Mike DeCourcy | Sporting News

DeCourcy: Can France repeat at World Cup? Jury's still out despite 4-1 win

Olivier Giroud became one of France's career goals leaders with two in a 4-1 win over Australia, but there's plenty more unanswered even after such a dominant performance.

Mike DeCourcy

•

DeCourcy: Here's how Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia

If you want to understand how World Cup favorites Argentina wound up a 2-1 loser to underdog Saudi Arabia, start with the difference between how the winners applied their defense and how the losers failed to adapt.

Mike DeCourcy

•

DeCourcy: Qatar makes the wrong kind of history in World Cup opener

Qatar went all-in on chemistry, connection and teamwork in their first-ever World Cup match — and none of that was apparent in a disastrous 2-0 loss to Ecuador dominated by striker Enner Valencia

Mike DeCourcy

•

DeCourcy: Why a Pulisic loan to Man United could prove the ideal scenario

USMNT star Christian Pulisic has had a tough time getting regular playing time at Chelsea, and the acquisition of Raheem Sterling has only made it tougher. A loan move to Manchester United might resolve that issue.

Mike DeCourcy

•

Barcelona in crisis: Issues explained by author who went inside the club

Renowned soccer author Simon Kuper went behind the scenes for the definitive book on the club "The Barcelona Complex", and his insights help explain the current crisis facing FC Barcelona and why it's still struggling to balance the books.

Mike DeCourcy

•

USWNT earn high grades across board in 5-0 win over Jamaica

The grades for the USWNT were much higher following the 5-0 victory over Jamaica than they had been for a disconcerting opener in the the Concacaf W Championship.

Mike DeCourcy

•

How Jaden Ivey compares to Ja Morant and Derrick Rose

Purdue guard Jaden Ivey fits a mold of dynamic athlete that basically hasn't failed in the past two decades of NBA competition.

Mike DeCourcy

•

DeCourcy: What Liverpool are missing to win more trophies

Liverpool competed in three major finals in 2022 without scoring a single goal, even though the Reds had an extra 30 minutes in two of them. There need to be improvements in the their attack to get them over the biggest hurdles.

Mike DeCourcy

•

DeCourcy: How Fenway Sports Group transformed Liverpool into UCL force

Since taking over a failing Liverpool FC, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has restored the club's success and prestige through shrewd execution — and being smart enough to hire and keep manager Jurgen Klopp.

Mike DeCourcy

•

Edition

MORE FROM Mike DeCourcy

DeCourcy: Can France repeat at World Cup? Jury's still out despite 4-1 win

Olivier Giroud became one of France's career goals leaders with two in a 4-1 win over Australia, but there's plenty more unanswered even after such a dominant performance.

DeCourcy: Here's how Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia

If you want to understand how World Cup favorites Argentina wound up a 2-1 loser to underdog Saudi Arabia, start with the difference between how the winners applied their defense and how the losers failed to adapt.

DeCourcy: Qatar makes the wrong kind of history in World Cup opener

Qatar went all-in on chemistry, connection and teamwork in their first-ever World Cup match — and none of that was apparent in a disastrous 2-0 loss to Ecuador dominated by striker Enner Valencia

DeCourcy: Why a Pulisic loan to Man United could prove the ideal scenario

USMNT star Christian Pulisic has had a tough time getting regular playing time at Chelsea, and the acquisition of Raheem Sterling has only made it tougher. A loan move to Manchester United might resolve that issue.

Barcelona in crisis: Issues explained by author who went inside the club

Renowned soccer author Simon Kuper went behind the scenes for the definitive book on the club "The Barcelona Complex", and his insights help explain the current crisis facing FC Barcelona and why it's still struggling to balance the books.

USWNT earn high grades across board in 5-0 win over Jamaica

The grades for the USWNT were much higher following the 5-0 victory over Jamaica than they had been for a disconcerting opener in the the Concacaf W Championship.

How Jaden Ivey compares to Ja Morant and Derrick Rose

Purdue guard Jaden Ivey fits a mold of dynamic athlete that basically hasn't failed in the past two decades of NBA competition.

DeCourcy: What Liverpool are missing to win more trophies

Liverpool competed in three major finals in 2022 without scoring a single goal, even though the Reds had an extra 30 minutes in two of them. There need to be improvements in the their attack to get them over the biggest hurdles.

DeCourcy: How Fenway Sports Group transformed Liverpool into UCL force

Since taking over a failing Liverpool FC, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has restored the club's success and prestige through shrewd execution — and being smart enough to hire and keep manager Jurgen Klopp.