Five changes that would put MLS on top

(en.wikipedia.org)

There is no doubt that MLS is on the rise. With the expansion at the beginning of next season, and more teams expected to join in the coming years, American soccer is growing to new heights.

However, the the top-tier domestic league still has a long way to go before it will be amongst the top leagues in the world. To be competitive and amongst the world's top leagues MLS will need to instill five major changes.

Hope Still Remains for Liverpool FC

After making a return to the UEFA Champions League after a five-year absence, Liverpool's hopes have again fallen after being unable to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.

Manchester United Rolls on After Tough Start

(manutd.com)

After a very rocky start to the season, Manchester United has turned its season around, and now sits third in the Premier League Table.

Van Gaal Woes Continue

(telegraph.co.uk)

Following an outstanding preseason campaign in the United States, Louis van Gaal has hit a snag as the Barclays Premier League has begun.  After winning all their matches in the United States, van Gaal's side has yet to find a win in the regular season.

U.S. Soccer Icon to Retire

Landon Donovan is the best goal scorer in MLS history and has been the face of the MLS for the last 10 years

A United States soccer icon, and the most recognizable and noteworthy face of the MLS is playing out his final season. Landon Donovan, perhaps the best men's player in U.S. soccer history, has announced that he will hang up his boots following the conclusion of the 2014 MLS season. Despite being only 32, Donovan has built up quite the resume.

European Teams Prepare for Season in United States Tournament

(Twitter.com)

As teams prepare for the upcoming season, eight European clubs have opted to prepare in North America by participating in the International Champions Cup.  Some of the biggest teams in Europe have already begun to prepare for the tournament which begins on Thursday.

Germany Wins on Magnificent Goal

(time.com)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Germany has now joined the select few teams to have won four World Cups after Sunday's victory at the Maracana. Mario Götze's extra time goal, gave Germany their first World Cup title since 1990.

Germany Puts up Touchdown on Host Brazil

Overmatched. That one word sums up Brazil's performance today in Belo Horizonte against Germany. Everyone thought that Neymar and Thiago Silva's absences would have an impact but nobody thought that would mean a 7-1 thrashing.

This picture pretty much sums up the day that Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar had

Brazil played a very solid first 5 minutes before everything started going downhill. The defense was lacking, the touches were sloppy and Brazil didn't even bother to try to play through the midfield. Once Germany started to control the possession there was no turning back.

The scoring began with Thomas Muller in the 11th minute off of a corner kick. It was Muller's fifth goal of this tournament and his tenth in his World Cup career. Muller would also add two assists in the game. In the 23rd minute Miroslav Klose broke Ronaldo's World Cup goal scoring record with his 16th career World Cup goal to make it 2-0. Three minutes later it was 4-0 thanks to two goals from Toni Kroos. Three minutes after that Sami Khedira capped the first half scoring to put the Germans ahead 5-0.

Miroslav Klose now has the most World Cup goals by any player in history

The second half did not provide much relief for the hosts. They did get off to a fairly decent start once again, by holding some possession in the German half and even had some dangerous touches but those attacks disappeared quickly only to be replaced by German offensives. In the 69th minute, just ten minutes after replacing Klose, Andre Schurrle added a 6th goal for the Germans, and ten minutes after that the seventh.

Mesut Ozil very nearly added an 8th goal for the Germans before Oscar received a long pass from from Marcelo and dribbled his way past Jermoe Boateng to put the Brazilians on the board in the 90th minute. A few late chances including the Oscar finish were really the only signs of life from an outmatched and disappointing Brazilian squad.

It had been talked about all tournament, how Brazil's whole offense was simply Neymar and there was no better example than today. Brazil could not get anything going offensively for 89 minutes outside of a few counters or set pieces. Defensively the showing was even worse. There was little pressure on the ball and German players were making runs towards goal nearly completely unmarked. They group seemed completely disorganized, something that Thiago Silva, as captain, may have been able to improve somewhat had he been available.

Of course Neymar and Thiago Silva would not have been enough to turn the tides of this game around. That's not to say they weren't missed but the Germans were simply too good and the Brazilians too lazy for the outcome to have been changed. That said it certainly would have been more competitive and a better performance from the hosts had those two key players been able to play.

Germany awaits the winner of Argentina vs. Netherlands in the finals on Sunday, July 13.

Brazil beats Colombia, loses Neymar

Brazil defeated Colombia 2-1 on goals from Thiago Silva and David Luiz while conceding only a penalty kick to James Rodriguez, but lost their best player to injury. Neymar took a knee to the back and was removed from the game in the 88th minute. A trip to the hospital revealed that he suffered a fractured vertebra and will be shelved for the remainder of the tournament.

Neymar will be out for the remainder of the World Cup with a fractured back

Thiago Silva scored off a Neymar corner kick after he was unmarked on his run to the far post in the 7th minute. David Luiz put the hosts up by 2 in the 68th minute when he scored a beautiful, curling free kick from 35 yards out.

Colombia got their goal from James Rodriguez from the penalty spot in the 80th minute. It was Rodriguez's sixth goal of the tournament, the most of any player, but in the end could not find an equalizer in the last ten minutes.

The hosts became the first team in World Cup history to win a game after going to penalty shots in the game prior.

Brazil will be facing Germany in the semifinal without their captain and top defender Thiago Silva, who is serving a yellow card suspension, as well as Neymar.

Neymar's production will be tough to replicate. He had four goals and an assist but also led his country in shots, chances created, and touches in the attacking half. Brazil will look to some inconsistent performers to come together to try to create offense. Fred, Oscar and Hulk as well as whoever coach Luiz Felipe Scolari selects to replace Neymar will all need to have big games against a tough German defense of the hosts want to reach the final.

Two Late Goals Break Mexican Hearts

Giovani dos Santos gave El Tri the lead with his first international goal since 2012

Mexico took a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute on a goal from Giovani dos Santos after dominating much of the first half, following the departure of Dutch defenseman Nigel de Jong. 40 minutes later, with the Dutch in desperation mode, Wesley Sneijder equalized off a Klaas jan Huntelaar header. 6 minutes later Arjen Robben drew a foul in the box for a penalty kick, which Huntelaar powered home to give the Netherlands a 2-1 victory.

Brazil Survives Penalty Kicks to Advance Past Chile

Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar stepped up when his team needed him, saving two penalties and forcing this miss from Gonazalo Jara

Brazil will advance to the next round thanks in big part to a post and a crossbar. As time was ticking down at the end of extra time Mauricio Pinilla launched a shot that beat Julio Cesar but smacked into the crossbar and away. Then in penalty kicks, after Neymar had put Brazil ahead 3-2, Gonzalo Jara's shot bounced off the inside of the post and out of bounds to seal the win.

Uruguay Eliminate Italy Despite Suarez Disgrace

Natal, Brazil - In the midst of yet another shocking action by Uruguay striker, Luis Suarez, Italy has been eliminated to the surprise of many.  Suarez, who has a history of causing problems on the pitch has now been accused of a third biting incident.

Neymar leads Brazil to top spot in Group A

Joel Matip became the first Cameroonian not named Samuel Eto'o to score in a World Cup

Brasilia, BRAZIL- Brazilian superstar Neymar added two more goals to lead the hosts past Cameroon 4-1 and into the Round of 16. Neymar now has four goals in three career World Cup matches. Brazil also got goals from a newly mustachioed Fred and sub Fernandinho. Cameroon's tally came off the foot of Joel Matip.

Mexico's offense shows up at right time

With this header, Chicharito broke an 11 match scoreless streak

Recife, BRAZIL-Mexico broke through a scoreless match for three goals in the last 20 minutes to defeat Croatia 3-1 and advance to the Round of 16. Mexico got off to a somewhat slow start but late in the first half they seemed to wake up and put consistent pressure on the Croatian defense. In the end the Mexican offense was simply too persistent for Croatia.

USA Earns Tie Amass Late Portugal Goal

(fanside.com)

MANAUS, Brazil - The United States was just seconds away from clinching its second consecutive berth to a World Cup knockout stage. But in the blink of an eye, Silvestre Varela headed in the game-tying goal to save Portugalfrom being eliminated from the tournament and drawing level with the U.S. for a 2-2 final.

Germany, Ghana Play to Physical 2-2 Draw

(FIFA/Getty Images)

FORTALEZA, Brazil - Miroslav Klose equaled Ronaldo's all-time World Cup‬ goals records to save Germany a 2-2 draw against Ghana Saturday. The 71st minute equalizer helped Germany avoid a loss against a physical Ghana squad and keeps them atop group G.

England Eliminated After Second Straight Win by Costa Rica

(The Guardian)

Recife, Brazil - For the first time since 1958 England have been eliminated from the World Cup in the Group Stage.  This shock came after a second consecutive stunning win by Costa Rica on Friday in Recife.

Fanatic Radio 6/20/14

Former US Men's National Team player Tony Sanneh is our Weekly Conversation to discuss the United State's chances in the World Cup, what his experieneces were like when his 2002 squad acomplished the greatest feat in US soccer history since 1930, what Jurgen Klinsmann is selling to his team and what Landon Donovan's plans should be for the future. Grace Wilson of the American U field hockey team also joins us to talk about the teams unique summer Eurotrip and their chances are to return to the NCAA Tournament. Mike and Ben also talk who are the favorites for the rest of the World Cup and if the United States can beat Portugal again and advance to the knockout stages.

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Fanatic Radio 6/20/14 06/20 by Fanatic Radio | Sports Podcasts

Spain Eliminated After Second Straight Defeat

(FIFA.com)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - After another poor performance, the defending World Cup Champions, Spain have been eliminated in the Group Stage in Brazil.  Spain is now only the fourth defending World Cup Champion to be eliminated in the Group Stage of the following World Cup.

Croatia Eliminates Shorthanded Cameroon

Mario Mandzukic returned from suspension to score two goals, including this header

MANAUS, Brazil - Croatia handed Cameroon its second loss and guaranteed them an early flight home as Croatia cruised to a 4-0 victory Wednesday. Cameroon was without star forward Samuel Eto'o due to injury and lost Alex Song to a red card in the 40th minute. Croatia got one goal in the first half and three in the second in the victory.

Sturridge, Welbeck Excited For England Match vs. Uruguay

England will face Uruguay June 19th in Sao Paulo for both team's second game in Group D and each squad will be searching for three points. England fell to Italy 2-1 and Uruguay was shocked by CONCACAF members Costa Rica.

From the FA press conference, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck both are excited for the match, check out the video below from the Three Lion's YouTube channel.

Fanatic Radio World Cup Show - Week 2

Mike and Nick Papadis of NP Soccer Talk break down the first results from Brazil in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the United States dramatic late minute win over Ghana, Netherlands domination over the defending champions Spain, who are the early surprises and who are the teams in deep trouble of going home early. We also preview future matches of the week including Chile vs. Spain, Brazil vs. Mexico and the US vs Christian Ronaldo and Portugal. Your 2014 FIFA World Cup coverage is exclusively on America's premier sports-music program, Fanatic Radio.

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Fanatic Radio World Cup Show - Week 2 06/17 by Fanatic Radio | Soccer Podcasts

Two Substitutes Give Belgium Win

(fifa.com)

Belo Horizonte, Brazil - After giving up a penalty in the first half, things were not looking good for Belgium as they faced Algeria.  However, two second half substitutes made the difference for the Marc Wilmots's side.

Ochoa leads Mexico to draw with host Brazil

Saves like this one were needed to keep Mexico in the game

Fortaleza, Brazil- Guillermo Ochoa made six saves to preserve a scoreless draw for Mexico against Brazil. Brazil held much of the possession and seemed to get stronger offensively as the game went on forcing Ochoa to make some remarkable saves in order to will his team to one point.

Avenged Americans Beat Ghana 2-1

(FIFA/Getty Images)

NATAL, Brazil - John Brooks headed in the game-winning goal in the 86th minute to give the United States the 2-1 victory in its first game of the 2014 World Cup, Monday night in Natal. The last time the U.S. faced Ghana in 2010, John Brooks was an after-thought of being a member of the National Team squad playing youth soccer in Berlin, but after his game-winning header, he's larger than life.

Germany Dominates, Outpowers Portugal 4-0

(Getty Images)

SALVADOR, Brazil - Thomas Mueller scored three times as Germany dominated Portugal 4-0 to open group play on the right foot Monday.

The Germans struck early in the 12th minute on a Mueller penalty kick and a Mats Hummels header in the 32nd, then the collapse of the Portuguese commenced.

Two Quick Goals Lift Ivory Coast Over Japan

Recife, Brazil - After giving up a goal early in the first half, the Ivory Coast managed to score two goals in quick succession to win the match.

Balotelli Proves Himself with Game Winner

Manaus, Brazil - In his first World Cup match ever,  Italian superstar Mario Balotelli truly showed just how good he really is.  Balotelli's performance gave his Italian team the much needed victory over the Three Lions on Saturday.

Costa Rica Stuns Uruguay

Fortaleza, Brazil - Despite taking an early lead, Uruguay and soccer fans worldwide were shocked yesterday, as Costa Rica pulled off a 3-1 win in a match many believed they could not win.

Colombia Dismantles Greece Without Falcao

Belo Horizonte, Brazil - Colombia managed to silence any of their naysayers after completely dominating Greece.  Many critics of the Colombians said that there would be issues without star striker Radamel Falcao.

Netherlands Achieve Retribution for 2010 World Cup Final

(FIFA.com)

Salvador, Brazil - Defending World Cup Champions, Spain, suffered a difficult loss to the same team they met four years ago in the World Cup Final.  The match was a very physical one, with the Dutch clearly seeking revenge for their loss in South Africa.

Mexico Survives Two Disallowed Goals to Beat Cameroon

Oribe Peralta scored the game winner for Mexico in the 61st minute, moving them into a tie with Brazil in advance of their upcoming matchup

Natal, Brazil - Giovani dos Santos had two goals disallowed for offsides in the first half of today's Group A match between Mexico and Cameroon. In the second half Oribe Peralta netted the winner off the rebound of a dos Santos miss to lead Mexico to an important three points by a score of 1-0.

Brazil Earns Sloppy Win in Opener

Brazilian superstar Neymar tallied two goals in his World Cup debut to lead the hosts to victory

The World Cup is under way and the opening match featured host Brazil against Croatia in a Group A matchup. Expectations were high for the host nation as many believe that they can ride their home country advantage to the top of the tournament field.

Fanatic Radio - The World Cup Show

Mike is joined by NP Soccer Talk creator Nick Papadis to break down the eight groups in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Trends and odds of what all 32 teams need to do to reach football nirvana. The United States with Jurgen Klinsmann saying they cannot win the World Cup, hosts Brazil on if they can return to glory for the first time since 2002, in their backyard, dark horses, jokes, ESPN's laughable presentation. It is time to celebrate the greatest tournament in the world, in style on Fanatic Radio.

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Fanatic Radio - The World Cup Show 06/12 by Fanatic Radio | Sports Podcasts

Colombia Manage Win Without Falcao

(goal.com)

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Even without star striker Radamel Falcao, Colombia defeated Jordan 3-0 to extend a very long unbeaten streak.  The Colombians have not lost an international match since their 2-0 loss to Uruguay in September.

England Held to Second Consecutive Draw in Miami

telegraph.co.uk

Miami, FL - England was again held to a draw in their final preparatory match for the World Cup.  After previously being held to a 2-2 draw by Ecuador, England were unable to break through against Honduras.

Belgium Finish Pre-World Cup Friendlies on a High Note

(goal.com)

Brussels, Belgium - Despite being delayed due to an intense storm, Belgium were able to finish their final tune-up match against Tunisia as they prepare for the World Cup.  Though the scoreline finished 1-0 in favor of the Belgian side, the match was much more one-sided than the scoreline would show.

Greece Pulls Off 2-1 Win Over Bolivia

(uefa.com)

Harrison, NJ - In the second International Friendly at Red Bull Arena in just over a week, the Greek National Team pulled off a 2-1 victory.  Greece had a very strong showing after coming off a draw with Nigeria on June 4th.

Altidore's Pair of Goals Propel USMNT to 2-1 Win Over Nigeria

(Orlando Sentential)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jozy Altidore broke out of his scoring drought in style, notching both goals for the United States Men's National Team in its 2-1 win over Nigeria in Jacksonville Saturday afternoon. With the win, the US heads to the World Cup on a three game win streak heading to Brazil.

Germany Wins 6-1 But Loses Reus to Injury

(Sky Sports UK)

MAINZ, Germany - In World Cup preparation, the German National Team capped off its last friendly before Brazil, dominating Armenia 6-1 on Friday, however, the five point victory was overshadowed by the ankle injury to midfielder Marco Reus.

Cameroon Concludes World Cup Tune-Ups with Win Over Moldova

Edgar Salli found the back of the net for Cameroon, leading them to victory in Samuel Eto'o's absence

Cameroon got a 30^th minute tally from Edgar Salli and never looked back as they easily took care of Moldova to go into the World Cup on a positive note.

Villa's Double Lifts Spain over El Salvador

Two second half goals by the all time leading scorer in Spanish national team history, David Villa, lifted La Roja over El Salvador at FedEx field Saturday afternoon in Landover, Maryland.  Villa, who was recently signed by New York City FC as their first player in team history, came on as a substitute in the second half, and tallied a double to send Spain off to the World Cup in Brazil on a high note. 

Mexico Drops Second Straight Against Portugal

Foxborough, MA - In their final World Cup tune-up Mexico dropped it’s second consecutive game, a 1-0 match against Ronaldo-less Portugal. The match seemed to be ticketed for a draw until Bruno Alves netted the winner in injury time of the second half.

Uruguay Hopeful After Win

(bleacherreport.com)

 

 

Montevideo, Uruguay - Uruguay remains hopeful to make it past the group stage after being the only team from Group D to win their friendly match on Wednesday.  Both Italy and England were held to draws, while Uruguay topped Slovenia 2-0.

Mexico Suffers First Loss Under Herrera

Chicharito hopes to break out of his slump in time to lead El Tri passed the Group Stage

Mexico and Bosnia-Herzegovina squared off Tuesday in a World Cup warm-up match in Chicago, Illinois. The Dragons got a goal in the 41^st minute from Izet Hajrovic and got solid goaltending late in the second half to hold on for the win. 

Italy Stunned by Late Equalizer

theguardian.com

Verona, Italy - Italy was shocked on Wednesday, after suffering their second consecutive draw.  Luxembourg scored a late equalizer in Italy, raising concerns for the home side as they prepare for the World Cup.

Young England Side Held to Draw in Miami

(thefa.com)

Miami FL - Roy Hodgson's young side was held to a 2-2 draw after a tough bout with Ecuador.  Despite taking a lead in the second half, the Three Lions were unable to pull off a win.

NP Soccer Talk Gains New Insight

As the World Cup quickly approaches, NP Soccer Talk has gained a new contributor to cover all the news about the US Men's National Team.  American University alumni, Michael Gardner will be covering all the USMNT matches throughout the World Cup.

Johnson Scores First Tally For National Team in 2-1 Win

(ussoccer.com)

HARRISON NJ - In front of a sellout crowd at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, the United States Men's National Team won its second-straight friendly against Turkey 2-1, a much improved performance from its sluggish start to the Road to Brazil last weekend.

Tensions Run High as Real Madrid Win 10th European Championship

 

Real Madrid secured their 10th European Championship as they top Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra time.  The final, which took place in Lisbon, ended with Real winning after scoring three goals in extra time.

Champions League Final Preview

 

After a grueling Champions League campaign, the finals are now set.  For the first time in tournament history, the two teams featured in Lisbon will be from the same city.  Real Madrid will take on cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid as both teams strive to be crowned Champions of Europe.

Champions League Semifinals Set After Exciting Quarterfinal Finishes

 

The cup draw has been decided for the UEFA Champions League Semifinals after an exciting wrap up to the Quarterfinals on Wednesday.  The Champions League Quarterfinals did not disappoint and showed the true nature of the how unexpected the Champions League is!  After the second leg of the cup tie was decided, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich are now in a very heated competition as all strive to be crowned Champions of Europe.