Friday, June 19, 2015

Day Off


Ooof! There goes another one. We're going to be brief today. The heat is simply too much to handle and everyone at SSN Headquarters is suffering from extreme lethargy. As you might expect, it's pretty much all Women's World Cup and Copa América. The usual transfer insanity continues, but no "big" moves have been announced. We'll be back on Monday to sort out the weekend results and prepare for USA vs. Colombia.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:02 AM 0 comments

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Brazil Lose the Match & Neymar Loses the Plot, USA Women Get Colombia, Dempsey Decision



Well, now. There was one match down in Chile last night, and the entire SSN Staff gathered at The Editor's house to catch the action on the television computer. Colombia defeated Brazil and once again the Brazilians showed their colors, acting like the sore losers they are. Neymar saw red after the final whistle and we're left to ponder the average Brazil side now looking quite disheveled. We'll get to the fallout, but first, let's let Scott Murray look back on almost 100 years of drama at Copa América. OK, now the fallout...

Colombia 1 - 0 Brazil: Three Quick Takes
Colombia 1 - 0 Brazil: Three Thoughts

Way up at the other end of the planet, the Round of 16 for the Women's World Cup is set, eh? All times are Eastern Daylight:

Saturday, June 20
Ottawa
Germany (1B) vs. Sweden (3D), 4 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)
Edmonton
China (2A) vs. Cameroon (2C), 7:30 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)

Sunday, June 21
Moncton
Brazil (1E) vs. Australia (2D), 1 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)
Montreal
France (1F) vs. South Korea (2E), 4 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)
Vancouver
Canada (1A) vs. Switzerland (3C), 7:30 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)

Monday, June 22
Ottawa
Norway (2B) vs. England (2F), 5 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)
Edmonton
United States (1D) vs. Colombia (3F), 8 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)

Tuesday, June 23
Vancouver
Japan (1C) vs. Netherlands (3A), 10 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)

Women's World Cup: Wednesday's Day 12 Takeaways
Women’s World Cup — What we learned on Day 12

Barf.

Rafael van der Vaart. He always seemed like a funny dude. And he was a damn good player, too. Nick Ames takes a closer look at the Dutch star now that he's moved to Seville. Nick claims he is a shirt-out kind of player born into the wrong generation. A solid assessment.


Graham Parker's wondering (as are we) if U.S. Soccer will dare make an example of Clint Dempsey? Well, will you, U.S. Soccer? Hmmmm? I mean, he ripped up the ref's notebook, for fuck's sake! We've never seen that move before. Could he be (gasp!) suspended for the Gold Cup?


So, Gore Arturo Vidal had a blood alcohol content of 0.12 when he wrecked his Ferrari. He's still on the Chile squad, and Tim Vickery says that's all down to loyalty.

Here's a question: Are the World Cup and Olympics too expensive for their own good?

We out!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:35 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

USA Defeat Nigeria, Argentina Defeat Uruguay, Premier League Fixtures, More FIFA Fun, Vidal DUI

Si vas a manejar, no tomes, Arturo...

Hey now! Hump Day has arrived! And the U.S. Women have arrived in the next round of the World Cup as group winners. That's a good thing. Wouldn't want to have to face Brazil in New Brunswick! Let's get caught up.

Women’s World Cup — What we learned on Day 11
USA 1 - 0 Nigeria: Caitlin Murray in Vancouver
USA 1 - 0 Nigeria: Three Things We Learned
USA 1 - 0 Nigeria: Three Things We Learned II
USA at the Women's World Cup: What we learned from the group stage
Women's World Cup: Group E Previews
Women's World Cup: Group F Previews

Oh, dear. Gore Arturo Vidal wrecked his Ferrari. And the fuzz say he was under the influence of alcohol. Yikes.

Fixtures!! Can you believe we get rolling in the Premier League on August 8? Neither can we. Here is the complete list of 2014-2015 Premier League Fixtures. And here's what we've got on Day One:

8 August 2015: Arsenal v West Ham United, Bournemouth v Aston Villa, Chelsea v Swansea City, Everton v Watford, Leicester City v Sunderland Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United v Southampton, Norwich City v Crystal Palace, Stoke City v Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City.

U.S. Open Cup? Shit hit the fan in the match between Seattle and Portland. Seattle finished with seven dudes! Check it.


Copa América. Tonight it's Brazil vs. Colombia. Neymar vs. James. Yesterday, Sergio scored to help Argentina beat Uruguay, and Paraguay beat Jamaica. Tim Vickery thinks Argentine gaffer Martino's shrewd tactical tinkering helped Argentina pip Uruguay. He's correct.


Did you hear about those photos of Villa starlet Jack Grealish? Apparently he was passed out in the street in Tenerife. We didn't pay much attention because we don't really care. Marina Hyde agrees. We like it when Marina Hyde agrees with us.

More on the Croatian swastika fallout? Here.

Headline of the Day: Swiss investigating 53 cases of possible money laundering at Fifa

We out!

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com
Posted by The Editor at 12:01 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

USA vs. Nigeria, Copa América Drama, Soccer Made in Germany


What...is...up? Some mighty fine matches on the international scene yesterday. Both Copa América and the Women's World Cup dazzled. Since it's so bloody hot at SSN Headquarters this morning, let's begin in the Great White North. As expected, Germany and Norway are through. As expected, some asshat IN CHARGE OF PROMOTING THE WOMENS GAME IN BRAZIL made some sexist comments. Here we go:

Women's World Cup: What we learned on Day 10
Nigeria vs. USA: Preview
Jeff Carlisle: U.S. control own destiny

Friend of SSN Barry Ragin has this to say about things in Canada: "US has 4 points going in to the final group match. Worst case scenario is they lose to Nigeria by more than 4 goals, and finish in 3rd place. (One of Sweden or Australia can finish ahead of them, but not both.) The top 4 third place teams all advance to the round of 16. There are two third place teams with only 3 points. So the US has effectively qualified for the next round, regardless of the outcome of tonight's game. Just thought you might like to know that, since Fox sports and other sites can't seem to figure that out. (Nor the fact that this is the women's team, and not the men's.)" Thank you, Barry.


Down in Chile yesterday, there were 11 goals in the two matches played. Bolivia shocked Ecuador, and Mexico's B team made Chile's defending look dodgy, indeed. Today? Just the little issue of the Rio de la Plata Derby! Here we go:

Copa América: Monday Roundup
Chile 3 - 3 Mexico: Three Things We Learned
Chile 3 - 3 Mexico: Three Things We Learned II
Chile 3 - 3 Mexico: Three Takeaways
Chile vs. Mexico: Three Thoughts

Mihajlovic and Vieira chat back in 2000...

As expected, The Diving Italian was axed by Milan after their shitty season. The new man is Sinisa Mihajlovic. This is what Patrick Vieira had to say about Mihajlovic back in 2000: "There were a lot of bad things said to me and it they all came from one player - Mihajlovic", Vieira said. "I was called a black bastard and a f***ing black monkey. You don't want to hear that on the pitch coming from a professional player. "It was the worst that has been directed at me as a player. I talked with some of the other Lazio players and I asked them what they thought of that. They said they know him and he is stupid. They were sorry, they apologised."

Right! It is Tuesday and that means we've got Marcotti's Musings. Today, Gab is gabbing about Copa America impressions, Falcao and Wilshere's futures, Croatia controversy.

Look at this! Uli Hesse has an article on Soccer Made in Germany. This cemented The Editor's love of the game back in the day. Nice one, Uli!

And finally...Pinoe's Biggest Fan.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:12 AM 0 comments

Monday, June 15, 2015

USA Under Pressure in Canada, Fun With Copa América, Euro 2016, Croatia Swastika, The Zlatan

Lovely...
Hey Hey Hey! Well, the U.S. women are not looking so good, eh? Disjointed, lethargic, unskilled. We're not sure what the problem is, but they haven't been fluid and simply have not been playing well. The pressure is on, and Abby knows it. Thank God their defending was good against the Swedes, otherwise, who knows? Blame it on the turf, we say...

Louise Taylor has swapped the cold and overcast northeast of England for the cold and overcast east of Canada and has some Talking Points from the first week of action at the Women's World Cup here. Colombia shocked France thanks to Lady Andrade. And today it's Ivory Coast vs. Norway, Thailand vs. Germany, Canada vs. Netherlands, and China vs. New Zealand.

Women's World Cup: Team of Round 2 of Games

Look at this! Friend of SSN Laurent Dubois has an interesting piece on France's Jessica Houara and the significance of the hijab.


Copa América. Oh, it's on. Neymar saved Brazil, but Messi couldn't save Argentina from dropping points. Today it's the hosts vs. Mexico's B Team...

Chile vs. Mexico: Preview

Oops...

In European Qualifying, Croatia and Italy drew 1 - 1 in front of no fans because of Croatian racists. So, what did said racists do? Put a swastika on the pitch, of course. Here's more...

Slovenia 2 - 3 England: Daniel Taylor at Stadion Stozice

And just how did Northern Ireland came from nowhere to the brink of Euro 2016?

Major League Soccer? Here are Five Things We Learned this weekend.


Will De Gea go to Madrid? El Sid says whatever happens, it won't end nicely for Iker Casillas.


And finally...we've always been a fan of Xavi's football. We've never been a fan of his personality. Here's the latest from the asshat himself...

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 12:46 PM 0 comments

Friday, June 12, 2015

Chile Win Copa América Opener, USA vs. Pia & Sweden, Euro 2016 Qualifying, Why Is Hope Solo Getting A Free Pass?

Damn! Pia's talking smack!
Good Grief! Another one bites the dust, eh? Friday is here, and although club footie is on hiatus, the international game is doing its best to keep us from getting too bored. Gore Arturo Vidal and Co. opened Copa América with a decisive victory over Ecuador last night, Norway snatched a draw from the Germans in the Women's World Cup, and there are a slew of Euro 2016 Qualifiers to check out this weekend. Let's get to it!

Chile 2 - 0 Ecuador: Report
Chile 2 - 0 Ecuador: Three Things

And here's a mega-preview with more info on the groups and upcoming action in Copa América. The only match today is Mexico vs. Bolivia.

In the Women's World Cup, Thailand won their first match ever, defeating Ivory Coast 3 - 2. Way to go! Hosts Canada and the Kiwis drew, China beat the Dutch, and as noted above, Norway used a delicious free kick to draw with Germany. Here are some Takeaways From Day Six, and here is What We Learned yesterday. Today? Well, it's only the USA facing former coach Pia Sundhage and her Sweden side. It'll be a doozy and it's on FOX at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Here's more about today's fun:

USA vs Sweden: Preview
USA vs. Sweden: Preview II

Not so fun? The way SPECTRE FIFA organized the Women's World Cup. Grant Wahl takes a look.

Transfer rumors? Transfer rumours? Oh, yeah. Whichever you prefer, we've got 'em:


It never ends, folks. One tournament is complete and it's time to try and qualify for the next. And the next big one for the powers that be and want to be in Europe takes place in France next summer. Here's your lot for the weekend:

Croatia vs. Italy: Preview


And finally...why is Hope Solo getting a free pass?

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:56 AM 0 comments

Thursday, June 11, 2015

USA Defeat Germany, Copa América, Women's World Cup, Goals of the Week

"There! There is Dieter! Do you see him, Joachim?" "Ahh, yes, Juergen. There he is. Hello Dieter!"

What up? The U.S. beat Germany yesterday in a fun but weird match. Does it mean anything? We're not sure, but winning successive matches in Holland and in Germany is impressive, regardless of whom the opponents fielded. The Yanks had odd squads, too. Check it:

Germany 1 - 2 United States: Jack Kerr at the RheinEnergieStadion
Germany 1 - 2 United States: Five Things We Learned
Germany 1 - 2 United States: Three Things We Learned
Germany 1 - 2 United States: Three Thoughts

Copa América kicks off tonight when hosts Chile play Ecuador (7:30 p.m. EDT on beIN Sport USA). Here are some previews to get you prepared for what could be a fabulous tournament. There is no lack of quality on offer, that's for sure....

Copa América: Preview
Copa América: Five players to watch

The Women's World Cup returns today after a one-day hiatus. It's Germany vs. Norway, China vs. Holland, Ivory Coast vs. Thailand, and Canada vs. New Zealand. Louise Taylor claims that Canada keeps watching brief on WWC awaiting home success.




OK. Buh Bye.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:40 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

McClaren To Newcastle, U.S. Men vs. Germany, Marina Hyde on FIFA Conspiracy Theories, The Bandinis, Copa America

And...a very pleasant Hump Day to you! We've got a fine friendly this afternoon to enjoy. The men representing the United States are in Köln to face the men representing Germany. Hit Fox Sports 1 at 2:45 p.m. EDT to enjoy the fun. Brian Strauss notes the close relationship between the two sides, and here are a couple previews:

Germany vs. USA: Preview I
Germany vs. USA: Preview II
Germany vs. USA: What to watch for

Oh, it's on...
In the Women's World Cup, France beat England, Brazil defeated South Korea, Colombia and Mexico drew, and Spain and Costa Rica finished even. Here's your lot from yesterday. Nothing today as the tourny takes a break and resumes tomorrow.

World Cup Daily: Magic Marta makes history
Women's World Cup: Day Four
Women's World Cup: Day Four Takeaways
Women's World Cup: Day Four Statistical Analysis
France 1 - 0 England: Three Observations

SPECTRE FIFA? Of course, you're all by now familiar with some of the conspiracy theories floating around about why the shit hit the fan how and when it did. The fabulous scribe Marina Hyde offers her assessment of the insanity of it all here. You want more on that movie they put out? Iain Macintosh says this: FIFA-funded 'United Passions' is simply a terrible, terrible movie.

We've noted earlier in the week that it is the 25th anniversary of Italia '90. Here's a look at how important is was for soccer in the good 'ol U.S. of A.


Copa America? Jonathan Wilson has already arrived in Santiago, don't you know? He's pretty, pretty sure that this is the best opportunity the Chileans have had in a long while to end their 99-year drought. You know Tim Vickery is already down there. He says that Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia aim to surprise. Miguel Delaney? Accodring to him, a summer of redemption and vindication awaits.


Newcastle's newest gaffer would appear to be Steve McClaren. So there.

Club footy is over for the season, and that means it's time to look back. First up? Paolo Bandini and Serie A! Yes, it's...The Bandinis 2015: An utterly exhaustive review of the Serie A season!!

That's it for today, friends.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:33 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 09, 2015

USA Defeat Australia, Nigeria Tie Sweden, West Ham Appoint Bilic, FIFA Film Flop



One, two, three...Rapinoe! SSN Editor's favorite USA Women's Team Member carried (along with Hope Solo) her teammates to an opening match win in Winnipeg last night. Here's your lot:

Women's World Cup: Monday Round-Up
Women's World Cup: Day Three Takeaways
USA 3 - 1 Australia: Grant Wahl at Winnipeg Stadium
USA 3 - 1 Australia: Match Report
USA 3 - 1 Australia: Match Report II
USA 3 - 1 Australia: Three Things We Learned
Sweden 3 - 3 Nigeria: Three Observations

It's on to Group E today, with France vs. England, Spain vs. Costa Rica, Colombia vs. Mexico, and Brazil vs. South Korea. Here's a Preview, here's another, and here's a look at how far football has come in recent years for the women of England.

Gabriele Marcotti is ready to muse. This week, Gab is gabbing that Ireland's FIFA deal sets a dangerous precedent; why did Barca sign Vidal?


Sporting Lisbon. Benfica. The two giants in Lisbon. Andy Brassell reports that Jesus has made a stunning switch from one to the other. Meanwhile, Tim Vickery is looking ahead to Copa America where Chile, Argentina, and Brazil are the favorites. There will be plenty of stars on show at the tournament. Here are 20.

SPECTRE's FIFA's movie? Uhhh, yeah. Like everything else SPECTRE FIFA, not so good.

West Ham have chosen Slaven Bilic to replace Big Sam at Upton Park. Will he last until The Hammers make the move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford? We shall see...


That's going to do it for today.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:57 AM 0 comments

Monday, June 08, 2015

Barcelona Win the Champions League, USA vs. Australia, Liverpool Sign Ings, Italia '90, Mike Piazza Might Buy Parma


And a very pleasant Monday to you and yours. As expected, Barcelona won the Champions League on Saturday. Juventus put up a fight, but couldn't blow the house down and the Catalonian side eventually emerged rightful winners. Let's get to it, beginning with El Sid's report...

Juventus 1 - 3 Barcelona: Sid Lowe at the Olympiastadion
Juventus 1 - 3 Barcelona: Daniel Taylor at the Olympiastadion

In Women's World Cup action, Germany defeated Ivory Coast 10 - 0. Yes, that's ten goals to zero goals. Elsewhere, Norway thrashed Thailand, the Dutch edged the Kiwis, and Canada captured the opener over China via a stoppage-time penalty. The United States will get their journey underway this evening via a waltz with the Matildas out in Winnipeg. That's on Fox Sports 1 at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Here are some previews:

Group D: Preview
USA vs. Australia: Preview
USA vs. Australia: Preview II
USA vs. Australia: Preview III

Wait. What? Mike Piazza might buy Parma? Kirsten Schlewitz says it's a no-brainer! It's been 25 years since Italia '90. Here are the 10 Best Moments from the tournament.


Major League Soccer? Yes, it's happening. Here are Five Things We Learned over the weekend.


And finally...Sol Campbell is running for mayor!

Onward!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:50 AM 0 comments

Friday, June 05, 2015

Juventus vs. Barcelona, More FIFA Freakout, Women's World Cup


There goes another one, guys. We had to take a day off yesterday due to flooding and snakes at SSN Headquarters. Things seem to have mellowed, though, and we're ready to see what's up and tackle the weekend. We should probably begin with FIFA and figure out what the hell is going on there. The first thing of note is this: FIFA paid the Irish to stop legal action over the Thierry Henry handball. Oh, dear. Here...we...go!


Back on the pitch, there is the minor concern of the Champions League Final to address. It all goes down at the Olympiastadion in Berlin tomorrow at 2:45 p.m. EDT on FOX. Here's what you need to know:

Juventus vs. Barcelona: Preview
Juventus vs. Barcelona: Preview II
Juventus vs. Barcelona: How the teams compare

The Women's World Cup gets underway tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. EDT in Edmonton when Canada host China. It's on Fox Sports 1. The first match for the U.S. comes at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Monday. Here are some Stories to Watch. Here are Five Things The U.S. Women Must Do in Canada. And finally...Who Will Win It?


Interesting dress code...
The U.S. Men also have some matches coming up. Friendlies, yes, but the opponents are good. They face Holland today (2:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN) and Germany next Wednesday.


We out!

Onward!!

-SSN
Posted by The Editor at 11:56 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Blatter Out!



Holy #$^*^##%%&)&^$%$@@^%^%&, Batman! What a Hump Day! Sepp has said he'll step down as head of SPECTRE FIFA! Word is he's on the suspect list. That's pretty much the only subject of conversation around the SSN Headquarters Water Cooler today. Let's get to the insanity!

Grant Wahl: Now what?
David Conn: What happens now?
Kevin McCauley: What's next?


David Hytner is in Como, Italy. Lucky bastard. Anyway, he's writing about Marco Tardelli and Juventus ahead of the big showdown on Saturday. Also talking Juve? Adam Digby. Specifically, he's profiling Alice Cooper Gianluigi Buffon.


As expected, Raphael Benitez is now the new manager of Real Madrid. The Madrid native takes over after failing to get Napoli into the Champions League. Let's see how long he lasts...

Women's World Cup? Better believe it! Here are previews for Group B and Group C.


Like Sepp, we out.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:23 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

Transfer Rumors, Some Scribe Action, Women's World Cup Previews


Hello Hello Hello!

Things are going to be slow for a spell. We've got the final in Berlin on Saturday and Women's World Cup starting, but that's it until Copa America kicks off. We should probably start with the silly season stuff of transfer rumordom.


Right! As noted above, the Women's World Cup gets started on Saturday when hosts Canada welcome China to Edmonton. The question on the minds of those mingling around SSN Headquarters: Can the U.S. win? Here is a Group A Preview. More as we near the end of the week.

Women's World Cup 
Group A: Canada, China, New Zealand, Netherlands
Group B: Germany, Ivory Coast, Norway, Thailand
Group C: Japan, Switzerland, Cameroon, Ecuador
Group D: USA, Australia, Sweden, Nigeria
Group E: Brazil, South Korea, Spain, Costa Rica
Group F: France, England, Colombia, Mexico

Michael Ballack Interview!!! How can Juve beat Barcelona? Let Michael tell you.

Now is the time on SSN when we Scribe!


Where? France. Who? Julien Laurens. What? Evra a hero for Juventus and Man United but unloved in France 

Where? Germany. Who? Uli Hesse. What? Is the Bundesliga suffering through an injury crisis?

Where? Italy. Who? James Horncastle. What? The Serie A 2014-15 Best XI

Where? South America. Who? Tim Vickery. What? Corruption at the heart of the Brazilian game

Where? Germany? Who? Andy Brassell. What? Triumphant Wolfsburg aiming high after DFB Pokal success


It's Tuesday and that means it's time for Marcotti's Musings. This week, Gab is gabbing about...Barcelona peaking, Neymar debate, Arsenal hope, Benitez says bye, more.

Power Rankings! Bird's got the best from MLS.

And...we out!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:53 AM 0 comments

Monday, June 01, 2015

Arsenal Win the FA Cup, Barcelona Win the Copa del Rey, Lazio Defeat Napoli, Xavi


Happy Monday, and what a weekend! There were some spectacular goals on Saturday. Messi lit up Bilbao with a sweet slalom and finish, while Alexis Sanchez went for sheer power and a touch of swerve for his blast against Villa. Both the Argentine's side and the Chilean's side emerged victorious in their quest for cups. Barcelona now look to Juventus on Saturday to complete the Treble. Let's roll, beginning with all of the FA Cup fallout...

Arsenal 4 - 0 Aston Villa: Henry Winter at Wembley
Arsenal 4 - 0 Aston Villa: Phil McNulty at Wembley
Arsenal 4 - 0 Aston Villa: Three Things We Learned

Xavi has left the building. The dude is headed to Qatar after quite a brilliant career with Barcelona. Sid Lowe has curated a collection of praise and presents it here.


We haven't heard from Marcela Mora y Araujo in while. It's a shame, too, because we like her writing. Sadly, it's taken the case of El Topo López to get her back on our map.

Over in Barcelona, it was business as usual for Messi and Co. as they brushed aside Bilbao in their quest for three titles. As you might hope and expect, Sid Lowe was at the Camp Nou and filed this report. The question begs: Is this team better than the 2009 version?

In Italy, the Rafa Era ended on a sad note in Naples as Napoli failed to overtake Lazio (and claim a Champions League spot), losing to the Roman side 4 - 2. Here are Three Points from that one.


Sad scenes, too, in Germany where The Klopp left Dortmund after losing in the Cup final to Wolfsburg. Raphael Honigstein reports.

Just how did things finish on the Continent, then? Let's take a look at La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue Uhhhhhhhhhn and Eredivisie finalities. We can give you one stat right now. AC Milan and Inter Milan both missed out on Europe for first time in 60 years.

And finally...three Leicester City players (including the manager's son) are stupid, racist assholes.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:59 AM 0 comments

Friday, May 29, 2015

Heysel at 30, FA Cup Final, Copa del Rey Final, German DFB Pokal Final, Serie A

Brussels - May 29 - 1985

There goes another week. Where did it go? Nobody knows. We're going to begin today on a sad note. It's been 30 years since the disaster at Heysel. Let's take some time to look back. It deserves our attention:


The FA Cup Final is tomorrow. Arsenal are attempting to win it for the second year running. It's at Wembley, of course, and can be viewed in the United States on FOX at 12:30 p.m. EDT. Here's what you need to prepare:

Arsenal vs. Aston Villa: Preview
Arsenal vs. Aston Villa - The FA Cup final's four key battles

It's the next step in the march for The Treble for Barcelona. The league is won, the Champions League Final awaits, but first...it's the Copa del Rey Final vs. Athletic Bilbao! Here's your Preview.

Raphael Honigstein is in Germany, and according to Raphael, Jürgen Klopp plans a super-cool German Cup final for his Borussia Dortmund farewell. We don't doubt it!


It's the final installment of 2014-2015 Serie A this weekend. Napoli play Lazio with a Champions League spot at stake, and James Horncastle says the match is critical to Rafa Benitez's legacy in Naples. Here's a Weekend Preview, along with some story lines to follow on the final weekend in Italy.

FIFA? Today we've chosen to ignore that bologna. With one exception: Barney Ronay. OK, OK, there's more in Backheel Breakfast, too. Here:


There's a Joy of Six this week. It's Curtailed Football Careers. Michael Bridges, anyone?

Major League Soccer. Here's a Weekend Preview. Here's another Weekend Preview.

That's it! Have a good one.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:20 AM 0 comments
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