Here are a few articles that caught my attention over the weekend.

Daniel Finkleman looks at the number of shots that teams take and concede inside the penalty box.

David James on footballers’ obsessions.

Gabriele Marcotti measures Wayne Rooney against various definitions of greatness.

Michael Grant debates whether the Celtic win over Benfica may have just moved Gordon Strachan up a notch or two in the managerial rankings and Celtic folklore.

Patrick Barclay considers Michel Platini’s run at the top job in Europe. This is a story that will build over the next few months until the election in January. Part of Platini's agenda appears interesting and worthwhile but his history of supporting Blatter means that his candidacy has a distinctive and unpleasant odour hanging over it.

Finally, after a weekend when we had Manchester United vs. Liverpool and Real Madrid vs. Barcelona and with the Milan derby scheduled for this coming Saturday, a question to ponder. If you had to choose one match to attend over all others, what would it be? It has to be two clubs or countries facing each other and nothing as nebulous as the World Cup Final or the FA Cup Final.

Michael #### on Australia’s self-belief.

A special piece for Ibrox. Natasha Woods on Rangers new manger Paul LeGuen.

Is the World Cup too big? Michael Grant asks that question.

Gabriele Marcotti has a look at Marcello Lippi and has some interesting background on Marco “The Matrix” Materazzi.

Marcotti again – this time on Portugal versus the Netherlands.

Gabriele Marcotti takes a look at Jose Pekerman, Coach of Argentina,  and the play of Javier Mascherano. Mascherano shone at the 2004 Copa America and it looks as if he has only improved.

The Sunday Herald has a piece on Spain.

Michael Grant looks at England's progress so far and includes a comment from former England star Trevor Steven on ####mp;T's Chris Birchall outplaying Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

A piece on Guus Hiddink and his Australian charges.

David #### looks at goings on in the Brazil camp.

Patrick Barclay reports on the USA - Italy game.

Rob Hughes comes down hard on both Italy and the US.

I hope you enjoy.