Author Archives: Soccer America

The financial turnover of the European Championships is almost $2 billion, a 50 per cent increase over the previous tournament. And because the finals have become a “cash cow” for UEFA, European soccer’s governing body maintains strict control over all off-field aspects of the tournament by dictating events, rules and information, writes Peter Birrer in […]

Russia’s Dutch coach Guus Hiddink engineered the demise of his native country in Saturday’s quarterfinal, illustrated by the willingness of his team to learn new methods, writes Martin Samuel. Russia’s improving performances and its 3-1 defeat of the much-fancied Netherlands destroys the myth that it is impossible for a national team coach to impose a […]

There were few voices in the media lamenting Italy’s departure from the European Championships after its quarterfinal exit to Spain on penalties Sunday. The blame for its defeat was placed not just on the team’s dour, defensive tactics, but the failure of striker Luca Toni to score in any of Italy’s four games.   Defender […]

For every one of Major League Soccer’s South American signings heralded as a harbinger of technique and quality to MLS, there seems to be a corresponding failure. Argentine midfielder Eloy Colombano left the Kansas City Wizards Thursday “by mutual consent.”   “He’s very homesick,” technical director Peter Vermes said. “He got married this past offseason, […]

Soccer’s all the craze in Canada these days, so it’s no surprise to see Ottawa added to the list of Canadian cities considering a bid for a Major League Soccer franchise. In the light of Toronto FC’s popularity and the healthy attendances at last year’s U-20 World Cup, Ottawa Senators’ owner Eugene Melnyk “is exploring […]

After starting the tournament as one of the favorites, Germany beat Poland with competence, played miserably against Croatia, then ground out the necessary result against Austria. Few gave the Germans a chance against in-form Portugal, but “this was a victory for size, power and some smart strategy,” writes Duncan Castles.   The Portuguese “succumbed to […]

Germany’s hero of Thursday’s riveting 3-2 quarter-final win over Portugal at the European Championships has a secret adviser. Sebastian Schweinsteiger (or ‘Swinesteiger’, as the ESPN commentators insist on calling him) received a few words of wisdom from German chancellor Angela Merkel while sitting out a suspension in the stands at Germany’s final group game against […]

Stan Kroenke, the billionaire owner of both the Colorado Rapids and the Denver Nuggets, is “in advanced talks” with English Premier League giant Arsenal that would put him in a strong position for a future takeover of the team, writes Nick Harris. Kroenke, who currently owns 12 per cent of the London club’s shares, “will […]