World Cup

Coaches Corner: A Tactical Preview Of Russia vs. Saudi Arabia

In what's considered by many to be the weakest group at the World Cup, both Russia and Saudi Arabia will have plenty to prove in Group A's opening match Thursday. Russia will be backed by tens of thousands of screaming fans, while Saudi Arabia will look to prove that they're not here just to make up the numbers. 

Lionel Messi Uncertain Over International Future Ahead Of World Cup

Lionel Messi will celebrate his 31st birthday on June 24, just two days before Argentina takes on Nigeria in its third and final group stage match. Accordingly, should Messi choose to prolong his international career after Russia, he’ll be 35 by the time Qatar 2022 kicks off (that World Cup will be played from late November until mid-December). 

After losing back-to-back Copa America finals on penalties to Chile, there’s also the 2019 tournament in Brazil to consider (that would certainly constitute sweet revenge for Messi and company). 

Peru Enters The World Cup As Unofficial World Champions

Peru is on something of a tear in the Unofficial Football World Championships — the hugely enjoyable competition that uses a boxing-style title system dating back to the first-ever international match to determine which nation is the current title holders. 

BBC Announces Its World Cup Pundits With Cringe-Worthy Video

The World Cup is just around the corner, and excitement levels are at an all-time high. For the BBC, there will be plenty to talk about, and of course, when it’s World Cup time, you bring out the best analysts you can (unless you're Fox). 

The Story Continues: 10 2014 World Cup Narratives That Still Apply In 2018

If you like your dramas with a bit of continuity — and you haven’t watched a soccer match since the 2014 World Cup — you needn’t worry, the 2018 World Cup has got a better story arc than Anna Karenina. Here are 10 narratives that dominated the 2014 tournament that still apply in 2018.

#1. 2018 Costa Rica is 2014 Costa Rica. 

What Failed Invasions Of Russia Tell Us About The 2018 World Cup Campaign

The World Cup will be held in Russia for the first time ever this coming month. Four World Cup participants in particular will be quite pleased the tournament is scheduled for summer, because all good historians know it’s impossible to conquer Russia in winter (unless you are the Mongols, who didn't qualify). Germany, France, Sweden and Poland have all failed invasions of Russia in their past, so they’ll hope history doesn’t repeat itself when July rolls around.

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