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.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Friday’s World Cup showdowns feature superior sides in Final 8 – Edmonton Journal
Friday’s action features the tougher side of the draw, with Uruguay facing France in the early game, followed by Brazil against Belgium. The two winners face each other in next Tuesday’s semifinal.
Preview: Uruguay v France – FIFA
Uruguay and France meet in the first quarter-final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, a match that promises much and a reunion or two.
Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani likely out of World Cup quarterfinal vs. France – sources – ESPN
Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani is likely to miss his country’s World Cup quarterfinal clash with France on Friday after suffering a calf injury in the victory over Portugal in the round of 16, team sources told ESPN’s Diego Munoz.
Preview: Brazil v Belgium – FIFA
If asked before the kick-off of any FIFA World Cup to predict which team will score the most goals, many people would choose Brazil. After all, A Seleção are traditionally known for their flair for the spectacular, their thirst for goals and their ‘Joga Bonito’. Yet, at Russia 2018, the South Americans’ current total of seven goals puts them fifth in the scoring charts, five behind the top team, Belgium.
Belgium pin hopes on mercurial talent of Hazard – Yahoo Sports
Eden Hazard leads his team into Friday’s World Cup quarter-final match against Brazil on a stage built to showcase his talent but whether Belgium get the full benefit of his mercurial ability is to be seen.
European, South American refs picked for World Cup quarterfinals – Sportsnet
FIFA has picked European and South American referees to handle the World Cup quarterfinals that feature only teams from their regions.
England’s quarter-final venue hit by record-breaking heatwave – The Guardian
Samara, the venue for England’s World Cup quarter-final, has been hit by a record-breaking heatwave in recent days, and the match is likely to be played in temperatures significantly warmer than those at England’s training base outside St Petersburg.
JFA says Nishino will not return as Japan’s coach – Sportsnet
Despite leading his team to a thrilling and unexpected ride at the World Cup, Akira Nishino will not be back as Japan’s coach.
Russia hope to keep the World Cup party going against Croatia – Futbolgrad
The atmosphere in Russia has changed. The tournament started with little, to no, expectations for fans of the Sbornaya. Eight years ago when the country won the rights to host the tournament, the sentiment was that Russia could compete at this tournament. Bad results at tournaments and a series of poor friendlies, however, meant that the expectations slowly declined from winning the World Cup to “let’s reach the quarterfinals”, to “let’s get out of the group” and finally to “we will go out at the group stage.”
Modric dreaming of a Croatian fairy tale – FIFA
New life has been breathed into Croatia after their penalty shoot-out win over Denmark. One player more than most, their talisman, who finally exorcised the ghosts of UEFA EURO 2008 in Vienna ten years ago.
Geiger, Marrufo appointed to referee next phase of World Cup – SBI
Two American referees could be involved in the World Cup’s final matches.
Africa’s highs at the 2018 World Cup – African Football
All five African teams may have been knocked out in the group stage, but there was still some notable high points for the continent’s representatives at the 2018 World Cup.
How the Anderlecht academy helped build Belgium’s World Cup squad – The Guardian
Anderlecht products make up 35% of Belgium’s squad and so far they have scored more goals than the Brazil team.
Douglas Todd: Multicultural Canadians’ World Cup loyalties all over map – Vancouver Sun
The different loyalties of multicultural Canadians are on display in an Angus Reid Institute poll that shows England, Brazil and France are the remaining World Cup 2018 teams with the most Canadian fans.
BC NDP 2026 WORLD CUP SCANDAL
EXCLUSIVE: City of Vancouver documents disprove NDP “Blank Cheque” for Vancouver 2026 World Cup – BC Soccer Web
Documents obtained by BC Soccer Web show that the BC NDP never faced a “blank cheque” scenario on the 2026 World Cup bid, and that FIFA negotiations would be ongoing with all three governments through 2020.
CONCACAF boss ‘disappointed’ with B.C. bailing on 2026 tournament – Toronto Sun
“The BC NDP had assurances,” Montagliani added. “If things weren’t to their liking from a documentation standpoint (they could have walked away by 2020). The reality is they paid no attention to the file,” Montagliani suggested. “They put a junior person on the file. They didn’t pay attention until the eleventh hour.”
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. CHICAGO FIRE
MLS MATCHDAY #19
SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018, 7:30 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
TV: TSN 2 RADIO: BNN/BLOOMBERG 1410 ONLINE: TSN DIRECT
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Chicago Fire | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
The Chicago Fire head to the Pacific Northwest full of confidence, riding a five-match unbeaten streak that has them above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference following a 3-2 win over New York City FC Saturday at home.
Waston’s rep revs up with World Cup turn … and Whitecaps should worry – The Province
Waston’s name was known to millions, but now that the tournament is done, you can start counting that in billions. Scoring on a stage of that magnitude has raised his profile to a towering degree; teams from bigger leagues will inevitably come sniffing for the talented 6-foot-4 defender.
Fewer than 500 tickets remaining for Saturday’s home match vs. Chicago Fire – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that fewer than 500 tickets remain available for Saturday’s home match against Chicago Fire.
Preview: Fire aim to continue unbeaten run Saturday in Vancouver – Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire head to the Pacific Northwest full of confidence, riding a five-match unbeaten streak that has them above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference following a 3-2 win over New York City FC Saturday at home.
Whitecaps gotta go back to go forward?– Soccer Shorts
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that the switch to 4-4-2 turned around the season for the Vancouver Whitecaps. It certainly produced more exciting football and conveniently headed off at the pass the growing clamour of discontent swirling around the club.
From The Pigeon Loft: Lightening up – AFTN
Even the most die hard of those of us who occupy the increasingly rarified air of the Optimists Union can begin to feel the strain of a maintaining a sunny disposition in the midst of an endless fog bank. I began this column a couple of years ago to share the joy of the experience off the pitch, and the truth is that my life as a supporter has almost always ensured that I’ve had a good time at Whitecaps games.
Quintero goes down in Minnesota United lore with best hat trick of career – MLS
Darwin Quintero provided the pre-fireworks show on the 4th of July at TCF Bank Stadium, putting in three master class goals and helping to right the ship for a Minnesota United team that had only won once in the previous seven league matches.
Toronto FC sinks to new low in loss at Minnesota – Toronto Sun
Just call it the Independence Day disaster. Toronto FC’s Fourth of July visit here marked the new low point in a horrific season filled with potential rock bottom moments.
Greg Vanney isn’t going anywhere, and nor should he – Waking the Red
There’s an old, lazy cliché in sports which dictates that any team in crisis can fire their coach to turn things around mid-season. Any kind of struggles that can’t be easily, empirically explained? Must be coaching.
MLS Review: Frei saves Seattle on night of fireworks in MLS – SN
The holiday slate in MLS produced some stunning moments for the Fourth of July.
Sounders FC snaps three-match winless skid with 2-1 road win at Colorado – Sounders FC
A brace from Will Bruin propelled Sounders FC (4-9-3, 15 points) to a 2-1 victory against the Colorado Rapids (4-10-3, 15 points) on Wednesday evening at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Akindele helps FC Dallas rally past Atlanta United 3-2 – Fox Sports
Tesho Akindele scored two late goals, and FC Dallas beat Atlanta United 3-2 on Wednesday night to remain undefeated in 10 home matches this season.
Sporting KC on deflating loss to Real Salt Lake: “It’s embarrassing” – MLS
They may still be near the top of the Western Conference, but after embarking on their first losing streak of the 2018 season, frustration is starting to bubble up for Sporting Kansas City.
French centre back Rod Fanni stays with the Impact – Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact confirmed on Wednesday that French centre back Rod Fanni stays with the club until the end of the 2018 season. His contract also has an option for the 2019 season.
Darren Mattocks’ late equalizer helps D.C. United earn draw vs. LA Galaxy – ESPN
Darren Mattocks equalized in the 85th minute for his career-high eighth goal of the season, and D.C. United overcame an early two-goal deficit to salvage a 2-2 tie against the LA Galaxy on Wednesday night in Carson, Calif.
A look at the Eastern Conference at the halfway point of the MLS season – SBI
The shift of power from the Western Conference to Eastern Conference started last season in Major League Soccer, and the full switch has occurred in 2018.
Fire’s Aleksandar Katai edges Zlatan to win Week 18 Goal of the Week – MLS
Aleksandar Katai is doing everything he can to make himself irreplaceable for the Chicago Fire, scoring four goals in his last three games and tabulating five strikes and two assists since May 30 – and his latest tally just snared AT&T Goal of the Week honors.
David Beckham’s Miami MLS franchise to present stadium plan to city commission – ESPN
David Beckham’s latest soccer plan for Miami might be decided by the city’s voters. His target: a golf course.
Find a Team or Find a Player with BC Soccer Web FREE Classifieds!
BC SOCCER NEWS
Canada Soccer Hall of Famer Nick Dasovic joins men’s soccer staff – SFU
Canada Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Nick Dasovic joins the Simon Fraser University men’s soccer program as an assistant coach, head coach Clint Schneider announced today. The Vancouver, BC native, along with Kevin Harmse and Tyler Baldock, will form the Clan’s coaching staff this Fall to assist Schneider in his fourth-year at the helm.
KYSA TO HOST GIRLS PROVINCIAL B CUP, JULY 5-8 – BC Soccer Web
The Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) will play host to the 2018 Girls Provincial B Cup from July 5-8 at McArthur Island.
Ladysmith athletes earn BC Soccer Premier League titles – Ladysmith Chronicle
A pair of top-level Ladysmith soccer players carried home some heavy hardware after their respective teams claimed provincial titles last month in the BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL).
Richmond welcomes top soccer talent for this week’s Provincial Cup Championships – Richmond News
Action-packed schedule starts Thursday at Boyd and Minoru Parks with teams from across B.C. competing.
Soccer teams complete season on a winning note – Lillooet News
Lillooet soccer teams did themselves proud at the South Cariboo Minor Soccer Association’s (SCMSA) year-end tournament, held June 23-24 in Ashcroft.
Kick for a Cure kicks off Saturday – Tri-City News
Fundraising event for the Michael Cuccione Foundations helps kids with cancer.
Whitecaps host a Skills Camp at Lakeside Pitch – Nelson Daily
Players from throughout the region between the ages of five to 14 are receiving top calibre coaching from Whitecaps FC and academy coaches.
Call for interest for 2018 TD Diploma course – BCSA
Based on the level of interest, BC Soccer is planning to host a 2-day Technical Director’s course in late November or early December of 2018 (dates and location TBA). If you are interested in this course, please let BC Soccer know so they can update you.
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 tickets 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.
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
Hurricanes chosen to host men’s soccer nationals in Cornwall – Journal Pioneer
The Holland College Hurricanes will host the national men’s soccer championship in Cornwall in November. The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) awarded the college the event in June 2017, but the site was only finalized on Tuesday, said Holland College’s director of athletics and recreation. Albert Roche said it also considered the turf at UPEI and in Summerside before committing to stage the event at the Terry Fox Sports Complex.
Hometown players, exciting soccer part of plan for FC Edmonton’s new coach – CBC
‘We’ll entertain the audience … and we’ll play good football,’ says Jeff Paulus.
Facilities at Eric Johnston Field not up to snuff, says Summerside resident – CBC
A Summerside, P.E.I., resident is raising concerns about a lack of parking and washroom facilities at Eric Johnston Field.
Connect with Soccer! Advertise today with BC Soccer Web
USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Fury wins, ruins July 4th for Indy 11 squad – Ottawa Sun
Given the current state of Canada-U.S. relations, the Ottawa Fury FC did nothing to diminish the rift between the nations.
Match Recap: Toronto FC II at Tampa Bay Rowdies – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II fell at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday night on a dampened 4th of July in St. Petersburg, Florida.
USL Western Conference: Midterm progress report – Soc Takes
Instead of using some weird metric to rank and/or predict the World Cup, I’ve been itching to get back to my bread and butter: USL analyses. Today, that itch has been scratched.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
NC Courage 4 – 1 Chicago Red Stars – Dirty South Soccer
The North Carolina Courage followed up their 3-0 victory over the Orlando Pride over the weekend with a 4-1 drubbing of the Chicago Red Stars on the 4th of July. After nearly a two hour delay due to lightning around Shalen’s Stadium at WakeMed Park, the Courage would make yet another statement and perhaps showed that their scoring struggles are behind them.
On and off the field, Crystal Dunn turning heads – Li Herald
“Everyone was playing soccer in Rockville Centre at the time, so I was like ‘My God, I want to play too,’” said Crystal Dunn, a former South Side High School soccer star that has gained national recognition in recent years.
Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger excited to be back, agrees cohesion an issue for club – Pro Soccer USA
Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger is used to just getting back up, no matter how hard she hits the pitch.
The Week in Women’s Football: Oceania Women’s Nations Cup; New Zealand coach close to axe – Tribal Football
This week we look at the draw for the Oceania Women’s Nations Cup, which doubles as the 2019 Women’s World Cup and 2020 Olympic Games qualifiers, with only the winner advancing to France 2019 and Tokyo 2020.
UEFA Women’s Futsal EURO 2019: groups and dates – UEFA
A total of 23 nations have entered the first UEFA Women’s Futsal EURO with qualifying in August and September.
Egypt’s women football referees push for league promotion – Yahoo Sports
On the sidelines of a small football pitch at a university in Cairo, Hanan Hassan remembers starting out as a referee and the response she got from one female player’s mother. “In a loud voice she yelled as she was looking towards me: ‘god bless you my daughter and I hope that my own daughter becomes like you’,” Hassan recalls, proudly.
Meeting my footballing hero, Mercy Akide – BBC Sport
Every week, BBC Sport Africa on goes on a worldwide hunt to find Africa’s trendiest sport stars in its lifestyle segment called ‘Who Am I?’ This week, after an extensive search for a Nigerian personality who brought home accolades, while staying true to ‘Naija jollof’, we found our woman – in the form of Nigerian footballer Mercy Akide.
Find a Team or Find a Player with BC Soccer Web FREE Classifieds!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Former Juve CEO Moggi believes Ronaldo has “already signed” deal – NBC Sports
The firestorm of Cristiano Ronaldo news has turned some attention away from the World Cup, and the Portuguese star is believed to be closing in on a deal in Italy.
Real Madrid stunned as Ronaldo agrees to join Juventus – SN
Goal can confirm the 33-year-old is close to completing a move to the Serie A side, having already reached an agreement over a four-year contract worth €30 million (£26.5m/$35m) per season.
Report: Spurs place $58 million bid for U.S. star Christian Pulisic – NBC Sports
Christian Pulisic’s stock has risen exponentially over the last two seasons in Germany, and with a number of Premier League clubs waiting in the wings to swoop up the American star it seems like only a matter of time until he moves to England.
Uruguay’s Torreira ready for ‘scary’ Arsenal move – SN
Goal recently revealed that the Gunners will sign Torreira, who has started in Uruguay’s last two World Cup games, from Sampdoria once the midfielder’s campaign in Russia is over.
Spain want Belgium’s Roberto Martinez – Football Espana
The Spanish FA have prioritised talks with Belgium manager Roberto Martinez to take the national team role with Spain, say reports.
Bournemouth pay £4.75m to settle Financial Fair Play dispute – BBC Sport
Bournemouth will pay £4.75m to the Football League to settle a Financial Fair Play (FFP) dispute, arising from their promotion to the Premier League in the 2014-15 season.
West Ham in talks to sign Jack Wilshere on three-year deal – The Guardian
West Ham are in talks to sign Jack Wilshere on a three-year deal after the midfielder’s departure from Arsenal as a free agent.
Rangers’ King flirts with contempt proceedings after failure to complete £11m share order – Inside World Football
The increasingly bitter feud between the chairman of Glasgow giants Rangers Dave King and the club’s so-called Takeover Panel has escalated, with King facing possible contempt of court proceedings for failing to comply with a judge-ordered £11 million bid for the club’s shares.
Fourth substitute to be allowed in extra time of Champions League final – BBC Sport
Teams will be able to use a fourth substitute in extra time in next season’s Champions League and Europa League, Uefa has announced. Clubs can also list 12 substitutes on teamsheets, rather than the current seven, in the finals.
Grappling, dissent and aggressive behaviour to be tackled by lawmakers – ESPN
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is to look at ways of clamping down on poor behaviour on the pitch, from grappling inside the penalty area to the way players surround officials to protest against decisions.