Croatia v Greece
The Nations and Balls alternative preview to the play-off that a Croatia legend called the “worst possible draw.”
Choosing between hospitals, schools and stadiums
As a Paraguayan legend came out to condemn his nation’s bid for the World Cup, a few words about the last two cups played in South America.
Ewald Lienen
A West German footballer who was labelled a ‘Communist’ found himself leading a march against a G20 meeting.
Partizan Belgrade v Skenderbeu Korce
The Nations and Balls alternative preview of a UEFA Europa League fixture that’s what match officials’ headaches are made of.
A narrow escape, a triumph and two tragedies
The night when football held its breath in shock, but also remembered why it is the beautiful game.
Caught between club and country
Two Iranian footballers faced punishment by their football federation over playing in a Europa League tie against the ‘enemy.’
Oleguer Presas
A few weeks before Catalonia holds its independence referendum, we take a quick look at the most left-wing right back.
When Croats and Serbs cried together
It seems hard to believe that once the fans and players of Hajduk Split and Red Star Belgrade were crying together over a common hero.
Banners, fireworks, and fines
Our monthly round-up of fan violence, racist behaviour and illicit banners that drew UEFA’s attention features Legia, Hajduk, and Partizan. Every month Nations and Balls will provide you with a review of matches that led to fines and stadium bans by UEFA’s disciplinary committee. Our first edition coincides with the qualification rounds for Europe’s club football competitions and predictably has […]
