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WWW.FOXSPORTS.COMSEC's Shift To 9-Game Conference Schedule Pauses Some Longtime RivalriesIt used to be the biggest rivalry game of the week, the month maybe the entire season. In 2026, Florida and Tennessee will be complete strangers. Their once-a-year matchup that, back in the day, featured Steve Spurrier, Peyton Manning, Phil Fulmer and snark that sometimes even outweighed the stakes "You cant spell Citrus without U-T'" is absent from the schedule for the first time in 37 seasons. Alabama-LSU thats gone too, for the first time since 1963. The Gators and LSU theyll miss each other for the first time since 1970. Such is the price of progress in the Southeastern Conference, which has grown from 10 teams in the old days to 16 now. The league is introducing a nine-game league slate this season in an attempt to boost strength of schedule for what is now a playoff system that has a committee awarding seven at-large spots in the 12-team field. "When you look at our schedule, no one has created the kind of weekly competition that exists in the Southeastern Conference," commissioner Greg Sankey said. The divisions that once made Florida-Tennessee such a big deal winner had an inside track for the East, a spot in the conference title game and maybe the national championship are gone, another product of expansion. Under the new system, in place through 2029, each school will play three "annual" foes. Some of the SECs most ancient rivalries, like Alabama-Auburn, Florida-Georgia and Auburn-Georgia, were preserved. Others are now less-permanent affairs. Another oldie but goodie that's missing this year, Georgia vs. Tennessee, first played in 1899 and became an annual event in 1992. The Volunteers got the best of the Bulldogs early, but Georgia has won nine in a row and 14 of the last 16 a run that prompted a question to Georgia coach Kirby Smart on Tuesday about feeling like he has "one less win" on the schedule. "You said that; not me," Smart responded. "I got a lot of respect for Josh (Heupel) and their staff. I mean, theyre a tough prep. Im glad other teams get an opportunity to do that, and then we get some new teams to play." Some new teams, yes. Some old rivalries will return, too. For instance, Arkansas-Texas, a must-see game on the old Southwestern Conference schedule that produced the Game of the Century, attended by President Nixon in 1969, is an annual affair again. Two years ago, Missouri renewed acquaintance with Oklahoma, reupping a rivalry that meant a lot in the Big Eight for a time in the 1970s. And Texas-Texas A&M, the "Lone Star Shootout" and a game held every year between 1915 and 2011, will now be played annually. Asked about rivalries being renewed and others that, in another effect of realignment, are changing dates Missouri's season-ending tradition against Arkansas has been moved to Week 8 Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said: "I dont worry about that. I know each and every game in the SEC is extremely difficult." The SEC also mandated its teams play a 10th game against a Power Four opponent, which led Kansas and Missouri to renew their so-called "Border War" and created other early season matchups like Oklahoma-Michigan, Clemson-LSU, Ohio State-Texas, Auburn-Baylor, Arkansas-Utah and Arizona State-Texas. SEC coaches believed moving to a nine-game league schedule would coincide with College Football Playoff expansion, which didnt happen. Now, they have tougher schedules, no increased access to the 12-team playoff and a few less rivalries. "Thats what our conference looks like," Oklahoma coach Brett Venables said. "Each and every week, youre not going to sneak up on anybody." A brief look at the Tennessee-Florida series The Tennessee-Florida rivalry decided the SEC East a dozen times between 1993 and 2009. Spurrier got under Fulmers skin with his "Citrus Bowl" comments. Manning, despite all his accolades, went 0-4 against the Gators. The importance of the rivalry diminished beginning in 2011, with both schools falling behind Georgia in the East. A brief look at the Florida-LSU series The Florida-LSU matchup has been filled with chaos, controversy and close games. Among the most memorable one: LSU upset No. 1 Florida in 1997, stormed the field and tore down goal posts; the top-ranked Tigers won another close one a decade later by converting five fourth-down plays; in 2020, unranked LSU stunned the sixth-ranked Gators in Gainesville on Cade Yorks 57-yard field goal through heavy fog after cornerback Marco Wilson inexplicably threw an opponents shoe and kept alive the game-winning drive. A brief look at the LSU-Alabama series Alabama and LSU played 12 times between 2008 and 2021 with one of them ranked first or second. It often had Western Division and national title implications. Few matchups outweigh the 2011 showdown in which top-ranked LSU knocked off No. 2 Alabama 9-6 in overtime. The Crimson Tide won the rematch in New Orleans two months later for the national championship. Could current rivalries be affected beyond 2029? The SEC has been adamant that each teams annual opponents will be revisited and potentially realigned to maintain competitive balance before the 2030 season. Of course, by then, theres no telling what the SEC or college football will look like. Reporting by The Associated Press.0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 212 Views 0 previzualizare -
WWW.CBSSPORTS.COMWill South Carolina turn the corner under Shane Beamer? How the Gamecocks can re-establish momentumPersonnel changes and coaching staff additions must translate this fall as the Beamer tenure hits Year 60 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 250 Views 0 previzualizare -
SPORTS.YAHOO.COMQuick thoughts on the Packers' 44 offensive players entering training campTraining camp for the 2026 Green Bay Packers opens officially next Wednesday, July 29. Over the next month or so, Matt LaFleur's team will prepare in full for the start of the regular season while also deciding roster battles and roles within the 53-man roster. Can the Packers offense take off after a sluggish finish to 2025?Some quick thoughts on each of the Packers' 44 players on offense entering training camp:No. 0: WR Matthew Golden: A golden opportunity awaits as a starter and go-to target for the second-year receiver. His speed on the perimeter will give the Packers extra juice and big-play potential. Reliable hands make him an ideal Romeo Doubs replacement. Was his brilliant finish in Chicago a preview of things to come? No. 6: QB Tyrod Taylor: The soon-to-be 37-year-old will go into Year 16 as the expected back up behind Jordan Love. Provides an experienced set of eyes on the sideline in the backup role. Also has 62 career starts and could handle the operation in a short-term capacity.No. 8: RB Josh Jacobs: Scored 14 total touchdowns last season but dealt with knee issues and poor run blocking and saw his average drop to 4.0 yards per run. Now over 2,100 career touches. No longer an explosive play threat, but tough as nails between the tackles and a reliable receiver. Still has an on-going legal issue to sort through.No. 9: WR Christian Watson: Tall, speedy vertical threat signed a lucrative extension with the Packers this offseason. Likely to see more volume in a streamlined receiver room, suggesting a true breakout season could be ahead. Must stay healthy. Was excellent over the final 10 games of 2025.No. 10: QB Jordan Love: Enters fourth season as the starter with MVP buzz. Was accurate and efficient while still creating explosive plays and limiting turnovers in 2025. The question: Will his elite efficiency go down if the Packers throw the ball more? It's time to let Love cook.No. 11: WR Jayden Reed: Slot receiver got a contract extension this offseason. Missed a big chunk of last season with a collarbone/foot injury and had a critical drop late in the playoff loss. Still a dynamic playmaker when everything is right. Averaging 9.7 yards per target over three NFL seasons.No. 13: QB Kyron Drones: Rookie UDFA who will get the chance to prove he's worth developing on the practice squad. Malik Willis-like size and athleticism but raw as a passer. Might be worth keeping as QB3 for prep value on the scout team.No. 16: WR Bo Melton: Back at receiver after moonlighting as a corner in 2025. Has 28 career catches, can return kickoffs, plays on multiple special teams groups and now has experience at a defensive position. Top option as a gunner covering punts. Versatility is a big asset.No. 18: QB Kyle McCord: 2025 draft pick of the Eagles. Signed a futures deal in January. Highly productive college quarterback will get his chance to win a job this summer, most likely as the No. 3 quarterback stashed on the practice squad.No. 22: RB Pierre Strong Jr.: The 2022 fourth-round pick has played in 46 career games but hasn't seen action since 2024. Has a career rushing average of 5.0 yards, with 24 career kickoff returns. Will compete to be a backup behind Josh Jacobs. No. 23: WR Skyy Moore: Former Chief and 49er brings return ability after a highly productive 2025 returning kicks and punts. Also played in the slot and has experience as a gadget weapon on manufactured touches. No. 26: RB Damien Martinez: 2025 seventh-round pick of the Seahawks was excellent in his final collegiate season at Miami. Joined the Packers on the practice squad in December of last year. Can he surprise during camp and win the No. 3 job?No. 30: RB Chris Brooks: Got a new two-year deal from the Packers after proving to be a reliable do-everything backup. Will go into training camp as the most likely No. 2 option behind Josh Jacobs. No. 32: RB MarShawn Lloyd: Oozing with explosive talent and potential, but injuries and good ol' fashioned bad luck forced him to miss all but one game through two seasons. There's belief from himself and the team that the recurring injuries are a thing of a past. If so, Lloyd is a prime breakout candidate and a potentially important weapon for the 2026 season.No. 35: RB Jaden Nixon: UDFA signing after scoring 25 touchdowns from scrimmage and returning two kickoffs for scores while at Oklahoma State (2021-23), Western Michigan (2024) and UCF (2025). No. 43: TE Messiah Swinson: Original UDFA signing of the Packers in 2024. Stands 6-7, giving him inline blocking potential. Now in Year 3, he needs to emerge this summer.No. 48: TE RJ Maryland: Rookie tight end is the son of former Packer Russell Maryland. Caught 19 touchdown passes over four seasons at SMU. Two-time All-AAC pick could make some noise as a receiving weapon in camp. No. 49: TE Drake Dabney: Former Titan joined the Packers practice squad in November of last year. Played in two games, catching one pass. At 246 pounds, profiles as a "move" tight end type.No. 50: OL Zach Tom: Excellent starting right tackle who is coming off surgery to repair a significant knee injury. Expected to be available at some point during training camp. All-Pro level player if healthy for 17 games.No. 52: C/G Jager Burton: Rookie fifth-round pick was a multi-year starter at center while at Kentucky. Got first-team reps at both guard spots during the offseason program. Likely a top backup in Year 1. No. 61: G Karsen Barnhart: Joined the Packers late last season after spending the 2024 season with the Chargers. Started 31 games at Michigan.No. 62: C/G Jacob Monk: Really impressed at center in the regular season finale in Minnesota last year. Can play center or guard. Could emerge as a valuable backup in 2026 but needs a strong summer.No. 65: G Aaron Banks: Battled never-ending injuries during his first season in Green Bay. Eventually got healthy and played his best football down the stretch. Expected starting left guard needs to stay healthy and be more consistent in 2026.No. 67: G/T Donovan Jennings: Was a coveted 2024 UDFA but hasn't appeared in a regular season game. Likely to compete for a backup interior offensive line job this summer.No. 68: G Dillon Wade: Rookie UDFA got over $200K in guaranteed money to join the Packers. The 316-pounder made starts at left tackle, left guard and right tackle while at Tulsa and Auburn.No. 70: T/G Darian Kinnard: Returned to Green Bay on a one-year deal after playing quality snaps at right tackle and as the sixth inline offensive lineman in 2025. Former Eagle can likely play any position on the right side of the line and will likely be a top backup for the offensive line in 2026.No. 71: T/G Anthony Belton: 2025 second-round pick enters his second season as the expected starter at right guard. Went through the typical ups and downs of a rookie learning a new position in 2025. Road-grading run blocker but needs consistency in pass protection.No. 72: T Brant Banks: Appeared in two games for the Packers as a rookie in 2025. Can he surprise as a backup at offensive tackle? No. 73: G/C John Williams: 2025 seventh-round pick missed his entire rookie season while recovering from back surgery. Got some reps at center this offseason. Has a chance to win a job as a backup on the interior.No. 74: G Dylan Barrett: UDFA rookie. The former Badger made 16 starts at Iowa State over the last two seasons. Will get an opportunity to earn a spot on the practice squad in Year 1.No. 75: C/G Sean Rhyan: Former college left tackle is moving to center after operating mostly at guard during his first three seasons. Took over for Elgton Jenkins at center in November of last year and looked capable, earning himself a new deal. Consistency at a new position will be key.No. 76: G Josh Gesky: UDFA out of Illinois who played a lot of quality football at guard in the Big Ten. Physical run blocker who tested like an elite athlete during the pre-draft process.No. 77: T/G Jordan Morgan: 2024 first-round pick is headed to left tackle full time after bouncing around positions during his first two seasons. Looked far more comfortable at tackle than guard. Good athlete who played over 2,000 snaps at left tackle in college. Can he outperform the 2025 version of Rasheed Walker?No. 78: T Dalton Cooper: The 55-game collegiate starter measures 6-6 and 326 pounds. Spent most of the 2025 season with the Packers on the practice squad. Will compete for a backup role at offensive tackle.No. 79: T/G Travis Glover: Missed the entire 2025 season with an injury. The Packers were expecting him to be an important backup before his injury. A player to watch during camp. No. 80: Isaiah Neyor: Former 49er has an impressive blend of size and speed. Stood out during the offseason workout program. Sleeper potential entering training camp. No. 81: TE Josh Whyle: Former Titans draft pick emerged as a quality backup when Tucker Kraft went down in 2025. Likely to be a preferred "move" tight end option behind Kraft in 2026.No. 82: Will Sheppard: Spent his rookie season on the Packers practice squad. A smooth mover at 6-3, with punt return experience.No. 83: WR Savion Williams: Had moments as a gadget weapon and kickoff returner as a rookie but also labored through a lingering foot injury. Will likely have a bigger role on offense in Year 2, but his kick returning future is in doubt with Skyy Moore's arrival. Could be an important player if the receiver position suffers through injuries in 2026.No. 85: TE Tucker Kraft: Was enjoying a Pro Bowl caliber season before suffering a torn ACL in early November of last year. Expecting to be full go come Week 1. Packers need the YAC superstar to hit the ground running as a difference maker. Likely to get a new deal at some point in 2026.No. 86: TE Luke Lachey: Traditional inline "Y" tight end who did a lot of blocking at Iowa before becoming a draft pick of the Texans in 2025. Packers claimed him off waivers but failed his physical before eventually signing him a month later. Can he emerge as a backup?No. 87: WR J. Michael Sturdivant: A prized UDFA signing. Long, lanky receiver with deep speed. Was highly productive early in his collegiate career but never found an ideal situation. Has surprise potential.No. 88: TE Luke Musgrave: Back-to-back disappointing seasons has his career at a crossroads. Can he step up and become a reliable secondary weapon? Or will the 2026 season be his last in Green Bay? A big summer awaits.No. 89: WR Brenden Rice: Son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Has played only three career snaps from scrimmage. Now on his fifth NFL team, suggesting he's a long shot to make the roster, but could make a solid practice squad option. This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Quick thoughts on the Packers' 44 offensive players entering training camp0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 272 Views 0 previzualizare
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A Smooth, Secure, and Engaging Online Entertainment ExperienceThe online entertainment industry continues to grow every year, and users are always looking for platforms that are simple to use, reliable, fast, and enjoyable. In 2026, FLY88 has become a well-known online entertainment platform that attracts many users because of its modern features, responsive performance, and user-friendly experience. From the moment users visit the platform,...0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 277 Views 0 previzualizare
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WWW.FOXSPORTS.COMFrom Curaao To Cape Verde, The Small But Mighty Nations Made The World Cup SpecialWhen we look back at the 2026 World Cup decades from now, what will we remember most? There will be plenty. Spains triumph over defending champion Argentina. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbapp, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haalands race for the Golden Boot. Scotlands Tartan Army drinking Boston dry. Norways supporters introducing the world to the Viking Row. Well remember that this was the biggest World Cup ever the first with 48 teams and how, for 39 glorious days, the tournament captivated billions around the globe. Well remember that, even though the U.S. mens national team fell short of the deeper run many envisioned, it reignited interest in soccer in America. The full impact of this group wont be known for years, but in time well see how it inspired the next generation of players and fans. There are countless storylines that will define this summer, and we could talk about them forever. But one that resonated most was the way smaller nations seized the moment and put on some of the most special performances. There was skepticism when FIFA expanded the field from 32 to 48 teams. Critics wondered if those teams would dilute the quality of play and whether fans would tune in for those games. Turns out, this gave the World Cup some fresh energy. New countries introduced us to their cultures, their stars and memorable moments. Sure, the biggest blowout of the tournament was when Germany crushed debutant Curaao 7-1 in their group stage opener. But this experience was monumental for Curaao, the tiniest nation at this World Cup. The island's population is around 158,000 and has a total land mass of 171 square miles, which is seven times smaller than Rhode Island. Theyre a soccer-loving country and thousands of fans were at this match against the four-time World Cup champs. Germany took a 1-0 lead six minutes in, but in the 21st, Curaao midfielder Livano Comenencia made history by scoring his nations first-ever World Cup goal. And for the next 17 minutes, the game was tied. "We fought so hard to be here," Comenencia said after the match. "Its just beautiful my dream actually came true." Then there was the game goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 spectacular saves to lead Curaao to a 1-1 draw against Ecuador and secure their first-ever point in the tournament. Rooms performance was legendary and goes down as the second-most saves in a single World Cup game behind Tim Howards 16 against Belgium in 2014. Telling the story of Curacaos journey to the World Cup was one of my all-time favorite pieces as part of our coverage. It was fascinating to learn that the entire team except for one player was born in the Netherlands, and how each of them made a conscious decision to build something in their homeland. The work paid off, and theyve inspired future generations to keep it going. There was also Cape Verdes remarkable and improbable run in its first World Cup. While on the way to a USA training in Seattle, my Uber driver told me he was from Cameroon and had never even heard of Cape Verde. By now, of course, everyone has. Cape Verde tied all three of their group stage matches, including holding eventual champion Spain to a scoreless draw. Goalkeeper Vozinha became an instant folk hero, making seven heroic saves in that game. The Blue Sharks were the only team that La Roja did not beat. Later on during the round of 32 match against Argentina because yes, Cape Verde made it to the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup Vozinha was magnificent again. He repeatedly denied some of the worlds greatest players, including Messi. And when Sidney Lopes Cabral scored a stunning equalizer in extra time, the cameras cut to a section of their supporters who were all losing their minds. For a few minutes, it felt like things were heading towards a penalty shootout until an own goal gave Argentina the 3-2 victory. The entire team was a joy to watch and Vozinha in particular who, by the way, is 40 years old and saw a surge of some 20 million followers on social media reportedly swapped jerseys with Messi afterward. Curaao and Cape Verde made the most headlines, but other nations left their mark, too. DR Congo tied Portugal in its opener and made England nervous in the round of 32. Egypt advanced to the round of 16 by upsetting Australia on penalties before pushing Argentina to the brink in a 3-2 loss. Paraguay beat Germany in a penalty shootout in what was considered one of the biggest upsets in the knockout stage, before narrowly losing 1-0 to France in the round of 16. And so while well think of Spain winning its second-ever World Cup title and maybe seeing Messi on this stage for the last time, well also remember the countries who made significant strides and delivered unforgettable performances.0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 230 Views 0 previzualizare -
WWW.CBSSPORTS.COMGreg Sankey keeps floating an SEC breakaway when the focus should be on improving the NCAA, not leaving itLeaving the NCAA would be a mistake for the SEC especially since Sankey could help fix many of college athletics' biggest problems0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 272 Views 0 previzualizare -
SPORTS.YAHOO.COMBrewers score vs Mets tonight, live game updates, highlights, starting lineupsThe Milwaukee Brewers, now sporting the best record in the major leagues, seek to continue their undefeated streak to begin the unofficial second half of the season as they again host the New York Mets at American Family Field on Tuesday night, July 21.Right-hander Brandon Sproat (3-4, 5.16 ERA) faces his former team as he starts for the Brewers, while left-hander Zac Thornton (0-1, 2.60) takes the mound for the Mets.What time is the Brewers game tonight?Time: 6:40 p.m. CT.What is the Brewers record?63-37, best record in the major leagues.Brewers lineupJackson Chourio LFBrice Turang 2BWilliam Contreras DHAndrew Vaughn 1BGarrett Mitchell CFGary Snchez CLuis Lara RFCooper Pratt SSJoey Ortiz 3BMets lineupAJ Ewing LFJuan Soto DHBo Bichette 3BFrancisco Lindor SSCarson Benge RFLuis Robert Jr. CFBrandon Young 1BMarcus Semien 2BLuis Torrens CBrewers probable pitchers and scheduleBrewers vs. Mets, July 22, 1:10 p.m.:Brewers RHP Logan Henderson (3-1, 2.97) vs. New York RHP Christian Scott (3-1, 2.87). TV Brewers.TV. Radio AM-620 WTMJ.Off day, Juy 23.Brewers vs. Rockies, July 24, 3:10 p.m.:Brewers LHP Shane Drohan (5-3, 3.20) vs. Colorado TBA. TV Brewers.TV. Radio AM-620 WTMJ.Brewers vs. Rockies, July 25, 6:10 p.m.:Brewers LHP Robert Gasser (2-4, 4.91) vs. Colorado TBA. TV Brewers.TV. Radio AM-620 WTMJ.Brewers vs. Rockies, July 26, 1:10 p.m.:Brewers RHP Jacob Misiorowski (10-4, 1.57) vs. Colorado TBA. TV Brewers.TV. Radio AM-620 WTMJ.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers score vs Mets tonight, live game updates, highlights, starting lineups0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 272 Views 0 previzualizare
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WWW.FOXSPORTS.COMHere's To The Best World Cup Of All Time. The Memories Will Live Forever.NEW YORK NEW JERSEY STADIUM Ive often joked that ranking World Cups is like choosing between your children: Theyre all different and unique. You dont love one above another. It just doesnt work that way. The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the sixth, mens or womens, that Ive had the privilege of covering. The first five took me to Brazil, Canada, France, Qatar, Australia and New Zealand. Each was incredibly special. Years earlier, as a young professional, I hoped to cover one, one day, if I worked my ass off and maybe got a bit lucky. Until this summer, I couldnt have picked a favorite if my life depended on it. But a home World Cup like this summers? That was a new experience for me, just like it was for most of my colleagues. The feeling is hard to describe. We all went into it knowing full well that its probably a once-in-a-career thing. Now the biggest, most spectacular World Cup of all time is over. And as I sit here typing in a mostly empty 80,000-seat arena after Spain beat Argentina in Sundays final, watching La Rojas players on the field below me celebrate their well-deserved triumph with their families, Im filled with gratitude and maybe a little sadness, too. Part of that is exhaustion, having been on the road and away from my family for almost two full months. That will subside. The memories wont: The way the United States mens national team ran out to an early lead against Paraguay in the first World Cup match on U.S. soil in 32 years, then ran away with the match en route to a historic 4-1 victory that captured the imagination of the American public. How the upper deck at Seattle Stadium began vibrating when VAR awarded Alex Freemans goal in the USAs 2-0 win over Australia, the first time the U.S. had ever won two straight World Cup games. I was in Los Angeles to witness Canada, led by American coach Jesse Marsch, win a World Cup knockout game for the first time in that countrys history. A couple of days later, in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mauricio Pochettinos 10-man U.S. squad not only survived a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina but actually padded its lead on the way to a 2-0 win just the second knockout victory in this countrys history, even if it came in the new round of 32. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the World Cup co-hosts. By the time you read this, it will have been more than two weeks since Pochettinos team squandered an incredibly rare opportunity with 50 million in the U.S. watching live,getting embarrassed, 4-1, by Belgium, even after striker Folarin Balogun was controversially allowed to play by FIFA despite the red card he received against the Bosnians. Its still difficult to understand how the home team, playing in front of another incredible crowd up in Seattle, was so unprepared for that game and so unable to find a way back when things started to go so horribly wrong, despite having the most decorated and handsomely paid coach it's ever had. It was the largest margin of defeat the U.S. has suffered in a World Cup knockout match since 1934 and will probably remain so for decades. Yet despite the ugly loss, the Americans surely won millions of new fans this summer. For other countries, the World Cup continued. I was fortunate enough to see England and Norways hard-fought quarterfinal in Miami, and while the battle between the sport's two most lethal pure center forwards Harry Kane and Erling Haaland didnt materialize, it was a treat to watch Jude Bellingham steal the show with both of the Three Lions goals in a 2-1, extra-time win. That night, writing in a hotel lobby between bites of a Cuban sandwich, I was struck by Englands fans cheering for Switzerland as passionately as they had for their own team hours earlier. They wanted no part of Lionel Messi and Argentina, one confirmed. That fear soon proved justified. For me, the highlight of this World Cup came in Englands next match. Say what you will about Thomas Tuchels tactics after his Three Lions took a 1-0 lead over the defending champions, but watching La Albiceleste claw back two goals in the last five minutes, plus stoppage time, with the incomparable Messi setting up both, is not something Ill ever forget. And not just because an Argentine journalist sitting to my right in the press box where merely applauding politely is usually forbidden removed his shirt and began swinging it around his head in celebration. On the streets of Atlanta afterward, one comically inebriated English fan challenged every Argentine he saw to a fistfight. Fortunately for him, all were too drunk on victory to oblige. Which takes us to Sundays grand finale. If every World Cup tournament is special, the final is on another level still. While Sundays didnt match the drama of the 2022 decider I saw in Lusail, Qatar on Dec. 18, 2022 (no, I didnt have to look up the date), theres always this cosmic energy surrounding the title bout. You know more than a billion people across the globe are tuned in, that history is being written in real time before your very eyes. I can vividly recall where I watched every final since I caught the soccer bug as a kid. Getting to work the last two mens versions in person is an immense privilege, an aspirational milestone everyone in this business works toward for years or sometimes decades before finally getting there if they ever do. For someone raised in New York City, Sunday was the ultimate full-circle moment. In my early 20s, I covered MLS games across the parking lot at the old Giants Stadium. A decade before that, on a similarly sunny, sticky summer afternoon in 1994, I saw my first World Cup game in the same building, with my father. Soccer in mainstream America was a curiosity then. As these 39 days have proven, this is a soccer country now. Although I hope to cover more World Cups in the future, this one will be impossible to top. Thats the magic of the World Cup. Its the memories thatmake them great.0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 210 Views 0 previzualizare