BC SOCCER WEB WORLD CUP CENTRAL
Every day, we’ll bring you all of scores, news and best writing from around the web from the 2018 World Cup.
THURSDAY MATCHES
June 14
GROUP A
RUSSIA 5 SAUDI ARABIA 0
UPCOMING MATCHES
Friday, June 15
GROUP A & B
EGYPT vs. URUGUAY, 4:00 AM PT, (TSN)
MOROCCO vs. IRAN, 7:30 AM PT (TSN)
PORTUGAL vs. SPAIN, 10:30 AM PT, (TSN)
Hosts Russia hammer Saudi Arabia in World Cup opener – NBC Sports
Hosts Russia got off to a perfect start as they beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game of the 2018 World Cup in Moscow.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Portugal leans on Ronaldo to reign over favoured Spain – Ottawa Citizen
Friday will feature the first full day of action at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with three games in Russia.
Santos and Portugal not expecting Spanish surprises after Lopetegui exit – Four Four Two
Fernando Santos and Portugal are not anticipating any surprises from their neighbours Spain following the shock axing of Julen Lopetegui.
Spain still have World Cup chance despite Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal – Toni Kroos – ESPN
Germany midfielder Toni Kroos said he does not believe Spain’s chances at the World Cup have been hurt by Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal two days before their opener against Portugal.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah to play in World Cup opener – London Free Press
Egypt coach Hector Cuper says he is “very optimistic” that Mohamed Salah will play in his team’s World Cup opener against Uruguay.
Suarez has matured since 2014 claims Uruguay boss Tabarez – Four Four Two
Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez insists Luis Suarez’s previous World Cup controversies have helped the Barcelona striker mature as a player.
Avoid complacency and Germany should be kings of the world again – The Guardian
In his first Guardian World Cup column, the former Germany international says recent displays suggest Joachim Löw’s team may have taken their eyes off the ball.
VIDEO: Pura Vida: Kendall Waston’s journey to the World Cup (Part 1) – Whitecaps FC
In the first of a three-part series on Kendall Waston’s journey to the World Cup, Waston and his family share the emotional story of his upbringing in Limón, Costa Rica.
10 Things About MLS veteran and two-time World Cup referee Mark Geiger – MLS
Veteran MLS referee Mark Geiger is in Russia, the most experienced member of the five-member delegation of American and Canadian referees from the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) selected by the FIFA Referees Committee for the 2018 World Cup.
British singer Robbie Williams turns heads with gesture during pre-World Cup set – Delta Optimist
British singer Robbie Williams had social media aflutter Thursday when he flipped off a global TV audience in the opening ceremony of the World Cup.
Distance no object for Senegalese dreamers – FIFA
Now aged 24 and 25 respectively, Billmahmuud and Moustapha were only boys when Senegal contested their first FIFA World Cup in 2002 – their only one to date – and were far too young to travel to Korea Republic and Japan to cheer on the Lions of Teranga. Sixteen years on, they have made the journey to Russia to celebrate Senegal’s return to the global stage.
The complexity of supporting El Tri on the US-Mexico border – The Guardian
When ‘who do you support?’ is a proxy for ‘who are you?’, the debate can be especially personal for football fans during the World Cup
World Cup Dictatorships | Part 4: Russia – Eighty-Six Forever
Next in our series on World Cup Dictatorship is host Russia.
Restaurants, bars bank on positive World Cup result – Business in Vancouver
Vancouver’s Little Italy along the north end of Commercial Drive has long been the city’s soccer celebration hub. But without Italy’s presence in the World Cup, will that attendance be affected?
Time difference does World Cup fans in Vancouver no favours, but establishments plan on showing at least late-morning games – Vancouver Sun
Pubs such as Doolin’s are used to hosting an assortment of fans of different nationalities before Vancouver Whitecaps games, international CONCACAF matches hosted by Canada’s men’s team and the 2015 women’s Cup, which played its final at B.C. Place Stadium. Doolin’s liquor licence allows them to start serving booze and beer at 9 a.m. at the earliest, but they’ll open their doors at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, for the Cup final.
WORLD CUP GROUP PREVIEWS
2018 World Cup Group A Preview: Uruguay Favored; All Eyes on Salah, Hosts – SI.com
Like all good hosts should, Russia is in Group A to make everyone else feel comfortable. With Uruguay the favorite to advance out of the group, Egypt hopeful it will have a fully fit Mohamed Salah and Saudi Arabia considered an even match, Russia has its work cut out to avoid embarrassment on home soil at the 2018 World Cup.
World Cup Group B preview: Cristiano Ronaldo has a pretty clear path to advance – L.A. Times
Portugal is joined by Spain, Iran and Morocco in Group B of the World Cup in Russia. Here’s a look at each team.
World Cup 2018 Group C preview: France … and then who? – Yahoo Sports
It’s basically a beefed-up version of Group A. France, barring a meltdown, should go through. Australia, barring the invention of a potion that makes Tim Cahill 10 years younger, probably won’t. That leaves Denmark and Peru as the two candidates for one knockout round spot. They square off on the third day of the tournament – the first of Group C. Their matchup will set the tone for the remainder of the round robin.
2018 World Cup Group D Preview: Argentina, Croatia Class of Deadly Group – SI.com
Not every team at the World Cup feels worthy of knockout stage competition, but Group D is unique: Argentina, Iceland, Nigeria and Croatia are all capable of making a run, at least to the round of 16. But for the Group D favorite, Argentina, nothing short of a trophy will satisfy.
2018 World Cup Group E Preview: It’s Brazil and Three Challengers for Second – SI.com
Group E at Russia’s 2018 World Cup isn’t the most star-laden or high-profile, but there’s an argument to be made for all four sides to go through, paced by one giant and three capable contenders. Brazil will go through barring disaster—when combining talent and recent form, Brazil is arguably the team to beat across the entire tournament.
Group F World Cup Preview: Germany’s trend-snapping quest; skipper’s record-breaking feat – Fox Sports
2014 winners Germany will be looking to avoid making the same mistake that Spain and Italy did as holders, by not making it out of the group stage.
World Cup Group G Preview: two giants against two rookies – Chicago Tribune
The moment of truth has arrived for a Belgium side filled with talent. After enduring lackluster World Cups, the Belgians once again provide hope like they did in Mexico 1986 when they reached the semifinals.
World Cup 2018: your guide to Group H – Irish Times
This looks to be one of the most even groups with all four teams laying claim to last 16 spots.
Your complete guide to all 736 players at the 2018 World Cup – The Guardian
Biographies of every player in all 32 squads in Russia, including caps, goals, nicknames, hobbies and, once the tournament starts, ratings for every performance.
HOW TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP
FIFA World Cup on TSN and CTV – Broadcast Schedule – TSN
All matches will be broadcast live on TSN, CTV, TSN 2.
Best places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver – Daily Hive
Even though the Canadian men’s national team didn’t qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Canucks still love to watch the tournament along with the rest of the world (especially when there is food and beer involved).
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #17
SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018, 2:00 PM PT
PPL PARK, CHESTER, PA.
MLS Recap: Atlanta United Stay Hot While D.C. and Toronto Draw in Eight-Goal Thriller – SI.com
Josef Martinez scored his MLS-leading 14th goal of the season, Hector Villalba added a goal in the 82nd minute and Atlanta United beat the Columbus Crew 2-0 on Wednesday night.
Piatti’s two goals lead way as Impact slips and slides to a soggy 3-0 win – Montreal Gazette
Impact crawl closer to a playoff spot as Piatti snaps personal five-game goalless streak. Montreal faces Orlando again next week.
Nick Hagglund’s late brace helps Toronto erase three-goal deficit, earn draw with D.C. United – ESPN
Two late goals from defender Nick Hagglund twice saved Toronto FC in a wild 4-4 draw against D.C. United on Wednesday night at BMO Field.
Red Bulls Edge the Sounders – Once a Metro
A solid effort by the Red Bulls, but wasted too many chances.
Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez nabs Week 15 Goal of the Week honors – MLS
Josef Martinez is scoring goals at a pace effectively unmatched in the league’s history, and he’s racking up other milestones and honors along the way.
Despite soccer hysteria, Revs remain shut out – Boston Herald
The World Cup came to Foxboro Stadium in 1994. It was glorious. Since then? Crickets. Nearly a quarter of a century later, millions of sports fans from Bangor to Bridgeport lack any emotional attachment to the New England Revolution, Robert Kraft’s pro soccer team that debuted in 1996 in the World Cup’s aftermath.
AJ DeLaGaraza: Luca – The Players’ Tribune
“Soccer became a getaway for me, a place where I could go and, at least for a couple of hours, escape from all the fears I had about our son.”
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Excitement, disappointment in B.C. as North America announced World Cup host – News 1130
When World Cup soccer comes to North America, Vancouver will be on the sidelines, creating mixed feelings for leaders in sports, business and politics.
Whitecaps FC Girls Elite team begin England trip vs. Sunderland AFC – Whitecaps FC
The Whitecaps FC U-16 Girls Elite team, in partnership with BC Soccer, have journeyed out on a tour of England this June to play a series of matches at St.George’s Park, the England FA’s national football centre.
Where are they now? The B.C. boys who led Canada to its only World Cup appearance – CBC
Canada’s 1986 World Cup squad was built on a backbone of B.C.-born or -raised players — including its captain and two longest-serving players — who comprised 13 of the squad’s 22 roster spots.
Kamloops youth soccer expects boost from 2026 World Cup – CJFC
“It’s been something that’s been on my bucket list for a long time,” said Kamloops Youth Soccer Association President Keith Liddiard. “So that will be a thrill to go and see some games in one of the three Canadian cities that are going to be hosting the games.”
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: KYSA seeks an Executive Director (PDF File) – KYSA
Kamloops Youth Soccer Association has an exciting opprtunity available for an Executive Director.
PHOTOS: BC Provincial Men’s A Cup: BCT Rovers Tigers Utd. 5, Langley Utd. 2 (XT) – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.
TSS Rovers release Season Tickets for the 2018 season – TSS Rovers
A great summer of soccer is in store at Swangard Stadium with the PDL & WPSL TSS Rovers. Season yickets are only $70.
Victoria Highlanders FC 2018 Season Tickets now on sale – Victoria Highlanders
Spend your summer with the PDL Highlanders at Centennial Stadium for only $75.
Canada’s College ID Camps set for Shawnigan Lake & Kingston, Ontario – Canada College ID Camps
Our purpose is to provide a space where players grade 9-12 can connect with college coaches from all levels in Canada and the USA. We hope to assist in the promotion of youth players into environments which will challenge them academically and athletically after high school.
Becoming a BC Soccer Referee – BCSA
Whether you are an experienced referee new to British Columbia or if you are new to the discipline of refereeing BC Soccer Assoc. has a clinic and a pathway for you. The minimum age to become a referee is 12 years old (small sided) and 14 years old (11-a-side). Please enjoy the short video showcasing some Referee programs that BC Soccer offers and continue below for more on how to become a referee in BC!
Free Physiotherapy Clinical Trial for Achilles Pain at UBC – UBC Centre for Hip Health & Mobility
Do you have Achilles pain? Interested in free Physiotherapy? If yes, join our clinical trial to look at the effectiveness of intramuscular stimulation (IMS), a form of acupuncture therapy, in treating Achilles tendon pain.
The BC Soccer Web Guide to Empire Field – BC Soccer Web
Empire Fields and Plateau Sports Park is the lofty and formal name given to Vancouver’s newest addition to the soccer scene. Yet, anyone who’s ever kicked or carried both kinds of footballs around these parts knows the place by heart.
Introducing BC Soccer Web Syndication – BC Soccer Web
You can now add BC Soccer Web news to your website simply by adding our new RSS Feed! Find out more.
Send your Soccer News to BC Soccer Web! – BC Soccer Web
BC Soccer Web is the hub for soccer in British Columbia. We want to share your soccer news with the entire province, and you can help by letting us know! We want your match reports, club news, league standings, and info on upcoming tournaments and clinics. Whether you submit links to existing news on the web, or your own original writing, we want to share it with the soccer community in B.C.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
World Cup a soccer gift that could keep giving for Canada – Sportsnet
“It’s officially football Christmas for Canada,” said John Herdman, head coach of the national men’s team. “It’s one of those mornings, you wonder if Santa’s going to come. And he absolutely did this morning.”
Getting 2026 World Cup ‘a game-changer’ for Canada – Times Colonist
Words like “game-changer” and “watershed” are routinely being used after the United Bid of Canada, Mexico and U.S. won the right Wednesday to host the 2026 World Cup.
Canada will ride enormous wave of soccer support into 2026 World Cup – Sportsnet
Soccer happened in America, without anyone holding a press conference to announce it. It’s upside, it’s potential for growth, is far greater than it is for hockey or football or baseball (basketball is the only thing close). Now, with the triumph of the United Bid for 2026, it is about to catch an enormous wave that may be felt more in Canada than anywhere else.
World Cup and Winter Olympics? 2026 would be a historic sports year for Canada – CBC
Calgary yet to greenlight 2026 Olympic bid, but Canada tapped to co-host 2026 World Cup with Mexico and U.S.
World Cup coming to Montreal in 2026 is a ‘Bloody Big Deal’ – Montreal Gazette
A new retractable roof, estimated to cost between $200 million and $300 million, and a grass playing surface will be added to Olympic Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will definitely have many Montrealers shaking their heads. But Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard had already announced last November that the provincial government had given the go-ahead to spend at least $200 million to replace the roof and Montreal city councillor Rosannie Filato said Wednesday that the World Cup games should generate an estimated $200 million for the city.
Edmonton’s chances to host FIFA games hinge on provincial funding, mayor says – CBC
Edmonton is part of the winning bid to host the men’s 2026 FIFA World Cup but getting teams on the actual turf at Commonwealth Stadium is not a guarantee.
Canadian Premier League hopes to capitalize on ‘rising tide effect’ from 2026 World Cup – Chronicle Herald
For an upstart league looking to generate buzz ahead of its kickoff next spring, the timing of the 2026 World Cup host announcement appears to be ideal for the Canadian Premier League. The CPL plans to begin play in April with eight teams across the country.
Could Newfoundland experience a bit of the 2026 World Cup? – The Telegram
NLSA president suggests province’s geographic location might be attractive to some countries who will be looking for pre-event training sites
Canadian cities will regret World Cup absence in 2026 – Toronto Sun
Their only disappointment could end up being that more Canadian cities won’t be involved when the world comes to Canada eight years from now.
Politicians welcome chance to host World Cup games – Our Windsor
The chance to co-host the 2026 World Cup is an opportunity to put Canada on the world stage, politicians said Wednesday after soccer’s international governing body voted in favour of a joint North American bid for the event.
The loser when Canada gets the World Cup is the women’s game – Globe & Mail
Canada is one of those rare countries where men who are soccer supporters will wear the shirt of a female player as a badge of honour. That’s because Christine Sinclair is the best soccer player, male or female, this country has produced and one of the best in the world for a decade. Something is being squandered – that goodwill, that status the women’s team acquired – when the male game suddenly triumphs in public attention and sustenance.
AS Blainville advances in Canadian Championships with 1-0 win over Oakville – Nanaimo News Now
Diyaeddine Abzi scored in the added time of the first half as AS Blainville topped the Oakville Blue Devils 1-0 on Wednesday to win the qualifying round of the expanded Canadian Championship. AS Blainville won the two-leg round with an aggregate score of 3-1.
Blainville beats Blue Devils, sets up date with the Ottawa Fury – the11.ca
Until Wednesday night, if you’d heard of Diyaeddine Abzi, it was likely because of his reputation as a futsal player. He’s made one appearance for Canada’s national futsal side — against Costa Rica. In 2017, he was the top scorer at the Canadian Futsal Championship.
Tate Newmarch was on his way to becoming a soccer star, but an injury led him to U of T – and now medical school – U. of Toronto
Tate Newmarch was 14 when he travelled from Canada to France with his agent to tour youth soccer clubs. At 15, he was training in Troyes, before moving to Nice and finally signing with Monaco. He was on his way to fulfilling his dream of being a soccer star. Things took an unexpected turn when a serious injury to his pelvic area put him out of the game for 2½ years.
Locals tired of yelling, swearing and fighting want earlier curfew for Upper Beach soccer pitch – CBC
As fans welcome the news that Toronto will be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a different sort of head-to-head soccer match is unfolding in the Upper Beach. On one side, the Toronto District Catholic School Board, which recently opened a state-of-the-art soccer field at St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School — a field that meets FIFA specifications. On the other, residents of neighbouring Torbrick Road, who say noise, swearing and excessive lighting during evening games are keeping them up at night.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Los Zorros fall to Republic FC in Highway 99 Derby – Fresno FC
It was a disappointing evening in downtown Fresno as the Foxes fell to Sacramento Republic FC, 1-0, in the first Highway 99 Derby held Wednesday night at Chukchansi Park.
El Paso USL soccer team signs El Paso’s Omar Salgado, a former MLS top draft pick – El Paso Times
El Paso’s USL soccer team is 10 months away from kickoff, but without even having a name it’s off to a perfect start by snagging the biggest soccer name in this city: Omar Salgado.
Phoenix Rising FC rolls through Lights FC, Ricardo Ferrino – Review-Journal
Phoenix’s high-powered offense rolled past the Lights 4-0 in Tempe, Arizona, despite Ferrino’s best efforts, getting a potential rivalry off to an ugly start. Rising FC (8-3-4) is one of only two clubs Las Vegas will see three times this season, although once was likely enough for the Lights (3-5-4).
Match report: FC Cincinnati 2-2 Bethlehem Steel – Philly Soccer Page
The man seemingly forgotten by the Philadelphia Union would not be forgotten on this night by the 22,407 on hand at F.C. Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Takeaways from USWNT Friendlies – Vavel
The most recent friendlies against China raises concern for the future United States Women’s National Team roster.
World Cup 2019 qualification – Group 2: Scotland twice come from behind to keep hopes alive – Vavel
All the action from June’s qualifiers in Group 2.
World Cup 2019 qualification – Group 3: Norway sink Republic of Ireland twice in five days – Vavel
Netherlands leave it late in Heerenveen.
World Cup 2019 qualification – Group 4: Denmark score ten in two to close gap on Sweden – Vavel
Ukraine hold out for historic win in Lviv.
Making the case for Christen Press to play for Utah Royals FC – RSL Soapbox
Why Utah Royals FC should try to trade for the USWNT forward.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Premier League fixtures 2018-19: Man City visit Arsenal on opening weekend – BBC Sport
Champions Manchester City will travel to Arsenal on the weekend of 11-12 August for their opening match of the 2018-19 Premier League season.
Antoine Griezmann’s Atletico Madrid-Barcelona ‘Decision’ to be revealed in TV special – ESPN
Antoine Griezmann is set to announce if he will stay at Atletico Madrid or join Barcelona on Thursday in a Spanish television special called “The Decision.”
Sporting meltdown casts shadow over Portugal’s World Cup buildup – The Guardian
The chaos at the Lisbon club, where staff have been attacked and whose president’s outbursts have sparked player unrest, has been an unwelcome distraction for Portugal.
US gets Russia’s World Cup vote as logic trumps politics – Yahoo Sports
The United States was able to celebrate a World Cup victory in Russia after all. Thanks to assistance from the host nation at a FIFA Congress addressed by President Vladimir Putin.
World Cup 2030: England-led home nations bid definitely on the radar – Stewart Regan – BBC Sport
An English-led home nations bid for the 2030 World Cup is “definitely on the radar”, says former Scottish Football Association boss Stewart Regan.