Photo by Ben Queenborough/ISIPhotos.com
By CAITLIN MURRAY
The World Cup is over and the time begins to look ahead to 2018 in Russia. U.S. Men’s National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann appears to be doing just that, with reports from Ireland indicating the USMNT will head there for a friendly this fall. That would mean the U.S. men have secured two post-World Cup friendlies, with a confirmed September friendly against the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, the soccer world has a new champion and it’s Germany. After a scoreless deadlock through regulation with Germany and Argentina likewise failing to convert the few chances they had, the Germans found the one breakthrough they needed in extra time. Sunday’s 1-0 victory may have been tight compared to the other blowouts Germany accumulated in their World Cup run, but it was enough to edge Lionel Messi’s side out and claim the title.
For U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Freddy Adu, his chance to join AZ Alkmaar is over. The club had decided after less than a week to end his trial without offering him a contract. And with that, it’s back to the drawing board for Adu, leaving his future in soccer looking uncertain.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI this weekend:
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Report: USMNT lining up Republic of Ireland friendly
WORLD CUP
Messi, Neuer, Rodriguez headline 2014 World Cup awards
Germany ousts Argentina in extra time for fourth World Cup title
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Mario Götze
World Cup Final: Argentina vs. Germany (SBI Live Match Commentary)
Brazil ends World Cup in free fall as Netherlands rolls in third place game
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Robin van Persie
Soccer Saturday: Your Running Commentary
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
MLS Ticker: Negotiations ongoing with Robinho; Nguyen suspended; and more
Henry leads Red Bulls over Crew with goal, three assists
Galaxy hold off RSL in Western Conference showdown
Dwyer continues dominance in Sporting KC win over Impact
Amarikwa’s early tally sends Fire to victory against reeling Revs
On-fire Torres extends Chivas USA streak in win vs. Whitecaps
Rapids rally to overcome two-goal deficit, draw 10-man Union
Defoe caps off TFC comeback victory over Dynamo
AMERICANS ABROAD
Adu trial with AZ Alkmaar ends