[Berlin_Freeper]

Thanks Ken for this fun item:
A primer on earth’s greatest sporting spectacle, the World Cup

[Berlin_Freeper]

Today:
June 9 in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Ghana vs. South Korea

Tomorrow:
June 10 in East Rutherford, N.J.
Portugal-Ireland

Thursday:
2014 FIFA World Cup Opening Match Preview: Brazil vs Croatia

[Berlin_Freeper]

U.S. will have eyes on Ghana during World Cup tuneup against South Korea at Sun Life Stadium
Ghana and South Korea often play friendlies against each other, but Ghana’s June 16 World Cup opener finds another familiar foe — America. The U.S. saw its 2006 and 2010 World Cups end at Ghana’s feet. A loss to The Black Stars eliminated the U.S. at the group play level in 2006 and, in 2010’s Round of 16, the U.S. lost 2-1 in extra time.

GHANA!

[Berlin_Freeper]

Twitter / Search - World Cup lang:en

[Berlin_Freeper]

Portugal's Ronaldo in line for friendly against Ireland
The 29-year-old forward has missed Portugal's previous two warm-up matches through injury, hindering their preparations for the Brazil tournament and sparking speculation that he might not be fit in time.

But the Real Madrid ace returned to training on Saturday with Paulo Bento's side, who have failed to sparkle in their captain's absence.

Portuguese officials were tight-lipped Sunday about Ronaldo's availability for the Ireland encounter, but forward Vieirinha told reporters: "If he is fit to train, he is fit to play the match."

[Berlin_Freeper]

Jennifer Lopez Pulls Out Of World Cup Opener
Fifa officials say the singer cannot attend Thursday's show because of unspecified "production issues".

The organisation said Cuban-American rapper Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte will sing the official tune We Are One before Brazil takes on Croatia in Sao Paulo.

The song has let down many Brazilians who complain that it sounds too generic for the country's Bossa Nova fans and that it features foreign musicians singing mostly in English and Spanish.

many Brazilians who complain that it sounds too generic for the country's Bossa Nova fans and that it features foreign musicians singing mostly in English and Spanish

.The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Song We Are One (One Big Lie - Ole Ola)

[Berlin_Freeper]

Wayne Rooney scares rivals - David Beckham
Doubts have been raised about the the 28-year-old as he is yet to score in eight previous World Cup appearances.

"If he doesn't score, he is assisting or creating or working hard for the team," said ex-England skipper Beckham.

"I think for opposing teams to see Wayne Rooney on a team sheet - that scares them."

[Berlin_Freeper]

Boots on the ground: A look at World Cup cleats
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Nike, adidas, Puma and other shoemakers are all trotting out new and innovative looks for this summer's World Cup. Gone are the old-school black boots like the fabled Puma Kings worn by Pele.

[Berlin_Freeper]

"We are not the Taliban of a certain style"
Vicente del Bosque has been sharing his views on the World Cup with MARCA. He is convinced that Spain are up to keeping their world title. The Spain manager shrinks from the idea of being the favourites, but still believes that his team is quite capable of once again bringing immense joy to all Spanish people.

[Berlin_Freeper]

America's best and brightest head to Brazil as soccer's biggest event kicks off
Jurgen Klinsmann wasn’t exactly channeling his inner Vince Lombardi when he declared that it is “not possible” for the United States to win the 2014 World Cup. Talk about a buzz kill.

There is something very American about a rah-rah speech to rally the troops. The German-born Klinsmann, though, turned that concept on its proverbial head with his reality based preview that raised just as many eyebrows as did his decision to cut Landon Donovan, the country’s most accomplished player, from the 23-man roster.

Maybe there is a method to Klinsmann’s madness, or perhaps he is just mad.

[Berlin_Freeper]

The World Cup: You can't ignore it

[Berlin_Freeper]

Football boosts health in senior men - Study
Inspired by World Cup fever? For older men who have never played football, it's probably not too late to learn and reap the numerous health benefits, according to researchers who watched a small group of seniors become remarkably fitter.

[kevkrom]

I saw most of the US match against Nigeria. The Eagles pressed our guys pretty hard early, but the center of the defense held pretty solid with the central midfielders really forcing Nigeria to the wings. A much better defensive performance than against Turkey, despite the identical scoreline. Things broke down a bit after about 70 minutes, with the wholesale substitutions, so I wouldn’t read too much into it, but holding on for those last 20-25 minutes in each game is going to be critical.

And thank goodness Jozy Altidore finally put one (and then two!) into the net. If there was ever a time for someone to break out of a slum, it would deb right about now.

[BeadCounter]

I respect former players, managers, other personalities commenting on the World Cup but often I believe it's largely done from a business aspect because every World Cup has these sorts of articles. That's fine because it makes it more interesting to begin with.

World Cup 2014: Wayne Rooney ready to lead England - Del Piero

World Cup 2014: Wayne Rooney scares rivals - David Beckham

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Good for Maradona criticizing possible FIFA corruption

Pele wants to banish the ghost of 1950, wants Uruguay Brazil final

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Chile might be another dark horse to win the whole thing.

Australia Socceroos Wilkinson: We'll keep it cool against Chile