Asia

The draw for the 2019 Women’s World Cup really couldn’t have been unkinder for Thailand. Not only did the world’s 34th-ranked side land the defending world champion, they also got the last team to defeat the USWNT at a major international tournament, Sweden.

Things, of course, got off to a historically bad start when surrendering 13 unanswered goals to the U.S. to begin group play, and things weren’t looking pretty again today when trailing Sweden 4-0 in the 81st minute. 

What amount of responsibility do spectators have to clean up after themselves? It’s something anyone who attends a sporting event, movie or concert must ask themselves: Do I dispose of my trash after the show is over or leave it for others to pick up?

I’d rather not guess what percentage of people leave their trash at their seats — I’d wager it’s quite high, based on what I’ve personally witnessed in the U.S. What I can say is that fans of Japan’s men’s and women’s national teams are certainly not ones to leave trash to others.

The warning signs are there for the USWNT ahead of tomorrow’s opener against Thailand: Yesterday, Italy shocked Australia to record its first Women’s World Cup win since 1999. Today, Argentina gathered its first-ever WWC point by playing to a 0-0 draw with 2015 finalist Japan. 

The first details of FIFA 20 have been confirmed by EA SPORTS, including a release date of September 27 and a new gameplay mode called “VOLTA Football” — which is “an authentic street football experience” wherein you can “build your player, pick your gear, and express your own personal style.”

Australia, the dark horse candidate of many at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, suffered a shock defeat to Italy, making its first finals appearance since 1999, to begin Group C play in France. Australian captain Sam Kerr gave her side an early lead by following up her own saved penalty, but Italy’s Barbara Bonansea scored twice in the second half — including the winner five minutes into stoppage time — to give the Azzurre a dream start.

The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup will begin on Friday, June 7, with France, the host nation, opening play against South Korea at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Almost 50,000 will be in attendance to watch the opening ceremony followed by the first fixture from Group A, and just like when Russia opened the 2018 Men’s World Cup against Saudi Arabia, it’ll be the only match of the day.

Beijing Renhe fielded three goalkeepers in a Round of 16 match against Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese FA Cup on Wednesday. 

To quickly answer the questions you’re all asking right now: 

Despite president Gianni Infantino’s last-ditch visit to Kuwait in an attempt to coerce the nation into co-hosting the 2022 World Cup with Qatar in order to expand the field from 32 to 48 teams, FIFA has now admitted failure in its expansion plan. 

The next World Cup will remain a 32-team affair taking place between Nov. 21 and Dec. 18 solely in Qatar.

Remember Mix Diskerud?

What the heck has he been up to lately?

The USMNT midfielder with 38 caps (and six goals) to his name, made splashy headlines when Manchester City signed him from sister club New York City FC. He’s more or less disappeared from the face of the earth since then.

But fear not, friends, Diskerud has been sighted once more!

One of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Xavi has announced that he'll retire at the end of the season to pursue a coaching career. The maestro spent 17 years in Barcelona before moving to Al-Sadd in Qatar in 2015.

As a graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Xavi made his first team debut for Barcelona in 1998 at just 18 years of age. Playing at Barcelona for over 17 years, Xavi was an integral part of the midfield three, playing brilliant through balls and very rarely losing possession.