The World Cup opener at Parc des Princes was too cold to take in a sensory impression of the stadium. All one really cared about was huddling up against the gusting wind while watching France get a 4-0 win against South Korea. But nine days and a dozen degrees Fahrenheit later, as the United States kept Chile almost entirely contained in its own half for 90 minutes, the unmistakable aroma of old pee drifted up into and around the press area. It reminded me of an incident a few days earlier at the Centre sportif Emile Anthoine, close to the Eiffel Tower. I was headed to a press event and, to my misfortune, clear as day saw a man relieving himself in the bushes just outside the center. There were plenty of people passing by on the nearby sidewalk because, as you’ll recall, this was by the Eiffel Tower. He did not care. He simply peed. As it turns out, humans act like animals everywhere. Americans have a complex relationship with the French. We envy Parisians for their perceived … [Read more...] about Parc des Princes smells a little like pee
Soccer
The Sports Report: Gary Woodland and his memorable Father’s Day
Jill Ellis switched out most of her starting lineup and still had no trouble beating Chile, 3-0. It wasn’t the run-up-the-score match it had against Thailand and when Chile seemingly tied the score at 1-1 (except they were offsides, negating the goal), it probably brought some anxious moments. … [Read more...] about The Sports Report: Gary Woodland and his memorable Father’s Day
Late goal helps SAFC snap road woes
The script was playing out in a familiar manner. San Antonio FC would hold its own, even dominate in stretches, but a bad break or lapse was going to resign the local United Soccer League club to another loss on the road. Midfielder Jack Barmby changed the narrative. Barmby’s 30-yard free kick in extra time lifted SAFC to a 1-1 tie Saturday vs. Oklahoma City Energy FC at Taft Stadium. The result snapped a nine-game losing streak on the road for SAFC (4-7-4), including seven straight this season. It was the first time the Alamo City squad walked away from a road contest without a loss since a 2-1 decision vs. Real Monarchs SLC on Sept. 3, 2018. “I thought we dominated the game, and we were the better team, so to come out with a point is a bit disappointing,” Barmby said. “But at the same time, it's our first point on the road and, hopefully, we can gain some momentum from this.” SAFC appears to be trending in that direction. Fresh off a thrilling 3-2 home … [Read more...] about Late goal helps SAFC snap road woes
Women’s World Cup on TV: Spain and China look to advance
The buzz: Norway comes into the final day of group play in second place, thanks to a comfortable lead in goal differential over Nigeria. But that could vanish, blocking Norway’s route to the second round, with a one-sided loss here and a Nigeria win or draw against France. Norway has never lost to an Asian team in the Women’s World Cup and has failed to reach the second round just once in seven previous tries. South Korea, meanwhile, has advanced only once and it would take a highly improbable series of results for it to do so here. As a result it would probably be content with its first Women’s Cup goal in four games, dating to 2015. … [Read more...] about Women’s World Cup on TV: Spain and China look to advance
Women’s World Cup on TV: Sweden looks for convincing result
The buzz: Sweden’s World Cup got off to shaky start, with its game against stubborn Chile scoreless heading into the final minutes. The Swedes got serious at that point, with goals from Kosovare Asllani (83rd minute) and Madelen Janogy (four minutes into stoppage time) producing a sigh of relief and a 2-0 victory, Sweden’s first in the group stage since 2011. To get the attention of the rest of the field here, they’ll need a more convincing result against Thailand, which was dismantled 13-0 by the U.S. in its opener. A win would send Sweden to the round of 16, continuing the European domination of this tournament. Thailand, playing in its second Women’s World Cup, probably would be satisfied with a goal. The Thais have lost their last six games by a combined 31-3. … [Read more...] about Women’s World Cup on TV: Sweden looks for convincing result