National Teams

UEFA President Asks Teams Not To Play In Countries That Don’t Respect Women’s Rights

UEFA made some far-reaching decisions during a meeting of its executive committee on Tuesday in Slovenia. In addition to determining the future Champions League final locations, European soccer’s governing body made changes to the UEFA Nations League, decided to finally introduce VAR in competitions other than the biggest men’s tournaments and promoted women’s rights.

Messi Claims Record 6th FIFA Men's Player Award While Megan Rapinoe Wins Women's Prize

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 went down in Milan today, and you can rest assured that The18 tried its best to watch on YouTube, but good lord, this stuff is mostly unwatchable. It's remarkably drawn out, full of self-aggrandizing nonsense from FIFA and the forced banter between hosts Ilaria D'Amico, Ruud Gullit and the guests makes you search for the mute button while your skin crawls.

But other than that it's pretty good! 

Let’s go to the green carpet for some select photos before the ceremony. Here’s Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe looking fly. 

Why Doesn’t New Zealand’s Soccer Team Perform The Haka?

New Zealand opened its 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign with a 23-13 victory over South Africa on Saturday in Yokohama, Japan, and it's easy to see why the All Blacks are favorites to win the tournament for a third straight time.

I’m not talking about their play out there — I didn’t wake up at 4:45 a.m. to watch it — I’m talking about their first haka. I’m no rugby expert but I don’t think anyone is going to beat these guys. I’m looking at the schedule now and next up is Canada on Oct. 2. Send all your thoughts and prayers to Canada.  

Norwich City Should Be The Ultimate Inspiration For A Side Like The USMNT

It’s been an eventful week for building from the back. It began with Mexico’s beatdown of Gregg Berhalter’s longterm vision for the USMNT in East Rutherford, a result which led to a cry for abandoning the philosophy.

Things reached a crescendo yesterday with Arsenal — the masterful architects of their own downfall in recent times. Sokratis Papastathopoulos showed exactly why 2-0 is the most dangerous lead in football by passing the ball straight to Gerard Deulofeu in his own area.   

Taika Waititi Is Directing A Soccer Movie And It’s Going To Be The Best Ever

Taika Waititi is a genius. The New Zealand filmmaker finally earned global recognition after directing Thor: Ragnarok, where he also showcased his acting chops in the role of Korg, the hilarious rock-like creature that returned for Avengers: Endgame.

Five Cuban Players Defect After Nations League Match With Canada

Cuba’s national team left Toronto on Saturday having not only lost its opening Nations League match to Canada 6-0, but having lost five of its players permanently.

Cristiano Ronaldo Records 10th Four-Goal Game Of His Career

For the world’s 130th-ranked side, the sight of Cristiano Ronaldo “Ronaldo Chopping” and “SIUUUU-ING” his way around a 5,000-seat stadium was simply too much to bear. So Lithuania decided to stand off and give him 57 touches, seven shots and four goals in exchange for a substitution in the 79th minute of a 5-1 loss to Portugal. That’s a good trade.

Kevin De Bruyne Records 3 Assists, 1 Goal In Belgium’s Demolition Of Scotland

The evidence for Belgium and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne being the finest passer of the ball on the planet is mounting. He’s opened his Premier League campaign with an assist in four straight matches — including two against Tottenham — while becoming the quickest player in EPL history to reach the milestone of 50 career dimes; it took him 18 fewer appearances than Mesut Özil.

Today, the Belgian recorded a hat trick of assists against Scotland in Euro 2020 qualifying, and it only took the 28-year-old 32 minutes to accomplish the feat in Glasgow.

Portugal Wins Euro Beach Soccer League To Unify Every Major European Title

With a 4-2 victory over Russia on Sunday, Portugal captured a record sixth Euro Beach Soccer League championship. Incredibly, Europe’s 16th most-populated country has now unified all four male UEFA titles after winning Euro 2016, the 2018-19 Nations League, UEFA Futsal Euro 2018 and now the beach soccer crown. 

Neymar Returns To Pitch, Scores, Assists, Takes Nasty Blow To Head, Saves Dani Alves’ Life

Neymar returned to the pitch for the first time since June in a friendly against Colombia on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. He had a goal, an assist, nearly died and even saved Dani Alves’ life.

It was just another day in the life of Neymar.

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