ZM’s Copa America Best XI

“The outstanding performers from July’s Copa America tournament in Argentina.” Zonal Marking

Uruguay’s momentum, Paraguay’s bumpy road, more Copa America
“Going into the Copa America, we posed questions about the campaigns of the 10 South American sides. Now that the 43rd Copa America is history, we look back to find out if the tournament came up with the answers. (Listed from winners down to the teams eliminated in the group phase) SI – Tim Vickery

Scottish Premier League 2011-12: Season Preview

“The whole of Europe is eagerly awaiting the new Scottish Premier League season which kicks-off on 23rd July. Well – no, actually they’re not. Not surprising really, given that the last campaign turned out to be a truly horrible affair for so many reasons. Hopefully this year will be more about players, teams and results, rather than referees, politics and death threats. Here’s a look ahead to 2011/12…” Just Football

Arturo Vidal and Germanic influence on modern European football

“The test of any great league isn’t the size of its TV deals or the cost of it’s latest transfer, but the quality of its exports and its ability to mould a player in to the type of world beater that can perform on any stage. Rupert Murdoch, Qatari oil dealers, and fraudulent Italian presidents will come and go, but the ability of a league to continue or produce a landscape of development will stand the test of time.” The Oval Log

PSV Eindhoven – Champions League Or Bust

Ola Toivonen
“Another disappointing end to the season saw PSV Eindhoven come third in the Eredivisie, finishing behind champions Ajax and FC Twente. Although this was enough to secure qualification for the Europa League, things could have been so much better, as the Boeren (farmers) had led the table going into the winter break. Driven forward by the exploits of Hungarian Balázs Dzsudzsák and Swede Ola Toivenen, PSV were actually the league’s highest scorers, though this was assisted by the astonishing 10-0 demolition of old rivals Feyenoord.” Swiss Ramble

Tuesday tit-bits: A Roman Affair

“Sharing is good, because it breeds a pleasant atmosphere. So with that in mind, here are some things I’ve been reading this week that you might like to take a look at. Kicking things off with A.S. Roma fan, Di Elle, who has translated (with some help) an interview with Franco Baldini. The current England general manager is in the frame to take on a role at the capital club and some interesting comments were made regarding the future running of the club – and in particular with regard to Francesco Totti’s position in the Roman hierarchy.” The Football Express

Kun can charm City’s fanbase

“The sun is rising at Eastlands as ‘Kun’ brings his special talent to Manchester City. Kun is the nickname of Sergio Aguero, the Argentine striker who in the last few days has become the latest of City’s South American signings – and potentially the best. Robinho’s capture announced the arrival of the club amongst the super-rich, while the capture of Carlos Tevez had the added cachet of annoying Manchester United.” BBC – Tim Vickery

The Gallery: Liverpool’s bulging midfield

“‘The 0-10-0 formation looks quite viable,’ reports Koichiro Yamamura” Guardian

The Joy of Six: Football on YouTube

“It’s a simple task today: we’ve chosen our six favourite football clips on YouTube, now we want to hear yours” Guardian

The big interview: Dominic Matteo

“TALK to anyone in the game about Dominic Matteo and the soundbites are always the same. ‘Decent player, never really fulfilled his potential at Liverpool, did well at Leeds though… what’s he doing now?’” Liverpool FC