Amazing

With the Laws of the Game going back nearly 160 years, it’s interesting to look at the ways in which things have been codified, historicized and transposed. One particular offshoot has been the use of stars above team crests. What are the stars above football badges? On the one hand, the answer is exceptionally simple, but like I said, we’ve had some interesting developments and deployments over the years.

Spotify Wrapped dropped this month, showing listeners what songs and artists they looked up and listened to the most (my number one artist was Don Toliver if you’re curious). If Google had a similar wrapped project, I guarantee you that “crazy soccer flares” would’ve been in my top 100 searches for all of the past five years.

There’s something about a wall of fire that is exceptionally intimidating to look at. Any time — prior to 2020 that is — I see fans of South American or European clubs ignite their flares and sing rapturous chants I get envious.

If we’re being honest, there are too many podcasts out there. But if you’re looking for a new one to listen to, we can’t think of a better one than The Football Podcast by WePlayStrong, the first-ever UEFA women’s soccer podcast.

Most soccer podcasts are hosted by talking heads who either cover the game or played the game long ago, and most soccer podcasts focus on the men’s game. This podcast is different.

On Tuesday, USMNT fans found themselves drooling over yet another young American prospect realizing his potential at the highest level in Europe.

Weston McKennie went horizontal for flying volley against Barcelona, capturing the imagination of a generation of American soccer fans in the process.

Modern football is dominated by attacking players.

There are the creators. Mo Salah, Timo Werner, Richarlison. Guys who can generate something from nothing but are average finishers that need a lot of the ball to score.

Then there are the finishers. Romelu Lukaku, Aleksandar Mitrović, Chris Wood. They aren't productive 40 yards from goal but give them one chance inside the 18 and they'll take it.

An Iranian player scored the furthest somersault throw-in goal that you will ever see during a Persian Gulf Pro League game on Monday. 

The game was between Paykan and Gol Gohar. In the seventh-minute, Paykan unleashed its secret weapon. The Iranian club has a player who has never skipped arm day, has cannons for hands and can execute a perfect somersault throw-in.