“Like a drunk boxer swinging wildly in the dark” is how one German journalist described the defending champion at the 2018 World Cup. That was written by Deutsche Welle’s Jonathan Harding afterGermany beat Sweden, 2-1, before South Korea KO’d “Die Mannschaft” with a 2-0 win. Germany had opened with a 1-0 loss to Mexico, and […]
world cup 2018
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Watch: Mexico's Edson Alvarez score unique own goal
Here’s one we’ve not seen before, an own goal scored by a defender with his hand. Edson Alvarez‘s blunder made it 3-0 for Sweden, but El Tri still advanced to the round of 16 thanksto starting with wins over Germany and South Korea, which helped El Tri out by beating Germany on the final day […]
Posted inSoccerTalk with Paul Gardner, Story
Another team to be taken seriously: England
Last week I made a point: that it was time for the soccer world to take Mexico seriously
Posted inStory, World Cup Watch
Japan rediscovers its personality and its 'football'
By virtue of their enthralling 2-2 tie in the second round of Group G matches played Sunday, Japan and Senegal can assure themselves of a spot in the round of 16 by getting at least a point in theirfinal games. Both teams have four points. Colombia is in third place with three and pointless Poland […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Spain finds scoring punch from late-bloomer Iago Aspas
Iago Aspas accelerated his career with a white lie, but he had to wait a long time to make his debut for Spain. Eager to join the youth program of his most prominent local club, CeltaVigo, at age 8 he claimed to be the minimum age of 9. The Galician club where he started his […]
Posted inStory, World Cup Watch
Argentine coach Jose Pekerman on verge of becoming a Colombian legend
A win by Los Cafeteros on Thursday over Senegal would make Jose Pekerman Colombia’s most successful coach in history. Not that the Argentine Pekerman isn’t already revered in Colombia, whose President, Juan Manuel Santos, granted him citizenship forqualifying the team to the 2014 World Cup, ending a 16-year drought. But if Colombia reaches the second […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Watch: Spain's Iago Aspas score brilliantly with his back to the goal
Just as Dani Carvajal‘s low cross was about to hit the grass, a hopping Iago Aspas redirected, with the sole of his right foot, the ball into Morocco’s net inthe first minute of stoppage time. Thank goodness for VAR, which over-ruled the AR’s incorrect offside call on Spain’s 2-2 equalizer. Run of play golazos Nacho (Spain) […]
Posted inStory, World Cup Watch
Argentina's Messi problem: Myth and Reality
Criticism of Lionel Messi has become harsh, but how much of it is warranted, and what’s off base? Mario Kempes, star of Argentina’s first WorldCup-winning team, on home soil in 1978, said stayed alone in his hotel room during a team and family barbecue after the Iceland tie. To advance, Argentina needs to beat Nigeria on […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Watch: Germany beat Sweden in Lego animation
From Sweden’s go-ahead goal and its collapse despite Jerome Boateng‘s ejection, to Toni Kroos‘ last-gasp golazo — in Lego soccer.
Posted inStory, World Cup Watch
Croatia evokes memories of 1998 semifinal squad
It’s been two decades since a World Cup debutant rolled all the way to the semifinals before losing to the eventual champion. Playing in its first World Cup since gainingindependence from the former Yugoslavia, Croatia finished second to Argentina in Group F and knocked off Romania (1-0) and Germany (3-0) before falling to France and […]