*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who is in Germany for this year’s Cup.* more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who is in Germany for this year’s Cup.* Three weeks in to the tournament and there are many storylines. The favorites are succeeding, while the Asian and African countries were sent packing, not to mention North America, which saw three of its four representatives finish bottom of their groups. From these three continents, only Mexico and Ghana made the cut,... more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who is in Germany for this year’s Cup.* more ›

One week gone and all the teams have taken the pitch. The Americans are awful and Ecuador is one of the few surprises thus far. I just returned from the streets of Munich, where the party is on. Oliver Neuville´s last minute goal to beat Poland has, in all likelihood, sent the Germans to the next round and has their fans going berserk. The Giselsstrasse is flooded with people burning flares and singing the praise of their heroes. It´s awesome! more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who is in Germany for this year’s Cup.* more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who will be traveling to Germany for this year’s Cup.* more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who will be traveling to Germany for this year’s Cup.* more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who will be traveling to Germany for this year’s Cup.* more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who will be traveling to Germany for this year’s Cup.* more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who will be traveling to Germany for this year’s Cup.* Elvis and Liz Taylor are dancing the tango. The Merry Pranksters stop at the Fillmore to catch Jefferson Airplane. Dr. Zhivago hits the screens, and “The Newlywed Game” premieres on ABC. The year is 1966 and the Beatles are more famous than Jesus. It has been forty years since England,... more ›

*This post comes from Austinist Special World Cup Correspondent Ben Gardner, Co-Host of KOOP’s SoccerMad, who will be traveling to Germany for this year’s Cup.* On June 9th soccer fans across the globe will turn their attention to the Allianz Arena in the heart of Bavaria, Germany. Munich’s new world class stadium will play host to the opening match of World Cup 2006 between Costa Rica and Germany. Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de... more ›

(Ed. Note: If you’ve paid even the slightest bit of attention while out and about around Austin’s many parks, you’ve noticed that we’re a fairly big soccer town. Men’s leagues, women’s leagues, co-ed leagues, indoor leagues, etc. thrive all around town. With that in mind, we thought we’d bring you a preview of the biggest sporting event in the world, the World Cup. One of the hosts of KOOP radio’s Soccer Mad, and friend of... more ›

Beginning today, a new soccer-only radio show will be taking to the air. From 6:00-6:30PM each Thursday, “Soccer Mad,” hosted by Austinites Wade Quackenbush and Ben Gardner, will provide a forum for Austin soccer fans to hear and discuss the latest news from professional soccer leagues around the world. Featuring compelling interviews with pro and college players, as well as other soccer journalists, the hosts hope to reach more than just soccer enthusiasts, in an attempt to spread their love and knowledge of the world’s most popular sport. (sorry NASCAR) The show will also rely on listeners' calls to provide fodder for discussion. more ›