In arguably the greatest World Cup ever, the five week adventure that is the grand global tournament in Brazil has now concluded. Now in a fitting conclusion that saw a resilient and mentally strong German side win their fourth world championship (and first as a unified national side), we've put together a final team of […]

Gary Neville's famous description of David Luiz being so poor that it was as if the Brazilian was being controlled by a 10-year old playing PlayStation came to roost Tuesday night in Belo Horizonte. Luiz pointed to the sky after the game in full prayer, looking for any direction from God in how to handle […]

Four tightly contested quarterfinals have passed us by with diligent displays and standout sensations rewarded in this Best XI of the second knockout round. Here is the team: Goalkeeper GK- Keylor Navas (Costa Rica) In case most thought that Tim Howard was the undisputed best goalkeeper of the tournament, the soon to be ex-Levante netminder […]

The tightest Round of 16 stage at a World Cup Finals brought us five extra time match ups and no true blowouts. Each match, even Colombia’s decisive 2-0 win over Uruguay, was hotly contested as expected in the stage that separates the pretenders from the real contenders. But no one could predict, as with many […]

It's been a captivating group stage at this year's World Cup, with a Best XI of the first 48 matches required. While some names on this team were expected, others of course have been pleasant surprises to what has been an enthralling competition so far. Here's my best eleven: Goalkeeper Keylor Navas (Costa Rica): While […]

With over 100 goals scored already in this tournament, the 2014 World Cup has not been an exhibition for great centerback play. With the game quicker, fitter, more athletic and open than it has ever been before, gone are the days where your central defenders can sit ensconced in front of their goalkeeper and worry […]

A spirited Japanese effort to save their World Cup tournament was duly bunted by a high flying Colombian team led by James Rodriguez and Jackson Martinez, as the playmaker's latest brilliance with the Porto man led his side to a 4-1 victory and a 100% record in the group stages. Alberto Zaccheroni's side had the […]

Both Russia and South Korea have waited the longest to play their first match of all the 32 teams, as they will finally take the field after the second set of matches actually begin. For Russia, the return to World Cup play after 12 long years of absence will finally be over as Fabio Capello […]

The saying "When it rains, it pours" must be reverberating in the mind of Australian manager, Ange Postecoglou, at the moment. Already beset with the worst draw imaginable in Group B, the 48-year-old manager has witnessed the loss of two young 21-year-olds talents to a side that displayed some promise in a 4-3 lost to […]

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to give many of his remaining critics, including Sepp Blatter, plenty of proof of his brilliance that could finally capitulate him to his legendary status as the world's best footballer. This past Saturday, Ronaldo recorded another hat trick, this time at the expense of a disappointing display by the Real Sociedad defense. […]

Sir Alex Ferguson, we know you're arguably the greatest coach in club soccer history. We are fully cognizant of your greatness, where even begrudging Liverpool or Manchester City fans, or still bitter Bayern Munich or Chelsea supporters from those devastating European Cup finals nights where your team denied them the ultimate prize, can respect the […]

Normally only one man can outshine the constellation that is Cristiano Ronaldo. Lionel Messi has been able to do that remarkable feat for the past four years, but no other player has been able to eclipse the excellence of the Portuguese sensation. No man other than Messi has come close to surpassing Ronaldo. But on […]

Two weeks ago, it was one of the few scoreless draws in this season's Europa League round of opening 24 games — a contest between Moldavian minnow Sheriff and Anzhi Makhachkala of Russia. Anzhi Makhachkala were the heavy favorite and appeared the likeliest to score a goal throughout the opening hour, but they were unable to break down the […]

There has been much ballyhoo throughout the entire soccer world about England having trouble developing its talent, especially compared to rivals Spain and Germany at the moment. Many have snickered at the Three Lions' international performances throughout the last several years, since they were blitzed by Germany in that 2010 World Cup round of 16 […]