayern. Take last season. Bayern had

“Bayern players always step up to

the mark…They have an appetite
for success that has no limits”
Mario Basler

a terrible run of results in the autumn.

Yet still managed to clinch the title.”
What makes Bayern even more
formidable at the moment is that
they have the ideal coach in former
Germany assistant Hansi Flick, someone
perfectly in tune with the club’s ethos
and lofty expectations. Unlike his
predecessor Niko Kovac, whom he

HWANG HEE-CHAN LEROY SANE MARCUS THURAM LUCAS TOUSART FLORIAN WIRTZ
(RB Leipzig) (Bayern Munich) (Borussia Monchengladbach) (Hertha Berlin) (Bayer Leverkusen)
Speedy, creative and The livewire Germany Fresh from his first season Hertha Berlin broke their At the age of 17, Wirtz
versatile, the 24-year-old winger, a €45m purchase in the German top flight transfer record to sign the is already dazzling with
South Korea forward has from Manchester City, is in which he scored ten 23-year-old midfielder his sumptuous ability as
his first shot at the big time rightly described by Bayern goals, set up eight and for €24m in January, a central playmaker or
after impressing in Austria CEO-elect Oliver Kahn beat defenders with his but he remained on loan winger. Struck a dream goal
for RB Salzburg. 16 goals as a “difference-making powerful dribbling, the at Lyon for the rest of for the Leverkusen youth
in 2019-20, he will need player”. Bayern represents 22-year-old French winger the season, scoring team last year, firing home
to increase his output to an acid test of his attitude or centre-forward now has against Juventus in the from the half-way line five
replace Timo Werner. and professionalism. to take it to the next level. Champions League last 16. seconds into a match.

WORLD SOCCER 43
 GERMANY BUNDESLIGA Season Preview 2020-21

potential, carry significant attacking

threat – netting a club-record 84 PROMOTED TEAMS
domestic league goals last season
– and feature the best young striker
in Europe in Erling Haaland.
Sadly for the Ruhr giants, they are
light in certain areas. Their defence
can be porous and they have a habit of
losing focus, often found wanting in key
moments. For all his admirable qualities Caption
as a tactician and teacher, coach Lucien
Favre, about to begin his third season at ARMINIA BIELEFELD
the Westfalenstadion, now is running a The runaway second division
credibility deficit, with fans and media champions are back in the top
types launching brickbats a plenty. flight for the first time since
Critics claim he is not the winner 2009. Expertly led by coach Uwe
that Borussia need. Neuhaus, they achieved promotion
problem for opponents, though, is that Hot property… The coronavirus pandemic has hit thanks largely to the goals of
the Bayern attacking threat stretches far, Nagelsmann is one the Dortmund wallet especially hard. strikers Fabian Klos (21) and
of Europe’s most
far wider. Last season, no fewer than wanted coaches The club posted a €45 million loss Andreas Voglsammer (12). Their
14 of their players were on the for the 2019-20 business year and season could hinge on how the
scoresheet in the Bundesliga. chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke pair adapt to their first seasons

GERMANY BUNDESLIGA 2020-21

Over the last two decades, just five accepts he will have to cut costs across in the Bundesliga at the ages
Bundesliga coaches – Matthias Sammer the board: “The loss of revenue we’re of 32 and 28 respectively.
and Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund, Thomas
Schaaf (Werder Bremen), Armin Veh VFB STUTTGART
(Stuttgart) and Felix Magath (Wolfsburg)
If Dortmund, one of Germany’s Certain teams just belong at the
– have succeeded in knocking Bayern best-run and well-resourced outfits, top table, and there are few bigger
off their perch. Overtaking Bayern is are having to watch the pennies, organisations in German football
akin to scaling Everest, but if any of the the alarm bells should be ringing than Stuttgart, thrice winners of
current batch of top-flight bosses has it the Bundesliga and once featuring
in him to be an ace mountaineer, it has
for everybody a host of Nationalmannschaft stars
to be young RB Leipzig trainer Julian such as Hansi Muller, Guido
Nagelsmann. currently experiencing in all sectors Buchwald, Jurgen Klinsmann,
As proven by RB’s excellent results is dramatic. We have to save as much Philipp Lahm and Sami Khedira.
in the 2019-20 Champions League, as possible. For me it’s an especially Their coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo,
Nagelsmann, 33, quite clearly knows difficult chapter.” used to work under Julian
what he’s doing. His side have all the If Dortmund, one of Germany’s Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim, and
organisational bases covered, they are best-run and well-resourced outfits, are the Americans’ attacking style
consummate shape-shifters, press with Staying put… having to watch the pennies, the alarm has drawn comparisons with
Upamecano has
intelligence and intensity and break penned a new deal bells should be ringing for everybody. his former colleague.
forward with panache and generosity. at RB Leipzig Nick Bidwell
Although his squad is relatively raw, with
an average age below 24, they perform
with a great deal of maturity. That is to
Nagelsmann’s immense credit.
The all-important question for
Leipzig is how successfully they fill the
gap left by the sale to Chelsea of star
striker Timo Werner, their number one
supplier of attacking verve and potency,
who netted 28 Bundesliga goals last
term. They have turned to sister club
RB Salzburg to sign South Korean
forward Hwang Hee-chan, and
believe that he can fill Werner’s
boots adequately.
In other good news for RB, much-
coveted French centre-back Dayot
Upamecano, rumoured to be on the
radar of Bayern Munich and Arsenal,
has signed a new deal, thus ending
months of speculation.
Dortmund, German league
runners-up in each of the last two
seasons, would have to spectacularly
self-destruct not to finish in the top
three. They have an impressive squad,
including several young guns with vast

44 WORLD SOCCER
 NETHERLANDS EREDIVISIE
Season preview 2020-21

All eyes on Arjen

F
orget Hakim Ziyech’s transfer
to Chelsea or any multi-million
moves by several Ajax players
when the transfer market
recovers. Whatever happens, the most
remarkable summer signing has been
done by ninth-placed Groningen, where
Arjen Robben will make his comeback.
Eighteen years after leaving his
boyhood club, where he started at the
age of 12, the 36-year-old winger is
back home. Last year, Robben
announced his retirement after a

NETHERLANDS EREDIVISIE 2020-21

decade at Bayern Munich, but now he
is back at the club where it all started.
Only 16 years old and still a high
school student, Robben made his debut
in 2000, playing 46 league matches
and scoring eight goals in two seasons.
By then he had already attracted many Centre of attention… Ronald Koeman’s successor may be – van Bommel – learning the ropes in
top clubs, and he opted for PSV, turning Arjen Robben who might see Robben as an option for the youth section before moving up.
down Ajax. A highly-successful journey the postponed European Championship. The big question though, is whether the
followed in the colours of Chelsea, Real Season tickets sales in Groningen 53-year-old German has the players
Madrid and Bayern Munich. A career have increased, but it is uncertain how to have his ideas executed.
with loads of silverware including 11 many will see him in action, even when Vitesse, for years Chelsea’s satellite
league titles, six national cups and, of he is playing. Due to the COVID-19 club, have adopted a similar approach
course, the Champions League, scoring measures, social distancing is necessary by appointing Thomas Letsch –
the decider against Borussia Dortmund and that will decrease the capacity. It is Schmidt’s former assistant at Salzburg
in 2013. Robben also has 96 caps for even forbidden to cheer or chant during – as head coach, while Johannes Spors,
the Netherlands under his belt, being the matches. So far no club has found once of RB Leipzig, is their new director.
a clue how they can prevent fans from FC Twente almost followed by
supporting their club. appointing another former Leipzig man
When the Eredivisie starts, many Nevertheless, when the Eredivisie Alexander Zorniger, but he withdrew.
will hope to see Arjen Robben in starts, many will hope to see Robben Instead came Ron Jans, who is looking
action against former club PSV in action against former club PSV on for rehabilitation after resigning from
September 13 – though perhaps not FC Cincinatti following allegations
on September 13 Eindhoven’s new coach, Roger Schmidt. that he used a racial slur.
The German is the best example of At the top of the table, Ajax will
a key player at three European a new era of Eredivisie coaches who be the main contenders for the title,
Championships and three World Cups. prefer a pressing style – a concept that providing they can keep their squad
In the 2010 final, Iker Casillas prevented is meticulously used at the Red Bull relatively stable, with AZ their main
him from being the Oranje’s ultimate clubs. It was Schmidt’s RB Salzburg side challengers. It’s unclear whether
World Cup hero. that totally outplayed Ajax back in 2014, Schmidt’s new-look PSV can contend,
Robben’s return has elements of a and the Eindhoven club have turned to while Feyenoord are the dark horses.
Cinderella story. He isn’t opting for the him in order to wipe out two trophy-less Former Rangers manager Dick
Netherlands’ traditional top three or seasons. In doing so, PSV have swept Advocaat has got the Rotterdam side
a comeback at Bayern – Groningen Pressing matters… aside their traditional concept of former back on track after replacing Jaap Stam
are nothing more than a mediocre Roger Schmidt players – such as Phillip Cocu and Mark in October 2019, as he remained
mid-table club. unbeaten in the Eredivisie until the
The real question is whether he league came to a standstill.
will have a fairy-tale ending or a huge The 72-year-old is still going strong,
disappointment. After all, throughout his even if Dutch fans have not forgotten
career Robben has been injury prone. him for making “the worst decision in
In his last four seasons he missed 60 Dutch football history” – substituting
matches. Robben remains optimistic: man of the match Robben in a Euro
“I’m in better shape than I had 2004 game against the Czech Republic,
expected”, he said in preseason training. and turning a 2-1 lead turned into
His fitness coach at Bayern, Holger a 3-2 defeat.
Broich, also has no doubts. Whether Robben’s decision to return
One thing is for sure, he will be is set to be remembered in a similar way
closely watched by many. That includes remains to be seen.
the new national coach – whoever Klaas-Jan Droppert

WORLD SOCCER 45
 ITALY SERIE A
Season preview 2020-21

More questions than answers

in Serie A

Dumped out…Juve’s
Champions League
defeat to Lyon cost
Maurizio Sarri his job

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SANDRO TONALI VICTOR OSIMHEN SOFYAN AMRABAT NICOLO ZANIOLO FEDERICO CHIESA
(Brescia) (Napoli) (Fiorentina) (Roma) (Fiorentina)
Seemingly destined for Osimhen arrives in Naples The tireless midfield Long considered a great Having opted to stay with
Internazionale (although for a fee that could rise dynamo was the most hope for Italian football, Fiorentina 12 months ago,
champions Juventus may to €80m, making him the surprising element in the the 21-year-old is included 22-year-old Chiesa is
get involved), Tonali looks most expensive African already surprising Verona here because this will be widely expected to be
like an invaluable midfield footballer ever. 2019-20 during his spell on loan a delicate season for him on the move next season.
anchor, both in attack and was Napoli’s lowest-scoring from Club Brugge last as he comes back from With 17 caps to his name,
defence. Has been praised season for ten years, but season. Fiorentina were a cruciate knee ligament he will be a key member
by legends Marco Tardelli the Nigeria striker should so impressed they paid injury. So far, the signs of Italy’s Euro 2020
and Andrea Pirlo. help change that. €20m – a smart purchase. are very promising. squad next summer.

46 WORLD SOCCER
 R
arely has a new Serie A an imponderable new season.
season prompted so many In the wake of both that defeat by
imponderables as the Lyon and also a less than convincing
upcoming 2020-21 version, end of season in Serie A, champions
and not just because of COVID-19. Juventus suddenly look, if not beatable,
The season that just ended was at least less intimidating. The questions
turned on its head by the elimination abound. 41-year-old Pirlo was a
of Juventus by Olympique Lyon at the wonderful player, indeed one of
last-16 stage of the Champions League the all-time greats, but he has
in early August. Mighty shockwaves no coaching experience at all.
were generated by the realisation that
the all-dominant Juventus, the club
that had just lifted its ninth consecutive
Italian title, had been eliminated by
the seventh strongest club in France.
Has Italian football sunk that low?
Is former Juventus, Roma, Milan and
England coach Fabio Capello right
when he says that Serie A is simply
not competitive enough?
If you reflect that in recent seasons
Juventus have twice finished 17 points
clear of second place (in 2014 and
2015), then Capello might have a point.

ITALY SERIE A 2020-21

Furthermore, he also points out that for
most of this last decade of Juventus
dominance, the club’s traditionally
strongest rivals, the two Milan clubs, Outburst…Conte Will he be able to integrate the skills
spoke out about
went missing, leaving it to Roma or poor planning
of Cristiano Ronaldo – one of the few
Napoli to challenge the Old Lady. at Inter positive notes of the Lyon disaster –
Whatever the answers about the with new boys such as 20-year-old
quality of Serie A, Juve did not hang Swede Dejan Kulusevski, one of
around, sacking coach Maurizio Sarri the brightest stars in Italian football,
and ex-Barcelona midfielder Arthur?
Has Italian football sunk that low? Is former Ronaldo turns 36 in February – can
he continue on in his bionic way for
Juventus, Roma, Milan and England coach another season?
Fabio Capello right when he says that Serie A Will Arthur and Kulusevski
is simply not competitive enough? compensate for the departure of
talented Bosnia playmaker, Miralem
the day after the Lyon elimination. Pjanic? Swapped for Arthur in arguably
Sarri’s replacement, former Juventus the most extraordinary transfer of
great Andrea Pirlo – promoted the summer – a deal that valued
immediately from the Under-23s 24-year-old Arthur at €72 million
– merely adds to the intrigue of and 30-year-old Pjanic at €60m.

MARASH KUMBULLA ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC MIKKEL DAMSGAARD ALEJANDRO GOMEZ DANIEL MALDINI
(Verona) (Milan) (Sampdoria) (Atalanta) (Milan)
Born in Italy to Albanian Ibrahimovic’s footballing The versatile 20-year-old We have said it on many Son of Paolo and grandson
parents, centre-back wisdom, professionalism smashed in ten goals and occasions, but arguably of Cesare, Daniel is the
Kumbulla is another of and remarkable talent assisted six for Danish side no single player has most recent member of
Verona’s success stories meant he was a vital figure Nordsjaelland last season, contributed more to the this footballing dynasty
and likely to be an Inter last season for a resurgent playing as a winger, Atalanta success story of to play for Milan, having
player by the time the new Milan. The Swede turns central midfielder or the last five years than made his debut in a 1-1
season kicks off. He has 39 in October, but will centre-forward. Samp playmaker, assist-man, draw with Verona in
opted to represent Albania probably continue to agreed to sign him for and goalscorer “Papu”. We February. There may
at international level. defy Father Time. €6.7m in February. expect more of the same. well be more to come.

WORLD SOCCER 47
 ITALY SERIE A Season Preview 2020-21

said, too, notwithstanding the outstanding

quality of coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, PROMOTED TEAMS
arguably the current maestro of the
Italian coaching class.
For fourth-placed Lazio, too, it is hard
to imagine they could do any better than
in the season just ended. Remember,
before the COVID-19 lockdown, Lazio
even threatened Juventus, beating them
twice in two weeks before Christmas, Caption
once in Serie A and again in the
Italian Super Cup. BENEVENTO
Former Milan and Italy striker, Pippo Coached by former Juventus, Milan
Inzaghi, back in Serie A next season as and Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi, the
coach to Serie B winners, Benevento, emphatic Serie B winners are back
even suggested that Lazio, coached in Serie A, two seasons after their
by his younger brother Simone, would only previous top-flight experience,
Have the Old Lady got a €12m Master coach… have won the title were it not for the when they lost their first 14 matches.
bargain for a player six years younger? Atalanta head coach lockdown. He argues that in a normal Defensive experience will need to
Gian Piero Gasperini
On the football front, you have to think end of season, Lazio would have been be added in order to put up a better
that Juve will miss the mercurial skills playing just once a week at a time when challenge this time around, hence
of Pjanic, leaving much to ride on the Juve would have been playing twice as the signing of experienced Poland
shoulders not only of Kulusevski and the much, given their Champions League centre-back Kamil Glik from Monaco.
talented Rodrigo Bentancur, but also on involvement. That advantage would have
Paulo Dybala, arguably the best player compensated for the fact that Juve CROTONE
in Serie A last season. clearly had the larger and stronger The Calabrian side, like Benevento,

ITALY SERIE A 2020-21

On the economic front, however, the overall squad. have little experience of Serie A,
deal looks like a handy way to mutually having played just two seasons
inflate one another’s balance sheets. Atalanta performed miracles to get (2016-17 and 2017-18). Crotone
Prior to the Lyon debacle, a coach, former Milan player Giovanni
seemingly tired Juventus had flashed
as far as they have, but is it not Stroppa, may rely on key elements
distress signs in defeats by Milan and asking too much to expect even in his current side such as 37-year-
Udinese, as well as in draws with more from them? old goalkeeper Alex Cordaz and
Atalanta and Sassuolo, all results that ex-Juve defender Luca Marrone.
slowed up their eventual winning of the The rest? Roma, under the new US
title. It might be considered heresy in ownership of billionaire Dan Friedkin; SPEZIA
certain parts of Turin, but perhaps the Napoli, galvanised by coach Rino Gattuso; There will be a new name in Serie A
Juventus defence has problems. Are Milan, with coach Stefano Pioli, mentor next season – Spezia, promoted to
the old lions, 33-year-old Leonardo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and goalkeeper Serie A for the first time in their
Bonucci and 36-year-old Giorgio Gianluigi Donnarumma all still on board; 114-year history. The Eagles drew
Chiellini, starting to show their age? Fiorentina with Sofyan Amrabat, Dusan 1-1 over two legs with Frosinone in
Is 21-year-old Matthijs de Ligt ready Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa at their the play-off final, but were given
to step up after a difficult first season? disposal – all four clubs clearly hope the victory by virtue of finishing
As for their rivals, they may take to do better next season. But are they higher in the league. They are likely
encouragement from the fact that Juve’s Golden Shoe… ready to challenge Juventus? We have to play in Cesena or Brescia while
can Immobile fire
winning margin of just one point over Lazio to another our doubts. their own ground is renovated.
second-placed Inter was the lowest of title challenge? Paddy Agnew
the last nine years. At this point, you have
to think that Inter could become credible
title challengers next season – especially
after their recent Europa League heroics.
The last team to finish ahead of
Juventus, they have the economic clout
of retailer Suning, China’s third-largest
private company, on their side. In all
probability, they will still have the driving
force of accomplished coach Antonio
Conte. On top of that, with Romelu
Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez, Christian
Eriksen, Alexis Sanchez, Diego Godin,
Marcelo Brozovic, Samir Handanovic
and Stefan de Vrij, they already have
an international squad strong enough
to lift the title.
Frankly, it is hard to make a case for
any other club. Third-placed Atalanta
performed miracles to get as far as they
have, but is it not asking too much to
expect even more from them? That is

48 WORLD SOCCER
 RUSSIA PREMIER LEAGUE
Season preview 2020-21

Dzyuba
spearheading
Zenit hat-trick
Z
enit St. Petersburg director
general Alexander Medvedev,
once a prominent tennis
tournament administrator,
certainly has been producing lots of
winning volleys as he seeks to lay the
foundations for a third consecutive

RUSSIA PREMIER LEAGUE 2020-21

Russian Premier League title for
the Blue-White-Sky Blues.
If Zenit fans are buoyantly optimistic
of completing a hat-trick of title wins in
2020-21, much of that confidence flows
from Medvedev’s successful contract Star man…Artem midfielder Oleg Shatov, whose next wizard Jasurbek Jaloliddinov, a recent
renewal talks with talismanic target man Dzyuba is staying at assignment will be to spark a revival signing from top Uzbek side Bunyodkor.
Zenit after firing them
and club captain Artem Dzyuba, who to last season’s title at mid-table Rubin Kazan. Unsurprisingly, forwards have featured
recently inked a two-year extension with Will new Lokomotiv Moscow coach heavily in the transfer market done deal
the option of a further 12 months. The Marko Nikolic prove as bankable this column. CSKA Moscow, anxious to end
31-year-old, whose contract was due to season as he did in the final few weeks their four-year league title drought, spent
expire this summer, had been linked with of last term? Pundits are divided, £7.65m on promising young Argentina
a move to Italy or England. His departure though the smart money says he has striker Adolfo Gaich from San Lorenzo.
would have ripped the heart out of the a fighting chance. When Nikolic was Rostov acquired combative Macedonia
Zenit attack, after topping both the goal appointed in June to replace iconic U23 forward David Toshevski, a teenage
and assist charts in Russia in 2019-20, Lokomotiv boss Igor Semin, many fans tyro who had been interesting French
of the Railwaymen were not at all keen, club Lille. And in arguably the most
of the opinion that the Serb – who had sensational piece of business of the
Spartak know they are taking a previously been employed in his native summer, Spartak Moscow struck a
risk with the tainted golden boy of land, Slovenia and Hungary – did not zero cost deal with Zenit for bad boy
Russian football…but nevertheless have the stature to take over. striker Aleksandr Kokorin.
feel Kokorin has a genuine shot at But how wrong that verdict turned After serving a prison spell in 2019
out to be, with Nikolic’s side remaining for assault, Kokorin, 29, enjoyed a
redemption undefeated in his first eight games in rewarding five-month loan stint with
charge. Lokomotiv ended the campaign Sochi this spring, scoring seven league
but as it is, his productive front-line in second, and qualification for the goals in ten games. Without his sterling
partnership with the lively Iranian Champions League has brought Nikolic efforts, Sochi surely would have been
Sardar Azmoun can continue. some much-needed respect and relegated from the top flight. Spartak,
Medvedev deserves plenty of credit breathing space. Now comes the hard who came a disappointing seventh last
too for his work on the recruitment front, part: carrying on in the same vein. season, know they are taking a risk
especially with regard to his £10.9 million A cool, rather aloof character, with the tainted golden boy of Russian
swoop for defender Dejan Lovren from Nikolic will take heart from the football. They know he has a history
Liverpool. The Croatia centre-back may Bouncing back… excellent individual quality at his of controversy and scandal. But
Aleksandr Kokorin
have spent most of last term on the is attempting to disposal: evergreen Croat central nevertheless feel he has a genuine
Anfield bench, but at 31, is far from a rebuild his career defender Vedran Corluka, Polish engine shot at redemption. No question
spent force. His vast experience, bristling room co-ordinator about Kokorin’s talent. Shame that
will-to-win and supreme self-confidence Grzegorz his attitude and professionalism
is just what the Zenit doctor ordered. Krychowiak, has so often been lacking.
Lovren will step straight into the shoes midfield enforcer It will be interesting to see how
of the veteran Serb Branislav Ivanovic, Dmitri Barinov newly-promoted Khimki fare in the top
who was allowed to walk away from and the creative flight. The Red-Blacks were magnificent
St. Petersburg as a free agent. Ivanovic Miranchuk twins, in last season’s Russian Cup, knocking
was not the only big-name player to Aleksei and Anton. out a string of elite clubs before
head for the Zenit exit this summer. Also The Railwaymen unluckily losing 1-0 to Zenit in the final.
decamping were a long-serving pair of believe they have The showpiece result really could have
Russian internationals: right-back Igor unearthed a gem gone either way. Expect more giant-
Smolnikov, who was promptly picked up in the shape of killing acts from them in the RPL.
by high-flying Krasnodar, and left-sided 18-year-old wing Nick Bidwell

WORLD SOCCER 49
 PORTUGAL PRIMEIRA LIGA
Season preview 2020-21

The second coming of Jesus

I
t was a traumatic end of season consequences of COVID-19 in Brazil
for Benfica. A disastrous run of combined to wrench Jorge Jesus
unprecedented proportions either from his highly-successful tenure
side of the pandemic-induced at Flamengo to return to the club
interruption – just two victories in 13 where he made his name.
matches between February and the A segment of Benfica’s fans strongly
end of June – saw the Lisbon giants opposed the reappointment of the
first limp out of Europe meekly, charismatic 66-year-old. He had
then throw away the league title departed from the Estadio da Luz in
to arch-rivals Porto. The miserable acrimonious circumstances in 2015,
campaign culminated in them also sensationally signing for cross-town
losing the Portuguese Cup final to rivals Sporting. But the vast majority of
the Dragons, despite playing against Benfiquistas welcomed back with open
ten men for almost an hour. arms the man who did more than any
Something momentous was required other to restore the historical club to
to assuage the ire of the Benfica fans the top domestically and make them
and president Luis Filipe Vieira, up competitive in Europe. All while getting
for re-election in October, knew it. the team playing an electrifying brand
Benfica’s woes, Vieira’s need for a Returning… of swashbuckling football true to its
trump card and the catastrophic Jorge Jesus attacking traditions.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Bouncing back…Benfica

In his first interview upon arriving

back in the Portuguese capital, coach
Jesus was more than happy to air his
characteristically high assessment
of his own capabilities. “We’re going
to crush the opposition,” he told
in-house channel BTV. “We want to
win everything, because I’m used to
winning everything. And we want to
win international trophies. I haven’t
RUBEN DIAS WENDERSON GALENO JOVANE CABRAL come to Benfica for my retirement.
(Benfica) (Braga) (Sporting) I’ve come to win.”
The lynchpin of both Benfica With Braga’s golden boy The thrilling form he showed Easier said than done. Even during
and Portugal’s defence, the Francisco Trincao sold to at the end of 2019-20 has Jesus’ six-year spell at Benfica, which
highly-rated centre-back can Barcelona, the exceptionally whetted the appetite for coincided with heavy investment in the
expect to take his game to skilful Brazilian winger can more spectacular goals and squad, Porto ended up champions of
the next level under the now take centre stage at explosive moments from the Portugal three times. More recently, and
guidance of Jorge Jesus. the ever-ascending club. Cape Verdean-born winger. despite being hamstrung by crippling

50 WORLD SOCCER
 Reigning champions…Porto last
defended the title in 2012-13

to trusting young players, and the future

of Porto’s starlets up in the air, Sporting
are set to resume their historical role
as the club that most invests in its

PORTUGAL PRIMEIRA LIGA 2020-21

homegrown talent.
To be blunt, it is the only aspect
of Portuguese football where the
Lions may come out on top. Chronic
mismanagement at boardroom level
and a complete lack of direction led
to another dismal season for Sporting,
further widening the chasm to the
two perennial title contenders. The
appointment of rookie coach Ruben
Amorim initially gave the club a boost,
but it was no great surprise when
Braga – Amorim’s former club –
stole third place on goal difference
at the finishing tape.
Sporting have vowed to go back to
basics and make its academy players
the core of its team, and the final weeks
of the season did at least give the club
a few rays of hope of a better future.
Amorim’s decision to select players
almost entirely in the 17-22 age bracket
upon the resumption of football in
June enabled teenage defenders
Nuno Mendes and Eduardo Quaresma
to showcase their indisputable potential,
and winger Jovane Cabral to lay bare the
folly of discarding
academy players.
“We’re going to crush the opposition. We want Cabral had started
finances, the Blue and Whites have to win everything, because I’m used to winning his career brilliantly
beaten their foes from the capital everything...I haven’t come to Benfica for my in early 2018-19,
to the crown in two of the last three retirement. I’ve come to win” only to be
seasons under Sergio Conceicao, a inexplicably
Returning Benfica coach Jorge Jesus
coach who personifies the northerners’ pushed out of the
fiercely competitive identity. team by a series
Conceicao’s future was cast in doubt Huge expectations surround the likes of expensively-recruited transfer punts.
earlier this summer, with reports linking of Fabio Silva, Romario Baro, and Diogo When given a second chance and
him to former club Internazionale. Leite among others. The big question restored to the line-up in 2020, he
Should he depart, he would leave Porto for Porto is whether or not these young was one of the best players not only
in better shape than he found them. stars, and Conceicao himself, will stick of Sporting, but in Portugal as a whole,
Conceicao got the most out of a cluster around at the Estadio do Dragao. winning the Player of the Month award
of experienced high-quality performers Rumours abound that Porto will look to in June.
in Alex Telles, Jesus Corona, Danilo and cash in on one or more of their talented Nevertheless, so far have Sporting
Agustin Marchesin, and is gradually youth players to balance the books. fallen, that reclaiming third place from
ushering in a vintage crop of youngsters With Benfica doing a U-turn in their an effervescent Braga next season will
who lifted the UEFA Youth League youth policy by appointing Jesus, well- be seen as progress.
trophy in 2018-19. known for his reticence when it comes Tom Kundert

WORLD SOCCER 51
 SCOTLAND PREMIERSHIP
Season preview 2020-21

Ten is the magic

number
S
cottish football’s fascination
with numbers has taken on a
new twist. Celtic’s quest for a
record tenth successive title is
no longer the only talking point: “Celtic
10” now has “COVID-19” for company.
The 2020-21 Scottish Premiership
season is now shaped by the pandemic
and its financial impact on every club.
A week before the campaign started,

SCOTLAND PREMIERSHIP 2020-21

newspaper back pages had transfers
pushed out by Aberdeen announcing
wage cuts of £1 million to plug a
£10m shortfall.
However, three weeks into the season,
games were postponed – not by the Hat-trick hero… September 14 - of all clubs made at Ibrox saw the club lose £25m.
Edouard scored three
football authorities (SFA and SPFL) goals against Hamilton
impressive efforts to buy season tickets, It seems likely that Gerrard will
but by the Scottish Government - after with no guarantees of being able to sacrifice his top scorer, Alfredo Morelos,
Aberdeen and Celtic players broke strict watch. Not just a gesture of faith, but who agreed personal terms with Lille
COVID-19 rules on self-isolation. to provide much-needed income; from only for the clubs to fail to agree a fee.
Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Celtic’s 53,000 to Motherwell’s 4,000. The only major acquisition is former
Sturgeon, said the punishment was Celtic have financial comfort of Leeds United striker, Kemar Roofe,
“a yellow card – next time, it’s red.” several good years – record £101m who cost €5m from Anderlecht, to
St. Mirren v Celtic and Aberdeen v turnover in 2018 – posting combined supplement the permanent signing of
Hamilton were axed, as was the visit of profits of £29m in two seasons, but midfielder Ianis Hagi, son of Romania
Aberdeen to Celtic. Aberdeen’s second Lennon’s players also took pay cuts. legend Gheorghe. Hagi was loaned
game, at St. Johnstone, was called off Celtic felt they could not be making from Genk last season and moves for
when it was revealed eight players had multi-million pound signings when £3m. “We need more,” Gerrard insisted.
gone to a bar after their own staff had been furloughed “I have told the club that. Where we’re
the game with and supporters’ jobs had been hit by at from a financial point of view, they
Rangers and two “We need more. I have COVID-19. However, in August they are questions for other people.”
had tested positive. told the club that” spent £5m on Greek goalkeeper At Aberdeen, Derek McInnes is the
Celtic were then Steven Gerrard, Rangers manager Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens after longest-serving manager in Scotland’s
plunged into crisis Craig Gordon moved to Hearts (and top flight, with four second-place
when defender Boli Fraser Forster’s Southampton loan finishes for a fraction of what Rangers
Bolingoli, took a secret 24-hour holiday ended), and £5m on Swiss striker spent. McInnes re-signed Jonny Hayes,
to Spain, hid his “crime” from manager Albian Ajeti from West Ham. Lennon three years after selling him to Celtic for
Neil Lennon and trained all week with is determined to keep hold of prized £1m, and the winger has agreed to
team-mates before being used as a striker Odsonne Edouard. defer his wages for a year. However,
substitute in the 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock. Trying to pursue Celtic, Rangers Hayes and striker Sam Cosgrove have
Bolingoli will never play for Celtic tripled their costs in three years. Even now incurred McInnes’ anger as two
again. “This is the worst behaviour though turnover rose as they reached of “The Aberdeen Eight.” The Dons had
Under pressure…
I have come across,” said Lennon. Rangers are desperate the last 16 of the Europa League, accepted a £2m offer from Guingamp
“It is a betrayal of my trust. The other to stop rivals Celtic Steven Gerrard’s first two seasons for Cosgrove but he chose to stay, much
players are so angry. All their hard to chairman Dave Cormack’s frustration.
work in preseason halted by one Dundee United return to the top
act of selfishness.” flight after a four-year absence, winning
If Celtic winning the title for nine the Championship by 14 points. Scottish
seasons added a touch of familiarity, champs in 1983 and UEFA Cup finalists
the “new normal” includes the absence in 1987, they are eager to flourish
of fans in a country which relies on again. Manager Robbie Neilson made
matchday crowds most. There would a shock return to Hearts, prompting
usually be 60,000 at Celtic Park when the Tannadice club to bring in Micky
the champions hoist the league flag, Mellon from Tranmere Rovers. It is the
but this time, Lennon’s side had the 48-year-old’s first taste of football in his
surreal backdrop of silence for their homeland, having spent his playing and
5-1 victory over Hamilton Academical. coaching career in England.
Fans – who return to stadia on Phil Gordon

52 WORLD SOCCER
 TURKEY SUPER LIG
Season preview 2020-21

Istanbul revolution
S
till flush with the euphoria of
clinching their first-ever Super
Lig crown, Istanbul Basaksehir
now have their sights on the
next part of their master plan –
establishing a domestic dynasty.
For Basaksehir, only a top-flight side
for a mere six years, it’s simply not
enough to savour this one intense
moment of glory, or to bask in the
warm glow of putting traditional
Istanbul big-hitters (Fenerbahce,
Besiktas and Galatasaray) in their
place. The orange-shirted interlopers
aim to shake up the Turkish football
hierarchy for good.
The new Turkish champions, located

TURKEY SUPER LIG 2020-21

in the western Istanbul suburb of
Basaksehir, have good reason to believe
they have the necessary staying power.
Although not the most spectacular of
sides, they have other ways of getting Rising force…Istanbul has been guilty of Financial Fair-Play seven points adrift of top spot. Sixth-
the job done. They are tremendously Basaksehir won their infractions, and all have taken to placed Galatasaray were 13 points
first Super Lig title
consistent, play a controlled possession in July missing salary payments. German behind, while Fenerbahce finished
game, make excellent use of the wings, attacker Max Kruse, for example, seventh, 19 points in arrears.
and have the most balanced team in recently had his contract with Trabzonspor could turn out to be the
the country – and all with a group of Fenerbahce rescinded after wage main challengers for the title. The Black
players who cost less than €8 million. commitments did not materialise. Sea outfit were Super Lig pacesetters
Under coach Okan Buruk, champion With next to no cash for expensive for much of last term – on course for
in his inaugural season at the helm, the foreign recruits, the competitiveness of their first title in 36 years – only for the
recipe for success is not likely to change wheels to come off when the league
to any great degree. At Basaksehir, they resumed after the three-month
put a premium on battle-hardened While Basaksehir are a model of coronavirus hiatus. The former Chelsea
experience, with veteran Slovakia financial and organisational stability, midfielder and assistant boss Eddie
centre-back Martin Skrtel calling the the same cannot be said of Istanbul’s Newton is Trabzonspor’s new permanent
shots in defence, Franco-African duo coach. He was appointed as a caretaker
of Enzo Crivelli and Demba Ba expertly
“Big Three” towards the end of last term and
leading the line, and the much- immediately struck gold, steering
underrated Bosnian Edin Visca the Istanbul powerhouses has inevitably the club to victory in the Turkish Cup
combining creativity and goal threat waned. One need only look at the final, a 2-0 victory over Alanyaspor.
from the right flank. 25-year-old massive gap that Basaksehir opened Instilling a killer instinct has to be
playmaker Irfan Kahveci, one of the up over the Big Three in last season’s Newton’s top priority. Last season, they
exceptions to the senior citizen rule, Super Lig. Besiktas – who to their credit, threw away an incredible 30 points in
is also making quite a name for himself always looked to attack – finished third, games in which they led.
at the moment. The 2020-21 Super Lig will be a
Last season, the champions had well-stocked affair, with 21 participants
one of the oldest squads in the Super rather than the usual 18. After initially
Lig, with an average age of over 29.8, insisting in May that they had no
thanks in no small part to the presence intention of abolishing relegation
of a trio of golden oldies: the Brazilian from the top flight, the Turkish football
flyer Robinho, ex-Napoli and Leicester authorities ended up doing just that.
City midfielder Gokhan Inler and Dutch Normally the bottom-three –
winger Eljero Elia. Malatyaspor, Kayserispor and
While Basaksehir are a model of Ankaragucu – would have been
financial and organisational stability, unceremoniously demoted. Little
the same cannot be said of Istanbul’s wonder their sighs of relief could be
“Big Three”. The proud recipients of heard for miles. Coming up from the
no fewer than 54 Turkish league titles, second tier are Hatayspor, Erzurumspor
Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray and Fatih Karagumruk. In 2020-21,
are sinking in a sea of unpaid bills. The four teams will be relegated from
Cup-winner…former
trio currently have combined debts of Chelsea assistant the Super Lig.
6.5 billion Turkish lira (€793m), each Eddie Newton Nick Bidwell

WORLD SOCCER 53
 SPAIN LA LIGA
Season preview 2020-21

A new era of dominance?

W
hile there is more to La Martin Braithwaite – misspelt
Liga than the top two, the “Braihwaite”.
stats do not lie: 15 of the In contrast, Real’s tweet boasted
last 16 La Liga titles have a 22-man squad graphic with eight
been lifted by either Barcelona or Real attacking players, five of whom aged 24
Madrid. Atletico Madrid have pushed and or younger, and still no room for Gareth
barged their way into the top three Bale, Eden Hazard or James Rodriguez.
under Diego Simeone, while we have to It marked a stark contrast in the two
go back to 2004 for Valencia’s last title. clubs’ squad depths, and highlighted the
It’s fair to say that Barca owned the failure of Barcelona’s transfer policy,
2010s, lifting six of the last ten titles, while also suggesting a new era of
but if anybody is going to own the next dominance could lie ahead for Real.
decade it is more likely to be Real.
Their ten consecutive league wins It highlighted the failure of Barca’s
post-lockdown made them worthy
champions, but their superiority over transfer policy, while also suggesting
Barca was well summed up on social a new era of dominance for Real
media in the final week of the season.
Before their encounter with Alaves, It is no exaggeration to say that
the Catalan club posted their usual Barca are in total upheaval. Change
first-team squad graphic to Twitter, was already on the horizon, but the 8-2
featuring just five substitutes, including humiliation at the hands of Bayern
two goalkeepers and emergency signing Munich exacerbated the need for
radical and immediate action.
Quique Setien was straight out of the
door, replaced by Ronald Koeman, as
was sporting director Eric Abidal. Many
players could follow. Barca have several
stars over 30, including new signing
Miralem Pjanic, plus the likes of Gerard
Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Ivan
Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Luis Suarez.
President Bartomeu insisted that only
certain “untouchables” would be safe.
What he did not expect was for one
Messi…rumours are of those untouchables to announce
rife that Barca’s key his intention to leave.
player could leave The future of Lionel Messi is Barca’s
the Nou Camp
most pressing concern. He is still their
PLAYERS TO WATCH

JOAO FELIX JOAQUIN MARTIN ODEGAARD DARWIN MACHIS GERARD MORENO

(Atletico Madrid) (Real Betis) (Real Madrid) (Granada) (Villarreal)
Sealed a record move to The 39-year-old club Real simply had to recall Probably one of the most Struck twice on the final
Atletico as a replacement captain and La Liga icon Odegaard early from his underrated attackers in day of 2019-20 to win the
for Antoine Griezmann, is entering the last year loan at Real Sociedad – the Spanish league, the Zarra Trophy with 18 goals
then made Marca’s most of his contract, and is he was arguably La Liga’s Venezuela forward will – awarded to La Liga’s top-
disappointing team of the expected to finally retire best midfielder in 2019-20. be crucial if Granada are scoring Spaniard. The 28-
season. Doesn’t turn 21 at the end of the season The Norway international to manage back-to-back year-old is an outsider for
until November, so has – once he’s broken Betis’ will relish the challenge top-half La Liga finishes. Spain’s Euro squad, having
plenty of time to win over all-time appearance of testing himself in the Scored seven goals and scored three goals in three
doubters in 2020-21. record of 378 games. Champions League. assisted five in 2019-20. international games.

54 WORLD SOCCER
 Tables turned…are
Real set to replace
Barca as La Liga’s
dominant club?

SPAIN LA LIGA 2020-21

LUCAS OCAMPOS MIKEL OYARZABAL RIQUI PUIG OIHAN SANCET VINICIUS JR.
(Sevilla) (Real Sociedad) (Barcelona) (Athletic Bilbao) (Real Madrid)
Completed a stunningly The winger was the only Alongside Ansu Fati, The 20-year-old became The unpredictable winger
mature first season in La player other than Messi to the academy product the first player born in the is capable of producing
Liga with 14 goals in 31 record double figures for was a bright spot in an 2000s to score in La Liga game-changing moments
starts, including excellent assists in the 2019-20 otherwise disappointing for Bilbao in 2020, and of magic, but must improve
strikes in both derbies season, and his flying campaign for Barcelona. has the opportunity to his end product if he is to
against Real Betis. Aged form continues to catch Tipped as the heir to establish himself as a establish himself for Real.
26, he has the potential the eye of both Spain’s Andres Iniesta’s throne, regular in midfield after He managed just three
to build on an impressive selectors and scouts from he could be a mainstay starting nine league goals and one assist in
start to life in Spain. Europe’s biggest clubs. in a new-look midfield. matches in 2019-20. La Liga in 2019-20.

WORLD SOCCER 55
 SPAIN LA LIGA Season Preview 2020-21

best player, providing a record 21 La

Liga assists in 2019-20 and winning
his seventh Pichichi, another record.
His transfer request in August sent
shockwaves around the world. Triggered
by that humiliation against Bayern, as
well as the alleged mistreatment of his
close friend Suarez, Messi made it clear
that he wanted to leave the Nou Camp.
At the time of writing, his situation
remains uncertain. But whatever happens,
Barcelona need to start planning for
a Messi-less future. Even if he stays
another season, the 33-year-old can’t
carry them forever. Replacing him will be
the job of the decade, and one that the
current board does not look up to solving.
The rise of La Masia products Riqui
Puig and Ansu Fati, plus the acquisitions
of Pedri and Francisco Trincao, mean
there is exciting talent at the club, but
more needs to emerge. And soon.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid supporters
watch on with glee. – Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric will be Real Sociedad… were another side to undertake a squad
the Basque side will
Los Blancos also have their own stars 35 at the end of 2020-21, while Karim sorely miss Odegaard
overhaul last summer, with the likes of
heading towards the end of their careers Benzema turns 33 in December. Yet Jules Kounde, Diego Carlos and Lucas

SPAIN LA LIGA 2020-21

there’s still a strong base of first-teamers Ocampos excelling in their debut
in their 20s who can step up in a period seasons. They’ll want to continue where
PROMOTED TEAMS of transition – the likes of Marco Asensio, they left off, while juggling the added
Raphael Varane and Federico Valverde pressure of Champions League football.
spring to mind – while returning loanee Villarreal had to settle for a place
Martin Odegaard has the world at his in this season’s Europa League, but are
feet. Eder Militao, Sergio Reguilon, in safe hands – new coach Unai Emery
Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo famously won the competition three
are all promising youngsters too. seasons running while in charge of
Real’s long-term future looks bright, Sevilla. The Basque coach has something
but their imminent objective is to retain
their title. Given the situation at Barca, Unai Emery has something to prove
HUESCA it is difficult to see who will stop them.
After being relegated from La Liga Atletico remain in transition, with their
after a largely unsuccessful spell in
in 2018-19, Huesca bounced straight squad having undergone a refresh in the the Premier League with Arsenal
back up as champions of Segunda summer of 2019. They’re still one of
Division. Premier League-winning the most defensively-capable units to prove after a largely unsuccessful spell
forward with Leicester, Shinji Okazaki, in Europe, but Diego Simeone needs in the Premier League with Arsenal,
finished as the club’s top scorer in all more from his attackers if they are to although he inherits a squad who have
competitions last season, but doubts challenge for the title. With Alvaro just lost their main creative fulcrum in
remain as to whether the 34-year- Morata and Diego Costa scoring just 17 departed playmaker Santi Cazorla.
old will be able to cut it in La Liga. league goals combined last season, a Real Sociedad and Granada join The
heavier responsibility must fall on their Yellow Submarine in Europe’s second
CADIZ 20-year-old record signing Joao Felix competition, and it is the former who
Known as the “Carnival City” for its – about to embark on just his third will most fancy their chances. In Mikel
famous February celebrations, the season as a professional footballer. Point to prove… Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal and Alexander
Andalusian club return to La Liga for Europa League champions Sevilla Unai Emery Isak, they boast some of 2019-20’s best
the first time since 2006. One of the performers – while new boy David Silva
most popular sides in Spain, they only will be tasked to replace the creativity
bear a slight grudge with regional lost with Odegaard’s return to Madrid.
rivals Sevilla. Interestingly, they are One club that on paper should be
one of only three La Liga clubs that aiming for a European place next season
Leo Messi has failed to score against. is Valencia, although on-pitch matters
have been clouded by administrative
ELCHE and financial debacles in recent years.
Elche sneaked into the play-offs The sale of their academy gem Ferran
on the last day of the season, after Torres to Manchester City for as little as
Fuenlabrada’s match with Deportivo £21 million is just one example of that.
was postponed. Relegated Depor With so many flaws in their main title
eventually won the rearranged rivals, another seasons of success looms
game, providing Elche a path back large for Real Madrid. It could set the
to the top tier after five years away. tone for the decade.
Jared Tinslay

56 WORLD SOCCER
 UKRAINE PREMIER LEAGUE
Season preview 2020-21

Dynamo in
disarray over
new coach
M
ost teams prepare for a
new season by working on
their fitness and fine tuning
in friendlies. Ukraine’s most
decorated side Dynamo Kiev – 15 times

UKRAINE PREMIER LEAGUE 2020-21

national champions since independence
in 1991 – are currently trying a different
approach, fomenting their very own
backyard civil war.
The spark which ignited the conflict in
Kiev was the recent decision of Dynamo
owner Ihor Surkis to bring in the veteran Team to beat… Lucescu told Surkis. “I take note of your will be inextricably linked to their large
Romanian Mircea Lucescu as coach. Shakhtar are chasing unbreakable faith in the development contingent of Brazilian-born talent.
their fifth league title
Nothing wrong with that, you might think; in a row of Dynamo Kiev.” Between them, naturalised Ukrainians
the 75-year-old Lucescu has a brilliant Internal bloodletting was the Junior Moraes and Marlos struck 33
track record as a team leader in his last thing Dynamo needed. Once a league goals last season, with wingers
homeland, Italy, Turkey, and Russia, European powerhouse, capable of going Taison and Tete next on the club’s list of
as well as Ukraine itself. Either through toe-to-toe with the continent’s best top scorers, while all-action midfielder
naivety or sheer bloody mindedness, it teams, they have been in the doldrums Marcos Antonio and attacking right-back
did not seem to register with Surkis that for quite some time. They have not won Dodo are both set to become key
the Lucescu appointment was decidedly the Ukraine Premier League since 2016 players at the Donbass Arena.
unpopular within the Dynamo and for far too long, have had to play Adventurous left-back Ismaily damaged
second fiddle to Shakhtar, a role they cruciate ligaments this summer and is
have grown heartily sick of. Dynamo do out until the New Year, so converted
A never-ending flow of critical have their share of rising stars, notably winger Marquinhos Cipriano is likely
columns in the local press; angry right-winger Viktor Tsygankov, midfielder to take up the slack.
fans descending on the club’s HQ; Mykola Shaparenko, left-back Vitaliy They are not short of emerging talent.
hard-core ultra fans threatening the Mykolenko and central defender Elusive Israeli winger Manor Solomon
Mykyta Burda. The unfortunate truth, is growing in poise and influence week
new coach with total hostility though, is that they simply cannot on week, Ukraine U21 international
match Shakhtar for squad depth and Vladyslav Vakula is a highly-promising
community. In the eyes of many game-changing performers. Another forward, although he will miss the first
supporters, it simply wasn’t acceptable major problem is the fate of promising few months of the new campaign after
to recruit Lucescu, a man who, for 12 young striker Artem Besedin, who was a shoulder operation. Barring any major
seasons (2004-2016) had been in handed a 12-month ban for a doping injuries to this highly-talented squad, it
charge of arch-rivals Shakhtar Donetsk. offence in May. is likely to be another title for Shakhtar.
Soon the perfect storm was brewing. Shakhtar, top dogs in each of the last All Ukrainian lovers of sporting
A never-ending flow of critical columns four seasons, have too much quality to romance will be keeping their fingers
Unpopular…Lucescu
in the local press; angry fans descending returns to Ukraine four slip up. The Miners are a country mile crossed that a few more chapters
on the club’s HQ; hard-core ultra fans years after leaving ahead of the rest of the top-flight pack. remain in the Cinderella story of village
threatening the new coach with total And so they should team Kolos Kovalivka, who in five short
hostility. Lucescu tendered his resignation be with a coach years have gone from the domestic
just four days after signing – only to then of the calibre of amateur ranks to the upper echelons
sensationally retract after being talked the Portuguese of the Premier League. Only a football
around by Surkis. It’s difficult to imagine technician Luis entity since 2012, Kolos enjoyed a
the Dynamo of 2020-21 prospering Castro, an infinite memorable elite inauguration last
in such a toxic atmosphere. Sooner amount of term, finishing sixth in the table and
or later, the volcano will erupt again. Champions League winning a play-off to earn Europa
In one of the most intriguing aspects experience, and League qualification – their first-ever
of the affair, Dynamo even thought it oodles of finesse, appearance in cross-border competition.
wise to put all their email exchanges speed and Incredible progress, especially when
with Lucescu into the public domain. firepower in the you consider that they come from
“I’m prepared to overcome the difficulties attacking third. a hamlet of only 1,500 inhabitants.
if I have the support of a person like you,” Their fortunes Nick Bidwell

WORLD SOCCER 57
Premier League

SUMMER’S
CANCELLED

58 WORLD SOCCER
 SPECIAL
REPORT

F
or the commercial departments the Premier League: in the last decade,
of the world’s biggest clubs, 40 different countries have hosted
preseason is almost more teams from England’s top division
important than the actual Between 2013 and 2017, 53 per cent
season. The summer is a commercial of preseason games played by Premier
free-for-all as clubs rack up thousands League clubs were abroad. In the global
of air miles in pursuit of new fans, new battle for fans and television money,
sponsorship deals and better TV deals their biggest rival is La Liga, but only 43
– but not this year. per cent of preseason games played by
Coronavirus left leagues struggling to top-flight Spanish clubs were overseas.
finish and, along with travel restrictions, The ratio is lower still in Italy, where 32
there is no space for the traditional per cent of Serie A games are abroad,
preseason. Most managers will be with 31 per cent for the Bundesliga and
relieved that there will be no need for 30 per cent for France’s Ligue 1.
the annual battles with commercial Last summer, the Premier League
departments over long trips that drain clubs visited 19 countries, and the USA
players on the eve of the season. is the top destination. Football finance
No other clubs travel like those from expert Kieran Maguire says: “US tours

Fenway Park…the
iconic Boston Red Sox
ground has regularly
hosted Liverpool’s
preseason friendlies

WORLD SOCCER 59
SPECIAL REPORT

Shanghai…fans at the ICC clash between Tottenham and Manchester United

are very lucrative as clubs can charge a

seven-figure fee. If 80,000 people pay
$50, with catering and other income,
you could probably gross $5 million. Michigan…supporters
Divide that between the two clubs – at Manchester United
v Liverpool in 2018
that’s $2m each and you keep the rest.”
The International Champions Cup,
run by Relevent Sports, the promoters restricted to Premier League clubs only. Europe, can command higher TV rights.
controlled by Miami Dolphins owner Over the past decade, English sides This summer was set to be particularly
Stephen Ross, is the biggest attraction. played 68 preseason games in nine important for the Premier League’s “big
Global names from the Premier League Asian countries, but only 45 were six.” As they do the most touring, they
and other major leagues play exhibition against local sides. used this to argue for a greater share of
games in the USA and Asia. Premier League clubs have played international TV rights in 2018, and were
With an average of nearly 15 24 games in China since 2010 but only expected to continue attracting big
substitutions per game, there is not seven against Chinese teams. Since crowds from across the globe.
much strain on the players, but fans 2013, the only matches played by a On average, 75 per cent of all
don’t seem to mind. When Barcelona Premier League club against a Chinese preseason friendlies over the last decade
played Real Madrid in Miami in 2017 side were by Southampton, who are played by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool,
in only the second Clasico held outside owned by Chinese businessman Gao Manchester City, Manchester United and
of Spain, tickets cost nearly nine times Jisheng. Poor pitches are one reason – Tottenham Hotspur have been overseas.
as much as that season’s Champions in 2016, Beijing was due to host the first In that time, Man. City managed just
League final, prompting a “Greed All Manchester derby on foreign soil until four games in the UK. Even when these
About It” headline in UK newspaper it was cancelled due to the state of big clubs do play in the UK, opponents
The Sun. the playing surface. Another is that are often brought in from overseas to
Japan…Chelsea and
With a $20m fee for the biggest Kawasaki Frontale matches in China against other high- drive up gate receipts and commercial
names, most clubs won’t care. However, players pose together profile European sides, usually from income. On average, over the last decade
this year’s ICC has been cancelled. just 15 per cent of preseason games by
Asia has also been a long-standing the “Big Six” were against other UK
target for the Premier League but with clubs, while 35 per cent were played
a different strategy. Teams from North overseas in neutral venues. Some are
America are the second most popular matches in training camps, but many
opposition for Premier League clubs are exhibition games like the ICC.
– behind Germany – but there is less This touring drives up overseas TV
interest in playing Asian clubs. rights, which – unlike domestic Premier
The Premier League Asia Trophy League rights – is rising and totalled
has been staged every two years since £4.35 billion for 2019-22. The league
2003 but after the 2015 event in is marketing rights for a new deal from
Singapore, the tournament was 2022 and tours are an ideal marketing

60 WORLD SOCCER
 Premier League

Premier League
preseason destinations
2010-19
Country Matches
USA 159
Germany 101
Austria 70
Portugal 31
Republic of Ireland 26
China 24
Hong Kong 24
Australia 22
Spain 20
France 19
Netherlands 19
Switzerland 17
Sweden 14
Singapore 12
Malaysia 9
Canada 8
Japan 7
Norway 7
South Africa 7
Thailand 7
Italy 5
Denmark 4
Finland 4
Indonesia 4
New Zealand 4
mitigated by increasing take-up of digital Belgium 3
platforms to connect with fans. Costa Rica 3
Simon Chadwick, professor of Turkey 3
Eurasian Sport at the Emlyon Business Iceland 2
School, says: “Ten years ago it would
South Korea 2
have really adversely affected
engagement activities but with social Vietnam 2
media and broadcast media, what the Greece 1
pandemic has done is brought forward Hungary 1
opportunity, but not this summer. Asia Trophy…Wolves something that’s happening anyway and Kenya 1
Sales of new shirts, which are beat Manchester hastened the rise of digital engagement.”
City in last year’s Macau 1
traditionally unveiled on the final game competition This summer Bayern Munich created
of the previous season then sold over an online tour including digital autograph Mexico 1
the summer break, are also likely to sessions and virtual fan challenges for Poland 1
suffer as the promotion schedule is the Bundesliga giants’ 4,500 organised San Marino 1
disrupted. Last year, clubs in the big Slovenia 1
five European leagues sold a record The league is marketing rights for
16 million shirts according to research Tanzania 1
by PR Marketing, whose director
a new deal from 2022 and tours are
Dr. Peter Rohlmann says: “The record an ideal marketing opportunity, Steve Menary is the author of the book “A Friendly
Business? A critical evaluation of the globalisation of the
numbers for shirt sales in the top but not this summer commercialisation of the preseason friendly” (CIES 2019).
European leagues will decrease
significantly due to the coronavirus international fan clubs. This could be in Malaysia, or there will be a camera
circumstances and late presented new only the tip of the iceberg, with the embedded in Lionel Messi’s shirt and
jerseys, but also due to the fact that potential for technology to radically you will be able to be Messi for that
significant sales promotion through change preseason forever. preseason friendly.”
preseason tours cannot take place. “We are only just starting to see what As with so many parts of the global
“Overall, football merchandising will can be achieved with augmented reality,” economy, the latest Premier League
see significant losses in 2019-20 and adds Kieran Maguire. “Soon you will be summer break is likely to be very
2020-21.” able to watch a game in New York from different from the last pre-COVID
These problems have been partly the perspective of the national stadium preseason of 2019.

WORLD SOCCER 61
 ARJEN ROBBEN

“I don’t think I
would have made
a comeback for
any other club”
Just over a year after playing his final game for
Bayern Munich, Arjen Robben is back at boyhood club
Groningen. The 36-year-old ended his career in 2019,
but when he felt an urge to return, there was only one
team he wanted to join. Mark Gleeson spoke to
the Dutch winger about his comeback…

How did you get to this was postponed. I was feeling good physically Your return created a real buzz about
point where you are about because I’d been training hard. the club – Groningen sold 1,600 extra
to play again? I’ve always kept in contact with Groningen season tickets in the space of 30 minutes
When I retired just over a year from when I left at the age of 18. I’ve seen the after the announcement. What did you
ago, I wrote in a small, open letter that the ambition they have, their vision for the future. make of that?
decision was the most difficult of my whole It appealed to me. And so, during the crisis, I was aware of some of the reaction. It was
career. It was also a little forced, although at I started to think about things. We as a family double delight for us as a family, because the
the time I didn’t really go into that. But physical were heading back to Groningen, and what excitement came just as we arrived after driving
problems were at the heart of the decision, could I do for the club? I didn’t have any up from Munich to begin our new lives, having
so it was kind of forced on me. burning ambition to become a coach and spent 11 years in Germany and 18 away from
We then decided, OK, the career is over, given I was feeling really good and physically Groningen. We got a great family welcome-
but we’ll stay another year in Munich to enjoy fit – the aches and pains had disappeared – home party and then after checking my phone,
the city and get used to the idea of no longer I realised where I’d be of best value was still on the reaction was very nice to see. The positive
being a footballer. I had a good time with the the field. A week after the club management reaction has given me a great feeling.
family, doing things like skiing. But eventually, came to see me in Munich in May, I decided to
the sports lover in me was searching for give it a go. I started football specific training So, the coronavirus crisis played a major
something to keep busy. I had contact with almost immediately. role in this decision. Can you explain
Erben Wennemars (former world record speed I have a really good feeling for the future this a little more?
skater), who came up with a whole load of and for me the most important thing can be Yes, it certainly played a part! You realise how
physical challenges for us to do together. described in a few words – “love of the club”. terrible and how tedious something like this
We were in full training to do the Rotterdam I don’t think I would have made a comeback for is, but then ironically there were one or two
Marathon, but unfortunately the coronavirus any other club. This was the only option for me, positives. I don’t know if I’d have taken the
threw that flame in the water and the marathon and I hope I will get a lot of pleasure out of it. comeback decision if I hadn’t been cooped

62 WORLD SOCCER
WORLD SOCCER 63
 ARJEN ROBBEN
Comeback…Robben
played 52 games in his
first spell at Groningen
before leaving in 2002

up at home. Maybe I would have. I had the

time to think to myself: “You are going home
to Groningen, what could you do for the club,
what would you find appealing for yourself?”
Then it was very clear to make a return
to the pitch.

You are going from playing with the likes

of Robert Lewandowski to working with
Groningen players. How will you handle
the change in quality?
We have to be honest and admit there is a
difference in quality between Bayern Munich
and Groningen, but I see that as a positive
challenge. What is important is that I’m doing
Winner…Arjen
this because I think I will enjoy it but also to won 20 trophies
help the club. There is one way for me to be at Bayern, scoring
able to do that and that is by example. I hope the winner in the
I can influence the youngsters, but I’m not one 2013 Champions
League Final
who is going to be talking to them all the time.

64 WORLD SOCCER
 Send-off…Robben scored in his final Bundesliga match for Bayern in May 2019

that in my career! But I hope a whole lot and four and a half years before my debut. I was
that’s what I’m aiming for. I feel very positive ready for the opportunity and I did leave
about it and I’m going to give it the best I can. fairly fast. But for me, I’ve come home,
But how it turns out, no one can predict. and FC Groningen are a part of that.

Will you be cycling to training, as you did Your wife played a big role in help
when you were 18? initiating your comeback, what was
Probably, yes! We built a house that is a good your reaction to that?
cycling distance from the training ground. Obviously if you step away from the game after
20 years and then a year later you want to go
“This is where I come from, it’s How much did you back, it is something you have to talk through
miss football? thoroughly first with your family. I was surprised
home. It’s where I grew up” To be honest, I didn’t how positive she was about it, she really likes
miss it at all for the the idea of a comeback at Groningen and
first six months. I enjoyed a lot of other supports it. We have been together since I
things. I’m a sports fan who enjoys other was 18, so we’ve had an enormous adventure
sport too. I still think that if I had got a really together. It makes it easier that after all
nice offer from a big club, or if Bayern Munich these years of travelling to Eindhoven,
had said: “Hey, come back” I would not have London, Madrid and Munich,
done it. So, this is the combination of not we have returned home.
only wanting to play again but to also help Interview by Mark Gleeson
It is by your own actions, both on the field Groningen. I don’t think I would have done
and in the changing room, that you can help. it otherwise. Family man…All the
It’s really about proving your worth on the Robbens are back
field where you can be a good example What about football did you miss? in his home city
to the rest of the squad. The matches, the full stadiums. Also working
towards an objective, like trying to qualify for
How long do you think you can carry major tournaments with the Dutch national
on with the comeback – maybe two team or big championship matches with your
or three seasons? club. That’s what motivates me and that’s what
No, I don’t want to look too far ahead. I see this I’ll be looking for with Groningen, especially
not only as a comeback but also an effort to when the public are allowed back. We’ll have
play again. We will have to see how physically to see how that all develops but that is what
challenging it proves to be. That you will only I’m looking forward to.
know by playing.
My objective is to be back on the pitch You started out at Groningen aged 16, but
and play in the games, but I think it is also then left at 18 to join PSV. Can you explain
important – to avoid disappointment from a little bit more about your affection for
everyone – to point out it could vary from the club?
zero games, or one or two, to… well I won’t This is where I come from, it’s home. It’s where
say 34 games because I’ve never managed I grew up. I came through the youth structures,

WORLD SOCCER 65
 Women’s Football
Glenn Moore

New season in Europe 11 years at Arsenal.

Another English striker on the move
is Jodie Taylor, who joined Lyon on loan
from partner club OL Reign. She won
USA internationals and World Cup winners Sam Mewis her first medal after five minutes,
and Rose Lavelle are among the many eye-catching coming on as a late substitute in the
delayed French Cup final victory over
transfers ahead of the 2020-21 campaign Paris Saint-Germain. This was settled,
like several games between the teams
– including the 2017 Champions
League final – by penalties. As in 2017,
PSG’s goalkeeper missed the crucial
kick, this time Christiane Endler.
While Lyon and PSG will again duel
the French title and Wolfsburg look set
to maintain supremacy in Germany
despite Eintracht Frankfurt’s merger
with FFC Frankfurt, honours in Spain
and Italy appear less clear-cut. Real
Madrid’s move into the women’s game
is complete, having now assumed
CD Tacon’s name, and they will be
expected to challenge Barcelona
and Atletico Madrid.
Similarly Milan, in their third season
since buying the licence of Brescia, will
hope to press triple champions Juventus
much closer after successive third-place
finishes. Much-travelled goalscorer
Natasha Dowie is the marquee signing
These are strange times, but the at venues such as Wembley. In August, World Cup winner… with France’s Laura Agard, Germany’s
transfers of Rose Lavelle and Sam Man. City took on Chelsea in the first Lavelle celebrates Julia Simic and Denmark’s Caroline
scoring against
Mewis to Manchester City still made women’s Community Shield since the Thailand at the Rask also joining.
major waves. USA internationals WSL began, as part of a double-header 2019 finals ACF Fiorentina, who launched the
have moved from America’s NWSL to with the men’s version, Liverpool new era in Italian women’s football when
England’s WSL before, but they have v Arsenal – another first. they became the first Serie A club to
usually either been winding down their The deal proved that City, now under field a female team in 2015, but have
careers (Carli Lloyd at Manchester City, former men’s player Gareth Taylor, since been eclipsed by Juventus, have
Heather O’Reilly at Arsenal), or still intend to wrest the title back from also invested. Claudia Neto (Wolfsburg),
Louise Quinn (Arsenal) and Tessel
“The WSL is a great league that keeps getting better Middag (West Ham) are their notable
foreign signings. Napoli are back in
every year. It is attracting a lot of really great players” the top flight after winning Serie B but
Rose Lavelle the team is not formally associated
developing it (Crystal Dunn at Chelsea). Chelsea. They have also signed with the men’s club.
Lavelle, 25, is a star, arguably the best England’s Chloe Kelly from Everton, With no Italian clubs in the last
player at the 2019 World Cup. At 27, and brought England full-backs Lucy eight of the Champions League, Calcio
Mewis is in her prime, a starter in that Bronze (ex-City) and Alex Greenwood New WSL arrival… Femminile Serie A began on August 23,
Mewis has been a
victorious USA side and a winner of (ex-United) back to Manchester regular for North a fortnight earlier than the other major
three of the last four NWSL from Lyon. Carolina Courage winter leagues.
championships. Chelsea have strengthened in
The pair’s switch may have been midfield with Melanie Leupolz and
prompted by the abbreviated NWSL Jessie Fleming, Germany and Canada
season, but they will not be back until internationals respectively. Arsenal, the
after next summer’s Olympics at the other member of WSL’s “Big Three”,
earliest and the choice of destination have added Australia’s Lydia Williams
is significant. The WSL is fast emerging and Steph Catley, and Switzerland duo
as the main rival to the NWSL, with Noelle Maritz and Malin Gut. Among the
Chelsea previously luring Australia more notable moves elsewhere, Everton
icon Sam Kerr across the Atlantic from have invested significantly to bring
Chicago Red Stars. “The WSL is a great in Valerie Gauvin from Montpellier,
league that keeps getting better every England’s Lucy Staniforth has joined
year,” said Lavelle. “It is attracting a Manchester United from Birmingham
lot of really great players.” City, and Danielle Carter seeks to revive
Part of the draw is the chance to play her injury-hit career at Reading after

66 WORLD SOCCER
NWSL Challenge Cup Transfer round-up
Houston Dash claim victory in a successful tournament A look at some of the other major
transfers in the women’s game:
both on and off the pitch
Ivana Andres (SPA)
Levante to Real Madrid
Chloe Arthur (SCO)
Birmingham City to Aston Villa
Viviane Asseyi (FRA)
Bordeaux to Bayern Munich
Ramona Bachmann (SUI)
Chelsea to Paris Saint-Germain
Ona Batlle (SPA)
Levante to Manchester United
Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir (ICE)
Wolfsburg to Lyon
Klara Buhl (GER)
Freiburg to Bayern Munich
Ellie Carpenter (AUS)
Portland Thorns to Lyon
Niamh Charles (ENG)
Liverpool to Chelsea
With the coronavirus laying waste to the Champions…Dash Courage were the best team by Marta Corredera (SPA)
football calendar, the National Women’s striker Daly lifts a distance in the initial group stage, Levante to Real Madrid
the trophy
Soccer League (NWSL) hurriedly put winning all four matches to finish five Jess Fishlock (WAL)
together a tournament – the NWSL points clear of the pack. Second OL Reign to Reading (Loan)
Challenge Cup. After an uncertain favourites Portland Thorns were
start, with Orlando Pride being forced unexpectedly last, with three draws Alia Guagni (ITA)
to withdraw on the competition’s eve and a loss. This pitted them together ACF Fiorentina to Atletico Madrid
after a slew of positive tests, it was in the seeded quarter-finals and Thorns
Kathrin Hendrich (GER)
an unqualified success. subsequently produced the first upset,
Bayern Munich to Wolfsburg
The short format also threw up a back-up goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom
surprise, with Houston Dash, a hitherto denying Courage with a string of saves Katarzyna Kiedrzynek (POL)
unremarkable expansion franchise, either side of rookie Morgan Weaver’s Paris Saint-Germain to Wolfsburg
emerging as victors while favourites debut goal. That proved the only goal
Virginia Kirchberger (AUT)
North Carolina Courage failed to of the quarter-finals with the other
Freiburg to Eintracht Frankfurt
make the last four. ties all going to penalties.
While the Dash were understandably Having put out the hosts in the Elena Linari (ITA)
jubilant, the real winners were the NWSL shoot-out, the Dash beat Thorns in Atletico Madrid to Bordeaux
front office for successfully pulling off the semi-finals with an opportunist
Caroline Moller Hansen (DEN)
the challenge of making women’s goal by Daly, the competition’s first for
Fortuna Hjorring to Inter
soccer the first sport back in the US. six hours. With the drought broken,
They were rewarded with excellent Chicago Red Stars then edged a Jade Moore (ENG)
TV ratings at home (the final drew five-goal thriller in the other semi, Orlando Pride to Atletico Madrid (Loan)
653,000 on CBS) and a spark of holding off a resurgent Sky Blue.
interest in England prompted by Lioness Red Stars, championship play-off Erin Nayler (NZL)
Bordeaux to Reading
Rachel Daly, the Dash captain, winning finalists in 2019, were favoured but
MVP and the Golden Boot. the Dash had grown to relish their Lena Oberdorf (GER)
The tournament was staged in underdog role. Sophie Schmidt’s Essen to Wolfsburg
Utah with all players ensconced in early penalty gave them something to
a quarantined “bubble” in housing defend which they did valiantly before Osinachi Ohale (NIG)
provided by Dell Loy Hansen, owner of Shea Groom’s injury-time breakaway Real Madrid to Roma
Utah Royals. Regular COVID-19 tests sealed victory. “It’s just been a special Eve Perisset (FRA)
were conducted with zero positives. journey,” said Groom. “We took it one Paris Saint-Germain to Bordeaux
Several players opted out, including step at a time, one game at a time,
US internationals Megan Rapinoe, one minute at a time.” Daniela Sabatino (ITA)
Tobin Heath and Christen Press; others Head coach James Clarkson added: Sassuolo to ACF Fiorentina
were injured or had playing time limited “We’ve got to go on and prove that Diana Silva (POR)
by the national team. However, in the we can do these kinds of things on a Sporting to Aston Villa
circumstances it was a solid effort and week-to-week basis when the league
if there was some stardust absent at gets back up and running. It’s just going Merel van Dongen (NED)
times qualities such as resilience and to get harder for us. It’s exciting. We’re Real Betis to Atletico Madrid
unity came to the fore. at the start of something.”

WORLD SOCCER 67
 STEVE EARL FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES (DEPT.WS)
BROAD STREET, BUNGAY, SUFFOLK, NR35 1AH, ENGLAND

The 2020 Champions League & Europa League Finals £15 each (inc. p&p)

68 WORLD SOCCER
 ULTIMATE NEWS & RESULTS SECTION

Gl
IN
CO a l
ob
RP
O
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TI
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Exclusive

di
ar
reports from

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our worldwide
network of
correspondents

72 80 78

KEIR JOHN MIKE

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Europa League Asia Japan

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VICKERY WILSON MENARY
Copa Champions Tahiti
Libertadores League

76 70 75

Kawasaki Frontale… 78 76
setting the pace following
DIARY
the J.League’s resumption 74 Global news
PREVIEW
82 UEFA Nations League

RESULTS, TABLES, FIXTURES

P L U S
84 Premier League
86 Ligue 1
88 Bundesliga
90 Pro League
92 Eredivisie
94 Club Football
96 Internationals Copa Libertadores…set to return on September15

WORLD SOCCER 69
 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REVIEW
2020 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

BAYERN EDGE OUT PSG

Yet stain of sportswashing
hangs over showpiece final

S
o the club that includes morality tale. Domestic silverware has
the state-owned airline of a stacked up yet brought increasingly little
human-rights-abusing emirate satisfaction. There had never been a
as a sponsor beat the club domestic treble in France until six years
owned by that emirate. Football breathed ago; since then there have been four.
a sigh of relief: the sacred cup had held What was needed was a Champions
back the fullest tide of sportswashing for League to finally set the seal on the
one more season. Yet Bayern Munich’s project. But it’s hard to compete with
winner was scored by a player who was Europe’s other super-clubs when you
convicted of assaulting the mother of his are never seriously challenged at home.
child in 2017. The European game’s finale Under Thomas Tuchel, PSG
was an unedifying spectacle all-round. financially, were bought by Qatari Sports Save…Mbappe had have improved significantly. A final
Let nobody be under any illusion Investments, an arm of the emirate’s PSG’s best chance represents their best Champions League
what the 2020 Champions League final sovereign wealth fund and soon the performance, but in the end, they were
represented, or why Qatar Airways was French league was buoyed by a undone by a Bayern side that had greater
so keen to promote it as the “Qlassico”. broadcast rights deal with the depth and pressed better. Thomas Muller,
This was the result of a meeting held a Qatar-based beIN Sports. notably, regained possession more than
decade ago at the Elysee Palace in Paris Forget the kafala system of visa the PSG front three put together, for all
between the French president Nicolas sponsorship, forget the appalling that Neymar has been more disciplined
Sarkozy, Crown Prince Tamim bin Hamad conditions in which migrant workers with regard to his defensive
Al Thani of Qatar, Michel Platini and the labour, forget the restrictions on women, responsibilities than ever before.
owners of Paris Saint-Germain. Ten days forget the fact that homosexuality is still It may have been a measure enforced
later, Platini voted for Qatar to host the illegal; look at the sparkly football. by necessity, but the final fortnight –
2022 World Cup. Within a year, Paris For most of the past decade, PSG’s even without fans – was a success. There
Saint-Germain, who had been struggling football has been a vaguely comic was the same sense of momentum, of a

70 WORLD SOCCER
 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REVIEW
2020 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

WHAT THEY
SAID

HANSI FLICK
(Bayern Munich coach)
“I am proud of the team. When I saw the
headlines in November [when he took
over], all I read was that nobody is afraid
of Bayern anymore. The development
since then has been crazy. We deserved
to win, because of the second half.
“You could already see in training
at our winter camp in January that
something big was growing. The team
is eager and we have players with
boundless desire to win. The team is
Pep Guardiola; PSG’s late escape against Winner…Coman always in the foreground. When you see
Atalanta; Joao Felix’s intervention from the heads past Navas how we worked until the 96th minute
bench and then Julian Nagelsmann’s negation tonight in defence then it is a superb
of him – more than made up for it. team spirit.
“Every player developed this season in
In Bayern, the tournament had the right such a way so as
winner, in the sense that they have played to win three titles.
the best football, certainly since Hansi Flick This only happens
took over in November. Their winner was a as a team. The only
thing that was
distillation of their style: a rapid exchange of
missing was the
passes, rounded off by Joshua Kimmich’s deft fans. Maybe in the
cross and Kingsley Coman’s back-post header. future we can have
No other side has claimed the Champions games with fans
League by winning again. This sport
deserves it.”
every game and,
while the absence
The European
THOMAS TUCHEL
of second legs in game’s finale was an (Paris Saint-Germain coach)
the quarter and unedifying spectacle “This is only the start and we haven’t
semi-finals meant reached the top of the mountain yet
all-round – that’s the most important thing, as
that was a slightly
opposed to my contract. We can talk
easier task than about all that once we have built the
usual, it is still a remarkable achievement. team and once everyone is on the
The 8-2 evisceration of Barcelona was a game same page as to the sort of game
that will resonate long after the specifics are you want to play.
“Over the last two years we have really
Champions… forgotten. They are the image of the intelligent built a special atmosphere in the camp
Bayern join muscularity that has come to dominate at the
Liverpool on
and without that mood in the camp,
six titles
highest level of the game. without that respect with the players
Still, as deserved as their victory was, the and the atmosphere with both the staff
grim context of the final cannot be ignored. and the players, without all of that day
in, day out, naturally you can’t win four
celebration of the game, of narratives Jonathan Wilson pieces of silverware and make it into
clashing and intertwining that you get at the Champions League final.
a World Cup or continental tournament. “We really need to keep that spirit to
It’s unlikely to replace the traditional maintain that mentality, it is absolutely
two-legged format long-term, but there crucial to do that so that we can
continue to forge a strong squad. You
was plenty here to encourage, for need a lot of big characters, big players
instance, those promoting the expanded and that is why we need to once again
Club World Cup: the club game too can build another strong powerful side that
work in a tournament format. can really kick on and continue this run.
Perhaps the semi-finals were “It is never easy. It takes a lot of effort
and that will be the challenge to try to
anti-climactic, but the drama of the re-discover this spirit and try to kick on
quarters – Barcelona’s chickens coming from this. That is really our challenge
home to roost in spectacular fashion; going forward.”
another mystifying tactical decision from
KINGSLEY COMAN
(Bayern Munich – Man of the Match)
“It’s extraordinary, it’s a great happiness.
I feel a little sadness for Paris, they’ve
had an extraordinary journey and we
must respect what Paris have done.
We tried to keep them under pressure
and they played on the counter-attack
mostly. We didn’t concede a goal and
that was the most important thing.
Paris had a great game, but so did
we. It was a great final.”
Not this time…Neymar won the trophy in 2015

WORLD SOCCER 71
 EUROPA LEAGUE REVIEW
2020 EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

LET’S TALK ABOUT SIX

Sevilla win a record sixth
Europa League crown

T
he Europa League has
never benefited from such
a high profile. In the sadly
but strangely beneficial
circumstances of 2019-20, Sevilla,
now record six-times champions, were
appropriate as well as worthy winners
after a 14-month season.
In the past, the Europa League’s
closing stages have been overshadowed
by the Champions League.
This time it was different. The ravages
of COVID-19 persuaded UEFA to find Happily, it did. All credit to coaches Penalty…Lukaku against Bayer Leverkusen and Sevilla by
is tripped by
a one-off remedy that could not have and players, who came out victorious Diego Carlos
1-0 against Wolverhampton Wanderers,
worked more effectively. With no over coronavirus and complexity. with a late goal from Argentinian Lucas
domestic football to compete, the Not all the games were memorable. Ocampos punishing an early penalty
Europa League’s final eight mini- Fatigue, fitness levels and the peculiar miss by Wolves’ Mexico striker Raul
tournament in Germany benefited from pressures of the extended season took Jimenez. In the semi-finals, Sevilla
a broadcasting bonanza by running their toll as early as the quarter-finals. recovered from conceding another
alternately with the Champions League Shakhtar of Ukraine saw off Basle early Fernandes penalty to beat
in Portugal. Top-level European club easily 4-1, but Manchester United wasteful United 2-1, while Inter ran
competition was out there every night. needed extra time to edge out FC down Shakhtar 5-0, with two-goal
Once the round of 16 second legs had Copenhagen. United hit the post four Romelu Lukaku extending his run of
been sorted out, it was to Germany for times and had one goal and one penalty scoring in successive matches in the
the “Final Eight” – not in one city, as in appeal rejected by the video assistant competition to ten.
the Champions League, but four: Cologne, before Bruno Fernandes scored the But Inter’s first appearance in a
Duisburg, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen. decisive goal with a typically unerring European final since winning the
The concept and venues worked. All spot-kick in the 95th minute. Champions League under Jose Mourinho
that remained was for the football to rise Single-goal margins also saw the two in 2010 was not the success they and
to the closed-doors challenge. eventual finalists through: Inter by 2-1 their Belgian top scorer had anticipated.

Record-
breakers…
Sevilla players
celebrate with
Lopetegui

72 WORLD SOCCER
 EUROPA LEAGUE REVIEW
2020 EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

They took an early lead over Sevilla,

conceded two headed goals, struck back
WHAT THEY
shortly before the interval then lost, most SAID
painfully, to a Lukaku own goal.
The Nerazzurri, despite having rested JULEN LOPETEGUI
for one day fewer, had started as narrow (Sevilla coach)
favourites under Antonio Conte, whose “This is very special. For us, for me,
for the fans, it is very special. We have
passion earned him one of the game’s
a happy ending. Also, this victory is for
six yellow cards in a feisty final. Jose Antonio Reyes, Antonio Puerta and
The opening minutes saw Dutch all of those who are no longer with us.
referee Danny Makkelie wave away Moses, Alexis Sanchez and Christian Header…De Jong We conceded three penalties in the last
Sevilla claims that Danilo D’Ambrosio Eriksen to try to rescue the game, and equalises for Sevilla three matches in the first five minutes
but our team never surrenders.”
should have been sent off for baulking the attacking tactic appeared to pay off as
Ocampos. Inter capitalised immediately Sanchez stabbed the ball goalwards, until LUUK DE JONG
– Lukaku pulled down on the break by centre-back Jules Kounde stretched out a (Sevilla – Man of the Match)
Diego Carlos before rising to his feet to long leg to hack off the line. “The coach told me I was starting only
convert the fifth-minute penalty and put That clearance ensured Sevilla’s record in the morning. I told him I am always
ready when he needs me and it worked
them ahead. of not conceding a second-half goal in really well. To score two goals and win
Diego Carlos had been fortunate to 13 games and duly delivered the Europa is incredible. We had such tough games
escape a red card. Not that Inter cared League trophy for a record sixth time. all tournament but we played so well
as they celebrated Lukaku’s 34th goal It also completed the rehabilitation as a team. We are like a family, we
of the season, thus matching the tally of of 53-year-old Lopetegui. worked together. It didn’t matter
who came in.”
Brazilian superstar Ronaldo when Inter Two years ago the former national
won this competition in 1997-98. It youth coach
seemed that the omens were good endured the
for the Italian side. humiliation of being Conte’s passion earned
But Sevilla’s record of 20 games sacked within five him one of the game’s
unbeaten since February was not in months, either side six yellow cards in a
danger for long. In the 12th minute of the World Cup feisty final
veteran wing-back Jesus Navas flighted finals in Russia,
a cross to the near post where Luuk first by Spain and
de Jong dived in to head home. then Real Madrid. Until this moment
The Dutchman had been a he had never won a major senior trophy
goalscoring substitute in Sevilla’s as a coach. ANTONIO CONTE
semi-final defeat of Manchester United Conte’s Inter were second best on the (Inter coach)
and fully justified coach Julen Lopetegui’s night but consolation was that they, like “Of course, it’s a big disappointment,
decision to start him this time. Sevilla, will enter the Champions League to come to a big final and then to
lose, even to a good opponent. What
Play ebbed and flowed in both in the new season. The Europa League happens next for Inter, we will discuss
directions before Sevilla took the lead will then, barring a second wave of sensibly. It’s only right that we analyse
in the 33rd minute. De Jong was the COVID-19, resume its standard format the entire season, look at everything in
scorer again with another header, this and finale. The Europa League will a calm way, and try to plan the future
time converting a free kick from former slip back into the Champions of Inter, whether it’s with or without me.
I will always be grateful for having the
Inter playmaker Ever Banega. Two more League’s long shadow. chance to spend a great year at Inter,
minutes and it was Inter’s turn to Keir Radnedge but on the other hand it was also
equalise. Sevilla switched off at the very tough.”
back as veteran Uruguay centre-back
Diego Godin headed home Marcelo 2020 EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL
August 21 – Cologne, RheinEnergieSTADION
Brozovic’s free kick.
The match turned on a nine-minute SEVILLA 3
spell midway through the second half. (Luuk De Jong 12, 33, Romelu Lukaku OG 74)
First, Lukaku broke clear only for Sevilla
keeper Bono to block his shot. The INTERNAZIONALE 2
significance of that save was enhanced (Romelu Lukaku 5 pen, Diego Godin 35)
in the 74th minute. Inter failed to clear a HT: 0-0 Ref: Danny Makkelie
free kick, and Diego Carlos’ bicycle kick
was diverted into the net by Lukaku.
Conte quickly introduced Victor Reguilon D’Ambrosio
(Moses 78)
Banega
Ocampos Barella odin
Diego arlos (Munir (Ca reva
(Gud 86) aku ROMELU LUKAKU
De J ng Brozovic
(Internazionale – goalscorer)
ono (En-Nes ri 85 Hand no
M inez
“What happened in the final upset
ernando me but I will fight back. I never had the
nchez 78) e Vrij
Suso
Kou e (Vazquez 78 Gagliardini easy way in life and this experience will
(Eriksen 78) make me stronger. One thing for sure is
Jordan
Bastoni that this experience will also make us
Navas Young better as a team. There’s unity and
we’re heading the right direction.”
Coach: Lopetegui Coach: Conte
Winner…Diego Carlos sends the ball goalwards

WORLD SOCCER 73
 FRANCE: Paris Saint-Germain
JULY 18-AUGUST 14, 2020
lift their fifth Coupe de France in
six seasons with a 1-0 win over
Saint-Etienne, having lost to
Rennes on penalties in 2019.
Saturday July 25
AUSTRALIA: Sydney FC secure
their fourth A-League title after
second-placed Wellington Phoenix
draw 1-1 with Adelaide United,
Stories from the four corners of the football world giving Sydney an unassailable
lead with four games of the
regular season to play.
SPAIN: La Liga season concludes.
Saturday July 18 Barcelona beat Alaves 5-0, with
SPAIN: Tercera play-off clash Leo Messi securing his seventh
between Canary Islands sides Pichichi Trophy – and fourth in
Marino and Tamaraceite sees a row – while Villarreal win 4-0
fans return to stadiums in Spain in Santi Cazorla’s final game for
for the first time since March. the club. Relegated Leganes twice
ITALY: Zlatan Ibrahimovic hints come from behind to draw 2-2
at a longer stay in Milan: “It’s a with champions Real Madrid.
great honour to play 100 games
for Milan. I hope to play lots
Monday July 20
more,” said the 38-year-old. AFRICA: The Confederation of
ENGLAND: Arsenal beat African Football confirms that the
Manchester City 2-0 in the FA 2023 edition of the Africa Cup Champions…Sydney FC
Cup semi-final, with a brace from of Nations will be played in June
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. and July in the Ivory Coast. Bromwich Albion securing QATAR: Former Barcelona star
USA: Diego Rossi scores four FRANCE: Magazine L’Equipe automatic promotion. Fulham, and current Al Sadd coach Xavi
goals as Los Angeles FC thrash announces that the Ballon d’Or Brentford, Cardiff City and tests positive for coronavirus.
LA Galaxy 6-2 in El Trafico. will not be awarded in 2020 due Swansea City make up the IRAN: Persepolis seal their 13th
to the coronavirus fallout. play-offs teams, while Hull City, league title, and become the
Sunday July 19 ITALY: Cristiano Ronaldo scores Charlton Athletic and Wigan first Iranian team ever to win the
IRAQ: Iraq Football Association his 50th Serie A goal, becoming Athletic (following a points competition four times in a row.
announces that the league will the first player to reach a half deduction) are relegated.
return on September 20, having century in England, Spain and Italy, Meanwhile, Liverpool lift the
Sunday July 26
previously abandoned the and the quickest player to reach Premier League trophy after ENGLAND: The Premier League
2019-20 season. the milestone in Italian football. a 5-3 victory over Chelsea. season concludes with Chelsea
GREECE: Thousands of USA: David Villa denies allegations and Manchester United securing
Olympiakos supporters gather
Tuesday July 21 of sexual harassment during his Champions League football by
outside the Georgios Karaiskakis SPAIN: Lucas Ocampos is voted time at New York City FC in MLS: finishing in the top four. Watford
Stadium to celebrate the club’s La Liga’s best signing by Marca, “These accusations are entirely and Bournemouth join Norwich
45th league title. ahead of Ferland Mendy, Diego false. I deny them. I will fully City in being relegated to the
TURKEY: Istanbul Basaksehir beat Carlos, Jules Kounde and Frenkie co-operate with the club.” Championship. Leicester City
Kayserispor 1-0 to win the Turkish de Jong. Meanwhile, Joao Felix, ITALY: Brescia’s relegation from striker Jamie Vardy secures the
Super Lig title for the first time Antoine Griezmann, Junior Firpo Serie A is confirmed with a 3-1 Golden Boot, the first of his career.
with a game to spare. and Luka Jovic feature in the defeat to Lecce, joining SPAL ITALY: Juventus wrap up the
ENGLAND: Manchester United worst signings of the season. in demotion to Serie B. Serie A title, their ninth in a row,
lose 3-1 to Chelsea in the second by beating Sampdoria 2-0.
FA Cup semi-final at Wembley,
Wednesday July 22 Thursday July 23 SAUDI ARABIA: French striker
with poor errors by goalkeeper ENGLAND: The Championship ENGLAND: Birmingham City Bafetimbi Gomis extends his
David De Gea costing his team. season concludes with West announce that they are retiring contract at 2019 AFC Champions
the No.22 shirt following the League winners Al Hilal for
departure of Jude Bellingham. a further two years.
CZECH REPUBLIC: It’s announced
that no team will be relegated from
Monday July 27
the Czech Republic’s top flight. The SCOTLAND: Hearts’ relegation
competition was left unfinished from the Scottish Premiership
after players tested positive for is confirmed after an arbitration
coronavirus, with Slavia Prague panel upheld the Scottish Football
already crowned champions. Professional League decision to
settle the curtailed season on
Friday July 24 a points-per-game basis.
ENGLAND: Liverpool midfielder SPAIN: Juventus-bound midfielder
Costly errors…David De Gea
Jordan Henderson is named Arthur refuses to join Barcelona’s
Football Writers’ Player of the Year. squad for the Champions

74 WORLD SOCCER
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Tahiti
STEVE MENARY

The next
generation
Pacific island side in need of games
to develop new era of talent
fter two years without
a game, Tahiti’s

A performance at the
2019 Pacific Games
was encouraging,
collecting three wins
from five matches, but the French-
controlled territory has not played since.
Tahiti were gearing up for this
summer’s OFC Nations Cup in New
Zealand until the coronavirus pandemic
hit and the tournament was cancelled
and put back to 2023. The start of
the Oceania World Cup qualifiers has
also been delayed and the domestic Rising star…Toulouse
championship stopped in March midfielder Terai
Bremond
despite no recorded cases.
Frustrated national team coach Confederations Cup in Brazil. Many Garcia adds: “We have players who
Samuel Garcia says: “Since June 2019, of that team had been developed by are currently playing in France, we are
this selection brings together in each national coach Eddy Etaeta, but he left following them so that they can join
FIFA window to train. A programme has to live in France in 2015 and Tahitian the national selection. Lazreg, Hapipi,
been established so that the selection football lost momentum. Bremond, Kaspard and others will be
is competitive.” followed and convened if they are
A decade ago, Tahitian football was A new generation is now coming successful with their clubs in Europe.”
going through a golden period as a Lazreg, who spent last season at
generation of players that had grown up through, which qualified for the Lannion FC, has an Algerian father and
together including Steevy Chong Hue, U20 World Cup again last year a Tahitian mother. “It was my first visit
the Tehau brothers Lorenzo and Alvin, to Tahiti, and I met my family there
and their cousin Teaonui qualified for A new generation is now coming for the first time,” explained Lazreg.
the 2009 Under-20 World Cup. That through, which qualified for the U20 “The game is less technique and
core of players helped Tahiti win the World Cup again last year. All three more physical, but they play with
Confederations Cup…
2012 OFC Nations Cup, which brought Tahiti qualified for the games in Poland were lost but Tahiti an open mind.”
an appearance at the 2013 competition in 2013 were not embarrassed, and the Lazreg, who is in talks with Algerian
tournament was good experience second division side Mo Bejaia for
for players like midfielder Terai 2020-21, hopes to return to Tahiti
Bremond and striker Eddy Kaspard, in November if selected. By then,
who both play in France. Garcia hopes to have actually played
Kaspard is with National 2 side some matches.
Trelissac, while Bremond left Polynesia “We are currently working to receive
to join the Toulouse academy in 2016 two matches at Tahiti and are preparing
and signed a professional contract with an outside tour during the next FIFA
the Ligue 1 side in February last year. windows,” explains Garcia. “The location
Coach Garcia is looking for more is not determined. We have budgeted
players from the European diaspora to and are working on this.”
bolster his selection. At Tahiti’s training With the delayed cup qualifiers
camp in March, Bremond was joined expected to be rescheduled for March
on the trip for Europe by striker Kader or June 2021, Tahiti will need match
Lazreg and FCE Merignac Arlac practice as Garcia looks to develop
defender Francois Hapipi. a new golden generation.

WORLD SOCCER 75
 League clash with Napoli.
Meanwhile, Segunda Liga side Copa Libertadores
Almeria sack coach Mario Silva,
despite qualifying for the play-offs.
Jose Gomes comes in as his TIM VICKERY
replacement, taking his third
job in nine months.
Tuesday July 28
SPAIN: Real Madrid and Dominican
Republic forward Mariano tests
Copa in crisis
positive for coronavirus.
CONMEBOL have some decisions to
NORTH AMERICA: CONCACAF make over South America’s premier
announces changes to its 2022
World Cup qualifiers. Mexico, USA,
club competition
Costa Rica, Jamaica and Honduras
receive byes to the final eight, with t the time, some thought it
30 other nations battling to qualify was premature when the Copa
for the remaining three spots.
Each side in the final octagonal
group will play four matches
next June, with the process
A Libertadores suddenly shut down
on March 12 – a day when games
were still taking place in the
Europa League. In hindsight, it
completed in March 2022. is clear that CONMEBOL made the right decision.
Coronavirus is proving especially destructive in the
Wednesday July 29 Americas. The original idea floated as a restart date
ENGLAND: The FA confirms that – May 5 – proved to be absurdly optimistic, and it
England Women will not take part is even possible that the same might apply to the
in next year’s SheBelieves Cup current plans to get going on September 15.
due to “existing uncertainties Late July brought plenty of bad news. Formula With six months hacked out
around the future trend of the One cancelled all of its races in the Americas. Rio of the year, there is no way
COVID-19 pandemic.” The de Janeiro called off its New Year’s Eve celebrations that a full 2020 Libertadores
Lionesses have competed at as Brazil’s death toll climbed alarmingly. There
every previous tournament were worrying spurts in Peru, Colombia and Chile.
programme can be completed
since its inception in 2016, Indeed, Chile introduced a 14-day quarantine before 2021
winning the trophy in 2019. period for all visitors – a measure which, if kept in
effect, will clearly make it impossible to go ahead
Thursday July 30 with the Libertadores in its current form.
ENGLAND: Saudi Arabian-backed On the same day, the infectious disease specialist
consortium pulls out of its bid to of the Argentine government advised River Plate
buy Newcastle United, following against travelling to Sao Paulo for the match
the Premier League’s lengthy scheduled for September 17 – and had his view
delay in approving the takeover. endorsed when the health authorities in the
SWITZERLAND: Swiss Brazilian metropolis confessed that the virus
Final host…Rio’s
prosecutors launch legal would probably not be under control by then. Maracana stadium
proceedings against FIFA president There could well be some tension behind the
Gianni Infantino in relation to an scenes, with the clubs, desperate for revenue, completed before 2021. As it stands the semi-finals
alleged secret meeting with Swiss lobbying for a restart while those responsible for are set for the first half of January. No date has
attorney general Michael Lauber. public health urge caution. This might be an issue in yet been fixed for the final, but the idea is for a
Lauber had offered to resign after Paraguay, which locked down early – games were showpiece occasion in Rio’s Maracana stadium later
a court said he covered up the already being played behind closed doors before in the month. Quite apart from possible concerns
meeting and lied during a the Libertadores suspension – and which, as of July about the virus, the intense summer heat would
corruption investigation. 25, had suffered just 38 deaths. Health chiefs there surely inhibit an afternoon kick-off, at a time perfect
ASIA: The AFF Championship, could be forgiven for wanting to call off the home for hitting the European evening and boosting the TV
scheduled for later this year, is and away matches between local champions audience. And with the Brazilian Championship set
rescheduled for 2021. Defending Olimpia and Santos, from the state of Sao Paulo, to go through to the end of February, the 2021
champions Vietnam are expected as well as the visit of Palmeiras, from the city. Libertadores is unlikely to kick off until April, more
to host the majority of matches. Even if the mid-September restart date proves than two months later than usual. At some point
viable, there are still problems on the horizon. One something will have to give, and a competition will
Friday July 31 is logistical. At the best of times it can be difficult to have to be shortened.
FRANCE: PSG beat Lyon on travel around South America. Distances are vast Europe, of course, chose to take that hit early,
penalties to win the French and connections are often inadequate. Throw in the simplifying the 2019-20 Champions League by
League Cup, thereby sealing hit taken by the airline industry and the cancellation shifting the closing stages to a neutral venue. South
another domestic treble. of flights and some teams will face epic journeys American could end up having to do something
making their way to and from away fixtures. similar. The obvious complication is the difference
Saturday, August 1 And there is also the headache of a calendar in the stage of the competitions. Coronavirus struck
ENGLAND: Arsenal defeat London that is already strained to breaking point. With six when the Champions League was already down
rivals Chelsea to win the FA Cup months hacked out of the year, there is no way that to the last handful of clubs. The Libertadores, in
at an empty Wembley stadium. a full 2020 Libertadores programme can be contrast, was brought to a halt after just two of the

76 WORLD SOCCER
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Holders…Flamengo In normal circumstances such a scheme would

won both of their Copa
Libertadores fixtures
be unthinkable. These, though, are exceptional
back in March times. The Uruguay option has been floated behind
the scenes, and could come to the rescue should it
not prove possible to restart the Copa Libertadores
on September 15 as planned.

six weeks of group-stage matches. There is a lot of

football still to be played, and all 32 teams are still
in contention. Taking all of the remaining terms to
a single venue would be a massive undertaking.
Should such a move be necessary, Uruguay would
be the obvious candidate. As of July 25, the country
had suffered just 34 coronavirus deaths, and the
city of Montevideo – which 90 years ago staged Montevideo…the city
the first World Cup – has no shortage of stadiums. boasts over a dozen
football stadiums,
The task would be simplified, of course, by the including the huge
absence of supporters. Estadio Centenario

WORLD SOCCER 77
 Japan
MIKE PLASTOW

J.League campaign in doubt

Surprises at both ends of the table, but problems off
the pitch could be just around the corner in Japan
hen the J.League resumed on Defending champions F-Marinos are looking
July 4, Kawasaki Frontale hit the surprisingly brittle at the back and have also failed

W ground running. Six straight wins

in July saw them top the table
with 19 points and a healthy
goal difference of +14. Frontale,
so far to rediscover the fluid passing movement that
swept them to last year’s title. The champions won
two and lost three after the restart and have also
picked up worrying injuries to last year’s joint-top
champions in 2017 and 2018, were always going scorers, Marcos Junior and Teruhito Nakagawa.
to be challengers this season after losing their title The summer transfer of wide midfielder Keita
to Yokohama F-Marinos last year. Their results so Endo to Union Berlin will not help their cause.
far include a 4-0 win at last year’s runners-up, Kashima Antlers, third last year, have fared even
FC Tokyo, and a 5-1 thrashing of Yokohama FC. worse with only one win in seven and they ended
The toothless 0-0 draw at home to perennial July joint-bottom. Conversely, unfancied Gamba
Empty…the league
strugglers Sagan Tosu in their February opener Osaka, Nagoya Grampus and newly-promoted returned to empty
already seems a world away. Kashiwa Reysol, where Kenyan striker Michael stadiums

78 WORLD SOCCER
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there were also all Aubameyang scores twice again

No chants
allowed…fans the questions about to cancel out Christian Pulisic’s
at the last game money. By April, the opener and seal a 2-1 victory.
before the league J.League was also SOUTH KOREA: Supporters
was suspended
in February arranging to make return to stadiums in the K-League,
special three-year with ten per cent of stadiums
loans to member opened up for three fixtures.
clubs, worth up to PORTUGAL: Porto beat
350 million yen in arch-rivals Benfica 2-1 in
the case of first the Portuguese Cup final to
division teams, to complete a domestic double.
help tide them over
during the crisis.
Sunday, August 2
Simultaneously, the ITALY: Serie A season concludes,
league was also with Lecce relegated from Serie A
entering negotiations after one season in the top flight.
with its own banks SCOTLAND: Odsonne Edouard
for committed credit fires a hat-trick past Hamilton
Olunga had scored 12 goals in his first 12 games, are lines worth well over 20 billion yen for what could as Celtic begin their quest for an
drawing a lot of positive attention. If the coronavirus be its first major loans since the league kicked off in unprecedented tenth successive
suspension hasn’t exactly turned the league upside 1993. In tandem, all prize money for 2020 has been Premiership title. Title rivals
down, some teams have clearly coped better than halved, and a call has been put out for private and Rangers also make a winning
others. corporate donations to sustain the sports projects start, beating Aberdeen 1-0.
The J.League’s top division kicked off as planned normally funded by the football pools. There is UAE: CAS dismisses United Arab
on the fourth weekend of February, but then did not obviously concern about what failure to complete Emirates’ allegation that Qatar
play again for over four months before resuming the full fixture list could yet mean for the league’s fielded an ineligible player at
in front of empty stadiums on July 4. The writing lucrative broadcasting contract with DAZN. the 2019 Asian Cup.
was already on the wall in late February, of course, The weekend of July 4 was, coincidentally, TANZANIA: Simba complete
but most people were still surprised on that first intended to be the league’s last round of matches the domestic treble by beating
weekend when Vissel Kobe before the summer break for the ill-starred Tokyo Namungo in the FA Cup final.
told their fans not to shout Olympic Games. The first direct consequence of
or chant but only to clap this was the players now faced an extremely tight
Tuesday, August 4
during the match. Today, schedule in the difficult heat and humidity of the GERMANY: Football clubs in
limited numbers of fans Japanese summer. For Division 2, the new schedule Germany’s top two divisions agree
have been allowed back effectively meant playing two games a week for the to plans drawn up by the league,
in the stadiums – up to entire remainder of the season. which could allow the partial
5,000 or 50% of stadium The league has made several changes to help return of supporters to stadiums
capacity, whichever is everyone cope. As in most other leagues, teams are from mid-September.
smaller – and clapping is now allowed to use five subs in a game instead of ENGLAND: Fulham are promoted
the only kind of applause three, and the league has decreed there will be no back to the Premier League at the
allowed. relegation this year, only promotion. The league first time of asking after beating
After that first weekend, season has been extended by two weeks to West London rivals Brentford 2-1
the J.League led the way in December 19, and the Emperor’s Cup and League in the Championship play-off final,
postponing matches ahead Cup formats have been revamped to greatly reduce thanks to a brace by left-back Joe
of both other Japanese the match load. Another consequence of the Bryan in extra time. Meanwhile,
sports and also the cinema, pandemic has been the decision not to introduce Wigan Athletic’s relegation to
theatre and other closures VAR this season after all because of the difficulty League One is confirmed after
of securing enough referees. failing in their appeal against
Even so, the J.League is simultaneously allowing a 12-point deduction for
If the coronavirus suspension for the possibility this season will not be completed going into administration.
hasn’t exactly turned the at all. No awards will be made this year in any
league upside down, some division if 75% of the matches have not been played
Wednesday, August 5
teams have clearly coped and any club has not played 50% of its games. The ENGLAND: Arsenal announce 55
fragility of the situation was underscored on July 26 redundancies of non-playing staff.
better than others when Grampus’ game at Sanfrecce Hiroshima was ITALY: The Europa League last
postponed after a Nagoya player and members 16 resumes, with Internazionale
that followed. It was a of team staff tested positive for coronavirus. knocking out Getafe and joining
step-by-step process. The Although Japan has contained the coronavirus Shakhtar Donetsk, Copenhagen
first postponement was for so far without any of the massive spikes seen in and Manchester United in the
three weekends only, but the West, the ending of the state of emergency was quarter-finals of the tournament.
that was then extended followed by an immediate and sustained rebound in
several times before the number of confirmed cases. The decision to let
Thursday, August 6
eventually becoming a restricted number of fans into the stadiums from ENGLAND: Wolverhampton
indefinite. Play finally July 11 was already looking rather alarming at the Wanderers beat Olympiakos in
resumed after the time and those restrictions are currently being the Europa League, while Basle,
government lifted the extended two weeks at a time, most recently to Sevilla and Bayer Leverkusen
state of emergency. the end of August. For the J.League, this is still also qualify for the mini-
Aside from the games, only the beginning of a long, hot summer. tournament in Germany.

WORLD SOCCER 79
 Asia
JOHN DUERDEN

AFC Champions
League conundrum
Fixture congestion in the East threatens the conclusion
of the 2020 Asian Champions League
est and East Asia tend to – with each tie reduced to a single game – will be
continue along their own held and it will all finish in December.

W separate football paths, coming

together for international
tournaments and not much
besides. This is not surprising
Well, that is the plan at least. The AFC is
understandably keen to finish its flagship club
tournament but all are aware that it will be
impossible if the virus bounces back. Even the
given that little connects them: the differences best-case scenario turns impossible into difficult,
in climate, culture, language and, of course, and some clubs in the east are grumbling that the
geographical location are huge. new schedule is going to be hard to complete.
That division is clear to see in the AFC For western teams – from Saudi Arabia, Qatar,
Champions League at the best of times. The 32 United Arab Emirates and Iran – it is not a major
teams that enter the continental tournament are issue. Leagues there are beginning to restart after
separated into two zones with the best of the west suspension but there are just a handful of games
and the east only coming together for the final. in the season remaining. Adding the Champions
This year’s edition has, inevitably, been League is not a huge deal.
devastated by the coronavirus and attitudes on It is not so easy, however, for the eastern leagues
how to finish it, or whether to finish it at all, are of South Korea, Japan
very different depending on which side of Asia and China. The 2020
you happen to be in. Chinese Super League Attitudes on how to finish it, or
The major problem with the 2020 Asian season only kicked off on whether to finish it at all, are very
Champions League when compared with the July 25, five months after different depending on which side
European version is that the former had only just it was supposed to. The
got started when it was suspended. Some teams season has been
of Asia you happen to be in
had played just two games of the group stage, shortened and the league
some just once; three of the four Chinese split into two, with games being played in twin hub
representatives had not featured at all. That cities of Dalian and Suzhou. Japan restarted in early
leaves a lot of football still to be played. July with South Korea in action from May. It all
The games were initially put back to June but means that the eastern clubs have plenty going on
there were further postponements. In July, the Asian in October and November. Having three or four of
Football Confederation (AFC) said that the group them from each league heading overseas for the
stage in the western half will take place in Qatar best part of a month to finish the Champions
in September. In the east, it will be in Malaysia and League group stage is going to be a headache.
probably Thailand in October. After two busy weeks And then there was the issue of 2022 World Cup
in which to finish the groups, the knockout rounds qualifiers scheduled for October/November. These

conversation, but I can only tell League, winning 7-1 on aggregate. The Northern Irish side advance
Friday, August 7 you that he preferred not to play.” to the next round to play Legia
BANGLADESH: 18 Bangladesh
Sunday, August 9 Warsaw of Poland.
players test positive for coronavirus.
Saturday, August 8 FRANCE: Lyon Women win the SPAIN: More La Liga players test
RUSSIA: Dejan Lovren makes his ITALY: Juventus appoint Andrea Coupe de France feminine after positive for coronavirus, including
debut as Zenit beat Lokomotiv 2-1 Pirlo as head coach after Maurizio beating PSG on penalties, with Real Betis forward Loren and
in the Russian Super Cup. Sarri is sacked following the shock England international Lucy Bronze Atletico Madrid duo Angel
ENGLAND: Raphael Varane Champions League defeat to Lyon. scoring in the shoot-out. Correa and Sime Vrsaljko.
costs Real Madrid any chance of SPAIN: Lionel Messi helps fire USA: Portland Timbers win the
a comeback against Manchester Barcelona to the last eight of
Tuesday, August 11 MLS Is Back tournament, beating
City, with the English side winning the Champions League with UEFA: Kosovan club Drita forfeit Orlando City 2-1 in the final.
2-1. Gareth Bale is left out of Real a 3-1 victory over Napoli. their Champions League qualifier Assistant referee Kathryn Nesbitt
Madrid’s squad, with Zinedine GERMANY: Bayern Munich thrash with Linfield after two of their becomes the first woman to work
Zidane saying: “It is a private Chelsea 4-1 in the Champions players test positive for COVID-19. a Major League Soccer title game.

80 WORLD SOCCER
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Match-winner…Al Hilal
striker Bafetimbi Gomis
celebrates after scoring
in last year’s final

games would have marked the end of the second space of two October weeks, then continue with the
round, which sees 12 teams head to the next stage domestic season while also trying to give the
where Asia’s four automatic berths will be allocated. national team a chance to keep dreams of
Some nations, like Japan and Australia, are almost 2022 alive, was too big an ask.
there already but others, such as China and, to a That is why, on August 12, the AFC postponed the
lesser extent, South Korea still have work to do. World Cup qualifiers until 2021. It leaves 14 qualifiers
China are almost out of the running to win their as well as play-offs to be played, and there is sure
group – lagging eight points behind Syria – but still to be a time when the decision to move the 2022
hope to qualify as one of the best runners-up, if World Cup from June to November, controversial at
results improve. Usually, the Chinese Super League the time, is welcomed for the extra breathing space.
would take a long break, perhaps as long as a It leaves an awful lot of football to be played in
month, to allow the national team to prepare. 2021 (think about Australia who have the Copa
With Champions League, World Cup qualifiers America, World Cup qualifiers and the Olympics),
and domestic leagues, something had to give. For but it also means that there should be a winner
some Chinese clubs to play six group games in the In doubt…AFC Champions League in the 2020 Champions League.

the first Champions League name, crest and colours. humiliated in the Champions
Wednesday, August 12 quarter-final, with both goals PORTUGAL: RB Leipzig defeat League, losing 8-2 to Bayern
SPAIN: Villarreal sign Valencia coming in stoppage time. Atletico Madrid in the Champions Munich, with loanee Philippe
duo Dani Parejo on a free transfer League quarter-finals thanks to Coutinho compounding Barca’s
and Francis Coquelin for €8 million,
Thursday, August 13 an 88th-minute goal from USA embarrassment by scoring
leading to Valencia fans protesting USA: FC Dallas defender Reggie midfielder Tyler Adams. the final two goals.
outside owner Peter Lim’s house. Cannon speaks out after being ENGLAND: The Premier League SPAIN: La Liga rejects plans for a
AFC: All Asian 2022 World Cup booed for taking the knee: and FA confirm it will scrap the 24-team Segunda Division, while
qualifiers are postponed until 2021, “Millions of other people support winter break and FA Cup replays Deportivo La Coruna formally
meaning there are now too few this cause…and we’ve got fans for the 2020-21 season to help request that Fuenlabrada are
international dates to complete booing us in our own stadium. It’s ease fixture congestion. relegated from the second tier,
games in time for the tournament. absolutely disgusting.” Meanwhile, alleging that they violated
PORTUGAL: PSG come from a new MLS expansion club for 2023
Friday, August 14 COVID-19 protocols and are
goal down to beat Atalanta 2-1 in St. Louis City SC unveils its official PORTUGAL: Barcelona are therefore due a points deduction.

WORLD SOCCER 81
UEFA Nations League
2020 2021
September-November Sept or Oct

GROUP A1 GROUP A2 GROUP A3 GROUP A4 NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL

LEAGUE
Netherlands England Portugal Switzerland Group A1 Winner

A Italy
Bosnia-Herz.
Poland
Belgium
Denmark
Iceland
France
Sweden
Croatia
Spain
Ukraine
Germany
WINNERS Group A2 Winner
Group A3 Winner
Group A4 Winner
RELEGATION

RELEGATION

RELEGATION

RELEGATION
PROMOTION

PROMOTION

PROMOTION

PROMOTION

GROUP B1 GROUP B2 GROUP B3 GROUP B4

2022 World Cu
LEAGUE Draw to be made on Nov 29, 2020
Austria Czech Republic Russia Wales

B Norway
N. Ireland
Romania
Scotland
Slovakia
Israel
Serbia
Turkey
Hungary
Finland
Rep. of Ireland
Bulgaria
GROUP A

●●●
RELEGATION

RELEGATION

RELEGATION

RELEGATION

●●
PROMOTION

PROMOTION

PROMOTION

PROMOTION

GROUP B

●●●
GROUP C1 GROUP C2 GROUP C3 GROUP C4
LEAGUE
Montenegro Georgia Greece Albania

C Cyprus
Luxembourg
Azerbaijan
North Macedonia
Estonia
Armenia
Kosovo
Slovenia
Moldova
Belarus
Lithuania
Kazakhstan
●●
GROUP C

●●●
PROMOTION

PROMOTION

Each team
will play their group
opponents home and away. In
Leagues B, C and D, group winners
●●
will be promoted for the 2022-23
GROUP D1 GROUP D2 edition, and in A and B the bottom
LEAGUE sides will be relegated. The four
Faroe Islands Gibraltar GROUP D

D Latvia
Andorra
Liechtenstein
San Marino
teams finishing bottom of their
group in League C will play-off to
determine which two will
be relegated.
●●●
●●
Malta

GROUP E

●●●
There are ten European
qualifying groups for the
2022 World Cup. The ten

●●
group winners will qualify
directly for Qatar, with the
ten runners-up going into a
play-off competition.

82 WORLD SOCCER
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explained
The second edition of the competition created to replace international
friendlies, which was first won by Portugal in 2019 and deemed an
unprecedented success, begins again in September. The format has
changed a little since then, so here’s everything you need to know…

2022 2022
March Nov-Dec
The four group
winners in League
A will head to the finals,
with one of the four nations
The ten
selected to host. As in 2019,
runners-up will be
there will be semi-finals, a
joined by the two best Nations Europe will have13
final and a third-place
League group winners who representatives at the 2022
play-off.
failed to finish in the top two World Cup in Qatar – ten
of their World Cup qualifying group winners and three
group. To reach Qatar, teams play-off winners.
must win a semi-final
then a final.

WORLD CUP PLAY-OFFS EUROPE’S WORLD CUP DELEGATION

up Qualifiers Group A runner-up
Group B runner-up
Group C runner-up
Group D runner-up Play-off
GROUP F Group E runner-up 1 winner
●●● Group F runner-up
Group G runner-up

●●● Group H runner-up

Group I runner-up Play-off Play-off
Group J runner-up 2 winner 3 winner
Nations League group winner
GROUP G
Nations League group winner

●●●
●●●
Group A Group B
winner winner
RELEGATION PLAY-OFFS
GROUP H C1 Bottom team

●●●
C2 Bottom team
C3 Bottom team Group C Group D
winner winner
●●●
C4 Bottom team

GROUP I
Group E Group F
●●● winner winner

●●●
Group G Group H
GROUP J winner winner
●●●
●●●
Group I Group J
winner winner

WORLD SOCCER 83
 PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES 2020-21
SEPTEMBER 12 Aston Villa v Leeds United
Burnley P-P Manchester United Brighton v West Brom
Crystal Palace v Southampton Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham v Arsenal Fulham v Crystal Palace
Liverpool v Leeds United Liverpool v Sheffield United
Manchester City P-P Aston Villa Manchester United v Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton Southampton v Everton
West Brom v Leicester City West Ham United v Manchester City
West Ham United v Newcastle United Wolves v Newcastle United

SEPTEMBER 14 OCTOBER 31
Brighton v Chelsea Aston Villa v Southampton
Sheffield United v Wolves Burnley v Chelsea
Fulham v West Brom
SEPTEMBER 19 Leeds United v Leicester City
Arsenal v West Ham United Liverpool v West Ham United
Aston Villa v Sheffield United Manchester United v Arsenal
Chelsea v Liverpool Newcastle United v Everton
Everton v West Brom Sheffield United v Manchester City
Leeds United v Fulham Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton
Leicester City v Burnley Wolves v Crystal Palace
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Newcastle United v Brighton NOVEMBER 7
Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur Arsenal v Aston Villa
Wolves v Manchester City Brighton v Burnley
Chelsea v Sheffield United
SEPTEMBER 26 Crystal Palace v Leeds United
Brighton v Manchester United Everton v Manchester United
Burnley v Southampton Leicester City v Wolves
Crystal Palace v Everton Manchester City v Liverpool
Fulham v Aston Villa Southampton v Newcastle United
Liverpool v Arsenal West Brom v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City v Leicester City West Ham United v Fulham
Sheffield United v Leeds United
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United NOVEMBER 21
West Brom v Chelsea Aston Villa v Brighton
West Ham United v Wolves Burnley v Crystal Palace
Fulham v Everton Manchester City v Fulham Liverpool v West Brom
OCTOBER 3 Leeds United v Arsenal Sheffield United v Leicester City Manchester City v Newcastle United
Arsenal v Sheffield United Liverpool v Leicester City Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal Sheffield United v Everton
Aston Villa v Liverpool Manchester United v West Brom West Brom v Crystal Palace West Ham United v Brighton
Chelsea v Crystal Palace Newcastle United v Chelsea West Ham United v Manchester United Wolves v Tottenham Hotspur
Everton v Brighton Sheffield United v West Ham United
Leeds United v Manchester City Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City DECEMBER 12 DECEMBER 28
Leicester City v West Ham United Wolves v Southampton Arsenal v Burnley Brighton v Arsenal
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur Burnley v Sheffield United
Newcastle United v Burnley NOVEMBER 28
Everton v Chelsea Chelsea v Aston Villa
Southampton v West Brom Arsenal v Wolves Fulham v Liverpool Crystal Palace v Leicester City
Wolves v Fulham Brighton v Liverpool Leeds United v West Ham United Everton v Manchester City
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur Leicester City v Brighton Manchester United v Wolves
OCTOBER 17 Crystal Palace v Newcastle United Manchester United v Manchester City Newcastle United v Liverpool
Chelsea v Southampton Everton v Leeds United Newcastle United v West Brom Southampton v West Ham United
Crystal Palace v Brighton Leicester City v Fulham Southampton v Sheffield United Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham
Everton v Liverpool Manchester City v Burnley Wolves v Aston Villa West Brom v Leeds United
Leeds United v Wolves Southampton v Manchester United
Leicester City v Aston Villa West Brom v Sheffield United DECEMBER 15 JANUARY 2
Manchester City v Arsenal West Ham United v Aston Villa Arsenal v Southampton Brighton v Wolves
Newcastle United v Manchester United Aston Villa v Burnley Burnley v Fulham
Sheffield United v Fulham DECEMBER 5 Fulham v Brighton Chelsea v Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United Aston Villa v Newcastle United Leeds United v Newcastle United Crystal Palace v Sheffield United
West Brom v Burnley Brighton v Southampton Leicester City v Everton Everton v West Ham
Burnley v Everton Sheffield United v Manchester United Manchester United v Aston Villa
OCTOBER 24 Chelsea v Leeds United West Ham United v Crystal Palace Newcastle United v Leicester City
Arsenal v Leicester City Liverpool v Wolves Wolves v Chelsea Southampton v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United
DECEMBER 16 West Brom v Arsenal
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City v West Brom JANUARY 12
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
DECEMBER 19 Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Brighton v Sheffield United Fulham v Manchester United
Burnley v Wolves Leeds United v Southampton
Chelsea v West Ham United Leicester City v Chelsea
Crystal Palace v Liverpool Sheffield United v Newcastle United
Everton v Arsenal West Ham United v West Brom
Manchester United v Leeds United Wolves v Everton
Newcastle United v Fulham
Southampton v Manchester City JANUARY 13
Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City Liverpool v Burnley
West Brom v Aston Villa Manchester City v Brighton

DECEMBER 26 JANUARY 16
Arsenal v Chelsea Arsenal v Newcastle United
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace Aston Villa v Everton
Fulham v Southampton Fulham v Chelsea
Feb 6…Aston
Villa v Arsenal
Leeds United v Burnley Leeds United v Brighton
Leicester City v Manchester United Leicester City v Southampton

84 WORLD SOCCER
 Leeds United v Crystal Palace Sheffield United v Southampton West Brom v Southampton
Liverpool v Manchester City Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace West Ham United v Leicester City
Manchester United v Everton West Brom v Newcastle United
Newcastle United v Southampton West Ham United v Leeds United APRIL 17
Sheffield United v Chelsea Arsenal v Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur v West Brom MARCH 13 Aston Villa v Manchester City
Wolves v Leicester City Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea v Brighton
Crystal Palace v West Brom Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
FEBRUARY 13 Leeds United v Liverpool
Everton v Burnley
Arsenal v Leeds United Fulham v Manchester City Leicester City v West Brom
Brighton v Aston Villa Leeds United v Chelsea Manchester United v Burnley
Chelsea v Newcastle United Leicester City v Sheffield United Newcastle United v West Ham United
Crystal Palace v Burnley Manchester United v West Ham United Southampton v Crystal Palace
Everton v Fulham Newcastle United v Aston Villa Wolves v Sheffield United
Leicester City v Liverpool Southampton v Brighton
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur APRIL 24
Wolves v Liverpool
Southampton v Wolves Arsenal v Everton
West Brom v Manchester United MARCH 20 Aston Villa v West Brom
West Ham United v Sheffield United Brighton v Newcastle United Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
Burnley v Leicester City Leeds United v Manchester United
FEBRUARY 20 Leicester City v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Arsenal v Manchester City Liverpool v Newcastle United
Fulham v Leeds United
Aston Villa v Leicester City Manchester City v Southampton
Liverpool v Chelsea
Brighton v Crystal Palace Sheffield United v Brighton
Manchester City v Wolves
Burnley v West Brom West Ham United v Chelsea
Sheffield United v Aston Villa

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES 2020-21

Fulham v Sheffield United Wolves v Burnley
Liverpool v Everton Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton
Manchester United v Newcastle United West Brom v Everton MAY 1
Southampton v Chelsea West Ham United v Arsenal Brighton v Leeds United
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur APRIL 3
Burnley v West Ham United
Wolves v Leeds United Chelsea v Fulham
Arsenal v Liverpool Crystal Palace v Manchester City
FEBRUARY 27 Aston Villa v Fulham Everton v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Manchester United Chelsea v West Brom Manchester United v Liverpool
Crystal Palace v Fulham Everton v Crystal Palace Newcastle United v Arsenal
Oct 24…Liverpool Everton v Southampton Leeds United v Sheffield United Southampton v Leicester City
v Sheffield United Leeds United v Aston Villa Leicester City v Manchester City Tottenham Hotspur v Sheffield United
Leicester City v Arsenal Manchester United v Brighton West Brom v Wolves
Liverpool v Manchester United Manchester City v West Ham United Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City v Crystal Palace Newcastle United v Wolves Southampton v Burnley MAY 8
Sheffield United v Tottenham Hotspur Sheffield United v Liverpool Wolves v West Ham United Arsenal v West Brom
West Ham United v Burnley Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley Aston Villa v Manchester United
Wolves v West Brom West Brom v Brighton APRIL 10 Fulham v Burnley
Brighton v Everton Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur
JANUARY 26 MARCH 6 Burnley v Newcastle United Leicester City v Newcastle United
Brighton v Fulham Aston Villa v Wolves Crystal Palace v Chelsea Liverpool v Southampton
Burnley v Aston Villa Brighton v Leicester City Fulham v Wolves Manchester City v Chelsea
Everton v Leicester City Burnley v Arsenal Liverpool v Aston Villa Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Manchester United v Sheffield United Chelsea v Everton Manchester City v Leeds United West Ham United v Everton
West Brom v Manchester City Liverpool v Fulham Sheffield United v Arsenal Wolves v Brighton
Manchester City v Manchester United Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
JANUARY 27 MAY 11
Chelsea v Wolves Mar 6…Manchester City Brighton v West Ham United
Newcastle United v Leeds United v Manchester United Burnley v Leeds United
Southampton v Arsenal Everton v Sheffield United
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool Manchester United v Leicester City
Crystal Palace v West Ham United West Brom v Liverpool
JANUARY 30 MAY 12
Arsenal v Manchester United Chelsea v Arsenal
Brighton v Tottenham Hotspur Newcastle United v Manchester City
Chelsea v Burnley Southampton v Fulham
Crystal Palace v Wolves Tottenham Hotspur v Wolves
Everton v Newcastle United Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Leicester City v Leeds United
Manchester City v Sheffield United MAY 15
Southampton v Aston Villa Brighton v Manchester City
West Brom v Fulham Burnley v Liverpool
West Ham United v Liverpool Chelsea v Leicester City
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
FEBRUARY 2 Everton v Wolves
Aston Villa v West Ham United Manchester United v Fulham
Burnley v Manchester City Newcastle United v Sheffield United
Fulham v Leicester City Southampton v Leeds United
Leeds United v Everton Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
Sheffield United v West Brom West Brom v West Ham United
Wolves v Arsenal
Manchester United v Southampton MAY 23
Arsenal v Brighton
FEBRUARY 3
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace Fulham v Newcastle United
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea Leeds United v West Brom
Liverpool v Brighton Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
FEBRUARY 6
Manchester City v Everton
Aston Villa v Arsenal Sheffield United v Burnley
Burnley v Brighton West Ham United v Southampton
Fulham v West Ham United Wolves v Manchester United

WORLD SOCCER 85
 LIGUE 1 FIXTURES 2020-21
AUGUST 21 Lorient v Nimes
Bordeaux v Nantes Nov 8…Nice
Marseille v Monaco
v Monaco
Marseille P-P Saint-Etienne Nantes v Dijon
Nice v Rennes
AUGUST 22 Saint-Etienne v Angers
Dijon v Angers Strasbourg v Metz
Lille v Rennes Paris Saint-Germain v Lyon
AUGUST 23 DECEMBER 16
Monaco v Reims Angers v Strasbourg
Lorient v Strasbourg Bordeaux v Saint-Etienne
Nimes v Brest Dijon v Lille
Nice v Lens Lyon v Brest
Monaco v Lens
AUGUST 28
Montpellier v Metz
Lyon v Dijon Nimes v Nice
Paris Saint-Germain v Lorient
AUGUST 29
Reims v Nantes
Rennes v Montpellier Rennes v Marseille
AUGUST 30 DECEMBER 20
Reims v Lille OCTOBER 18 Monaco v Nimes Brest v Montpellier
Angers v Bordeaux Angers v Metz Nice v Dijon Dijon v Monaco
Metz v Monaco Dijon v Rennes Paris Saint-Germain v Bordeaux Lorient v Rennes
Nantes v Nimes Lille v Lens Saint-Etienne v Lille Marseille v Reims
Saint-Etienne v Lorient Marseille v Bordeaux Strasbourg v Rennes Metz v Lens
Strasbourg v Nice Monaco v Montpellier Nantes v Angers
Brest v Marseille Nantes v Brest DECEMBER 6 Nice v Lyon
Nimes v Paris Saint-Germain Angers v Lorient Saint-Etienne v Nimes
SEPTEMBER 10 Reims v Lorient Bordeaux v Brest Strasbourg v Bordeaux
Lens v Paris Saint-Germain Saint-Etienne v Nice Dijon v Saint-Etienne Lille v Paris Saint-Germain
Strasbourg v Lyon Lille v Monaco
SEPTEMBER 11
Metz v Lyon DECEMBER 23
Bordeaux v Lyon OCTOBER 25
Montpellier v Paris Saint-Germain Angers v Marseille
Bordeaux v Nimes Nantes v Strasbourg
SEPTEMBER 12 Bordeaux v Reims
Brest v Strasbourg Nimes v Marseille
Montpellier v Nice Lens v Brest
Lens v Nantes Reims v Nice
Saint-Etienne v Strasbourg Lyon v Nantes
Lorient v Marseille Rennes v Lens Monaco v Saint-Etienne
Lyon v Monaco
SEPTEMBER 13 Montpellier v Lille
Metz v Saint-Etienne DECEMBER 13
Lille v Metz Nice v Lorient
Montpellier v Reims Brest v Reims
Angers v Reims Nimes v Dijon
Nice v Lille
Lens v Montpellier Paris Saint-Germain v Strasbourg
Dijon v Brest Paris Saint-Germain v Dijon
Lorient v Lens Lille v Bordeaux Rennes v Metz
Rennes v Angers
Nimes v Rennes
Monaco v Nantes NOVEMBER 1
Paris Saint-Germain v Marseille Angers v Nice
Dijon v Lorient
SEPTEMBER 16 Lille v Lyon
Montpellier v Lyon Marseille v Lens
Paris Saint-Germain v Metz Monaco v Bordeaux
Nantes v Paris Saint-Germain
SEPTEMBER 20 Nimes v Metz
Brest v Lorient Reims v Strasbourg
Lens v Bordeaux Rennes v Brest
Lyon v Nimes Saint-Etienne v Montpellier
Marseille v Lille
Metz v Reims NOVEMBER 8
Montpellier v Angers Bordeaux v Montpellier
Nantes v Saint-Etienne Brest v Lille
Nice v Paris Saint-Germain Lens v Reims
Rennes v Monaco Lorient v Nantes
Strasbourg v Dijon Metz v Dijon
Nice v Monaco
SEPTEMBER 27 Nimes v Angers
Angers v Brest Paris Saint-Germain v Rennes
Bordeaux v Nice Strasbourg v Marseille
Dijon v Montpellier Lyon v Saint-Etienne
Lille v Nantes
Lorient v Lyon NOVEMBER 22
Marseille v Metz Angers v Lyon
Monaco v Strasbourg Brest v Saint-Etienne
Nimes v Lens Dijon v Lens
Reims v Paris Saint-Germain Lille v Lorient
Saint-Etienne v Rennes Marseille v Nice
Monaco v Paris Saint-Germain
OCTOBER 4 Montpellier v Strasbourg
Bordeaux v Dijon Nantes v Metz
Brest v Monaco Reims v Nimes
Lens v Saint-Etienne Rennes v Bordeaux
Metz v Lorient
Montpellier v Nimes NOVEMBER 29
Nice v Nantes Lens v Angers
Paris Saint-Germain v Angers Lorient v Montpellier
Rennes v Reims Lyon v Reims
Strasbourg v Lille Marseille v Nantes
Lyon v Marseille Metz v Brest

86 WORLD SOCCER
JANUARY 6 Reims v Brest Nantes v Nice
Brest v Nice Rennes v Lille Nimes v Saint-Etienne
Lille v Angers Saint-Etienne v Lyon Paris Saint-Germain v Lille
Lorient v Monaco Reims v Rennes
Lyon v Lens JANUARY 31
Marseille v Montpellier Angers v Nimes APRIL 11
Metz v Bordeaux Brest v Metz Brest v Nimes
Nantes v Rennes Lille v Dijon Lens v Lorient
Reims v Dijon Lorient v Paris Saint-Germain Lyon v Angers
Saint-Etienne v Paris Saint-Germain Lyon v Bordeaux Metz v Lille
Strasbourg v Nimes Marseille v Rennes Apr 25…Lyon v Lille Monaco v Dijon
Montpellier v Lens Montpellier v Marseille
JANUARY 10 Nantes v Monaco Nice v Reims
Lille v Brest
Bordeaux v Lorient Nice v Saint-Etienne Lyon v Montpellier Rennes v Nantes
Dijon v Marseille Strasbourg v Reims Metz v Strasbourg Saint-Etienne v Bordeaux
Lens v Strasbourg Monaco v Lorient Strasbourg v Paris Saint-Germain
Metz v Nice FEBRUARY 3
Paris Saint-Germain v Nice APRIL 18
Monaco v Angers Bordeaux v Lille Reims v Lens
Montpellier v Nantes Dijon v Lyon Rennes v Saint-Etienne Angers v Rennes
Nimes v Lille Lens v Marseille Bordeaux v Monaco
Paris Saint-Germain v Brest Metz v Montpellier FEBRUARY 21 Brest v Lens
Reims v Saint-Etienne Monaco v Nice Brest v Lyon Dijon v Nice
Rennes v Lyon Paris Saint-Germain v Nimes Lens v Dijon Lille v Montpellier
Reims v Angers Lorient v Lille Marseille v Lorient
JANUARY 20 Rennes v Lorient Nantes v Lyon
Montpellier v Rennes
Angers v Paris Saint-Germain Saint-Etienne v Nantes Nimes v Strasbourg
Nantes v Marseille
Brest v Rennes Strasbourg v Brest Paris Saint-Germain v Saint-Etienne
Nice v Metz
Lille v Reims Reims v Metz
FEBRUARY 7
Nimes v Bordeaux
Lorient v Dijon Paris Saint-Germain v Monaco
Lyon v Metz Brest v Bordeaux APRIL 25
Saint-Etienne v Reims
Marseille v Nimes Lens v Rennes Angers v Monaco
Strasbourg v Angers

LIGUE 1 FIXTURES 2020-21

Montpellier v Monaco Lorient v Reims Lens v Nimes
Nantes v Lens Lyon v Strasbourg FEBRUARY 28 Lorient v Bordeaux
Nice v Bordeaux Montpellier v Dijon Lyon v Lille
Angers v Lens
Strasbourg v Saint-Etienne Nantes v Lille Metz v Paris Saint-Germain
Bordeaux v Metz
Nice v Angers Nice v Montpellier
JANUARY 24 Dijon v Paris Saint-Germain
Nimes v Monaco Reims v Marseille
Lille v Strasbourg
Bordeaux v Angers Saint-Etienne v Metz Rennes v Dijon
Lorient v Saint-Etienne Saint-Etienne v Brest
Dijon v Strasbourg Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain
Monaco v Brest Strasbourg v Nantes
Lens v Nice
FEBRUARY 14 Nimes v Nantes
Metz v Nantes
Reims v Montpellier MAY 2
Monaco v Marseille Angers v Nantes
Rennes v Nice Bordeaux v Rennes
Nimes v Lorient Bordeaux v Marseille
Marseille v Lyon Brest v Nantes
Paris Saint-Germain v Montpellier Dijon v Nimes
MARCH 7
Dijon v Metz
Oct18…Nimes v Lille v Nice
Bordeaux v Paris Saint-Germain Lorient v Angers
Paris Saint-Germain Brest v Dijon Marseille v Strasbourg
Lille v Marseille Monaco v Lyon
Lyon v Rennes Montpellier v Saint-Etienne
Metz v Angers Nimes v Reims
Montpellier v Lorient Paris Saint-Germain v Lens
Nantes v Reims
Nice v Nimes MAY 9
Saint-Etienne v Lens Angers v Dijon
Strasbourg v Monaco Lens v Lille
Lyon v Lorient
MARCH 14
Metz v Nimes
Angers v Saint-Etienne Nantes v Bordeaux
Dijon v Bordeaux Nice v Brest
Lens v Metz Reims v Monaco
Lorient v Nice Rennes v Paris Saint-Germain
Marseille v Brest Saint-Etienne v Marseille
Monaco v Lille Strasbourg v Montpellier
Nimes v Montpellier
Paris Saint-Germain v Nantes MAY 16
Reims v Lyon Bordeaux v Lens
Rennes v Strasbourg Dijon v Nantes
Lille v Saint-Etienne
MARCH 21 Lorient v Metz
Brest v Angers Marseille v Angers
Dijon v Reims Monaco v Rennes
Lille v Nimes Montpellier v Brest
Metz v Rennes Nice v Strasbourg
Montpellier v Bordeaux Nimes v Lyon
Nantes v Lorient Paris Saint-Germain v Reims
Nice v Marseille
Saint-Etienne v Monaco MAY 23
Strasbourg v Lens Angers v Lille
Lyon v Paris Saint-Germain Brest v Paris Saint-Germain
Lens v Monaco
APRIL 4 Lyon v Nice
Angers v Montpellier Metz v Marseille
Bordeaux v Strasbourg Nantes v Montpellier
Lens v Lyon Reims v Bordeaux
Lorient v Brest Rennes v Nimes
Marseille v Dijon Saint-Etienne v Dijon
Monaco v Metz Strasbourg v Lorient

WORLD SOCCER 87
 BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES 2020-21
SEPTEMBER 19 OCTOBER 31
Cologne v Hoffenheim Cologne v Bayern Munich
Union Berlin v Augsburg Bor M’gladbach v RB Leipzig
Borussia Dortmund v Bor M’gladbach Arminia Bielefeld v Borussia Dortmund
Frankfurt v Arminia Bielefeld Frankfurt v Werder Bremen
Bayern Munich v Schalke Augsburg v Mainz
RB Leipzig v Mainz Schalke v Stuttgart
Werder Bremen v Hertha Berlin Hertha Berlin v Wolfsburg
Stuttgart v Freiburg Freiburg v Bayer Leverkusen
Wolfsburg v Bayer Leverkusen Hoffenheim v Union Berlin

SEPTEMBER 26 NOVEMBER 7
Mainz v Stuttgart Union Berlin v Arminia Bielefeld
Bayer Leverkusen v RB Leipzig Mainz v Schalke
Bor M’gladbach v Union Berlin Bayer Leverkusen v Bor M’gladbach
Arminia Bielefeld v Cologne Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich
Augsburg v Borussia Dortmund Augsburg v Hertha Berlin
Schalke v Werder Bremen RB Leipzig v Freiburg
Hertha Berlin v Frankfurt Werder Bremen v Cologne
Freiburg v Wolfsburg Stuttgart v Frankfurt
Hoffenheim v Bayern Munich Wolfsburg v Hoffenheim Nov 7…Borussia Dortmund
v Bayern Munich
OCTOBER 3 NOVEMBER 21
Cologne v Bor M’gladbach Cologne v Union Berlin DECEMBER 12 Freiburg v Hertha Berlin
Union Berlin v Mainz Bor M’gladbach v Augsburg Union Berlin v Bayern Munich Wolfsburg v Stuttgart
Borussia Dortmund v Freiburg Arminia Bielefeld v Bayer Leverkusen Mainz v Cologne
Frankfurt v Hoffenheim Frankfurt v RB Leipzig Bayer Leverkusen v Hoffenheim JANUARY 2
Bayern Munich v Hertha Berlin Bayern Munich v Werder Bremen Borussia Dortmund v Stuttgart Cologne v Augsburg
RB Leipzig v Schalke Schalke v Wolfsburg
Bor M’gladbach v Hertha Berlin Borussia Dortmund v Wolfsburg
Werder Bremen v Arminia Bielefeld Hertha Berlin v Borussia Dortmund
Augsburg v Schalke Arminia Bielefeld v Bor M’gladbach
Stuttgart v Bayer Leverkusen Freiburg v Mainz
RB Leipzig v Werder Bremen Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen
Wolfsburg v Augsburg Hoffenheim v Stuttgart
Freiburg v Arminia Bielefeld Bayern Munich v Mainz
OCTOBER 17 NOVEMBER 28 Wolfsburg v Frankfurt Hertha Berlin v Schalke
Werder Bremen v Union Berlin
Cologne v Frankfurt Union Berlin v Frankfurt DECEMBER 16 Hoffenheim v Freiburg
Mainz v Bayer Leverkusen Mainz v Hoffenheim
Cologne v Bayer Leverkusen Stuttgart v RB Leipzig
Bor M’gladbach v Wolfsburg Bayer Leverkusen v Hertha Berlin
Borussia Dortmund v Cologne Arminia Bielefeld v Augsburg
Arminia Bielefeld v Bayern Munich JANUARY 9
Augsburg v RB Leipzig Bor M’gladbach v Schalke Frankfurt v Bor M’gladbach
Bayern Munich v Wolfsburg Union Berlin v Wolfsburg
Schalke v Union Berlin Augsburg v Freiburg
Schalke v Freiburg Mainz v Frankfurt
Hertha Berlin v Stuttgart RB Leipzig v Arminia Bielefeld
Hertha Berlin v Mainz Bayer Leverkusen v Werder Bremen
Freiburg v Werder Bremen Stuttgart v Bayern Munich
Werder Bremen v Borussia Dortmund Bor M’gladbach v Bayern Munich
Hoffenheim v Borussia Dortmund Wolfsburg v Werder Bremen
Hoffenheim v RB Leipzig Arminia Bielefeld v Hertha Berlin
OCTOBER 24 DECEMBER 5 Stuttgart v Union Berlin Augsburg v Stuttgart
Schalke v Hoffenheim
Union Berlin v Freiburg Cologne v Wolfsburg
DECEMBER 19 RB Leipzig v Borussia Dortmund
Mainz v Bor M’gladbach Arminia Bielefeld v Mainz
Union Berlin v Borussia Dortmund Freiburg v Cologne
Bayer Leverkusen v Augsburg Frankfurt v Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig Mainz v Werder Bremen
JANUARY 16
Bayern Munich v Frankfurt Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich
Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin Bor M’gladbach v Hoffenheim Cologne v Hertha Berlin
RB Leipzig v Hertha Berlin
Freiburg v Bor M’gladbach Augsburg v Frankfurt Union Berlin v Bayer Leverkusen
Werder Bremen v Hoffenheim
Werder Bremen v Stuttgart Schalke v Arminia Bielefeld Borussia Dortmund v Mainz
Stuttgart v Cologne
Hoffenheim v Augsburg RB Leipzig v Cologne Frankfurt v Schalke
Wolfsburg v Arminia Bielefeld
Bayern Munich v Freiburg
Werder Bremen v Augsburg
Hoffenheim v Arminia Bielefeld
Stuttgart v Bor M’gladbach
Wolfsburg v RB Leipzig

JANUARY 20
Mainz v Wolfsburg
Bayer Leverkusen v Borussia Dortmund
Bor M’gladbach v Werder Bremen
Arminia Bielefeld v Stuttgart
Augsburg v Bayern Munich
Schalke v Cologne
Hertha Berlin v Hoffenheim
RB Leipzig v Union Berlin
Freiburg v Frankfurt

JANUARY 23
Mainz v RB Leipzig
Bayer Leverkusen v Wolfsburg
Bor M’gladbach v Borussia Dortmund
Arminia Bielefeld v Frankfurt
Augsburg v Union Berlin
Schalke v Bayern Munich
Hertha Berlin v Werder Bremen
Freiburg v Stuttgart
Hoffenheim v Cologne

JANUARY 30
Cologne v Arminia Bielefeld
Union Berlin v Bor M’gladbach
Oct17…Schalke Borussia Dortmund v Augsburg
v Union Berlin Frankfurt v Hertha Berlin
Bayern Munich v Hoffenheim

88 WORLD SOCCER
 BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES 2020-21
Apr 24…RB Leipzig
v Stuttgart

RB Leipzig v Bayer Leverkusen Bayern Munich v Cologne Borussia Dortmund v Frankfurt Bayer Leverkusen v Frankfurt
Werder Bremen v Schalke RB Leipzig v Bor M’gladbach Bor M’gladbach v Freiburg Bor M’gladbach v Arminia Bielefeld
Stuttgart v Mainz Werder Bremen v Frankfurt Augsburg v Hoffenheim Augsburg v Cologne
Wolfsburg v Freiburg Stuttgart v Schalke RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich Schalke v Hertha Berlin
Wolfsburg v Hertha Berlin Stuttgart v Werder Bremen RB Leipzig v Stuttgart
FEBRUARY 6 Wolfsburg v Cologne
MARCH 6
Freiburg v Hoffenheim
Mainz v Union Berlin
APRIL 10 Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund
Bayer Leverkusen v Stuttgart Cologne v Werder Bremen
Bor M’gladbach v Cologne Bor M’gladbach v Bayer Leverkusen Cologne v Mainz MAY 8
Arminia Bielefeld v Werder Bremen Arminia Bielefeld v Union Berlin Arminia Bielefeld v Freiburg
Augsburg v Wolfsburg Frankfurt v Stuttgart Frankfurt v Wolfsburg Cologne v Freiburg
Schalke v RB Leipzig Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund Bayern Munich v Union Berlin Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig
Hertha Berlin v Bayern Munich Schalke v Mainz Schalke v Augsburg Frankfurt v Mainz
Freiburg v Borussia Dortmund Hertha Berlin v Augsburg Hertha Berlin v Bor M’gladbach Bayern Munich v Bor M’gladbach
Hoffenheim v Frankfurt Freiburg v RB Leipzig Werder Bremen v RB Leipzig Hertha Berlin v Arminia Bielefeld
Hoffenheim v Wolfsburg Hoffenheim v Bayer Leverkusen Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen
FEBRUARY 13 Stuttgart v Borussia Dortmund Hoffenheim v Schalke
Union Berlin v Schalke MARCH 13 Stuttgart v Augsburg
Bayer Leverkusen v Mainz Union Berlin v Cologne APRIL 17
Wolfsburg v Union Berlin
Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim Mainz v Freiburg Union Berlin v Stuttgart
Frankfurt v Cologne Bayer Leverkusen v Arminia Bielefeld Mainz v Hertha Berlin MAY 15
Bayern Munich v Arminia Bielefeld Borussia Dortmund v Hertha Berlin Bayer Leverkusen v Cologne
Mainz v Borussia Dortmund
RB Leipzig v Augsburg Augsburg v Bor M’gladbach Borussia Dortmund v Werder Bremen
Werder Bremen v Freiburg Bor M’gladbach v Frankfurt Bayer Leverkusen v Union Berlin
RB Leipzig v Frankfurt
Stuttgart v Hertha Berlin Werder Bremen v Bayern Munich Augsburg v Arminia Bielefeld Bor M’gladbach v Stuttgart
Wolfsburg v Bor M’gladbach Stuttgart v Hoffenheim RB Leipzig v Hoffenheim Arminia Bielefeld v Hoffenheim
Wolfsburg v Schalke Freiburg v Schalke Augsburg v Werder Bremen
FEBRUARY 20 Wolfsburg v Bayern Munich Schalke v Frankfurt
Cologne v Stuttgart MARCH 20 Hertha Berlin v Cologne
Bor M’gladbach v Mainz Cologne v Borussia Dortmund APRIL 21 RB Leipzig v Wolfsburg
Arminia Bielefeld v Wolfsburg Arminia Bielefeld v RB Leipzig Cologne v RB Leipzig Freiburg v Bayern Munich
Frankfurt v Bayern Munich Frankfurt v Union Berlin Borussia Dortmund v Union Berlin
Augsburg v Bayer Leverkusen Bayern Munich v Stuttgart Arminia Bielefeld v Schalke MAY 22
Schalke v Borussia Dortmund Schalke v Bor M’gladbach Frankfurt v Augsburg Cologne v Schalke
Hertha Berlin v RB Leipzig Hertha Berlin v Bayer Leverkusen Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen
Union Berlin v RB Leipzig
Freiburg v Union Berlin Freiburg v Augsburg Hertha Berlin v Freiburg
Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen
Hoffenheim v Werder Bremen Werder Bremen v Wolfsburg Werder Bremen v Mainz
Hoffenheim v Bor M’gladbach Frankfurt v Freiburg
Hoffenheim v Mainz
FEBRUARY 27 Stuttgart v Wolfsburg Bayern Munich v Augsburg
Union Berlin v Hoffenheim APRIL 3 Werder Bremen v Bor M’gladbach
Mainz v Augsburg Union Berlin v Hertha Berlin APRIL 24 Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin
Bayer Leverkusen v Freiburg Mainz v Arminia Bielefeld Union Berlin v Werder Bremen Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld
Borussia Dortmund v Arminia Bielefeld Bayer Leverkusen v Schalke Mainz v Bayern Munich Wolfsburg v Mainz

WORLD SOCCER 89
 PRO LEAGUE FIXTURES 2020-21
AUGUST 8 AUGUST 23 SEPTEMBER 18 OH Leuven v Zulte Waregem
Antwerp v Excel Mouscron Anderlecht v Excel Mouscron Charleroi v Beerschot Sint-Truidense v Kortrijk
Club Brugge v Charleroi Club Brugge v Beerschot Waasland-Beveren v Genk
Standard Liege v Cercle Brugge Standard Liege v Genk SEPTEMBER 19
Excel Mouscron v Gent OCTOBER 4
AUGUST 9 AUGUST 24 Oostende v OH Leuven Charleroi v Standard Liege
Kortrijk v Waasland-Beveren Sint-Truidense v Oostende Waasland-Beveren v Anderlecht Club Brugge v Anderlecht
Mechelen v Anderlecht Gent v Beerschot
Sint-Truidense v Gent AUGUST 28 SEPTEMBER 20 Oostende v Excel Mouscron
Zulte Waregem v Genk Oostende v Anderlecht Antwerp v Eupen
OCTOBER 17
Genk v Mechelen
AUGUST 10 AUGUST 29 Anderlecht v OH Leuven
Standard Liege v Kortrijk
OH Leuven v Eupen Cercle Brugge v Kortrijk Zulte Waregem v Club Brugge Beerschot v Sint-Truidense
Oostende v Beerschot Excel Mouscron v Zulte Waregem Cercle Brugge v Gent
Eupen v Sint-Truidense SEPTEMBER 21 Excel Mouscron v Eupen
AUGUST 14 Genk v Charleroi
Waasland-Beveren v OH Leuven Cercle Brugge v Sint-Truidense
Excel Mouscron v Mechelen Mechelen v Kortrijk
AUGUST 30 SEPTEMBER 25 Standard Liege v Club Brugge
AUGUST 15 Waasland-Beveren v Oostende
Beerschot v Standard Liege Kortrijk v Antwerp
Charleroi v Oostende Zulte Waregem v Antwerp
Charleroi v Antwerp
Genk v OH Leuven SEPTEMBER 26
Genk v Club Brugge OCTOBER 23
Gent v Kortrijk
Gent v Mechelen Beerschot v Waasland-Beveren
Antwerp v Beerschot
AUGUST 16 Gent v OH Leuven
SEPTEMBER 11 Cercle Brugge v Excel Mouscron
Anderlecht v Sint-Truidense Mechelen v Sint-Truidense Charleroi v Waasland-Beveren
Beerschot v Zulte Waregem Eupen v Gent Eupen v Mechelen
SEPTEMBER 27
Cercle Brugge v Antwerp Gent v Genk
SEPTEMBER 12 Anderlecht v Eupen
Eupen v Club Brugge Kortrijk v Anderlecht
Club Brugge v Waasland-Beveren Club Brugge v Cercle Brugge OH Leuven v Club Brugge
AUGUST 17 Mechelen v Oostende Excel Mouscron v Charleroi Oostende v Zulte Waregem
Waasland-Beveren v Standard Liege OH Leuven v Standard Liege Standard Liege v Zulte Waregem Sint-Truidense v Standard Liege

AUGUST 21 SEPTEMBER 13 SEPTEMBER 28 OCTOBER 30

Kortrijk v Eupen Anderlecht v Cercle Brugge Genk v Oostende Anderlecht v Antwerp
Kortrijk v Excel Mouscron Beerschot v OH Leuven
AUGUST 22 Sint-Truidense v Antwerp OCTOBER 2 Charleroi v Cercle Brugge
Antwerp v Gent Zulte Waregem v Charleroi Antwerp v Mechelen Club Brugge v Mechelen
Mechelen v Cercle Brugge Excel Mouscron v Sint-Truidense
OH Leuven v Charleroi SEPTEMBER 14 OCTOBER 3 Genk v Eupen
Zulte Waregem v Waasland-Beveren Beerschot v Genk Eupen v Cercle Brugge Standard Liege v Oostende

Nov 6…Gent v Anderlecht

90 WORLD SOCCER
 Mechelen v Genk Antwerp v Kortrijk
Jan 22…Antwerp Charleroi v Sint-Truidense
OH Leuven v Beerschot
v Oostende Club Brugge v Zulte Waregem
Sint-Truidense v Cercle Brugge
Zulte Waregem v Oostende Excel Mouscron v Standard Liege
Eupen v OH Leuven
FEBRUARY 5 Genk v Cercle Brugge
Beerschot v Antwerp Gent v Oostende
Cercle Brugge v Mechelen Waasland-Beveren v Beerschot
Charleroi v Zulte Waregem
MARCH 12
Excel Mouscron v Kortrijk
Genk v Anderlecht Beerschot v Gent
Gent v Eupen Cercle Brugge v Eupen
Oostende v Sint-Truidense Kortrijk v Genk
Standard Liege v OH Leuven Mechelen v Antwerp
Waasland-Beveren v Club Brugge OH Leuven v Anderlecht
Oostende v Charleroi
FEBRUARY 9 Sint-Truidense v Club Brugge
Anderlecht v Charleroi Standard Liege v Waasland-Beveren
Antwerp v Cercle Brugge Zulte Waregem v Excel Mouscron
Club Brugge v Oostende MARCH 19
Excel Mouscron v Waasland-Beveren
Anderlecht v Zulte Waregem
Eupen v Beerschot
Beerschot v Charleroi
Genk v Gent
Waasland-Beveren v Gent Standard Liege v Excel Mouscron Club Brugge v Antwerp
Kortrijk v Sint-Truidense
Zulte Waregem v Kortrijk Waasland-Beveren v Antwerp Excel Mouscron v Oostende
Mechelen v Standard Liege
Zulte Waregem v Sint-Truidense Eupen v Kortrijk
NOVEMBER 6 Zulte Waregem v OH Leuven
Genk v Standard Liege
Antwerp v Standard Liege DECEMBER 22 Gent v Cercle Brugge
FEBRUARY 12

PRO LEAGUE FIXTURES 2020-21

Cercle Brugge v Zulte Waregem Anderlecht v Oostende Mechelen v OH Leuven
Eupen v Waasland-Beveren Antwerp v Zulte Waregem Beerschot v Mechelen
Waasland-Beveren v Sint-Truidense
Gent v Anderlecht Cercle Brugge v Charleroi Cercle Brugge v Anderlecht
Kortrijk v Beerschot Excel Mouscron v OH Leuven Charleroi v Club Brugge APRIL 2
Mechelen v Charleroi Eupen v Genk Gent v Excel Mouscron Antwerp v Anderlecht
OH Leuven v Excel Mouscron Gent v Waasland-Beveren OH Leuven v Kortrijk Cercle Brugge v Beerschot
Oostende v Club Brugge Kortrijk v Standard Liege Oostende v Genk Charleroi v Excel Mouscron
Sint-Truidense v Genk Mechelen v Club Brugge Sint-Truidense v Zulte Waregem Kortrijk v Club Brugge
Sint-Truidense v Beerschot Standard Liege v Antwerp OH Leuven v Genk
NOVEMBER 21 Waasland-Beveren v Eupen Oostende v Waasland-Beveren
Beerschot v Anderlecht DECEMBER 26 Sint-Truidense v Mechelen
FEBRUARY 19
Charleroi v Gent Anderlecht v Beerschot Standard Liege v Gent
Club Brugge v Kortrijk Antwerp v Charleroi Anderlecht v Kortrijk Zulte Waregem v Eupen
Genk v Excel Mouscron Club Brugge v Eupen Antwerp v Sint-Truidense
OH Leuven v Sint-Truidense Genk v Waasland-Beveren Club Brugge v OH Leuven APRIL 9
Oostende v Antwerp Kortrijk v Gent Excel Mouscron v Cercle Brugge Anderlecht v Club Brugge
Standard Liege v Eupen Mechelen v Excel Mouscron Eupen v Oostende Beerschot v Oostende
Waasland-Beveren v Cercle Brugge OH Leuven v Oostende Genk v Beerschot Cercle Brugge v OH Leuven
Zulte Waregem v Mechelen Standard Liege v Sint-Truidense Mechelen v Gent Excel Mouscron v Antwerp
Zulte Waregem v Cercle Brugge Waasland-Beveren v Charleroi Eupen v Standard Liege
NOVEMBER 27 Zulte Waregem v Standard Liege Genk v Sint-Truidense
Anderlecht v Standard Liege JANUARY 15 Gent v Charleroi
Antwerp v OH Leuven FEBRUARY 26 Mechelen v Zulte Waregem
Beerschot v Club Brugge
Cercle Brugge v Genk Cercle Brugge v Standard Liege Beerschot v Excel Mouscron Waasland-Beveren v Kortrijk
Eupen v Charleroi Charleroi v Mechelen Cercle Brugge v Waasland-Beveren
Excel Mouscron v Club Brugge Excel Mouscron v Genk Charleroi v Genk APRIL 16
Gent v Zulte Waregem Eupen v Anderlecht Gent v Club Brugge Antwerp v Genk
Kortrijk v Oostende Gent v Antwerp Kortrijk v Zulte Waregem Charleroi v Eupen
Mechelen v Beerschot Oostende v Kortrijk OH Leuven v Antwerp Club Brugge v Excel Mouscron
Sint-Truidense v Waasland-Beveren Sint-Truidense v OH Leuven Oostende v Mechelen Kortrijk v Mechelen
Waasland-Beveren v Zulte Waregem Sint-Truidense v Eupen OH Leuven v Waasland-Beveren
DECEMBER 4 Standard Liege v Anderlecht Oostende v Cercle Brugge
Beerschot v Eupen JANUARY 22 Sint-Truidense v Anderlecht
Charleroi v Kortrijk Anderlecht v Waasland-Beveren MARCH 5 Standard Liege v Beerschot
Club Brugge v Sint-Truidense Antwerp v Oostende Anderlecht v Mechelen Zulte Waregem v Gent
Genk v Antwerp Club Brugge v Genk
OH Leuven v Cercle Brugge Kortrijk v Cercle Brugge Mar12…Sint-Truidense
Oostende v Gent Mechelen v Eupen v Club Brugge
Standard Liege v Mechelen OH Leuven v Gent
Waasland-Beveren v Excel Mouscron Sint-Truidense v Excel Mouscron
Zulte Waregem v Anderlecht Standard Liege v Charleroi
Zulte Waregem v Beerschot
DECEMBER 11
Anderlecht v Genk JANUARY 26
Antwerp v Club Brugge Beerschot v Kortrijk
Cercle Brugge v Oostende Cercle Brugge v Club Brugge
Excel Mouscron v Beerschot Charleroi v OH Leuven
Eupen v Zulte Waregem Excel Mouscron v Anderlecht
Gent v Standard Liege Eupen v Antwerp
Kortrijk v OH Leuven Genk v Zulte Waregem
Mechelen v Waasland-Beveren Gent v Sint-Truidense
Sint-Truidense v Charleroi Oostende v Standard Liege
Waasland-Beveren v Mechelen
DECEMBER 18
Beerschot v Cercle Brugge JANUARY 29
Charleroi v Anderlecht Anderlecht v Gent
Club Brugge v Gent Antwerp v Waasland-Beveren
Genk v Kortrijk Club Brugge v Standard Liege
OH Leuven v Mechelen Eupen v Excel Mouscron
Oostende v Eupen Kortrijk v Charleroi

WORLD SOCCER 91
 EREDIVISIE FIXTURES 2020-21
SEPTEMBER 12 RKC Waalwijk v PEC Zwolle Willem II v Vitesse DECEMBER 5
FC Utrecht v AZ VVV-Venlo v ADO Den Haag RKC Waalwijk v VVV-Venlo
Heerenveen v Willem II FC Twente v FC Emmen NOVEMBER 6 AZ v Groningen
PEC Zwolle v Feyenoord Fortuna Sittard v PEC Zwolle Sparta Rotterdam v FC Emmen
FC Twente v Fortuna Sittard OCTOBER 4 Ajax v FC Twente
Groningen v Ajax NOVEMBER 7
SEPTEMBER 13 ADO Den Haag v FC Twente DECEMBER 6
Sparta Rotterdam v AZ
FC Emmen v VVV-Venlo Willem II v Feyenoord VVV-Venlo v Heracles Almelo FC Utrecht v ADO Den Haag
Heracles Almelo v ADO Den Haag PSV v Fortuna Sittard Heerenveen v AZ Feyenoord v Heracles Almelo
Sparta Rotterdam v Ajax Vitesse v FC Emmen Fortuna Sittard v Willem II
Groningen v PSV OCTOBER 17 Heerenveen v PSV
RKC Waalwijk v Vitesse Ajax v Heerenveen NOVEMBER 8
Heracles Almelo v RKC Waalwijk FC Utrecht v Ajax DECEMBER 11
SEPTEMBER 18
Willem II v FC Twente PSV v Willem II Heracles Almelo v Fortuna Sittard
VVV-Venlo v FC Utrecht AZ v VVV-Venlo RKC Waalwijk v Sparta Rotterdam
Feyenoord v Groningen DECEMBER 12
SEPTEMBER 19 OCTOBER 18 FC Twente v AZ
AZ v PEC Zwolle Feyenoord v Sparta Rotterdam NOVEMBER 21 FC Emmen v ADO Den Haag
Vitesse v Sparta Rotterdam ADO Den Haag v Vitesse Ajax v Heracles Almelo Ajax v PEC Zwolle
PSV v FC Emmen Willem II v VVV-Venlo Groningen v RKC Waalwijk
FC Emmen v Fortuna Sittard
Fortuna Sittard v Heerenveen AZ v FC Emmen
Groningen v FC Utrecht
PEC Zwolle v PSV PEC Zwolle v FC Utrecht DECEMBER 13
SEPTEMBER 20
PSV v FC Utrecht
ADO Den Haag v Groningen OCTOBER 24 NOVEMBER 22 Vitesse v Heerenveen
Feyenoord v FC Twente
VVV-Venlo v Ajax Sparta Rotterdam v ADO Den Haag VVV-Venlo v Feyenoord
Willem II v Heracles Almelo
FC Utrecht v FC Twente Groningen v Vitesse Willem II v Sparta Rotterdam
Ajax v RKC Waalwijk
ADO Den Haag v AZ Fortuna Sittard v Feyenoord
Heerenveen v FC Emmen FC Twente v PSV DECEMBER 18
SEPTEMBER 25
FC Twente v Groningen RKC Waalwijk v Heerenveen PEC Zwolle v FC Emmen
OCTOBER 25
SEPTEMBER 26 RKC Waalwijk v Feyenoord NOVEMBER 27 DECEMBER 19

PEC Zwolle v Sparta Rotterdam Fortuna Sittard v Groningen FC Twente v RKC Waalwijk Sparta Rotterdam v Groningen
Fortuna Sittard v AZ Vitesse v PSV VVV-Venlo v FC Twente
PEC Zwolle v Willem II NOVEMBER 28 RKC Waalwijk v PSV
Heerenveen v VVV-Venlo
Ajax v Vitesse Sparta Rotterdam v Heracles Almelo ADO Den Haag v Heerenveen FC Utrecht v Fortuna Sittard
FC Emmen v Ajax
SEPTEMBER 27 OCTOBER 31 Heracles Almelo v AZ DECEMBER 20
Feyenoord v ADO Den Haag Ajax v Fortuna Sittard VVV-Venlo v PEC Zwolle Vitesse v Feyenoord
FC Utrecht v RKC Waalwijk Groningen v VVV-Venlo ADO Den Haag v Ajax
Heracles Almelo v PSV FC Twente v PEC Zwolle NOVEMBER 29 Heerenveen v Heracles Almelo
FC Emmen v Willem II AZ v RKC Waalwijk Vitesse v Fortuna Sittard AZ v Willem II
Groningen v Willem II
OCTOBER 2 NOVEMBER 1 Feyenoord v FC Utrecht DECEMBER 22
FC Utrecht v Heerenveen Heracles Almelo v FC Utrecht PSV v Sparta Rotterdam Fortuna Sittard v RKC Waalwijk
PSV v ADO Den Haag FC Emmen v FC Utrecht
OCTOBER 3 Sparta Rotterdam v Heerenveen DECEMBER 4 PSV v VVV-Venlo
Vitesse v Heracles Almelo FC Emmen v Feyenoord PEC Zwolle v Vitesse FC Twente v Sparta Rotterdam

Nov 7…ADO Den

Haag v FC Twente

92 WORLD SOCCER
 FEBRUARY 7 MARCH 21
Feb 7…Ajax v FC Utrecht Ajax v ADO Den Haag
Ajax v FC Utrecht
Groningen v Feyenoord AZ v PSV
Willem II v ADO Den Haag Feyenoord v FC Emmen
VVV-Venlo v Sparta Rotterdam Fortuna Sittard v FC Utrecht
Heracles Almelo v Sparta Rotterdam
FEBRUARY 14 PEC Zwolle v VVV-Venlo
ADO Den Haag v PSV RKC Waalwijk v Groningen
AZ v Heerenveen Heerenveen v FC Twente
Groningen v PEC Zwolle Vitesse v Willem II
FC Utrecht v VVV-Venlo
APRIL 4
Feyenoord v Willem II
Heracles Almelo v Ajax ADO Den Haag v FC Utrecht
RKC Waalwijk v FC Emmen FC Emmen v RKC Waalwijk
Sparta Rotterdam v Fortuna Sittard FC Twente v Vitesse
Vitesse v FC Twente Feyenoord v Fortuna Sittard
PSV v Heracles Almelo
FEBRUARY 21 Heerenveen v Ajax
Ajax v Sparta Rotterdam Sparta Rotterdam v PEC Zwolle
FC Emmen v PEC Zwolle VVV-Venlo v Groningen
FC Twente v Feyenoord Willem II v AZ
Fortuna Sittard v ADO Den Haag APRIL 11
PSV v Vitesse
AZ v Sparta Rotterdam
RKC Waalwijk v Heracles Almelo
Groningen v Heerenveen
Heerenveen v Groningen
DECEMBER 23 JANUARY 26 FC Utrecht v Feyenoord
VVV-Venlo v AZ
Fortuna Sittard v FC Emmen
AZ v Vitesse PEC Zwolle v Heracles Almelo Willem II v FC Utrecht
Heracles Almelo v Willem II
Willem II v Ajax FC Emmen v PSV
PEC Zwolle v FC Twente

EREDIVISIE FIXTURES 2020-21

ADO Den Haag v PEC Zwolle Groningen v ADO Den Haag FEBRUARY 28
RKC Waalwijk v Ajax
Groningen v Heracles Almelo ADO Den Haag v RKC Waalwijk
JANUARY 27 Vitesse v ADO Den Haag
Feyenoord v Heerenveen AZ v Feyenoord VVV-Venlo v PSV
AZ v FC Utrecht Groningen v Fortuna Sittard
JANUARY 9 RKC Waalwijk v Fortuna Sittard FC Utrecht v FC Emmen APRIL 25
RKC Waalwijk v ADO Den Haag VVV-Venlo v Vitesse Heracles Almelo v FC Twente
FC Emmen v FC Twente ADO Den Haag v Fortuna Sittard
Heerenveen v Feyenoord PEC Zwolle v Heerenveen
Heracles Almelo v Vitesse Ajax v AZ
PSV v Ajax FC Emmen v Heracles Almelo
PEC Zwolle v AZ JANUARY 28
Sparta Rotterdam v Willem II FC Twente v FC Utrecht
FC Utrecht v Groningen Sparta Rotterdam v FC Twente Vitesse v VVV-Venlo
Ajax v Willem II Feyenoord v Vitesse
JANUARY 10 PSV v Groningen
MARCH 7
Sparta Rotterdam v Feyenoord JANUARY 30 Heerenveen v PEC Zwolle
Ajax v Groningen Sparta Rotterdam v VVV-Venlo
Heerenveen v Fortuna Sittard Heracles Almelo v Groningen
FC Emmen v Sparta Rotterdam Willem II v RKC Waalwijk
VVV-Venlo v Willem II FC Utrecht v PEC Zwolle
FC Twente v Willem II
Ajax v PSV Fortuna Sittard v VVV-Venlo MAY 2
Feyenoord v VVV-Venlo
Vitesse v RKC Waalwijk
JANUARY 12 Fortuna Sittard v PSV ADO Den Haag v Feyenoord
Vitesse v FC Utrecht JANUARY 31 Heracles Almelo v PEC Zwolle Ajax v FC Emmen
Heracles Almelo v FC Emmen FC Twente v Heerenveen RKC Waalwijk v FC Utrecht Groningen v Sparta Rotterdam
Feyenoord v PSV Heerenveen v ADO Den Haag FC Utrecht v Willem II
JANUARY 13 Willem II v FC Emmen Vitesse v AZ Fortuna Sittard v FC Twente
PSV v AZ ADO Den Haag v Sparta Rotterdam Heracles Almelo v VVV-Venlo
MARCH 14 PSV v Heerenveen
ADO Den Haag v VVV-Venlo AZ v Ajax
Fortuna Sittard v Sparta Rotterdam ADO Den Haag v Heracles Almelo RKC Waalwijk v AZ
Feyenoord v PEC Zwolle FEBRUARY 5 AZ v FC Twente Vitesse v PEC Zwolle
Fortuna Sittard v Heracles Almelo Groningen v FC Emmen
JANUARY 14 FC Utrecht v Vitesse MAY 9
Heerenveen v RKC Waalwijk FEBRUARY 6 PEC Zwolle v Ajax AZ v Fortuna Sittard
FC Twente v Ajax PSV v FC Twente PSV v Feyenoord FC Emmen v Groningen
Willem II v Groningen PEC Zwolle v RKC Waalwijk Sparta Rotterdam v RKC Waalwijk FC Twente v Heracles Almelo
FC Emmen v AZ VVV-Venlo v Fortuna Sittard Feyenoord v Ajax
JANUARY 16 Heerenveen v Vitesse Willem II v Heerenveen PEC Zwolle v ADO Den Haag
FC Emmen v Vitesse Heerenveen v FC Utrecht
FC Utrecht v Heracles Almelo Sparta Rotterdam v Vitesse
AZ v ADO Den Haag VVV-Venlo v RKC Waalwijk
PEC Zwolle v Fortuna Sittard Willem II v PSV

JANUARY 17 MAY 13
RKC Waalwijk v Willem II ADO Den Haag v Willem II
Groningen v FC Twente Ajax v VVV-Venlo
Sparta Rotterdam v PSV FC Emmen v Heerenveen
Ajax v Feyenoord Groningen v AZ
VVV-Venlo v Heerenveen Fortuna Sittard v Vitesse
Heracles Almelo v Feyenoord
JANUARY 22 PSV v PEC Zwolle
ADO Den Haag v FC Emmen RKC Waalwijk v FC Twente
Sparta Rotterdam v FC Utrecht
JANUARY 23
Willem II v PEC Zwolle MAY 16
Vitesse v Groningen AZ v Heracles Almelo
PSV v RKC Waalwijk FC Twente v ADO Den Haag
Heracles Almelo v Heerenveen FC Utrecht v PSV
Feyenoord v RKC Waalwijk
JANUARY 24 PEC Zwolle v Groningen
Fortuna Sittard v Ajax Heerenveen v Sparta Rotterdam
FC Twente v VVV-Venlo Vitesse v Ajax
Apr11…AZ v
FC Utrecht v Sparta Rotterdam VVV-Venlo v FC Emmen
Sparta Rotterdam
Feyenoord v AZ Willem II v Fortuna Sittard

WORLD SOCCER 93
RESULTS, TABLES, FIXTURES

Club football CZECH REPUBLIC

ENGLAND

Man. City
Man. United 38 18
Chelsea
P W
Liverpool (C) 38 32
38 26

38 20
D
3
3
12
6
9
L
3

8
12
66
F
85
102

69
A
33
35
36
54
Pts
99
81
66
66
PORTUGAL

Porto (C)
Benfica
Braga
Sporting CP 34
P
34
34
34
W
26
24
18
18
D
4
5
6
6
4
L

5
10
10
F
74
71
61
49
A
22
26
40
34
Pts
82
77
60
60
All concluded league tables from 2019-2020.
Championship Round Leicester City 38 18 8 12 67 41 62 Rio Ave 34 15 10 9 48 36 55
Champions (C), relegated (R) and if null and
P W D L F A Pts Tottenham 38 16 11 11 61 47 59 Famalicao 34 14 12 8 53 51 54
void, no (C) and (R) included.
Slavia Prague (C) 35 26 7 2 69 12 85 Wolves 38 15 14 9 51 40 59 Vitoria Guimaraes 34 13 11 10 53 38 50
Viktoria Plzen 35 23 7 5 68 24 76 Arsenal 38 14 14 10 56 48 56 Moreirense 34 10 13 11 42 44 43
EUROPE Sparta Prague 35 17
Jablonec 35 14
9
9
9
12
66
48
40
52
60
51
Sheffield United 38 14
Burnley 38 15
12
9
12
14
39
43
39
50
54
54
Santa Clara 34
Gil Vicente 34
11
11
10
10
13
13
36
40
41
44
43
43
ALBANIA Slovan Liberec*35 15 6 14 55 51 51 Southampton 38 15 7 16 51 60 52 Maritimo 34 9 12 13 34 42 39
Banik Ostrava 35 12 11 12 47 43 47 Everton 38 13 10 15 44 56 49 Boavista 34 10 9 15 28 39 39
P W D L F A Pts
*Slovan Liberec qualify for the Europa League Newcastle United 38 11 11 16 38 58 44 Pacos de Ferreira 34 11 6 17 36 52 39
Tirana (C) 36 21 7 8 67 35 70
play-off final. Crystal Palace 38 11 10 17 31 50 43 Tondela 34 9 9 16 30 44 36
Kukesi 36 19 9 8 59 31 66
Brighton 38 9 14 15 39 54 41 Belenenses 34 9 8 17 27 54 35
Laci 36 19 7 10 61 34 64
Europa League Round West Ham United 38 10 9 19 49 62 39 Vitoria Setubal* (R) 34 7 13 14 27 43 34
Skenderbeu 36 17 7 12 42 43 58
P W D L F A Pts Aston Villa 38 9 8 21 41 67 35 Portimonense 34 7 12 15 30 45 33
Teuta 36 15 12 9 41 34 57
Ceske Budejovice 30 13 4 13 46 45 43 Bournemouth (R)38 9 7 22 40 65 34 Aves* (R) 34 5 2 27 24 68 17
Partizani 36 15 8 13 51 40 53
Bylis 36 12 15 9 46 38 51 Bohemians1905 30 12 6 12 38 41 42 Watford (R) 38 8 10 20 36 64 34 *Vitoria Setubal and Aves failed to produce
Vllaznia* 36 12 10 14 36 41 46 Slovacko 30 11 9 10 35 35 42 Norwich City (R) 38 5 6 27 26 75 21 valid licensing documentation to compete in
Flamurtari (R) 36 2 9 25 32 72 15 Mlada Boleslav 30 11 7 12 48 52 40 the 2020-21 seasons of the Primeira Liga and
Luftetari (R) 36 2 8 26 19 86 14
LigaPro, so were punished with direct relegation
*Vllaznia beat Kategoria e Pare’s Beselidhja 3-1 to the Campeonato de Portugal, the third tier
Europa League Play-Offs ITALY of Portuguese football.
in the relegation play-off.
First Round P W D L F A Pts
1st legs –Jun 21; 2nd legs –Jun 27 Juventus (C) 38 26 5 7 76 43 83
Mlada Boleslav v Ceske Budejovice 2-1, 2-0 Internazionale 38 24 10 4 81 36 82
ANDORRA (agg 4-1) Atalanta 38 23 9 6 98 48 78 ROMANIA
Championship Round Slovacko v Bohemians 1905 1-2, 1-2 Lazio 38 24 6 8 79 42 78 Championship Round
P W D L F A Pts (agg 2-4) Roma 38 21 7 10 77 51 70 P W D L F A Pts
Inter Club d’Escalades (C) 24 15 7 2 41 14 52 Milan 38 19 9 10 63 46 66 Cluj (C) 10 7 2 1 17 7 49
FC Santa Coloma 24 15 6 3 48 12 51 Second Round Napoli 38 18 8 12 61 50 62 Universitatea Craiova 9 7 0 2 17 14 44
Engordany 24 11 6 7 35 29 39 1st leg –Jul 4; 2nd leg –Jul 7 Sassuolo 38 14 9 15 69 63 51 Astra 8 3 3 2 12 8 33
Sant Julia 24 11 3 10 27 30 36 Mlada Boleslav v Bohemians 1905 3-0, 1-2 Verona 38 12 13 13 47 51 49 Botocani 10 2 3 5 10 12 32
(agg 4-2) Fiorentina 38 12 13 13 51 48 49 FCSB 9 2 3 4 13 14 31
Relegation Round Parma 38 14 7 17 56 57 49 Gaz Metan Medias 10 0 3 7 5 19 25
P W D L F A Pts Final Bologna 38 12 11 15 52 65 47
UE Santa Coloma 24 11 6 7 34 26 39 Jul 12 Udinese 38 12 9 17 37 51 45 Relegation Round
Atletic Club d’Escalades 24 8 6 10 32 29 30 Slovan Liberec 2 Mlada Boleslav 0 Cagliari 38 11 12 15 52 56 45 P W D L F A Pts
Carroi* 24 3 3 18 14 42 12 Sampdoria 38 12 6 20 48 65 42 Viitorul 14 6 5 3 25 17 43
Ordino (R) 24 2 3 19 15 64 9 Relegation Round Torino 38 11 7 20 46 68 40 Hermannstadt 12 6 4 2 18 14 35
*Carroi beat Segona Divisio’s La Massana 4-1 in P W D L F A Pts Genoa 38 10 9 19 47 73 39 Sepsi 13 4 5 4 19 17 34
the relegation play-off. Sigma Olomouc 33 9 13 11 39 40 40 Lecce (R) 38 9 8 21 52 85 35 Academica Clinceni 14 7 0 7 14 21 32
Teplice 33 9 11 13 37 51 38 Brescia (R) 38 6 7 25 35 79 25 Voluntari 14 6 3 5 16 12 31
Zlin 33 9 6 18 30 52 33 SPAL (R) 38 5 5 28 27 77 20 Politehnica Iasi 14 5 4 5 17 17 30
Karvina* 33 5 12 16 25 46 27 Dinamo Bucharest 9 2 2 5 8 11 25
ARMENIA Chindia Targoviste* 12 3 1 8 9 17 23
Opava* 33 5 10 18 17 50 25
Championship Round *Chindia Targoviste beat Liga II’s Mioveni 3-1 on
Pribram 33 6 7 20 21 55 25
P W D L F A Pts
*Last two rounds of matches were postponed KOSOVO agg in the relegation play-off.
Ararat-Armenia (C) 28 15 7 6 45 23 52 P W D L F A Pts
due to positive COVID-19 tests for players from
Noah 28 14 6 8 37 27 48 Drita (C) 33 21 5 7 57 23 68
Karvina and Opava. As a result, there was no
Alashkert 28 14 5 9 51 31 47 Gjilani 33 21 5 7 61 27 68
relegation and the number of teams for
Shirak 28 13 7 8 40 30 46
2020-2021 will be increased to 18. Ballkani 33 19 10 4 59 25 67 RUSSIA
Lori* 27 10 10 7 35 33 40 Prishtina 33 18 8 7 59 25 62 P W D L F A Pts
Ararat* 27 9 6 12 31 36 33 Feronikeli 33 14 5 14 50 40 47 Zenit (C) 30 22 6 2 65 18 72
*Lori’s last game of the season v Ararat was Llapi 33 13 6 14 51 62 45 Lokomotiv Moscow 30 16 9 5 41 29 57
cancelled as a result of positive COVID-19 DENMARK Trepca ’89 33 12 8 13 55 55 44 Krasnodar 30 14 10 6 49 30 52
tests for 17 Lori players and staff. Drenica 33 12 8 13 39 40 44 CSKA Moscow 30 14 8 8 43 29 50
Championship Round
P W D L F A Pts Flamurtari (R) 33 12 7 14 42 56 43 Rostov 30 12 9 9 45 50 45
Relegation Round Ferizaj (R) 33 9 2 22 34 70 29 Dynamo Moscow 30 11 8 11 27 30 41
Midtjylland (C) 36 26 4 6 61 29 82
P W D L F A Pts Vushtrria (R) 33 5 6 22 34 76 21 Spartak Moscow30 11 6 13 35 33 39
Copenhagen 36 21 5 10 58 42 68
Urartu 24 10 6 8 32 27 36 Dukagjini (R) 33 5 4 24 27 69 19 Arsenal Tula 30 11 5 14 37 41 38
AGF 36 19 7 10 58 41 64
Pyunik 24 10 2 12 45 42 32 Ufa 30 8 14 8 22 24 38
Brondby 36 16 8 12 56 42 56
Gandzasar 24 8 7 9 31 29 31 Rubin Kazan 30 8 11 11 18 28 35
AaB 36 16 6 14 54 44 54
Yerevan* (R) 24 0 0 24 11 80 0 Ural 30 9 8 13 36 53 35
Nordsjaelland 36 13 8 15 59 54 47
*Yerevan withdrew from the league due to MONTENEGRO Sochi 30 8 9 13 40 39 33
financial and technical problems. P W D L F A Pts Akhmat Grozny 30 7 10 13 27 46 31
Relegation Round Group 1
P W D L F A Pts Buducnost (C) 31 23 4 4 63 26 73 Tambov 30 9 4 17 37 41 31
OB 32 12 7 13 43 42 43 Sutjeska 31 15 10 6 57 31 55 Krylya Sovetov (R) 30 8 7 15 33 40 31
Iskra 31 15 8 8 43 33 53 Orenburg (R) 30 7 6 17 28 52 27
CROATIA SonderjyskE 32 9 11 12 37 49 38
Lyngby* 32 9 7 16 34 54 34 Zeta 31 9 14 8 29 30 41
P W D L F A Pts
Silkeborg (R) 32 6 8 18 43 59 26 Podgorica 31 8 16 7 34 27 40
Dinamo Zagreb (C) 36 25 5 6 62 20 80
Petrovac 31 9 10 12 30 46 37
Lokomotiva Zagreb 36 19 8 9 57 38 65 SLOVENIA
Relegation Round Group 2 Rudar 31 10 5 16 38 57 35
Rijeka 36 19 7 10 58 42 64
P W D L F A Pts Titograd* 31 7 10 14 29 38 31 P W D L F A Pts
Osijek 36 17 11 8 47 29 62
Horsens 32 13 7 12 36 50 46 Kom** (R) 31 6 11 14 36 45 29 Celje (C) 36 19 12 5 74 36 69
Hajduk Split 36 18 6 12 60 41 60
Randers 32 13 6 13 51 45 45 Grbalj (R) 31 4 10 17 23 49 22 Maribor 36 20 7 9 66 39 67
Gorica 36 12 13 11 44 48 49
Hobro* (R) 32 5 15 12 35 48 30 *Titograd beat Second League’s Bokelj on Olimpija 36 20 7 9 73 44 67
Slaven Koprivnica 36 10 9 17 34 51 39
Esbjerg (R) 32 5 7 20 32 58 22 penalties (1-1 on agg) in the relegation play-offs. Mura 36 14 14 8 54 42 56
Varazfin 36 9 9 18 29 50 36
*Lyngby beat Hobro 4-3 on agg in the relegation **Kom lost to Second League’s Jezero 3-2 on Aluminij 36 16 7 13 58 48 55
Istra 1961* 36 5 10 21 27 59 25
play-off. agg in the relegation play-offs. Bravo 36 13 10 13 50 53 49
Inter Zapresic (R) 36 3 8 25 32 72 17
Tabor Sezana 36 13 7 16 45 51 46
*Istra 1961 beat 2. HNL’s Orijent 1919 3-1 on agg
Domzale 36 12 7 17 52 64 43
in the relegation play-off.
Triglav* (R) 36 9 5 22 44 87 32
Rudar (R) 36 0 12 24 28 80 12
*Triglav lost to Second League’s Gorica 6-1 on
agg in the relegation play-off.

94 WORLD SOCCER
 RESULTS, TABLES, FIXTURES

SWITZERLAND Quarter-Finals CAF CONFEDERATION CUP Group C

Aug 10: Manchester United 1 Copenhagen 0 (aet) P W D L F A Pts
P W D L F A Pts Semi-finals and final (on September 27) to
Aug 10: Internazionale 2 Bayer Leverkusen 1 Toronto FC* 3 1 2 0 6 5 5
Young Boys (C)36 23 7 6 80 41 76 be played behind closed doors in Morocco.
Aug 11: Shakhtar Donetsk 4 Basle 1 New England Revolution* 3 1 2 0 2 1 5
St. Gallen 36 21 5 10 79 56 68
Aug 11: Wolves 0 Sevilla 1 Montreal Impact* 3 1 0 2 4 5 3
Basle 36 18 8 10 74 38 62 Semi-Finals
Servette 36 12 13 11 57 48 49 Sep 22: Pyramids (Egy) v Horoya (Gui); D.C. United 3 0 2 1 3 4 2
Semi-Finals *Advanced to the knockout stage.
Lugano 36 11 14 11 46 46 47 RS Berkane (Mor) v Hassania Agadir (Mor)
Aug 16: Sevilla 2 Manchester United 1
Luzern 36 13 7 16 42 50 46
Aug 16: Internazionale 5 Shakhtar Donetsk 0 Jul 9: Montreal Impact 0 New England
Zurich 36 12 7 17 45 72 43
Revolution 1.
Sion
Thun* (R)
36
36
Neuchatel Xamax (R) 36
10 9 17 40 55 39
10 8 18 45 67 38
5 12 19 33 68 27
Final
Aug 21: Sevilla 3 Internazionale 2
ASIA Jul 13: Toronto FC 2 D.C. United 2.
Jul 16: Montreal Impact 3 Toronto FC 4.
*Thun lost to Swiss Challenge League’s Vaduz SYRIA Jul 17: D.C. United 1 New England Revolution 1.
5-4 on agg in the relegation play-off. P W D L F A Pts Jul 21: Toronto FC 0 New England Revolution 0;

AFRICA Tishreen (C) 26

Wathba 26
18
17
5
5
3
4
44
45
15
13
59
56
Montreal Impact 1 D.C. United 0.

BENIN Hottin 26 15 8 3 40 17 53
TURKEY Al Jaish 26 14 7 5 48 22 49 Group D
P W D L F A Pts P W D L F A Pts P W D L F A Pts
Al Wahda 26 11 11 4 30 18 44
Istanbul Basaksehir (C) 34 20 9 5 65 34 69 Ayema 19 10 6 3 29 13 36 Sporting Kansas City* 3 2 0 1 6 4 6
Al Ittihad 26 11 10 5 34 22 43
Trabzonspor 34 18 11 5 76 42 65 Esae 19 10 5 4 17 11 35 Minnesota United* 3 1 2 0 4 3 5
Al Shorta 26 10 5 11 26 27 35
Besiktas 34 19 5 10 59 40 62 Buffles 19 7 9 3 17 9 30 Real Salt Lake* 3 1 1 1 2 2 4
Al Karama 26 8 9 9 20 19 33
Sivasspor 34 17 9 8 55 38 60 Dragons 19 7 8 4 19 12 29 Colorado Rapids 3 0 1 2 4 7 1
Al Taliya 26 7 8 11 24 29 29
Alanyaspor 34 16 9 9 61 37 57 Pantheres 19 6 10 3 19 15 28 *Advanced to the knockout stage.
Foutoua 26 5 8 13 20 49 23
Galatasaray 34 15 11 8 55 37 56 ASPAC 19 6 9 4 21 16 27
Jabala 26 4 10 12 19 37 22
Fenerbahce 34 15 8 11 58 46 53 Beke Bembereke 19 6 8 5 21 16 26 Jul 12: Sporting Kansas City 1 Minnesota United 2;
Al Sahel 26 5 7 14 20 42 22
Gaziantep 34 11 13 10 49 50 46 Tonnerre 19 5 10 4 17 17 25 Real Salt Lake 2 Colorado Rapids 0.
Al Nawaeir (R) 26 4 7 15 22 40 19
Antalyaspor 34 11 12 11 41 52 45 Energie 19 5 8 6 16 16 23 Jul 17: Sporting Kansas City 3 Colorado Rapids
Al Jazira (R) 26 1 4 21 14 57 7
Kasimpasa 34 12 7 15 53 58 43 JSP 19 5 8 6 16 20 23 2; Real Salt Lake 0 Minnesota United 0.
Goztepe 34 11 9 14 44 49 42 Real Sport 19 6 5 8 13 17 23 Jul 22: Real Salt Lake 0 Sporting Kansas City 2;
Genclerbirligi 34 9 9 16 39 56 36 ASVO 19 5 7 7 16 18 22 Colorado Rapids 2 Minnesota United 2.
Konyaspor
Denizlispor
34
34 9
8 12
8
14
17
36
31
52
48
36
35
JAC 19
Dynamo Unacob 19 5
5 6 8
6 8
15
14
20
20
21
21
CONCACAF
Rizespor 34 10 5 19 38 57 35 USSK 19 4 6 9 14 29 18 Group E
ARUBA
Yeni Malatyaspor 34 8 8 18 44 51 32 UPI-ONM 19 2 5 12 12 27 11 P W D L F A Pts
P W D L F A Pts
Kayserispor 34 8 8 18 40 72 32 RCA 11 10 1 0 23 1 31 Columbus Crew* 3 3 0 0 7 0 9
Ankaragucu 34 7 11 16 31 56 32 Dakota 11 9 1 1 32 10 28 FC Cincinnati* 3 2 0 1 3 4 6
TANZANIA New York Red Bulls 3 1 0 2 1 4 3
Nacional 11 5 3 3 42 13 18
P W D L F A Pts Atlanta United 3 0 0 3 0 3 0
Bubali 11 4 3 4 24 21 15
Simba (C) 38 27 7 4 78 21 88 *Advanced to the knockout stage.
Estrella 11 4 3 4 22 20 15
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Young Africans 38 19 15 4 45 28 72
Caravel 11 4 1 6 15 21 13
Matches from the quarter-finals onwards were Azam 38 20 10 8 52 26 70 Jul 11: Atlanta United 0 New York Red Bulls 1;
Brazil Juniors 11 4 1 6 24 37 13
played in Lisbon, Portugal. Namungo 38 17 13 8 46 37 64 FC Cincinnati 0 Columbus Crew 4.
Britannia 11 3 3 5 19 20 12
Polisi Tanzania 38 15 10 13 37 35 55 Jul 16: Atlanta United 0 FC Cincinnati 1;
La Fama 11 3 2 6 22 21 11
Round of 16 JKT Tanzania 38 13 15 10 34 32 54 Columbus Crew 2 New York Red Bulls 0.
United 11 0 0 11 7 66 0
Aug 7: Juventus (Ita) 2 Lyon (Fra) 1 Coastal Union 38 14 11 13 33 30 53 Jul 21: Atlanta United 0 Columbus Crew 1.
(agg 2-2 – Lyon win on away goals) Kagera Sugar 38 15 7 16 44 41 52 Jul 22: FC Cincinnati 2 New York Red Bulls 0.
Aug 7: Man. City (Eng) 2 Real Madrid (Spa) 1 Biashara United 38 12 14 12 29 27 50
(agg 4-2) Tanzania Prisons 38 10 19 9 35 30 49
USA
Aug 8: Barcelona (Spa) 3 Napoli (Ita) 1 Mwadui 38 12 11 15 39 45 47 Group F
(agg 4-2) Ruvu Shooting 38 12 11 15 34 42 47 P W D L F A Pts
KMC 38 13 7 18 35 47 46
MLS Is Back Tournament
Aug 8: Bayern Munich (Ger) 4 Chelsea 1 (Eng) Portland Timbers* 3 2 1 0 6 4 7
Mtibwa Sugar 38 11 12 15 30 34 45 Competition played betweenJuly 8 and August 11.
(agg 7-1) Los Angeles FC* 3 1 2 0 11 7 5
Mbeya City 38 12 9 17 33 42 45 The group stage counted towards the 2020 MLS
Houston Dynamo 3 0 2 1 5 6 2
Mbao 38 12 9 17 33 43 45 regular season, while the winners qualified for the
Quarter-Finals LA Galaxy 3 0 1 2 4 9 1
Alliance (R) 38 11 12 15 36 48 45 2021 CONCACAF Champions League. FC Dallas
Aug 12: Atalanta (Ita) 1 PSG (Fra) 2 *Advanced to the knockout stage.
Lipuli (R) 38 12 8 18 43 51 44 and Nashville withdrew prior to the tournament
Aug 13: RB Leipzig (Ger) 2 Atletico Madrid (Spa) 1
Ndanda (R) 38 9 14 15 28 35 41 after several positive COVID-19 tests.
Aug 14: Barcelona 2 Bayern Munich 8 Jul 13: Los Angeles FC 3 Houston Dynamo 3;
Aug 15: Man. City 1 Lyon 3 Singida United (R)38 4 6 28 23 73 18 LA Galaxy 1 Portland Timbers 2.
Group A Jul 18: Portland Timbers 2 Houston Dynamo 1;
Semi-Finals P W D L F A Pts Los Angeles FC 6 LA Galaxy 2.
Aug 18: RB Leipzig 0 PSG 3 ZAMBIA Jul 23: LA Galaxy 1 Houston Dynamo 1; Los
Orlando City* 3 2 1 0 6 3 7
Aug 19: Lyon 0 Bayern Munich 3 P W D L F A Pts Angeles FC 2 Portland Timbers 2.
Philadelphia Union* 3 2 1 0 4 2 7
Nkana (C) 27 14 8 5 35 18 50
New York City FC* 3 1 0 2 2 4 3
Final Forest Rangers 27 14 8 5 32 19 50
Inter Miami 3 0 0 3 2 5 0
Aug 23: PSG 0 Bayern Munich 1 Green Eagles 27 13 9 5 34 19 48 Round of 16
*Advanced to the knockout stage.
NAPSA Stars 27 14 6 7 36 22 48 Jul 25: Orlando City 1 Montreal Impact 0;
ZESCO United 27 13 8 6 38 23 47 Philadelphia Union 1 New England Revolution 0.
Jul 8: Orlando City 2 Inter Miami 1.
Power Dynamos 27 12 8 7 34 19 44 Jul 26: Toronto FC 1 New York City FC 3;
Jul 9: New York City FC 0 Philadelphia Union 1.
EUROPA LEAGUE Zanaco 27 12 8 7 37 26 44
Jul 14: New York City FC 1 Orlando City 3; Sporting Kansas City 0(p) Vancouver Whitecaps 0.
Matches from the quarter-finals onwards were Kabwe Warriors 27 12 5 10 29 29 41 Jul 27: San Jose Earthquakes 5 Real Salt Lake 2;
Philadelphia Union 2 Inter Miami 1.
played in Gelsenkirchen, Cologne, Dusseldorf Lusaka Dynamos27 11 7 9 33 28 40 Seattle Sounders 1 Los Angeles FC 4.
Jul 20: Inter Miami 0 New York City FC 1;
and Duisburg, Germany. Red Arrows 27 11 7 9 26 28 40 Jul 28: Columbus Crew 1 Minnesota United 1(p);
Philadelphia Union 1 Orlando City 1.
Green Buffaloes 27 10 8 9 28 27 38 Portland Timbers 1(p) FC Cincinnati 1.
Round of 16 Nkwazi 27 6 14 7 18 20 32
Aug 5: Copenhagen (Den) 3 Buildcon 27 8 8 11 29 35 32 Quarter-Finals
Group B
Istanbul Basaksehir (Tur) 0 Lumwana Radiants 27 8 7 12 21 22 31 Jul 30: Philadelphia Union 3 Sporting
P W D L F A Pts
(agg 3-1) Kansanshi Dynamos 27 6 10 11 19 24 28 Kansas City 1.
San Jose Earthquakes* 3 2 1 0 6 3 7
Aug 5: Internazionale (Ita) 2 Getafe (Spa) 0 Mufulira Wanderers (R) 27 4 5 18 17 39 17 Jul 31: Orlando City 1(p) Los Angeles FC 1.
Seattle Sounders* 3 1 1 1 4 2 4
Aug 5: Manchester United (Eng) 2 Nakambala Leopards (R) 27 4 5 18 15 45 17 Aug 1: San Jose Earthquakes 1 Minnesota United
Vancouver Whitecaps*3 1 0 2 5 7 3
LASK (Aut) 1 Kabwe YSA (R) 27 3 5 19 16 54 14 4; New York City FC 1 Portland Timbers 3.
Chicago Fire 3 1 0 2 2 5 3
(agg 7-1) *Advanced to the knockout stage.
Aug 5: Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukr) 3 Semi-Finals
Wolfsburg (Ger) 0 CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Aug 5: Philadelphia Union 1 Portland Timbers 2.
Jul 10: Seattle Sounders 0 San Jose
(agg 5-1) Semi-finals will be played on a home and away Aug 6: Orlando City 3 Minnesota United 1.
Earthquakes 0.
Aug 6: Basle (Swi) 1 Eintracht Frankfurt (Ger) 0 basis. The final will be played at a neutral venue.
Jul 14: Chicago Fire 2 Seattle Sounders 1.
(agg 4-0) Jul 15: Vancouver Whitecaps 3 San Jose Final
Aug 6: Bayer Leverkusen (Ger) 1 Rangers (Sco) 0 Semi-Finals First Leg Aug 11: Portland Timbers 2 Orlando City 1.
Earthquakes 4.
(agg 4-1) Sep 25: Wydad Casablanca (Mor) v Al Ahly (Egy)
Jul 19: Chicago Fire 0 San Jose Earthquakes 2;
Aug 6: Sevilla (Spa) 2 Roma (Ita) 0 Sep 26: Raja Casablanca (Mor) v Zamalek (Egy)
Seattle Sounders 3 Vancouver Whitecaps 0.
Aug 6: Wolves (Eng) 1 Olympiakos (Gre) 0 Jul 23: Chicago Fire 0 Vancouver Whitecaps 2.
(agg 2-1) Semi-Finals Second Leg
Oct 2: Al Ahly v Wydad Casablanca
Oct 3: Zamalek v Raja Casablanca

WORLD SOCCER 95
RESULTS, TABLES, FIXTURES

Internationals
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE Group B3
LEAGUE D
Group D1
Andorra, Faroe Islands, Latvia, Malta

Sep 3: Faroe Islands v Malta

Sep 3: Latvia v Andorra
Group D

Uzbekistan
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Yemen
P
5
4
5
5
W
3
2
2
1
D
0
2
1
2
L
2
0
2
2
F A Pts
12 6 9
8 4 8
7 10 7
6 11 5
Hungary, Russia, Serbia, Turkey Sep 6: Andorra v Faroe Islands Palestine 5 1 1 3 3 5 4
Matchdays 1-4 (of 6). All games in September
to be played behind closed doors. Sep 6: Malta v Latvia
Sep 3: Russia v Serbia Oct 10: Faroe Islands v Latvia
Sep 3: Turkey v Hungary Group E
LEAGUE A Sep 6: Hungary v Russia
Oct 10: Andorra v Malta
Group A1 Oct 13: Faroe Islands v Andorra P W D L F A Pts
Sep 6: Serbia v Turkey Oct 13: Latvia v Malta Qatar 5 4 1 0 11 1 13
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Netherlands, Italy,
Oct 11: Russia v Turkey Oman 5 4 0 1 11 4 12
Poland
Oct 11: Serbia v Hungary Group D2 Afghanistan 5 1 1 3 2 11 4
Oct 14: Russia v Hungary Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, San Marino India 5 0 3 2 3 5 3
Sep 4: Italy v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Oct 14: Turkey v Serbia Bangladesh 4 0 1 3 2 8 1
Sep 4: Netherlands v Poland
Sep 7: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Poland Sep 5: Gibraltar v San Marino
Group B4 Sep 8: San Marino v Liechtenstein
Sep 7: Netherlands v Italy
Bulgaria, Finland, Republic of Ireland, Wales Oct 10: Liechtenstein v Gibraltar Group F
Oct 11: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Netherlands
Oct 11: Poland v Italy Oct 13: Liechtenstein v San Marino P W D L F A Pts
Sep 3: Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland Japan 4 4 0 0 13 0 12
Oct 14: Italy v Netherlands
Sep 3: Finland v Wales l The two group winners will be promoted Kyrgyzstan 5 2 1 2 10 5 7
Oct 14: Poland v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Sep 6: Wales v Bulgaria to League C for the 2022-23 edition. Tajikistan 5 2 1 2 6 8 7
Sep 6: Republic of Ireland v Finland Myanmar 5 2 0 3 5 13 6
Group A2
Oct 11: Republic of Ireland v Wales Mongolia 5 1 0 4 2 10 3
Belgium, Denmark, England, Iceland
Oct 11: Finland v Bulgaria EURO 2020 PLAY-OFFS
Oct 14: Finland v Republic of Ireland Rescheduled play-off ties from March 2020.
Sep 5: Iceland v England
Oct 14: Bulgaria v Wales The two winners from each path will progress Group G
Sep 5: Denmark v Belgium
Sep 8: Belgium v Iceland to the finals in November. P W D L F A Pts
l The four group winners will be promoted Vietnam 5 3 2 0 5 1 11
Sep 8: Denmark v England
to League A for the 2022-23 edition. The PATH A Malaysia 5 3 0 2 8 6 9
Oct 11: England v Belgium
four bottom teams will be relegated to Semi-Finals Thailand 5 2 2 1 6 3 8
Oct 11: Iceland v Denmark
League C for the 2022-23 edition. Oct 8: Iceland v Romania UAE 4 2 0 2 8 4 6
Oct 14: England v Denmark
Oct 14: Iceland v Belgium Oct 9: Bulgaria v Hungary Indonesia 5 0 0 5 3 16 0

Group A3
LEAGUE C PATH B
Group C1 Semi-Finals Group H
Croatia, France, Portugal, Sweden
Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Oct 8: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Northern Ireland P W D L F A Pts
Montenegro Oct 8: Slovakia v Republic of Ireland Turkmenistan 5 3 0 2 8 5 9
Sep 5: Portugal v Croatia
Sep 5: Sweden v France South Korea 4 2 2 0 10 0 8
Sep 5: Azerbaijan v Luxembourg PATH C Lebanon 5 2 2 1 5 3 8
Sep 8: France v Croatia
Sep 5: Cyprus v Montenegro Semi-Finals North Korea 5 2 2 1 4 3 8
Sep 8: Sweden v Portugal
Sep 8: Cyprus v Azerbaijan Oct 8: Scotland v Israel Sri Lanka 5 0 0 5 0 16 0
Oct 11: Croatia v Sweden
Sep 8: Luxembourg v Montenegro Oct 8: Norway v Serbia
Oct 11: France v Portugal
Oct 10: Luxembourg v Cyprus l The eight group winners and four best group
Oct 14: Croatia v France
Oct 10: Montenegro v Azerbaijan PATH D runners-up advance to the third round of FIFA
Oct 14: Portugal v Sweden
Oct 13: Azerbaijan v Cyprus Semi-Finals World Cup qualification as well as qualify for the
Oct 13: Montenegro v Luxembourg Oct 8: Georgia v Belarus 2023 Asian Cup. As World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar
Group A4
Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine Oct 8: North Macedonia v Kosovo are guaranteed to finish in first or second place in
Group C2 Group E, the fifth-best runner-up will also progress
Armenia, Estonia, Georgia, North Macedonia l The four overall winners from each path to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualification.
Sep 3: Germany v Spain
Sep 3: Ukraine v Switzerland will join the already-qualified 20 nations
Sep 5: North Macedonia v Armenia at Euro 2020 next summer.
Sep 6: Spain v Ukraine
Sep 6: Switzerland v Germany
Sep 5: Estonia v Georgia AFRICA section
Sep 8: Armenia v Estonia l 5 finals places available
Oct 10: Spain v Switzerland
Sep 8: Georgia v North Macedonia WORLD CUP 2022 QUALIFIERS
Oct 10: Ukraine v Germany
Oct 11: Armenia v Georgia Africa’s World Cup qualifiers scheduled for
Oct 13: Germany v Switzerland
Oct 11: Estonia v North Macedonia ASIA section October 2020 have now been pushed back to
Oct 13: Ukraine v Spain
Oct 14: Estonia v Armenia l 4.5 finals places available May 2021. The group stage draw for the second
Oct 14: North Macedonia v Georgia round of FIFA World Cup qualification is below.
l The four group winners will progress to the
UEFA Nations League finals. The four bottom Asia’s World Cup qualifiers scheduled for October
Group C3 and November 2020 have now been pushed Second Round
teams will be relegated to League B for the
Greece, Kosovo, Moldova, Slovenia back to 2021. The current standings in the Group A
2022-23 edition.
second round are below with 8 matches Algeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Djibouti
Sep 3: Moldova v Kosovo to be played by each team in total.
Sep 3: Slovenia v Greece Group B
LEAGUE B Sep 6: Slovenia v Moldova
Group B1 Second Round Tunisia, Zambia, Mauritania, Equatorial Guinea
Sep 6: Kosovo v Greece
Austria, Northern Ireland, Norway, Romania
Oct 11: Greece v Moldova Group A Group C
Oct 11: Kosovo v Slovenia P W D L F A Pts Nigeria, Cape Verde, Central African
Sep 4: Norway v Austria
Oct 14: Greece v Kosovo Syria 5 5 0 0 14 4 15 Republic, Liberia
Sep 4: Romania v Northern Ireland
Oct 14: Moldova v Slovenia China 4 2 1 1 13 2 7
Sep 7: Austria v Romania
Sep 7: Northern Ireland v Norway Philippines 5 2 1 2 8 8 7 Group D
Group C4 Maldives 5 2 0 3 6 10 6 Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Malawi
Oct 11: Norway v Romania
Albania, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Lithuania Guam 5 0 0 5 2 19 0
Oct 11: Northern Ireland v Austria
Oct 14: Norway v Northern Ireland Group E
Sep 4: Belarus v Albania Mali, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda
Oct 14: Romania v Austria
Sep 4: Lithuania v Kazakhstan Group B
Sep 7: Kazakhstan v Belarus P W D L F A Pts Group F
Group B2
Sep 7: Albania v Lithuania Australia 4 4 0 0 16 1 12 Egypt, Gabon, Libya, Angola
Czech Republic, Israel, Scotland, Slovakia
Oct 11: Kazakhstan v Albania Kuwait 5 3 1 1 17 3 10
Oct 11: Lithuania v Belarus Jordan 5 3 1 1 10 2 10 Group G
Sep 4: Scotland v Israel
Oct 14: Belarus v Kazakhstan Nepal 5 1 0 4 2 16 3 Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia
Sep 4: Slovakia v Czech Republic
Oct 14: Lithuania v Albania Chinese Taipei 5 0 0 5 2 25 0
Sep 7: Czech Republic v Scotland
Sep 7: Israel v Slovakia Group H
l The four group winners will be promoted to Senegal, Congo, Namibia, Togo
Oct 11: Israel v Czech Republic
League B for the 2022-23 edition. The four Group C
Oct 11: Scotland v Slovakia
bottom teams will enter the relegation play-offs P W D L F A Pts Group I
Oct 14: Scotland v Czech Republic
– the two winners will remain in League C for the Iraq 5 3 2 0 9 2 11 Morocco, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan
Oct 14: Slovakia v Israel
2022-23 edition; the two losers will be relegated Bahrain 5 2 3 0 3 1 9
to League D. But if any of the teams due to play in Iran 4 2 0 2 17 3 6 Group J
the relegation play-offs is also due to play in the Hong Kong 5 1 2 2 3 5 5 DR Congo, Benin, Madagascar, Tanzania
2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs, both League Cambodia 5 0 1 4 1 22 1
C relegation play-offs will be cancelled, and the l The ten group winners will advance to the
two teams ranked lowest in the Nations League third round of FIFA World Cup qualification.
overall ranking will be relegated to League D.

96 WORLD SOCCER
 RESULTS, TABLES, FIXTURES

CONCACAF section Nov 13: St. Kitts & Nevis v Guyana Group B
● 3.5 finals places available Nov 14: Bahamas v Trinidad & Tobago P W D L F A Pts
Nov 17: Guyana v Puerto Rico; Uganda 2 1 1 0 2 0 4
The first round of FIFA World Cup qualification Trinidad & Tobago v St. Kitts & Nevis Burkina Faso 2 1 1 0 2 1 4
consists of the nations ranked 6th to 35th in Malawi 2 1 0 1 1 2 3
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and Trinidad & Tobago) pre-seeded in each group. home and away play-off ties – to determine October 2020 Vol. 61 No.1
the three final teams to join CONCACAF’s five Group C
First Round highest-ranked nations (Mexico, USA, Costa Rica, P W D L F A Pts
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WORLD SOCCER 97
 STADIUMS

Sellout…Stuttgart had the

highest average attendance
of any second-tier side in
Europe in 2019-20

MERCEDES-BENZ ARENA
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Team: VfB Stuttgart
Built: 1933
Capacity: 60,441

A
fter a season of second sponsored by the local car-
division football – albeit manufacturing giant in 2008. GREATEST GAMES
in front of huge 39,500- Twice a European Cup final venue,
strong crowds – Stuttgart’s
impressive home ground will be hosting
the arena has also hosted matches at
two World Cup finals, the Euros and seen 1959June 3
Real Madrid 2-0 Reims
top-flight Bundesliga games once again Stuttgart crowned German champions Goals from Enrique Mateos and Alfredo Di Stefano make
following VfB’s promotion. five times, most recently in 2007. it four European Cup triumphs in a row for Real Madrid
as they beat Reims 2-0 in the final. The ground hosted
Originally As well as regularly staging
its second European Cup final 29 years later, with
known as the international fixtures for Die Mannschaft, PSV beating Benfica on penalties.
Adolf-Hitler- the stadium was also home to
Kampfbahn, Stuttgarter Kickers for their two brief
the stadium spells in the top tier and – before its 1988June 12
England 0-1 Republic of Ireland
has undergone conversion to a football-specific stadium Ray Houghton scores the only goal of the game as the
numerous name - several big athletics championships. Republic of Ireland beat England in their opening match at
changes and Euro ’88. Bobby Robson’s side failed to take a point from
Champions…Real
rebuilding work, any of their three at the finals, while Ireland finished third
Madrid collect the in the group behind the Soviet Union and Netherlands.
1959 European Cup before being

2006July 8
Germany 3-1 Portugal
Then known as the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, Stuttgart’s
ground hosted the third-place play-off at the 2006 World
Cup. A brace from Bastian Schweinsteiger and a Petit own
Third place…Germany Training…England during
v Portugal in 2006 the 2006 World Cup
goal was enough to award Germany the Bronze medal,
with a late consolation goal from Nuno Gomes.

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