Analysis

It's Official: Cody Gakpo is the James Rodríguez of 2022

The magical nights of Cody Gakpo just keep getting better and better. His consistency has evoked memories of another World Cup hero who has been the benchmark for World Cup performance since 2014. James Rodríguez’s magical tournament saw him score six goals in five games including one in each of his group stage matches.

Gakpo has followed suit for the Netherlands, scoring at the same rate in Qatar this year. Rodríguez’s month-long spell in Brazil changed his life ahead of his move to Real Madrid, could we see the same happen with Gakpo in 2022?

Juventus board of directors resign amid allegation of financial wrongdoing

It has been announced via a club press release that the Juventus board of directors has resigned immediately, including long-time club president Andrea Agnelli. Amid investigations into the Turin-based club’s finances, it was deemed necessary that the entire board “forego their office” to aid with the investigations. Juventus has endured a torturous season in 2022, and it seems to only be getting worse. 

USMNT's Ghana scouting report #2: Mohammed Kudus is going to be a problem

When Ghana, the youngest team at the World Cup, eventually meets the USMNT, the second-youngest, in the World Cup semifinals, it's clear that the juvenile inconsistencies of both will allow one team to shine in the opening 45 before the other side comes storming back in the second half.

Mohammed Kudus brace wins it for Ghana in thriller against South Korea

It is official. Soccer is the greatest sport on earth. Source: Monday’s early World Cup kickoffs.

Ghana looked in control against South Korea with two first-half goals, but they have the youngest team at the tournament and their inexperience snuck through around the hour mark when Cho Gue-sung scored a three-minute brace to level the score at two. With the game in the balance, up stepped Mohammed Kudus. 

USA prepares for ‘first knockout game’ of the World Cup in supercharged group finale vs. Iran

The task is clear for the United States men's national team when it plays Iran in its final Group B game of the World Cup at Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday: Win or go home.

While many teams still have multiple options in order to advance to the knockout phase of the tournament, including Iran, the Americans have no choice but to get the three points that come with a victory.

Abdelhamid Sabiri scores outrageous free kick as Morocco beats Belgium

Belgium has been stunned by a moment of Moroccan magic, that puts the African nation top of Group F. Midfielder Abdelhamid Sabiri scored a ridiculous free kick from the most unlikely of angles to get Morocco’s winner against the highly favored Belgians.

Watch: Costa Rica shocks the world with late winner over Japan

Los Ticos were in a world of hurt after their opening match, losing 7-0 to a well-oiled Spain side. The Costa Ricans were sentenced to death by passing as Luis Enrique’s side completed a staggering 1,045 passes in the match, but their performance against a Japan side that shockingly beat Germany on matchday one was more than laudable, grabbing a winner in the 81st minute while also keeping the Samurai Blue off the score sheet. 

Friday's 0-0 draw exposes the difference in expectations between the United States and England

In the aftermath of the fifth 0-0 draw at this year’s World Cup, the reception has been mixed. The abnormality in this instance is that your location in relation to the Atlantic Ocean seems to determine your opinions regarding the result and the match as a whole. 

Mbappé double sends France into the knockout round

The reigning World Champions are always among the favorites to repeat four years later. Since 2010, however, the previous victors have all stumbled and fallen at the first hurdle, going out in the group stage in what has come to be known as the champions curse.

Each example has been as baffling as the last, but France has finally put an end to the curse by clinching a spot in the knockout round with a 2-1 win over Denmark. 

USA player ratings vs. England: The whole country is behind these boys now

The USMNT "won" another famous World Cup draw with England on Friday, battling to a 0-0 stalemate in a gripping affair in which the U.S. outshot the Three Lions 10 to eight, earned seven corners and, without a doubt, inspired its country back home.

Before the tournament started, if U.S. supporters were offered the eventual outcome of only needing to beat Iran to advance to the last-16 they'd have taken that agreement in a heartbeat. Well, that's the scenario the U.S. faces on Tuesday after Iran beat Wales 2-0 earlier in the day.

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