In Italy they are praising the tactical genius of Inter Milan’s José Mourinho. In Barcelona they blame the Portuguese referee (compatriot of Mourinho’s) for not calling two penalty kicks and failing to disallow an Inter goal for offside.
Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg is still being discussed today. After all, it was the first time in the Pep Guardiola era that FC Barcelona had lost a game by more than a goal.
It will be seen whether a scandal involving French superstar Franck Ribéry will impact his Bayern Munich squad in the other UEFA Champions League semifinal against Lyon today (2:30 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel).
We will insist on calling him the Mourinho of MLS until he proves us wrong. Here’s Union manager Peter Nowak on sticking with Chris Seitz. Philly defender Danny Califf is also very self-critical for being shown a red card in Toronto.
There is a slew of international matches scheduled by MLS clubs in May, prior to the World Cup. The Revolution seem ready to get into the action against a Portuguese giant.
The Columbus Dispatch has news on the Crew looking to make a move to accommodate their new French acquisition.
Meanwhile the Red Bulls say there is no move being contemplated for Italian Alessandro Del Piero, contrary to media reports.
Seattle’s newest acquisition is electric.
That sigh you hear is one of relief coming from Salt Lake City where Javier Morales has resumed training with RSL.
Interesting to read that new FC Dallas Technical Director Barry Gorman sees Schellas Hyndman as the man in charge at the club.
In Chicago the new one-forward alignment employed by Carlos de los Cobos for the first time in MLS last weekend is making for good debate -- the Fire's Collins John thinks the two-forward set-up works best.
From England, U.S. National Team starting goalkeeper Tim Howard says he won’t be playing as long as Brad Friedel has. We also have updates on Carlos Bocanegra and Herculez Gomez.
In addition to the U.S. National Team, ESPN will also be at the World Cup -- in a big, big way.
Landon Donovan was on the radio talking World Cup with Dan Patrick.
It didn’t take long for the new World Cup ball to create controversy: Kasey Keller and Brian McBride chime in on the Jabulani.
Many may have already forgotten about the earthquake in Haiti. The Haitian National Team, which is currently in the USA, shines a light once more on the current state of the country. Meanwhile, a Kansas City native is taking over the Haitian Women’s National Team.
It pales in comparison to Haiti's troubles. But after the much talked about Barcelona bus ride to Milan, Liverpool and Clint Dempsey's Fulham will also have to go the unconventional route to get to their Europa League destinations for Thursday’s matchups.
Aside from UEFA Champions League action, fans can take in an Italian Cup semifinal second leg between Serie A leaders Roma and Udinese (noon p.m. ET, GolTV) and a critical EPL survival match for Jozy Altidore and Hull City as they host Brad Friedel and Aston Villa (2:30 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Plus).
In Mexico, Cruz Azul host José Francisco Torres and Pachuca for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final (10 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel) which is so important that Cruz Azul rested several players during Mexican league play on the weekend.
