About the Soccer World Cup Blog
The world of professional soccer does not make headlines solely on the field–headlines are made off the field as well. Of course, when players are injured, teams are eliminated, or titles are won, it’s news. In professional soccer, what happens on the field doesn’t stay on the field, especially when it has potential to impact the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Professional soccer is creating more buzz than it ever has away from the field. Key players are moving—to new countries and new teams—with new sponsors chomping at the bit. Big companies are doing everything they can, including buying small companies, to ensure their dominance of the global soccer scene at the World Cup. Everyday, team nicknames are being debated, captains are being named, and rivalries are being ignited. All the while, the anticipation of the next World Cup continues, bringing with it all the drama that unfolds as the world waits to see the 32 competing teams take center stage.

Fans of professional soccer want a look inside. They want to know the ins and outs of the teams and players on the pitch and behind the scenes. There’s no better place to find it all than here on this Soccer Blog. For many of us, it’s the best way to South Africa.

This blog is now closed
LONDON - Thanks to everyone who contributed to this blog, which is one of a number being trialled across the BBC. Comments on this blog are now...

Continue Reading This blog is now closed

Revealed - your player & team of the tournament
LONDON - The World Cup, all 64 games of it, has been and gone and everyone has had their say. Including you. We wanted a new way of rating players'...

Continue Reading Revealed - your player & team of the tournament


What on earth do we do now??
LONDON - I asked one of the journalists who has been working on the football desk during the World Cup and who normally runs our games section,...

Continue Reading What on earth do we do now??

Formula that shows which countries are under-performing
LONDON - Academics at the Cass Business School in London have devised an alternative set of world rankings - and guess who is top?

Young Player result announced
LONDON - Those interested in yesterday's post regarding apparent attempts from various quarters to hijack Fifa's Young Player of the tournament...

Continue Reading Young Player result announced

Vote for your goal of the tournament
LONDON - Time to vote for your goal of the tournament. If you enter (by phone/text) there's a chance to win a signed England shirt and a behind-the-scenes...

Continue Reading Vote for your goal of the tournament

Best young player of the World Cup?
LONDON - Cristiano Ronaldo - by all accounts the best player on the pitch in Wednesday's semi-final - was apparently leading in the vote on Fifa's...

Continue Reading Best young player of the World Cup?

Shearer sings U2
LONDON - There may, or may not, be plans to ask BBC pundit Alan Shearer to repeat this virtuoso car-singing performance, apparently filmed by...

Continue Reading Shearer sings U2