The Green Heart Of Gaume
By Scott Coyne for On Belgian Fields
In the far south of Belgium, Royal Excelsior Virton are back in professional football after years of uncertainty. Under the ownership of N’Golo Kanté, the club is looking beyond promotion, with a renewed focus on developing local talent and strengthening its ties to the community. For a club with a troubled financial history, the ambition is that of building something that lasts.
Passing on the Roma Armband
By Richard Whittle for Richard’s Bella Italia and Calcio Substack
When Niccolò Pisilli inherited the captain’s armband during Roma’s Champions League encounter with Slovan Bratislava, he joined a tradition stretching back decades. The 22-year-old Roman marked the occasion with a goal, adding his name to a history shaped by local heroes such as Totti, De Rossi and Di Bartolomei. At Roma, the armband has always meant something more when worn by one of their own.
The Unpromotables: Germany's league champions who can't go up
By Matt Ford for the BBC
Lokomotive Leipzig have won their regional league twice in succession, yet have been denied promotion on both occasions and remain stuck in Germany’s fourth tier. Their frustration is shared by others where a growing campaign is challenging a system in which winning the league does not guarantee promotion. After all, what is the point of becoming champions if the reward for doing so is denied?
Each week on Cultured Football we pick the five great football stories from the previous seven days.
The sad surrender of General Díaz
By Ralph Hannah for Paraguay Ralph's Substack
Just eight years ago, Paraguay’s General Díaz were competing in the Copa Sudamericana and beating some of South America’s established clubs. Today, the century-old club has fallen out of league football altogether, following years of financial difficulties, mismanagement and the loss of its stadium.
A Guide To Spanish Football
By Jordan Thomas for Jordan Thomas
There is more to Spanish football than Real Madrid and Barcelona. From the pre-match anthems and half-time bocadillos to the distinct identities of clubs and their supporters, there is a football culture that varies considerably wildly from one region to another. The beauty is that, with a little planning and a willingness to explore, even a modest lower-league ground can offer a memorable afternoon.
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In Case You Missed It Here’s Last Week’s Most Read: Is possession football dying? The tactical evolution transforming the Premier League
By Lawrence Ostlere for The Independent
For much of the past decade, dominating possession was almost a prerequisite for success in the Premier League. That relationship is beginning to weaken as pressing, quick transitions and defensive organisation challenge the value of keeping the ball. Has possession football become obsolete?