Gary Hopkins book "Star-Spangled Soccer" ($25) is a good history of soccer in America. It provides a business point of view on the growth and professionalize of the beautiful game.<< MORE >>

AVID Soccer tests Christiano Ronaldo's favorite boot - the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II. At 7.8 ounces, it is among the lightest boots we have ever tested. At $400 it is also among the most expensive.<< MORE >>

In the shadow of the World Cup, Ubisoft releases Pure Futbol ($60) as a 5v5 physical battle for pride. The game doesn't fit the usual model and deserves consideration.<< MORE >>

Calle Republic have created a second street ball in the Smooth Criminal ($40). While still durable, it is also intended for indoor, court and all purpose use.<< MORE >>

One of the biggest controversies in this years World Cup is the Jabulani ball ($150) from adidas. ASER puts it through the paces and compares it to the Europass ball from 2008.<< MORE >>

Group H includes Chile, Honduras, Switzerland and Spain. The only group with four different sponsors and three Spanish speaking teams.<< MORE >>

Group G includes Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea and Portugal. Three of the most exciting teams in the cup plus one unknown quantity.<< MORE >>

Group F includes the Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia. The reigning champion is the class of this group. New Zealand will be lucky to earn a point, but Paraguay and Slovakia are evenly matched.<< MORE >>

Group E includes Cameroon, Denmark, Japan and the Netherlands. This group will show if the Dutch can live up to their potential. The rest of the pool is fairly matched and any could move on. << MORE >>

Group D includes the Australia, Germany, Ghana and Serbia. This group could end with some surprises. Germany is almost a lock to finish first, but any of the other three could move through.<< MORE >>