Lionel Messi Puts Argentina in Copa America Semis as They Try to End Drought

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Copa America Centenario has been filled with highs and lows, but one of its biggest selling points is that it boasts the world’s best player in Lionel Messi. The European Championship is underway right now in France, but the current Ballon d’Or holder is across the Atlantic, in the United States, and inspired his team to a 4-1 quarter-final victory over Venezuela as they bid to end a 23-year major trophy drought.  Until Saturday night at Gillette Stadium, he hadn’t started a game but had already scored three goals. He bagged a 19-minute hat-trick... 

Cristiano Ronaldo Has Another Nightmare, but Portugal Teammates Have to Help Him

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty against Austria in Paris on Saturday evening, and there were laughs at his misfortune heard all over France and indeed the world. This is the harsh reality of being Ronaldo, of being the face, the brand and the icon. When things go wrong, you can expect a certain amount of schadenfreude, with his comments following Portugal’s opening match of this tournament against Iceland adding fuel to that particular fire. Ronaldo had left the field with a contorted, pained expression against the Icelanders, but here it was different. Here it was exasperation following... 

Chile Drubbing at Copa America Leaves Mexico with Much to Ponder

It wasn’t supposed to end like that. Mexico’s hopes of a first Copa America triumph weren’t just dashed by Chile in a one-sided quarter-final on Saturday. They were stamped on, put through a blender and then incinerated. After 22 games without defeat, a run that stretched back 364 days, El Tri were routed 7-0 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. That’s right. The pick of the ties in the last eight finished Chile 7, Mexico 0. Astonishingly, it could have been even more. Some couldn’t help themselves on Twitter: First and foremost, La Roja—the holders—were... 

Analyzing the USMNT’s Potential Lineup Changes for Copa Semi Versus Argentina

The United States men’s national team paid quite the cost for advancing to the semifinal round of the Copa America Centenario with their 2-1 quarterfinal win over Ecuador on Thursday. Starters Jermaine Jones, Alejandro Bedoya and Bobby Wood will be suspended for Tuesday’s final-four matchup with Argentina at NRG Stadium in Houston. Jones is serving a one-game ban for placing his hands near the face of an opponent during a melee near the sidelines, while Bedoya and Wood will miss the semifinal clash due to yellow-card accumulation. All three of the regular first-teamers bring a certain... 

Antonio Conte Answering His Critics, but Questions Remain for Italy

So little was expected of the Italy national team as the 2016 European Championship began. The Azzurri were without two of their best midfielders due to injury, and their forward line was a hodgepodge of journeymen and youngsters unproven at international level.   The overall talent level of the final squad was considered one of the worst in the country’s history, and the imminent departure of manager Antonio Conte, bound for Chelsea next season, was expected to be a distraction. Even though they possessed what was probably the stoutest defence in the tournament, they were expected by... 

Should Wales Expect More from Gareth Bale at Euro 2016?

In the final minute of Wales’ 2-1 loss to England on Thursday afternoon, Neil Taylor launched a high cross in to the penalty area, and there was Gareth Bale rising to meet the ball with a header in an effort to rescue an unlikely point.  But of course, despite being directly in front of goal and making a good connection, Bale put his header wide of the post, and Wales were defeated. The narrative around Bale is that he has performed well at Euro 2016 and lived up to his billing, but is that really the case? Should Wales not expect more from their only world-class player in France? Of... 

Houston, We Have a Problem: Magical Leo Messi Sends Warning to the USMNT

With four wins out of four, Argentina are in imperious form going into the decisive stages of the Copa America Centenario. And the United States men’s national team should pay close attention, as the Albiceleste and their talisman, Lionel Messi, keep getting better. Venezuela were the latest victims for Gerardo Martino’s men. The Vinotinto put up a spirited fight and even bested their illustrious rivals in certain passages of the game. But the side could not live with Argentina when they put their foot on the accelerator. Messi, of course, drove his team, and he sent out an ominous... 

France vs. Switzerland Betting Odds Preview, Euro 2016 Prediction

A first-place finish in Group A will be at stake Sunday when France takes on Switzerland in their group-stage finale as -115 (bet $115 to win $100) favorites. With four points through their first two group-stage contests Switzerland is poised to advance, but they are pegged as heavy underdogs to earn a win against the tournament hosts at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark.   Match Odds: France -115, Switzerland +320, Draw +225 (Matchup Report) France will be looking to wrap up the Euro 2016 group stage with a seventh straight victory when they battle neighboring Switzerland on Sunday as strong... 

The Internet Reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Horror Show Against Austria

Cristiano Ronaldo had a rather difficult evening for Portugal against Austria on Saturday, and Twitter loved it. Portugal went into the game on the back of a frustrating draw with Iceland in their Euro 2016 opener on Tuesday, after which Ronaldo attracted criticism for claiming the minnows possessed a “small mentality,” per BBC. And things didn’t get any better for the Real Madrid superstar in his country’s second outing, as he tried and failed to find a way past a stubborn Austrian defence: Fans on Twitter were less than sympathetic, with amusement reaching a peak when... 

Mexico vs. Chile Betting Odds Preview, Copa America Prediction

Defending Copa America champion Chile will face Group C winner Mexico in the last of four quarterfinal matchups Saturday night at Levi’s Stadium. The Chileans have won two straight since falling 2-1 to Argentina in their opener on June 6, while El Tricolor are coming off a 1-1 draw with Venezuela following a pair of two-goal wins. Mexico is listed as a slight +155 favorite (bet $100 to win $155) at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark.   Match Odds: Mexico +155, Chile +170, Draw +200 (Matchup Report) The winner of this game will take on Colombia in the semifinals Wednesday, and neither... 

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