Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/03/reading-1-2-aston-villa.html
Sunday, March 31, 2013
DTotD: Pitch invader chased down and slammed by steward at Brazil-Russia friendly
For many years, pitch invaders have been embarrassing slow and uncoordinated stewards with their self-indulgent antics. But now the stewards have developed a weapon that can destroy pitch invaders with terrifying ease and extreme prejudice. He is Super Steward.
Super Steward's talents were put to use during a friendly between Brazil and Russian at Stamford Bridge. With Russia up 1-0 late in the match, a pitch invader ran through the center circle and towards one of the goals, but Super Steward chased him down and stopped him with some kind of WWE finishing move. Though Russia's players were likely intimidated by Super Steward's demonstration of speed and�ruthlessness, Fabio Capello blamed the pitch invader for the late equalizer scored by Brazilian striker Fred.
From Reuters:
"My only disappointment is that after a supporter came on the pitch my players lost their concengtration and against Brazil you cannot lose your concentration."
Earlier another supporter had run on the pitch and was also quickly bundled away by security, but when Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was told what Capello had said, he replied with a story of his own.
"When I was a coach in Portugal we were playing against Estonia and a very beautiful girl came on the pitch topless, everyone was looking at her -- even me. At the time the game was 0-0, and we ended up winning it 2-0.
"I don't know if the guy today distracted the Russian team, but who knows, it can happen."
Scolari probably told that story while doing this...
Or this...
Or, most likely, this...
This has been the Dirty Tackle of the Day: a chronicling of unfortunate events.
2013 MLS Season, Week 4: Player Of The Week
Posted in Chivas USAMLS
http://www.soccerreporters.com/2013-mls-player-of-the-week-round-4-juan-agudelo-chivas-usa/
Well, for the first time this season, my top vote didn’t end up winning the MLS Player of the Week. Instead the guy who got my second place vote did. Chivas USA forward Juan Agudelo scored a goal and slotted an assist on the 4-1 win over the Chicago Fire on Sunday earned the Week [...]
The post 2013 MLS Season, Week 4: Player Of The Week appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/c3zxH6NltYk/
TechRadar Sheds Light On FIFA Facial Capture
Every year FIFA players hope that their favourite player, or players of their favourite club get the facial scan treatment. When certain teams or players are left out, social networks go into meltdown! Ever wondered exactly how the facial capture technique in the FIFA series is performed? Want to know who are the people responsible [...]
The post TechRadar Sheds Light On FIFA Facial Capture appeared first on FIFA Soccer Blog.
Source: http://fifasoccerblog.com/blog/techradar-sheds-light-on-fifa-facial-capture/
Andrea Pirlo tries to act like he cares about Italy?s kit launch
Every man and woman has obligations. Bearded Andrea Pirlo is no different. He is tasked with the duty to fight the tyranny of an unknown menace. To protect the world's depleted facial hair resources. To play football with orgasm-inducing skill. To make wine that gets people drunk in the classiest way possible. And, sometimes, to attend a kit launch while pretending that his soul isn't being waterboarded in an attempt to extract humanity's most valued secrets. This is one of those times.
Lured from his fortified bunker high in the Alps by the call of national team duty, Bearded Pirlo found himself ensnared in a trap. Hoisted in front of a press conference with teammate Gigi Buffon and manager Cesare Prandelli, Bearded Pirlo was tasked with helping to unveil a new Italy shirt irresponsibly constructed in a way that would not protect anyone from a nuclear fallout or spread of infectious disease.
Bearded Pirlo knew he should've seen this coming. His most trusted ally, an incontinent goat known simply as Davide, warned him of impending danger before he made the long journey down from the mountains by refusing to eat the waffles prepared for his breakfast. But Bearded Pirlo did not listen. And so he suffered the consequences.
He only wore the flimsy blue top after his cohorts refused to join his attempt to intimidate the press by going bare-chested and staring each of them in the eyes for an uncomfortable period of time. He then tried to suppress the silent howls emanating from every molecule of his being and force a smile to part his noble whiskers. The smile would not come.
As his brothers in football politely bared their teeth, an unfamiliar panic set in for Bearded Pirlo. He reached behind his back with both hands and clenched a homemade dagger, which his grandfather gave him long ago explicitly for a moment like this, just in case one of the hacks dared to question his doomed attempt to feign approval. Finally, Bearded Pirlo was able to muster a fraudulent smirk that satisfied his outward duty and internal rebellion. The panic cleared.
With that, Bearded Pirlo was released from the shackles of commerce and allowed to roam free on the training ground. His joy was evident and profound.
In the distance, Davide could be heard wailing an ancient song of triumph as he once again relieved himself without realizing it.
Liverpool?s 2012-2013 Fixture List Released
We can take a brief break in the build-up to today’s Group C matches to look at Liverpool’s schedule for the upcoming Premier League season, which will kick off for Brendan Rodgers’ side in the West Midlands. It’ll be a challenging (to say the least) opening few weeks, particularly if Europa League matches are thrown [...]
Source: http://liverpool.theoffside.com/premier-league/liverpools-2012-2013-fixture-list-released.html
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/
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Fabregas and Tevez should get on with it
A summer without a major football tournament is always a difficult one to bear. The only major sporting event to fill your time is Wimbledon, and even the novelty of that wears off after a week. With no matches to satisfy our football fix we have to be content with transfer rumours. The internet has [...]
Source: http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk/premiership/fabregas-and-tevez-should-get-on-with-it/
French Ligue 1 ? Weekend Recap ? February 22-24, 2013
Paris Saint Germain defeated Marseille in David Beckham’s debut to remain three points clear at the top in the French Ligue 1 on February 22-24, 2013. Results Friday, February 8, 2013 Nice 2-0 Reims 11′ Valentin Eysseric�(pen) 1 – 0 68′ Aissa Mandi (red card) 85′ Renato Civelli 2 – 0 Saturday, February 9, 2013 [...]
Source: http://www.the90thminute.com/soccer/2013/02/french-ligue-1-weekend-recap-february-22-24-2013/
Wigan owner claims Callum McManaman got the ball ?as clean as a whistle? on horror challenge
Wigan owner Dave Whelan has once again descended from�outer space�to confound the citizens of earth with his opinions. This time, Whelan is accomplishing this with his defense of 21-year-old striker Callum McManaman's knee-crushing challenge on Massadio Haidara that went completely unpunished in the first half of Sunday's 2-1 win against Newcastle (gif of the offense here).
From Sky Sports:
Whelan told BBC Radio 5 live: "The ball was there. Young McManaman went in for the ball and got the ball as clean as a whistle, but in the follow through they collided.
"The referee saw it all, he had a clear view on that. He hasn't gone over the ball. That's an accident.
"There is not one ounce of malice in Callum McManaman. He is an enthusiastic young boy. He has got great prospects. He was very upset by it all."
Club biases aside, it's confounding position for Whelan to taken, especially when you consider that he admits his own playing career was "ruined" by a leg-breaking challenge in the 1960 FA Cup final. And yet again, we hear the "he isn't that type of player" defense after and ugly incident as if normally polite people are somehow incapable of doing bad things from time to time.
While McManaman did make glancing contact with the ball before planting his boot in Haidara's knee, he could still face a three-match ban from The FA. Meanwhile, the BBC also reports that Haidara has suspected knee ligament damage as a result of the challenge.
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/
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/
Mick McCarthy Is? The Continental
Hello, ladies. (Courtesy of XmasApe and Unsilent.)
Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/07/02/mick-mccarthy-is-the-continental/
Friday, March 29, 2013
France?s Whistle Blowing Fortune
Interesting footage to come out of Spain today: that big Olivier Giroud goal which saw Les Bleus net a colossal draw against the Milky Way Champeens? Almost didn’t happen. With three minutes of added time, it appeared the referee was getting ready to bring the whistle to his mouth to call an end to proceedings, [...]
Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-football/frances-whistle-blowing-fortune.html
adidas Real Madrid Anthem Jacket Review
Adidas have just released more apparel for all your Galalcticos fans out there and we’ve been lucky enough to get first hand look at one piece of it, the Real Madrid Anthem jacket. Now this jacket is inspired by the colors and designs that are important to the club and its history, namely, white and…
The post adidas Real Madrid Anthem Jacket Review appeared first on SoccerProse.com.
Source: http://soccerprose.com/soccer-fans/adidas-real-madrid-anthem-jacket-review/
Photo: And The Sun Goes Down
While much of the world is partaking in meaningless friendlies, some World Cup Qualifiers are happening, such as the one between Oman and Japan. This shot of some “spectators” atop the stadium in Muscat makes it all worth it.
Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-football/photo-and-the-sun-goes-down.html
MLS Expansion: Orlando Makes Bold Statement
Posted in MLSMLS Expansion
Like we’ve said all along, MLS has been pretty blunt about their desire and goal to be in New York for their 20th club. But one group does seem further along than the New York bunch and yesterday they made a bold statement about their MLS desires. In fact they want to be announced as [...]
The post MLS Expansion: Orlando Makes Bold Statement appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/mC0nf7zroDQ/
A dozen poisonous snakes spotted at Indian I-League stadium after match
With no pictures or video of the Indian snakes, this will have to suffice
European football may be overrun with bloodythirsty pine martens making their way onto the field, but animal pitch invasions seem to be a lot more poisonous in India.
On Sunday, the I-League match between Mohun Bagan and Pailan Arrows at the Kalyani Stadium near Kolkata finished 3-2 to Mohun. With summer temperatures wavering around 100 degrees, however, a dozen poisonous snakes were spotted making their way onto the field shortly after the match finished. The Indian Express reports:
None of the players or the ball boys were bitten but the snakes were spotted near the dressing rooms and on the field of play after full-time.
Officials of the Kalyani Municipality ensured that the snakes were removed from the stadium.
The players were apparently unaware of the serpent merchants of death slithering yards from their game, but India national team midfielder Nabi said he would be "afraid of playing there again."
Nabi needn't be so scared though, as Manchester Utd's Anderson has already shown that footballers and snakes can live in perfect harmony...
Welcome Back Tito: Dreams or Tickets Out
A short little video recorded Tito Vilanova’s return to Barcelona early yesterday morning, accompanied by Jordi Roura, Aureli Altimira and their wives who had flown to NYC as a thank-you for all their efforts and to escort El Mister back home. The club reports that Tito will be “gradually easing” his way back [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/QhPNCux4YSo/
FIFA Ultimate Team Asia All-Stars Qualifiers Results
The guys over at GameSpot AU have recently held the qualifiers for the FIFA Ultimate Team Asia All-Stars over in Melbourne and Sydney. The Sydney qualifiers were first to take center stage on March 5th over at the GameSpot AU offices whilst the Melbourne qualifiers came next on March 7th at the Mana Bar. These [...]
The post FIFA Ultimate Team Asia All-Stars Qualifiers Results appeared first on FIFA Soccer Blog.
Source: http://fifasoccerblog.com/blog/fifa-ultimate-team-asia-all-stars-qualifiers-results/
Thursday, March 28, 2013
PSG director Leonardo proposes to his TV presenter girlfriend after Champions League draw
Following the Champions League quarterfinal draw in Nyon, Switzerland, PSG director of football Leonardo conducted an interview with Sky Italia to discuss his side match-up against Barcelona. Leonardo had a bit of a surprise planned though, and during the interview, he asked his girlfriend, Sky Italia presenter Anna Billo, to marry him.
His timing was a bit better than former France manager Raymond Domenech's attempt at the same move after his side was eliminated from Euro 2008, but the question still caught Billo off guard in the Sky Italia studio. Leonardo was prompted by being asked if he had any questions of his own, to which he replied, "Anna, will you marry me?"
Billo broke out in nervous laughter and tried to hurry along, saying, "What kind of question is that? OK. Let's move on." Leo then asked if that was a yes and she replied, "OK, yes! We'll talk at home, thank you."
"But is that a yes or no?" asked one of the in-studio pundits. "OK," she said again, blushing.
"Alright then, let's have a ceremony in Milan and Brazil," former Milan player and Brazil international Leonardo suggested. Finally, the interview ended and Billo concluded by laughing and saying, "It's crazy."
UPDATE: Billo later explained what she was thinking as this happened on live TV. From Football Italia:
?I�realise�I am a very lucky woman. It was a strange and difficult moment to deal with, as I tend to be quite reserved.
?In fact, it?s surprising that knowing me he would do such a thing! It was a huge surprise for everyone. I thought it was a joke at first and was completelyshocked.?
Marriage proposals aside, here are the complete quarterfinal draws for both the Champions League and Europa League...
Champions League
M�laga CF (ESP) v Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Real Madrid CF (ESP) v Galatasaray A? (TUR)
Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA) v FC Barcelona (ESP)
FC Bayern M�nchen (GER) v Juventus (ITA)
Europa League
Chelsea FC (ENG) v FC Rubin Kazan (RUS)
Tottenham Hotspur FC (ENG) v FC Basel 1893 (SUI)
Fenerbah�e SK (TUR) v S.S. Lazio (ITA)
SL Benfica (POR) v Newcastle United FC (ENG)
City new-boy wants the title
There is no doubting Manchester City are going to be genuine Premier League title contenders this season, and their new star man is gunning for the top prize in his debut season. City spent �35 million to bring Argentine striker Sergio Aguero to the Etihad Stadium during the summer and he proved his class with [...]
Source: http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk/premiership/city-new-boy-wants-the-title/
Laudrup will stay at Swansea City
Laudrup will stay at Swansea City - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Michael Laudrup has been tipped with summer exits to several European clubs but his recent comments have hinted that he will stay in Wales.
Read More
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/MxTJ2C8_ny0/
Brazil 2014 Poster Released
The World Cup in Brazil is sneaking up rapidly – only 17 months until the country goes bananas for the Selecao, and 18 until they riot when someone else wins it all. Today, they released the official poster and logo, which is a design spaced such that it creates a white Brazil in the center.
Sadly, [...]
Sadly, [...]
Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2014/brazil-2014-poster-released.html
Champions League quarter-final preview: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Dortmund and Juventus eyeing semi-final berths
Champions League quarter-final preview: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Dortmund and Juventus eyeing semi-final berths - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
The Champions League returns next week, with eight teams still in the hunt to make the final at Wembley in May. A number of high-profile sides have been eliminated, including Manchester United, City and defending champions Chelsea, however a host …
Read More
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/1T6pdBoS4gg/
Young a big miss for Villa
Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph has conceded that the club will find it very difficult to find an adequate replacement for Ashley Young. The winger moved to Premier League champions Manchester United earlier this week in a deal believed to be worth around �20 million after joining the Villains in January 2007. Most people with [...]
Source: http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk/premiership/young-a-big-miss-for-villa/
U.S. Men?s National Team travels to Estadio Azteca
The United States Men’s National Team will play Mexico Tuesday at Estadio Azteca. The U.S. national team is currently in second in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. The team lost it’s first hexagonal match 2-1 to Honduras, but bounced back and beat Costa Rica 1-0 in snowy conditions. This leaves the U.S. national team with…
The post U.S. Men’s National Team travels to Estadio Azteca appeared first on SoccerProse.com.
Source: http://soccerprose.com/national-teams/u-s-mens-national-team-travels-to-estadio-azteca/
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Freddy Adu And MLS, Done Forever?
Posted in MLSPhiladelphia Union
Never say never right? And never say something is done forever as well, right? Well, in the case of Freddy Adu and Major League Soccer, the time may have finally reached its peak where the two sides should just say they are done with one another for good. Adu (finally) parted ways today, officially that, [...]
The post Freddy Adu And MLS, Done Forever? appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/FQVxyXyYKV4/
Nike USA Centennial Collection
As you may have seen earlier today, Nike has released a brand new jersey to celebrate 100 years of U.S. soccer. In addition to the jersey, Nike has also released some other great looking products as part of its USA Centennial Collection. Since we?ve already taken a look at the jersey, we are now going…
The post Nike USA Centennial Collection appeared first on SoccerProse.com.
Source: http://soccerprose.com/product-reviews/nike-usa-centennial-collection/
David Beckham demonstrates why taking a free kick in a suit isn?t a great idea
David Beckham is touring China as the country's first global football ambassador. His duties include promotion of the Chinese Super League, which has recently suffered from several major match-fixing scandals, promotion of the game within China and just being David Beckham. With that last task in mind, he's been combining the two things he does best as he criss-crosses China: wearing suits and playing football. And on the fourth day of his trip, that unnatural mix finally caught up to him.
While demonstrating his free kick technique to Wuhan Zall Football Club, Beckham's ill-suited footwear landed him on his backside. He was able to laugh it off, but these will probably end up being the lasting images of the trip.
So remember: If you're going to be a football ambassador for China, always pack a pair of boots with the wingtips.
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013
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/
Bent committed to Villa
Aston Villa’s Darren Bent has rejected claims that he could be the next high-profile name to leave Villa Park and has reaffirmed his commitment to the club. The England striker only signed for the Villains in January and helped the club steer away from the relegation zone and they eventually finished comfortably in mid table. [...]
Source: http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk/premiership/bent-committed-to-villa/
Clarence Seedorf gets rare red card for ?leaving pitch the wrong way?
According to FIFA.com, Clarence Seedorf had played more than 800 matches over more than 20 years without ever getting a red card in his career (UPDATE: As DT reader @AbdulAlraddadi points out, Seedorf was actually sent off once before in a 2006 match between Milan and Messina).�But that impressive streak came to an end just before the final whistle in Botafogo's 2-1 win against Madureira when he was booked twice for not leaving the pitch in a fashion the referee found suitable upon being substituted.
From Reuters:
On being substituted at the end, Seedorf, who scored the winning goal in the 68th minute, walked towards the Botafogo bench but was ordered by the referee to go off on the other side of the pitch to save time,
Seedorf protested, was booked, turned his back on the referee and was given another yellow card.
"I didn't understand anything," he told touchline reporters.
In the video above, you can see the time conscious referee point to the nearest touchline and pull out a yellow card when Seedorf doesn't follow his command. Seedorf then debates with him and eventually decides he's going to run to the farther side of the pitch (where the benches are) and the referee takes this act of rebellion as reason to run after him and show a second yellow and a red to the back of his head. Of all the ways to get sent off for the first time in your career at the age of 36, this was probably one of the most bizarre. But it's one more thing that Clarence Seedorf has done and most others haven't.
Barcelona Stunned in the Champions League
Barcelona traveled to the San Siro Wednesday, where they were stunned by AC Milan. AC Milan took the lead in the 56th minute after a Kevin-Prince Boateng goal. Milan then secured the win in the 81st minute when Sulley Muntari scored to give the home side a 2-0 lead heading into the second leg at…
The post Barcelona Stunned in the Champions League appeared first on SoccerProse.com.
Source: http://soccerprose.com/champions-league/barcelona-stunned-in-the-champions-league/
International Rules Football Is A Dog?s Game
Yesterday, our pals at Dirty Tackle decided to highlight a Copa Sudamericana match in which a dog invaded the pitch and held up play for 3 minutes. The suggestion that this dog might have been “the most successful pitch invader ever” falls flat, however, when you consider this rather famous moment from the International Rules [...]
Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/10/27/international-rules-football-is-a-dogs-game/
Monday, March 25, 2013
Middlesbrough to give season ticket holders a free pint at every match
Currently ninth in the Championship and within reach of a promotion playoff spot, Middlesbrough have already begun looking ahead to selling tickets for next season. You might think a strong finish would be all the incentive they need to offer potential ticket buyers, but just in case that doesn't work out, they've come up with a new idea to help entice supporters: a free drink at every home match for all season card holders.
From the Evening Gazette:
Adult and over-65 season card holders for 2013/14 will be entitled to a free drink at every game and the offer includes beer, lager, wine, soft drinks and hot drinks.
The club have been keen to reward season card holders for their continued support and hope fans feel the gesture goes some way to making them feel appreciated.
It might make them feel a little warm inside, but it probably won't be from a sense of feeling appreciated. They really should take this idea a step further, though. If Boro win, then season card holders should get the one free drink after the match. If they lose, they should get seven.
College basketball video from Yahoo! Sports:
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The Existential Dread of the Final
I’m fearing the worst today. This is probably not the proper reaction to have to the UEFA Champions League Final.�It’s the big day!�It’s�Europe’s answer to Super Bowl Sunday, and more people are watching this! Two massive clubs, both domestic champions, battle it out to be champions of the continent! What more could you want? An [...]
Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/05/28/the-existential-dread-of-the-final/
Part 2: Our Top Scorers ? A Comparison
This article continues from the previous post in which I shared some comparative scoring analysis between the Top 2 teams from each of Spain’s La Liga, England’s EPL, Germany’s Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A. When I shared this info with the BFB mods, Euler had some staggering numbers and information to share.� As Euler [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/32K1BCvegXo/
FIFA Ultimate Team Asia All-Stars Qualifiers Results
The guys over at GameSpot AU have recently held the qualifiers for the FIFA Ultimate Team Asia All-Stars over in Melbourne and Sydney. The Sydney qualifiers were first to take center stage on March 5th over at the GameSpot AU offices whilst the Melbourne qualifiers came next on March 7th at the Mana Bar. These [...]
The post FIFA Ultimate Team Asia All-Stars Qualifiers Results appeared first on FIFA Soccer Blog.
Source: http://fifasoccerblog.com/blog/fifa-ultimate-team-asia-all-stars-qualifiers-results/
Jose Mourinho claims conspiracy against him in FIFA Coach of the Year vote
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was�noticeably�absent from the Ballon d'Or gala in January. Nominated for the World Coach of the Year award along with former Barca manager Pep Guardiola and Spain's Vicente Del Bosque (who ended up winning it), Mourinho now claims that he didn't attend the ceremony because he was informed of a sinister conspiracy against him.
From Reuters:
"Am I sorry for not having gone to the gala? No. It was the right decision," Mourinho told RTP television on Tuesday in excerpts from an interview.
"One, two or three people called me saying they had voted for me but the vote showed up as cast for somebody else. So, I decided not to go," he said.
The Portuguese coach and former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola lost the 2012 FIFA coach award to Spain's Vicente del Bosque at January's gala.
FIFA said in a statement: "FIFA confirms that the list of votes published on FIFA.com is accurate."
Of course, Mourinho, who previously won the award in 2010, is no stranger to conspiracy theories. If anything, it sounds like one, two or three people were playing a prank on him/making excuses for why they didn't vote for him and he bought in because how else could a man with a picture of himself behind his desk ever lose anything?
You would also think that FIFA would be better at rigging votes on the sly. Then again, anytime Sepp Blatter brings Gerard Depardieu to an event as his date, there is surely some kind of treachery afoot...
U.S. aims to close gap on Mexico, the world
MEXICO CITY -- The United States hopes its historic victory at Estadio Azteca is a precursor of sorts, but nobody is mistaking it as a shift in the balance within the region's primary rivalry. The gap separating the Americans from Mexico remains intact, and the only questions concern how great is the chasm and what must be done to bridge it.
Mexico's focus on youth development has created a golden generation of players and could signal El Tri's arrival among the truly elite in international soccer.Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/17738/u-s-aims-to-close-gap-on-mexico-the-world
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Mario Balotelli?s beautiful equalizer against Brazil
You might not expect much from a friendly the day before a full slate of World Cup qualifiers, but the two countries with the most World Cup wins are giving the competitive matches a lot to live up to.
Playing in Geneva, Switzerland as part of Brazil's "We're Hosting The World Cup And Exempt From Qualifying" world tour, the South Americans opened up a 2-0 lead in the first half. Italy provided an impressive fight back early in the second half though, scoring twice in two minutes with Mario Balotelli providing a lovely equalizer from distance before the hour mark. He then celebrated in his usual low-key way to perfectly cap off the goal.
If you weren't looking forward to this summer's Confederations Cup before, you should now.
Join the Dave?s Football Blog Fantasy Champions League, Sponsored by SoccerPro.com
Right. I promised you a Fantasy Champions League competition this year, and that’s exactly what I’m going to give you. Dave?s Football Blog is officially opening its 2011-12 Fantasy Champions League Contest today. The winner of this contest will receive a $100 gift certificate from the good folks at SoccerPro.com. Last year, I was the [...]
U.S. will feature players with Mexican experience
MEXICO CITY -- The United States will face a crowd expected to approach 110,000, perhaps more, when it takes on Mexico in Wednesday night's friendly at iconic Estadio Azteca, as daunting a task as exists in international soccer.
It's a huge showdown for the Americans, as is every game against their archrival, and they've brought in six players with advanced knowledge of the Mexican game and the men who will suit up for El Tri.
That could be advantageous, but head coach Jurgen Klinsmann says the call-ups of the half-dozen from Liga MX -- Santos Laguna forward Herculez Gomez, Pachuca midfielder Jose Torres, Puebla winger DaMarcus Beasley, Club Tijuana midfielder Joe Corona and defender Edgar Castillo, and San Luis defender Michael Orozco Fiscal -- has less to do with where they play than with what they can provide for the U.
Raymond Domenech: All Alone With A Pen
The inevitable has happened: Raymond Domenech’s written a book. It’s called All Alone (Tout Seul) and it appears to have a heavy focus, if it’s not entirely centered upon, the French World Cup 2010 fiasco. And in typical Domenech fashion, it’s been done with drama, controversy and throwing absolutely everyone in the vicinity underneath the [...]
Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-football/raymond-domenech-all-alone-with-a-pen.html
Fernando Torres scores winner, gets kicked in the face, misses penalty, bleeds
Just as he did in the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League semifinal against Barcelona's last season, Fernando Torres came through with the final goal in his side's 3-2 aggregate win against Steaua Bucharest to advance to the Europa League quarterfinals. But since he is Fernando Torres and the universe simply refuses to let him be happy, there were other, less positive events that followed his 71st-minute winner (video above).
Here's a breakdown...
Shortly after scoring, the suddenly confident Torres was taken down in the box but wasn't awarded a penalty. As he laid face down in disbelief at the non-call, a Steaua player kicked him in the face for just as little reason as Rio Ferdinand assaulted him a few days earlier.
The kick required Torres to go off for treatment on a bloody nose and an unstained shirt, but he was still charged up from scoring and wasn't about to let a little blood hold him back.
In the 86th minute, Chelsea had another penalty shout and this time it was given. Though Eden Hazard was the one who earned the call and was probably the first-choice penalty taker on the pitch at the time, Torres needed a release for feelings of empowerment and positivity coursing through his body as the blood continued to dribble out. So, he volunteered to take it.
Breathing fast and deep as he stood over the ball, surely envisioning a world where no one could ever make fun of him again if he finished off the tie with an emphatic second goal, Torres prepared to blast the ball into the net like a ginger god of war. He ran up...took the shot...and the ball bounced up off the crossbar and into the cruel heavens that perversely mock him. A thin line of blood trickled from his nose.
But in the end, none of those indignities would matter. Chelsea came from behind to win and advanced thanks to the goal that Torres did score. Absolute redemption is something one saves for the later rounds anyway.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Tottenham doesn?t need more midfielders
Tottenham doesn’t need more midfielders - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Ever since Christian Eriksen turned down the offer to renew his contract at Ajax, Liverpool and Tottenham have been linked to the Dutchman.
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From Soccerlens.com - Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/CSNSN1j-Qgo/
Spanish Primera Division ? Match Predictions ? March 2-3, 2013
It’s a full slate of matches this weekend in the Spanish Primera Division including the El Clasico with Real Madrid hosting their rivals FC Barcelona. Saturday, March 2, 2013 Real Madrid v FC Barcelona, 10:00 AM EST (Al Jazeera Sport, beIN Sport) Prediction – Real Madrid wins 3-2 Deportivo La Coruna v Rayo Vallecano, 12:00 [...]
Galaxy fall to Earthquakes in first leg
CARSON, Calif. -- Josh Saunders punted the ball away as soon as he got two hands firmly on it, but it was too late.
The Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper let a controversial free kick slip from his hands and into his net in stoppage time, giving the San Jose Earthquakes a 1-0 advantage just 90 seconds before the final whistle of the first leg of the teams' Western Conference semifinal series. To advance and defend their 2011 MLS Cup title, the Galaxy will have to beat San Jose by two goals in the return leg in the Bay Area on Wednesday (8 p.Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/17747/galaxy-fall-to-earthquakes-in-first-leg
2013 MLS Season, Week 4: What To Watch For
Posted in MLS
So yes, Week 4 in Major League Soccer falls on a FIFA date. Three clubs are off but several clubs are hit hard with call-ups. But this is to be expected for now with the way the calendar works for MLS. I won’t beat the dead horse that is why MLS doesn’t/should/can’t/etc during FIFA dates [...]
The post 2013 MLS Season, Week 4: What To Watch For appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/YQZxMKEsXrA/
Donovan, Galaxy win second straight MLS Cup
CARSON, Calif. -- //player/19107/landon-donovan.html">Landon Donovan likes to talk about what he calls "being present" -- living in the moment and forgetting the past.
He found himself doing the exact opposite for a half-hour on Saturday afternoon. Donovan couldn't stop thinking about his 13th-minute empty-net whiff in the MLS Cup title game until halftime, when he finally collected himself and re-focused.
Twenty minutes later, his "present-ness" was tested.
Champions League Quarterfinal Draw: Galatasaray play rematch of their last QF as PSG face Barca
Champions League Quarterfinal Draw: Galatasaray play rematch of their last QF as PSG face Barca - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
The draw for the quarterfinal of the Champions League was announced today, on 15th March, 2013. Here is the quarterfinal draw and the complete match schedule for the Champions League
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From Soccerlens.com - Football News
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/PubLUta1ZNs/
Cristiano Ronaldo given a Ballon d?Or cake so he can eat his disappointment
For the fourth straight year, Cristiano Ronaldo watched Lionel Messi collect the Ballon d'Or in January. So to remind him of this fact, a group of women from a bakery in Lisbon presented him with a Ballon d'Or made of cake at Portugal's training facility in Obidos.
They held up signs and wore special shirts that read "we make your dreams come cake." Which sounds vaguely dirty. Still, it was a lovely gesture to show Cristiano how much he is appreciated in his homeland. And sure, even with the addition of the cake to the real Ballon d'Or Ronaldo won in 2008, Messi still has twice as many. But are any of Messi's edible? No. So when there's an international food shortage we'll see whose collection is more impressive.
Friday, March 22, 2013
German Bundesliga ? Match Predictions ? March 2-3, 2013
It’s a full slate of matches this weekend in the German Bundesliga including Bayern Munich traveling to Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund hosting Hannover. Saturday, March 2, 2013 Borussia Dortmund v Hannover 96, 9:30 AM EST Prediction – Borussia Dortmund wins 3-2 Hamburg v Greuther Furth, 9:30 AM EST Prediction – Hamburg wins 2-0 Nuremberg v [...]
Source: http://www.the90thminute.com/soccer/2013/03/german-bundesliga-match-predictions-march-2-3-2013/
2013 MLS Season, Week 4: TV Schedule
Posted in MLS
Your weekend viewing guide is out. Here is where you can find the eight MLS games on TV (or online) this weekend. Saturday, March 23 Match Time National TV Local TV Online D.C. United vs. Columbus 3:30 pm ET NBC SPORTS None MLS LIVE BO: USA New England vs. Kansas City 4 pm ET Direct [...]
The post 2013 MLS Season, Week 4: TV Schedule appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/735yMe-uEnI/
adidas Real Madrid Anthem Jacket Review
Adidas have just released more apparel for all your Galalcticos fans out there and we’ve been lucky enough to get first hand look at one piece of it, the Real Madrid Anthem jacket. Now this jacket is inspired by the colors and designs that are important to the club and its history, namely, white and…
The post adidas Real Madrid Anthem Jacket Review appeared first on SoccerProse.com.
Source: http://soccerprose.com/soccer-fans/adidas-real-madrid-anthem-jacket-review/
Selecting A Name For World Cup 2014?s Official Armadillo
The potential names for the Official Armadillo of World Cup 2014 have been announced. Unless you speak Portuguese, you’ll be voting on which one is the most fun to say – clearly it’s Amujibi. And so it shall be. Though Brazilians seem rather unhappy with their pu pu platter of potential monikers.
FIFA says the three [...]
FIFA says the three [...]
Mick McCarthy Is? The Continental
Hello, ladies. (Courtesy of XmasApe and Unsilent.)
Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/07/02/mick-mccarthy-is-the-continental/
MLS Expansion: Add St. Louis Back To The Mix?
Posted in MLSMLS Expansion
In a perfect MLS world, there would be a club in St. Louis. Maybe that day will come soon enough. While MLS is focused on adding their 20th club in New York City, one group in the midwest is hoping to buy up some land in downtown St. Louis to build a new soccer stadium. [...]
The post MLS Expansion: Add St. Louis Back To The Mix? appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/6e5xKyzyVdc/
What?s Andrei Arshavin doing this season? DT investigates
In the 2010-11 season, Andrei Arshavin made 52 appearances for Arsenal. So far this season, he's made a total of 11 and hasn't started a single Premier League match. For a couple of years he conducted the greatest Q&A of all time with readers of his official website, but even that hasn't been updated since a birthday message for his son in December. So in the absence of playing and answering questions with emoticons, what has the Russian captain been up to all season? DT investigates.
March 12 -- Andrei laughs at a butterfly during training.
January 29 -- Andrei tells his teammates that he's carrying all of the trophies they've won since he arrived at Arsenal.
December 28 -- Andrei points at a ghost.
November 20 -- Andrei laughs at the fact that everyone is ignoring him.
November 6 -- Andrei responds to Andre Santos' question of "do you think I'll play here for a long time?"
October 26 -- Andrei declares himself the champion of wearing pants.
October 24 -- Andrei keeps farting and his teammates don't know it's him.
October 24 -- Andrei makes you promise not to tell anyone.
October 20 -- Andrei pretends he's a cosmonaut about to lift off.
October 19 -- Andrei goes the wrong way.
September 26 -- Andrei scores his only goal of the season (against Coventry in the League Cup).
September 21 -- Andrei...uh...
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