By Ridge Mahoney (@ridgemax) There were common elements to the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals.Both were contested by Argentina and West Germany, which fielded many of the same players, including Diego Maradona and LotharMatthaeus, respectively, in both competitions, but they left very different impressions. Maradona capped off a spectacular and notorious performance in the […]
world cup 2014
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Germany's not so secret key to success
By Mike Woitalla (@MikeWoitalla) It has been 24 years since Germany won its last World Cup and 18 years since itlifted a major trophy, the 1996 European Championship. Fourteen years ago, when Germany was eliminated from Euro 2000 in the first round without a win, the German federation, incollaboration with the Bundesliga, revolutionized its player […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Klinsmann Bakery serves World Cup treats
[SOCIAL MEDIA ROUNDUP] Before becoming a soccer star, Jurgen Klinsmann served as an apprentice at his family’s Stuttgart-area bakery, which isstill in business and commemorated Germany’s win over Brazil the World Cup semifinals with some special cookies. Also featured in today’s collection of World Cup tweets and memes is U.S. midfielderJermaine Jones throwing the first […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Legos replay World Cup highlights
[VIDEO PICK: Off the Post] Heading into the final weekend of the World Cup, “Brick-by-Brick” Lego animation recaps many of the tournament’s outstanding moments –highlights and lowlights. The compilation reminds us that even England had some bright moments –such as Wayne Rooney‘s first World Cup goal. And that LuisSuarez had a glorious game before his […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Three keys to Argentina-Germany
[BRAZIL 2014] Germany enters Sunday’s World Cup final brimming with confidence after its slaughter of Brazil in Belo Horizonte. German confidence, bordering onarrogance, is nothing new on the world stage, but Argentine caution? Even with Lionel Messi, the Argentines have shown a surprising unwillingness to venture outof their shell. It’s gotten them to the final […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Both semifinals shatter viewing records
[SOCCER ON THE AIR] Even with the elimination of the USA after the round of 16, interest in the 2014 World Cup remains high. ESPN and Univision both attractedtheir two most-viewed World Cup semifinal audiences ever with Argentina-Netherlands (6.8 million viewers on ESPN and 5.4 million on Univision) and Brazil-Germany (6.6 million viewers on ESPN […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
What They're Saying: Tim Ream
“Naturally, you can say, “Did I make the right decision?” but me being the type of person I am, it wasn’t about a lack of commitment to the national team. It was a greater commitment to family. It wasmy first born, and one of those things I wasn’t willing to miss. Unfortunately, it may have […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Seven finalists nominated for adidas Golden Ball
[AWARDS] Four Germans and three Argentines are among the 10 players nominated for the adidas Golden Ball as the best player of the World Cup. The startinggoalkeepers for both teams are among three players on the shortlist for adidas Golden Glove. The FIFA Technical Study Group nominated the players and will select the winners. adidas […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
FIFA Fines Argentine Soccer Association
FIFA on Friday announced that it has fined the Argentine soccer association (AFA) 300,000 Swiss Francs, or around $336,215, for failing to comply with press regulations. Only coach AlejandroSabella has been present at press conferences ahead of games against Nigeria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands, when the rules stipulate that at least one player is […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Suarez Completes Barca Move
Luis Suarez on Friday completed his move from Liverpool to Barcelona, with the latter paying a fee thought to be close to 75 million euros ($102 million). The Uruguay international, who hit31 league goals for Liverpool last season, will travel to Barcelona next week for a medical. Suarez was last season’s Premier League top scorer […]