FIFA World Cup
All topics-
Qatar's foreign policy
Little emirate, big ambition
This week, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani paid his first state visit to Germany since being named emir of Qatar after his father's abdication in June 2013. The 34-year-old emir is one of the Middle East's most influential leaders, but his political course is controversial. By Anne Allmeling
-
Soccer as a force for integration
Success through diversity
Mesut Özil and his team colleagues not only represent multicultural Germany: they also serve as popular role models within German society. This shows that football should be afforded greater recognition as a force for integration, says Shohreh Karimian
-
FIFA World Cup 2014: Algeria
"My money's on Algeria and Russia"
The Algerian national squad are aiming to realise a dream at the World Cup in Brazil: to finally make it through to the second round. Algerian sports commentator Hafiz Deraji believes this is eminently possible and that Algeria and Russia will survive the group stage. He spoke to Adil Chroat
-
FIFA World Cup 2014: Iran
Lack of experience is the greatest obstacle
Vahid Hashemian played for the Iranian national squad during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. In an interview with Farid Ashrafian, he recalls the 2006 championship, compares current players with those of his own generation and considers the prospects for Iran in 2014
-
The French football star Samir Nasri
Anything but pussy-footed
The French national football team has regained its strength. And one of the players who had a large part to play in that achievement is Samir Nasri – whose family's roots lie in Algeria. Nasri's hot temper has often caused trouble – both on and off the pitch. By André Tucic
-
Mesut Özil
The polite boy with the faux-hawk
Despite a turbulent winter at Werder Bremen, the 20-year-old midfielder Mesut Özil is one of this season's biggest up-and-coming football players. His winning goal in the German cup final proved that this young man is already much more than a hopeful. By André Tucic
-
The Integrative Power of Football
Those who score, get to pray to Allah
It appears as if Islam is always perceived only as a threat. Yet, when soccer players pray to Allah, it is a popularly acclaimed declaration of faith. Nonetheless, the football pitch still has a long way to go to becoming a multicultural paradise, says Claus Leggewie
-
Portait of Sami Khedira
Origins are irrelevant in football
The professional footballer Sami Khedira holds a Tunisian and a German passport. Off the pitch, the 21-year-old midfielder from VfB Stuttgart supports integration projects. And it looks like we'll soon see him in the German kit. A portrait by André Tucic
-
Karim Benzema
The boy next door
There's no place like home – if you ask Karim Benzema, French football's diamond in the rough. He still lives at home with his parents and eight siblings and is loyal to his home team, Olympique Lyon. A portrait by André Tucic