SI.COM

FOR JUNE 30, 2014

Jersey Shore

PLANET F√öTBOL

As qualifying teams prepare for the knockout stage of the 2014 World Cup, Planet F√∫tbol takes a look at Brazil's many soccer traditions and at how fans are celebrating the spirit of the game, including this shot from Simon Bruty of jerseys for sale on Ponta Negra beach in Natal. Plus, check out readers' stories of their World Cup adventures. For this and all the latest tournament buzz, go to soccer.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol

"In 2010, I flew with my dad all the way to South Africa for a single night to watch the United States take on England."

—Reader Josh Davis

Where Are They Now?

Who was the world's greatest athlete in 1992: Dan O'Brien(far left) or Dave Johnson? The question was supposed to be answered at the Olympics in Barcelona, but O'Brien failed to qualify for the U.S. team. Check out next week's SPORTS ILLUSTRATED for our 15th annual Where Are They Now? issue to catch up on Dan and Dave, and to see what some other sports notables have been up to. The magazine hits newsstands on July 2.

SI DIGITAL BONUS

Hit and Miss

From the SI Vault Jan. 23, 2006

Despite a tantalizing second-day 68 at the Sony Open eight years ago, 16-year-old Michelle Wie failed to make the cut in her hometown PGA Tour event at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. It was the third straight year she missed the cut, this time by four strokes.

By Alan Shipnuck

Tom Verducci on ...

The Mediocre League

Bud Selig's last season as commissioner is turning out to be the epitome of his Grand Design: a baseball world in which revenues continue to grow, attendance remains strong and virtually every team has "hope and faith" that they will make the playoffs, even almost halfway through the season. It is the endgame of increased revenue sharing, a "competitive balance tax" on high payrolls, and limits on team spending. The cynic, however, has his or her own word for this new world order: mediocrity. Read more of Verducci's take on the current state of baseball atSI.com/mlb

Instagram OF THE WEEK

Follow @SI_soccer on Instagram for the most captivating images from the 2014 World Cup, including this portrait of U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard.

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SIMON BRUTY FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (JERSEYS)

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FRED VUICH FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (WIE)

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INSTAGRAM.COM (HOWARD)

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PETER READ MILLER FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (JOHNSON)

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MANNY MILLAN/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (O'BRIEN)

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