The last World Cup?
Many people took exception to Fifa’s decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Vladimir Putin’s Russia, but the huge country has responded by staging a well-organised, trouble-free festival of thrilling football. And with Qatar and 48 teams looming on the horizon, it might be the last good one we get to see for a long time, writes Jonathan O’Brien
When the definitive account of the 2018 World Cup is finally written, half a dozen compelling narratives will compete strenuously for ultimate prominence. The slapstick defenestration of reigning champions Germany. The failure of another global football power – Italy – to show up at all. The final bows, almost certainly, of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The emergence of a new global superstar in Kylian Mbappé. England’s tentative, faintly surreal progression to the latter stages....
Subscribe from just €1 for the first month!
Exclusive offers:
All Digital Access + eReader
Trial
€1
Unlimited Access for 1 Month, €19.99 Monthly thereafter
*New subscribers only
Annual
€200
€149 For the 1st Year
Unlimited Access for 1 Year
Quarterly
€55
€42
90 Day Pass
2 Yearly
€315
€248
Unlimited Access for 2 Years
Team Pass
Get a Business Account for you and your team
Related Stories
Appetite for Distraction: our pick of home entertainment
Your weekly guide to the best TV shows, movies and video games around
Radio: Newstalk tackles the pandemic with a look to Ireland’s future
The station’s Reimagining Ireland series covers some interesting subjects, but is ultimately limited by a lack of serious debate
TV Review: The star of the Irish landscape shown in all its scientific glory
The Burren was the subject of a beautifully filmed documentary narrated by Brendan Gleeson
Appetite for Distraction: our pick of home entertainment
Your weekly guide to the best shows and films on TV or on demand
