When your kids put on their soccer uniforms, how do you feel? When I saw my kids in their new soccer jerseys for the first time, I felt a great swelling in my heart. My child is old enough to get involved in an activity. My child wants to get involved. My child will gain a skill that will keep her active and fit throughout her life. My child will make new friends. But there's another swelling: the fear and apprehension I feel about her precious, perfect little body. Will she get hurt? What kinds of things can happen to her? How can she gain all of the benefits of playing a sport she loves with friends she loves without breaking, straining, or tearing her bones, muscles, and ligaments?
The first safety consideration is the playing field itself and the equipment. Start with the field itself. Make sure that the grass is in good shape and doesn't disguise any holes in the ground. A smooth playing surface can prevent trips and stumbles and the ankle injuries that come with them. The second consideration is the soccer goals. Make sure that they are sturdy and well padded. Also, instruct the children not to climb or hang on the goals. Not only can the children fall off the goals, but the goals could also tip over onto the children. Especially with the younger children, this is a rule that will have to be enforced frequently until it is ingrained in their heads. (You know how much little children like to climb.) As for the ball, synthetic balls are better than leather ones because leather balls tend to absorb water when they are wet and become heavy. A heavy ball can cause injuries.
Another side of the equipment is the personal equipment of the players, namely the shoes and shin guards. You may think this would go without saying because all players wear soccer shoes and shin guards. However, it is important to have the right personal equipment. With the expense of purchasing these items, we have a tendency to hand down one child's equipment down to the next child when they are outgrown by the first. This scheme makes perfect sense as long as you are careful to ensure that the hand-me-downs fit properly. A proper fit prevents the shoes or pads from shifting as the child runs and stops suddenly. Also, different types of shoes may be needed for different field conditions.
Injury prevention is also a personal matter, a matter of taking care of your body. Young athletes can start taking care of their bodies long before the soccer season opens. Start with a good diet. A good diet is particularly important for young soccer players because their bodies are still being formed. Good nutrition is also a simple solution. It's just a matter of eating a good variety of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The carbohydrate-based foods should include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Soccer Continues to Dominate International Sports
One of the most popular sports in the entire world is soccer. Although it's the premier sport in most European countries, the sport has just begun gaining popularity in the United States over the past couple of decades.
The origins of modern soccer date all the way back to medieval Europe with roots steeped in Chinese culture. Formal rules were not officially established until 1848 when a group at Cambridge University drafted a set of guidelines. Over the subsequent decades, these rules were modified by a number of different organizations looking to support their own soccer leagues. By the beginning of the 1900s, organized soccer became widespread and many different governing bodies were formed in order to standardize rules and promote international competition. Soccer was first added to the modern summer Olympics lineup at the 1900 games in Paris, France. This led to the formation of FIFA, the organization that dominates the soccer scene worldwide.
Modern soccer's premier event is the FIFA World Cup. This tournament has been held every four years since 1930, except during World War II. Participating countries field a national team of homegrown players and pit their skills against other countries. Regional qualifying rounds are held in the four year period between Cups. A total of 32 teams are entered into the actual event. One country plays host for the entire duration of the tournament and rounds typically run for just over a month. When the field is narrowed to just two teams, they play the championship game that determines the overall winner. The World Cup is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. Nearly 750 million people watched the championship game on television in 2006.
In addition to the FIFA World Cup, many players also participate in professional leagues in Europe and the United States. Top players are paid rather large sums of money and become international superstars. Major league soccer has had a rocky start in America, but still thrives in a somewhat limited market.
Soccer has been gaining prominence in many areas of the world, particularly developing nations. This is mostly due to the simple rules and small amount of equipment required to play. In order to get a match going, all you need is an open field, a ball, and a way to mark the goal areas. All of these factors make the sport extremely accessible for even the most impoverished countries.
The origins of modern soccer date all the way back to medieval Europe with roots steeped in Chinese culture. Formal rules were not officially established until 1848 when a group at Cambridge University drafted a set of guidelines. Over the subsequent decades, these rules were modified by a number of different organizations looking to support their own soccer leagues. By the beginning of the 1900s, organized soccer became widespread and many different governing bodies were formed in order to standardize rules and promote international competition. Soccer was first added to the modern summer Olympics lineup at the 1900 games in Paris, France. This led to the formation of FIFA, the organization that dominates the soccer scene worldwide.
Modern soccer's premier event is the FIFA World Cup. This tournament has been held every four years since 1930, except during World War II. Participating countries field a national team of homegrown players and pit their skills against other countries. Regional qualifying rounds are held in the four year period between Cups. A total of 32 teams are entered into the actual event. One country plays host for the entire duration of the tournament and rounds typically run for just over a month. When the field is narrowed to just two teams, they play the championship game that determines the overall winner. The World Cup is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. Nearly 750 million people watched the championship game on television in 2006.
In addition to the FIFA World Cup, many players also participate in professional leagues in Europe and the United States. Top players are paid rather large sums of money and become international superstars. Major league soccer has had a rocky start in America, but still thrives in a somewhat limited market.
Soccer has been gaining prominence in many areas of the world, particularly developing nations. This is mostly due to the simple rules and small amount of equipment required to play. In order to get a match going, all you need is an open field, a ball, and a way to mark the goal areas. All of these factors make the sport extremely accessible for even the most impoverished countries.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Soccer Referee Discipline - Yellow Cards Versus Red Cards
By Todd Van Der Weele
A soccer referee is the unbiased judge who is charged with ensuring a soccer match is played in accordance to the Laws of the Game. He is responsible for order and discipline on the field from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle.
His two tools of discipline are the yellow card and the red card. The yellow card is used to show that a player has been cautioned. The red card is used to show that a player has been sent off the pitch and cannot continue to play or be substituted for. Only a player can be shown a yellow or a red card. The following describe the offenses for yellow and red cards.
A yellow card is shown to a player for the following 7 offenses:
- Unsporting behavior (hard fouls, trash talking)
- Dissent by words or action (complaining to the referee)
- Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game (continuing to foul when not necessary)
- Delaying the restart of play (kicking the ball away from spot of restart)
- Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted (standing too close to the ball)
- Entering and re-entering the field of play without referee's permission
- Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee's permission
A red card is shown to a player if he commits any of the following 7 offenses:
- Serious foul play (fouling with the intent to injure or harm another player)
- Violent conduct (fighting)
- Spitting at an opponent or any other person
- Denying to the other team a goal or opportunity by using his hands (by knocking ball off goal line or out of goal)
- Denying a goal or opportunity to the other team moving towards the player's goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or penalty kick (fouling player as he attempts to score when there is no other player near the ball)
- Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
- Receiving a second caution in the same match
Understanding the reasons a referee issues yellow and red cards should be much clearer knowing the Laws of the Game, specifically Law 12.
By Todd Van Der Weele
A soccer referee is the unbiased judge who is charged with ensuring a soccer match is played in accordance to the Laws of the Game. He is responsible for order and discipline on the field from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle.
His two tools of discipline are the yellow card and the red card. The yellow card is used to show that a player has been cautioned. The red card is used to show that a player has been sent off the pitch and cannot continue to play or be substituted for. Only a player can be shown a yellow or a red card. The following describe the offenses for yellow and red cards.
A yellow card is shown to a player for the following 7 offenses:
- Unsporting behavior (hard fouls, trash talking)
- Dissent by words or action (complaining to the referee)
- Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game (continuing to foul when not necessary)
- Delaying the restart of play (kicking the ball away from spot of restart)
- Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted (standing too close to the ball)
- Entering and re-entering the field of play without referee's permission
- Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee's permission
A red card is shown to a player if he commits any of the following 7 offenses:
- Serious foul play (fouling with the intent to injure or harm another player)
- Violent conduct (fighting)
- Spitting at an opponent or any other person
- Denying to the other team a goal or opportunity by using his hands (by knocking ball off goal line or out of goal)
- Denying a goal or opportunity to the other team moving towards the player's goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or penalty kick (fouling player as he attempts to score when there is no other player near the ball)
- Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
- Receiving a second caution in the same match
Understanding the reasons a referee issues yellow and red cards should be much clearer knowing the Laws of the Game, specifically Law 12.
By Todd Van Der Weele
Rules of Soccer - Offside Rule in Soccer
By Pauline Go
In a game of soccer, you might have come across the point where a whistle was blown and a player stopped from performing his action. This is because he was on the offside. You might wonder, what is this offside rule in soccer?
Well, offside is a point in the field where a player becomes too close to the opponent's goal line. In fact, the player in the defender's half of the field and comes much close to the goals line that the ball and the second last opponent. The purpose of the offside rule in soccer is to prevent a attacking from pushing forward because of certain factors. The offside rule applies in three different ways which are offside position, offside offense and offside sanction.
In order to a player to be determined on the offside, there must one defender and the goalkeeper, between the player and the goalpost. The ball comes to the player from the front and in a position which is not suitable. The player's position in the field is over the half line mark in the field.In addition to these points, there are two other points which apply. These are that the player must be in a position that is interfering with the action of the opponent or the game or that he is using the position of being on the offside to his advantage in the game. This part about offside is also called Offside Offense. When an Offside Offense happens, an Offside Sanction takes place. This is actually a penalty for the offense which is to be given in the form of an indirect free kick from the place where the offense happened.
In a game of soccer, you might have come across the point where a whistle was blown and a player stopped from performing his action. This is because he was on the offside. You might wonder, what is this offside rule in soccer?
Well, offside is a point in the field where a player becomes too close to the opponent's goal line. In fact, the player in the defender's half of the field and comes much close to the goals line that the ball and the second last opponent. The purpose of the offside rule in soccer is to prevent a attacking from pushing forward because of certain factors. The offside rule applies in three different ways which are offside position, offside offense and offside sanction.
In order to a player to be determined on the offside, there must one defender and the goalkeeper, between the player and the goalpost. The ball comes to the player from the front and in a position which is not suitable. The player's position in the field is over the half line mark in the field.In addition to these points, there are two other points which apply. These are that the player must be in a position that is interfering with the action of the opponent or the game or that he is using the position of being on the offside to his advantage in the game. This part about offside is also called Offside Offense. When an Offside Offense happens, an Offside Sanction takes place. This is actually a penalty for the offense which is to be given in the form of an indirect free kick from the place where the offense happened.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
History of Soccer
By Mubeen Musthakeem
Soccer is the most popular game in the world and millions of people watch the game and enjoy it but they are completely oblivious when it comes to knowing the history of the game. Nobody knows the exact date when the game was played but centuries ago around 1000BC, the Japanese are thought to have played a similar type of game. The Greeks and the Chinese are also thought to have played a similar game to soccer.
In the 1300s, during the reign of King Edward, anyone caught playing soccer was put behind bars as it was thought unsafe and a public bother. The ban was lifted in 1681 and soccer earned was allowed to play in England and in the 1800s, the game became so famous that they had soccer competitions once a year. After that major leagues started forming across the globe and soccer turned into a spectator sport. Soccer made its first appearance in Olympics in the Summer Olympic Games in 1900 where an English club team emerged winners.
Nowadays, the championships are played by national teams rather than clubs and this is one factor which has boosted the number of soccer fans as they cheered on their country. Today, soccer is mostly watched on television and millions of dollars have been spent on the game. The most popular leagues are the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain, Serie A in Italy and Bundas Liga in Germany. Soccer players have become superstars and are among the highest paid sportsman in the world.
By Mubeen Musthakeem
Soccer is the most popular game in the world and millions of people watch the game and enjoy it but they are completely oblivious when it comes to knowing the history of the game. Nobody knows the exact date when the game was played but centuries ago around 1000BC, the Japanese are thought to have played a similar type of game. The Greeks and the Chinese are also thought to have played a similar game to soccer.
In the 1300s, during the reign of King Edward, anyone caught playing soccer was put behind bars as it was thought unsafe and a public bother. The ban was lifted in 1681 and soccer earned was allowed to play in England and in the 1800s, the game became so famous that they had soccer competitions once a year. After that major leagues started forming across the globe and soccer turned into a spectator sport. Soccer made its first appearance in Olympics in the Summer Olympic Games in 1900 where an English club team emerged winners.
Nowadays, the championships are played by national teams rather than clubs and this is one factor which has boosted the number of soccer fans as they cheered on their country. Today, soccer is mostly watched on television and millions of dollars have been spent on the game. The most popular leagues are the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain, Serie A in Italy and Bundas Liga in Germany. Soccer players have become superstars and are among the highest paid sportsman in the world.
By Mubeen Musthakeem
Soccer Recruiting Videos - What Coaches Really Want to See
By Gary V Hawkins
For high school athletes trying to make it to the college soccer level, soccer recruiting videos play a vital role. Coaches want to see video to make a determination on whether or not a soccer player has the talent and skills to play soccer at the division level his or her team competes at.
Soccer recruiting videos can take several forms. Footage can be in the the form of DVD's or footage placed online. No matter what format you decide to use, the important thing is that your video needs to grab the attention of the coach and make him or her want to learn more about you. A good video will:
1- Demonstrate your specific soccer skills 2- Show some of your best game highlights 3- Show complete game footage
Coaches don't want to see soccer recruiting videos that simply show nothing but your highlights. They realize any athlete can put together enough highlights to make themselves appear to be a great soccer player. Coaches also want to see footage of you demonstrating the specific skills of the game of soccer and how you perform under game conditions.
Getting good video footage can be created from several different sources. You can ask your school or high school coach about the footage they maintain. You can ask your traveling team coach about video footage. You an ask your parent(s) to create some footage for you. Or, you can go out and hire a professional. If you have the money to spend, hiring a professional is obviously the best way to go. If you don't have the money to spend to hire a professional, doing it yourself or getting footage from your coach is okay.
Along with the soccer recruiting videos you send out to coaches, you'll want to also send out a letter to the coaches along with your athletic resumes. Making direct contact with coaches is the best way to get recognition and to get coaches interested in signing you to come and play in their program. In most cases, you may want to send the letter and resume first, and let the coach know video footage is available upon his or her request.
Gary Hawkins is a well known recruiting and athletic scholarship expert and the author of a popular 17-page free report titled:
By Gary V Hawkins
For high school athletes trying to make it to the college soccer level, soccer recruiting videos play a vital role. Coaches want to see video to make a determination on whether or not a soccer player has the talent and skills to play soccer at the division level his or her team competes at.
Soccer recruiting videos can take several forms. Footage can be in the the form of DVD's or footage placed online. No matter what format you decide to use, the important thing is that your video needs to grab the attention of the coach and make him or her want to learn more about you. A good video will:
1- Demonstrate your specific soccer skills 2- Show some of your best game highlights 3- Show complete game footage
Coaches don't want to see soccer recruiting videos that simply show nothing but your highlights. They realize any athlete can put together enough highlights to make themselves appear to be a great soccer player. Coaches also want to see footage of you demonstrating the specific skills of the game of soccer and how you perform under game conditions.
Getting good video footage can be created from several different sources. You can ask your school or high school coach about the footage they maintain. You can ask your traveling team coach about video footage. You an ask your parent(s) to create some footage for you. Or, you can go out and hire a professional. If you have the money to spend, hiring a professional is obviously the best way to go. If you don't have the money to spend to hire a professional, doing it yourself or getting footage from your coach is okay.
Along with the soccer recruiting videos you send out to coaches, you'll want to also send out a letter to the coaches along with your athletic resumes. Making direct contact with coaches is the best way to get recognition and to get coaches interested in signing you to come and play in their program. In most cases, you may want to send the letter and resume first, and let the coach know video footage is available upon his or her request.
Gary Hawkins is a well known recruiting and athletic scholarship expert and the author of a popular 17-page free report titled:
By Gary V Hawkins
Who Has Scored the Most Goals in World Cup Soccer History?
By Amy Nutt
Almost every culture around the world has some type of connection to the history of football/soccer. Such cultures as the Ancient Greeks, Persians, Vikings, The Chinese, Japanese, and much more, played a game that is much like today's football/soccer. For instance, The Chinese played "footballer" games dating as far back as about 3000 years ago. However, it was in England that soccer / football really began to grow in popularity. After becoming popular in England, soccer became a widely loved sport throughout the world. The celebrated FIFA World cup led the way to the rise of soccer stars, and conferred world soccer records holders such as the player who has scored the most goals in world cup soccer history.
Brazilian professional footballer Ronaldo Nazario de Lima has scored the most goals in Fifa World Cup history. Ronaldo Luís Nazario de Lima, more generally known as Ronaldo, was born in September 18, 1976. In 1993, Ronaldo began his professional soccer/footballer career playing for Cruzeiro. In his single year with Cruzeiro, he accumulated 12 goals in 14 games and led the team to win their first Copa do Brasil championship. After playing with Cruzeiro, in 1994, he joined with the Dutch football team PSV. In 1996, in his final year with PSV, Ronaldo aided the team to win the Dutch Cup.
Ronaldo is also an established national footballer for Brazil. He has played in 97 international games, accumulating 62 goals and standing 15 goals away from the Brazilian national scoring record. He was a member of the Brazilian team that won the 1994 and 2002 World Cups. During the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo became the highest goal scorer in the history of the World Cup with his fifteenth goal.
Nicknamed 'O Fenômeno,' which is translated as ""The Phenomenon" in English, Ronaldo made the number 9 famous and made it tantamount with the position of center forward. During his footballer career in Europe, Ronaldo became one of the most celebrated 'strikers' throughout the world after he won his first Ballon d'Or as the European Footballer of the Year in 1997, and then once more in 2002. He is also one of only two players to have won the FIFA Player of the Year award three times. In 2007, he was named as one of the best starting eleven of all-time by France Football and was named to the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest footballers compiled by his fellow Brazilian soccer star, Pelé.
To many contemporary footballers, Ronaldo is a living icon who has been credited with encouraging a stronger marketing interest in soccer throughout the world, particularly because of his relationship with Nike who had in the past spent their marketing resources and time primarily on Basketball.
The soccer that we know today was shaped during the 1960s. Increased media coverage and TV broadcasts has made the game more popular than ever. With soccer stars such as David Beckham in the spotlight, the popularity of soccer will continue to grow.
By Amy Nutt
Almost every culture around the world has some type of connection to the history of football/soccer. Such cultures as the Ancient Greeks, Persians, Vikings, The Chinese, Japanese, and much more, played a game that is much like today's football/soccer. For instance, The Chinese played "footballer" games dating as far back as about 3000 years ago. However, it was in England that soccer / football really began to grow in popularity. After becoming popular in England, soccer became a widely loved sport throughout the world. The celebrated FIFA World cup led the way to the rise of soccer stars, and conferred world soccer records holders such as the player who has scored the most goals in world cup soccer history.
Brazilian professional footballer Ronaldo Nazario de Lima has scored the most goals in Fifa World Cup history. Ronaldo Luís Nazario de Lima, more generally known as Ronaldo, was born in September 18, 1976. In 1993, Ronaldo began his professional soccer/footballer career playing for Cruzeiro. In his single year with Cruzeiro, he accumulated 12 goals in 14 games and led the team to win their first Copa do Brasil championship. After playing with Cruzeiro, in 1994, he joined with the Dutch football team PSV. In 1996, in his final year with PSV, Ronaldo aided the team to win the Dutch Cup.
Ronaldo is also an established national footballer for Brazil. He has played in 97 international games, accumulating 62 goals and standing 15 goals away from the Brazilian national scoring record. He was a member of the Brazilian team that won the 1994 and 2002 World Cups. During the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo became the highest goal scorer in the history of the World Cup with his fifteenth goal.
Nicknamed 'O Fenômeno,' which is translated as ""The Phenomenon" in English, Ronaldo made the number 9 famous and made it tantamount with the position of center forward. During his footballer career in Europe, Ronaldo became one of the most celebrated 'strikers' throughout the world after he won his first Ballon d'Or as the European Footballer of the Year in 1997, and then once more in 2002. He is also one of only two players to have won the FIFA Player of the Year award three times. In 2007, he was named as one of the best starting eleven of all-time by France Football and was named to the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest footballers compiled by his fellow Brazilian soccer star, Pelé.
To many contemporary footballers, Ronaldo is a living icon who has been credited with encouraging a stronger marketing interest in soccer throughout the world, particularly because of his relationship with Nike who had in the past spent their marketing resources and time primarily on Basketball.
The soccer that we know today was shaped during the 1960s. Increased media coverage and TV broadcasts has made the game more popular than ever. With soccer stars such as David Beckham in the spotlight, the popularity of soccer will continue to grow.
By Amy Nutt
Friday, August 21, 2009
Match Fixtures for This Weekend
Sunderland Vs Blackburn
By Semiu Osho
Sunderland welcomes Blackburn Rovers to the Stadium of Light where it was humbled 3-1 by Chelsea in the second game of the season on Tuesday night. The Block Cats, as Dunderland are known, will hope to get it right against a Blackburn Rovers side, which is eeking its first win of the seaon after going down 2-0 at home to Manchester City on opeining day.
Coach Steve Bruce knows he cannot afford to slip up as a loss will push his side further into the mire.
For Sam Allardyce, a win will also help to restore confidence to his boys who next fae an in-form West Ham side, which picked up a vital away win against Stoke City last Saturday the look of things, sparks may not fly here and both teams may be content with a draw.
Last League Meeting: February 4, 2009 at Ewood Park (in the Premier League) Blackburn 2, Sunderland 1.
By Semiu Osho
By Semiu Osho
Sunderland welcomes Blackburn Rovers to the Stadium of Light where it was humbled 3-1 by Chelsea in the second game of the season on Tuesday night. The Block Cats, as Dunderland are known, will hope to get it right against a Blackburn Rovers side, which is eeking its first win of the seaon after going down 2-0 at home to Manchester City on opeining day.
Coach Steve Bruce knows he cannot afford to slip up as a loss will push his side further into the mire.
For Sam Allardyce, a win will also help to restore confidence to his boys who next fae an in-form West Ham side, which picked up a vital away win against Stoke City last Saturday the look of things, sparks may not fly here and both teams may be content with a draw.
Last League Meeting: February 4, 2009 at Ewood Park (in the Premier League) Blackburn 2, Sunderland 1.
By Semiu Osho
Match Fixtures for This Weekend
Wigan Vs Manchester United
By Jide Alaka
Manchster United will be looking for an inspiration to silence their critics when they visit Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium tomorrow.
The champions got a big reality-check on Wednesday when they crashed to newly promoted side Burnley at Turf Moor and the defeat instantly echoed the opinion that they are still battling to get over the loss of their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.
Both United and Wigan, who also lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers midweek, will
Attempt to get back to winning ways but Sir Ferguson’s Red Devils will be under more pessure.
Wigan showed they ould do a decent battle this season when they stunned Aston Villa 2-0 at the Villa Park last Saturday and their new manager, Roberto Marthinez and his lads can draw inspiration from that performance to get at least a point off United, even though the Old Trafford giants have a very good record at the JJB Stadium.
Fergie admitted his side were not good enough at Burnley but he was silent as to whether he had done well in the transfer market to seek a good replacement for 80 million Puounds worth Ronaldo.
New signings Anthonio Valencia and Michael Owen are yet to hit their form while Wayne Ronney has strugled to convince as the team’s front man. It could still be treated as unexpected if Wigan crash again at home, but a second successive defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow for United.
Last meeting: May 13, 2009 at JJB Stadium (in the Premiership League), Wigan 1, Manchester United 2.
Manchester City Vs Wolves
Manchester City wil be hoping to present their home fans with a wonderful performance and another three points when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow at their City of Manchester Stadium.
The moneybags will be playing their first game in front of their darling spectators and after an impressive sart to the campaign, the expectations for a top-four finishis rising by the day.
An opeing day 2-0 win against gritty Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, which was followed by a lone goal victory over a strong Barcelona at the Nou Camp in a friendly portends a promising futur eand with Carlos Trevez returning to full fitness, Mark Hughes will be going into theWolve’s game with moe options in the attack.
Rivals Manchester Unitd have already lost their first game of the season after Burnley secured a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor on Wednesday and Manchester City will want to prove they are the real deal this season. Even Sir Alex has made a U-turn on his opinion about the citizens after earlier stating that it will take some time before they become a strong force in the Premier League despie their investments.
But Wolves will not be an easy meat after bouncing back from their opening day home defeat to West Ham United to defeat Wigan at the JJB Stadium. Tuesday’s win at Wigan will surely be a huge motivation for Mick Mccarthy and his men and they will not rule out their chances of maing city look like a flash in the pan.
Last League Meeting: April 10, 2004 at City of Manchester Stadium. Man City 3, Wolves 3.
By Jide Alaka
By Jide Alaka
Manchster United will be looking for an inspiration to silence their critics when they visit Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium tomorrow.
The champions got a big reality-check on Wednesday when they crashed to newly promoted side Burnley at Turf Moor and the defeat instantly echoed the opinion that they are still battling to get over the loss of their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.
Both United and Wigan, who also lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers midweek, will
Attempt to get back to winning ways but Sir Ferguson’s Red Devils will be under more pessure.
Wigan showed they ould do a decent battle this season when they stunned Aston Villa 2-0 at the Villa Park last Saturday and their new manager, Roberto Marthinez and his lads can draw inspiration from that performance to get at least a point off United, even though the Old Trafford giants have a very good record at the JJB Stadium.
Fergie admitted his side were not good enough at Burnley but he was silent as to whether he had done well in the transfer market to seek a good replacement for 80 million Puounds worth Ronaldo.
New signings Anthonio Valencia and Michael Owen are yet to hit their form while Wayne Ronney has strugled to convince as the team’s front man. It could still be treated as unexpected if Wigan crash again at home, but a second successive defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow for United.
Last meeting: May 13, 2009 at JJB Stadium (in the Premiership League), Wigan 1, Manchester United 2.
Manchester City Vs Wolves
Manchester City wil be hoping to present their home fans with a wonderful performance and another three points when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow at their City of Manchester Stadium.
The moneybags will be playing their first game in front of their darling spectators and after an impressive sart to the campaign, the expectations for a top-four finishis rising by the day.
An opeing day 2-0 win against gritty Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, which was followed by a lone goal victory over a strong Barcelona at the Nou Camp in a friendly portends a promising futur eand with Carlos Trevez returning to full fitness, Mark Hughes will be going into theWolve’s game with moe options in the attack.
Rivals Manchester Unitd have already lost their first game of the season after Burnley secured a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor on Wednesday and Manchester City will want to prove they are the real deal this season. Even Sir Alex has made a U-turn on his opinion about the citizens after earlier stating that it will take some time before they become a strong force in the Premier League despie their investments.
But Wolves will not be an easy meat after bouncing back from their opening day home defeat to West Ham United to defeat Wigan at the JJB Stadium. Tuesday’s win at Wigan will surely be a huge motivation for Mick Mccarthy and his men and they will not rule out their chances of maing city look like a flash in the pan.
Last League Meeting: April 10, 2004 at City of Manchester Stadium. Man City 3, Wolves 3.
By Jide Alaka
MATCH FIXTURES FOR THIS WEEKEND
By Nnamdi Okosieme
Arsenal Vs Portsmouth
Arsenal set to down Portsmouth Saturday’s match at the Emeriate Stadium looks like a done deal. Arsenal, underrated by pundits before the season began, has been blazing away at its opponents.
After routing Everton Park on league 6-1 away at Goodison Park on league opening day, the Gunners proved it was no fluke by scalping Celtic 2-0 in Glasscow three days laer in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match.
Against Nwankwo Kanu’s Portsmouth, which has lost two straight matches, the last being Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Birmingham, Arsenal much derived boys, will seek to maintain their perfect start with another victory.
So much has been said of how the departue of two of their key players forward – Emmanuel Adebayor and defender Kolou Toure, will imperil their chances of remaining among the Premiership’s top four. Bu Wenger’s lads, led by Cesc Fabregas, are itchign to blast away all season.
With their merciless thumping of Everton last Saturday, they seem to be telling critics that the much derided boys of Emirates have come of age.
For Paul Hart and his boys from Frantn Park, things certainly look to get worse. Hart who is reportedly seeking the services of burly Nigerian defender Danny Shittu, to bolster his sagging backline, looks certain to engage in baleful hand wringing of the Emirates.
Last League meetng May 2, 2009, at Frantton Park (in the Premier League) – Portsmouth 0, Arsenal 3.
By Nnamdi Okosieme
Arsenal Vs Portsmouth
Arsenal set to down Portsmouth Saturday’s match at the Emeriate Stadium looks like a done deal. Arsenal, underrated by pundits before the season began, has been blazing away at its opponents.
After routing Everton Park on league 6-1 away at Goodison Park on league opening day, the Gunners proved it was no fluke by scalping Celtic 2-0 in Glasscow three days laer in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match.
Against Nwankwo Kanu’s Portsmouth, which has lost two straight matches, the last being Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Birmingham, Arsenal much derived boys, will seek to maintain their perfect start with another victory.
So much has been said of how the departue of two of their key players forward – Emmanuel Adebayor and defender Kolou Toure, will imperil their chances of remaining among the Premiership’s top four. Bu Wenger’s lads, led by Cesc Fabregas, are itchign to blast away all season.
With their merciless thumping of Everton last Saturday, they seem to be telling critics that the much derided boys of Emirates have come of age.
For Paul Hart and his boys from Frantn Park, things certainly look to get worse. Hart who is reportedly seeking the services of burly Nigerian defender Danny Shittu, to bolster his sagging backline, looks certain to engage in baleful hand wringing of the Emirates.
Last League meetng May 2, 2009, at Frantton Park (in the Premier League) – Portsmouth 0, Arsenal 3.
By Nnamdi Okosieme
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson Bemoans Bad Calls
By Adam Bostock
Sir Alex Ferguson found fault with his players’ decision making on Wednesday night after a bad day at the office allowed Burnley to inflict a shock defeat on the champions.
The Reds were at times too rash, at other times too hesitant, when opportunities to cancel out Robbie Blake’s stunning goal for Burnley presented themselves.
“We were too frivolous with the chances we had,” Sir Alex told MUTV.
“Sometimes we were taking touches on the ball instead of shooting quickly. And in the last twenty minutes, we rushed and made one or two bad decisions.”
The boss believes the night might have been different had Michael Carrick converted his penalty on the brink of half-time - “I think we’d have won the game. I think we’d have composed ourselves and taken our time in the second half."Sir Alex denied United's return of one goal from two games is a concern, taking heart from the number of chances created - "Hopefully we get as many on Saturday. Michael Carrick had what I thought was the best chance when the ball was squared to him in the box but he decided to take a touch on the ball and lost the opportunity. Michael Owen missed a great chance in the first half, Ryan Giggs had one in the second half and Wayne Rooney had a couple of chances."
While lamenting a “bad performance” by his own team, Sir Alex praised Burnley and their supporters.
“You can’t deny them their victory. Every member of their team worked their socks off and the fans were fantastic, they got behind them all night, cheering every kick of the ball. To play Manchester United on their return to the top division after a long time, it was a great occasion for them.
“Burnley had a good ten-minute spell which won it for them. They caused us a lot of problems with their balls in behind our back four, turning us towards our own goal.
“(The goal) was a very good strike, a marvellous hit, but we didn’t defend it well. The player should have been covered but one or two of our midfield players were running out when the ball was played across.
“Our players are all disappointed, it was a bad result for us. But I’m sure we’ll get a response (on Saturday, at Wigan).”
By Adam Bostock
Sir Alex Ferguson found fault with his players’ decision making on Wednesday night after a bad day at the office allowed Burnley to inflict a shock defeat on the champions.
The Reds were at times too rash, at other times too hesitant, when opportunities to cancel out Robbie Blake’s stunning goal for Burnley presented themselves.
“We were too frivolous with the chances we had,” Sir Alex told MUTV.
“Sometimes we were taking touches on the ball instead of shooting quickly. And in the last twenty minutes, we rushed and made one or two bad decisions.”
The boss believes the night might have been different had Michael Carrick converted his penalty on the brink of half-time - “I think we’d have won the game. I think we’d have composed ourselves and taken our time in the second half."Sir Alex denied United's return of one goal from two games is a concern, taking heart from the number of chances created - "Hopefully we get as many on Saturday. Michael Carrick had what I thought was the best chance when the ball was squared to him in the box but he decided to take a touch on the ball and lost the opportunity. Michael Owen missed a great chance in the first half, Ryan Giggs had one in the second half and Wayne Rooney had a couple of chances."
While lamenting a “bad performance” by his own team, Sir Alex praised Burnley and their supporters.
“You can’t deny them their victory. Every member of their team worked their socks off and the fans were fantastic, they got behind them all night, cheering every kick of the ball. To play Manchester United on their return to the top division after a long time, it was a great occasion for them.
“Burnley had a good ten-minute spell which won it for them. They caused us a lot of problems with their balls in behind our back four, turning us towards our own goal.
“(The goal) was a very good strike, a marvellous hit, but we didn’t defend it well. The player should have been covered but one or two of our midfield players were running out when the ball was played across.
“Our players are all disappointed, it was a bad result for us. But I’m sure we’ll get a response (on Saturday, at Wigan).”
By Adam Bostock
Manchester City Win Friendly Against Barcelona
By Mubeen
It was a great feeling for the boys in blue at the Nou Camp when the referee blew his whistle. They were 1-0 up and the whistle meant that they had won the game against Barcelona – The Champions League winners! Barcelona played a hugely experimental side and Manchester City played with only one striker upfront with Robinho and Adebayor missing the game. Barcelona’s star signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic had to wait for the second half to get himself into the field.
It was Richard Dunne who lifted the trophy in front of the 94,123 fans and it was the first trophy of the Citizens new era.It was Martin Petrov’s goal which made the difference between the two sides. It was no surprise that it was Stephen Ireland who set Petrov up with a long ball and Petrov finished it coolly to change the score. It was Barcelona who dominated most of the game but Manchester City were dangerous on the counter attack and brilliant in the defense. There have been a lots of doubts about the City’s rear guard but they showed good quality against one of the best attacks in the world to keep Barcelona at bay. Special notice was taken on the Academy graduate Vladi Weiss who performed excellently on the wing. The Catalan club came really close to scoring quite a few times with two efforts striking the crossbar and the post respectively.
All in all, Mark Hughes will be really pleased with his side not only because they had won the match but mostly because of the huge experience all his players had received after playing the Champions League champions. Manchester City will be hoping that they can make it to the top of the Premier League table this season and this win would surely boost there confidence sky high.
By Mubeen
It was a great feeling for the boys in blue at the Nou Camp when the referee blew his whistle. They were 1-0 up and the whistle meant that they had won the game against Barcelona – The Champions League winners! Barcelona played a hugely experimental side and Manchester City played with only one striker upfront with Robinho and Adebayor missing the game. Barcelona’s star signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic had to wait for the second half to get himself into the field.
It was Richard Dunne who lifted the trophy in front of the 94,123 fans and it was the first trophy of the Citizens new era.It was Martin Petrov’s goal which made the difference between the two sides. It was no surprise that it was Stephen Ireland who set Petrov up with a long ball and Petrov finished it coolly to change the score. It was Barcelona who dominated most of the game but Manchester City were dangerous on the counter attack and brilliant in the defense. There have been a lots of doubts about the City’s rear guard but they showed good quality against one of the best attacks in the world to keep Barcelona at bay. Special notice was taken on the Academy graduate Vladi Weiss who performed excellently on the wing. The Catalan club came really close to scoring quite a few times with two efforts striking the crossbar and the post respectively.
All in all, Mark Hughes will be really pleased with his side not only because they had won the match but mostly because of the huge experience all his players had received after playing the Champions League champions. Manchester City will be hoping that they can make it to the top of the Premier League table this season and this win would surely boost there confidence sky high.
By Mubeen
Monday, August 17, 2009
Scholarship For Soccer - Don't Let the Myths and False Information Stop You From Playing in College
By Gary V Hawkins
Thousands of high school soccer players from around the country and even the world are wondering what it takes to get a scholarship for soccer. One of the problems these athletes face is the amount of false information and myths there are about the recruiting and scholarship process. Hopefully, this article can clear up some of those myths for you.
Soccer Myth #1 - Only Blue Chip Or Elite Level Players Play At The College Level
While it is certain that the best of the best soccer players have a much easier time getting a scholarship for soccer, these players can't fill all the roster spots college coaches have. There are hundreds of colleges and universities out there with scholarships to give. These scholarships are at all Division levels, from Division I all the way down to Junior College.
Soccer Myth #2 - If I'm Good Enough To Play In College, Coaches Will Find Me
College coaches do find most of the good soccer players who are available, but every year hundreds of young athletes fly under the radar of college coaches. This happens for a variety of reasons. The athlete may be at a very small school, playing on a very bad team, or they simply live in an area not known to produce good soccer players.
Soccer Myth #3 - College Coaches Don't Want To Hear From You
If you really want a scholarship for soccer, always keep in mind coaches need players. At some of the smaller Division I schools and all the divisions below, coaches can't afford to just fly across the country in search of good players. They need others to help them learn about quality players who may be available. That's why coaches will want to hear from you if you have the talent, skills and athleticism to play at their level.
If getting a scholarship for soccer is your dream, you need to take responsibility for your own recruitment. You need to start marketing and promoting yourself to college coaches by making contact with them!
By Gary V Hawkins
Thousands of high school soccer players from around the country and even the world are wondering what it takes to get a scholarship for soccer. One of the problems these athletes face is the amount of false information and myths there are about the recruiting and scholarship process. Hopefully, this article can clear up some of those myths for you.
Soccer Myth #1 - Only Blue Chip Or Elite Level Players Play At The College Level
While it is certain that the best of the best soccer players have a much easier time getting a scholarship for soccer, these players can't fill all the roster spots college coaches have. There are hundreds of colleges and universities out there with scholarships to give. These scholarships are at all Division levels, from Division I all the way down to Junior College.
Soccer Myth #2 - If I'm Good Enough To Play In College, Coaches Will Find Me
College coaches do find most of the good soccer players who are available, but every year hundreds of young athletes fly under the radar of college coaches. This happens for a variety of reasons. The athlete may be at a very small school, playing on a very bad team, or they simply live in an area not known to produce good soccer players.
Soccer Myth #3 - College Coaches Don't Want To Hear From You
If you really want a scholarship for soccer, always keep in mind coaches need players. At some of the smaller Division I schools and all the divisions below, coaches can't afford to just fly across the country in search of good players. They need others to help them learn about quality players who may be available. That's why coaches will want to hear from you if you have the talent, skills and athleticism to play at their level.
If getting a scholarship for soccer is your dream, you need to take responsibility for your own recruitment. You need to start marketing and promoting yourself to college coaches by making contact with them!
By Gary V Hawkins
Soccer Scholarships - 5 Reason Soccer Players Fail in College
By Sean J Farrell
You see it every year. Very talented high school soccer players earn a soccer scholarship to a great college. A few years go by and that athlete has seemed to disappear and no longer plays for the college team. What happened? While everyone has their own reason for quitting, we have narrowed 5 main reasons that scholarship soccer athletes fail to succeed at this level.
Not developing a solid recruiting plan: Most reasons relate back to this main issue. Players in high school do not know what they want out of college. They are going through the recruiting process without first having developed a personal assessment with their parent's and coach. They then end up picking a college for the wrong reasons and this almost always leads to failure.
College is the wrong academic fit: Just because a school accepts you, that does not mean you will be able to succeed academically there. We know many students that get accepted into IVY league schools because they play a sport. Their grades aren't that bad, but will they really have the academic tools for success? We also see athletes that will attend colleges because they go the scholarship, but will use the scholarship to rationalize the college not having the major they wanted. College needs to be used for academics first, athletics second/
Picking the wrong school socially: Realize that the college you visit on a recruiting trip is not the same school you will see when you show up in the fall. Recruiting trips are sales visits. Make sure that away from athletics, the college has enough to offer you. Also if you come from a small town, will you be comfortable at a massive university that is larger than your hometown?
Picking the wrong school athletically: Just because you accepted a scholarship, it does not mean you will get any playing time. Each year, freshmen and transfers just as or more talented then you show up to campus wanting your playing time. Are you willing to sit on the bench for a few years while your skills improve at a DI school. Or would you be happier at a smaller college where you know you can play the fist year on campus?
Geographic Issues: It is hard to say how you will react and feel attending a college 1,000, 2,000 or even 100 miles from home. Think about this long and hard when you are in the recruiting process. Also if you live in Florida, do you think you could handle snow and cold for months on end if you attend school up North? These factors are often overlooked. Do not sacrifice your reasons for attending school or what you truly want in a college just because you were offered a soccer scholarship. By developing a personal inventory before starting recruiting that takes into consideration these topics plus dozens of others, you can maximize both your college soccer scholarship potential and your success rate once you show up on campus.
By Sean J Farrell
You see it every year. Very talented high school soccer players earn a soccer scholarship to a great college. A few years go by and that athlete has seemed to disappear and no longer plays for the college team. What happened? While everyone has their own reason for quitting, we have narrowed 5 main reasons that scholarship soccer athletes fail to succeed at this level.
Not developing a solid recruiting plan: Most reasons relate back to this main issue. Players in high school do not know what they want out of college. They are going through the recruiting process without first having developed a personal assessment with their parent's and coach. They then end up picking a college for the wrong reasons and this almost always leads to failure.
College is the wrong academic fit: Just because a school accepts you, that does not mean you will be able to succeed academically there. We know many students that get accepted into IVY league schools because they play a sport. Their grades aren't that bad, but will they really have the academic tools for success? We also see athletes that will attend colleges because they go the scholarship, but will use the scholarship to rationalize the college not having the major they wanted. College needs to be used for academics first, athletics second/
Picking the wrong school socially: Realize that the college you visit on a recruiting trip is not the same school you will see when you show up in the fall. Recruiting trips are sales visits. Make sure that away from athletics, the college has enough to offer you. Also if you come from a small town, will you be comfortable at a massive university that is larger than your hometown?
Picking the wrong school athletically: Just because you accepted a scholarship, it does not mean you will get any playing time. Each year, freshmen and transfers just as or more talented then you show up to campus wanting your playing time. Are you willing to sit on the bench for a few years while your skills improve at a DI school. Or would you be happier at a smaller college where you know you can play the fist year on campus?
Geographic Issues: It is hard to say how you will react and feel attending a college 1,000, 2,000 or even 100 miles from home. Think about this long and hard when you are in the recruiting process. Also if you live in Florida, do you think you could handle snow and cold for months on end if you attend school up North? These factors are often overlooked. Do not sacrifice your reasons for attending school or what you truly want in a college just because you were offered a soccer scholarship. By developing a personal inventory before starting recruiting that takes into consideration these topics plus dozens of others, you can maximize both your college soccer scholarship potential and your success rate once you show up on campus.
By Sean J Farrell
Soccer Training Videos
By Bryan Bean
The good thing about being a soccer player nowadays is that they can take advantage of modern ways of training. Before, players can only rely on doing soccer drills in order to develop their skills. Today, different training aids exist that can accelerate the pace of skills development among players. One of the relatively newer ways to train for soccer is through the use of soccer training videos.Currently, almost all coaches and trainers are using training video to help players develop the their minds and bodies to be successful in soccer. This article is all about soccer training videos and the benefits that they bring to anyone who choose to use them.The use of videos in soccer practice is pretty straightforward. Usually, a video monitor is set up in a gym and the players are required to watch the video. Some video are plain lectures about soccer. This means that they provide theoretical knowledge of the players.When watching these videos, players need only to watch and listen and maybe take down notes to remember the topics being discussed. The use of theoretical videos is very useful in instilling in players the value of basics of the game and in giving them knowledge from which to base their skills development.There are also videos that show soccer practice drills. While watching these kinds of videos, players are required to be active and follow the exercises being shown on the monitor. Watching these videos replaces the old practice of having someone lead the practice drills in front of the players.The beauty of using videos in soccer training lies in the fact that videos can be repeated easily in case there is a need to show the video again. Videos can also be used both for personal and group purposes. This means that an individual can watch the video by himself or he can watch it with his teammates. Videos are also very convenient to use. It can be used anytime as long as there is a video player and a monitor around.If you are a coach or a player and you are still not using soccer training videos then you are missing a lot. Videos can save energy and time which can be used for more important matter.If you want to maximize your practice time and you want to get ahead of your opponents, then it is highly advisable that you use soccer training video.
By Bryan Bean
The good thing about being a soccer player nowadays is that they can take advantage of modern ways of training. Before, players can only rely on doing soccer drills in order to develop their skills. Today, different training aids exist that can accelerate the pace of skills development among players. One of the relatively newer ways to train for soccer is through the use of soccer training videos.Currently, almost all coaches and trainers are using training video to help players develop the their minds and bodies to be successful in soccer. This article is all about soccer training videos and the benefits that they bring to anyone who choose to use them.The use of videos in soccer practice is pretty straightforward. Usually, a video monitor is set up in a gym and the players are required to watch the video. Some video are plain lectures about soccer. This means that they provide theoretical knowledge of the players.When watching these videos, players need only to watch and listen and maybe take down notes to remember the topics being discussed. The use of theoretical videos is very useful in instilling in players the value of basics of the game and in giving them knowledge from which to base their skills development.There are also videos that show soccer practice drills. While watching these kinds of videos, players are required to be active and follow the exercises being shown on the monitor. Watching these videos replaces the old practice of having someone lead the practice drills in front of the players.The beauty of using videos in soccer training lies in the fact that videos can be repeated easily in case there is a need to show the video again. Videos can also be used both for personal and group purposes. This means that an individual can watch the video by himself or he can watch it with his teammates. Videos are also very convenient to use. It can be used anytime as long as there is a video player and a monitor around.If you are a coach or a player and you are still not using soccer training videos then you are missing a lot. Videos can save energy and time which can be used for more important matter.If you want to maximize your practice time and you want to get ahead of your opponents, then it is highly advisable that you use soccer training video.
By Bryan Bean
Friday, August 14, 2009
Premier League Preview - Chelsea
By Martin Caparrotta
Chelsea drew their pre-season preparations to a close yesterday with a penalty shoot-out win over Manchester United in the Community Shield in a fiery encounter at Wembley.
The game's controversial moment came when Michael Ballack blocked off Patrice Evra, who stayed down injured. Chelsea though played on, and scored from the resulting attack and infuriating Sir Alex Ferguson.
Carlo Ancelotti has impressed since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. The 50-year-old has come across as a likeable figure in his press conferences. His determined efforts to pick up the English language with speed and his light-hearted nature make it difficult not to warm to the Italian coach.
The Blues have been relatively quiet with their summer transfer dealings thus far. Their only major signing concerns Yuri Zhirkov and his £18 million fee that makes the 25-year-old the most expensive Russian player in history. Left winger Zhirkov scored on his debut for Chelsea in a friendly against AC Milan.
At the beginning of last season, Chelsea greatly missed the presence of midfield rock Michael Essien when he was sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury. The fit-again midfielder coupled with Zhirkov on the left wing will add quality to an already impressive midfield line up.
19-year-old Daniel Sturridge joined from Manchester City, but the two clubs were unable to settle on a fee for the forward, meaning that his price tag will be chosen by a tribunal. Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull also joined the Blues from Middlesbrough on a free transfer.
Despite not coming up against any of the 'big four' until October, Chelsea face trips up to Sunderland and to Fulham the latter of which have proved to be a tough team to beat under Roy Hodgson.
With patience, stability and a solid start, Chelsea will be strong contenders for the title. But surely Ancelotti must be given more time than Scolari, stability is now key, even if the Italian should endure a slow start or a mid-season blip.
By Martin Caparrotta
Chelsea drew their pre-season preparations to a close yesterday with a penalty shoot-out win over Manchester United in the Community Shield in a fiery encounter at Wembley.
The game's controversial moment came when Michael Ballack blocked off Patrice Evra, who stayed down injured. Chelsea though played on, and scored from the resulting attack and infuriating Sir Alex Ferguson.
Carlo Ancelotti has impressed since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. The 50-year-old has come across as a likeable figure in his press conferences. His determined efforts to pick up the English language with speed and his light-hearted nature make it difficult not to warm to the Italian coach.
The Blues have been relatively quiet with their summer transfer dealings thus far. Their only major signing concerns Yuri Zhirkov and his £18 million fee that makes the 25-year-old the most expensive Russian player in history. Left winger Zhirkov scored on his debut for Chelsea in a friendly against AC Milan.
At the beginning of last season, Chelsea greatly missed the presence of midfield rock Michael Essien when he was sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury. The fit-again midfielder coupled with Zhirkov on the left wing will add quality to an already impressive midfield line up.
19-year-old Daniel Sturridge joined from Manchester City, but the two clubs were unable to settle on a fee for the forward, meaning that his price tag will be chosen by a tribunal. Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull also joined the Blues from Middlesbrough on a free transfer.
Despite not coming up against any of the 'big four' until October, Chelsea face trips up to Sunderland and to Fulham the latter of which have proved to be a tough team to beat under Roy Hodgson.
With patience, stability and a solid start, Chelsea will be strong contenders for the title. But surely Ancelotti must be given more time than Scolari, stability is now key, even if the Italian should endure a slow start or a mid-season blip.
By Martin Caparrotta
Premier League Preview - Everton
By Martin Caparrotta
Last season's FA Cup finalists Everton will be looking to build on a fifth place Premier League finish and continue their steady progress under David Moyes.
They finished just nine points below the top four last season, and without the emergence of Manchester City, who are now being widely tipped to break into the top four, one would surely chose Everton if any team were to break the mould.
Everton sharply rejected bids from Manchester City for defender Joleon Lescott. Lescott must be tempted by the prospect of a move to City, both by a wage increase, and the chance to join a side who arguably have more chance of finishing in the top four. And it is perhaps for this reason that the club have stood firm, not swayed by City's interest.
Moyes has been allocated a reported £12 million to spend this summer, a small part of which will have been used to fund Manchester City striker Jô's loan move to Goodison Park. Overall however, Everton have not strengthened their squad this summer. A quality central midfielder is what many Everton fans were hoping to see Moyes bring in.
It has been pointed out however, is that Moyes' side benefit from a close-knit unit that can prove incredibly hard to break down. A ruptured achilles tendon ruled Yakubu out of Everton's season in November last year, and his return to action scheduled for this month will provide a boost to the squad.
Moyes is however still without Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka and Victor Anichebe. Jagielka will not feature until October at the earliest as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
Goodison Park will ring in the new season with a testing visit from Arsenal next Saturday evening. And fairly tough away fixtures at Man City and Fulham dominate the opening weeks of the season.
Everton can certainly progress further under Moyes but with Manchester City doing everything in their power to break into the top four, it is difficult to see Moyes' side bettering last season's impressive finish.
By Martin Caparrotta
Last season's FA Cup finalists Everton will be looking to build on a fifth place Premier League finish and continue their steady progress under David Moyes.
They finished just nine points below the top four last season, and without the emergence of Manchester City, who are now being widely tipped to break into the top four, one would surely chose Everton if any team were to break the mould.
Everton sharply rejected bids from Manchester City for defender Joleon Lescott. Lescott must be tempted by the prospect of a move to City, both by a wage increase, and the chance to join a side who arguably have more chance of finishing in the top four. And it is perhaps for this reason that the club have stood firm, not swayed by City's interest.
Moyes has been allocated a reported £12 million to spend this summer, a small part of which will have been used to fund Manchester City striker Jô's loan move to Goodison Park. Overall however, Everton have not strengthened their squad this summer. A quality central midfielder is what many Everton fans were hoping to see Moyes bring in.
It has been pointed out however, is that Moyes' side benefit from a close-knit unit that can prove incredibly hard to break down. A ruptured achilles tendon ruled Yakubu out of Everton's season in November last year, and his return to action scheduled for this month will provide a boost to the squad.
Moyes is however still without Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka and Victor Anichebe. Jagielka will not feature until October at the earliest as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
Goodison Park will ring in the new season with a testing visit from Arsenal next Saturday evening. And fairly tough away fixtures at Man City and Fulham dominate the opening weeks of the season.
Everton can certainly progress further under Moyes but with Manchester City doing everything in their power to break into the top four, it is difficult to see Moyes' side bettering last season's impressive finish.
By Martin Caparrotta
Premier League Preview - Bolton Wonderers
By Martin Caparrotta
It's fair to say that Gary Megson wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms by fans at the Reebok Stadium, but despite failing to win over many of the supporters, he has brought in some quality this summer meaning that Bolton should be capable of steering clear of the relegation dogfight.
Megson joined bottom-of-the-table Bolton in October 2007, taking over from Sammy Lee who had only been able to collect five points from a possible 30. He successfully steered the club to Premier League survival, beating league-leaders Manchester United in the process.
Despite a shaky start to the 2008-09 season, Megson was given the luxury of time by his Chairman, and managed to steer his side back on track, eventually securing a solid 13th place finish and avoiding the relegation scrap that many had expected.
During his time at the Reebok, Megson's transfer business has proved influential. He brought in attacking midfielder Matt Taylor from Portsmouth in January 2008 for £4 million - an excellent deal for a proven Premier League midfielder. To date, Taylor has scored 13 goals from 50 appearances and Megson will be hoping that he can contribute further this year.
Zat Knight's transfer from Aston Villa this summer looks to be solid, and the experienced Sean Davis will help to bolster Bolton's midfield. Megson has also moved to add experience to his defence in the form of 30-year-old left-back Paul Robinson, and 27-year-old Hull City full-back Sam Ricketts.
Much like Blackburn, Bolton will look to secure a mid-table finish, but if they can continue to progress gradually under Megson as they have done during his tenure, there is no reason why they cannot better their 13th place finish last season, with a European spot a faint possibility.
By Martin Caparrotta
It's fair to say that Gary Megson wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms by fans at the Reebok Stadium, but despite failing to win over many of the supporters, he has brought in some quality this summer meaning that Bolton should be capable of steering clear of the relegation dogfight.
Megson joined bottom-of-the-table Bolton in October 2007, taking over from Sammy Lee who had only been able to collect five points from a possible 30. He successfully steered the club to Premier League survival, beating league-leaders Manchester United in the process.
Despite a shaky start to the 2008-09 season, Megson was given the luxury of time by his Chairman, and managed to steer his side back on track, eventually securing a solid 13th place finish and avoiding the relegation scrap that many had expected.
During his time at the Reebok, Megson's transfer business has proved influential. He brought in attacking midfielder Matt Taylor from Portsmouth in January 2008 for £4 million - an excellent deal for a proven Premier League midfielder. To date, Taylor has scored 13 goals from 50 appearances and Megson will be hoping that he can contribute further this year.
Zat Knight's transfer from Aston Villa this summer looks to be solid, and the experienced Sean Davis will help to bolster Bolton's midfield. Megson has also moved to add experience to his defence in the form of 30-year-old left-back Paul Robinson, and 27-year-old Hull City full-back Sam Ricketts.
Much like Blackburn, Bolton will look to secure a mid-table finish, but if they can continue to progress gradually under Megson as they have done during his tenure, there is no reason why they cannot better their 13th place finish last season, with a European spot a faint possibility.
By Martin Caparrotta
Premier League Preview - Arsenal
By Martin Caparrotta
The trophy drought at Emirates stadium continues with Arsenal having failed to win a trophy since victory in the FA Cup final four years ago. The Gunners have lost key players since that dramatic day in Cardiff: Patrick Veira, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires to name a few.
The exodus of senior players from the club has continued this summer with Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure both joining the Manchester City revolution.
Arsene Wenger has made steps to improve his squad. Thomas Veermaelan has joined from Dutch club Ajax. The experienced Belgian will add some much needed steel to the Arsenal back four.
In midfield the void left by Patrick Vieira's departure in 2005 has still to be adequately filled. A replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor is also needed, with Emirates side heavily linked with Bourdeaux striker, Marouane Chamakh.
That clichéd saying; the return of an injured player is like a new signing. Well Thomas Rosicky fits that description as he hasn't played for 18 months and had made a successful rehabilitation, making it through pre-season unscathed. That was until yesterday, when Wenger announced the Czech Republic international had picked up a hamstring strain.
It is an unwanted injury woe for the French manager who has already suffered the loss of Samir Nasri, who broke his leg in training. Eduardo will be looking to feature heavily in Arsenal's season as he made it through pre-season without picking up any knocks after returning from a horrendous leg break last season. If Arsenal could ensure the fitness of key players like van Persie, Nasri, Rosicky and Eduardo then the London club have the quality to mount a serious title challenge.
At the Arsenal Members' Day 2009, when club captain Cesc Fabregas was questioned over the ambitions of the team this year, the Spanish international reacted sharply when it was suggested the club would be content with a fourth place finish. A sign to rival clubs to take Arsenal seriously.
Manchester City will be a threat this season. The Eastland club have signalled champions league qualification as a must. Should they lay claim to fourth spot or higher, it would appear Arsenal would be first out the door. In addition Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur will all be contenders to break into the top four. Arsenal will face an uphill battle.
Another trophyless season is surely unimaginable for Arsene Wenger and the Frenchman will be hoping the fruits of his labour come ripe this year as some of the younger players come of age.
By Martin Caparrotta
The trophy drought at Emirates stadium continues with Arsenal having failed to win a trophy since victory in the FA Cup final four years ago. The Gunners have lost key players since that dramatic day in Cardiff: Patrick Veira, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires to name a few.
The exodus of senior players from the club has continued this summer with Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure both joining the Manchester City revolution.
Arsene Wenger has made steps to improve his squad. Thomas Veermaelan has joined from Dutch club Ajax. The experienced Belgian will add some much needed steel to the Arsenal back four.
In midfield the void left by Patrick Vieira's departure in 2005 has still to be adequately filled. A replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor is also needed, with Emirates side heavily linked with Bourdeaux striker, Marouane Chamakh.
That clichéd saying; the return of an injured player is like a new signing. Well Thomas Rosicky fits that description as he hasn't played for 18 months and had made a successful rehabilitation, making it through pre-season unscathed. That was until yesterday, when Wenger announced the Czech Republic international had picked up a hamstring strain.
It is an unwanted injury woe for the French manager who has already suffered the loss of Samir Nasri, who broke his leg in training. Eduardo will be looking to feature heavily in Arsenal's season as he made it through pre-season without picking up any knocks after returning from a horrendous leg break last season. If Arsenal could ensure the fitness of key players like van Persie, Nasri, Rosicky and Eduardo then the London club have the quality to mount a serious title challenge.
At the Arsenal Members' Day 2009, when club captain Cesc Fabregas was questioned over the ambitions of the team this year, the Spanish international reacted sharply when it was suggested the club would be content with a fourth place finish. A sign to rival clubs to take Arsenal seriously.
Manchester City will be a threat this season. The Eastland club have signalled champions league qualification as a must. Should they lay claim to fourth spot or higher, it would appear Arsenal would be first out the door. In addition Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur will all be contenders to break into the top four. Arsenal will face an uphill battle.
Another trophyless season is surely unimaginable for Arsene Wenger and the Frenchman will be hoping the fruits of his labour come ripe this year as some of the younger players come of age.
By Martin Caparrotta
Do You Know How to Play Soccer?
By M James
If you think that you have to play soccer on a pitch, with two teams of 11 players, and a referee, then you might be surprised to learn that that isn't the case. You can kick a football around anywhere, and you'll soon learn how to play soccer, and improve as a player.
Here are 5 ways that you can learn how to play soccer, and be a better player.
1. All you need is a ball. There are many skills you can learn on your own with just a football. You can practice dribbling round obstacles, running with the ball, and just being comfortable on the ball. Also, the smaller the ball you use, the better your skills will be, as you will need to be more accurate. Some of the most skilful Brazilian players used a ball made of old socks and played in the streets, as they couldn't afford a real ball to play with. It didn't do them any harm!
2. The more you practice, the better you will become. If there is an area in your game that you feel could do with improving, why not practice until it's perfect? It's no surprise that some of the best free kick takers in the world practice for many hours, after training sessions, until they can hit their target at will. If you don't practice, how can you expect to get better?
3. If you have a wall you can use, then you can practice passing and shooting, as well as free kicks or penalties. Try running alongside the wall, and passing the ball against the wall and continuing on your run. This could be an easy way to pass an opponent, or to make some space for a team mate. Depending on the height and size of the wall, you might be able to practice free kicks against it. Try dividing the wall up into sections, and practice until you can put the ball in each section easily. What about trying penalties against the wall, how accurate can you be?
4. With the addition of a few friends, you can make your practice much more fun, and realistic. Why not play against each other, or pass the ball around in triangles, or use a combination of long and short passes? What about 1 or 2 touch football, or practicing headers?
5. If you have enough friends available to play a small match, then you could have 3 or 4 a side. This will give each player responsibilities, and give them the opportunity to attack as well as defend. If you enjoy this sort of high speed football, why not see if there's a local 5 a side league you can join?
If you're serious about your football, and have the skills and the dedication, you'll be a valuable asset to any team. Could you become a professional footballer?
By M James
If you think that you have to play soccer on a pitch, with two teams of 11 players, and a referee, then you might be surprised to learn that that isn't the case. You can kick a football around anywhere, and you'll soon learn how to play soccer, and improve as a player.
Here are 5 ways that you can learn how to play soccer, and be a better player.
1. All you need is a ball. There are many skills you can learn on your own with just a football. You can practice dribbling round obstacles, running with the ball, and just being comfortable on the ball. Also, the smaller the ball you use, the better your skills will be, as you will need to be more accurate. Some of the most skilful Brazilian players used a ball made of old socks and played in the streets, as they couldn't afford a real ball to play with. It didn't do them any harm!
2. The more you practice, the better you will become. If there is an area in your game that you feel could do with improving, why not practice until it's perfect? It's no surprise that some of the best free kick takers in the world practice for many hours, after training sessions, until they can hit their target at will. If you don't practice, how can you expect to get better?
3. If you have a wall you can use, then you can practice passing and shooting, as well as free kicks or penalties. Try running alongside the wall, and passing the ball against the wall and continuing on your run. This could be an easy way to pass an opponent, or to make some space for a team mate. Depending on the height and size of the wall, you might be able to practice free kicks against it. Try dividing the wall up into sections, and practice until you can put the ball in each section easily. What about trying penalties against the wall, how accurate can you be?
4. With the addition of a few friends, you can make your practice much more fun, and realistic. Why not play against each other, or pass the ball around in triangles, or use a combination of long and short passes? What about 1 or 2 touch football, or practicing headers?
5. If you have enough friends available to play a small match, then you could have 3 or 4 a side. This will give each player responsibilities, and give them the opportunity to attack as well as defend. If you enjoy this sort of high speed football, why not see if there's a local 5 a side league you can join?
If you're serious about your football, and have the skills and the dedication, you'll be a valuable asset to any team. Could you become a professional footballer?
By M James
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Interesting Info on David Beckham
By Peter J. Lee
Undoubtedly another of the most famous soccer players worldwide is David Beckham, who began a career in the United States not long ago. Beckham was born in East London, and his family were staunch supporters of the Manchester United football team. They would often take David with them to watch their games. David started playing for the Ridgeway Rovers, a team for youth, that was coached by Steve Kirby and Beckham's father.After playing with another team for a year, and winning the FA Youth Cup with them, Beckham was given a chance to play for the First Squad of the Manchester team in a game against Brighton and Hove Albion. This would be David's first appearance as a pro. He rose in form and played better and better for Manchester, and this helped him reach the country's squad for the 1998 World Cup.David Beckham is not only one of the world's most famous soccer players; he is also an elite advertising brand. He played in Manchester, England and Madrid, Spain, before he came to the United States to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy.David Beckham has been a consistent scorer since he joined FIFA. He can see the big picture while he's on the field, and he has a good eye for where everyone on the field is, in relation to the goal. He creates many assists as well as being a prolific scorer. He is very efficient when it comes to free kicks, and his delivery from the right-hand side of the field is deadly and accurate. In his midfield position, more endurance is demanded of him, and he has always come through.In 2005, David Beckham became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF (The United Nations Children's Fund) and he was part of the promotion for London for the 2012 Olympic Games. During his last years with Madrid, he established football (soccer) academies in East London and Los Angeles. During the FIFA World Cup in 2006, he played for England, and he became the fist English player ever to score in three different World Cups. Sadly, he was injured in the middle of the quarter final game with Portugal, and the team lost, without him.David Beckham and his wife "Posh Spice" are known as "Posh and Becks" in England. They have three sons, Brooklyn Joseph, Romeo James and Cruz David, the last of which was named after their good friend Tom Cruise.
By Peter J. Lee
Undoubtedly another of the most famous soccer players worldwide is David Beckham, who began a career in the United States not long ago. Beckham was born in East London, and his family were staunch supporters of the Manchester United football team. They would often take David with them to watch their games. David started playing for the Ridgeway Rovers, a team for youth, that was coached by Steve Kirby and Beckham's father.After playing with another team for a year, and winning the FA Youth Cup with them, Beckham was given a chance to play for the First Squad of the Manchester team in a game against Brighton and Hove Albion. This would be David's first appearance as a pro. He rose in form and played better and better for Manchester, and this helped him reach the country's squad for the 1998 World Cup.David Beckham is not only one of the world's most famous soccer players; he is also an elite advertising brand. He played in Manchester, England and Madrid, Spain, before he came to the United States to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy.David Beckham has been a consistent scorer since he joined FIFA. He can see the big picture while he's on the field, and he has a good eye for where everyone on the field is, in relation to the goal. He creates many assists as well as being a prolific scorer. He is very efficient when it comes to free kicks, and his delivery from the right-hand side of the field is deadly and accurate. In his midfield position, more endurance is demanded of him, and he has always come through.In 2005, David Beckham became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF (The United Nations Children's Fund) and he was part of the promotion for London for the 2012 Olympic Games. During his last years with Madrid, he established football (soccer) academies in East London and Los Angeles. During the FIFA World Cup in 2006, he played for England, and he became the fist English player ever to score in three different World Cups. Sadly, he was injured in the middle of the quarter final game with Portugal, and the team lost, without him.David Beckham and his wife "Posh Spice" are known as "Posh and Becks" in England. They have three sons, Brooklyn Joseph, Romeo James and Cruz David, the last of which was named after their good friend Tom Cruise.
By Peter J. Lee
New Signings For FC Barcelona
By Goran Maric
The 2008-2009 season is barely finished but Barca is already on the move for some new signings. Calalan giants are looking to add 3 to 5 new names to their list.
Left back position
First name on the list is Bruno Saltor from Almeria. Saltor is a Spanish player and knows the league and those are the best 2 reason working in his favor. Second in line is Inter Milan fullback, Maxwell. Brazilian is highly rated by FC Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola. He is also an attacking full back, exactly what Barca needs to cover the absence of Sylvinho.
Left winger spot
With Henry turning 32 next season, Barca have set their sights on a new left winger. Illustrious names such as: Frank Ribery, David Silva, Robin Van Persie and Mauro Zarate are being mentioned as front runners for the vacant spot. First option for Pep Guardiola is Frank Ribery who currently plays for Bayern Munich and is reportedly unhappy with conditions in Bavarian capital. The Frenchman already expressed his desire to wear the Barcelona shirt but Barca now faces another problem in Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, who is also looking to sign Ribery after just completing the Kaka transfer.
New striker
Future of Samuel Eto looks uncertain. Latest reports suggest that he is likely to leave the club despite finishing an outstanding season with scoring 30 goals in the Spanish league and the winning goal in Champions league final. His most likely successors are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Villa or Karim Benzema. All strikers have already expressed their desire to join Barcelona
By Goran Maric
The 2008-2009 season is barely finished but Barca is already on the move for some new signings. Calalan giants are looking to add 3 to 5 new names to their list.
Left back position
First name on the list is Bruno Saltor from Almeria. Saltor is a Spanish player and knows the league and those are the best 2 reason working in his favor. Second in line is Inter Milan fullback, Maxwell. Brazilian is highly rated by FC Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola. He is also an attacking full back, exactly what Barca needs to cover the absence of Sylvinho.
Left winger spot
With Henry turning 32 next season, Barca have set their sights on a new left winger. Illustrious names such as: Frank Ribery, David Silva, Robin Van Persie and Mauro Zarate are being mentioned as front runners for the vacant spot. First option for Pep Guardiola is Frank Ribery who currently plays for Bayern Munich and is reportedly unhappy with conditions in Bavarian capital. The Frenchman already expressed his desire to wear the Barcelona shirt but Barca now faces another problem in Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, who is also looking to sign Ribery after just completing the Kaka transfer.
New striker
Future of Samuel Eto looks uncertain. Latest reports suggest that he is likely to leave the club despite finishing an outstanding season with scoring 30 goals in the Spanish league and the winning goal in Champions league final. His most likely successors are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Villa or Karim Benzema. All strikers have already expressed their desire to join Barcelona
By Goran Maric
Champions League Action Gets Exciting
By Bruno Pisano
There are some soccer kits that stand out from the crowd and lovers of green and white hoops are in for a thrill in the third round of the Champions League. The most famous club to wear the green and white hoops soccer kit are Celtic from Scotland and they will be joined in this round by Sporting Lisbon from Portugal. These two teams have clashed in the past with a need for a change soccer jersey taking place but in this round they have been kept apart.
Celtic will be lining up against Dynamo Moscow in the hope that they can repeat their qualification knockout of Spartak Moscow from two years ago. A deserved 1-1 draw in Moscow was followed by a 1-1 draw at Parkhead and it took penalties to separate the two sides. The hero of the hour was Artur Boruc in the goalkeeper jersey, saving from the spot and guaranteeing Celtic their Champions League windfall. If the club are to make it through to the group stages this season they will need the Polish stopper to be back to his sparkling best.
The other green and white soccer kit will welcome FC Twente from Holland to Lisbon in another match that could go either way. Steve McLaren has managed to bounce back from ridicule as England manager and has performed a good job in the Dutch top flight. The Portuguese team will start the favourites to get through this round but with home advantage, FC Twente will be hopeful of upsetting the odds. As long as Steve McLaren doesn't speak in that terrible Dutch accent again, then they have every chance.
Whoever progresses from this round shouldn't think that their work is done and start placing the Champions League patches on their new soccer uniforms for 2009/10 as there is still one more qualifying round to go and there are some big names lying in store. Arsenal, Lyon, Shahktar Donetsk and Stuttgart are some of the teams who will be competing in the final knock out round for this seasons Champions League which is sure to be of great interest to all. The fans of the teams involved will be wearing their replica jerseys and praying for the best result but fans of those who have already booked their spot in the group stages will be able to watch on in a relaxed manner. There are some fans who are annoyed at the way the Champions League is being restructured in order to make the big clubs more secure in the qualification but there are sure to be one or two teams who slip through the net and cause an upset. No matter how much the big teams spend, there will always be a team or two to give them a bloody nose and the 2009/10 Champions League will not be any different.
By Bruno Pisano
There are some soccer kits that stand out from the crowd and lovers of green and white hoops are in for a thrill in the third round of the Champions League. The most famous club to wear the green and white hoops soccer kit are Celtic from Scotland and they will be joined in this round by Sporting Lisbon from Portugal. These two teams have clashed in the past with a need for a change soccer jersey taking place but in this round they have been kept apart.
Celtic will be lining up against Dynamo Moscow in the hope that they can repeat their qualification knockout of Spartak Moscow from two years ago. A deserved 1-1 draw in Moscow was followed by a 1-1 draw at Parkhead and it took penalties to separate the two sides. The hero of the hour was Artur Boruc in the goalkeeper jersey, saving from the spot and guaranteeing Celtic their Champions League windfall. If the club are to make it through to the group stages this season they will need the Polish stopper to be back to his sparkling best.
The other green and white soccer kit will welcome FC Twente from Holland to Lisbon in another match that could go either way. Steve McLaren has managed to bounce back from ridicule as England manager and has performed a good job in the Dutch top flight. The Portuguese team will start the favourites to get through this round but with home advantage, FC Twente will be hopeful of upsetting the odds. As long as Steve McLaren doesn't speak in that terrible Dutch accent again, then they have every chance.
Whoever progresses from this round shouldn't think that their work is done and start placing the Champions League patches on their new soccer uniforms for 2009/10 as there is still one more qualifying round to go and there are some big names lying in store. Arsenal, Lyon, Shahktar Donetsk and Stuttgart are some of the teams who will be competing in the final knock out round for this seasons Champions League which is sure to be of great interest to all. The fans of the teams involved will be wearing their replica jerseys and praying for the best result but fans of those who have already booked their spot in the group stages will be able to watch on in a relaxed manner. There are some fans who are annoyed at the way the Champions League is being restructured in order to make the big clubs more secure in the qualification but there are sure to be one or two teams who slip through the net and cause an upset. No matter how much the big teams spend, there will always be a team or two to give them a bloody nose and the 2009/10 Champions League will not be any different.
By Bruno Pisano
Monday, August 3, 2009
THE TRUTH BEHIND REAL MADRID
By Steve Yabes
Whether you are new to the sport of football, or you have been a fan for years, odds are you have heard some mention of the team Real Madrid. Now known as one of the most successful professional football clubs they, like other teams of its time, started from humble beginnings.Things were rough when they started out in the first decade of the 20th century. While much effort went into finding a permanent plot of land for the team to play on, success was made with the rental of a plot of land on Bullring Avenue. Not long after that, Real Madrid was formed. Once considered part of Espanol de Madrid, Real Madrid was officially founded back in 1902, with club regulations being approved not long after the team's creation date.While the team had some success, its first official title was not achieved until 1905 with the first international event taking place later that same year. Real Madrid began to make their name known with the accomplishment of winning the Cup of Spain for three consecutive years, from 1905 to 1907 to be exact. When 1909 rolled around, it proved to be quite a successful year for Real Madrid. After a meeting with delegates from other Spanish football clubs, the Spanish FA was created with Real Madrid's president being named as the secretary of the organization.As time passed and the team's popularity grew, Madrid obtained their first league title in the 1931 to 32 season. This proved to be the start of the team's power with this title being the start of the 29 League titles that they would accomplish over the years. Due to the start of the war in 1936 Real Madrid's popularity started to decrease. Attempts were made by Pablo Hernandez to keep the team in the public eye, but multiple attempts failed miserably. While all hope appeared to be lost, 1939 brought the first full house at Chamartin Stadium for Real Madrid. While it was perceived that interest in football decreased with the war, support held and grew as the war rolled on with its popularity becoming well known when the war was over.1943 brought their first historical win. In a semi-final game against the Catalans, Madrid defeated them with a score of 11-1. As the years passed, the team proved itself to be a power to be reckoned with. The 1950's brought the team's third league title after 23 years.When it comes to league titles, Real Madrid is one of the only teams in the league to win five consecutive times in the 76 year history of the competition. They accomplished this feat in the 1960-61, 1964-65, 1985-86 and 1989-90 seasons. No other team in the history of the competition has been able to meet or even break the record that has been created by the successful Real Madrid team.The present and the future show great promise for the team. With the team having just celebrated their 106 birthday in March of 2008, the team continues to achieve success. With a mixed history, their past has proven them to be a force to be reckoned with and they may just be one of the most powerful teams for years to come
By Steve Yabes
Whether you are new to the sport of football, or you have been a fan for years, odds are you have heard some mention of the team Real Madrid. Now known as one of the most successful professional football clubs they, like other teams of its time, started from humble beginnings.Things were rough when they started out in the first decade of the 20th century. While much effort went into finding a permanent plot of land for the team to play on, success was made with the rental of a plot of land on Bullring Avenue. Not long after that, Real Madrid was formed. Once considered part of Espanol de Madrid, Real Madrid was officially founded back in 1902, with club regulations being approved not long after the team's creation date.While the team had some success, its first official title was not achieved until 1905 with the first international event taking place later that same year. Real Madrid began to make their name known with the accomplishment of winning the Cup of Spain for three consecutive years, from 1905 to 1907 to be exact. When 1909 rolled around, it proved to be quite a successful year for Real Madrid. After a meeting with delegates from other Spanish football clubs, the Spanish FA was created with Real Madrid's president being named as the secretary of the organization.As time passed and the team's popularity grew, Madrid obtained their first league title in the 1931 to 32 season. This proved to be the start of the team's power with this title being the start of the 29 League titles that they would accomplish over the years. Due to the start of the war in 1936 Real Madrid's popularity started to decrease. Attempts were made by Pablo Hernandez to keep the team in the public eye, but multiple attempts failed miserably. While all hope appeared to be lost, 1939 brought the first full house at Chamartin Stadium for Real Madrid. While it was perceived that interest in football decreased with the war, support held and grew as the war rolled on with its popularity becoming well known when the war was over.1943 brought their first historical win. In a semi-final game against the Catalans, Madrid defeated them with a score of 11-1. As the years passed, the team proved itself to be a power to be reckoned with. The 1950's brought the team's third league title after 23 years.When it comes to league titles, Real Madrid is one of the only teams in the league to win five consecutive times in the 76 year history of the competition. They accomplished this feat in the 1960-61, 1964-65, 1985-86 and 1989-90 seasons. No other team in the history of the competition has been able to meet or even break the record that has been created by the successful Real Madrid team.The present and the future show great promise for the team. With the team having just celebrated their 106 birthday in March of 2008, the team continues to achieve success. With a mixed history, their past has proven them to be a force to be reckoned with and they may just be one of the most powerful teams for years to come
By Steve Yabes
CHAMPIONS LEAGE ACTION GETS EXCITING
By Bruno Pisano
There are some soccer kits that stand out from the crowd and lovers of green and white hoops are in for a thrill in the third round of the Champions League. The most famous club to wear the green and white hoops soccer kit are Celtic from Scotland and they will be joined in this round by Sporting Lisbon from Portugal. These two teams have clashed in the past with a need for a change soccer jersey taking place but in this round they have been kept apart.Celtic will be lining up against Dynamo Moscow in the hope that they can repeat their qualification knockout of Spartak Moscow from two years ago. A deserved 1-1 draw in Moscow was followed by a 1-1 draw at Parkhead and it took penalties to separate the two sides. The hero of the hour was Artur Boruc in the goalkeeper jersey, saving from the spot and guaranteeing Celtic their Champions League windfall. If the club are to make it through to the group stages this season they will need the Polish stopper to be back to his sparkling best.The other green and white soccer kit will welcome FC Twente from Holland to Lisbon in another match that could go either way. Steve McLaren has managed to bounce back from ridicule as England manager and has performed a good job in the Dutch top flight. The Portuguese team will start the favourites to get through this round but with home advantage, FC Twente will be hopeful of upsetting the odds. As long as Steve McLaren doesn't speak in that terrible Dutch accent again, then they have every chance.Whoever progresses from this round shouldn't think that their work is done and start placing the Champions League patches on their new soccer uniforms for 2009/10 as there is still one more qualifying round to go and there are some big names lying in store. Arsenal, Lyon, Shahktar Donetsk and Stuttgart are some of the teams who will be competing in the final knock out round for this seasons Champions League which is sure to be of great interest to all. The fans of the teams involved will be wearing their replica jerseys and praying for the best result but fans of those who have already booked their spot in the group stages will be able to watch on in a relaxed manner. There are some fans who are annoyed at the way the Champions League is being restructured in order to make the big clubs more secure in the qualification but there are sure to be one or two teams who slip through the net and cause an upset. No matter how much the big teams spend, there will always be a team or two to give them a bloody nose and the 2009/10 Champions League will not be any different.
By Bruno Pisano
There are some soccer kits that stand out from the crowd and lovers of green and white hoops are in for a thrill in the third round of the Champions League. The most famous club to wear the green and white hoops soccer kit are Celtic from Scotland and they will be joined in this round by Sporting Lisbon from Portugal. These two teams have clashed in the past with a need for a change soccer jersey taking place but in this round they have been kept apart.Celtic will be lining up against Dynamo Moscow in the hope that they can repeat their qualification knockout of Spartak Moscow from two years ago. A deserved 1-1 draw in Moscow was followed by a 1-1 draw at Parkhead and it took penalties to separate the two sides. The hero of the hour was Artur Boruc in the goalkeeper jersey, saving from the spot and guaranteeing Celtic their Champions League windfall. If the club are to make it through to the group stages this season they will need the Polish stopper to be back to his sparkling best.The other green and white soccer kit will welcome FC Twente from Holland to Lisbon in another match that could go either way. Steve McLaren has managed to bounce back from ridicule as England manager and has performed a good job in the Dutch top flight. The Portuguese team will start the favourites to get through this round but with home advantage, FC Twente will be hopeful of upsetting the odds. As long as Steve McLaren doesn't speak in that terrible Dutch accent again, then they have every chance.Whoever progresses from this round shouldn't think that their work is done and start placing the Champions League patches on their new soccer uniforms for 2009/10 as there is still one more qualifying round to go and there are some big names lying in store. Arsenal, Lyon, Shahktar Donetsk and Stuttgart are some of the teams who will be competing in the final knock out round for this seasons Champions League which is sure to be of great interest to all. The fans of the teams involved will be wearing their replica jerseys and praying for the best result but fans of those who have already booked their spot in the group stages will be able to watch on in a relaxed manner. There are some fans who are annoyed at the way the Champions League is being restructured in order to make the big clubs more secure in the qualification but there are sure to be one or two teams who slip through the net and cause an upset. No matter how much the big teams spend, there will always be a team or two to give them a bloody nose and the 2009/10 Champions League will not be any different.
By Bruno Pisano
Vuvuzela - The Soccer Horn
By D. Michael Kirby
Until this year, few people have ever associated sports with musical instruments. You've probably never thought of basketball every time you've heard a theremin, or thought of rugby whenever you hear the sound of a harpsichord. But ever since the 2009 Confederations Cup, soccer has been associated with a traditional South African horn.This soccer horn - better known as the vuvuzela - is currently one of the biggest trends in soccer fandom. Initially it was made of tin -- back when it was known simply as a traditional instrument among native South Africans. But these days the vuvuzela is usually made of plastic. It was first used as a soccer-related noisemaker by fans of rival teams the Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs. When the South African national team made it to the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, their fans brough vuvuzelas to the game... where they immediately caused a controversy.What you may have guessed is that the vuvuzela is ridiculously loud. And when half the stadium has one, it sounds like nothing more than a swarm of giant mutant bees terrorizing the game. If you're a player, trying to concentrate on stealing a ball or defending a goal net, those bees can be somewhat distracting. Hence the controversy.Some fans and commentators feel that the horns shouldn't be allowed at professional games. FIFA has given vuvuzelas their approval over the protests of some European and South American fans, players and broadcasters. Those folks think the vuvuzela is little more than a party noisemaker.In Austria, soccer officials have banned the horns -- against FIFA wishes. Claiming fans can use vuvuzelas as missiles to heave at players or other fans, stadium bosses no longer allow them. Other detractors claim the noise is just too jarring for everyone.But supporters of the vuvuzela claim the horn is a colorful and important aspect of South African culture, and banning it would be no more fair than banning chanting at English games, or cow bells at Swiss games.Because of FIFA's approval, the vuvuzela will be allowed at coming World Cup games. And as soccer grows in popularity worldwide, it's unlikely the horns will disappear from games forever.D. Michael Kirby writes about a variety of topics, including travel, sports, technology and health.One of his clients is Soccer Stuff n' More, your one-stop-shop for all the soccer gifts you could ever need, including soccer team gifts, soccer clothing, soccer jewelry, and more.
By D. Michael Kirby
Until this year, few people have ever associated sports with musical instruments. You've probably never thought of basketball every time you've heard a theremin, or thought of rugby whenever you hear the sound of a harpsichord. But ever since the 2009 Confederations Cup, soccer has been associated with a traditional South African horn.This soccer horn - better known as the vuvuzela - is currently one of the biggest trends in soccer fandom. Initially it was made of tin -- back when it was known simply as a traditional instrument among native South Africans. But these days the vuvuzela is usually made of plastic. It was first used as a soccer-related noisemaker by fans of rival teams the Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs. When the South African national team made it to the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, their fans brough vuvuzelas to the game... where they immediately caused a controversy.What you may have guessed is that the vuvuzela is ridiculously loud. And when half the stadium has one, it sounds like nothing more than a swarm of giant mutant bees terrorizing the game. If you're a player, trying to concentrate on stealing a ball or defending a goal net, those bees can be somewhat distracting. Hence the controversy.Some fans and commentators feel that the horns shouldn't be allowed at professional games. FIFA has given vuvuzelas their approval over the protests of some European and South American fans, players and broadcasters. Those folks think the vuvuzela is little more than a party noisemaker.In Austria, soccer officials have banned the horns -- against FIFA wishes. Claiming fans can use vuvuzelas as missiles to heave at players or other fans, stadium bosses no longer allow them. Other detractors claim the noise is just too jarring for everyone.But supporters of the vuvuzela claim the horn is a colorful and important aspect of South African culture, and banning it would be no more fair than banning chanting at English games, or cow bells at Swiss games.Because of FIFA's approval, the vuvuzela will be allowed at coming World Cup games. And as soccer grows in popularity worldwide, it's unlikely the horns will disappear from games forever.D. Michael Kirby writes about a variety of topics, including travel, sports, technology and health.One of his clients is Soccer Stuff n' More, your one-stop-shop for all the soccer gifts you could ever need, including soccer team gifts, soccer clothing, soccer jewelry, and more.
By D. Michael Kirby
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