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In the hallway at the Portuguese federation's base in Oeiras near Lisbon, Roberto Martínez stands with arms outstretched, embodying the warmth of welcome that has defined his coaching career. Seventy-five days before the World Cup begins, the man whose favorite goal was against Scunthorpe at Springfield Park now leads one of football's most formidable nations, with matches against Mexico and the United States serving as final preparation for the tournament.Martínez's journey to this moment defied conventional expectations. Arriving in England in 1995 as a 21-year-old unknown who didn't speak English, he recalls the cultural shock: 'You've spent your whole life learning you have to look after the ball, then you get there and the first thing they say is: 'Second ball'.' The Spanish midfielder, who would later be dubbed one of the 'Three Amigos' at Wigan, embraced the challenge with an attitude that has defined his career: 'Why not?'From his humble beginnings at Wigan, where he helped win the Third Division and Football League Trophy, Martínez has carved an extraordinary path through football. His coaching career took him through Swansea, Belgium—where he led the team to the world's No. 1 ranking—and now Portugal, where he has inherited a squad filled with exceptional talent. 'Portugal is a football school,' he explains, 'Ten million people and yet they fill the world's best dressing rooms.'Central to Portugal's World Cup aspirations is Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary forward who has given 21 years to the national team. Martínez dismisses the notion that Ronaldo's pursuit of 1,000 career goals defines his motivation, instead emphasizing the 40-year-old's unwavering commitment: 'Cristiano's attitude is always: 'I'm here for the national team, whatever you need.' The coach reveals that despite a current hamstring injury, Ronaldo's absence is merely a two-week pause before his return to action.Portugal enters the World Cup as one of the favorites, with a squad boasting captains from Manchester United, Porto, Manchester City, and four key players from European champions Paris Saint-Germain. 'Winning the Nations League was very good for us,' Martínez notes, referring to their victory against Spain, the world's No. 1 team and European champions. 'I wouldn't say there's an anxiety in Portugal to win the World Cup; I would say it's excitement, hope.'The coach's meticulous preparation extends to every detail, including playing at altitude in closed stadiums to simulate World Cup conditions. His selection process reflects both compassion and pragmatism: 'I'll choose a list of 26 and four others who know they are on standby.' This approach, he believes, creates a more positive environment when injuries occur.Martínez acknowledges the unique challenges of a 48-team World Cup spanning 50 days, noting: 'No scientific study would deny a human is changed by that.' Yet he remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from Portugal's football history and the numerological significance of 2026—sixty years since Eusébio's World Cup performance. 'It's all sixes. Let's dream. Why not?' he concludes, embodying the philosophy that has taken him from Spanish unknown to Portugal's World Cup dreamer.

The film 'They Will Kill You' is a satirical take on the beat-em-up genre, offering a mix of gore, bad jokes, and deja vu. The story revolves around Asia, a new maid at the Virgil, a satanic co-op residence in New York, where she must navigate a world of satanic rituals and eternal life.The film's tone is pitched between a bloodbath and bath time, with a boyish strain of immaturity dominating the creative force. This is evident in the giddy, inventive approach to violence, where the narrative device of immortality unshackles the filmmaker from the laws of physics. The film's antic gore peaks with an extended interlude following a disembodied eyeball as it rolls down corridors and slingshots itself up an elevator shaft.The adolescent quality runs deeper than that, manifesting more overtly in the potty-mouthedness of the script and the ostentatious stylistic flourishes that are hand-me-downs from other filmmakers. The film's supporting cast is haphazardly assembled and half-assedly differentiated from one another, with Heather Graham and Tom Felton getting the most to do.Despite its sprightly fight choreography and retro synth arpeggios, the film's invoked inspirations and story components err on the side of the popular and well-trod. The received shtick grows worn before long, and the film's attempts at humor often fall flat. A good rule of (severed) thumb: if you're going to make a character quote Monty Python's immortal 'just a flesh wound' bit, you must yourself be capable of originally generating something at least as funny.

Wales coach Craig Bellamy has urged his team to stay calm and focused ahead of their crucial World Cup playoff semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday. Drawing inspiration from Usain Bolt's approach to high-pressure situations, Bellamy emphasized the need for his players to remain relaxed and composed under pressure.Bellamy, who has been in charge of Wales for nearly two years, believes that his team has the ability to perform at their best when they are calm and focused. He cited their seventh-ranked possession statistics in European countries since he took over, highlighting their ability to control games. The team has also shown resilience, with Ethan Ampadu deputizing for injured captain Ben Davies.The prize for success in the playoff is a spot at successive World Cups, which would not only bring prestige but also a significant financial boost and a positive impact on grassroots football in Wales. Bellamy is aware of the challenges posed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, having researched their background, culture, and squad composition. He noted that 11 of their 35-man squad were born in Bosnia, while the others come from the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden.Bellamy expressed his confidence in his team's abilities, stating that “there won't be any regrets” regardless of the outcome. He emphasized that his team will give their all and that he is prepared for all possible outcomes. The coach also highlighted the importance of enjoying the experience and not letting pressure get to them, saying, “If you can't enjoy this and you only feel pressure, you ain't made for elite sport.”Wales' last experience in a playoff ended in pain, with Wojciech Szczesny being Poland's hero. However, Bellamy is determined to build a team capable of competing for top spot in qualifying and avoiding the need for playoffs in the future.

Mark Simmons, a rising star in the comedy world, has made a name for himself with his quick wit and clever one-liners. In a recent interview, Simmons opened up about his journey as a comedian, his inspirations, and his latest tour, Jest to Impress.Simmons' love affair with comedy began when he was starting out. He devoured DVDs and videos of standups, drawn to those who dared to be different. Stewart Lee, Rhod Gilbert, Lee Mack, and Noel Fielding were among his early inspirations. Simmons' own style is characterized by his ability to craft clever one-liners and gags, earning him the title of Dave's Joke of the Fringe winner in 2024.When it comes to writing new material, Simmons has a keen eye for wordplay. He recalls a conversation with a friend that sparked a joke, showcasing his ability to find humor in everyday life. Simmons' process involves collecting notes and ideas, which he then crafts into jokes.Simmons has had his fair share of memorable gigs, including a standout performance at Glastonbury festival and a recent show at Nottingham Playhouse, where he performed to a sold-out crowd of 700 people. His show, Jest to Impress, is a celebration of silliness and wordplay, offering audiences a chance to forget their worries and have a laugh.Simmons also hosts a podcast where he discusses jokes that haven't quite landed. He shares an example of a joke that works on paper but not in front of an audience, highlighting the challenges of comedy. While awards like Dave's Joke of the Fringe are fun, Simmons acknowledges that they can be reductive, but he's proud to be the undefeated champion.Jest to Impress is currently on tour in the UK and Ireland until November 28. Fans of Simmons can catch him live, enjoying his unique brand of comedy that promises to leave audiences laughing and entertained.

Pep Guardiola was given the opportunity to engage in pre-match mind games with rival coach Mikel Arteta ahead of Manchester City's meeting with Arsenal in the English League Cup final on Sunday. However, he chose not to take the bait.Instead, Guardiola shifted the focus to global issues, stating, “Look what’s happened around the world. We have an incredible chaos and nobody moves one finger. Everything is behind the scenes. The world is going to collapse and still we are here talking about dark arts.”This comment recalled a previous flashpoint between the teams in September 2024, when Arsenal's tactics drew criticism from several City players following a 2-2 draw. Midfielder Bernardo Silva described Arsenal's players as pushing “the limits of what was possible to do,” while defender John Stones said they “break up the game which upsets the rhythm.” Full back Kyle Walker, no longer at City, referred to Arsenal's perceived tactics as “dark arts.”Guardiola praised Arsenal's evolution and “solidarity,” noting they are in contention to win four trophies this season as the Premier League leader by nine points and having advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League and FA Cup. He described Arsenal as an “exceptional team” and acknowledged the challenge they pose.Arteta, who previously worked under Guardiola at City from 2016-19, acknowledged that their relationship “had to” change due to their current roles as rivals. However, he expressed his enduring respect for Guardiola, citing his “inspiration” since he was young.

Richard Kind, a versatile actor known for his roles in films like 'Inside Out' and TV shows such as 'Only Murders in the Building', is set to take the stage in London's West End in Mel Brooks' musical 'The Producers'. Kind will play the role of Max Bialystock, a charismatic and cunning Broadway producer, at the Garrick theatre from March 23 to May 9.Kind, who has a reputation for his dynamic performances, describes his interpretation of Max as a 'big bear' who 'lumber' across the stage, drawing inspiration from Zero Mostel, who originated the role in the 1967 film. He contrasts his approach with that of Nathan Lane, who played the role on Broadway, saying, 'Nathan glides. I'm a big bear. I lumber.'The actor, who has had a long and varied career in both comedy and drama, notes that theatre offers him a chance to take on more challenging roles. 'I'm at the point where I can say 'no' to a stage role unless it's challenging,' he explains. Kind's extensive experience includes work with Second City, the Chicago improvisational troupe, and roles in sitcoms like 'Spin City' alongside Michael J Fox.Kind also opens up about his friendship with George Clooney, a close pal who has been publicly criticized by Donald Trump. Kind expresses his protectiveness towards Clooney and his disdain for Trump, showcasing his strong opinions and 'ugly' language when discussing the former president.With his characteristic wit and candor, Kind reflects on his career, stating, 'I'm all over the place! Nobody works more than me.' His performance in 'The Producers' promises to be a highlight of London's theatre scene this season.

When Resident Evil emerged in the mid-1990s, it stood in stark contrast to the prevailing gaming landscape. The PlayStation and Saturn consoles were dominated by bright, arcade-style games like Daytona and Tekken, while Japanese publisher Capcom was primarily known for Street Fighter and Mega Man sequels. Scary games were rare at the time and mostly confined to the PC, making Capcom's horror title Biohazard (the Japanese name for the series) a radical departure that caught the attention of games journalists.Three decades later, the series has not only survived but flourished, becoming one of gaming's most successful franchises. Resident Evil has sold more than 180 million copies worldwide, with 11 core titles, numerous spinoffs and remakes, plus extensive film, television, and anime tie-ins. Its characters and monsters have become cultural icons, with its design tropes now embedded in gaming practice.The origins of Resident Evil can be traced back to 1989's Sweet Home, a Capcom role-playing game for the Famicom (Japanese NES). The game featured a group of filmmakers searching a haunted mansion for valuable artifacts, and while it was a modest domestic success, it never received an international release. However, senior producer Tokuro Fujiwara couldn't let go of his vision for horror as a distinct game genre."We have Tokuro Fujiwara to thank for the existence of Resident Evil," says Alex Aniel, author of acclaimed Resident Evil history book Itchy, Tasty. "He directed Sweet Home having believed that horror could become its own game genre, but wasn't satisfied with its rudimentary portrayal. He wanted to give horror another try once the technology was there to allow it – that opportunity finally arrived with the release of the original PlayStation."In 1993, young producer Shinji Mikami was brought in to oversee a horror game project inspired by Sweet Home. He expanded the haunted mansion concept, drawing influence from George A Romero's Dead trilogy and Alone in the Dark, creating a world haunted not by ghouls but by zombies, mutants, and monsters. The heroes were an experienced SWAT team investigating disappearances at a rural mansion owned by the sinister scientific organization: Umbrella Corp.The original vision for full real-time 3D visuals proved too ambitious for PlayStation hardware, leading Mikami and programmer Yasuhiro Anpo to develop a compromise: 3D characters combined with prerendered 2D backgrounds viewed from fixed camera angles. This restricted, expressionistic style emphasized the intense claustrophobia of the environment, with information always kept from the player by blind corners and shadowy doorways.This combination of tension, omission, and restriction is fundamental to Resident Evil's success as a horror franchise. Even as the camera evolved to over-the-shoulder views and first-person perspectives, characters remained vulnerable. Ammo, save points, and health items are jealously rationed, with extremely restricted inventories. This approach makes Resident Evil operate more like classic horror literature than a typical power fantasy video game.The series has also expertly referenced horror conventions while paying homage to its inspirations. "Kamiya's biggest source of inspiration came from Alien and especially its sequel, Aliens," says Aniel of Hideki Kamiya, who directed Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil Zero. "For example, in Resident Evil 2, humans infected with the G-virus grow a parasite that eventually ruptures their host and emerges from within, growing into deadly creatures."Resident Evil has also demonstrated remarkable versatility in exploring different horror genres – gothic horror in its mansions and monstrous enemies, sci-fi horror in its biological experiments, and folk horror in its sinister villages and religious cults. This comprehensive approach allows it to mirror societal fears, a point underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic."The Covid pandemic reminded us just how real our fear of viruses should be," says Bernard Perron, professor of cinema and video games at the University of Montreal. "In that sense, the fear of a corrupt corporation like Umbrella, along with mad scientists who do not necessarily have humanity's best interests at heart, continues to resonate. These anxieties remain deeply embedded in our posthumanist societies."Throughout its evolution, Resident Evil has maintained a balance between familiarity and innovation. Characters like Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield, and Leon Kennedy provide continuity – relatable but cool figures who spout wry jokes like Hollywood heroes. Meanwhile, charismatic antagonists such as Albert Wesker, Lord Osmund Saddler, and Lady Dimitrescu ensure consistent engagement.The series also excels in pacing and structure, carefully delineating between exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat sections. Locations are filled with beautiful details – lavish furniture, eerie oil paintings, ornate gardens – making exploration pleasurable. After intense battles, players can retreat to safe spaces like Save Rooms, creating a rhythm that prevents fatigue."The series offers deep and entertaining gameplay experiences, but with a very low barrier to entry, even for newcomers," says Aniel. "The Resident Evil games are more accessible than ever: since they are often on sale, they are affordable even for customers in emerging global markets, available on every major game platform."Ultimately, Resident Evil's longevity stems from its ability to create uncertainty while maintaining familiarity. "You know what you will get, but you also don't know," the article concludes. "Around every corner there could be a shock or there could be nothing – it's the uncertainty that gets you. It allows us to write in our own fears and anxieties, or to discover new ones we hadn't considered or acknowledged. Like all great horror fiction, Resident Evil has survived because it looks us right in the eye and says, I know what scares you. Come and see."

In 1986, thrash metal reached a critical point with landmark albums from Slayer, Megadeth, and Metallica. However, across the Atlantic, a group of teenagers were forging their own path in the genre. Kreator, Sodom, Destruction, and Tankard, dubbed the 'big four' of German thrash metal, were faster and meaner than their American counterparts.These bands made up for their lack of finesse and professionalism with sheer aggression. Destruction vocalist and bassist Marcel 'Schmier' Schirmer notes that they focused on writing songs that 'punched hard' rather than striving for musical perfection.The German thrash metal scene was marked by its rough and violent approach, with bands drawing inspiration from English heavy metal albums and American thrash metal bands like Slayer. The scene was also influenced by the political climate of the time, with the presence of the Berlin Wall and the Cold War.Bands like Formel 1 from East Germany, who released their live album Live Im Stahlwerk in 1986, were also part of the thriving metal scene. Despite the challenges faced by these bands, including limited resources and censorship, they managed to create a lasting impact on the metal genre.Today, bands like Kreator, Sodom, and Destruction continue to tour and produce new music, with Kreator's 16th album, Krushers of the World, and Destruction's upcoming US tour with Overkill and Testament. The legacy of German thrash metal remains strong, with its unbridled aggression and brutal sound continuing to influence metal musicians to this day.