Xavi Hernandez on Tuesday announced his retirement from the Spanish national team at the age of 34. The Barcelona midfielder, who has decided to play on under new coach Luis Enrique,represented his country 133 times, a record for an outfielder. Xavi was a central figure for Spain as it won the 2010 World Cup and […]
world cup 2014
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
FA Issues Head Injury Protocol for Next Season
On the heels of a World Cup that saw several players lose consciousness or suffer concussion, the English FA on Tuesday issued strict guidelines regarding head injuries for players in its leagues.The new FA document mandates that any player that suffers a confirmed loss of consciousness must be removed from the field of play and […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
What They're Saying: Mark Geiger
“It was very strange, with the way [Brazil] walked out on the field and just their emotional level, you could feel it and it was different from the other matches they played. When Germanystarted dominating the game the way they did and putting in the goals, the benches actually were very calm. The crowd was […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
World Cup coaches, who's staying, who's leaving
[MAKING A LIST] Jorge Pinto became the 12th coach to definitively leave the team he coached at the World Cup as he resignedas head coach of Costa Rica, which he took to the quarterfinals. The shock move came after he said he was tired of sleeping “with the enemy for a year and a half” […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Ranieri Named Greece Coach
Claudio Ranieri on Friday signed a two-year deal to manage Greece. The 62-year-old Italian replaces Fernando Santos, who quit after guiding Greece to the round of 16 at the World Cup.Ranieri, 62, had been out of work after parting ways with AS Monaco at the end of last season. Ranieri has formerly been coach of […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Pinto Quits Costa Rica
Jorge Luis Pinto, who guided Costa Rica to a surprise quarterfinal finish at the World Cup in Brazil, has decided to quit his post after failing to agree to a new contract. The Costa Ricansoccer federation (FCF) on Thursday confirmed the Colombian tactician’s departure. On his Web site, Pinto announced the departure in acrimonious circumstances, […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Maradona Blasts Argentina's Coaching Decisions
Former Argentina captain Diego Maradona, who famously inspired the Albiceleste to World Cup glory at the 1986 tournament in Mexico, blasted Argentine soccer federation (AFA) presidentJulio Grondona for his coaching choices following Argentina’s failure to recapture the World Cup title at this year’s tournament in Brazil, where the South American giant lost 1-0to Germany in […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Report: CAS Could Reduce Suarez Ban
An unnamed source from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) tells Goal.com that Luis Suarez’s four-month ban for biting could be reduced, allowing the newly signed Barcelona striker toplay in the club’s first game of the 2014-15 La Liga season. The 27-year-old Uruguay international was fined 100,000 Swiss francs ($111,000) and received a nine-match […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Brazil Reappoints Dunga as Head Coach
The Brazilian soccer association (CBF) on Tuesday appointed Dunga as coach of the Brazilian national team, replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose contract was not renewed after theWorld Cup hosts’ 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany. Dunga, 50, is retaking the reigns for a second time after leading the Selecao to the quarterfinals of the 2010 tournament […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Official: James Joins Real
James Rodriguez on Tuesday became the fourth most-expensive player ever, signing a six-year deal with European champion Real Madrid for a reported fee of 80 million euros ($101 million),according to Marca. Only new teammates Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez have cost more. Rodriguez, who was the top scorer at the World […]