By: Casey Rhine
Ohhhh El Clásico, where to begin. One of soccer's most heated, yet most deeply cherished rivalries.Few of you readers get to experience El Clasico, in Barcelona, while it's happening. This was my mission on December 23rd and should be your mission on May 6th if you are not lucky enough to go to the game in the Camp Nou.
Uruguay and Real Madrid star Federico Valverde almost had the highlight of his career on Thursday during his nation’s 0-0 draw vs. South Korea. With the score tied at in the 89th minute, Valverde ripped a shot from over 25 yards out that nearly brought the house down.
OFF THE POST
Federico Valverde nearly put Uruguay on top pic.twitter.com/9EBaxYMvWO
Japan shocked the world and defeated Germany 2-1 in the team’s opening World Cup game on Wednesday to get their 2022 tournament on track. My personal favorite moment of the match was German defender Antonio Rüdiger sprinting with his hilarious running form.
Interesting running technique by Rüdiger pic.twitter.com/0wx70rceUR
It's officially been confirmed that France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has picked up an injury in training, forcing him to miss the World Cup.
The Frenchman had only joined his teammates Saturday as he recovered from a previous injury but had to leave the session after sustaining a further knock. According to the French national team, he injured his left quadriceps in training. The precise extent of the injury is unknown, but Benzema will not take any further part in his national team's campaign or preparations.
Every four years the World Cup brings together the world’s best players and Qatar 2022 will not be an exception.
On the attacking front, the exotic winter tournament brings us a combination of new talent, legendary strikers, generational wingers and a pair of GOATs.
In celebration of the World Cup being so close, we rank the forwards who are most likely to make an impact at Qatar.
Things are not looking good for Robert Lewandowski and FC Barcelona after the World Cup.
Lewandowski was sent-off for Barcelona when they visited Osasuna in the last game before the international break.
A double-booking saw the Polish star leave the game in the 30th minute after he made a reckless tackle on Osasuna’s David García.
Vinícius Júnior has become one of the most skillful players on the planet and he’s getting punished for it.
His quick feet, speed and Brazilian genes have turned him into a player that can provide both goals and assists when needed. Heading into the World Cup, Vini Jr is perhaps the most exciting debutant talent to see at the tournament, and he's leading a hungry and promising Brazil attack alongside Neymar.
| Vinicius Junior heading into the World Cup:
Rayo Vallecano came from behind to beat Real Madrid 3-2 on Monday with the champions failing to reclaim top spot in the standings after two consecutive games without a win and suffering their first loss in LaLiga this season.
Barcelona are top on 34 points, two ahead of Real Madrid and ten ahead of third-placed Atlético Madrid. Following their third consecutive win, Rayo climbed to eighth place, two points off the European qualification spots.
NYON, Switzerland - Barcelona and Manchester United will meet in the Europa League playoffs for a place in the competition's last 16.
Spanish side Barcelona met the 2017 Europa League winners twice in the 2009 and 2011 UEFA Champions League finals, winning on both occasions, while United lost both legs of the 2018-19 UCL quarterfinal meeting between the pair.
NYON - Holders Real Madrid will face English Premier League side Liverpool once again in the Champions League last 16 — a repeat of last season's final — while Paris St Germain will take on German champions Bayern Munich.
Madrid edged Liverpool in a tense final in May thanks to a Vinícius Júnior strike.