Set Piece

  1. Why Mario Balotelli Is the Most Interesting Player to Watch at Euro 2012

    Mario Balotelli walks into a bar. It's a comedic setup with infinite possibilities. But there was nothing funny about the time the Italy striker was pelted with bananas and racially abused by football fans on a night out in Rome, back in 2009...

    Will Tidey Written by Will Tidey about 2 days ago 24,186 reads 42 comments

  2. Euro 2012: 7 Biggest Storylines with 7 Days to Go

    Euro 2012 is almost upon us. The action proper gets under way a week from today, and excitement levels are mounting by the hour. As we build towards the first round of group matches, there is much to report...

    Will Tidey Written by Will Tidey about 2 days ago 6,144 reads 14 comments

  3. What to Know About the Newly Promoted Sides in England, Spain, Italy and Germany

    You already know all about the best sides in Europe's top leagues. But what about the new guys on the block? Today at Set Piece, we're looking at the promoted teams in England, Spain, Italy and Germany...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 3 days ago 30,559 reads 26 comments

  4. The 40-Year-Old Footballer: Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs a Sign of Things to Come?

    The 2011-12 football season across Europe's top five leagues was a fine vintage. It was also a fine season to be vintage—as demonstrated by the likes of Ryan Giggs , Paul Scholes, Javier Zanetti, Didier Drogba , Raul and Andrea Pirlo...

    Will Tidey Written by Will Tidey about 3 days ago 7,141 reads 17 comments

  5. USA vs. Brazil: Brazil Dominates in Win, but US Earns Respect

    Stateside swagger, meet silky Brazilian samba. This time, at least, there were plenty of lessons to be learned—for both sides...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 3 days ago 6,035 reads 25 comments

  6. EA Sports Simulation Predicts Germany Will Beat Netherlands to Win Euro 2012

    Germany are the winners of Euro 2012 , after beating the Netherlands 3-1 in a pulsating final. At least that's what a tournament simulation by EA Sports has predicted...

    Will Tidey Written by Will Tidey about 3 days ago 3,961 reads 13 comments

  7. World Football Strange but True: Chelsea Promote US Tour by Playing US Sports

    Ever wanted to see Frank Lampard taking batting practice in Yankee pinstripes? Petr Cech wearing a Seattle Seahawks helmet? David Luiz goofing off? OK, so that last one happens all the time, but you get the point...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 3 days ago 6,167 reads 6 comments

  8. World Football Gossip Roundup: Wayne Rooney, Jordi Alba, Demba Ba, Euro Tickets

    Not all rumors are created equal. Case in point: Wayne Rooney is reportedly wanted by a big-spending foreign club, and the big-spending foreign club is reportedly willing to spend an outrageous amount of money to get him...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 3 days ago 34,846 reads 32 comments

  9. Liverpool Set to Appoint Brendan Rodgers as Their New Manager

    Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal with Brendan Rodgers to become their new manager, with the young Swansea coach set to sign a three-year deal at Anfield...

    Will Tidey Written by Will Tidey about 4 days ago 10,728 reads 36 comments

  10. World Football's 8 Most Disappointing Sides This Season

    For every winner there must be a loser, and for every pleasant surprise, there's usually also a disappointment...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 4 days ago 4,463 reads 28 comments

  11. Viral Video of the Day: England Striker Andy Carroll Fails at Yes-No Game

    The life of the modern footballer is full of pressure, from the media to the fans to the actual matches themselves. And, in the case of Andy Carroll , the Yes-No Game...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 4 days ago 5,548 reads 2 comments

  12. Euro 2012 Countdown: Balotelli, Czech Bacteria, Sorensen Out, Foley Betrayed

    With Euro 2012 just over a week away, all 16 teams are entering the final stages of their preparations. For Italy's Mario Balotelli, those preparations include his plans to personally deal with any potential racist abuse sent his way...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 4 days ago 4,684 reads 6 comments

  13. World Football Gossip Roundup: Sneijder, Hulk, Lavezzi, Balotelli a Genius?

    Wesley Sneijder and Manchester are back in the news. This time, though, it might not be quite what you're thinking. Snejder, the 27-year-old Dutch superstar, leads today's B/R World Football Gossip Roundup, but he's far from the only newsmaker here...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 4 days ago 14,514 reads 7 comments

  14. Tony Meola Exclusive: Former USMNT Keeper Talks Hall of Fame, MLS, Bryce Harper

    Ten minutes are all Tony Meola will have to sum up a memorable 20 years in professional soccer. Meola, a veteran of three World Cups and 2000 Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player, ...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 5 days ago 868 reads 0 comments

  15. USA vs. Brazil: Live Score, Analysis, Recap

    International friendly: USA vs. Brazil Goals USA: Herculez Gomez (45') Brazil: Neymar (pen., 12'); Thiago Silva (26'); Marcelo (52'); Pato (87') NOTE: If you're having trouble seeing embedded tweets, reload your browser...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 5 days ago 8,827 reads 53 comments

  16. USA vs. Brazil: 6 Key Battles to Watch

    The United States will host Brazil in an international friendly Wednesday night, and both teams are coming off impressive performances over the weekend. The U.S. routed Scotland, 5-1, on Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 5 days ago 6,880 reads 24 comments

  17. 15 of the Best Under-the-Radar Kits in World Football

    Are you tired of seeing the same, ubiquitous football jerseys everywhere you go? Do you want to stand out from the crowd? This article is for you...

    Will Tidey Written by Will Tidey about 5 days ago 7,797 reads 33 comments

  18. Euro 2012: Belgian Fans Auction Loyalty, Will Support Team of Winning Bidder

    It's (almost) good to be a Belgian football fan right now. Belgian wunderkind Eden Hazard is the hottest name in Europe's transfer market, and the national team is full of established ...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 5 days ago 1,884 reads 3 comments

  19. World Football's Biggest FAILs of the Week

    Singing is a talent not possessed by all. In fact, some people associated with world football are downright awful at it. Thus, we have the raison d'etre for this week's edition of World Football 's Biggest FAILs of the Week...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 5 days ago 1,265 reads 3 comments

  20. World Football Strange but True: Serbian Sent Home for Refusing to Sing Anthem

    New rule for Serbian footballers: Sing the national anthem, or take your homeland-disrespectin' heinie home. That's what 20-year-old Fiorentina midfielder and Serbian international Adem Ljajic learned over the weekend...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 5 days ago 1,638 reads 31 comments

  21. Viral Video of the Day: Eden Hazard's Goals, Assists from 2011-12 Season

    With super-football-tease Eden Hazard apparently packing his bags for Chelsea , it's time to show everyone what, exactly, all the fuss is about. Here's a hint: You'd probably shell out £78 million for him too, if you had it...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 5 days ago 4,233 reads 4 comments

  22. World Football Gossip Roundup: Hazard, Hulk, Ivanovic, Van Persie, Kagawa

    The Eden Hazard transfer saga has finally reached its conclusion. At least, we think it has. Hazard appears to be heading to Chelsea, and we're all sure that's the very end of it...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 5 days ago 17,508 reads 0 comments

  23. Eden Hazard to Join Chelsea: Has Lille Star Finally Made His Mind Up?

    Eden Hazard's drawn-out transfer saga appears to have finally reached its conclusion. The Lille star will seemingly be joining Chelsea , and not Manchester City or United, next season...

    Will Tidey Written by Will Tidey about 6 days ago 15,203 reads 41 comments

  24. 10 Greatest Female Soccer Players in History

    The popularity of women's soccer has increased exponentially since the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1991, and with the improved quality of play has come a steady stream of great players over the years...

    Michael Cummings Written by Michael Cummings about 6 days ago 5,132 reads 26 comments

  25. Euro 2012: Why Cristiano Ronaldo Has a Point to Prove with Portugal This Summer

    Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will head into Euro 2012 propelled by another prolific club season with Real Madrid and with the weight of expectancy falling more heavily on his shoulders than ever...

    Will Tidey Written by Will Tidey about 6 days ago 4,245 reads 27 comments