Colombia vs Japan, and it’s the first World Cup match for both teams. The long wait is over. The practice, the strategy, the buildup…it’s all in the past now. Now it’s time to play. One minute of gameplay, then two, then three. And then— A handball. The ref calls it intentional. It’s in the box. That … Read more
The mental side of the World Cup is a big deal. Sure, skill plays a major role in the success of a team, but if players do not think properly about the task at hand, it could cost their country a victory. Thinking seems basic, but it isn’t. All too many of us, all too often, … Read more
I watch as many World Cup Soccer games I can, and the one thing that stands out more than anything else is patience. Sure, at the end of the game, urgency can creep in. But mostly, the game is filled with patience. Passing, pausing, waiting, making a run up the field only to have the player … Read more
When playing a sport, you are going to have bad days, especially if you play soccer goalie like me. I am Mason Kasimov, Eric’s son. I am a soccer goalie and having bad days comes with the job—for me and even for the best goalies in the country like Tim Howard and Zack Steffen. So, … Read more
A story about soccer, coffee and social media It’s a cold, rainy Sunday morning. Turf fields make playing soccer possible on days like today. We’re ready. I mean, my son is ready, he’ll be the one playing. I’ll be a spectator in the stands. I’m also the driver. There’s no time for my morning coffee, we have to … Read more
