Portugal will face an extremely dangerous Bosnia-Herzegovina in the playoffs. Compounding its problem is that star Cristiano Ronaldo is doubtful with an injured ankle.

Story | Conversation | November 07, 2009

Smith is Patriots' UK connection

Mark Woods, Special to ESPNBoston.com

Former kicker John Smith is the Patriots' United Kingdom connection.

Story | Conversation | October 22, 2009

UKPats ready to cheer on New England

Mark Woods

LONDON -- When the New England Patriots run onto the field at London's Wembley Stadium Sunday, there'll be an extra rabid reception from a 173-strong ...

Blog Entry | Conversation | October 21, 2009

Injuries leave U.S. roster a question mark

Doug McIntyre and Luke Cyphers

As successful and exhilarating as the Americans' final set of fixtures was, this week was a disaster on the injury front. First, of course, was the l...

Blog Entry | Conversation | October 16, 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

Ronaldo's tears vindicated five years on

Leander Schaerlaeckens

A remarkable turnaround has seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on the verge of qualifying for South Africa, something that seemed extremely unlikely earlier in the campaign.

Story | Conversation | October 13, 2009

Yearning for Jermaine: the key to U.S. success

Leander Schaerlaeckens

The U.S. lineup has one glaring hole that needs to be filled. The team lacks a world-class holding midfielder, writes Leander Schaerlaeckens.

Story | Conversation | October 08, 2009

Can Rooney live up to expectations?

John Brewin, Soccernet.com

The soccer world sits squarely at Wayne Rooney's feet. But can the central figure in England's World Cup endeavor make the leap into a truly great player?

Story | Conversation | October 07, 2009

For U.S., first place isn't good enough

Leander Schaerlaeckens

The U.S. might be sitting first in CONCACAF qualifying, but its performances have been far from satisfactory, writes Leander Schaerlaeckens.

Story | Conversation | September 27, 2009

U.S. searching for a signature style

Luke Cyphers

It's an eternal topic in soccer, and like all the great arguments in the sport, it's highly subjective: Has the U.S. established a national style of p...

Blog Entry | Conversation | September 02, 2009

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