Only nine members of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad have been named by Coach Joachim Loew to his 27-player preliminary roster for the 2018 World Cup that will be pared down to23 players. Neither Mario Goetze, who scored the overtime goal in Germany’s 1-0 2014 final win over Argentina, nor the man who assisted on […]
world cup 2018
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
What They're Saying: Steffen Seibert
“We are convinced that it would look bad on Russia’s part if it would so obviously curb press freedom while the world is watching.” — Steffen Seibert, a spokesperson for GermanChancellor Angela Merkel, after Russia cancelled Hajo Seppelt‘s visa to cover the World Cup despite FIFA’s approval of his accreditation request. Seppelt, who works for […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
World Cup ads: Reyka Vodka hopes Americans will adopt new cheer: 'Go Iceland'
Without the USA at the World Cup, who should American fans root for? Reyka Vodka is suggesting an alternative. It has even opened an online store for fans to get “Go Iceland” gear and apparel. Since you can’t root for Team USA this summer, might we suggest an alternative? — Reyka Vodka(@ReykaVodka) April 18, 2018
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Watch: The excitement of his family as Brazil's Fagner is picked for the World Cup
Monday’s announcement of Brazil’s 23-player roster for the World Cup was a national television event that had Corinthians right back Fagner‘s family on pins and needles. La REACCIÓN de la familia de Fagner una vez Tite le convocó con Brasil para el Mundial. Euforia total. pic.twitter.com/50lXp8n0P4 (vía @AlexNegrunes)
Posted inStory, World Cup Watch
Argentina: Dybala and Icardi make preliminary squad
Juventus forward Paulo Dybala and Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi, who both were excluded from Argentina’s squad for its March friendlies, were named to Coach Jorge Sampaoli‘s35-player preliminary squad for the World Cup in Russia. Dybala over Icardi? Dybala helped Juve win its seventh straightSerie A title. He scored 22 goals but only eight in the […]
Posted inStory, World Cup Watch
Neymar should be ready to go at Brazil training camp
Brazil head coach Tite released his squad of 23 players at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, and it included only three Brazilian-based players: Corinthians’ Cassio andFagner and Gremio’s Pedro Geromel. Local options. The spotlight will be on the 28-year-old Fagner as a possible choice at right back for Dani Alves, who […]
Posted inStory, World Cup Watch
Iceland's success is a melding of planning and perseverance
The smallest country at the 2018 World Cup will have one of the largest followings, particularly among those who admire the underdog.
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
What They're Saying: Vladimir Putin
“We are all hoping that our players will be fully in the game, will give themselves entirely. And most importantly, that they play the strong-willed, uncompromising soccer that the fans valueand love.” — Russian President Vladimir Putin weighing in on the World Cup host team, which has failed to reach the knockout stage of the […]
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Oxlade-Chamberlain: 'Devastated' and 'gutted'
For the second straight tournament, Englishman Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain won’t be going to the World Cup because of an injury. Four years ago, Ox missed out on the WorldCup in Brazil after being named in Roy Hodgson’s squad. A knee injury in a tune-up game didn’t recover in time for him to play in Brazil. This […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Sweden: No Zlatan Ibrahimovic comeback at the 2018 World Cup in Russia
Zlatan Ibrahimovic won’t be playing for Sweden at the 2018 World Cup. After hinting on the Jimmy Kimmel Show that he’d be going to the World Cup without saying in what capacity,the 36-year-old forward spoke with Swedish federation chief Lars Richt. “I talked to Zlatan on Tuesday,” said Richt. “He announced he did not change […]