2018 FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL

CROATIA   vs.   FRANCE

Sunday, July 15, 2018, 8:00 am PT

TV: CTV,  TSN 1     ONLINE:  TSN DIRECT

 

THIRD PLACE MATCH

ENGLAND   vs.   BELGIUM

Saturday, July 14, 2018, 7:00 am PT

TV: CTV, TSN 1     ONLINE:  TSN DIRECT

France v Croatia is the final a World Cup full of surprises deserves – The Guardian
Teamwork has triumphed over individual brilliance in the tournament so it is right that the finalists best represent that shift.

Croatia out to avenge defeat to France in 1998 World Cup semifinal – Sportsnet
Twenty years ago, it was Lilian Thuram. Now, in 2018, another player has a chance to etch his name in World Cup folklore.

Mario Mandžukić – The face of a determined Croatia – Futbolgrad
Intensity. Determination. Focus. A British journalist gasps when the camera focuses on Mario Mandžukić standing in the tunnel of the Luzhniki in Moscow. It is a face of a man about to go to war. “Look at his face,” the perplexed UK journalist next to me says. “How are we going to beat that,” another one adds.

Kylian Mbappé: the fast learner who takes it all in his rapid stride – The Guardian
He made his debut for Monaco aged 16, became the world’s most expensive teenager at 18 and will play a World Cup final on Sunday at 19. Can anything stop the rise of Kylian Mbappé?

Which France stars have made the biggest European impact? – UEFA
Do Antoine Griezmann, Raphaël Varane or Hugo Lloris make it into our lists of France’s top UEFA competition performers?

Croatian-Canadians eagerly await World Cup final – Global
Canadians of Croatian descent are eagerly anticipating the World Cup final that will see Croatia go up against France, saying the game will mark a moment of immense pride for fans of the team.

Argentina’s Nestor Pitana to referee World Cup final – ESPN
FIFA has selected Nestor Pitana to referee the World Cup final between France and Croatia on Sunday.

Third Place Preview: Belgium vs England – FIFA
In some ways you could argue its one of the toughest games a player will have to prepare for. Having come so close to sporting immortality, Belgium and England must now recompose themselves to go in search of what will be a high-water mark for at least two generations of fans, or even the greatest ever footballing achievement.

Three Lions defender won’t scoff at third-place in FIFA World Cup – The Star
England defender Kyle Walker is finding meaning in the game no one wants to play.

World Cup 2018: Reasons to watch England v Belgium – BBC Sport
The temptation is to ignore the game, forget about it, begin your World Cup detox by going out into the sunshine and finding something better to do. Allow us, then, to try and change your mind with five reasons to watch England’s final game at Russia 2018.

‘VAR is cleaning football’: Fifa president Gianni Infantino holds court ahead of World Cup final – Yahoo Sports
A utopian mood has gripped Fifa, with Gianni Infantino, the president, announcing the death of offside controversies and claiming VAR is “cleaning football.”

Moscow refugee tournament throws stark light on Russia’s migrant policy – The Guardian
A few hours before England’s World Cup game against Colombia in Moscow, a very different series of football matches was under way on Red Square.

FIFA calls on stakeholders to continue their work on LGBT+ rights in Russian sport – FIFA
After one month of events organised by the Russian LGBT Sport Federation during the FIFA World Cup, the closing conference took place at the Goethe Institute in Moscow.

The roads to Moscow – a World Cup photo essay – The Guardian
Russian photographer Evgeny Feldman has spent the last five weeks documenting his homeland as people have visited from all over the globe for the World Cup.

FIFA president Infantino confirms winter dates for 2022 World Cup – SBI
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be played between Nov. 21 and Dec. 18. Infantino added that leagues around the world have been informed of the change, giving each league four years to adjust their domestic schedules to fit the tournament.

The 2022 World Cup Plants Some Trees and Prepares to Step Into the Spotlight – NY Times
When this summer’s tournament comes to an end Sunday in Russia, it will be fully Qatar’s turn. For the next four years, this country will command the complete attention of the global soccer community. And in 2022, this country of 2.6 million people will open its doors to an expected 1.5 million international visitors.

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

D.C. UNITED vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC

MLS MATCHDAY #20

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2018, 5:00 PM PT

AUDI FIELD, WASHINGTON, D.C.

TV: TSN 1     RADIO: BNN/BLOOMBERG 1410     ONLINE: TSN DIRECT

DC United vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
At long last, Audi Field is open for business and D.C. United is hoping their sparkling new home will be the fortress needed to make a second-half playoff run.

‘Caps look to spoil the party Saturday at Audi Field – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC will look to play the role of spoilers on Saturday when they visit D.C. United in the inaugural match at Audi Field.

Whitecaps looking to spoil Wayne Rooney’s MLS debut – Sportsnet
While most eyes in the soccer world will be fixated on Moscow for Sunday’s World Cup final between France and Croatia, a high profile domestic league match is sure to gather plenty of attention in North America.

Trash talk expected as Whitecaps battle former teammates in D.C. – Delta Optimist
All friendships will be left on the sidelines this weekend when the Vancouver Whitecaps take the pitch in Washington against D.C. United.

World Cup’s set pieces, counter-attacks have a familiar ring for Vancouver soccer fans – The Province
Emphasis on set pieces as well as looking to push for counter-attacks are two approaches that have defined Carl Robinson’s footballing style since he first took Vancouver’s reins in 2014.

Wayne Rooney says Everton ‘were happy for me to leave,’ ahead of MLS debut – ESPN
Wayne Rooney said on Thursday that Everton “made it clear” to him that the club wanted him to leave after last season, prompting his move to join D.C. United this summer.

Stadium, ticket concerns damper excitement of Audi Field opening day – WTOP
The shift to Audi Field was always going to bring change from RFK Stadium, but some fans are worried about stadium design, tailgate and ticketing issues heading into Saturday’s opening game.

Player Playlist: What kept Kendall Waston “energized” at the World Cup – MLS
With a nation resting on his shoulders, Waston says he stayed energized thanks to his favorite music. We caught up with him to hear about which tracks kept him going on the global game’s biggest stage, and through his return back to his club.

MLS Homegrown Game: Whitecaps’ Melvin, Toronto FC’s Fraser both selected to roster – SN
On the eve of the 2018 MLS All-Star Game, two of Canada’s top academy standouts will represent the league in its annual “Homegrown Game.”

MLS announces roster for 2018 Homegrown Game – MLS
Major League Soccer announced on Thursday the roster for the 2018 MLS Homegrown Game presented by Energizer, featuring up-and-coming players from the youth national teams of the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Homegrown players help FC Dallas amass depth in hopes of a championship run – Sportsday
FCD again fields a championship contender in 2018, but coach Oscar Pareja has shifted his approach a bit in pursuit of an MLS title. There is now a greater emphasis on the depth of his roster than the quality of his starters.

Orlando City say showdown vs. fellow strugglers Toronto FC a “must-win” – MLS
James O’Connor isn’t concerned about Toronto FC’s own struggles this season. As obvious as that sounds, the new Orlando City boss said he’s more interested in turning around the club’s current misfortunes when both sides meet at Orlando City Stadium on Saturday.

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Toronto FC – The Mane Land
Two reeling clubs have an opportunity to turn it around this weekend.

Montreal Impact vs. San Jose Earthquakes | 2018 MLS Match Preview – MLS
The Montreal Impact look to bounce back from a 3-0 midweek loss at New York City FC and return to Stade Saputo, where they’ve won their last four games, to take on a San Jose Earthquakes side that has one win in 10 games away from Avaya Stadium this year.

New England hopes to extend unbeaten streak against Galaxy – Fox Sports
It has been nearly two months since the New England Revolution lost a league match, but their unbeaten streak will be tested when one of the world’s top players pays a visit to the East Coast.

For Jordan McCrary, Sunday’s match against Atlanta United is a return home – Sounders FC
Jordan McCrary always knew pro soccer would succeed in Atlanta. As a boy who grew up in Marietta – 20 miles north of downtown Atlanta – he was one of thousands of who kids who played soccer, but didn’t have a local club to support. This weekend, the 24-year-old defender returns home – this time as an enemy.

LAFC sell defender Omar Gaber to Pyramids FC because of ‘family matter’ – ESPN
LAFC defender Omar Gaber will join Pyramids FC of the Egyptian Premier League, after the MLS club sold him because of a “family matter” in Egypt.

Woeful Rapids have gone from bad to hopeless – SBI
It pays to have a plan in place, and it could be said the the Colorado Rapids are working with a plan. Results continue to show that it isn’t a very good one.

Canadian Championship beckons as Toronto FC look to return to international stage – Toronto FC
It’s that time of year again. Every season around this time, the Canadian teams meet up to contest for the right to lift the Voyageurs Cup and be named Canadian Champions, earning a spot in the Concacaf Champions League.

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BC SOCCER NEWS

PCSL PHOTOS: Abbotsford SA Devils 5, Penticton SC 2, July 7, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.

Preview: Victoria Highlanders vs. Lane United – Highanders FC
Victoria Highlanders play their final home match for 2018 this Saturday at Centennial Stadium. Kickoff is 2:00 pm.

TSS Rovers v Seattle Sounders U23 – The End Of Season Story In Pictures – AFTN
All good things come to an end and sometimes it feels that they’ve come at the right time. With Calgary Foothills running away with the Northwest Division and the chance of a playoff spot a faint hope that needed a lot of help, for me, that was TSS Rovers 2018 PDL season and their last match of their sophomore campaign took place at Swangard Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Storm score silver medal at Provincial ‘B’ Cup – Williams Lake Tribune
The Williams Lake U17 Storm girls soccer team battled through scorching heat on the weekend to capture a silver medal at the BC Provincial ‘B’ Cup in Kamloops July 5-8.

United stand tall in provincial win – Burnaby Now
The Burnaby District Metro under-13 United found that the route to Richmond was paved in gold – provincial gold, that is.

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.

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

Forge FC unveiled as Hamilton’s Canadian Premier League Club – Canadian Premier League
Forge FC was officially unveiled as Hamilton’s entry in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), along with the soccer club’s crest, secondary logo and colours, during a fan and media event at Tim Hortons Field Thursday evening.

Forge FC will kick off in Hamilton in 2019 – Global
The Canadian Premier League, in conjunction with Hamilton Tiger-Cats caretaker Bob Young, announced its newest franchise on Thursday evening at Tim Hortons Field.

CPL forges ahead, adding team in Hamilton – Toronto Sun
The Canadian Premier League officially grew to six teams Thursday night with the addition of Hamilton’s Forge FC.

Hamilton’s own … and here to stay – Hamilton Spectator
Professional soccer leagues in this country have come and gone. Many, many times. And now another one, born and bred in Hamilton, has come but its founders don’t think it’ll be gone any time soon … or any time at all. Why does the Canadian Premier League have such confidence in achieving long-term success?

Orange County, Canada: Forge FC unveiled as Hamilton’s CanPL club – the11.ca
The Canadian Premier League now officially has the same number of teams committed for the 2019 season as the National Hockey League did for two and a half decades.

2018 Canadian Championship Semi-Final Round to kick off 18 July live on CanadaSoccer.com and Yahoo Sports Canada – CSA
After advancing from the 2018 Qualifying Round, Ottawa Fury FC host 2017 Canadian Championship winners Toronto FC at TD Place while Montreal Impact FC host Vancouver Whitecaps FC at State Saputo. Both matches will be streamed LIVE via CanadaSoccer.com as well as on ca.sports.Yahoo.com. with matches kicking off at 4:30 p.m. PT.

How to qualify Canada for the World Cup. Start early, have fun and share info – Delta Optimist
Here is Canada Soccer’s blueprint to get there, as detailed by John Herdman, technical director Jason deVos and general secretary Peter Montopoli.

Living Legacy: Lars Hirschfeld of Edmonton – FC Edmonton
Lars Hirschfeld knew that his dream of becoming a professional soccer player wouldn’t come easily, or without some sacrifice. The soccer scene in his hometown of Edmonton wasn’t as well-developed in the 1980s as it is today, with FC Edmonton set to kick off its Canadian Premier League adventure in April of 2019.

Winnipeg keeper eyeing job with new pro soccer team – Global
Who says you can’t go home again ? Winnipeg’s Tyson Farago is back with the WSA Winnipeg Wolfpack for the first time since 2013, playing with the team that gave him his start.

L1O Review: The Curious Case of Windsor TFC – Northern Starting XI
This week I’m going to try something a little different, I will round up the league action as usual but then deep (ish) dive into a team that appears to be sinking.

Stratford Bentley’s City FC ousted from Ontario Cup after last-minute loss to Aurora – Stratford Beacon-Herald
One mistake too many ended Stratford Bentley’s City FC’s shot at an Ontario Cup title. The men’s soccer club lost 2-1 in the third round to Aurora Sunday night at Cowan Field, with the decisive goal coming in the final moments of the match before penalty kicks.

U17 girls conquer rivals in gold medal game – Leader Post
The Camrose Vikings U17 girls conquered their league rivals on their gold medal path at the provincials. Chanelle Bauer secured their Alberta Soccer Association championship title with a goal against Ponoka Storm in the 1-0 gold medal game at Rudy Swanson Park Sunday.

German Village celebrates six decades of playing The Beautiful Game – St. Catherines Standard
A get-together celebrating the German Village Soccer Club’s 60th anniversary was capped off with — what else? — more soccer. After members from the Niagara Falls-based club’s inaugural team in 1958 cut a commemorative cake and well-wishers finished signing a giant inflated soccer ball, German Village’s current team played Niagara United Celtic in an over-35 game.

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