Men's National Teams

Ranking all 8 of Federico Valverde's comically good goals this season

It's early in the race for the 2023 Ballon d'Or, but with the season now over 30 percent complete, there's no denying that Real Madrid utility man Federico Valverde has put himself in the conversation with some unbelievable contributions in the Champions League and LaLiga.

It used to be that Valverde was the unsung hero of either the midfield (deputizing effectively for Luka Modrić or Toni Kroos) or right wing (with Karim Benzema and Vini Jr in the spotlight), but this year, whether deployed on the wing or in midfield, the 24-year-old has blossomed into the star of the show.

Netflix documentary reveals Messi's emotional pep-talk before winning the Copa America with Argentina

Copa América 2021 was pretty special for Argentina. They lifted their first adult international title since 1993 – beating Brazil in the legendary Maracanã Stadium –, exorcized the ghosts of the two finals lost against Chile in 2015 and 2016 and created a very candid narrative around Lionel Messi heading to the World Cup that starts on Nov. 20. 

Messi, of course, was the main architect of the victory. And not only thanks to his extraterrestrial talent but also his commanding voice inside the dressing room.

Team-by-team guide: 2022 Denmark World Cup preview

To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched team-by-team previews for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Here’s the Denmark World Cup preview who’ll play in Group D against France, Australia and Tunisia.

Denmark World Cup Preview 2022

World Cup Appearances: 6th

Best Finish: Quarterfinals (1998)

Gareth Bale has no role to play in MLS Cup — can he even be a factor against the USA?

Toward the end of September, it looked like LAFC was about to unlock the best of Gareth Bale. He hadn't scored in his last seven appearances (totaling 245 minutes) after finding the net twice in his first four (96 minutes), but more importantly, the 33-year-old Welshman had just recorded his second start.

USMNT goalkeeper power rankings: Steffen's mistakes continue to compound

In three weeks, the USMNT begins its World Cup campaign in Qatar. Much is still to be decided for the final roster — especially at the goalkeeper position.

During the September international break (with Zack Steffen omitted as a precautionary measure as he recovered from injury), Matt Turner started against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Turner had a strong showing against Japan, and was arguably the top American performer that day, before having little to do in a dull match versus the Saudis in Spain.

The World Cup TV Schedule Is Here — How To Watch Every 2022 World Cup Match In The U.S.

Replace the batteries in your TV remote, set your alarm for way-too-early a.m. and get ready to watch the best month of sports of the year as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch World Cup 2022 in the United States. 

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. 

Paul Pogba to miss World Cup after failing to recover from knee surgery

France midfielder Paul Pogba will miss their World Cup title defense after failing to recover from knee surgery in time for next month's tournament in Qatar, his agent said on Monday.

Pogba had an operation on a damaged meniscus in September but his agent said that, following a medical review, he would not be able to return to the Juventus squad or join up with France before the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup.

Team-by-team guide: 2022 France World Cup preview

To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched team-by-team previews for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Here’s the France World Cup preview — they’ll play in Group D against Denmark, Tunisia and Australia.

France World Cup 2022 Preview

World Cup Appearances: 16th

Best Finish: Champions (1998, 2018)

Rodolfo Pizarro le pone más empeño a un disfraz de The Joker que a su carrera como futbolista

El mediocampista de Monterrey, Rodolfo Pizarro, volvió a mostrar su obsesión con The Joker. El jugador, que suele celebrar goles con la sonrisa enfermiza del personaje, sorprendió a sus seguidores disfrazándose como el villano de Batman en medio de las fiestas de Halloween. 

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