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How Penalty Pain Became Part of England’s Soccer Cup Identity

How Penalty Pain Became Part of England’s Soccer Cup Identity

For decades, England's national soccer team has been defined by its heartbreaking losses in penalty shootouts. Here's how that pain became a cultural identity.

Why England and Penalty Shootouts Became a Soccer Cup Myth

Why England and Penalty Shootouts Became a Soccer Cup Myth

For decades, England's national soccer team was defined by its failure in penalty shootouts. Here’s the story of how that painful myth was born, and why it's finally over.

The England Pattern That Makes Every Shootout Feel Bigger

The England Pattern That Makes Every Shootout Feel Bigger

For decades, England's national soccer team has been haunted by a history of failure in penalty shootouts, turning every new tiebreaker into a national drama.

5 Soccer Cup Storylines Built for March Madness Fans

5 Soccer Cup Storylines Built for March Madness Fans

Love the chaos of March Madness? Here’s how the biggest storylines from the NCAA tournament translate perfectly to the drama of a World Cup.

How One Miss Can Start a National Penalty Pattern

How One Miss Can Start a National Penalty Pattern

A single missed penalty can trigger a team-wide psychological collapse. Here’s an inside look at the science of sporting contagion and curses.

How to Pick a Soccer Cup Team Using NHL Logic

How to Pick a Soccer Cup Team Using NHL Logic

Don't have a team for the big tournament? We translate the world's best soccer squads into NHL archetypes to help you find your rooting interest.

Pochettino says no Americans among top 100 players yet US can win World Cup

Pochettino says no Americans among top 100 players yet US can win World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino has been blunt about American soccer talent

TOC Guide To World Cup 2026

TOC Guide To World Cup 2026

Get ready for the biggest soccer tournament ever

5 Soccer Cup Matches to Watch Like March Madness

5 Soccer Cup Matches to Watch Like March Madness

Love the drama of March Madness? Here are five types of knockout soccer matches that deliver the same high-stakes, bracket-busting excitement.

5 Men’s Soccer Cup Legacy Debates Built for U.S. Sports Fans

5 Men’s Soccer Cup Legacy Debates Built for U.S. Sports Fans

From Messi vs. Ronaldo to the greatest teams that fell short, we break down five classic World Cup legacy debates for American sports fans.

Luis de la Fuente has taken Spain back to the pinnacle

Luis de la Fuente has taken Spain back to the pinnacle

Spain are favorites for the World Cup after undergoing a transformation under their manager.

Why Chalk Brackets Rarely Win the Soccer Cup Pool

Why Chalk Brackets Rarely Win the Soccer Cup Pool

Picking all the favorites in a soccer tournament bracket is a common losing strategy. Here’s why upsets are so common in the beautiful game.