In praise of Vasas’s ingenious, mercurial forward.
Cult Heroes: Ádám Balajti
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Tag Archives: football
Groundhopping in Bahrain #1 – Hamad Town (Al Ittifaq vs. Tadamun Buri)
The first place on my Bahraini groundhopping tour is Hamad Town Stadium, home of – I think – both of today’s teams. It’s often hard to work out who plays where in Bahrain because a lot of the games default to the National Stadium. I’m not sure why, but I’ll no doubt find out. It can’t be for logistical reasons as you can travel between the two furthest grounds in 25 minutes.
Continue readingThe Brazilians in Bahrain
By Daniel Cochran
Brazil in the late 70s and early 80s are often cited as the greatest team not to win a World Cup. With players such as Sócrates, Zico and Falcão starring in midfield, the Brazilians had fans flocking to see them play on their many worldwide travels. A friendly match against the Seleção was not just a stern test, but also a feather in the cap of a country’s FA – and a strong step towards footballing legitimacy.
Continue readingKing Kazu: Evergreen Striker Signs New Contract at 52
Older than most forward lines combined, Japanese footballing great Kazu Miura has signed a new contract with Yokohama FC at the autumnal age of 52. Already the oldest professional player in the world, Miura will continue at the newly-promoted team in what will be only their second season ever in the J1 League.
Continue readingThe Football Tourist’s Guide to Budapest
Planning a visit to Budapest this year? Fancy heading to a match in Hungary’s capital? Sure, it might not be Old Trafford on a Saturday afternoon or a Champions League encounter at the Bernabéu, but Hungarian football has its own unique charms. Here’s the lowdown on how and where to see the beautiful game. Whether you want a fiery top-flight derby or a unique grassroots experiece, this article has got you covered.
Continue readingVasas Come Home – The Opening of the Rudolf Illovszky Stadium
After nearly three years of lodging in Újpest, Vasas finally returned home to Angyalföld (District XIII) this month.
Continue readingAn Interview With Botond Birtalan
Since I’ve been watching Vasas I’ve been astonished by the club’s openness and support. I got to go on a stadium tour, have been welcomed by the supporters clubs and last week I was able to interview Vasas’s free-scoring attacking midfielder Botond Birtalan at the club’s home in District XIII.
Continue readingBoro and Vasas: Two very different failures
We’re a day removed from the promotion chances of the both my home and adopted teams going up in smoke. Middlesbrough seemed to be heading for the playoffs before a late Derby charge put paid to their hopes, while Vasas didn’t do themselves any favours by dropping 5 vital points this week. Although Vasas still have two games remaining, a 6 point deficit means there’s next to no way they’re getting out of NBii this year.
Continue readingA plague on both your defences (Vasas FC vs. Vác)
Last year I found myself holding two human skulls. The people they were formerly attached to had died from the plague, and I had to identify who was who in order to save another life. I worked quickly; measuring jawbones, assessing facial features and trying not to think about the incessant tick of the clock. I was running out of time…
Comeback Kings (Vasas FC vs. Balmazujvaros Sport)
I got to see the inside of a Hungarian public hospital last week; a hernia surgery meaning I missed the last few Vasas matches. Whilst the aesthetic was a wee bit Cold War and the welcome not as warm as the dear old NHS, I am now the proud owner of three small scars and a fixed stomach – thanks to the staff at Péterfy Kórház for that. And so I managed to get myself up and about in time to see Vasas play Balmazujvaras, a team determined to take top spot from Nyiregyhaza in the “teams whose names I can’t pronounce” stakes.
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