Europe's 55 football nations in one season
I’m thrilled to announce that ‘Europe United: 1 football fan. 1 crazy season. 55 UEFA nations’ will be published on 8 August. It was always an ambition to write a book that captured the unique fusion of football, travel and my almighty challenge. … Continued
55 Football Nations was completed in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. Three crucial matches saw relegation candidates Čelik try everything but only draw against Borac, Sarajevo break down Široki Brijeg’s blanket defence and, in the final match, Mladost outplay Kom in the searing Podgorica sun. Travel highlights … Continued
55 Football Nations saw matches at Maribor, Krško and Domžale in Slovenia, Puskás Akadémia in Hungary and Lokomotiva Zagreb and Istra 1961 in Croatia. There was a surprise seven goal thriller, four narrow wins, a score draw, a club shop haircut and Cat Zoo Corn. … Continued
Tall trees surrounded the still geothermal waters of Lake Hévíz. I paddled around the lily pads, hoping the minerals would soak away my strains. Hévíz was a brief stop between my second Slovenian match in Krško and Hungarian match in … Continued
55 Football Nations was interviewed by Luca Pelliccioni from the Federazione Sammarinese Giuoco Calcio for San Marino television. Dark glasses were worn to avoid the mild glare of fame. Luca was interested in the concept, challenges and conclusions of 55FN. He also … Continued
Liechtenstein is my inspiration. Reading about this defiantly independent slice of the Alps pushed my thoughts towards 55 Football Nations. This was its turn. It remains a peculiarity. FC Vaduz, the leading team, pay to play in the second tier … Continued
55 Football Nations saw Sevilla outclassed at home to Atlético and doughty in Málaga. The famous Portuguese camera ban restricted efforts at Porto and Vitória. Moody clouds, players and fans were captured at second division Varzim. Travel highlights include the wonderful Mezquita in Córdoba … Continued
55 Football Nations did the 1-2-3. 55FN viewed one match in France and two full games in Andorra. Three fixtures at the Victoria Stadium in Gibraltar saw exotic creatures like Lions, Lynx and Red Imps in action. Travel highlights include some … Continued
There is no rest for the wicked. 55 Football Nations experienced a whopping 14 league matches over the 28 days of February. What were the best moments from travels that covered six football nations: Malta, Italy, France, Andorra, Gibraltar and … Continued
55 Football Nations saw five draws and a narrow Floriana victory from five Maltese matches and a single Serie A encounter between Crotone and Atalanta. Over 320 consecutive minutes of goalless football were thankfully ended by Crotone’s Mandragora. Travel photos include the old … Continued