Europe

Portugal's Mannequin Challenge Proves You Know Nothing

I don't know anything. This was clearly demonstrated to me today when a friend told me to check out Portugal's mannequin challenge. First off, I had no idea how to spell mannequin, and I thought I was on top of my spelling. This isn't an auspicious beginning.

Second, what the hell is the mannequin challenge? I guess the video will explain that. I hope it's funny.

England Defeat Very Sad, Very Deserving Of Sympathy Scotland

Goals from Liverpool duo Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana and Chelsea’s Gary Cahill lifted England to a 3-0 victory over Scotland in World Cup qualifying at Wembley Stadium. 

England’s impeccable qualifying record continues, the Three Lions firmly in control of UEFA’s Group F following three wins and a draw from four matches. With Liverpool in tremendous Premier League form, it was no surprise to see Sturridge and Lallana get on the scoresheet while Jordan Henderson pulled the strings from midfield. 

Jonjo Shelvey Might Get Suspended For Racism

Jonjo Shelvey is in trouble.

Jonjo Shelvey is in trouble because he is alleged to have racially abused Wolves player Romain Saiss earlier this month. Should Shelvey be found to have used the racist language he is accused of having used, he faces a minimum five-match ban, though it should probably be more like the eight-game ban Luis Suarez received for racially abusing Patrice Evra a few years ago.

Greece Suspended All Soccer Competitions Because Somebody Reportedly Set A Ref's House On Fire

A lot of people have complaints about the MLS, and that's fine, but at least the government here didn't have to put all soccer competitions on hold because someone tried to burn down a referee's house. That's what happened in Greece.

A Manager In England Was Banned After He Bet On His Team To Lose

A non-league coach in England has been banned for three years for gambling, including betting on his own team to lose.

Nick Bunyard, former manager of Frome Town, is either not very good at managing, or not very good at gambling, or both.

Here is an actual quote from Bunyard in the Western Daily Press:

Two Changes Manchester United Must Make To Challenge For The Title

Eleven matches into the season and we are still waiting for Jose Mourinho and his squad to show any real signs of challenging for the Premier League title. It's still early, but United already trail Liverpool by eight points in the EPL table. 

When Will Romelu Lukaku Move On To Bigger And Better Things?

Having scored more goals (126) at 23 than Cristiano Ronaldo (110), Luis Suarez (107) or Wayne Rooney (100), Romelu Lukaku has established himself as the world’s most complete young striker.

Spain's High Court Says Neymar Should Stand Trial Over Transfer Saga

The Neymar Santos-to-Barcelona transfer saga has taken another turn as Spain's high court reportedly ruled that Neymar, his parents and Barcelona executives Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu (as well as the club itself) should stand trial for fraud and corruption.

From The Guardian:

A Croatian 7th Division Player Just Broke The Record For Consecutive Hat Tricks

Stjepan Lucijanic looks like a bus driver, but he just set one of the most impressive records in soccer.

Lucijanic plays for NK Dracice Dakovo in the Croatian seventh division, and he scored a hat trick (or more) in five straight matches recently, breaking an 18-year-old record held by Japanese forward Masashija Nakayamu. Overall, Lucijanic scored 20 goals in the five games.

This isn't even the only cool thing Lucijanic has done on a soccer field. Earlier this season he scored six (six!) goals in one match, and one time he scored 12 seconds into a match.

Bastian Schweinsteiger Went For A Walk

Bastian Schweinsteiger has yet to appear for Manchester United this season. The German midfielder returned to first team training recently (after being forced to train alone), reportedly to get in shape for a possible January move.

It can't be easy for Schweinsteiger to go through this situation with United, which he has said will be his last club in Europe. That's why we're glad to see Schweinsteiger getting some fresh air and light exercise, as well as keeping his spirits up, by going for a walk.

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