Inter Milan have confirmed they have reached an agreement over compensation for Jose Mourinho and he will now be presented as the new head coach of Real Madrid on Monday.
SSN is a digest of the day's soccer/football/futbol articles with a focus on the top European leagues and the United States National Team. Below, you’ll find links to articles and video, as well as additional features and commentary. We locate the top news of the day so you can stay updated with ease.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Inter and Real Agree Mourinho Compensation
Inter Milan have confirmed they have reached an agreement over compensation for Jose Mourinho and he will now be presented as the new head coach of Real Madrid on Monday.
The Joy of Six: Underrated World Cup Goals
Maradona, Carlos Alberto, Pele ... we take them as read. Here, however, are classics that should be in the top tier – but are not.
Spain and Del Bosque enjoy calm before the storm
However, thanks to Perez, the gaze of the Spanish media has been partly diverted from La Roja's World Cup preparations at the Spanish federation's training centre in the western suburb of Las Rozas, by all the hysteria just a few miles across the city in the vicinity of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
The Story of the 1994 World Cup
From a disco diva to the 'Divine Ponytail', USA '94 ended in the same way it began - with the horror of a missed penalty. But, while I still laugh at clips of Diana Ross making a hash of her spot-kick in the opening ceremony, I won't ever forget the tears of Italy's Roberto Baggio after he blasted over to lose the shoot-out that saw Brazil become the first country to win the World Cup four times.
That was the final act of a thrilling tournament that, despite a disappointing final, the tragedy of a murdered player and the disgrace of a legend's failed drugs test, succeeded - temporarily, at least - in conquering football's final frontier - the United States.
Cash stolen from Colombia players' hotel rooms before Joburg friendly
Eugene Opperman, a police spokesman, said the Colombian players' rooms were cleaned while they were training on Tuesday, and when they returned they discovered an undisclosed amount of cash had been taken. Opperman said two employees appeared in court yesterday on theft charges. A third, who had also been arrested, was later released.
Friday MLS Forecast
The Forecast issues a tardy version of this week's Goal.com MLS rankings and then unveils its Week 9 picks.
The Week That Was
The domestic football season has reached its conclusion and so The Week That Was heads off for a well earned summer break - but be sure to keep an eye out for our cosmopolitan cousin World Cup Daily.
Before signing off, we can exclusively reveal what Arsene Wenger said in his secret meeting with Cesc Fabregas, how moustache power could be key to Portugal's success and also offer up the 101 best goals of the season for your delectation.
Adriano confirms Roma deal is close
Adriano has confirmed that he is close to returning to Italy with last season's Serie A runners-up Roma, and promised to restore his reputation in Europe by firing in the goals for the capital club.
France Wins Euro 2016 Vote
France will host its first major finals since the 1998 World Cup, which Les Bleus won when beating Brazil in the final. France also hosted the 1938 World Cup and the 1984 European Championships.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Portugal: The Future is to be Feared
Nike's sublime new advert culminates with Cristiano Ronaldo's destiny being mapped out - a guest spot on The Simpsons, Ronaldo: The Movie starring Gael Garcia Bernal and, appropriately for such a committed narcissist, a huge statue being unveiled in his honour - but after a dismal result on Monday night, being asked to 'Write The Future' is proving particularly difficult for a talented, but flawed Portugal side.
Marina Hyde: How the World Cup exposed England's golden generation of self-regard
Nostalgia being the yearning for a past that one found perfectly grim at the time, I find myself consumed by wistful longing for the rich literary harvest of summer 2006. It was about this time, four years ago, that the press releases began to arrive, heralding a rash of footballer autobiographies which would be published within days of the Golden Generation bringing home the World Cup.
U.S. Sets 23-man World Cup Roster
The phones started ringing at 2 a.m., and players were told to come down to the third floor for a meeting. As Herculez Gomez pressed the elevator button on 17, his mind raced.
Were his dreams about to be fulfilled -- or crushed?
Grant Wahl's Take
Martin Rogers' Take
World Cup 2010: A guide to favourites, nearly men and party spoilers
Spain really believe they can do it but do they have to squad to overcome the likes of Brazil and Argentina?
Raphael Honigstein in Germany
From Lukas Podolski put-downs to Louis van Gaal's medical advice, it's time for the end-of-season German football awards.
It's the Honigsteins 2010! The complete review of the past Bundesliga season.
International Friendlies Wrap: Valbuena stars, Van Persie double
A double salvo from Robin van Persie was enough to see Netherlands step up their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 victory over Mexico at Badenova-Stadion in Freiburg.
Debutant Mathieu Valbuena lent weight to his World Cup claims with a late winner as France continued their World Cup build-up by battling to a 2-1 victory against Costa Rica.
Wrap
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
USA: Bob Names His 23
U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (All-Time World Cup Roster Appearances)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (2010), Marcus Hahnemann (2006, 2010), Tim Howard (2006, 2010)
DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (2006, 2010), Jonathan Bornstein (2010), Steve Cherundolo (2002, 2006, 2010), Jay DeMerit (2010), Clarence Goodson (2010), Oguchi Onyewu (2006, 2010), Jonathan Spector (2010)
MIDFIELDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (2002, 2006, 2010), Michael Bradley (2010), Ricardo Clark (2010), Clint Dempsey (2006, 2010), Landon Donovan (2002, 2006, 2010), Maurice Edu (2010), Benny Feilhaber (2010), Stuart Holden (2010), José Torres (2010)
FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (2010), Edson Buddle (2010), Robbie Findley (2010), Herculez Gomez (2010)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (2010), Marcus Hahnemann (2006, 2010), Tim Howard (2006, 2010)
DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (2006, 2010), Jonathan Bornstein (2010), Steve Cherundolo (2002, 2006, 2010), Jay DeMerit (2010), Clarence Goodson (2010), Oguchi Onyewu (2006, 2010), Jonathan Spector (2010)
MIDFIELDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (2002, 2006, 2010), Michael Bradley (2010), Ricardo Clark (2010), Clint Dempsey (2006, 2010), Landon Donovan (2002, 2006, 2010), Maurice Edu (2010), Benny Feilhaber (2010), Stuart Holden (2010), José Torres (2010)
FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (2010), Edson Buddle (2010), Robbie Findley (2010), Herculez Gomez (2010)
The story of the 1990 World Cup
I can see it all now as clearly as if it was yesterday. Gazza's tears, Schillachi's bulging eyes, Milla's hips and Rijkaard's phlegm are destined to hold a special place in my heart forever, all played out to the incomparable soundtrack of Nessun Dorma.
After all, the 1990 World Cup in Italy is my World Cup. Every kid gets one, and Italia '90 will always belong to me.
Mourinho's Tearful Goodbye
Jose Mourinho is the self-styled Special One, a Champions League winner with Inter Milan and a leader of men. Marco Materazzi is a Zinedine Zidane-butting hard man. But when the two said their goodbyes there were more tears than a Gwyneth Paltrow Oscar speech.
Michel Platini's victory for stability spells end to freewheeling culture
UEFA has won its battle to make clubs indebted to wealthy owners prove they can live within their means.
Kevin McCarra: Five Questions Capello Must Resolve
With just over a fortnight until the World Cup in South Africa, England's coach still has some big calls to make.
Paolo Bandini in Italy
From Claudio Ranieri's nerve to Marco Materazzi's fashion sense, it's time for the end-of-season Italian football awards.
It's the Bandinis 2010! The complete review of the past Serie A season.
International Friendly: USA 2 - 4 Czech Republic
So who's on the 23?
That's what you want to know, and we'll learn the U.S.'s final 23-man World Cup roster soon enough: at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, when coach Bob Bradley announces his 23 Golden Tickets on ESPN.
In the wake of the U.S.'s 4-2 loss to the Czech Republic -- an almost meaningless result, considering the Americans were missing Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and other stars -- Bradley left Rentschler Field knowing that a long night lay ahead.
Carlisle: No reason to panicPlayer Ratings
Hagi: Maradona of the Carpathians
As one of the most skilful players of his generation, Romania's Gheorghe Hagi earned the nickname 'Maradona of the Carpathians' with worthy comparisons to the great Argentinean to be found both in playing style and temperament. Undoubtedly the finest player to have emerged from his country, Hagi's remarkable 16-year international career consisted of appearances at three World Cups, while his domestic exploits took in the sights of top European clubs Barcelona, Real Madrid and Galatasaray.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
International Friendly Previews: USA vs Czech Republic
When: 8 p.m. EDT
Where: Rentschler Field; East Hartford, CT
U.S. TV: ESPN
Preview
Jeff Carlisle: Bradley has many questions to answer
Players on the bubble getting nervous
Americans In The UK: Season Review Part 2
The Premier League produced some fine American performances this past season, with Clint Dempsey and Brad Friedel leading the pack.
International Friendly: Portugal 0-0 Cape Verde
Portugal and Cape Verde played out a frustrating 0-0 stalemate, which brings a wave of red flags ahead of the World Cup.
The Portuguese entered the game showing their attacking intent, but every time they got close to Cape Verde's goal, it was only with modest danger.
International Friendly: England 3 - 1 Mexico
Kevin McCarra: Capello finds more questions than answers
Richard Williams: England need Chelsea stars
Sid Lowe in Spain
From Cristiano Ronaldo's deification to Almería fans' 'pulsations', it's time for the annual end-of-season Spanish football awards.
It's the Sids 2010! The complete review of the past La Liga season.
Algeria eager to make up for lost time
England's World Cup rivals Algeria have one of Africa's most fascinating footballing histories, packed full, as it is, with passion, pedigree and political intrigue. But it is also irrevocably bound up with France.
This complex relationship has, at times, defined Algeria's independence, while also showing its lack of it. Plenty of Algerian talent has risen through French academies before going on to play for Les Bleus, as best exemplified by the great Zinedine Zidane.
But now a new generation of French-born Algerians has opted for the Desert Foxes.
How football helped to heal Honduras
"If we had not qualified for the World Cup the differences in Honduras would have become enhanced and probably we would have had high levels of violence," added Callejas.
"People were tranquilised by the game, it gave them hope and happiness."
Monday, May 24, 2010
Diva Diego Maradona not happy with bog-standard toilets!
Diego Maradona has demanded two state-of-the-art bidet toilets be installed for him at Argentina's World Cup base camp in South Africa.
They feature a heated seat, a warm air blow-dryer and front and rear bidet wands.
The toilet is available on www.sandman.com, which describes it as 'the best toilet seat in the world.'
World Cup blow for South Africa as foreign fans stay at home
Football authorities offer cut-price tickets to fill stadiums as forecasts for the number of international visitors fall by half a million.
Blackpool 3 Cardiff City 2: The hard work begins now for Ian Holloway’s side
No, seriously, it’s true. Blackpool. In the Barclays Premier League. I know, me neither. But that was definitely Ian Holloway, the manager, wandering the Wembley pitch on Saturday afternoon with the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final trophy, looking dazed, as if someone had run up and smacked him in the face with a cheque for £90 million.
2010 UEFA Champions League: Inter Defeat Bayern
Jose Mourinho wrote his name into the history books as Diego Milito inspired Inter Milan to Champions League glory against Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu.Matt Hughes: Abramovic thinks what if?
Roberto Gotta: Tactical triumph for Mourinho
Richard Jolly: No Hollywood ending for Bayern
Richard Williams: Mourinho shows serene side
Player Ratings
Inter: Player By Player Look
Monday MLS Breakdown: RSL's MLS Cup Triumph Is No Overnight Success
Few gave Real Salt Lake much of a shot to defeat Los Angeles and win its first MLS Cup. Kyle McCarthy explains how RSL positioned itself for glory and grasped the opportunity in the Monday MLS Breakdown.
USA: Players are ready for some friendlies
As the U.S. men's national team wrapped up its weeklong training camp and headed for New England on Sunday afternoon, the feelings of the players could be summed up in two words: exhaustion and happiness. Exhaustion because the players have been pushed to the limit, with 90-minute practices, running and sprinting drills and daily weight lifting sessions. And happiness because the hard-core, boot camp training sessions are over and it's finally time for games -- be them friendlies or not -- to begin.
"That's enough running," forward Jozy Altidore said. "It's time to play."
Gallas in dune buggy injury scare
France defender William Gallas suffered an injury scare after crashing a dune buggy during Les Bleus' bizarre preparations for the World Cup.
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