Andrew Kerth 
When the World Cup draw is made, fans and pundits immediately scan the groups for one thing: the “group of death.” It is one of soccer’s most dramatic and widely used phrases, instantly signalling a cluster of teams so strong that a quality side is guaranteed to crash out early. But what exactly makes a … Read more
It is one of soccer’s most familiar sights: the final whistle blows, and players from opposing teams seek each other out to swap shirts, walking off the field bare-chested or wearing the colors of the team they just battled against. The jersey exchange is a beloved tradition, but where did it come from, and what … Read more
Substitutions are a fundamental part of modern soccer, letting managers refresh tired legs, change tactics, and respond to the flow of a game. But the rules around them, how many you get, when you can make them, and what happens in extra time, have changed significantly in recent years, and they can be more nuanced … Read more
Every soccer team has a captain, the player who wears the armband and leads the side on the field. But what does the captain actually do, and what powers and responsibilities does the role carry under the laws of the game? The answer is a mix of formal duties, surprisingly limited official authority, and a … Read more
A soccer team puts 11 players on the field, and while the game can look like a free-flowing scramble at times, every player has a defined role and a position to fill. Understanding those positions, what each one does and where they line up, is the key to following the game, reading a team’s tactics, … Read more
Goalscorers get the glory, but behind many of the World Cup’s most iconic goals was a player who made it possible with a perfectly weighted pass, a pinpoint cross, or a piece of vision that unlocked a defense. The assist is football’s great supporting act, and the World Cup’s all-time leaders in this category are … Read more
Goalscorers get the glory, but behind many of the World Cup’s most iconic goals was a player who made it possible with a perfectly weighted pass, a pinpoint cross, or a piece of vision that unlocked a defense. The assist is football’s great supporting act, and the World Cup’s all-time leaders in this category are … Read more
Winning Wimbledon is the pinnacle of tennis, a feat that takes most players years of grinding to achieve, if they ever manage it at all. But a rare few have lifted the famous trophy while barely out of their childhood, stunning the sport with performances of astonishing maturity. The youngest Wimbledon champions are some of … Read more
The John Deere Classic may not carry the prestige of a major or a PGA Tour signature event, but the money on offer at TPC Deere Run is still life-changing, especially for the lesser-known players who often contend here. For the 2026 edition in Silvis, Illinois, the tournament’s total purse has climbed to $8.8 million, … Read more
The John Deere Classic occupies a unique and beloved spot on the PGA Tour calendar. Held every July at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, in the heart of the Quad Cities, it lands the week before golf heads overseas for The Open Championship. That timing means many of the game’s biggest stars skip it, … Read more