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.
UPCOMING MATCHES
Thursday, June 14
GROUP A
RUSSIA vs. SAUDI ARABIA, 7:00 AM PT (CTV, TSN)
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)
Morocco and Iran open Group B in St. Petersburg – Futbolgrad
Group B will kickoff with the two outsiders facing each other on the Krestovsky Island in Saint Petersburg. Both Morocco and Iran are only given outsider chances in what is a difficult group that also includes 2010 world champions Spain and current European champion Portugal.
Japan 4, Paraguay 2 – BBC Sport
Shinji Kagawa scored and provided two assists as Japan came from behind to beat Paraguay 4-2 in their final World Cup warm-up match in Austria.
Vancouver’s Efrain Juarez expecting a big World Cup from native Mexico – MLS
It’s a very big week for Mexican soccer. Wednesday is decision day, when everyone finds out if the United bid by Mexico, the US, and Canada is successful in its attempt to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Four days later, either fueled by excitement or disappointment, the Mexico national team will take to the pitch in Moscow to face defending champions Germany in their opening group game of this year’s World Cup.
Costa Rica better off with Major League Soccer’s influence – ESPN
On Sunday, Costa Rica will make their fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage at the World Cup — the Ticos’ fourth in the last five editions.
After series of heartbreaks, Panama prepares for World Cup debut in Russia – The Star
You couldn’t blame Panamanians for pausing to pinch themselves in the midst of the revelry though, just to make sure they’re not dreaming. The country appeared to have a ticket punched to the World Cup four years ago, only to have it slip through their fingers when the U.S. scored twice in stoppage time of the final CONCACAF qualifier, eliminating Panama and opening the way for Mexico to go to Brazil instead.
Eriksen’s Denmark not a one-man show, says coach Hareide – Yahoo Sports
Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen is Denmark’s standout star but the Nordic side are far from a one-man team, coach Age Hareide said on Tuesday. Nicknamed “King Christian”, Eriksen is one of the top players in the Premier League and has been voted Danish footballer of the year four times.
Nestor Pitana to referee the Opening Match of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia – FIFA
Argentina’s Nestor Pitana has been assigned as the referee for the Opening Match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup between Russia and Saudi Arabia on Thursday 12 June at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. He will be assisted by compatriots Juan Pablo Bellati and Hernan Maidana, with Sandro Ricci from Brazil designated as the fourth official.
Salah meeting with Chechen leader raises red flags – Sportsnet
The Moscow-backed former rebel had a favour to ask of Salah: Could he accompany him for the short drive to the stadium where the rest of Egypt’s World Cup squad was training and several thousand local fans were in attendance?
With all eyes on Russia for the World Cup, officials aim to stamp out racism in the stands – CBC
With the World Cup about to kick off this week in 11 Russian cities, the country’s notoriously poorly behaved soccer fans are facing as much pressure as their beleaguered national team to up their game for the tournament.
Despite not playing, U.S. leads World Cup flight booking growth to Russia – Yahoo Sports
They may not have qualified for the tournament, but travellers from the United States are among those most gripped by World Cup fever in terms of flight bookings to Russia, with bookings up 66 percent, data showed on Tuesday.
World Cup 2018: 32 fans from 32 countries preview the tournament – The Guardian
Supporters from every country that qualified share their hopes and expectations for Russia 2018.
What team should you cheer for at the 2018 World Cup? – Sportsnet
With the 2018 FIFA World Cup set to kick off in a few days you’ve likely seen many displays of patriotism around you in anticipation of the world’s biggest sporting event. However, if you don’t have affiliated heritage with any of the 32 teams it can be a little difficult to really get invested. If you fall into this category, but still want to cheer and follow a team in the tournament, have no fear because we’ve got you covered.
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).
BC Soccer News, Tuesday, June 12, 2018
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 5 ORLANDO CITY SC 2
MLS MATCHDAY #16
SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
Episode 275 – The AFTN Soccer Show (System Addict with guests Stefan Marinovic, Simon Colyn, and Marco Carducci) – AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps head into their bye week (call it what it is) unbeaten in six and starting to find some attacking form. The defence is still looking a bit dodgy and they still struggle at times when they have a man advantage, but there’s a lot more optimistic feel around the place than it was perhaps a month ago.
MLS Team of the Week: Alphonso Davies shines in Week 15 – MLS
Eleven teams were represented in the starting XI, and an additional three were included in the 18. Teams with more than one representative include Sporting KC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, New York City FC and the LA Galaxy.
AUDIO: Could Whitecaps make millions on a transfer sale of Alphonso Davies? – Sportsnet
Soccer analyst joined Sportsnet 650 to marvel over the breakout talent we’re witnessing in teenager Alphonso Davies, and wonders if the Vancouver Whitecaps could make a lot of money in a transfer deal for him.
Toronto FC sets sights on D.C. United, starting win streak – Fox Sports
There hasn’t been much for Toronto FC to enjoy so far this season. But with points in consecutive games, the defending MLS Cup champion hopes to hit the World Cup break on a high note.
MLSE’s top dealmaker Hopkinson leaving for Real Madrid – TSN
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment chief commercial officer Dave Hopkinson is quitting Canada’s largest sports holding company to run the business operations of Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid, TSN has learned.
Orlando City wading through longest road swing since joining MLS – Pro Soccer USA
The club is in the middle of a five-match road trip, its longest since joining MLS in 2015. The trip consists of three MLS matches and two in the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The entire team traveled for the middle section of the road trip – matches against Miami United, Vancouver and Montreal.
Atlanta United, Crew aim for win after weekend draws – Fox Sports
Atlanta United and Columbus Crew SC, who play in Ohio’s capital city on Wednesday, each had 1-1 ties on Saturday but came away with different perspectives.
MLS to face Tigres in 2018 MLS Homegrown Game – MLS
Major League Soccer today announced that the MLS Homegrown Team will take on Tigres UANL, the reigning Mexican league’s Under-20 champion, in the fifth annual MLS Homegrown Game.
Chicharito: I’d rather earn $5 million in Spain than $10 million in MLS – SBI
When posed with the question if he’d rather earn $10 million playing in MLS or $5 million playing in Spain, the Mexico international chose the latter.
Nashville fair board approves plan for reimagined fairgrounds with MLS stadium – Tennessean
A dramatic overhaul of the Nashville fairgrounds anchored by a new Major League Soccer stadium and private development took a major step forward after getting a nod of approval by the Metro Board of Fair Commissioners on Tuesday.
MLSinSA: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly In San Antonio And Austin – MLS in SA
Since that late-night lightning bolt all those months ago that instantly changed MLSinSA forever, the future has remained clear as mud. That bolt, of course, was Grant Wahl’s Oct. 16, 2017 tweet revealing Columbus owner Anthony Precourt’s double-secret contractual clause allowing him to move the Crew to Austin. The immediate question that emerged and still exists to this day is how is this even possible when San Antonio is in the midst of a methodical MLS-sanctioned 12-city expansion process?
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Residency Report: U-15s win Northwest Division crown – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC U-15 boys Residency played their final match of the season on Sunday, finishing in a 2-2 draw against rivals Seattle Sounders FC at the National Soccer Development Centre at UBC. Ryan Edwards and Kam Habibullah recorded the goals for the Blue and White.
SFU men’s soccer welcomes Eric de Graaf to Burnaby Mountain – SFU
Simon Fraser University men’s soccer welcomes Eric de Graaf to Burnaby Mountain, head coach Clint Schneider announced today. He is the Clan’s latest addition to one of the strongest recruiting classes in years.
Soccer talent takes it to varsity level – Comox Valley Record
Olivia Sellentin signed a contract in January to attend St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, where she will play for the women’s soccer team. She leaves Aug. 19 for training.
KEYSA Indoor facility location open house June 20 – E-Know
The City of Cranbrook is examining a number of areas of the community to erect an indoor sports facility/dome – a project spearheaded by the Kootenay East Youth Soccer Association (KEYSA).
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
Wednesday could be the biggest day in Canadian soccer history – TSN
Victor Montagliani doesn’t even put his suitcase away when he’s home. The president of CONCACAF was back in his British Columbia house in the middle of last week for a rare few days following another long spell on the road that is simply part of the job.
‘United 2026’ should host World Cup, but FIFA has surprised before – Global
You can’t blame soccer fans in Canada if they seem a little nervous. As we approach the eve of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Canada is on the cusp of grabbing a slice of soccer’s biggest stage.
World Cup bounce might play well in Canada – The Star
If the United 2026 bid is greenlit by the FIFA congress, 13-year-old Canadian boys can start dreaming about playing in a World Cup on home soil. An eight-year campaign to promote soccer in Canada can begin, perhaps cracking the global consciousness and the upper echelon of professional sport in this country, where hockey reigns supreme.
From the dinner table to FIFA Council vote, how Canada’s World Cup bid evolved – Squamish Chief
It started in November 2010 with a meal at Vancouver’s Il Giardino restaurant. Victor Montagliani, then vice-president of the Canadian Soccer Association, and Peter Montopoli, the association’s general secretary, were sharing a meal with mentor Walter Sieber — director-general of sports at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and a man plugged into the world governing body of soccer.
Winning World Cup bid would be enormous for Alberta – Edmonton Sun
A joint submission by Canada, Mexico and the United States, with Edmonton as a possible host city, is up against Morocco for the right to hold the event.
How will the 2026 World Cup vote work? – NBC Sports
The vote for who will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place in Moscow on Wednesday, June 13 during the 68th FIFA Congress as the North American bid and Morocco go head-to-head.
2026 World Cup Vote Tracker: It’s Morocco vs. North America – NY Times
FIFA will hold a vote on Wednesday in Moscow to pick the host for the 2026 World Cup. It is the first such decision in eight years, and world soccer’s governing body surely hopes it goes better than the last one.
Soccer fans rise to the occasion – Canstar Community News
A contingent of soccer fanatics are preparing their battle songs for the day Valour FC takes the pitch in Winnipeg. Red River Rising is the supporters group for the city’s new Canadian Premier League professional men’s soccer team, Valour Football Club.
Londoner’s soccer road about as different as any taken – London Free Press
There’s taking the road less travelling and then there’s taking the road virtually no one travels.
2018 Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame class has a little bit of everything. – Truro Daily News
mong the inductees are a number of female trailblazers, a legendary basketball team, a horse, Olympians and dedicated coaches. Going in as athletes are soccer player Mary Beth Bowie, gymnast Kristan Burley, basketball star Anna Stammberger and harness racing’s Somebeachsomewhere.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
USL Q&A – Julian de Guzman, Ottawa Fury FC – USL
Ottawa’s General Manager talks representing Canada, the World Cup bid and Fury FC’s Canadian project.
USL’s Week Ahead – Packed Schedule Brings Bumper Week of Action – USL
Twenty-three games across six days include numerous key matchups in either conference.
Phoenix Rising head coach Patrice Carteron leaving Club – Sports 360 AZ
Phoenix Rising head coach Patrice Carteron is leaving Rising to become head coach of the Al Ahly SC of the Egyptian Premier League, Rising announced on Tuesday.
Preview: Rangers host first-place Monarchs on Wednesday at Children’s Mercy Park – Sporting KC
One week after Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake met in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, both teams’ USL sides will face off as the Swope Park Rangers (6-3-4, 6th place) host Real Monarchs (10-2-1, 1st place) at 7:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
The Week in Women’s Football: A comprehensive 2018 NWSL mid-season review – Tribal Football
This week we look at the first half of the NWSL season as the league took a national team break for UEFA and CAF World Cup Qualifiers and North American national team friendlies; most teams have played between 10-12 matches of their 24 game season.
2019 Women’s World Cup Qualification: Italy thrash Portugal and seal World Cup spot – Vavel
Milena Bertolini’s clan put on a majestic display to secure their tickets to their first World Cup in two decades.
AC Milan to compete in women’s Serie A for first time – Eurosport
AC Milan’s women’s team will compete in Italian Serie A from next season after the club bought out Brescia’s league licence, Milan said.
England have reasons to believe looking ahead to Women’s World Cup – The Guardian
Phil Neville has made a quietly impressive start as manager and Lucy Bronze has grown in stature but there are still faults to be ironed out in time for next year’s tournament in France.
Elephants miss out as Africa’s race for France intensifies – FIFA
The line-up for the continental finals is now complete, with seven teams emerging from the qualifying competition to join hosts Ghana. There were no surprises in the second-round ties, with one notable exception.
China match provides chance at redemption for USWNT midfield, defense – SBI
The U.S. Women’s National Team will look to its second game against China on Tuesday at Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Stadium as an attempt to fix some of the problems from the team’s last meeting just five days earlier.
Neil Redfearn named as Liverpool Ladies boss – Sky Sports
Liverpool Ladies have appointed Doncaster Belles manager Neil Redfearn as their new boss.
QPR Ladies renamed QPR Women – QPR
The new name reflects the very exciting movement with The FA and women’s football.
WSL 2 2017-18 season review – Vavel
A look back at a topsy-turvy season in the last year as “WSL 2”.
Orlando Pride star Alex Morgan makes movie debut in ‘Alex & Me’ – Pro Soccer USA
Morgan’s debut feature film “Alex & Me” is available Tuesday via digital distribution. It stars Morgan as herself alongside 13-year-old Siena Agudong (Nickelodeon’s “Star Falls”). Agudong plays Reagan Willis, who has dreams of becoming a soccer player like Morgan, who shows up in the teenager’s bedroom after Reagan bumps her head. Morgan then trains Reagan.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Julen Lopetegui: Real Madrid name Spain manager as new head coach – BBC Sport
Real Madrid have appointed Spain manager Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach on a three-year deal.
Zinedine Zidane unsure on future after leaving Real Madrid amid France links – ESPN
Zinedine Zidane has said he is enjoying resting after leaving Real Madrid, amid reports linking him with the France national team.
Vieira takes reigns at Nice – Ligue 1
OGC Nice have announced Patrick Vieira as their new head coach, the France and Arsenal legend returning to France after 22 years, taking over from Lucien Favre on a three-year deal.
Griezmann stalls on revealing club future – Four Four Two
Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann is keeping fans guessing over his club future.
Joao Mario warns Sporting stars: Don’t go to Serie A! – Four Four Two
Portugal’s Joao Mario has endured a tough time at Inter, and he does not want any of his international team-mates to similarly suffer.
Football Association to launch stadium ownership review with government support – BBC Sport
The Football Association and the government will start a review into the ownership of football stadiums to help protect the interests of English clubs.
FIFA 19 will feature the UEFA Champions League – ESPN
Is it possible that I’m obsessed with the Champions League? Why not? The Royal Spanish Academy dictionary defines obsession as “an idea that attacks the mind with tenacious persistence.” But this is not about me, this is about what will add to that continuous and tenacious assault on my head and that will permanently make me live in Champions League “on” mode: Magic nights can be every day, now the competition has been added to the FIFA game. Something else adds to my obsession!