Tag: World Cup

Brazil’s Redemptive Yellow Jersey

In 1914, Brazilian football arrived on the world stage, and faced off against England’s Exeter City. They wore all white and won 2-0. The all-white kits would be their official colors for decades - until one of the most gut-wrenching setbacks in sports history.  In 1950 Brazil hosted the first World Cup of the post-World … Continue reading Brazil’s Redemptive Yellow Jersey →

Coaching Great Players (Jesse Marsch on Tyler Adams)

Here’s a quote from Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch, on his player (and current USMNT captain) Tyler Adams. It’s about helping talented people do their best work, and it just might bring a lump to your throat too.  Find people of outstanding character who know who they are, and who they want to be. Invest … Continue reading Coaching Great Players (Jesse Marsch on Tyler Adams) →

The Noteworthy Composure Of Tyler Adams Getting Grilled By Iranian Journalists

The 23-year-old Captain of the American National Team, Tyler Adams, had a rough press conference leading up to the US versus Iran game at the 2022 World Cup.  It started with being corrected on the pronunciation of “Iran.” It continued with a question about how he feels representing a country that is still struggling with … Continue reading The Noteworthy Composure Of Tyler Adams Getting Grilled By Iranian Journalists →

The Grealish Waggle (Sports Feel Good Story)

Jack Grealish has used his international soccer stardom admirably. He regularly gives time and money as an advocate for cerebral palsy.  Before the World Cup, he met with an 11-year-old named Finaly living with the condition. Finlay asked Grealish if he’d celebrate a goal for him someday.  Grealish, who has only scored once in the … Continue reading The Grealish Waggle (Sports Feel Good Story) →

The US Ragamuffins: 1950s World Cup (Almost) Glory

Soccer, in America, was a game for immigrants, played by immigrants. So it was no surprise the 1950 US Men’s National Team was mostly first and second-generation Americans. It’s also not surprising that they had no “true” professional experience playing in the states, where quasi-local amateur leagues were the most competitive option. And yet, this … Continue reading The US Ragamuffins: 1950s World Cup (Almost) Glory →

How Do You Cut People From The Lineup (World Cup Roster Edition)

Leaders have to be able to deliver bad news.  Gregg Berhalter, who just announced the final roster for the 2022 World Cup, got to tell 25 players the glorious news.  And, he got to break 15 other players' hearts.  Here are his tips on cutting people from lineups and preserving your relationship as the leader: … Continue reading How Do You Cut People From The Lineup (World Cup Roster Edition) →

Podcast Of The Week: World Corrupt’s World Cup Preview

I love the World Cup. Ever since the 1994 US-hosting experience, I’ve been not only a cemented fan of the sport, but curious about it on the global level. The World Cup is the Christmas that comes every four years (or pick your holiday of choice), and it oozes drama. As I’ve attempted to tell … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: World Corrupt’s World Cup Preview →

How The US Women’s Team Got So Tough

Anson Dorrance is the University of North Carolina Women’s soccer coach who has helped develop many of the US National Team’s best players over the past several decades. He’s gotten more (well-deserved) attention in this World Cup cycle than he seems to have gotten in the past. One topic that regularly comes up is the mental … Continue reading How The US Women’s Team Got So Tough →

Podcast of the Week: What it Means to be World Class with Tobin Heath

Julie Foudy has Tobin Heath on an episode of E:60 (ESPN - see below) and features the full interview on her Laughter Permitted podcast. Heath is thoughtful, inspirational, and a certifiable badass on and off the pitch. Whether you’re an athlete or just want to see what true discipline and drive looks like, check this … Continue reading Podcast of the Week: What it Means to be World Class with Tobin Heath →