Didier Deschamps kept every controversy at arm’s length in the months leading up to the World Cup. He knew Kylian Mbappe was at odds with the French Football Federation over the use of his image and boycotting photoshoots with national team sponsors. He knew Paul Pogba’s brother had attempted to extort him out of millions […]

The 2022 World Cup is nearing its climax. After every matchday, we’ll review the biggest talking points emanating from Qatar and break down all the action on the pitch. Below, we look back on Argentina’s semifinal win over Croatia. Magical Messi continues to inspire Josko Gvardiol, Croatia’s fleet-footed man-mountain of a defender, was, by some […]

And then there were four. After a dramatic quarterfinal round, the World Cup nears its climax with a pair of intriguing semifinals this week. Below, we examine the key questions and tactical battles that’ll determine which two nations will meet in the Dec. 18 final, along with a prediction for each game. Argentina vs. Croatia […]

The 2022 World Cup is in full swing. At the end of every matchday, we’ll review the biggest talking points emanating from Qatar and break down all the action on the pitch. Below, we look back on Saturday’s thrilling quarterfinal games. Illustrious clash lives up to hype The most anticipated matchup of the 2022 World […]

The 2022 World Cup is in full swing. At the end of every matchday, we’ll review the biggest talking points emanating from Qatar and break down all the action on the pitch. Below, we look back on Friday’s epic quarterfinal games. Brazil, Neymar genuinely unlucky Neymar’s defining moment was, ultimately, fleeting. It’s moot now, but […]

The 2022 World Cup is in full swing. At the end of every matchday, we’ll review the biggest talking points emanating from Qatar and break down all the action on the pitch. Below, we look back on Tuesday’s last-16 games. Refreshed without Ronaldo The problem with Cristiano Ronaldo – well, aside from the stroppiness that […]

The 2022 World Cup is in full swing. At the end of every matchday, we’ll review the biggest talking points emanating from Qatar and break down all the action on the pitch. Below, we look back on Monday’s last-16 games. Sublime Selecao find dancing shoes The World Cup, more than most sporting events, has the […]

With an epic World Cup group stage in the rearview, it’s time to take stock heading into the knockout rounds. After sizing up the field ahead of the tournament, here’s how we think the 16 remaining title hopefuls stack up going into the next phase of the competition. 1. France Pre-tournament Rank: 4 Don’t allow […]

Everyone, take a breath. A most remarkable World Cup group stage came to an appropriately thrilling conclusion on Friday, as the knockout round was solidified following several days of non-stop drama. Below, we look back on the opening round of the tournament in Qatar by examining the biggest winners and losers from the past fortnight. […]

The 2022 World Cup is in full swing. At the end of every matchday, we’ll review the biggest talking points emanating from Qatar and break down all the action on the pitch. Below, we look back on Day 11 of the tournament. Rooting for chaos nearly pays off So, so close. As the final minutes […]