World Cup

The Phenom Of US Soccer, Christian Pulisic, Assists The Godfather, Clint Dempsey

So far, so good on the return of Bruce Arena as manager of the USMNT. Sebastian Lletget scored a tap-in after Honduran goalkeeper Donis Escober saved Christian Pulisic’s shot, Michael Bradley scored a brilliant solo goal from distance and then Pulisic provided a wonderfully linked assist to Clint Dempsey, the Texan returning to international duty after missing the opening two games of the Hex with an irregular heartbeat.

Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez Equals Mexico’s All-Time Scoring Record

Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez equalled Jared Borgetti’s all-time goalscoring record for Mexico by scoring his 46th goal in his 89th match. Coincidentally, that’s the exact same record as Borgetti.

Ireland vs. Wales Qualifier Overshadowed By Horror Tackle On Irish Captain Seamus Coleman

The Republic of Ireland moved level with Serbia at the top of UEFA Group D in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, but the hard-earned result came with the loss of their influential captain, Everton defender Seamus Coleman. Wales’ Neil Taylor was given a straight red in the 69th-minute after going straight through Coleman’s standing leg with his studs showing.

It looked like a fractured leg, and Coleman was stretchered off while requiring oxygen. 

(WARNING: GRAPHIC)

Lionel Messi Is Victorious Over His Argentina Teammates And Chile, 1-0

Try as Chile and his teammates might, Lionel Messi remained on course to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. When they get there, Messi’s teammates and the opposition might get the better of him, but tonight was not their night. Messi converted a penalty after a soft call in the box and Argentina hung on for a 1-0 victory in Buenos Aires.

James Rodriguez Rescues Colombia From Disastrous Result Against Bolivia

Colombia almost offered Argentina a massive lifeline before they’d even taken the field by leaving it until the 83rd-minute to take the lead against lowly Bolivia in Barranquilla. However, James Rodriguez converted the follow-up after his initial penalty was saved, and Colombia secured a vital three points.

James remains very much on the periphery at Real Madrid, scoring only two goals in La Liga this season, but he’s a faultless captain when it comes to leading Colombia.

Two Years, Five Matches, One Colossal International Rivalry

Chile and Argentina will meet for the fifth time in just two years later today, but each encounter has been extremely memorable in its own right. Tonight, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for 2018 World Cup qualification, will be no different. Let’s take a look back at the previous four encounters between La Albiceleste and La Roja.

Argentina's Player Silence Rings Louder Than Ever Ahead Of Crunch Qualifiers

With only six matches remaining in South American World Cup qualifying, Argentina face the very real possibility of having their dreams dashed by Chile for the third time in three years. When Chile and Argentina take the field Thursday night in Buenos Aires, it will almost certainly be with both sides out of the automatic qualifying places.

If Colombia defeat Bolivia in Barranquilla, they’ll leapfrog both Argentina and Chile in the table, sending Chile to fifth and Argentina to the disastrous standing of sixth — out of the World Cup.

The Most Infamous Trophy Thefts In The History Of Football

Unless you're holding out in some kind of doomsday bunker, or just don't follow any sports other than soccer, odds are that you've heard of Tom Brady’s Super Bowl LI jersey being stolen from the Patriots' locker room after the game.

It took a lot of investigation, including help from the FBI to find whoever was responsible for the theft, but Brady's jersey ended up being found down in Mexico. The culprit behind it appears to be Martin Mauricio Ortega, a director for the Diario La Prensa newspaper.

Mexico Should Be Decimated By Injuries, But Their Squad Depth Is Unreal

For the United States, injuries to DeAndre Yedlin and Fabian Johnson have severely limited the team’s strength in the wide areas. Meanwhile, Mexico must do without Marco Fabian, Jesus Corona, Giovani dos Santos, Hirving Lozano and Javier Aquino — as well as the continued absence of Paul Aguilar. 

But their squad for upcoming qualifiers against Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago in the Hex demonstrates their embarrassment of riches when compared to the rest of the region.

The Remarkable Yin And Yang Of Wayne Rooney And Jermain Defoe's International Careers

It’s June 2004, and England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has just confirmed his squad for EURO 2004 in Portugal. The 23-man team is highlighted by 18-year-old Everton sensation Wayne Rooney. Aston Villa forward Darius Vassell, although an injury doubt, has been named in the squad at the expense of 21-year-old Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.

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