bobblyp3535: July 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

MLS All-Stars produce their answer to the Super Bowl Shuffle

The 18th edition of the MLS All-Star game takes place on Wednesday evening, with the USA's finest facing Roma at Sporting Park in Kansas.

In order to intimidate their Italian opponents, some members of the All-Stars hit the studio this week to produce a modern rap classic, giving a knowing nod to the '85 Bears Super Bowl Shuffle.

Much like the phrase "giving 110%," the title 'We're Better Than The Best' makes absolutely no sense, but who needs sense when Omar Gonzalez is delivering rhymes like "Omar is my nombre, will you be my hombre?" Kyle Beckerman is subtly referencing smoking and Chris Wondolowski is playing fast and loose with the concepts of rhythm and timing?

It would have been nice to see Landon Donovan blasting a saxophone and Thierry Henry nonchalantly thwacking a triangle in the background, but it's an excellent addition to the canon of football raps for which Liverpool set a high benchmark.

For those too young to know what Thundercats or dial-up internet is, here's the Super Bowl Shuffle...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/mls-stars-produce-answer-super-bowl-shuffle-145248029.html

Luca Toni Alex Hernán Crespo

Here?s the Hong Kong mud pit Man City and Sunderland played on

A combination of too many matches and never ending torrential rain turned the pitch at the site of the Barclays Asia Trophy ? Hong Kong Stadium ? into a treacherous mud pit that claimed two victims. First, Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen sprained ankle ligaments during Wednesay's semifinal against Sunderland. Then, during the final between the Mackems and Man City, Matija Nastasic had to be stretchered off with an ankle injury of his own.

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio described it as a "killer pitch," but in speaking about Nastasic's injury, Manuel Pellegrini tried to be diplomatic. From the Telegraph:

?I can?t tell you now the full extent of the injury,? Pellegrini said. ?He [Nastasic] has to see the doctor when we arrive back in Manchester on Sunday and we will know then.

"The best option is to wait. It was his ankle, a kick rather than the way he landed on the pitch, and I think the injury was part of the game, rather than the pitch. Playing on this pitch was not easy, but we always tried to play, not with high balls, but passing the ball.?

City eventually took the first trophy of the Pellegrini era by winning the final 1-0 thanks to an Edin Dzeko goal, but the whereabout of Samir Nasri remain unknown.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/hong-kong-mud-pit-man-city-sunderland-played-173045094.html

Gabriel Milito Gary Neville Juninho Pernambucano

FIFA 14 Germany Cover Stars Revealed

EA Sports have revealed the cover stars for the German version of FIFA 14. Taking to the cover this year are Bayern Munich players�David Alba�and�Xherdan Shaqiri�who will of course take to the cover with Argentina and Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi. With more details on both current and next-generation versions of FIFA 14 expected at Gamescom, [...]

The post FIFA 14 Germany Cover Stars Revealed appeared first on FIFA Soccer Blog.

Source: http://fifasoccerblog.com/blog/fifa-14-germany-cover-stars-revealed/

Xavi Juan Román Riquelme Iker Casillas

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/

Ricardo Quaresma Carlos Puyol Nemanja Vidic

100% Euro Soccer Bonus

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/04/100-euro-soccer-bonus.html

Clarence Seedorf Florent Malouda Carlos Tévez

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/

Zé Roberto Frank Ribéry Andriy Shevchenko

Farewell, Thiago, we hardly knew ye, and the scent of something rotten in Denmark

So. The Thiago Alcantara saga has ended, with the player going to Bayern Munich for a total fee of 25m+ a friendly. Part of the fee came from the player doing a salary giveback, a la Cesc Fabregas, which is particularly interesting. The roots of the transfer are well-known, and now we have the reality. [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/TlTkkphr-xg/

Clarence Seedorf Florent Malouda Carlos Tévez

Dutch touchline reporter undaunted by sprinkler shower, Rangers scared by lightning

Dutch reporter Pascal Kamperman is a seasoned professional. So when a sprinkler behind him started dousing him just as he was about to interview a guest, Kamperman carried on with his report even though his guest quickly ran for dryer territory. The combination of the sprinkler and the wind ensured that he was showered right up until he finished his report, but finish he did. And without missing a beat.

The same could not be said for Rangers' players and staff when a wicked bolt of lightning struck close to their training ground, though...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/dutch-touchline-reporter-undaunted-sprinkler-shower-224410324.html

Robin Van Persie Samir Nasri Ricardo Quaresma

Random thoughts on random things

Everyone, calm down. Here’s some stuff to think about: – The bias of the Bar�a-centric media is well documented. MD even has a story that suggests Thiago’s limited playing time was part of a nefarious plot to activate his buyout clause and send him to Bayern. The demonization process has begun in full force, and [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/miO7v5J6aPU/

Xavi Juan Román Riquelme Iker Casillas

RETRO DIARY: May 20, 1992, as Bar�a were crowned Kings of Europe

Back when the Champion’s League was still called the European Cup, a thirteen-old boy sits in front of the tv to watch the final between Barcelona and Sampdoria. No, he did not yet own a Bar�a jersey at that time – having travelled to Indonesia the previous summer, a trip on which his mother had [...]

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

Ronaldo David Silva Andrés Iniesta

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Clint Dempsey gives back to his Nacogdoches roots

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/clint-dempsey-gives-back-to-his.html

Lucio David Suazo Dimitar Berbatov

US starting lineup for Barbados World Cup Qualifier leg 2

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/us-starting-lineup-for-barbados-world.html

Andrés Iniesta Dejan Stankovic Clarence Seedorf

Drew Brees Still Has Two Milestones To Eclipse

Last night, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke Dan Marino’s single-season NFL passing record in a blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons. Marino set the old record of 5,084 yards with the Miami Dolphins in 1984. Brees now sits at 5,087 yards. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that he broke this record in [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/12/27/drew-brees-still-has-two-milestones-to-eclipse/

David Silva Andrés Iniesta Dejan Stankovic

Napoli launch camouflage away kit for 2013/14 season

Perhaps inspired by Mario Balotelli's camouflage car (and boots), Napoli have unveiled their three new kits for the coming season and one features a design dubbed "Camo Fight." The camoflage shirt is paired with green shorts and socks framed by light blue trim that will help Rafa Benitez's side blend into their surroundings when they're away from the home confines of the San Paolo. The Everton goalkeeper's kit had a very similar design for the 2011/12 season.

See if you can spot midfielder Marek Hamsik wearing the Camo Fight kit in the picture below...

In related news, Balotelli just requested a transfer to Napoli.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/napoli-launch-camouflage-away-kit-2013-14-season-201439000.html

Andrés Iniesta Dejan Stankovic Clarence Seedorf

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/

David Villa Francesco Totti Paul Scholes

George's Premiership Predictions April 20 2013

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/04/georges-premiership-predictions-april.html

Adrian Mutu Kim Kallström Filippo Inzaghi

RETRO DIARY: May 20, 1992, as Bar�a were crowned Kings of Europe

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

Frank Lampard Rio Ferdinand Deco

English Premier League ? Match Predictions ? March 2-3, 2013

It’s a full slate of matches this weekend in the English Premier League including a London derby with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Arsenal. Saturday, March 2, 2013 Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion, 10:00 AM EST (Abu Dhabi Sports, Fox Soccer) Prediction – Chelsea wins 2-0 Everton v Reading, 10:00 AM EST�(Abu Dhabi Sports, Fox Soccer Plus) [...]

Source: http://www.the90thminute.com/soccer/2013/03/english-premier-league-match-predictions-march-2-3-2013/

Fabio Cannavaro Gianluigi Buffon Wayne Rooney

George's Premiership Predictions April 13 2013

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/04/george-had-week-to-forget-last-week-on.html

Zlatan Ibrahimović Michael Essien David Villa

DC United, Local Government Reaching Stadium Deal

Posted in DC United MLS

It sure has been a long time coming. According to multiple reports out of the nation’s capital that broke on Wednesday evening, D.C. United and the office of the mayor of Washington are set to announce a stadium deal on Thursday morning.�The Washington Post�says�a tentative agreement has been reached to build a 20,000-seat stadium for [...]

The post DC United, Local Government Reaching Stadium Deal appeared first on WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WVHooligan/~3/ccP1mejViMY/

Frédéric Kanouté Kolo Touré Vicente

Monday, July 29, 2013

Luis Suarez stars in Uruguayan ad that shows why you wouldn?t want to work in an office with him

Luis Suarez's unsavory behavior on the pitch is often defended with praise for his fierce competitive spirit and in a new ad for Uruguayan company Abitab, we get to see how that would translate to working in an office.

Suarez torments his new coworkers throughout the ad ? kicking copiers and diving to the ground when touched. He also blows out a young coworker's birthday candles. The ad, however, does not show any racial abuse or repeated biting of other human beings. Perhaps they're saving that for the director's cut.

As enjoyable as it is, getting paid to make fun of his lesser offenses doesn't make up for the things his critics take issue with, of course. But it is a reminder that, like most people, Suarez actually exists somewhere between the popular yet simplistic views of him as being an angelic martyr and the embodiment of pure evil.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/luis-suarez-stars-uruguayan-ad-shows-why-wouldn-171318783.html

Deco John Terry Zlatan Ibrahimović

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/

Maicon Jamie Carragher Sergio Agüero

Brazilian defender lays down behind wall to attempt to block low free kick

Figueirense hosted Palmeiras in the Brazilian Campeonato S�rie B on Saturday, with the home side continuing their quest to gain promotion back into the top flight after dropping last season.

In order to improve the defence that earned relegation in 2012, Figueirense coach Ad�lson Batista seems to be thinking outside of the box ? quite literally.

When Palmeiras' Chilean free kick specialist Jorge Vald�via attempted to put away a set piece, Figueirense put six defenders in the wall, including one who laid down to prevent a low-flying shot from getting through. Although the horizontal defender proved utterly unnecessary, the wall successfully dealt with the dead ball situation. Sadly, the Figueirense defence wasn't quite as effective during the rest of the game, as they lost 3-2, with a winner from coming from Vald�via.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/brazilian-defender-lays-down-behind-wall-attempt-block-033016225.html

Didier Drogba Daniel Alves Petr Cech

Former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger had his name tattooed on his face

Troubled former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger, who you might remember from as the guy who spelled out his name in �20 notes in January, has decided that it was about time he got his surname tattooed on his face. And so, at the age of 22, he's finally done it.

Ranger�showed off his new ink on his Instagram account along with the caption: "My name RINGS BELLS #POWERFUL #RANGER #INKKING"

Since leaving Newcastle by mutual consent in March, Ranger's off the pitch problems have kept any other clubs from getting too close. He was�charged with rape earlier this month.�Clearly he is in need of some guidance.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/former-newcastle-striker-nile-ranger-had-name-tattooed-171522854.html

Philipp Lahm Gianluca Zambrotta Torsten Frings

Farewell, Thiago, we hardly knew ye, and the scent of something rotten in Denmark

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/TlTkkphr-xg/

Patrick Vieira Diego Simão Sabrosa

NFL Owners? Con Game Hits a Snag

You’ve probably heard by now about Judge David Doty’s ruling that the NFL negotiated its TV contracts in bad faith, in violation of the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association. The ruling basically takes away all the leverage the owners had in locking out players and canceling the 2011 NFL season. For [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/03/02/nfl-owners-con-game-hits-a-snag/

Michael Essien David Villa Francesco Totti

MLS history: Seattle Sounders eliminate Tigres from CCL, 3-1 (agg 3-2)

Source: http://www.soccerblog.com/2013/03/mls-history-seattle-sounders-e.htm

Dejan Stankovic Clarence Seedorf Florent Malouda

CLASICO: Joseph changes the landscape

CARSON -- The Galaxy and Chivas USA face off in one of the most meaningful of SuperClasico showdowns, surely the biggest since the 2009 playoffs, and a rivalry first-timer will be playing the wild-card role. The measure of Shalrie Joseph's impact in his Chivas debut Sunday night (ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, 8 p.m.) could determine the final regular-season meeting this season, one which could send the Galaxy streaking toward a top-three spot in Major League Soccer's Western Conference or leave the Goats within striking distance -- with games in hand -- in the battle for the West's final postseason berth.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/17702/clasico-joseph-changes-the-landscape

Alessandro Nesta Ricardo Carvalho Fernando Torres

Sunday, July 28, 2013

USA Eagles Earn First Rugby World Cup Win Since 2003

While most of you were paying more attention to the Philadelphia Eagles, a completely different team of Eagles beat the Russians 13-6 in New Zealand. That win was the USA Eagles’ first Rugby World Cup win since a 2003 victory over Japan. The USA is 1-1 at the Rugby World Cup thus far, after losing [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/09/15/usa-eagles-earn-first-rugby-world-cup-win-since-2003/

Adrian Mutu Kim Kallström Filippo Inzaghi

Will Edin Dzeko have a part to play for Man City next season?

Will Edin Dzeko have a part to play for Man City next season? - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has recently revealed disillusioned striker Edin Dzeko will have a part to play for the club as they mount a title challenge next season. ?I have a lot of trust in him. I always trusted …

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/4UtptVzA2-g/

Patrick Vieira Diego Simão Sabrosa

Should the NCAA Tournament Be More Like the UEFA Champions League?

It’s NCAA Tournament week here in America, and as the college basketball-loving masses fill out their brackets in the vain hope of actually winning a few bucks, the press turns to head coaches from schools that just missed out on invitations to the Big Dance(tm). Angry coaches whose jobs hinge on these invitations often have [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/03/16/should-the-ncaa-tournament-be-more-like-the-uefa-champions-league/

Shunsuke Nakamura Alexandre Pato Maicon

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

Gianluca Zambrotta Torsten Frings Pavel Nedved

Requiem for an American Soccer Club

The uncertainty is always there. In the divisions of American soccer below MLS — and occasionally, as a few Florida residents might tell you, in MLS itself — there’s always a chance that the club you support won’t be around for very long. Club owners arrive with big talk of making soccer work in this [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/01/28/requiem-for-an-american-soccer-club/

Florent Malouda Carlos Tévez David Beckham

Welcome to Our National Holiday

So, are you ready for one last NFL game before 2012? I know, I know, it’s not the day to think about such things. It is indeed America’s sporting national holiday, Super Bowl Sunday, and as you might expect, I have�absolutely no hope of being objective today. My team gets to play in the big [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/02/06/welcome-to-our-national-holiday/

Torsten Frings Pavel Nedved Frédéric Kanouté

German Bundesliga ? Match Predictions ? March 2-3, 2013

Source: http://www.the90thminute.com/soccer/2013/03/german-bundesliga-match-predictions-march-2-3-2013/

Ricardo Quaresma Carlos Puyol Nemanja Vidic

Keane, Galaxy top Seattle 3-0

CARSON, Calif. -- Robbie Keane couldn't help himself. Christian Wilhelmsson's 67th-minute rebound touch off a Landon Donovan shot appeared to be headed -- a bit slowly, albeit -- for the back of the net in Sunday's Western Conference Finals leadoff leg between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders. But Keane, the productive Irish striker, just had to jump in and slam the ball behind Seattle keeper Michael Gspurning for the Galaxy's third and final goal in their 3-0 win.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/17751/keane-galaxy-top-seattle-3-0

Deco John Terry Zlatan Ibrahimović

Yeovil Town parody royal golden easel birth announcement for new signing

Following the birth of the Prince of Cambridge on Monday, the official written notice of a tiny human emerging from the body of a larger human was framed and placed on a golden easel outside Buckingham Palace. Because people who are interested in that type of thing just eat that stuff up. And because doing it on Twitter would've been far too classless.

Anyway, this gave newly promoted Championship side Yeovil Town an idea. So to announce the loan signing of Swansea defender Alan Tate, they photoshopped a golden easel announcement of their own. It read: "Yeovil Town Football Club was safely delivered of a loan defender at 1pm today. Alan Tate from Swansea City has signed until 2 January 2014."

If anyone is deserving of the golden easel treatment, it's definitely Swansea defender Alan Tate.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/yeovil-town-parody-royal-golden-easel-birth-announcement-140120018.html

Fabio Cannavaro Gianluigi Buffon Wayne Rooney

Nike Release the FC247 Collection, Update Nike5 Elastico, Bomba, and Lunar Gato

Nike have just released the first update to their Nike5 line combining births colors and new technology to create some the sharpest and most advanced soccer shoes on the market today. The first one of the sick new pairs of boot worth a look is the new Nike5 Elastico. At the highest level, the Nike…

The post Nike Release the FC247 Collection, Update Nike5 Elastico, Bomba, and Lunar Gato appeared first on SoccerProse.com.

Source: http://soccerprose.com/product-reviews/nike-release-the-fc247-collection-update-nike5-elastico-bomba-and-lunar-gato/

Dimitar Berbatov David Albelda Alessandro Nesta

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Atalanta signing investigated for riding in tank that crushed two cars at fan festival

Newly signed Atalanta midfielder Giulio Migliaccio is already in trouble with the Italian football federation after riding in a tank (yes, a tank) that was driven over cars decorated to represent rival clubs Roma and Brescia at a supporters festival. The incident is shown in the video above.

From the AP:

Migliaccio signed from Palermo last week. He says: ''I only realized when the tank was going over them, and since I could not see because I was high up and at the back, I did not know that they had the symbols of two football clubs on them.''

He says ''even as an unaware protagonist, I'm very sorry for the incident.''

In Migliaccio's defense, if the supporters of your new club say, "We have a tank and we want you to get in it," you're probably going to get in to avoid a fate similar to those cars. I mean...these people had a tank. A tank!

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/atalanta-signing-investigated-part-tank-crushing-two-cars-171519569.html

Nery Castillo Javier Mascherano Adrian Mutu

FIFA - Even though Qatar cheated, they still get to advance

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/fifa-even-though-qatar-cheated-they.html

Owen Hargreaves Wesley Sneijder Ronaldo

Champions League 16, 2nd leg: Arsenal fail to progress despite win over Bayern, 2-0 (agg 3-3)

Source: http://www.soccerblog.com/2013/03/champions-league-16-2nd-leg-ar.htm

Thierry Henry Ronaldinho Cristiano Ronaldo

These five MLS goal of the week nominees are all worth your time

As the sweaty tedium of summer drags on and transfer rumors dominate the headlines, it's important to be sure you get your regular dose of actual competitive matches to serve as the�nourishment�necessary to get through this difficult period. Like a meal of cake and pizza with vitamins hidden inside, this batch of MLS goal of the week nominees is especially wonderful.

The first goal featured is New York Red Bulls' Eric Alexander slipping between Montreal defenders to score. Next is Houston Dynamo's train-hopping hobo impersonator Adam Moffat with a rocket of a volley from distance that put New England's goalkeeper on his back. Then comes Kansas City with series of one-touch passes that would make Xavi weep tears of joy to set up an easy goal on an empty net. Adding a bit of humor to the mix is Real Salt Lake's Javier Morales, who nutmegged a Dallas defender with his well-placed shot before celebrating with a troll-faced smile. And finally, Vancouver's Camilo Sanvezzo proves absolutely befuddling to Chicago's defenders.

It really is a delightful variety of goals. Watch it.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/five-mls-goal-week-nominees-worth-time-184707945.html

Cristiano Ronaldo Kaká Shunsuke Nakamura

English Premier League ? Match Predictions ? March 2-3, 2013

Source: http://www.the90thminute.com/soccer/2013/03/english-premier-league-match-predictions-march-2-3-2013/

Adrian Mutu Kim Kallström Filippo Inzaghi

Sweden 2, England 3: England Surprise in Comeback Win

Sweden Johnson (og) 49′, Mellberg 59′
England Carroll 23′, Walcott 64′, Welbeck 78′

England fight back to get the win in Kiev over Sweden, scoring two goals in the second half after throwing away yet another 1-0 lead. There was little predicting it after the Swedes took the lead, but Roy Hodgson’s squad somehow managed a [...]

Source: http://liverpool.theoffside.com/team-news/sweden-2-england-3-england-surprise-in-comeback-win.html

Javier Mascherano Adrian Mutu Kim Kallström

Friday, July 26, 2013

David Villa mobbed by pitch invaders at his Atletico Madrid unveiling

Overwhelmed by the arrival of David Villa from Barcelona for the relatively tiny fee of ?2-5 million, Atletico Madrid fans could not be held by the stands at the Vicente Calderon during the striker's unveiling ceremony. Security tried to hold back the swarming fans as they led Villa off the pitch, but like a horde of zombies going after the last living human, the crowd's desire to love on him was too powerful.

And yet, when Villa spoke to the press as he received the No. 9 shirt vacated by Falcao, he said his first choice was actually a move to the Premier League. From Sky Sports:

He told reporters: "We had a move to the Premier in mind but then Atleti appeared and within three days all my personal terms had been agreed.

"From a career point of view, they weren't lacking anything. They finished third and will play in the Champions League. They beat Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey.

"Starting from today, the best club in the world for me is Atletico Madrid."

And the feeling seems to be mutual.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/large-pitch-invasion-david-villa-atletico-madrid-unveiling-220846940.html

Shunsuke Nakamura Alexandre Pato Maicon

German Bundesliga ? Match Predictions ? March 2-3, 2013

Source: http://www.the90thminute.com/soccer/2013/03/german-bundesliga-match-predictions-march-2-3-2013/

Shunsuke Nakamura Alexandre Pato Maicon

Hernandez out for a fortnight

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has been ruled out for a fortnight after suffering a mild concussion in training ahead of the Red Devils match with the MLS All-Stars. Hernandez was forced to visit hospital following the incident and was confined to his New Jersey hotel room all Wednesday. Those following the sports betting will [...]

Source: http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk/premiership/hernandez-out-for-a-fortnight/

Vicente Diego Forlán Michael Owen

Versatility the key to unlocking Phil Jones? first team doors at Manchester United

Versatility the key to unlocking Phil Jones’ first team doors at Manchester United - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

This season will prove to be a pivotal season in the career of Phil Jones for multiple reasons. The Manchester United defender?s career at Old Trafford hasn?t exactly been off to a flyer, despite him possessing great potential and flashes …

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/Gi3BwSA5MIA/

Andrea Pirlo Didier Drogba Daniel Alves

International Rules Football Is A Dog?s Game

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/10/27/international-rules-football-is-a-dogs-game/

Cesc Fàbregas Xavi Juan Román Riquelme

Former FIFA president says World Cups were fixed

Source: http://mysoccerblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/former-fifa-president-says-world-cups.html

Daniele De Rossi Michael Ballack Lucio

100% Euro Soccer Bonus

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/04/100-euro-soccer-bonus.html

Michael Owen William Gallas Zé Roberto

Olivier Giroud Knows Drama

The biggest game of the evening, arguably the biggest of all European World Cup qualifying, was Spain versus France. The European World Champions of the Milky Way, Spain, were hosting, thus a victory seemed a solid bet. At 1-0 in the 88th, Karim Benzema came off for Olivier Giroud. And with mere seconds on the [...]

Source: http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-football/olivier-giroud-knows-drama.html

Florent Malouda Carlos Tévez David Beckham

England?s Toni Duggan spots ice cream shop robbery after scoring vital Euro 2013 goal

After coming off the bench to score a 93rd-minute equalizer in England's second Euro 2013 group-stage match against Russia, 21-year-old striker Toni Duggan returned to the team's Swedish hotel and witnessed an ice cream shop robbery. And you thought you had an interesting day.

From the Guardian:

Duggan said: "I couldn't sleep because of the game and then I heard someone breaking into the ice-cream shop outside the hotel. We've got to know the owner very well, we've given him a ticket to the game and a few flags, so I phoned reception and they got the police. Crazy. The police were talking to us up at our windows and were there all night with their dogs. Hopefully they caught whoever did it."

Duggan's first goal of the tournament and what we can only imagine is her first time witnessing an ice cream shop robbery were not the only firsts of the tournament for her family, though. From the BBC:

"My mum has never flown before, and she came out here to watch me with my little cousin Layla and my auntie, so when I scored I blew a kiss to them," she explained.

"I didn't know what I had to do to get her on the plane, but hopefully that goal has made up for it now."

England's final group-stage match against first-place France will be a difficult one for the struggling side. But maybe Duggan will score a hat trick and bust an international drug ring.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/england-toni-duggan-spots-ice-cream-shop-robbery-082301455.html

Roberto Ayala Ruud van Nistelrooy Andrea Pirlo

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Madrid v Dortmund Free Bet Offer

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/04/madrid-v-dortmund-free-bet-offer.html

Maicon Jamie Carragher Sergio Agüero

A slow Loris tangles with a fleetfooted Marten

Source: http://www.soccerblog.com/2013/03/a-slow-loris-tangles-with-a-fl.htm

David Albelda Alessandro Nesta Ricardo Carvalho

George's Premiership Predictions April 13 2013

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/04/george-had-week-to-forget-last-week-on.html

Diego Milito Gabriel Milito Gary Neville

Juan Sebastian Veron comes out of retirement, donates salary to club?s youth academy

Juan Sebastian Veron ended his decorated 18-year playing career in 2012 with Estudiantes ? the club that started his career. He went on to serve as Estudiantes' director of sport last season, but continued playing by joining amateur side Brandsen. Winning La Plata amateur league apparently reinvigorated the 38-year-old because he's decided to play one more season for Estudiantes.

From Reuters:

Veron, who is the club's technical secretary and was sporting director last season, signed a new player's contract until next June on Thursday and will play for them in the 2013-14 Argentine first division league season.

"I don't think I'm in the form of that time (in 2009) when we won the Libertadores Cup, but I'm just as motivated because I love playing football," the 38-year-old playmaker told Radio Del Plataearlier this week.

Perhaps taking an idea from David Beckham, Veron will donate all of his wages to the Estudiantes youth academy that he first joined 20 years ago. It's a lovely gesture, but if he really wants to pay one of his clubs back, he should probably give it to Chelsea.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/juan-sebastian-veron-comes-retirement-donates-salary-club-050545717.html

David Suazo Dimitar Berbatov David Albelda

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

Ryan Giggs Paolo Maldini Ashley Cole

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/

Vicente Diego Forlán Michael Owen

Ashley Cole wishes to extend his stay at Chelsea

Ashley Cole wishes to extend his stay at Chelsea - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole insists that he is looking to prolong his career at Stamford Bridge and wants to win more silverware in his career. Cole had a hugely successful career during his time at Arsenal, having won two Premier …

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/pO63ZI1zbyY/

Ricardo Quaresma Carlos Puyol Nemanja Vidic

Wednesday, July 24, 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/

Lucio David Suazo Dimitar Berbatov

Tottenham Hotspur 2 v Arsenal 1

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/03/tottenham-hotspur-2-v-arsenal-1.html

Ricardo Carvalho Fernando Torres Cesc Fàbregas

Confederations Cup 2013 - 15th-30th June

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/06/confederations-cup-2013-15th-30th-june.html

Francesco Totti Paul Scholes Roberto Ayala

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/

Cristiano Ronaldo Kaká Shunsuke Nakamura

Chris Wondolowski keeps scoring with extra ?w? as the U.S. comes from behind to beat Cuba

Up until eight days ago, Chris Wondolowski, who matched the MLS record for most goals in a single season with 27 last year, had never scored for the U.S. national team. In his 10th international appearance over two years, he finally broke his duck during a friendly against Guatemala just before the start of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. And yet that still wasn't enough for the United States' kitman to spell his name correctly on the back of his shirt. So for the USA's first Gold Cup group-stage match against Belize, Wondolowski was "Wondowlowski" and he scored three more goals in the first half before changing into a spellchecked shirt at halftime.

The Price is Right host and Seattle Sounders co-owner Drew Carey donated a total of $5,000 to two charities of Wondolowski's choosing (the Nike N7 Fund and Street Soccer USA) for the misspelled shirt. But against Cuba just four days later, the superstitious Wondolowski had the extra "w" printed on the inside of his jersey to try and keep his goal streak going.

With the USA in cruise control at the start of the match, Cuba opened the scoring in the 36th minute to take a surprising lead. A Landon Donovan penalty made it 1-1 just before halftime and in the 57th minute, Joe Corona put the USA up 2-1. Then it was Wondo time. In the 66th minute, Wondolowski scored with a volley from close range off an excellent pass from Kyle Beckerman (video above) and then finished it off with another in the 85th minute. After no goals in his first nine international appearances, Wondolowski now has six in his last three matches over the last eight days.

Of course, this avalanche of goals has come against inferior competition and at 30 years old, Wondolowski isn't exactly the future of the team, but hey ? goals are goals and if he can help the team to their first Gold Cup title since 2007, it will be something to be proud of. Even if he did need an extra "w" to do it.

Here's Joe Corona scoring his first international goal at the senior level in style...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/chris-wondolowski-keeps-scoring-extra-w-u-comes-220443921.html

Carlos Tévez David Beckham Daniele De Rossi

USA Eagles Earn First Rugby World Cup Win Since 2003

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/09/15/usa-eagles-earn-first-rugby-world-cup-win-since-2003/

Filippo Inzaghi Javier Zanetti Eduardo Da Silva

Pitch invader kisses Brazil Confederations Cup star Fred?s feet, leaves peacefully

Usually when a fan invades the pitch during a match, they have no discernable reason for being there other than to waste everyone's time and it requires a spine-denting tackle from one or 12 members of stadium security to remove them so the game can continue. But during Botafogo's 1-0 win against Fluminense (in which Clarence Seedorf scored the winner in the 83rd minute), a Fluminense supporter invaded the pitch just to kiss Fred's feet. He then jogged off, giving the crowd two thumbs up as he made his way back to the stands.

At 29 years old, Fred is enjoying an increased level of international recognition after leading Brazil with five goals at the Confederations Cup, but being the recipient of mid-match feet kisses probably isn't entirely down to that. Even before his success with the national team, he getting kisses from beautiful women on�motorcycles�in the middle of the street.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/pitch-invader-kisses-brazil-confederations-cup-star-fred-182633691.html

Joe Cole Miroslav Klose Sergio Ramos

Lazio in bid for Liverpool?s Fabio Borini

Lazio in bid for Liverpool?s Fabio Borini - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Serie A side Lazio are reportedly interested in Liverpool forward Fabio Borini. The 22-year old joined the Merseyside outfit from Roma last summer, but has since failed to impress. Borini made 13 Premier League appearances in his debut season, but …

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/soccerlens/~3/mRXtHWLdPs4/

Wesley Sneijder Ronaldo David Silva

Jose Mourinho scoffs at Rafa Benitez?s Europa League title with Chelsea

Winning the Europa League with the then reigning champions of Europe was considered by many to be a redemption of sorts for Rafa Benitez as interim Chelsea manager last season. But long-time nemesis and successor Jose Mourinho obviously does not agree with that sentiment. Mourinho took full credit for the UEFA Super Cup Benitez won as his successor at Inter in 2010, but he won't be doing the same for the trophy the newly appointed Napoli manager won at the club he helped turn into a winner. Instead, he's decided to label such an achievement as "a disappointment" for a manager of his caliber and a club like Chelsea.

From the BBC:

"I don't want to win the Europa League," said the Chelsea manager.

"It would be a big disappointment for me. I don't want my players to feel the Europa League is our competition." [...]

"The most important thing in football is to be the best team in the season and try to win your domestic league," he said.

"In our case, it's the most important league in Europe, so we have to try and be the best team and win the Premier League."

Benitez has won the Europa League/UEFA Cup twice (with Valencia and Chelsea) in his career and the Champions League once (Liverpool), while Mourinho has won the lesser competition once (Porto) and the Champions League twice (Porto, Inter).

Next on Mourinho's list of ways to indirectly put down Benitez: saying that people with goatees only have them to cover their cold sores.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/jose-mourinho-scoffs-rafa-benitez-europa-league-title-161411754.html

Pavel Nedved Frédéric Kanouté Kolo Touré

George's Premier Predictions March 16 2013

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/03/georges-premier-predictions-march-16.html

Clarence Seedorf Florent Malouda Carlos Tévez

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Must-Read of the Day: Hacking the NFL

Spencer Hall of SB Nation has decided to reinvent the gridiron game to make it more interesting. Part of the NFL’s wretched conservatism comes from the luxury of having four downs, the first two of which are usually spent throwing short routes or just pounding meaninglessly into the line because “you have to establish the [...]

Source: http://www.davesfootballblog.com/post/2011/02/16/must-read-of-the-day-hacking-the-nfl/

Owen Hargreaves Wesley Sneijder Ronaldo

Maracana Stadium considers ban on standing, flags, instruments and shirtlessness

The recently rebuilt Maracana Stadium proved it could retain its legendary atmosphere even with FIFA's stringent rules in place during the Confederations Cup and now the building's management is looking to extend the sterilization measures to the club level. All the way down to asking fans to keep their shirts on. In Brazil.

Fluminense have already signed a deal to play their home matches at the Maracana and Rio's three other top-flight clubs (Vasco da Gama, Flamengo and Botafogo) are expected to follow suit. But the rules are changing from the�raucous days of the old Maracana.

From Reuters:

"We are going to talk to the clubs about a change of habit," Joao Borba, president of the Maracana Consortium, told the daily newspaper Extra.

"I'm talking about bamboo (supports for flags), firecrackers, watching matches standing up."

The report added that a ban on musical instruments was also under consideration and that fans would be told not to take their shirts off.

So will fans who take their shirts off during matches get booked like players who do it? Either way, telling Brazilians to keep their clothes on is like telling Andrea Pirlo not to have a beard. You just don't do it.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/maracana-stadium-considers-ban-standing-flags-instruments-shirtlessness-054833671.html

David Beckham Daniele De Rossi Michael Ballack

George's Premier League Predictions March 30 2013

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/03/georges-premier-league-predictions.html

Daniel Alves Petr Cech Fabio Cannavaro

The Licenses Debate

With 19 officially licensed Brazilian clubs announced for FIFA 14 and more license announcements expected in the coming weeks, we examine EA Sports? historical choices for additional licenses and contrast them with the most vocal requests from the community this year. There have been rumours for some time now that EA Sports are looking to [...]

The post The Licenses Debate appeared first on FIFA Soccer Blog.

Source: http://fifasoccerblog.com/blog/the-league-licenses-debate/

Frank Ribéry Andriy Shevchenko Patrick Vieira

Silly Season dawns, aka ?Can?t tell the defenders without a scorecard?

There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know. U.S. political figure Donald Rumsfeld could have been talking about transfer [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BarcelonaFootballBlog/~3/IYSHJfhk0hI/

Sergio Ramos Luca Toni Alex

Yeovil Town parody royal golden easel birth announcement for new signing

If anyone is deserving of the golden easel treatment, it's definitely Swansea defender Alan Tate.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/yeovil-town-parody-royal-golden-easel-birth-announcement-140120018.html

Jamie Carragher Sergio Agüero Nery Castillo

George's Premier League Predictions March 30 2013

Source: http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2013/03/georges-premier-league-predictions.html

Diego Simão Sabrosa Arjen Robben

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/

David Villa Francesco Totti Paul Scholes

Franck Ribery pulls schoolboy prank during Bayern Munich training session

If there's one thing in this world Franck Ribery loves more than football, it's teenage prosti... pulling pranks. Like this one. Bayern Munich returned to training this week in the Italian province of Trentino, and the man who once hijacked and crashed the team bus for laughs pulled one of the oldest tricks in the prankster's handbook.

The Frenchman crouched on all fours behind physio Gianni Bianchi while teammate and mischief-conspirator Diego Contento pushed him. The result: a member of Bayern staff who earns considerably less money than the players was briefly humiliated in front of a crowd in an open training session. Comedy gold.

Video H/T: The Guardian

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/franck-ribery-pulls-schoolboy-prank-during-bayern-munich-133623420.html

Shunsuke Nakamura Alexandre Pato Maicon

Monday, July 22, 2013

There?s a Sir Alex Ferguson ?lookalike? carrying the Premier League trophy with Man United in Thailand

Manchester United are in Thailand as party of their preseason money generating�preparations�and with them at a training session opened to the public in Bangkok is a man described as a Sir Alex Ferguson lookalike carrying the Premier League trophy. Beyond the fact that they're both old white men who wear glasses, there isn't much comparison between this guy and Sir Alex. Still, if David Moyes glances over quickly enough, it could give him a scare in thinking that his predecessor has already taken his job back.

Perhaps even more shocking than the standard of lookalikes in attendance was the fact that of all the Manchester United players, this woman decided to make a sign for Alex Buttner, who made all of 13 appearances in his first season with the club...

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/sir-alex-ferguson-lookalike-carrying-premier-league-trophy-163449032.html

Sergio Ramos Luca Toni Alex

Atalanta signing investigated for riding in tank that crushed two cars at fan festival

From the AP:

Migliaccio signed from Palermo last week. He says: ''I only realized when the tank was going over them, and since I could not see because I was high up and at the back, I did not know that they had the symbols of two football clubs on them.''

He says ''even as an unaware protagonist, I'm very sorry for the incident.''

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/atalanta-signing-investigated-part-tank-crushing-two-cars-171519569.html

Wesley Sneijder Ronaldo David Silva

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/

Owen Hargreaves Wesley Sneijder Ronaldo

There?s a Sir Alex Ferguson ?lookalike? carrying the Premier League trophy with Man United in Thailand

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/sir-alex-ferguson-lookalike-carrying-premier-league-trophy-163449032.html

Ronaldo David Silva Andrés Iniesta