Author Archives: skasiewicz

The unenviable task of remaining objective when selecting a mixed team of the European Championship finalists was more challenging than I first anticipated. Who should I select or leave out? Should it be based on merit, personal preference or performances in the tournament? The temptation was to pick an all-Italian defence but after reviewing results,Continue reading “Euro 2020 combined Italy and England XI”

The Ciro Immobile Italy conundrum remains unsolved. Prolific and irreplaceable at Lazio yet at times exasperating and ineffective for the Azzurri. The epic European Championship quarter-final victory against Belgium provided a fresh set of lowlights as evidence.  As Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella showed tenacity and technique to send Italy ahead against the Belgians, Immobile wasContinue reading “Italy’s Ciro Immobile quandary”

Thursday, July 1, 2021 It was a masterpiece in three movements. A symphony of technique and flawless execution which ignited Italy’s surge into the quarter-finals of the European Championships. Federico Chiesa’s memorable goal in extra-time against Austria provided a vital spark for the Azzurri to advance after a largely forgettable performance at Wembley. It tookContinue reading “The case for Chiesa”

편재하는 손흥 민 Jul 3, 2019 Suwon, South Korea In a nation preoccupied with corporate sponsored baseball teams, one sporting figure is omnipresent. While the batting averages and pitching statistics of the Doosan Bears, LG Twins, Samsung Lions and Kia Tigers are frenzied talking points throughout the marathon Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season, Son Heung-minContinue reading “It’s always Sonny in South Korea”

May 9, 2013 – May 12, 2013. Not for nothing is Vancouver’s motto: ‘By sea, land and air we prosper.’ I was whisked into the sky on a scintillating seaplane tour across the city, guided up mountains past grizzly bears to a viewing platform on a wind turbine and soaked to the skin whilst cyclingContinue reading “Vancouver”

December 10-12, 2009. The ride up the Floibanen funicular railway gives little indication as to the majestic view of Bergen which awaits. Ascending smoothly on a cable car carriage through tunnels carved into a mountain side at a 26 degree angle is a peculiar yet unique way of travelling. It takes less than 10 minutesContinue reading “Bergen”

Saturday, September 22 to Wednesday, September 26, 2018. Goats farting. Horses neighing. Cows mooing. Dogs barking. I’m moving more towards old man than Old MacDonald, as it’s 5am and I’m bursting. The need for a Lillian Gish is pressing. Aside from the cacophony of unfamiliar and slightly unsettling noises, there is little urge to wriggleContinue reading “Mongolia”

A giant scudetto shield hoisted triumphantly in the air. Players mobbed by jubilant supporters desperate for shirts, shorts, socks, and boots as souvenirs. Gianluca Vialli marauding around the field in his underpants as a result. Attilio Lombardo donning a wig in the dressing room to a chorus of laughter from the media gathered around him.Continue reading “Sampdoria’s scudetto”