Tim Howard

Confetti flies around the ball and countdown clock in Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York January 1, 2015.

We look back at our favorite stories of 2014

A cat detective, a song called Chop My Money, and an interview about the meaning of forgiveness — journalists from The World's newsroom in Boston pick their favorite stories of 2014.

We look back at our favorite stories of 2014
Goalkeeper Tim Howard of the U.S. saves a shot during their 2014 World Cup round of 16 game against Belgium at the Fonte Nova arena in Salvador July 1, 2014.

The US lost to Belgium, but soccer won plenty of new fans

The US lost to Belgium, but soccer won plenty of new fans
The World

These World Cup commercials are incredibly epic

These World Cup commercials are incredibly epic

Small California town churns out baseball prospects, with help from across the border

Small California town churns out baseball prospects, with help from across the border

Mexico May be the Secret to California Town's Baseball Success

Mexico May be the Secret to California Town's Baseball Success
The World

A dramatic World Cup weekend

The U.S. managed a shocking 1-1 tie against England when English goalie Robert Green let an easy shot from Clint Dempsey bounce off his hands and into the goal. We talk to George Vecsey, sports columnist for The New York Times.

A dramatic World Cup weekend