Introduction
Editor’s Note – Jonathan Wilson
Jonathan Wilson’s Editor’s Note from Issue Twenty Two
Crossword – Donk
The cryptic crossword from Issue Twenty Two
Interview
The Dentist of Medellín – Carl Worswick
Francisco Maturana discusses René Higuita, the drug lords and how he reinvented the game in his homeland
Tournaments
Second Class – Jonathan Wilson
Portugal should not be begrudged their win, but Euro 2016 raised serious questions about international football
Our Turn – Tom Williams
After years of near misses and abjection, Wales fans finally could enjoy a tournament
Where Now For Iceland? – Paul Brown
Was it a one off, or can Iceland establish themselves as a major force in European football?
Photo Essay: Euro 2016 – Stuart Roy Clarke
A journey through the tournament, reflecting on France and travelling fans’
The Curse Goes On – Rik Sharma
Another final, another defeat for Argentina as Chile triumphed in the Copa América Centenario
New Ground
Light In The Darkness – Shaul Adar
Football, family and the improbable success of Hapoel Be’er Sheva
On, Stanley, On! – Brian Oliver
Property, plastics and the improbable resurrection of Accrington Stanley
Do You Know The Way? – Sam Wetherall
What San Jose Earthquakes tell us about the condition of Major League Soccer
Football Hustlers – Paul Brown
The doomed attempts to establish a football league in the USA in the 19th century
The White Legs Of Glory – Sergio Levinsky
How Plaza Colonia went from the brink of bankruptcy to winning the Uruguayan Clausura
Leaders
Nobody’s Perfect – Richard Jolly
A consideration of Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City reign by the man who transcribed him best
Leader Of The Flock – Michael Yokhin
Igor Netto was a difficult man but his toughness was vital in shaping Spartak Moscow
The Unlucky Man – Tom Collomosse
Alessandro Nesta was highly respected and hugely successful but his was a career dogged by misfortune
The Politician – Juliet Jacques
Lilian Thuram talks about 1998, social cohesion and the importance of football as a political tool
Greatest Games
Ireland 1 Netherlands 0 – Arthur O’Dea
World Cup qualifier, Lansdowne Road, Dublin, 1 September 2001
Eight Bells
10-Man Performances – Greg Lea
A selection of exceptional displays by teams who have ended up with a numerical disadvantage
