As leagues prepare to pause for the tournament in Qatar, it’s a chance to reflect on the first half’s surprise stories and surprise leaders, and their potential staying power.
Tag: Soccer
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Team Melli Once United Iran at World Cup. Now It Reflects Its Divisions.
Team Melli was long seen as a unifying force in a fractious nation. As it heads to the World Cup, it has become ensnared in its country’s internal politics.
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A Messy Marital Split Tarnishes a Roman Soccer Legend
Francesco Totti and Ilary Blasi once shared a storybook love. Now she’s hiding his Rolexes, and he’s holding hostage her Jimmy Choos.
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M.L.S. Cup and the Joy of the Open Field
A final in Los Angeles offers a welcome clash of styles, while a Copa Libertadores crown shows Brazilian teams may have cracked the code in that competition.