Archives: World Cup

If you subscribe to Setanta in North America, you’ve got to be loving life. The Irish broadcaster announced today that, in addition to the German commentary it has been providing, the semi-finals and final of the World Cup will be … Continue reading →

Very early in the 2005/2006 Premiership season, all of the talk was about the 4-5-1 formation and how Bolton, especially, was being effective yet boring after Allardyce used the formation to grind out results. What we’ve seen in the 2006 … Continue reading →

So, England and Brazil’s World Cup dreams are over. In both matches, the favorites were outplayed, conservative and uninspiring. England’s demise falls to Wayne Rooney. The idiotic kick by Rooney was the turning point in the match. From that point … Continue reading →

Take a look at the photographs from today’s EPL Talk tour of South Florida pubs and restaurants. First stop was The Kings Head Pub in Sunrise, Florida for the England against Portugal debacle, followed by a trip to the Panorama … Continue reading →

England is just hours away from their crucial match against Portugal. On paper, this is one of the finest England teams to grace the international stage in years. But can they play as a cohesive unit and defeat Scolari’s men? … Continue reading →

When the American founding fathers named July 4th as Independence Day, little did they know that in the year 2006 soccer fans in this country would watch a game invented by their arch-enemy: the English. For most Americans, July 4th … Continue reading →

Tokyo Toffeeman, an EPL Talk reader from Japan, sent me this very interesting link about ESPN’s response to the criticism it has been receiving regarding its coverage of the World Cup. Read the piece here. Most newspapers typically have ombudsmen … Continue reading →

Seven of the eight second round matches have been played, with just this afternoon’s France versus Spain match left. But out of the seven thus far, how many of them have been entertaining and had you sitting on the edge … Continue reading →

Having been seeded into the easiest group of the 2006 World Cup, England has continued to ride lady luck during this tournament. Consider the following: Against Paraguay, it was an own goal. Versus Trinidad and Tobago, it was a goal … Continue reading →

After the final second-round matches conclude Tuesday, only eight World Cup matches remain (and that includes the meaningless third-place match). Could we be destined for the following semi-final matches? Italy against Germany, and England versus Brazil? Or do you fancy … Continue reading →

I’m curious. If you’re an American fan and you’re following the World Cup, what team are you supporting now that the US is out of the tournament? Are you watching the matches just for the enjoyment of it, or do … Continue reading →

What an unbelievably sensational goal by Argentina in extra time by Maxi Rodriguez. A beautiful chest trap, and a scintillating left foot volley into the corner of the net. There are still 16 minutes to go in the match. Can … Continue reading →

Without a doubt, this has got to be the best match of the World Cup thus far. In the first 10 minutes, there’ve been two goals (Argentina 1-1 Mexico). The pace is frenetic. The crowd is loud and passionate. This … Continue reading →

I have to admit that ABC commentator Dave O’Brien’s work is improving as each match unfolds, but the man is as passionate as a dead fish. Perfect example was one of the key moments of today’s Germany against Sweden second-round … Continue reading →

I have severe concerns about Sven’s selection for tomorrow’s match against Ecuador. He’s essentially fielding a 4-5-1, although actually it’s a 4-1-4-1 with Rooney up front, and a midfield comprising Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard and Cole. The back four will be … Continue reading →

The World Cup seems to be in fast forward. It was just yesterday that the US succumbed to Ghana after an absolutely appalling penalty decision. But life goes on, and the US — unfortunately — didn’t deserve to make it … Continue reading →

England’s first-half performance against Sweden yesterday was their best 45 minutes for as long as I can remember. But, as so often happens in football, it was a game of two halves. During the second half, England’s defense fell apart … Continue reading →

Now, what if? What if England ties or beats Sweden today? Germany would presumably play Sweden, and England would play Ecuador. If both Germany and England would win those matches, here’s my prediction of who would play who in the … Continue reading →