World Cup
Big news in international soccer this morning. FIFA announced they will have goal-line technology at the 2014 World Cup. Our friends at the Associated Press provide the details:
ZURICH -- FIFA committed Tuesday to using goal-line technology at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and could have four systems competing for selection.
FIFA said it is now seeking tenders from companies that want their system to be used at the Confederations Cup in June and next year's World Cup.
"Interested GLT companies will be invited to join an inspection visit to the Confederations Cup venues, currently scheduled for mid-March, with a final decision due to be confirmed in early April," FIFA said in a statement.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter insisted on giving World Cup referees high-tech aids to make goal-line decisions after seeing England midfielder Frank Lampard have a clear goal denied against Germany at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
A key noncall in 2010 resulted when Frank Lampard's first-half shot crossed the line by several feet against Germany but was not ruled a goal. England lost 4-1.
Tuesday's decision was expected once FIFA's rule-making panel, known as IFAB, decided in July to approve goal-line technology at competitive matches after two systems passed extensive tests.
The Hexagonal round of qualifying begins Wednesday afternoon in Honduras for the U.S. Men's National Team. It's the first in a year-long road that hopefully leads to the 2014 World Cup.
The match is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT on beIn Sport - not exactly the most convenient for most people stuck at work or in school.
Nevertheless, how do you see this match going for the USMNT? Vote below:
The field is set for the hexagonal round in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Beginning in 2013 the United States will battle Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico and Panama for the right to be one of three teams to advance to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Now it's your time to vote - which three teams do you think will advance?
Definitely head over to Grantland, where Noah Davis has a thought provoking story about the rise of CONCACAF players in MLS and whether that's making things more difficult for the U.S. Men's National Team.
Perez, of course, is a member of the Panamanian National Team and gives his take on the rising perception of MLS in Central America.
FC Dallas' Blas Perez scored twice in the second half Friday night to lead the Panamanian National Team to a 2-0 win over Honduras in the first World Cup Qualifying match of this round for CONCACAF.
After a scoreless first half, Perez opened the scoring with a wicked strike from the top of the box in the 64' to give Panama the lead.
His second goal was even more spectacular - a header off a cross in the 80' to seal the deal.
With the win Panama earned three points and is in first place with Canada in Group C of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, ahead of Honduras and Cuba. Panama faces Cuba on Tuesday and is trying to reach the World Cup for the first time in the country's history.
Blas' two goals are below. Enjoy the very excited announcers: