Source: http://www.soccerblog.com/2011/09/bendtner-makes-news-that-does.htm
Sunday, September 4, 2011
New FIFA Street Trailer & Details
A few nice additions have just dropped for FIFA Street including the launch of the official website on EASPORTS/Football.com, some clarification around the early gameplay details and a brand new trailer as well. �The release date has also been tied down a touch, now mooted for “Spring 2012″. Top stuff. Street Ball Control – Enjoy [...]
Source: http://fifasoccerblog.com/blog/new-fifa-street-trailer-details/
Saturday, September 3, 2011
NFL Owners, Players Sort It Out
NFL football is back. Technically, of course, NFL football never left, as this all happened from March to July, but even that thought didn’t piss on the parades of gridiron fans today as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Players Association boss DeMaurice Smith stood in front of reporters and announced that both sides agreed to [...]
Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/07/25/nfl-owners-players-sort-it-out/
It Appears Spain Is Just Better Than Everyone Else
So we know Spain as a nation is running through an extraordinary period of domination, and we also know that there appears to be little let-up for the rest of the poor world, as their youth teams are simply excellent. How excellent? Well they just won the u19 Euros today, defeating the Czech Republic. That [...]
Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-football/it-appears-spain-is-just-better-than-everyone-else.html
Best Bets Sept. 2/3: What to watch, where to go
FRIDAY, SEPT. 2
- TELEVISION
Mexico at Poland
Univision (KMEX/Channel 34), 11 a.m.
El Tri takes a first-choice roster to Warsaw, including Giovani Dos Santos, who learned Wednesday he's not moving anywhere, will play for Tottenham in England this season. Replay: Galavision, 6 p.m.
Also
Chile at Spain, Fox Deportes, 11:30 a.m.
Costa Rica at United States, ESPN2 and Galavision, 8 p.m.
2012 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING
Serbia at Northern Ireland
ESPN Deportes, 2 p.m.
The second spot in Group C, behind Italy, is up for grabs, with the Northern Irish (2-1-3) and Serbs (2-2-2) within striking distance of Slovenia (3-2-2). Serbia rallied for a 2-1 win in their home meeting.
Also
England at Bulgaria, ESPN Deportes, 11:15 a.m.
Austria at Germany, ESPN Deportes, 4 p.m.
MEXICAN PRIMERA DIVISION
Guadalajara at Club Tijuana
Azteca America (KAZA/Channel 54) and Fox Deportes, 4 p.m.
The most anxiously awaited home game in the Xolos' first season in Mexico's top league brings mighty Chivas -- with millions of fans in California, both above and below the border -- to Estadio Caliente.
Also
Santos Laguna at Jaguares, Azteca America (KAZA/Channel 54) and ESPN Deportes, 4 p.m.
College men
Stanford at Maryland, Fox Soccer Channel, 4:30 p.m.
2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
St. Lucia at Canada
GolTV, 5 p.m.
The Canucks have brought Chivas USA left back Ante Jazic back into the fold for their opener in the second round of CONCACAF's qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup. Only the winner in Group D will advance to next year's semifinals, and Canada is surely favored over St. Lucia, Puerto Rico and St. Kitts & Nevis.
- ON LOCAL FIELDS
UCLA at Pepperdine
Tari Frahm Rokus Field (Malibu), 3 p.m.
The Bruins vaulted into the top 10 following victories over Tennessee and Florida -- to sixth in the NSCAA poll -- and the Waves, also perfect, got a nod at No. 24. Pepperdine won last year's meeting in Westwood.
Also
Carthage (Wis.) at Redlands, 11 a.m.
Rutgers at Loyola Marymount (Westchester), 4 p.m.
Princeton at Long Beach State, 5 p.m.
New Mexico at Cal State Northridge, 7 p.m.
Michigan at UC Riverside, 7 p.m.
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Costa Rica at United States
Home Depot Center (Carson), 8 p.m.
Juergen Klinsmann takes his second step as coach of the U.S., mostly about evaluation, with nearly every key player (but no Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley or, of course, Stuart Holden) in the fold. Costa Rica starts, sort of, the post-Lavolpe era.
TV: ESPN2 and Galavision
COLLEGE WOMEN/MEN
Hawaii/Gonzaga at UC Irvine
Anteater Stadium (Irvine), 6 and 8 p.m.
A decent doubleheader for the rising Big West Conference power, with the women meeting the Rainbow Wahine in the first game and the men taking on the Zags in the nightcap.
College men
Chapman vs. Fontbonne (Mo.) at Cal Lutheran (Thousand Oaks), 4 p.m.
William Jessup at Concordia (Irvine), 4 p.m.
Marymount at Biola (La Mirada), 7 p.m.
Join the Dave?s Football Blog Fantasy Premier League, Sponsored by SoccerPro.com
Have we reached the point in our civilization where our favorite football games exist only so we can play our own games on top of them? If the NFL lockout were still going on, would we have missed our fantasy leagues more than the actual league? Maybe, but who cares? Let’s play. Dave?s Football Blog [...]
Ronaldinho Scores ?Olympic? Goal From a Corner?
Want to know why we’ll soon be seeing the magician himself back in a Brazil jersey….here’s your answer. The man, the myth, the legend; Ronaldinho is back on top form in the Brazilian league, and it seems the trip home was all he needed to make a comeback. This cheeky goal was scored off a [...]
Source: http://soccerprose.com/soccer-players/ronaldinho-scores-olympic-goal-from-a-corner/
No Such Thing As Too Casual
Just before Spain was busy being dispatched from their path along the impossible dream of winning the u19, u20 and u21 championships in the same summer, France was busy getting a lesson in late-game drama from Nigeria.
And then Gueida Fofana hit back with some drama and technique of his own, sending France on its [...]
And then Gueida Fofana hit back with some drama and technique of his own, sending France on its [...]
Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-football/no-such-thing-as-too-casual.html
Links! And Senderos warns that Barton will explode in your face!
All the stuff being covered outside the unfriendly confines of the award-winning Dirty Tackle...
Philippe Senderos just can't do anything right. [101gg]
My ridiculous yet plausible Premier League predictions for this season. [Life's a Pitch]
Man City new boy gets a Bentley to match his new club. [TBG]
Five things you could buy with Samuel Eto'o's new salary. [KCKRS]
The awesome plans for a crocodile shaped stadium in Turkey. [Stadium Porn]
The true cost of pride? This is Anzhi Makhachkla. [IBWM]
Carlos Tevez actually owned by fugitive oligarchs and enemies of Vladimir Putin. [Guardian]
Javier Pastore's impressive ball control (entirely different from Joey Barton's). [STI]
It's time to close the transfer window sooner. [twohundredpercent]
A letter (and a dare) to crazy Arsene Wenger. [Surreal Football]
Cesc Fabregas on joining Barcelona: "I've made a huge mistake." [The Gaffer]
Friday, September 2, 2011
Chivas' Uma�a: 'It's a lot of pride'
CARSON -- Costa Rica will have one player on the field Friday night feeling right at home.
The Ticos take on the U.S. at Home Depot Center (ESPN2 and Galavision, 8 p.m.), and they'll be led by Chivas USA's Michael Uma�a.
The 29-year-old central defender, one of the Ticos' most experienced players, is a 2004 Olympian who played in the 2006 World Cup. He started 28 of 30 games for Chivas last year, but new head coach Robin Fraser gave him virtually no time for the first 2� months of this season.
An injury opened the door for Uma�a on June 1, and he's started every game since.
He can make his 47th appearance for Costa Rica at HDC and his 48th in another friendly Tuesday against Ecuador in Quito.
Here's five questions with Uma�a:
1. What does it mean to you to be called up for this game, especially with it in your home stadium?
It's a lot of pride for me to be in this situation. I've always prepared myself to be called, but especially with an opportunity like this, on my home field, a field I know well.
I'm going to try to take advantage of it. It's a new call-up, and it's always good to do the right thing with my national team, as a professional and as a soccer player. To take advantage of everything.
2. What's the next step need to be for Costa Rica?
We just had one head coach that was removed [Ricardo Lavolpe], and we have an interim coach [Ronald Gonzalez], and Costa Rica has to name a new head coach [Jorge Luis Pinto, announced Thursday] and let him work.
Then everybody needs to collaborate and make sure we're all looking for the same result, which is to be in Brazil [for the] 2014 World Cup.
3. You've been steady in the back for Chivas USA this season, but it didn't start off as you'd like. You played all of two minutes in the first 11 MLS games, then got your chance, and you've barely left the field since.
I didn't begin the season as a starter, but I knew there was going to be an opportunity at any moment, and I worked hard to have that. Now that I have it, I'm doing what I can to stay in the starting 11.
4. You were a starter last year, but Chivas has a new head coach, a new technical staff, a lot of new players. You seemed like the odd man out.
I believe it happens from time to time, especially when you have a new coach. This was not the exception for me. I feel that I have the capacity to be working hard day to day, and I was going to prepare myself for training. I knew I was going to get an opportunity, and once I had it, I was going to take advantage of it.
5. What has been the high point of your international career, the thing you really hold in your heart?
Well, there's two of them. When we qualified for the Olympic Games and then when we went to Athens in 2004. And the one that's really marked me was the opening ceremonies for the 2006 World Cup [in Munich].
It was an honor for me -- to open up the whole Cup. We weren't able to get the result we were looking for [losing to Germany, 4-2], but it was a very gratifying moment.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/10756/chivas-umana-its-a-lot-of-pride
Ronaldo tips Real to be stronger
Cristiano Ronaldo insists Real Madrid will be stronger next season and feels they will bring rivals Barcelona “back down to earth”. Real were very much second best last term, with Barca securing the La Liga and Champions League double, leading some pundits to describe them as the best club side of all-time. Despite their Copa [...]
Source: http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/ronaldo-tips-real-to-be-stronger/
David NGog Completes Bolton Move
Early in the summer it seemed as though Ngog would head to Sunderland as part of the Jordan Henderson deal, and even after that move fell through there never seemed any doubt he would find his way out of Liverpool when the window was said and done. More recently, it was believed a successful move [...]
Source: http://liverpool.theoffside.com/team-news/david-ngog-completes-bolton-move.html
Warnock says no one cares about cup he already lost
QPR manager Neil Warnock said that no one cares about the Carling Cup and, incidentally, he said it right after his side crashed out of the competition with a 2-0 home loss to League One side Rochdale. Surely those two things are not at all related.
From Sky Sports:
"I don't think people do care about the competition and you've got to look at why," said Warnock, after the game, which attracted just 4,775 spectators.
When asked if he was pleased to be out, Warnock replied: "Yes. I know it's sad, but they should revamp the competition.
"The FA Cup's a different ball game and I want to try to win it this year. I like the FA Cup so we'll field a strong team in it."
He likes the FA Cup, so he's going to try and win that one, but he doesn't like the Carling Cup, so he didn't try to win that. I'm sure that's exactly what the club's new owner wants to hear.
Rochdale manager Steve Eyre has a shockingly different theory, though.
"Neil didn't say before the game that he doesn't take it seriously," he said. "To field a front line that has Adel Taarabt and Jay Bothroyd tells me it was taken quite seriously."
So is the Carling Cup a worthless competition or is Neil Warnock just a sore loser? (Hint: The answer is both.)
Photo: Getty
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Wilson Palacios to Stoke City? Why Tottenham Should Not Sell Their Hidden Gem
Wilson Palacios to Stoke City? Why Tottenham Should Not Sell Their Hidden Gem - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
If rumours are to be believed Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur have entered advanced talks about the transfer of Honduran international Wilson Palacios from White Hart Lane. The combative midfielder signed for Spurs from Wigan in 2009 for �12 million and it is thought that Tony Pulis will pay Harry Redknapp around �6 million to...
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/GgzapOau8T4/
Who will be next season?s top scorer?
It is 11 years since an Englishman won the Premier League Golden Boot. A home-grown player had won at least a share in the award in every previous Premier League season, so this prize exemplifies the shift in balance of power between native and foreign players more than anything else. This pattern might be about [...]
Source: http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk/premiership/who-will-be-next-seasons-top-scorer/
Sergio Busquets attempts to strengthen his head
Tired suffering momentary head injuries that force him to fall to the ground clutching his face, even when little or no contact is made to other parts of his body, Sergio Busquets is apparently doing head strengthening exercises during Spain's training camp. With Andres Iniesta as his spotter, Busquets appears to be piledriving his own head into the ground to try and harden it.
Whether this works or just makes things worse remains to be seen, but you have to admire his determination to better himself like this.
Photo: Getty
Ronaldo tips Real to be stronger
Cristiano Ronaldo insists Real Madrid will be stronger next season and feels they will bring rivals Barcelona “back down to earth”. Real were very much second best last term, with Barca securing the La Liga and Champions League double, leading some pundits to describe them as the best club side of all-time. Despite their Copa [...]
Source: http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/ronaldo-tips-real-to-be-stronger/
MLS Power Rankings, Week 25: A needed break
All but five Major League Soccer teams are off, so to speak, until at least the middle of next week, a rare occasion in which the league honors FIFA's international fixture dates -- and nobody's complaining.
More than 50 MLS players are with their national teams for competitive matches or friendlies this weekend and early next week, and nearly everybody else is getting a breather of sorts.
Not so the Galaxy -- they have an MLS Reserve League match Thursday night in Portland and a Labor Day league clash at Sporting Kansas City. Real Salt Lake and Philadelphia tangle on Saturday in Utah.
The rest of the league still has training sessions, but there are days off -- Chivas USA has given its players the entire Labor Day weekend to themselves.
FIFA designates dates for international matches, and most of the world's leagues honor them -- there's nothing going on, for instance, in Europe's top leagues, and only a trio of makeup games are on the Mexican Primera Division schedule.
MLS, citing a cramped calendar that owes perhaps more to extreme winter weather in certain markets, usually plays through these dates, its teams gutting through while missing their top players. Commissioner Don Garber says the league wants to take more IFTs off, and they'll do so again in mid-October, with just two matches slated for Oct. 8 (and five in a seven-day span from Oct. 6 to 12).
This week's rankings:
Week 24: Omar Gonzalez and Chad Barrett score as Galaxy go 2-0-0 in CONCACAF Champions League with 2-0 win over Alajuelense (Costa Rica); showdown at New York postponed to Oct. 4 because of Hurricane Irene
Remark: Gregg Berhalter's foot “sprain” will test depth at key spot in pivotal matches
International duty: Landon Donovan (U.S.), Robbie Keane (Ireland) and Chris Birchall (Trinidad & Tobago) were called up for duty during FIFA's Sept. 2/6 international fixture dates
Next: Monday at Sporting Kansas City, 3 p.m. (Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Deportes)
2. SEATTLE SOUNDERS (13-5-9, 48 points), Last week: 2
Week 24: Lamar Neagle is MLS Player of the Week after his hat trick highlights 6-2 destruction of Eastern leader Columbus; Fredy Montero's goal tops FC Dallas, 1-0, in a U.S. Open Cup semifinal
Remark: Sounders could become first MLS club to win three straight U.S. Open Cups. Might be different if they played on the road
International duty: Goalkeeper Terry Boss (Puerto Rico)
Next: Sept. 10 vs. Real Salt Lake, 1 p.m. (MLS Direct Kick)
3. FC DALLAS (13-7-7, 46 points), Last week: 3
Week 24: Jack Stewart's goal beats Toronto FC, 1-0, in morning Champions League encounter after lightning halts action the night before with Hoops up at halftime; Maicon Santos scores trying goal in 89th, Bobby Warshaw nets winner in stoppage to beat Sporting Kansas City, 3-2; U.S. Open Cup run ends with 1-0 semifinal loss at Seattle
Remark: Biggest pickup might be center back George John, after transfer to Blackburn falls apart
International duty: Brek Shea (U.S.) and Marvin Chavez (Honduras). Zach Loyd (U.S.) withdrew with a hamstring injury
Next: Saturday in a friendly vs. UANL Tigres, 5:30 p.m.; Sept. 10 at New England, 4:30 p.m. (MLS Direct Kick)
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/10717/mls-power-rankings-week-25-a-needed-break
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sergio Busquets attempts to strengthen his head
Tired suffering momentary head injuries that force him to fall to the ground clutching his face, even when little or no contact is made to other parts of his body, Sergio Busquets is apparently doing head strengthening exercises during Spain's training camp. With Andres Iniesta as his spotter, Busquets appears to be piledriving his own head into the ground to try and harden it.
Whether this works or just makes things worse remains to be seen, but you have to admire his determination to better himself like this.
Photo: Getty
MLS Week 28 Highlights | WVHooligan - Soccer Blog [Digg]
Week 28 is in the books and while I'll review/recap/etc. it here later on today I've posted the highlights of this week's action for all to see. (Thanks as
Vasquez is Klinsmann's 'right-hand' man
MANHATTAN BEACH -- No surprise that Martin Vasquez was included in Jurgen Klinsmann's staff for his first two camps as U.S. national team coach. No surprise, either, that his role will be more prominent than has been let on.
The former Chivas USA head coach will serve as Klinsmann's top assistant, the German legend acknowledged Monday, the same role he held during Klinsmann's 2008-09 tenure as Bayern Munich's manager.
“It was something in my mind already decided once I took the job that he will be my right hand ...,” Klinsmann said during a sitdown with L.A.-area soccer media. “It is definitely Martin Vasquez will play that role.”
Vasquez (Alhambra/Alhambra HS and Cal State L.A.), 47, a former midfielder who played for the U.S. and Mexican national teams, was dismissed last October after one season as Chivas' head coach after refusing to demote one of his assistants. He had been an assistant coach for the Goats from 2005 through 2008 and previously was on the Galaxy staff.
Chivas last year went 8-18-4 and finished last in Major League Soccer's Western Conference, not unexpected after the departure of the team's three foremost leaders and other key players.
Klinsmann, who has lived in Orange County since 1998, has an enduring friendship with the Mexico-born Vasquez, who played for four Mexican clubs and two in MLS during a 15-year professional playing career.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/10680/vasquez-is-klinsmanns-right-hand-man
Liverpool 3, Bolton 1: A Display of Potential
Liverpool 3: Henderson 15′, Skrtel 52′, Adam 53′
Bolton 1: Klasnic 90′
With only one change from the side that started at the Emirates last weekend—Luis Suarez in for Andy Carroll—Kenny Dalglish signaled his intentions for consistency after enduring a half-season fraught with injuries. The back line finally had a reliable left back in Jose Enrique and [...]
Bolton 1: Klasnic 90′
With only one change from the side that started at the Emirates last weekend—Luis Suarez in for Andy Carroll—Kenny Dalglish signaled his intentions for consistency after enduring a half-season fraught with injuries. The back line finally had a reliable left back in Jose Enrique and [...]
Source: http://liverpool.theoffside.com/team-news/liverpool-3-bolton-1-a-display-of-potential.html
Adrian Mutu Is Banned From Something. Shock. Awe.
Outside of doing lines off a hooker’s tender parts – presumably – is Adrian Mutu really a bad boy, or just an idiot? Both are probably on the scale, but the weight seems to shift towards the latter. His latest “drug ban” was for weight-loss supplements, after all.
It’s not like he rock-star smashed up his [...]
It’s not like he rock-star smashed up his [...]
Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-football/adrian-mutu-is-banned-from-something-shock-awe.html
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Roma or Napoli? These are the two teams interested in Michael Bradley, according to his agent
In football, transfer time seems to be silliest season of the year– rumors created by agents always floating around. �This time is about United States midfielder Michael Bradley.
According to�Paolo Alberto Faccini, Napoli and Roma are interested in acquiring Michael’s services. [...]
More links! And the Ronaldo/Mourinho love story!
All the stuff being covered outside the unfriendly confines of the award-winning Dirty Tackle...
The above video was a totally unedited documentary of true events that occurred in real time. [Z czuba]
Hulk's special gold boots for the UEFA Super Cup. [TBG]
A NSFW cartoon of Iker Casillas' trip with his girlfriend. [KCKRS]
Alex Ferguson ends BBC boycott. [Guardian]
Petition to get the BBC to boycott Alex Ferguson. [TPS]
What did Gordon Ramsey do to Cruz Beckham?!?!? [Kickette]
The head of Italy's coaching association chained his leg to FIGC headquarters. [The Offside]
Ghana in Fog: An awesome video of the Ghanaian national team training in a park. [Nutmeg Radio]
As DJ Pauly D would say, Lukaku is stalking Didier Drogba's whole life. [Studs Up]
MLS Week 24: What We Learned
Hurricanes, goals and a new record holder. It was a pretty solid week in Major League Soccer when the dust all settled. My weekly recap is posted over at SBNation.com. Feel free to give it a look. Jeff Cunningham is now the all-time goal scoring king in MLS. His PK against Seattle was number 134.?[continue reading]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/qTHprKbRmK0/
The Real FVPA For FIFA 12 Clubs
The internet is a funny old place and very recently the FVPA (FIFA Virtual Pro Association) FIFA Clubs scene has encountered a few issues. We’re not prepared to give it the air time it clearly doesn’t deserve so instead we’ll focus on what really matters and that’s where to play your FIFA Clubs football, simple [...]
Source: http://fifasoccerblog.com/blog/the-real-fvpa-for-fifa-12-clubs/
The Special Ones
There are, of course, some obvious differences between Rex Ryan and Jose Mourinho. The latter has a case full of trophies as manager, while the former’s only ring came when he was a defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens team that won Super Bowl XXXV. Plus, it’s only obvious that one of them eats [...]
Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/01/17/the-special-ones/
UEFA Super Cup Preview
It’s not everyday that I get to preview a European Super Cup match. You’ll forgive me for humming “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” while I write this but the opportunity to add our second trophy of the season in as many weeks has me in a frenzied state. I haven’t started foaming [...]
Source: http://www.barcelonafootballblog.com/10572/uefa-super-cup-preview/
Adrian Mutu Is Banned From Something. Shock. Awe.
Outside of doing lines off a hooker’s tender parts – presumably – is Adrian Mutu really a bad boy, or just an idiot? Both are probably on the scale, but the weight seems to shift towards the latter. His latest “drug ban” was for weight-loss supplements, after all.
It’s not like he rock-star smashed up his [...]
It’s not like he rock-star smashed up his [...]
Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-football/adrian-mutu-is-banned-from-something-shock-awe.html
Best Bets Aug. 30/31: What to watch, where to go
TUESDAY, AUG. 30
- TELEVISION
COPA SUDAMERICANA
Estudiantes de La Plata (Argentina) at Arsenal de Sarandi (Argentina)
Fox Deportes, 5 p.m.
One of three all-Argentine second-stage matchups leads to a berth in the 16-team final bracket of South America's No. 2 club competition, with the second leg set for Sept. 6 in La Plata.
Also
Aurora (Bolivia) at Nacional (Paraguay), Fox Deportes, 3 p.m.
- ON LOCAL FIELDS
COLLEGE WOMEN/MEN
Cal State San Marcos at Biola
Biola Soccer Field/Track (La Mirada), 5 and 7 p.m.
Biola's men have big hopes in 2011, backed up by NAIA All-America first-team goalkeeper Aaron Fenlason. The Lions' women are aiming for a second straight NAIA tournament appearance. A doubleheader starts the season.
College men
Marymount at The Masters (Santa Clarita), 4 p.m.
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Official FIFA 12 TV Ad
As promised by EA SPORTS this week the all new FIFA 12 TV advert was�broadcast�during the half time break between Man Utd vs Arsenal at Old Trafford. If you missed it whilst resupplying beer, or couldn’t watch the match for whatever reason don’t worry, FIFA Soccer Blog as always has you covered. Here she is [...]
Source: http://fifasoccerblog.com/blog/the-official-fifa-12-tv-ad/
Robbie Keane to make debut on Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes
Robbie Keane will make his MLS debut for the�Los Angeles Galaxy�against the San Jose Earthquake on Saturday night.
Keane is en route to American after receiving his visa at the US embassy in Dublin on Wednesday.
The Ireland captain will be introduced to his new team-mates by Galaxy [...]
UEFA Super Cup Preview
It’s not everyday that I get to preview a European Super Cup match. You’ll forgive me for humming “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” while I write this but the opportunity to add our second trophy of the season in as many weeks has me in a frenzied state. I haven’t started foaming [...]
Source: http://www.barcelonafootballblog.com/10572/uefa-super-cup-preview/
Links! And Senderos warns that Barton will explode in your face!
All the stuff being covered outside the unfriendly confines of the award-winning Dirty Tackle...
Philippe Senderos just can't do anything right. [101gg]
My ridiculous yet plausible Premier League predictions for this season. [Life's a Pitch]
Man City new boy gets a Bentley to match his new club. [TBG]
Five things you could buy with Samuel Eto'o's new salary. [KCKRS]
The awesome plans for a crocodile shaped stadium in Turkey. [Stadium Porn]
The true cost of pride? This is Anzhi Makhachkla. [IBWM]
Carlos Tevez actually owned by fugitive oligarchs and enemies of Vladimir Putin. [Guardian]
Javier Pastore's impressive ball control (entirely different from Joey Barton's). [STI]
It's time to close the transfer window sooner. [twohundredpercent]
A letter (and a dare) to crazy Arsene Wenger. [Surreal Football]
Cesc Fabregas on joining Barcelona: "I've made a huge mistake." [The Gaffer]
Making Over the US Open Cup | WVHooligan - Soccer Blog [Digg]
Just go ahead and add this to the dozen or so other posts out there today about the US Open Cup. I'll spare you the preview between the Seattle Sounders FC
Liverpool?s Flying Start, Hodgson?s Era and The Dalglish Effect
Liverpool’s Flying Start, Hodgson’s Era and The Dalglish Effect - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Liverpool?s flying start to the season continues as they totally demolish Bolton at Anfield. The scoreline ?3-1? however does not fairly depict the way Liverpool completely dominated the game.
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/VDjmyjdkNN0/
Pin The Fail On The Bradley
Jonathan Bornstein is quite popular in Honduras. He might want to consider hiding there for a while. Yes, you could say it was unfortunate that Steve Cherundolo, the USA’s starting right back, sprained his ankle so soon after his team had taken a seemingly improbable lead against Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final. Cherundolo [...]
Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/06/26/pin-the-fail-on-the-bradley/
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Match Preview: Liverpool v. Bolton, 08.27.11
After playing two tightly-contested matches last season—Liverpool scored the winners in the 86th and 92nd minutes respectively—Bolton visits Anfield in hopes of continuing what’s been an encouraging start to the season. Liverpool’s had all the success in this matchup over the past few years, winning the last nine, but with two deserved wins and a [...]
Source: http://liverpool.theoffside.com/team-news/match-preview-liverpool-v-bolton-08-27-11.html
Samuel Eto?o completes curious move to Russia
Samuel Eto’o completes curious move to Russia - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Inter Milan have sold striker Samuel Eto’o to Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala for a fee of �21.8 million. Eto’o will become the highest paid footballer in the world at �17.9m per season. Makhachkala are attempting to become a Russian and European power by spending large amounts of cash on international stars. Samuel Eto’o, while 30-years...
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/JKSCiEDMAOQ/
Hoffenheim apologize for trying to drown out Dortmund fans
No, that weird noise you hear mixed in with the traveling Borussia Dortmund fans singing isn't the sound of an alien invasion from a '50s B-movie, it's actually Hoffenheim's sneaky yet blatant attempt to drown out the visiting support during their 1-0 win on Saturday.
From the AP:
In a statement on the club's website Monday, Hoffenheim said one employee was responsible for producing the noise, described in his own words as a "remedy" to counteract abusive chants directed at the club's main financial backer Dietmar Hopp.
German daily Bild showed pictures of a speaker placed strategically under the visiting fans' block.
Hoffenheim earlier claimed a fan was responsible, saying in a statement that "allegations of a deliberate action from the host are unfounded."
However, in a later statement the club said it was taking "appropriate legal and disciplinary action against the employee" and that it was cooperating with the investigation from the Heidelberg police.
It's always that one rogue employee who just happens to have a speaker system and death ray sounds on his iPod. Soccer-Fans.de has pictures of the speakers just sitting out in the tunnel underneath the away stand and it really doesn't look like the kind of thing that a club employee would bring to work.
Anyway, even though Hoffenheim were caught in the act, they still beat the defending Bundesliga champs 1-0. So shutting up vocal away fans by making their ears bleed just might become a popular tactic around the world.
Random musings of footballers before they fall asleep?
Lionel Messi
Great. ... Another trophy that's not made out of Legos and is no fun to play with. ... This is just what I never wanted. ... Maybe if I give it to Mr. Mourinho he won't try to poke me in the eye. ... I just hope Xavi doesn't try to give it to Cesc as a present like he did with my shampoo...
Samuel Eto'o
This is how I sleep now!
Rod Stewart
WTF IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW
Rod Stewart
THE VIAGRA IS WORKING
Didier Drogba
Time for the disgraces. ... First, Andre Villas-Boas' breath smells like cat food. That's a Kitier Katba f***ing disgrace. ... Then, Fernando Torres gets to start instead of me. That's a f***ing insane f***ing disgrace. ... Then, Man United got the easiest Champions League group since every other year that they got the easiest Champions League group. That's an incomprehensibly lucky f***ing disgrace. ... Then, Chelsea got Bayer Leverkusen in our group, so that means we have to see Michael Ballack again. That's an awkward f***ing disgrace. ... Then, Torres, Mata and Romeu keep talking Spanish to each other, which makes me feel left out. But when I speak French to Malouda and Anelka they don't seem to care. Then, Kalou starts speaking French too and ruins everything like always. That's an annoying f***ing disgrace. ... Then there were those times those referees who probably make gluten-free foods that aren't actually gluten free cheated us out of the Champions League. That...that was a...
Photos: Getty, AP
MLS Weekend Previews: Week 25 | WVHooligan - Soccer Blog [Digg]
Week 25 in Major League Soccer heads towards the weekend. After two straight night of decent games the league heads towards the busy weekend slate as nearly
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Drogba unconscious for 30 minutes after Ruddy collision
Chelsea came away from their home match against Norwich with a 3-1 win capped by goal from Juan Mata, making his club debut as a substitute, but it was Didier Drogba's scary collision with goalkeeper John Ruddy that was of far more concern.
Drogba had to be stretchered off in the 71st minute after Ruddy, who was later sent off for taking down Ramires in the box, caught him with an elbow under the chin. Drogba was knocked out immediately and limply hit the ground face-down. He appeared to be bleeding from the nose and/or mouth as team doctors carefully put him on the stretcher and, after a considerable amount of time, carried him off.
Dan Levene of the Fulham Chronicle said that Drogba was unconscious for 30 minutes and was taken to the hospital, but, thankfully, it's thought that he only has a concussion. And Andre Villas-Boas told the press that, "He is showing some good signs of recovery for us to be a little bit more tranquil."
UPDATE: Chelsea's official website reports that Drogba will be released from the hospital tonight and is suffering from a "mild concussion."
Here are the pictures of what happened...
Get well soon, Didier.
Photos: Reuters, Getty
DTotD: Referee misses a spin kick to the gut
Though the flying spin kick to his opponent's stomach doesn't help this defender gain possession of the ball, it does put his victim in the fetal position. And the referee turned away just in time to miss it. So...success?
According to the YouTuber, the kid who executes the spin kick is an "MMA champion." Clearly his form is nowhere near as good as MMA legend Nigel De Jong, though.
Aquilani?s departure epitomises Daglish?s philosophy
Aquilani’s departure epitomises Daglish’s philosophy - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Alberto Aquilani?s recent move to AC Milan stands as a visual representation of Kenny Daglish?s football ideology. While Liverpool?s recent treatment of Aquilani is at best confusing, and at worst troubling, it most likely typifies the philosophy of the pragmatic Scotsman who currently wears the crown at Anfield. Daglish stands at the nodal point of...
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/9hfAWvq4QzE/
Transfer Rumors: Barton Joins QPR
Transfer Rumors: Barton Joins QPR - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
So, the Joey Barton era is over at Newcastle. It doesn’t come as a surprise, but is it a real shame or the best thing for both parties? I’ll settle for somewhere in the middle, as he was arguably Newcastle’s most influential player, but the relationship between player and club had perhaps reached the point...
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/h9hHeUQdaYU/
UEFA Super Cup Preview
It’s not everyday that I get to preview a European Super Cup match. You’ll forgive me for humming “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” while I write this but the opportunity to add our second trophy of the season in as many weeks has me in a frenzied state. I haven’t started foaming [...]
Source: http://www.barcelonafootballblog.com/10572/uefa-super-cup-preview/
Friday, August 26, 2011
Samir Nasri can?t stop ripping Arsenal
The same Samir Nasri who went on Twitter and called Arsenal fans "really disrespectful" for singing about his lack of commitment to the club just two weeks before his big money move to Man City can't stop taking pops at his former home.
First, he said City supporters are more passionate and Arsenal fans are less passionate since the move from Highbury to the Emirates (apparently he forgot how "disrespectful" they were two weeks earlier), even though he never once played at Highbury. And now, just like Wayne Rooney, he says the club he was with just couldn't match his ambition.
Nasri told L'Equipe (via Sky Sports):
"Why did I not sign a new contract with Arsenal? We started talking in October but by June I did not have any news and I didn't see anything happening in the transfer market. There comes a time when you have to invest.
"I have heard people say I have moved for money. I make a good living at City, that is true, but I am 24 years old and I have reached a turning point in my career and it was important that I joined a club with ambition.
"I believe I have more chance of winning titles at Manchester City than at Arsenal."
To be fair, recent history would suggest that Nasri isn't ripping Arsenal so much as he's just being honest. And maybe a public statment like this will finally get Arsene Wenger to stop worrying about loan deals for 30-year-olds and actually spend some of that �60 million he has in his pocket.
Photo: Getty
Dimitar Berbatov is?The Continental
Well hello there.
I see you caught me standing here acting casual. This is how I train for big matches. It's also how I lure in gorgeous Berba-babes like you. And it seems to be working. Ha-HA!
But aside from standing here and holding onto this net in a manner that makes you want to fondle my kneecaps, The Berba has been quite busy. ... No, I haven't been busy forwarding vulgar Internet videos to your private email account. That actually takes very little of my time, since my cousin Timitar Berbatov is the one who actually finds/films many of the strangely exciting videos himself. Especially the ones involving taxidermied goats wearing sunglasses and pictures of Justin Bieber's non-existent twin sister. Ha-HA!
Instead, I have been spending the vast majority of my time making sure Chicharito a.k.a. Little Berba is back in good health and ready to play instead of me. How have I been doing this? ... I know you didn't ask that, but I'm going to tell you anyway: I've been doing it by instructing him to massage curdled mayonnaise into his concussed head while singing made-up lyrics to smooth jazz songs. I also made him watch Timitar's videos with the goats and Bieber's non-existent twin sister. Chicharito said that all of this made him even dizzier. I told him that that's how we know it's working. Ha-HA!
Oh-OHHH! I think my fingers are stuck in this netting! Oh, this is terrible! I was just about to gently caress your face before you slapped me and/or sprayed me in the mouth with your giant canister of mace, but I am completely unable to dislodge them from this decidedly unsexy restraint! Oh, this is terrible. Oh! Oh, wait. I just had to let go of it.
Join us again next time for another chapter in the life of...The Continental...
Photo: AP
Meireles Flips Off Lucas, Capello Eyes Kelly, and Other Monday Notes
It may be Monday, but at least there’s midweek football to look forward to. And also you don’t have potentially painful, season defining trips to Udine, Italy, and Manchester to worry about after less than two weeks of action. So with the mood suitably brightened (unless you’re an Arsenal fan), have some of the day’s [...]
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