In a first half where Costa Rica outplayed Italy, the Ticos took a deserved 1-0 victory before half-time with a beautifully taken header by Bryan Ruiz that hit the crossbar, bounced over the line and back out on to the field of play. In real time, it was inconclusive whether the ball crossed the line […]

Fresh off scoring a brace for Uruguay to defeat England 2-1 yesterday, transfer rumors are intensifying that Barcelona want to sign Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. The 27-year-old received a new deal from Liverpool last season but as we've learned from being soccer fans, contracts don't mean much if enough money is presented. The release clause […]

Chile was all smiles and fulfilled their potential when they defeated Spain 2-0 at the Estadio Maracanã on Wednesday. For them it was a reconfirmation of the potential that the team had individually as well as collectively. Many looked at Chile as a team always playing on the edge. Their frenetic pressure in all sectors, […]

Italy face off against Costa Rica in a tie that could virtually seal the fate of Group D. Where to watch – Viewers in USA can catch the game at 12 PM EST/9 AM PST at – English language: ESPN and WatchESPN Spanish language: Univision, Univision Deportes Network and Univision online Portuguese language: ESPN Deportes Referee – Enrique […]

After being let go by Manchester City and becoming a hot commodity on the free market, defender Joleon Lescott signs a two-year deal with West Bromwich Albion. The 31-year-old is the first signing for manager Alan Irvine who just signed a 12-month contract last week. The Baggies were three points from being relegated and acquiring […]

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 […]