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RORY SMITH
Posts
Black and Spanish: A National Team Starts to Reflect All of Its Nation
An increasingly diverse Spain squad is drawing in fans who had once seen it as a symbol of their country, but not necessarily of them.
The Giant World Cup Rookie and an Enduring Dutch Mystery
The Netherlands is Europe’s most reliable talent factory. Unless you need a goalkeeper.
The U.S. Cleared a Big World Cup Hurdle. The Knockout Round Poses Another.
The U.S. victory over Iran sent it to the round of 16, with a match against the Netherlands on Saturday. But the team already has…
Germany Meets the Moment and Keeps its World Cup Hopes Alive
A single moment shows just how fast a team’s journey can turn.
Lionel Messi Saves Argentina’s World Cup
Argentina’s biggest star scored the goal that saved the day. Enzo Fernández scored the one that made him smile.
England Gets a Look at Itself, and Isn’t Sure It Likes What It Sees
Coach Gareth Southgate was unruffled by a scoreless draw against the United States. But it revealed concerns lurking just below the surface.
Richarlíson, Brazil and, maybe, the start of something special.
Richarlíson scored both goals for Brazil, one of the tournament favorites, as it opened with a win against Serbia.
Brenden Aaronson Won Over Leeds. Can He Win at the World Cup?
Christian Pulisic might be the standard-bearer for the United States World Cup team, but it is Brenden Aaronson who has captured hearts in England.
How Japan Upset Germany, the World Cup’s Latest Fallen Favorite
After a pregame protest against FIFA’s armband ban, the Germans lost their lead and then lost control of their group.
African Teams Pad World Cup Rosters With European Recruits
More than 130 players at the World Cup represent a country other than that of their birth. A few of them committed only months before…