Ardalan Pourvali - World Soccer Talk
profile-picture

Ardalan Pourvali

Contributor, Bay Area

STORIES BY Ardalan Pourvali

News

/ 164 days ago

USMNT squad needs to take inspiration from 1994 legends

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is two summers away. Yet, the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) faces a significant challenge following its recent performance at the Copa América 2024, where the USMNT crashed out in the group stage. Despite obstacles like Tim Weah's misconduct or Gregg Berhalter's mismanagement, the team's resilience was not evident. […]

News

/ 172 days ago

El Trafico attendance strong despite failure to set MLS record

Independence Day in America is not typically associated with a domestic soccer match. However, in the summer of 2024, soccer takes center stage. Amid the fervor of the European Championships and Copa América, a unique club rivalry continues to unfold: LAFC vs. L.A. Galaxy, a rare spectacle on the 4th of July. LAFC advanced into […]

UEFA Euro 2024

/ 179 days ago

Dogged Italy must adapt to find further Euro 2024 success

With a game against Switzerland on the horizon of Euro 2024, Italy remains steady with an unwavering spirit. The Azzurri fought until the end in the group stage, securing an advancement into the Round of 16 by placing second place in Group B. However, it is essential to note that Luciano Spalletti's Azzurri receives irrational […]

UEFA Euro 2024

/ 184 days ago

Has Italy done enough to show it is a Euro 2024 contender?

Italy and Croatia face off in matchday three at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany. Both are in the running to advance from Group B alongside Spain, as the Spaniards knocked off both sides in group play. Italy's 1-0 loss at the hands of Spain happened at the same time as Croatia's 2-2 draw with […]

UEFA Euro 2024

/ 188 days ago

Italy and Spain meet again in latest chapter of Euros rivalry

Euro 2024 is providing another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between Italy and Spain. This Mediterranean derby, the 41st clash between the two teams since the 1920s, has seen 'La Furia Roja' emerge victorious 13 times; the Azzurri claim 11 wins and a total of 14 draws. The rich history and intense competition between […]

UEFA Euro 2024

/ 196 days ago

Spalletti's dynamic makes Italy a dark horse candidate at Euro 2024

Luciano Spalletti has high expectations for Italy at Euro 2024. That promises to be a thrilling spectacle, primarily because most of the squad is experiencing their first time playing together. While this unique situation poses some challenges with finding cohesion on the field, it also presents an exciting advantage of unpredictability that could work in […]

UEFA Euro 2024

/ 201 days ago

Italy's Euro 2024 training camp: Observations gleaned thus far

It is no surprise that Group B at UEFA Euro 2024 is called the Group of Death, a term used to describe a tough group in a tournament due to the high quality of the teams involved. With three teams in the group in the FIFA rankings, it will be tough competition. To prepare appropriately, Luciano […]

UEFA Euro 2024

/ 205 days ago

The story of Italy's Euro 1968 triumph, catenaccio and Facchetti

Since the 1960s, Italian defenders have been known for their selfless demeanor, often sacrificing their bodies for the team. Their fearless attitude involves trailing, shadowing, and committing fierce tackles against opponents in dangerous situations. Italy has consistently produced a plethora of world-class fullbacks, renowned for their refusal to concede a goal. However, the true essence […]

UEFA Euro 2024

/ 213 days ago

Italy kits at the Euros: A retrospective

Five brands have represented the Italian national team for their kits at the Euros in recent decades. Incontestably, the German sportswear company Puma takes the lead, having sponsored Italy from 2004 to 2020. Nevertheless, each kit the Italians have worn since Euro 1996 is worth examining. Significantly, the design and tailoring of each jersey have […]

UEFA Euro 2024

/ 223 days ago

Italy squad for Euro 2024: Who should be in the starting lineup

It's always challenging to make a prediction on the Italy squad, especially with the Euro 2024 tournament around the corner The Italian national soccer team has created a dilemma due to its recent struggles in World Cup qualifying. However, the team was successful in Euro tournaments, where it is the reigning champions. Nevertheless, they redeemed themselves […]

Iran

/ 759 days ago

Iran's Carlos Queiroz gets into spat with Jürgen Klinsmann

Iran Head Coach Carlos Queiroz has denounced Jürgen Klinsmann's comments about the Iranian team on a BBC broadcast. During a post-match segment with a co-presenter, Klinsmann rattled off several recent failures on Queiroz's resume with stints as coach of Colombia and Egypt. In contradiction to his own tenure, Klinsmann was terminated by U.S. Soccer in 2016 […]

Iran

/ 761 days ago

Iran regains honor with glorious win over Wales

Iran picked up a crucial and historic win over Wales at Ahmad Ali Stadium on matchday two of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This is Iran's first-ever victory over a European squad on the grand stage. Ultimately, it was a tremendous win for Team Melli, earning three points in Group B. More importantly, it keeps […]

England

/ 764 days ago

Iran blown out by England in disappointing World Cup opener

England throttled Iran, 6-2, in each side's World Cup opener on Monday. This Iran squad does not hold a candle to that fabled Iran 1978 team. That team had class. Instead, the 2022 squad is the antithesis. Rough-edged footballers with aggression. Regardless, Gareth Southgate is delighted with a win that gives the Three Lions three […]

Iran

/ 767 days ago

Iran resilient under media pressure ahead of England match

Iran's national team remains resilient amid the turmoil of their nation. However, since Team Melli arrived in Qatar, the team has been bombarded by the press. Manager stands his ground After being greeted with a cake in Doha, Carlos Queiroz went from elated to ill-tempered during his first press conference. The Portuguese manager offered a […]

Iran

/ 772 days ago

Iran at the World Cup: Squad breakdown

Iran makes their sixth ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup this Fall in Qatar – 200 miles across the Persian Gulf. However, in the past they have never advanced into the Round of 16. Group B will challenge 'Team Melli,' as they anticipate three difficult matchups against England, Wales, and the United States of […]

Iran

/ 779 days ago

Iran soccer history and success at World Cup 1978

The Iran soccer federation launched in Persia in 1920, but it did not reach the biggest stage until the 1978 World Cup. One year later the Iranian Revolution took place and Iranian soccer regressed under the new regime. Nevertheless, at its nucleus, the depths of Iran's national team are rooted in the Persian Kingdom – […]

Leagues: MLS

/ 780 days ago

LAFC win MLS Cup after epic battle with Philadelphia Union

Los Angeles Football Club win the Major League Soccer Championship with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Philadelphia Union. A victory that secures the first championship in the club's history. After 130+ minutes, the match ended in a 3-3 draw. Ultimately, Los Angeles defeated Philadelphia 3-0 in a penalty shootout. A standing ovation of 50,000 […]

LAFC

/ 786 days ago

LAFC reaches first MLS Cup Final with win over Austin FC

In the 2022 season, Austin outscored LAFC 6-2. Despite the Texas capital’s pair of victories over the black & gold, Los Verdes entered the Western Conference Final as overwhelming underdogs. LAFC and Austin went head-to-head with a spot in the MLS Cup Final on the line. On Sunday, former USMNT teammates Steve Cherundolo and Josh […]

Iran

/ 791 days ago

Solidarity with Iran revolution prominent across soccer world

Since the Iran Revolution ignited in September, what began as furious protests toward the murder of Mahsa Amini, has bolstered into a national uprising in solidarity against the Islamic Republic. With refinery contractors going on strike, undermining the intrastate economy, a theocracy nears the brink of overthrow. The regime murdered hundreds of youthful protestors. It […]

LA Galaxy

/ 796 days ago

LAFC lays claim over LA Galaxy with epic playoff win

In 2019, the playoff battle between LAFC v. LA Galaxy ended dramatically, with LAFC the victor, 5-3. The match envenomed the enmity between the cross-county rivals. In 2022, El Tráfico hit the postseason for a galvanizing second edition. Thursday night, the conference semifinal pinned compatriots Carlos Vela versus Javier Hernández– eminent El Tri veterans playing […]