Author Archives: Soccer America

The French Football Federation said Friday it has submitted an application to host the 2016 European Championship. National federations have until March 9 to apply to European soccer’s governing body UEFA to host the tournament. France previously hosted the 1984 European championship in 1984 and the 1998 World Cup.

“We want to arouse the anticipation. The biggest challenge will be to fill the stadiums.” Former German national team player and President of the Organizing Committee Steffi Jones starts the official countdown to the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany. Just 862 days to go.

“He was an extraordinary player, a fantastic midfield schemer with great skills and a good sense of where the goal was. I don’t think there are many players like him now.” Former AC Milan player Jose Altafini on ex-Italy and Bologna midfielder Giacomo Bulgarelli, who has died aged 68. Bulgarelli won 29 caps for Italy […]

“It’s a tough call. It all depends on how he responds to the trial and how he goes there and performs. If he goes in there timid and [does] not take it by the horns, it’s going to be tough. You’ve to come in and perform right off the bat.” Major League Soccer veteran Tyrone […]

helsea lacks a special player to make it an outstanding team, according to its newly sacked manager Luiz Felipe Scolari in an interview he gave just four days before his dismissal.   “At Chelsea, we don’t have a player who can make the difference by himself and do something magical on the pitch,” Scolari told […]

David Beckham not only equaled Bobby Moore’s record 108 England caps for an outfield player Wednesday against Spain in Seville, he added to another record he holds for his country — most ever yellow cards.   “Following a show of dissent, Beckham’s 17th international yellow card takes him two clear of Paul Ince (while Goldenballs’ […]

L.A. Galaxy midfielder David Beckham (remember him? Used to play in MLS, scored a couple of goals) continues to damn his club and Major League Soccer with faint praise. And in case you hadn’t noticed, he absolutely loves playing for AC Milan. It’s just the greatest thing, like, with all these international superstars and stuff. […]

D.C. United co-owner Victor MacFarlane said Thursday that he is committed to moving the team out of RFK Stadium and to a purpose-built soccer venue in Prince George’s County, Maryland, report Rosalind S. Helderman and David Nakamura. It follows the collapse two weeks ago of the long-mooted Poplar Point stadium project within the D.C. city […]

“We think it’s best to come to a conclusion. Either David [Beckham] is going to stay or he is going to remain at AC Milan. In order for our team to move forward, for the league to move forward, it’s best that we get a decision made as soon as possible.” Everyone in MLS, including […]

“It didn’t work out for a whole host of reasons. The point is that he thought he had to go and do it. It’s out of his system, and now he’s back here. It’s up to him to show us what he’s got, just like everybody else.” New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol on midfielder […]

“Having a former England manager as manager of Portsmouth I’m sure is something that the fans would never have envisaged. Somebody of his caliber would be a tremendous acquisition for us.” Portsmouth goalkeeper David James, who, in case you’re wondering, is talking about barely current Mexican coach Sven Goran Eriksson.

“I feel fit and I’m enjoying my football more than ever. This is an exciting young team and the spirit is great in the dressing room. I want to be a part of that and achieve even more success.” Ryan Giggs, 35, on signing a one-year contract extension with Manchester United that will take him […]

One endless source of stories for the media in the age of supersized playing rosters centers upon the discontent of the benched international star. The latest ego frustrated at the feel of cold hard wood upon his highly paid buttocks is Liverpool’s Danish defender Daniel Agger.   “Let me be honest and admit that, if […]

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said Thursday that he will happily turn down the manager’s job at Chelsea FC a second time. The London club earlier this week sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari, its fourth manager in five years. Guus Hiddink is interim manager until the end of the current season.   “The only club which […]

A 1-0 home defeat to Norway in an exhibition game is nothing to get too worked up about, according to members of the German national team. “It’s not so dramatic,” said midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger of the Germans’ first defeat to Norway in 73 years. “The defeat’s not the end of the world. We’re not machines.” […]

Comparisons between the late Bobby Moore and David Beckham, both of whom now tally 108 England caps, are “unnecessary,” writes Richard Williams. “Beckham could go on to win another 50 caps without jeopardizing the reputation of the leader of the heroes of 1966,” he continues. But Beckham “remains the world’s best crosser of a dead […]