An Abundance of Talent: How England would see success in a 4-2-3-1 formation
Much is made of the midfield options available to England for the forthcoming Euros, but how best to fit them all in? Tom Cross explores the merits of the 4-2-3-1 to do so.
Remembering Branislav Ivanović’s epic 2011/12 season
The Serbian’s contributions at Stamford Bridge were pivotal in European success in consecutive years. Branislav Ivanovic and Chelsea were fighting what was the battle of their lives. The venue was … Continue Reading Remembering Branislav Ivanović’s epic 2011/12 season
Scouting for Salah: finding the next generation of MENA footballers
The MENA region is a largely unmined land for talent. Mohamed Salah, Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi have shown that great players lie within it, as David Cohen finds out.
Jules Koundé: The next Rolls Royce off the rank
Already a Europa League winner with Sevilla, twenty two year old Jules Koundé is another terrific French talent. It will likely be no time before he is the talk of your club’s rumour mill.
Rising Nations: The birth of North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s qualification for the European Championships represents a huge shift in their sporting but also political history, writes Jeremy Goldstein.
The inside story of Harvey Elliott: Made in the South, thriving in the North
Harvey Elliott is the new talk of the town. FTF spoke to his first coach at QPR and those who have followed his fledgling career closely. Slowly but surely Harvey … Continue Reading The inside story of Harvey Elliott: Made in the South, thriving in the North
Tactics behind the scoreline: Manchester United 3-2 AC Milan
This titanic clash in 2007 is remembered as a dramatic goal filled occasion. Yet behind the goals, there were a number of tactical battles that set the foundations to a classic encounter.
The inside story of Tino Kadewere; setbacks and successes
Lyon have assembled an unlikely, but highly effective strikeforce with Tino Kadewere at its heart. George Hartley spoke to Kadewere’s school coach to see where this star emerged from.
Tayshan Hayden-Smith talks Grenfell Athletic and Newcastle United trial
Tayshan Hayden-Smith speaks to FTF about his love of football, memories of Grenfell and fighting for justice at Grenfell Athletic. Tayshan Hayden-Smith had a grin on his face. At 17 … Continue Reading Tayshan Hayden-Smith talks Grenfell Athletic and Newcastle United trial
Remembering Zambia’s incredible 2012 AFCON victory with Isaac Chansa
In 2012, Zambia achieved one of the biggest underdog stories in football when they won the African Cup of Nations. Here’s how it happened. In the dying embers of the … Continue Reading Remembering Zambia’s incredible 2012 AFCON victory with Isaac Chansa
Alhassan Yusuf interview; Tiki Taka football from Nigeria
Alhassan Yusuf has enjoyed a swift and impressive rise in European football. He spoke exclusively to First Time Finish about his academy days, moving to Sweden, and the essence of his play.
Rising Nations: Montserrat’s Gold Cup ambitions
Twenty five years on from Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption, the people of Montserrat remain under its shadow. National football team vice-captain James Comley spoke to FTF about how the football team is making its own mark in the country.
The inside story of André Frank Zambo Anguissa- The Lion of Yaoundé
This is the story of the boy from Yaoundé who is now at Fulham and continues to make his home country proud. Djibrilla Alain still remembers seeing his former protege, … Continue Reading The inside story of André Frank Zambo Anguissa- The Lion of Yaoundé
The inside story of Andre Onana: The Ajax wall made in Barcelona
Andre Onana is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. This is his story from a Barcelona ban, to learning from mistakes and leading by example. When it comes … Continue Reading The inside story of Andre Onana: The Ajax wall made in Barcelona
The curious case of Graham Potter’s Brighton
For all their exciting attacking intent and impressive individual talent, Brighton still find themselves seventeenth in the Premier League. This is an analysis of their season so far, and where things can pick up.
Mad Max Kruse embracing Die Eisernen of Union Berlin
Beneath the cloak of controversies, in Max Kruse, Union Berlin have brought back one of the Bundesliga’s finest gems to the Alten Försterei. If Max Kruse’s career had to be … Continue Reading Mad Max Kruse embracing Die Eisernen of Union Berlin