By CAITLIN MURRAY
There’s a reason why world rankings and predictions don’t matter — look no further than the Netherlands’ astounding domination of defending champs Spain in group play, 5-1. Meanwhile, dubious officiating reared its ugly ahead again, but Mexico overcame two wrongly disallowed goals to win over Cameroon, 1-0.
As the U.S. Men’s National Team prepares for their World Cup opener against Ghana on Monday, SBI reporter Franco Panizo reports the team is trying not to dwell on their past unlucky history with Ghana. The team also took away a lesson from the aggressive refereeing in Brazil’s opening World Cup match.
And the investigation into corruption surrounding Qatar’s 2022 bid presses on, with German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer being handed a temporary ban for refusing to cooperate with ethics investigators.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI today:
WORLD CUP:
Robben, Van Persie star as Netherlands roll past Spain
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Arjen Robben
Mexico overcomes wrongly disallowed goals to defeat Cameroon
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Giovani dos Santos
Sanchez, Chile hold off Australia after strong first half
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Alexis Sanchez
World Cup Day 2: Your Running Commentary
Friday Kickoff: Croatia hits out at referee; Chicharito unhappy with role; and more
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM:
Controversial call serves as warning for USMNT on tight officiating
USMNT not looking back to 2010 as opener against Ghana draws near
Report: Brooks draws interest from EPL clubs
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER:
DC United releases new renderings of proposed stadium
MLS Ticker: League denies Beckham report; Feilhaber won’t need surgery; and more
Report: Beckham asked to join bid to buy Chivas USA
NATIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE:
FIFA:
Voting FIFA member Franz Beckenbauer suspended for stonewalling Qatar inquiry