Charles Erb
@charleserb.bsky.social
Journalism major at Temple University. Writes about the beautiful game. Once met Jason Sudeikis.
Pinned
Charles Erb
@charleserb.bsky.social
· Sep 10
So, a little update.
That guy in my profile pic is me. And the @ has changed, this was The_Soccer_Goal.
Content will still be the same, and I'm still writing for my site, I'm just making this account more general as I've got a lot of exciting projects underway.
That guy in my profile pic is me. And the @ has changed, this was The_Soccer_Goal.
Content will still be the same, and I'm still writing for my site, I'm just making this account more general as I've got a lot of exciting projects underway.
With all his injury problems, Deniz Undav has been on the outside of Germany's squad looking in.
But the #VfB striker has been scoring at an elite rate since his return, including a hat-trick today vs BVB.
Strong case to be the starting striker at #WorldCup2026 — if he's fit.
But the #VfB striker has been scoring at an elite rate since his return, including a hat-trick today vs BVB.
Strong case to be the starting striker at #WorldCup2026 — if he's fit.
November 22, 2025 at 4:43 PM
With all his injury problems, Deniz Undav has been on the outside of Germany's squad looking in.
But the #VfB striker has been scoring at an elite rate since his return, including a hat-trick today vs BVB.
Strong case to be the starting striker at #WorldCup2026 — if he's fit.
But the #VfB striker has been scoring at an elite rate since his return, including a hat-trick today vs BVB.
Strong case to be the starting striker at #WorldCup2026 — if he's fit.
Michael Olise had as many goal contributions today (5) as he did in his previous 8 Bundesliga games combined.
Great decision by Didier Deschamps to rest him against Azerbaijan.
Olise has been overplayed, but just that little rest has helped him return to his previous levels.
Great decision by Didier Deschamps to rest him against Azerbaijan.
Olise has been overplayed, but just that little rest has helped him return to his previous levels.
November 22, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Michael Olise had as many goal contributions today (5) as he did in his previous 8 Bundesliga games combined.
Great decision by Didier Deschamps to rest him against Azerbaijan.
Olise has been overplayed, but just that little rest has helped him return to his previous levels.
Great decision by Didier Deschamps to rest him against Azerbaijan.
Olise has been overplayed, but just that little rest has helped him return to his previous levels.
#M05 already turned Nadiem Amiri's career around, turning him from a bench warmer in Leverkusen to a Germany international.
Why not try to get Timo Werner on a six-month loan or contract and take a punt on the RB Leipzig forward?
He's better than the current options up top...
Why not try to get Timo Werner on a six-month loan or contract and take a punt on the RB Leipzig forward?
He's better than the current options up top...
November 21, 2025 at 9:39 PM
#M05 already turned Nadiem Amiri's career around, turning him from a bench warmer in Leverkusen to a Germany international.
Why not try to get Timo Werner on a six-month loan or contract and take a punt on the RB Leipzig forward?
He's better than the current options up top...
Why not try to get Timo Werner on a six-month loan or contract and take a punt on the RB Leipzig forward?
He's better than the current options up top...
Defender Danny da Costa's heroics earned a point for #M05 today...
But Mainz 05 are really missing Jonathan Burkardt. Burkardt was a goal machine — Benedict Hollerbach is not, & Nelson Weiper isn't at this stage.
Only Nadiem Amiri & Armindo Sieb have multiple goals this season.
But Mainz 05 are really missing Jonathan Burkardt. Burkardt was a goal machine — Benedict Hollerbach is not, & Nelson Weiper isn't at this stage.
Only Nadiem Amiri & Armindo Sieb have multiple goals this season.
November 21, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Defender Danny da Costa's heroics earned a point for #M05 today...
But Mainz 05 are really missing Jonathan Burkardt. Burkardt was a goal machine — Benedict Hollerbach is not, & Nelson Weiper isn't at this stage.
Only Nadiem Amiri & Armindo Sieb have multiple goals this season.
But Mainz 05 are really missing Jonathan Burkardt. Burkardt was a goal machine — Benedict Hollerbach is not, & Nelson Weiper isn't at this stage.
Only Nadiem Amiri & Armindo Sieb have multiple goals this season.
Not convinced Silvan Widmer still has all his teeth after a rough challenge from Bernardo...
#M05 #M05TSG #Bundesliga
#M05 #M05TSG #Bundesliga
November 21, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Not convinced Silvan Widmer still has all his teeth after a rough challenge from Bernardo...
#M05 #M05TSG #Bundesliga
#M05 #M05TSG #Bundesliga
A bit of déjà-vu for Poland in World Cup qualifiers?
If Poland can get past Albania, the Biało-Czerwoni will take on either Sweden or Ukraine for a spot in #WorldCup2026.
In 2022, Lewandowski and Zieliński scored in a 2-0 win over Sweden in the playoffs to book a spot in Qatar.
If Poland can get past Albania, the Biało-Czerwoni will take on either Sweden or Ukraine for a spot in #WorldCup2026.
In 2022, Lewandowski and Zieliński scored in a 2-0 win over Sweden in the playoffs to book a spot in Qatar.
November 20, 2025 at 3:04 PM
A bit of déjà-vu for Poland in World Cup qualifiers?
If Poland can get past Albania, the Biało-Czerwoni will take on either Sweden or Ukraine for a spot in #WorldCup2026.
In 2022, Lewandowski and Zieliński scored in a 2-0 win over Sweden in the playoffs to book a spot in Qatar.
If Poland can get past Albania, the Biało-Czerwoni will take on either Sweden or Ukraine for a spot in #WorldCup2026.
In 2022, Lewandowski and Zieliński scored in a 2-0 win over Sweden in the playoffs to book a spot in Qatar.
Tomorrow, Mainz 05 will take on TSG Hoffenheim, who have had a crazy turnaround.
Last year, #TSG battled relegation, with Andrej Kramarić voicing his anger with the team.
This year couldn't be more different — Hoffenheim are 6th and on a 4-game win streak in the Bundesliga.
Last year, #TSG battled relegation, with Andrej Kramarić voicing his anger with the team.
This year couldn't be more different — Hoffenheim are 6th and on a 4-game win streak in the Bundesliga.
November 20, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Tomorrow, Mainz 05 will take on TSG Hoffenheim, who have had a crazy turnaround.
Last year, #TSG battled relegation, with Andrej Kramarić voicing his anger with the team.
This year couldn't be more different — Hoffenheim are 6th and on a 4-game win streak in the Bundesliga.
Last year, #TSG battled relegation, with Andrej Kramarić voicing his anger with the team.
This year couldn't be more different — Hoffenheim are 6th and on a 4-game win streak in the Bundesliga.
Last year, #M05 were the biggest surprise of the Bundesliga.
Mainz 05 challenged for top four and ultimately qualified for Conference League.
But playing Europe combined with injuries and some big sales has been too much for Die Nullfünfer, who have just one win from ten games.
Mainz 05 challenged for top four and ultimately qualified for Conference League.
But playing Europe combined with injuries and some big sales has been too much for Die Nullfünfer, who have just one win from ten games.
November 20, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Last year, #M05 were the biggest surprise of the Bundesliga.
Mainz 05 challenged for top four and ultimately qualified for Conference League.
But playing Europe combined with injuries and some big sales has been too much for Die Nullfünfer, who have just one win from ten games.
Mainz 05 challenged for top four and ultimately qualified for Conference League.
But playing Europe combined with injuries and some big sales has been too much for Die Nullfünfer, who have just one win from ten games.
Also a congratulations to Haiti & Panama, both making only their second-ever appearances at a #WorldCup tournament!
Haiti hasn't qualified since 1974, while Panama memorably made it in 2018 and wildly celebrated its lone goal despite being thrashed by England.
Well deserved!
Haiti hasn't qualified since 1974, while Panama memorably made it in 2018 and wildly celebrated its lone goal despite being thrashed by England.
Well deserved!
November 19, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Also a congratulations to Haiti & Panama, both making only their second-ever appearances at a #WorldCup tournament!
Haiti hasn't qualified since 1974, while Panama memorably made it in 2018 and wildly celebrated its lone goal despite being thrashed by England.
Well deserved!
Haiti hasn't qualified since 1974, while Panama memorably made it in 2018 and wildly celebrated its lone goal despite being thrashed by England.
Well deserved!
Curaçao holds a place in my heart for a couple of reasons.
I was there in 2014 for the World Cup and watched the whole tournament (well, most of it) on that tiny island.
And, if you know my site, that Curaçao article was my first soccer story. Before that, it was all 🇺🇸 sports!
I was there in 2014 for the World Cup and watched the whole tournament (well, most of it) on that tiny island.
And, if you know my site, that Curaçao article was my first soccer story. Before that, it was all 🇺🇸 sports!
November 19, 2025 at 3:23 AM
Curaçao holds a place in my heart for a couple of reasons.
I was there in 2014 for the World Cup and watched the whole tournament (well, most of it) on that tiny island.
And, if you know my site, that Curaçao article was my first soccer story. Before that, it was all 🇺🇸 sports!
I was there in 2014 for the World Cup and watched the whole tournament (well, most of it) on that tiny island.
And, if you know my site, that Curaçao article was my first soccer story. Before that, it was all 🇺🇸 sports!
In 2019, I wrote an article saying Curaçao would qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and become the smallest-ever team in tournament history.
This qualifying cycle, I did not. So, naturally, they qualified for #WorldCup2026 😂
Regardless, congrats to Curaçao for making history!
This qualifying cycle, I did not. So, naturally, they qualified for #WorldCup2026 😂
Regardless, congrats to Curaçao for making history!
November 19, 2025 at 3:09 AM
In 2019, I wrote an article saying Curaçao would qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and become the smallest-ever team in tournament history.
This qualifying cycle, I did not. So, naturally, they qualified for #WorldCup2026 😂
Regardless, congrats to Curaçao for making history!
This qualifying cycle, I did not. So, naturally, they qualified for #WorldCup2026 😂
Regardless, congrats to Curaçao for making history!
Adding on to teams qualified for their first World Cup since 1998...
Austria has qualified for #WorldCup2026 after a late equalizer from Michael Gregoritsch!
Tough break for Bosnia, who were just 13 minutes away from a spot in the World Cup but advance to the playoffs instead.
Austria has qualified for #WorldCup2026 after a late equalizer from Michael Gregoritsch!
Tough break for Bosnia, who were just 13 minutes away from a spot in the World Cup but advance to the playoffs instead.
November 18, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Adding on to teams qualified for their first World Cup since 1998...
Austria has qualified for #WorldCup2026 after a late equalizer from Michael Gregoritsch!
Tough break for Bosnia, who were just 13 minutes away from a spot in the World Cup but advance to the playoffs instead.
Austria has qualified for #WorldCup2026 after a late equalizer from Michael Gregoritsch!
Tough break for Bosnia, who were just 13 minutes away from a spot in the World Cup but advance to the playoffs instead.
Kieran Tierney went from one of the most promising left-backs in the Premier League...
To an outcast in both Spain and England...
Now he's back with his academy club Celtic and just sent Scotland to #WorldCup2026 — the first time they've qualified since 1998.
What a comeback!
To an outcast in both Spain and England...
Now he's back with his academy club Celtic and just sent Scotland to #WorldCup2026 — the first time they've qualified since 1998.
What a comeback!
November 18, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Kieran Tierney went from one of the most promising left-backs in the Premier League...
To an outcast in both Spain and England...
Now he's back with his academy club Celtic and just sent Scotland to #WorldCup2026 — the first time they've qualified since 1998.
What a comeback!
To an outcast in both Spain and England...
Now he's back with his academy club Celtic and just sent Scotland to #WorldCup2026 — the first time they've qualified since 1998.
What a comeback!
Belgium clinch a spot at #WorldCup2026...
But Wales stole the headlines in Group J with a dominant 7-1 win over North Macedonia.
Massive win from Craig Bellamy's men, who earn a spot in the qualification playoffs.
But Wales stole the headlines in Group J with a dominant 7-1 win over North Macedonia.
Massive win from Craig Bellamy's men, who earn a spot in the qualification playoffs.
November 18, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Belgium clinch a spot at #WorldCup2026...
But Wales stole the headlines in Group J with a dominant 7-1 win over North Macedonia.
Massive win from Craig Bellamy's men, who earn a spot in the qualification playoffs.
But Wales stole the headlines in Group J with a dominant 7-1 win over North Macedonia.
Massive win from Craig Bellamy's men, who earn a spot in the qualification playoffs.
Hate to see this. But also, this is great journalism.
Everyone should read, especially #DOOP fans. It is not a good look.
Everyone should read, especially #DOOP fans. It is not a good look.
NEW: Ernst Tanner has built a powerhouse at the Philadelphia Union.
But my @us.theguardian.com investigation has shown wide-ranging allegations of misbehavior throughout his 7-year tenure.
Tanner denies the allegations, and was investigated by MLS this year.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
But my @us.theguardian.com investigation has shown wide-ranging allegations of misbehavior throughout his 7-year tenure.
Tanner denies the allegations, and was investigated by MLS this year.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
MLS executive who built a powerhouse faced allegations of sexist, racist and homophobic behavior
Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner denies the allegations, which prompted a recently-concluded MLS investigation that could not corroborate them
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Hate to see this. But also, this is great journalism.
Everyone should read, especially #DOOP fans. It is not a good look.
Everyone should read, especially #DOOP fans. It is not a good look.
Either Denmark or Scotland will clinch a spot in #WorldCup2026 as the two go head-to-head today.
Denmark has been to 3 of the last 4 WCs, while Scotland hasn't qualified 1998.
But despite Scotland's loss to Greece, just one point separates the two after Denmark tied Belarus.
Denmark has been to 3 of the last 4 WCs, while Scotland hasn't qualified 1998.
But despite Scotland's loss to Greece, just one point separates the two after Denmark tied Belarus.
November 18, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Either Denmark or Scotland will clinch a spot in #WorldCup2026 as the two go head-to-head today.
Denmark has been to 3 of the last 4 WCs, while Scotland hasn't qualified 1998.
But despite Scotland's loss to Greece, just one point separates the two after Denmark tied Belarus.
Denmark has been to 3 of the last 4 WCs, while Scotland hasn't qualified 1998.
But despite Scotland's loss to Greece, just one point separates the two after Denmark tied Belarus.
Like it or not, Leroy Sané has booked his spot on Germany's #WorldCup2026 roster.
He's come under fire recently, & Nagelsmann's decision to call up the Galatasaray winger was controversial.
But he responded in a big way: a brace (& assist) vs Slovakia + an assist vs Luxembourg.
He's come under fire recently, & Nagelsmann's decision to call up the Galatasaray winger was controversial.
But he responded in a big way: a brace (& assist) vs Slovakia + an assist vs Luxembourg.
November 17, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Like it or not, Leroy Sané has booked his spot on Germany's #WorldCup2026 roster.
He's come under fire recently, & Nagelsmann's decision to call up the Galatasaray winger was controversial.
But he responded in a big way: a brace (& assist) vs Slovakia + an assist vs Luxembourg.
He's come under fire recently, & Nagelsmann's decision to call up the Galatasaray winger was controversial.
But he responded in a big way: a brace (& assist) vs Slovakia + an assist vs Luxembourg.
7th minute: Assan Ouédraogo is subbed on.
79th minute: Assan Ouédraogo scores.
Not a half-bad debut for the RB Leipzig midfielder!
(But, as a traditionalist, it pains me to see a midfielder wearing #9. Germany, 6'6" Nick Woltemade is right there.)
79th minute: Assan Ouédraogo scores.
Not a half-bad debut for the RB Leipzig midfielder!
(But, as a traditionalist, it pains me to see a midfielder wearing #9. Germany, 6'6" Nick Woltemade is right there.)
November 17, 2025 at 9:31 PM
7th minute: Assan Ouédraogo is subbed on.
79th minute: Assan Ouédraogo scores.
Not a half-bad debut for the RB Leipzig midfielder!
(But, as a traditionalist, it pains me to see a midfielder wearing #9. Germany, 6'6" Nick Woltemade is right there.)
79th minute: Assan Ouédraogo scores.
Not a half-bad debut for the RB Leipzig midfielder!
(But, as a traditionalist, it pains me to see a midfielder wearing #9. Germany, 6'6" Nick Woltemade is right there.)
The focus has been on Germany, but Slovakia can qualify for its 2nd-ever World Cup today.
The Sokoli were so close to shocking England at the Euros and already beat Germany once in qualifiers...
If they had beaten Northern Ireland, they'd have one foot in #WorldCup2026 already!
The Sokoli were so close to shocking England at the Euros and already beat Germany once in qualifiers...
If they had beaten Northern Ireland, they'd have one foot in #WorldCup2026 already!
November 17, 2025 at 3:12 PM
The focus has been on Germany, but Slovakia can qualify for its 2nd-ever World Cup today.
The Sokoli were so close to shocking England at the Euros and already beat Germany once in qualifiers...
If they had beaten Northern Ireland, they'd have one foot in #WorldCup2026 already!
The Sokoli were so close to shocking England at the Euros and already beat Germany once in qualifiers...
If they had beaten Northern Ireland, they'd have one foot in #WorldCup2026 already!
Now that Norway has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998...
#DOOP fans, is there a case to be made for calling up (previously uncapped) Jakob Glesnes IF World Cup rosters get expanded?
Can't hurt that he has experience playing in America in the summer...
#DOOP fans, is there a case to be made for calling up (previously uncapped) Jakob Glesnes IF World Cup rosters get expanded?
Can't hurt that he has experience playing in America in the summer...
November 16, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Now that Norway has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998...
#DOOP fans, is there a case to be made for calling up (previously uncapped) Jakob Glesnes IF World Cup rosters get expanded?
Can't hurt that he has experience playing in America in the summer...
#DOOP fans, is there a case to be made for calling up (previously uncapped) Jakob Glesnes IF World Cup rosters get expanded?
Can't hurt that he has experience playing in America in the summer...
Not enough people are talking about Fisnik Asllani.
Nine G/A in 12 games for #TSG and has scored in Kosovo's last two #WorldCup2026 qualifiers — including an unreal goal for the opener against Slovenia.
At his time last year, he was in the 2. Bundesliga playing for Elversberg.
Nine G/A in 12 games for #TSG and has scored in Kosovo's last two #WorldCup2026 qualifiers — including an unreal goal for the opener against Slovenia.
At his time last year, he was in the 2. Bundesliga playing for Elversberg.
November 15, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Not enough people are talking about Fisnik Asllani.
Nine G/A in 12 games for #TSG and has scored in Kosovo's last two #WorldCup2026 qualifiers — including an unreal goal for the opener against Slovenia.
At his time last year, he was in the 2. Bundesliga playing for Elversberg.
Nine G/A in 12 games for #TSG and has scored in Kosovo's last two #WorldCup2026 qualifiers — including an unreal goal for the opener against Slovenia.
At his time last year, he was in the 2. Bundesliga playing for Elversberg.
Belgium might be on the verge of qualifying for #WorldCup2026, but they have been very underwhelming.
Tied Kazakhstan 1-1, came away with one point in both games against North Macedonia, two close and somewhat lucky wins over Wales...
Need to do much, much better this summer.
Tied Kazakhstan 1-1, came away with one point in both games against North Macedonia, two close and somewhat lucky wins over Wales...
Need to do much, much better this summer.
November 15, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Belgium might be on the verge of qualifying for #WorldCup2026, but they have been very underwhelming.
Tied Kazakhstan 1-1, came away with one point in both games against North Macedonia, two close and somewhat lucky wins over Wales...
Need to do much, much better this summer.
Tied Kazakhstan 1-1, came away with one point in both games against North Macedonia, two close and somewhat lucky wins over Wales...
Need to do much, much better this summer.
Kenan Yıldız could've formed a perfect attack with Jamal Musiala & Florian Wirtz.
But despite impressing with Bayern & Juventus at youth level, Germany never called him up at any level. He now plays for Türkiye.
This has become a recurring issue for Germany — story in comments.
But despite impressing with Bayern & Juventus at youth level, Germany never called him up at any level. He now plays for Türkiye.
This has become a recurring issue for Germany — story in comments.
November 15, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Kenan Yıldız could've formed a perfect attack with Jamal Musiala & Florian Wirtz.
But despite impressing with Bayern & Juventus at youth level, Germany never called him up at any level. He now plays for Türkiye.
This has become a recurring issue for Germany — story in comments.
But despite impressing with Bayern & Juventus at youth level, Germany never called him up at any level. He now plays for Türkiye.
This has become a recurring issue for Germany — story in comments.
Credit where credit is due, Leroy Sané played a big role today.
Assisted Nick Woltemade for the opener and helped set up the second in a 2-0 win over Luxembourg.
Recorded his first G/A for Germany since November 2024 against Bosnia.
#DFBTeam #DieMannschaft #WCQ #WorldCup
Assisted Nick Woltemade for the opener and helped set up the second in a 2-0 win over Luxembourg.
Recorded his first G/A for Germany since November 2024 against Bosnia.
#DFBTeam #DieMannschaft #WCQ #WorldCup
November 14, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Credit where credit is due, Leroy Sané played a big role today.
Assisted Nick Woltemade for the opener and helped set up the second in a 2-0 win over Luxembourg.
Recorded his first G/A for Germany since November 2024 against Bosnia.
#DFBTeam #DieMannschaft #WCQ #WorldCup
Assisted Nick Woltemade for the opener and helped set up the second in a 2-0 win over Luxembourg.
Recorded his first G/A for Germany since November 2024 against Bosnia.
#DFBTeam #DieMannschaft #WCQ #WorldCup
Jakub Kamiński is quietly having a great season for 1. FC Köln.
The versatile winger has four goals and an assist for #effzeh, who sit seventh in the Bundesliga.
He's also stepped up for Poland — one to watch against the Netherlands as Biało-Czerwoni fight for a World Cup spot.
The versatile winger has four goals and an assist for #effzeh, who sit seventh in the Bundesliga.
He's also stepped up for Poland — one to watch against the Netherlands as Biało-Czerwoni fight for a World Cup spot.
November 13, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Jakub Kamiński is quietly having a great season for 1. FC Köln.
The versatile winger has four goals and an assist for #effzeh, who sit seventh in the Bundesliga.
He's also stepped up for Poland — one to watch against the Netherlands as Biało-Czerwoni fight for a World Cup spot.
The versatile winger has four goals and an assist for #effzeh, who sit seventh in the Bundesliga.
He's also stepped up for Poland — one to watch against the Netherlands as Biało-Czerwoni fight for a World Cup spot.