A well-oiled defense can be the difference between going out in the group stage and winning a tournament. Scoring four goals in a game is well and good until you turn around are realize the other team scored five. Every successful team needs to be able to keep the ball out of its own net. Defending is an art, and at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, many artists will be on display, putting their bodies on the line to ensure their team advances to the next round. But not all defenders are created equal.

LEIPZIG, Germany — German champion Bayern Munich survived a late comeback from RB Leipzig to claim a 5-3 victory in the German Super Cup on Saturday with an impressive first-half attacking display and new signing Sadio Mané scoring on his debut.

Bayern, aiming for an 11th consecutive Bundesliga title this season, were eager to prove they remained a serious attacking threat despite the departure of top striker Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona, and they did not have to wait long.

Crystal Palace have signed American international defender Chris Richards from Bayern Munich on a five-year contract, both clubs said on Wednesday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. BBC reported Palace will pay an initial $10.33 million for the 22-year-old center back, with the fee rising to $13.35 million with add-ons.

Every lock has a key, but not every key fits in every lock. Even the best have their limits. This summer, Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Manchester United following the club’s dismal 2021-22 Premier League campaign that saw the club finish sixth with its fewest points total ever. The Red Devils will be playing Europa League soccer in the fall, and reportedly Ronaldo is less than happy and wants a move away, but where can he go?

History was made on Saturday when Lambeau Field hosted its first ever soccer game. Manchester City defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 in the home of the Green Bay Packers in what turned out to be a wild, wet and short affair.

The game was only two 40-minute halves long with a five-minute halftime.

The Bayern Munich starting XI 2022-23 lineup is going to be an incredibly difficult decision for manager Julian Nagelsmann. The departure of Robert Lewandowski has left a hole the size of Bavaria in Bayern’s attack. Without a solid replacement at center forward, what will Nagelsmann do?

Nagelsmann loves himself a 4-2-3-1 formation and it’s hard to see him stepping away from it. For this example, that formation will be used. Here’s an idea of how the defending Bundesliga champions could lineup.