France have made a great start to the tournament, in comparison to 2010, after beating Honduras 3-0. Didier Deschamps will deploy the same starting XI that convincingly won that match.There may be a alteration in formation from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3 in order to have a more attacking style and go for the win that will […]

As we quickly progress through the group stage in the 2014 World Cup, there are a handful of soccer axioms that we find repeating. While the sport is in a constant state of flux, on both micro and macro levels, there are certain truths about the game that seems to always rear their heads no […]

Although not yet finished, England are in a difficult spot. After England's 2-1 defeat against Uruguay, England's odds of advancing to the next round have dropped from 33% to 3%. It's still possible they can squeeze into second place (see above graphic). Meanwhile, here are the other odds of note after the World Cup matches […]

We’re halfway through the group stage of the World Cup, and nearing the midway point of the tournament. Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly from the first week in Brazil. The Good 1. CONCACAF One of the most classically disrespected regions in world soccer has had a terrific tournament thus far, establishing […]

“We’ve been waiting for years for England to play like Spain. Now they actually are!” That was the gag doing the rounds on social media after England’s 2-1 defeat to Uruguay in Sao Paulo. The Three Lions are on the brink of a group stage exit after losing both of their opening World Cup games […]

Italy and Costa Rica each have a chance to move closer to qualification for the Round of 16 when they play each other at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife. Both teams are coming off wins in their opening matches with Italy beat England 2-1 in Manaus in their first game while Costa Rica registered a […]

England still have a chance of advancing out of Group D but there's a lot that has to happen in order for that to happen. Italy needs to beat Costa Rica and then Uruguay, then after beating Costa Rica themselves England have to hope they have the most goals out of the bottom three. Aram […]

The ubiquity of digital media has led to a common lament that it's almost impossible to be truly surprised by players or systems featured on the world's stage. While that's often the case, it's still been excellent and a novelty to watch a few of the early round standouts play the under-used and tricky 5-3-2/3-5-2. […]

Mark Geiger is the first American referee to be selected to officiate at a World Cup since Brian Hall was selected in 2002. So far in this tournament Geiger and his two assistants Sean Hurd and Joe Fletcher are the only crew to have been appointed to two games. It is also worth noting that […]

Luis Suárez made a spectacular contribution in his first game of the World Cup. The Uruguayans have three crucial points on the board and England will need a lot of things going in their favor if they are even to have a sniff of qualifying. 1- Cagey, Cagey Opening: With both sides losing their opening […]

Mexico has made at least the knockout round in every World Cup since 1994, and once again will attempt to in a winner-take-all game against Croatia in Recife. Unlike Mexico’s previous two games, one against arguably the worst team in the tournament (Cameroon) and the other against a team that Mexico seems to have the […]

Soccer coverage in the United States is enjoying the greatest TV ratings the sport has ever seen. With better viewing times, more coverage than ever before and a World Cup that is very accessible, it's no wonder that broadcasters in the United States are seeing record numbers. On top of all that, the sport of […]

The second 0-0 result of the World Cup will be seen as a massive chance blown to get three points by Japan, who enjoyed a one man advantage for the best part of an hour and dominated possession. Greece defended resolutely but could have easily snuck away with a victory had they converted their chances. […]

MLS expansion team Orlando City have signed Brazilian star Kaka, according to a report by ESPN announcer Taylor Twellman. The Florida-based MLS team, who currently play in USL-PRO, will debut Kaka in 2015. The former Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder will be loaned out to Sao Paulo until he's ready to train with Orlando […]

George Harrison sang that “All Things Must Pass” and so it was for Spain’s reign. Spanish tears met Chilean cheers. Let’s take a look at how both nations’ newspapers reacted to the match. Catalonia’s Mundo Deportivo (see above front cover) narrowly wins the front page of the day with its zeitgeist-capturing “Abdication” headline. Spain’s mind was […]