Lionel Messi is only the fifth best player in the world, according to FIFA. At least one LaLiga club would probably beg to differ after the Argentine set up this Philippe Coutinho goal vs Leganes on Wednesday.
If historians had not located the ancient Sparta territory, I would have guessed it was in the Basque country, precisely in the lovely city of San Sebastian, and that King Leonidas is buried under the turf of Anoeta, Real Sociedad’s stadium, as the almighty Barcelon continues to struggle in the land of Euskera, despite playing against a weaker side (at least in theory).
Brazil plays the second match of its post-World Cup tour on Tuesday after recording a solid 2-0 win over the USMNT in New Jersey last Friday. The Seleção will be looking to turn on the style against El Salvador — ranked 72nd in the FIFA World Rankings — at FedExField in Landover, Maryland after encountering an organized American side that was anchored by the stellar play of center back Matt Miazga.
Nike’s created a fantastic TV spot to celebrate the release of the Nike PhantomVSN boot, which will be worn by the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Kevin De Bruyne and Mal Pugh.
To help advertise the latest in footwear technology from the sportswear giants, Nike recruited the help of Neymar, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the music of French electronic duo Justice.
It’s here: the long-awaited, game-changing PhantomVSN (Phantom Vision) cleat from Nike. This is the cleat that the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Kevin De Bruyne and Mallory Pugh — attackers “at ease in a position-less environment” — will be using to navigate tight spaces and open up games. These boots are designed with the next generation of playmakers in mind, and it’s quickly apparent that the wears associated with attacking football will never be the same.
The 2018 World Cup came to a stunning conclusion on Sunday with France emerging victorious over Croatia 4-2. It was a hotly contested match with both sides going blow for blow in order to finish with the Cup. Now that the dust has settled on what many fanatics have labelled the best World Cup ever, it’s time to review the month-long festival.
French champion Paris Saint-Germain bid the equivalent of just over $316 million for Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. The world-record bid was sought through Coutinho’s agents as a mediator with Barcelona. The 26-year-old Brazilian does have a $470 million release clause in his contract with Barcelona.
Neymar transfer rumors have circulated almost since he stepped foot on the training ground at Paris Saint-Germain. Such is the nature of European soccer, with its escalating transfer fees and dueling ownership groups. Although for a time it appeared that Real Madrid would replace Ronaldo with Neymar, it now looks increasingly likely that Neymar will stay at PSG for at least another season.