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In FIFA

Russia, Qatar Awarded World Cups — Business As Usual, Part 2

You've probably seen the news that Russia and Qatar have been awarded the right to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively. To the casual...
In FIFA

Business As Usual At FIFA

I don't feel like alleging that FIFA has some serious corruption issues is really particularly newsworthy. But given that its "Ethics Committee" (see right) will hand down a ruling...
In EPL

England This Week: What Does Gareth Bale Use In His Hair?

I'm not sure I've ever seen a footballer on a richer vein of form than Gareth Bale.
In EPL

England This Week: Just Anotha Pound Note, Y’all

Wayne Rooney loves Manchester United. And cash. Not necessarily in that order. Five things from this week: 1. Wayne Rooney loves Manchester...
In EPL

Wayne Rooney Wants Out

It has been heavily rumored that Wayne Rooney was unhappy with his club, but this information was usually swept under the rug or simply denied and squashed by Man U PR. But Sir Alex...
In EPL

England, Week Something-Or-Other: A New Day

Okay, it's been more than few weeks since my last missive, but things legitimate (the collapse of my two favorite sports teams) and illegitimate...
In EPL

England, Week 5: Asses and Earthquakes

Five things we learned over the past two weeks (international break, holla): 1. Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner is generally regarded as a guy...
In EPL

Ashley Cole: Chelsea Difference-Maker

Love him or hate him, Ashley Cole is the best at his position in England, and arguably the world. While this has been the case for many years...
In EPL

Rafa’s Legacy

Having got my first spare 5 minutes for some time, I thought I would post a piece I started looking at some time back. I make no apologies for being a big Rafa fan, but in light...
In EPL

England, Week 3: If You Don’t Win 6-0, You Aren’t Doing It Right

Five things we learned this week: 1. Almost everything you need to know about this week's goings-on at Liverpool can be expressed by the above...
In Champions League

Champions League Group Stage is Set

Ah, it's always an exciting time of year when you find out where your favorite club team falls in the UEFA Champions League Draw, yet there's always...
In EPL

Why Arsenal is Guided by Voices, Along with Other Premiership Predictions

It’s impossible to preview a season accurately until after play begins. That’s my excuse anyway. With that in mind, here are my thoughts on...
In Uncategorized

Pitchmen Launch

Hello all, Welcome to Pitchmen! While the focus of this site will be European club soccer, we will always keep you posted on the latest international headlines, particularly as...
In Uncategorized

Premier League: Weekend Recap

Liverpool killer Arshavin sinks Reds, Chelsea and United drop points. Liverpool 1 - 2 Arsenal It was a weekend of surprises in the Premier League, unless one is talking...
In EPL

EPL: Midweek Action

The Premier League does double duty, Tuesday and Wednesday matches see top two unchanged, Arsenal held. Burnley 1-1 Arsenal Arsene Wenger will be disappointed by...
In Champions League

Mourinho to Face Chelsea in Knockouts

'The Special One' set to face former club Chelsea, while David Beckham could return to Old Trafford with Milan after Friday's Champions League Draw...
In EPL

Saturday Surprise: Champions Crushed

Fulham thrashes Manchester United 3-0, Portsmouth humiliates Liverpool as Mascherano sees red. Fulham 3-0 Manchester United Manchester...
In EPL

Chelsea Face Striker Crisis, Anelka Out

Nicolas Anelka's hamstring injury is compounded by departure of Ivory Coast duo Didier Drogba and Solomon Kalou for African Cup of Nations...
In EPL

English Premier League Team of the Decade

Call the past decade whatever you want - the noughties, oughties or zeroes - but there can be no disagreement it will be remembered as the decade...
In Uncategorized

Beckham Shines in Return to Milan

David Beckham began his second stint at AC Milan in winning fashion, helping the Rossoneri thump Genoa 5-2 and take 2nd spot in the Serie A table, 8...
In EPL

Vieira Making Move to Man City

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira is set to transfer to Manchester City in a bid to become a part of Raymond Domenech's France team in South Africa this summer. Vieira is...
In EPL

Premier League Preview: January 9-11

The Premier League resumes after last weekend's FA Cup 3rd Round, with the marquee matchup being Tottenham's visit to Anfield to take on...
In International

Tragedy for Togo: Four Killed in Rebel Ambush

In a shocking development, the bus carrying the Togo national team was attacked by machine gun-carrying rebels, resulting in four deaths and...
In EPL

EPL Freeze: Weather Forces Seven Postponements

Adverse weather conditions that are enveloping England have forced seven weekend matches to be postponed. Should create a headache for the English...
In EPL

Arsenal 2 – 2 Everton

Tomas Rosicky's late equalizer saves Arsenal, but Arsene Wenger will be disappointed to drop two precious points in his chase of Chelsea and Manchester United; Donovan makes Toffees...
In EPL

Terry: We Run This Club

Chelsea captain John Terry has claimed that it is the triumvirate of himself, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba that has kept the Blues unified since the departure of Jose Mourinho over...
In International

Ribery Wants Future Figured Out Before World Cup

World football's hottest summer commodity, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, is adamant he wants his future sorted before the World Cup commences on...
In International

US Reveals Host Cities for World Cup Bid

The United States has selected a long list of capable host cities in their bid for the World Cup in either 2018 or 2022. US faces stiff...
In International

USA, USA, USA (Desperately Needs a Striker)

Charlie Davies is out, Connor Casey is lousy, Brian McBride is old, Eddie Johnson can't get a game, Davy Arnaud is a joke, and there aren't a lot of...
In FA Cup

It Just Keeps Getting Worse – Reds Crash Out of FA Cup

A season so far defined by stunning underachievement reached a new low Wednesday afternoon, as Liverpool comically bid farewell to another...
In EPL

Donovan Gets a Solid “B” and a Round of Applause

Landon Donovan debuted at Goodison Park, putting in a solid 89 minutes on the right side. His performance re-affirms that the very best United...
In EPL

Seventh Heaven: Blues Shatter Sunderland 7-2

Leaders Chelsea put up a seven spot on Sunderland at Stamford Bridge to maintain their one point edge (with a game in hand) on chasers Manchester...
In EPL

Why Rafa Must Go

Despite a tepid season thus far, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has been handed a lifeline by co-owner George Gillett, who claims Benitez is still a top five manager in the world. ...
In International

Some of What Is Wrong with the Transfer Market — A Half-Ass Primer

Wealthy hobbyists are busy ruining soccer by paying silly money for talent that merely sits on the bench. That being said, here's a photo of...
In Europe

Match of the Weekend: The Milan Derby

One of the world's oldest and most intense rivalries resumes this Sunday, with AC Milan taking on local adversaries Internazionale in a...
In FA Cup

Does the FA Cup Matter Anymore?

For most top-flight managers in England, the FA Cup takes a backseat to a club's league position. Whether it is making a run for the title, vying for a European place, or staving...
In England

FA Cup Magic: Leeds Force Spurs Replay

Jermaine Beckford continues to put his mark on this year's FA Cup. The Leeds striker earned and hit a stoppage time penalty to earn a 2-2 draw...
In USA

U.S. v. Honduras — Live Updating Experience

The US plays a friendly against Honduras in Carson, California tonight. I'm going to greatly stretch my limited web-editing abilities and try to...
In International

Paraguay Pobrecito!

Paraguay's top striker and arguably best player, Salvador Cabanas, was shot in the head in a Mexico City bar on Monday night. The bullet remains lodged in his skull and he is in...
In EPL

Rooney Shreks Man City’s Chance for a Trophy

Carling Cup semi-finals round two. Many lagers were popped for what turned out to be a rather dramatic little derby. Manchester United were...
In EPL

‘Captain Controversy’ Nets Winner

In a week where his abhorrent affair with former best friend and teammate Wayne Bridge's girlfriend made John Terry a reviled figure, the Chelsea...
In EPL

Ronaldo Who? Nani Shines in Man U Romp

It is much too early to declare the massive hole left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has been filled, but if his countryman Nani can continue to...
In EPL

A Golden Age for Americans in the EPL

The success of American players in the EPL is sure to open doors (and check books) for up and coming young players. Americans are finally...
In England

Why Capello Had to Axe Terry

Fabio Capello was swift and decisive in his handling of the 'John Terry Saga,' showing his firm authoritative grip on the England national setup. The Italian's choice to dismiss...
In EPL

The Pressure is On

With their rout of lowly Portsmouth today, Manchester United seized first place in the Premier League. The pressure is now on Chelsea to win at home against Arsenal Sunday to snatch...
In EPL

Gunners Back in the Race? Top Two Falter

With a Louis Saha brace stunning leaders Chelsea and an Abou Diaby header vanquishing Liverpool, Arsenal find themselves still within a sniff of the...
In International

Foot Injury Finds England Again: Cole Out 3 Months

Ashley Cole has been ruled out for at least three months with a broken ankle after Chelsea's clash with Everton this week. Fabio Capello now has a...
In Champions League

Tuesday’s Champions League Recap

Manchester United buried their San Siro past with a 3-2 win behind two Wayne Rooney headers while Lyon controlled their match with Real Madrid from start to finish, but could only...
In Champions League

Wednesday Champions League Recap: A Comedy of Errors

On world football's largest stage, two of Europe's most infamous referees butchered their matches with miscues that will leave Arsenal and...
In EPL

The Myth of the English Hardman and Why it Kills the English Game

Ryan Shawcross sheared Aaron Ramsey's leg off at the ankle yesterday, breaking his fibula and tibia. The tackle was late and dirty. There can be...
In Champions League

Mourinho Outfoxes Ancelotti

Apologies for the delayed post, but it must be said that in last week' pulsating Internazionale - Chelsea first leg match, Jose Mourinho outwitted and outmanaged his former club's...
In International

Top 50 Players

ESPN released a list of the world’s Top 50 Players on Monday as a prelude to their coverage of this year’s World Cup in South Africa. This is no doubt a young man's game, but it...
In International

Dutch Dud: Netherlands 2 – 1 United States

The US national team put up a lackluster performance against the type of opponent they could meet in a World Cup Round of 16 or quarterfinal match. ...
In Champions League

Tuesday Champions League: Quick Rundown

A bit of magic from Arjen Robben sent Bayern Munich into the quarterfinals over a brave Fiorentina side; Nicklas Bendtner scored a hat-trick as...
In Champions League

That Silly Away Goals Rule

Whether your club has fallen victim to it or triumphed from it, soccer has no other subject that splits public opinion quite as much as the controversial Away Goals Rule in knockout...
In Champions League

Real Humiliation: Los Galacticos Ousted

Over $300 million spent, zero improvement. Real Madrid brought in two world players of the year to usher in a new Galactico era and win the...
In Uncategorized

Arshavin is the Best

Andrey Arshavin has a website where he takes questions from his fans and, apparently, types his own responses. It is AMAZING. There is really almost nothing that I can add to...
In EPL

Can Anyone Stop Wayne Rooney?

With another two-goal effort following his midweek brace against Milan, Wayne Rooney is simply lighting up the English game, and as a result, Manchester United have never looked more...
In Champions League

A ‘Special’ Date with Destiny: Mourinho’s Return

Arguably the biggest story line of December's Round of 16 Champions League draw was Jose Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge as manager of...
In International

David Beckham’s World Cup Dream Over

In the dying moments of AC Milan's victory over Chievo on Sunday, the world's most famous footballer ruptured his achilles tendon and with it, his...
In Champions League

Champions League Draw

The draw for the quarterfinal round took place today in Nyon Switzerland. The match ups are here Unstoppable? It really couldn't be any worse for Arsenal as they drew...
In EPL

Carlo’s Chelsea Capitulate; United Seize Control

An already painful week turned excruciating for Carlo Ancelotti. After being dumped out of the Champions League midweek by former hero Jose...
In Champions League

Champions League Roundup: United Stunned, Arsenal Fight Back

The Champions League entered the business end of the season this week, and offered up a couple of classics. In Munich, it was 1999 in reverse, as...
In Champions League

A Bitter Week for Arsenal — Thanks Puyol

Barcelona destroyed Arsenal in mid-week. Somehow, through dumb luck, Arsenal managed a draw. In doing so, Arsenal added a game Fabregas, an...
In Champions League

Messi

Dan Levy does a smart thing here in recapping Barcelona striker Leo Messi's four goal performance against Arsenal yesterday in the Champion's League quarterfinal. Just quote their...
In Champions League

You Kids Get Off My Lawn! The Geriatricification of Sir Alex Ferguson Continues

Manchester United went out of the Champions League to Bayern Munich this afternoon. Afterwards, Sir Alex Ferguson complained that the Bayern...
In England

Manchester United’s Shocking Fall From Grace

In a stunning reversal of fortune, Manchester United's season has virtually all but imploded following their 0-0 stalemate at Blackburn. Let's not...
In Champions League

Inter Stifle Barcelona, Take 3-1 Lead to Camp Nou

Dubbed as the matchup between 'the Special One' on the pitch vs. 'the Special One' off it, Jose Mourinho got the best of Lionel Messi and Barcelona,...
In Champions League

Barcelona Show Just How Classless They Are

Xavi, Pique and other players circle referee after Inter match and in tunnel about "controversial" calls during the match. Jose Mourinho reminds...
In Champions League

Mourinho’s Moment: Inter Book Place in Final

Demonstrative as always on the touchline, one could just see how important this match was to Jose Mourinho. In any other circumstance, a 3-1 lead...
In EPL

Chelsea Claim Fourth English Title, Capping Exciting EPL Season

Chelsea are Premier League champions again after an 8-0 demolition job on poor Wigan. One of the better title races in recent memory was decided on...
In EPL

Analysis: Ancelotti Ushers in Post-Mourinho Era at Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti took his share of flack during the low points in Chelsea's championship season, but he has succeeded where others couldn't, and he...
In USA

US Announces 30-Man Provisional Roster for the World Cup

I have a lot of thoughts on these selections. No Charlies Davies, who was unable to attain fitness -- which is a drag. But Edson Buddle? And...
In Europe

Henry to NY

If it is indeed true that Thierry Henry will sign with the NY Red Bulls, then the MLS will have finally reached the point where all of the players in Europe know they can come to the...
In World Cup

All Eyez On Me

Says the Tupac of Jo-burg, the Capelton of Capetown, and Nike's multi-billion dollar ad budget ... obviously this clip was made prior to Dunga announcing Brazil's final 23-man roster,...
In International

Should Fabio Capello Start Peter Crouch?

Ah, Peter Crouch. This English phenomenon can be a divisive figure, but his awkward appearance too often blinds people to his tremendous skill and...
In World Cup

Walcott’s Dismissal Leaves Zero Gunners in England Squad

Perhaps this is a frivolous post, but with Theo Walcott shockingly omitted from Fabio Capello's World Cup squad, the England national team are...
In World Cup

Injury Bug Hits Star Players Pre-World Cup

Nobody wants to wake up to the flurry of devastating headlines the last couple of days. Injuries could tarnish the World Cup if star players are...
In World Cup

US-England: The Pivotal Matchups

Since the 1998 World Cup (the first with 32 teams participating), of the 36 teams that have lost their opening match only 3 have gotten out of their...
In USA

The U.S. Becomes a Soccer Nation, If Just For One Day

Walking up and down the streets of New York before the most highly anticipated U.S. soccer match in history, one could have mistaken this city for...
In USA

Travesty at Ellis Park

Now that I am released on bail for destruction of public property following the phantom foul call on Edu, Bradley, Altidore, Dempsey NOBODY that robbed the US of a game-winning goal...
In USA

USA Send Millions Into Cardiac Arrest, Ghana Next

Team USA left it late, but better late than never. In arguably the most gripping sporting event this country has witnessed since Phelps and co in...
In USA

Reflections on a Loss and the Future of the Nats

So that’s it then. The culmination of two and a half years full of trips to Nicarauga, Honduras, Guadeloupe, Trinidad, Jamaica, Mexico, Costa...
In World Cup

England Gets the Finger — WWII Reversed, Falklands Returned

Two more games, two more blown calls. Frank Lampard’s little chip should have tied the game for England going into half time. Carlos Tevez was...
In World Cup

Friday Looms Laarje

A friend that attended all of the US games in South Africa heard this on the radio in Johannesburg before boarding a flight black home: The 2010 FIFA World Cup turned out to be a...
In England

How Fabio Capello Blew it, and Why He Should Be Fired

England coach Fabio Capello will not discover his future with FA for two weeks' time, but for me, he should be fired for the simple inability to...
In EPL

Should Landon Donovan Consider Manchester City?

If you're following club transfer rumors, this one hits close to home. Megaclub-wannabes Manchester City reportedly have Landon Donovan on their...
In World Cup

Germany / Argentina

Shit just got real in South Africa with the Dutch knocking off the favorites in a 2-1 victory over Brazil, who managed to shit the bed impressively in the second half with both an own...
In World Cup

Reading the Future — The Dutch Are Still Smoking

Well, Vasherized got me on that Argentina game. Really, I believed Argentina’s deficiencies would not prevent it’s devil-may-care attack squad...
In World Cup

Clash of the Titans: Germany v Spain

In what looks like a potential classic, European champions Spain must overtake the surging German machine that at the moment looks absolutely...
In World Cup

My Prediction Hasn’t Changed — The Dutch Will Take It

This is really a great final. Perfect styles, classy players, solid, attacking strategy and, to me anyway, the two best teams of the tournament. ...
In World Cup

There’s Still Room On the VanWagon

Van Bommel. Van Persie. Van de Vaart. Van Bronckhorst. They are the Vans that have quietly kept this Dutch party going strong to the...
In World Cup

Sneijder vs. Xavi

The two maestros of midfield, the two princes of passing, the two sultans of soccer. In European football circles, Spain's Xavi Hernandez is largely considered the finest passer in...
In World Cup

Esthpana Listhps Itsth Way to the World Cup

I am interested in fairness. Impartiality is not in my nature, but it interests me. So, Spain won the World Cup and congratulations to that...
In World Cup

The 2010 World Cup, Post-Mortem

Well, after one of the worst sporting finals in modern history, the 2010 World Cup ended with tournament favorites Spain crowned world champions after thwarting a disappointing...
In Uncategorized

Chaos to Order Rather than Order to Chaos — Why Americans Don’t Take to Soccer

I’ve given some thought recently to what it is about soccer that Americans don’t like. I understand the usual complaints about a lack of...
In USA

Thierry Henry Unveiled in New York

Major League Soccer's retirement home just got a little more crowded this week, as France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry signed a 4-year deal with...
In England

Odds, Ends, Friendlies, MLS, Arsenal

This is not the greatest time of the year to be an American writing about soccer. Unless you’re an MLS fan. Which I’ve really, sincerely tried...
In EPL

Joe Cole’s Move: Great for Liverpool, Bad for Joe

So the Londoner is off to Merseyside. In what has been a stale post-World Cup transfer cycle, where hearsay reigns supreme over any actual...
In Champions League

Nice Call: Champions League to Add 2 Assistant Referees

While I do not always agree with UEFA President Michel Platini, like his proposals for wage caps and vendetta against the big-spending Premier...
In England

MLS “All-Stars” Learn Humility, Provide Hilarity

That was painful - a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Man U and the entire experience of the MLS All-star game, from start to finish. The lesson at...
In USA

MLS + Thierry Henry + 3rd Ward = Win

Saturday night’s Dynamo-Red Bulls game was my first MLS game, and the overall experience was fantastic. So great, that I’m contemplating...
In EPL

Torres to Stay at Anfield, But Is This Best for Liverpool FC?

El Niño has ended his silence today and has announced he "is more committed to Liverpool FC than ever." This almost feels like a summer move,...
In International

Brazil Not So Friendly as They Crush U.S.

In the countries' first action post-South Africa, Brazil's young guns eased the pain of World Cup disappointment while bringing US soccer back down...
In England

England 2 – 1 Hungary

After falling behind amidst a chorus of boos, England's captain Steven Gerrard went all Bruce Banner turns Incredible Hulk on poor Hungary. That frustration and torment endured by...
In EPL

Back Like a Rebel Making Trouble

I took a couple of week’s sabbatical, to recharge and get focused, Eat Pray Love, soak up the balmy 105 degree humidity of this fetid swamp, and generally not watch any televised...
In EPL

England, Week 2: You’re Not Giving Me Much To Go On

5 Things From Last Week: 1. Easiest managerial job in the Premier League: Ian Holloway of Blackpool. After destroying (an admittedly crap) Wigan...

Latest Articles

You’ve probably seen the news that Russia and Qatar have been awarded the right to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively. To the casual observer, this may be a surprise, but as I pointed out a few weeks ago, it’s anything but.

I don’t feel like alleging that FIFA has some serious corruption issues is really particularly newsworthy. But given that its “Ethics Committee” (see right) will hand down a ruling Wednesday on a couple of executive committee members who got caught in a British newspaper sting appearing to sell their World Cup hosting votes for cash, and that it will announce the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in a few weeks, it’s worth highlighting some of the recent goings-on at FIFA HQ.

Just a quickie from the seaside

Blackpool made 10 changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Everton on the weekend and lost 3-2 away at Aston Villa. Apparently this was not good enough for the EPL and the club may be disciplined for not

Rooney’s contract talks are nothing in comparison to what is going on at Bloomfield Road. Charlie Adam, Blackpool’s talisman and statistically one of the best players in the EPL this season is on the verge of leaving the club. In fairness, he was

What a weekend that was! I am not sure what to make of Liverpool v Chelsea yet, nor the Aggies handling Oklahoma, so I am gonna stick with the game I went to watch – Blackpool v Everton.

Blackpool were their conventional selves,

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a footballer on a richer vein of form than Gareth Bale.

Five Things From This Week:

1. Wayne Rooney’s saga rolls on. The Manchester United forward’s will-he-won’t-he-here’s-a-big-bag-of-money story has been widely covered, but remember it all started with an ankle injury that Rooney said he didn’t have, in a rare public disagreement with Sir Alex Ferguson. Now Ferguson says the non-injury

This week may have seen the first contradiction of the John Henry regime. Ok, few people pay such close attention to the comings and goings, but there was a flip-flop this week.

NESV said on the 16th of October that they are fully committed to Roy Hodgson. They have

Wayne Rooney loves Manchester United. And cash. Not necessarily in that order.

It has been heavily rumored that Wayne Rooney was unhappy with his club, but this information was usually swept under the rug or simply denied and squashed by Man U PR. But Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that indeed, Mr. Rooney wants out.