Catching up with World Cup news
David Satlin and the Stats & Information Group, ESPN.comLionel Messi is honored, Raymond Domenech is thrown a lifeline, and DaMarcus Beasley finally gets his shot with Rangers. David Satlin and the Stats & Information group bring you up to speed on all the latest World Cup-related news.
Story | Conversation | December 24, 2009Six big names on the bubble
Leander SchaerlaeckensEvery player wants the chance to perform on the World Cup stage. If they can get there, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Juan Riquelme are among those who could have a huge impact.
Story | Conversation | December 13, 2009Uruguay to rely on its forward pair
Mark Young, Special to ESPN.comBurdened by the weight of its past glories, an inconsistent Uruguay side will rely heavily on its explosive offensive talent. Mark Young weighs in.
Story | Conversation | December 12, 2009Honduras not to be underestimated
Mark Young, Special to ESPN.comWhile Honduras lacks a World Cup pedigree, the burgeoning CONCACAF power aims to make up for it with a powerful midfield. Mark Young weighs in.
Story | Conversation | December 12, 2009Team chemistry an issue for France
Mark Young, Special to ESPN.comWith talent galore, it's a mystery why France continues to struggle with its form. Observers place the blame firmly at coach Raymond Domenech's feet. Mark Young weighs in.
Story | Conversation | December 12, 2009Portuguese hopes rest on Ronaldo
Mark Young, Special to ESPN.comAlthough 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.
Story | Conversation | December 08, 2009Many meaty draw questions to chew on
Roger Bennett, Special to ESPN.comThe U.S. team's delight at its first-round draw was hard to hide, as was France's continued good fortune. Roger Bennett reflects on the implications of the draw.
Story | Conversation | December 06, 2009Slovakia to rely on discipline
Mark Young, Special to ESPN.comBereft of gifted stars, with the exception of Napoli's Marek Hamsik, Slovakia will rely on a well-organized foundation of defensive discipline. Mark Young weighs in.
Story | Conversation | December 06, 2009Slovenia not to be underestimated
Mark Young, Special to ESPN.comSlovenia lacks big names but with its strong team unity and stout defense, it's not wise to underestimate Matjaz Kek's men. Mark Young weighs in.
Story | Conversation | December 05, 2009Spain, England, Italy winners in draw
Associated PressSpain 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.
Story | Conversation | December 04, 2009U.S. to open vs. England
ESPN.com news servicesThe United States has been placed in Group C of the World Cup and will play England in the opening game.
Story | Conversation | December 04, 2009World Cup live draw instant analysis
Ravi Ubha, Special to ESPN.comWho will be in the Group of Death? Where will the U.S. end up? And what will it all mean? Ravi Ubha has the instant analysis.
Story | Conversation | December 04, 2009Greece ready to grind for Rehhagel
Mark Young, Special to ESPN.comWill Greece's "Pirate Ship" of Euro 2006 set sail again, this time on a course for South Africa? Mark Young examines.
Story | Conversation | December 04, 2009Algeria's run may not end with Egypt
Mark Young, Special to ESPN.comToppling bitter rival Egypt to qualify for South Africa may not be the end of the story for Algeria, writes Mark Young.
Story | Conversation | December 04, 2009Unseeded U.S. faces anxious draw wait
Associated PressFriday's World Cup draw could go a long way to determining whether the Americans get out of the first round next June in South Africa or make a quick exit as they did in 2006.
Story | Conversation | December 02, 2009EXPLORE RELATED TOPICS
TOP SEARCHES IN NOVEMBER
Bowl Projections tops ESPN.com searches in November. Did "playoff" make the list?