117 Results for the contender

Skipper joins bid for Cup in '18 or '22

Associated Press

ESPN's John Skipper has joined the board of U.S. organizers hoping to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

Story | Conversation | December 01, 2009

Assessing the World Cup contenders

Freddie Ljungberg

The 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, 2009

Lots of talk, little results

Mark Young, Special to ESPN.com

The Japanese manager has predicted a semifinals berth for his club, but don't count on it. Mark Young weighs in.

Story | Conversation | November 29, 2009

Will confidence be justified?

Mark Young, Special to ESPN.com

Germany has the usual confidence heading into the World Cup. Can they justify that attitude? Mark Young weighs in.

Story | Conversation | November 29, 2009

Breaking down the World Cup draw

John Brewin

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

Story | Conversation | November 23, 2009

U.S. World Cup bid gets support

Associated Press

The U.S. bid to host the World Cup again in 2018 or 2022 has been endorsed by CONCACAF, soccer's governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Story | Conversation | November 23, 2009

Brazil legend feels Capello has it all to do in 2010

Robin Hackett

Robin Hackett speaks to legendary Brazil captain Carlos Alberto about the state of English football.

Story | Conversation | November 20, 2009

French get helping hand in Cup qualifier

Leander Schaerlaeckens

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

Story | Conversation | November 19, 2009

Thief of Saint Denis makes off with Irish dreams

Gareth Maher

Gareth Maher believes that Ireland have every reason to feel hard done by following their failure to qualify.

Story | Conversation | November 19, 2009

Team Profile: Spain

Tom Adams

UEFA Qualifiers

Story | Conversation | November 10, 2009

When refs get an 'F' at the World Cup

Ravi Ubha, ESPN.com

Whether it's a "Hand of God" or a crimson tide of red cards, the World Cup is subject to the whims of official business -- sometimes painfully so. Read on for a recent history of refs gone wild.

Story | Conversation | October 20, 2009

Sven spurns Sweden interest to stay at County

Soccernet staff

Sven-Goran Eriksson has turned down the chance to manage his home country after it was confirmed he has withdrawn from the running to become Sweden's next manager.

Story | Conversation | October 20, 2009

Though heartened, U.S. still has issues

Leander Schaerlaeckens

The U.S. showed mettle in salvaging a draw with a late charge against Costa Rica on Wednesday, but sketchy play and the absences of injured Charlie Davies and Oguchi Onyewu ultimately may cost the Americans in World Cup competition.

Story | Conversation | October 15, 2009

Del Bosque hands praise to Negredo and Casillas

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque singled out striker Alvaro Negredo and goalkeeper Iker Casillas for special praise after the European champions downed Bosnia-Herzegovina 5-2 to complete a perfect qualifying record for next year's World Cup.

Story | Conversation | October 15, 2009

Lippi's lust for lucky omens

Roberto Gotta

Roberto Gotta examines Marcello Lippi's belief in omens and why the spectre of Cassano looms large.

Story | Conversation | October 13, 2009