By Matt Osborne The 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup concluded in dramatic fashion on Sunday afternoon, as Argentina topped France in penalty kicks in what will undoubtedly go down as one of the more entertaining World Cup Finals in history. While a World Cup victory is always a noteworthy occasion, Argentina’s victory made for even bigger headlines than usual. Lionel Messi, Argentina’s star captain and one of the greatest players of all time, cemented his status as a soccer legend by adding the only piece of hardware he…
Category Archives: Soccer
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Legacy Achievements
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Worth the Cost By Luke Heaton
Continue ReadingThe United States Women’s National Soccer team made history this past Sunday by defeating the Netherlands 2-0 for the rights to hoist up the well-sought-after World Cup trophy. Not only did this victory solidify the United States as the most dominant force in Women’s World Cup history (four total wins, including 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019), but also entered the US into a select group of countries who have won back-to-back World Cups. On the women’s side, Germany did it in 2003 and 2007. On the men’s side, Italy did…
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Approaching Every Challenge With Confidence By Luke Heaton
Continue ReadingAnd then there were four. The Women’s World Cup is nearing its completion, with the throne of women’s soccer now up for grabs by the United States, England, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Making the top of the headlines is not only the upcoming marquee matches but also the confidence of the American players which some are classifying as cockiness. As the reigning champions who have won three World Cups and defeated their opponents by an average of four goals in this year’s tournament, team USA is the most successful in…
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The Defiant Goalkeeper
Continue ReadingChelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga is one of the best and most expensive goalkeepers in the world. On Sunday, when his team took on Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, he became the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. With the score tied and heading to a penalty shootout, Kepa appeared to be cramping. His manager, Mauricio Sarri, motioned for him to come out of the game, but he refused. From the sideline, Sarri was adamant that Kepa needed to get off the pitch, but he vehemently denied his coach’s request…
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France Celebrates the World Cup
Continue ReadingEvery four years, countries both big and small come together to compete during the World Cup. It’s soccer’s biggest tournament and after a month of competing, only one team goes home as the champion. On Sunday, France took down Croatia 4-2 to win its second World Cup in 20 years. With the world tuning in to watch, the finale proved to be thrilling, controversial, and intriguing. Over the last few weeks, anticipation built game after game as fans either flocked to the host country (Russia) or gathered in their home…
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Strong Performances in a Loss
Continue ReadingThe World Cup Final takes place on Sunday between Croatia and France. Although many expected England to play in this globally captivating game, the team fell short to Croatia in extra time during the semifinals. Despite the loss, England’s Harry Kane has been one of the stars of the World Cup, scoring six goals throughout, to lead all players.ESPN.com recognized him as another top athlete to have a great individual performance this year while his team disappointingly fell short of the sport’s top prize. They compiled a list of others who have experienced…
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Failing to Meet Expectations
Continue ReadingWinning the World Cup is one of the greatest challenges among all of sports, and perhaps the highest valued. Countries invest tons of money and intensely prepare their very best soccer (futbol) players to represent them well. Germany has been one of the top countries in this esteemed sporting event, finishing second at the 2002 World Cup, third in 2006 and 2010, and winning the World Cup in 2014. Implementing the Extended Talent Promotion Program (ETPP), Germany has consistently produced top talent and skilled players by developing them at a…
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A Host Nation for All Nations by Guest Writer, Matt Schneider
Continue ReadingOur world today is as globally connected as it ever has been, and yet nothing brings us all together quite like the World Cup. In 2014, 3.2 billion fans watched some part of the tournament while one billion viewers tuned in for the final match between Germany and Argentina. This year, it’s predicted that all-time viewing records will be broken. GlobalWebIndex forecasts a 3.4 billion total viewership for the entire tournament, or nearly half the total world population of 7.6 billion. The World Cup is a spectacle because it brings nations together….
