The years after 2006 were a gesticulation period, waiting for their soccer upheaval to pay dividends. 2014 represented the pinnacle of their planning. This 2016 side was supposed to cement their dominance. World Cup 2018 will be about a legacy of players in their prime attempting to fully realize their potential. Read more »

The individual brilliance of the early matches was eventually neutralized by countries with better all-around squads and this was a World Cup that became reasonably predictable once we escaped the group stage. But every single minute was thrilling and worth it. Read more »

Whisper this only when no one’s around, but Argentina has more in common with Brazil than Germany. The difference is that Messi might be the greatest player in the sport’s history. That’s covering the cracks with diamonds. Read more »

Germany is peaking at the perfect time and are clear favorites over Argentina, but there's a distinct reason why we still must play the games. Read more »

Brazil, Germany, Argentina and the Netherlands are the final four countries standing in World Cup 2014. Circumstances favor the European teams, but will they prevail in what will be home matches for both South American sides? Read more »

Lionel Messi has been magic, while Colombia is now the sentimental favorite, but let's take a step back so we avoid dismissing Brazil and the completeness of France and Germany. Read more »

The deluge of goals from Messi, Neymar, Müller, Robben and Van Persie, impressive play from Costa Rica and Colombia, and the bite seen round the world all overshadowed the changing of the era. Read more »

Germany is the favorite to win the group, but they’ll miss Marco Reus’ attack from midfield. Portugal carry much of the same squad that made it to the semifinals of Euro 2012, and Ronaldo is always dangerous. The opening match between U.S. and Ghana will decide if either has a chance at advancing. Read more »

The best attacker in this 2014 World Cup will be a country’s press. Of course, games are won by brilliant moments from individual players. Genius does still exist. But the modern game is less Steve Jobs than it is Wikipedia. Read more »