There is a question that every mother finds herself asking her child at some point in their lives. "If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?" The answer of course is "no" but the question serves to illustrate our potential as human beings for enacting popular behavior. If you ask a citizen of the United States, "If everyone in the world watched a certain sport, would you?" The answer, if the sport were soccer, would be "no". Popular or not, Americans simply don't get soccer.
Low scores
One of the major complaints Americans have about professional soccer, or football as it's known in the rest of the world, is that it is so low-scoring. It is not uncommon for a game to go through an entire course of play and end up with a score of 2 to 1. To the American mindset, fed by basketball, football and even hockey a score of 2 to 1 means nothing happened for an hour. The reason for the low scores is the slow play, another minus to the American productivity mindset. Passing the ball back and forth from the wing to the fullback seems less like strategy and more like repetition. The final scoring issue for Americans offends the national sense of capitalism and achievement -- ending in a tie. American professional sports go to great lengths to find ways to break ties and ensure at the end of the game, someone will win. Ending in a tie is simply un-American.
Unknown names
While soccer enjoys the largest worldwide audience of any international sport, the stars and players of this amazing game are relatively unknown in America. Part of the reason Americans have a hard time investing in soccer, is the international specter of the game. Athletes with unpronounceable foreign names are hard to talk about in sound bites and at the water cooler. While a few foreign players have made it in the American sports they are generally the exception and not the rule, and you'll find the American media has given them nicknames to help the country manage the challenge of different languages. The national tendency towards isolationism works against Americans ever becoming a part of the global soccer movement.
No history
While there are some fans, largely people who played soccer in college, within the United States the country as a whole has no real history with the sport or its concepts. While some may argue that human beings have been kicking the ball as a form of sport since time began, soccer's progress as an organized game has simply not permeated American history or consciousness. Americans grow up with baseball, spend every fall watching football -- the kind played with the oval brown ball -- and have developed a burgeoning interest in basketball. All three sports play to America's strengths as an individualistic, capitalistic society. Entering into any professional sport as a fan requires a certain amount of desire an effort to learn players, rules, and standards. For soccer to become a part of the American mindset would require too much effort for too little gain.
The good news for professional soccer is it doesn't need America. Soccer is statistically unchallenged in its dominance over the rest of the world. With a viewing audience twice the size of the Olympics, soccer will continue to forge ahead without the help of that big country in the west.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
USA 94 (Italy VS. Mexico)
Italy had won by beating Norway 1-0, after which I was pretty much sure they had qualified to the next round, specially since even third place teams could go through or at least 4 out of the top 6 could do so. Of course, there was always the possibility they could loose to Mexico but I doubted this was going to happen, as I figured if worse came to worse they would tie and go in as a third place team. This incidentally being the place they held in the group after their second game.
Time had come to sit back and enjoy the world cup and by this I do not only mean the games on TV but the world cup atmosphere that had been created by this tournament along with all those fans from literally all over the world who had come to see it. This plus the fact that summer had just started in the United States, gave a sensation of real world cup excitement, added to that already international scene New York was so famous for. In a way; every group of fans, thanks to the way they celebrated brought their country over to America.
I; in the days that followed Italy's victory over Norway decided to explore the city of New York, feeling almost like a tourist in my home town, seeing all those fans from all those countries that had qualified and some from countries that had not but were there just to enjoy the games. There was the Norwegian and Swedish fans with their Viking hats that included horns on the sides, reminding me of characters from Wagner's “The Ring", Brazilian fans with their yellow and green and samba music, Argentineans always with their big drums, Germans, Mexicans, and many others.
All of which making this world cup a big success; who many so called “experts" had said would not be given that the United States did not have a tradition of football, and many other reasons. In all this however one thing had been overlooked and that was that many Americans would be cheering on the country of their parents or in some cases grandparents, as was mine with Italy, which was precisely what happened to keep huge stadiums packed. As a matter of fact; USA 94 set the record for the largest attendance at a world cup and this despite not having either England or France qualify. This also a record which still holds out despite three world cups having been played since; all of which had 64 games as opposed to “USA 94", in which only 52 were played.
I basically went around to soak up not only the sun during the time that followed Italy's game against Norway but to meet some of the fans from other countries; as well as look for a bar in which I would be watching Italy's games. After all, I wanted to see Italy play in company of fellow Italians and did not have the means to follow them all over the country, which incidentally was the biggest (and will be till either China, or Canada or Russia host the event) to ever host a world cup with also the greatest distances between venues. As one could imagine would be the case, when matches were being played in cities as far apart from each other as Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Orlando, and Chicago.
Italy was going to be playing its next match in Boston; which was not far but I was afraid I would not be able to get a ticket. This given the many Mexican fans, who were bound to be buying them up, so I just figured to look for a nice Italian bar with a large TV set. I considered many neighborhoods but eventually decided that the best would be “Little Italy" in downtown Manhattan. After all; what better location to watch “La nazionale di calcio" then the place where Don Vito Corleone, grew up and even made his bones in.
It was after looking over many places that I came to settle on “Bar Napoli"; a nice place on Mulberry street, right on the corner, though I do not remember the name of the other street. Little Italy, also the place where I happen to run in to three very nice ladies, whom I mistook for Italian. This given the colors; green, white and red which they had on them and the fact that one of them was a natural blonde. It actually turned out that these three young women, were from Mexico; which also has the same colors on their flag but despite this we did engage in a nice drink and conversation at the Bar Napoli, which included me taking photographs of them with their flag and having one taken of the four of us together. They naturally telling me that they felt Mexico would beat Italy, while I wished them and Mexico the best of luck against any team they should meet, save Italy. In a way it was strange because I had never met any Mexicans before and suddenly; just a few days before Italy's game against them, it seemed that they were everywhere, even more then the Irish. I also remember telling one, who was married to a Polish female friend of mine that Italy was going to win 2-0, while he told me that I was simply dreaming.
The mood was a great one, in the city and one which I knew would probably never come back or at least not in my lifetime; so I tried as hard as I could to get as much of it as possible and that is precisely what I did. Seeing games mostly in bars, even if I did not really care who won or loss. As it was the need to see people celebrate and enjoy their good times even if mine were only when Italy played.
The day of the match against Mexico arrived and I felt sure Italy would qualify, which led to me being relaxed as I waited in a crowded Bar Napoli for the game to begin. The atmosphere however was tense in this rather small place, and as I sat on a chair drinking ice coffee, I started up a conversation with a fellow Italian supporter or at least judging by the Italian shirt he wore. John was his name and like me he was Italian American but contrary to me he could not speak as many as three words of Italian but this mattered not; for he and his dark skinned lady friend from Costa Rica were behind Italy all the way. In fact John's girlfriend, Gabriela (as I remember) had been born in Costa Rica but had lived most of her life in the states which meant she like John also did not speak the language of her ancestors which in her case was Spanish. This I found out as I tried to speak to her in Spanish, who like John with Italian recognized what I was speaking but could not understand.
I for my part on that day wore my AC Milan, shirt wanting to show not only support for Italy but that I was a Milanista. As for the game; it was a hotly contested one, which I followed but secure that Italy would pull through which in fact was what happened as the score ended in a 1-1 draw. Italy's goal being scored by Massaro; an AC Milan player at the 48 minute mark; while Mexico's came via Bernal 9 minutes later. Italy drew and finished with 4 points but this strangely enough did not mean automatic qualification; from a group that ended unlike none other ever had or ever has.
All four teams finished with four points a piece and strangely enough even with the same goal difference, so it would be up to who had scored the most goals to decide matters. Mexico came in first place in the group and automatically qualified for the next round as they had scored 3 goals, which put them a head of Ireland and Italy who had only scored 2 goals, while Norway only 1. Mexico; for its part was going past the first round, for the first time in a tournament which they were not hosting.
Italy and Ireland were left tied with 4 points as well as 2 goals a piece but it was Ireland who came in second given they had beaten us in our head to head game. Italy however managed to come in third despite being equal with Norway on points and goal difference, simply because we had scored two goals and had beaten Norway in our head to head encounter. Italy was third in the group but not yet qualified to the next round, true they had a win and a draw and Uruguay in 86 had done it on the strength of two draws but this was another world cup. Italy could still be eliminated but only if Cameroon beat Russia by three goals or more. All of which would have given Cameroon four points with 5 goals for vs. 5 goals against and would have toped, Italy's 2-2 goal difference.
The chance was there, an ever small one but it was there; for Italy to be ousted from a world cup in the first round. Something which had not happened since Germany 74. Russia after all had lost their first two games and had very little to play for other then pride, though they had under the same circumstance four years earlier managed to rout Cameroon by 4-0. Would they do it again or at least not loose by three goals, was the question on the mind of all Italian fans but this did become academic once Russia destroyed Cameroon by 6-1. In a game that set two records. The first one by Russia's Salenko, who scored five goals and the second one by Roger Milla, who at 42; became the oldest player ever to score a goal in world cup history. As a footnote, I would like to add that both these records still stand.
It had been an interesting game at Bar Napoli and I had met two very nice people by the names of John and Gabriela, along with many others whom I would see again and form bounds with or at least till the end of the world cup. One of them, an Italian American wrongly believing that Roberto and Dino Baggio, were brothers, which I explained to him was not the case. It was however after the game that I was in for a real threat, as there was a camera man and a female reporter present from Italy's RAI TV, who were looking for an Italian supporter whose language skills went beyond the one or two words or expressions which could not really be broadcast on TV. I just happened to be at the right place and at the right time and managed to get interviewed on TV by RAI, hopefully to be seen by my sister and other relatives back in Italy.
Author : Gianni
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/USA-94-Italy-VS.-Mexico-/1065106
Time had come to sit back and enjoy the world cup and by this I do not only mean the games on TV but the world cup atmosphere that had been created by this tournament along with all those fans from literally all over the world who had come to see it. This plus the fact that summer had just started in the United States, gave a sensation of real world cup excitement, added to that already international scene New York was so famous for. In a way; every group of fans, thanks to the way they celebrated brought their country over to America.
I; in the days that followed Italy's victory over Norway decided to explore the city of New York, feeling almost like a tourist in my home town, seeing all those fans from all those countries that had qualified and some from countries that had not but were there just to enjoy the games. There was the Norwegian and Swedish fans with their Viking hats that included horns on the sides, reminding me of characters from Wagner's “The Ring", Brazilian fans with their yellow and green and samba music, Argentineans always with their big drums, Germans, Mexicans, and many others.
All of which making this world cup a big success; who many so called “experts" had said would not be given that the United States did not have a tradition of football, and many other reasons. In all this however one thing had been overlooked and that was that many Americans would be cheering on the country of their parents or in some cases grandparents, as was mine with Italy, which was precisely what happened to keep huge stadiums packed. As a matter of fact; USA 94 set the record for the largest attendance at a world cup and this despite not having either England or France qualify. This also a record which still holds out despite three world cups having been played since; all of which had 64 games as opposed to “USA 94", in which only 52 were played.
I basically went around to soak up not only the sun during the time that followed Italy's game against Norway but to meet some of the fans from other countries; as well as look for a bar in which I would be watching Italy's games. After all, I wanted to see Italy play in company of fellow Italians and did not have the means to follow them all over the country, which incidentally was the biggest (and will be till either China, or Canada or Russia host the event) to ever host a world cup with also the greatest distances between venues. As one could imagine would be the case, when matches were being played in cities as far apart from each other as Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Orlando, and Chicago.
Italy was going to be playing its next match in Boston; which was not far but I was afraid I would not be able to get a ticket. This given the many Mexican fans, who were bound to be buying them up, so I just figured to look for a nice Italian bar with a large TV set. I considered many neighborhoods but eventually decided that the best would be “Little Italy" in downtown Manhattan. After all; what better location to watch “La nazionale di calcio" then the place where Don Vito Corleone, grew up and even made his bones in.
It was after looking over many places that I came to settle on “Bar Napoli"; a nice place on Mulberry street, right on the corner, though I do not remember the name of the other street. Little Italy, also the place where I happen to run in to three very nice ladies, whom I mistook for Italian. This given the colors; green, white and red which they had on them and the fact that one of them was a natural blonde. It actually turned out that these three young women, were from Mexico; which also has the same colors on their flag but despite this we did engage in a nice drink and conversation at the Bar Napoli, which included me taking photographs of them with their flag and having one taken of the four of us together. They naturally telling me that they felt Mexico would beat Italy, while I wished them and Mexico the best of luck against any team they should meet, save Italy. In a way it was strange because I had never met any Mexicans before and suddenly; just a few days before Italy's game against them, it seemed that they were everywhere, even more then the Irish. I also remember telling one, who was married to a Polish female friend of mine that Italy was going to win 2-0, while he told me that I was simply dreaming.
The mood was a great one, in the city and one which I knew would probably never come back or at least not in my lifetime; so I tried as hard as I could to get as much of it as possible and that is precisely what I did. Seeing games mostly in bars, even if I did not really care who won or loss. As it was the need to see people celebrate and enjoy their good times even if mine were only when Italy played.
The day of the match against Mexico arrived and I felt sure Italy would qualify, which led to me being relaxed as I waited in a crowded Bar Napoli for the game to begin. The atmosphere however was tense in this rather small place, and as I sat on a chair drinking ice coffee, I started up a conversation with a fellow Italian supporter or at least judging by the Italian shirt he wore. John was his name and like me he was Italian American but contrary to me he could not speak as many as three words of Italian but this mattered not; for he and his dark skinned lady friend from Costa Rica were behind Italy all the way. In fact John's girlfriend, Gabriela (as I remember) had been born in Costa Rica but had lived most of her life in the states which meant she like John also did not speak the language of her ancestors which in her case was Spanish. This I found out as I tried to speak to her in Spanish, who like John with Italian recognized what I was speaking but could not understand.
I for my part on that day wore my AC Milan, shirt wanting to show not only support for Italy but that I was a Milanista. As for the game; it was a hotly contested one, which I followed but secure that Italy would pull through which in fact was what happened as the score ended in a 1-1 draw. Italy's goal being scored by Massaro; an AC Milan player at the 48 minute mark; while Mexico's came via Bernal 9 minutes later. Italy drew and finished with 4 points but this strangely enough did not mean automatic qualification; from a group that ended unlike none other ever had or ever has.
All four teams finished with four points a piece and strangely enough even with the same goal difference, so it would be up to who had scored the most goals to decide matters. Mexico came in first place in the group and automatically qualified for the next round as they had scored 3 goals, which put them a head of Ireland and Italy who had only scored 2 goals, while Norway only 1. Mexico; for its part was going past the first round, for the first time in a tournament which they were not hosting.
Italy and Ireland were left tied with 4 points as well as 2 goals a piece but it was Ireland who came in second given they had beaten us in our head to head game. Italy however managed to come in third despite being equal with Norway on points and goal difference, simply because we had scored two goals and had beaten Norway in our head to head encounter. Italy was third in the group but not yet qualified to the next round, true they had a win and a draw and Uruguay in 86 had done it on the strength of two draws but this was another world cup. Italy could still be eliminated but only if Cameroon beat Russia by three goals or more. All of which would have given Cameroon four points with 5 goals for vs. 5 goals against and would have toped, Italy's 2-2 goal difference.
The chance was there, an ever small one but it was there; for Italy to be ousted from a world cup in the first round. Something which had not happened since Germany 74. Russia after all had lost their first two games and had very little to play for other then pride, though they had under the same circumstance four years earlier managed to rout Cameroon by 4-0. Would they do it again or at least not loose by three goals, was the question on the mind of all Italian fans but this did become academic once Russia destroyed Cameroon by 6-1. In a game that set two records. The first one by Russia's Salenko, who scored five goals and the second one by Roger Milla, who at 42; became the oldest player ever to score a goal in world cup history. As a footnote, I would like to add that both these records still stand.
It had been an interesting game at Bar Napoli and I had met two very nice people by the names of John and Gabriela, along with many others whom I would see again and form bounds with or at least till the end of the world cup. One of them, an Italian American wrongly believing that Roberto and Dino Baggio, were brothers, which I explained to him was not the case. It was however after the game that I was in for a real threat, as there was a camera man and a female reporter present from Italy's RAI TV, who were looking for an Italian supporter whose language skills went beyond the one or two words or expressions which could not really be broadcast on TV. I just happened to be at the right place and at the right time and managed to get interviewed on TV by RAI, hopefully to be seen by my sister and other relatives back in Italy.
Author : Gianni
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/USA-94-Italy-VS.-Mexico-/1065106
South Africa Trips - World Cup 2010
South Africa grabbed the luck to be the seat for World Cup 2010. The ceremony will be launched on June/July 2010. These sports and events takes place all around ten stadiums and cities comprising the Cape Town. The stadiums have been sketched and the building has started. In fact the tickets are for sale on the various venues put up on the website.
The event is not so far and all sports lovers are awaiting to perceive all the precious moments while the competition between the great teams. Apart from the World Cup, South Africa does attract lots of tourists each year. And the news is that the splendid tickets, seats and accommodation will not be enough for the viewers. Several packages including sightseeing and event watching along with cottage stays are arranged by many companies. In lot of fractions of the world, the first round competitions are on the move and a full amount of 30 lineups have by now been eradicated.
In a continental collection the Ten European States takes part in each match. There is a long way to go for the final world cup days. These breathtaking days are going to create an impact in the history of world sports. There are several other reasons to be part of world cup this time. As the event is happening in South Africa which is already a tourist destination, holiday packages are on the move to satisfy the tourists as well as the sport lovers.
Holiday in South Africa is definitely animated, amused, liberal, boosted up, spoilt and re-energized. South African sightseeing puts forward unconquerable worth, outstanding tune-up, astonishing populace and surprising items for consumption.
The neighborhoods wish for the world to stopover South African at the time of World Cup for the reason that it has the funds for them as well a break to be aware of what formulates this good-looking nation state so out of the ordinary and welcoming.
Other than World Cup, there is much to see and have fun in South Africa. Of course you will be able to detect the stylish road and rail network. The economy of South Africa is augmenting now and the cities and towns are unexplainably beautiful. All you have to do is make a trip through the vibrant cities to make out the beauty that is quite outstanding.
There are many reasons why the World Cup will tend to be success this time in South Africa. South African seashores put forward dirt free waters, fair shores and security nets. South Africa is reputed for its marvelous wines. A trip to South Africa is not whole devoid of chipping in the grandiose mountain collections.
Of course the unspoiled nature of South Africa is also of huge interest for those who will visit the World Football Championship in 2010 and will be able to combine the sporting entertainment with some great trips across this unique continent.
You will never have to worry about food in South Africa; the tastes are appealing to any people from whichever part of the world. Surprising games and expedition screening with trips are obtainable on ease. There are lots more that you can enjoy even after the World Cup days. Make it now or never!!!
Author : Ivaylo
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/South-Africa-Trips-World-Cup-2010/1059277
The event is not so far and all sports lovers are awaiting to perceive all the precious moments while the competition between the great teams. Apart from the World Cup, South Africa does attract lots of tourists each year. And the news is that the splendid tickets, seats and accommodation will not be enough for the viewers. Several packages including sightseeing and event watching along with cottage stays are arranged by many companies. In lot of fractions of the world, the first round competitions are on the move and a full amount of 30 lineups have by now been eradicated.
In a continental collection the Ten European States takes part in each match. There is a long way to go for the final world cup days. These breathtaking days are going to create an impact in the history of world sports. There are several other reasons to be part of world cup this time. As the event is happening in South Africa which is already a tourist destination, holiday packages are on the move to satisfy the tourists as well as the sport lovers.
Holiday in South Africa is definitely animated, amused, liberal, boosted up, spoilt and re-energized. South African sightseeing puts forward unconquerable worth, outstanding tune-up, astonishing populace and surprising items for consumption.
The neighborhoods wish for the world to stopover South African at the time of World Cup for the reason that it has the funds for them as well a break to be aware of what formulates this good-looking nation state so out of the ordinary and welcoming.
Other than World Cup, there is much to see and have fun in South Africa. Of course you will be able to detect the stylish road and rail network. The economy of South Africa is augmenting now and the cities and towns are unexplainably beautiful. All you have to do is make a trip through the vibrant cities to make out the beauty that is quite outstanding.
There are many reasons why the World Cup will tend to be success this time in South Africa. South African seashores put forward dirt free waters, fair shores and security nets. South Africa is reputed for its marvelous wines. A trip to South Africa is not whole devoid of chipping in the grandiose mountain collections.
Of course the unspoiled nature of South Africa is also of huge interest for those who will visit the World Football Championship in 2010 and will be able to combine the sporting entertainment with some great trips across this unique continent.
You will never have to worry about food in South Africa; the tastes are appealing to any people from whichever part of the world. Surprising games and expedition screening with trips are obtainable on ease. There are lots more that you can enjoy even after the World Cup days. Make it now or never!!!
Author : Ivaylo
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/South-Africa-Trips-World-Cup-2010/1059277
World Cup Qualifiers: UEFA Previews for the next round
Several European teams are getting prepared for the next qualifying round which is going to be held this next weekend. Portugal and Sweden are going to play this Saturday October 11th and while Portugal recovers their all star player Cristiano Ronaldo, Sweden on the other hand, has lost almost half of their top players because of injuries.
The match is going to be held at the Rasunda Stadium, in Sweden, where the local team has only lost one game in 10 years.
Portugal, which is part of the UEFA Group 1, currently is at the 4th place of the group with three points after beating Malta 4-0. However, after that they were beaten at home by Denmark 3-2. The 3 teams in the group placed above Portugal are Denmark, Albania and Sweden, all of them with four points after two games.
"From here on in it's going to be difficult and we can't lose any more games like we did against Denmark," said Ronaldo "I can assure you we'll be looking for three points in Sweden," he added. "I want us to play our usual game and make the Swedes defend and cause them headaches...".
Ronaldo was a doubt since he underwent an ankle surgery after the Euro 2008. In Portugal lineup, there are some important players missing too. Deco, who plays with Chelsea, has a torn muscle and cannot play. Midfielder Maniche, winger Simao Sabrosa and central defender Ricardo Carvalho are also sidelined with injuries.
However, for Sweden the picture is even worse, Strikers Henrik Larsson and Markus Rosenberg, defender Olof Mellberg, and midfielders Christian Wilhelmsson, Tobias Linderoth and Anders Svensson are out of the team due to injuries as well.
On the other hand, for UEFA Group 5 in the qualifying round, there are a lot of concerns about injuries too for the games of this weekend. For the Spanish coach, Vicente del Bosque, the mayor concerns are Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta who had both leg injuries. Nevertheless, there are also some good news for the team, some of the players that were injured are now back, such as Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena and Raul Albiol, and some others are expected to be back later.
Del Bosque is considering on making some other changes in the midfield since two of the players are sidelined. But after all, they are very confident with the work that the team has been doing since they consider that they cannot be playing better than right now and that they are targeting the most important title. Spain is facing Estonia this coming Saturday and they are planning to do their best at this game.
Xavi Hernandez also expressed that he is pleased with the team, "Without a doubt, we all feel more appreciated, more important across the world. We just needed to win something," Xavi said. "Myself, personally, I feel better prepared, stronger."
Some other teams are getting prepared as well, since most of the second round qualification matches are going to be held during the weekend. Certainly this will be a very exciting weekend and we will be anxious to see the results.
Author : Nolan
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/World-Cup-Qualifiers-UEFA-Previews-for-the-next-round/1049698
The match is going to be held at the Rasunda Stadium, in Sweden, where the local team has only lost one game in 10 years.
Portugal, which is part of the UEFA Group 1, currently is at the 4th place of the group with three points after beating Malta 4-0. However, after that they were beaten at home by Denmark 3-2. The 3 teams in the group placed above Portugal are Denmark, Albania and Sweden, all of them with four points after two games.
"From here on in it's going to be difficult and we can't lose any more games like we did against Denmark," said Ronaldo "I can assure you we'll be looking for three points in Sweden," he added. "I want us to play our usual game and make the Swedes defend and cause them headaches...".
Ronaldo was a doubt since he underwent an ankle surgery after the Euro 2008. In Portugal lineup, there are some important players missing too. Deco, who plays with Chelsea, has a torn muscle and cannot play. Midfielder Maniche, winger Simao Sabrosa and central defender Ricardo Carvalho are also sidelined with injuries.
However, for Sweden the picture is even worse, Strikers Henrik Larsson and Markus Rosenberg, defender Olof Mellberg, and midfielders Christian Wilhelmsson, Tobias Linderoth and Anders Svensson are out of the team due to injuries as well.
On the other hand, for UEFA Group 5 in the qualifying round, there are a lot of concerns about injuries too for the games of this weekend. For the Spanish coach, Vicente del Bosque, the mayor concerns are Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta who had both leg injuries. Nevertheless, there are also some good news for the team, some of the players that were injured are now back, such as Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena and Raul Albiol, and some others are expected to be back later.
Del Bosque is considering on making some other changes in the midfield since two of the players are sidelined. But after all, they are very confident with the work that the team has been doing since they consider that they cannot be playing better than right now and that they are targeting the most important title. Spain is facing Estonia this coming Saturday and they are planning to do their best at this game.
Xavi Hernandez also expressed that he is pleased with the team, "Without a doubt, we all feel more appreciated, more important across the world. We just needed to win something," Xavi said. "Myself, personally, I feel better prepared, stronger."
Some other teams are getting prepared as well, since most of the second round qualification matches are going to be held during the weekend. Certainly this will be a very exciting weekend and we will be anxious to see the results.
Author : Nolan
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/World-Cup-Qualifiers-UEFA-Previews-for-the-next-round/1049698
Soccer Gear: What You Need To Know
The Must Buy Soccer Gears
The game of Soccer is widely popular around the world and is followed closely by people of different age groups. The sports gear and equipment for soccer that are required to play the game include soccer balls, cleats, shoes, soccer jerseys, shin guards, and socks.
The market is filled with different soccer gear to choose from and choosing the right stuff can sometime be a difficult proposition. You want the quality of the gear to be good and ensure that it lasts during its usage. It is wiser sometimes to buy sports uniforms that are a bit expensive and lasts longer than a cheap one, which needs to be changed frequently.
The soccer shoes are available for plying the game indoor or outdoor. For outdoor soccer game, the shoes come with hard fields, firm fields or else the soft fields. Many of these shoes come with removable cleats. Hence, if one or two of the studs wear off with usage or soccer drills, you need to to buy another pair of cleats. If you are planning play soccer indoor, get indoor soccer shoes that have flat bottom and the material of the shoes are strong than usual sneakers. However, never play the game in a pair of sneakers shoes. They are not meant for that and there are good chances of you falling during the game. You will also find it hard to keep control of the ball in sneakers.
Soccer Shin Guards is highly recommended if you are seriously planning to play the game of soccer. These Guards prevent you from many injuries that occur during the play and are a compulsory piece of soccer item. All the actions on the field of soccer are related to the leg movements and a Shin Guard is a must. Along with it, you need to buy soccer socks to keep the shin guards in position. This socks come in different colors for you to choose from them.
The next important item to go for is Soccer Shorts. Do not buy baggy soccer shorts as they restrict your game. The shorts should not restrict your movement during the game. These soccer clothes of the shorts should be tough enough to withstand sliding, falling, diving as you play the game. They should also have the color and design of your team.
The sports jerseys of soccer you buy must express the team's design and should complement your shorts and socks. Many fans look for team uniforms like replica soccer jerseys while supporting for their teams. These replica jerseys are there for all the major soccer clubs and national teams of the world.
When buying gear for the Soccer Goalkeeper, few points need to be kept in mind. The soccer goalie shirts or long pants that a goalkeeper wears have padding on the hips. This padding is there to stop the goalkeeper from injuries as they dive to catch a ball. The gloves that the goalkeepers wear are designed to provide a good grip on the ball. The soccer goalkeeper jersey's elbow that a goalie wears should have padding so that they do not injure their body while landing on the ground.
Author : Ariel Ortega64
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Soccer-Gear-What-You-Need-To-Know/1007893
The game of Soccer is widely popular around the world and is followed closely by people of different age groups. The sports gear and equipment for soccer that are required to play the game include soccer balls, cleats, shoes, soccer jerseys, shin guards, and socks.
The market is filled with different soccer gear to choose from and choosing the right stuff can sometime be a difficult proposition. You want the quality of the gear to be good and ensure that it lasts during its usage. It is wiser sometimes to buy sports uniforms that are a bit expensive and lasts longer than a cheap one, which needs to be changed frequently.
The soccer shoes are available for plying the game indoor or outdoor. For outdoor soccer game, the shoes come with hard fields, firm fields or else the soft fields. Many of these shoes come with removable cleats. Hence, if one or two of the studs wear off with usage or soccer drills, you need to to buy another pair of cleats. If you are planning play soccer indoor, get indoor soccer shoes that have flat bottom and the material of the shoes are strong than usual sneakers. However, never play the game in a pair of sneakers shoes. They are not meant for that and there are good chances of you falling during the game. You will also find it hard to keep control of the ball in sneakers.
Soccer Shin Guards is highly recommended if you are seriously planning to play the game of soccer. These Guards prevent you from many injuries that occur during the play and are a compulsory piece of soccer item. All the actions on the field of soccer are related to the leg movements and a Shin Guard is a must. Along with it, you need to buy soccer socks to keep the shin guards in position. This socks come in different colors for you to choose from them.
The next important item to go for is Soccer Shorts. Do not buy baggy soccer shorts as they restrict your game. The shorts should not restrict your movement during the game. These soccer clothes of the shorts should be tough enough to withstand sliding, falling, diving as you play the game. They should also have the color and design of your team.
The sports jerseys of soccer you buy must express the team's design and should complement your shorts and socks. Many fans look for team uniforms like replica soccer jerseys while supporting for their teams. These replica jerseys are there for all the major soccer clubs and national teams of the world.
When buying gear for the Soccer Goalkeeper, few points need to be kept in mind. The soccer goalie shirts or long pants that a goalkeeper wears have padding on the hips. This padding is there to stop the goalkeeper from injuries as they dive to catch a ball. The gloves that the goalkeepers wear are designed to provide a good grip on the ball. The soccer goalkeeper jersey's elbow that a goalie wears should have padding so that they do not injure their body while landing on the ground.
Author : Ariel Ortega64
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Soccer-Gear-What-You-Need-To-Know/1007893
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