Paraguay has tough road ahead

Paraguay is looking to emerge from the shadows of South American giants Argentina and Brazil. But can it? Mark Young weighs in.

Slovakia game to present U.S. with new challenges

The game against Slovakia gives the U.S. a chance to adjust to its lineup and prepare for life without Charlie Davies, writes Jeff Carlisle.

The Irish aren't afraid of the French

On paper, France's lineup is littered with big-name talents compared to Ireland's blue-collar squad. However, under coach Giovanni Trapattoni, the Irish believe they can upset Les Bleus.

Dempsey piles on the agony for Rafa Benitez

In a week in which Clint Dempsey was instrumental in Fulham's win against Liverpool, Ravi Ubha takes a brief look at recent notable performances by U.S. players in Europe.

Former players talk about Team USA

U.S. National Teamers from back in the day usually aren't shy about sharing their thoughts on the present squad. Some even get paid to do it as analys...

Blog Entry | Conversation | October 27, 2009

Garber: MLS fairer, more stable than Euro leagues

MLS commissioner Don Garber will tell European clubs this week that adopting U.S.-style financial controls could safeguard their futures and make for more competitive leagues.

Africa hitches hopes to Drogba, I.C.

Which Didier Drogba will show up at the World Cup? His countrymen had better hope it's the dynamic, level-headed version, because Drogba and the Ivory Coast might be host continent Africa's best hope in 2010.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Carlos Tevez of Manchester City gestures during the Carling Cup third round match between Manchester City and Fulham at the City...

Preparing for Honduras

...alike, it's a much less familiar stop than the region's two infamous snake pits, Mexico City's Azteca Stadium and Estadio Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica. Considering the United States' 1-2...

Blog Entry | Conversation | September 24, 2009

UEFA asks clubs for financial responsibility

Almost a quarter of Europe's top division soccer clubs reported major financial losses last year, UEFA said Thursday, with a third of the teams in the rich and successful English Premier League losing at least 20 percent of income.

Marc Stein on his Time in the Soccer Spotlight

ESPN's Marc Stein was at last Thursday's NBA draft. But his heart wasn't. His heart was still in the aftershocks of the emotional earthquake of Wedn...

Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips, right, is congratulated by teammate Carlos Tevez after scoring against Hull City...

Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips, left, fights for the ball against Hull City's Bryan Hughes during...

Hull City's Jimmy Bullard, top center left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a penalty against Manchester City during their English Premier League soccer match at...

Manchester City's Joleon Lescott, right, fights for the ball against Hull City's Jozy Altidore during their...