England v Scotland: Is International Football’s Oldest Rivalry Really a Rivalry?

It’s the oldest rivalry in football. England and Scotland are forefathers of the sport, with the first meeting between the two nations dating back to November 1872. That match (which finished in a goalless draw) was played in front of just 4,000 fans on what is now a cricket pitch. On Friday, the rivalry will resume at Wembley in front of a sold-out 90,000 crowd with World Cup qualification on the line. Seventeen years have passed since the last competitive clash between England and Scotland, when Don Hutchison’s header gave the Dark Blues a 1-0 win over the Auld Enemy at Wembley, although... 

Ethan Horvath Is the Solution to USMNT’s Goalkeeping Issues

Over the last few years, the position of goalkeeper has been an uncharacteristic weakness for the United States. Having moved so smoothly from Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller through to Tim Howard, it’s quite remarkable to see head coach Jurgen Klinsmann rooting around for an in-form shot-stopper. Howard’s drop in form post-World Cup 2014 was a hammer blow, and while some celebrated the fact Brad Guzan’s time had come, his 2015-16 season with Aston Villa was among the worst in Premier League history. The team conceded 76 goals—58 of which came with him between the sticks—and... 

Comparing Philippe Coutinho’s Role for Liverpool with His Role for Brazil

Philippe Coutinho embarks on duty with Tite‘s Brazil squad in November, looking to carry his exceptional form with Liverpool on to the international stage and help his nation secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup in Russia in 2018. Brazil play at home against Argentina (November 10) and away to Peru (November 16), with Coutinho joined by his Reds colleague and attacking partner Roberto Firmino, who is enjoying his own rise to prominence following the respective appointments of Jurgen Klopp, for club, and Tite, for country. Also among their number are Chelsea winger Willian, Barcelona... 

Lionel Messi Commented on by Dani Alves, Marquinhos Before Brazil vs. Argentina

Brazil captain Dani Alves and centre-back Marquinhos have insisted their national team isn’t afraid of Argentina’s Lionel Messi ahead of their Superclasico clash in 2018 World Cup qualifying this Thursday.  The two rivals will collide at the Estadio Governador Magalhaes Pinto in Belo Horizonte, and with Brazil currently leading CONMEBOL qualification, Alves told the media on Tuesday: “There is no such thing as being scared in football. There is respect for Messi and for Argentina. And they feel the same about our players, our team.” Few among the Selecao’s... 

Jurgen Klinsmann Faces Crossroads as USA Prepare for Hex Showdown vs. Mexico

If Jurgen Klinsmann has ever felt under any real pressure of losing his job as U.S. men’s national team manager, it most likely came around the time of the country’s last clash with rivals Mexico. El Tri left the Rose Bowl last October not just with a 3-2 win over the timid hosts but with a place in the 2017 Confederations Cup. Klinsmann found himself the centre of an existential postmortem. The German had been the subject of much criticism for quite some time, of course. Indeed, Klinsmann has been painted as fighting for his job ever since the 2014 World Cup. Whether U.S. Soccer has... 

Miroslav Klose Retires from Football: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Miroslav Klose, Germany’s all-time record goalscorer, has retired from football, it was confirmed on Tuesday. The 38-year-old was a free agent after leaving Lazio in the summer. However, the striker will not play again, instead opting to become a part of Germany manager Joachim Low’s coaching staff, per the German FA (h/t DW Sports). The national team’s official Twitter feed confirmed his appointment: Klose leaves a legacy as one of the most prolific international players of all time. He netted a staggering 71 times for Germany in 137 matches. Of those goals, 16 came in FIFA... 

Joachim Low, Germany Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The German national team announced on Monday that head coach Joachim Low has extended his contract with the 2014 FIFA World Cup winners to 2020. Confirmation of the news was made on Germany’s official Twitter feed: His previous deal was set to run to 2018, the year of the next World Cup in Russia, but his new contract will take him to the 2020 UEFA European Championship, set to be hosted across Europe. Low, 56, has been in charge of Germany since 2006 and led them to World Cup glory in Brazil in 2014 before the summer’s semi-final exit from Euro 2016 in France.  ESPN FC’s Stephan... 

USMNT Watch: Green, Wood State Cases for Mexico Game with Goals in Germany

We’ve talked a lot about the growing United States men’s national team forward depth chart over the last few weeks, and rightfully so.  Most of the talk has been about Jozy Altidore and his red-hot form, but a few other forwards stated their cases to USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann with strong showings in Germany over the last week.  In addition to the big week from the German contingent, some of the top American stars based domestically started the MLS Cup play-offs.  Below is an in-depth look at those stories and more in our weekly USMNT Watch.      Julian... 

USMNT Watch: Pulisic Rescues Point for Dortmund, Yedlin Back in Starting XI

Two of the prized young players in the United States men’s national team system played significant roles for their respective clubs in Europe on Saturday. Christian Pulisic, who should feature in the USMNT starting XI for the Mexico match on November 11, secured a key point for Borussia Dortmund, while DeAndre Yedlin finally returned to the Newcastle United lineup.  Both players are key parts of the USMNT setup and earning playing time at the club level is needed in the weeks leading up to the Mexico showdown. Continue reading for more on both players and other Americans abroad in our... 

Marcello Lippi Named China Manager: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Marcello Lippi has been appointed manager of China, per the Associated Press (h/t the Guardian). The Chinese Football Association confirmed the 68-year-old’s new position on Saturday.  Lippi, who won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy, takes over a nation that has reached just a single World Cup: the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan. Significantly, Lippi has now become the highest-paid manager in the world. Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports provided details of the 68-year-old’s eye-popping salary: Lippi’s deal came about when current club Guangzhou... 

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