Portuguese 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, 2009Ireland upset over Blatter's comments
ESPN.com news servicesFIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologized to the Irish soccer federation for his comments on Ireland's loss to France in a World Cup playoff
Story | Conversation | December 02, 2009Domestic case jeorpardizes participation
Associated PressChile could be kicked out of the World Cup unless Chilean club Rangers drops a court case by Dec. 3 contesting its disputed demotion to the second division of the national soccer league.
Story | Conversation | December 02, 2009FIFA: No extra refs at World Cup
Associated PressFIFA rejected the use of extra match officials at the 2010 World Cup on Wednesday, instead opening a disciplinary case against France's Thierry Henry for a hand ball in the World Cup playoff against Ireland.
Story | Conversation | December 02, 2009FIFA denies Henry handball connection
Associated PressFrance will not be a seeded team for Friday's World Cup draw, meaning Les Bleus could face powerful teams such as Brazil or Spain in the group stage.
Story | Conversation | December 02, 2009Assessing the World Cup contenders
Freddie LjungbergThe 2010 World Cup will see 32 teams slug it out for the trophy, but which teams have a genuine shot? Freddie Ljungberg separates the contenders from the pretenders.
Story | Conversation | December 01, 2009EXPLORE RELATED TOPICS
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