Archive: World
Morning Kickaround
Passport? Check. Visa? Check. Stack of cash to convert to euros and then to pesos? Check. Extra cash for jailhouse bribes? Check. Bonus cash for mojitos? Check. Oh, sorry, just packing for Cuba. I am actually off to Miami for a day, then to Havana tomorrow. Before I leave, you...
By Steve Goff | September 2, 2008; 07:31 AM ET | Comments (49)
Edu and Rangers, Zenit and Man U
For an update on Mo Edu's status this weekend with Rangers ahead of Sunday's clash with Celtic, click here. Zenit 2, Man U 1 in the UEFA Super Cup:...
By Steve Goff | August 30, 2008; 01:20 PM ET | Comments (7)
Television, Drug of a Nation
Lots of viewing options the next two days, starting this afternoon with the UEFA Super Cup between Manchester United and Zenit St. Pete (2:30 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel). TONIGHT USL: Puerto Rico at Charleston, 8 p.m. Fox Soccer Channel NCAA: Maryland at UCLA, 10 p.m. FSC SATURDAY England: Blackpool...
By Steve Goff | August 29, 2008; 02:11 PM ET | Comments (27)
Morning Kickaround
*Read about Red Bulls prospect Matt Kassel, a freshman at the University of Maryland. The Terps open the season against UCLA at Home Depot Center tonight (10 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel). *DCU's Jaime Moreno and Ivan Guerrero will play in upcoming World Cup qualifiers. *MLS tonight: Colorado at Real...
By Steve Goff | August 29, 2008; 09:03 AM ET | Comments (31)
Morning Kickaround
*Joe Vide took an unconventional path to MLS and D.C. United's starting lineup. *Cuauhtemoc Blanco says the Fire wants him to play two more years. *While MLS teams fell, Cruz Azul rolled to a 6-0 victory in its Champions League opener, all but assuring passage to a group that includes...
By Steve Goff | August 27, 2008; 08:48 AM ET | Comments (27)
The Special One
Jose, better than ever! After you watch the Setanta video below, read this completely unrelated but nonetheless brilliant piece written by Woody Allen. Lots of giggles....
By Steve Goff | August 25, 2008; 04:51 PM ET | Comments (14)
Keller, Cory, Clint, Crystal and Cuscatlan (North)
*No surprise: USA goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who turns 39 this fall, has finally made the leap to MLS and will play for expansion Seattle next year. RSL tried to acquire him a few years ago, but Keller was not ready to leave Europe. *USA defender Cory Gibbs, back in MLS...
By Steve Goff | August 13, 2008; 03:51 PM ET | Comments (41)
Morning Kickaround
*Read about D.C. United's long trip back from the Meadowlands and its quick turnaround to prepare for tonight's U.S. Open Cup semifinal against New England at RFK. Matt Reis, Steve Ralston and Jay Heaps will not play for the Revs. No TV, but live audio coverage at 1050 AM and...
By Steve Goff | August 12, 2008; 08:35 AM ET | Comments (30)
Afternoon Kickaround
*The U.S. Open Cup championship game is scheduled to be played Aug. 26, but for various reasons, the match will probably be moved to September. If D.C. United defeats New England in next Tuesday's semifinal at RFK Stadium, the final is likely to be Sept. 3 at a site to...
By Steve Goff | August 4, 2008; 12:49 PM ET | Comments (32)
Friday Kickaround
*To relive the pomp and circumstance, glory and drama of the one and only MLS All-Star Game, click here for video highlights. *Players on the move: -- Robbie Russell from Denmark to Utah. -- Forward Kei Kamara goes from San Jose to Houston. -- Lots of action in Big D....
By Steve Goff | July 25, 2008; 09:59 AM ET | Comments (0)
International Friendlies at RFK
Local promoter Elias Polio has confirmed with the Insider that two international friendlies will be staged at RFK Stadium in the coming weeks: *Bolivia-Guatemala, Wed., Aug. 6 at 8 p.m. *El Salvador-Trinidad and Tobago, Thu., Aug. 14, at 8 p.m. The matches will serve as serious tuneups for the three...
By Steve Goff | July 23, 2008; 10:33 AM ET | Comments (38)
Morning Kickaround
Questions, questions..... *Whatever happened to the USSF's probe of Cuauhtemoc Blanco's behavior during the Open Cup quarterfinal vs. DCU? Apparently, two individuals who will be involved in the review have been on vacation. Rest assured, the situation is far from over. Blanco's apology, issued in a prepared statement last week,...
By Steve Goff | July 21, 2008; 06:00 AM ET | Comments (22)
Morning Kickaround
*A midweek crowd of 16,000 (though many got in for free), five goals in the first half, a goal by a former local college hero, a virtuoso performance by not-an-all-star Schelotto, the equalizer by a returning USA international, ESPN instead of ESPN2, what more could you ask for from Columbus's...
By Steve Goff | July 18, 2008; 09:10 AM ET | Comments (0)
World Derbies
Old topic, new list..... The esteemed World Soccer magazine has unveiled its choice for the world's top 50 rivalries. (Sorry, no Galaxy-Chivas USA, but India's Mohun Bagan vs. East Bengal is No. 48.) What do you think of the top 25? 1. Real Madrid-Barcelona 2. Boca-River 3. Celtic-Rangers 4. Galatasaray-Fenerbahce...
By Steve Goff | July 16, 2008; 04:00 PM ET | Comments (68)
Late-Morning Kickaround
*Barcelona bids farewell to Ronaldinho, welcomes Alexander Hleb from Arsenal. More details here. *The USA women prepare for their final Olympic tuneup tonight against Brazil in San Diego. Kickoff is 10 p.m. ET on Fox Soccer Channel. *SuperLiga tonight: Pachuca at New England (8 p.m. Telefutura) and Santos Laguna at...
By Steve Goff | July 16, 2008; 10:40 AM ET | Comments (16)
Boca Juniors in D.C.
Maryland SoccerPlex, actually. The highly decorated Argentine club arrived at the upper Montgomery County facility on Saturday for preseason training sessions that will run through next Tuesday. The public is welcome! Tomorrow is the premier event of their stay -- an intrasquad scrimmage on the stadium field beginning at 10...
By Steve Goff | July 15, 2008; 01:03 PM ET | Comments (32)
Morning Kickaround
*Click here to read all about D.C. United's approach to tonight's U.S. Open Cup round-of-16 match against USL1 Rochester at Maryland SoccerPlex (7:30 ET) and the status of several players, including Ben Olsen. Other Open Cup games: -- New York (MLS) at Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL2) in Annapolis, Md., 7:30...
By Steve Goff | July 1, 2008; 06:00 AM ET | Comments (93)
Morning Kickaround
If the DCU coverage in the Post sports section wasn't enough for you..... .....the Business section looks at the impact of a big Ethiopian tournament at RFK. .....and the Metro section has stories about the homeless soccer tournament and a Euro-viewing party at the Austrian Embassy. *Sepp Blatter acknowledges having...
By Steve Goff | June 30, 2008; 08:33 AM ET | Comments (24)
Morning Kickaround
*Bob Bradley might want to rescind Chad Barrett's invitation to Sunday's World Cup qualifier at Barbados after watching his two first-half misses druing last night's 2-0 loss at Chivas USA. (Video match highlights are available by clicking here.) MLS's best team through the first third of the season, the Fire...
By Steve Goff | June 20, 2008; 08:52 AM ET | Comments (53)
Morning Kickaround
*Some Fairfax County soccer players and their parents are partnering with U.S. diplomats to build in Iraq a network of soccer fields and organize a youth league modeled after those in the United States. *Real Maryland (USL2) needs overtime to oust a famed New York amateur side, 3-2, in the...
By Steve Goff | June 14, 2008; 10:16 AM ET | Comments (14)
Morning Kickaround
It's still morning in the Mountain and Pacific time zones, so I get a pass, right? ;-) *In the wake of last Wednesday's monsoon at Estadio RFK, D.C. United has proposed playing the make-up match with Houston on July 23, the day before the All-Star Game in Toronto. It would...
By Steve Goff | June 9, 2008; 01:18 PM ET | Comments (0)
Euro Matchday
Let the games begin! Switzerland-Czech Republic, noon Portugal-Turkey, 2:45 TV: ESPN Classic. This is the place for pregame, in-game and postgame discussion. In the meantime..... *Read my United-Fire preview. *Show your disgust about racist elements in Paris. *Watch video highlights from the Revs' 2-1 victory over Dallas. *Marvel at Venezuela's...
By Steve Goff | June 7, 2008; 06:46 AM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
*The second round of World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF began last night with Honduras crushing visiting Puerto Rico, 4-0. *Greenbelt United? Read this. *In a U.S. Open Cup qualifier, Kansas City defeated Colorado on penalty kicks following a 2-2 tie to reach the round of 16 starting July 1. Ivan...
By Steve Goff | June 5, 2008; 09:36 AM ET | Comments (41)
Morning Kickaround
*Click here to read my story about D.C. United's goalkeeping situation. *Weather outlook for Estadio RFK tonight: gloomy. *Attendance outlook: Maybe 15,000. *D.C. United's academy team wrapped up group play in a major youth tournament in Spain with an 8-0 loss to Partizan Belgrade. Yes, that score is correct. *Besides...
By Steve Goff | June 4, 2008; 09:19 AM ET | Comments (0)
Oh, Jack
CONCACAF strongman Jack Warner comments on a possible/probable U.S. bid to host the 2018 World Cup: The United States should abandon plans to host the 2018 World Cup in favor of a 2022 bid, FIFA vice president Jack Warner urged Tuesday. Warner wants to back England to host football's showpiece...
By Steve Goff | June 3, 2008; 02:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
Off to DCU training soon, so this will be brief..... *The MISL has shut down with plans to reorganize and restart. Do we care? Perhaps Preki, an indoor legend. Do fans of MLS, the national team and other traditional outdoor soccer pursuits follow the indoor game or care about its...
By Steve Goff | June 3, 2008; 09:29 AM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
*Tragedy in Liberia, where at least eight die at the Monrovia stadium during a World Cup qualifier with Gambia. The match ended 1-1. D.C. United's Francis Doe played the final 29 minutes. New England's Kenny Mansally was on the Gambia roster, but did not play. *England defeated T&T, 3-0, in...
By Steve Goff | June 2, 2008; 06:00 AM ET | Comments (0)
Brazil in Seattle
Brazil 3, Canada 2 before 47,000 at Qwest Field. Great second equalizer by De Guzman, not-so-great De Guzman back pass for Robinho's winner:...
By Steve Goff | June 1, 2008; 11:04 AM ET | Comments (0)
Saturday in the Park
*Dallas finally gets its man: SMU's Schellas Hyndman. *More than 38,000 at Estadio RFK for El Salvador-Guatemala. *Franco Niell scores for the DCU reserves in a 1-1 tie with New England. *MLS today: Los Angeles at Toronto, 3:30 New York at Houston, 9 (HDNet) San Jose at RSL, 9 (FSC)...
By Steve Goff | May 31, 2008; 01:01 PM ET | Comments (39)
Lots of Soccer
[Updated with link to U.S. national team preview package] Where to begin in today's soccer-happy Washington Post? *The prospects of a 27,000-seat D.C. United stadium at Poplar Point are improving, or so it seems. *Franco Niell could be nearing the end of his stay in Washington. You'll find an interesting...
By Steve Goff | May 28, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (75)
Holiday Kickaround
Hope you are enjoying the long weekend. While you are lounging at the beach and minding the grill, please remember the reason most of us do not have to work today. Our weekly MLS "Good, Bad and Coyote Ugly" feature will return Tuesday morning. In the meantime, a few things...
By Steve Goff | May 26, 2008; 12:41 PM ET | Comments (0)
Friday Night Lights
Kaka is sidelined, Carlos Bocanegra is out at Fulham and perhaps on the way to the Netherlands or Spain, and Sir Alex is mighty steamed about Real Madrid's interest in Cristiano Ronaldo. "Real think they can ride roughshod over everyone, but they won't do it with us. They have no...
By Steve Goff | May 23, 2008; 02:16 PM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
So I'm a little slow on this matter -- must've been that American University education! -- but after visiting BMO Field again this week I've finally formed an opinion on the streamers being tossed during TFC matches. The key word in that previous sentence is "during." It's gotta stop. Sorry,...
By Steve Goff | May 23, 2008; 08:40 AM ET | Comments (0)
Good Afternoon
Pardon the absence. Flew back from Toronto and then celebrated the wedding anniversary with Mrs. Insider in historic Leesburg. Just trying to catch up on things..... *United's reserves can't win either -- a 2-1 loss to Toronto this morning. Lombardo and Gala scored for TFC, Kirk for DCU. Leftover quote...
By Steve Goff | May 22, 2008; 02:36 PM ET | Comments (63)
Morning Kickaround
In today's print editions, I take a broad look at D.C. United's problems heading into this week's critical pair of matches against Toronto FC. For a chart of DCU's slow starts over its history, click here. Some interesting quotes to chew on, as well: "Losing the other day really ticked...
By Steve Goff | May 21, 2008; 09:03 AM ET | Comments (135)
World View
*Italy's Euro roster has been released: GOALKEEPERS: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Morgan De Sanctis (Sevilla). DEFENDERS: Christian Panucci (Roma), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Fabio Grosso (Olympique Lyon), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus). MIDFIELDERS: Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini (all...
By Steve Goff | May 20, 2008; 10:18 AM ET | Comments (32)
Morning Kickaround
A quick rundown before I sit in rain-slowed traffic to monitor D.C.'s shattered MLS club..... *Perhaps an announcement from the USSF today concerning the national team roster for next week's friendly against England at Wembly. Perhaps. The core of the squad will be Euro-based players, and Coach Bob Bradley will...
By Steve Goff | May 20, 2008; 07:58 AM ET | Comments (36)
This Is England
Two days until the European (aka English) showdown in Moscow: Chelsea vs. Manchester United. Predictions? I'll go with Man U, 2-0. Watch the cool promo:...
By Steve Goff | May 19, 2008; 03:33 PM ET | Comments (31)
Inter Active
Inter finally secures the Serie A title, thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's two goals: *D.C. United player update: Devon McTavish (foot) and Fred (hamstring) are both listed as probable for Wednesday's match at Toronto, Gonzalo Peralta, whose pregnant wife is on bed rest, trained today and may very well travel with...
By Steve Goff | May 19, 2008; 11:06 AM ET | Comments (63)
Ramblin' Man
Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can Off to Los Angeles soon for DCU's match at Chivas USA tomorrow night. Before I depart, a few offerings..... *The USA player pool has been announced for the three upcoming friendlies against England, Spain and Argentina. The game-day roster...
By Steve Goff | May 16, 2008; 07:36 AM ET | Comments (80)
Morning Kickaround
*MLS tonight: Real Salt Lake (2-3-2) at Colorado (3-4, first place!), 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). *The Celtic family loses Tommy Burns. *The transcript from my online chat yesterday. (Ignore the reference to Martin Palermo being from Mexico -- brain freeze.) *Joel Senior, a Howard University sophomore midfielder, was among 25...
By Steve Goff | May 15, 2008; 08:59 AM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
*As your favorite soccer/culture blogger, I was trying to find the right music for D.C. United's back-to-back shutout losses over a recent five-day period. How about "Five Days in May" by Blue Rodeo, the countryish band from Toronto? (DCU does, in fact, play TFC twice next week.) Sometimes the world...
By Steve Goff | May 14, 2008; 06:00 AM ET | Comments (34)
Afternoon Briefing
First, let's go to the mailbag..... Typical RFK (from an anonymous e-mailer): "Tonight's friendly match between USA and Canada -- all and all fun, great to see the US women back on the field - YET who could focus on a game when repeatedly the game pa announcer fumbled over...
By Steve Goff | May 12, 2008; 01:22 PM ET | Comments (44)
Mother? Not Mother?
On this Mother's Day evening, let's start with the women...... *The Washington Freedom opened defense of its W-League title with a 3-1 victory at Long Island. *Player ratings from the USA's 6-0 romp over Canada on Saturday at RFK: Solo 6; Chalupny 7, Rampone 7, Markgraf 7, Mitts 8;...
By Steve Goff | May 11, 2008; 08:53 PM ET | Comments (9)
Inter Advances
Inter reaches the Italian Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Lazio:...
By Steve Goff | May 8, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
On a day that D.C. United will join forces with a German automaker, let's start the morning with an American theme. *Clint Dempsey commits to Fulham, regardless of whether the clubs stays in the Premiership or drops to the Championship division. *Michael Bradley had an incredible season in the Netherlands,...
By Steve Goff | May 6, 2008; 07:38 AM ET | Comments (44)
Spain, Italy, Argentina
Real Madrid secures its 31st La Liga championship by downing Osasuna, 2-1 (Audio essential for a workplace sing-along with Placido Domingo): AC Milan halts Inter's march to the Serie A title -- for the moment, anyway -- with a 2-1 victory: In the superclasico, Boca Juniors ends a three-year drought...
By Steve Goff | May 5, 2008; 10:05 AM ET | Comments (22)
Morning Kickaround
*I hear that D.C. United President Kevin Payne will join GM Dave Kasper in Argentina this weekend for the superclasico. Intriguing, no? Maybe a formal relationship with Boca? Are the Juan Sebastian Veron talks back on? How about a Martin Palermo signing after Luciano Emilio is transferred to a Central...
By Steve Goff | May 2, 2008; 08:59 AM ET | Comments (77)
Not a Banner Day for PSG
Paris Saint-Germain is already in grave danger of being relegated from Ligue 1. Now the club is being banned from next year's French League Cup because their supporters displayed a mean-spirited banner. How would MLS supporters feel if one of their banners got their club booted from the U.S. Open...
By Steve Goff | May 1, 2008; 10:33 AM ET | Comments (34)
Pachuca, Boca, River Highlights
The CONCACAF Champions' Cup came to a close after 46 years with an entertaining second leg finale last night. Pachuca defended its title with a 2-1 victory over visiting Saprissa and will head to Japan again for the Club World Cup in December. The Champions League, which launches this summer,...
By Steve Goff | May 1, 2008; 09:09 AM ET | Comments (0)
Matchday: Chelsea-Liverpool
Here's your forum to comment on the Champions League match as it unfolds this afternoon. LINEUPS Chelsea: Cech, Essien, Carvalho, Terry, A. Cole, J. Cole, Ballack, Makelele, Lampard, Kalou, Drogba. Subs: Cudicini, Shevchenko, Mikel, Malouda, Alex, Belletti, Anelka. Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Riise, Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres....
By Steve Goff | April 30, 2008; 02:12 PM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
*Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is none too pleased about Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez's accusations. "Perhaps he is looking for something to destabilize us before the match. If he wants me to stay on my feet, maybe he should tell his defenders to stop hitting me." Today's the day: The second...
By Steve Goff | April 30, 2008; 09:24 AM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
*Barcelona visits Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal today (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2). Following the dreary scoreless draw in the first match, let's hope we see something akin to the clubs' 1999 CL group showdown when a young lad named David...
By Steve Goff | April 29, 2008; 08:59 AM ET | Comments (0)
Morning Kickaround
*The USA women relinquished a late two-goal lead only to beat Australia, 3-2, on Carli Lloyd's header during added time in a friendly in Cary, N.C. The Americans (11-0-1 this year) will play the Aussies again Saturday in Birmingham before coming to D.C. to face Canada on May 10. *Some...
By Steve Goff | April 28, 2008; 09:34 AM ET | Comments (32)
Morning Kickaround
Let's play "Name That Team." Here are your clues: Chase Hilgenbrinck, Amaechi Igwe, Gary Flood, Kheli Dube, Rob Valentino, Spencer Wadsworth, Brandon Tyler and Sam Brill. The first three mysterious characters were starters on the road against unbeaten Dallas last night. The other no-names were available on the bench. That's...
By Steve Goff | April 25, 2008; 08:26 AM ET | Comments (53)
Decide, Deciding, Decider
After his club's cowardly tactics in the first leg (I'm kidding, I'm kidding!), Sir Alex had this to say about next Tuesday's second match against Barcelona: "The game now starts at Old Trafford -- it's the decider." Hold on here! I thought this guy was the decider. Or maybe this...
By Steve Goff | April 24, 2008; 11:56 AM ET | Comments (25)
Champions' Cup Even
Saprissa scores a late equalizer to tie Pachuca, 1-1, in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup finals at the Monster's Cave. Lineups here. Game 2 is next Wednesday in Mexico. The winner heads to the Club World Cup. What, no MLS teams in the finals again? Well, at...
By Steve Goff | April 24, 2008; 08:22 AM ET | Comments (0)
Thinking of Hristo
After reading this story, I could not help but reminisce about the lovable Bulgarian, Hristo Stoitchkov, whose ferocious challenge shattered a leg and sparked a civil suit that was settled out of court last fall. Ah, the memories. If only Paul Gascoigne had made his way to RFK, as well....
By Steve Goff | April 23, 2008; 11:34 PM ET | Comments (0)
Owning Up to an Equalizer
*We feel John Arne Riise's pain after his own-goal-heard-round-the-world during added time yesterday in Liverpool's 1-1 loss draw with visiting Chelsea. We really do. Rest assured, the Norwegian defender has had better days. Here are a few of 'em: Today's match: Manchester United at Barcelona (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2). This...
By Steve Goff | April 23, 2008; 08:56 AM ET | Comments (0)
Midday Kickaround
*Local organizers are close to finalizing a May 30 friendly between El Salvador and Guatemala at Estadio RFK. Both teams are preparing for the second round of World Cup qualifying in June: El Salvador vs. Panama and Guatemala vs. St. Lucia. The Salvadorans drew more than 22,000 at RFK last...
By Steve Goff | April 22, 2008; 12:45 PM ET | Comments (0)
3 for Kaka and Del Piero, No. 1 for Liege
Kaka and Milan 5, Reggina 1, keeping alive Champions League hopes: Del Piero and Juventus 4, Atalanta 0, locking up a Champions League qualifying berth: Onyewu and unbeaten Liege 2, Anderlecht 0. Read about their first title in 25 years here, watch it down there:...
By Steve Goff | April 21, 2008; 10:41 AM ET | Comments (7)
Sanchez Dismissed
Mexico has seen enough. Hugo Sanchez, who again failed to beat the USA and could not get his U-23s through group play of Olympic qualifying, has been fired. MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Hugo Sanchez was fired as coach of Mexico's soccer team on Monday, two weeks after El Tri's under-23...
By Steve Goff | March 31, 2008; 06:56 PM ET | Comments (0)
Scenes From a Maul
England-France? Ha! USA-Poland? Please. We've got El Salvador-Anguilla in a World Cup qualifier at Estadio RFK! The early crowd estimate: 20,000+. Halftime: It's only 4-0. Then again, it was only 4-0 the first time they met in San Salvador, and the final count was 12-zip. A few items to share:...
By Steve Goff | March 26, 2008; 08:57 PM ET | Comments (39)
Euro Clash
Today's Schedule: *Olympiakos at Chelsea, 2:45, ESPN2 (0-0 first leg) *Roma at Real Madrid, 2:45, ESPN Deportes (2-1 Roma, first leg) *Schalke at Porto, 4:45, tape delay, Deportes (1-0 Schalke, first leg) Tomorrow: Liverpool takes a 2-0 aggregate lead to Inter Milan (no TV) Predictions? FYI, Barcelona will be without...
By Steve Goff | March 5, 2008; 11:26 AM ET | Comments (27)
Horrible Injury to Eduardo
Eduardo da Silva, Arsenal's Brazilian-born Croatian forward, suffered a terrible injury inflicted by Martin Taylor early in today's 2-2 tie at Birmingham City. "This guy should never play football again," Gunners Manager Arsene Wenger fumed. For still photos of the incident, click here. [Proceed with caution -- they are graphic...
By Steve Goff | February 23, 2008; 03:40 PM ET | Comments (0)
Barnsley Mania
Watch the reaction of the Sky Sports studio commentators as they monitor Barnsley's dramatic FA Cup game-winner against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. Someday, my man Rob Stone will react this way during a U.S. Open Cup matchday. ;-)...
By Steve Goff | February 17, 2008; 01:17 PM ET | Comments (21)
Ronaldo: The End?
Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, the World Cup's all-time leading goal scorer, ruptured a tendon in his knee in a match with AC Milan today and will not return for at least nine months, if ever. "I heard a horrible sound, like a bang, it was a strange sound," said Livorno goalkeeper...
By Steve Goff | February 13, 2008; 06:51 PM ET | Comments (34)
Egypt Celebrates
Since none of us could make it to Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations final, I offer you this exclusive dispatch from jubilant Cairo by Insider loyalist Jon Jensen, an independent producer. I watched the game at the Al-Ohmda restaurant in Mohandessin, a residential neighborhood on the west bank...
By Steve Goff | February 10, 2008; 08:13 PM ET | Comments (22)
Island Qualifying Underway
While Super Bowl fever gripped America (and little else of the planet), CONCACAF World Cup qualifying commenced yesterday with Bermuda settling for a 1-1 tie at home against the Cayman Islands. Several other first-round series will begin this week. Read about the Revs' Khano Smith, who is recuperating from surgery...
By Steve Goff | February 4, 2008; 10:56 AM ET | Comments (13)
Going to Agogo
While we enjoy the late stages of the Africa Cup of Nations and watch Ghana attempt to win the championship at home, let's keep this in mind: Junior Agogo, whose second goal of the tournament gave the undermanned Black Stars a 2-1 victory over Nigeria yesterday, played exactly 57 minutes...
By Steve Goff | February 4, 2008; 07:54 AM ET | Comments (14)
March of the Elephants
Drogba and the Coasters roll over the dreadful Squirrels of Benin. Video highlights below, but first..... *Link to today's DCU print-edition story. *A USSF podcast with Michael Bradley. *The U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame has unveiled the list of veteran candidates for possible induction (players who did not get elected...
By Steve Goff | January 26, 2008; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (75)
D.C.: San Salvador's Northern District
As we told you earlier today, FIFA and CONCACAF have been searching for a new site for the El Salvador-Anguilla World Cup qualifier on March 26 because Anguilla does not have a stadium that meets international requirements. We also told you that Washington's RFK Stadium was under consideration. Now, word...
By Steve Goff | January 22, 2008; 02:11 PM ET | Comments (0)
And the Winners Are.....
....both from Brazil. FIFA named its world players of the year in Zurich tonight. Kaka and Marta, take a bow. Not much change in the world team rankings....
By Steve Goff | December 17, 2007; 03:06 PM ET | Comments (20)
World Champions, NCAA Champions
AC Milan defeats Boca Juniors, 4-2, in Yokohama to claim the FIFA Club World Cup title. Video highlights here. Meantime, Messi will miss next weekend's Barca-Real showdown with a foot injury. Today at 3 p.m. (ESPN2), it's the NCAA final at Cary with No. 2 Wake Forest facing No. 5...
By Steve Goff | December 16, 2007; 11:10 AM ET | Comments (49)
Azzurri, Les Bleus and Oranje, Oh My!
The Euro '08 groups are set..... A: Switzerland*, Czech Republic, Portugal, Turkey B: Austria*, Croatia, Germany, Poland C: Netherlands, Italy, Romania, France D: Greece, Sweden, Spain, Russia *hosts No England? Really? ;-) Predictions to get through? I'll go with Portugal and the Czechs; Germany and Croatia; Italy and Netherlands; Spain...
By Steve Goff | December 2, 2007; 11:10 AM ET | Comments (0)
Choose the Player of the Year
As we await DCU's signing of Veron, MLS to officially unveil the new foreign player guidelines we've already told you about and the Red Bulls to hire a coach, let's have some fun on the international front. FIFA today unveiled the finalists for the men's and women's player of the...
By Steve Goff | November 30, 2007; 10:35 AM ET | Comments (0)
Countdown to 2018
The next World Cup is 2 1/2 years away. The following World Cup is in nearly seven years. So why are we discussing the 2018 tournament? Because FIFA bossman Sepp Blatter said today that the number of nations interested in staging the event might have to be trimmed down before...
By Steve Goff | November 26, 2007; 03:45 PM ET | Comments (54)
Europe's World Cup Qualifying Draw.....
Toughest group has got to be the first one, right? And at the end of the day, after all their concern, the English find themselves in a workable group. Group winners go to South Africa. The eight best second-place sides head to a playoff to decide the final four slots....
By Steve Goff | November 25, 2007; 11:28 AM ET | Comments (27)
Benfica Loves Freddy
Adu scores again in Benfica's 3-1 league victory over Academica: 1-3 Adu Academica BenficaUploaded by futebolportugues...
By Steve Goff | November 25, 2007; 09:49 AM ET | Comments (20)
Boo-Hoo England
Failure to reach Euro '08 is having long-term ramifications on the English side, namely the next World Cup. No Mourinho, no O'Neill, no Hughes, no Lippi. There is one clear choice. As a nation mourns, cabinet making and auto repair move to the forefront of English competitive pride. Let's reflect...
By Steve Goff | November 23, 2007; 10:32 AM ET | Comments (27)
Giving Thanks for Cup Qualifying
BRAZIL 2, URUGUAY 1 Brasil vs Uruguay 2-1 - Eliminatorias Sudafrica 2010.Uploaded by -Rush ECUADOR 5, PERU 1 Ecuador 5 - Peru 1. Eliminatorias Mundial Sudafrica 2010Uploaded by futbolizados PARAGUAY 3, CHILE 0 Chile 0 - Paraguay 3. Eliminatorias Mundial Sudafrica 2010Uploaded by futbolizados...
By Steve Goff | November 22, 2007; 10:29 AM ET | Comments (10)
Europe to England: Get Out. Now.
So with England's colossal failure today at Wembley and Russia's narrow win over Andorra, the Euro '08 field is set: Switzerland Austria Poland Portugal Greece Turkey Croatia Russia Romania Netherlands Italy France Czech Republic Germany Spain Sweden The biggest disappointments in qualifying: 1. England (huge gap) 2. Ukraine 3. Denmark...
By Steve Goff | November 21, 2007; 05:24 PM ET | Comments (50)
Video Killed the Blogging Star
Awaiting the MLS expansion draft this afternoon. Getting fired up for the K.C. Wizards' open tryout. Searching for highlights from Venezuela (5) vs. Bolivia (3) and Colombia (2) vs. Argentina (1). (Found 'em.....) Venezuela 5 - Bolivia 3. Eliminatorias Sudafrica 2010.Uploaded by futbolizados Colombia 2 - Argentina 1. Eliminatorias Sudafrica...
By Steve Goff | November 21, 2007; 09:31 AM ET | Comments (0)
8 Goals, 1 Awful Tackle
Liverpool routs Besiktas: Celtic Wins (nasty tackle near end of video):...
By Steve Goff | November 8, 2007; 02:33 PM ET | Comments (0)
Bermuda Shorts
Keith Tucker, who was fired by Howard University in January after 26 seasons, is in final negotiations to become head coach of Bermuda's national team, sources said today. Tucker is a native of Bermuda who returned to live there this year. Bermuda will enter the early stage of CONCACAF World...
By Steve Goff | November 5, 2007; 04:39 PM ET | Comments (15)
Brazil and Germany Win
No surprise: Brazil gets the 2014 World Cup. (There were no other finalists.) No surprise: Germany gets the 2011 Women's World Cup. (Canada was in contention.) The official news is available here. Meantime, competition to host the 2018 WC is already heating up....
By Steve Goff | October 30, 2007; 10:58 AM ET | Comments (32)
As the World (Cup) Turns.....
So FIFA has decided to essentially abandon the rotation system for awarding hosting rights to the World Cup, which means only African and South American countries are out of the running for 2018 and the United States will have to beat out a European nation, among others. (Boy, the English...
By Steve Goff | October 29, 2007; 01:34 PM ET | Comments (0)
Freddy's Game-Winner
Freddy Adu had scored a couple goals in league cup play. Yesterday, he tucked in the game-winner for 10-man Benfica against Maritimo for his first goal in regular competition. He seems to be a nice fit for the Lisbon club and, despite the early coaching change, is on the right...
By Steve Goff | October 29, 2007; 09:01 AM ET | Comments (0)
How Are You, Mr. Adu?
Just killing time here in suburban Chicago..... In case you missed it yesterday, Freddy Adu became the youngest American to appear in a European Champions League match when he entered in the 61st minute of Benfica's gripping 1-0 victory over visiting Celtic. From Soccer America magazine: At 18 years, 4...
By Steve Goff | October 25, 2007; 12:29 PM ET | Comments (58)
Chelsea Highlights
Schalke's goalkeeper has a bit of trouble:...
By Steve Goff | October 25, 2007; 08:57 AM ET | Comments (21)
Video Replay
We've got England-Russia. Is that really a penalty on Rooney? Hmmm..... The Sun headline here. Watch the magical end-line footwork by Robinho on the fourth goal during Brazil's 5-0 victory over Ecuador: In women's soccer, the USA thumped Mexico again, this time 4-0 in Portland, Ore., in the second of...
By Steve Goff | October 18, 2007; 09:34 AM ET | Comments (0)
Copa Mundial 2010 -- Golazo!
This is how you score a goal to win a World Cup qualifier: Jose Manuel Rey, Venezuela stuns host Ecuador..... And as an added bonus, Argentina-Chile:...
By Steve Goff | October 15, 2007; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (19)
Seven for Alves
Take a look at all seven -- yes, seven! -- goals by Brazilian striker Afonso Alves during Heerenveen's 9-0 demolition of Heracles in Dutch league play over the weekend. Note the precision finishing. Note the abysmal defending. For some background on Alves, read this May 31 story from the London...
By Steve Goff | October 9, 2007; 09:09 AM ET | Comments (0)
USSF's Prospects to Host in 2018
If you want to read what USSF President Sunil Gulati had to say about the women's team, about Hope Solo and Greg Ryan, hop on down to the thread I created earlier. If you want a progress report on the USSF's plans to bid for the 2018 men's World...
By Steve Goff | September 29, 2007; 01:08 AM ET | Comments (23)
World Best XI?
Don't want to clutter up this space and distract from all the other piping hot threads, so after the jump please find the nominees for FIFPRo's World Best XI awards. FIFPro is "the worldwide representative organization for all professional soccer players." (Basically, 45,000 players from 42 different players' unions, whose...
By Dan Steinberg | September 26, 2007; 03:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
World Cup Matchday: USA-England
[updated] Greetings from Tianjin, where the air has cleared a bit, a breeze has picked up and the sparkling new 55,000-seat stadium awaits two quarterfinals over the next 24 hours: USA-England today, Brazil-Australia tomorrow. You remember what happened 57 years ago in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, right? That massively favored England...
By Steve Goff | September 22, 2007; 04:51 AM ET | Comments (59)
He's Gone
Yep, Jose Mourinho quit Chelsea. Or was fired. Unclear. Two quick links: - A less-is-more statement from the club. - A report from the Times of London, which includes this tidbit: "He is believed to have phoned Frank Lampard before sending text messages to several other players, telling them only...
By Jon DeNunzio | September 19, 2007; 11:30 PM ET | Comments (53)
On Fair Play
Hey. DeNunzio here. Two items in the Times of London caught my eye today: 1. Leicester City's sporting gesture at the start of its League Cup replay vs. Nottingham Forest yesterday. A goal adrift when the initial meeting was abandoned because Clive Clarke, the Leicester defender, suffered a heart attack...
By Jon DeNunzio | September 19, 2007; 01:20 PM ET | Comments (27)
W2W4TW, non-WWC*
Hey there, Jon DeNunzio here. Just thought I'd run through a few thoughts on the weekend in soccer, outside of the Women's World Cup (four matches Saturday morning on ESPN/ESPN2, btw). - Fox Soccer Channel has the North London Derby at 8:30 am Saturday. Spurs have not been good, but...
By Jon DeNunzio | September 14, 2007; 02:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
I'm Not in Europe, Am I?
Another reason to love Toronto and Canada..... Inside Terminal 1, awaiting a flight to Dulles, the Molson Cafe is showing Man U-Spurs live on all the big screen TVs. Great match, cracking goal, controversy, goal line clearances..... As promised, here's the video clip of Nani's phenomenal strike (though it might've...
By Steve Goff | August 26, 2007; 01:15 PM ET | Comments (28)
Around the World in Video.....
Germany comes back from an early deficit to overtake England at Wembley. The trashy Sun's headline here.... Hungary responds with three straight goals to humble the Azzurri in Budapest..... And Brazil puts away Algeria in the second half at Montpellier (the goal-celebration audio jingle is to die for)........
By Steve Goff | August 23, 2007; 09:48 AM ET | Comments (0)
This Is England
England has significant injury concerns ahead of its big friendly with Germany on Wednesday at Wembley, and it has little to do with David Beckham. Meantime, former England manager Bobby Robson questions in this BBC report whether Becks's decision to play in MLS will impact his international form. "The longer...
By Steve Goff | August 20, 2007; 10:57 AM ET | Comments (0)
Mexico Mania
Soccer United Marketing, the arm of MLS that holds the rights to Mexican national team friendlies played in the United States, has announced two more matches for El Tri this fall: Sept. 12 vs. Brazil at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. (three days after Mexico plays the Americans at Azteca)...
By Steve Goff | August 7, 2007; 03:27 PM ET | Comments (13)
Iraq Wins!
Iraq beats three-time champion Saudi Arabia in the Asian Cup final -- a remarkable accomplishment for a country in shambles. Since the tournament's launch in 1956, Iraq had finished fourth (in 1976) but had previously never been to the championship match. More match details here. More than half the field...
By Steve Goff | July 29, 2007; 02:37 PM ET | Comments (0)
Copa Mundial 2018
As first reported by The Post in February, the United States is planning a formal bid to host the 2018 World Cup and quietly put itself into position to stage the 2010 or 2014 event if South Africa or presumably Brazil is not ready for the tournament. After reading this...
By Steve Goff | July 29, 2007; 01:02 PM ET | Comments (0)
Mexico Shocker
Nery. Castillo. Mexico. Brazil. Golazo. Enjoy....
By Steve Goff | June 28, 2007; 08:40 AM ET | Comments (0)
Tell Us How You Really Feel, Mr. Shearer
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer speaks out on the Magpies' possible interest in Liverpool's temperamental striker, Craig Bellamy. Whoa........
By Steve Goff | June 20, 2007; 01:50 PM ET | Comments (0)
Shaka Spells It Out
The war of words between Trinidad and Tobago's veteran players and the country's soccer leadership continues. In a letter distributed to media today, FC Dallas's Shaka Hislop, the Howard University graduate and star of T&T's World Cup effort last summer, criticized CONCACAF President Jack Warner for his comments about the...
By Steve Goff | June 18, 2007; 04:21 PM ET | Comments (26)
Kings of Spain
Posh and Tom Cruise at the beginning. Players holding hands and skipping at the end. Well, everything in between is worth watching....
By Steve Goff | June 18, 2007; 08:40 AM ET | Comments (19)
Olympic Flashback
My brain is hopelessly locked on futbol, 24 hours a day, it seems, so over the weekend, when someone mentioned next year's Olympics in Beijing, what's the first thing that came to my mind? But of course, Italy-Ghana, 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, early-round match at RFK Stadium. (Yeah, I need...
By Steve Goff | June 18, 2007; 07:41 AM ET | Comments (0)
Honduran Superstar
The big news for Honduran futbol this past week might not have been the national team upsetting Mexico or winning its first-round group at the Gold Cup. It just could have been the news that forward David Suazo appears to be heading to Serie A champion Inter Milan after several...
By Steve Goff | June 15, 2007; 09:12 AM ET | Comments (32)
Down Goes Mexico
They struggled to beat Cuba, they lost to Honduras, and now Mexico needs to beat group leader Panama on Wednesday in Houston to secure a spot in the Gold Cup quarterfinals. A tie might work, as well, but prevent them from winning the group. Worst-case scenario for tournament organizers: Mexico...
By Steve Goff | June 11, 2007; 09:40 AM ET | Comments (0)
Golazo! (By a Canadian?)
Thanks to his beauty by Julian De Guzman, Canada is in first place in Group A at the Gold Cup. (You'll want to turn up the volume -- "De Guzman.....De-Guz-MAN.....DE-GUZ-MAN!")...
By Steve Goff | June 7, 2007; 09:50 AM ET | Comments (23)
Parking Issues in the Swamp
Mexico's national team draws monster crowds everywhere it goes in the United States, but for Sunday's Gold Cup match against Honduras at Giants Stadium, El Tri might not have as much support as it probably expects. The reason: parking spaces -- or more accurately, the lack of them. Apparently, construction...
By Steve Goff | June 6, 2007; 06:25 PM ET | Comments (14)
Yesterday's Friendlies
Messi and Argentina, prepping for Copa, survive a scare from Algeria (Algeria??), 4-3, at the mini stadium in Barcelona, while Mexico, days from its Gold Cup opener, falls late at Azteca to Paraguay, 1-0. All the Argentina goals (gotta love the fake Maradona at the start of the clip): The...
By Steve Goff | June 6, 2007; 09:15 AM ET | Comments (21)
Sweet Strike
This is a few weeks old and I've been meaning to post it -- James McFadden's last-minute stunner for Everton against Charlton. Much different from Messi's mazy run from midfield for Barcelona a while back, but in its own way, perhaps equally impressive? I'll stick with Messi's goal as the...
By Steve Goff | May 30, 2007; 06:11 PM ET | Comments (0)
High There
As you might have read over the weekend, FIFA has decided to ban high-altitude venues of 8,200 feet or more after years of complaints from low-landers. That means no international matches in the Bolivian capital of La Paz, in the Mexican city of Toluca, Bogota and Quito, among others. I...
By Steve Goff | May 29, 2007; 09:19 AM ET | Comments (0)
Becks Is Back
England has recalled David Beckham for the first time since he hobbled off the pitch against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup quarterfinals. Back in form with Real Madrid, Beckham will play in a friendly against Brazil on Friday at Wembley and then be available against Estonia in a Euro...
By Steve Goff | May 26, 2007; 10:12 AM ET | Comments (0)
They Are the Champions
If you have taped the Champions League final between Milan and Liverpool and don't want to know the result, go away. Now. I'm not kidding. You've been warned. Okay, I'll give you another minute. zzzzz zzzzz zzzzz stadium? zzzzzz zzzzz huh? zzzzzzz zzzzz zzzzz As I was saying... Not exactly...
By Steve Goff | May 23, 2007; 04:39 PM ET | Comments (23)
FA Cup Flashback
If you didn't cough up the bar/restaurant cover charge or the pay-per-view fee to watch Saturday's FA Cup final, here is all you need to see: Giggs's no-goal and Drogba's winner. (FYI, the match will be shown in its entirety Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Eastern on Fox Soccer Channel.)...
By Steve Goff | May 20, 2007; 01:27 PM ET | Comments (11)
UEFA Highlights
The Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan next week will have a difficult time matching the quality of the so-called second-tier championship, the UEFA Cup, between Sevilla and Espanyol. As you probably already know, Sevilla repeated with a 3-1 penalty kick victory, but how the match reached that...
By Steve Goff | May 17, 2007; 09:39 AM ET | Comments (17)
At the Copa
Don't get me wrong, I love Copa America and will be watching this summer. But when big-name players say they are not interested or unavailable, it takes some of the luster from it. Brazil will be without some superstars -- not that they're incapable of winning the championship without them....
By Steve Goff | May 16, 2007; 12:27 PM ET | Comments (24)
Phenomenal Goal
As first spotted by Soccer America magazine, we give you Peruvian-born Andres Vasquez, 19, scoring for Gothenburg....
By Steve Goff | May 10, 2007; 08:51 AM ET | Comments (31)
Yeah, That Hurts
Man City's Michael Ball is in a bit of trouble for stomping on Man U's Cristiano Ronaldo. Come on, admit it, you wanted to do the same thing to the sneaky one, didn't ya?...
By Steve Goff | May 8, 2007; 07:33 PM ET | Comments (21)
Euro Fluff
Package arrived yesterday from BBC America with a press release and a stack of DVDs. Yes! The fifth and final season of "Footballers Wives" is upon us! As part of the station's self-proclaimed "Wicked Wednesday" starting June 6, "Two legendary divas of television soap, Zoe Lucker and Joan Collins, face...
By Steve Goff | May 3, 2007; 10:07 AM ET | Comments (3)
Accidental Header
Kilmarnock-Aberdeen last weekend.....brilliant!...
By Steve Goff | May 1, 2007; 11:34 PM ET | Comments (13)
Outrage at Reading!
Reading is enjoying a fantastic debut season in the Premiership, but I don't know if they'll ever be able to overcome the sending off of its mascot, Kingsley, during Monday's match against Newcastle. Soccer America magazine provides some of the details here and youtube gives us one of Kingsley's great...
By Steve Goff | May 1, 2007; 10:49 AM ET | Comments (0)
Blatter Speaks
Sepp admits that there is a contingency plan in place in case South Africa does not make sufficient progress in preparing for the 2010 World Cup, and lists the United States and Mexico among the possible replacement hosts. He also discusses future World Cups and says North and South America...
By Steve Goff | April 30, 2007; 08:51 AM ET | Comments (0)
Me-ow!
Ferguson vs. Mourinho! Sir Alex vs. Jose! Well now, this ought to be a fun final few weeks in the Premiership. Why can't we get a nasty MLS coaching spat like this? (Paging Mr. Nowak.....) Listen to this Mourinho parody from Ireland's Today FM:...
By Steve Goff | April 27, 2007; 02:12 PM ET | Comments (0)
This Is How You Counterattack
Carvalho breaks out and leads Drogba in stride. Drogba's strength and technique are too much. Cole makes a perfect run and one-times with a sliding left-footer. Chelsea 1, Liverpool 0. (Love the color commentary.) So what happens in the second legs next week? I'll say Chelsea ties at Anfield to...
By Steve Goff | April 26, 2007; 09:23 AM ET | Comments (31)
Cruyff's Sweet 60th
Thanks to Insider loyalist Ralph for reminding me that today is the incomparable Johan Cruyff's 60th birthday. In honor of the occasion -- and the one-and-a-half seasons he spent at RFK Stadium in 1980-81 as a member of the Washington Diplomats -- I dug up a breathtaking highlight film of...
By Steve Goff | April 25, 2007; 12:05 PM ET | Comments (25)
Milan and Man U, Magnificent
There was an abundance of AC Milan-Manchester United video highlights from which to choose, but I offer you this interesting one. And be sure to read this game account....
By Steve Goff | April 25, 2007; 10:08 AM ET | Comments (0)
Becks Is Back
Seven minutes into his return from a knee injury, soon-to-be-Galaxy David Beckham sets up Sergio Ramos's go-ahead goal for Real Madrid against Valencia....
By Steve Goff | April 23, 2007; 07:40 AM ET | Comments (7)
Messi Is, Um, Pretty Good
You'll want to listen to the commentary too. If that doesn't work, try this: Read about the match here. And a little bonus video......
By Steve Goff | April 19, 2007; 09:47 AM ET | Comments (39)
Wow
Poland/Ukraine to host Euro 2012. The BBC reports......
By Steve Goff | April 18, 2007; 09:16 AM ET | Comments (15)
What's in a Name?
The latest edition of FIFA Magazine has a wonderful section about national team nicknames. We all know Italy is the Azzurri, Mexico is El Tri, South Africa is Bafana Bafana and Australia is the Socceroos, but some of the smallest countries provide the most colorful monikers. Here are some of...
By Steve Goff | April 17, 2007; 12:37 PM ET | Comments (22)
I-tal-ia?
Euro officials will announce Wednesday what country (or countries) will host the 2012 European Championship. Italy is the overwhelming favorite, but should UEFA choose non-traditional venues instead? And should Italy's domestic problems be a factor in the decision?...
By Steve Goff | April 17, 2007; 09:18 AM ET | Comments (10)
Man U Rolls On
Manchester United advanced to the FA Cup final with a 4-1 victory over Watford on Saturday in a match that provided two classy finishes. The result was no surprise -- Man U is first in the Premiership, Watford last -- but Watford provided admirable resistance and was not as badly...
By Steve Goff | April 15, 2007; 12:58 PM ET | Comments (14)
Brazil By Itself
Following Colombia's expected withdrawal, Brazil is the only "official" bidder to host the 2014 World Cup. If, however, FIFA does not believe the Brazilians will be prepared to handle the tournament, guess who is waiting in the shadows? Three letters, first and last letters are vowels. For now, Sunil Gulati...
By Steve Goff | April 13, 2007; 08:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
Mexican Meltdown
Two years after winning the Under-17 World Cup in Peru, Mexico has failed to qualify for the latest tournament. In CONCACAF, this is almost incomprehensible. They were beaten out by Honduras and Haiti, which had not qualified for ANY FIFA world championship since the senior World Cup 33 years ago....
By Steve Goff | April 12, 2007; 09:02 AM ET | Comments (0)
They Scored How Many Goals??
Breathtaking Ronaldo/Man U and Chelsea stunner. Turn volume to 11....
By Steve Goff | April 11, 2007; 08:59 AM ET | Comments (0)
Arrrrrrrgh, It's Stoitchkov!
In honor of old friend Hristo Stoitchkov leaving Bulgaria's national team to take over a Spanish club, we give you this highlight video. (Maybe the Bulgarians got spooked by the lawsuit filed against Stoitchkov by the former American University player in U.S. District Court!) The soundtrack is to die for....
By Steve Goff | April 10, 2007; 08:13 PM ET | Comments (0)
Ouch!
Before I dig up the highlights from Man U's unbelievable 7-1 victory over Roma or Chelsea's last-minute 2-1 win over Valencia -- quite a day for English football, eh? -- I give you this scary incident from the Everton match on Monday. Read this story and then watch the video...
By Steve Goff | April 10, 2007; 07:40 PM ET | Comments (0)
Eat Your Vegetables!
Check out this bizarre story from England. And then watch this comical, semi-related video (caution: some of the language may be inappropriate for sensitive ears). Keep an eye on the main TV host's response with about 35 seconds left in the clip....
By Steve Goff | March 27, 2007; 07:00 PM ET | Comments (17)
Zizou, Is That You?
I had planned to see the film "Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait" next month at the Smithsonian's HIrshhorn Museum, but lo and behold, while here in Dallas on a basketball assignment, my ace Steve Davis (formerly of the Dallas Morning News) alerted me to a "Zidane" viewing as part of...
By Steve Goff | March 25, 2007; 01:45 AM ET | Comments (0)
Euro Upset
Kazakhstan stuns Serbia, 2-1, in a Euro qualifier today at Ortalyk Tsentralnyi Stadium in Almaty for their first victory in a competitive Euro match ... ever. How did you think this will go over in Belgrade? Yikes... This guy is really happy....
By Steve Goff | March 24, 2007; 12:26 PM ET | Comments (0)
New Wembley Unveiling
[UPDATE] They're off to a crackling start! The new Wembley, which will host its first soccer match Saturday with the England and Italy under-21s facing each other, is certainly a lot different from the old Wembley. For photos and a virtual tour, check this out. Here are some facts and...
By Steve Goff | March 23, 2007; 11:10 AM ET | Comments (24)
World Cup Flashback
Just got done watching "The 2006 World Cup Film: The Grand Finale" (from NetFlix). The documentary brought back wonderful memories of four weeks in Germany last summer, but at 1 hour and 52 minutes, it needed to be cut by at least 20 minutes. There are some nice flashbacks --...
By Steve Goff | March 21, 2007; 12:12 AM ET | Comments (17)
Meanwhile, in England...
A few clips to share from Monday's FA Cup quarterfinal replays........ Lampard gets attacked and Ronaldo draws a penalty. Was it the correct call? You decide. I don't have a huge problem with it, although the sneaky Portuguese star sold it pretty well. Also, at the end of the Man...
By Steve Goff | March 20, 2007; 09:05 AM ET | Comments (35)
Dubious Goal(s)
Tired of NCAA basketball, I flipped over to Fox Soccer Channel on Saturday and joined the Blackburn-West Ham match in progress. Blackburn was already up 1-0 in the second half, when West Ham, in relegation danger, came back with two goals against American Brad Friedel on the road. Argentine Carlos...
By Steve Goff | March 18, 2007; 09:23 AM ET | Comments (30)
Super Clasico
In honor of the remarkable 3-3 tie between La Liga rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid on Saturday, we pass along a few videos -- match highlights from Sky Sports and a couple goofy Barca Toons. After watching these clips, head to the comments section and give me your top five...
By Steve Goff | March 11, 2007; 10:41 AM ET | Comments (0)
Let Us Entertain You
Quiet Friday here at the Insider. Unless something urgent arises, I will not join you again until after United's friendly against Motagua (No, I'm not in Florida, but I hope to pass along some details as soon as the match ends late tonight). In the meantime, I leave you with...
By Steve Goff | March 9, 2007; 12:11 PM ET | Comments (16)
Goal in 11 Seconds
Roy Makaay of Bayern Munich scored 11 seconds into the Champions League match against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Here is how he did it. Be patient with this clip; it takes a moment to get to the goal but the replay (from above and behind the net) provides an interesting...
By Steve Goff | March 8, 2007; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (10)
A Middling Soccer Brawl
The lowlights from Inter Milan-Valencia....
By Emilio Garcia-Ruiz | March 7, 2007; 03:48 PM ET | Comments (14)
Pain in Spain
Crisis averted. Beckham's knee injury isn't so bad and he should return for Real Madrid in six weeks or so. That sigh of relief you heard late last night was from LA Galaxy GM Alexi Lalas and the Anschutz suits. Lalas says when Beckham returns, he will be bubble-wrapped for...
By Steve Goff | March 6, 2007; 10:20 AM ET | Comments (8)
USA-Brazil
Freddy Adu and his U.S. mates were placed in Group D for this summer's Under-20 World Cup in Canada with South Korea, Poland and some South American team called Brazil. The first two matches will be in Montreal, the third in Ottawa. If you're looking for an easy soccer vacation...
By Steve Goff | March 3, 2007; 07:49 PM ET | Comments (0)
Countdown to Kickoff
Good mornin', mates! As we await United's match against Olimpia tonight at Estadio RFK, a few things to occupy your time: *No surprise, the two Mexican clubs in the Champions' Cup have advanced to the semfinals. Assuming United finishes off its series tonight, they'll play Chivas later this month. Pachuca...
By Steve Goff | March 1, 2007; 09:45 AM ET | Comments (0)
John Terry Incident (graphic)
It was bad, REALLY bad. He's doing okay, thankfully....
By Steve Goff | February 26, 2007; 03:09 PM ET | Comments (0)
English League Cup Final
Wild stuff between Chelsea and Arsenal. Drogba with a pair, Terry's possible serios injury, three late reds, 11 minutes of added time!!!...
By Steve Goff | February 25, 2007; 12:44 PM ET | Comments (14)
A Match Made in Heaven
Perhaps the first step in solving Italy's problems... :-)...
By Steve Goff | February 20, 2007; 02:42 PM ET | Comments (11)
USA in '18! Or Maybe '14
So the U.S. Soccer Federation is preparing to mount a serious bid to get the World Cup back in the United States in 2018, although they are also positioning themselves to host the 2014 tournament in case of Brazilian bidding problems (quite possible given their stadium and infrastructure issues). What...
By Steve Goff | February 19, 2007; 11:53 PM ET | Comments (52)
Friedel to the Rescue
American keeper Brad Friedel made a couple of big-time saves to secure Blackburn's scoreless tie with Arsenal in the FA Cup, setting up a replay between the teams. Also, former D.C. United defender Ryan Nelsen, who recently recovered from a long-term hamstring injury, went all 90 for Rovers. Not bad...
By Steve Goff | February 17, 2007; 10:49 AM ET | Comments (0)
Champions' Cup Begins
Okay, so maybe it's cold and windy and icy and slushy and snowy here in the mid-Atlantic today, but down in Trinidad, it's in the mid-80s with a chance of thunderstorm. Why do we care? Because the Champions' Cup, that international tournament involving D.C. United, actually got under way last...
By Steve Goff | February 14, 2007; 09:29 AM ET | Comments (0)
The Greek
On Friday afternoon I met Alkis Panagoulias for lunch at, of course, the Greek Taverna in McLean. (Order the trout special -- you won't regret it.) For younger inhabitants of Soccer Insider Nation, that name probably means absolutely nothing. To those who have been around a bit or know their...
By Steve Goff | February 9, 2007; 11:51 PM ET | Comments (4)
Rumble in London
You would think a friendly between Queen's Park Rangers and the Chinese under-23s would be, well, friendly. Um, no. Check this out....
By Steve Goff | February 9, 2007; 10:02 AM ET | Comments (7)
Life Is Good in the UAE
Okay, so who will be the first Barra Brava fan to try this?...
By Steve Goff | January 31, 2007; 09:13 AM ET | Comments (0)