Happy New Year 2017

Out with the old, in with the new! I wish you happiness the whole year through. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas 2016

May the treasures and pleasures of Christmas be with you with love and peace throughout
the year. Merry Christmas to all!

Brazilian Soccer Player Who Survived Plane Crash Wakes From Coma

Helio Neto of Chapecoense the Brazilian soccer player who is the survivor of the tragic plane crash in Colombia wakes up from his coma and it was reported that he doesn't remember what happened. Neto is a defender for Chapecoense, he was rescued from the wreckage in the morning of November 29 when the plane crashed near Medellin, Colombia, that killed 71 of the 77 people on-board.

He was put into a drug-induced coma and once he regain consciousness after 9 days he asked how his team performed in the final against Colombia's Atletico Nacional, which didn't go through because of the plane crash. He also asked why he was in the hospital and what happened that brought him there.

Doctors of the Colombian hospital have asked the helped of psychologists on the best course of action they needed to take to keep the truth hidden to save him any additional trauma.

“It’s a recommendation from the psychologist not to tell him (about the tragic plane crash) just yet to avoid any emotional shock that would be potentially damaging for his clinical recovery at this moment," Dr. Carlos Mendonca told Brazilian television station TV Globo. "So we should follow this qualified opinion for now.”

Initial reports of the crash investigation have suggested that the aircraft was low on fuel, according to authorities.

Another survivor of the crash, journalist Rafael Henzel, said Sunday that the pilot never told the passengers to fasten their seat-belts during the flight.

Toronto FC Defeated Montreal Advance to MLS Cup

Toronto FC went out to the field and proved to the world what they've got by beating the Montreal Impact 5-2 (7-5 on aggregate) in the MLS Eastern Conference final Wednesday to advance to MLS Cup in an epic battle that needed extra time at BMO Field.

It was a rollercoaster 5-2 victory for Toronto FC. It was two substitutes that decided the game. TFC substitute Benoit Cheyrou scored moments after coming on for the injured Sebastian Giovinco during the extra session, and fellow sub Tosaint Ricketts put the game away two minutes later.

Toronto moves on to host the Seattle Sounders on December 10 in the league's championship match.

US Soccer Team Humiliated by Costa Rica 4-0

The United States men’s national soccer team was embarrassed by Costa Rica demolishing them 4-0 in National Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica on Tuesday for the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers. The U.S. men's team drop to an 0-2 record in the final round of World Cup qualifying for Russia 2018, worsen its competitive record in San Jose to 0-9-1 and in Costa Rica overall to 0-9-2, and extend its qualifying losing streak in the Central American nation to 31 years.

Their performance were frustrating,, error filled and disheveling. Four days ago, they also loss at home against Mexico in a narrow 2-1 game in Columbus, Ohio.

Costa Rica took the lead 2 minutes before half time when Johan Venegas rose unchallenged. In the second half, Costa Rica pushed the game and widen the lead as Christian Bolanos scored in 69 minutes and Joel Campbell got a pair of goals. The US team cannot even keep possession for long.

The result leaves Klinsmann's U.S. bottom of the six-team group alongside Trinidad and Tobago.

Costa Rica, meanwhile, top the so-called Hexagonal, the only side to win both their opening games.

The top three teams after the 10 home-and-away matches qualify automatically for Russia 2018, while the fourth-placed side goes into a play-off with a team from Asia.

Mexico, who drew 0-0 with Panama in a dull match in the isthmus, have four points, the same as Panama.

Here Lies John Brooks

January 28, 1993 - November 15, 2016 pic.twitter.com/blqrkdiQK8

— amadí 💭 (@amadoit__) November 16, 2016

This game... #USAvCRC https://t.co/c4WPjQdFXe

— Ben Jata (@Ben_Jata) November 16, 2016

How?? pic.twitter.com/QlCLf1I54d

— amadí 💭 (@amadoit__) November 16, 2016

Venegas goal. #CRC 1-0 #USA

Watch Brooks and Gonzalez. pic.twitter.com/dMGJ7uMx2o

— amadí 💭 (@amadoit__) November 16, 2016

Happy Halloween 2016

Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world.

~ William Shakespeare

Sweden Women's Soccer Shocked U.S, Team, Hope Solo Still Bitter Called Them "Cowards"

 

The United States women’s soccer team lost to Sweden in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Rio Olympics in the penalty shootout on Friday. The Americans are eliminated and are going home the loser.

The U.S. women soccer team which won last year’s Women’s World Cup, had been in the five previous Olympic final and won  four of those five title games and three straight gold medals in the gold medals in 2004, 2008 and 2012. Unfortunately for them the Swedish team which was coached by former U.S. team manager Pia Sundhage knows how to deal with the Americans.

The U.S. were clearly the favorites since Sweden can only come up with two goals in their three group stage goals and one of those come from a 5-1 lost against hosts Brazil. But the Swedes gave an impeccable defense that left the Americans clueless.

Sweden took a 1-0 lead in the 61st minute using a passing strategy that gave room for Stina Blackstenius for a goal. In the 77th minute the United States responded with a goal, a cross into the penalty area by Tobin Heath skimmed off Crystal Dunn and landed at the feet of Alex Morgan, who fired the ball into the net with her left foot to tie the score at 1-1.

Lisa Dahlkvist

In the penalties, the U.S. cracked first, and never really recovered. Morgan first shot in the shootout was blocked by the Swedish goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl. After four consecutive successful kicks, Solo had a great save, diving high and to her right to keep out Linda Sembrant and even things up. Christen Press took the Americans’ fifth shot and sent it over the net. Solo tried to mess up the concentration of Swedish shooter, Lisa Dahlkvist by calling to the bench for a change of gloves, but that didn’t work. Dahlkvist was calm and decisive and she delivers the shot that eliminated the Americans.

Hope Solo Tweeting

Solo wasn’t happy and she called Sweden Women's Soccer team "Cowards" and said that the better team didn't win.

Full Hope Solo quote on Sweden after US was eliminated from the Olympics today. pic.twitter.com/UZVCAeur6m

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) August 12, 2016

Canada Beat Australia 2-0, Fastest Goal in The Olympics

Canada defeated Australia 2-0 in Women's soccer. Janine Beckie of Canada recorded the fastest goal, she scored 20 seconds into the Canada's Olympic opener against Australia. Beckie’s goal is the fastest in Olympic soccer history, men’s or women’s. The men’s record is held by Mexico’s Oribe Peralta.

Beckie, 21 plays soccer in the United States for the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League. This game was her Olympic debut. In the first game, Sweden beat South Africa, 1-0. U.S. soccer team will meet New Zealand on Wednesday at 6 p.m. EST.

Fastest goal in the women's Olympic soccer tournament history. Say hello to Janine Beckie. pic.twitter.com/mlD7DHsaXw

— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) August 3, 2016

One for the books! @janinebeckie4 of 🇨🇦 scores the fastest goal in Olympic #football history https://t.co/B74imgNL78 https://t.co/ImCvGEkRgb

— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2016

Janine Beckie scores to put Canada 1 up: Video: BBC, #Rio2016 #womensfootball #CANAUS #matildas #CANWNT pic.twitter.com/ouL7zZnmhS

— WomensSoccerUnited (@WSUasa) August 3, 2016

USA Vs Bahrain Youth Soccer Match Brawl

Fight broke out during Monday’s game between the U.S. U-19 Men’s National Team and Bahrain. While Bahrain was up 3-1 in stoppage time, US player Pierre da Silva (wearing No. 10) was tripped by a Bahrain player, followed by Bahrain player that kicked the ball to his head. After seeing the kick, U.S. defender John Nelson chased the player who kicked the ball to da Silva's head, and it developed into a full blown brawl with players from both teams going at each while referees, coaches and trainers attempted to break it up.

The Americans was eliminated from the COTIF tourney with the 3-1 loss to Bahrain.

Ronaldo-less Portugal Upset France in Euro 2016 final to win first major title

No Cristiano Ronaldo? No problem! Even though Cristiano Ronaldo have to leave the field early in the first half with a knee injury Portugal found a way to upset the heavily favored French. Portugal which just won one of its 7 games in France during regulation, won the European Championship with a 1-0 extra-time win over the hosts on Sunday, thanks to a late, long strike from Eder.

“We said we would win it for him,” Portugal defender Pepe said of Ronaldo. “And we managed to win it for him.”

The French were unrelenting with their pressure against Portugal that forced them to make mistakes from their very first possession. Portugal could not even hold on possession for more than a pass or two. Basically, France got most of the possession of the first-half. Unfortunately for France they could not convert its first-half dominance into a goal. Portugal was able to slow the game in the second half, which became something of a stalemate. France shift their rabid play in the first half for more methodical attacks. But Portugal were able to contain them.

The French did find an opening, in the 109th minute, Eder surprisingly was left with too much room to shoot in a quick transition outside the box. He let loose and snuck a bouncer past Lloris.

Eder said after the game “He (Ronaldo) told me I was going to score the winning goal.”

HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY NOW, MIKE!#FRAPOR https://t.co/V22njOfO5W

— Howler Magazine (@whatahowler) July 10, 2016

Lionel Messi and his father Convicted for tax fraud Sentenced 21 months in jail

Lionel Messi and his father Jorge Horacio Messi were sentenced to 21 months in jail for tax fraud by a Spanish court on Wednesday.

Yes, it was a shocking turn of events, but for all those Messi fans the good news is his dad will likely skip any jail time. The sentences are expected to be suspended since both are first-time offenders of non-violent crimes with sentences of less than two years.

As long as the Messis don’t break any other laws during the period of their sentences which is 21 months, they will not be thrown to jail. They also have the option to appeal.

Lionel Messi and his father were found guilty of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying taxes of 4.16 million euros of the soccer star's income earned from his image rights from 2007 to 2009. During a 4 day trial last month, Messi told the court that he “knew nothing” about how his finances were being managed by his dad, but the court ruled that Messi “had decided to remain in ignorance.”

Aside from the jail sentence, Lionel Messi will have to pay an additional 1.7 million euros and his dad 1.3 million euros, aside from the 5 million euros in unpaid taxes and interest fees they shelled out before the trial.

Barcelona publicly backed its five-time World Player of the Year. In a statement, the club said: “FC Barcelona gives all its support to Leo Messi and his father with relation to the sentence for tax evasion handed out by the Provincial Court in Barcelona today.”

Lionel Messi Quits Argentina National Team

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina still disappointed with their loss to Chile during the Copa America Centenario Championship match at MetLife Stadium on June 26, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey decided to quit the national team. He said that he's unlikely to play for Argentina again after their Copa America final defeat to Chile.

It was a 120 minutes of physical game that ended scoreless for both team but when it comes to the shootout Chile once again took the win 4-2 just as they had last year in the regular edition of this tournament. It seems the Chile are really good in penalties while Argentina needs to work on it.

It is now three consecutive summers in which Messi and Argentina had lost the final of a major tournament in extra time. In 2014, it was the World Cup final, which was decided by Germany's 113th-minute goal. Last year, the outcome was the same as this year, falling to Chile in the Copa America final on penalties.

During a shootout, Messi badly missed his penalty try after goalkeeper Sergio Romero made a save on Arturo Vidal the very first shot of the shootout, Messi stepped up to take his country’s first shot. He struck the ball with his left foot, and sailed it well over the crossbar. Lucas Biglia would miss the Argentines' fourth attempt as well, and the Chileans, having missed no other shots, won 4-2 to become the champions yet again.

"For me, the national team is over," he said after defeat by Chile in the Copa America final. "I've done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion."

Messi, 29, has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues with Spanish side Barcelona.

But his only major international honor is Olympic gold at the 2008 Games.

Copa America semifinals: USA vs. Argentina

It seems to be an impossible feat for the United States to beat Argentina. The United States will be up agaist Argentina in Tuesday’s Copa América semifinal in Houston after the Argentines beat Venezuela 4-1 on Saturday in Foxborough, Mass., behind two goals from Gonzalo Higuaín, one from Lionel Messi (which tied Argentina's all-time record) and one from Erik Lamela. Venezuela had a chance to get back in their quarterfinal just before halftime, but a failed Panenka attempt on a penalty kick thwarted the Vinotino's momentum, and Argentina rolled to the result.

USA will not only be dealing with limiting Lionel Messi they are also dealing with  three suspensions (to Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya). Defendig against Messi will be their top priority, it will have to be a collective defensive effort by the team.

Kyle Beckerman has to come up huge they can’t be chasing shadows against the best player in the world, one who’s in terrific form during this Copa América.

As for Argentina, the weak link is going to be the pairing of Nicolás Otamendi and Ramiro Funes Mori, they were mediocre in the Premier League this past season with Manchester City and Everton
    
Still Argentina will be the favorite to win this game but the US still has a chance no matter how slim it is.

 
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2016 USA Men's National Home Jersey






 
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Fans are Disappointed at Lionel Messi Sitting out Copa América Game

Lionel Messi fans were disappointed Monday night at Levi’s Stadium when their favorite soccer star who is argubly best soccer player in the world didn't play in the Argentina Copa América match against Chile.

Messi is sufferring from a sore back he got from a hard blow in a game last May 27. Well, Argentina didn't need Messi to beat Chile, they won, 2-1, scoring two 2nd half goals in quick succession before Chile notched one in stoppage time.

However, it seems fans who attended the game don't care about the match they just want to see Messi play. Most of them bought tickets because of Messi.

The cheapest tickets at the Copa América is at $50 and the parking around Levi’s Stadium on Monday was running as high as $50.

La Liga Action: Barca, Real Madrid Racing to the Title

Barcelona 5-0 Espanyol

Barcelona are now one win away from defending their Liga title after crushing Espanyol 5-0 at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Lionel Messi started early with a free-kick then Luis Suarez scored twice in the second half to make it 11 goals from his last four league appearances. Rafinha Alcantara and Neymar scored a pair of goals to capped their 4th straight win.

Goooooooooooooool de Messi, gooooooooooool del @fcbarcelona_es, precioso y preciso tiro libre #LaLiga https://t.co/qmdGbYgxYK

— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) May 8, 2016

Real Madrid 3-2 Valencia

Real Madrid was victorious against Valencia on Sunday. Cristiano Ronaldo was able to score on either side of one goal from Karim Benzema, and the game was never closer than what it look.

HUUUUGE Goal for @RealMadrid! @Cristiano delivers when they needed it most. #RMAvVAL https://t.co/r0OM9k3KMU

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) May 8, 2016

Levante 2-1 Atletico Madrid

Barca's closest rivals Atletico Madrid suffered and upset with a 2-1 loss at hands of Levante that send them crashing out of the title race, although Real Madrid defeated Valencia 3-2 and remain just a point off the pace.

Goooooooal!
An early one for @Atleti as @Torres scores yet again! 1-0 against @LevanteUD! #LaLiga https://t.co/uumb70zBJB

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) May 8, 2016

Team                  GP     W     D     L     GF     GA     GD     Home     Away     PTS
Barcelona           37     28     4     5     109     29     80     16-1-2     12-3-3     88
Real Madrid       37     27     6     4     108     34     74     16-1-2     11-5-2     87
Atlético Madrid  37     27     4     6     61     18     43     14-3-1     13-1-5     85
Villarreal             37     18    10     9     44     33     11     12-4-3     6-6-6     64
Celta Vigo          37     17      9     11     51     57     -6     9-6-4     8-3-7     60
Athletic              37     17      8     12     55     44     11     10-4-4     7-4-8     59
Sevilla                37     14    10     13     50     47     3     14-1-4     0-9-9     52

Premier League 2016: Tottenham Hotspur Trim Leicester's lead to 5 points by crushing Stoke 4-0

Leicester is still the favorites with 73 points but Tottenham`s 4th win in 5 games just makes things more exciting. Tottenham Hotspur trim Leicester City`s Premier League lead with 4 goals, Harry Kane and Dele Alli both scored 2 apiece to give the team a 4-0 victory at Stoke City on Monday. The Spurs demolished Stoke with a devastating attacking display.

Leicesterdropped points in their Sunday’s draw with West Ham with four games remaining. If Leicester or Spurs win the league, it would shake up the established order. Leicester has never won the title in their 132-year history and Tottenham’s only titles came in 1951 and 1961.

The Alli hit the ball with a drop shot over goalkeeper Shay Given to give Tottenham a 2-0 lead in the 67th but then missed an open goal.

Kane was able to score in an unguarded net in the 71st and Alli hit a strong kick into the net to complete 4 goals of the game.

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Idiot GoalKeeper Kicked The Ball To Own Goal From Far Left of the Penalty Area

Tahiti outfit AS Tefana's goalkeeper Mickael Roche displayed his aiming skills kicking the ball from far left of the penalty area but unfortunately it goes in their own goal during the OFC Champions League tie against Nadi FA.

Well, at least he made history of scoring the greatest own goal of all time.

It's the goalkeeper's job to keep the ball out of the net, not put it past you so the other team score! Roche may have forgotten that. 

Also Roche is the goalkeeper when Tahiti lost 10-0 to Spain a few years ago, but this might be an even more embarrassing moment.

U.S. Men’s Soccer Team VS Guatemala Live Stream

The United States Men’s National Soccer Team needs redemption after the team's numbing loss at the hands of Guatemala 2-0 last Friday night in a World Cup qualifying match. They will have a rematch against Guatemala Tuesday that will stream live. They will be fighting desperately to avoid the worst disaster in American soccer in more than two decades, fail to qualify for a World Cup.

The U.S. Men's soccer team must win, or they will need last-place St. Vincent and the Grenadines to somehow hold leaders Trinidad and Tobago or Guatemala. I don't think St. Vincent can save the US, and they still need to defeat Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent to be assured of even advancing to the final round of qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, to take place in Russia.

The U.S. men soccer team have qualified for every World Cup since the 1994 tournament.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern Time at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, March 29 — 4 p.m., Pacific Time.

You can watch live stream here:

U.S. Men’s Soccer Team VS Guatemala Live Stream ESPN
Sling TV internet TV


Nike USA Stadium Away Jersey (GAME ROYAL/LOYAL BLUE/FOOTBALL WHITE/FOOTBALL WHITE) (L) $60.57   

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Neymar Tricked Goalkeeper In Penalty Kick: Game ended in a draw 2-2 Barcelona vs Villarreal

Barcelona's 2nd goal came from Neymar, he literally tricked the goalkeeper that resulted to a penalty kick goal for Barcelona. He did a fancy move running fast to the right side of the box, he was fouled by goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo. Neymar got the Penalty Kick, and Lionel Messi let him take it.

Check it out how he fools the keeper with this cheeky penalty kick.

Barcelona lead 2-0 in the first half with Neymar's penalty goal, however, Villarreal was able to bounce back. The Yellow Submarine cut the lead in half 57 minutes in via Cedric Bakambu. After 6 minutes, Jeremy Mathieu goal tied the game 2-2.

The game ended in a draw and Barcelona extended its lead at the top of the La Liga table to nine points on Sunday with a 2-2 draw at Villarreal. They keep their unbeaten streak alive at 39 games.

Teammates Sexually Assault Hammond Soccer Player

*stock image

Hammond, Indiana - Police said that a member of the high school boys soccer player was sexually assaulted by teammates. According to police reports, Hammond Clark High School Principal Robert Wilson reported the assault which happened last February 5, 2016 in a locker room while the player was changing clothes.

Based on the NWI Times news report, there were 8 suspects involve in the crime. Police also said that there was someone who tried to intervene and help the victim but that person was outnumbered and overpowered.

After the crime has been committed, the victim was forced into a shower stall, the water was turned on and the suspects left.

Police said the victim reported he was told several days before the incident that the soccer team might do something as part of an initiation.

The case has been sent to the Lake County juvenile prosecutor’s office.

Greek Cup Cancelled Due to Crowd Violence

- Riot police clashes with fans during a football match between Athens bitter rivals Olympiakos and Panathinaikos on February 22, 2015.

ATHENS, March 3 - The government of Greece decided to cancel this season's Greek Cup on Thursday after the first leg of the semi-final between PAOK Salonika and Olympiakos Piraeus was stopped because of crowd violence.

The ruckus started after a penalty was denied to PAOK in last Wednesday's match. PAOK's players and supporters did not agree by the decision and started the violence as large groups of fans rushed onto the pitch, hurling flares and missiles before being dispersed by riot police.

Greece's deputy minister for sport Stavros Kontonis said that he recommended the halting of all competitive soccer in Greece, however the Super League and the rest of the professional soccer divisions will continue.

He raised concerns about refereeing appointments for key matches and called on the country's football federation to provide "meaningful answers."

"In view of...this mayhem in football grounds and a huge disturbance of the social peace and legal order in general, the government has decided to definitively cancel any process and match related to the Greek Cup as provided for by the law," the government said in a statement.

"The government is closely monitoring developments and those who do not take seriously our policies should be aware that we will not hesitate to make further decisions on these matters."

AEK Athens were due to host Atromitos in the first leg of the other semi-final on Thursday. The home side released a short media statement saying the match had been cancelled.

2016 Copa America Centenario Draw; US Team will Face Tough Competition

NEW YORK - Check out the draw for the 2016 Copa America Centenario, the 100th anniversary edition of the South America championship that will be held in the United States from June 3 to June 26, 2016:

 Group A

United States

A-2 Colombia
A-3 Costa Rica
A-4 Paraguay

 Group B

Brazil

B-2 Ecuador
B-3 Haiti
B-4 Peru

 Group C

Mexico

C-2 Uruguay
C-3 Jamaica
C-4 Venezuela

 Group D

Argentina

D-2 Chile
D-3 Panama
D-4 Bolivia

United States men's national drew a very tough competition against Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay in Group A. US will open the tournament on June 3 against Colombia in Santa Clara, Calif., followed by contests against Costa Rica in Chicago on June 7 and Paraguay in Philadelphia June 11. US group is loaded with defending Copa America champion Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and Ecuador – all currently ranked between fifth and 13th in the world.

Games will be staged in 10 cities nationwide, with the final happening June 26 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Chelsea vs. Manchester United Draw 1-1

Chelsea and Manchester United drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge last Sunday. Manchester United's Jesse Lingard goal wasn’t enough to win them the game. Chelsea were able to equalized by Diego Costa's goal.

Red Bulls Defender Matt Miazga To Join Chelsea

U.S. international and New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga hone his skills in Red Bulls Academy that made him the anchor of the team’s back line. Now he is on his way to Premier League side Chelsea according to ESPN.

He has less than a year to run on his current contract with the Red Bulls, and given his desire to test himself overseas, New York was left with little choice but to sell now rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the 2016 MLS season.

According to the Daily Mail the transfer fee is approximately $5 million. Miazga also possesses a Polish passport, meaning he will not have to obtain a work permit.

Miazga is currently with the U.S. national team. The U.S. National team will have an exhibition game against Iceland on January 31 and Canada on February 5. According to reports, Miazga has already departed and is on his way to England, where he will undergo a medical and then join up with his new club.

Copa America Centenario, Draw on February in New York

MIAMI BEACH, Florida - The 2016 Copa America Centenario draw will be held in New York on February 21. Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and the United States are all seeded in the 16-nation tournament that will be played at 10 venues in the U.S. from June 3-26.

The other 12 teams will be spread among the four groups: Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Jamaica, Haiti, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The United States plays in the opener at Santa Clara, California. The final is at East Rutherford, New Jersey.

2016 Copa America Centenario Schedule

Lionel Messi wins 5th FIFA Ballon d'Or, Greatest Of All Time (GOAT)

Lionel Messi has cemented his place as soccer's Greatest Of All Time (GOAT). He won his 5th FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Now you can no longer debate Messi's talent and achievements. A lot of people specially his fans already knew that he's the best ever, before he was awarded his fifth FIFA Ballon d'Or award. Even if from time to time his greatest nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo interrupted him. Messi is only 28 years old he can still do much more.

Messi had 41.33% of the vote, with Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (27.76%) second and Barca's Neymar (7.86%) third. Either Messi or Ronaldo, who became a three-time winner last year, have won the past eight awards.

Ballon d'Or winners   

2015: Lionel Messi
2014: Cristiano Ronaldo
2013: Cristiano Ronaldo
2012: Lionel Messi
2011: Lionel Messi
2010: Lionel Messi
2009: Lionel Messi
2008: Cristiano Ronaldo
2007: Kaka
2006: Fabio Cannavaro
2005: Ronaldinho
2004: Andriy Shevchenko
2003: Pavel Nedved


United States World Cup-winning captain Carli Lloyd won the FIFA women's world player of the year award for 2015.