Sanford's Soccer Net

Man. We still need to tackle the Silly Season. Here we go: The Mill. Plus One. Plus Plus One.

We're going to end with Jim White of The Telegraph. Here's his headline: Brazil's embarrassment was the ultimate reckoning for a World Cup tournament built on a lie. Yup.

Onward!!

-SSN

Tuesday, July 08, 2014

Brazil vs. Germany, Alfredo di Stéfano Is Dead

Back to business today as Germany and Brazil clash at the Estadio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte (ESPN at 4pm EDT). Before we explode into that with previews aplenty, let's shed a tear and spare a moment for Alfredo di Stéfano, who died yesterday at the age of 88. Tim Vickery claims he's the most influential footballer ever. And the always reliable Louise Taylor has a nice article on a man who was ahead of his time. Meanwhile, Ben Lyttleton maintains that he was the foundation for Real Madrid's success. RIP di Stéfano.

"Now is the time on Sprockets when we dance."

Right. On to this afternoon's battle. Most of the staff at SSN Headquarters are in the German camp for this one. Brazil have been rough, petty, arrogant, and annoying. Bellicose. Here's your lot:

Brazil vs. Germany

Preview I

Preview II + Paul Merson's Prediction

Matchpack

Gabriele Marcotti: The mind games have begun

Paul Doyle: Five things to look out for

Grant Wahl: Video Preview

Graham MacAree: Brazil's hopes rest on Oscar

Tim Vickery: How Brazil can shine without Neymar

Raphael Honigstein: Löw must fulfill the promise of Germany’s golden generation

Brian Straus: Brazil and Germany sacrifice style for success

Six Players To Watch

Lawro's Semi-Final Predictions

Ahhh, Russia. How we love you so. Is the World Cup a homosexual abomination? It is according to this guy. Cue the "thank you" letter from Putin.

Amy Lawrence has picked out four dudes (one from each of the remaining teams) she thinks are key and can make all the difference today and tomorrow. She's got Germany’s Sami Khedira, Brazil’s Oscar, Argentina’s Javier Mascherano and Holland’s Wesley Sneijder as those dudes. Solid choices.

The Mill. Plus One. Plus Plus One.

So that's that. OK.

We'll leave you with this. It's Gazza and Redknapp. Together. Oh, dear...

Onward!!

-SSN

Monday, July 07, 2014

Weekend Review, Transfer Madness, Prepare For Tuesday And Wednesday

Neymar signs off...

And a very pleasant Monday to you and yours. The World Cup continued to provide plenty of fun and games on Friday and Saturday. What a way to spend the Fourth of July, huh? Can we do this every year? Let's look back at the action from The Quarters:

World Cup Pass & Move: Weekend Warriors

Ups and Downs

Germany 1 - 0 France

David Hytner at the Maracanã

David Ornstein at the Maracanã

Henry Winter at the Maracanã

Jonathan Wilson: Three Thoughts

Raphael Honigstein: Hummels finds harmony at last

Brazil 2 - 1 Colombia

Daniel Taylor at the Estádio Castelão

Phil McNulty at the Estádio Castelão

Phil McNulty: Can Brazil cope without Neymar?

Fernando Duarte: Neymar's injury hurts Brazil, World Cup

Rory Smith: Jogo bonito the exception, not the rule

Grant Wahl: Three Thoughts

Argentina 1 - 0 Belgium

Dominic Fifield at the Estádio Nacional

Ben Smith at the Estádio Nacional

John Brewin: Three Thoughts

Netherlands 0 - 0 Costa Rica (4-3 pens)

Owen Gibson at Arena Fonte Nova

Ben Lyttleton: Three Thoughts

Dutch Weaknesses Exposed

Uli Hesse is looking forward to the Germany/Brazil clash, as you might expect. He's reminded of the epic battle back in 2002 when Oliver Kahn screwed up and allowed Ronny to tap home the winning goal. Speaking of 2002, Where Are They Now?

Meanwhile, Gabriele Marcotti says (rather ominously): And then there were four

Paul Doyle is playing the role of spoil sport by claiming 2014 has got nothing on 1982. He's worried that this one is in danger of petering out. Whatevs. We're more in tune with Paul Hayward of The Telegraph who thinks things are just getting ready to explode with this killer semi-final lineup.

Ashely Cole to Roma? All of Southampton's players somewhere other than Southampton? Suarez to Barcelona? Lazar to Liverpool? The Mill. Plus One. Plus Plus One.

Like a rock...?

You want a complete guide to the semi-finals from The BBC's Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty? Good. So do we. Here.

You want the view from Germany ahead of tomorrow's match? Well, that can be provided by Philip Oltermann. He's in Berlin and says ..."Four World Cup semi-finals in a row, two of them down to Joachim Löw, but the knives are still out for Germany’s manager." Ouch.

You want the view from Brazil ahead of tomorrow's match? Well, that can be provided by Jonathan Watts. He's in Berlin and says..."Neymar’s tournament-ending injury dominates the national mood, which is also starting to show a darker side." Scary.

We haven't heard from Guillem Balague in a while. Let's check in, shall we? What? Messi, Neymar, Krul and semi-finals? Great! We're all ears!

Damn! That's harsh.

We're going to roll with all of that. But first, the World Cup's 10 Funniest Moments.

Onward!!

-SSN

Thursday, July 03, 2014

A Much Needed Break

Man. OK. Well, that was something. The staff here at SSN Headquarters needed over a day to recover. But, recover we have and now it's time to look back and reflect and also to look forward. Tomorrow the schedule is this:

Really lovely stuff for the Fourth of July. Barney Ronay is looking ahead to the second match of the day and the hype surrounding James and Neymar. France might get lucky in their clash with Germany because a lot of Germans are sick.

Martin Rogers is looking forward and wondering about the international future of some of the U.S. players. Will Deuce and Timmy stick around or has Father Time called time on their careers? Liviu Bird has a prediction on the 23 who will be in Russia for the next go round for the Yanks. Jeff Carlisle is looking back: Klinsmann's promise not yet delivered. We agree.

Speaking of careers, the silly season is getting pretty nutty. It looks like The Cannibal is moving from Liverpool to Catalonia. Here's all of that fun stuff: The Mill. Plus One.

What else? Phil McNulty is curious about the Europe vs. Americas dynamic. Who will reign supreme?

OK, we're going to ease into the holiday weekend with an abbreviated post today. Enjoy the matches and have a good one.

Onward!!

-SSN

Tuesday, July 01, 2014

The United States of America vs. Belgium

Today's Schedule

Today is the day, peeps! The Yanks take on The Waffles down in Salvador. Before we dive into all those previews, however, we must address yesterday's action. Here:

Talking Points

France 2 - 0 Nigeria

Stuart James at the Estádio Nacional

Andy Brassell: Forget the narrative, Giroud was key in France victory

Amy Lawrence: Griezmann stakes claim for place

John Brewin: Pogba lives up to the hype

Germany 2 - 1 Algeria

David Hytner at the Estádio Beira-Rio

David Ornstein: Germany & Algeria deliver 'beautiful story'

John Ashdown: Algeria fail to find revenge

Ready? OK. Go.

Today At The Tournament

Switzerland vs. Argentina

Marcus Christenson: Shaqiri takes on Argentina for Switzerland (and Kosovo)

Gabriele Marcotti: Messi, Maradona and the Maracana

Matchpack

USA vs. Belgium

Stadium Primer

Roger Bennet: U.S. face their biggest game ever

Grant Wahl: Scenic, historic Salvador provides backdrop to knockout clash

Jeff Carlisle: How the U.S. will deploy Jozy Altidore

Chris Jones: Do you believe?

Brian Straus: Belgium has high expectations, golden generation

Ben Smith: The quirks of football that baffle Americans

Doug McIntire: Beasley resurrected under Klinsmann (includes interview)

Meet Graham Zusi

Let's take a moment to look back at the Group Stage. Jonathan Wilson has his Top XI by position and Jermaine Jones makes the team!

We've not heard from Marcela Mora y Araujo in a while so it's nice to see she's got an article out today. She's reporting on an Argentinian paper that's reporting on the World Cup from the favelas. Have a read.

The Mill. Plus One. And Liverpool have purchased Lallana from Southampton for for £25m.

African football is still just can't get over the hump. The talent is there, but, as filmmaker and columnist Farai Sevenzo writes, African football remains bedevilled by the perennial problems of poor organisation, tactical indiscipline and rows over money.

And finally...we know this World Cup has been good. It's easily the best anyone at SSN Headquarters has ever seen. The Telegraph's Henry Winter has been to seven World Cups, and agrees that this has been the most magnificent.

Onward!!

-SSN

Monday, June 30, 2014

Brazil Edge Chile, Costa Rica Edge Greece, Colombia Defeat Whiners, Robben & Holland Fly On, Water Breaks = Bullshit

Today's Schedule

Happy Monday, Campers! Loads to get through today, but let's begin with this: Water Breaks. They are, quite simply, bullshit. They are an opportunity for additional advertising. If ~~SPECTRE~~ FIFA are really concerned about players needing a drink of water because of the heat and humidity, don't schedule a match in a place that is hot and humid. And then play in the middle of the day. Assholes. One more thing: Robben is a diver. He always has been. (Where does he rank among the all-time best divers?) We all know that. But the penalty he won against Mexico was just that. A penalty. A foul was committed by Márquez when he stepped on Robben's foot. That certainly doesn't excuse the theatrics, though. Hey Jan Molby! What can ~~SPECTRE~~ FIFA do to end theatrics in football?

OK, that's done. The Round of 16 gave us much Drama over the weekend. Here's your lot:

Talking Points

Brazil 1 - 1 Chile (Pens 3-2): Daniel Taylor at Estádio Mineirão

David Ornstein: All hail Cesar

James Young: Brazil survives

Three Points

Colombia 2 - 0 Uruguay: Owen Gibson at the Maracanã

Phil McNulty: James Rodriguez joins the perfect 10s

Gabriele Marcotti: Colombia exorcise ghosts

Uruguay President Jose Mujica: Fifa "a bunch of old sons of bitches"

Holland 2 - 1 Mexico: Sid Lowe at Estádio Castelão

Andrea Canales: Mexico's dream dies

Alan Smith: Dirk Kuyt the unsung hero who refuses to stop running

Jeff Carlisle: Robben playing to his strengths

Grant Wahl: Five Thoughts

Three Points

Did he dive?

Costa Rica 1 - 1 Greece (Pens 5-3): Paul Wilson at Arena Pernambuco

Costa Rica 1 - 1 Greece (Pens 5-3): Mark Ogden at Arena Pernambuco

File this one in the "Oops" category. File this in the "Really?!?!" category.

Rumors! Gossip! Rumours! Speculation! The Mill. Plus One. Plus Plus One.

Today At The Tournament

France vs. Nigeria

Germany vs. Nigeria

Gabriele Marcotti: Midfield dilemma for Low

Raphael Honigstein: Germany’s Schweinsteiger and Khedira conundrum

Really, KLM??!!

We'll conclude with Five Crazy Things You (might have) Missed.

Onward!!

-SSN

Thursday, June 26, 2014

USA vs. Germany, Ghana In Chaos, Suárez Gets Four-Month Ban

Today's Schedule

We're freaking out! It all goes down today for the USA as they face Germany and attempt to advance beyond the Group Stage. And deal with a lot of rain. Can't watch the match? Come on, The Diving German took the time to write you an excuse!

Meanwhile, Ghana are in chaos after Sulley and Prince were sent home for getting really angry, apparently. The question begs, did they get any of the cash before they left Brazil?

Before we delve further into today's menu, let's review yesterday's events. France won Group E and Switzerland finished second. Argentina won Group F and Nigeria finished second. Here's your lot:

Talking Points

Argentina 3 - 2 Nigeria

Report

Miguel Delaney: Magical Messi continues to rise

Sid Lowe: Nigeria set sights on France after ruffling Argentina

Bosnia 3 - 1 Iran

Report

France 0 - 0 Ecuador

Jonathan Wilson at the Maracanã

Switzerland 3 - 0 Honduras

Report

Amy Lawrence is wondering if Nigeria will be the only African team to advance. Let's hope not!

Luis Suárez: the brainwashing, the buck-passing, the deception. Daniel Taylor is in Rio an on the case as things continue to confound.

And...he's banned for four months. Good.

Michael Cox loves to write about tactics. Which is good for us, because we enjoy reading about tactics. Here's what he's got today: From Costa Rica to Holland, five World Cup teams with element of surprise.

Today At The Tournament

USA vs. Germany

Raphael Honigstein: Germany still in Klinsmann's shadow

Marcus Christenson: Klinsmann and Löw face off

Roger Bennett: Judgement Day

Portugal vs. Ghana

Andy Brassell: Portugal cling to their slim hopes

South Korea vs. Belgium

Algeria vs. Russia

Oh, dear. We've gotta run. Here: The Mill. Plus One.

Onward!!

-SSN

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

The Bite Heard 'Round The World, Late Greece Penalty = Côte d'Ivoire Tragedy, Nigeria vs. Argentina

Today's Schedule

Some things are really weird. Like adults who bite people on a regular basis. Uruguay and Italy played an insufferably boring match filled fouls, dives, and whining. And then The Cannibal reared his ugly head and all hell broke loose (unless you're from Uruguay). We took a poll here at SSN Headquarters (we love doing that) and we all agree that the Ajax bite is still the best:

That said, this one was during a World Cup match, so... Anyway, Paolo Bandini was at the Estádio das Dunas and filed this report. As you might expect, the Interwebs are all aflutter. Ben Smith of the BBC was there, too, and his report is excellent. Surreal is a word that was floating around SSN Headquarters yesterday. Apparently, we're on the same wavelength as Jeff Carlisle.

That's enough of that for now. Let's hope ~~SPECTRE~~ FIFA have the guts to ban one of the stars of the tournament.

So, Italy go home and Pirlo's international career is over. That's rather sad. Zico thinks Italy paid the price for over-reliance on Pirlo and must rebuild. No argument here. Elsewhere, Greece pulled a shocker over Ivory Coast thanks to a late Samaras penalty. At first it looked like he'd dived, but upon further inspection, as he was preparing to shoot his foot hit the defender. Tough on Ivory Coast, but Greece were probably the better side on the day. Here's a report. And here's the Samaras incident:

In other action, Colombia won their group by brushing aside Japan, and England (snore) and Costa Rica failed to score. Here's a review of all of yesterday's action. Talking Points? Why, yes. There are a few. And, quite simply, what the hell happened yesterday?

There are four more matches today, as noted in The Schedule above. Nigeria/Argentina looks the most tasty on paper, while France and Ecuador could entertain. There's plenty to play for today. Here are some previews:

Today At The Tournament

Nigeria vs. Argentina: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Nigeria vs. Argentina: 50-50 Challenge

Sid Lowe: Argentina see danger in their over-reliance on Lionel Messi

Michael Cox: Messi, Sabella now in tactical tandem

Bosnia vs. Iran: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Honduras vs. Switzerland: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Ecuador vs. France: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Ben Lyttleton: France has restored its winning belief

Tim Vickery: Enner Valencia key for Ecuador

U.S. fans have represented well down in Brazil. Why? How? Take a look. Also representing down in Brazil are players who play in Major League Soccer. Grant Wahl says they're representing quite well, in fact.

We need to check in on the latest gossip and rumors. And rumours. The Mill. Plus One.

Let's end today with some fun stuff, shall we? How about Five Crazy Things You Missed? Good.

Onward!!

-SSN

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Brazil = 1, Mexico = 2, Holland = 1, Chile = 2, Italy vs. Uruguay Is The Biggie Today

Greetings, friends! By popular demand, we're going to begin today with The Schedule. Check it:

Got it? Good. We'll get to previews for the above later. Let's rewind first. Mexico continued to make CONCACAF proud by dispatching of Croatia and advancing to the Round of 16 and providing a new media darling in the form of their gaffer, Miguel Herrera. Neymar saved Brazil's blushes (they have issues, people) and, as expected, the hosts topped their group. The Holland/Chile clash was a bit of a bust as the Dutch cruised. And Spain? They won a match.

Brazil 4 - 1 Colombia: Stuart James at Estádio Nacional

Brazil 4 - 1 Colombia: Neymar, Fred & Fernandinho assuage Scolari’s Chile fears

David Ornstein: Brazil join the party but how long will they stay?

Fernando Duarte: Stubborn Scolari gets it right

Mexico 3 - 1 Croatia: Report

Mexico 3 - 1 Croatia: As told by Miguel Herrera's sideline reactions

Andrea Canales: Mexico move on

Netherlands 2 - 0 Chile: Report

Rory Smith: Defeat may not be so bad for Chile

Sid Lowe is down in Brazil and since Spain is caput, he's changed his focus to Argentina. Take a look. Eduardo Alvarez is still thinking about Spain, however. Here are Five Things Del Bosque got wrong, according to Señor Alvarez.

See the link above for more fun with Miguel Herrera.

Amy Lawrence wants to talk about Arjen Robben. If it were anyone else, we'd balk, but since it's Amy, we'll allow it. She thinks that at the age of 52 30, Robben has FINALLY matured.

You want some Talking Points? Done.

As promised, previews for today's action!

Today At The Tournament

Italy vs. Uruguay: Preview

Italy vs. Uruguay: Preview II

Costa Rica vs. England: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Gabriele Marcotti: The rise of Jorge Luis Pinto

Barney Ronay: Costa Rica living the dream

Japan vs. Colombia: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Greece vs. Ivory Coast: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Let's go back to the USA for a moment. Michael Bradley has justifiably been criticized for playing below his usual high standard. Jeff Carlisle takes a closer look at the Yanks...and Bradley.

"We play Japan today."

"We play Colombia today."

It is still the Silly Season, folks, so let's get to the gossip: The Mill. Plus One.

Enough.

Onward!!

-SSN

Monday, June 23, 2014

Best World Cup Ever

We thank you for your support.

OK, OK, so the refs have been atrocious at times, but the play has been spectacular. How many tournaments over the years have featured boring, conservative play? Most. Not this year. With a few exceptions (Belgium, we're looking at you), these countries have, quite simply, gone for it, and it's been a joy to behold.

Right. So, we're back. SSN Headquarters is once again fully staffed and we'll attempt to get back up and running with today's post. There is nowhere to begin but with the USA and Portugal. Ronaldo was ass, but even on his assiest day he can deliver a sick cross to break Yank hearts. And Michael Bradley? What's up with him? He's been poor, that's what's up. When he lost the ball in the middle of the pitch in stoppage time, we knew it was trouble. And it was. Let' get to the the fun.

USA 2 - 2 Portugal: Paolo Bandini at Arena Amazônia

Grant Wahl: Five Thoughts

Jeff Carlisle: U.S. must move on from late stumble

Brian Straus: USA eyes bigger picture

Doug McIntire: Three Points

U.S. Player Ratings

Here's what might happen if things happen that could happen:

Group

Germany: Advance with win/draw vs. USA

United States: Advance with win/draw vs. GER

Portugal: Advance with win vs. GHA AND GER/USA do not tie, IF POR wins tiebreak with loser (see below)

Ghana: Advance with win vs. POR AND GER/USA do not tie, IF GHA wins tiebreak with loser (see below)

USA

Win/draw vs. Germany

Loss and Portugal-Ghana draw

Loss and win tiebreaker vs. Portugal-Ghana winner

Germany and Ghana drew 2-2. Some German fans showed up in black face. Nice.

Men In Blazers has a nice compilation of headlines from a cross the country here. The Guardian covers the social media insanity here.

World Cup Talking Points? Bam. The BBC has a guide to the beautiful, the terrible & the funny of the World Cup. And we shall share it.

This guy...

Guess who else isn't pleased with ~~SPECTRE~~ FIFA? Dutch manager Louis van Gaal, that's who.

Oh, right. England and Spain are already out. Hah! No need for additional coverage of their failures here, but suffice to say, nobody at SSN Headquarters is shedding any tears. Wait, Nick Hornby has a piece about England's failure? We'll gladly make an exception for Sir Nick!

Let's play some more, shall we? Here's your lot for today:

Day 12 At A Glance

Australia vs. Spain at who really cares?

Netherlands vs. Chile at 12:00pm EDT on ESPN