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.

Happy now?
DORTMUND - I said on Tuesday that I did not want Germany to win the World Cup. As I sat in the stadium in Dortmund on Tuesday evening I was...

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Germany to win? I don’t think so
DORTMUND - I'm not going to make many friends saying this but I do NOT want Germany to win the World Cup. I've spoken to quite a few England...

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Help, my lungs are burning!
ESSEN - Four laps of a running track. Easy right? If only I could say that was true but after running a mile for Sport Relief on Monday evening...

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Heading to Rheindahlen
DUSSELDORF - Ricco and I are driving to the British Army base at Rheindahlen and will this evening run a mile for Sport Relief. We have opted...

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Where should we run a mile?
HOHENSYBURG - Unfortunately at some point before Ricco and I leave Germany and head for home we have to run a mile for Sport Relief. I say unfortunately...

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What is it about penalties?
GELSENKIRCHEN - Terrible, just terrible. I am sick to the stomach. England's defeat to Portugal on penalties induces not only a distressing...

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Racing towards Gelsenkirchen
A SERVICE STATION - I drive until the (not so) early hours to get us within striking distance of Gelsenkirchen- and England's quarter-final...

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Ray Winstone’s England verdict
HAMBURG - Ray Winstone, actor, West Ham fan and all-round top bloke, has been in Germany since the World Cup started. In fact, earlier in the...

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