The 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada begins on Saturday, and it is shaping up to be even more exciting than the thrilling 2011 edition in Germany. The field of contenders is larger than ever before, and there are a number of teams just below this level that could plausibly make runs deep into theContinue reading “2015 Women’s World Cup Predictions”
Tag Archives: 2014 World Cup
Brazil 2014: Germany Worthy Champions
The 2014 World Cup came to a close today with Germany beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. The final was fairly exciting despite the scoreline with each team having a number of good chances go untaken. It was the same score as the 2010 final, but a much better match. Although the match today wasContinue reading “Brazil 2014: Germany Worthy Champions”
Reflections on the Exciting 2014 World Cup Group Stage
Today is the first off day of the 2014 World Cup as the survivors of the group stage prepare to begin the round of 16 tomorrow. To be honest, I do not mind having a day off from watching matches because this tournament has been intense! There have been unexpected results and goals galore. NearlyContinue reading “Reflections on the Exciting 2014 World Cup Group Stage”
Books Acquired Recently: World Cup Edition
As a long-time soccer fan, I am currently experiencing a major bout of World Cup fever, and the only prescription… is more soccer books! Davies, Pete. All Played Out: The Full Story of Italia ’90. 1990. London: Mandarin, 1991. As I mentioned in a recent post, I have a lot of nostalgia for the 1990Continue reading “Books Acquired Recently: World Cup Edition”
U.S.A. 2 Portugal 2: Another Crazy Day in the Group of Death
The U.S. drew Portugal 2-2 in Manaus, Brazil this evening, with Portugal getting a (beautiful, it must be said) goal in the 95th minute to keep the U.S. from advancing to the second round with one match to play in the group stage. It was yet another thrilling, high-scoring match in an incredibly exciting WorldContinue reading “U.S.A. 2 Portugal 2: Another Crazy Day in the Group of Death”
A Good Start to the World Cup
The World Cup has gotten off to an excellent start, with an abundance of exciting matches and storylines. It is always interesting to see where each team is at after one match once all of the hype is over and they actually have to perform on the pitch. While the tendency is to overreact toContinue reading “A Good Start to the World Cup”
It’s World Cup Time!
I am incredibly excited for the men’s World Cup that begins today. It is my favorite sporting event because it is long enough that one can get completely ensconced in it and because of its global aspect: I love knowing that I am sharing the experience with hundreds of millions of people around the world.Continue reading “It’s World Cup Time!”
Thoughts on Landon Donovan’s Exclusion from the U.S. World Cup Roster
I am still stunned by the news that Landon Donovan has been left off of the U.S.’s final 23-man World Cup roster. Donovan is the best American soccer player ever, and while he is no longer in his prime, he certainly has some good years left in him. It is a bold move by nationalContinue reading “Thoughts on Landon Donovan’s Exclusion from the U.S. World Cup Roster”
Thoughts on the 2014 World Cup Draw
Well, the United States will have their work cut out for them in the 2014 World Cup, as they have been drawn in the Group of Death with Germany, Portugal, and Ghana. A win in the first match against Ghana is a necessity, and then the U.S. will have to hope for a result againstContinue reading “Thoughts on the 2014 World Cup Draw”
USA 1 Costa Rica 0 in the Snow
The USA defeated Costa Rica 1-0 outside of Denver in a World Cup qualifier tonight, and what a spectacle! It snowed steadily–and at times heavily–the entire match. In fact, I’ve never seen such snow at a sporting event before. It was a crucial match for the USA, and they earned an essential three points, butContinue reading “USA 1 Costa Rica 0 in the Snow”