“Perhaps now Jürgen Klinsmann can return to a more sedate life in Southern California, where he has lived the past few years with his family. The former German international star who took the host nation to a surprising third-place finish place in the 2006 World Cup, was fired Monday as the coach of struggling Bayern Munich after less than a full season in the job.” (NYT), Bayern call time on Klinsmann experiment (Reuters), Klinsmann sacked as manager of Bayern Munich (ESPN)

All smiles in San Martin (BBC – Tim Vickery)
“Much to my regret, I’m just too young for the 1970 World Cup. I was only five and I’m not sure we had a TV at the time – but I do remember the sticker album like it was yesterday. A neighbour a couple of years older was collecting, and he gave me some of his swaps. The first one I received was a Peruvian, Ramon Mifflin if memory serves me right, staring seriously at the camera in that striking white shirt with the red sash.”

Top 12 Goals of the Week – Video (101 Great Goals)
“There were a couple of candidates who made a strong case to claim the schmuck of the week award this week.”

More arrests expected in Poland (World Soccer)
“More Polish football officials are likely to be detained on suspicion of corruption and the country may have to use referees from abroad to ensure the top league can continue, the sports minister has announced.”

Outcasts United: African Refugees in Georgia, And The Coach Who Created A Miraculous Team (The Huffington Post)
“How does a soccer coach find a practice field for her team? Google Earth. But why, in a town that’s not short of parks, is she looking for a field on Google Earth? Because the mayor keeps issuing what seem like illegal orders to deny her team access to any of the lush local fields. And why would he do that?”