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Beckham is no Beckenbauer in diplomacy stakes

If there is a factor holding back England’s World Cup bid it is the lack of a recognisable, heavyweight figure behind it

Ronaldo in middle of club-versus-country row

Real Madrid insist world’s most expensive player has an ankle injury, but Carlos Queiroz still plans to call him up for Portugal

Pellegrini safe for now at Bernabeu

Under-fire Real Madrid coach thankful to see his side rally against ten-man to gain a crucial victory over Getafe

Van Gaal's mess needs divine intervention

Dutch coach may have previously compared himself to God but his masterplan at Bayern Munich leaves much to be desired

Are outbursts by coaches acceptable?

How much abuse and what kind of abuse are fans and the media entitled to direct at coaches, asks Gabriele Marcotti

Maradona gets another ‘hand from God’

Heavens open in Buenos Aires and veteran Martin Palermo sneaks in unmarked at back post to keep World Cup hopes alive

Disgruntled Milan fans forced to live off former glories

Struggles continue for former European champions with season-ticket holders plummeting and results disapppointing

Stars of tomorrow getting shabby treatment today

Poor timing and the lack of big-name players the reason behind the Under-20 World Cup creating barely a ripple in Egypt

Platini is not just another member of the blazer brigade

He has his critics, but Uefa president has attempted to do more in less than three years than his predecessor did in 17

Mourinho plays mind games with Ibrahimovic

Inter manager suggests Samuel Eto'o is a better forward than the Swede on the eve of the Champions League group stage

Shock jock and the web of hatred that span out of control

Steven Cohen decided to take his show off the air after threats to his family following commments made about Hillsborough

Loophole made Kakuta controversy inevitable

The issue over young players will not disappear or go away until football gives itself clear and transparent regulations

Real take the wrapping off box of tricks

Playing Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raúl and Karim Benzema in the same side is fraught with peril, says Gabriele Marcotti

Villa manages to rise to the occasion

The only surprise this summer is that the expert Valencia marksmen has not moved to one of Europe's elite clubs

Argentine football is in a messy state

Country’s national league is poised effectively to be nationalised after proposed deal between the Argentine FA and Government

Lyons sparing no expense going for title

After failing to win the French title for the first time in eight years, nearly £60m has been spend on bringing in new talent

Swapping strikers sign of the times in Europe

The deal that saw forwards Samuel Eto'o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic change clubs may be the most significant of the summer

USA stamp their place on the map

Michael Bradley, son of Bob Bradley, the USA coach, gave the press both barrels in the aftermath of shock 3-0 win over Egypt

Lippi needs a case for the defence

Defeat to Brazil has exposed a lack of strength in depth, especially in the back line, for the world champions