The Hotties of the 2014 World Cup

Here they are ladies (and gentlemen), the players to watch in the 2014 World Cup (sorry I'm a bit late). Though some of the perennial powers are out (Italy, Spain, England), there is still a lot of soccer/football to watch, and the men of this list make it worth your while.

Robin van Persie, The Netherlands 

The Dutch captain and Manchester United striker is one of the best in the world. In the first three games of the tournament, van Persie scored twice (playing just two games – he was out of the third with two yellow cards) including what will undoubtedly be on the list of best goals of the tournament.

Relationship status: Married with two children. Since he was 20—yes, 20.

Gerard  Piqué, Spain

It was difficult to pick the best photo of the Spain and Barcelona defender. He is a World Cup champion (2010), a UEFA Euro champion (2012), and a three-time UEFA Champions League champion (2007-2008 with Manchester United; 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 with Barca). Individually, he has been named La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year (2009), La Liga Best Defender (2010), FIFA/FIFPro World XI (2010, 2011, 2012), UEFA Team of the Year (2010, 2011, 2012), ESM Team of the Year (2011), and UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament (2012). He may be the single reason I'm sad Spain is out of the World Cup.

Relationship Status: You may have heard of his girlfriend, Shakira (who is ten years his senior). They met when Piqué was featured in the music video for Shakira's song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They have a son.

Glen Johnson, England

I mean... really. There aren't many men in England who look like this. The Liverpool defender has 54 caps for England and one goal since 2003. He is one of three children of a single mother, who at times was homeless. But he credits his mother's strength and resolve for helping him develop a football career. 

Relationship status: Married with two children.

Graham Zusi, USA

This handsome devil plays midfield for the good-ol' US-of-A and is a two-time Sporting Kansas City MVP. He played college soccer at the University of Maryland, where he won the National Championship in 2005 and 2008, scoring the game-winning goal in the 2008 National Semi-Final and Championship Games. This was to be Zusi's breakout year... thus far the World Cup hasn't gone, for him, as he would have liked. Let's hope he can turn things around.

Relationship status: Appears to be single. Goooooooooooooooooooooooool!

Andrea Barzagli, Italy

The Italian and Juventus midfielderis known for his powerful physical build, and for being "strong in terms of anticipation, concentration and positional sense."* His calm composure, pace, consistency and ball playing ability have recently enabled him to be regarded as one of the best and most complete defenders in the world.

* Horncastle, James. "Serie A Team of the Year". espnfc.com. Retrieved 23 May 2013.

Relationship status: Married with two children

Granit Xhaka, Switzerland

The 21-year-old Swiss midfielder plays professionally in Germany for Borussia Mönchengladbach. His family is Albanian, but moved to Basel from Kosovo shortly before he was born. His older Taulant, is also a professional soccer player who plays professionally for Basel and internationally for Albania. Granit scored in Switzerland's 5-2 loss to France, but the team advanced to the Round of 16 with a 2-1 record.

Bonus: his teammates call him "young Einstein" because of his intelligence and love of science. He is of Albanian decent. 

Relationship status: Single. He is 21, after all. 

Olivier Giroud, France 

Ummm... yeah. The France and Arsenal striker and is known for his size, physical style of play, heading ability, shot power, strength and link-up play. He has 32 caps and 9 goals for France since 2011.

Relationship status: Married since 2011 with a child. But admitted in early 2014 to cheating with model Celia Kay. He previously denied to transgression, but the "model" then posted photos of Giroud in his hotel room. After the incident, his wife went back to France. Since then, no news of a divorce has been reported.

Joe Hart, England

The 27-year-old English goalkeeper has won two Premier League titles with Manchester City (2011-12, 2013-14). Individually he's been named the Premier League's top goalie three times and to the Premier League Team of the Year twice.

Relationship status: Engaged with a baby on the way.

Nacer Chadli, Belgium

The 24-year-old Belgian winger plays professionally for the team with the best name in sports, Tottenham Hotspur(no s). Chandli holds duel citizenship in Belgium and Morocco, and made his debut for Morocco Nov. 17, 2010, in a friendly against Northern Ireland where he was named man of the match. On January 28, 2011, he announced his intention to represent Belgium at international level, which was permitted as he had not played in a competitive match for Morocco, and made his debut for the national squad for a 9 February friendly match against Finland. A good decision, since I don't see Morocco in the World Cup. In his professional and international career, Chandli has 74 goals in 250 games - not too shabby.

Relationship status: Single!

Aleksandr Kerzhakov, Russia

Let's start with this: he is the most prolific scorer in the history of Russian soccer. In 2014, he scored his 26th international goal for Russia, breaking the previous record. Amid a messy divorce (and cheating allegations), Kerzhakov said of his daughter, "Thanks to her I learned about responsibility: that`s what happens when you understand that there is a person who is half created from you. She`s yours.” All together now: "Awwwwwww!"

Relationship status: Divorced with a daughter.

Sergio Ramos, Spain

The Spanish captain was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal World Cup for the defending champs. The 28-year old has competed for Spain in three World Cups, winning in 2010, and two European Championships, winning in 2008 and 2012. He made his first senior international appearance at the age of 18, and in 2013 became the youngest player to ever reach 100 caps. Professionally, he plays for Real Madrid, with whom he won this season's UEFA Champions League.

Relationship: In a long-term relationship with a Spanish reporter/tv presenter (I use the term "reporter" very liberally here - most reporters don't model in men's magazines). The couple have a son.

Diego “Ruso” Pérez, Uruguay

The 34-year-old defender is known as "The Russian" though he has no Russian lineage. Confusing. Anyway, He is part of the rough and tough Uruguayan midfield and after the 2010 World Cup where he made quite a name for himself, he began playing for Serie A Bologna. In 2014, Uruguay lost their first match to Croatia but went on to defeat England and Italy, leading to both team's exit and Uruguay's surprising advancement to the Round of 16. Unfortunately, Perez hasn't seen any action yet. Perhaps they'll use his maturity in the next round(s)

Relationship status: Married with two children.

Mitch Langerak, Australia

The Aussie goalkeeper plays for  the German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. Stats: 25 years old, 6'3", Australian accent, enjoys "hanging out."

Relationship status: Girlfriend. 

Ehsan Hajsafi, Iran

The 24-year-old Iranian midfielder as selected by Goal.com as the most promising player in Asian football in 2009. Hajsafi has represented Iran at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. IN his professional career, he has 33 goals in 215 games. 

Relationship status: ?????

Sorry Cristiano Ronaldo fans, while I can see that he is classically handsome... I just can’t put a man on this list who tweezes his eyebrows more often than me. 

'No Man Left Behind' isn’t up for interpretation

**Disclaimer: This post isn't about sports. But as a person who loves our military and has personal experience with our troops, I've been wanting to write about the Beau Bergdahl situation, and this is my avenue to do so.


One of the U.S. military’s mottos is “No Man Left Behind.” With the controversy surrounding the trade for Sgt. Beau Bergdahl recently, this motto has been uttered over and over. But here’s the thing: It’s not up for interpretation. The motto isn't “No Good Soldier Left Behind,” or even “No Good Man Left Behind.” It is “No MAN Left Behind.”

This matter shouldn't be about politics but, sadly, that is what it has become. Getting Sgt. Bergdahl back was, and is, the right thing to do. My politics don't generally align with the President’s, but I'm glad he got this Soldier. No matter why he left the base, it was America’s duty to bring Beau Bergdahl back to the U.S.  Leaving him in the hands of the enemy because we think he chose to walk off base isn't what Americans do—we are better than that. Bergdahl is innocent until proven guilty, and only a trial at which he is present, and where he has the opportunity to defend himself, can he be judged.

Most of our military are great men and women; but sometimes, a Soldier (or Marine or Airman) can make bad decisions, or even do bad things; but that doesn't mean we let someone else deal with them. It is our responsibility to take care of our Soldiers and it is our responsibility to discipline them when necessary. Now that Bergdahl is out of the enemy's hands, we can try to figure out what happened. Letting the Taliban deal with a U.S. Soldier is just something we don’t do. Those who say we shouldn't have traded for him are just plain wrong. We might not like the trade itself or how it was handled, but it was the responsibility of our Commander in Chief to get our Soldier back – and the only way he was able to do that was this specific trade. Congress wanted 30 days’ notice – I find it hard to believe the Taliban is reasonable enough to leave an offer on the table for that long. Obama acted as he saw fit, and that is what he was elected to do (even if you didn't vote for him).

The way the situation has "backfired" on Obama has been interesting; he thought there would be universal celebration and praise, and instead half are kind of pleased, half are up in arms. Perhaps it's just a sign of our times; perhaps it's Bergdahl's behavior prior to being captured; or perhaps it's that, no matter what, the side I tend to lean to could never praise anything this president does. In this case, I believe the action was just and necessary and that's where it ends. Why can't we put aside our feelings about Obama and be glad one of our own is home, no matter how he got captured?

Quite frankly, I'm SHOCKED at the ferocity in which other service members—past and present—are treating Bergdahl. Do we think this hasn't happened before? Disillusionment can lead us to do strange things. A man is a man and we brought this man home as we promise that we will always do; we lived up to our motto and I, for one, am proud of it ... No matter what I think of Obama (or Bergdahl, for that matter).

Now that Bergdahl is back on U.S. soil, I hope people who don’t wish him well leave him alone. No matter what you think of him, we all have to agree he’s been through a lot – things I wouldn't wish on my greatest enemy. People who have threatened his family are a disgrace to our country; we are better than that! A U.S. Soldier is home after five years captive in the Middle East. His family has been through hell and back during those five years, and instead of being able to celebrate that their son is alive, well and home, they are in hiding and fearful for their safety. I find that incredibly disheartening. We all have a piece of the story; only one man has the whole story. Let’s let him tell it before we condemn him. 

No matter our opinions of him, Beau Bergdahl is a U.S. Soldier and leaving him behind was never a possibility.

On Mother’s Day: A daughter is just a little girl who grows up to be your best friend

 “Motherhood is a choice you make every day to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do that right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is… and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.”

My mom is my best friend and my greatest teacher. She taught me how to love, how to forgive and how to be a good mother; she showed me when to be strict and when to be compassionate, when to buckle down and when to let loose. She dedicated her life to her children and never asked anything in return. Simply put, she is the epitome of what a mother should be, and every day I strive to be as good a person and mother as she is.

Perhaps normal to those on the outside looking in, I know that there is nothing normal about her. She is my role model, my biological and emotional roadmap and the arbiter of all of my relationships. She taught her children that our place in the world is wherever and whatever we want it to be, and her faith in us gave us the courage to follow our own paths. She instilled independence in my brother and me because she didn’t teach us to lean on her—she taught us that leaning was unnecessary. She is a truly great person and a great mother, and there is nothing “normal” about that.

I’ll never forget the words my mom said to me when I told her that I was having my second girl: “Now you’ll have two best friends!”

For my mom it was such an obvious statement because she had been best friends with her mom, and she and I are best friends. Now I have two chances to have that amazing relationship that she had with her mom, and that she and I have – because no one knows you, understands you or loves you quite like your mother.

I am so thankful to be able to call the person who literally molded me my best friend, and I pray that I will have that relationship with my daughters. At least I know that I have a great road map laid in front of me, one that was drawn by my mother and her mother before that.

Elizabeth Edwards once said, “My job as the mother of daughters is to make sure my children see that every opportunity is available to them.” My mom did that, and I hope I can do that for my girls. If I can be even half the mother she is, then my daughters are truly blessed.

So Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, and to all of the moms out there – even if you are “normal” to the outside world, know that you are extraordinary to your children.

The bizarre events of the Winter Olympics

Hockey, figure skating, alpine skiing and even bobsled are exciting events people identify with the Winter Olympics. The Winter Olympics has some great events but it also has its share of weird sports, boring sports  and, in some cases, events that don't even classify as a sport. Some of these events make us groan, some make us giggle... but they all make us change the channel.

Curling - *forehead slap* I’m sorry, but… no. Any event that uses a cleaning apparatus as a part of competition isn't a real sport and doesn't deserve to be in the Olympics.

Skeleton – An event for the daredevil with a death wish. In this competition, participants hurtle down an icy track at 80+ miles an hour HEAD FIRST. Can also referred to as "opposite luge."

Doubles Luge – Don’t even get me started. This is luge, but one guy lies on top of the other – no need to contain your giggle.  I think we have found something that overtakes men’s synchronized diving as the most homoerotic sport in the Olympics!

*giggle*

Team Figure Skating – This event makes me mad. Like most living, breathing women, I love Olympic figure skating. But team figure skating? To me, it’s just a pathetic (and transparent) attempt to boost TV ratings by adding four more days of figure skating to the lineup. A event should not be in the Olympics when that is the only time it occurs during four years. Many of these other sports are strange, but at least the athletes train specifically for them, and have events throughout the year. It actually offends me that people will win an Olympic medal in team figure skating.

Biathlon – Look, I know cross country skiing it is extremely difficult. That said, when adding a gun to your event can’t even make it interesting, you’re doing something wrong.

Ski Jumping – Impressive? Yes. But I’m still not convinced that anyone with the guts to try the sport (which isn’t most people) can’t be good at it. Like, what qualities make a great ski jumper? I think the following: 1. Have the guts to try it. 2. Have the time and money to do it over and over. 3. Have no excess weight to bring you down (literally). 4. Have strong legs to land on.

Nordic Combined – I had to look this one up – not a good sign. The Nordic combined is a winter sport in which athletes compete in both cross-country skiing and ski jumping. So, basically, you can cross country ski and ski jump, but not good enough to do either on its own, so you practice both and become passable at each – Nordic Combined!

Moguls – Real conversation at a party Saturday: “Wait, this is part of an event, right? It can’t be someone’s goal to be just a moguls skier, can it?” Yes, yes it can. Plus, don’t your knees and back hurt just watching it?

Long Track Speed Skating –Short track makes me dizzy, but at least there’s some contact so I can kinda get into it (still not really). But long track is painfully dull to watch, and unless you’re from The Netherlands you probably don’t care about it.

Honorable Mention: Snowboarding. I’m sorry, but I can’t take a sport seriously when it’s announcers (and athletes) sound like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It’s about “gnarly tricks” and the definitely-not-high athletes who are “so stoked” to be at the Olympics. Plus, it’s a subjective sport, which is annoying; like fellow judged sports figure skating and gymnastics, I DO enjoy watching but prefer sports where the winner can’t be argued. That said, some of the best looking athletes - and undeniably the most fun - are snowboarders.

All of this said, I appreciate the commitment and dedication that the above events have to their discipline. But that doesn't mean I don't groan when it comes on during NBC's Olympic coverage - or giggle, in the case of luge doubles.

This one's for the ladies: Twelve reasons to watch the 2014 Sochi Olympics

It's that time again, those glorious two weeks I wait for every two years - the Olympics!!! It's been (give or take) 1,073 days since the closing ceremonies of the last Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and about 543 days since the closing ceremonies in London. I'm ready for two weeks of skiing, skating, jumping, twirling, and sliding. I'm warming up my pipes to sing the National Anthem, and waiting for all the tear-jerking Bob Costas stories (I eat those things up with a spoon).

Every Olympics, my friends and I discuss the most important thing to female sports fans - who are the hottest male athletes, and when are their events? I've seen many lists going around the internet, from Cosmo to PopSugar, with many overlaps (hello Henrik Lundqvist!) and some that leave me shaking my head (Evan Lysacek? Sorry, but no.). So, as I did before the 2012 London Games - relive the 2012 list here - here is my list of the Hottest Olympic Athletes in Sochi, in no particular order:

Henrik Lundqvist, Sweden, hockey

Because... duh. Lundqvist may be the best-looking hockey player of all time, and coming from me that's quite a compliment. On the ice, he's arguably the best goalie in the world - as starting goalie for the NHL's glamour team, the New York Rangers, Lundqvist won the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie in the NHL in 2012. He's a three-time NHL all star and has been the Rangers' MVP every year since 2007, led Sweden to an Olympic gold medal in 2006 and in December 2013, the Rangers made him the highest-paid goalie in the NHL with a seven-year, $53 million contract extension. In addition, he's been named one of the best dressed men in the world by Vanity Fair, among other magazines, and he was one of People's 100 Most Beautiful in 2006. Oh - and he has an identical twin brother, Joel.

The puck drops on Henrik's Olympics Feb. 12, when Sweden takes on the Czech Republic.

Bode Miller, USA, downhill skiing

This one is a given. A staple on hottie lists since his Olympic debut in 1998, this New Hampshire native has a love-hate relationship with the media. An Olympic and World Championship gold medalist competing in his fifth Olympics, Sochi is likely the last hurrah for the handsome, laid-back 36-year-old. Still a top skier, he has a chance to medal in downhill - he is ranked second in the world, behind our next athlete...

Bode's likely final Olympics begin Feb. 9 with the men's downhill event.

Aksel Lund Svindal, Norway, downhill skiing

This Norwegian is a two-time overall World Cup champion (2007 and 2009), an Olympic gold medalist in Super G at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and a five-time World Champion in downhill, giant slalom and super combined. With his victory in the downhill in 2013, Svindal became the first male alpine racer to win titles in four consecutive world championships. Now for what we really care about - this viking is single! He recently broke up with his long-term girlfriend, American gold medal skier Julie Mancuso. We'll get our first glimpse of this hottie as he carries his national flag at the Opening Ceremonies - well done, Norway.

Aksel's Olympics begin Feb. 9 with the men's downhill event.

Steve Langton, USA, bobsled

I have to admit, this one is a bit biased, since I was friends with Steve in high school. That aside, no one can deny his rightful place on this list. A college track star at Northeastern, the Massachusetts native decided to "try" bobsled in 2007 - and hasn't looked back. This will be his second Olympics, and this time around he's part of the "Night Train," the sled driven by Steve Holcomb that won gold in Vancouver. The sled won gold at the 2012 World Championships, and Holcomb and Langton partnered to also win gold in the 2-man, as well. This freak athlete was named "The Most Powerful Winter Olympian" by Men's Health Mag, and after watching that video, I dare anyone to disagree. Not only a beast in the weight room, Steve also has a funny side, which you can see on his YouTube page with roommate John Daly. Go Steve!

Steve's Olympics take off Feb. 16-17 with the two man event, and continue Feb. 22-23 with the 4-man event.

Aleksander Aurdal, Norway, Freestyle Skiing

This high-flying Norwegian will compete in the "slopestyle" skiing event. He's not expected to medal, but will look pretty awesome flying through the air doing crazy tricks at high speeds. Bonus: this hottie has a big heart - he is a mentor for the Heroes of Tomorrow project in Norway, which aims to support and encourage young people with talent.

Aleks flips onto our screens Feb. 13 with the Men's Ski Slopestyle qualifications

Christopher Fogt, USA, Bobsled

People often mistakenly call athletes "heroes." However, in the case of Sgt. Christopher Fogt, the title is accurate. He is an incredibly accomplished athlete, including representing the USA in the 2010 Olympics, and, more importantly, a captain in the Army and a member of the Army's World Class Athlete Program. At Utah Valley University, Fogt was a track star, as two-year captain he set records in the 100m and 60m in the process ... oh, and had time to do ROTC *swoon*. Immediately following the 2010 Olympics, where he was part of the USA-2 that finished in 10th, he stepped away from bobsled for 18 months, much that on a year-long deployment in Iraq with military intelligence. Now he's back to compete in the 2014 games - this time as a member of the "Night Train" aka gold medal favorite. I mean, come on! If he doesn't make you proud to be an American, I don't know what does.

Sgt. Fogt's Olympics begin Feb. 22-23 with the 4-man event.

Tim Burke, USA, biathlon

First off - biathlon is a cross-country skiing and shooting competition. Second, Tim Burke is not only nice to look at, but America's first-ever legitimate chance at an Olympic medal in biathlon. The three-time Olympian won the silver medal in the 20 km Individual competition at the 2013 World Championships, the second American man ever to win a World Championship medal. But sorry ladies, this hottie is taken by a fellow biathlete - German Andrea Henkel, a four-time Olympic medalist.

Catch Tim Feb. 8 in the Men's Sprint 10km and Feb. 13 in the 20km.

Dylan Moscovitch, Canada, pairs figure skating

Kirsten Moore-Towers is a lucky girl to have such a studly partner! The pair placed second in the 2014 Canadian national championships and came in fourth at the 2013 World Championships. No, figure skating isn't the most masculine sport... but at least it's pairs, right?

Watch Dylan and Kristen in the pair's competition Feb. 11.

Bobby Brown, USA, freestyle skiing

Every little step I take... wait, wrong Bobby Brown. In 2010, this Bobby Brown became the first skier at the Winter X Games to win two golds in one trip - big air and slopestyle - vaulting him to freeskiing poster boy status. The four-time X Games gold medalist is hoping to add Olympic gold to his trophy case - I, for one, can't wait to watch him try.

Bobby's Olympics begin Feb. 13 in the slopestyle qualifications

Matt Margetts, Canada, freestyle skiing

This six-time X Games veteran is the first skier to land a double cork 900. He earned his first FIS World Cup medal in January 2014 when he won the bronze in Calgary as part of a podium sweep by the Canadian men. This laid-back hottie is known for his "infectious happy-go-lucky personality, A+ brand of humor and never-ending smile" - what a bonus.

Mark tries to impress us beginning Feb. 13 in the slopestyle qualifications

David Backes, USA, hockey

I went through the whole USA hockey roster, and, IMHO, Backes is the hottest on the team (followed closely by USA captain Zach Parise) . The forward is a native of Minnesota and went to my husband's alma mater, University of Minnesota-Mankato, which earns him a special place in my heart. Each season, the 6'3" captain of the St. Louis Blues is among the top in the league in +/-. This is his second Olympics, after winning a silver medal with USA at the 2010 Olympics. Off the ice, Backes and his wife (boo) are devoted to animal rescue and each have their own rescue organizations: Kelly's Kats and David's Dogs.

David and team USA skate into our hearts against Slovakia, Feb. 13.

Neville Wright, Canada, Bobsled

Apparently the thing to do after your track career is over is to try bobsled! Neville was  a sprinter since the age of seven. After failing to qualify for the Olympics in Beijing 2008 (missing by .02!!!), he decided to pursue another sport and in the summer of 2009 he tried bobsled and a year later was competing in the Olympics, where he was part of the 4th-place finishing Canadian 4-man team. He will compete in the 2- and 4- man in 2014, with his best shot at a medal coming in the 4. He looks more like a football player than a runner, and if I needed a bodyguard I'd love to have Neville protecting me!

Neville's Olympics begin Feb. 22 with the 4-man event.

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I don't know about you, but after looking at all these hot athletes, I'm even more excited for the Olympics! I just came across this link Gold Medal Abs and got even more excited! I hope these hotties all avoid the water in Sochi.

Make sure to vote on your favorite in the poll and let me know who you think I missed!