World Soccer News - July 20, 2006

Every day, tons of soccer stories happen, these are just the few that made it out of the shadows and into my view.

The French soccer federation is satisfied with FIFA's ruling on Zidane, however, the Italians are not so happy. Let's see, France lost nobody while Italy lost a key to their defense. If I was France, I would be happy too.

The Portuguese received no respect, no respect I tell ya, during the World Cup, or so says a Portuguese-American. He seems to think this was due to a lack of stereotypical Portuguese food, but I think it might have been a result of all the diving and poor play (maybe the US should look into diving lessons).

Brazil's head coach Carlos Parreira quit yesterday. I'm sure the Brazilian fans shed a tear at the news.

England's Sports Minister Richard Caborn opened the door to a 2018 World Cup bid today (I'm not sure the door was actually closed). Australia is also looking into the games. How long till Mexico, Canada and the US start talking about their bids?

India's new coach Bob Houghton says the team needs to stop thinking about the World Cup and instead focus on getting their standards up to that of Asia.

If you've ever said, "I'd die for my soccer team," German soccer club Hamburg SV might just have a plan for you. The team is planning a cemetery for fans. Is anyone shocked that this story takes place in Germany?

Shannon Boxx tore the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament in her right knee and will be out of the US Women's lineup for 6-8 months. Ouch.

FC Dallas has acquired Brazilian midfielder Marcelo Saragosa from LA and former SMU forward Alex Smith. Smith takes midfielder Mario Torres spot on the developmental roster.

Major Indoor Soccer League's Detroit Ignition will hold open tryouts in three Michigan indoor facilities in September. If you have what it takes, look here.

Neal Thurman has some ideas for marketing soccer to the US over the next few years and yes, John Stewart is included.

Finally, the new USL first division club in Cary, have released their name and logo (pictured). They will be the Carolina Railhawks. Congratulations to Jarrett Campbell from the excellent Triangle Soccer Fanatics for coming up with the name.