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  • Rory Smith

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Croatia Is the World Cup Team That Refuses to Lose

Croatia, a nation of four million people, needs one more win to reach a second straight World Cup final. If it happens, it will probably...

Two Favorites, Two Underdogs, Too Good

France and Argentina entered the World Cup as contenders, but Croatia and Morocco have proved to be worthy challengers for the title.

Brazil Feels the Familiar Sting of Failure

The country that expects to win every World Cup has been to the semifinals only once since 2002. But it can always find someone new...

A Two-Goal Lead Disappears, So Argentina Has to Do It the Hard Way

An all-time comeback ends in defeat for the Netherlands as Lionel Messi advances in his last World Cup.

Messi and Ronaldo’s Last World Cup Is the End of Soccer’s Greatest Generation

The World Cup is bidding farewell to the starriest cast the game has ever assembled. The setting is a perfect fit for the game’s age...

Every Team Left in Qatar Is a Contender

France and England, Argentina and Brazil, Messi and Ronaldo: The quarterfinals offer everything except an easy path to the trophy.

Black and Spanish: A National Team Starts to Reflect All of Its Nation

An increasingly diverse Spain squad is drawing in fans who had once seen it as a symbol of their country, but not necessarily of them.

Black and Spanish: A National Team Starts to Reflect All of Its Nation

An increasingly diverse Spain squad is drawing in fans who had once seen it as a symbol of their country, but not necessarily of them.

The Giant World Cup Rookie and an Enduring Dutch Mystery

The Netherlands is Europe’s most reliable talent factory. Unless you need a goalkeeper.

The U.S. Cleared a Big World Cup Hurdle. The Knockout Round Poses Another.

The U.S. victory over Iran sent it to the round of 16, with a match against the Netherlands on Saturday. But the team already has...