Tuesday cannon fodder: lackluster patronizing perfection

World Cup

Women’s World Cup: Argentina hold Japan for first point - BBC Sport
Japan begin their quest to reach a third straight World Cup final with a disappointing goalless draw against outsiders Argentina.

Kadeisha Buchanan heads Canada to World Cup victory over Cameroon | Football | The Guardian
Canada got off to a winning start in the Women’s World Cup.

Ada Hegerberg doesn’t owe you an explanation - All For XI
But we wrote one up for you anyway.

France’s World Cup opener was magic, FIFA’s ticketing was a nightmare - SBNation.com
Neither FIFA incompetence nor gray weather could get in the way of a brilliant night at Parc des Princes.

The Brazil women’s national soccer team’s fiercest opponent is sexism - SBNation.com
Brazil’s women have struggled to achieve at the world level like the men. The reason is complex, but it starts with sexism.

We Asked, They Answered: 108 Women’s World Cup Players on Their Job, Money and Sacrificing Everything - The New York Times
“Everything in my life comes second to my football. I’ve given up everything to be where I am.”

’Dare to Shine’ slogan for Women’s World Cup 2019 is patronizing and tired - The Washington Post
The women contesting the 2019 World Cup are unrelenting and unapologetic in pursuit of greatness — and are no different than champions in other sports.

Three misleading results from the World Cup’s opening weekend | StatsBomb
Three results from the opening weekend that don’t reflect the underlying performances of the teams involved.

Premier League/England

Two stars persuade Liverpool to rule out Bundesliga signing - Football365
Max Kruse seemed like a sensible signing as a free agent. But Liverpool have a pair of reasons to look elsewhere.

Spurs’ Dele Alli insists he improved last season despite fewer goals and assists | Football | The Guardian
Dele Alli said he has become a better all-round player even though statistics suggest otherwise.

England and Spurs need to recognise that a half-fit Harry Kane is no use | Barney Ronay | Football | The Guardian
Club and country must ease the burden on the striker.

Europe

Coutinho admits to poor season at Barcelona
Philippe Coutinho admits his performances for Barcelona this season were not good enough as the club look to cash in on the Brazilian.

Euro 2020: Republic of Ireland complete lacklustre victory over Gibraltar | Football | The Guardian
Joseph Chipolina’s own goal and a late effort from the substitute Robbie Brady gave the Republic of Ireland a Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Gibraltar.

Scots must be ‘almost perfect’ to stop Belgium - Steve Clarke - BBC Sport
Scotland will need an “almost perfect performance” to stop the best team in the world in Belgium, says head coach Steve Clarke.

Euro 2020 qualifying: Spain 3-0 Sweden - BBC Sport
Sergio Ramos sets Spain on course for a comfortable victory over Sweden in qualifying for Euro 2020, plus a round-up of other Euro 2020 qualifying results.

Turkey accuses Iceland of disrespecting national football team at airport | Football | The Guardian
Turkey has accused Icelandic officials of showing disrespect after players said they were kept waiting for three hours and had their bags searched before their Euro 2020 qualifier.

MLS/Americas

How Rivaldo, Cafu and Djalminha turned Palmeiras’ class of ‘96 into one of Brazilian football’s most entertaining
We speak to Paulo Freitas, Football Manager’s Head of Research for Brazil, about the incredible Palmeiras team that won the 1996 Campeonato Paulista.

This is the weakest U.S. national team pool in a long time – The Athletic ($)
After a lost generation of players in their primes, the USMNT now must hope for a golden generation to follow.

Crew SC | New stadium to open after ‘21 season begins - Sports - The Columbus Dispatch - Columbus, OH
In some ways, the new era of one of the original clubs of Major League Soccer has already begun.

MLS Ambition Rankings 2019: Atlanta, LAFC class of 24-team league | SI.com
Consider this a measuring stick of who’s keeping pace in the arms race and who’s not.