Derek Rae

And that’s just the front page. Walt until you delve into the sports section. It’s the part that many worldwide don’t get. Köln fans (or of most clubs) just live their club as wider extension of community. Every game a 50,000 sell out & it’s a very difficult ticket to get

Always think a lot of casual observers outside Germany underestimate what makes football tick in this country, the local community factor. Köln may not be of wide interest to casual fans globally but here in the city, it’s always all about #effzeh irrespective of league/position.

Prepping for the Bundesliga weekend ahead across the border in Strasbourg, now a regular retreat when irresistible French/Alsace culture is called for! Another Dortmund home game this Saturday on the world feed as Hamburg travel to the Ruhr. 18:20 German time/17:20 UK/12:20 ET

Clear message sent by Lausanne fans to their compatriot, the embattled FIFA president.

What a fabulous way to go out here in Atlanta with a classic on @FOXSoccer Thanks to co-comm Rob Green for his spot on analysis throughout & Martin Keegan (pictured) & Andy Quinn on production. Lucky enough to have been involved professionally in every World Cup since 1990. 🙏

One of the especially enjoyable aspects of tournaments is catching up with colleagues from former endeavours. Remember BT Sport Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿?

Media centre at the Azteca. Scribbles all done. Mexico-Ecuador later.

Morning from Mexico City. On comms duty at the Azteca later with Czechia-Mexico on @FOXSoccer at 9pm ET/6pm Pacific.

That‘s 4 games down for Rob Green and me. Switzerland ran away with it in the end against the Bosnians but had to work hard for the 3 points. Thanks for watching on @FOXSoccer Back up to the Bay Area for the next game tomorrow.