Sunday, September 08, 2024

The Latest Football News and Opinions From 90 Minutes Online

San Marino- sans talent?

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San Marino Crest

As England gear up for a World Cup qualifier against San Marino on Thursday evening, it might be worth considering just why La Serinissima- as they're called back home- often top “ worst of the worst” lists! The first point to draw attention to this is probably the most important- they've won just one match, a 2004 friendly with Liechtenstein, & while they've participated in every World Cup & European Championship qualifying campaign since their début as a competitive nation, they still await a competitive win.

Ipswich Town and Covid Problems

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Ipswich Town Badge

As the COVID pandemic loosens its grip on football ever so slightly, a case study in its knock on effects- Matt Byard, Ipswich Town's physio, was open in his support for the suspension of the Football League season as the virus took hold. Ahead of a raft of Boxing Day postponements over the 2020 festive season- including the Tractor Boys' own post-Christmas game, he told the club website-

Blackpool FC Savour Life Without Oystons

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Simon Sadler (via Blackpool Gazette)

As Bury & Macclesfield reel from effective expulsion from the Football League, at least one bastion of its Northern heartland has something to cheer after a long road back from abuse at the hands of those entrusted to run it. Beaten to within an inch of its life & ridden roughshod like a seaside donkey- Simon Sadler’s takeover at Blackpool has given the Tangerines hope for a better future after the Oystons exited via the back door. 

A Sporting Chance for Lisbon?

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Sporting Lisbon badge (via Wikipedia)

 

Manchester United's 2019/20 UEFA Cup run came to an end despite being spearheaded by former Sporting Lisbon man Bruno Fernandes, & the final part of their season rounded out with an FA Cup exit & third place Premier League finish. So what of the fortunes of the Verde e Brancos (Green & Whites)?

Espanyol Claim Another Unwanted Record

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Espanyol Badge (via Wikipedia)

 

Espanyol are a club used to being overshadowed, although to be fair, their nearest rivals have had a habit of overshadowing the best teams in Europe for much of their history. Ultimately, when you are the 2nd best professional football team in Barcelona, it means that you have to get used to struggling for attention.

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