Patrick Hollis
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Stories (50/0)
World Cup 2018
Before a ball had even been kicked in Russia, England fans across the land were saying that football is coming home. In 99 percent of cases, this was done ironically. Yet with each victory, the optimism levels crept up to a point where most of the country genuinely felt we could finish the job. We got so very close and despite the agonizing manner of the semi-final defeat, this young England squad have done their nation proud.
By Patrick Hollis6 years ago in Cleats
Croatia: The Least Surprising Dark Horses of Russia 2018
Croatia’s 3-0 win over Argentina in their second World Cup group game may have come as a shock to many in the footballing world, but to those who have kept a keen eye on the recent performances, the scoreline would have been the perfect example of how well they can play.
By Patrick Hollis6 years ago in Cleats
Preview: Groups D and E
Group D South American giants Argentina are the first up, and they should make sure not to underestimate their Group D opponents. It could well be the last World Cup for Lionel Messi and therefore his last chance to crown a magnificent career. Unfortunately, I think their final appearance in Brazil four years was the best chance for Messi to win the greatest prize in international football. They will, of course, be one of the sides to look out for. They usually always are. This is more likely when you look at some of the names in their squad. As well as Messi, Sergio Aguero Gonzalo Higuain, and Angela Di Maria will be on show in Russia and with all of these on form, the top spot in Group D will be Argentina’s for the taking.
By Patrick Hollis6 years ago in Cleats
Group C Preview
France are first up in group C. The hosts and losing finalists of Euro 2016 will be up for righting those wrongs in Russia. Two years ago, they fell at the final hurdle to a determined and well-drilled Portuguese side. Despite the defeat, they showed that their exciting and young squad is good enough to battle with the best in Europe. This summer, they’ll show that they can take on the world. A glance at this squad will tell you that they are a side lined with talent. Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, and Blaise Matuidi will undoubtedly create endless chances whilst simultaneously running the midfield and showing they are capable of scoring one or two themselves. There was a scare just days before the tournament began when Kylian Mbappe picked up an injury in training. It would be a blow for him to miss the tournament; however, it can be argued that they’ll probably have enough depth. Possible candidates to replace the PSG forward include Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir, so scoring goals won’t be an issue.
By Patrick Hollis6 years ago in Cleats
Star Wars: A Han Solo Story
In the days leading up to watching the film dedicated to the galaxy's most loveable smuggler, I’d read mainly positive comments and reviews. The second of Disney’s origin type Star Wars stories is highly entertaining and gives a fresh, deeper dive the galaxy far, far away.
By Patrick Hollis6 years ago in Futurism
US/North Korea Summit: Historic Agreement Would Be First of Many Steps to Peace
The impending meeting of Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un is arguably one of the most significant in modern times. It shows either that old enemies are genuinely willing to discuss issues in person around a table rather than go to war, or perhaps it is the realisation that a war of the nuclear kind would crown no side ‘the winner.’
By Patrick Hollis6 years ago in The Swamp
Interrailing in... Amsterdam
Passing over the border, our next destination had us on another six hour train journey. The carriage wasn’t quite as busy as Stuttgart to Berlin, and the early journey across Berlin had made me incredibly grateful to sit down in my seat.
By Patrick Hollis6 years ago in Wander
Interrailing in... Gent and Bruges
Our next stop on our Interrailing journey across Europe would be perhaps the least touristy of our destinations. This was down mainly to the fact we would be spending a lot of time with our Belgian friends who were familiar with Gent.
By Patrick Hollis6 years ago in Wander