Here are some words and phrases you can hear on languagecaster’s Good, Bad and Ugly section of the podcast – a review of the footballing news. For more English practice check out our worksheets, football glossary and English for football phrases.

• Unbeaten run: When a team does not lose a game for a while

Example: Chelsea’s 86-match unbeaten run at home was broken by Liverpool last week.

• Morale boosting: To help someone or something improve, to help the confidence

Example: Liverpool had a morale-boosting win over Chelsea last weekend.

• To be fired: To be sacked, to lose their job

Example: Juande Ramos was fired by Tottenham after a disastrous start to the season.

• To cap it off: When all is said and done, on top of everything else (usually positive)

Example: To cap it all off, Tottenham are planning to build a new stadium – a good week.

• To turn the corner: To improve (slightly)

Example: Tottenham are unbeaten in two matches – maybe they have turned the corner this season?

• Hats off: To admit that someone has done well, admire

Example: Damon said ‘hats off’ to Joey Barton for performing well this week.

• Inspired: An amazingly good choice, very positive

Example: I think Maradona’s appointment as manager of the Argentinian team is an inspired decision.

• To hack it: To be able to work under pressure

Example: Damon does not think that Maradona can hack it as manager of Argentina.

• Powerhouse: A very strong team

Example: Argentinian powerhouse River Plate are last in the Apertura campaign.

• The foot of the table: To be last, at the bottom

Example: Tottenham are still at the foot of the Premier League table.

• To be jeered: To be booed, to shout negative things at a player.

Example: Joey Barton was jeered by Sunderland fans as he warmed up last week.

• To be incensed: To be extremely angry

Example: Diego Simeone was so incensed at his team’s performance that he broke his hand.

• A dug out: The place where the coach and substitutes sit during the game.

Example: Diego Simeone broke his hand after punching the dug out as his team failed to win yet again.

• A Derby: A match between two local rivals

Example: The north-east derby between Sunderland and Newcastle is always a tense affair.

• To cover in glory: To act in a good way

Example: Sunderland fans did not cover themselves in glory after invading the pitch against Newcastle.