World Football

Bernd Stange has one goal above all others when he leads Syria into the finals ; to put a smile back on the faces of the country's war-ravaged people. The veteran German manager was lured out of retirement this year to take charge of the Syrians as they seek to build on their remarkable run to the verge of qualifying for their first World Cup finals last year.

Awer Mabil's journey from life as a refugee in a hut built out of mud to scoring on his international debut is the stuff dreams are made of. The 23-year-old grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya, where hunger and cramped conditions were everyday problems for his family. After moving to Australia as part of a humanitarian programme, he was subjected to racism as he tried to make it as a footballer. But he has come through it all to represent the defending champions at the finals in the UAE.

Plus the India coach Stephen Constantine and goal-keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

(Picture: Syrian team before their World Cup qualifier against Australia. Credit: Getty Images)

The former Liverpool, Roma and Norway footballer John Arne Riise looks back on his career and remembers the many highlights, such as the 'Miracle in Istanbul'. Yet despite his achievements, Riise had to overcome bullying, insecurity and loneliness to get to the top. And his career was nearly put in jeopardy when a team mate attacked him with a golf club.

(Photo: VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)

Former South Africa international Shaun Bartlett talks about his meetings with Nelson Mandela. Plus, Heather O'Reilly Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie discuss Jose Mourinho's sacking and the relevance of the FIFA Club World Cup.

(Photo: ANNA ZIEMINSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Former Tottenham and Cameroon player Sébastien Bassong talks about the racism he has suffered. Mani Djazmi reports from the postponed Copa Libertadores final in Madrid. Plus, the Belgian defender Thomas Foket tells us how a routine medical led to an unpleasant surprise.

Mani Djazmi hosts the show from Madrid where River Plate and Boca Juniors are set to play the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final Sunday.

The match was postponed twice after River fans attacked the Boca team bus and has now been moved more than 6000 miles from Buenos Aries.

Mani will be joined by Heather O’Reilly, Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie to discuss the Ballon d'Or, Cameroon losing the right to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, this weekend's MLS Cup final and the rest of this week's top global football stories. Plus we'll hear from the former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise and the Sevilla defender and Denmark international Simon Kjaer.

Photo: General view the Monumental Stadium when the second leg of the final of the Copa Libertadores was due to take place in November 2018.

The story of the Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors, which was controversially postponed following an attack on the Boca team bus. We also hear from the Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez, who reflects on his career highlights.

(Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

World Football comes from Buenos Aires, ahead of the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final between fierce rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate on Saturday. This is South America’s Champions League and, with the match currently tied at 2-2 on aggregate, it’s hard to over-hype what a contest this will be!

Mani Djazmi is joined by former Scotland winger Pat Nevin and ex-Nigeria international Peter Odemwingie - and World Cup winner with the USA, Heather O’Reilly, makes a brief appearance whilst she celebrates Thanksgiving in America. BBC Mundo correspondent Daniel Pardo tells us why the rivalry between Boca and River is about more than just football and we’ll hear from the Argentine brothers who will put family ties aside on Saturday as they cheer for different teams.

And the former AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf tells Mani about being in charge of the men’s African champions, Cameroon, and why it's important to leave a legacy behind in football.

Photo: A supporter shows off his ticket for the Copa Libertadores final (Getty Images)

Heather O'Reilly, Peter Odemwingie and Pat Nevin discuss the big football stories. Should TV cameras be allowed in the dressing room? The education of playing abroad and why you're never to old for a kick-about.

Heather O'Reilly, Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie join Mani Djazmi to discuss the week's biggest stories. We also hear from controversial French referee Tony Chapron and the players of Kenyan champions Gor Mahia.

World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly, former Premier League striker Peter Odemwingie and Pat Nevin once of Chelsea, Everton and Scotland swap stories about football's biggest rivalries. And presenter Mani Djazmi takes a trip to the Soweto Derby, where he meets the South African George Best.