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Friday, July 30, 2010

Who will leave in the transfer period this summer for Manchester City? by Chris Behrens

A guest post by Chris Behrens for World Football Commentaries

July 25 2010: Manchester's goal keeper Joe Hart (12) stops a goal attempt during the Barclays New York Challenge between the New York Red Bulls and the Manchester City FC at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. New York Red Bulls defeated Manchester City FC 2-1.

Extravagant spending has been Manchester City’s game ever since the Abu Dhabi United group took over in 2008 and this summer has been no different in the trend of transfer spending. However, Manchester City may have to offload some real talent this summer thanks to the new EPL rule which states that teams may have a maximum of 25 players on the roster.

With 37 players on City’s roster with Robinho set to return from his loan deal at Santos (making the count 38), the spending on new players has to come to an end soon. So the question is, “Who will leave in the transfer period this summer for Manchester City?”

Here are five potential options:

Football - AaB Aalborg BK v Manchester City UEFA Cup Fourth Round Second Leg - Energi Nord Arena, Aalborg, Denmark - 19/3/09..Andreas Johansson of Aalborg in action with Manchester City's Shaun Wright Philllips (L Photo via Newscom

1) Shaun Wright-Phillips: He appeared only 19 times for City this past season (compared to 27 the prior campaign), he’s starting to get older (28), and the addition of a better, younger version of himself (David Silva) doesn’t bode well for his chances. Expect him to leave the club in the next week or two to another EPL squad for a bargain transfer fee.

July 03, 2010 - 06124959 date 03 07 2010 Copyright imago Sesa Iker Casillas Spagna Roque Santa Cruz Paraguay Paraguay Spagna Paraguay vs Spain Campionati DEL Mondo Tue Calcio 2010 World Cup South Africa 2010 Ellis Park Stage Johannesburg 03 07 2010 Giorgio Perottino Inside photo PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITAxFRA GIORGIOXPEROTTINO men Football World Cup National team international match Quarter-finals Johannesburg Vdig xsk 2010 vertical Highlight premiumd.

2) Roque Santa Cruz: City may have paid around $20 million for his services just a year ago, but injuries and general lack of performances have made him expendable for the club. In 19 appearances, he notched just 3 goals, a paltry return given the expectations put on him. He’ll leave the club in a transfer worth much less than $20 million.

Apr. 17, 2010 - 05779612 date 17 04 2010 Copyright imago Paul Scholes of Manchester United and Patrick Vieira of Manchester City Barclays Premier League Manchester City v Manchester United 17th April 2010 PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK men Football England Premier League 2009 2010 Manchester Action shot Vdig 2010 vertical premiumd.

3) Patrick Viera: Certainly not getting any younger at 34, the former Arsenal legend has stiff competition from Nigel De Jong and new signing, Yaya Toure. There should be no roster spot for this declining star. It’s hard to say where he’ll be in just a few months time.

HARRISON, NJ - JULY 25: Wayne Bridge  of Manchester City plays the ball in front of Dane Richards  of the New York Red Bulls on July 25, 2010 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Red Bulls defeated Manchester City 2-1. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for New York Red Bulls)

4) Wayne Bridge: With the arrival of the talented, young Aleksandar Kolarov from Lazio and his bumbling form following the John Terry scandal, Bridge looks to a be a lock departure from City. It is just a matter of when. Plus, Jérôme Boateng arrived during the summer, and even he was embarrassing against the New York Red Bulls. If you cannot survive against MLS talent, you should not be on Manchester City.

July 25 2010: Red Bulls' Andrew Boyens (27) pulls Manchester's Joleon Lescott (19) shirt in the second half during the Barclays New York Challenge between the New York Red Bulls and the Manchester City FC at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. New York Red Bulls defeated Manchester City FC 2-1.

5) Joleon Lescott: Completely failing to live up to his potential (much because of nagging injuries), Lescott has not impressed thus far since transferring from Everton a year ago. Even though they paid a handsome price for his services, City will be willing to spend whatever it takes to win. That means taking a loss and selling Lescott.

Regardless of who leaves this summer, it will have to be a good chunk of this team. Expect this team to look different (again), this upcoming season. Hopefully for the better, with all the money going in and out of City.

About the Author

Chris Behrens works for SoccerPro.com has written for a variety of soccer sites.

Chris Behrens Archive at World Football Commentaries

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Thursday, July 22, 2010

My Bets for the 2010-2011 EPL Season by Chris Behrens

A guest post by Chris Behrens of SoccerPro for World Football Commentaries

July 14, 2010 - Chicago, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES - epa02248637 Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson (C) stands with Irish player John O'Shea (L) and Bulgarian player Dimitar Berbatov (R) during an unveiling of the new team jersey for the 2010-11 season with logo of AON sponsor at the Niketown store in Chicago, Illinois, USA, 14 July 2010.

1). Sir Alex Ferguson Will Insult More Than 3 Referees.

It happens every year. This is a lock. Nothing left to say

2). There Won’t Be A Game With 10 Goals or More

Tottenham’s 9-1 beat-down of Wigan Athletic was a real rarity. Nobody has the heart to beat a team that badly again or just simply give up. Unless you combine the ruthlessness of Chelsea and the hopelessness of Blackpool. A sleeper that I may be wrong on this bet.

Mar. 27, 2010 - United Kingdom - Football - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton Barclays Premier League - Molineux - 27/3/10..Everton's Jack Rodwell in action against Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matthew Jarvis (L.

3). Jack Rodwell Will Become A Great Player

He has loads of potential already and has looked terrific in preseason. At 19, Rodwell has a chance to become one of the most sought after transfers and an England international by the end of the season.

July 11, 2010 - South Africa - Football - Holland v Spain FIFA World Cup Final - South Africa 2010 - Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - 11/7/10..Spain's Fernando Torres celebrates winning the World Cup.

4). Fernando Torres will appear less than 25 times, yet score at least 15 times

The knee really seems to be an issue for the struggling Spanish International. He still will have a major impact on the time, but his time will be limited, despite Liverpool’s best efforts to wheelchair him out onto the field.

July 17, 2010 - United Kingdom - Football - Barnet v Arsenal Pre Season Friendly - Underhill - 17/7/10..Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs (L) and Theo Walcott before the match.

5). Theo Walcott will finally be revealed as only really fast, not really good

Speed is an essential part of the Premier League game. However, it can only get you so far, despite popular belief. Walcott may be the fastest player in the league, but he also has shown repeatedly he cannot be a reliable starter. It’s a make or break year for the 20-year old and I say he flounders, again.

July 16, 2010 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - 16 July 2010 Toronto, Ontario: Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs  traps the pass against Celtic FC during Friday nights soccer match game, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. At the half Manchester United was winning by a score of 1-0 on a goal from Dimitar Berbatov.

6). Ryan Giggs Will Continue To Be Amazing

He’s only 36. At this rate, he’s got till 40. A true legend for Manchester United.

July 17, 2010 - United Kingdom - Football - Barnet v Arsenal Pre Season Friendly - Underhill - 17/7/10..Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger before the match.

7). Arsene Wenger Will Field a Team of School Children in a Cup Game

Arsenal’s over-reliance on young talent will reach an all time low when in a 3rd round FA Cup game, Wenger opts to field a team consisting of players no older than the age of 17, all from Arsenal’s youth academy.

8). Blackpool Will Be Relegated

After shockingly qualifying for the playoff rounds of the Championship League, finishing in 6th, Blackpool amazingly upset Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City to earn a place in the top 20 of English football. They didn’t deserve it. It was a fluke. Don’t bother getting to know the player’s names. They’ll all be gone in a year. Don’t Worry.

PORTLAND, OR - JULY 17: Craig Bellamy  of Manchester City of battles Derek Gaudet  the Portland Timbers during a friendly match on July 17, 2010 at Merlo Field in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

9). Manchester City will be linked with every top player

When you have billions of dollars to spend, you might as well spend it. Expect every top striker or attack-minded player in the world to be linked with a move to City.

Chelsea soccer captain John Terry (C) holds a scarf while riding with the team on an open-top bus after winning the double -- the FA Cup final and England's Premier League championship -- during a parade through Chelsea in London May 16, 2010. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)

10). The Top Three Will Be Exactly the Same, In That Order

Chelsea will win the league, Manchester United will be runners-up, and Arsenal will take 3rd. Don’t expect any new club to crack the top three this upcoming season. Manchester City have an outside shot at it, with the addition of Yaya Toure, David Silva, and Jerome Boateng to an already solid lineup.

About the Author

Chris Behrens works for SoccerPro.com has written for a variety of soccer sites.

Chris Behrens Archive at World Football Commentaries

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Sunday, July 18, 2010

Celebrate Nelson Mandela Day

A guest post by Elicia Banks-Gabriel of Anomaly for World Football Commentaries

Former South African President Nelson Mandela smiles at Soccer City stadium during the closing ceremony for the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg July 11, 2010.     REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)
Mr. Mandela at the World Cup final last Sunday in
Johannesburg.

SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2010

CELEBRATE NELSON MANDELA DAY







Dear Friend,

Today is a very special day. It is Nelson Mandela's birthday! Since 2009, this day has been declared Nelson Mandela Day by the United Nations!

Are you ready to celebrate in Mandela style? Purchase or wear your Mandela bangle to remind yourself all day of Mandela's struggle for social justice. The number depicted on the bangle, 46664, was his prison number. The number that identified him for 27 years; now the global symbol for his humanitarian causes.

In addition to wearing your bangle, we ask you to truly celebrate his birthday by dedicating 67 minutes of your time to do something good. Anything good you can think of to do in your community or even just around the house will be great! You'll see here Morgan Freeman celebrating by organizing a bike ride in Africa to spread the word about Mandela Day.


You can also choose to donate to the Nelson Mandela 46664 campaign right here. The campaign is determined to raise global awareness and prevention for HIV/AIDS. The funds raised through Mandela's 46664 campaign are used to undertake activities that promote HIV Prevention, especially for the most vulnerable, such as women and children.

After you've celebrated, tell us your stories! What was your good deed and how did it go? Tell us here on our Facebook Page!

Thank you for your time and we hope you have a wonderful day celebrating Nelson Mandela Day 2010!









46664 Bangle Website
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Who:
46664 is Nelson Mandela's global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign.

What:
The 46664 campaign is an initiative to inspire individual and collective action towards an AIDS-free world. At its core, the campaign is about bringing hope and inspiration to all affected by HIV/AIDS. Thus 46664 raises awareness about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the underlying issues that influence it, such as poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, lack of access to health facilities and the denial of economic opportunities. 46664 achieves its objectives through outreach campaigns in Africa and beyond, as well as through the staging of multi-artist concerts, sports and entertainment events and fundraisers. The campaign uses the universal connecting power of music, sport, entertainment and celebrity to educate, engage and empower those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and draws upon an extensive global network of ambassadors and celebrities. International ambassadors have the power to raise awareness and educate the younger generation in particular. By gaining global backing for the cause, 46664 looks to raise funds to directly assist the many HIV/AIDS projects it supports.

Why:
The 46664 campaign began in 2002 when Mr Mandela realised that to reach the youth of the world he needed to engage the support of the people who most appeal to them.

Celebrate Nelson Mandela day with us by wearing your bangle in his honor and as a reminder of his struggle for good.




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Friday, July 16, 2010

Leaders in Performance: 7 October 2010 Chelsea FC

A guest post by Philip Clarke in behalf of Leaders in Football


email@leadersinfootball.ccemails.net

Leaders In Football



Dear Steve,

Are you up to date with the latest techniques used by the most successful teams and athletes?

Would an in depth case study of one of Europe's most successful football teams be of interest?

Have you heard of the famous Milan Lab?

These questions and more will be discussed in-depth on the 7th of October at Stamford Bridge, London when Bruno Demichelis, Assistant Manager of Premier League and FA Cup double-winners Chelsea FC, takes to the stage to discuss science and technology from Milan to an invite-only audience of 300 sporting directors, performance directors, technical directors and elite coaches.

Highlighted as one of the most insightful speakers last year, and in response to delegate feedback and requests, Demechelis is returning to provide a more detailed presentation in a session dubbed 'Art or Science: Lessons from Milan', reflecting on his experiences at AC Milan where he spent 22 years as part of the backroom staff during the clubs golden era which yielded 7 Serie A Titles, 5 Champions League Titles, 4 FIFA World Titles and 5 Supercoppa Italiana Cups.

As an originator of the famous Milan Lab, the 'High Tech Scientific Research Centre' set up by AC Milan focussed on the psychological and physical attributes of players, with Demichelis an expert in determining when a player should be rested to prevent higher risks of injury.

The 'Milan Lab' concept has travelled the world of football inspiring many football clubs to develop and implement their own 'science labs'. Bruno will be discussing what scientific and medical techniques were used to prepare players, how the team predicted injuries to their most valuable assets, and show how they ensured their players performed at a higher level for longer. With only minute details making the difference in top level sport, Demichelis's unparalleled knowledge at the peak of world football will be invaluable for the carefully selected audience of leading sporting practitioners.

De Mechelis joins an inspirational line-up of speakers that already includes Billy Beane, General Manager, Oakland A's and Kevin Roberts, CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi.

For the latest conference content being planned for Leaders in Performance please visit:
http://www.leadersinperformance.com/content/

Leaders in Performance
will be capping its overall attendance to ensure the quality and relevance of those attending and an early sell out is expected. If you would like more information please contact one of the team on +44 (0) 208 545 1595 or email performance@leadersinfootball.com

To see a review of last years event, including a highlights video please click here:
http://programmemaster.digitaleditions.co.uk/lipreview/

So WHO will be attending?
Ajax / Anderlecht / Aston Villa FC / Atlanta Football PSFC / Austrian Football Association / Europe BiteTech Inc . / Blackburn Rovers FC / Bolton Wanderers FC / BP Castrol / Bristol Rugby / British Basketball / British Cycling / ECB / British Olympic Association / California Soccer Association / Soccer Operations CASL / Celtic FC / Championship Manager / Centennial College Toronto / Danish Football Association / Chelsea FC / Coaching for Hope / Coaching Ireland / Pepsico / Colostrum UK Ltd / CSKA Moscow / DC United / The PFA / DFW Tornados Soccer Club / Double Pass / Spinsight Ltd / English Institute of Sport / Seattle Sounders FC / Liverpool FC / European Athletics Coaches Association / Everton FC / FA Wales / FC Koln / Fenerbahce FC / Fulham FC / Gatorade / First Wave Sports / Football Exchange / French Football Federation / Prozone / Gloucester / Hull City FC / Human Kinetics Europe / Inter Milan FC / Irish Rugby Football Union / Kent County Cricket Club / Key Sports Management / Lancashire County Cricket Club / Leading Teams / Rugby Leeds / Leicester Tigers / UK SPORT / Liverpool John Moores University / LMA / London Wasps / LTA / Manchester City FC / Manchester United FC / McLaren Racing Ltd / Minnesota Timberwolves / New York Red Bulls / Real Madrid TEC / Motorcycle Sport Honda Motor Europe / Newcastle United FC / Nike EMEA / Oklahoma City Thunder / Optima-Life / Match World Ltd / Premier Rug by / RFL / Professional Game Match Officials / Rabobank Cycling Team / Rally Prodrive Motorsport / Richmond Tigers (AFL) / Right to Play UK / Rugby Football League / RYA Skandia Team GBR / Saracens / Scout 7 / Sleep Athlete / South African Cricket Team / Sporting Club de Portugal / Sports Data Hub / Sports Technology Institute / Rugby SRU / St Etienne / Success in Football / SWL / UK Athletics / Sport Science & Performance Psychology / The Sporting Edge / The Elite Football Centre / The Norwegian Football Association / The Performance State Coaching / The Welsh Rugby Union / Welsh Hockey Union / Rugby World / United States Olympic Committee - Sport Performance Division / Welsh Football Trust / West Bromwich Albion FC and many more.

WHO IS
SPEAKING

BILLY BEANE
General Manager,
Oakland A's

KEVIN ROBERTS
CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi

MIKE FORDE
Director of Team Operations, Chelsea FC

DAMIEN COMOLLI
Sporting Director, AS Saint-Etienne

Click here to see a full list of speakers >>

WHO IS ATTENDING

CHELSEA FC

SAATCHI & SAATCHI

OAKLAND A'S

FULHAM FC

BOSTON CELTICS

MANCHESTER UNITED FC

AND MANY, MANY MORE!

REGISTER HERE

Best wishes from Leaders in Football

LeadersInPerformance, 3 Palmerston Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 1PG
Tel: +44(0)20 8545 1595 | Fax: +44 (0)20 8545 1599 | Email: performance@leadersinfootball.com


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Monday, July 12, 2010

Will Soccer Become a Major Sport in the USA?

A guest post by Chris Behrens for World Football Commentaries

42085, NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Tuesday June 29, 2010. David Letterman performs a variety of stunts with guest and by himself outside of the Ed Sullivan Theater. First, Dave rode a bicycle powered by Coca Cola fountains followed by trying to kick a soccer ball into a moving cab with USA soccer star Landon Donovan. Dolly Parton was also on the show but quickly walked to her waiting SUV after her appearance. Photograph:  Darla Khazei, PacificCoastNews.com
Landon Donovan with David Letterman.
Soccer is taken seriously now by
mainstream American
media after decades of derision, fear and ignorance.


If this World Cup in South Africa has taught us anything, it’s that the US can be captivated by soccer every four years for as long as the team continues to progress in the tournament. But the question on any soccer enthusiasts mind remains, will it reach the tipping point and become a major sport in this country? There are several ways to answer this question:

1: Soccer Already is a Major Sport

By all accounts, soccer is the most played youth sport in the country, with over 3 million registered US youth soccer participants (which doesn’t even take into account recreational leagues or unregistered participants around the country). By comparison, American football and American hockey have fewer than 1 million registered youth participants. More than a 3 to 1 ratio of participants is an indicative statistic in itself.

But let’s look at the professional standards as well. Although MLS has yet to crack into the top four leagues in the US (NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB), it is the one of the fastest growing leagues in the world. At just 14 years old, MLS has 16 teams and counting, with two more franchises set to join next season (Portland and Vancouver) as well as another team to join in 2012 (Montreal). In addition to adding new franchises (a promising outlook), teams are starting to become profitable, with the Los Angeles Galaxy, FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders, Chicago Fire, Toronto FC, and the Colorado Rapids all enjoying at least one year of profit in their time in the league.

By comparison, it’s nearly impossible to be a profitable business in a European soccer league unless your name is Arsène Wenger of Arsenal FC. The biggest clubs (Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona) bleed money due to outrageous transfer fees and hapless spending. A real positive to take out of the MLS is signs of profitability. A salary cap has restricted teams in a good way, preventing teams paying players outrageous wages. The designated player rule also helps bring in stars, which this country loves.

2: Soccer Will Never Be A Major Sport

BALTIMORE - JULY 24: Oguchi Onyewu #14 of AC Milan passes the ball against Chelsea FC at M & T Bank Stadium on July 24, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images)

Washington D.C. native and US star, Oguchi Onyewu,
now plays for an elite
European team, AC Milan.

Most US parents view soccer as a harmless but beneficial activity that kids can participate in with their friends. This mindset comes from the fact that there are no huge sponsorships or contracts to chase in the world of US soccer, unless your child has the rare talent to go abroad and play. The thing to aspire to in US soccer: a college scholarship. No soccer-centric country has this mentality.

Juergen Klinsmann Echoed This Theme on ESPN

"You are the only country in the world that has the pyramid upside down. That means you pay for having your kid play soccer. Because your goal is not that your kid becomes a professional soccer player because your goal is that your kid gets a scholarship in high school or college. Which is completely opposite from the rest of the world."

--- Juergen Klinsmann on June 27, 2010 from ESPN studios in Johannesburg.

Mr. Klinsmann won the 1990 World Cup with Germany and coached his native land to a third-place finish in 2006.

In England, players are mocked if they truly feel soccer is a career path. Youth academies dominate European’s major soccer countries and the mentality abroad is that education will get in the way of professional athletics. While this can be said about some sports in our own country (basketball or baseball most notably), US soccer is quite far away from ever viewing this as a positive. Until professional franchises form youth academies that start at an early age and recruit those players not seeking a college scholarship, soccer will never advance very far in the US.
There are a very small pool of kids who actually earn a college scholarship from their time playing soccer, but a huge amount of realistic youth players who either can’t afford to play in organized soccer or know the outlook of an American soccer player is bleak.
The country is “neglecting” the youth of America who don’t aspire to an education and only desire a professional athletics career. Currently, kids cannot get this from soccer without pouring money into local club teams and progressing into a standout player. A standard must be set by professional franchises and local clubs to bring in kids from “the streets” to sponsor and nurture these into athletes. Unfortunately, none of the youth academies will matter unless the US can produce the highest quality soccer players. The American mentality doesn’t settle for anything less than the biggest and best in athletics (think baseball or basketball).

3: Soccer Can Become A Major Sport

June 23, 2010 - Pretoria, South Africa - epa02218061 USA's Landon Donovan (L) celebrates with his team mates Edson Buddle (2nd L), Clint Dempsey (C) and Benny Feilhaber (2nd R) after scoring the game-winning extra-time goal during the FIFA World Cup 2010 group C preliminary round match between the USA and Algeria at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, 23 June 2010. At right Algeria's Anther Yahia and Nadir Belhadj (3rd R). The USA defeated Algeria 1-0 and advances to the round of 16.
Fans streamed into bars and restaurants to watch
the World Cup in unprecedented fashion in North America.
ESPN provided media credibility with their significant
coverage and Univision led the way with Spanish
language broadcasts. Records were set for domestic
television viewership.


Many people argue that soccer has loads of potential in the USA. We have one of the largest youth talent pools to serve from on the globe, solely based upon overall population. Based on the numbers, the US should produce talented players from the limited number of players that turn to soccer as a profession. However, much of the success and popularity of professional soccer can best be associated with the US Men’s Senior National Team. Surely, everyone can argue that we missed a big chance this year by losing in the Round of 16 to Ghana. We did. Expectations from most US soccer fans were to get out of our group. We not only did that, but we won the group.

To the casual fan, however, expectations for this team were at an all-time high, with a team largely based of European-based players and a match-up as appealing (USA v. England) as an any in the group stages of the World Cup. Americans expect their athletes to be winners and nothing less. The goal for US Soccer should be to reach the quarterfinals or further of each ensuing World Cup.

A major problem for US Soccer is the CONCACAF region. We are quite limited to playing relatively weak competition (with Mexico, Honduras, and Costa Rica providing our only true competition) because of geographic constraints. We cannot really change this; however, we can help our cause. Additional friendlies could be organized at all levels of US soccer to expose our players to the highest level of competition across the globe. The USA v. Brazil friendly on August 10th is a great start.

In addition to the national team organizing friendlies, major European clubs need to continue touring the US during their preseason tours. Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona touring is terrific for this country, as they contain the biggest soccer stars on the planet. Finally, the MLS needs to home-grow their own talent instead of using itself as a retirement ground for aging European stars or a temporary stop for budding US stars. The MLS can become a viable league and has already improved leaps and bounds since its inception. Retaining and attracting top talent needs to be priority number one. In order for this to happen, the salary cap needs to be removed from the league. This is a great risk, but has a great payoff.


About the Author

Chris Behrens works for SoccerPro.com. Check them out for the best deals on youth soccer gear. While your there be sure to check out their soccer camp directory.


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Sunday, July 11, 2010

A Night in Pictures from Soccer City: Spain 1 - The Netherlands 0 AET

July 11, 2010 - Johannesburg, South Africa - epa02245562 Spain's Xavi kisses the World Cup Trophy after Spain defeated Netherlands 1-0 during the FIFA World Cup 2010 Final match between the Netherlands and Spain at the Soccer City stadium outside Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 July 2010.
Xavi kisses the World Cup.

La Furia Roja
of Spain won their first World Cup title in extra time to cap off a massively successful tournament for the South African organizers.

Third Time Not the Charm for the Dutch

The Netherlands lost a World Cup final for the third time (and second after extra time) to become the only country to hold that dubious honor. The Dutch had won six on the trot before tonight and should be complemented for their deep run in South Africa. Negative tactics, a defensive mindset along with too many fouls and yellow cards were no match for a side such as the Spanish. Arjen Robben had two clear chances to put his side ahead; however, it was evident that the Dutch had no intention to take the game to the Spanish.

Well done, Spain! Ole', Ole', Ole'! Viva España!

They became the only team in World Cup history to lose their first match and proceed to lift the trophy.

JOHANNESBURG, July 12, 2010 Players of Spain celebrate during the awarding ceremony after the 2010 FIFA football World Cup final match against the Netherlands on July 11, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Spain won the final 1-0. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo.
Iker Casillas raises the World Cup for Spain.

Fireworks explode at the conclusion of the 2010 World Cup final soccer match at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg July 11, 2010. Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0.       REUTERS/Oleg Popov (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)
The view from inside the stadium as the fireworks
light
the South African sky.

Netherlands' players walk down the stands after losing their 2010 World Cup final soccer match against Spain at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg July 11, 2010. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)
The long walk for the Oranje after the game.

July 11, 2010 - Johannesburg, South Africa - epa02245632 Spain's Andres Iniesta (R) scores the winning goal against Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (L) during the FIFA 2010 World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain at the Soccer City stadium outside Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 July 2010. At centre Dutch Rafael van der Vaart. Spain won 1-0 after extra time.
Andres Iniesta scores on a half-volley in the 116th
minute.


July 11, 2010 - Johannesburg, South Africa - epa02245492 Spain's Andres Iniesta celebrates after scoring the 1-0 lead during the FIFA World Cup 2010 Final match between the Netherlands and Spain at the Soccer City stadium outside Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 July 2010.
Andres Iniesta celebrates and pays tribute to
a fallen comrade, Dani Jarque
, who died last year.

JOHANNESBURG, July 12, 2010 Spain's Iker Casillas (L) hugs Arjen Robben of the Netherlands after the World Cup final at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, July 11, 2010. Spain won the match 1-0. (Xinhua/Li Ga.
Former Real Madrid teammates, Iker Casillas
and Arjen Robben.


July 11, 2010 - South Africa - Football - Holland v Spain FIFA World Cup Final - South Africa 2010 - Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - 11/7/10..Spain's Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique celebrate after victory in the World Cup Final.
The new champions show the first star on
their new shirts.


July 11, 2010 - South Africa - Football - Holland v Spain FIFA World Cup Final - South Africa 2010 - Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - 11/7/10..Holland's Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (L) is shown a yellow card as Mark Van Bommel (C) and Wesley Sneijder (R) remonstrate with referee Howard Webb.
Howard Webb of England had a very busy night.

July 11, 2010 - South Africa - Football - Holland v Spain FIFA World Cup Final - South Africa 2010 - Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - 11/7/10..Spain's Iker Casillas (top) makes a save a collides with team mate Carles Puyol (L) as Holland's Robin van Persie looks on.
Iker Casillas makes an acrobatic save.

July 11, 2010 - Barcelona, Catalu  a, Espa  a - PAMPLONA (NAVARRA), 11/07/2010.- Spanish National soccer team supporters, cheer up their team at Plaza del Castillo in Pamplona, northern Spain, 11 July 2010, while they watch on a giant screen the South Africa 2010 World Cup final match between Spain and the Netherlands.
Spanish fans in Pamplona cheer on their team.

July 11, 2010 - Johannesburg, South Africa - epa02245275 Former South African president and nobel peace prize laureate Nelson Mandela and his wife Graca Machel enter the stadium during the closing ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2010 Final match between the Netherlands and Spain at the Soccer City stadium outside Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 July 2010.
The true man-of-the match:
The Honorable Nelson Mandela and his wife,
Graca Machel.


Fabio Cannavaro of Italy hands over the World Cup prior to the FIFA World Cup Final match at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 11, 2010. Spain defeated Holland 1-0. UPI/Chris Brunskill Photo via Newscom
Fabio Cannavaro of Italy presented the
World Cup
trophy before the game.

All images courtesy of Picapp.com.
Please visit their site for a great selection of blog images.


World Football Commentaries Home Page

Thursday, July 8, 2010

David Beckham Signs as Global Football Ambassador for Yahoo!


Please click the image to view David's
interviews at Yahoo!

A guest post by Justin Ham representing Cake Group for World Football Commentaries.

I had some news to share with you and your readers about David Beckham.

David Beckham signed with Yahoo! as Global Football Ambassador and over the coming months there will be a wealth of exclusive content that will come from the partnership.


Please click the image to enter
the sweepstakes.

But for now, Yahoo! and David Beckham have launched some sweepstakes in which they are giving fans the chance to win an autographed jersey with a personalized message for the winner! One can also submit a question, which might get answered by DB!


Please click the image to enter
the sweepstakes.

For the time being, the sweepstakes is running on:

www.facebook.com/YahooWorldFootball



Please click the image to view
David's interviews on Yahoo!

All images courtesy of Justin Ham and Yahoo!


World Football Commentaries Home Page

Sunday, July 4, 2010

2010 FIFA World Cup Tournament Bracket: La Furia Roja Wins the World Cup


Image courtesy of FIFA.

July 12, 2010 - 06162104 date 11 07 2010 Copyright imago Captain Iker Casillas of Spain Lifts The 2010 World Cup FIFA World Cup 2010 Final Netherlands v Spain 11th July 2010 PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK men Football World Cup National team international match Final Johannesburg Victory Winner World Champion Celebrations Award Ceremony Vdig 2010 vertical premiumd.
Iker Casillas raises the World Cup.

Elimination Round

Matches ending in draws after 120 minutes will be decided by penalty kicks.


Round of 16
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
Final
















26 June – Port Elizabeth










Uruguay 2

2 July – Johannesburg

Korea Republic 1

Uruguay (pen.) 1 (4)

26 June – Rustenburg


Ghana 1 (2)

United States 1


6 July – Cape Town

Ghana (a.e.t.) 2

Uruguay 2

28 June – Durban


Netherlands 3

Netherlands 2

2 July – Port Elizabeth

Slovakia 1

Netherlands 2

28 June – Johannesburg


Brazil 1

Brazil 3


11 July – Johannesburg

Chile 0

Netherlands 0

27 June – Johannesburg


Spain (a.e.t.) 1

Argentina 3

3 July – Cape Town

Mexico 1

Argentina 0

27 June – Bloemfontein


Germany 4

Germany 4


7 July – Durban

England 1

Germany 0

29 June – Pretoria


Spain 1
Third place

Paraguay (pen.) 0 (5)

3 July – Johannesburg
10 July – Port Elizabeth

Japan 0 (3)

Paraguay 0 Uruguay 2

29 June – Cape Town


Spain 1
Germany 3

Spain 1




Portugal 0

Chart courtesy of Wikipedia.

Statistics
  • 145 total goals from 64 games = 2.27 per game
  • 31 games were decided by 1 goal.
To see a more detailed analysis of goal scoring by individuals and teams, please read my article at Soccerlens.

FIFA TROPHY CUP
"The Cup that grips the world." Sports Illustrated, 1974.

Information About the Trophy

The FIFA World Cup trophy was designed by an Italian artist, Silvio Gazzaniga, in 1971, and was first presented at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. Here are a few comments from Maestro Gazzaniga:
"You said once that you wanted to bring together the athlete and the world in your trophy.

Yes, that's right. As this is the World Cup, it's only logical that the world should form part of the Trophy. Of course the world is spherical and, as such, very similar to a ball. The human figures that emerge from the base material extend upwards and support the world, which I also imagined as a ball.

You also said you wanted the Trophy to symbolise effort, harmony and peace. Can you tell us what you meant by that?

And dynamism too. The idea was to create something symbolising exertion, dynamism and the jubilation of an athlete in the moment of victory, with all the joy that contains. The seemingly irregular volumes are what give it its sense of dynamism, but in reality it has a harmonious energy of its own. The figures that emerge from the rough base material evoke a sense of jubilation in victory."
Source: FIFA.com, "The Sculptor of the Trophy."

Dimensions of the Trophy
"The trophy stands 36.5 centimetres (14.4 inches) tall and is made of 5 kg (11 lb) of 18 carat (75%) solid gold with a base (13 centimetres [5.1 inches] in diameter) containing two layers of malachite. Produced by Bertoni, Milano."
Source: Wikipedia, "FIFA World Cup Trophy."

Past Winners: The Magnificent Eight

Brasil: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002.
Italy: 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006.
Germany/West Germany: 1954, 1974, 1990.
Argentina: 1978, 1986.
Uruguay: 1930, 1950.
France: 1998.
England: 1966.
Spain: 2010. (First European team to win outside of Europe).
* Won as host.

Prize Money

According to the BBC World Service on 3 December 2009, the winner will receive US $30 million and the second place team will receive $24 million dollars. Each team received $1 million for expenses prior to the tournament and $9 million to appear in the group round phase.

Here is the financial breakdown:
  • $9 million - Round of 16
  • $18 million - Quarter-finals
  • $20 million - Semi-finals
  • $24 million - Runners up
  • $30 million - Winners
One&Only Cape Town: Lunch To Benefit The Mandela Children's Foundation
The Honorable Nelson Mandela,
former President of the
Republic of South Africa.


World Cup Draw


The seeded teams are highlighted.

Group A

A1: South Africa
A2: Mexico
A3: Uruguay
A4: France

Group B

B1:
Argentina
B2: Nigeria
B3: Korea Republic
B4: Greece

Group C

C1: England
C2: USA
C3: Algeria
C4: Slovenia

Group D

D1: Germany
D2: Australia
D3: Serbia
D4: Ghana

Group E

E1: The Netherlands
E2: Denmark
E3: Japan
E4: Cameroon

Group F

F1: Italy
F2: Paraguay
F3: New Zealand
F4: Slovakia

Group G

G1: Brazil
G2: Korea DPR
G3: Cote d'Ivoire
G4: Portugal

Group H

H1: Spain
H2: Switzerland
H3: Honduras
H4: Chile

World Cup Fixtures
The Ten Venues
  • Nine cities will host the World Cup.
  • Five new stadiums (out of 10 stadia for the event) were built expressly for the competition.
South Africa location map.svg
Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Bloemfontein: Free State Stadium. Capacity: 40,000.

Cape Town: Green Point Stadium. Capacity: 68,000.

Durban: Moses Mabhida Stadium. Capacity: 70,000.

Johannesburg: Ellis Park. Capacity: 60,000.

Johannesburg: Soccer City. Capacity: 95,000. (World Cup final venue.)

Nelspruit: Mbombela Stadium. Capacity: 40,000.

Polokwane: Peter Mokaba Stadium. Capacity: 40,000.

Port Elizabeth: Nelson Mandela Bay. Capacity: 50,000.

Pretoria: Loftus Versveld. Capacity: 45,000.

Rustenburg: Royal Bafokeng. Capacity: 45,000.

Stadium data courtesy of Greenlife Africa Safaris.

Altitude Issues
"Even so, places such as Johannesburg will present difficulties. It has two grounds. Ellis Park will be in use and eight games are to be staged at the Soccer City stadium, including the opening match and the final. At 1,750 metres, conditions will be gruelling for many sides. To a slightly lesser effect, similar factors will be at work in Pretoria, Rustenburg and Bloemfontein. England's headquarters may be in the last of those cities, at an altitude of 1,395 metres."
Source: The Guardian Football Blog, Oct. 7, 2009.

Suggested Reading
  • For a printable PDF chart of the World Cup Draw, please click here.

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