Lula to Obama: How 'Bout That Soccer Game?

(NEWSER) - President Obama arrived this morning in Rome ahead of his first G8 summit. Obama is meeting privately with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and PM Silvio Berlusconi before traveling to L'Aquila, the earthquake-ravaged town that is hosting the international confab. The coming three days' talks will focus on climate change, foreign aid, Iran, and trade, reports the AP. More»

Underdog US team's surprise win over Spain is a victory to be savored

(NEWSER) - Last night's stunning soccer victory over Spain by the US team ranks up there with 1980's "Miracle on Ice" Olympic defeat of the Russians as one of the greatest upsets ever pulled off by Americans, George Vecsey writes in the New York Times. The Confederations Cup victory over the world's top-ranked soccer team may not transform the US into a soccer powerhouse overnight, but the defeat made it a thrilling spectacle, notes Vecsey. More»

(NEWSER) - In an upset of enormous proportions in the soccer world, the US knocked off mighty Spain today to reach the finals of the Confederations Cup, reports the BBC. Top-ranked Spain hadn’t lost a game since November 2006, the AP adds. The 2-0 victory moves the US men’s team into its first-ever finals in a FIFA tournament, where it will face Brazil or host South Africa on Sunday. More»

US on verge of qualifying for soccer's biggest event

(NEWSER) - The world's soccer body has invited Barack Obama to next year's World Cup in South Africa, reports the AP, the first time the tournament will be held on the continent. "Obama has said, 'If I can, I will come,'" says FIFA chief Sepp Blatter. The United States team barreled into the semifinals of the Confederations Cup this weekend with an upset win over Egypt and will face Spain on Wednesday. The team is on the verge of qualifying for next year's World Cup, reports the AP. More»

El Salvador scores last-minute goal to knock out U-23 team

(NEWSER) - The US won't be competing in men's soccer at the Olympics, thanks to a heartbreaking goal that came literally at the last minute. El Salvador battled the US to a 3-3 draw last night, the AP reports; the US, which had been heavily favored to win its group in CONCACAF qualifying, needed a win after being upset by Canada 2-0. It was a back-and-forth affair, with the US scoring in the first minute, then falling behind, and finally coming back to lead 3-2. More»