Men's National Teams

‘El Diablo’ Luis Suárez refuses to apologize for role in Ghana's 2010 exit ahead of rematch

AL RAYYAN, Qatar - Uruguay's Luis Suárez refused to apologize to Ghanaians on Thursday for his role 12 years ago in their biggest World Cup setback, arguing it wasn't his handball that denied Ghana a quarterfinal winner but their missed penalty that followed.

A win for Ghana against Uruguay in Friday's final Group H match could avenge their acrimonious defeat by the South Americans in 2010, when Suárez used his hand to block an extra-time winner for Ghana, who missed the resulting spot-kick and lost the penalty shootout that followed.

Netherlands need to show they're not all talk against USA in round of 16

DOHA - After much posturing, the Netherlands now need to deliver if they are to fulfill their own prophecy at the World Cup, starting with the opening clash of the knockout stage against the United States on Saturday.

There has been much talk — all from the Dutch camp — of the team's potential to go all the way in the tournament in Qatar, principally from veteran coach Louis van Gaal, who enjoys a little mental coaxing and sparring.

A un paso del milagro: Las calificaciones de México en la victoria sobre Arabia Saudita

El México que queríamos ver en el Mundial apareció ante Arabia Saudita. Rápido, vertical y capaz de hacer goles. Lo malo de esta historia es que ese Tri llegó tarde a Catar y no pudo evitar ser eliminado en la fase de grupos.

Ojalá lo hubiéramos visto ante Argentina y sobre todo en el debut ante Polonia. 

Pero bueno, así es la vida y así fue la performance de un México que en su último partido en el Grupo C hizo soñar a su afición, pero que hoy hace las maletas de regreso a casa.

Mexico is out of the World Cup, but at least they scored a goal of the tournament contender

After advancing from the group stage in seven-straight World Cups, Mexico crashed out of Group C on Wednesday. El Tri defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1, tied Poland on points but fell one short on goal difference in heartbreaking fashion.

Mexico is out of the World Cup on goal difference!

Mexico beat Saudi Arabia but the third goal wouldn't come. Argentina beat Poland but the third goal, which would've gotten it done for El Tri, wouldn't come. When the final whistle sounded at Lusail Stadium, bringing the insanity of World Cup Group C to a close, it confirmed Argentina as winners and Poland as runners-up on goal difference (Poland's zero vs. Mexico's negative one).

It had been even closer than that.

México queda fuera del Mundial de la forma más cruel posible

México corrió, México hizo goles, México ganó y México soñó. Sin embargo, al final del día, a México le faltó el centavo para el peso y se despidió del Mundial de Catar 2022.

Pese a vencer a Arabia Saudita por 2-1, la diferencia de goles del Tri no fue suficiente para superar a una Polonia que perdió 2-0 ante Argentina, en el otro partido del Grupo C.

La tabla final quedó así:

  1. Argentina: 6 puntos (+3)
  2. Polonia: 4 puntos (0)
  3. México: 4 puntos (-1)
  4. Arabia Saudita: 3 puntos (-2)

Sí, la diferencia fue de apenas un gol. 

El VAR arruina el festejo de pingüino de Antoine Griezmann

Los festejos de gol en vano son una incómoda realidad en el fútbol desde la introducción del VAR. Lo vemos cada fin de semana en la cara frustrada de jugadores y aficionados que quedan exigiendo una explicación cuando la tecnología interviene y apaga sus sueños y alegrías.

Pasa en ligas locales, torneos internacionales y hoy le tocó a Antoine Griezmann en la Copa del Mundo, en la derrota 1-0 de Francia ante Túnez.

Australia explodes at 3 a.m. local time as Socceroos reach World Cup last 16

Heading into Wednesday's final matchday in World Cup Group D, Australia figured it'd probably only need a remarkable draw against Denmark, the world's 10th-ranked side, to advance to the round of 16 for only the second time in their history and first since 2006.

Kickoff was scheduled for 2 a.m. in Australia, and supporters took up their traditional post in Federation Square (downtown Melbourne) to watch as Australia went about its task admirably to keep things at 0-0 after 45 minutes.

Our boys are ready to run through a wall after hearing Charles Barkley's rallying cry

There's no stopping the United States now after a nerve-racking 1-0 win over Iran. With millions of their countryfolk rallying around the U.S. Soccer crest, Tyler Adams and company are ready to teach the purveyors of Total Football a harsh lesson in Berhalter Ball. 

Wounded hero Pulisic hurt his testicles, but he'll be ready for the Netherlands on Saturday

DOHA - Christian Pulisic was hailed by his teammates on Tuesday after his first-half strike sent the United States through to the World Cup knockout rounds, with the effort landing him in hospital with a pelvic contusion.

The Chelsea forward burst into the area and bundled the ball over the line in the 38th minute of Tuesday's Group B decider against Iran. But he could not even celebrate the goal as he had injured himself following a collision with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

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