MLS playoffs confirm undervalued USMNT truth: Kellyn Acosta is a big-game player
From a USMNT perspective, the MLS Cup Playoffs have only served to reinforce the poorly trending narrative around the team.
Underdogs
What's at stake in the UCL? Group-by-group look heading into the final matchday
BERLIN - The controversial VAR decision to rule out Harry Kane's stoppage-time winner against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday prevented Tottenham from progressing into the Champions League knockout stage as Group D winners with a match to spare.
Instead Antonio Conte's team now go into a final matchday with all four teams in the group, including Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille, still in the running for a last 16 spot.
Inter Milan seals Champions League last-16 place and eliminates Barcelona
MILAN - Inter Milan sailed into the Champions League last 16 after an Edin Džeko double fired them to a 4-0 home win over Viktoria Plzeň in Group C on Wednesday, a result that eliminated Barcelona and relegated them to the Europa League.
The Italians moved up to 10 points with the win, six clear of Barça who were hosting Bayern Munich later on Wednesday. Even if Barça beat the Germans and win their final group game against Plzeň, Inter will still qualify with a better head-to-head record against the Catalans.
Team-by-team guide: 2022 USMNT World Cup preview
To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched team-by-team previews for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This is the preview for Group B's USMNT.
USA World Cup 2022 Preview
World Cup appearances: 11th
Best finish: 3rd (1930)
How they got here: The USMNT qualified directly as Concacaf's third-place finisher, behind Canada and Mexico and above Costa Rica on goal difference.
Barcelona must show they're better than Bayern, says Xavi
BARCELONA - Barcelona will be eager to show everyone that they are better than rivals Bayern Munich when the two teams face off in the Champions League on Wednesday, manager Xavi Hernández said.
Barcelona were beaten 2-0 by Bayern in last month's Group C fixture, a result that Xavi said was not a true reflection of the team's talent. But having won only one of their four matches in Europe this season, Xavi wants his team to show their true worth at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Team-by-team guide: 2022 Wales World Cup preview
To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched team-by-team previews for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This is the preview for Group B's Wales.
Wales World Cup 2022 Preview
World Cup appearances: Second
Best finish: Quarterfinals (1958)
Jesse Marsch leads the EPL ‘sack race’ — can he save his job against Liverpool?
When the final whistle sounds Saturday evening at Anfield following Leeds United's trip to Liverpool, there's a very real chance that Jesse Marsch could be out of a job if the Whites lose. Defeat would confirm a place in the relegation zone with over 30 percent of the Premier League season finished, and bottom three managers are typically dismissed around this period if they don't have the history of leading their club up from the Championship.
Team-by-team guide: 2022 Costa Rica World Cup preview
To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched team-by-team previews for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Here's the Costa Rica World Cup 2022 preview. Los Ticos will play in Group E against Spain, Germany and Japan.
Costa Rica World Cup Preview 2022
World Cup appearances: 6th
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2014)
Team-by-team guide: 2022 Iran World Cup preview
To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched team-by-team previews for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This is the preview for Group B's Iran.
Iran World Cup 2022 Preview
World Cup appearances: 6th
Best finish: Group stage (every time)
How they got here: Iran finished top of Group A, above South Korea, in AFC qualifying.
Coach: Carlos Queiroz (Portuguese)
NYCFC one win away from returning to MLS Cup after hammering Montréal
New York City FC went inside the belly of the beast Sunday at Saputo Stadium and showed off its playoff expertise by eliminating CF Montréal 3-1 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals against Philadelphia Union on Oct. 30 at Subaru Park in Chester.
Facing an intense atmosphere, NYCFC started out aggressively and got an early sixth-minute goal from veteran Argentine playmaker Maxi Moralez.
️ MAXI MORALEZ