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.

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: Italy 1, France 1 (Italy wins on PKs, 5-3)
Well, we have a dramatic -- if not completely satisfying -- end to an entertaining 32 days of soccer. In extra time, France continued to play...

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Extra Time
Still 1-1. But France has definitely played better over large portions of the second half. Seems likely the winning goal will come from France's...

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Halftime at the Final
It's halftime, and France and Italy are tied at 1. First goal came quickly (8th minute?) on a Zidane PK. Materazzi was called for fouling Malouda,...

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FINAL: France 1, Portugal 0
That's it. France gets through on a controversial PK call. Exciting last few minutes, at least. SATURDAY: Portugal vs. Germany for third place...

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Injury Time
Good action as Portugal tried to tie ... even the keeper is up trying to score. Two corners, a couple nice crosses in ... still no luck for Portugal.

78th Minute
Barthez with a wild moment ... Ronaldo's free kick hits him in the chest, which should not throw a goalkeeper off, but he struggles to pop it...

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48th Minute
Henry takes the ball and drives into the box, gets by a defender and earns a corner. Zidane's corner headed away. Every time I see a corner now,...

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Halftime: France 1, Portugal 0
The PK goal stands up so far. Seems to me Portugal has a been a little better, and both teams are not afraid to ham it up to get a call. That...

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