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
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)