National Pride

Ghana international Joseph Paintsil has expressed his willingness to continue giving his all to the Black Stars anytime he is called upon. The LA Galaxy winger who missed out on the 2022 World Cup squad has struggled to stay fit in recent times, thereby making his place in the team contentious.However, for Joseph Paintsil, wearing the Ghana jersey goes beyond personal ambition – it's a duty to his nation and its fans.“I’m playing for the people of Ghana and not an individual person,” the Los Angeles Galaxy winger said, his voice firm with conviction.As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Paintsil’s words echo the sentiment of many Ghanaian players preparing to fight for their place in Carlos Queiroz’s squad.The new Black Stars head coach has promised a fresh era built on merit, discipline, and passion — qualities Paintsil has consistently displayed in both club and international football.Since arriving in Major League Soccer, Paintsil has lit up the pitch with his pace, creativity, and hunger to make a difference. His performances for LA Galaxy have reignited conversations about his importance to the national team, especially after his controversial omission from Ghana’s 2022 World Cup roster.Now,...

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A country that was not recognised by FIFA 10 years ago is 90 minutes from sport's biggest stage and the symbolism goes far beyond the pitch

Argentina’s national team is on top of the world after a World Cup and Copa América titles. Yet at home, many fans feel their own leagues no longer look hone

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In today’s episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore one of the most powerful stories in football history: Zambia’s remarkable triumph at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Jonathan, who covered the 2012 tournament on the ground, shares firsthand reflections of what he calls the most emotional press box moment he’s ever experienced. Nineteen years after a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of their national squad, Zambia rose from the ashes to claim continental glory. This episode retraces their journey - from the tragedy off the coast of Gabon in 1993, the rebuilding efforts led by legendary captain Kalusha Bwalya, right through to their unforgettable victory on penalties in the very same country that witnessed their darkest hour. 00:00 The Final Match: A Battle Beyond the Pitch 00:15 Introduction to an Inspiring and Tragic Football Story 00:36 Zambia's Uplifting Victory After Tragedy 02:26 The 1993 Plane Crash: A National Tragedy 04:37 Zambia's Football Rise in the Late 80s 08:15 The Aftermath of the Crash and the Struggle for Resources 18:42 Rebuilding the Team: The Role of Kaia and New Coaches 24:01 The 2012 African Cup of Nations Journey 25:06 The Quarterfinals and Beyond 27:01 Gabon vs. Mali: A Penalty Heartbreak 27:30 Unexpected Journey to Bata 31:12 Ghana's Complacency and Zambia's Rise 38:38 The Emotional Beach Ceremony 40:27 The Dramatic Final Against Ivory Coast 51:10 Zambia's Historic Victory 52:16 Reflecting on the Significance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary Argentine football and culture writer Marcela Mora y Araujo joined Joe Molloy live from Buenos Aires to give the Argentine reaction to their victory in the World Cup final on Sunday. Football with thanks to Sky Ireland.

On today’s episode of Greatest Games, in association with The Blizzard, we look back to a match that represented a symbolic moment in the modern histories of two nations. The Sunday Times’ Ian Hawkey joins us to discuss Zimbabwe's first qualifying fixture for the 2014 African Cup of Nations, a match played in his then-local Harare. Bruce Grobbelaar, who hadn’t represented his native Zimbabwe for several years, was called up on the same weekend that the Premier League began and a bench spot under new signing David James beckoned. He decided to fly to Harare just three days before the game and, after much political deliberation around his dual citizenship status, he was allowed to play. This strengthened the side’s Premier League connection, as Coventry City’s Peter Ndlovu also played for the country and excelled in this game. This marked the arrival of Zimbabwe’s ‘Dream Team’, a national side that will be remembered with a folkloric appreciation, as they dismantled a new-look South Africa side in front of nearly 50,000 fans in their national stadium and set their sights on a historic international achievement. For more stories from the annals of football history, visit www.theblizzard.co.uk to explore their archives that contain over 700 articles of stories just like this one! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.