Here is the official World Cup song/video : Nicky Jam feat. Will Smith & Era Istrefi (2018 FIFA World Cup Russia)
So, every big international sports event should of course have an official song, with a cool, inspiring video. Here is the year's song in English and Spanish, Reggaeton star Nicky Jam's "Live It Up" features Era Istrefi and Will Smith. Check it out here and let us know your comments [...]
Prediction: Germany will win the 2018 World Cup!
Germany will win the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and add a 5th star to their jersey...there, I said it! Die Mannschaft is an obvious pick for many as the top ranked team in FIFA rankings currently. That isn't why I chose them to win, but instead they [...]
CZ has landed in Russia
CZ has landed in Russia...but unfortunately for me the CZ I'm referring to is Cherif Zein, not Chris Ziemer. Many northern California players, coaches and teams have competed against Cherif's "CZ Elite" teams over the years. For over 35 years, Cherif has been working with players from the Los Angeles [...]
Russia wins – Do I pick games with my brain, heart or stomach?
The teams of Russia and Saudi Arabia line up prior to their group A march which opens the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, June 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Victor Caivano) 5-0! Are you serious? Russia opened the World Cup in convincing fashion [...]
Putin or Hoek?
Random thoughts on the opening three games... Russia vs Saudi Arabia This is a tough one for me. Dutch coach Frans Hoek who has spent the last 25 years helping soccer in northern California serves as the assistant coach for Saudi Arabia. Russia is the host country and let's be [...]
2026 World Cup comes to North America!
It was announced today that Canada, Mexico and the US will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup! The question of the day is who gets the automatic bid which usually goes to the host country? Most of us assumed an automatic berth would go to all three countries, but that [...]
Frans Hoek – A familiar face on the Saudi Arabian sideline
As fans across northern California, and especially Sonoma County watch the opening World Cup game, it is likely they will recognize the face of Dutch coach Frans Hoek, who currently serves as an assistant coach with the Saudi Arabian team. Frans has had a storied coaching career, with stops at [...]
From Russia with LOVE!
Alright, I'm not actually in Russia, but on Thursday morning, 8:00am in Sonoma County to be exact, Russia takes on Saudi Arabia in the FIFA World Cup opener, kicking off the 21st edition of the tournament. I will be watching the game in Sebastopol at my brother Andrew's home...not to [...]
