worldcup Page 121 - Sports News, Headlines & Highlights
Diver Down
An oft-forwarded Slate piece written this week attempts to answer the question: What's wrong with diving in soccer? The mock, oh-lord-god-help-me-it-HURTS! soccer move that so infuriates Americans — most memorably demonstrated in a Dave Eggers essay — is probably the biggest roadblock to the sport c...
Hirshey: France Is Dead, Long Live France!
Admit it: After weeks of watching the Beckhams , Ballacks , Figos and Tonis and the rest of the preening World Cup showponies parade their smoldering good looks and luxuriant manes around the field after a match, didn't it feel good yesterday to see a couple of ancient chrome domes like Zidane and B...
All Hail The Glorious People's Italian Football Collective!
Reverberations from Italy's 1-0 World Cup win over Australia on Monday continue. The Italians won on a disputed penalty kick in the final seconds of stoppage time, and it's caused a whole fuss. Australian assistant coach Graham Arnold told the Australia Daily Telegraph that "FIFA didn't want us here...
Live Blog: Spain Vs. France
A little way to keep yourself entertained during this World Cup if you happen to be the sort who has trouble retaining interest? Pretend the countries are their corresponding characters in "Mike Tyson's Punch Out." Therefore, this one is Don Flamenco vs. Glass Joe. There. Don't you feel better? Yo...
Live Blog: Brazil Vs. Ghana
If you're the type of person who's still upset about the United States losing to Ghana last week, you might be lamenting that this could have been the U.S. playing in this game. But you know what? We highly doubt you're that type of person....
Hirshey: B'Day, Mate
David Hirshey will write regularly during the World Cup....
Live Blog: Italy Vs. Australia
As we continue along the Round of 16 — these games really are quite more exciting when they loser goes home — we start off your weekday live blogging with a team representing a country that was founded by the exiled convicts of another country ... and, much worse, a team that tied the United State...
Tossing Out Cards Like A Vegas Blackjack Dealer
Well, if there wasn't a rivalry between Portugal and The Netherlands before, there certainly is now. In a bizarre game in which the referee went absolutely batshit crazy, 16 yellow cards and 4 reds were handed out, tying a World Cup record. The official went through three different ink pens with all...
England Keeps Winning Ugly
One goal on a set piece was the difference between England and Ecuador. For some reason, Ecuadorian goalie Cristian Mora, he of the pretty painted face, left Beckham about 80% of the net to shoot at, and Beckham tucked a nifty little curveball just into the left side. Beckham then celebrated with ...
At Last, Some Violence
Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time. More than 120 people were arrested after what are being described here as "brief but violent disturbances" in Stuttgart, Germany earlier today....
Maxi Pads Argentina's World Cup Resumé
I think we've got a new leader in the competition for "best goal of the World Cup." Argentina's Maxi Rodriguez chested down a pass, volleyed it off his foot, and hit a looping, hooking shot from outside the box that left Mexican keeper Oswaldo Sanchez with absolutely no chance. Just pure nastines...
Mama Said Knock You Out
Today begins the World Cup knockout round, where a ton of different clichés apply: Do or die, there's no tomorrow, win or go home, don't take any wooden nickels, etc. Only sixteen of the world's teams are privileged enough to be here....
Live Blog: Switzerland Vs. Korea Republic
The tightest of all the groups, Group G has three teams all with legitimate chances at making it into the next round. But these are the only two who control their proverbial destiny. The winner here automatically wins the Group and advances to play Ukraine next Monday. A draw means all kinds of ch...
Live Blog: France Vs. Togo
Ah, France. The French might have won the whole business two World Cups ago, but right now, they're looking like they could be in serious trouble. They need a win here, obviously, and then they have to either win convincingly or hope the Switzerland-Korea game doesn't end up in a draw. That's what...
Live Blog: Spain Vs. Saudi Arabia
It is not entirely outside of the realm of possibility that Saudi Arabia could somehow sneak into the next round; they would need a (huge) upset win here and then ... well, they'd need a lot to happen. Meanwhile, Spain is already cruising into the Round of 16 and is (mostly) assured of the top seed ...
Live Blog: Ukraine Vs. Tunisia
This one's a potentially pivotal game; Ukraine is into the second round with a win, but Tunisia could end up in the same boat. A win could push them in as well, assuming Saudi Arabia doesn't shock Spain. But Ukraine has to be happy to be here; remember, they were hammered 4-0 in the first round....
Hirshey: Gonzo About Ghana
David Hirshey will write regularly during the World Cup....
Live Blog: Brazil Vs. Japan
It's impossible not to have a good time watching Brazil, and not just because of the ladies, yeahhh. So far, the Brazilians haven't played that beautiful game we've all expected of them, but it's early, and Ronaldo hasn't lost all his weight yet. Give him time....
Live Blog: Australia Vs. Croatia
This game is deceptively underbilled; it's pretty huge, actually. If Australia earns a tie or a win, the Socceroos will advance to the next round; a win for Croatia does the same for them, barring something crazy from Japan against Brazil. It's rare that this round of games end up with two teams pla...
Of Mad Dogs, Nike And Englishmen
This Nike ad featuring England young turk Wayne Rooney, apparently, is drawing all kinds of ire in England....