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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Defector

NYC: Come To The Distraction LIVE On October 4

LiveDistraction2023

Live Event

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<p>Charles P. Pierce is a writer at <em>Esquire</em> and the author of four books, most recently <em>Idiot America</em>, and has been a working journalist since 1976. He lives near Boston with his wife but no longer his three children.</p>
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Charles P. Pierce

Kazuyoshi Miura of Japan falls after the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier final round match between Iraq and Japan at the Al-Ahly Stadium on October 28, 1993 in Doha, Qatar.

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Soccer

What’s Changed And What Hasn’t Since I Covered Soccer In Qatar 30 Years Ago

Luis Paez-Pumar

Dejected Peru players support each other after being defeated by Australia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Playoff match between Australia Socceroos and Peru at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on June 13, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

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This Is Why No One Should Play Soccer In Qatar During The Summer

Stefan Spirovski of North Macedonia celebrates their side's victory as Joao Pedro Galvao of Italy looks dejected after the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier knockout round play-off match between Italy and North Macedonia at Stadio Renzo Barbera on March 24, 2022 in Palermo, Italy.

Oops, Italy Did It Again!

Patrick Redford

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 12: Weston McKennie #8 of the United States is congratulated by Christian Pulisic #10 and Tyler Adams #4 after scoring a goal during the second half of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier match against Mexico at TQL Stadium on November 12, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The United States defeated Mexico 2-0.(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

The USMNT Is Injured As Hell And Has No Margin For Error

ST. PAUL, MN - FEBRUARY 02: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States celebrates after scoring a goal against Honduras in the second half of a World Cup Qualifying game at Allianz Field on February 2, 2022 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The United States defeated Honduras 3-0. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

USMNT Thrives In Torture Chamber Of Its Own Making

COLUMBUS, OHIO - JANUARY 27: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States makes a corner kick in the second half during the World Cup qualifying game against El Salvador at Lower.com Field on January 27, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

USMNT Wins Procedurally Generated World Cup Qualifier

Billy Haisley

Lisandro Martínez of Argentina competes for the ball with Vinicius Junior of Brazil during a match between Argentina and Brazil as part of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers at San Juan del Bicentenario Stadium on November 16, 2021 in San Juan, Argentina.

It’s All Coming Together For Vinícius

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 12: Tim Weah #20 of the United States controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier match against Mexico at TQL Stadium on November 12, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

Tim Weah Answers All The Right Questions

COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 13: The United States celebrate a goal by Sergiño Dest #2 during the first half of a 2022 World Cup Qualifying match against Costa Rica at Lower.com Field on October 13, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The USMNT Is Hitting Its Stride

Jonathan Osorio #10 of Canada celebrates a goal by Tajon Buchanan #11 during a 2022 World Cup Qualifying match against Panama at BMO Field on October 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

World Cup Qualifiers