[BuffloSoldier]

Here we go: get your battle royale metaphors finely tuned. FIFA has officially ended the rotation of awarding World Cups and has opened the bidding for the 2018 tournament. So, in the ring, you'll have England, Russia, China, the Aussies, Mexico, the US, King Kong Bundy, and who knows what masked countries will jump into the fray. The whole absence of Warner and Blazer from proceeding put up huge red flags...what they mean, I don't know just yet.

Get ready for the most interesting, back room deal making, politicking until the funds run dry matchup of the ages. The finish might be years away (2012, maybe?), but the build-up has already started in earnest. Perhaps the US should curry favor now to tie up 2022...

A mixed news day at Anfield as the Spanish contingent takes a hit for a few weeks.

I'm guessing Totti shows for the Roman derby.

The big Dutchman retires.

Valencia dropped the finishing blow on Sanchez Flores early Monday. Some big names perhaps in the running.