Embedded Files
World Cup 2018
World Cup 2018
Devastated as I am that neither the US nor Italy will be playing in the 2018 World Cup, the beautiful game still will have its biggest moment in Moscow from June 14 to July 15.
Devastated as I am that neither the US nor Italy will be playing in the 2018 World Cup, the beautiful game still will have its biggest moment in Moscow from June 14 to July 15.
Congratulations to the qualifiers. To the right is the 2018 final draw.
Congratulations to the qualifiers. To the right is the 2018 final draw.
If you have any doubt that soccer deserves its title as "the beautiful game", check out The Guardian's selection of the 25 best photos from the 2014 World Cup.
If you have any doubt that soccer deserves its title as "the beautiful game", check out The Guardian's selection of the 25 best photos from the 2014 World Cup.
Countdown to the World Cup
Countdown to the World Cup
POSTED 6/4/2018
Just 10 days until the first game of the 2018 World Cup competition. "The World Cup kicks off June 14 in Moscow with a meeting between the two lowest-ranked teams in the field, which, in some ways, is quite appropriate. The competition is meant to be a crescendo, one whose drama and defining moments don't occur until the very end. With the way the draw and schedule worked out, that's precisely how Russia 2018 is shaping up to play out." (Sports Illustrated)
Just 10 days until the first game of the 2018 World Cup competition. "The World Cup kicks off June 14 in Moscow with a meeting between the two lowest-ranked teams in the field, which, in some ways, is quite appropriate. The competition is meant to be a crescendo, one whose drama and defining moments don't occur until the very end. With the way the draw and schedule worked out, that's precisely how Russia 2018 is shaping up to play out." (Sports Illustrated)
Among SI's picks :
Among SI's picks :
Spain v. Portugal, Friday 15 June (2 PM EDT)
Spain v. Portugal, Friday 15 June (2 PM EDT)
Argentina v. Iceland, Saturday 16 June (9 AM EDT)
Argentina v. Iceland, Saturday 16 June (9 AM EDT)
Mexico v. Germany, Sunday 17 June (11 AM EDT)
Mexico v. Germany, Sunday 17 June (11 AM EDT)
Links to two neat World Cup articles from yardbarker.com
Links to two neat World Cup articles from yardbarker.com
POSTED JUNE 5, 2018
Above: Sports Illustrated's experts make their predictions for the World Cup.
Below: The groups
Tiny Iceland with a population of less than 350,000 has qualified while the US and four-time champion Italy (latest victory was in 2006) have not.
Tiny Iceland with a population of less than 350,000 has qualified while the US and four-time champion Italy (latest victory was in 2006) have not.
Most eyes are on the perennial powerhouses of Brazil, Germany, and Spain. The superstars return to their home countries to bring the national teams glory and hopefully victory. Will we see a Messi-Ronaldo showdown between Argentina and Portugal? Will Mo Salah recover from his Champions League injury and get Eqypt out of the "groups" round?
Most eyes are on the perennial powerhouses of Brazil, Germany, and Spain. The superstars return to their home countries to bring the national teams glory and hopefully victory. Will we see a Messi-Ronaldo showdown between Argentina and Portugal? Will Mo Salah recover from his Champions League injury and get Eqypt out of the "groups" round?
CBS Sports: "With a fearsome attack led by Neymar and Gabriel Jesus, Brazil joins defending champion Germany as the co-favorite for the 2018 World Cup, which opens June 14 in Russia. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook lists Germany (7-2) with slightly lower odds than Brazil (4-1), but many other books across the world give each nation the same odds or list Brazil as the outright favorite."
CBS Sports: "With a fearsome attack led by Neymar and Gabriel Jesus, Brazil joins defending champion Germany as the co-favorite for the 2018 World Cup, which opens June 14 in Russia. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook lists Germany (7-2) with slightly lower odds than Brazil (4-1), but many other books across the world give each nation the same odds or list Brazil as the outright favorite."
Spain vs. Portugal was the game of the day: Ronaldo hat trick and a 3-3 tie
Spain vs. Portugal was the game of the day: Ronaldo hat trick and a 3-3 tie
POSTED JUNE 15, 2018
What a great day for the World Cup! After yesterday's laugher which saw Russia downing Saudi Arabia 5-0, Friday's games were all close and decided in the closing minutes. Uruguay defeated a Mo Salah-less Egypt 1-0 on a goal in the last minute of regulation, and Iran defeated Morocco 1-0 on a Morocco own goal in the 95th minute.
What a great day for the World Cup! After yesterday's laugher which saw Russia downing Saudi Arabia 5-0, Friday's games were all close and decided in the closing minutes. Uruguay defeated a Mo Salah-less Egypt 1-0 on a goal in the last minute of regulation, and Iran defeated Morocco 1-0 on a Morocco own goal in the 95th minute.
But the game of the day was Spain vs. Portugal, which featured three ties, one lead change, and a hat trick by Cristiano Ronaldo - the last on a direct kick in the 88th minute to tie the game at 3.
But the game of the day was Spain vs. Portugal, which featured three ties, one lead change, and a hat trick by Cristiano Ronaldo - the last on a direct kick in the 88th minute to tie the game at 3.
Argentina draws, Germany loses, Brazil draws
Argentina draws, Germany loses, Brazil draws
POSTED JUNE 17, 2018
The 2018 World Cup looks wide open after four days of matches. The matches this weekend featured three prominent upsets. On Saturday, Iceland fought 2014 World Cup finalist Argentina to a 1-1 draw when Hannes Halldorsson stopped Lionel Messi's penalty kick midway through the second half. On Sunday, Mexico defeated 2014 World Cup champions, Germany, 1-0; and Switzerland, aided by one of the worst "no calls" I've ever seen (Gabriel Jesus was held and then taken down in the box), tied another tournament favorite, Brazil, 1-1.
The 2018 World Cup looks wide open after four days of matches. The matches this weekend featured three prominent upsets. On Saturday, Iceland fought 2014 World Cup finalist Argentina to a 1-1 draw when Hannes Halldorsson stopped Lionel Messi's penalty kick midway through the second half. On Sunday, Mexico defeated 2014 World Cup champions, Germany, 1-0; and Switzerland, aided by one of the worst "no calls" I've ever seen (Gabriel Jesus was held and then taken down in the box), tied another tournament favorite, Brazil, 1-1.
Portugal & Spain stay alive with 1-0 victories, Uruguay and Russia will progress
Portugal & Spain stay alive with 1-0 victories, Uruguay and Russia will progress
POSTED JUNE 20, 2018
Portugal defeated Morocco 1-0 on Ronaldo's fourth goal of the tournament. The game might have been broken wide open were it not for the excellent goalkeeping of Morocco's Munir Mohand Mohamedi. In dropping its second game, Morocco is out of contention for the next stage.
Portugal defeated Morocco 1-0 on Ronaldo's fourth goal of the tournament. The game might have been broken wide open were it not for the excellent goalkeeping of Morocco's Munir Mohand Mohamedi. In dropping its second game, Morocco is out of contention for the next stage.
Spain also came away with a 1-0 victory, surviving when an Iran goal was disallowed after VAR (video-assisted referee) detected an offside on a corner kick. Iran plays Portugal in its next match; Spain plays Morocco.
Spain also came away with a 1-0 victory, surviving when an Iran goal was disallowed after VAR (video-assisted referee) detected an offside on a corner kick. Iran plays Portugal in its next match; Spain plays Morocco.
In Group A, both Russia and Uruguay won their second of three group stage matches. They will move on. Saudi Arabia and Eqypt have been eliminated.
In Group A, both Russia and Uruguay won their second of three group stage matches. They will move on. Saudi Arabia and Eqypt have been eliminated.
Germany's comeback victory over Sweden keeps them in the hunt
Germany's comeback victory over Sweden keeps them in the hunt
POSTED JUNE 23, 2018
Germany, playing with 10 men, scored a goal in the closing seconds of stoppage time to defeat Sweden 2-1, keeping alive their hopes for a repeat of their 2014 World Cup Championship. Toni Kroos scored the goal off a free kick - a curling rocket to the back of the net at the far post. Germany had played with 10 men since the 82nd minute after Jerome Boatang was sent off for his second yellow card. Germany's opponent in the 2014 World Cup Final, Argentina, is on the brink of elimination after a 3-0 loss to Croatia on Thursday.
Germany, playing with 10 men, scored a goal in the closing seconds of stoppage time to defeat Sweden 2-1, keeping alive their hopes for a repeat of their 2014 World Cup Championship. Toni Kroos scored the goal off a free kick - a curling rocket to the back of the net at the far post. Germany had played with 10 men since the 82nd minute after Jerome Boatang was sent off for his second yellow card. Germany's opponent in the 2014 World Cup Final, Argentina, is on the brink of elimination after a 3-0 loss to Croatia on Thursday.
Argentina advances to the Group of 16 after 2-1 victory over Nigeria
Argentina advances to the Group of 16 after 2-1 victory over Nigeria
POSTED JUNE 26, 2018
Argentina made it through to the knockout round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria today. They join Uruguay, Russia, Spain, Portugal, France, Denmark, Croatia, England and Belgium. The rest of the field will be decided in the next two days. Marcos' Rojo's volley in the 86th minute secured the victory for Argentina.
Argentina made it through to the knockout round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria today. They join Uruguay, Russia, Spain, Portugal, France, Denmark, Croatia, England and Belgium. The rest of the field will be decided in the next two days. Marcos' Rojo's volley in the 86th minute secured the victory for Argentina.
Knockout Round of 16 Begins Saturday
Knockout Round of 16 Begins Saturday
POSTED JUNE 28, 2018/UPDATED JUNE 29
Germany, the 2014 World Cup champions and one of this year's favorites, was eliminated after a 2-0 loss to South Korea. In other action on Wednesday and Thursday: Brazil, Switzerland, Sweden, Mexico, Colombia and Japan moved to the knockout round, while Belgium earned a first place finish in Group G with a 1-0 win over England. It was an exciting first round with 34 of the 48 matches ending in a 1 goal victory or a tie. Uruguay, Croatia and Belgium won all 3 of their first round matches. Belgium had the highest goal differential (7 - 9 for, 2 against).
Germany, the 2014 World Cup champions and one of this year's favorites, was eliminated after a 2-0 loss to South Korea. In other action on Wednesday and Thursday: Brazil, Switzerland, Sweden, Mexico, Colombia and Japan moved to the knockout round, while Belgium earned a first place finish in Group G with a 1-0 win over England. It was an exciting first round with 34 of the 48 matches ending in a 1 goal victory or a tie. Uruguay, Croatia and Belgium won all 3 of their first round matches. Belgium had the highest goal differential (7 - 9 for, 2 against).
"On one side of the World Cup knockout bracket [the left-side] is championship pedigree to the tune of 72 combined World Cup, Confederations Cup and continental trophies. On the other [right-side of bracket], nine. The group stage of chaos has given way to the knockout stage of attrition for a number of presumed favorites...
"On one side of the World Cup knockout bracket [the left-side] is championship pedigree to the tune of 72 combined World Cup, Confederations Cup and continental trophies. On the other [right-side of bracket], nine. The group stage of chaos has given way to the knockout stage of attrition for a number of presumed favorites...
It’s so pronounced, that even tournament participants noticed. Both Belgium coach Roberto Martinez and England’s Gareth Southgate had to address questions concerning their interest in winning Thursday’s game, and therefore Group G, when it meant a spot in the left half of death. Neither would ever admit to “trying” to lose a match, of course, but neither fielded anything close to their full-strength teams. The bracket is the outcome of a series of coincidental and unexpected results. Germany became the fourth reigning champion in the past five World Cups to crash out in the group stage. So there went one presumed right-half heavyweight."
What a weekend in the World Cup knockout round!
What a weekend in the World Cup knockout round!
Tournament heavyweights Argentina, Portugal and Spain knocked out; both Sunday matches decided by shootouts
Tournament heavyweights Argentina, Portugal and Spain knocked out; both Sunday matches decided by shootouts
POSTED JULY 1, 2018
In the weekend matches of the knockout round, France defeated Argentina and Lionel Messi 4-3 in a game that featured two goals by France's 19-year-old phenom Kylian Mbappe. Later Saturday, Uruguay eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal 2-1 on two goals by Endison Cavani. So the match between the "aging" superstars is not to be. Ronaldo is 33; Messi, 31. Neither may be playing by the next World Cup in 2022, but who knows? On Sunday both matches were tied at 1 after 120 minutes of soccer and were decided in penalty kick shootouts. Russia upset Spain with 4 PK to Spain's 3. Croatia beat Denmark with 3 PK's to Denmark's 2.
In the weekend matches of the knockout round, France defeated Argentina and Lionel Messi 4-3 in a game that featured two goals by France's 19-year-old phenom Kylian Mbappe. Later Saturday, Uruguay eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal 2-1 on two goals by Endison Cavani. So the match between the "aging" superstars is not to be. Ronaldo is 33; Messi, 31. Neither may be playing by the next World Cup in 2022, but who knows? On Sunday both matches were tied at 1 after 120 minutes of soccer and were decided in penalty kick shootouts. Russia upset Spain with 4 PK to Spain's 3. Croatia beat Denmark with 3 PK's to Denmark's 2.
Brazil and Belgium advance to the quarterfinals
Brazil and Belgium advance to the quarterfinals
POSTED JULY 3, 2018
Brazil wore down Mexico with a dominating second half performance to win 2-0. Belgium overcame a two goal second half deficit to defeat Japan 3-2 - with the third goal coming in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the match. The winners will play each other in the quarterfinals, setting up a match between the #2 and #3 ranked national teams.
Brazil wore down Mexico with a dominating second half performance to win 2-0. Belgium overcame a two goal second half deficit to defeat Japan 3-2 - with the third goal coming in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the match. The winners will play each other in the quarterfinals, setting up a match between the #2 and #3 ranked national teams.
On to the semifinals
On to the semifinals
POSTED JULY 7, 2018
In what has been one of the most exciting, entertaining, wide open, upset- and drama-filled World Cup Tournaments ever, the quarterfinals did not disappoint. France (2 - 0 over Uruguay), Belgium (2 -1 over Brazil), England (2-0 over Sweden) and Croatia (on penalty kicks over tournament Cinderella team and host Russia) have advanced to the World Cup semi-finals. Of the semi-finalists, both England and France have won the World Cup Championship previously - England in 1966 and France in 1998. Belgium plays France on Tuesday; Croatia plays England, Wednesday.
In what has been one of the most exciting, entertaining, wide open, upset- and drama-filled World Cup Tournaments ever, the quarterfinals did not disappoint. France (2 - 0 over Uruguay), Belgium (2 -1 over Brazil), England (2-0 over Sweden) and Croatia (on penalty kicks over tournament Cinderella team and host Russia) have advanced to the World Cup semi-finals. Of the semi-finalists, both England and France have won the World Cup Championship previously - England in 1966 and France in 1998. Belgium plays France on Tuesday; Croatia plays England, Wednesday.
World Cup Final: France vs. Croatia
World Cup Final: France vs. Croatia
POSTED JULY 11, 2018
France defeated Belgium 1-0 on Umtiti's header in the 51st minute. Croatia gets its third straight comeback victory, defeating England 2-1 on an overtime goal by Mandzukic. The young France team will play Croatia's "Golden Generation" Sunday in Moscow for the championship. It will be Croatia's first ever World Cup final, while France will be trying to win its second championship.
France defeated Belgium 1-0 on Umtiti's header in the 51st minute. Croatia gets its third straight comeback victory, defeating England 2-1 on an overtime goal by Mandzukic. The young France team will play Croatia's "Golden Generation" Sunday in Moscow for the championship. It will be Croatia's first ever World Cup final, while France will be trying to win its second championship.
Highlights from the semi-final matches are below.
Highlights from the semi-final matches are below.
Sports Illustrated's preview is on the right.
Sports Illustrated's preview is on the right.
La France! France defeats Croatia 4-2 in World Cup Final
La France! France defeats Croatia 4-2 in World Cup Final
POSTED JULY 15, 2018
What more can you say? From match 1 to match 64, this was a great World Cup tournament. The final game featured an own goal, a VAR penalty kick, a "Cinderella" Croatian team that had the better of play for much of the first half, and a French team winning with goals from three of its stars - including the first by a teenager in a final since Pele in 1958. For the fourth straight time in the knockout stage, Croatia came back, tying France 1-1 in the 28th minute. But their phenomenal run to the cup was stopped when France scored two goals in a six minute span in the second half.
What more can you say? From match 1 to match 64, this was a great World Cup tournament. The final game featured an own goal, a VAR penalty kick, a "Cinderella" Croatian team that had the better of play for much of the first half, and a French team winning with goals from three of its stars - including the first by a teenager in a final since Pele in 1958. For the fourth straight time in the knockout stage, Croatia came back, tying France 1-1 in the 28th minute. But their phenomenal run to the cup was stopped when France scored two goals in a six minute span in the second half.
The individual awards were handed out after the final. The Golden Ball went to Luka Modric of Croatia. The superstar midfielder earned the tournament's best player award, serving as the heart and soul of the team's dream run to the final. France's Kylian Mbappe won the FIFA Best Young Player Award. The 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star had four goals, including one in the final and three in the knockout stage. With six goals, England's Harry Kane took home the Golden Boot award. Thibaut Courtois of Belgium was voted the tournament's best goalkeeper, winning the Golden Glove award.
The individual awards were handed out after the final. The Golden Ball went to Luka Modric of Croatia. The superstar midfielder earned the tournament's best player award, serving as the heart and soul of the team's dream run to the final. France's Kylian Mbappe won the FIFA Best Young Player Award. The 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star had four goals, including one in the final and three in the knockout stage. With six goals, England's Harry Kane took home the Golden Boot award. Thibaut Courtois of Belgium was voted the tournament's best goalkeeper, winning the Golden Glove award.
A World Cup Gallery
A World Cup Gallery
POSTED JULY 19, 2018
Action photos in a sport with the relentless movement of a soccer match are hard to come by. The game is better captured in video. Many, perhaps the majority, of the photos of the World Cup are of player and fan celebrations after goals or victories or of dejected players and tearful fans after a loss, This link brings up eight of my personal favorite photos that capture soccer "action" (although there is one "sportsmanship" photo). They are from Business Insider's collection of the "most mesmerizing photos from the World Cup." The photos were taken by Reuters, AP, and Getty Images photographers. See the BI web page for descriptions and credits.
Action photos in a sport with the relentless movement of a soccer match are hard to come by. The game is better captured in video. Many, perhaps the majority, of the photos of the World Cup are of player and fan celebrations after goals or victories or of dejected players and tearful fans after a loss, This link brings up eight of my personal favorite photos that capture soccer "action" (although there is one "sportsmanship" photo). They are from Business Insider's collection of the "most mesmerizing photos from the World Cup." The photos were taken by Reuters, AP, and Getty Images photographers. See the BI web page for descriptions and credits.
Women's World Cup: knockout round of 16 starts Saturday
Women's World Cup: knockout round of 16 starts Saturday
POSTED JUNE 20, 2019
Round of 16
Round of 16
Saturday, June 22
Germany vs. Nigeria, 11:30 a.m. ET, FS1
Norway vs. Australia, 3 p.m. ET, Fox
Sunday, June 23
England vs. Cameroon, 11:30 a.m. ET, FS1
France vs. Brazil, 3 p.m. ET, Fox
Monday, June 24
Spain vs. United States, Noon ET, FS1
Sweden vs. Canada, 3 p.m. ET, FS1
Tuesday, June 25
Italy vs. China, Noon ET, FS1
Netherlands vs. Japan, 3 p.m. ET, FS1
Women's World Cup: quarterfinals are set
Women's World Cup: quarterfinals are set
POSTED JUNE 25, 2019
The knockout round of the Women's World Cup concluded Tuesday and the matchups for the quarterfinals are set. Tournament favorites France and the US advanced and will face each other in the quarterfinals with the game kicking off at 3 PM Eastern Time Friday. The complete quarterfinals schedule looks like this:
The knockout round of the Women's World Cup concluded Tuesday and the matchups for the quarterfinals are set. Tournament favorites France and the US advanced and will face each other in the quarterfinals with the game kicking off at 3 PM Eastern Time Friday. The complete quarterfinals schedule looks like this:
Quarterfinals
Quarterfinals
Thursday, June 27
Norway vs. England, 3 p.m. ET, Fox
Friday, June 28
France vs. United States, 3 p.m. ET, Fox
Saturday, June 29
Italy vs. Netherlands, 9 a.m. ET, FS1
Germany vs. Sweden, 12:30 p.m. ET, FS1
US Women Crowned FIFA World Cup Champions for 4th Time
US Women Crowned FIFA World Cup Champions for 4th Time
POSTED JULY 7, 2019
The US Women's national soccer team captured its fourth world cup championship with a 2-0 victory over Netherlands. FIFA instituted the Women's World Cup in 1991, and the US has now won half of the titles, an incredibly dominating record. In the Men's World Cup, which has been running since 1930, only Brazil has achieved more finals victories (5) while Italy and Germany each have 4.
The US Women's national soccer team captured its fourth world cup championship with a 2-0 victory over Netherlands. FIFA instituted the Women's World Cup in 1991, and the US has now won half of the titles, an incredibly dominating record. In the Men's World Cup, which has been running since 1930, only Brazil has achieved more finals victories (5) while Italy and Germany each have 4.
Jill Ellis, the coach for the USWNT, became the first women’s coach ever to win two World Cup titles in soccer history. This feat has only been achieved by Italy’s men’s coach, Vittorio Pozzo, in 1934 and 1938.
With two consecutive wins (2015 and 2019), the U.S. is now tied with Germany, who won in 2003 and 2007. Aside from the U.S. and Germany, no other team has won more than one Women’s World Cup title since the tournament began in 1991.
With 26 goals, the USWNT now has the record for making the most goals in a Women’s World Cup tournament, according to ESPN.
The USWNT’s victory breaks its own record for the most wins in the tournament’s history.
Golden Ball (outstanding player in the tournament): Megan RAPINOE (USA)
"I feel like I'm a mother watching all my little kids be so successful." That was the memorable phrase uttered by Megan Rapinoe ahead of the final, as she paid tribute to her team-mates. Silver Ball (runner up outstanding player):
Silver Ball (runner up outstanding player): Lucy BRONZE (ENG)
England's tournament was eerily reminiscent of their campaign at Canada 2015, featuring a run to the semi-finals, a set of thrilling games – and some exceptional performances from Lucy Bronze. The right-back was not only a core member of a defence that went 381 minutes without conceding, she also posed a constant threat further forward.
Bronze Ball (second runner up outstanding player): Rose LAVELLE (USA)
Rose Lavelle could justifiably lay claim to being the revelation of the tournament, but not everyone will see it that way. Just ask her coach Jill Ellis, who spotted her talent early on and promised her a bright future while she was still in high school. Lavelle was superb at France 2019, working wonders in midfield thanks to her speed, technique and physical condition.
Golden Boot: Megan RAPINOE (USA), 6 goals, 3 assists The Stars and Stripes forward also claimed the prize as top scorer after racking up six goals and three assists – the same tally as her team-mate Alex Morgan, but achieved in a shorter amount of time on the pitch..
Silver Boot: Alex Morgan (USA), 6 goals, 3 assists
Bronze Boot: Ellen White (ENG), 6 goals
Golden Glove (best goalkeeper): Sari van Veenendaal (NED)
FIFA Young Player Award: Giulia Gwinn (GER)
FIFA Fair Play Award: France Thanks to the first-class conduct of their players, as well as their positive attitude on and off the pitch, the host nation come away with the FIFA Fair Play Award.
World Cup kicks off in Qatar
World Cup kicks off in Qatar
POSTED NOVEMBER 17, 2022
The most watched sporting event in the world begins Sunday.
In November? Well, yes, July daytime temperatures in Qatar, the host country, hover in the upper 90's.
In Qatar? Qatar was awarded the bid in a controversial vote amidst concerns: fears over the human toll of building the infrastructure required in such a short period of time, in such a climate and in a country with such poor labor regulations.
In Qatar? Qatar's discriminatory laws prohibit homosexuality and curtail women's freedoms through male guardianship rules. Some teams from the West are protesting. Although FIFA denied the request from a group of European captains to wear rainbow armbands, national teams are finding a way to show support for the LGBTQ community. The U.S. men's World Cup squad are showing their support for the LGBTQ community by way of a rainbow-themed team logo inside their training facility and media workroom. The Swiss FA included a clip of a gay couple holding hands in a video announcing its squad. England’s World Cup men’s team extended their support for the LGBTQ community travelling in a plane named ‘Rain Bow’, as a gesture against Qatar’s anti-LGBT laws.
Viewers in the USA will be able to watch the World Cup live across the Fox Sports network (FOX and FS1), while games can also be watched in Spanish in Telemundo.
ESPN tells us how the Beautiful Game has evolved through the years [link below left], Be Soccer makes its picks for the teams with the best chance to win [link below center], and Khel Now introduces the top players [link below right].
According to the oddsmakers five-time World Cup Champion Brazil is the favorite at 4-1. The Group Stage begins Sunday with Ecuador facing Qatar. The Groups are shown below.
USA reaches knockout stage in World Cup
USA reaches knockout stage in World Cup
POSTED NOVEMBER 30, 2022
For the sixth time in World Cup history, the USA national team has made it to the Round of 16. Facing Iran in a must win match on Tuesday, the USMNT prevailed with a 1-0 victory that was tense down to the final seconds of the 9 minutes' added time.
USA dominated the first half, and Christian Pulisic's heroic goal in the 38th minute proved enough to propel the young American squad to the knockout stage. Turning back attack after attack in the closing minutes of the match (including a possibly fortunate no-call in the penalty area), the US squad came away with a quality win over a tenacious opponent and vindicated their #13 FIFA ranking. They next play Netherlands in the Round of 16 (December 3, 10 am Eastern, Fox and Telemundo Deportes) with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals.
Group Stage standings can be found here. USA-Iran highlights are in link below left, and a brief history of US World Cup appearances is in the link below right.
World Cup goes to the semi-finals
World Cup goes to the semi-finals
POSTED DECEMBER 10, 2022
France by virtue of a 2-1 victory over England joins Morocco, Argentina, and Croatia in the semi-finals of the World Cup. Morocco's stunning upset over Portugal makes it the first African nation to reach the semi-final stage. On Friday, Croatia had upset World Cup favorite Brazil on penalty kicks after overtime had produced a draw, and Argentina derailed Netherlands' hope for their first world cup in similar fashion - on penalty kicks. Argentina faces Croatia on Tuesday Dec 13 and France faces Morocco on Wednesday Dec 14. Both games are televised by Fox at 2 PM Eastern.
Highlights from the quarterfinal matches are below.
France to face Argentina in World Cup Final
France to face Argentina in World Cup Final
POSTED DECEMBER 14, 2022
One day after Argentina eliminated Croatia 3-0 , France shutout Morocco 2-0. France will be the first team to go to back-to-back finals in more than two decades. Both France and Argentina have each won 2 World Cups. The victors will play Sunday at 10am Eastern.
Video highlights and recaps of the semi-final matches are below.
Argentina defeats France on PK's to win World Cup
Argentina defeats France on PK's to win World Cup
POSTED DEC 18, 2022
In a sensational match that featured France coming back twice with minutes to play in regulation time and in overtime, Argentina won the World Cup on penalty kicks, and Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of his generation finally got his World Cup victory. The score at the end of overtime was 3-3, and Argentina went on to win with 4 PK's to France's 2.
Messi finished with 2 goals, and France's young superstar Killian Mbappe had a hat trick. Mbappe won the Golden Boot with 8 goals to Messi's 7 over the course of the tournament. Mbappe is now the highest-scoring player in World Cup final history with four, while his overall tally of 12 goals at the tournament puts him level with three-time champion Pele.
Links to recap and highlights are below.
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