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: soccer
Clinching Safety
I took the above photograph at the end of Sunderland’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal yesterday afternoon, which ensured that the Black Cats are safe from relegation this season. The caption, “Clinch safety,” is a simple statement within the context of the match, but it also struck me as a profound statement about life. Isn’t thatContinue reading “Clinching Safety”
Books Acquired Recently
Hertz, Sue. Write Choices: Elements of Nonfiction Storytelling. Los Angeles: Sage, 2015. I have been wanting to write more creative nonfiction, and while I’ve had a bit of success getting published in the genre in the past I still don’t feel like I have a good sense of how to write compelling pieces of itContinue reading “Books Acquired Recently”
Book Acquired Recently: David Peace’s The Damned Utd
Peace, David. The Damned Utd. 2006. Brooklyn: Melville, 2014. I recently read Peace’s novel about Bill Shankly, Red or Dead, and enjoyed it enough that I decided to explore more of his work. The Damned Utd is about Brian Clough’s short tenure as manager of Leeds United. Clough is a figure who has long fascinatedContinue reading “Book Acquired Recently: David Peace’s The Damned Utd”
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”
The Uni Watch Fifteenth Anniversary Party
Last Tuesday I went down to New York City for Uni Watch’s fifteenth anniversary party. I’ve written here before about how I love Uni Watch because of its attention to the tiny details of material culture, thus it was exciting to meet its creator, Paul Lukas, and some fellow fans. I have always wanted toContinue reading “The Uni Watch Fifteenth Anniversary Party”
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”