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 is what the knock-out games are all about. Fighting for your country, pride and victory.

I'm not sure which is worse. With ESPN partnering with ABC for the World Cup coverage in America, does this drag the ABC name through the mud? Or is the other way around?

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 match. With Germany leading two-nil in the early stages of the second half, Sweden went […]

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 Cole, Ferdinand, Terry and — unbelievably Owen Hargreaves. Michael Carrick, meanwhile, will play in front […]

GRADING BY MICHAEL HALEY WITH ADDITIONAL COMMENTS BY KARTIK KRISHNAIYER 1 Howard – DNP Kartik’s Thoughts: Could he have made the critical save that sparked this team? Keller surely didn't. 2 Albright – DNP Kartik's Thoughts: This team sorely missed Frankie Hedjuk's hustle and his German experience from his Bundesligia days. His torn ACL was […]

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 through to the next round anyway. Playing a 4-5-1 formation and bringing on Eddie Johnson […]

Arena in full control during the 2002 World Cup/YahooSports John O'Brien's goal against Portugal in 2002 sent Arena's side on its way to a deep World Cup run/yahoospots Assessing Arena Prior to the 2002 World Cup Bruce Arena tempered the expectations of many in the soccer media. While on paper it appeared the USA had […]

Tonight or early Tomorrow Eastern Time: What mistakes did Bruce Arena make? Saturday: Which players stood out for the United States in this World Cup, and which players fell flat on their faces Sunday: What changes do the US Soccer Federation and MLS need to make to make World Cup 2010 more successful for Team […]

Reuters news service is reporting that US Captain Claudio Reyna will retire from the Men's National Team. I certainly expect the USSF to give him a send off game in the next few months. Reyna made some mistakes in this World Cup and has been injury prone. He also has been less vocal as a […]

The 2006 United States World Cup squad not only had higher expectations than any previous American team but also more interest in the team back home in the United States. Today's devastating (and controversial) loss to Ghana was just the final chapter in a failed world cup for Team USA, just four years after a […]

It all comes down to this. One game, which will define the 2006 World Cup for the US Team. Lose or draw, and the US team will be considered a disappointment. Win, and hope that Italy beats Czech Republic, and it's a huge success for the US national team. One win, that's all we ask […]

Four years of speculation and anticipation will end for those of us obsessed with US Soccer tomorrow as our side faces a mammoth challenge to reach the knock out stages of Germany 2006. We must beat Ghana, which involves scoring goals something we have not done yet in this World Cup while stopping a potent […]

Blink and you may miss it, but tomorrow the English Premiership will be releasing their schedule for the 2006/2007 season. As soon as it's available, we'll post the opening day fixtures on the EPLTalk.com homepage. Who will Chelsea play on the opening day? And who will Reading, Sheffield United and Watford square up against? I […]

I grew up watching Gerd Mueller, the all time leading goal scorer in World Cup History in his NASL stint with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. (where he played alongside worldwide greats Elias Figeroua, Nene Cubilias and George Best). Mueller's record of 14 World Cup goals is serious jeopardy of finally being broken in this World […]

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 Quarter Finals of the World Cup: Friday, June 30, 11am ET: Germany v Argentina Saturday, […]