With thanks to Jose Miguel Morales; without his help, this article wouldn’t have been possible. ‘Build it and they will come’ is the refrain that shakes ghosts out of the cornfields in Kevin Costner’s hit movie Field of Dreams; it’s a sentiment that betrays the often-static nature of America’s pastime. Football, on the other hand, has always been fast and frenetic, from the days when the sport offended Victorian virtues to now, where players have been scarcely fitter, the sport more refined. Football, then, has moved outward. Thomas Donohoe brought the beautiful game to Brazil; James … [Read more...]

Ponerse el overol is a common expression in the footballing lexicon of the Spanish language. To illustrate its meaning, the Bleacher Report pointed to Carles Puyol, a man who went above and beyond for his team, a player that felt and bled the blaugrana colours. In essence, it refers to one who does more than is expected. Above that singular player lies the club, and above the club stands the league. In this instance, LaLiga is the organization whose principal responsibility is to give order and organize the league and cup matches. But it’s also extending its limbs into an ever expanding … [Read more...]

Described as a “disaster” in many headlines across the Spanish sporting press, over the last week or so, the closure of the dated Vallecas home of Rayo Vallecano has caused numerous problems amidst speculation that the stadium won’t be reopened until October, once urgent safety work has been completed. The matchday three fixture against Athletic Club Bilbao was postponed just days before it was due to take place. Rayo fans are angry at the leadership of their club, while the club’s directors are pointing accusing fingers at local authorities in Madrid, who they say are ultimately … [Read more...]