bobblyp3535: June 2012

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Underdogs England looking for a superhero against Italy

Underdogs England looking for a superhero against Italy - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

England v Italy (7.45pm KO, Live on BBC1) England are 2.88 shots with�Paddy Power� to win in 90 minutes and book their place in the semi-final. Italy can be backed at 3 with�Boylesports, with the draw a 3.1 shot with�Paddy Power. As far as the stats are concerned the Three Lions have managed just one...

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/LWFgSxXFxFk/

Samir Nasri Ricardo Quaresma Carlos Puyol

2012 MLS All Star Voting: As Of June 25

The votes are being counted left and right for the 2012 MLS All Star game in Philadelphia. Fans can vote for their favorite players through Monday, July 2 at 5 p.m. ET online at�www.MLSsoccer.com�as well as by sending a player?s last name via text message to 22442. Twitter voting has closed. A total of 32?[continue reading]

The post 2012 MLS All Star Voting: As Of June 25 appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/9M4QRT7Ee98/

Joe Cole Miroslav Klose Sergio Ramos

Chelsea suspends staff for breaking the Champions League trophy

Since John Terry single-handedly won the Champions League trophy in May, Chelsea has been extremely careful to safeguard and protect the most prized piece of silverware in European football. And by that, I mean it has passed it around like currency and left it lying around for its staff to damage it.

The Daily Mail reports that three staff members have been temporarily relieved of their duties after "pulling a Sergio Ramos" and breaking the iconic trophy:

Three members of Chelsea's staff have been suspended after the Champions League trophy was damaged.

One of the handles was left hanging off after the three security personnel posed for pictures with the trophy to show off to friends.

[...]

Most clubs put the trophy on display in a secure cabinet for supporters to pose for pictures but Chelsea have been passing it around various departments at Stamford Bridge in recognition of the hard work of the club's 400 employees during their Champions League run.

The incident supposedly occurred when the three staff entered the�premises�after hours and without authority. The trophy was sent for emergency repairs at a London silversmith when the damage was discovered the following day.

Some sources are suggesting the trophy was actually a replica, which implies UEFA knew a club that lets its players set off smoke grenades and shoot interns at the training ground couldn't be trusted with the real thing.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/chelsea-suspend-staff-breaking-champions-league-trophy-230325777--sow.html

Eduardo Da Silva Fabio Quagliarella Diego Milito

The Posters Of Euro 2012

These are showing up a bit late in the game(s) – what with two remaining and all – but with a tournament featuring a gargantuan hog, some eye candy must be appreciated. These posters from David Watson, one for each team plus more, are wonderfully simple and wonderfully easy on the eye.

More can be spotted [...]

Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/euro-2012/the-posters-of-euro-2012.html

Javier Mascherano Adrian Mutu Kim Kallström

Fabio Coentrao booked for crotch-grab gesture aimed at Pepe Reina

Portugal defender Fabio Coentrao apparently did not appreciate whatever Spain backup goalkeeper Pepe Reina was shouting from the bench because shortly before halftime in their Euro 2012 semifinal match, Coentrao pointed to Reina and grabbed his crotch. This earned him one of the match's nine yellow cards and didn't seem to make Reina anymore friendly.

Reina got the last laugh, however, as Spain would end up winning the match on penalties. Coentrao, who was one of Portugal's top performers throughout the tournament, could only cover his face with his hands as he quietly walked off the pitch...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/fabio-coentrao-booked-crotch-grab-gesture-aimed-pepe-001829808--sow.html

Adrian Mutu Kim Kallström Filippo Inzaghi

Future News: Germans confused as to why they faced worse team in quarterfinals than group stage

The joy of beating Greece 4-2 to advance to the semifinals of Euro 2012 quickly turned to confusion for Germany as they questioned how it was possible that they faced a team so much worse than anyone they played in the group stage.

"The entire first half I couldn't help but feel we had accidentally been placed in a consolation tournament," said German captain and first-half goal scorer Philipp Lahm. "Then they equalized and I thought 'OK, maybe they're not that bad.' But then we scored three more times in the next 20 minutes even though I'm pretty sure most of us had our eyes closed the whole time and I was just like, 'huh?' Even against the Netherlands we had to try a little bit."

Germany controlled possession throughout the majority of the game on their way to scoring just one less goal than they did in the entire group stage. Though Germany won all three of their matches in the "Group of Death," Greece advanced with just one win in their final "Group of Life" match against Russia.

"We will definitely be protesting UEFA over this charade," said furious German manager Jogi Low. "Forcing us to go backwards like this is just not right. Do Spain have to play Poland next? Of course not."

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, meanwhile, was far more concerned with a different matter. Curled up in the fetal position in the shower, he could be heard quietly repeating, "I can't believe Georgios Samaras scored against me."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/future-news-germans-confused-why-faced-worse-team-222547915--sow.html

Juninho Pernambucano Rafael van der Vaart Robin Van Persie

Chelsea suspends staff for breaking the Champions League trophy

The Daily Mail reports that three staff members have been temporarily relieved of their duties after "pulling a Sergio Ramos" and breaking the iconic trophy:

Three members of Chelsea's staff have been suspended after the Champions League trophy was damaged.

One of the handles was left hanging off after the three security personnel posed for pictures with the trophy to show off to friends.

[...]

Most clubs put the trophy on display in a secure cabinet for supporters to pose for pictures but Chelsea have been passing it around various departments at Stamford Bridge in recognition of the hard work of the club's 400 employees during their Champions League run.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/chelsea-suspend-staff-breaking-champions-league-trophy-230325777--sow.html

Didier Drogba Daniel Alves Petr Cech

Spain 2-0 France ? Match Recap ? Euro 2012 ? 23 June 2012

Spain defeated France 2-0 in the UEFA Euro 2012 quarterfinals. It was a solid and comfortable win that sets up an intriguing semifinal clash with Portugal. France did not have a great start as Spain dominated possession and chances. They would take the lead on a 19th minute Xabi Alonso goal. Andres Inieista fed a [...]

Source: http://www.the90thminute.com/soccer/2012/06/spain-2-0-france-match-recap-euro-2012-23-june-2012/

Gianluca Zambrotta Torsten Frings Pavel Nedved

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

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/pAtXYufMxP0/mls_weekend_previews_week_25_wvhooligan_soccer_blog

Lionel Messi Thierry Henry Ronaldinho

Friday, June 29, 2012

Gdansk - you, asking?

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/gdansk-you-asking.html

Gianluigi Buffon Wayne Rooney Samuel Eto’o

Highs and L�ws of the Tournament

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/highs-and-lows-of-tournament.html

Juan Román Riquelme Iker Casillas Ryan Giggs

Benvingut, Jordi Alba!

He?s 23 and looks like 13, is generously listed as 5?7?, and once played for Bar�a?s youth academy. It?s becoming somewhat of a familiar refrain, isn?t it? Born in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, the same city as V�ctor Vald�s, Alba first joined up with Barcelona?s younger teams in 1998 at age 9, but he was dismissed [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/9BX9CqU2I8k/

Maicon Jamie Carragher Sergio Agüero

Germany v Italy: The Media

Bild likes to be a shitstirrer, which is does simply by existing, running print, etc. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not funny…
Above is their take on the Italian formation for the ride home. (Also, until this morning, the predicted starting lineup, of course.) The fact that Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli are nearest the [...]

Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/euro-2012/germany-v-italy-the-media.html

David Beckham Daniele De Rossi Michael Ballack

Union Sign Defender Bakary Soumare

The Philadelphia Union took a big step forward today and used some of that extra allocation money that they have been storing up this season to finally land a big defender. According to FOX Soccer,�the Union have signed former Chicago Fire defender Bakary Soumare, selecting him with the top spot in the MLS Allocation Order,?[continue reading]

The post Union Sign Defender Bakary Soumare appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/JEBtIH-YxGU/

David Suazo Dimitar Berbatov David Albelda

Trader Mo and Preki Out In Toronto | WVHooligan - Soccer Blog [Digg]

So I took a day off yesterday and boy do I regret it in the end. First there was a trade between Colorado and New York, then it as announced the league

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/fRHHaLo7q1A/trader_mo_and_preki_out_in_toronto_wvhooligan_soccer_blog

Shunsuke Nakamura Alexandre Pato Maicon

DTotD: Santos? Adriano takes down a ball boy

Corinthians sealed its place in the Copa Libertadores final with a 1-1 second-leg draw against Santos. Though Santos couldn't overturn its 1-0 deficit from the first leg despite a goal from Neymar, it was able to make one Corinthians ball boy pay.

While chasing down a ball that had gone out, Santos midfielder Adriano wanted to make sure the ball boy didn't get his hands on it and slow down the visitors' comeback attempt, so Adriano shoved him. The ball boy hit the cement and play was halted while personnel checked on him, but he seemed to be fine and later said that he wouldn't file a formal complaint against Adriano.

This has been the Dirty Tackle of the Day: a chronicling of unfortunate events.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/dtotd-santos-adriano-takes-down-ball-boy-193954219--sow.html

Andrés Iniesta Dejan Stankovic Clarence Seedorf

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Donovan still interested in EPL

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/donovan-still-interested-in-epl.html

Miroslav Klose Sergio Ramos Luca Toni

New Arsenal signing Lukas Podolski sings on German pop song

German forward Lukas Podolski has been able to make several updates to his resum� lately: alongside "Arsenal FC player" he can now add "Europop sensation" after teaming up with Cologne-based band Brings for their single 'Hallelujah'.

According to iTunes, Brings have been troubling the German Top 40 since the early nineties with their "brand of gritty rock similar to AC/DC" (wait, what?). Having spent most of his career in Cologne, Podolski presumably jumped at the chance to work with the city's most prominent 'K�lschrock' outfit.

Say what you want about the song and Poldi's vocal performance, but you can't deny he knows how to rock a white-V-neck-tee-and-tartan-necktie combo.

Thanks to @KillaKam for the spot

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/arsenal-signing-lukas-podolski-sings-german-pop-song-152340816--sow.html

Iker Casillas Ryan Giggs Paolo Maldini

Shevchenko

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/shevchenko.html

Florent Malouda Carlos Tévez David Beckham

Programming Note

Just a little note, the next few days I’ll be in the Windy City on a little trip to visit some family and see all things Chicago. If time permits I’ll add some posts here and there on here but more than likely I’ll return to full posting next week after the 4th of July.?[continue reading]

The post Programming Note appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/7lOnVh_gIP0/

Cesc Fàbregas Xavi Juan Román Riquelme

Ngwenya on trial with Bayern Munich, was Klinsmann rumor true?

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/ngwenya-on-trial-with-bayern-munich-was.html

Ronaldinho Cristiano Ronaldo Kaká

2012 MLS, Week 16: Fantasy Manager Recap

Ouch. Ew. That’s ugly. Yeah that’s how I am feeling when I look at my fantasy manager results from this past week. The moves that were made in the midweek failed to pay off. It didn’t help that this was possibly the one weekend in the league that saw a ton of goals scored though.?[continue reading]

The post 2012 MLS, Week 16: Fantasy Manager Recap appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/wV9pFJMp3BY/

Nemanja Vidic Maxi Rodríguez Philipp Lahm

Kharkiv Da Da Da

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/kharkiv-da-da-da.html

Roberto Ayala Ruud van Nistelrooy Andrea Pirlo

Gdansk - you, asking?

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/gdansk-you-asking.html

Patrick Vieira Diego Simão Sabrosa

Puma PowerCat 1.12 FG Review ? White with Ribbon Red and Limoges

Puma are trying to revamp their cleat lines with their release of the new evoSPEED and now the new Puma Powercat 1.12 has been released and it looks great. The style, feel, and technology go great together to give an awesome overall cleat. If you have been watching Euro 2012, you have noticed that Cesc [...]

Source: http://soccerprose.com/soccer-players/puma-powercat-1-12-fg-review-white-with-ribbon-red-and-limoges/

Jamie Carragher Sergio Agüero Nery Castillo

UEFA Admits Ukraine?s Goal Was Good

The disallowed goal of Ukraine roundabout the hour mark is one of great contention, considering there were other factors leading up to the ball crossing the goal line – such as an uncalled offside.
However, UEFA’s stance on the matter – and sit down for this one – has come down: wrong decision. Which is [...]

Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/euro-2012/uefa-admits-ukraines-goal-was-good.html

David Suazo Dimitar Berbatov David Albelda

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Ngwenya on trial with Bayern Munich, was Klinsmann rumor true?

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/ngwenya-on-trial-with-bayern-munich-was.html

Alexandre Pato Maicon Jamie Carragher

Incredible Tifo Display Before Portland-Seattle Game

Give credit to these Timber’s fans, this tifo display before the game with Seattle was amazing.

The post Incredible Tifo Display Before Portland-Seattle Game appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/6DZKTCSe5WA/

Simão Sabrosa Arjen Robben Robinho

The Beginner?s Guide to Aussie Rules, 2011 Edition

So the NFL lockout proved inevitable, the NFL Players Association has decertified, and everyone’s dug in for a long, ugly legal battle that nobody really wants to read about, even though the fate of the 2011 NFL season hangs in the balance. Whatever shall we do without football? Simple. We shall turn our attention… to [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/03/21/the-beginners-guide-to-aussie-rules-2011-edition/

Gary Neville Juninho Pernambucano Rafael van der Vaart

UEFA Euro 2012 TV Listings ? 27 June 2012

Below are television listings for all the Euro 2012 matches on June 27, 2012. Times listed are CET or local (Ukraine/Poland) time. Portugal v Spain, 20:45 ESPN�(USA/Caribbean), TSN�(Canada),�Al Jazeera Sport�(Middle East), BBC One�(UK), RAI 1�(Italy), TV2�(Denmark/Norway), RTE Two�(Ireland), ZDF (Germany), M6�(France), RSI La 2�(Switzerland), Sport TV1 (Portugal), SuperSport�(Africa), CCTV�(China), DirecTV Latin America�(South America), Setanta Sports�(Australia), [...]

Source: http://www.the90thminute.com/soccer/2012/06/uefa-euro-2012-tv-listings-27-june-2012/

Simão Sabrosa Arjen Robben Robinho

Luis Figo and Eusebio celebrating Ronaldo?s goal was the highlight of Portugal?s quarterfinal win

(Gif here)

Cristiano Ronaldo's 79th-minute winner against the Czech Republic prompted a number of joyous celebrations, but the best of the bunch came from Luis Figo and Eusebio. The two Portuguese legends were sitting together at the National Stadium in Warsaw -- Eusebio looking well after a few health scares last winter and Figo wearing a Portugal No. 7 shirt (but did it have his name or Ronaldo's on the back?!!?) under his blazer.

When Ronaldo scored, Figo stood up and let loose with a�guttural�yell before steadying the 70-year-old Eusebio as he got up a little slower. It was a great moment, but it probably prevented us from seeing Figo throw down his blazer and beat the Czechs himself.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/luis-figo-eusebio-celebrating-ronaldo-goal-highlight-portugal-041927021--sow.html

Vicente Diego Forlán Michael Owen

June 26/27: What to watch, where to go

TUESDAY, JUNE 26 TELEVISION COPA LIBERTADORES SUB-20 River Plate (Argentina) vs. America Mineiro (Brazil) Fox Deportes, 6 p.m. The Buenos Aires giant posted the best record during group play in the second edition of South America's under-20 club championship, staged this year in Lima, Peru. America also is among six unbeatens heading into the quarterfinals. Also Cerro Porte�o (Paraguay) vs. Corinthians (Brazil), Fox Deportes, 3:30 p.m.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/17313/june-2627-what-to-watch-where-to-go

Philipp Lahm Gianluca Zambrotta Torsten Frings

US Olympic roster - Guzan, McBride and Parkhurst overage Olympians

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/us-olympic-roster-guzan-mcbride-and.html

Carlos Puyol Nemanja Vidic Maxi Rodríguez

FIFA 13 Preorder Bonuses Detailed Updated

A few new details have popped up this morning around the pre-order bonuses you can expect from FIFA 13. There are two packages the first, exclusive to Amazon gives you a code for 10,000 Football Club Credits, which can be spent in the EASFC Catalogue on things like VP Attribute boosts, Celebrations, Career Mode Super [...]

Source: http://fifasoccerblog.com/blog/fifa-13-preorder-bonuses/

Alessandro Nesta Ricardo Carvalho Fernando Torres

Cristiano Ronaldo has his own bodyguards and suite at the Portugal team hotel

Portugal is one of many European nations currently facing economic crisis, but the Portuguese Football Federation has somehow been granted a hefty budget of ?33,000 ($42,000) per day to keep the squad accommodated in the same hotel that France is using (and where Franck Ribery probably sleeps in his special alone-time sauna machine). To put this budget in perspective, Futbolita notes that its debt-laden neighbors in Spain are operating on just ?4,000 ($5,000) a day.

Furthermore, Portuguese radio show "Fora de joc" has reported that Cristiano Ronaldo is getting preferential treatment with his own entourage and private suite. Reported from Sport.es:

The Real Madrid striker has two unique bodyguards to ensure total peace of mind, and has the privilege of being the only national team player who stays in his own hotel suite.

The disparity of treatment between C-Ron and the rest of the squad could easily be a source of conflict in the camp, but if the star winger is kept in�luxurious�isolation at least none of his teammates will hear his wimpers when rival fans chant Messi's name from the streets below.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/cristiano-ronaldo-own-bodyguards-suite-portugal-team-hotel-163208780--sow.html

Maxi Rodríguez Philipp Lahm Gianluca Zambrotta

England v Italy Free Bet Offer with bet365

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/england-v-italy-free-bet-offer-with.html

Roberto Ayala Ruud van Nistelrooy Andrea Pirlo

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Giorgos Karagounis: The name to remember from day nine of Euro 2012

Part of the reason why you should remember Giorgos Karagounis' performance on day nine of Euro 2012 is because, even though Greece again mocked prognosticators by advancing to the quarterfinals, it might have been his last appearance in a European Championship. The 35-year-old captain, who is suspended for Greece's quarterfinal match due to a dubious yellow card for diving -- a fate similar, yet completely�incomparable�to when he was held out of Greece's memorable win in the Euro 2004 final -- scored the only goal in Greece's final group match against Russia just before the ref blew for halftime. This turned Greece's Euro 12 campaign from an endless stream of economy jokes to a reason to celebrate...that also includes quite a few economy jokes.

This is how Greek commentator Giorgos Helakis responded to Karagounis' goal (via 101gg)...

With stops at Inter and Benfica bookended by his periods with Panathinaikos, Karagounis has had a nice club career that has mostly served as a way to occupy his time between international matches. Earning his 120th cap in that match against Russia, making him Greece's joint most capped player with Theodoros Zagorakis, Karagounis will be remembered foremost as a player for Greece. He scored the first goal of Euro 04 against host nation Portugal after just six minutes of play and he scored the goal that yanked Russia away from an appearance in the knockout rounds after it seemed that appearance was a foregone conclusion.

And now, in the interest of knowing him a little better, here are a few gyros of information I just made up about him:

-He's won two Academy Awards.

-He famously gained 60 pounds to play Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull.

-He will punch you in the face if you go up to him and ask, "Are you talkin' to me?"

-Made the mistake of appearing in a film with Eddie Murphy.

-He is not Al Pacino.

-Quite good at Russian roulette.

Previous names to remember: Alan Dzagoev,�Michael Krohn-Dehli,�Nikica Jelavic,�Andriy Shevchenko,�Theo Gebre Selassie,�Nicklas Bendtner,�Fernando Torres, Theo Walcott

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/giorgos-karagounis-name-remember-day-nine-euro-2012-192919010--sow.html

Samuel Eto’o Steven Gerrard Lionel Messi

Puma evoSPEED 1 K Review ? Black with White and Team Orange

Before I begin my review of the new Puma evoSPEED 1 K cleats , I must forewarn you that I have never owned a pair of Puma cleats before. This is strange because at the moment, I am wearing one of my favorite pairs of shoes, the Puma FAAS 550?s (great shoes and extremely comfortable). [...]

Source: http://soccerprose.com/soccer-players/puma-evospeed-1-k-review-black-with-white-and-team-orange/

Diego Milito Gabriel Milito Gary Neville

England+Rooney confident of beating Ukraine

England+Rooney confident of beating Ukraine - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

England are looking to beat Ukraine, qualify for the knockout stages for Euro 2012 and give his side the momentum to kick on and go far in this year's Euros.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/aB9I2tuWpCw/

Robinho Joe Cole Miroslav Klose

DTotD: Swedes use goalkeeper Johan Wiland?s bare backside for target practice

(Warning: Full moon)

Losing their first Euro 2012 match to co-host nation Ukraine was an embarrassment for Sweden and while they've taken a beating from the press in the days since, it appears they've also taken a beating from themselves. Video of the team trying to keep the mood light in training by firing shots at backup keeper Johan Wiland's exposed rear was released by Swedish paper Expressen and now it's causing the players more problems.

It's a game played at training grounds around the world (although perhaps more often with less nudity), yet a Swedish anti-bullying organization has claimed that this was an act of bullying.

Meanwhile, concerned parties should just be glad that Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn't run up to Wiland and plant his foot up in there.

This has been the Dirty Tackle of the Day: a chronicling of unfortunate events.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/dtotd-swedes-goalkeeper-johan-wiland-bare-backside-target-171556443--sow.html

David Beckham Daniele De Rossi Michael Ballack

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/

Maxi Rodríguez Philipp Lahm Gianluca Zambrotta

Euro 2012: Italian domination in passing game against England

Source: http://www.soccerblog.com/2012/06/euro-2012-italian-domination-i.htm

Fabio Quagliarella Diego Milito Gabriel Milito

Euro 2012 about to become a major burden for Ukraine

Ukraine is set to host Euro2012 soon but according to estimates, the country may never recover all the money it has invested in the tournament. Ukraine may never recover all of the billions of dollars it has spent to co-host next month’s European soccer championship and the outlay might complicate its chances of servicing its

Source: http://www.totalsoccerblog.com/2012/05/27/euro-2012-about-to-become-a-major-burden-for-ukraine/

Daniele De Rossi Michael Ballack Lucio

Italian stallions break the English resistance

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/italian-stallions-break-english.html

Iker Casillas Ryan Giggs Paolo Maldini

Your 2011 Premier League Fantasy Champion Is?

Joe Plumber, manager of N’gog we trust 4evra. So long as you don’t leave Andy Carroll to Jonny Evans, ya know? For finishing top of a table with more than 200 entries, Joe will receive a $100 gift certificate to SoccerPro.com, which has licensed jerseys for all the big European clubs and MLS clubs, plus [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/05/23/your-2011-premier-league-fantasy-champion-is/

Iker Casillas Ryan Giggs Paolo Maldini

Monday, June 25, 2012

Re-Entry Draft To Make MLS Offseason Even More Fun | WVHooligan - Soccer Blog [Digg]

Part of the title is serious and the other part is�sarcasm. You take your pick. No really the new MLS Re-Entry Draft will soon be under way. Loads of

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/jg7pcVYg_Fs/re_entry_draft_to_make_mls_offseason_even_more_fun_wvhooligan_soccer_blog

William Gallas Zé Roberto Frank Ribéry

Euro 2012: Czech Republic v. Portugal Kicks Off the Quarter-Finals

The Euros start up again today, and with them we’ve got four more days of blessed distraction before it’s back to worrying about how June is almost over and Liverpool haven’t signed anybody while Hulk and Hazard and Marin are already sipping martinis in Roman Abramovich’s lair/discotheque beneath Stamford Bridge while the Chelsea owner strokes [...]

Source: http://liverpool.theoffside.com/match-previews/euro-2012-czech-republic-v-portugal-kicks-off-the-quarter-finals.html

Andrés Iniesta Dejan Stankovic Clarence Seedorf

England falter on penalties once more as Italy make last four

England falter on penalties once more as Italy make last four - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

England players and fans have been subjected to penalty heartache once more, as the Three Lions were eliminated from Euro 2012 on spot-kicks by Italy on Sunday night. After no goals in 120 minutes of play the game was decided from 12 yards, as Ashley Young and Ashley Cole missed their efforts to send the...

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/yUZD9dIGWJc/

Michael Essien David Villa Francesco Totti

Ukraine v France Euro 2012

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/ukraine-v-france-euro-2012.html

Eduardo Da Silva Fabio Quagliarella Diego Milito

Kharkiv Da Da Da

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/kharkiv-da-da-da.html

Roberto Ayala Ruud van Nistelrooy Andrea Pirlo

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

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/E2I_36XSacA/mls_week_28_highlights_wvhooligan_soccer_blog

Rafael van der Vaart Robin Van Persie Samir Nasri

2012 MLS, Week 16: Picks

It may be had to believe but June is nearly over in the 2012 season. This week has been as busy as I can remember for some time. Six games on Wednesday followed up by a full eight games this weekend. Three rivalry games this weekend (if you do count Columbus-Chicago as a rivalry –?[continue reading]

The post 2012 MLS, Week 16: Picks appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/G_I7q1AE7IU/

Ryan Giggs Paolo Maldini Ashley Cole

Liverpool Notes and Euro 2012: France Win and Matchday Nine

The group stage of Euro 2012 has been both captivating and lightning-quick—this first week has flown by, and with only four days left until the first knockout round is set, there’s not much of a slow-down to deal with yet. The nice part about how fast it’s gone is that there’s been barely any Liverpool [...]

Source: http://liverpool.theoffside.com/match-previews/liverpool-notes-and-euro-2012-france-win-and-matchday-nine.html

Samuel Eto’o Steven Gerrard Lionel Messi

France fire Blancs as Spanish sail on to the semis

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/france-fire-blancs-as-spanish-sail-on.html

Carlos Puyol Nemanja Vidic Maxi Rodríguez

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo takes four times as many shots as Czechs, puts Portugal in semifinals

The Czech Republic managed just two shots (neither on target) in their 1-0 Euro 2012 quarterfinal loss to Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, had eight all by himself, including the header that scored the match's only goal.

After a frustrating first half in which Ronaldo played brilliantly but just couldn't hit anything but the post, his persistence finally paid off when Joao Moutinho delivered an excellent cross to set up his equally excellent header in the 79th minute. Ronaldo directed his celebration to his son, once again doing his monster hands gesture before running to the nearest TV camera, saying what appeared to be "para ti" (for you) and blowing a kiss.

That gives Ronaldo three goals in his last two Euro 12 matches and it seems he's turned a corner with Portugal, living up to the nearly impossible expectations heaped on him. But while Ronaldo is scoring all the goals, he's hardly Portugal's only performer. The likes of Moutinho, Nani and Fabio Coentrao are also contributing in�significant yet easily overlooked ways.

Now Portugal await the winner of Spain vs. France as it seems Ronaldo has only just begun.

Previously: Cristiano Ronald0 -- the name to remember from day 10 of Euro 2012

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/cristiano-ronaldo-takes-four-times-many-shots-czechs-212826927--sow.html

John Terry Zlatan Ibrahimović Michael Essien

Zlatan Ibrahimovic couldn?t score against Joe Hart, so he drank his water instead

Football disobeyed the mighty will of Zlatan Ibrahimovic as England beat Sweden 3-2. Zlatan scored exactly none of the match's five goals -- though he did set up Sweden's first with his levitation kick (see below) -- and his frustration only grew throughout the match. As Sweden fought back to take the lead in the second half before eventually losing it again, the primary target of Zlatan's fury was England keeper Joe Hart.

Ibrahimovic took exception when Hart deliberately shoved Johan Elmander while trying to defend the corner kick that Sweden scored their second goal on in the 59th minute. Instead of celebrating, Zlatan gave Hart a talking to (gif here), making a mental note to get his revenge later. And before another corner kick in the 70th minute, with the score now 2-2, Zlatan did so by strolling into Joe Hart's goal as Hart barked directions to his teammates, picking up Hart's water bottle, taking a big swig off it (pictured above), and tossing it back down as he went to take his place for the kick.

Eight minutes later, Danny Welbeck obliterated Zlatan's tiny personal victory by scoring with a wonderful backheel to give England the 3-2 win.

As a final insult, his country's own fans declared that they would rather have Harry Potter actress Emma Watson than him.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/zlatan-ibrahimovic-couldn-t-score-joe-hart-drank-235509594--sow.html

Andriy Shevchenko Patrick Vieira Diego

Gdansk - you, asking?

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/gdansk-you-asking.html

Nemanja Vidic Maxi Rodríguez Philipp Lahm

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

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/pAtXYufMxP0/mls_weekend_previews_week_25_wvhooligan_soccer_blog

Xavi Juan Román Riquelme Iker Casillas

And Now, Jimmy Nutini?s Soccer-Style NFL Shirts

These images have been kicking around these here interwebs for the last couple of days. You’re probably wondering where they came from. They are the work of one�Jimmy Nutini, an aspiring designer and self-proclaimed “logo nerd” from Rhode Island who wondered what NFL jerseys might look like if they were soccer shirts. So he grabbed [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/02/01/and-now-jimmy-nutinis-soccer-style-nfl-shirts/

Dimitar Berbatov David Albelda Alessandro Nesta

This is how Mario Balotelli does yoga

After coming off the bench to score an inspiring goal against Ireland, Mario Balotelli is doing his best to keep the mood light during Italy's training sessions ahead of their quarterfinal match against England. With dong jokes.

According to Telegraph football writer Paul Hayward, the Italian team incorporated yoga into their training on Wednesday and Mario incorporated a strategically placed corner flag into that.

Of course, this being Mario, the session was not without its cruel attack from an inanimate object. Previously, Balotelli has endured a mighty struggle against a substitutes bib and a Christmas cake, but now even the yoga mats have turned against him...

"Why always me?"

H/T our friends at Z czuba.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/mario-balotelli-does-yoga-175018409--sow.html

Gabriel Milito Gary Neville Juninho Pernambucano

Czech Republic 0-1 Portugal ? Match Recap ? Euro 2012 ? 21 June 2012

Portugal advanced to the semifinals with a narrow but solid 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic. While the Czechs are out of Euro 2012, it is still considered a successful tournament as there weren’t high expectations. It was a bit of a slow start for both sides with the Czech Republic staying organized to contain [...]

Source: http://www.the90thminute.com/soccer/2012/06/czech-republic-0-1-portugal-match-recap-euro-2012-21-june-2012/

Miroslav Klose Sergio Ramos Luca Toni

US Will Travel To The Azteca To Play Mexico On August 15

The US-Mexico rivalry is back on. The two sides will meet next month in Mexico City at the famed�Estadio Azteca on August 15 (the game will air on ESPN2). The match will be the first international friendly between the CONCACAF rivals on Mexican soil since 1984,�when the US fell 2-1. The US still own a?[continue reading]

The post US Will Travel To The Azteca To Play Mexico On August 15 appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/1wqmYbobi9U/

Diego Milito Gabriel Milito Gary Neville

Cristiano Ronaldo compares himself to Leo Messi, gets facts wrong

Like German fans before them (and Bosnia fans before the Germans), Denmark supporters chanted Lionel Messi's name at Cristiano Ronaldo during their 3-2 Group B loss to Portugal. Though Ronaldo's poor performance seemed to have far more to do with his own mental blocks than anything coming from the stands, either the chants or the post-match questions about them pinched at his frustrations and prompted Cristiano to defy his usual talking points and compare himself to Messi.

Said Ronaldo (via Goal.com and the Guardian):

"You know where [Messi] was at this time [last year]? Do you know? He was being eliminated in the Copa America, in his own country," Ronaldo said at the post-game press conference. "I think that's worse, no?"

While Messi and host nation Argentina did struggle at Copa America last July and fail to live up to expectations themselves, Ronaldo seems to have forgotten that Argentina went undefeated in the group stage (one win, two draws) and actually did advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were knocked out by eventual champions Uruguay. In fairness, Messi also struggled to score, as Ronaldo has in this tournament.

All that aside, this really shouldn't even be a comparison. These are two entirely�separate�tournaments. Criticism of Ronaldo's performance is certainly valid, but neither Messi's name nor his accomplishments have anything to do with the European Championship.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/cristiano-ronaldo-compares-himself-leo-messi-gets-facts-230225684--sow.html

Philipp Lahm Gianluca Zambrotta Torsten Frings

Dutch two-year-old gleefully names the entire Netherlands squad

This is Noah. According to his father (who uploaded the video to YouTube), Noah is two years old and has only had this poster of the entire Netherlands Euro 2012 squad in his room (conveniently posted at toddler eye level) for a week. Yet, Noah can name every single member of the squad -- including coaches! -- and he can do it with excitement and a bit of flair.

In short, this kid is better than many adults who get paid to commentate on Euro 2012 matches.

Video via 101gg

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/dutch-two-old-gleefully-names-entire-netherlands-squad-161455215--sow.html

Paolo Maldini Ashley Cole Gennaro Gattuso

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Premier League TV Rights: Worth �3 Billion between 2013 and 2016

Premier League TV Rights: Worth �3 Billion between 2013 and 2016 - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Securing its status as world football?s richest competition, the Premier League has finalized an astounding �3.018 billion deal for domestic TV rights for the three years starting from the 2013-14 campaign (i.e. seasons 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2015-16). This is a 70% increase (�1.25bn) on the current three-year contract. With 10 games played on each matchday...

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/4tfAlsqHOFA/

Andrea Pirlo Didier Drogba Daniel Alves

June 22/23: What to watch, where to go

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 TELEVISION 2012 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP Germany vs. Greece ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 11:30 a.m. The Germans swept through the best of the first-round groups and now get a quarterfinal against the least of the final eight. These are not your father's Germans -- they're a thrilling, dynamic side that reflects the ethnic diversity of modern-day Germany, and there could be a title-game showdown with Spain in another week and a half. Replay: ESPN2, 3 a.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/17248/june-2223-what-to-watch-where-to-go

Sergio Agüero Nery Castillo Javier Mascherano

Puma PowerCat 1.12 FG Review ? White with Ribbon Red and Limoges

Source: http://soccerprose.com/soccer-players/puma-powercat-1-12-fg-review-white-with-ribbon-red-and-limoges/

Michael Essien David Villa Francesco Totti

Seattle?s Clever New Marketing Campaign

I love it when teams get clever with their marketing. The Seattle Sounders have gone out and done just that with their new Full 90 series that are posted over at�SoundersFC.com. It is a series of videos like this one above that�portray the Sounders as game-show contestants.

The post Seattle’s Clever New Marketing Campaign appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/C_Kch3SMgxA/

Ryan Giggs Paolo Maldini Ashley Cole

The Ukraine goal against England that wasn?t ruled a goal (or offside)

Calls for goal line technology erupted yet again and this time they were mooted even quicker than usual. With England leading 1-0 over home side Ukraine in the second half of their final group stage match, a Marko Devic shot that was tipped into the air by Joe Hart and cleared by John Terry beyond the goal line was ruled a non-goal. Even though the overhead view showed that the ball had completely crossed the line before Terry volleyed it away.

The roar of outrage was immediate as topics ranged from the lack of goal line technology (which FIFA is testing) to the uselessness of UEFA's compromise of adding a fifth official at the goal line to how this was just the universe balancing itself out after England had an even clearer equalizer against Germany ignored at the 2010 World Cup.�But all of that seemed to drown out the fact that there should have been an offside flag during the buildup play. Artem Milevskiy, the Ukraine player who reigned in the long ball and set up Devic, appeared to be offside to begin with.

But blown offside calls aren't as much fun to shout about as blown goal calls, so that gets overshadowed.

Meanwhile, France lost 2-0 to Sweden while all of this was going on, allowing England to win Group D and play Italy (instead of Spain) in the quarterfinals.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/ukraine-goal-against-england-wasn-t-ruled-goal-205137115--sow.html

Gary Neville Juninho Pernambucano Rafael van der Vaart

Denmark needed these two men to avoid being knocked out by Germany

Denmark's noble attempt to overcome its difficult group draw ended in disappointment as it lost 2-1 to Germany in its final Group B match, preventing it from advancing to the knockout rounds after taking three points in its matches against Portugal and the Netherlands.

Denmark kept the Germans at bay for much of the match, but an 80th-minute Lars Bender goal ended the deadlock the Danish had been clinging to since Michael Krohn-Dehli equalized five minutes after Lu-Lu-Lu Lukas Podolski's 19th-minute opening goal. And though Denmark's two secret weapons, "Viking" and "Terminator" (pictured above), were in Lviv as spectators, the match would've gone much differently had they played.

After all, Mesut Ozil would've been no match for Viking's bushy intimidation beard and Thomas Muller would've messed his pants after kicking the ball through Terminator's head and watching as he heals himself before shape-shifting into a red-eyed Pele.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/denmark-needed-two-men-avoid-being-knocked-germany-221318669--sow.html

Sergio Ramos Luca Toni Alex

June 22/23: What to watch, where to go

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/17248/june-2223-what-to-watch-where-to-go

Fabio Cannavaro Gianluigi Buffon Wayne Rooney

England uninspiring but victorious to top Group D

England uninspiring but victorious to top Group D - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Tuesday night saw the culmination of the Euro 2012 group stages, with Group D providing England and France as quarter-finalists. Wayne Rooney returned to action to head the only goal of the game against Ukraine in a 1-0 win for the Three Lions, whilst Les Bleus crashed to a 2-0 defeat to Sweden. Today sees...

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/gm4Wy-xWZqg/

Wayne Rooney Samuel Eto’o Steven Gerrard

Lviv and late lie!

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/lviv-and-late-lie.html

Didier Drogba Daniel Alves Petr Cech

US Olympic roster - Guzan, McBride and Parkhurst overage Olympians

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/us-olympic-roster-guzan-mcbride-and.html

Frank Lampard Rio Ferdinand Deco

Friday, June 22, 2012

This Is What Being a Football Fan Looks Like?

…when your team loses a big one. Our pal Gary Vaynerchuk has always worn his heart on his sleeve when it comes to the New York Jets, so it’s little surprise to see this reaction from him after the Pittsburgh Steelers stomped his Jets for 30 minutes, then held them at bay just enough in [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/01/25/this-is-what-being-a-football-fan-looks-like/

Javier Mascherano Adrian Mutu Kim Kallström

Nike marks Wayne Rooney?s return with creepy ad

Wayne Rooney was forced to sit out England's first two Euro 2012 group stage matches due to a suspension for deliberately kicking Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovic in his side's final qualifying match back in October. But with England now in position to advance to the quarterfinals with one group match against Ukraine left to play, Rooney is eligible to return to the squad and Nike has decided to capitalize on that anticipation.

As a continuation of their "My time is now" campaign, which debuted during the Champions League final, the new ad features a close-up of a shirtless and sullen Rooney as a soundtrack of commentators calling some of his goals plays over it. As the camera pushes in uncomfortably close on Wayne, a voice referring to the Montenegro incident is heard saying, "Look in the mirror and ask yourself what you did to your country tonight." Wayne then looks directly into the camera and you instantly die.

Related Euro 2012 news from Yahoo! Sports:

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/nike-marks-wayne-rooney-return-creepy-ad-200805507--sow.html

Eduardo Da Silva Fabio Quagliarella Diego Milito

Asain 2010 World Cup Qualifying final group draw

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/asain-2010-world-cup-qualifying-final.html

Patrick Vieira Diego Simão Sabrosa

The Red Foxes: Everyone?s A Winner

I haven’t the slight clue as to just who the red foxes are, and a lazy pass at Google keeps leading me down the trails of the animal kingdom.
They’re women – I do know that – and each country has one representative. And they sing. And they’re attractive. And that’s pretty much it.
(Actually, it’s [...]

Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/euro-2012/the-red-foxes-everyones-a-winner.html

Francesco Totti Paul Scholes Roberto Ayala

US 1-0 Barbados - US advances

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/us-1-0-barbados-us-advances.html

Cristiano Ronaldo Kaká Shunsuke Nakamura

Camp Nou Wallpaper

Here’s a dark and moody Camp Nou wallpaper for you to download. There are 2 versions:� one is dark and with more contrast, while the other is a little more milky and the yellow club slogan is less bright.�� The lighter one looks good on my MacBook Pro, (my desktop icons show up better against [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/Uz4-92BMLt0/

Maxi Rodríguez Philipp Lahm Gianluca Zambrotta

England rejoice while Swedes head for the exit

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/england-rejoice-while-swedes-head-for.html

Kaká Shunsuke Nakamura Alexandre Pato

Steelers Have Only Themselves To Blame

A famous coach once said you can’t turn the ball over and expect to win the game. And yet, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a shot to win Super Bowl XLV. Down 6 points with two minutes to go from their own 13 yard line, Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers’ offense on the field against a [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/02/07/steelers-have-only-themselves-to-blame/

Cristiano Ronaldo Kaká Shunsuke Nakamura

La Roja: A Level-Headed Journey Through Spanish Soccer

The fundamental conundrum of watching Spanish soccer is how it took until 2010 for the national team to win on the largest stage. Given the country?s successful domestic league and development of fantastic players that dominated much of the early years of European Cup competition, how did Alfredo Di St�fano and L�szl� Kubala fail to [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/SlE9-FArBkA/

Iker Casillas Ryan Giggs Paolo Maldini

Donovan still interested in EPL

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/donovan-still-interested-in-epl.html

Ronaldinho Cristiano Ronaldo Kaká

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Is Andre-Villas Boas Right For Tottenham?

Is Andre-Villas Boas Right For Tottenham? - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

With several bookmakers having stopped taking bets and with the newspapers full of stories saying that Andre Villas-Boas is on the verge of becoming Tottenham Hotspur?s new manager, it seems clear that AVB will be Harry Redknapp?s replacement in the comfortable looking chairs in the White Hart Lane dugout. Is he the right man for...

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/PXzRbxnTwlQ/

Diego Forlán Michael Owen William Gallas

Gdansk - you, asking?

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/gdansk-you-asking.html

Diego Forlán Michael Owen William Gallas

DTotD: Neymar gets smacked in the head by a TV camera

Corinthians beat Santos 1-0 in the first leg of its all-Brazilian Copa Libertadores semifinal. A dejected Neymar spoke to a reporter as he walked off the pitch after the match and just to make things a little bit worse, he accidentally got hit in the side of the head by the back of a TV camera. Neymar then slunk back to the dressing room holding his battered melon.

Maybe if he had some hair on the sides of his head that wouldn't have hurt as much.

This has been the Dirty Tackle of the Day: a chronicling of unfortunate events.

Video via 101gg

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/dtotd-neymar-gets-smacked-head-tv-camera-163139825--sow.html

Carlos Tévez David Beckham Daniele De Rossi

Euro 2012 Poland v Greece

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/euro-2012-poland-v-greece.html

Rio Ferdinand Deco John Terry

Our Own Private CONMEBOL

One of the side benefits of being an international soccer fan is the frequent refresher course in geography. Every so often, we are encouraged to grab a globe or fire up Google Maps, and we find ourselves saying, “Oh, so that’s where Slovenia is,” or, “Wow, that flight from London to Donetsk must be rough.”�Some [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/06/06/our-own-private-conmebol/

Diego Milito Gabriel Milito Gary Neville

Spain v Italy Free Bet Offer with bet365

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2012/06/spain-v-italy-free-bet-offer-with.html

Shunsuke Nakamura Alexandre Pato Maicon

La Roja: A Level-Headed Journey Through Spanish Soccer

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/SlE9-FArBkA/

Alex Hernán Crespo Owen Hargreaves

Theo Gebre Selassie: The name to remember from day five of Euro 2012

Euro 2012 had an awful start for Czech Republic rightback Theodor Gebre Selassie as his side lost 4-1 to Russia in a match where he became the tournament's first player to be racially abused by fans. "I've experienced much worse," said Gebre Selassie of the abuse that is now being investigated by UEFA. Eager to move on from the incident without much discussion, the 25-year-old was again spotlighted during the Czechs' second Group A match, but this time for his transfer baiting performance.

Gebre Selassie starred in the 2-1 win over Greece, running for days and setting up Vaclav Pilar for the Czech Republic's second goal in the first six minutes of the game. Making his performance all the more fun is the fact that he almost quit football altogether six years ago to pursue a degree in civil protection. From Sky Sports:

It all could have been so different when he was playing for Czech Second Division side Jihlava in the 2005-06 season and was loaned out to Velke Mezirici, down in the fourth division.

A then teenage Gebre Selassie contemplated giving up the game completely and concentrating on his studies at university. Luckily for Czech football he decided to carry on.

He joined Slavia Prague in 2007, winning the Czech first division title the following year, before moving to Slovan Liberec in 2008. His performances in Poland and the Ukraine suggest it won't be long before the big guns come calling.

Still with Slovan Liberec, Gebre Selassie has earned 12 caps since becoming the Czech Republic's first black player last year (his father is Ethiopian, his mother Czech). In the interest of knowing him a little better, here are a few morsels of information I just made up about him:

-He once put Nutella inside Petr Cech's helmet. Cech liked so much that he has continued to do it ever since.

-He hums songs from The Legend of Zelda video game series while playing football just to make the matches seem more intense.

-Has a strong dislike for confetti.

-His interest in civil protection is firmly rooted in a desire to be prepared for the impending zombie�apocalypse.

-Has never seen a Burt Reynolds movie.

Previous names to remember: Alan Dzagoev,�Michael Krohn-Dehli,�Nikica Jelavic, Andriy Shevchenko

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/theo-gebre-salassie-name-remember-day-five-euro-025146331--sow.html

Gabriel Milito Gary Neville Juninho Pernambucano