Players to Know: #4 Neymar

Forward, Brazil

Meet Brazil's new golden boy, the player tasked with leading El Selecao to glory on home turf this summer. Neymar da Silva Santos Junior has assumed the mantle from a long line of Brazilian greats such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and, of course, Pele. These are heavy expectations to place on the shoulder of a 22-year-old, and it's an open question whether Neymar is up to the task. One thing I can say confidently though, is that whether he succeeds or fails, Neymar will do it in some style.

The Diamond Is Rough: Win over Turkey doesn't mask defensive issues for U.S.

We'll get to the offense later because it was pretty good, but U.S. fans have to be concerned by the team's defensive showing in Sunday's friendly against Turkey. The final scoreboard said 2-1 in favor of the Americans, but that scoreline was flattering to a U.S. defense that was at sixes and sevens for much of the match. The performance begs a simple yet foundational question: Does the U.S. need to consider changing its formation only two weeks before their opening game?

Azerbaiwho? Grading the U.S.'s lackluster win in first game of Send-Off Series

Once the World Cup starts, a win is a win is a win, but a different standard is used to judge World Cup tune-up games. Yes, the U.S. finished with a comfortable 2-0 victory last night, but Ghana will not be shaking in their boots watching the U.S. performance against Azerbaijan.

Players to Know: #5 Andres Iniesta

Midfielder, Spain

The man is known fondly in his native Spain as El Ilusionista. Maybe he has a second job as a children's entertainer, but much more likely this is because Andres Iniesta is the best dribbler in the world.

U.S. 23-Man Roster and Five Thoughts

Landon Donovan, USA

U.S. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann released Thursday the 23-man roster he will take to Brazil this summer. Here it is:

Top 10 Shocking Matches (of my lifetime): Part III of III

After Part I and Part II, we're down to the best of the best, four matches that will withstand the test of time. Let's go.

Top 10 Players Who Should Be At The 2014 World Cup

As an Arsenal fan, Aaron Ramsey's sublime match-winner in the FA Cup Final this past Saturday was reason to celebrate, but the goal brought a twinge of sadness as well. Ramsey, a player who has emerged this season as a world-class talent, will not grace soccer's biggest stage this summer, and this is not his fault. It's geography's fault; Ramsey was born in Wales who have a terrible national team. Every four years, there are players in Ramsey's situation, and you feel for them. You feel for yourself too because you're deprived of seeing these players. Here's who will be missed most in Brazil.