# Great expectations
Last year
2022
# fall and rise
The story of how Belgium went from no-hopers to world number one
A look at the history of Belgian football as they prepare for their first World Cup match today.
# Great expectations
Co-hosting Euro 2028 could earn Irish economy €361 million boost
Meanwhile, €135 million is the projected cost for bringing the tournament to Dublin.
# Great expectations
Klopp backs Liverpool's €75 million man to realise 'incredible' potential
Darwin Nunez has had an erratic start to his career at Anfield.
# Great expectations
Despite difficult start, Liverpool 'very optimistic' about €72 million man
Darwin Nunez put in his most encouraging performance in the midweek Champions League victory over Rangers.
# Great expectations
Alexander-Arnold: Trophyless season would be massive failure for Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s side narrowly missed out on an unprecedented quadruple in the last campaign.
# Great expectations
'Why not Premier League and the Champions League?' - Conte
The Italian has set high expectations for his first full season as Tottenham manager.
# Great expectations
Holders Netherlands have to settle for draw in Euros opener
They earned a point against Sweden while in the other group game, Portugal drew 2-2 with Switzerland.
# Great expectations
Ireland's youngsters on the verge of making history
A win against Italy would see Jim Crawford’s men become the first Irish team ever to qualify for a major tournament.
# Great expectations
'If I really want to become a world-class striker and a top player, it’s got to start now'
Michael Obafemi produced an influential display in Ireland’s win over Scotland.
# Great expectations
'The year we signed, Nottingham Forest had come third in the Premier League'
Keith Foy remembers a time when an influx of promising young Irish players moved to the City Ground club.
# Great expectations
Training with Phil Foden at Man City, returning home to Ireland and learning from Damien Duff
Aaron O’Driscoll is hoping to help Shelbourne enjoy a successful season on their return to the top flight.
# Great expectations
It’s time for Curtis Jones to start fulfilling his potential – Jurgen Klopp
The 20-year-old has endured a difficult time since October, with a freak eye injury in training being followed by a Covid-enforced absence.
# Great expectations
5 Irish players that could make a Premier League breakthrough in 2022
Evan Ferguson and others close to getting game time in the top flight.
All time
# Great expectations
‘Pep gets monthly reports on how he’s doing’ - The breakout Irish star of 2021
It’s been a phenomenal 12 months for Gavin Bazunu.
# Pressure
Can Steven Gerrard become a great manager?
The Liverpool legend makes his return to Anfield as Aston Villa manager this weekend.
# Great expectations
PSG still waiting for Lionel Messi to find Ballon d'Or form
With Neymar set for a spell on the sidelines, the responsibility on the Argentine star’s shoulders has increased.
# Great expectations
'I’d like to think I’d be ready now' - Kilkenny eyeing Ireland senior call-up
The 21-year-old has impressed for Bournemouth this season.
# Great expectations
PSG braced for Lionel Messi arrival
The 34-year-old is seen by the French giants’ Qatari owners as the vital missing piece of their frustrating Champions League puzzle.
# Great expectations
'I've never for one minute doubted his talent and I've always said he would be a senior international'
A detailed look at the rise of Shamrock Rovers’ Danny Mandroiu on the back of his recent Ireland call-up.
# Great expectations
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal's £72 million man is finally starting to settle
A double from Pepe kept the Gunners in the hunt for European football next season.
# Nathan Collins
'He wants to captain Ireland': The making of a teenage star admired by Arsenal, Man United and others
Leixlip native Nathan Collins has risen through the ranks to become one of the most highly rated young defenders in English football.
# Great expectations
Jurgen Klopp says managing players like Mohamed Salah can be 'challenging in a good way'
An interview published in Spanish media suggested the Egyptian star could be unhappy at Anfield.
# Great expectations
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Man United face ‘vital’ period to prove title credentials
The Red Devils responded well to crashing out of the Champions League at RB Leipzig last week.
# Great expectations
The Irish teen sensation who joined Liverpool in their '80s pomp
Brian Mooney chats to The42 about his early days at Anfield, becoming a cult hero with Preston and why a big move to Sunderland didn’t work out.
# Great expectations
8 expectations I had about giving birth - and how the reality measured up
Visiting hours don’t apply when you have a C-section, right? Wrong.
# Great expectations
Stephen Kenny backs 17-year-old Spurs striker Parrott to 'come alive' in Tallaght tonight
Ireland face Armenia in a European Championship qualifier this evening.
# Great expectations
Harry Maguire gives new-look Man United plenty of cause for optimism
The Red Devils began their campaign today with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Chelsea.
# Great expectations
The Southampton teenager aiming to help guide Ireland to the Euro U19 semi-finals
Kameron Ledwidge is expected to feature in his side’s crucial clash with Czech Republic later today.
# talking point
'You can change the manager, but cannot change the players' - Danish taunts could inspire Ireland
Age Hareide’s men are in confident mood ahead of tonight’s game.
# Great expectations
'Our main goal is to win the tournament and make history happen'
There is a positivity within the Ireland U17 squad epitomised by captain Seamas Keogh.
# Great expectations
What has happened to Alexis Sanchez?
The Manchester United star has come under fire for his disappointing performances since joining the club.
# Great expectations
'Bale will get much better' - Real Madrid boss Lopetegui
The Wales international forward is being backed by his manager to play an influential role for the Blancos in the 2018-19 campaign.
# Disappointment
What happened to Robert Lewandowski?
The Bayern Munich star was poor as Poland exited the World Cup following a 3-0 loss to Cololmbia.
# Great expectations
Irish Rugby says job advert for unpaid full-time intern that needed a masters or PhD was a 'mistake'
The high requirements for a position that is unpaid had been described as “totally wrong”.
# Great expectations
'I don’t think I would have had the career I’ve had so far if it wasn’t for that day'
Rory McIlroy has reflected on his 2011 Masters collapse as he looks forward to this year’s event.
Voices
Experiencing mothering stress and burnout? Psychologist gives advice on steps to take
Idealistic images of motherhood on social media causes mums to feel insecure and isolated, writes Niamh Delmar.
# Great expectations
Is Lukaku justifying £75m price tag at Man Utd? Premier League legend Shearer suggests not
An iconic goalscorer of the modern era believes the Belgian striker is lacking confidence and not offering enough to the collective Red Devils cause
# Great expectations
Don't expect champagne football, says unapologetic England boss
Gareth Southgate tried to assuage fans’ disappointment at his side’s lacklustre performance.
# Great expectations
What position will Robbie Brady play at Burnley and will he suit their style?
The Ireland international left Norwich and finally completed his return to the Premier League on Deadline Day.
# Great expectations
'I thought Tottenham had signed Zidane!'
Jermaine Jenas was so impressed by Adel Taarabt in training he compared him to the France legend.
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