News of Dan Edwards

Dan Edwards

Dan Edwards

Fernando Batista oversees a training session of Argentina’s Under-23 squad.

ALBICELESTE U23S

Albiceleste U23s kick off Olympic quest in Colombia

18-01-2020 12:18 Argentina’s footballers are the latest to try and book their ticket to Japan, with the Pre-Olympic Qualifying tournament kicking off today.

by Dan Edwards

“The Argentine Football Association must express its profound concern with regards to the Superliga’s attitude in not agreeing the fixture calendar with it, taking into account the international commitments of our national team,” the statement reads.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Argentina’s top flight continues to suffer perennial problems

11-01-2020 10:53 As happens every year, 2020 has commenced with a bitter dispute between those in charge of the national game over the fixture list.

by Dan Edwards

Lionel Messi proving that he not only has a temper but is even capable of losing it, there was barely time to take it all in before it was time for the next bombshell to land.

2020: THE YEAR IN PREVIEW

What lies ahead for Argentine football in 2020

04-01-2020 09:12 As December comes to a close and January arrives at speed, it is all the same hard to believe that another year has gone by. For in the topsy-turvy world of Argentine football, each period of 365 days can often feel like an entire decade.

by Dan Edwards

Juan Román Riquelme’s late intervention into the Boca Juniors election galvanised fans and ensured a record turn-out on polling day.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

New beginnings, and no little rebuilding, ahead for ‘Big Five’

21-12-2019 12:33 The turn of the year will see Argentina’s biggest clubs line up with a host of new players, new coaches and, in some cases, even new presidents sitting in the boardroom.

by Dan Edwards

Argentinos Juniors are sitting pretty ahead of the likes of Boca Juniors, River Plate and Racing Club.

ARGENTINE SUPERLIGA

Alberto’s beloved Argentinos Juniors sitting pretty in Superliga

14-12-2019 09:06 Few would have bet on the Paternal side being anything more than top-half challengers in 2019-2020, making their fine form in this first half of the season such a surprise.

by Dan Edwards

In this 2013 file photo, Boca Juniors’ then-player Juan Román Riquelme and president Daniel Angelici watch a match at La Bombonera. The club holds elections on December 8.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

No love lost in Boca Jnrs bitter election battle

07-12-2019 12:12 Xeneize idol Juan Román Riquelme turned the club’s universe on its head – now we’ll find out how much weight his name carries.

by Dan Edwards

Marcelo Gallardo stands on the pitch after River Plate’s dramatic defeat to Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores final.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Gallardo ponders future after River’s dramatic Libertadores defeat

30-11-2019 09:28 Last weekend’s Libertadores loss to Flamengo will barely taint El Muñeco’s sparkling legacy. Now he has to decide if he has the appetite to go again, or take his chances in Europe.

by Dan Edwards

Juan Román Riquelme.

BOCA ELECTIONS

Boca legend Riquelme shakes up club’s elections

23-11-2019 10:03 Dynasty first formed when Macri came to the Xeneize presidency in 1995 is under threat, after retired playmaker jumps into club politics.

by Dan Edwards

River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo attends a training session in Lima, ahead of the Copa Libertadores final against Brazil's Flamengo.

COPA LIBERTADORES

Marcelo Gallardo leads irrepressible River to another shot at glory

22-11-2019 07:00 Saturday's first one-off Copa Libertadores final will be an intriguing clash between two of South America's biggest, most talented clubs. Flamengo are looking to end their drought – while River and Marcelo Gallardo want to take one more step towards immortality.

by Dan Edwards

CONMEBOL officials hold a press conference announcing the location of the Libertadores Cup final in Luque, Paraguay.

COPA LIBERTADORES

Fans lose out again in last-minute Libertadores final switch

09-11-2019 11:58 The one-off Copa Libertadores final already excluded loyal supporters from the chance of seeing their heroes in action in the biggest game of the year. This latest switch only rubs that fact even harder.

by Dan Edwards

Maradona on his throne.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Watch the throne: Newell’s give Maradona the royal treatment

02-11-2019 09:39 Gimnasia were a moribund club prior to his arrival – now, they’re dreaming of a great escape marshalled by their eccentric little trainer.

by Dan Edwards

River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo instructs his players during a Copa Libertadores semi-final second leg against Boca Juniors at La Bombonera.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Marcelo Gallardo continues to haunt Boca as inquest gets underway

25-10-2019 07:00 Five times Boca have lined up against Marcelo Gallardo, with three different coaches, in cup competition. And five times they have ended up on the losing side.

by Dan Edwards

Boca’s players, pictured during training this week.

COPA LIBERTADORES

Boca get into the mystic ahead of clash with River

19-10-2019 11:06 Xeneize looking to an astrologer in their quest to overcome their arch-rivals in the second leg of the upcoming Copa Libertadores semi-final.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni watches on as the Albiceleste take on Germany in Dortmund on Wednesday.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Albiceleste serve up game of two halves in Dortmund

12-10-2019 12:54 Argentina were shockingly bad in the first half against an under-strength Germany, before responding with a stronger showing in the second 45 minutes.

by Dan Edwards

Boca Juniors players leave the field after their 0-2 loss against River Plate at the Monumental on Tuesday.

COPA LIBERTADORES

Timid Boca play straight into River’s hands

05-10-2019 10:29 River stroll to victory in Libertadores semi first leg. Now, the Xeneize need to stop complaining about VAR and focus on how they can defeat what may be the continent’s best footballing side.

by Dan Edwards

Pity Martínez slots home River’s final goal in last year’s Copa Libertadores second-leg final clash in Madrid.

COPA LIBERTADORES

Boca, River set to write a fresh chapter of ancient rivalry

28-09-2019 04:24 Tuesday’s Libertadores semi-final clash promises much – and Boca will clearly be hoping to hit back following their devastating final defeat in Madrid last year.

by Dan Edwards

River Plate celebrate clinching the Recopa Sudamericana title.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Regular supporters suffer as hooligans, security forces turn Lanús into a warzone

21-09-2019 11:37 Policing football in Buenos Aires Province is difficult, sure, but violence will only be eradicated by consistent, systematic policies – not big shows of force.

by Dan Edwards

Diego takes on daunting challenge with out-of-form Gimnasia.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Diego takes on daunting challenge with out-of-form Gimnasia

14-09-2019 00:24 Maradona’s coaching credentials may still not convince everyone, but perhaps no other sporting figure on earth is capable of awakening such furore by merely sitting on the bench.

by Dan Edwards

Boca Juniors’ Daniele De Rossi, centre, speaks to teammate Carlos Izquierdoz, right, during the match against River Plate.

FOOTBALL

Safety-first Superclásico fails to live up to expectations

07-09-2019 01:56 Amid all the hype, publicity and, occasionally, grim apocalyptic undertones afforded to each Superclásico, it is easy to sometimes forget that under it all is a simple football match.

by Dan Edwards

A devastated fan stands outside Bury Football Club’s stadium.

FOOTBALL

Bury and Bolton serve as cautionary tales for Argentine clubs

31-08-2019 01:21 Argentina should be in no rush to wrest clubs out of fans’ control and open up the Superliga to private owners.

by Dan Edwards

Reynoso (Boca Juniors) celebrates his goal, as well as Ignacio Fernández (River).

COPA LIBERTADORES

Boca and River on course for another Libertadores Superclásico

24-08-2019 12:27 Both Buenos Aires giants dispatched their quarter-final rivals with ease in this week’s first legs to inch closer to another blockbuster last-four clash.

by Dan Edwards

The late José Luis ‘Tata’ Brown.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

How ‘Tata’ Brown who wrote himself into the history books

17-08-2019 09:17 1986 World Cup winner José Luis ‘Tata’ Brown passed away this week, after a long, bitter battle against Alzheimer’s Disease. His greatest achievement, however – and the spirit that took him there – will live long in the memory.

by Dan Edwards

Brothers Ángel and Óscar Romero have joined San Lorenzo.

TRANSFERS

Baptism of fire awaits for Superliga’s new star signings

10-08-2019 12:52 Every team in Argentina’s team have been active ahead of the new season. And while one transfer caught the eye, all the new recruits must hit the ground running.

by Dan Edwards

Matías Lammens (left) and Marcelo Tinelli.

FOOTBALL

Lammens hopes to echoe San Lorenzo’s success at the ballot box

03-08-2019 12:49 Matías Lammens is hardly the first Argentine to jump from the beautiful game into politics. But does he stand a chance against City Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta?

by Dan Edwards

Fernando Gago (centre) holds up a Vélez shirt at his presentation ceremony.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Injury-stricken Gago hopes move to Vélez will put past behind him

13-07-2019 10:23 Still only 33, former Real Madrid, Valencia and Roma star has played just 39 club games in the last three years. Will Fernando’s fresh start help him rebuild his career?

by Dan Edwards

Argentina’s players applaud fans after their loss to Brazil on Tuesday.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Copa América ends in anti-climax for Argentina

06-07-2019 11:19 The Albiceleste were hoping to have another chance at glory this weekend, but instead they’re set for the third-place play-off – a match absolutely nobody wants to play.

by Dan Edwards

Lionel Messi and Venezuela’s Junior Moreno greet each other at the end of their Copa América football tournament quarter-final match at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

COPA AMERICA

Argentina comfortably handles Venezuela, moves on to face Brazil

29-06-2019 08:19 Albiceleste advance to semi-finals as youngsters Martínez and Lo Celso take on the responsability of putting the ball in the net. Next up they face hosts Brazil.

by Dan Edwards

Messi struggles as Argentina is close to elimination.

COPA AMERICA

Argentina on the brink as Qatar looms

22-06-2019 09:55 The Albiceleste have once again disappointed, yet Messi’s side still has one more chance to make it through.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina’s footbal team coach Lionel Scaloni gives instructions to his players during a training session at Manuel Barradas stadium in Salvador, state of Bahia, Brazil, on June 13.

COPA AMERICA

Messi leads albiceleste in search for elusive glory in Brazil

15-06-2019 07:57 A refreshed and mainly inexperienced Argentina national team will face Colombia as the Copa America gets underway in Brazil.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina’s Under-20 team lost out on penalties to Mali in Poland.

UNDER-20 WORLD CUP

Argentina’s Under-20s fall short by finest of margins

08-06-2019 10:40 Young Albiceleste team played some fine football in Poland and despite their unfortunate exit from the competition, there’s high hopes that Argentina’s next generation will deliver success.

by Dan Edwards

Tigre celebrations.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Tigre’s exploits create turning point for Argentina’s top flight

01-06-2019 09:30 Tigre have been in sparkling form since coach Néstor Gorosito took over, finishing the Superliga with a flourish. And their fine performances may finally put an end to the controversial promedios system that decides relegation.

by Dan Edwards

Scaloni and Menotti at a press conference.

COPA AMERICA

Scaloni looks to compromise as names his squad for Brazil

25-05-2019 10:09 Even with the likes of Messi and Agüero onboard, this is a squad that fails to raise enthusiasm and much less hopes of the trophy in what promises to be a stern challenge in Brazil.

by Dan Edwards

Boca Juniors players celebrate their victory over Vélez Sarsfield on penalty kicks.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Copa Superliga bursts into life as semi-final nears

18-05-2019 09:54 Racing Club and River Plate kick back into gear, Argentinos Juniors find a new lease of life and Boca squeeze past Vélez on penalties.

by Dan Edwards

Coach Mauricio Pochettino.

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Fearless Pochettino leads Spurs to Europe’s top table

11-05-2019 09:33 Argentine coach’s Tottenham Hostpur side will once again be underdogs against Liverpool in the Champions League final – but the native of Murphy, Santa Fe is used to beating the odds.

by Dan Edwards

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal during the Champions League semi-final, first leg match between FC Barcelona and Liverpool at the Camp Nou.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

World left prostrate at Messi’s virtuoso left foot

04-05-2019 08:52 We’re out of superlatives. There’s not much more to say about Barcelona’s other-wordly, unstoppable force, especially after he bagged his 600th goal this week.

by Dan Edwards

The infamous feud between Toresani (right) and Maradona.

FOOTBALLING HISTORIES

‘Segurola and Habana,’ Maradona and Toresani, feud and friendship

27-04-2019 10:21 Ex-Colón, Boca Juniors, River Plate and Independiente star Julio César Toresani was found dead this week in his hometown of Santa Fe. He was just 51 years old.

by Dan Edwards

César Luis Menotti, pictured at his unveiling as ‘Manager’ of the Argentine national football team.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Argentina’s back to the future approach must end – and soon

20-04-2019 09:40 César Menotti deserves respect for everything he’s achieved in the game. But his ideas for the Albiceleste are out of touch with modern football.

by Dan Edwards

AFA chief Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

AFA’s Frankenstein format creates another mess

13-04-2019 10:26 In a bid to fix up the Superliga, the authorities running local game have created yet another improvised stop-gap – one that does little to solve problems facing top-tier football in Argentina.

by Dan Edwards

La Academia were crowned the new kings of Argentina last Sunday after a furious end to what proved to be a decisive weekend.

ARGENTINE SUPERLIGA

Tears and cheers as Racing revel in title glory

06-04-2019 09:10 Heroes aplenty in Avellaneda as La Academia are crowned the new kings of Argentina – and it’s hard not to argue that the best team has not prevailed over the past season.

by Dan Edwards

Albiceleste coach Lionel Scaloni takes questions at a press conference in Madrid.

ARGENTINA’S NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM

AFA at panic stations as Copa América nears

30-03-2019 10:57 With less than three months to go before the Copa América kicks off in Brazil, those in charge of the Albiceleste have realised that Messi might not be able to save the national team on his own.

by Dan Edwards

Christian Bragarnik and Sebastián Beccacece.

LOCAL FOOTBALL

Conspiracy theory fun colours tight title race

23-03-2019 11:21 The rise of the Defensa y Justicia conspiracy theory – focused on the work and influence of powerful agent Christian Bragarnik – shows us it’s just a normal close race for the championship title in Argentina.

by Dan Edwards

Boca Juniors play Lanús at La Bombonera.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

AFA set to announce radical overhaul of women’s game

16-03-2019 10:55 Today, officials are expected to unveil new proposals that will redefine women’s football in Argentina. It is a modest start, but nonetheless a positive one – and it vindicates those who have pushed hard for equal treatment.

by Dan Edwards

Lionel Messi.

MESSI AND THE ALBICELESTE

The prodigal son returns for Argentina

09-03-2019 03:35 Lionel Messi’s return to the Albiceleste’s ranks draws the headlines and despite his eight-month absence, everyone will be looking to him all over again.

by Dan Edwards

Gustavo Alfaro gestures during Boca Juniors’ match against Lanús at La Bombonera.

BOCA JUNIORS

Underwhelming form means time is already ticking for Boca’s Alfaro

23-02-2019 09:31 He’s only been in the job for two months, but his background – and the team’s performances – means Gustavo’s position is already in doubt.

by Dan Edwards

Ricardo Centurión warms the bench.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Centurión commands attention as Racing’s title charge stalls

16-02-2019 10:07 Racing’s title bid hits a red-and-white speed-bump, as the ever-combustible Ricardo Centurión makes the headlines once again.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina celebrate after defeating Uruguay 2-1 on Thursday.

U-20 SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP

The kids are alright (despite AFA)

09-02-2019 10:10 Despite the chaos surrounding them, Argentina’s national under-20 team can win the South American Championship outright for the first time since 2015 – if they can defeat Brazil tomorrow.

by Dan Edwards

Defensa y Justicia’s Leonel Miranda celebrates after scoring a goal.

FOOTBALL

Defensa y Justicia continue to defy the naysayers in Superliga

02-02-2019 11:37 Florencio Varela side’s thrilling bid for the title is now the centre of attention.

by Dan Edwards

With two games in hand, it would be foolish to write off River Plate’s chances in the Superliga, but the omens do not look good.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Superliga returns for exciting 10-match sprint to the finish-line

26-01-2019 08:32 Will Boca pull themselves together to fight for a third straight crown? Can Defensa complete a fairytale? Or will Racing continue their march towards the Superliga title?

by Dan Edwards

While many accused Bielsa of being a cheat, he demonstrated his genius once again.

Spygate

Bielsa shocks UK football with ‘Spygate’ scandal

19-01-2019 08:45 ‘El Loco’ Bielsa turned the tables on his accusers with a masterful press conference explaining himself.

by Dan Edwards

Luis Rodríguez (centre) has shocked fans of Atlético Tucumán by signing for Colón de Santa Fe.

FOOTBALL

No football? No worries – transfer silly season is here!

12-01-2019 09:50 Heavyweight clubs ring the changes as player-trading begins, but it’s Luis Rodríguez, formerly of Atlético Tucumán, who raises eyebrows the most with his switch to Colón.

by Dan Edwards