International Soccer
Mario’s Back: Balotelli’s Return To The Italian National Side Reopens Old Wounds
Roberto Mancini unveiled his first squad as the new coach of the Italian national side and the biggest indication that this was a new era was the inclusion of Mario Balotelli.
While other teams are preparing for the World Cup, the inclusion of Balotelli signals a major sea change in squad selection, bringing back into the fold a gifted, oft-maligned striker.
No Room For The EPL’s Best Young Talent On Germany’s Final 23-Man Squad
Germany’s “Snubbed XI” just added one of the most electric talents in all of world football. A few weeks ago, the “Snubbed XI” began assembling itself with a preposterously strong attacking core spearheaded by the dropped Borussia Dortmund duo of Mario Gotze and Andre Schurrle (the two players who expertly combined to sink Argentina in extra time back in 2014).
Neymar Scores Brilliant Solo Goal In Return To Pitch
Last we saw Neymar on the soccer pitch he was crying as he was stretchered off the field in a Ligue 1 match. But the Brazilian is back, and if the Neymar goal vs Croatia is anything to go by, he’s ready for the World Cup.
Mexico Downs Scotland 1-0 In Final Match Before Heading To Europe For The World Cup
The Mexico national dominated in its final match in Mexico ahead of the World Cup on Saturday evening at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. But despite dozens of chances and a majority of the possession, Giovani dos Santos was the only goal scorer for Mexico vs Scotland in a 1-0 friendly victory.
U.S. Youth Project Hits Road Bump Against Ireland
The youth project continued for interim coach Dave Sarachan and U.S. men’s soccer with the second of three friendlies in the span of a couple weeks on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland. A young squad showed a few positives and a few more negatives in a 2-1 loss for the USMNT vs Ireland.
Watch Raheem Sterling’s Indefensible Flop Against Nigeria
England won its penultimate World Cup tune-up with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria on Saturday at Wembley Stadium. But the win was marred by an indefensible Raheem Sterling dive early in the second half.
The first-half performance was strong for the Three Lions, though they faded a bit in the second half as Nigeria sought a result. London-based players scored all three goals in the match.
Ireland, USMNT Make 'Statement' Supporting LGBTQ Rights With Rainbow Kits
Ireland and the United States play a relatively meaningless soccer match on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Neither squad is preparing for the World Cup, but the teams did manage to make an important statement: in support of equality and rights for all. Unfortunately, not everyone understood the message on the back of the Ireland and USMNT jersey.
France’s Trident Of Griezmann, Dembélé And Mbappé Looked As Good As It Sounds Against Italy
A front line of Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé sounds terrifying. Italy just found out exactly how terrifying. The three-man attack played a key role in all three goals in a 3-1 win for France vs Italy in a pre-World Cup friendly in Nice on Friday evening.
France manager Didier Deschamps started the fearsome forward trio against Italy’s generally well-regarded back line in Les Bleus’ penultimate warm-up match for the World Cup.