world cup
Everything you need to know about the cutthroat road to the FIFA World Cup; predictions, soccer statistics and World Cup history.
It Almost Came Home, But Should We Be Worried About What it Was Coming Home To?
The World Cup might be the most revealing political moment of 2018 so far. Whether you consider those engaging with the World Cup and celebrating in the streets just fans or football hooligans, the fact is the violent behaviour perpetrated by the masses in the past week speaks volumes about the current political climate at home.
Ziggy MothPublished 6 years ago in CleatsKylian Mbappé, a Future World Great
If you know anything about football, then you'll know that world class young talent like Kylian Mbappé are rare and need to be treasured. Having lit up the French league for the past 2 seasons, he's stepped out onto the world stage to prove just how good he really is.
Harry MarshPublished 6 years ago in Cleats2018 World Cup Group Stage Rundown: Group H
The final group of the World Cup was a very competitive one, with each team having their own set of unique skills and traits that make them fierce competitors. Thus, Group H was one of the more entertaining groups to watch in Russia.
Alberto HuichapaPublished 6 years ago in Cleats2018 World Cup Group Stage Rundown: Group G
The most predictable group at this World Cup. The question that many asked: Who would finish first, Belgium or England? At the end of the group finale, it was Belgium. A Januzaj screamer was enough for the Belgians to beat the English 1-0, putting them at the top of Group G while England finished in second, though that may not have been bad for them. Tunisia finished in third and Panama, World Cup debutants, finished at the bottom.
Alberto HuichapaPublished 6 years ago in Cleats2018 World Cup Group Stage Rundown: Group F
Without a doubt, this was the craziest and most dramatic group of this World Cup. The group was destined to be a good one prior to the initial kick off but football fans around the world who were given a lot more than they anticipated within Group F.
Alberto HuichapaPublished 6 years ago in Cleats2018 World Cup Group Stage Rundown: Group E
Group E was a stubborn group. Brazil, like many predicted, finished top of the group. Switzerland finished in second place and Serbia in third, following Serbia’s 2-0 loss to Brazil in the group finale. Costa Rica, 2014 dark horses and quarterfinalists, finished in last place and return home humiliated.
Alberto HuichapaPublished 6 years ago in Cleats2018 World Cup Group Stage Rundown: Group C
Group C gave us the first memorable use of Video Assistant Referee, or VAR. Antoine Griezmann’s penalty was denied, only for VAR to come into use and award France the lead against Australia, a game in which the French would go on to unconvincingly win 2-1.
Alberto HuichapaPublished 6 years ago in Cleats2018 World Cup Group Stage Rundown: Group D
One of the more exciting groups of the 2018 World Cup, the drama and intensity of the group was seen all the way to the group finale.
Alberto HuichapaPublished 6 years ago in Cleats2018 World Cup Group Stage Rundown: Group B
Though the final standings of Group B were no surprise, achieving the group positions were much more dramatic than anticipated. Thus the saying, “Anything can happen at the World Cup,” lives within Group B.
Alberto HuichapaPublished 6 years ago in CleatsWorld Cup Group Stage Rundown
Group A closed off without any shocking surprises. Uruguay topped the group and Russia followed behind in second. Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 win over Egypt put them at third, leaving The Pharoah's at the bottom of the group.
Alberto HuichapaPublished 6 years ago in Cleats4 Signs That Point to Soccer's Continued Growth in the United States
With news breaking that 2018 World Cup TV rankings in the United States have dropped as much as 44 percent since the 2014 World Cup, it would be reasonable to conclude that soccer may not be on the rise as was once believed. What this number doesn’t take into account is the fact that Brazil, the host country of 2014, is in a much more similar time zone to the United States than Russia, this year's host. More obviously, in 2014 the USMNT not only was in the tournament but was highly competitive, making it out of the group stage. Ultimately, the TV ratings shouldn’t be considered a major factor towards soccer’s growth in the US. Instead, what should be considered are these four signs that point toward substantial growth for soccer moving forward.
Robert BernsteinPublished 6 years ago in CleatsPreview: Groups D and E
Group D South American giants Argentina are the first up, and they should make sure not to underestimate their Group D opponents. It could well be the last World Cup for Lionel Messi and therefore his last chance to crown a magnificent career. Unfortunately, I think their final appearance in Brazil four years was the best chance for Messi to win the greatest prize in international football. They will, of course, be one of the sides to look out for. They usually always are. This is more likely when you look at some of the names in their squad. As well as Messi, Sergio Aguero Gonzalo Higuain, and Angela Di Maria will be on show in Russia and with all of these on form, the top spot in Group D will be Argentina’s for the taking.
Patrick HollisPublished 6 years ago in Cleats