The Daily Five — Wednesday, 12 August 2026
The set the whole world played that day, with answers and the stories behind them.
1 of 5 · Records
Which country has won the most World Cups?
- Brazil
- Germany
- Italy
- Argentina
Five titles: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002.
2 of 5 · Quotes
Which player famously said football is a simple game, 22 men chase a ball and at the end the Germans win?
- Gary Lineker
- Bobby Charlton
- Alan Shearer
- Paul Gascoigne
3 of 5 · Managers & Tactics
Sacchi's Milan announced the death of defensive Italian football with a 5-0 European Cup semi-final demolition in 1989. Who were the victims?
- Real Madrid
- Bayern Munich
- Steaua Bucharest
- Werder Bremen
After a 1-1 draw at the Bernabéu, Milan's pressing machine tore Madrid apart at San Siro , Ancelotti, Rijkaard, Gullit, Van Basten and Donadoni all scored , before Steaua were swept aside 4-0 in the final.
4 of 5 · Managers & Tactics
In which match did Guardiola first move Messi into the false nine role?
- The 6-2 win at Real Madrid in May 2009
- The 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United
- The 5-0 Clásico against Mourinho's Madrid in 2010
- The 2009 Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao
Guardiola had explained the plan to Messi at the training ground the day before, and about ten minutes into the Clasico the switch came: Eto'o moved wide, Messi dropped into the space between Madrid's lines, scored twice in the 6-2 rout, and the false nine era of football had begun.
5 of 5 · Laws
How many players from one team are on the pitch at kick-off, including the goalkeeper?
The number this whole almanac is built around.
Play today's five