Recently by John Molinaro
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Soccer
Canadian coach right to stand behind Simeon Jackson
Six minutes.That's how much playing time Canadian forward Simeon Jackson has seen through Norwich City's first six games of the Premiership campaign.
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Answer to defensive problems right under TFC's nose
Maybe Aron Winter is just being coy and has already made the decision.Or, just as likely, Toronto FC's coach needs more time and evidence before deciding to make the switch. If that's honestly the case, the Dutchman should give serious and long thought to moving Torsten Frings from the heart of midfield to the centre of defence on a full-time basis.
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Attakora fighting to get fit
Nothing would please Nana Attakora more than to play for Canada in its upcoming World Cup qualifying games.
But he fully understands why national team coach Stephen Hart didn't name him to Canada's roster for matches against St. Lucia (Sept. 2) and Puerto Rico (Sept. 6).
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MLS power rankings: Week 24- Whitecaps show some life
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Italian soccer mired in crisis
On the surface, all appears to be well with Italian soccer.
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MLS power rankings: Week 23 - KC making a run
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Spanish soccer in serious trouble
On the soccer field, Spain currently has no equal.
Aside from boasting the best club on the planet (FC Barcelona), Spain is also the reigning European and World champion, and has racked up various European youth titles, most notably at the under-19 and under-21 levels.
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MLS power rankings: Week 22 - Rapids on a steady rise
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Lille still team to beat in France
All eyes are on Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue Un this season, and for very good reason.
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MLS power rankings: Week 21 - Red Bulls seeing red
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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MLS power rankings: Week 20 - Whitecaps can't find a way to win
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Conte has his work cut out at Juventus
Antonio Conte was born and grew up in Lecce, but Turin is his spiritual home.
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MLS power rankings: Week 19 - Galaxy continue to roll along
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 Blog
Japan exemplified class at the World Cup
Tactically sound. Technically brilliant. Dogged and determined.
All of these aptly describe the Japanese team following its stunning and dramatic penalty shootout victory over the United States in Sunday's Women's World Cup final from Frankfurt, Germany.
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FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 Blog
More to come from Louisa Necib
Japan and the United States are more than worthy
finalists for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
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FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 Blog
American comeback highlight of quarter-finals
Much like the group stage, the quarter-final round of the FIFA Women's World Cup was not short on drama, offering plenty of highs and lows.
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FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 Blog
Canadian exit casts dim light on 1st round
Great goals, great games, great drama and great disappointments - the
first round of the FIFA Women's World Cup provided plenty of highs and
lows for fans of the beautiful game.
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FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 Blog
Anything but a meaningless game for Canada
The Canadian side that landed in Germany in late June for the Women's
World Cup was full of hope and promise, the players and coaching staff
so sure that the team would not only survive the group stage, but
flourish as it earned a quarter-final berth.
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FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 Blog
Potential loss of Sinclair could be an opportunity for Canada
Every match-day of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro will break down the day's action with a few of his thoughts.
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FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 Blog
More honour in the women's game
Every match-day of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro will break down the day's action with a few of his thoughts.
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FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 Blog
Sinclair goal highlight of opening day
Every match-day of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro will break down the day's action with his five thoughts.
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FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 Blog
Pressure is on Germany - not Canada - in opener
At first glance it appears to be a mismatch - how else to look at Canada's opening match of the FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday?
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MLS power rankings: Week 14 - TFC hits rock bottom
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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MLS power rankings: Week 13 - Revolution in a free fall
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Soccer
TFC correct to stay the tactical course
Toronto FC has reached a crossroads. Aron Winter's tactical revolution hasn't come close to being realized, with the Reds struggling to adapt to his attacking 4-3-3 formation and Dutch-influenced system that emphasizes possession, passing and smart movement off the ball. Though there have been brief flashes of inspiration during the opening 14 matches of the Major League Soccer campaign, it's clear that Winter's approach isn't working - a five-game winless streak, the league's worst defence and a meagre offensive record underscore the point.
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MLS power rankings: Week 12 - Rapids fit to be tied
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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MLS power rankings: Week 11 - L.A. in another Galaxy
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Soccer
Whitecaps jump the gun with Thordarson
In a sense, the Vancouver Whitecaps had no decision BUT to fire Teitur Thordarson on Monday.
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Soccer
TFC coach's questionable moves worrisome
When a team loses 6-2 at home, the easiest thing for a supporter to do is to froth at the mouth and demand the coach's immediate resignation.This was always going to be a rebuilding season for Toronto FC - as we have been constantly reminded - but Saturday's embarrassing loss and effort against the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field has to grate for long-suffering TFC fans.
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MLS power rankings: Week 10 - L.A. climbs to the top
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Same old scoring problem for Whitecaps
This really was one that the Vancouver Whitecaps could - and more to the point - should have won.
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MLS power rankings: Week 9 - FC Dallas making noise
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Soccer
Three cheers for Canada's Simeon Jackson
With any luck, the Premiership will feature two star Canadian strikers during the 2011-12 campaign.
Simeon Jackson scored early in the second half to lift Norwich City to a 1-0 win over Portsmouth in the Championship last week, a result that secured the Canaries' promotion to English soccer's top flight.
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MLS power rankings: Week 8 - Timbers feast on home cooking
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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MLS power rankings: Week 7 - Rapids in a free fall
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Has Jose Mourinho lost his mind?
Oh dear.What to make of Jose Mourinho's infamous rant after Real Madrid was dispatched 2-0 by Barcelona at the Bernabeu in the opening leg of the Champions League semifinal?
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MLS power rankings: Week 6 - RSL still head of the class
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Soccer
Team balance key to Napoli's success
Napoli enters this weekend's slate of Serie A games in second place, a mere six points off the pace of league leaders AC Milan.
Napoli's rise to the top has surprised a lot of pundits, as the betting line at the start of the campaign was that they would finish somewhere in the Europa League zone, maybe a top-four finish. But legitimate scudetto contenders with five games remaining in the season? That would be pushing it.
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MLS power rankings: Week 5 - Timbers chop down competition
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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MLS power rankings: Week 4 - Salt Lake in a class by itself
Once a week,CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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TFC coach Aron Winter winning the culture war
One of the first things Aron Winter told reporters in January when he was introduced as coach and technical director of Toronto FC was that he wanted to change the culture of the club.Thus far, the Dutchman has lived up to his promise.
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MLS power rankings: Week 3 - Sounders sink to the bottom
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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MLS power rankings: Week 2 - Real Salt Lake on fire
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Soccer
Have Whitecaps found a gem in Hassli?
The scouting report on the Whitecaps ahead of the 2011 Major League Soccer season was that they were offensively impotent, that goals would be a premium for the west coast team.So it came as a bit of a surprise when the Whitecaps managed to ship four goals past Toronto FC in their league debut last week.
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MLS power rankings: Week 1 - Galaxy off to great start
Once a week, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in Major League Soccer.
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Soccer
An evening with the Southsiders
Vancouver's sports community doesn't know what's about to hit it.
The city will never be the same after the Whitecaps make their Major League Soccer debut at Empire Field on Saturday when they host Toronto FC, and not just because of the action on the pitch.
If you go to the game or watch it on TV, pay special attention to the fans in the south end of the stadium - that's where all the magic will take place, courtesy of the Whitecaps' oldest and largest supporter group, the Southsiders.
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Seedorf the ultimate competitor
Clarence Seedorf turns 35 in a few weeks but the passage of time clearly hasn't doused the competitive fires that burn inside the Dutchman.
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A good time for Canadian soccer
Twenty-five years.
That's how long it's been since Canada qualified for the World Cup. The Canadians didn't exactly wrap themselves in glory at the 1986 tournament, departing without scoring a goal in three consecutive losses.
Mexico was supposed to be the harbinger of things to come for Canada, but it hasn't quite worked out that way. Aside from a Gold Cup championship in 2000, success has been fleeting, and Canadian soccer has been blighted by 25 years of mismanagement and lack of vision.
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Joe Jordan deserves blame, too
Gennaro Gattuso was wrong. Let's be clear about that.
There isn't anybody out there, including Gattuso himself, who could possibly defend his actions during AC Milan's recent 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Champions League. The Italian brought shame upon himself and his club when he grabbed Spurs assistant coach Joe Jordan by the throat and later head-butted him before eventually being restrained by teammates.
Gattuso was banned for four matches by UEFA this week for his abhorrent conduct, which in all likelihood means he won't be playing in Europe for the rest of this season. The AC Milan star should consider himself lucky the penalty wasn't steeper.
One can't help but wonder, though, if Joe Jordan didn't get off rather lightly, escaping the scorn of a blood-thirsty English media and indignant fans who rightly condemned Gattuso but conveniently overlooked the Scot's role in precipitating the incident?
- Soccer Everybody loses if Canadian women decide to boycott It's an ugly situation that has the potential to get even uglier. The Canadian women's team recently voted unanimously to go on strike, threatening to sit out all future international games until the situation with embattled coach Carolina Morace is settled. Morace dropped a bombshell a few weeks ago when she let it be known her intention to step down after this summer's FIFA World Cup in Germany, citing differences with the Canadian Soccer Association.
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Canada vs. Greece: poor result, good effort
Some random thoughts on Wednesday's international friendly between Canada and Greece that saw the Reds lose 1-0 in Larissa...
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Udinese is the talk of Serie A
Like the current Premiership season, this year's Serie A campaign is one of the most exciting in recent memory with plenty of interesting stories.
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CONCACAF living in a fool's paradise
CONCACAF may not have a firm grasp on reality, but it does have plenty of chutzpah. CONCACAF, the soccer confederation that covers North and Central America and the Caribbean, made headlines earlier this week when it stated it planned to lobby FIFA for a fourth spot in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
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Xavi deserved the Ballon d'Or
It's ridiculous, to be perfectly honest, to even make an issue out of it.
Sort of like arguing which is the better painting, Picasso's The Old Guitarist or Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper? Or who is better looking, Megan Fox or Angelina Jolie?
Still...
A minor injustice was done Monday in Zurich when Lionel Messi was awarded the FIFA Ballon d'Or as the world player of the year for 2010.
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Playoffs not enough for Toronto FC in 2011
You could forgive Toronto FC fans if they're a bit sceptical because they've been here before - four times, to be exact.
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Fulham has lost its way without Hodgson
How did it go so pear-shaped in such a short period of time?
That's the question fans in West London are asking themselves as Fulham sits mired in the Premiership's relegation zone coming out of the Boxing Day schedule.
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Bearzot will be fondly remembered
World soccer lost one of its true managerial legends with the passing of Italian Enzo Bearzot, who died Tuesday in Milan at the age of 83.
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PSG's Nene is Europe's in form scorer
Neither snow nor ice shall keep Nene from tearing opposing defences to shreds. The Paris St. Germain star was at it again on Saturday, wielding his special brand of magic in what is turning out to be season to remember by scoring a pair of sensational goals in a 2-2 draw at home against AS Monaco.
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Manchester City lies down with dogs, gets up with fleas
There is a lesson to be learned by Manchester City in the Carlos Tevez affair: If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas.
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Golden Oldies reign in Serie A
The top of the Serie A scoring chart makes for some unusual reading. Edinson Cavani leads the way with nine goals in 14 matches for Napoli, the 23-year-old building on the promise he displayed the previous two years while playing for Palermo by tallying 27 total goals.
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Victory for 1 MLS leader, agony for another
How can the game be so kind and so cruel at the same time?
The Colorado Rapids' 2-1 win over FC Dallas Sunday in the MLS Cup final at Toronto's BMO Field saw Pablo Mastroeni finally taste success and Daniel Hernandez's unbearable suffering continue.
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Big clubs keeping close eye on Pastore
Nothing fuels wild transfer speculation like scoring a hat trick and being in the form of your life.
Such is the burden that Javier Pastore must bear at the moment.
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Capello should put faith in Davies
The best English star in the world today doesn't play for one of the Premiership's "big four" clubs.
He doesn't practice his trade at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, the Emirates or Anfield.
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After all these years, Del Piero sill a class act
The passage of time has not slowed down Alessandro Del Piero one bit.
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New GM is right under Toronto FC's nose
Don Garber is a wise man.
The MLS commissioner was in Toronto last week for an informal lunch with a select group of journalists to talk about the state of the league and the MLS Cup, which is scheduled to take place at BMO Field on Nov. 21.
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European soccer power rankings
Every Tuesday, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in European soccer.
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Racism in Serie A merely a reflection of Italy
It's a scene that has become all too familiar in soccer stadiums across Europe, but in Italy in particular.
Sunday's Serie A contest between Cagliari and Inter Milan at Stadio Sant'Elia in Sardinia was marred by a section of local fans who hurled racial abuse at Inter's Cameroonian striker Sameul Eto'o. Every time Eto'o, who is black, touched the ball, he was serenaded by a chorus of boos coming from supporters sitting in the northern end of the stadium.
- Soccer Punish Serbia's fans, not its national team Tuesday was a dark day for soccer. A Euro 2012 qualifying match in Genoa between Italy and Serbia was abandoned after seven minutes when Serb fans threw flares and fireworks onto the field. The Serb hooligans also wreaked havoc in the stands, tearing apart the stadium and clashing with local police outside after the game was called off.
- Soccer European soccer power rankings Every Tuesday, CBCSports.ca senior writer John F. Molinaro breaks down the balance of power in European soccer.
- Soccer Nigel de Jong is a thug Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong is in the news again, and for all the wrong reasons. Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa is the latest victim of de Jong's thuggery, suffering a broken left leg courtesy of the Dutchman. Manchester City earned a 2-1 win at home on Sunday, a game marred by de Jong's over-the-top tackle on Ben Afra in the third minute that sent the Frenchman crashing to the turf in agony. Watch a video of the tackle HERE.
- Soccer Weekend watch: Ronaldo set to return for Real Madrid There's good news this weekend for Real Madrid fans - Cristiano Ronaldo is on the mend.
- Soccer Weekend watch: Easy schedule sees Chelsea off to a flying start Every Monday, CBCSports.ca senior writer and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will recap the weekend's European soccer action, examining the key developments in the continent's top leagues.
- Soccer Weekend watch: La Liga, Serie A kick off Every week, CBCSports.ca senior writer and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will preview the weekend's European soccer action, pointing out key things to watch out for in the continent's top leagues.
- FIFA World Cup Blog World Cup fraternity set to welcome new member Spain did soccer fans all around the world (except in Germany, of course) a big favour Wednesday night. Not only did La Roja's 1-0 victory over the Germans send them through to Sunday's final against the Netherlands in Johannesburg, but it also ensures that we will see a new name etched on the World Cup trophy.
- Road to Recovery Spain's Fabregas fit but will he play? Durban, South Africa - Midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been cleared by team doctors and is available to play in Spain's World Cup semifinal clash with Germany on Wednesday (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 1:30 pm ET).
- Road to Recovery Uruguay hurting ahead of seminal showdown with Dutch Uruguay was going to have a tough time to begin with on Tuesday in its World Cup semifinal match against the Netherlands (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 1:30 p.m. ET). But now it looks as though injury and suspension problems are going to make the task even harder for La Celeste.
- FIFA World Cup Blog Maradona's buffoonish image unwarranted It's unfashionable to give Diego Maradona any kind of credit because he is, as we've been told ad nauseam by the English press for the past 24 years, a dirty, no-good cheat.
- FIFA World Cup Blog Dutch have mastered the art of winning ugly What will Johan Cruyff have to say about this? Cruyff's beloved Netherlands continued its impressive run at the World Cup on Friday, coming from behind to beat Brazil 2-1 in Port Elizabeth to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 1998. This makes it five wins in a row for the Dutch, who have booked their spot in the final four by abandoning the open, attacking and adventurous soccer they are renowned for, and replacing it with a more pragmatic and dogmatic style.
- FIFA World Cup Blog Shattering the myth of England Surely, the myth has been shattered once and for all. We were told by England time and time again in the build up to this World Cup that the trophy was finally coming home, 44 years of hurt ended courtesy of the "Golden Generation," the greatest collection of Premiership stars ever assembled on one national team. The Golden Generation? More like cheap tin.
- Road to Recovery Kroldrup expected to replace Kjaer Forward Nicklas Bendtner, hampered by groin problems inthe first two games, will likely play again for the Danes. With defender Simon Kjaer suspended, Per Kroldrup will likely take his place.
- Road to Recovery Klose out, Cacau in for Germany Veteran striker Miroslav Klose is banned so Cacau, who scored against Australia, will likely play up front
- Road to Recovery Anelka's dismissal opens door for Henry France will be without Nicolas Anelka after the star forward was sent home for insulting coach Raymond Domenech. Either Andre-Pierre Gignac or Thierry Henry will likely replace him in the starting line-up. Jeremy Toulalanis suspended after picking up two yellow cards.
- Road to Recovery Honduras's Palacios has to be careful Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios earned a yellow card in Honduras's previous match. If he receives another against Spain, he will be suspended for his country's final game of the group stage.
- Road to Recovery Drogba expected to start for Ivory Coast After coming off the bench in the second half against Portugal, Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba is expected to return to the starting line-up. Drogba was used as a sub against the Portuguese just 11 days after breaking a bone in his arm.
- Road to Recovery Tomasson doubtful for the Danes Danish forwards Jon Dahl Tomasson (thigh) and Mikkel Beckmann (toe) are questionable for the team's big game Saturday against Cameroon (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 2 p.m. ET).
- Road to Recovery Gareth Barry returns for England Midfielder Gareth Barry will start for England against Algeria on Friday (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 2 p.m. ET)., having recovered from ligament damage to his ankle suffered six weeks ago.
- FIFA World Cup Blog Loss of Buffon may be good for Italy Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon's World Cup may be over, but that may not necessarily be bad news for the Azzurri. The Juventus shot-stopper, a key member of his country's World Cup winning team four years ago, was substituted at halftime of Italy's 1-1 draw against Paraguay. He was later diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back and has been ruled out of Italy's next game, against New Zealand on Sunday.
- Road to Recovery Rodriquez to replace injured Veron Veteran playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron is nursing a calf injury, and might be replaced in the starting line-up by Maxi Rodriquez when Argentina takes on South Korea on Thursday (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 7 a.m. ET).
- Road to Recovery Will Ivory Coast risk using Drogba? Striker Didier Drogba remains a doubtful starter ahead of the Ivory Coast's opening World Cup match against Portugal on Tuesday (CBC, CBSports.ca, 9:30 a.m. ET), leaving coach Sven-Goran Eriksson with a tough decision to make.
- Road to Recovery Danes hurting, but so are Dutch Both Denmark and the Netherlands will be missing key players when the two nations square off Monday at the World Cup in a crucial Group E game (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 7 am ET). Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner was already doubtful for the Danes with a groin problem, but now news has emerged that veteran striker Jon Dahl Tomasson and midfielder Daniel Jensen could also be sitting out the match due to minor injuries.
- Road to Recovery Injury update: Argentina vs. Nigeria Breaking down the injury situation for the Argentina-Nigeria match on June 12 in Johannesburg.
- Road to Recovery Injury update: England vs. United States Breaking down the injury situation for the England-United States match on June 12 in Rustenberg.
- Road to Recovery Injury update: South Korea vs. Greece Breaking down the injury situation for the South Korea-Greece match on June 12 in Port Elizabeth.
- Road to Recovery Injury update: Uruguay vs. France Breaking down the injury situation for the Uruguay-France match on June 11 in Cape Town.
- Road to Recovery Injury update: South Africa vs. Mexico Breaking down the injury situation for the South Africa-Mexico match on June 11 in Johannesburg.
- Road to Recovery Loss of Nani a blow for Portugal The list of players who have been knocked out of the World Cup due to injury continues to grow. Portugal winger Nani is the latest star to have his dreams crushed - the Portuguese football federation confirmed Tuesday that the Manchester United star has failed to recover from a bruised left collarbone and is unfit to play in South Africa.
- Road to Recovery Nigeria will be lost without Mikel The carnage continues. Nigeria's Jon Obi Mikel was ruled out of the World Cup on Saturday, becoming the latest top name to be knocked out of the tournament with an injury.
- Road to Recovery Pirlo an injury concern for Italy When it rains, it pours. After news broke earlier on Friday about injuries to England's Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast came word that Italian playmaker Andrea Pirlo is nursing a calf injury.
- Road to Recovery Loss of Drogba would decimate Ivory Coast Will he or won't he play? Didier Drogba's participation in the World Cup is in doubt after the Ivory Coast captain broke his arm on Friday during a friendly against Japan.
- Road to Recovery England can survive without Rio On paper, the loss of injured Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand appears to be a massive blow for England's World Cup hopes. Not only does Ferdinand, 31, wear the captain's armband, but he is also a guaranteed starter in the centre of defence, alongside John Terry, for England.
- Road to Recovery Spain wise to rest Torres Vicente Del Bosque has been accused of being a lot of things, most notably boring and lacking charisma. But one thing he's not is stupid. The Spanish national team coach revealed that he plans to rest Fernando Torres when La Roja take on South Korea in a World Cup tune-up match Thursday in Austria.
- Road to Recovery Italy hedging its bet on Camoranesi So, it would appear that Mauro Camoranesi is not seriously injured and will be fully healthy in time for Italy's World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 14 in Cape Town. Or, maybe not. Italian manager Marcelo Lippi named his 23-man roster on Tuesday that included Camoranesi, a key figure from Italy's 2006 World Cup winning team.
- FIFA World Cup Blog Lippi made right call to omit Grosso In the space of four short years, Fabio Grosso has gone from hero to also-ran. Grosso was cut Tuesday from Italy's 30-man preliminary World Cup squad in a move that caught a lot of folks off-guard, driving home the point how far the Juventus left-back has fallen in such a short period of time. Grosso, 32, was a pivotal player for Italy four years ago, scoring the winning goal in extra time against Germany in an epic semifinal match, and then the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shootout against France in the final.
- FIFA World Cup Blog Ronaldinho snub not a surprise Fans and media pundits all across the world were shaking their heads in disbelief Monday when they found out that Ronaldinho wasn't included in Brazil's preliminary squad for next month's World Cup. Yesterday was deadline day, as all 32 World Cup coaches had to submit a preliminary 30-man squad to FIFA. Teams must now trim down their rosters to 23 players by June 1, although substitutions can be made up until 24 hours before a team's first match of the tournament - and coaches, technically speaking, can pick someone who isn't on their provisional squad. But the fact is that Brazilian coach Dunga stated his intentions Monday as to which players he was looking at, making in plainly clear that Ronaldinho won't be on the plane to South Africa by omitting him from his provisional roster.
- Soccer Lazio fans should hang their heads in shame What a shameful spectacle in Rome on Sunday. Inter Milan all but wrapped up the Serie A title thanks to a 2-0 victory over Lazio, a result that put them firmly in the driver's seat as the campaign nears the finish line. Inter holds a two-point advantage over second-place AS Roma with only two games left in the season - one game against mid-table Chievo Verona, the other versus already-relegated Siena - so it was a huge result for the Nerazzurri on Sunday.
- FIFA World Cup Blog The World Cup Trophy and I I'm a pretty low-key guy by nature. Ask my co-workers. They'll tell you that I keep my head down at the office, barely saying a word during the course of the day and rarely looking up from computer screen. I'm all business and don't show much emotion, to the point that I've been accused of being a snob. But on Wednesday I was a like a little kid on Christmas Day, bouncing around the CBC Building as though I'd just ripped the wrapping off a pile of presents.
- Soccer Unnecessary sportsmanship is ruining the game It happened again on the weekend. During the second half of Saturday's 2-2 draw between Lyon and Bordeaux in Ligue Un, a Bordeaux player went down injured during the second half with the result still hanging in the balance. Lyon had possession of the ball but kicked it out of bounds at the fervent imploring of the Bordeaux players and fans. But instead of giving the ball back when play resumed, Bordeaux launched an immediate attack from the ensuing throw in and nearly scored. Needless to say Lyon wasn't too happy with Bordeaux's actions, and a bout of pushing and shoving ensued amongst the players during the next stoppage of play.
- Soccer Bordeaux's Abdoulaye Keita is one to watch As far as debuts go, Abdoulaye Keita's Ligue Un career could not have gotten off to a worse start. Keita, 19, came on for Bordeaux in the 30th minute during Saturday's 3-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain and was promptly beaten by Sylvain Armand's deflected free kick.
- Soccer Messi or Rooney? The choice isn't so clear It's not often that I answer a question without really thinking about it before I open my mouth. But I was guilty of doing just that last week when I was a guest on The Soccer Show on the FAN 590 (Toronto-based all-sports radio station) hosted by my CBC Sports colleague Nigel Reed. At the very end of the program, Nigel threw out a question to the panel: if you were a club chairman and you could buy either Lionel Messi or Wayne Rooney (but not both), who would you spend your money on? "Messi," I replied in an instant.
- FIFA World Cup Blog A shame for Beckham, but England will survive Before we go any further let me say, for the record, I take absolutely no joy or pleasure out of the fact David Beckham will be unable to play for England at the World Cup this summer. Regular readers of this space know my stance on Becks - that he is vastly over-rated, and that the attention he receives is grossly incommensurate with his skills as a footballer. But even though I've been critical of Beckham over the years, I wouldn't wish what happened to him on anybody. That Beckham's playing career might be over is a tragedy, because he still has a lot to give, especially in North America where he can help grow the game while playing in MLS.
- Soccer Carl Robinson deserved a proper send-off from TFC And then there was one. Toronto FC's decision to release veteran Welsh midfielder Carl Robinson means that there is only one player, captain Jim Brennan, remaining with the Reds who played in the team's very first game against Chivas USA in April of 2007. Robinson is currently on trial in New York where he hopes to earn a contract with the Red Bulls. If he does catch on in the Big Apple, Toronto will receive compensation (in the form of draft picks) but would still be on the line to pay a portion of his salary for the upcoming season.
- Soccer Remember the name Sergio Canales He will be a major and influential figure for the Spanish national team at the World Cup - maybe not this year, but certainly in 2014 and beyond. Remember the name Sergio Canales because you'll be hearing a lot more from him in the years to come.
- Soccer Juventus shouldn't give up on Diego Where did it all go wrong for Diego? Juventus paid a king's ransom, 24.5 million euros, to German outfit Werder Bremen last year for the mercurial Brazilian playmaker, hoping he would add another dimension to their attack and help them mount a serious challenge in Serie A and in Europe.
- FIFA World Cup Blog Canada needs to follow U.S.'s World Cup lead Bob Bradley is a wise and sage man. The U.S. national team coach is highly regarded in the international coaching fraternity, and is considered one of the game's more articulate and intelligent thinkers.
- Soccer More refs need to call penalties for shirt tugging Bravo, Andre Marriner! Chances are you never heard of Mr. Marriner before this past weekend, but his name has been all over the news in England the past few days, and for all the right reasons.
- FIFA World Cup Blog Cheering for the U.S. at the World Cup As a Canadian, is it wrong of me to cheer for the United States at the World Cup? I know that as someone who was born and bred in Canada that I'm obligated to hate the U.S. and all things south of the border, but I have to admit that if my beloved Italy doesn't repeat, I hope the Americans win the World Cup.
- Soccer Keep your arms down, defenders It's a familiar scene on the soccer field, one you've probably witnessed a million times: A cross gets whipped into the middle of the box from the wing, a mad goal-mouth scramble ensues and the ball eventually lands at the feet of an opportunistic striker who pokes it past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
- FIFA World Cup Blog 2010 will be the year of Iniesta Andres Iniesta may just be the best midfielder in the game today, his sublime passes, exquisite playmaking ability and overall versatility making him a crucial player for both club (FC Barcelona) and country (Spain). Indeed, Iniesta was a key figure in Barcelona's treble-winning season, scoring important goals (including one against Chelsea in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League) and earning praise from Rooney after helping the Catalan club defeat Manchester United in the Champions League final in May.
- Soccer Manchester City trades up from Hughes to Mancini My fellow colleagues Nigel Reed and Paddy Agnew had their say on the Mark Hughes-Roberto Mancini-Manchester City affair earlier this week. If you haven’t already read what they had to say, go check it out now. Now it’s my turn to weigh in.
- Soccer Bordeaux turning heads in France and Europe It wasn't that long ago that Olympique Lyon ruled French soccer like an iron-fisted dictator, brushing aside everyone who stood in their path as they won a record seven league titles in a row.
- Soccer Non-reaction to Gerrard exposes English hypocrisy over diving Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is one of the best players in the world, but he's also a diving cheat.
- FIFA World Cup Blog England gets an easy group, Brazil the toughest My CBC Sports colleague Nigel Reed was working in a TV studio five floors above me when the World Cup draw was over, but I swear I heard him screaming at the top of his lungs. You could hardly blame Nig for responding in such an enthusiastic manner, as England was placed into the easiest of the eight first-round groups, alongside the United States, Algeria and Slovenia.
- Soccer Puyol a one-of-a-kind defender Memories of Sunday's El Classico are still fresh in the mind. Super sub Zlatan Ibrahimovic stole the show at the Camp Nou, scoring the winning goal a mere five minutes after coming on for Thierry Henry in the second half.
- FIFA World Cup Blog Ugly stereotype fuels outrage against France Thierry Henry cheated, plain and simple. There can be no debate about that. Henry should be blamed - not the referee who didn't make the call, as some have suggested - for what happened last week because but for the Frenchman's deliberate handball, Ireland could be going to next year's World Cup.
- Soccer Lyon vs. Marseille - The game of the year Every once in a while, two teams come along and play a match that reminds me why soccer is the greatest sport on the planet.
- Soccer Wise words from Arsene Wenger When certain football managers speak, it is wise to listen to what they have to say.
- Soccer Talk of Pellegrini being fired is ludicrous Just so we're clear, Real Madrid is not in crisis.
- Soccer Playoff flop a blessing in disguise for Toronto FC "What's that? Ah, playoffs? Don't talk about - playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs?" - Jim Mora, former Indianapolis Colts coach, Nov. 25, 2001 Not even the most hard-bitten skeptic could have predicted such an ugly finish to an ugly season.
- Soccer European playoff draw just more chicanery from FIFA Well done, FIFA. Take a bow.
- Soccer Argentina is World Cup-bound. Was there ever any doubt? It went down to the wire, but Argentina managed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
- Soccer Louis van Gaal on short leash with Bayern The boo birds of Bavaria were out in full force on Saturday as Bayern Munich was held to a 0-0 draw at home by lowly Cologne. Sitting firmly in the relegation zone after eight rounds on the Bundesliga, Cologne put as many players as they could behind the ball for 90 minutes, thwarting Bayern’s potent attack at every turn. Interestingly, Bayern has now gone three straight games without scoring, its longest goal drought in nine years. Needless to say the natives are restless, as Bayern was booed off the Allianz Arena pitch by their fans at the end of the game.
- Soccer Roberto Ayala still among the best defenders in the world Time and age have not mellowed Roberto Ayala.
- Soccer The rebirth of Francesco Totti is upon us I'm not one for making bold proclamations, especially this early in the season.
- Soccer Emmanuel Adebayor needs to grow up Before I launch into a rant about Emmanuel Adebayor, allow me to put my cards on the table: I am an Arsenal fan.
- Soccer Don’t plan the parade just yet, Man City fans Three wins in three games to start the season. All is well in the blue half of Manchester. Bankrolled by an oil-rich sugar daddy, Manchester City is the talk of the town two weeks into the Premiership season, with supporters of the Blues in a frenzied forth over the fortunes and future of their club. I’ve seen this before.
- Soccer What's the real reason behind Danny Dichio being frozen out by Toronto FC? For a player known for his combative and confrontational playing style, Danny Dichio exudes a quiet thoughtfulness off the field.
- Soccer Time for refs to give clutching, grabbing the boot The question over whether or not soccer needs to institute video replay or instant goal-line technology has been kicked around for some time now. The debate has gained plenty of steam over the years thanks to a series of high-profile incidents where referees couldn’t recognize in a blink of an eye that the ball did cross the goal-line and that a goal should have been awarded.
- Soccer Rafa Benitez's rants getting tiresome The first week of the English Premiership is barely in the books and already I’ve grown tired of Rafa Benitez.
- Soccer Don't blame the refs for Canada's Gold Cup exit The first course of business is stating the obvious: the penalty decision given against Paul Stalteri in Canada's 1-0 loss to Honduras in the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup was criminal.
- Soccer The Daily 5 - Confederations Cup Championship Sunday On each match day during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, CBCSports.ca reporter and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will break down the day's major events and developments in The Daily 5.
- Soccer The Daily 5 - Confederations Cup Day 7 and 8 On each match day during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, CBCSports.ca reporter and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will break down the day's major events and developments in The Daily 5. Day 7, June 24, 2009 Day 8, June 25, 2009
- Soccer The Daily 5 - Confederations Cup Day 6 On each match day during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, CBCSports.ca reporter and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will break down the day's major events and developments in The Daily 5.
- Soccer The Daily 5 - Confederations Cup Day 5 On each match day during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, CBCSports.ca reporter and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will break down the day's major events and developments in The Daily 5. Day 5, Saturday June 20, 2009
- Soccer The Daily 5 - Confederations Cup Day 4 On each match day during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, CBCSports.ca reporter and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will breakdown the day's major events and developments in The Daily 5. Day 4, Thursday June 18, 2009
- Soccer The Daily 5 – Confederations Cup Day 3 On each match day during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, CBCSports.ca reporter and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will breakdown the day's major events and developments in The Daily 5. Day 3, Wednesday June 17, 2009
- Soccer The Daily 5 – Confederations Cup Day 2 On each match day during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, CBCSports.ca reporter and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will breakdown the day's major events and developments in The Daily 5. Day 2, Monday June 15, 2009
- Soccer The Daily 5 – Confederations Cup Day 1 On each match day during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, CBCSports.ca reporter and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will breakdown the day's major events and developments in The Daily 5.
- Soccer Gearing up for two weeks of soccer madness I'll be the first one to admit it: I've never had much time for the Confederations Cup.
- Soccer When in Rome, do as the Catalans do Ole, ole, ole, ole! Barcelona struck a blow for Spanish and Catalan pride with a convincing 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League final at Rome's Stadio Olimpico Wednesday night, invoking the spirit of the famous Dream Team that took European soccer by storm in the early 1990s in the process.
- Soccer Cut MLS refs some slack Bashing the referees is a favourite hobby of soccer fans.
- Soccer Don't blame the ref, Chelsea. Blame yourselves One can only imagine the wild parties that must have occurred up and down La Rambla last night after FC Barcelona earned a dramatic 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
- Soccer Top 10 stars bound to breakout at the 2010 World Cup Even if you're the not the most knowledgeable soccer fan, chances are you know who David Beckham or Cristiano Ronaldo are.
- Soccer Bench Barrett and give Vitti a chance Let me start off by saying I like Chad Barrett.
- Soccer Barcelona prove you can win with style Is there a better team in the world right now than FC Barcelona?
- Soccer Time for FIFA to chop the "deadwood" World Cup qualifying resumes Wednesday with a slew of games as countries from all over the globe continue to jockey for position and try to stamp their passport for next summer's festivities in South Africa. Thirty-one spots are up for grabs, including three in CONCACAF, the soccer region that covers North and Central America and the Caribbean. CONCACAF could send a fourth team if the fourth-place country in qualifying wins a playoff with the fifth-placed nation from South America. It's always bothered me that CONCACAF gets three guaranteed places at the World Cup, while South America and Africa, continents with a far greater soccer heritage and stronger teams, only get four and five, respectively.
- Soccer Lennon or Beckham? The choice is clear for England England manager Fabio Capello has a big decision to make ahead of his team's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine next week: who to start on the right side of midfield, Aaron Lennon or David Beckham? It'll be interesting to see if Capello has been sufficiently swayed by Beckham's Italian renaissance with AC Milan to hand him a starting role against the Ukrainians, or whether he goes with Lennon, one of the few bright spots for Spurs in what has been a hugely disappointing season for the London club. Beckham, 33, has more experience, but for the long-term future of the English national team, Capello would be wise to go with the 21-year-old Lennon and tell Beckham, "Thanks, but no thanks. We won't be requiring your services any more."
- Soccer Vive la France! Ligue 1 offers plenty of excitement Question: what do the Premiership, Serie A and La Liga all have in common this season? Answer: the title races in those leagues already appear to be over with 10 games or more left in the campaign.
- Soccer Toronto FC must fix its centre of defence - now The 2009 Major League Soccer regular season kicks off next week, and Toronto FC still hasn't properly addressed its biggest problem: the centre of defence. Last year, Toronto's central defensive pairing of Tyrone Marshall and Marco Velez was dreadful, and their inept partnership was a major reason why the Canadian club allowed 43 goals, one of the worst defensive records in the league.
- Soccer It ain't over until it's over One of my biggest pet peeves is the habit that some of my colleagues in the media have of writing a certain team off prematurely, or declaring a title race over with a significant number of games still left in the season.
- Soccer Raul ranks among game's elite scorers Move over Alfredo di Stefano, there's a new No. 1 in town.
- Soccer Knee-jerk reaction a reality for modern-day coaches Honestly, did anybody not see this coming? The news that both Chelsea's Luiz Felipe Scolari and Tony Adams of Portsmouth were relieved of their managerial duties on Monday hardly came as a surprise, not so much because of their perceived failures and shortcomings, but because of the knee-jerk, impatient and short-sighted nature of the modern game.
- Soccer Premiership, Serie A more similar than you think To borrow a phrase from Seinfeld, it was a 'bizarro' weekend as Serie A turned into the Premiership, and the Premiership turned into Serie A. Of the 10 games on the Premiership schedule, three ended in a 0-0 draw. Goals were at a premium in England's top division as only 19 goals were scored in total (an average of 1.9 goals per game, or one goal every 47 minutes). Compare that with what took place in Serie A, where no games ended in a goal-less draw and the country's top division produced 29 goals in 10 games (an average of 2.9 goals per game, or one goal every 31 minutes).
- Soccer Forget sportsmanship and play to the whistle People complain about how diving is ruining soccer, but for me the game's bigger problem is the infuriating act of what I call "unnecessary sportsmanship." It annoys me to no end to see a player kick the ball out of bounds in order to get a stoppage in play so that a player on the other team who appears to be hurt can receive attention from the trainers.
- Soccer Kaka stays put and all is right in the world Did Kaka reject a move to Manchester City? Did the Blues retract their mega-bucks offer? Or did AC Milan suddenly decide the Brazilian was no longer for sale? Nobody seems to know for sure after a record-breaking deal that would have brought the former FIFA world player of the year to Eastlands fell through on Monday. What is known is that Kaka is staying in Milan, and won't be plying his considerable skills in the blue half of Manchester.
- Soccer Kaka should run - not walk - away from Manchester City AC Milan or Manchester City? Kaka is the subject of a mega transfer bid tabled by the Blues, who are willing to pay the Italian club $184.3 million - more than double the world transfer fee record - and sign the former FIFA world player of the year to a ridiculously wealthy contract, if he agrees to say good-bye to the Rossoneri. Seems to me that Brazilian has an obvious choice: AC Milan.
- Soccer Don't believe the hype: Becks was average To hear the British press hacks tell it, David Beckham has already conquered Italian soccer.
- Soccer It's hard to feel sorry for Manchester City It just keeps getting worse for Mark Hughes.
- Soccer Hodgson has no equal among English managers All hail Roy Hodgson, the best English manager in the game today.
- Soccer Don't count out the Gunners just yet It was a must-win game for Arsenal, a contest the Gunners absolutely had to win or be knocked out of the title chase for good. As the Brits say, "rubbish!"
- Soccer 'I didn't want to come home' CBCSports.ca soccer expert John F. Molinaro has returned from his vacation in Barcelona. In this final Postcard from Spain, John shares his favourite memories of the city. My 10-day visit is over, and even though I soaked up and experienced everything the city had to offer - including attending three FC Barcelona games at the Camp Nou - I didn't want to come home. If you haven't already visited this Catalan paradise, I strongly suggest you to book a flight right away because you will be blown away.
- Soccer El Clasico was just that CBCSports.ca soccer expert John F. Molinaro is on vacation in Barcelona. While there, he plans on gorging himself on paella and tapas, soaking up the warm Spanish sun and, of course, watching a lot of soccer. If you haven't already, I highly recommend watching a heated soccer match between two bitter rivals alongside 96,000 screaming Spanish fans in the pouring rain.
- Soccer No escaping FC Barcelona CBCSports.ca soccer expert John F. Molinaro is on vacation in Barcelona. While there, he plans on gorging himself on paella and tapas, soaking up the warm Spanish sun and, of course, watching a lot of soccer. No matter where you go in this town, you can't escape FC Barcelona. The beloved blaugrana are sewn into every fabric of the Catalan capital, seeped into its heart and soul, and inextricably linked to the city's identity. The team's motto, més que un club (more than a club), are not empty words, and there's proof of it everywhere.
- Soccer 'We require you to wear a jacket, senor' CBCSports.ca soccer expert John F. Molinaro is on vacation in Barcelona. While there, he plans on gorging himself on paella and tapas, soaking up the warm Spanish sun and, of course, watching a lot of soccer. Who knew wearing a FC Barcelona jersey and scarf to an FC Barcelona game in Barcelona would get me into trouble? So, I arrive 90 minutes before kickoff for Tuesday's Champions League clash between Barca and Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk and make my way to Gate 68 at the Camp Nou to get to my seat.
- Soccer Soccer talk over chocolate con churros CBCSports.ca soccer expert John F. Molinaro is on vacation in Barcelona. While there, he plans on gorging himself on paella and tapas, soaking up the warm Spanish sun and, of course, watching a lot of soccer. I hated hot chocolate as a kid. I can recall sipping the sickly sweet concoction during an ice-skating school trip when I was in the third grade and getting a terrible migraine. After that, I never touched the stuff again. My hot chocolate boycott ended this morning, though, more than 25 years after the incident in question scarred me for life.
- Soccer Barcelona's great artists have nothing on the Blaugrana CBCSports.ca soccer expert John F. Molinaro is on vacation in Barcelona. While there, he plans on gorging himself on paella and tapas, soaking up the warm Spanish sun and, of course, watching a lot of soccer. Move over Pablo Picasso. Step aside Salvador Dali. Out of the way Joan Miro. Picasso and his pals may have once ruled Barcelona with their fancy brushstrokes, but they've been eclipsed by the Catalan capital's most famous son, the Blaugrana. FC Barcelona romped to a 4-0 victory over title rivals Valencia at the Camp Nou stadium on Saturday night in a stunning exhibition of artistic skill and spirit that was utterly sublime.
- Soccer So I didn't buy the 'right' newspaper, give a guy a break CBCSports.ca soccer expert John F. Molinaro is on vacation in Barcelona. While there, he plans on gorging himself on paella and tapas, soaking up the warm Spanish sun and, of course, watching a lot of soccer. It's my first day, and I've already managed to piss off the locals here. After settling into my hotel and unpacking, I headed down the street and around the corner where I found a newspaper vendor and asked him for today's edition of Marca.
- Soccer Futbol feeding frenzy awaits in Barcelona CBCSports.ca soccer expert John F. Molinaro is going on vacation to Barcelona where he plans on gorging himself on paella and tapas, soaking up the warm Spanish sun and, of course, watching a lot of soccer.
- Soccer Confederations Cup full of promise My mouth was watering this morning after I watched the live draw for next summer's FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.
- Soccer MLS Cup should provide plenty of excitement It doesn't garner even a tenth of the media attention that the Super Bowl, World Series or Stanley Cup Final get, but the MLS Cup has to be one of the best championship games in North American sports. Rarely has Major League Soccer's finale been a disappointment, and more times than not it has proved to be a better game than the over-hyped Super Bore, with plenty of drama, intriguing story lines and great goals. If recent history is any indication, this year's game between the Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls on Nov. 23 (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 3 p.m. ET) should have all three.
- Soccer Maradona cheated, but that doesn't make him a cheat It was inevitable, I suppose.
- Soccer Galaxy to blame - not Beckham - for Milan farce So, David Beckham is off to bella Italia to showcase his skills in Serie A, eh?
- Soccer Paolo Maldini deserves the Ballon d'Or The shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award was released this week, and Paolo Maldini did not make the cut.
- Soccer A draw against Mexico? Big deal! Canada still stinks I could practically hear the collective "see, I told you so" uttered by soccer fans across the country last night as I watched Canada earn a 2-2 tie against Mexico in a meaningless World Cup qualifying game.
- Soccer Rise of Rafael could spell trouble for Gary Neville Dimitar Berbatov scored two goals, but for me, right back Rafael da Silva was the star in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Danish side Aalborg Tuesday night in the Champions League. So much so that Gary Neville should be worried.
About the Author
John Molinaro
John F. Molinaro is a reporter for CBCSports.ca whose chief love is soccer.
John served as senior editor of CBC's 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup website and was the driving force behind our coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His work on CBC Sports Online's Euro 2004 site earned him a CBC.ca Award of Excellence.
He holds an honours BA in sociology from York University and a print journalism diploma from Sheridan College.
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