World Cup 2014 draw! 12/6/2013

And the results are out! After the drawing for the group-stage of the Brazil 2014 World Cup, we have hosts Brazil in Group A against Croatia, Mexico, and Cameroon. In Group B, Spain, the Netherlands, Chile, and Australia will face-off for the right to make it into the knock-out round. Group C is full of dark horses with Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan promising for an exciting opening set of matches. Group D is arguably the opposite with Uruguay, England, Italy, and Costa Rica competing for just two places in the next round. Group E should be relatively straightforward with Switzerland, Ecuador, France, and Honduras fighting for the right to lift the World Cup. Group F should be relatively open as Argentina must contend with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria. Group G on the other hand will likely be incredibly tight as Germany, Portugal, Ghana, and the United States must fight with only two sides progressing to the next round. Last but certainly not least, Belgium, Algeria, Russia, and South Korea make up Group H. Look for a predictions post in the very near future!

Rounding up in Africa Qualifying: 11/16/2013

Amidst all of the excitement of European and South American qualification, it is important not to forget the African nations that faced off for the right to be represented in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Sealing their fates today were Nigeria and Ethiopia as well as Senegal and the Ivory Coast. In the first match-up, Nigeria smoothly saw off their opponents by 2-0 in the second leg following a 2-1 victory by the Nigerians in Ethiopia. While there is certainly a great deal of necessary improvements that will have to be put into effect if Nigeria are to get anywhere in South America, they may celebrate tonight over a job well done. As for the match between Senegal and Ivory Coast, the 1-3 scoreline in the first leg positioned the Elephants perfectly to make it through to the World stage. All that was required of them was that they see off the challenges of Senegal in the match that took place in Morocco's city of Casablanca. While the 1st half went by relatively uneventful, there was pause for concern following substitute Moussa Sow's 77th minute penalty conversion gave the Senegalese the lead. Despite the motivation to press on and grab a second, it was actually Ivory Coast who scored, in the 4th minute of stoppage time in the 2nd half, to sink Senegal's chances of qualifying and ensure their own advance to next year's World Cup!

Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates!

Fascinating stuff in Al Ain, U.A.E. as a promising Honduras side faced off against Sweden securing an early lead in the 37th minute through Brayan Velasquez. Despite the lead going into the half, the Hondurans had a perplexing game - they managed no corners while conceding 10 to the Swedes as well as being on the losing side possession-wise. Nevertheless, it took until the 68th minute for the Scandinavians to equalize, through Erdal Rakip. 6 minutes later, the northern Europeans made it 1-2 following Valmir Berisha's goal in the 74th minute. What is up next? Well, titans of the U-17 world Brazil and Mexico faced-off in Dubai requiring a penalty shoot-out to divide the two. A flurry of goals late into the second half made for a thrilling finish following a tense opening 45 minutes. Ivan Ochoa - who plays for Pachuca CF in Mexico - gave the Central Americans the lead in the 80th minute. The Mexicans' hold on the lead quickly escaped their grasp as Brazil's Nathan, on the team sheet for Atletico Paranaense in his homeland, struck home following last-ditch defending from Mexico's keeper Raul Gudino who plays with Chivas Guadalajara of Mexico. As regulation time ended, the game was to be decided by penalties. Two saves by Mexico's Gudino and the general ineffectiveness of Brazil's goalie Marcos during the shoot-out culminated in Alejandro Diaz's converted penalty which clenched victory for the Central Americans. Tomorrow, Argentina and Ivory Coast take the field before Uruguay and Nigeria's showdown - both in the city of Sharjah. Make sure to catch what are sure to be fantastic displays of football!