Inspiring

World Cup favorites Spain bounced by ultimate humiliation: a Panenka and a waddle

Spain's shock 2018 World Cup Round of 16 exit at the hands of Russia — when La Furia Roja took 79% possession with 1,115 passes but fell in a penalty shootout — was supposed to be the ultimate nightmare fuel for the purveyors of tiki-taka.

On Tuesday in the 2022 World Cup Round of 16, Spain suffered another incredible upset in a penalty shootout, this time to African neighbors Morocco after taking 77% possession with 1,019 passes. 

A fan’s perspective in Qatar – USA exit at the hands of the Netherlands

The United States qualified for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. It had been over eight years since the men’s team had last reached this stage, only to fall in overtime to a strong Belgium side in 2014. This time, the Netherlands stood between the United States and a place in the quarters. 

The Dutch side was no stranger to making it all the way to the final match. Their world-class team was headlined by one of the top defenders in the world, Virgil Van Dijk, along with Frenkie de Jong, a speedy midfielder in his prime. Netherlands were clear favorites to win. 

USMNT inspiration is working: LAFC youth cracks unbelievable bicycle kick

Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Alexi Lalas told us this would happen — it's one generation inspiring the next after watching Christian Pulisic deliver and Tyler Adams dominate.

"If Shaq Moore can get 20 minutes in a World Cup, why not me?" is what these kids are asking themselves around the country, and they're heeding Donovan's advice to stop counting the days and to start making the days count.

Seeing the Messi kids hugging each other after daddy's goal vs. Australia will melt your heart

This World Cup is special for Lionel Messi — not only because he wants glory, not only because it's probably his last one, but also because his three kids are old enough to watch him play.

"From the very beginning, from kick-off to the final whistle, I'm thinking of my children," confessed the Argentine star after defeating Australia and qualifying for the quarterfinals against the Netherlands. 

Best is yet to come from USMNT, but exposed shortcomings must be resolved before 2026

DOHA - A fresh-faced United States squad arrived in Qatar with modest expectations and although they may leave with a sense of disappointment after another last-16 exit, their performances offered hope of a longer run when they co-host the 2026 tournament.

After an encouraging group campaign, a young team brimming with confidence entered the knockout phase believing they could deliver another plot twist in a tournament where underdogs have consistently punched above their weight.

Australia explodes at 3 a.m. local time as Socceroos reach World Cup last 16

Heading into Wednesday's final matchday in World Cup Group D, Australia figured it'd probably only need a remarkable draw against Denmark, the world's 10th-ranked side, to advance to the round of 16 for only the second time in their history and first since 2006.

Kickoff was scheduled for 2 a.m. in Australia, and supporters took up their traditional post in Federation Square (downtown Melbourne) to watch as Australia went about its task admirably to keep things at 0-0 after 45 minutes.

Our boys are ready to run through a wall after hearing Charles Barkley's rallying cry

There's no stopping the United States now after a nerve-racking 1-0 win over Iran. With millions of their countryfolk rallying around the U.S. Soccer crest, Tyler Adams and company are ready to teach the purveyors of Total Football a harsh lesson in Berhalter Ball. 

Not even Alexi Lalas’ biggest haters can dislike his emotional USA vs. England pregame speech

Alexi Lalas is a polarizing character in the U.S. Soccer sphere. Beloved as player but not so much as a pundit, Lalas can rub people the wrong way. Despite this, the Alexi Lalas England pregame speech on FOX before kickoff could make his most vehement haters feel something.

The USA is about to play arguably its biggest men’s soccer game in recent history. This could be a defining moment for the program and Lalas emphasized this before kickoff.

Reactions in Australia to the Socceroos’ opening goal vs. France is what the World Cup is all about

Australia’s opening World Cup game against France went pretty must as expected. France dominated and cruised to a 4-1 victory, but there were 18 beautiful minutes that the Socceroos held a 1-0 lead.

Because of time zones, fans back in the land down under had a groggy morning to watch their team play. Kickoff was at 6 a.m. for fans that gathered to watch in Melbourne. Despite the fact the sun rose only a couple minutes before kickoff, the energy was still there from the fans.

Tunisia's Aïssa Laïdouni is my new favorite player

You'll hear the sentiment over and over again during tournament coverage: There are no mysteries at the World Cup anymore — modernity and globalization have combined to eliminate the past thrill of the complete unknown showing up on our TV screens and taking over.

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