Ronaldinho named player of the decade

Brazil forward Ronaldinho was named as World Player of the Decade by prestigious British magazine World Soccer on Thursday, while Argentine forward Lionel Messi was named their World Player of the Year.

Portuguese hopes rest on Ronaldo

Although his national team form has been inconsistent, there's no doubt that in Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal has a player that can carry it all the way. Mark Young weighs in.

Spain, England, Italy winners in draw

Spain and Italy were drawn the chance to saunter through their opening-phase groups when the draw at Friday's draw for next year's World Cup.

World shakers

ESPN The Magazine's December 14 issue looks at five key players and teams to watch in the 2010 World Cup. Among them? Didier Drogba, Pato, Torres, Pique, and more.

Story | Conversation | December 04, 2009

Considering the 'impact' of the draw

Soccer Power Index: Nate Silver considers the "impact" of the World Cup draw using a new statistic of his own creation.

The World Cup wish list

...of the most famous players in the world -- mad handler Thierry Henry and man-purse handler Cristiano Ronaldo. You don't want them, either, but if you do get them, you want the Portuguese...

Blog Entry | Conversation | December 02, 2009

...and Ivory Coast on November 19, 2008 at Ramat Gan Staduim near Tel Aviv. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball during their World Cup 2010 qualifying football match against Hungary at Luz...

CAPTION: Jun 11, 2008; Geneva, SWITZERLAND; Portugal forward (7) Cristiano Ronaldo moves the ball against the Czech Republic during group A play of Euro 2008 at the...

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo runs with the ball during their World Cup 2010 qualifying football match against Hungary at Luz...

Breaking down the World Cup draw

Need a quick primer of the draw? John Brewin examines all 32 teams headed to South Africa in 2010.

Russia's exit not entirely shocking

Soccer Power Index: Russia's exit from the World Cup stage wasn't entirely shocking.

Russia's exit not entirely shocking

Soccer Power Index: Russia's exit from the World Cup stage wasn't entirely shocking.

French get helping hand in Cup qualifier

An unlikely side punched its ticket to South Africa while a presumed contender was sent packing during the second leg qualifiers.

The World Cup Pantry Is Officially Stocked

...one makes no sense, but we'll blame it on the interpreter. Portugal It's official: Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the world's best player, is joining the party. What would the 2010 World Cup...

Favorites assume the upper hand

In the first leg of the European World Cup playoffs, the favorites took control of their own destinies.