fifa
The ins and outs of the international football association; the most recent news and coverage in the FIFA universe.
Minnows No More...
Mexico. Costa Rica. The United States. Panama. Honduras. These are household names in terms of being perceived as the footballing powers of CONCACAF, both in terms of the regions biannual tournament (the Gold Cup) and in representing the region at the World Cup. Yet, the waves of change are being made this year by teams not even ranked within 50 positions of FIFA’S world ranking system. Maybe it’s still early to call the recent results waves, rather they are ripples across the water of what we all know as the established hierarchy of CONCACAF. Regardless, those at the top and elsewhere might want to take notice, because even the biggest waves started as ripples.
Sam HazelwoodPublished 5 years ago in CleatsBarcelona About to Land Antoine Griezmann
As the calendar turns to July and the transfer season is in full swing, the three-year saga to whether or not Griezmann will leave Atlético Madrid has seemed to reach its climax as he is in the process for a move to FC Barcelona. This would obviously be one of the biggest signings in the window so far, trailing Hazard to Real Madrid, and probably the most interesting signing of the window. These two questions loom: What position will he play? What implications will his inclusion have on the rest of Barcelona's current squad?
Space ZebraPublished 5 years ago in CleatsUSMNT: The New Era Begins...?
The game against Jamaica was set up to be a triumph for the US. This was supposed to be the showcase of how far the team had come since the appointment of Gregg Berhalter as head coach of the USMNT after the dismal period since the departure of Jurgen Klinsmann. Yet, the game fell flat and that’s all the commentators could seem to focus on for the full 90 minutes. As if implying that their expectations for the team were much higher. From my standpoint at the time of watching the game it seemed a little premature to have such high expectations for a team whose majority of its players don’t play together on a consistent basis and whose coach was newly appointed to the position only a few games ago. Combined with the fact that the player pool is strictly speaking weaker depth wise at every position than any generation before it. And whose best players, like many other high profile nations, were coming off of grueling overseas seasons. Some might suggest this is no excuse. That they are professionals and should be up to the challenge. True they are professionals but how many of us, the fans on the couch or in the stands, have ever played a season as long as most of their players endure? So I had to ask myself “Why did the pundits have such high expectations? And were they reasonable?” In a short word. No.
Sam HazelwoodPublished 5 years ago in CleatsFinding Value in Transfers
Much like NBA free agency, the summer transfer window in soccer provides the opportunity for clubs to change the dynamic of their team going into the next season. For fans, it provides a sense of hope that the changes made will bring positive results for their clubs going into the future. The buzz around the window also keeps the discussion and media coverage around club soccer going year-round. Unfortunately, too many clubs go about it the wrong way.
Space ZebraPublished 5 years ago in CleatsChampions League Quarter Finals: Who's In, Who's Out
The round of 16 was full of shocking results with Ajax defeating reigning champions Real Madrid five to three on aggregate, Manchester United's shock comeback over PSG, and Liverpool's incredible road win against Bayern Munich.
Ryan MorettiPublished 5 years ago in CleatsThe Resurrection: Serie A and Its Rebirth
For years now, all I have heard is how far superior the big three leagues of Europe are compared to the rest of the continent, specifically the Italian Serie A. I'm referring to the Barclays Premier League, La Liga, and the German Bundesliga. All the major US soccer outlets bang away about how these three leagues style of play is far and away better than Serie A. While I will concede that of the big three, the EPL is the best right now at being able to attract the huge names within the sport. It does make me wonder how good that is for the EPL as a whole due to the fact that many players who go there are then forced to sit on the bench who would otherwise star for another team in the very same league, La Liga/Bundesliga or the other leagues of Europe. Therefore, I will focus primarily on the EPL in relation to Serie A. Everyone is allowed their opinion. But this is why yours is wrong about Italian football. Let me take you back and show you how far Italian Serie A has come from a mere ten years ago. I will focus primarily on the current Top 6 within the league and hopefully reshape your definition of what makes a league a "great league."
Sam HazelwoodPublished 5 years ago in CleatsCroatia's Magical Run Ends In the Final
It's sad. Croatia, a tiny country with a population of 4.3 million making it to the World Cup Finals, only to lose. I was certainly rooting for Croatia and sad to see them defeated. Here is a recap of their magical run throughout the Fifa World Cup. It all started with a 2-0 win versus Nigeria, with Oghenekaro Etebo scoring an own goal and the captain Luka Modric scoring in the 71st minute to seal the victory. Their next game was against Lionel Messi and Argentina. Croatia came in swinging and completely destroyed Argentina 3-0. Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, and Ivan Rakitic all scored for the Croatian team. In their final group stage game against Iceland, once again, Croatia ended on top with a score of 2-1 with Milan Badelj and Ivan Perisic both scoring. And just like that, Croatia had won its group and was moving onto the knockout stage for the first time since 1998.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus!
In a move that could very well be the transfer of the summer, Juventus has snatched Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid. After nine years, 16 trophies, and 451 goals, Ronaldo will go from wearing the crisp white of Madrid to the sterling black and white of Turin.
Colin ChiakpoPublished 6 years ago in CleatsCroatia: The Least Surprising Dark Horses of Russia 2018
Croatia’s 3-0 win over Argentina in their second World Cup group game may have come as a shock to many in the footballing world, but to those who have kept a keen eye on the recent performances, the scoreline would have been the perfect example of how well they can play.
Patrick HollisPublished 6 years ago in CleatsTop 10 Kits from the FIFA World Cup in 2018
It doesn't get any bigger than the World Cup. With 32 countries competing for football dominance, it has become the biggest and most-watched sporting event in the world. Hundreds of millions of fans tune in every four years to see the best players battle it out and try to attain football's biggest and most elusive trophy. The best skills, goals, and most importantly, kits are on display for all to see.
Jesse KinneyPublished 6 years ago in CleatsThe History of FIFA Corruption
Disregarding the players and incredible fanbase for one second; all you're left with realistically is a multi-billion dollar corporation that heads the scheduling, maintenance, televising and governing body controlling one of the most profound and highly regarded sports organizations in the history of athletic entertainment. FIFA heartbreakingly went from first being an unrivaled televised athletics business and sports program, and devolved into a melting pot of improper tactics, bribery, negative transactions, and a multiplicity of corrupt ideals spanning a long line of history, which many have tried to ignore, or have gone to great lengths in disregarding. It's rather hampering on the beauty of soccer, as a sport, as is any scandal involving an intermingling of both business and policy. Sadly, FIFA is not new to scandalous behavior.
Johnson BernardPublished 6 years ago in Cleats- Top Story - December 2017
FIFA World Cup 2018: Group A Preview
Russia The hosts will be desperate to impress this summer, having failed to get past the group stages in their last four appearances in the World Cup. The furthest Russia have gone is to the Quarter-Finals, doing so three times, but have not matched this feat since 1970.