Reveals The Other Side of Football

Travelling Football : London, City of Football

2011-06-23T12:25:00.002+07:00

In common with fellow European heavyweights Berlin and Paris, England’s capital is an underachiever when it comes to football: the city's combined total on 19 top-flight titles is only one clear of both Manchester United and Liverpool FC.

But with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all threatening a major football renaissance for the capital, there has never been a better time to visit for a game – and the quaint charms of Fulham, the East End fun of West Ham United and the capital’s many lower-league outfits all have their appeal, too.

And if you’re in town for the football, you’ll stay for the… well, where to start? World-beating museums, a range of restaurants reflecting the 200-plus different nationalities that call the city home, West End theatre, brilliant nightlife and enough history to keep culture vultures like Arsene Wenger happy all season round? There really is something for everyone.

Relatively new visitors may be overwhelmed by the pace, bustle and expense of the capital, but with a little planning you can have a great couple of days here without breaking the bank. A stroll along the South Bank of Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge is free and covers off many of London’s finest attractions: the iconic Parliament buildings and Big Ben, the National Theatre and BFI Bar (a great place to watch the world go by), the London Eye (£16 buys you a half-hour ride on the giant observation wheel and a truly spectacular view) and the Tate Modern – where most of the art is free and there’s always something interesting going on in the Turbine Hall. From here you can venture toward St Paul’s Cathedral (Westminster Abbey is back by the Houses of Parliament) or kick on to the Tower of London and HMS Belfast. London’s parks are also a delight in summer.

Museum enthusiasts and arts fans are spoilt for choice in London, and most displays are free – although you’ll pay around £10 for the major showpiece exhibitions of artists like Gaugin or Picasso. Try the British Museum, Tate Britain in Pimlico, Natural History Museum or Science Museum for a truly memorable experience.

The West End, meanwhile, runs around 40 shows at any one time – from highbrow theatre in tiny venues to glitzy musical showstoppers; while the IMAX in Waterloo boasts the biggest 3D screen in Europe. Soho and Covent Garden, meanwhile, have enough clubs, bars and boozers to sate any appetite – from 13th-century real ale houses to the poshest cocktail bars packed with the beautiful people.

More adventurous London visitors should explore outside Zone One. Try the truly crazy nightlife of Brixton (or see a band at the wonderful Brixton Academy); hit the curry houses of Brick Lane, or mix in with the North London rich set in Primrose Hill (great for a summer’s day visit) or Islington.

Whatever you chose to do – and please don’t try to do everything – London will leave you wanting to come back for more.

ARRIVAL
London is well-served by major airports. Heathrow, a half-hour Tube ride west of the centre, is one of the world's busiest (and can feel like it, too, being a former military airfield on a cramped site in a residential area). Gatwick, a half-hour train journey south from Victoria, isn't much smaller and is particularly popular from Europe. Cheap-flight airlines tend to arrive at Stansted (30 miles north-east) and Luton (35 miles north), both served by fairly fast train services, while the closer but much smaller London City Airport tends to serve the business community.

TOURIST OFFICE
Visit London highlights the many things to do in the city and has a presence at all the airports. You might also check Time Out, London's venerable weekly listings magazine, for things to do on a daily basis.

GETTING AROUND
The Tube, the world's oldest underground railway, is a very quick and easy way of getting around the metropolis. Buses are many and regular (and frequently 24-hour, unlike the Tube), and give a better view of London's endlessly revealing architecture.

DON'T MISS
It would be too hard to pick one thing – so consider buying a ticket for the many hop-on, hop-off tourist buses, whose microphone-wielding guides which will explain the city's history to you and other tourists. Don't be shy.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Take a water-bus from central London – say, the Westminster Millennium Pier – down the river to Greenwich, a World Heritage site where museums surround a pleasant park with a view of Canary Wharf over the river.

Copenhagen Travel Guide : Football City

2011-06-15T21:14:00.003+07:00

The capital of cool, design and of course beer is becoming an important destination on the European football map, as FC Copenhagen’s dominance on the domestic game continues to grow. However, Danish football still has many things to compete with in terms of entertainment for the locals in one of the greenest cities in the world.

Much has been written about the cost of living in the city: residents pay some of the highest taxes in the world, but in return enjoying one of the best qualities of life on the planet, underlined by a recent “happiness” survey that put the Danes firmly top of the pile in Europe. Residents of the city enjoy a fine work/life balance, stress-free commuting (more than 35% cycle to work) and some of the best parks and green spaces you will find anywhere in the world.

Denmark is home to some of the biggest and trendiest brands in the world. Lego may be a children’s toy but it's a design classic, as too is Bang & Olufsen and Pandora. But eclipsing them all is the king of brewing, Carlsberg. Despite the fact that beer is no longer brewed at the massive Carlsberg plant in the east of the city, the brand is synonymous with Denmark. Every bar you will visit in the city will sell Carlsberg – or Tuborg, which was acquired by the brewing giant in 1970.

Airlines are today falling over themselves to fly Brits over to Copenhagen, with no fewer than nine routes available from the United Kingdom. With more and more hotels opening their doors, surprisingly for Denmark prices are actually falling, making it a perfect time to make the short trip over.

The city’s defining monument is, of course, The Little Mermaid. The 1.25m statue, based on the novel of Hans Christian Andersen, has sat on a rock on the edge of the water for nearly 100 years – although she has suffered greatly over the years, including being decapitated, losing an arm and being blown up. Crowds still flock to her today despite the feeling of being completely underwhelmed when you actually get close up, having battled through the Japanese tourists.

The city has a number of areas to explore. Many visitors head for the (expensive) bars and restaurants that line Nyhavn, the waterside street of brightly painted 17th- and 18th-century houses where the tour boats all depart from. Christiania (or to give it its proper name, The Freetown of Christiania) is famous the world over for its alternative lifestyle, although the image of hippies hanging around smoking dope all day are today a work of fiction, and the local authorities are slowly taking control back of the small area.

The river front is going through major redevelopment work, with new hotels and striking office blokes seemingly continuously under construction. To the east of the central station you will find the Nørrebro, the multicultural part of the city as well as the old red light district. Here you will find restaurants to suit all tastes, with food replacing the women who used to line the streets.

Football is still not the major reason to visit the city, although with a fierce rivalry between the two biggest Danish clubs as well as numerous other clubs dotted around town it is a perfect weekend escape. You can't dislike a place where the staple matchday cuisine is beer and sausages.

ARRIVAL

Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport is one of the best in Europe in terms of design (as you'd expect), functionality and facilities. It's also well connected to the city centre with regular trains running from underneath Terminal 3. There is also a Metro line that runs to Kongens Nytorv and Norreport in the city centre. Single tickets for either cost 34.50Kr (Denmark never adopted the Euro; the exchange rate usually hovers between eight and nine krone per GBP). Alternatively you can catch bus 5A from the terminal outside Terminal 2 to Rådhuspladsen, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 22Kr.

TOURIST OFFICE

As you exit the customs area of the airport, there's a Tourist Information Desk almost immediately in front of you. Free maps are available here, as well as the Copenhagen Card which gives unlimited travel and access to most museums. They can also assist with hotel reservations. The main office is located opposite the Tivoli Gardens main gate.

GETTING AROUND

There is an efficient public transport system comprising of buses, trains and the metro. However, most destinations are within walking distance. If your legs are up to it then rent a bicycle from the main train station.

DON'T MISS

Tivoli Gardens, a Danish institution located in the heart of the city. Part amusement park with rides such as the world’s tallest carousel at just 80 metres tall, part pleasure gardens, it's the world’s second oldest theme park – the oldest is Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg, opened in 1583: the Danes have long appreciated the value of some R&R. Tivoli Gardens, which opened in 1843 and is Scandinavia's most visited theme park, was the inspiration for Walt Disney and his original Disneyland resort in California. The park also has a number of excellent restaurants, including one that has been voted as the world’s best: Paul, which can be found in the Nimb Hotel. Tivoli is open from late March to mid-October every year, with a short Christmas season as well.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

If you love modern art, one of the best museums in Europe is located just up the coast. Louisiana occupies a magnificent spot on the Øresund Sound at Humlebæk which is 25 minutes on the train from central station. Whilst exhibits are constantly changing, you will find work here from Andy Warhol, Picasso and controversial Danish artist Asger Jorn. The grounds are stunning during the summer where people sit and picnic enjoying the view over to Sweden, or in the winter when the snow transforms it into a scene from Narnia.

Travelling To BARCELONA

2011-06-15T19:56:00.003+07:00

Catalunya, of which Barcelona is the capital, is not Spain but a separate, distinct country. So say the Catalans – and with good reason. It has its own language, its own customs, a thriving historic capital and a hard-working mentality far removed from the 'mañana, mañana' procrastinations often associated with Spain.

Shaped roughly like a triangle, Catalunya is a diverse region of (often avant-garde) urbanisation, mountains, beaches and farmland, proud of its political and artistic heritage, and its modernism. Bounded by the Pyrenees to the north, the Mediterranean to the east, and the River Ebro, running diagonally between them, it consists of four provinces: Girona in the north, Lleida in the west, Tarragona in the south and Barcelona in the north.

Tourists flock to the area, some to the countryside, others to beach resorts like Lloret de Mar, and Blanes. Still more travel to the vibrant city of Barcelona where the medieval Gothic cathedrals, Gaudi's magnificent modernist structures and the beachside Olympic and Forum 2004 developments stun the eye. Catalunya's biggest tourist attraction, however, is the FC Barcelona museum at the Nou Camp stadium.

Unlike much of mainland Iberia, Catalunya was not colonised by the Moors. Before the unification of Spain, Barcelona was the capital of an empire which stretched to Athens. Its subsequent decline, and the political dominance of the peninsular by Madrid, is keenly felt by the people in the region.

POLITICAL FOOTBALL
Fluttering everywhere in the region are yellow-and-red striped flags – the symbol of Catalunya. Catalanisme is a widespread movement to promote Catalan independence – and bustling himself to its forefront is Joan Laporta, longterm president of FC Barcelona who now fancies a move into politics.

Laporta's old club is, and always has been, a major symbol of Catalan nationalism, supported by most of the football fans in the region: one survey suggested that 65 percent of the population follow Barça. Real Madrid are supported by 18 percent – mainly migrants relocated to the area during the Franco era – and only three percent are up for Espanyol, Barcelona's other Primera team, whose hard-core fans, Las Brigadas Blanquiazules, hate FC Barcelona and Catalanisme, welcome Madrid, and carry Spanish flags to the game, some bearing the (illegal) black eagle of Franco.

For the vast majority for whom football means Barça, there is no occasion when the hatred of their political, economic and historical bondage to the 'oppressive' capital of Madrid bursts out more than when Real Madrid come to play in the awesome Nou Camp.

To these fans, Madrid are the team of General Franco, who – keen to unify the country he dictated from 1939 to his death in 1975 – sought to destroy Catalanisme, to eradicate the language and customs of the region, forcing into exile those opponents he didn't execute or throw into prison.

Since El Generalisimo's death, Catalan culture has flourished, and the previously illegal Reapers' Song, a ballad celebrating the Catalan peasants' revolt against billeted Spanish troops in 1640, has become the official national anthem. The song, which Laporta once played before the clasico against Madrid, describes what the Catalan rebels should do to the Madrid-financed invading soldiers:

'Drive them off, these people,
So conceited and arrogant,
A good blow of the sickle,
Defenders of the land,
A good blow of the sickle.'

TALK TALK
As ever, when in a foreign country, make an attempt to ingratiate yourself with the locals by learning the lingo. However, don't make the mistake of speaking (Castilian) Spanish. Catalan, used in all state schools and the mother-tongue of 60 percent of the population, is akin to the French dialect Provençal. 'Please' is 'si's plau'; 'thank you' is 'merci'.

FUNNY FOLK
Though it's ridiculed by the rest of the country, the Catalans are fond of the Sardana (folk dancing), which consists of groups of people forming circles and placing objects within them, thereby demonstrating unity and sharing. It's a tame affair, so both young and old can participate together.

BARCELONA: THE CITY
A vast metropolis with a population of over three million, Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya and a city that has it all. It is a city that excels in everything: industry, fashion, art, music, design and sport – most notably football. With so much to do it's impossible to exhaust your options in a single holiday, so you'll just have to go back for more. The prosperous commercial centre is decorated with gothic architecture, mixed with more modern (arte nouveau) creations.

This sums up Barcelona, a wonderful blend of the old and new. Despite the money invested in the city there are some run-down areas to be avoided. Petty crime is rife – especially if you look like a dozy tourist – and Barcelona does have drug problems. That said, Barcelona poses no greater danger than any other major European city, and you shouldn't feel afraid to explore.

The hub of the city is the Ramblas, an ancient road that forms the spine of the city. Lorca once remarked that Ramblas was "the only street in the world which I wish would never end". For a sense of ancient Barcelona saunter to the east end of Ramblas to the Barri Gotíc (the Gothic quarter). Here you'll find yourself surrounded by buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries. Barcelona's wealth of riches leaves other major European cities desperately keeping up with the Jones'.

CITY GUIDE: ARRIVAL
The main airport is 12km south-west of Barcelona at El Prat de Llobragat and is linked to the city by train and a handy Aerobus (departing every 12 minutes). Some budget flights arrive at either Girona or Reus, from where the trip to the city takes a little longer.

TOURIST OFFICE
Placa de Catalunya, (0034) 906 301 282, www.barcelonaturisme.com.

GETTING AROUND
Getting about is easy thanks to a first-class public transport that includes a metro, trams, buses and even cable cars. Just pick up a free transport map from the tourist office and away you go.

GOING OUT
If your hotel is in the city centre the nearest clubbing zones are Barri Gotic, Raval, Eixample and Gracia. However, should you venture into the city's outskirts it's here that you'll find the designer, big-name venues. Poble Nou for example offers little during the day but transforms into a trendy nightspot.
Café Royale, c/Nou de Zurbano 3. Pretty people lounging about. Prepare to feel inadequate.
Otto Zultz, c/de Lincoln. More of the beautiful set dancing wildly.
The Loft, c/Pamplona 88. Two floors, international DJs.
Carpe Diem, Avgda. Dr Gregorio Maranon 17. Huge tent, best in summer.

DON'T MISS
The Museu de Barça. Built in 1957, and enlarged 25 years later for the World Cup semi-final, the Camp Nou is a world-class stadium – and as you'd expect its museum is a shrine to great Barcelona teams and players through the years. To say it's not entirely impartial is one enormous understatement, but it is a must for any football fan. Tickets are 7 euros (11 euros with a tour of the stadium) and opening hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-6.30pm and Sundays 10am-2pm.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Why not ride the cross-harbour cable car from Barceloneta (the 1992 Olympic village) to Montjuic for a dazzling view of the city? The cable car departs every 15 minutes, tickets cost 6 euros one way and 7.20 euros return.

DAY TRIPPER
If you're in the area, it's well worth taking a train 75km north-east of Barcelona to Girona. Having survived 21 invasions by the 18th century, and been besieged five times in the 19th century, this medieval city has earned its nickname 'Immortal'. Today it is stormed by nothing more fearsome than armies of tourists strolling through its cobbled streets. Be sure to visit the markets in the old town for a break from the beach. The tourist office is at the train station in Placa d'Espanya (0034 972 226 575).

FIESTA!
New Year's Eve – Cap d'Any – sparks wild street celebrations. As the clock counts down to midnight, you eat 12 grapes in 12 seconds, each representing good fortune for a month of the year ahead. Top tip: go for seedless.

Mesut Ozil Interview

2011-06-14T11:46:00.002+07:00

How excited are you about the World Cup kicking off?
It’s exciting just to be talking about the World Cup. It’s the biggest stage a footballer can reach. And for the fans as well.

What are you most looking forward to?
Not many players get to play in a World Cup – it’s a special honour to participate. And I’m looking forward to getting to know South Africa better and meeting the best teams in the world with the best players.

Germany is regarded as a tournament team…
And we want to prove it again. We have a lot of respect for our group opponents, but the goal is to get through as the top team in our group. After that, the dream is to win the World Cup.

Who are the favourites?
Spain, of course, and Brazil, Argentina and Germany. But there are many teams that are strong and can get far.

You won the under-21 title with Germany. Do those experiences help now you’re on an even bigger stage?
In the under-21 tournament we faced a lot of players from the Premier League or Spain, some of whom we’ll meet again now – and some of the Spanish guys have won Euro 2008 already, so it’s going to be very exiting to see how they do this time. As far as the experience of the under 21 games are concerned, I think it does help, though it’s certainly a different level.

There are quite a few young players in the German team. How is the feeling going away for such a long time together?
Your first international tournament is one of the things you never forget in your life. It is a new chapter and something you can keep as a secret wish, but it is not guaranteed. Everyone has special feelings about internationals. For me, I will never forget my first game for Germany. And I feel lucky because 10 years ago, younger players did not have the same options as they have today. The attitude regarding youngsters seems to have changed in general. Young players get more responsibility.

Why do you think that is?
Young players have proved they can handle the pressure and that they are mature enough to play. Some clubs had to look to their youngsters due to money problems and the education has been improved a lot. I think it’s great to have guys like Jerome Boateng, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Marko Marin and Sami Khedira.

You have Turkish roots, but you were born in Gelsenkirchen. Were you tempted to play for Turkey?
I am third generation in Germany: my father grew up here. Turkey will always be a special country for me but I did not doubt my decision to play for Germany – ever. I started to play for Germany in the youth teams.

You left Schalke when you were very young. Did that help you grow up?
It was really hard for me to leave my hometown, Gelsenkirchen. All of a sudden I was without my family and my friends were hundreds of miles away. Today I’m proud that I did it, and that I made it. I think it did help me. There are some things you have to do on your own and learn to make decisions.

Today people compare you with Juve’s Diego and even Maradona. Did you expect that things would go that fast?
Well, I knew what I could do on the pitch from the junior games. What I was missing was the goals. That works much better today. That people speak about me and the big names is an honour, but I think I have a fair bit to go. One day I want to be among the best but today I am just 21.

Which players did you want to be when you were growing up?
My Idol was Zinedine Zidane. He was the most perfect player. His technique, shooting and headers, his ability to read games and boss them was fantastic.

Cheating, Rooney Losing £ 600,000

2011-04-07T10:59:00.001+07:00

Beverage manufacturer Coca-Cola announced that it has decided not to renew contracts with striker Wayne Rooney, the star of their product ads, in the future. According to the Daily Mail, the decision was taken following the unfolding of Rooney affair with a commercial sex worker in September last.

In its official statement, Cola-Cola, said their contract with Rooney out at the end of last year. However, according to the Daily Mail, Rooney is a de facto no longer be the star of Coca-Cola Zero since September last, shortly after the affair revealed by the British media.

"Our cooperation with Wayne Rooney (which began in 2007) out late last year and we have (Coca-cola and Rooney) agreed not to renew our partnership,"said a statement Coca-cola.

"The cooperation has now ended. Rooney has resulted in £ 600,000 per year from that cooperation," they added.

Because of Pique, Shakira boycotted Madrid

2011-03-31T10:47:00.002+07:00

Sexy singer Shakira have to pay expensive affair relationship with Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. According to the AS and Marca, Real Madrid relation both to make no longer play the songs of Shakira.

Shakira songs have for years always played every Cristiano Ronaldo and his friends will start the match at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, according to AS and Marca, on behalf of the rivalry, "El Real" boycott of the order of songs Shakira song that is played when the games.

Shakira itself is open-opening about her relationship with Pique. Some time ago, Shakira put a picture of himself with Pique on his Twitter page. In fact, there are also photos featuring Shakira smooch with Spanish defender was on a magazine cover.

Shakira love affair with Pique touted pegelaran has been stranded since the World Cup 2010. In the grand event, attended as a singer Shakira "Waka-waka (This Time for Africa). " Meanwhile, Pique on duty for Spain to finally championship.

20 Ronaldo's Girlsfriend

2010-12-21T09:45:00.003+07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's really so delicious. Charming, abundant wealth, surrounded also by the many beautiful women. Status as the world's top superstar athletes can not be denied to make a lot of women attracted to the charm of the Real Madrid midfielder.

Some one famous ride with dating CR7. Some women only want to "rank" up in the eyes of the European media. Ronaldo was happy to dating them because he was enjoying his youth.

Some again have a sincere love CR7. This is because they are captivated by his charisma held the Portuguese players.

In latest years, the England media and Spain noted that CR7 has been dating so many women, ranging from students, nurses, tennis players, soap opera actress, supermodel, to Hollywood celebrities.

Here is a row of 20 women sexiest who had dated Ronaldo :
1. Gemma Atkinson
Gemma probably the most sincere woman who loves CR7. Both are quite old dating. Unfortunately, CR7 this British artist betrayed by some women sex workers.

2. Luana Belletti
Luana is the younger brother of former Chelsea player, Juliano Belletti. Ronaldo dating Luana, while still defending Manchester United, in 2009. At first they did not smell as media relations. However, both are caught on camera a few days after Chelsea lost to Barcelona in the Champions League final.

3. Maria Sharapova
Who does not know Maria Sharapova. This woman is a former world number one from Russia. Ronaldo dating Sharapova in 2008 when a beautiful woman 23-year winning the Australian Open tournament.

4. Kim Kardashian
Six months ago, Ronaldo and Kardashian caught kissing in Madrid. Kardashian who visit Madrid for three days and spent his days accompanied by CR7. Both even a romantic dinner at a famous restaurant.

5. Paris Hilton
Paris and Ronaldo met at a nightclub in Los Angeles in 2009. Both involved intense courtship of the media perpetuated in a photograph. In that meeting, CR7 total spending money of 15,000 pounds, or approximately USD 251 million to order drinks and partying all night long.

6. Letizia Filippi
Filippi is an Italian model who is dating old Ronaldo. Filippi once told CR7, that if he could win the World Player of the Year title, it will invite Ronaldo Filippi charter a plane and go away to a secluded place. There they had sex two to three hours non-stop.

7. Raffaella Fico
Fico is a fairly old Spanish model dating Ronaldo. Before dating with the CR7, Fico said that he had sold her virginity to a stranger at 1.5 million U.S. dollars.

8. Gabriela Endringer
Endringer dating Ronaldo last year. After they broke up, Endringer revealed that during the week, Ronaldo is staying at his house. They are both only two times left the room.

9. Karina Ferro
Ronaldo and Ferro dating in 2002-2005. During that time, Ronaldo was also dating several other women. However, this is not a problem for Ferro.

10. Nereida Gallardo
Gallardo was a nurse part-time. He was not famous at all before she met Ronaldo. Both were dating in 2008. Once Ronaldo decided this woman via SMS, the name of the Gallardo was never raised again in the media.

11. Isabel Figueir
Figueir dating Ronaldo in 2005. Their relationship foundered and now Figueir already married with Benfica midfielder, Cesar Peixoto.

12. Diana Chavez
Diana Chavez is an artist who has played in several episodes of CSI: Miami. Ronaldo dating a blonde woman in 2006.

13. Nuria Bermudez
Nuria is not really a model like girlfriends the other Ronaldo. He is a professional pebola agent. However, Ronaldo still fall in love with him and both were dating 4 years ago.

14. Niki Ghazian
Ghazian is a model that serves students majoring in law. Ronaldo dating this woman in 2008.

15. Karina Bacchi
Karina is an artist of Italian soap opera. He was going out with Ronaldo in 2007.

16. Daniele Aguiar
Aguiar is a Brazilian supermodel. Ronaldo dating in 2005.

17. Luciana Abreu
Abreu is a singer, actress and TV host. He was dating with a CR7, three years ago.

18. Marina Rodriguez
Rodriguez is Miss Portugal 2004. Both are suitable because they come from the same country. Unfortunately, the relationship only lasted for the rest corn.

19. Imogen Thomas
Thomas is a former Miss Wales. He is dating Ronaldo in 2008.

20. Bipasha Basu
Basu is a Bollywood actress on board. He is dating Ronaldo, three years ago.

In Penalty, First Kicker is Advantage

2010-12-17T18:39:00.004+07:00

A study reveals the importance of becoming the first kicker in a penalty shootout. The team that took the first kick greater chances to win.

Similarly, research conducted by Ignacio Palacios-Huerta, a professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), together with Jose Apestaguia, a lecturer at the University Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona.

After examining the 2820 penalties in national and international matches between the years 1970-2008, both of which found that 60 percent of the team that won the first kick and won the remaining 40 percent of the team that kicked the second.

Instinctively, the choice to become the first kicker usually owned by the captain of a squad. Most of winning a coin toss to choose to be the first kicker.

"Most of television advertisements broadcast during the coin toss to determine who kicks first. Our findings show that this is a decisive moment after the match ends in a draw," said Palacios-Huerta said.

"The coins have been an advantage of 20 percent to the team that kicks first. left in a state of psychological pressure greatly affects the appearance of the team that kicked the two," he explained.

In the findings of Palacios-Huerta, 19 out of 20 teams captain who won the coin toss chooses to become the first kicker. Apparently, the players were quite aware of the psychological benefits they will get to kick first.

The only winning the coin toss chose to kick the second is when I see Spain Italy in Euro 2008. As emphasized above research results, Spain won the match.

Palacios-Huerta offers an alternative to reduce the inequities created by the coin toss. He proposed a model in tennis tie break after a service in which the first player, beat his opponent will do the two services aka ABBAABBAAB pattern.

"The pattern of this penalty to reduce the inequities created by the situation 'first kicker' was because both teams are not always the team pursuit,"says Palacios-Huerta.

Sara Casillas Best Dressed Women

2010-12-17T17:53:00.004+07:00

Beautiful and interesting, Sara Carbonero also a stylish woman. Iker Casillas's girlfriend was elected as the best-dressed woman in Spain to beat Princess Letizia and actress Penelope Cruz.

Is a survey of showroomprive.com, the second largest online shopping site in Europe that provide such title. This study aims to analyze the selection of the style of dress among the women in Spain and France.

Quoted from La Cronica de Badajoz, a woman who works as a sports journalist and presenter, was regarded as one of the women with the right fashion. Sara recently increase the size of her breasts was considered able to combine casual clothing with accessories and vice versa so as to produce a captivating style.

Name Sara rising accused the culprit after the defeat of Spain in his first party in the 2010 World Cup. 26-year-old woman claimed to disturb the concentration Casillas for doing coverage just behind the wicket keeper who kept the number one La Furia Roja that.

Princess Letizia also included in the list. Members of the Spanish empire it became the second best because of his fashion choice has its own characteristics.

Other celebrities, Cruz placing third. Star film "Vicky Christina Barcelona" which also won Academy Awards were chosen because of his fashion choices show strength and personality

Wolverhampton Wanderers Profile

2010-11-14T12:22:00.001+07:00

Wolverhampton Wanderers
Molineux Stadium, Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4QR
Tel: 0871 222 2220

overview

Wolverhampton Wanderers will ply their trade in the Premier League for a second season after a superb 2009/10 campaign.

Many pudits predicted a swift return to the Championship, but under manager Mick McCarthy, Wolves proved the doubters wrong and ended up in 15th place.

Wolves' first spell in the Premier League came in the 2003/04 season, after they won promotion via the play-offs. A disappointing season ended in relegation, as the Midlands side finished bottom of the table with 33 points.

They won the Championship title in 2009 and have been in the top flight since.

club heritage

Initially formed as St Luke's FC in 1877, the club became a founder member of the Football League 11 years later. In 1889, the club moved to their Molineux ground and reached the FA Cup final, losing 3-0 to Preston North End. The first of four FA Cup wins came in 1893, when they beat Everton 1-0.

In 1906, Wolves were relegated to the Second Division, but enjoyed another FA Cup win two years later, this time over favourites Newcastle United. In 1923 the club slipped further down the league system, with relegation to the Third Division (north.).

Success came 12 months later when they won Division Two. In 1932, they were promoted again, returning to the top-flight after a 26 year absence.

When Wolves old-boy Stan Cullis became manager in 1948, he oversaw one of the club's most triumphant periods, with an FA Cup win in 1949 being followed by three First Division titles in the fifties. Another FA Cup success, this time over Blackburn Rovers, came in 1960. After Cullis left the club in 1963, Wolves spent two seasons in the second tier before winning promotion once more.

Under manager Bill McGarry, the club made a UEFA Cup Final appearance against Tottenham Hotspur in 1972 and won the League Cup in 1974. In 1976 Wolves were relegated back to the Second Division, but they bounced back at the first time of asking, promoted as champions in 1977.

The early 1980s saw a League Cup win, a relegation to the Second Division, bankruptcy, and a promotion, followed by three successive relegations which left the club in the Fourth Division.

A change of ownership saw a dramatic improvement in the club's fortunes. The Molineux outfit won promotion from Division Four in 1987/88, which was followed by a second successive promotion a year later.

In 1990, Sir Jack Hayward bought the club and with his investment in the stadium and the team, the club enjoyed more stability, spending much of the 1990s pushing for a place in the Premier League, with several play-off final disappointments along the way.

The dream of Premier League football was eventually realised in 2003, with a play-off final win over Sheffield United at the Millennium Stadium clinching their promotion. Having seen his beloved club hit the big time, Hayward retired six months later.

A single season in the top-flight ended in relegation, with manager Dave Jones being dismissed shortly after. Former England manager Glenn Hoddle enjoyed a two-year spell at the club before Mick McCarthy took over the reins in the summer of 2006.

Then in August 2007, Redrow founder Steve Morgan bought Wolves for £10 plus a commitment to invest £30m into the club. In 2009, Wolves were promoted to the Barclays Premier League after being crowned Championship champions.

premier league history

2002/03 - Win promotion to Premier League via play-offs.
2003/04 - Relegated from the top-flight with 33 points.
2008/09 - Crowned champions of the Championship, promoted back to the Premier League.
2009/10 - Secured their Barclays Premier League status

Wigan Athletic Football Club

2010-11-14T12:19:00.001+07:00

Wigan Athletic Football Club
DW Stadium, Robin Park Complex, Newtown, Wigan, WN5 0UZ
Tel: 01942 774000

Overview

Wigan Athletic won promotion to England's top flight for the first time ever in 2005 and have stayed a Premier League club ever since.

Remaining in the top half of the table for almost the entire 2005/06 campaign, the Latics finished 10th and reached the League Cup final for the first time in their history.

Wigan's rise has been swift. Playing in the old Third Division when local millionaire Dave Whelan purchased the club in 1995, his Premier League ambitions were realised in just 10 years.

Wigan found the 2006/07 season more taxing and were pulled into a relegation dogfight. However, they survived on the final day of the campaign after a 2-1 win against relegation rivals Sheffield United. Manager Paul Jewell chose to step down after survival had been guaranteed and was replaced by his assistant Chris Hutchings.

However, after a run of six consecutive defeats at the start of the next term, Hutchings was sacked in November 2007. He had lasted just 12 matches. Steve Bruce, who had briefly managed the Latics in 2001, was lured away from Birmingham City to take over and helped the club avoid relegation and finish a respectable 14th.

In March 2009, the club announced the JJB Stadium would be re-named the DW Stadium from 1st August 2009. Bruce guided the Latics to a decent 11th place finish at the end of 2008/09 - their second best finish in the Premier League. In May 2009, Bruce moved on to become manager of Sunderland and he was replaced by former Wigan player Roberto Martinez from Swansea City.

Wigan suffered some heavy defeats over 2009/10 including a 9-1 thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur and 8-0 to Chelsea but Martinez guided them to safety.

Club Heritage

The club was formed in 1932 following the demise of Wigan Borough the previous year. With Wigan County, Wigan United and Wigan Town also failing to establish themselves, this was fifth time lucky as far as Wigan Athletic were concerned.

Wigan hold the record for the biggest cup win by a non-league club over a league club. In the 1934/35 season, they defeated Carlisle United 6-1 in the FA Cup fifth round. This was achieved when playing in the Cheshire County League and it was not until 1978, and after appearances in the Lancashire Combination and Northern Premier League, that Wigan were elected to the Football League.

This came after numerous failed election attempts and a controversial application to join the Scottish League Second Division. They finished runners-up to Boston United in the Northern Premier League, but the latter's ground and facilities were deemed unsuitable for the Football League, and the Latics were put forward for election.

Wigan took their first step towards the Premier League in 1997 when they won the Third Division under John Deehan. Paul Jewell then earned promotion to the First Division with a points tally of 100 in 2002/03, just his second season at the club.

Premier League History

2004/05 - Promoted to Barclays Premiership
2006/07 - Emile Heskey signs from Birmingham City for a club record £5.5m
2006/07 - Paul Jewell resigns as manager and is replaced by his assistant Chris Hutchings
2007/08 - Hutchings sacked as manager
2007/08 - Steve Bruce appointed manager
2008/09 - Bruce resigns at the end of the season to become Sunderland manager. Roberto Martinez takes over.
2009/10 - Martinez keeps Wigan in the top flight

West Ham United Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T12:16:00.002+07:00

West Ham United Football Club
Boleyn Ground, Green Street, London, E13 9AZ
Tel: 020 8548 2748

Overview

West Ham United secured their place back in the Barclays Premiership after a two-year absence in 2005.

The Hammers joined the Premier League in 1993 and consolidated in midtable under manager Billy Bonds. At the start of the following season, assistant Harry Redknapp stepped up to become the new manager after Bonds quit the post.

Redknapp's first campaign saw the Hammers finish in 14th place, but he led them to three top-10 finishes including fifth place in 1999. Youth team coach Glenn Roeder became the new manager in 2001 and he had a successful first season leading the team to seventh. But things went badly wrong 12 months later, as they were relegated in 2003.

Alan Pardew took over and led West Ham to the Championship play-offs, but they lost to Crystal Palace in the final. However, the Hammers only had to wait another season before returning to the top flight after play-off success over Preston North End.

On their return to the top flight in 2005/06, Pardew's men came ninth and also finished as FA Cup runners-up after Liverpool beat them in a penalty shoot-out. In the 2006/07 season, the Hammers started brightly but plunged into a relegation dogfight and Pardew left as manager in November.

New manager Alan Curbishley eventually reversed the slump and West Ham miraculously escaped relegation on the very last day of the season. Curbishley backed that up with a 10th place finish in the 2007/08 campaign in what was seen as a season of consolidation. Gianfranco Zola took the hotseat when Curbishley resigned in September 2008 and led the Hammers to a ninth place finish in 2009.

However the 2009/10 campaign was a struggle with a change of ownership in January 2010 when former Birmingham City owners David Sullivan and David Gold took charge. The Hammers eventually avoided relegation by one place and although they finished five points clear of the drop zone, it was not enough to save Zola's job and he was sacked on 11th May 2010.

West Ham have never played outside football's top two divisions since joining the Football League in 1919.

Club Heritage

Founded in 1895, the club was originally known as Thames Ironworks FC, before it was re-named as West Ham United five years later. West Ham won promotion to the top flight in 1923 and the same year appeared in the first Wembley FA Cup Final. They clinched the FA Cup in 1964 and were crowned European Cup Winners' Cup winners in the following season.

More FA Cup glory arrived in 1975 and the Hammers were European Cup Winners' Cup finalists 12 months later. But in 1978, they suffered a blow with relegation from the top tier. But as a Second Division side, West Ham upset Arsenal to win the FA Cup in 1980. They won promotion in 1981 and spent eight seasons in the top flight - including a club-best finish of third in 1986 - before getting relegated in 1989.

West Ham regained their place in the top division in 1991, but had the pain of relegation after one season. However, they bounced back immediately with promotion back up at the first attempt in 1993. After a 10-year spell in the Premier League, the East London outfit suffered relegation again but won their place back in 2005.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Join Premier League
1994/95 - Harry Redknapp replaces Billy Bonds as manager
2001/02 - Glenn Roeder becomes manager
2002/03 - Trevor Brooking installed as caretaker manager
2002/03 - Relegated from Barclaycard Premiership
2003/04 - Alan Pardew appointed manager
2004/05 - Promoted to Barclays Premiership via play-offs
2005/06 - Reach FA Cup final losing on penalties to Liverpool after 3-3 draw
2006/07 - An Icelandic consortium fronted by Eggert Magnusson buys the club
2006/07 - Alan Curbishley takes charge
2007/08 - Magnusson sells his stake in the club and Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson takes over as Chairman.
2008/09 - Curbishley resigns and is replaced by Gianfranco Zola.
2009/10 - David Sullivan and David Gold take over ownership of the club in January 2010. Zola is sacked in May 2010 after the Hammers finish one place but five points above the drop zone. After leaving Portsmouth at the end of the season, Avram Grant is confirmed as the club's new manager.

West Bromwich Albion FC Profile

2010-11-14T12:14:00.001+07:00

The Hawthorns
West Bromwich, West Midlands, B71 4LF
Tel: 0871 271 1100

Overview

West Bromwich Albion returned to the Barclays Premier League after a strong 2009/10 campaign which saw them finish runners-up behind runaway title-winners Newcastle United in the Championship.

Under the guidance of new head coach Roberto di Matteo, the Baggies finished comfortably 12 points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest.

Founded in 1878 the Midlands club became one of the original members of the Football League 10 years later.

They spent most of their early history in England's top tier, winning the league title in 1920, the FA Cup on five occasions and League Cup once. Their Premier League debut came in 2002.

They were relegated after just one season but returned two years later and stayed up on the final day of the 2004/05 campaign. It was only a temporary reprieve as they were relegated a year later only to bounce back at the first attempt as champions. They again lasted just one season but the "Boing Boing" Baggies again bounced straight back and now hope to get a firm foothold in the Barclays Premier League.

Heritage

The club was formed in 1878 by workers from George Salter's Spring Works in West Bromwich and took the name West Bromwich Strollers a year later.

They were renamed West Bromwich Albion in 1880 - Albion was a district of West Bromwich where some of the players lived or worked.

Albion entered the FA Cup in 1883 and were finalists in 1886 and 1887 before making it third time lucky with victory in the 1888 final where they beat Preston North End.

That same year, Albion became one of 12 founder members of the Football League and clinched the FA Cup again in 1892 with a 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa.

Three years later, Villa beat them in the FA Cup final and relegation to Division Two followed in 1901 in the first season at their Hawthorns ground.

Although they won promotion at the first attempt as champions, they went down in their first season back in the top flight. Albion won the Division Two title in 1911 and were again FA Cup finalists a year later.

The club claimed the league title in 1920 - the only time in their history - and finished as runners-up five years later.

Another relegation to Division Two came in 1927, but in 1931 they were celebrating promotion and added the FA Cup to their trophy cabinet with victory over Birmingham City.

They were FA Cup finalists again in 1935 - were relegated three years later - but won promotion back to the big league in 1949 where they stayed for 24 seasons.

More FA Cup success arrived in 1954, when they also finished second in the top flight, establishing themselves as one of the best sides in the land.

The League Cup was won in 1966 to go with the FA Cup two years after for a fifth time. Albion were League Cup finalists in 1967 and 1970.

The Baggies have since spent the rest of their history between the top three divisions. Promotion to the Premier League was achieved in 2002.

Premier League history

2002/03 - Albion's first season in the Premier League with Gary Megson at the helm, but are relegated.
2004 - The club break their transfer record to sign Robert Earnshaw from Cardiff City for £3.5m.
2004/05 - Megson leads them back to the top flight after one season away. Bryan Robson replaces Megson at the helm in November 2004 and the Baggies stay up on the final day of the campaign.
2006/07 - Robson leaves his post and is replaced by Tony Mowbray in October 2006. Albion are relegated from the Premier League.
2007/08 - Tony Mowbray leads Albion to the Championship title.
2008/09 - Albion finish bottom of the Barclays Premier League on 32 points and are relegated.
2009/10 - Roberto di Matteo leads Albion back to the Barclays Premier League as runners-up in the Championship.

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T12:11:00.001+07:00

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
Bill Nicholson Way, 748 High Road, Tottenham, London, N17 0AP
Tel: 0844 499 5000

Overview

Tottenham Hotspur have been in the Premier League since its inception and have lit the competition up with their flamboyant style of play. With Jurgen Klinsmann and Ilie Dumitrescu, the team was built around goals, but points were harder to come by. Relegation was only narrowly avoided in 1998, but fans' relief was short lived as their next manager was a legend from fierce north London rivals Arsenal - George Graham.

He led the team to a League Cup victory in his first season - Spurs' first trophy since the Premier League began. However, it wasn't until Martin Jol took over in 2004 and started building a team for the future - firmly placing his faith in youth - that Spurs began to climb the table. They only narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification in the 2005/06 season and secured another fifth place finish the following campaign.

But a slow start to the 2007/08 season saw Jol replaced by Juande Ramos. The Spaniard repeated Graham's trick of winning the League Cup in his first season by defeating Chelsea in the final at Wembley Stadium and also lifted the club up to 11th place in the league.

Ramos was sacked in October 2008 with the team bottom of the Barclays Premier League on just two points. He was replaced by Harry Redknapp who sparked a remarkable revival leading the side to an eighth-place finish and the Carling Cup final where they lost on penalties to Manchester United.

The 2009/10 season was Tottenham's most successful yet in the Premier League as they saw off a strong challenge from Manchester City to finish fourth, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.

Club Heritage

Boys from Hotspur Cricket Club and the local grammar club formed Hotspur FC in 1882. The name was changed to Tottenham Hotspur in 1884. Three years later, they played their first north London derby, but the match was called off after 15 minutes "owing to darkness" - Spurs were beating Arsenal 2-1.

The club turned professional in 1885, but didn't join the football league until 1908. In the meantime, they became the only non-league team to win the FA Cup (in 1901) since the formation of the Football League in 1888.

Spurs became perceived as a big club when Bill Nicholson took over in 1958. He won his first match 10-4 - a sign of what was to come. In his 16 years at the club, Spurs won eight major trophies - becoming the first club in the 20th century to complete the league and cup 'double' in 1961 and the first British team to win a major European competition in 1963.

Further league success eluded Spurs and, following Nicholson's retirement, they even spent a brief stint in the Second Division in 1977/78. Their ethos of playing attacking football continued though - players that wowed the White Hart Lane faithful include Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker.

Premier League History
1993/94 - Ossie Ardiles becomes manager
1994/95 - Ardiles sacked in September. Replaced by Gerry Francis
1997/98 - Francis replaced by Christian Gross, who re-signs Jurgen Klinsmann
1998/99 - Gross replaced by George Graham. Win League Cup
2000/01 - Glenn Hoddle replaces Graham in April. ENIC complete takeover with Daniel Levy becoming chairman
2003/04 - David Pleat replaces Hoddle in September
2004/05 - Jacques Santini becomes head coach, but quits after just 13 matches. Replaced by Martin Jol
2007/08 - Sign Darren Bent for club record £16.5m from Charlton Athletic
2007/08 - Martin Jol sacked as manager in October
2007/08 - Juande Ramos appointed manager and names Spurs old boy Gus Poyet as assistant
2007/08 - Win League Cup
2008/09 Juande Ramos sacked as manager along with coaches Gus Poyet, Marcos Alvarez and sporting director Damien Comolli. Harry Redknapp leaves Portsmouth to take the reins. Spurs lose the Carling Cup final to Manchester United on penalties after a 0-0 draw at Wembley
2009/10 Spurs finish fourth, their highest ever placing in the Premier League. It sees them qualify for the Champions League

Sunderland Association Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T12:09:00.002+07:00

Sunderland Association Football Club
The Sunderland Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU
Tel: 0191 551 5000

Overview

Sunderland have established themselves as a Barclays Premier League side after winning the Championship title in 2006/07.

After their relegation in 2006, the club was taken over by Drumaville - a consortium of mainly Irish-based businessmen, headed up by former player Niall Quinn - which appointed Republic of Ireland legend and former Manchester United hero Roy Keane as manager, his first managerial post since hanging up his boots.

The club have not looked back since as Keane guided them from the bottom of the Championship to title winners. Keane led them to a 15th Barclays Premier League place finish in 2007/08 but left the club midway through the following season with the Black Cats struggling at the foot of the table.

Coach Ricky Sbragia moved up from coach to take charge until the end of the campaign and ensured the struggling Black Cats avoided the drop. Majority shareholder Ellis Short assumed 100 per cent control of the club with Quinn staying on as chairman. They appointed Steve Bruce as new manager and he steered the Black Cats to 13th position in 2009/10.

Club Heritage

Glaswegian schoolteacher James Allan founded Sunderland and District Teachers' Association Football Club in 1879, changing the name to Sunderland AFC a year later. They were elected to the newly-formed Football League in 1890/91 and were to remain in the top flight for 68 consecutive years - a record only recently passed by Arsenal.

Sunderland won the title three times in five years, only losing one home match in their first six seasons. The Mackems won another title in 1902, but a better prize in their fans eyes' was a 9-1 thrashing of fierce rivals Newcastle United - still a record away win in the top flight. The team came close to doing the double in 1913 but they lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Aston Villa.

A post-war slump saw them beaten by Yeovil Town in the FA Cup - the first time a non-league club had beaten a top-flight team - and worse, relegated in 1958. Sunderland have spent most of their time since then bouncing between the top two divisions, with their only real glory being a 1973 FA Cup win over Leeds United - the first time in 40 years a club outside the top flight had won the trophy.

The Black Cats reached their lowest point in 1987 as they were relegated to the Third Division. But successive promotions saw them back in the top flight two years later.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Avoid relegation to Division Two by one point
1993/94 - Mick Buxton replaces Terry Butcher as manager
1994/95 - Peter Reid becomes manager with seven matches remaining
1995/96 - Win Division One
1996/97 - Relegated from FA Carling Premiership
1997/98 - First season at Stadium of Light. Lose play-off final on penalties
1998/99 - Win Division One with a record 105 points
2002/03 - Break record signing with Tore Andre Flo for £6.75m. Reid replaced by Howard Wilkinson. Mick McCarthy takes over with nine matches left. Relegated with lowest points tally ever (19)
2004/05 - Win Division One
2005/06 - McCarthy leaves in March after just two wins. Kevin Ball appointed as caretaker. Relegated with new record low number of points (15).
2006/07 - Consortium headed by former hero Niall Quinn takes over. Quinn appointed as manager but sacks himself after four straight defeats. Roy Keane becomes manager. Win promotion to the Barclays Premier League
2007/08 - Break British transfer record for a goalkeeper - paying Hearts £9m for Craig Gordon
2008/09 - After a disappointing run, Roy Keane resigns from his post as manager in December. Ricky Sbragia takes temporary charge and keeps the Black Cats up. Steve Bruce takes becomes new pemanent manager in June.
2009/10 - Bruce secures Sunderland's Barclays Premier League status as they finish 13th.

Stoke City FC Profile

2010-11-14T12:06:00.002+07:00

The Britannia Stadium
Stanley Matthews Way Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4EG
Tel: 0871 663 2008

overview
Stoke City secured a third season in the Barclays Premier League with an impressive 11th place finish at the end of 2009/10.

Manager Tony Pulis again exceeded expectations by confirming the Potters' place in the top flight with a handful of matches to spare a year after they placed 12th.

This is Pulis' second spell in charge at the club. He originally parted company with the Potters at the end of the 2004/05 season. Dutch manager Johan Boskamp stepped in but left at the end of the season after a mid-table finish.

Boskamp's departure came as former-chairman Peter Coates was completing a takeover of the club and he reappointed Pulis who, after leading the club to eighth in the 2006/07 season, guided them to promotion.

Prior to their promotion, Stoke had not competed in the top flight since the 1984/85 season.

Their most recent trophy was won in 2000 when their first overseas manager, Gudjon Thordarson, guided them to The Auto Windscreens trophy. It was the Icelander who led them to promotion into the First Division in 2001.

Heritage

There is some doubt over when Stoke came into existence. It is reported that a club was formed in 1863 by former pupils of the Charterhouse School, but there is little evidence of matches being played.

A report in The Field magazine on 1868 stated that a club had been formed in Stoke-on-Trent and that its founder member was ex-Charterhouse School pupil Henry Almond.

So it is possible that matches had been played over the previous five years but the first on record played by Almond's team was in October 1868 and consisted mainly of railway employees. The team was called Stoke Ramblers.

The club turned professional in 1885, and became owners of their stadium, the Victoria Ground, around 1919. The club's most celebrated player Stanley Matthews made his debut in the 1930s and helped the club achieve promotion to the top flight in 1933.

Stoke mounted a serious title challenge in the 1946/47 season but missed out on the final day. Matthews, at the age of 32, opted to join Blackpool two matches earlier.

The club won its first major trophy in 1972 when beating Chelsea 2-1 to win the League Cup. They played a staggering 11 matches before achieving this feat.

The Potters have enjoyed sustained spells in the top tier of English football, while also residing in the Second Division, notably for a ten-year period in the 1950s and early 60s. Under Tony Waddington they remained in the First Division between 1963 and 1977, and it was in that period that they won their only major trophy.

Stoke had been back in the top flight for six successive seasons before they were relegated in 1984/85. The Potters remained in the Second Division for the rest of the decade. Between 1980 and 1990, the club had five managers and five chairmen.

Under Alan Ball, the club were relegated to the Third Division in 1991 and he failed to earn them promotion the following season. Lou Macari, though, steered them back up in time for the 1992/93 season, and made it two promotions in two campaigns by taking the club up to Division One that season.

Stoke consolidated their position for five seasons before relegation in 1997/98. Four seasons in the Second Division followed, until Thordarson took them back up.

premier league history

2008/09 - Stoke consolidate their place in the Barclays Premier League

2009/10 - The Potters retain their Barclays Premier League status

Newcastle United Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T12:04:00.001+07:00

Newcastle United Football Club
St. James' Park, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 4ST
Tel: 0844 372 1892

Overview

Newcastle United fans have had a rollercoaster time since the inception of the Premier League. When Kevin Keegan took over the reins in 1992, the club was on the brink of relegation to the old Division Three. But under his management, they romped to the title and took their place in the FA Carling Premiership in time for the 1993/94 season.

With a goal-hungry Andy Cole and veteran Peter Beardsley at the forefront of an attacking team, they were dubbed "The Entertainers". Attack was the first form of defence and it worked as the North East outfit finished third in their first season. They went even closer two years later. Leading Manchester United by 12 points, they eventually slipped to second.

Signing Alan Shearer for a world record £15m eased the Toon Army's disappointment and again they were runners-up. Managerial upheaval has seen the club fail to reach those dizzy heights since. Sam Allardyce took over for the 2007/08 campaign but was sensationally replaced by Keegan later that season. Equally unexpectedly, Keegan resigned in September 2008 and was replaced by Joe Kinnear whose initial short-term contract was soon extended to the end of the campaign. However there was further disruption as Kinnear was rushed to hospital in February 2009 and needed heart surgery. Chris Hughton took temporary charge during Kinnear's absence. Magpies legend Alan Shearer returned to his old club and took the managerial reins for the final eight fixtures of the campaign but he was unable to prevent them slipping into the Championship as they were beaten 1-0 at Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign.

However the Magpies bounced straight back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt. Hughton was handed the job on a permanent basis in October 2009 and repaid the club by leading them to the Championship title - and in some style. they racked up 102 points and 90 goals to finish 11 points clear of runners-up West Bromwich Albion.

Club Heritage

In 1881, Stanley Cricket Club formed a football team to occupy themselves in winter. A year later, they changed their name to East End FC, turning professional in 1889. In 1892, they took over fierce rivals West End and moved into their ground - St James' Park. And on 22nd December, the FA approved the name Newcastle United.

The Magpies joined the Football League in 1893 and swiftly became one of the game's giants - winning three league titles and an FA Cup by 1914. In 1934 they were relegated though - despite memorably defeating Liverpool 9-2 and Everton 7-3. The Magpies started to rebuild, helped enormously by former star Stan Seymour as director.

The end of the Second World War saw the birth of another great team. Newcastle signed Jackie Milburn after he responded to their advert for trialists, and with his help, they lifted the FA Cup three times in five years. They also recorded the highest victory in English League football, 13-0 over Newport County in 1946.

European success followed when the Magpies won the Fairs Cup - re-named the Uefa Cup in 1969 - despite a brief spell in Division Two, and in 1971 Malcolm Macdonald was signed from Luton Town. Devastating in front of goal, 'Supermac' led the Magpies to Wembley twice - in the FA Cup in 1974 and League Cup in 1976 - and quickly established himself as a Newcastle legend. The club have had their ups and downs since then but players such as Kevin Keegan, Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle have seen them maintain their ethos of attractive and attacking football.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Promoted to FA Carling Premiership as Division One Champions
1994/95 - Sell Andy Cole to Manchester United for English record transfer fee of £7million
1995/96 - FA Carling Premiership runners-up
1996/97 - Sign Alan Shearer for world record £15m. Manager Kevin Keegan quits in January. Replaced by Kenny Dalglish. FA Carling Premiership runners-up
1997/98 - Lose FA Cup Final 2-0 to Arsenal
1998/99 - Ruud Gullit replaces Dalglish. Lose FA Cup final 2-0 to Manchester United
1999/00 - Bobby Robson replaces Gullit. Wins first home match 8-0 against Sheffield Wednesday
2004/05 - Robson sacked. Replaced by Graeme Souness
2005/06 - Sign Michael Owen for club record £17m. Souness sacked, replaced by Glenn Roeder. Shearer becomes record goalscorer - overtaking Jackie Milburn's tally of 200. Retires having scored 206 goals for Newcastle
2006/07 - Roeder sacked with one match of the Barclays Premiership season to go. Sam Allardyce appointed two days after season ends. 26th June - Mike Ashley and St. James' Holdings gain 90 per cent of shares, enough to take over the club
2007/08 - Sam Allardyce leaves the club in January '08 by mutual consent. Kevin Keegan replaces Allardyce to make a sensational return to the club.
2008/09 - Keegan resigns in September '08 by mutual consent. He is replaced by Joe Kinnear, initially on a 10-week contract soon extended to the end of the season. However heart surgery in February forces Kinnear to miss two months of the season with Chris Hughton stepping in on a temporary basis. Alan Shearer is put in charge for the final eight fixtures but cannot prevent the Magpies being relegated to the Championship.
2009/10 - Hughton leads Newcastle back to the Barclays Premier League as runaway champions.

Manchester United Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T12:02:00.002+07:00

Manchester United Football Club
Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA
Tel: 0161 868 8000

Overview

Manchester United are the most successful Premier League club having won the title 11 times. It all began in 1993 when manager Sir Alex Ferguson ended a 26-year wait to lift the Premier League crown.

The signing of Eric Cantona for £1.2m from Leeds United proved a masterstroke as the Frenchman was instrumental in the title victory, along with the likes of Gary Pallister, Denis Irwin, Ryan Giggs and Paul Ince.

United retained the trophy in the following campaign and romped to further titles in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2003. More silverware was added to the Red Devils' burgeoning trophy cabinet with FA Cup success in 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2004, plus League Cup victories in 1992 and 2006.

Perhaps the most memorable time in the club's history was the treble-winning season of 1999 when they added the European Champions League trophy to the league title and FA Cup.

Chelsea briefly broke their league dominance with title wins in 2005 and 2006. But in the 2006/07 season, the Red Devils roared back to regain the Barclays Premiership.

They went one better in 2007/08, enjoying their most successful campaign since winning the treble. They saw off the challenge of Chelsea and Arsenal to win an exciting Barclays Premier League title race and defeated the Blues on penalties in the Champions League final after a 1-1 draw between the two sides in Moscow.

In 2008/09, United made it a hat-trick of titles, also winning the Carling Cup but narrowly missing out to Barcelona in the Champions League final.

They retained the Carling Cup in 2010 but finished a point behind Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League after a tense race which went to the final day of the campaign.

Club Heritage

Formed as Newton Heath L&YR F.C in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902. Six years later they clinched the Division One title, then the FA Cup in 1909, and another title triumph in 1911.

Matt Busby became manager in 1945 and steered United to championship victories in 1952, 1956 and 1957. They became the first English club to compete in the European Cup and reached the semi-final, before going out to Real Madrid. Tragedy struck in 1958 when the plane carrying the team home from a European match crashed, killing eight players.

Busby survived and led his rebuilt team to an FA Cup win in 1963, then league titles in 1965 and 1967. United won the European Cup in 1968 with victory over Benfica in the final - the first English club to do so. When Busby resigned in 1969, his successors failed to continue his glorious triumphs and United were relegated five years later.

They managed to regain their top-flight status at the first attempt and later won the FA Cup in 1977. More FA Cup success followed in 1983 and 1985. But it was United's 1990 FA Cup replay win over Crystal Palace that proved to be the springboard to becoming the force they are today.

It saved under-pressure manager Alex Ferguson from losing his job and he went on to win the European Cup Winners' Cup the season after and began their Premier League dominance with the 1993 title.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Inaugural members of the Premier League
1992/93 - Eric Cantona signs from Leeds United for £1.2m
1992/93 - Win FA Carling Premiership
1993/94 - Win FA Carling Premiership and FA Cup
1995/96 - Win FA Carling Premiership and FA Cup
1996/97 - Win FA Carling Premiership
1998/99 - Win FA Carling Premiership, European Cup, and FA Cup
1999/00 - Win FA Carling Premiership
2000/01 - Win FA Carling Premiership
2001/02 - Juan Sebastian Veron breaks the British transfer record with a £28m move from Lazio
2002/03 - Win Barclaycard Premiership
2003/04 - Win FA Cup
2005/06 - American Malcolm Glazer takes control of club
2005/06 - Win League Cup
2006/07 - Win Barclays Premiership
2007/08 - Win Barclays Premier League, win European Cup
2008/09 - Buy Dimitar Berbatov for club record £30.75m. Win Barclays Premier League, Carling Cup, World Club Championship.
2009/10 - Sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80m. Win Carling Cup.

Manchester City Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:58:00.002+07:00

Manchester City Football Club
City of Manchester Stadium, SportCity, Manchester, M11 3FF
Tel: 0870 062 1894

Overview

Manchester City have spent 13 years in the Premier League since its inception in 1992. In the 2002/03 season, they became one of only two English teams to have qualified for the UEFA Cup through the 'Fair Play ranking'. This meant that the plush new City of Manchester Stadium was treated to European football just weeks after opening for the start of the following campaign.

Kevin Keegan and then Stuart Pearce, established the club in the Premier League, and under the latter, they finished in 14th place in the 2006/07 season. He was replaced by Sven-Goran Eriksson who guided the club to a ninth place finish in the 2007/08 campaign. City also secured UEFA Cup football via the 'Fair Play ranking' for a second time.

However, Eriksson was replaced by Mark Hughes in June 2008 and in September 2008, a takeover by the Abu Dhabi United group suddenly made City one of the richest clubs in the world. On deadline day, they smashed the British transfer record with a surprise £32.5m swoop for Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Robinho. However they failed in a £100m bid to sign Kaka from AC Milan in January 2009.

In December 2009 they sacked manager Mark Hughes and replaced him with Roberto Mancini who guided City to fifth, their highest Premier League finish. However they narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification.

Club Heritage

In 1880, St Mark's Church established Manchester City FC which moved to Hyde Road seven years later and was renamed Ardwick AFC to reflect its new location. The club joined the Football League as founding members of the Second Division in 1892, and after experiencing financial difficulties in the 1893/94 campaign, were reformed as Manchester City FC.

The first major honour arrived in April 1904 when a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers secured the FA Cup. A fire in 1920 destroyed the Main Stand at Hyde Road and in 1923, the club moved to Maine Road in Moss Side, where they played in front of crowds of more than 70,000.

After winning the FA Cup again in 1934, the club won the league title for the first time three years later. Manchester City were relegated from the First Division in 1938 despite scoring more goals than any other team.

City have won the FA Cup four times, with the 1956 triumph over Birmingham City notable for goalkeeper Bert Trautmann continuing to play on despite unknowingly breaking his neck. A second title was claimed under the joint management of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison in 1968, with a dramatic 4-3 win at Newcastle United. They won the FA Cup in 1969 and the European Cup Winners' Cup a year later, followed by the League Cup in 1976.

Premier League History

1993/94 - Brian Horton replaces Peter Reid as manager
1994/95 - Chairman Peter Swailes replaced by club legend Francis Lee
1995/96 - Alan Ball replaces Horton
1995/96 - Relegated from FA Carling Premiership
1996/97 - Steve Coppell replaces Ball
1996/97 - Frank Clark replaces Coppell
1997/98 - Joe Royle replaces Clark
1997/98 - Relegated to Second Division
1998/99 - Promoted to First Division via play-offs
1999/00 - John Wardle and David Makin become the club's major shareholders
1999/00 - Promoted to FA Carling Premiership
2000/01 - Relegated from FA Carling Premiership
2000/01 - Kevin Keegan replaces Royle
2001/02 - Promoted to Barclaycard Premiership
2002/03 - Nicolas Anelka joins from PSG for £13million
2002/03 - David Bernstein resigns
2002/03 - John Wardle becames temporary chairman
2003/04 - Club moves to City of Manchester Stadium
2004/05 - Stuart Pearce replaces Keegan in March 2005
2006/07 - Thaksin Shinawatra acquires a 75 per cent share in the club
2007/08 - Sven-Goran Eriksson replaces Pearce
2007/08 - Eriksson leaves the club in June to be replaced by Mark Hughes
2008/09 - Takeover by the Abu Dhabi United group makes City one of the richest clubs in the world and they smash the British transfer record to sign Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.5m.
2009/10 - Former Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini replaces Mark Hughes as manager.

Liverpool Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:56:00.001+07:00

Liverpool Football Club
Anfield Road, Anfield, Liverpool, L4 0TH
Tel: 0151 263 2361

Overview

Liverpool have maintained their status as a domestic and European force since the Premier League began in 1992, rarely finishing outside the top positions. The club have won seven major trophies since then, including the Champions League, Uefa Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups. Indeed, 2001 saw the Reds claim an unprecedented League Cup, FA Cup and Uefa Cup treble.

Under Rafa Benitez, Liverpool secured Champions League football in five of his six seasons at the helm. The Spaniard won the competition in 2005 and guided the club to an appearance in the final two years later where they were beaten 2-1 by AC Milan. After struggling in the 2009/10 Barclays Premier League season the club finished in seventh, and missed out on a Champions League place. They will instead take part in the Europa League in the 2010/11 season.

On 3rd June 2010, Liverpool announced that they had parted company with Benitez, and Roy Hodgson took over later that summer.

Club Heritage

In 1891, John Houlding purchased Anfield after Everton left the ground for Goodison Park following a seven-year tenancy. With an empty stadium and only three players remaining, Houlding formed Liverpool Football Club on 15th March 1892. Everton FC and Athletic Grounds, Ltd, or Everton Athletic was to be the name, but the Football Association refused to recognise the team as Everton. Liverpool's first-ever competitive match was in the Lancashire League, where a predominantly Scottish team defeated Higher Walton 8-0 on 23rd September 1892. Liverpool won their first title in 1901 after gaining promotion to the First Division in 1894.

The appointment of Bill Shankly in 1959 was the beginning of a golden era for Liverpool. He led the club to promotion to the First Division in 1962 and they have stayed there ever since. The title was secured in 1964 and 1966, with a first-ever FA Cup final victory sandwiched in between. A year after winning the Uefa Cup, Shankly retired and was replaced by his assistant Bob Paisley.

Within two seasons, the Reds had won the league, and the Uefa Cup for a second time. Paisley's nine-year reign saw Liverpool win 21 trophies, including three European Cups, six league titles, a Uefa Cup, and three League Cups. Joe Fagan took over in 1983 and inspired the club to the European Cup, League title, and League Cup in his first season.

Premier League History

1993/94 - Roy Evans replaces Graeme Souness
1994/95 - Win League Cup
1998/99 - Gerard Houllier joins Evans as joint-manager
1998/99 - Houllier takes sole charge in November 1998
2000/01 - Win FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup
2002/03 - Win League Cup
2003/04 - Houllier departs by mutual consent in May 2004
2004/05 - Rafa Benitez takes over
2004/05 - Djibril Cisse joins from Auxerre for a club record £14m
2004/05 - Win Champions League
2005/06 - Win FA Cup
2006/07 - American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks become owners in a deal worth £470m.
2007/08 - Fernando Torres becomes Liverpool's record signing at an initial fee of around £20.2m from Atletico Madrid.
2008/09 - Benitez ends widespread specualtion about his future by signing a new five-year contract.
2009/10 - Benitez leaves Liverpool by mutual consent.
2009/10 - Roy Hodgson takes over

Fulham Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:53:00.002+07:00

Fulham Football Club
Craven Cottage, Stevenage Road, London, SW6 6HH
Tel: 0870 442 1222

Overview

Fulham have maintained their Premier League status ever since elevation to the top flight under Frenchman Jean Tigana in 2001. This represented a third promotion in just five seasons for the Cottagers and they have not looked back, establishing themselves in the Premier League.

Tigana left the club in April 2003 and former Fulham star Chris Coleman took over to become the Premier League's youngest manager. He led them to ninth in his first season and kept the Whites clear of relegation during his tenure.

Coleman was sacked as the 2006/07 season neared its end, with Lawrie Sanchez taking over the lowly outfit on a temporary basis. The former Northern Ireland manager steered the Cottagers to safety and was subsequently rewarded with the full-time job.

But after the team struggled in the opening months of the 2007/08 season, Sanchez was also fired. Ray Lewington briefly took over as caretaker manager before Roy Hodgson was appointed and guided the club to safety with a dramatic last day win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park. In 2008/09, Hodgson steered Fulham to seventh and a place in the Europa League.

The Cottagers enjoyed one of their finest seasons in 2009/10 after knocking out some of the leading clubs in Europe to reach the Europa League Final. They lost out to Atletico Madrid in extra-time, but did the nation proud as the only Barclays Premier League side to get to a European final that year. Domestically, Hodgson's men finished in a credible 12th.

Club Heritage

The club was formed in 1879 as Fulham St Andrew's Church Sunday School. Fulham were founded by worshippers of the C of E church in Star Road, West Kensington. The church is still in existence today, with a plaque commemorating the team's foundation. The club's name was shortened to its present form in 1888.

Fulham started playing at Craven Cottage in 1896 and gained professional status on 12th December 1898. The club's first recorded all-white kit was worn in 1903 and since then they have played in a white shirt with black shorts.

Fulham's Premier League consolidation is quite an achievement in view of the lowest ebb of the 1990s. The club was relegated to the Third Division in 1994 and two years later finished 17th out of 24 teams.

But the appointment of Micky Adams as manager saw the Cottagers quickly promoted again, and two more subsequent promotions under Kevin Keegan and then Tigana earned Fulham a swift return to the top flight. With just 1,000 season ticket holders and seven full-time staff during the darkest days of the mid-nineties, Fulham's transformation is no mean feat.

Their training ground and Youth Academy can be found near to Motspur Park and was where Chariots of Fire was filmed. Fulham are the oldest professional team in London.

Premier League History

2000/01 - Promoted to the FA Carling Premiership
2001/02 - Steve Marlet signs from Lyon for a club record £11.5m
2002/03 - Jean Tigana replaced by Chris Coleman
2006/07 - Chris Coleman replaced by Lawrie Sanchez
2007/08 - Lawrie Sanchez replaced by Roy Hodgson
2008/09 - Hodgson leads Fulham to seventh as they finish in the European places for the first time
2009/10 - Fulham consolidate their place in the league with a finish of 12th. After losing the Europa League final 2-1 to Atletico Madrid, Hodgson leaves the club to become Liverpool manager. Mark Hughes takes over as manager in July 2010.

Everton Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:51:00.001+07:00

Everton Football Club
Goodison Park, Goodison Road, Liverpool, L4 4EL
Tel: 0870 442 1878

Overview

Everton have maintained their place in the Premier League since its inception in 1992. The Toffees claimed a famous 1-0 win over Manchester United in the 1995 FA Cup final courtesy of a goal from Paul Rideout. Everton have often been overshadowed by their Merseyside rivals Liverpool but they have a glorious history of their own.

A fourth place finish under manager David Moyes in the 2004/05 campaign, coupled with sixth and fifth place finishes respectively in the 2006/07 and 07/08 seasons, cemented the club's status in the upper echelons of English football. Another fifth-placed finish came in 2008/09 along with an FA Cup final appearance.

In 2009/10, the side got off to a slow start in the Barclays Premier League, but rallied in the second half of the season to produce an eighth placed finish, narrowly missing out on a Europa League place after being pipped to seventh spot by Liverpool.

Club Heritage

In 1878, the club was founded as St. Domingo FC so that the people from the parish of St Domingo's Church could participate in a sport outside of the summer months, when they played cricket. The team began playing on Stanley Park with no dressing rooms, carrying their own goalposts out onto the pitch. When people outside of the parish wanted to participate, the club was renamed Everton a year later.

Players recruited from other clubs were allowed to wear the shirts of their former teams and this caused much confusion. The need for a unified kit led to the dieing of the many different shirts black in order to avoid purchasing a brand new strip. The first league title arrived in the 1890/91 season. Royal Blue was settled on for the 1901/02 campaign.

The signing of Dixie Dean in 1925 prompted the Toffees' first sustained period of success. His 60 goals in 39 league matches in the championship-winning 1927/28 season is still a top flight record.

A subsequent relegation and immediate promotion two years later, was followed by another title triumph on their return to the top flight in 1931/32. A second FA Cup victory was achieved with a 3-0 win over Manchester City a season after and the era ended with a title win in the 1938/39 season.

The appointment of Howard Kendall as manager in 1981 heralded the most successful period in Everton's history. The league title was claimed in the 1984/85 and 1986/87 seasons, while the FA Cup was won in 1984. The Toffees' only European trophy arrived in the form of a Cup Winners' Cup final defeat of Rapid Vienna in 1984/85.

Premier League History

1993/94 - Mike Walker appointed manager
1993/94 - Peter Johnson takes over as chairman
1994/95 - Joe Royle appointed manager
1994/95 - Win FA Cup
1997/98 - Howard Kendall appointed manager
1998/99 - Bill Kenwright takes over club, Sir Phillip Carter named chairman
1998/99 - Walter Smith appointed manager
2001/02 - David Moyes appointed manager
2004/05 - Bill Kenwright takes over as chairman in 2004
2006/07 - Andy Johnson signs for club record £8.6m from Crystal Palace
2007/08 - Yakubu signs from Middlesbrough for a new club record of £11.25m
2008/09 - Marouane Fellaini joins from Standard Leige for club record fee of £15m
2008/09 - Toffees lose FA Cup final to Chelsea

Chelsea Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:48:00.001+07:00

Chelsea Football Club
Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS
Tel: 0871 984 1955

Overview

Chelsea have regained the Premier League crown after finishing second to Manchester United in the last three seasons. Former manager Jose Mourinho, bankrolled by owner Roman Abramovich's millions, brought the first title to Stamford Bridge for 50 years when the Blues lifted the trophy in 2005. Chelsea became only the second team to win back-to-back Premier League titles when they clinched it a year later. Mourinho left the club by mutual consent in September 2007.

Although Chelsea reached the FA Cup final in 1994, they hardly set the world alight in their early Premier League days. Ruud Gullit became manager in 1996 and steered the Blues to an FA Cup triumph in 1997, while his successor Gianluca Vialli guided the team to victory in the League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in 1998.

Shortly after, he led the team to the UEFA Super Cup after a 1-0 win over Real Madrid. The FA Cup followed in 2000. Vialli was replaced by Claudio Ranieri in 2000 and he led Chelsea to another FA Cup final appearance in 2002.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the Blues for £140m. After a trophyless season, he appointed Mourinho as new Chelsea manager and there was instant success. In 2005, Chelsea won the Barclays Premiership and League Cup, along with a Champions League semi-final appearance.

And Mourinho retained the Barclays Premiership crown the year after, equalling the club's own Premier League record of 29 wins set the previous season. They were league runners-up in 2006/07 and also claimed the FA Cup and League Cup double.

They were also runners-up in the 2007/08 campaign, but by this time Mourinho had left the club. He was replaced by Avram Grant who led the Blues to the final of the Champions League and Carling Cup.

Grant left Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and was replaced by Luiz Felipe Scolari who was tasked with bringing the title back to the club. However he was sacked in February 2009 and replaced by Guus Hiddink who agreed to take charge until the end of the campaign while continuing to coach the Russian national side. He was hugely popular with fans and players and he led them to success in the FA Cup final, beating Everton 2-1.

His decision to stick with Russia saw Chelsea bring in former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti who enjoyed a stunning first season in English football, guiding Chelsea to the Barclays Premier League title in some style. They hit 103 goals to set a new Premier League goalscoring record with Didier Drogba notching 29 to claim the Barclays Golden Boot. Just a week later, they added the FA Cup to their ever expanding trophy cabinet.

Club Heritage

Chelsea were formed in 1905 and were elected into the Second Division of the Football League. They just missed out on silverware 10 years later with an FA Cup final defeat. The Blues had to wait for their first major trophy in 1955, when under manager Ted Drake, they won the league title. Chelsea claimed the League Cup for the first time in 1965 and were defeated in the FA Cup final two years later.

Featuring the likes of Ron 'Chopper' Harris, Ian Hutchison and Peter Osgood, Chelsea overcame Leeds to win the FA Cup in 1970. In the following season, they clinched the European Cup Winners' Cup with a replay victory over Real Madrid.

Financial problems meant the Stamford Bridge club dropped into the Second Division, and at one point they were close to falling to the Third Division.

They eventually won their place back in the top flight in 1984, but their stay only lasted four seasons. They clawed their way back to the First Division again as Second Division champions in 1989 and have remained in the top flight ever since.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Inaugural members of the Premier League
1993/94 - Lose FA Cup final
1996/97 - Ruud Gullit appointed player-manager
1996/97 - Win FA Cup
1997/98 - Gianluca Vialli becomes manager
1997/98 - Win League Cup, Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Super Cup
1999/00 - FA Cup winners
2000/01 - Claudio Ranieri becomes manager
2001/02 - Lose FA Cup final
2003/04 - Chairman Ken Bates sells Chelsea to Roman Abramovich
2000/05 - Jose Mourinho takes over as manager
2004/05 - Chelsea win Barclays Premiership and League Cup
2005/06 - Chelsea win Barclays Premiership
2006/07 - Win FA Cup and League Cup
2007/08 - Jose Mourinho leaves the club to be replaced by Avram Grant. Runners up in the Carling Cup, Barclays Premier League and Champions League. Part company with Grant. Luiz Felipe Scolari appointed manager in June.
2008/09 - Scolari is sacked in February 2009 and replaced by Russian national coach Guus Hiddink who combines both roles until the end of the season. Chelsea beat Everton 2-1 to win the FA Cup final. Carlo Ancelotti named new manager in June 2009.
2009/10 - Ancelotti leads the Blues to the Barclays Premier League title, scoring 103 goals in the process. They then beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup to seal their first League and FA Cup double trophy win of their history.

Bolton Wanderers Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:46:00.001+07:00

Bolton Wanderers Football Club
Reebok Stadium, Burnden Way, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 6JW
Tel: 0844 871 2932

Overview

Bolton Wanderers have established themselves as a respected Premier League club since rejoining the top flight in 2001. The Trotters made their Premier League bow in 1995 but were relegated after just one season when they finished bottom.

They returned to football's elite a year later after winning the Division One title, but went down again - this time on goal difference. Sam Allardyce guided Bolton back up in 2001 and the club has gone from strength to strength.

Bolton qualified for the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history in 2005 after finishing sixth. After an eighth-place finish the year after, they came seventh in the 2006/07 season to make the UEFA Cup again.

But Allardyce left the club for Newcastle United at the end of that season and was replaced by his assistant Sammy Lee. A poor start to the 2007/08 season saw Lee relieved of his duties and Gary Megson took over. Megson narrowly steered his side clear of relegation then consolidated their top flight position in 2008/09.

Club Heritage

The club was founded as Christ Church FC in 1874, but changed its name to Bolton Wanderers three years later. They were one of 12 founder members of the Football League which was formed in 1888. Bolton finished FA Cup runners-up in 1894 and were losing finalists again 10 years later, before making it third time lucky with victory over West Ham United in the 1923 final. More FA Cup success arrived in 1926 when they beat Manchester City and again in 1929 with a triumph over Portsmouth.

There was another FA Cup Final appearance in 1953, but Bolton suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of a Stanley Matthews-inspired Blackpool. Five years later, they made up for the disappointment by winning the FA Cup for the fourth time with victory over Manchester United.

Bolton had a 29-year spell from 1935 in the top flight and eventually slipped into the league's lowest tier in 1987. They eventually clawed their way back to the top flight in 1995. And as a Division One team, made an heroic run to the League Cup Final but lost out to Liverpool.

They suffered the same fate again - losing to Middlesbrough in the 2004 League Cup Final - although a club-best finish of eighth in the Barclaycard Premierhip softened the blow.

Premier League History

1994/95 - Reach FA Carling Premiership. Lost League Cup Final
1995/96 - Roy McFarland and Colin Todd named co-managers replacing Bruce Rioch. Relegated from FA Carling Premiership
1996/97 - Division One winners
1997/98 - Bolton leave Burnden Park for new Reebok Stadium. Relegated from FA Carling Premiership
1999/00 - Sam Allardyce becomes manager
2000/01 - Promoted to Barclaycard Premiership via play-offs
2003/04 - League Cup Finalists
2006/07 - Nicolas Anelka becomes record signing for £8m
2006/07 - Sammy Lee takes over as manager after Allardyce leaves to take Newcastle United job
2007/08 - Sammy Lee leaves the manager's post by mutual consent. Gary Megson appointed manager
2009/10 - Megson sacked in December. Owen Coyle leaves Burnely to take charge of Bolton in January 2010. Leads the relegation threatened club to safety and a 14th placed finish

Blackpool Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:43:00.001+07:00

Blackpool Football Club
Bloomfield Road, Seasiders Way Blackpool FY1 6JJ
Tel: 0871 622 1953

Overview

Blackpool's play-off final victory over Cardiff City ensured they would be the 44th different club to play in the Premier League.

The Seasiders clinched promotion by beating the Bluebirds 3-2 at Wembley where they twice came from behind.

They levelled within minutes of both the Bluebirds' goals, first through Charlie Adam's superb free-kick and then via Gary Taylor-Fletcher's brave close-range header.

Former Southampton striker Brett Ormerod hit the winner just before half-time and the Seasiders held on to become the first team to win promotion through all four divisions via the play-offs.

It was a remarkable achievement for a club which had been second favourites for relegation from the Championship at the start of the campaign.

They achieved their unlikely promotion with an average attendance of just 8,611 and immediately announced plans to increase the capacity of their Bloomfield Road ground from 12,000 to 16,000.

Club Heritage

Blackpool Football Club were formed on 26th July 1887, after a merger with a breakaway group from the local St. John's Football Club.

The club's first foray into the Football league lasted just three seasons. They joined the 16-team Second Division in 1896/97 but, after finishing third-bottom, were not re-elected at the end of the 1898-99 campaign.

The Seasiders spent 1899/1900 back in the Lancashire League, finishing third. After the Football League's annual meeting, on 25th May 1900, they were admitted back into Division Two.

During their 12 months out of the League, Blackpool amalgamated with local rivals South Shore.

A year later they moved from Raikes Hall to a new ground at Gamble's Field, on Bloomfield Road - the name by which the stadium is now known.

They won the Division 2 title in 1930 to reach the top flight for the first time, staying there for three years. After four seasons back in the Second Division, they regained their place among the elite in 1937, remaining there for 30 years.

Blackpool enjoyed a golden era in the Fifties with the highlight being their 1953 FA Cup win.

It has for ever become known as the Matthews Final for the dazzling wing play of Sir Stanley Matthews - even though it was Stan Mortensen who scored a hat-trick as they came from 3-1 down to beat Bolton Wanderers 4-3.

It was the club's third Wembley appearance in six seasons following FA Cup final defeats by Manchester United and Newcastle United.

They finished runners-up in the top division in 1956 and supplied four members of the England team which faced Hungary in 1953.

The Tangerines were relegated in 1967 but bounced back to Division 1 in 1970 where they remained for just one season before beginning a decline which took 39 years to redeem.

After seven years in the second tier and three in the third, Blackpool dropped into the basement division for the first time in their history in 1981.

They finished fourth from bottom of the entire league in 1983 and suffered the indignity of having to apply for re-election.

The Seasiders survived that and went on to finish second in 1985 to climb back to Division 3.

Five years later they dropped back to Division 4, winning promotion via the play-offs in 1992 thanks to a penalty shoot-out victory over Scunthorpe United.

After narrowly avoiding the drop over the next two seasons, the club brought in Sam Allardyce as manager in the summer of 1994.

He led them to a mid-table finish and then third place only to lose 3-2 on aggregate to Bradford City in the play-off semi-finals after being 2-0 up from the first leg.

He was replaced by Gary Megson then Nigel Worthington and former Liverpool midfielder Steve McMahon who was unable to stave off relegation back to the bottom division in 2000.

Promotion was achieved at the first attempt, again via the play-offs - and that system has proved profitable for the club.

Blackpool have now become the first club to go through all four divisions, winning promotion via the play-offs.

Simon Grayson led them to a 2-0 win over Yeovil Town at Wembley in 2007 and now his successor Ian Holloway has completed the journey.

Premier League History

2009/10 Blackpool beat Cardiff City 3-2 at Wembley in the Championship play-off final to reach the Premier League for the first time.

Blackburn Rovers Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:40:00.002+07:00

Blackburn Rovers Football Club
Ewood Park, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 4JF
Tel: 0871 702 1875

Overview

The birth of the Premier League also heralded Blackburn Rovers' return to the top flight for the first time in 26 years. They underlined their ambition by breaking the English transfer record to sign a 22-year-old Alan Shearer for £3.2m. Other expensive signings ensured they finished an impressive fourth.

Owner Jack Walker continued to splash his cash and in their second season, his team were runners-up to arch North Western rivals Manchester United in 1993/94. The positions were reversed the following season as Rovers pipped United to the title on the last day of the season.

The team have failed to reach those heights since then and in 1999, Rovers became the first former Premier League champions to be relegated. The club bounced back in 2001 and progress under Graeme Souness and then Mark Hughes has seen them qualify for Europe four times in six years.

Hughes left the club for Manchester City in June 2008 after helping them to a seventh place finish. He was replaced by Paul Ince later that month. However Ince was sacked on 16th December 2008 after a poor start to the season which brought just three wins from 17 matches. Sam Allardyce took over as manager, charged with the task of hauling Rovers away from the drop zone. They finished 15th, seven points clear of relegation. That finish was significantly bettered in the 2009/10 season when the club secured 10th place.

Club Heritage

Blackburn Rovers were born at a hotel meeting on 5th November 1875, organised by Shrewsbury school old boys Arthur Constantine and John Lewis. The club's patronage by the wealthy middle classes helped it stay afloat and outlive many of the other clubs in the area.

As one of the top clubs, they were approached in 1888 to become one of the 12 founding members of the Football League. They finished the inaugural season in fourth place and unbeaten at home.

Rovers moved into their permanent home at Ewood Park in September 1890 and marked their first season there with a fifth FA Cup win. But a downturn in fortunes saw them narrowly escape relegation on several occasions and the 1928 FA Cup victory was their last major trophy for 67 years.

Rovers were relegated from the top flight for the first time in 1936, signaling the start of their long struggle to regain their status as a top team. Relegation in 1966 saw the beginning of their 26-year exile from the top flight and it was not until Walker and his millions came on board in 1991 that Blackburn returned to their glory days.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Blackburn break national transfer record by signing Alan Shearer from Southampton for £3.5m.
1993/94 - Finish runners-up in the FA Carling Premiership
1994/95 - Break the English transfer record again, signing Chris Sutton from Norwich City for £5m. Win the FA Carling Premiership
1995/96 - Manager Kenny Dalglish becomes Director of Football. Former assistant, Ray Harford, becomes manager
1996/97 - Shearer sold to Newcastle United for a record £15m. Harford resigns after failing to win any of the ten opening matches. Tony Parkes takes over as caretaker
1997/98 - Roy Hodgson appointed as manager
1998/99 - Hodgson sacked in December and replaced by Brian Kidd. Relegated
1999/00 - Kidd sacked. Parkes takes over again until March when the club appoint Graeme Souness
2000/01 - Jack Walker dies. Promoted as runners-up
2001/02 - Break club transfer record with £8m signing of Andy Cole from Manchester United. Win their first-ever League Cup
2004/05 - Souness leaves to join Newcastle. Replaced by Mark Hughes
2007/08 - Manager Mark Hughes leaves the club for Manchester City in June, and Rovers name Paul Ince as his replacement
2008/09 - Paul Ince is sacked in December after a run of six successive Barclays Premier League defeats. He was replaced by former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce who steers the club to safety.

Birmingham City Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:34:00.003+07:00

Birmingham City Football Club plc
St. Andrew's Stadium, Birmingham, B9 4NH
Tel: 0844 557 1875

Overview

Birmingham City exploded onto the Barclaycard Premiership stage in 2002. Having suffered play-off heartbreak in the previous three seasons, they won the play-offs under former manager Steve Bruce and seemed determined to make up for lost time.

In their first season, they finished a highly creditable 13th and did the double over arch rivals Aston Villa. Another mid-table finish in 2004/05 was followed by relegation a year later and a mass clear-out in an effort to reduce the wage bill.

But Birmingham bounced straight back up in the 2006/07 season, clinching automatic promotion as Championship runners-up. They became the first senior club in English history to postpone a match because their newly-laid pitch wasn't ready. The Blues have the dubious honour of playing on what was originally the spare pitch for the new Wembley.

After suffering the heartbreak of relegation on the last day on the 2007/08 season, Alex McLeish's side bounced back at the first time of asking, winning promotion back to the Barclays Premier League by finishing the 2008/09 season as Championship runners-up.

An impressive first season back in the top flight in 2009/10 saw the Blues finish ninth, their best season in the Barclays Premier League.

Club Heritage

A band of cricketers from Holy Church in Bordesley Green founded the club under the name of Small Heath Alliance in 1875. The club turned professional 10 years later, agreeing to pay their players half the gate receipts. In 1879, the first match between the two sides was recorded as a victory to Small Heath by "one goal and a disputed goal to nil."

The Blues were founding members of the Football League Second Division in 1892 and were champions in their first season. They became Birmingham City FC in 1905 and moved into their permanent home of St Andrews Stadium a year later. To facilitate this move, a group of gypsies had to be evicted and it is rumoured they put a curse on the ground as they left. Fans still blame this curse during every bad run.

The club have spent most of their existence bouncing between the top two flights - their Second Division title in 1955 was notable in that they beat Luton Town on goal average by just 0.297 of a goal. Their only major cup victory - the 1963 League Cup - was made even sweeter in that it was over rivals Aston Villa.

Premier League History

2001/02 - Manager Trevor Francis replaced by Steve Bruce. Win promotion to Barclaycard Premiership via play-offs
2003/04 - Break club record transfer signing Emile Heskey for £6.25m
2005/06 - Relegated from the Barclays Premiership
2006/07 - Win automatic promotion to Barclays Premier League as Championship runners-up
2007/08 - Steve Bruce leaves to take up the reins at Wigan Athletic
2007/08 - Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish appointed manager
2007/08 - Relegated from Barclays Premier League
2008/09 - Promoted back to Barclays Premier League as Championship runners-up
2009/10 - Owners David Sullivan and David Gold sell the club to Carson Yeung

Aston Villa FC Profile

2010-11-14T11:30:00.002+07:00

Aston Villa Football Club
Aston Villa LTD, Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE
Tel: 0871 423 8101

Overview

The inaugural 1992/93 Premier League season saw Aston Villa miss out on their first title in 12 years when they finished runners-up to Manchester United. Villa got their revenge over the champions by beating them in the League Cup Final the following season.

Chairman Doug Ellis had been unimpressed by Villa's league form and replaced the flamboyant Ron Atkinson with Brian Little in 1993/94. The former Villa player led the club to a 3-0 win over Leeds United in the 1996 League Cup final.

In 2000, Villa reached their first FA Cup final since 1957 but were defeated by Chelsea. Although Villa remained a hard side to beat, the loss of several star names and further managerial changes did little to help consistency.

Matters came to a head in 2006 when manager David O'Leary left in acrimonious circumstances, but Martin O'Neill came in and led them to sixth-placed finishes in 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10, before resigning in August 2010.

Club Heritage

In 1874, a group of cricketers needing something to occupy them during winter happened to see a game of football in the park - thus Aston Villa was born. Their first match was unusual in that the first half was played under rugby rules and the second under football rules. Villa fast became the Midlands' dominant side, beating Small Heath Alliance - later to become arch rivals Birmingham City - 22-0 on one occasion.

Aston Villa were one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888 and enjoyed instant success. In the 1890s, they won five titles in seven seasons. Villa won the league and cup double in 1897. A week later, they moved to Aston Lower Grounds, which the fans dubbed Villa Park.

Villa's winning ways continued into the early 1900s, but their fortunes dwindled and in 1937 they were relegated. After the Second World War, the team was totally rebuilt. But apart from a 1957 FA Cup win, previous levels of success were never achieved.

A new low was reached when Villa were relegated to the Third Division in 1971. The club's fortunes changed 10 years later when Ron Saunders led them to the league title. The following year, in 1982, under caretaker manager Tony Barton, the club won the European Cup with victory over Bayern Munich.

Villa were relegated from the top flight in 1987 but bounced back at the first attempt. They finished Premier League runners-up under manager Ron Atkinson in 1993 and League Cup wins over Manchester United and Leeds followed in 1994 and 1996 respectively.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Premier League runners-up
1993/94 - Win the League Cup (Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United)
1994/95 - Brian Little replaces Ron Atkinson as manager
1995/96 - Win the League Cup (Aston Villa 3-0 Leeds United)
1997/98 - John Gregory replaces Brian Little
1999/00 - Lose FA Cup Final (Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa)
2001/02 - Gregory quits in January. Former manager Graham Taylor takes over
2002/03 - David O'Leary replaces Taylor in May
2005/06 - At the end of the season O'Leary leaves. Randy Lerner buys a majority share in the club. Martin O'Neill appointed manager
2006/07 - Sign Ashley Young from Watford for a club record £9.65m
2009/10 - Villa lose 2-1 to Manchester United in the Carling Cup final
2010/11 - Martin O'Neill resigns as manager. Gerard Houllier takes charge as manager in September 2010.

Arsenal Football Club Profile

2010-11-14T11:21:00.003+07:00

Overview

Arsenal may have been off the pace in the inaugural Premier League season in 1992/93, but they made up for it by winning both the FA and League Cups.

The Premier League crown eluded them until 1998 - two years into manager Arsene Wenger's tenure - when they did the league and FA Cup double. Under the Frenchman, the Gunners shook off their "boring" image and began to play some of the most attractive football in England.

In eight of his 14 seasons at the club, Arsenal have finished first or second. And together with star players such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp, Wenger took Arsenal to another "double" in 2002.

The Gunners reached the Champions' League final in 2006, becoming the first London team to do so, but lost to Barcelona. Their Barclaycard Premiership title in 2003/04 saw them become only the second team to win the league without losing a match - earning them the title "The Invincibles." Overall they went 49 matches unbeaten, which is a national record.

Club Heritage

In 1886, a group of workers at the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory formed a team called Dial Square, renaming themselves to Royal Arsenal shortly afterwards. The team turned professional in 1891 and changed its name again to Woolwich Arsenal, eventually dropping the prefix completely in 1913 when they moved to Highbury.

The Gunners joined the Second Division in 1893 and were promoted in 1904. Success eluded them until the arrival of Herbert Chapman in 1925 when they won the league five times between 1930 and 1938 and the FA Cup twice. Chapman, who died in 1934, was also behind the renaming of the nearest London Underground station to Arsenal.

Arsenal had to wait until the 1970s for their next period of success. But their first double in 1971 was followed by several near-misses - finishing second in 1972, and losing three FA Cup finals and the 1980 European Cup Winners' Cup final.

It was not until the return of ex-player George Graham as manager that the club rose to greatness again - winning six trophies during his nine-year reign. That included League Cup success in 1987 and 1993, the FA Cup in 1993, the league title in 1989 and 1991 and European Cup Winners' Cup in 1994. Arsenal hold the enviable record of the most consecutive seasons in the top flight - 91 at present.

Premier League History

1992/93 - Win the FA Cup and League Cup double
1993/94 - Win the European Cup Winners' Cup
1994/95 - George Graham sacked. Stewart Houston becomes caretaker. Lose the Cup Winners' Cup final to Real Zaragoza
1995/96 - Bruce Rioch takes charge for one season before resigning
1996/97 - Arsène Wenger becomes manager. Signs Nicolas Anelka and Patrick Vieira
1997/98 - Win the FA Carling Premiership and FA Cup double
1999/00 - Sign Thierry Henry. Lose the UEFA Cup final on penalties to Galatasaray
2000/01 - Break club record transfer signing Sylvain Wiltord for reported £13m
2001/02 - Win the Barclaycard Premiership and FA Cup double
2003/04 - Win the Barclaycard Premiership without losing a match
2005/06 - Last season at Highbury. Lose the Champions' League final to Barcelona
2006/07 - Move to Emirates Stadium

Barcelona champions on Facebook

2010-11-13T13:31:00.003+07:00

Trends in social networking site Facebook has continued and applied also by football clubs. So far Barcelona is a team that has the largest followers in the cyber world.

Daily As, released a list of clubs up his account got members at most. Barca are top ranked by number of adherents 6.2 million.

El Barca rival, Real Madrid, stalking in second with a follower to reach 5.2 million. The position occupied by the three major Turkish giants, Galatasaray.

Britain's most seductive club Facebooker is Manchester United, followed by Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. The Italian club that has the largest followers in his FB account is AC Milan, who on the list are in ninth place.

Non-European club that entered the top 10 list is Boca Juniors.

Roberto Baggio, The Messenger of Peace

2010-11-10T09:59:00.003+07:00

Increased awards received Roberto Baggio in his life. Baggio recently awarded the World Peace Award which judged more memorable than the title of world's best players.

Baggio who have retired since six years ago are now more involved in the social world. New positions are now held after FIGC refer to himself as President of the Technical Committee.

One of the social events she lived was him own fight in a charity program in Myanmar who are struggling to break away from the power of Aung San Suu Kyi. Not only that, Baggio was diligent in collecting funds for earthquake victims in Haiti.

On this, the noble, Baggio also received recognition from the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates as one figure who helped bring peace to the world. Then Baggio had the right to reconcile the world's best player trophy in 1993 with the World Peace Trophy.

Baggio who now are Buddhists accept the award on Hiroshima on Friday (11/05/2010). Male 43 years old was also honored with the award and considers this award is more valuable than the titles have ever received.

"This is better than the gift of gold balls. The award is also not comparable with the award which would personally never received any professional," said Baggio told Ansa quoted by AFP.

Baggio was now able to align their names with Scottish singer Annie Lennox and U2 lead singer Bono who both had won the award.

Lennox grabbed it in 2008 thanks to his efforts to fight AIDS in South Africa. While Bono got it last year after his campaign against poverty and debt in Africa.

Javier Zanetti Fear Loss of his hair

2010-11-07T00:58:00.002+07:00

Javier Zanetti admitted in his life he was never afraid not to play football again. Inter Milan captain is apparently more afraid of losing his hair. Wow!

Zanetti told his personal problem in which the hair into a very attention. Argentine international defender is apparently pretty good care of his hair once was.

Even do not try to hold the hair Zanetti. "Only two people in the world who can touch my hair, my son four years, Sol and my children are one year, Ignacio," he said as reported by ESPN.

"I really like my hair. I really look after it well. I went to the salon once a month and although I did not use a product, I want to always look neat," he said.

Because the 37-year-old's attention was too much on his hair could make my wife protested. "My wife Paula thinks I'm obsessed and perhaps he was right because my nightmare my head bald," said Zanetti.

WAGs Football Players in Camera

2010-11-03T11:56:00.003+07:00

Sarah and Silvia

Silvia Meichel is Germany striker Mario Gomez's significant other

Toni Poole is married to England defender John Terry

Sara Carbonero is the girlfriend of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas

Antonella Roccuzzo and Lionel Messi

French WAGs

Christine Bleakley and Frank Lampard are an item

Bastian Schweinsteiger is dating the delectable Sarah Brandner

Beckham's Marriage Secrets

2010-11-01T17:07:00.002+07:00

Marriage of David Beckham and Victoria Adams including the lasting and permanent romantic past 11 years, though buffeted by various problems and issues. What's the secret? Beckham disclose it.

According to Beckham, they have some tips to preserve marriage. First, they always keep that Wednesday is the day they were dating.

"We've been married 11 years and we've been together for 14 years. You have to stimulate the emergence of romanticism in each other and keep each other going out and need," said Beckham.

His wife, Victoria, no less eager to tell their secret romance. He said, "If the kids are in bed, we dressed and immediately went to the restaurants. We eat less, drink, and enjoy chatting with another friend. I'm always waiting for a date with Beckham at night."

"We are very busy. Beckham was busy with football and I'm busy with the clothing business and raising three children. That is why it is important to leave time alone. What happens every Wednesday, it was a secret," added Victoria.

The secret of their happiness is always thinking positive. "We kind of person who is more spiritual look at the glass of water half rather than looking at the glass half empty. There is no room for negative thoughts in our lives. We're positive, happy, and so must our children," explains Victoria.

"We've been in this world for a decade and know how many things happen. That's why we never worry about what people are saying about us," he concluded.

RONALDO in Cartoon Frame

2010-10-13T12:14:00.000+07:00

JOSE MOURINHO in CARTOON

2010-10-13T12:05:00.000+07:00

Top 10 Sex Scandal Football Players

2010-09-11T07:57:00.002+07:00

SCANDAL sex among football's always there from time to time. The scandal has also always been a stir, because football players have become public figures.

However, a sex scandal football players are not only a scene in the UK alone. Similar cases also occurred in other countries. Here are the top ten sex scandal football players.

1. Tommy Docherty (1977)

Manchester United manager has just publicly revered because his team won the FA Cup. However, soon after he was fired and publicly condemned.

Docherty caught having an affair with the wife of MU psychotherapist. Not just fired, 27-year-old marriage was over.

2. Garrincha (1959)

Garrincha was one of the great talents of Brazil. However, libido is also very large.

He helped bring Brazil to winner World Cup 1958 in Sweden. A year later, he returned to Sweden in a match on tour with Botafogo. During the tour, he was dating a local girl to get pregnant.

Upon returning to Brazil, he was greeted by public outrage. When the scandal was sticking out, his wife was pregnant. Shortly after his wife gave birth to fifth child, the Swedish girl who was seeing too birth. That happened in 1959.

Seven years later, Garrincha leaving his wife and eight children for the sake of having fun with a samba singer.

3. Jose Alfatini

Alfatini make a commotion Naples or Italy in general. He was having an affair with the wife of Paolo Barison the 1960s. In fact, Barison is his counterpart in Naples. The scandal had long been a food Italian media.

4. Ronaldo (2008)

Ronaldo is one of the other great talent possessed Brazil. But, he also has a fairly controversial sex adventure.

In 2008, he made a commotion Brazil and the world, even causing laughter. After delivering his girlfriend home, he checked into the hotel and ordered a three-PSK. but, Ronaldo cheated. It turns out that he called three prostitutes, all of the male.

Ronaldo got questioned by police and admitted it. But, he said, he just wants to have fun and do not think that commercial sex workers, men as well.

5. Oliver Kahn (2003)

Legendary German goalkeeper and club Bayern Munich, Oliver Kahn, making big news in 2003. When his wife became pregnant, she had an affair with 21-year-old girl, Verena Kerth.

6. Scandal France (1982 and 2010)

France did not escape from the commotion sex scandal football players. In 1982 before the World Cup in Spain, Jean Francois Lorios an affair with his friend's wife. Larios eventually dropped from the France team.

Toward the 2010 World Cup, sex scandals again conducted the French players, involving Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema. Both are being investigated for allegedly having sex with young girls.

Ribery has admitted having sex with young girls. However, he admitted to not knowing if the woman who named Zahia Dehar was still considered a minor. Benzema also denied the allegations.

Another French player, Sidney Govou, was also accused of involvement in a sex scandal. However, no examination for him. To be sure, a series of sex scandals that interfere with the preparation of France to face the World Cup in 2010. France finally knocked out in the early rounds without ever winning.

7. John Terry (2010)

In January 2010, shocking news of sex scandals in England. Because, this involves the England captain, John Terry. Chelsea's players had an affair with Vanessa Perroncel a former girlfriend of his colleagues, Wayne Bridge. Madness, they never had sex in the house Bridge, and, in front of Bridge's child.

News of this scandal Terry protracted, moreover, his wife, Tony Poole and his children and then went to Dubai. England coach Fabio Capello, judge Terry had no weight to the figure of a leader. Thus, the captain removed the tire, given to Rio Ferdinand.

8. Gianluigi Lentini (1993)

Lentini had become the world's most expensive player when AC Milan bought. However, lifestyle and bad behavior to accelerate his career foundered.

He suffered severe collision while driving his sports car, Porsche, with a speed of 100 kilometers per hour. Lentini coma and threatened his career was finished. Worse, he crashed after a few moments to leave the house wife of Toto Schillaci. He was reportedly having an affair with the Schillaci's wife.

9. Israeli Sex Scandal (1999)

This is very shocking sex scandal Israel. Toward the play-off European Cup qualifier in 2000, several Israeli players orgy. They call prostitutes to their hotel rooms. The next morning, officers found condoms in hotels everywhere.

Israel, who appeared as the host, eventually slaughtered Danes 0-5. They lost 0-8 on aggregate. Strangely, an Israeli minister said, Even if the Danish team did the same thing (sex party before the game), they would still win.

10. Ashley Cole (2010)

Enliven the news Ashley Cole as England football players sex scandal in 2010. After the commotion John Terry, he was also the target of the press for his habit of having an affair. Though his wife, Cheryl Tweedy, the pop star is a pretty and sexy.

Though still less, Cole often dating girls he likes. Cole seduction via SMS until uncovered in mass media. Because of the scandal, Cheryl demanded a divorce and they officially divorced.

Financial Fair Play for Football's Future

2010-08-31T01:37:00.002+07:00

UEFA has emphasised the importance of its financial fair play concept for the overall good health of European football.

UEFA president Michel Platini and general secretary Gianni Infantino explained the concept and its purpose at a media briefing in Monaco on Thursday, as well as giving updates on UEFA's activities to combat betting fraud and ongoing preparations for UEFA EURO 2012.

UEFA's financial fair play initiative – a key element of eleven values for the future of European football, announced by Mr Platini last year – is aimed especially at curbing the financial excesses that have brought a considerable number of clubs into difficulty in recent times. "The financial fair play concept has been launched to safeguard the long-term health of European football," said Mr Infantino. "One of the project's key requirements is to force clubs to finance their business activities with the resources they generate themselves."

Appropriate regulations have been put in place. The UEFA Club Financial Control Panel – chaired by former Belgian Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene – has been set up to monitor and ensure that clubs across UEFA's member association adhere to the financial fair play requirements included in the regulations. The concept will be implemented over 2010, 2011 and 2012. Fair play criteria will become mandatory from the beginning of the 2013/14, when the Club Financial Control Panel can start pronouncing sanctions against clubs based on financial statements from the 2011/12 and 2012/13 reporting periods,

Under the financial fair play concept and the regulations, clubs will be encouraged to operate on the basis of their own revenues and not spend more than their income. Clubs should also settle their liabilities with players, authorities and other clubs in a punctual manner. In addition, they will have to provide information about future financial planning.

The result should be a more disciplined approach by clubs towards their finances. Long-term investment favouring youth development and improvement of club installations should take precedence over short-term speculative spending.

Mr Platini underlined that the European Club Association, grouping major European clubs, had asked for the financial fair play rules to be put in place. "The clubs therefore know perfectly well what they will have to face from now on," he explained. "We have had years of anarchy before, and there was a need to put proper rules in place."

Turning to another key issue for UEFA, Gianni Infantino reiterated UEFA's "zero tolerance"policy against betting frauds. He explained that a Betting Fraud Detection System was introduced at UEFA a year ago and that over 29,000 games have since been monitored, from UEFA competitions to European leagues.

Mr Infantino highlighted the difficulties and complex nature of investigations against alleged irregularities, in particular as UEFA is not a legal or governmental body but simply a sports federation with limited jurisdictional power. However UEFA has established close links with police forces all over Europe, and he welcomed the fact that UEFA receives early warnings and can intervene in advance.

One of UEFA's key activities in this respect, the UEFA general secretary said, is to run prevention campaigns at youth level by talking to youngsters and make them aware of the dangers they may be facing as professional footballers.

Meanwhile, preparations are continuing apace for the UEFA EURO 2012 final round in Poland and Ukraine between 8 June and 1 July 2012. "Poland and Ukraine have made great efforts in recent months and things have moved ahead positively," said Mr Platini. "We are very confident that everything will be ready by the set deadlines. To help [Poland and Ukraine], we are deploying as many experts as we can to assist and work with the authorities and local organisers."

Paul Scholes, No discredit, not criticize, not denounce.

2010-08-28T08:52:00.004+07:00

When David Beckham for the first train with Real Madrid, the first question he asked his new partner is not what it was like moving to Spain. Nor will stay in the region where the Madrid. Of course it's not about his wife, Victoria or Posh Spice. But, "What was it like playing in a team with Paul Scholes?"

Yes. Paul Scholes. The pale which is the attacking midfielder from Manchester United. While football fans often underestimate this player, but the treasure of the Holy Grail of football in Europe, his name was upheld.

Even European maestro midfielder, Zinedine Zidane called it the best midfielder of his generation. Recently in an interview he never regretted the opportunity to play with Scholes. Understandably though the big European clubs are interested, Paul Scholes has never wanted to play for another club except Manchester United.

Paul Scholes is a member of Man United's golden generation of the 90s with David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, and the Neville brothers. But compared with fellow fifth class, such as apart from Scholes profile watchlist.

Perhaps the issue is personal Scholes, who was very shy and deliberately shut themselves from the spotlight. He very rarely gives interviews to reporters, never comes to celebrity parties, very quiet even with familiar friends. It is said that during nearly twenty years he played only four times to give an exclusive interview.

Scholes could be said one of the few players who never express themselves except in the field. Eric Cantona after he beat a retreat to establish defensive game to Man United's offensive line. Game one of them recognized as the best footballer in Europe. Bait-bait that tracing either land or the stomach as accurate and deadly. Imagination in giving an unusual bait.

Remarkably, according to Ruud Gullit, is Scholes can do all that with very simple. So that he does not like something incredible. That is why, still according to Gullit, the audience sees it as mediocre, but colleagues and opponents are often gobsmacked.

Not just having an attack itself, he was a dangerous attacker either by foot or head. He was able to score a spectacular goal with a well-known far-range shot hard and accurate. No wonder if he has scored 150 goals for Man United. Pretty good for a midfielder.

Man United's success after Cantona, people will mention Beckham, Giggs, Keane, Cole, Yorke, Solksjaer and other big names. But unplug Paul Scholes of Man United's team was the all-star players would say no. That is why all players should alternating but Paul Scholes, still, be a reference Man United.

But as has been said, he can look really great on the field but once the match is over and journalists fought to interview, he disappeared from the search. People never know what you think as well as his views on various things related to football.

For example people are very curious why he decided to resign from the English national team five years ago. Outstanding issues that he did not like the style of game that is displayed Sven Goran Eriksson and tired of not playing in the position to be his best position. But he never said anything at all. No discredit, not criticize, not denounce.

Steve McLaren who replaced Sven, get rid of David Beckham but twice to persuade Scholes to return to the national team. Scholes is also twice rejected the reasons for wanting more time for family.

Even in the age of 35, when his ability was decreased mainly stamina to cut into the penalty box, Fabio Capello persuaded to go to the World Cup in South Africa. Scholes refused on the grounds, one of them, not good with other players who had fought for England during the qualification round.

Not long ago he regretted not fulfill that calling. That is why now memorized news Capello wants to call for the European Cup. Yet at the same time he closed the door for contemporary players Scholes with the biggest profile in England, David Beckham on the grounds it was too old.

Capello sentiment for the old players this is not unusual. Take for instance gifted Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger. Not long ago he was still saying, if I may pick all the players are the Premier League, Scholes was the first player in the composition of the players. Carlo Ancelotti also expressed the same sentiment. Maybe this is already somewhat obsolete because it is said when he was still holding AC Milan.

Foster children when it will meet with Man United in the Champions League. In front of reporters he said that none of the players Man United will go into 11 major players of Milan. Though there is a Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and a host of other names. But Ancelotti then paused and said, "Yahhhh ... except for Paul Scholes."

Role of Football Federation For Championship

2010-08-22T11:37:00.003+07:00

In a lengthy interview in Enland, former players and the German national team coach Juergen Klinsmann, told about the secret behind the consistency of the German national team appearance, in various international tournaments.

If the average hit from the side of consistency, Germany is the most successful countries in Europe. Imagine, the country has won three World Cup and three Euro Cup. They were also runner up four times World Cup, and, three times Euro Cup. This means that Germany has signed seven-time World Cup final, and, six European Cup Final. It's still outside the semi-finals or quarterfinals. And achievements were achieved at times when the quality of player was under another football great country.

Klinsman said that no formula is remarkable about the appearance of Germany. He then refers to his experience as Germany prepares for World Cup 2006.

By the German Football Federation or Deutsher Fussball Bund (DFB) he was given full authority to determine the pattern of the game to be played by national teams. And after monitoring the player, he was with his assistant, Joachim Loew - now head coach Der Panzer -, decided a game that relies on the concept of permutation blocks speed players. (The details as we saw at the World Cup 2010).

It is said that according to this system Klinsman game is not too burdensome on certain star players. Because after monitoring the player, Klinsman not find one, two or three star players who will be strong enough to lift the team. Not even on Michael Ballack who was selected to captain the team.

After determining the concept of game they want, Klinsman and Loew then bring them back to the DFB concept. What is unique is that, at the request of DFB Klinsman then socializing patterns that game will be played by national teams to all members of the Bundesliga. Not just to socialize, DFB - Klinsman allegedly at his request - and even requires the Bundesliga teams to also apply the pattern of national team games in the club. Again according to Klinsman, members of the Bundesliga DFB obey it, though of course with different degrees because it depends on the character of players and coaches (which is sometimes a foreign coach).

Steps to be taken Klinsman has a background logic in a simple but very understandable. Those players who will be summoned by national team, then they will easily to adapt and familiar with what to do. There was no difference in the pattern of the game at club or national team. Substitution of players like the turn of the screw in an industrial machine. Mechanistic, efficient, and clinically.

Klinsman not directly say that the relationship between national team coach, as well as members of the Bundesliga DFB always like what he experienced. But it would be very surprising if what he experienced is a special case that does not come from a tradition (of thought and culture) German football.

DFB is fully aware that technically the game, the coach who has the authority and concepts. But the DFB was the one who has the administrative power to help realize the coach desires. DFB realize their responsibilities as the national football authority not just appoint the coach and complete, but it also helps on-demand coach to do what is necessary. Included also form the mentality of players.

Whether, imitation or not, or simply the natural sequence of logic, the relationship model, national coach , DFB and a member of the Bundesliga. Now, plural done in Europe. Not exactly the same but with a similar policy lines.

Success of Spain to winner Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010, backed by the concepts outlined by the national coach for the national team at the request of the Spanish Football Federation or the Real Federacion de Futbol Espanolla (RFEF). From the national team, under the age of 17, 19 and 21 years playing the same pattern.

RFEF ensure that the desired pattern coach understood by the members of La Liga. Though not as radical as the DFB, which requires members of the Bundesliga to play a particular game pattern, Spain lucky to have Barcelona and Real Madrid in a certain limit, which is so dominant national player contributed to all age levels. To them the pattern of the game national team were based.

France when the victorious World Cup 1998 Champions and Euro Cup 2000 also has some similarities with Germany and Spain. The role of the federation they are very big. Based on input from coaches all over France, they form a football training centers par excellence for gifted adolescents and shaped the mentality and the ability to play the game to meet a uniform standard, the desired national team coach.

What do Germany, Spain and France is a holistic approach in forming a strong national team with the national football federation played a central role. And the central role that can only be played by a body of authoritative, trustworthy and has an unwavering vision. The problem, running such entity, not an easy thing.

Mellisa Castagnoli, The Latest Wag's from Italy

2010-08-19T22:13:00.002+07:00

Mario Balotelli to joining Manchester City also will add "fresh" the girlfriends and wives Joiner England footballer or Wag's. Just so you know, Balotelli's girlfriend was a Miss Italy.

Melissa Castagnoli certain to be a focus for the British press, because of its status as a Balotelli girlfriend. The couple began to enter the local papers after dinner at an expensive Italian restaurant called San Carlo, in the city of Manchester, recently.

Castagnoli is a Finalist Miss Italy 2009, whose age was coeval with Balotelli - 20 this year. So far they are considered quite good at hiding their privacy, and the Italian press calculate their relationship a few months.

Manchester City bought Balotelli from Inter Milan and the estimated price of 22.5 million pounds. Value of salary he was being kept secret, but there was a call at around 60 thousand pounds.

Castagnoli became Wag's latest Italian after last year the England visited a beautiful actress named michela Quattrociocche, which is the fiancee of Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

Cristiano Ronaldo's fans reach 10 million people

2010-08-14T01:12:00.003+07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo successful to attract 10 million fans via his Facebook account. CR9 became the first person outside the United States that could have fans that much.

As reported the Times of India, the number of fans from Portugal footballer was now far behind the amount owned by David Beckham. Becks 'only' successful to reach 3.5 million fans through Facebook.

Until Friday (8/13/2010), the number of 'followers' CR9 on Facebook reached 10,098,624 people.

"I would like to thank all the fans for their support through Facebook. Today we have to break the 10 million. It's an honor to share with you all," writes the former Manchester United was in his wall.

Ronaldo became the first person outside the United States people who managed to get 10 million followers from Facebook.

Now 'competitors' CR9 from among celebrities is Lady Gaga. The singer has 15 million fans on his Facebook account.

Messi Brand From Lionel Messi

2010-08-12T08:59:00.003+07:00

Life's Lionel Messi not only football, he also began learning the business. Barcelona striker was being pioneered the fashion business with the brand "Messi".

Messi is very serious about this new business. He has been thoroughly studied. In fact, he has become an icon to start with the clothes its own production. Later, Messi will ask his fellow football player to become the ambassador of "Messi" in the big cities in the world.

Diario Ole Daily or The Sun reported, Messi was approaching an American rapper, Jay-Z, to become an icon his clothing products. Other names will follow, such as Alessandro Nesta in Milan, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard in Manchester and London, and David Beckham to Los Angeles.

"I've started a few months ago. I who became ambassador in Barcelona. We were approached Wayne in Manchester, Frank in London, and (actor), Colin Farrell in Dublin," said Messi was quoted as saying in The Sun. "We've talked to (rapper) Jay-Z for New York and dreamed of David to LA."

"This will be the accessories and upscale clothing industry. I want to launch first store next summer. If all agree, we can become the most famous clothing brands in the world," he said.

ADIDAS and Mexico extend partnership

2010-08-12T06:46:00.002+07:00

The Mexican Football Federation (FEMEXFUT) and adidas are proud to announce the extension of their successful partnership until the year 2018.

This extension agreement comes as a result of the great relationship between both parties and a successful co-operation - both on and off the field.

The jersey of the Mexican Football Federation was the best-selling adidas jersey of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM with more than 1 million pieces sold.

“The extension of our partnership deal with the Mexican Football Federation confirms our commitment to long-term and successful partnerships. This is a great alliance between a team full of young stars with a bright future and the leading football brand in the world. We at adidas are already very much looking forward to shaping the future of football together with Mexico and preparing jointly for the next FIFA World CupsTM”, commented Herbert Hainer, CEO of adidas Group.

“We feel honoured to have adidas as our official partner. We enjoy a fantastic partnership and our alliance has proven to be an extraordinary support for our teams, our federation and football in Mexico,” said Justino Compean, FEMEXFUT’s President.

adidas is Official Sponsor, Supplier and Licensee of the FIFA World CupTM. adidas thus provides the Official Match Ball and supplies the equipment for all officials, referees, volunteers and ball kids. In the recent World Cup in South Africa, adidas equipped more than 200 players and 12 teams: the World Champions Spain, host nation South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Japan, Nigeria, Germany, France, Slovakia, Denmark and Greece. In addition, adidas is Official Partner of the European Football Union UEFA and the Confederation of African Football CAF. adidas is also Official Supplier to Major League Soccer (USA) and the UEFA Champions League. Moreover, adidas is Official Supplier to prominent football clubs including AC Milan, Chelsea FC, FC Bayern München, Liverpool FC, Olympique Marseille and Real Madrid. Additionally, stars such as Michael Ballack, David Beckham, Diego Forlán, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger and David Villa represent their respective clubs wearing state-of-the-art adidas football equipment.

Reject Handshake, Domenech ousted

2010-08-06T17:49:00.002+07:00

Raymond Domenech no longer served as France coach. He was replaced by Laurent Blanc. Although no longer handle the French, 58-year coach was still getting "attacks". One was from the President of the French Professional League, Frederic Thiriez. Thiriez condemned the act of Domenech, who refused to shake hands, with South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira after the match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 22.

Domenech expected to do that, not only because France lost 1-2. Suspected, he still held a grudge because Parreira scathing comments associated with handsball Thierry Henry in World Cup playoff.

Whatever the reason, according Thiriez, Domenech actions have tarnished the French football team. Thiriez Domenech also suggested a social outcast. Namely, he was removed from the scope of French football.

"For me, his actions at that time was enough to punish him (Domenech scratched from the scope of the French football team), for refusing to shake hands with a colleague," said Thiriez told AFP.

"It becomes a negative image and dangerous for the French football team against the whole world and especially for children. I leave it entirely to the President of FFF Fernand Duchaussoy to take decisions in accordance with the procedure," he added.

Duchaussoy FFF who was elected president last month has also highlighted the actual act of Domenech. Only, at that time substitute Jean-Pierre Escalettes is indeed not have any authority whatsoever. "No coaches shook hands with the opponent is deemed unacceptable even though in any situation," he said.

Handshake refusal cases not only incident that marred the World Cup career record Domenech. The former France Under-21 coach also had to resist the shame involved in a dispute with the players, among others, Nicolas Anelka.

Anelka Domenech even insulting to dirty words in the game against Mexico (19 / 6). Because of that, Anelka returned from the World Cup. However, Anelka got sympathy from teammates who showed solidarity by refusing to practice.

Nani And Rooney, New Season With New Car

2010-08-05T22:52:00.002+07:00

There's something made Nani proud because "winning" of Wayne Rooney. Lamborgini Gallardo is a new car, which recently bought Nani and, making the Audi RS6 new car, owned by Rooney, looks less class.

Capello Index Making Problem

2010-07-26T23:18:00.001+07:00

The Football Association has attempted to diffuse the continuing controversy surrounding England coach Fabio Capello and the player index bearing the Italian's name.

The 'Capello Index' website remains live despite Capello demanding its removal immediately after it went live over the weekend.

The site first made headlines before the World Cup when it claimed it would, with the input of the experienced coach, rate the performances of every player, including Capello's own England squad, during the tournament in South Africa.

Capello distanced himself from it before the tournament, but the fact that it went live over the weekend and remains accessible is believed to be a source of embarrassment to both the Italian and his employers.

However, Club England managing director Adrian Bevington insists there is no problem between Capello and the FA.

Speaking about any direct link between Capello and the website, he said: "After the developments of the weekend, this will not happen while Fabio is England manager.

"We have been consistent with this view, but managed sensitively.

"However, as has been made clear, Fabio had absolutely no involvement in the ratings that have appeared from the World Cup and did not give his name or approval to them."

Decreasing England popularity after World Cup 2010

2010-07-21T23:50:00.003+07:00

England have pay very expensive for bad results in the last World Cup. Not only criticism from the public in their own country. Three Lions, also suffered a loss financially.

Nationwide Building Society is very familiar with the Great Britain national team football. That's because the financial services company is a sponsor of the four national team in the United Kingdom in the last eleven years. Namely, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

However, Nationwide has now decided the England as one of their cooperation partners. The reason is obvious, namely, a bad result the Three Lions at the World Cup 2010. Expected to be a champion for scintillating performance during qualifying. In fact, three Lions defeat 1-4 from Germany

Without Nationwide, the FA or the Football Federation of England must be prepared to lose revenue 5 million pounds (USD 69 billion) per year. The FA had to immediately find a new sponsor, when friendly match face to Hungary at Wembley Stadium, London, 11 August.

"Nationwide Building Society is no longer a part of England after the expiration of a contract with them, the end of July 2010," said Adrian Bevington, managing director of England, told the Daily Telegraph.

"Loss of business partners such as Nationwide is really very unfortunate because along with them, the FA has drawn a lot of success in a variety of marketing projects," added Bevington.

FA problem, especially England, was added because friendly match face to Hungary less attractive public. That along with the lack of match ticket sales. As a result, the FA was forced to reduce ticket prices up to 33 percent.

Now, the average ticket is sell only 15 pounds. Tickets for the family is also very cheap. Simply spend 30 pounds, four persons consisting of two adults and two children can sit nicely at Wembley.

"The FA aware of the public are still disappointed, even angry, with the achievement of national football team. They have been issued at high cost to South Africa and not getting the proper benefits," said Bevington.

On the other hand, Mark Perryman of the England supporters club called the decline in ticket prices friendly match face to Hungary was very reasonable. Perryman even ask for the Three Lions should give free tickets as an apology. "You will not find an audience who rejected when given a free ticket to watch the match at Wembley. Price 15 pounds already included forced himself to the audience," he asserted.

In addition to loss, because the left Nationwide and falling ticket prices, the loss came from the decline of the FA Setanta television stations as TV partner Three Lions. Only, the FA are not too "sad" because it still expects revenue from the TV partners with other television stations such as ITV, ESPN, and BSkyB.

Not Just Country, Apparel Manufacturers Also to Competition

2010-07-16T21:16:00.004+07:00

Adidas and Nike have a long history of competition. Competition increasingly looks any event there is a grand celebration, such as the World Cup. Including 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

And, at the Final World Cup 2010, two apparel manufacturers based in Germany (Adidas) and the United States (Nike), the more shows canine effects. Incidentally, Spain is one of the teams sponsored by Adidas. Netherlands by Nike.

Once Spain became champions, Adidas proudly states that Adidas was the winner. But Nike did not want to lose. Because, although the Netherlands is only a runner-up, see the first goal scorer who brought Spain into champions. He is Andres Iniesta. Apparently, players that Barcelona is one of the players who establish the individual sponsorship deals with Nike. Iniesta wearing Nike shoes CTR360.

"Adidas is the world champion," said the Adidas spokeswoman, Emmanuelle Gaye, as reported by AFP. "The result is really positive," he continued.

Gaye expose, this year sales of Adidas products is estimated to 1.5 billion euros and the ball Jabulani became the hottest product on the market. Adidas also claim to be able to sell 1.2 million the German national team jerseys, more than one million jerseys of Mexico, Argentina, and South Africa, and about one million Spanish national team jerseys.

However, Nike also has a success story. They led to the sentence that the 2010 World Cup winning goal scored by Nike. "On the field, more Nikes than other brands, or 47 percent of Nike and Adidas 32 percent," said Charles Brooks, a spokesman for Nike. "Competition brings huge success for Nike," he continued.

However, Nike also has a success story. They led to the sentence that the 2010 FIFA World Cup winning goal, scored by Nike. "On the field, more Nikes than other brands, or 47 percent of Nike and Adidas 32 percent," said Charles Brooks, a spokesman for Nike. "Competition brings huge success for Nike," he continued.

According to Brooks, in the first quarter 2010, sales of Nike grow up to 39 percent for items related to football than the same period last year.

Iniesta In addition, the gridiron star who tied a personal contract with Nike, among others, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres.

Not wanting to miss with Adidas and Nike, Puma took a big success during event the World Cup 2010. ''We are very pleased. Result World Cup is very positive for us, "said Ulf Santjer, Puma communications manager.''We are not only better known, but our position in third place in the football market is also getting stronger," he continued.

At the World Cup 2010, seven teams under contract with Puma. One of them was Uruguay who cruised into the semifinal. Total, Puma was involved in 26 of 64 games and spent about 39 hours in front of cameras and hundreds millions of viewers around the world.

Puma is also sponsoring the number one for the African teams. According to Ulf Santjer, Ghana successfully penetrate the quarterfinal round of shows that African football has reached such a high level.

A huge success not only obtained a sponsor associated with the apparel. Manufacturers of electronics, from Japan said the same. "Not only because of our brand becomes official partner, but also because for the first time we present a 3D image to the world," said a spokesman for Sony.

Golden Generation Of Spanish Football

2010-07-16T20:31:00.004+07:00

After waiting for 76 years, Spain finally picked his first World Cup title. Successful achievement was completing two years ago when they won the Euro 2008. Many people who believe, this is the golden generation of Spanish football.

"Admittedly, success in the Euro 2008 squad became one of the keys to our success this time," said Vicente del Bosque, entrenador Spain, as quoted by the Associated Press. "The euro Players is my former nominated, inhabit this squad can maintain the continuity of performance. They are very consistent and already know what to do," he continued.

After taking over the leadership from the hand of Luis Aragones, after Euro 2008, Del Bosque was simply making a few changes. Only seven of 23 players being replaced. Among them, defender Fernando Navarro, goalkeeper Andres Palop, and striker Daniel Guiza.

He also put some fresh blood types goalkeeper Victor Valdes, a central defender Gerard Pique, a duet young winger Jesus Navas and Juan Mata. Never missed the Barcelona starlet Pedro Rodriguez. Among these five names, Valdes, Mata, and Pedro uncapped status or never plunge in international matches.

The pattern also changed the starting eleven. In the rear sector, Marcos Senna and Carlos Marchena are no longer applicable. Instead, accompanied Pique with Carles Puyol. Because Cesc Fabregas not yet recovered from injury, Del Bosque prefer to use Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso as the holding midfielder. They advocate Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Pedro. David Villa is also more common than Fernando Torres set that has not been one hundred percent fit

Del Bosque also dare to change the scheme. First Spanish are very loyal to the classic pattern of 4-4-2. In the Euro 2008 final against Germany, Aragones lowering unusual 4-1-4-1 scheme. Well, Del Bosque is more flexible. She can use a 4-4-2, 4-3-3 aggressive, or 4-2-3-1 which is very popular. His choice depend on opponent character.

"I was lucky to get a team that has solid foundations. Solidity they have been formed and I stayed to continue their work two years ago. But it was not easy to do. They still have to be appreciated for their hard work in this tournament," explained the 59-year coach.

New squad formed by Del Bosque was too biased in Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, it's not a bad decision. As a member of the big team, the players are provided with a championship mentality.

Healthy competition in Spain is also one of the determinant of their success at world level. Primera Liga to destination big stars. Just last season the league arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Their presence complete line of stars who attended previously, such as Lionel Messi, Diago Forlan, or Rafael van der Vaart.

However, the original Spanish players still could be a host in his own country. They absorb knowledge from foreign players, without losing quality. Kinds of young players Sergio Ramos, Pedro, and Jesus Navas had grown up in a tight competition

Our squad is very good''. They are the core of Spanish football. We can continue to grow,''said Cesc Fabregas, Spanish midfielder who captained the English club Arsenal, as quoted by the Guardian.

Action's Jimmy Jump at the World Cup 2010

2010-07-13T23:21:00.004+07:00

Final Round, World Cup 2010 leaving a story about the infiltration into the field. What exactly is the motivation of the streaker who calls himself "Jimmy Jump" ?

Jimmy Jump is a man the Spanish nationality. His real name is Jaume Marquet Cot. He caused a sensation by infiltrating into the field ten minutes before the finals began and had approached the World Cup trophy before secured by police.

This is not the first time that infiltration occurred in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, after earlier in the semi-final between Germany against Spain. But then the culprit is not the Cot.

For Cot, jumped from the stands and went into a football field was already a "hobby" of his. Through his personal site, www.jimmyjump.com, he wrote:

"Jimmy Jump is a" jumper "and he has often done its action in public events. He passed the barriers and managed to infiltrate into the appropriate zones to support the action and get ready to "jumping".

"The purpose of this action is to make the world laughing with the funny actions and exceptional performance."

"We apologize if this action can not be understood because it seems that this action represents a radical way. But Jimmy was proud of what he did and only he who understands how difficult it is to venture on alone to reach his dream, without any sponsors or supporters. Do it, Salta Salta (Jump, Jump)."

Cot has traveled the world and tries to jump on a number of important events throughout the stadium. Some event ever "attended" the Euro 2004 final in Portugal, 2005 Champions League final in Turkey, as well as the Champions League final in 2009. There is no information on any event he slipped.

Over its action in the final South Africa 2010, a man who describes himself as a fan of this Barcelona fined for 2000 rands by a court in South Africa.

So what motivated the man nicknamed El Saltador or The Jumper's this? "He's just trying to put his hat in the World Cup trophy, not to steal it. He promotes freedom, freedom for all," said Alex Sola, Cot's friend, in the AFP.

Xavi, Conductor team "matador" spain

2010-07-13T22:25:00.004+07:00

David Villa is a goal machine, Andres Iniesta is a hero, but without a Xavi Hernandez, Spain might not be this good achievement.

Spain 2010 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating the Netherlands 1-0. Iniesta became el Hero with a solo goal.

Eight goals La Furia Roja packaged in its journey embracing title. The majority, or five goals that are a result of striker David Villa.

But the most important figures in the stronghold of Spain is not a Villa or Iniesta. He is Xavi Hernandez who became brain game of Matador Team. Barcelona's players is the conductor of the groove flowing game most teams in the World Cup 2010.

Quoted from the official FIFA website, Xavi is the most players off the pass with the level of 669 passes for 81 percent completion rate.

Players who began uniformed Spain since year 2000 was the most widely send medium-range pass, 419 times, with passes at 86 percent completion rate.

Xavi also showed himself as a player who can break the opponent defense. Although Spain's opponents, in general playing tight tactic, but he was able to release the 15 pass in the opponent's penalty box. What was inscribed Xavi is the highest that occurred in South Africa 2010.

Players born January 25, 1983, it was also the players who most "diligent" in throughout the tournament. He has devoured a distance of 80.20 kilometers in South Africa. When Spain won the European Cup in 2008, Xavi is also a player who most "back and forth."

Romance World Cup 2010, Between Sara with Casillas

2010-07-12T19:02:00.005+07:00

2010 FIFA World Cup romance is Iker Casillas and Sara Carbonero. From cynicism at the beginning of the tournament, they survived and closed it with a very sweet, like a kiss on her lover Casillas.

Spanish public already knew who it was Sara's because sports presenter of a television station that was about one year romantic relationship with Casillas, the captain of the 'Matador' squad when winning the European Cup in 2008.

Nonetheless, their stories seemed so exposed in the World Cup 2010, starting on the day when Spain lost the first match in group stage face Switzerland. Casillas was unable to prevent the goal, from the kick Gelson Fernandez.

After the game, many Spanish people get angry at the news circulating on the internet. Mentioned, that Casillas playing bad because his concentration is interrupted, because Sarah kept behind the goalkeeper, from the warm-up to before kickoff.

Sara accused of "using" his profession as a journalist for "violating" the rules of the Spanish team, that the wives and girlfriends of players, should not accompany them in South Africa.

But Sara was always near Casillas, at least with a microphone in hand and cameras that follow her movements. 25-year-old woman was famous for the interview sessions with top football players after big matches.

Considered damaging concentration of the boyfriend, Sara did not accept. "Can I screwed this team? That's nonsense," he said. Casillas, too. He wondered why the media like to arbitrarily draw a conclusion and considered far outside the context of football.

But they defended the Spanish press. They pointed cynicism was deliberately created by the British press who really love the sensation. They insinuated behind by saying, "Robert Green could not catch the ball (kick Clint Dempsey), probably because his girlfriend cut out."

The story "negative" is gradually vanished, as the appearance of a permanent okay Casillas and Spain continue to win the next matches. And Sara continues to lead the profession - and stay on the sidelines where Casillas play.

And finally their romance culminated in Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, July 11, 2010, when Spain emerged as champions, Casillas stood supreme to lift the trophy.

"I've been through a lot and never had many setbacks. Sara also faced bad times in the last few days. So I dedicate this victory to her and my family," said Casillas told Reuters.

After the party continued in the team dressing room, Sara was interviewed Casillas. The interview can be seen via Youtube was brief but scented "love."

Like not bear restraint, although the question Sara's not finished, Casillas suddenly kissed the interviewer, as well as his girlfriend. He kiss his girlfriend, also her eyes. Sara looked a little startled, but looks are not carried away trying to be excessive, because he was working.

Casillas then leaving Sara, ended a brief interview. People who are near their sound gave applause. Sara, who was asked as one of the sexiest sports presenter, ending the session with a smile on his lips.

Go Home From "Battle" World Cup 2010

2010-07-09T22:01:00.004+07:00

Some countries that have been eliminated from the 2010 World Cup back to real life. Went home with two possibilities: was greeted as a hero or down ashamed as a loser.

Tattoo's Football Players Parade

2010-07-08T22:10:00.003+07:00

Formerly, a tattoo is considered a negative, now no longer so. Tattoos are now also used as a medium to express themselves. Like some football players in World Cup 2010.

Hail For Spain, The Stylish Pragmatists

2010-07-08T12:37:00.003+07:00

"Football is about glory, it is about doing things in style and with a flourish, about going out and beating the lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom" - Danny Blanchflower.

We'll have a new winner of the World Cup, and the romantics among you probably won't be bothered whether Spain or Holland prevail on Sunday.

Should Holland win, it will be the delayed reward for Cruyff, Krul, Rep and Michels, the 'Best Team Never To Have Won The World Cup (TM)'. For some purists it is a blot on the history of the game that the inventors of Total Football have never taken the top prize.

And if Spain win, those that drool over the silky passing of Arsenal and Barcelona will rejoice that the purest exponents of the beautiful game have succeeded. In a year when Inter Milan won the treble by mastering the art of winning without the ball, 'tiki-taka' can be proven as the one true way to win.

And yet these are two very modern football teams, for they combine the key elements of style and pragmatism. And Spain perhaps do this to the greatest effect.

For all the talk about their wonderful passing and glorious style, Spain's defence is often over-looked. They have conceded only twice in their six games, and one was that shambolic scramble over the line by Switzerland. Boy, that game seems eons ago, doesn't it?

Spain's success is built on their defence being so watertight (and the calming presence of Busquets and Alonso in front of the back four has as much to do with their frugality as Puyol, Pique and Casillas) that the creative forces ahead of them can do as they please, and hold their nerve, for they know those behind them will afford them every opportunity to conjure something.

And there lies the most important factor in Spain's path to the final. It has not been their passing. It has not been their movement. It has not even been the deadly finishing of David Villa. It has been their patience.

In all three of their knockout games, Spain have been frustrated for long spells, knocking the ball around without managing to find a way through a doughty defence until well into the second half. But at no point did they panic. In all three they found a way through, and it is perhaps slightly ironic that none of the three winning goals were particularly beautiful. Two rebounds and a header from a corner. They're not going to make the goals of the tournament list.

This is final proof that Spain have well and truly shaken the 'bottlers' tag that hung around their necks for years. In 2008 they won when not many expected they would, and most assumed that success would remove the monkey from their backs. In this World Cup they had to deal with a whole number of other psychological factors and pressures, coming into the tournament as they did as favourites and European Champions with a perfect qualification record.

They have required an iron will to go with their magical feet, a rare thing in any sort of football. Look at Argentina - so impressive in the group stages, but the minute they were pressed by anything approaching a decent team they folded. Not Spain.

The Spanish provide the perfect balance of beauty and pragmatism. They are tough but stylish. As easy to watch as they are difficult to beat. The Switzerland defeat suggested that they had been worked out, that teams knew how to combat them, and they would fade.

The mark of champions is the ability to get around these obstacles, to play in another way, and to win. Win with style, win with force, win by luck, whatever, just win. Spain do that.

It's going to be a hell of a final.

Nick Miller

Gullit Talk About Players Failed at World Cup 2010

2010-07-06T11:58:00.003+07:00

Lionel Messi, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and even Fernando Torres. The world expect get great performances from them in this World Cup, although in the end all of just a star who almost without light.

Not just fans of Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, England or Spain are entitled to be disappointed for no maximum them big stars above. World soccer enthusiast certainly feel the same dissatisfaction following a few surprising results in this 2010 World Cup.

Lionel Messi considered to perform quite well with the Tango team drove to the quarter-finals. But with what he gave for FC Barcelona, a clear contribution to the national team could not be compared.

World's best players last year that failed to score any goals. When facing Germany, Messi, such as loss of magical. Argentina humiliated 0-4.

Similar conditions experienced by Kaka at Brazil, Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal and England are really looking forward Rooney sharpness. Even La Furia Roja are already assured a ticket to the semifinals, still curious about the performance Torres made that far behind David Villa.

What's wrong with the players who shone bright with the club, but suddenly dimmed when the national team uniform?

"Players had to be a star on his team. They are trying best to do the same thing for his country in this World Cup. But sometimes it was not enough," said Ruud Gullit in a press conference in Jobulani Center, Sandton, Pretoria.

Similar conditions are recognized former AC Milan player, he had experience with the Netherlands. Although the players have been trying up to, but for some reason it is sometimes not enough to give the best.

"Myself have experienced it. When I am getting tried, it all just empty. It's not a surprise," continued firmer Chelsea and Newcastle United's Coach.

Players who are still active while performing typical with dreads it, figuring if the star players were already exhausted when the domestic competition. As a result, at the World Cup, they are difficult to display the peak performance again.

"They have done a remarkable match with the club. Maybe they should have the number of games (at club level) less. But it was impossible. They've done good preparation. Is not fair to judge their performance in this match only," close the player who delivered Netherlands Winning the Euro 1988.

When the star player, Failed in the World Cup 2010

2010-07-05T12:32:00.003+07:00

No doubt every team must have their own star players. But if too dependent on it could have even made it difficult or even bring disappointment.

Ask it in Portugal, Brazil, England and Argentina are expecting great performances Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi in this World Cup 2010.

But what happens is either Ronaldo, Kaka, Rooney and Messi did not able to demonstrate performance. Let alone bring his team drove further, it is difficult to score goals.

Ask it at Rooney and Messi, who was so fertile in Manchester United and Barcelona last season but his prowess as without trace when appearing in South Africa.

Ronaldo and Kaka were in fact not much different fate, even if Ronaldo could score goals and Kaka several times a set of goals, Brazil.

Finally is the team that defended none of which appeared in the semifinal. Portugal and England were knocked out in 2nd round while Brazil and Argentina were knocked out in the quarterfinals.

If the line is drawn is the fourth was the main cornerstone of each team. But unfortunately, once they fail then the team fails any part of it too.

"This situation is happening on Maradona where he received a lot of help. It's not easy for any team to focus on just one player," the analysis of Dutch striker Robin van Persie.

"Looking at other teams like us, Germany and Spain are clearly a team must do it together (to win)," he continued.

"England and Portugal put their hopes on Rooney and Ronaldo (and failed). But this is a blessing for football," he concluded.

Golden Boot World Cup 2010 Guaranteed Safe

2010-07-02T14:10:00.002+07:00

Seven replica World Cup trophy successfully brought a thief. The same concerns are now focused on gold shoes. However, the committee ensures it will never happen.

Seventh replica was stolen at FIFA headquarters are located in the city of Johannesburg a few days ago. This course makes tantrum FIFA and the local committee.

Related shoe gold, silver and bronze, the adidas ensuring security will remain intact. Moreover, its location was in the mall and downtown Joburg.

"No, we do not worry. It's safe here," said Thomas, marketing communication Adidas, when meet in the centre of Jabulani, Johannesburg.

According to Thomas, excessive concerns about security in South Africa will only invite more crime. As long as it remains vigilant, guaranteed there will be no adverse things.

"We remain confident that all is safe. Of course remain vigilant. But I have heard early rumors about this security, but until now it's okay." he explained.

Gold shoes are now stored at the Jabulani Centre. being protected by the protective glass and alarms.

A number of security officers were kept vigil day and night. Together with some legendary shoes of adidas and some soccer World Cup, gold shoes are stored neatly.

The issue of security was highlighted in South Africa. At the beginning of the tournament occurred several robberies and thefts against the players and journalists in South Africa, both on the streets and hotels. The latter revealed the theft in the England team hotel room.

South Africa as the host "open" 56 special courts for criminal cases experienced by the travelers during the World Cup in the most southern country on the African continent.

Bloemfontein, Calm of the City of Roses.

2010-06-30T18:53:00.003+07:00

Bloemfontein visit can make us forget the World Cup festivities. In a city famous for its roses, a little peace can be got guests coming.

The trip takes about five hours to reach Bloemfontein from Pretoria and Johannesburg. A long journey to use a landline with a distance of more than 600 km.

But allegations that Bloemfontein will be busy these coincide with a big game, turned out to be wrong. Fans Der Panzer and the Three Lions was able to enliven the atmosphere, but it was just around at the Free State Stadium.

Bloemfontein on Sundays differed only slightly with the city in a very remote place a very quiet atmosphere related. As many central offices are closed, the streets downtown filled only few cars passing by.

Despite being one of three national capital of South Africa, Bloemfontein much different with the two other state capitals, Cape Town (legislative capital) and Pretoria (administrative capital). Total population in this town just about 369.568 people, compared with Pretoria that reached 2.3 million people and Cape Town which reached 2.4 million people.

Bloemfontein itself is derived from Dutch meaning 'spring bloom'. Located 1.395 meters above sea level, the city became a fertile place to grow many roses.

Known as the city of roses, Bloemfontein has an annual event that often attracts many tourists from abroad. Each end of the year, this town held a festival of roses.

As one of the great and historic city in South Africa trip as a state, Bloemfontein also produce a lot of big names. One of the most known world is JRR Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Ring. Tolkien did not stay long in Bloemfontein, three years after his birth in 1892.

Bloemfontein calmness seemed to be going according to their status as one of the city of students in South Africa. Variety of schools ranging from pre school to university is available here. Some schools in Bloemfontein is famous for their classes taught in three different languages, Afrikaans United Kingdom and Sesotho.

Certainly no such exotic Bloemfontein Pretoria or festive like Johannesburg. But the promised peace of the city is still able to attract many people to come visit.

Lippi, Old Man From Tuscan

2010-06-27T13:12:00.002+07:00

In 2006, Lippi go back to Italy as a hero for successfully bringing the Italian national team world championship. That accomplishment is very happy because Italy has been fasting during the 24 years. Last became champion in 1982 with its main protagonist is Paolo Rossi. Remarkably again, Lippi can dedicate his time not in the Italian league is good, but when the fallen are collapsing due to exposure of embarrassing scandals involving several important Italian clubs.

So when the Italian national team stagger under the leadership of Roberto Donadoni, coach of youth representatives from Italy, Lippi was called in to re-hoist the flag of Italy was assigned as high, like he did in 2006. Receive task Lippi head high, confident course with a high.

But unfortunately this time Lippi failed miserably.

Lippi's a great coach, it can not be doubted. Amazing portfolio. He is the only manager who can combine the two highest peaks of achievement football: track club (European Champions League and Club World championship in 1996 with Juventus) and the path of national team (world champion in 2006).

But a manager can not continually rely on one stance, a stance even though it never proved very digdaya. But that's what happened with Lippi. In itself, an embedded image of an Italian firm and hence conservative. He had never lost confidence in itself, but the problem is he also still believes in the methods and tactics that have been applied since many years ago, as if the world had never changed, as if football can not develop and did not renew themselves.

Own Lippi who had testified how she was a conservative with what he believed: "After the victory at the 2006, I call some of my players are students in 1982-1983. They say that the way I coach the national team is training to alert them on my old style . I was saying the same thing. What I did was the same as what I did in 2006. What I am saying in 1983, and hold me back again on the day. "

The problem is that Italy is undergoing involution. When the failure at Euro 2008, illustrated clearly how the process of involution that was attacked by Italy. Under Donadoni, Italy played without imagination and ideas, also without a convincing scheme. Escaped from the group stage after the Dutch massacred could be considered the last gift brilliance of Italian football in the past. The rest: only the rust. When finally Lippi who led the conservative and obscurantist back the Italian national team which already involutif and rusty, yes ... here's the result. A conservative could not possibly lead a renewal process, the most likely she would bring the process of involution and rusting it be whole and perfect.

He still brings Fabio Cannavaro who has actually been "Out." Evidently, the glorious Cannavaro in 2006, it is virtually always involved in two goals against Paraguay and Italy in the face of New Zealand.

Instead he remained convinced by including Andrea Pirlo who doubted his physical condition. Pirlo, then, turn on 20 minutes proved to be the last game against Slovakia Italy. But that was not enough. Italy to play for a tournament, not just for one game. Instead of choosing the alternative options that might be useful in three games, he was still hoping the players do not fit that proved just bring impact in the last 20 minutes last game.

Lippi opportunity to give a little color to the dull and rust sunny Italy to include Antonio Cassano, the only player who can provide the creativity in the Italian colors. But if a conservative Should doubt remain firm with the choice that all the time was never allowed a Cassano?

In the book "Il Giocco delle Idee: Pensieri e Passioni da Campo Bordo," Lippi was unfolded philosophy is training. Lippi stressed the importance of team unity as a psychologically healthy family. Lippi also stressed that a formation and tactics chosen to maximize the use of each player to other players and to maximize the potential and expression of each player.

Pirlo's big names. He has an important contribution in organizing the Italy game at the World Cup in 2006. The fact that Lippi still take him though in conditions that are not fit to give evidence that Lippi was hoping on him, especially after Totti he could no longer count on.

But it backfired. By bringing key players to injury, Lippi put an unhealthy psychological conditions: if teams are conditioned to wait for Pirlo to set the soundness of the Italian game. So, once again, Should doubtful if Italy would be a good game just after Pirlo in?

We do not see Lippi as a tactician who has a lot of surprises, but Lippi is waiting and waiting. This is an old-fashioned Lippi, Lippi who chose to maximize the remnants of the triumph of some key players, rather than maximizing blood fresh blood that might bring a surprise.

At the 2010 World Cup, we did not see Lippi as one who had nicknamed "Tactician from Tuscan", but "The Old Man from Tuscan".

Lippi's The Guardian once described as a man from the Tuscan sea and was always obsessed with routine spends his free time fishing in the depths of the ocean. Maybe it will do well in Italy Lippi arrival. He will return to his homeland, not as a coach who returns menangguk glory, but as a tired old man, who temporarily forward will spend his time fishing in the middle of the ocean.

I remember the figure of Santiago, the old man in a great novel, Ernet Hemingway, "The Old Man and the Sea". After 84 days passed without a single catch, Santiago fishhook finally eaten a giant marlin. But the marlin was so strong that Santiago had to fight to mobilize all the strength and experience.

After a long fight to get hurt, Santiago marlin finally able to conquer it. Ironically, a group of Santiago catches a shark attack. He had simply wanted to release the catch marlin, but Santiago finally choose to fight with the rogue sharks. Santiago finally managed to survive down to the beach, but he could only bring skeletal remains of fish marlin, Marlin is not complete.

Is this not a whisper of a metaphor Lippi? Like Santiago who fail to bring a whole fish, Marlin, Lippi was also unable to confirm again that could triumph intact and complete in 2006. Like Santiago is only able to bring the remains of Marlin fish skeleton, remnants of the glory of it all brought back Lippi.

At the end of Hemingway's story, Santiago is described back in condition so tired. As he sipped a glass of bitter coffee, Santiago told her friend named Manolin, of course with a soft voice, "They beat me, Manolin… They truly beat me."

Franz Beckenbauer has apologised for his criticism of England

2010-06-26T11:49:00.002+07:00

Beckenbauer had claimed England were "stupid" to set up a World Cup last-16 clash with his home nation and suggested Fabio Capello's players are "burnt out" following a gruelling Premier League season.

However, Beckenbauer - a World Cup winner as a coach and a player - has backtracked.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "Before the World Cup I thought England would play a major role in the tournament, maybe win the title.

"They have a great team and a great coach and then after the first two games I was so disappointed - not angry, but very, very disappointed.

"Maybe this (attack on England) was the reaction of my disappointment, but I apologise."

Beckenbauer continued: "Because I like England and English football I am really a big, big fan of the English style. Maybe it was a reaction because I was disappointed, maybe I was in a bad mood.

"In other words I apologised already and now I look forward to the game on Sunday. I think it will be a very, very interesting game."

Blocking Penalty Not Just Luck

2010-06-26T11:19:00.004+07:00

Many goalkeeper will be disappointed if they success blocking penalty is considered as a coincidence. Because it is a matter of ability.

Starting tonight, World Cup 2010 began to enter the 2nd round. Here, the goalkeeper will have a much bigger role again, especially if the action should be settled on penalties.

World Cup history noted that so far total 198 penalty already exists. Of that number only 22 shots a goalie can be saved.

World Cup history noted that so far total 198 penalty already exists. Of that number only 22 shots a goalkeeper can be saved.

"Banish the penalties needed talents and skills, while also must be calm, do not just enough luck. Penalties are not only good and bad luck. But about the quality of players and goalkeepers," said the former major Argentine goalkeeper, Sergio Goycochea, in a press conference.

For Petr Cech, face the penalty demanded peace. Continue to train yourself to be called also a good way to train the ability to banish the penalty.

"The important thing is smooth. We must be stronger than the kicker. Clearly, lessons have been learned during the exercise must be applied again. Every executor have their own body language, it must be learned" says the main goalkeeper Chelsea and Czech Republic.

"We have to think if there is pressure on the kicker and not on the goalkeeper. In that condition, the concentration is clearly very important," added Cech.

When Cannavaro So Chieftains At World Cup 2010

2010-06-26T00:38:00.000+07:00

Fabio Cannavaro became the head of the tribe who tried to defend the World Cup trophy the coveted Lionel Messi, Kaka and Wayne Rooney. By carrying out its duties, assisted by two captains Il Capitano, Gennaro Gattuso and Chiellini.

It's not a theatrical play, a play much less a game at this World Cup 2010. Canna story is depicted so tribal chiefs on a poster that brought an Italian fans GLI Azzurri ahead of the match at Ellis Park contra Slovakia Stadium on Thursday (06/24/2010).

In these posters depicted Cannavaro was guarding a World Cup trophy as he sat on the ground. He brings such a big cigar in his mouth while stuck blue vuvuzela.

Former Juventus and Real Madrid defender was not performed in oversized clothes GLI Azzurri, he appeared with African tribal dress. So even with Gattuso who was standing on his right, brandishing spears, and Chiellin the same pose as his friend's.

Third Italian courtier middle guarding the World Cup trophy. As written at the top of the poster is: "FIGHT TO DEFEND"

On the background image is displayed many pictures of players from various teams that are considered to be a strong candidate champion. They lined up behind the grass typical of South Africa.

Some players who look "threaten" Italy is Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres, Kaka, Wesley Sneijder, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Steven Pienaar, and Thierry Henry.

Efforts 'chieftain' Cannavaro maintain it certainly failed to win trophies. Because in a game that took place later, defeat Italy 2-3 and had thrown the World Cup.

Story Hunter Former World Cup 2010 Ticket

2010-06-24T19:18:00.003+07:00

World Cup, anywhere, always leave a deep impression for the fans who come directly to the stadium. Besides souvenir jersey and scarf, the most hunted of course match ticket collector.

It also conducted Coen, a Belgian citizen in the area of Loftus Versveld Stadium after the match the United States versus Algeria on Wednesday (6/23/2010).

Coen looks less conspicuous among thousands of fans who were there. She did not wear the U.S. or Algeria attributes, stood at one gate out, he brought a small cardboard that read "I Used collect match tickets."

"Yes, I was collecting the tickets of World Cup matches. It's for my personal collection only," Coen said kindly.

Coen began his hobby of collecting former World Cup ticket since long. For South Africa 2010, he already has 20 of the former game tickets. Total collections already in the hundreds.

Although he sought only the former is no longer a ticket can be used, but that does not mean the struggle of these men is easy. Many spectators who choose to keep their match ticket already seen, because they too wanted to preserve evidence that valuable experience, that the World Cup only comes every four years.

Request Messi If Winning World Cup 2010

2010-06-24T13:06:00.004+07:00

As a music lover, Lionel Messi admitted admiring British band, Oasis. He also had a special request to the bands that have disbanded it.

Actually, Messi had recently listened to the songs the band formerly fronted Liam and Noel Gallagher. Argentina's players just listened a few times lately, when they were disbanded.

There are some songs that quite comfortably in the mind of Messi, and that made Oasis became one of the band who often listens through the iPod. "They're amazing. The songs they are amazing. I like 'Live Forever' and 'Supersonic' as a favorite song," he told Daily Mail.

"I listen to their songs from iPod in a hotel room, on the way to practice or in the locker room. I do not believe me, just now listening to their songs!"

Because of his love for Oasis, Messi asked to Carlos Tevez until to bring their concert. Incidentally, Tevez playing in the club favored by Liam and Noel: Manchester City. Even Tevez is Noel became a player favorite.

Unfortunately for Messi, Tevez tells the bitter truth. "I've seen them onstage action on YouTube and they seem incredible in concert. I asked for Carlitos to take me to watch them in London or Manchester. But, he said they had disbanded," he said.

So, as a late listening to Oasis fans, Messi also had a special request. And this demand can only be done if Argentina became World Cup champion in this time.

"I listen to Oasis to all Argentine players and they love it. Some already know their songs, but most are new audiences."

"We agree that if we won the World Cup, we will ask them to play in celebration of our champions. They live say how much we should pay," he said.

Story "ENDGAME" Domenech At World Cup 2010

2010-06-22T00:16:00.003+07:00

What will happen if a romantic but also a butcher and a devotee of astrology lovers of theater at the same time become a football coach? The answer: look at the French national team now.

While still playing as a defender, Raymond Domenech called 'Le Boucher'. Nickname came because of the uncompromising style of play, sometimes even tend to play hard and rough. But the 'butcher' is also a romantic. In an interview after France lost to Italy, who trained the team failed to make the world champion, Domenech did not reveal feelings of guilt. When asked what his plans, he instead replied: "I plan to marry my girlfriend, Estella."

A butcher, of course, still might be a romantic. Only, once a butcher to be a romantic, most likely he will be a stubborn romantic. That's what happened. Irrespective of the public disillusionment and anger because of the failure of French team, Domenech even apply for his girlfriend just after a moment after the team defeated.

The problem, Domenech is not only a butcher a romantic, he also devotee of astrology. He openly admitted astrology became an important part in preparing the composition of players. As a Scorpio with the zodiac, he did not believe with the players who zodiac Leo. Robert Pires, a Leo, had to throw away his dream come World Cup 2006. Gallas, a Leo another, Domenech was lucky enough to be trusted. That, too, with one record. With a plastic tone, Domenech said, "Every time I saw Leo in the heart of a defense, I always prepare a gun."

Would not all of the above qualifications that will be enough weird and wonderful? Or, perhaps, all of them had entered the offense is absurd? Not the strangeness and magic had entered an absurd category, while the Federation Francaise de Football (FFF), still trust Domenech, the French public do not care (from ordinary people, politicians, the press until some members of his own FFF), is fed up with Domenech?

Absurd or not, Domenech absurdisme're familiar with through the play-absurd play written by Samuel Beckett. Jean-Pierre Escalettes, FFF president who insisted on maintaining Domenech, has its own story. As a French national coach U-21, recalled Escalettes, he saw Domenech caught invites players (including Zidane, Makelele and Thuram) to witness a staging works of Samuel Beckett, Endgame, held a day before an important game.

As for the use of astrology in selecting players, Domenech has stated that he was not just like the theater but do adapt the theater in the train. "I prepared an outline into the exercise, then I improvise. I also cut a few scenes into the game, then I put the players into each scene should an actor," he said frank.

Of course it's unique training methods and unusual. Public would not care anyway how a coach prepares his players. If the result is a row of trophies and achievements, believe me, training methods as weird as anything unique and will never be a problem.

The problem, Domenech never gave any achievement. France's qualifying for the World Cup final 2006, but even that is not trusted because the excellence Domenech, but since the return of so many senior players who previously had said the pension (Zidane and Thuram). At the European Cup 2008, ignominiously eliminated in the group stage. At World Cup 2010, France even need a 'cheating' Thierry Henry to beat Ireland in the play-off.

So when the Frenc was arrested by the Uruguay draw and then beaten Mexico in the first two World Cup matches in 2010, long burning embers under the table burst to the surface. Nicolas Anelka scold. Anelka then sent home. Turn of the French captain, Patrice Evra, who quarreled with a physical trainer, Robert Duverne. Seeing this, other team members then decided not to continue the exercise and returned to the bus. Then the French team Technical Director, Jean-Louis Valentin, also reportedly resigned, unable to bear.

Condition of the French national team now are like the play Endgame, by Samuel Beckett, who watched with enthusiasm by Domenech by getting Zidane, et al., In the past.

Endgame was written on Beckett in 1957, filled with somber and stuffy atmosphere. All the odd characters: Hamm could only sit and could not stand Hamm and Clov-slaves - could not sit and just stood there. Both spent time in a room that was almost dark, a kind of basement, with a beach on the outside who did not show signs of life.

Hamm Clov always busy asking what was happening outside. Clov always answer: nothing nothing outside. Hamm also always ask: is taking the time has come. Clov always answer: not yet taken the drug. At the same time, Clov also constantly say they want to go. Hamm also depends on Clov keeps saying that there is no better life outside, there is only hell. Because it can not stand, Clov tells Hamm that the painkillers were gone. Hamm felt his life was over. "The game's over," lamented Hamm.

Did not outline Endgame story is like the French national team internal conditions now? They were at the nadir and threatened to lift a suitcase from the World Cup in disgrace, just as Hamm and Clov are cooped up in a dingy basement.

Hamm, who was paralyzed host, would not like Domenech? He is an authority on the team, but he no longer had any power. If Hamm condemned could not do anything because her legs are very sick, Domenech could not do because a lot of French players also have to show his protest. Did not like Clov Anelka who had run out of patience? What can be done without the lame Hamm Clov? What can be done if the players Domenech himself was defiant and had no respect for him?

Endgame is a play that pivot on the relationship between human beings. And that is also the core of all problems the French team, in the dinasty of Domenech. He was troubled with many players, he does not pick players based on the calculation of the absurd, and therefore a decision that is not always so popular. The way she applied for her lover to show he has trouble dealing with the press and public.

"It's like a human comedy," Domenech said as quoted by The Telegraph.

Comedy, of course, is a way to give birth to laughter. Trouble is, too much comedy could give birth tragedy. Anyway, Domenech seems to forget, comedy is not enough just to successfully make people laugh.

Comedy, says comedian and actor Steve Martin, is the art of making other people laugh without having to vomit.

Enjoying to be a volunteer at the FIFA World Cup 2010

2010-06-20T12:50:00.002+07:00

Could participate in the event of the World Cup obviously very proud. Including for the volunteers, in addition to shirts and jackets also received a fee and a complete food.

Almost in all areas where there are activities related to the World Cup 2010 you'll find volunteers. Their work ranged from the merely guarding the entrance fan fest or a stadium, keep the information booth to serve the team of participants and the guests invited by FIFA.

It will not be hard to find these volunteers. With the amount that reaches thousands throughout South Africa, they appear prominently with a jacket or a green t-shirt with the inscription Volunteer FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa at the rear.

Although the status of volunteers, does not mean they work without pay. Every day they get paid 100 rand. Not only that, these volunteers also received food rations, morning, noon and night.

"We recruited from anywhere. Schools, universities and more. We just have to go to places that have been designated and fill out a form to be able to volunteer like this," said a volunteer at the Fan Fest City of Pretoria.

Volunteers are already hired a few weeks before the World Cup started and will continue to help the host to several days after the final match.

However, there seemed no special criteria are required to apply as a volunteer. Because on several occasions, volunteers simply could not provide assistance. Even just to show the road. While several other volunteers are also very difficult to communicate in English.

"We do not work every day. Sometimes we can be off if the game was not much. But we can be a lot of money if you continue to work during the World Cup," said a high school student in Pretoria, laughing.

Sex Before the match at the World Cup 2010

2010-06-19T15:27:00.002+07:00

Sara Carbonero case raises again the existence of a girlfriend of World Cup players, which led to debate sex before matches. "That 's fine, as long as not fitting night before the match."

When sought the cause of the defeat of the squad "Matador" from Switzerland two days ago, one black goat found: Sara, the girlfriend Iker Casillas. TV presenter's near the Spanish goalkeeper before kickoff, and the barge there who called it as a nuisance concentration.

Sara of course does not accept the blame, as Casillas also wondered why he was considered lost concentration just because his girlfriend near him for a few minutes before the game.

The debate over sex before the game was discussed again. "That's okay. That could be a problem is if they engage in sex at 2 am with a bottle of champagne," commentator Donato Villani, Argentina team doctor before Diego Maradona and his army went to South Africa.

With a guarantee from doctors that Maradona was probably the group had enough time to "relax" in a way that, because yesterday they came back to win the game, and the opportunity to escape to the second round is very big.

Argentina is relatively tolerant about this. Juan Veron, for example, once famous for a confession, he must have sex before matches. At the 1986 World Cup, when they became champions, coach Carlos Bilardo who is a gynecologist, said the sex was not a problem for "women who work hard."

South African host, does not prohibit that activity. "We're not in a military camp," said coach Carlos Alberto Parreira before kickoff face to Mexico team on opening day.

"People could do whatever they want. Not everyone likes sex or wine, for example, but they can do whatever they want," said Brazil coach Carlos Dunga, as reported by Reuters.

Interestingly, there are teams that do not include players wives and girlfriends (WAGs) in the group because of "technical". Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda said, the team was not enough money to finance the WAGs, whereas, the Swiss player's wife just too busy to accompany his boyfriend to South Africa.

In the stronghold of the "fierce", Fabio Capello is one of them. The Italians were living in such a frenzied state over England WAGs among footballers. That's why he made a special policy: Wives and girlfriends can only see her boyfriend one day in a week, it was after the game.

"We went to Africa to work, not for a vacation," he said.

Back to Sara-Casillas, a nosy actually raised this as a "case" is the British press. Naughtiness inevitably annoy the Spaniards, and they reciprocate.

"Blaming the defeat of Spain in Sara Carbonero is childish. It's tantamount to saying that the failure of Robert Green caught the ball as against the United States because he was annoyed because her boyfriend is disconnected," wrote columnist Marivi Fernandez Palacio on the site of El Mundo daily.

Capitalism in Modern Football

2010-06-16T20:25:00.004+07:00

The classical dictum that economic science, presupposes the existence of the motion law of supply and demand are tightly attached. Offering a commodity created by the producers, and the automatic bid to work as a stimulus to trigger demand in the market. Needs in the creation of producers, does not depart from the limited resources of the consumer.

Such an economic model is a mirror market equilibrium. Even if there is excess production, the price of goods will be corrected and can be absorbed by the market. And so on: all products offered must be sold out on the market.

Economic rationality as that which now exist in the universe of contemporary football. We see from the game of football has changed in the green grass in the stadium to a pile of papers on the electronic board: stocks, bonds, and credit applications. In some contexts, football is no more as a pragmatic economic work, art that merely serve the practical matters of economic sale. Football has been connected with the economic-corporate terminology: return on investment (ROI), debt to equity ratio (DER), capital expenditure, and profitability.

We know, soccer has its own style in the dredge purse money from the market. Financier snapper pacing buy new clubs. Jersey printed mass, exhibited at the sports shops from Barcelona to Surabaya. Credit cards bearing the logo of the clubs of the world published by the lure of Cashback if the club managed to win the match.

Football is a money machine. Therefore, bidding methods were created that would bring his own request. Ronaldo was imported, and marketed jersey, Real Madrid has also successfully took 100 million euros from the sale of more than a million pieces of shirts.

Manchester United (MU), AC Milan, or Barcelona transformed into a giant brand in the global market, matching the other industry brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Louis Vuitton, or Gucci. Indomaret, who holds the modern retail sales of accessories officially licensed World Cup in Indonesia, targeting sales of trinkets such a celebration ball up to Rp 100 billion. Far exceeds the transfer value of players craft transactions in such a prestigious auction house Christie's International, Sotheby's or Phillips de Pury.

Since December 2009, Adidas managed to reap millions of euros through the sale of Jabulani, the official Ball World Cup 2010. Real Madrid mine USD 29 million per year from the renegotiation of contracts with online gambling giant Bwin until 2013.

In the football business are like driving a giant corporation: necessary capital expenditure is not small. Real Madrid owes USD 192 million to Banco Santander and Caja Madrid to fund their expansion. But, from the market, the business of Real Madrid was also able to grow up to earn USD 541 million in the season 2008-2009.

Beginning in 2009 the price of housing in the UK version of the largest residential service, Rightmove, the average slumped 1.9 percent or USD 317 thousand. Especially in London, house prices 1.3 percent unsteady. But, despite living under the same sky, life often gives way different fate: salary Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney will never decline.

Industrialization soccer this kind makes a few people worried. Uefa president Michael Platini depressing with the concept of a purely football oriented business. He criticized Real Madrid who spend millions of dollars just for the transfer of players. He skinned the English football snapper stuffed with investors.

''There are presidents of clubs, coaches, the players are not citizens of the country of origin club. The only thing is the fans have identity, "Platini lamented.

By Mohammad Eri Irawan

Beggars were present at the World Cup 2010

2010-06-15T13:30:00.003+07:00

IN Soweto, an area not far from the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, there are some kids who like to intercept the tourists who walk. ''Will you hear my voice to sing the World Cup? "Said a boy of eleven years to the tourists who are walking in the area of souvenir sellers.

Although tourists refused to hand signals, the beggar boy persisted. With a hoarse voice and not pleasant to hear, he's singing. ''When I get older ... I Will Be Stronger ...," Maybe because uncomfortable or pity, not finished singing the song, the tourists gave him five rand coin.

Uh ... the money was refunded. He asked for 20 rand. Tourists are irritated, and drove away leaving the little beggar was ignoring his request. 'Beggars do not want to be. Insisted again,''grumbled once about the tourists. Unfortunately, the beggar was still stalking. Perhaps because of disgust-understand many eyes staring at the tourists and beggars -, forced the tourists to give 20 rand. Annoyed and forced course.

Brazil squad with old players at World Cup 2010

2010-06-15T12:35:00.003+07:00

Italy squad is often considered as relying on older players. But, in fact Brazil was the one who carries an old army in World Cup 2010. Samba team had a player with an average age of 28.6 years. Followed by Australia and the UK with an average of 28.4 years, and Italy with 28.2 years.

While the squad with an average age of the youngest is Ghana. The team with the coach Milovan Rajevac was carrying the players with an average age of 24.1 years.

Although the squad filled with old players, Brazil can not be called as the most experienced team in the World Cup 2010. Among the 23 players who went to South Africa, only nine have ever played in the World Cup. Now, only three of the nine players who became starters in the World Cup 2006. They are Juan, Lucio and Kaka.

Dunga took the players debutant for World Cup 2010. For example, Grafite who just played in two matches for Brazil. Also, goalkeeper Alexander Doni had just played in ten matches.

"They are winners in their respective clubs. They've all appeared in the World Cup, but has repeatedly won the title with his club. If their experience is questionable at this event, it's normal," said Gilberto Silva, Brazilian midfielder, as reported Canadian Press.

The majority of players in the Brazil squad, now is they who won the Confederation Cup last year. Only Michael Bastos, Thiago Silva, and Grafite who are not part of the championship squad.

Most patent position is at the heart of defense. Juan and Lucio duo paired at the previous World Cup. For Juan and Lucio, this is the last chance to defend the Samba in the World Cup. Their age was 30 years older and not necessarily re-called, at the World Cup 2014, when Brazil became the host.

"The young players will try to ensure its position in the World Cup 2014. We realize how difficult it can be a part of the Brazil squad. So many good players who try to show quality," said Juan.

Diski Dance Spice World Cup 2010

2010-06-14T13:08:00.006+07:00

Maybe there are still unfamiliar with the name Diski. But in the World Cup 2010, becoming known Diski. Hollywood actor John Travolta just got familiar.

The football players often show unique and action after the break through the opposing goal tickled. Look stylish 'Robot' England striker Peter Crouch, or style 'Glide' is often shown Juergen Klinsmann.

Now, at the World Cup 2010 there was a rocking Diski whose name is taken from the local slang to refer to football. This looks like a dance of celebration, in which the perpetrator moves while kicking and heading the imagination ball, described the style of a focused local football to dribble and other tricks.

Celebration itself has been demonstrated in the field by Siphiwe Tshabalala, South African players who scored the first goal in World Cup 2010. After the score, Tshabalala and other players who could do dance of Diski.

For those who have not met with celebration that Diski. Reuters reported, Diski dance itself was first popular in the Youtube site and now the more you learn memorized movements. After all, in this Diski indeed been introduced since last month in an effort to enliven the World Cup 2010.

Travolta a movie star fame seems to belong to groups that have learned Diski. After the Boeing 707 landed hers at Lanseria airport, Wednesday (06.09.2010), Travolta expertly shaking body movements obey Diski. Together Travolta also have South African President Jacob Zuma, already memorized this Diski dance movement.

Lingua Franca People of South Africa

2010-06-14T12:27:00.003+07:00

South Africa also have a lingua franca that is unique. Make you want to watch the World Cup 2010, please listen to this brief lesson.

Howzit. Greetings are quite common in South Africa. Is an abbreviation of 'how is it going'.

Bru. Short for 'brother'. Greetings used at close male friend. For example, 'Howzit Bru? "

Yebo. Zulu language (one of the tribe with the largest population in South Africa), which means 'Yes', and is now used in almost all areas of South Africa.

Jozi. Another name for the City of Johannesburg. Often also called Joburg.

Lekker. African language which means 'extraordinary', 'fantastic',. Can be used on a particular person or object.

Ag Shame. Expressions of sympathy or when disturbed by something.

Eish. The statement calls for the time being irritated, angry or disturbed.

Braai. African indigenous language that refers to a party roast, which is generally equipped with specially made sauce.

Sharp. A sign will consent to something, though also used to say good-bye. He is generally called twice (Sharp-Sharp).

World Cup organizing committee will banned vuvuzela ?

2010-06-14T01:02:00.003+07:00

Vuvuzela still reap the controversy. 2010 World Cup organizing committee was reportedly immediately prohibit the use of a trumpet, typical of South Africa. ..Really ?

Most players have complained loudly that the sound generated vuvuzela because it makes them difficult to concentrate and coordinate with other colleagues.

One is the Italian striker, Giampaolo Pazzini. "My colleagues said the Confederations Cup last year's event is very difficult. Although it does not look like it, a football field like market, where many important people shouting out instructions as well as (the) whistle referee," he explained.

"If all of that sink due vuvuzela sound, then the problem will arise. We must work hard to better concentrate and focus," complained Pazzini.

Not only the players, spectators were starting to get irritated by the presence of vuvuzela because the results are less satisfying sound at a live match.

In response, the chairman of the South African World Cup organizing committee, Danny Jordaan, finally seriously considering to ban the vuvuzela throughout the tournament.

"If there was a basis to do that, then yes (we will ban vuvuzela). We've ever said that, if vuvuzela interfere with (the players) in the field, we will take action," said Jordaan was quoted as saying the Italian Football, Sunday (13 / 6 / 2010).

"We've asked the audience for not sounding vuvuzela, during the national anthem echoed or when there are announcements in the stadium. It's hard, but we will try our best," he concluded.

Dejan Stankovic : 3 Countries, 3 World Cup

2010-06-13T19:21:00.002+07:00

Dejan Stankovic admitted proud to record history as the first player to play in the World Cup with three different flags.

Throughout his career at the World Cup, Stankovic played by three countries; the first Yugoslavia (1998), Serbia and Montenegro (2006) and this year as captain of Serbia.

"I am proud to be the first to play three times at the World Cup with three teams (countries) are different. This is the history of Serbian football," he told Soccer Way.

This is the first World Cup for Serbia as a country. Previously, they had participated in the World Cup nine times as Yugoslavia and in 2006 by Serbia and Montenegro.

The best achievement of Yugoslavia was ranked fourth in the World Cup 1962 in Chile. However, four years ago Serbia and Montenegro were knocked out in first round, always losing to the Netherlands (0-1), Argentina (0-6) and Côte d'Ivoire (2-3).

Stankovic has defended his country 88 times and collected 14 international goals. Currently he is still listed as Inter Milan players after had also defended Red Star Belgrade and Lazio.

Arrested For Watching World Cup 2010

2010-06-13T12:34:00.003+07:00

World Cup was a football enthusiast could conjure. They can do anything, including reckless activities, in order to watch the football stars dancing on the field. not working though. Not a few workers who are ready to do that.

To curb excessive enthusiasm, some African countries implement strict rules for workers and officials who are naughty. One of them, the governments of Rwanda is ready to give harsh punishment to officials found missing work to watch the World Cup in South Africa.

Well, one military official who became the victim was Brigadier General Jean Bosco Kazura. He has been cautioned when working visit to South Africa without permission from his military unit. In addition to being the leader of Rwanda's football organization, Kazura a local military officials.

Former adviser to Rwandan President Paul Kagame had been arrested last Wednesday (9 / 6). ''He went to South Africa without a permit which is usually applied to a member of the military. When he returned, he was arrested for these violations,''said Jill Rutaremara Rwandan military spokesman told Reuters.

The Pragmatic better chance to win the World Cup 2010

2010-06-11T13:31:00.003+07:00

Football legend, Pele predicts that the team adopted a pragmatic game are more likely to become champions, rather than emphasizing the beautiful football.

In recent times, things that glow be discussed and debated is a beautiful football versus pragmatic football.

Pragmatism enthusiasts have a reason that the ultimate destination is victory. While the beauty enthusiasts have a reason that the victory must be achieved with a compelling game, too.

Football legend Pele, also joined in the battle this discourse. Man's full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, relate it to the World Cup.

Pele judge that brings good football team would have trouble.

"A number of countries and play a good football team that is Spain, Portugal, Netherlands. But unfortunately because of the history of the World Cup, the winner or champion is not always teams that play beautiful," Pele said as quoted from Soccernet.

"This happens because the World Cup only lasted one month, only seven matches. So the fight will take place very strict," the man who brought Brazilian reviewed three times world champion had won.

Pele exemplifies the incident "unfortunate" for the team that brought the beautiful game like the Netherlands in World Cup 1974, 1978, and Brazil in 1982.

Pele considered that the teams that carried the football pragmatists have a better chance.

"I'm sure there are teams like Germany, Italy, and England play the football that relies on power. They do not focus on good football. The game they are more defensive and assertive."

"What is important is not demonstrating beautiful football. It is not less important is to become a champion," lid Pele.

Men born October 23, 1940 it was often mistaken in predicting. But this time, his argument could be correct.

When it became World Cup champion in 1994 and 2002, Brazil is also a little left patrons Jogo bonito. In the Confederation Cup 2009, the Spanish who carried the beautiful game also failed to reach the final.

World Cup 2010 is Dedicated Only to Mandela

2010-06-11T01:23:00.003+07:00

President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma greeted enthusiastically in World Cup 2010 held in his country. The president offered the grand event, only to Nelson Mandela.

As we all know, Mr Mandela, former South African president is credited with releasing the shackles of South African citizens from racial discrimination, which is known for its apartheid politics. Male 91 years South Africa has become the first president elected through a democratic electoral process.

No wonder the President Zuma gave great tribute to Mandela, an icon who has convinced FIFA to give confidence in South Africa to host the World Cup this time.

"Nelseon Mandela has worked hard, so we have to win the right to host this great tournament," said Zuma, while giving a speech at the opening ceremony of the 60th FIFA Congress at the Sandton Convention Centre, yesterday evening local time, as reported by Reuters on Thursday ( 6/10/2010).

"We dedicate this World Cup for him. This moment is a part of our country's history. We continue to hold firm beliefs and we are getting closer to the opening of the World Cup finals, "he explained.

Yes, the President of FIFA Joseph Blatter was able to convince the public that South Africa held a four-yearly tournament with a full impression.

"We have started a beautiful story because we entrust Africa. We are confident this time held in Africa, and that's why we've decided to South Africa, to host, "added the Swiss man's nationality.

Celebrate Africa's Humanity

2010-06-10T17:46:00.002+07:00

Never had a country of mainland Africa's biggest sporting event will be held in this world. So when the FIFA appointed South Africa to host the World Cup 2010, that's when the black continent will suck the rest of the world to get there.

World Cup in South Africa offers exceptional value for the material and quality of travel experience, combined with the depth and breadth of activities and attractions that followed, in addition of course to hold a flavorful feast of football.

To welcome the millions of people, South Africa prepare 80 thousand class rooms so it is more than sufficient to cover needs that prompted FIFA 55 thousand rooms. For the first time in history, FIFA renting accommodation rather than hotels, such as national parks, bed, cabin and guest house.

For the first time, micro-enterprises, small and medium enterprises will be appointed as FIFA's accommodation providers. This then opened a business opportunity, especially for newly emerging entrepreneurial circles, so that the local tourism industry will flourish.

The presence of new places of recreation and sports facilities in urban areas will benefit all parties. Before the area was built, many people could take the opportunity to work in the fields of infrastructure development and telecommunications networks throughout the country.

Ten stadiums set to hold a World Cup. Six of these newly built and world-class, while four others have been renovated in such a manner. The existence of the stadium will certainly continue to stimulate the regional economy and opened up many job opportunities that will continue to exist until the party of football finished.

World Cup 2010 South Africa has an official slogan Ke Nako - Celebrate Africa's Humanity -, defined as 'This is the time - Celebrate Humanity Whole of Africa'. It is time for South Africa to change the perception of the world that they can hold an amazing football.

World Cup 2010, Moment Against Racism

2010-06-10T12:26:00.004+07:00

World Cup 2010 event in South Africa became an important issue for the players who came from the black continent. In addition to the prestigious event to show that it can be held in Africa, they want to reinforce the resistance against the act of racial issues in football.

Understandably, in the regular competition, the players often become victims of African origin racial action. One is the Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o who hurt when grazing in Spain with Barcelona and in Italy with Inter Milan.

''Changing habits like that (racism) is not easy, though until my career ended though. But at least the World Cup event in Africa could change that behavior,''the light of Eto'o told the Guardian.

The 29-year player said he had suffered much during grazing in Italy this season. However, she stated that the public not only in Italy who have such bad habits. Outside Italy, too many victims of racist acts. ''But, to get the award, you must go through. Therefore, we are very happy to be playing here, Nelson Mandela,''he said.

Problem racist actions, Eto'o is one of most African players who have a bad memory. He then told affront to himself, while Barcelona to face Real Zaragoza in 2006.

''When they scream like a monkey and throw peanuts. Then, when I scored, I danced like a monkey in front of them. It was not much different also occurs in the face of Real Madrid. But, when I scored, I raise my fist in the sense of honor on the strength of black skin,'' he said.

Tribute to the African public will also be one motivation Eto'o at the World Cup this time. Still, he's not too sure of the changes related to the issue of racism. ''I think the world is not ready to see one of the African teams reached the semifinals,''he said.

Support From President And Mandela

2010-06-10T11:47:00.003+07:00

As the host of World Cup 2010, South Africa, burdened with expectations appear not to disappoint. Support came from President Jacob Zuma and Nelson Mandela.

South African national team is preparing to fight against Mexico, in the opening match of World Cup 2010 gets a surprise visit from Mr Zuma at their training camp, Wednesday (06/09/2010).

To the Bafana-bafana, Zuma said that he was anxious to hold the World Cup trophy at the end of the tournament. This means that she wanted Aaron Mokoena et al, to be champions in public own.

"I came here to cheer you all, that South Africa is more than one hundred percent behind you," Zuma said as quoted by Reuters.

Mr Zuma was later also conveyed a message from Mandela, the father of the nation South Africa. In his letter, Mandela called the World Cup as, "more than a game."

"The World Cup symbolizes the power of football to unite people from all over the world, regardless of language, color, religion or any political stream," Mandela's message.

Message Zuma told South African national team again like to repeat what he said that mentions that, "South Africa came to life and will never be the same again after this World Cup."

Gautrain, World Cup spoiled by fast train

2010-06-08T22:42:00.003+07:00

South Africa in the history of transportation after creating a modern fast train. World Cup 2010 mat made them create this transportation to unravel the problem of congestion.

Fast train, or so-called Gautrain, officially operated in Johannesburg Tuesday (08/06/2010), or three days before the kickoff tournament. This new transport is expected to overcome congestion problems that are common in the city, especially on Monday.

On his first voyage, the passengers from the districts of Sandton, where many World Cup fans settled, could reach the airport 15 minutes early on Tuesday, with a speed of 160 km / hr. On a normal day when the route was 40 to 90 minutes, depending on the level of congestion.

This fast train ticket to the airport costs 100 rand. Rates were still drawn protests because it was considered too expensive for the workers in that country.

The execution of the various infrastructures in Johannesburg and other venues, venue for the World Cup during this raises its own problems because the increase in traffic.

The city government said, the continuation of the construction will be suspended during the World Cup, which starts on Friday, in order to reduce congestion.

FIFA hopes fans are not too late to go to Soccer City stadium near Soweto area, for the opening ceremony on Friday. Because the citizens of South Africa was known to be late, they were asked to depart from his house early.

Busyness De'Ath, England's chef during World Cup 2010

2010-06-08T13:13:00.003+07:00

He had been a chef major Hollywood stars such as Pierce Brosnan and Sylvester Stallone. He also supplies food for the crew of the movie Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. De'Ath (a cook or chef calls it) is now believed to develop menus and cooking for the England squad for World Cup 2010.

De'Ath always precedes the entourage left for the Three Lions squad (nicknamed England). objectives, ensuring all associated with food for the England players and officials ready to eat when they arrive. No wonder if De'Ath already in Rustenburg (England headquarters in South Africa) since May 31 last.

"I have checked the gym and all the hotels that will be used to stay in the first game, second, third, and the scenario if we were runners-up group. If we win the group, her hotel will be different again. I also have to check the readiness of her kitchen," said De 'Ath, cooks who care consumption for the club before West Ham United.

Not only preparation for qualifying, hotel lodging if Fabio Capello and his men escaped into the final day was July 11, has been explored by De'Ath. He must diligently surveyed the hotels that will be visited Steven Gerrard et al. This was done to ensure a place and equipment has been prepared for culinary purposes. Among the many places that will be visited the Three Lions squad, De'Ath most impressed with their main headquarters in South Africa, namely the Royal Bafokeng in Rustenburg, North West Sports Complex.

For the menu, De'Ath consult with a nutritionist, registered dietitian, and two team doctors, namely Gary Lewis and Ian Beasley. Like what are my choices? De'Ath mention, that he serve no different with the menu for the great English clubs in the Premier League ahead of the game.

"The system is the first breakfast, then exercise. After that, the players returned to lunch. Before the evening, will be presented heavy snacks and salmon," he explained.

According to him, in addition to protein, the players need a very high carbohydrate intake, reaching 5000 calories per day, or twice the normal condition. Most carbohydrate consumption since two days before the game. "For the game Saturday, for instance, the quantity of intake of carbohydrates improved since Thursday and Friday," he said. The days ahead of the game, for 23 players needed about eight pounds of pasta a meal.

De'Ath also prepare a special menu if no player or official that the birthday. "If there's a birthday, I will not refuse make birthday cakes," he said. Of course, this is good news, especially to Frank Lampard who's birthday on 20 June.

ROAD to Injury

2010-06-08T12:31:00.003+07:00

MANY things can make a player injury. Now, what happened to Emerson ahead of World Cup 2002 can be said is ridiculous. Brazil's national team players suffered a shoulder injury because of a goalkeeper in the training session. He was one crashed while trying to hold back Cafu penalty.

As a result, Emerson, who had already left for Korea-Japan was just a spectator. Brazil finally became world champion.

Silly injuries also experienced Spanish goalkeeper Santiago Canizares. After a long time to be a substitute Andoni Zubizareta, Canizares became the main goalkeeper at the World Cup in 2002.

Unfortunately, the Valencia goalkeeper suffered an injury in fact. Not when practicing in the field, but hit by broken glass bottle that he dropped in the bathroom. Canizares finally had to give up his position taken over by Iker Casillas.

However, they were not as bad as the fate of the legendary Real Madrid striker Alfredo di Stefano. He called a big star who failed to appear at the World Cup. In fact, he had a chance to defend three different countries.

Di Stefano played for Argentina six times and the defense of Colombia in four games and then not recognized by FIFA. He also had to defend Spain. Unfortunately, in Stefano could not appear at the World Cup 1962 because of injury.

In fact, he is a hero for La Furia Roja Spain-nickname-time World Cup 1962 qualifiers. He experienced muscle injury just a week ahead of the World Cup.

Talk about injuries ahead of World Cup, it was not the first for England. Coming to the World Cup 2002, David Beckham's metatarsal injury but could eventually appear. Wayne Rooney suffered a similar fate in the World Cup 2006.

Sand Stadium in Durban

2010-06-07T23:52:00.003+07:00

BEAUTY sand into one of the attractions the beach. Children usually love to play with the sand when I went to the beach. Welcoming the World Cup 2010, sand beach in South Africa more appealing. Many emerging sandcastles.

One of them, the Durban Beach tourist destination in South Africa. Artists build sand castles with luxury. They build stadiums which are used as the location for the World Cup match in Durban. Durban stadium located in the same location. They also added a Spanish flag that will start the match on 16 June.

Some stadiums are finished. Everything else still worked. One of the palace that read Welcome to the African feel of this place.

It's not an easy job to make the sand castle. In addition to making complex, taking care must be patient. When starting a dry, sand it must be given water to keep the mini stadium is not destroyed. Not to mention keeping the stadium was not affected by sand waves.

The establishment of stadiums sand on Durban beach make the place more and more visited. Of course the stadium sand becomes an interesting object to photograph. At least the effort was enough to add a lively event nearer the World Cup.

john TERRY HAS DOUBLE VISION

2010-04-11T21:12:00.002+07:00

Chelsea reached their third FA Cup final in four years with a 3-0 semi-final victory over Aston Villa at Wembley yesterday but the focus has already switched to their home game with Wanderers and their double bid.

Bolton have gained something of a reputation for spoiling the party at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons but Chelsea are determined to keep up the pressure on their rivals at the top of the table.

Goals from Didier Drogba, his 32nd of the season, Florent Malouda and Frank Lampard helped the FA Cup holders to set up a final against Portsmouth or Tottenham in May.

It also keeps them on course to become only the seventh club in history to win both competitions in the same season.

"We've got our eyes on the double now," declared Terry. "We are back at the top of the Premier League with five games to go and we are in the FA Cup final now so that's what our sights are on.

"We know we've got some tough games coming up but as long as we keep winning and working hard for each other it is possible.

"We've got some tough games coming up in the league. We've got Bolton in the week, which will be tough.

"Looking at the fixtures, they all seem really difficult, but as long as we keep winning and working hard for each other, then the double is possible."

Terry came under fire from Villa boss Martin O'Neill for a second-half challenge on James Milner that led to a yellow card for the Chelsea defender.

An incensed O'Neill claimed: "It was an horrendous challenge on an England team-mate. James Milner is exceptionally lucky his career is intact. It should have been a straight red card.

"It could have been very serious. James is lucky to have got away with it. The fact his leg was in the air helped. I have spoken to the doctor who says he's a very lucky boy."

Terry is understood to have spoken to Milner after the game and Chelsea insist they have no plans to respond to O'Neill's remarks at the present time.

But Terry did have some sympathy with Villa over a first-half penalty appeal that was flatly rejected by referee Howard Webb.

Gabriel Agbonlahor appeared to be wrestled to the ground by Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi but Webb decreed otherwise. However, Terry was convinced that Villa should have been given a spot-kick.

"I think it was a penalty for Villa," he admitted. "I was right there. I would say so. But the game is over. We should have had some penalties earlier in the season and we move on."

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou revealed how a half-time blast from angry coach Carlo Ancelotti helped give the Blues the boost they needed to go on and win the game.

Chelsea had been lethargic and off the pace in the opening half as Villa dominated the game but Ancelotti let rip during the interval.

"He was saying that we were playing too static and there was not a lot of movement in the front," said Kalou.

"Of course Carlo was angry because that was not the Chelsea that people want to see or the Chelsea we want to be.

"He was angry because of that and every player understood that we had to do better if we wanted to win the game."

Kalou also insists Drogba's opening goal in the 67th minute paved the way for their victory over a side they hammered 7-1 in the league just a fortnight ago.

Kalou came off the bench to help open the game up and the Ivorian believes they will need more impact players if they are to land the coveted double.

"Once we scored the first goal, we had more space to play and more chances to create goals," said Kalou.

"It is important if we want to win the double, that we have people who come off the bench and change games.

"We have never done the double before and it would be good history for the club and the manager. To have the opportunity to do the double as a player is amazing."

Fabio Capello Calling Ashley Cole If Fit

2010-04-08T17:38:00.003+07:00

Fabio Capello : Ashley Cole he will only pick him for England if he proves his fitness between now and the end of the season. The Chelsea left-back has been sidelined since February after breaking his ankle and is facing a race against time to be fit for South Africa.

He has been pencilled in to return for Chelsea's home game with Stoke on April 25 and he will do so with Capello's words ringing in his ears.

"I know not all the players will be in the same shape. Some will have played the whole season, some will have played only half the season," he told Four Four Two magazine.

"If, for example, Ashley Cole is only half-fit, that's not enough. He needs to play too. After three months of being injured he will need games."

Capello went on to explain he is not a fan of playing players out of position and that he plans to use specialists at the World Cup.

Working on a marking system out of 10, the Italian concedes he has plenty of thinking to do before finalising his squad.

He added: "I think to myself: the value of this player is 10, another is nine, another is eight and a half. And I choose (the players with the) most (points).

"Everyone has different qualities. For some positions, one characteristic is more important than the other one.

"It depends on the position, it depends on different moments in the game, it depends on the opponents.

"I prefer the specialist. I think that 11 specialists win against 11 players who can play in different positions. It is nice to see players who can play in different positions though. There will be times when you have to do this."

JOE HART TO MANCHESTER CITY AGAIN

2010-04-08T17:26:00.002+07:00

Roberto Mancini admits he faces a dilemma regarding Joe Hart. The Italian boss plans to hold talks with the 22-year-old goalkeeper at the end of the season once his successful loan spell with Birmingham ends.

Hart, who has been ruled out of the match at Eastlands on Sunday as it is against his parent club, is enjoying an impressive campaign.

However, keeping both number one Shay Given and Hart happy at City is another matter.

Mancini told www.mcfc.co.uk: "We have a very good goalkeeper at the club in Shay Given. Shay and Joe Hart are two of the best in the Premier League, and it is important to have two good goalkeepers.

"The Premier League season is long, and if you are playing in the Champions League, as well as the FA Cup and the League Cup, then you need the players - you need two top goalkeepers.

"It is important that I speak with Joe in the weeks after the Premier League finishes, then we will see about next season. He has worked very well at Birmingham and he has developed."

Such has been Hart's good form at Birmingham he has been tipped to win a place in England's World Cup squad.

England manager Fabio Capello has been monitoring his progress with both David James and Robert Green in sides at the wrong end of the table.

Mancini added: "Joe could be at the World Cup - he is a good, young, strong goalkeeper. Capello knows him very well now, and if he decides on Joe, then that is a good choice.

"I'm happy for Joe that he's doing so well but I'm also pleased that he cannot play against us on Sunday!"

MARTIN O`NEILL EYES CHELSEA TREBLE

2010-03-26T22:18:00.003+07:00

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has set his sights on pulling off a treble against Chelsea on the eve of their Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Villa have already beaten Chelsea once this season - winning 2-1 at Villa Park in October.

O'Neill is aiming to clinch a League double to revive his side's bid to qualify for the Champions League and then follow it up by also beating Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.

Having drawn seven of their last 10 league games, Villa badly need three points against Chelsea to stay in the race for a fourth-place finish.

O'Neill said: "They are two big games against Chelsea - no doubt about that. We have our own incentives and are still in there fighting despite the last two results being draws.

"Up and down results at this stage of the season are inevitable.

"It is a case of hanging in there and getting a couple of results - a couple of wins rather than a couple of draws - and to keep that gap there so when it gets really tight for the last four or five games we are still in there with a shout.

"Our recent record doesn't bother me. I am not perturbed. Had it occurred in my days at Leicester I would probably have been perturbed but I was younger then.

"We are in there fighting and I am absolutely fine. It is where we finish at the end of the season that matters and the one thing I can say with absolute certainty is that my players do not give up."

O'Neill feels the improvements shown by his squad has enabled them to compete with the likes of Chelsea.

He added: "Occasionally we are misguided but the young players are getting better and are able to compete against the top-quality sides.

"We are going to Chelsea thinking we can win the game. A couple of years ago if Aston Villa were going to Stamford Bridge it was a case of trying to keep the score down.

"But Chelsea's record at Stamford Bridge belies belief and they have done it for a considerable period of time. They are a very fine side and will be hard to beat."

O'Neill also believes Carlo Ancelotti has shaped the Chelsea team in the way he wants.

"Carlo Ancelotti has stepped in there and inherited some really fine players," admitted O'Neill.

"He has had to put his stamp on the proceedings and last week was the first time they had been out of the top two."

O'Neill also believes Chelsea are strong enough to take the blow of exiting the Champions League in their stride.

"Less than 10 days ago they were competing on three fronts and suddenly disaster falls," he said.

"This is today's story but Ancelotti has proved himself to be a fantastic manager and I think he has been great for the game."

O'Neill has major selection problems for the game as Richard Dunne, James Milner and Emile Heskey have Achilles problems with Gabriel Agbonlahor battling to recover from a foot injury.

The injury problems could not have come at a worse time for O'Neill and he added: "We are now coming into the really difficult stage of the season with games coming thick and fast. This is when you hope the squad system will come into play.

"We do have a group of players here who could do with a week or two rest but we also have some excellent players waiting to play and I am sure they are chomping at the bit.

"If this is an opportunity against Chelsea for some of these players to play then it is fine by me.

"One or two may consider themselves hard done by being squad players. We haven't changed many things over the last couple of months and everyone has wanted to play.

"The end of the season is in sight but there is still a great deal of determination and a focus for the players.

"The top teams have not only numerical strength in depth but have real strength of ability. This is what we are striving for.

"Those clubs have earned the right to have quality players and at the end of the season they have a fair chance of being involved in

Zidane: No apologize for Materazzi

2010-03-03T12:06:00.003+07:00

Talking about France in pursuit of the World Cup 2006 could not escape from the incident involving Zinedine Zidane. In the final against Italy, Zidane tires bearing the French captain a red card after rewarded gore Italy defender Marco Materazzi. France eventually lost on penalties through the drama.

Now, four years after the worst incident was over, Zidane said there were still regretted the act. Moreover, the defeat was a moment of decline of the French performance. However, the man who is now an assistant president of Real Madrid was not going to apologize to Materazzi.

"If I apologized to him, it might as well admit what he (Materazzi, Red) did to me was normal. In fact, it was not normal," said Zidane as reported by El Pais.

"People are often insulted my mother, but I never respond. At that time, conditions are different. My mother was sick, I do not accept insults him," he continued.

Figure Zidane Materazzi into consideration unwilling to apologize. Her relationship with Inter Milan defender was not too good. According to Zidane, who insulted him if it was not Materazzi, he might want to apologize.

"For example, did Kaka, a good man and friendly, I will apologize. But, as this person? No," said Zidane. "I apologize to the football, to my friends at the time, and the French public. But, not for the bad guys. I do not even want to hear him speak," said the former Juventus star and Real Madrid.

"If I apologize to him, means I do not respect myself. I'd rather die," said Zidane.

On the other hand, desperately Materazzi denied insulting Zidane's mother. However, many facts that prove otherwise. Lip readers agreed defines provocation Materazzi was associated with Zidane's mother.

In fact, some say that Materazzi called Zidane's mother as a terrorist because of the bloody Algerian. Until now, the words spoken that Materazzi is still a mystery.

Male 36 years old did not respond to the statement Zidane. There is only one line on his personal website. "Like Vasco: there are no words." It refers to the song by Italian rocker Vasco Rossi Senza Parole entitled or without words.

Real madrid and Barcelona richest club in the world

2010-03-02T20:48:00.003+07:00

Two Spanish club, Real Madrid and Barcelona as the club recorded the highest amount of income in the world. Meanwhile, Manchester United, a large debt, fell to third position.

Here's a list of clubs with the highest amount of revenue based on the Deloitte report and told Reuters.

1 (previous year's position: 1) REAL MADRID

Total revenue: 401.4 million euros.

Game ticket revenue: 101.4 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 160.8 million euros

Commercial: 139.2 million euros

2 (3) FC BARCELONA

Total revenue: 365.9 million euros.

Game ticket revenue: 95.5 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 158.4 million euros

Commercial: 112.0 million euros

3 (2) MANCHESTER UNITED

Total revenue: 327.0 million euros.

Income from ticket matches: 127.7 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 117.1 million euros

Commercial: 82.2 million euros

4 (4) Bayern Munich

Total revenue: 289.5 million euros.

Income from ticket games: 60.6 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 69.6 million euros

Commercial: 159.3 million euros

5 (6) ARSENAL

Total revenue: 263.0 million pounds

Income from ticket matches: 117.5 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 89.0 million euros

Commercial: 56.5 million euros

6 (5) CHELSEA

Total revenue: 242.3 million euros.

Income from ticket games: 87.4 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 92.9 million euros

Commercial: 62.0 million euros

7 (8) LIVERPOOL

Total revenue: 217.0 million euros.

Income from ticket games: 49.9 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 87.6 million euros

Commercial 79.5 million euros

8 (11) JUVENTUS

Total revenue: 203.2 million euros.

Income from ticket games: 16.7 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 132.2 million euros

Commercial: 54.3 million euros

9 (10) INTER MILAN

Total revenue: 196.5 million euros.

Income from ticket games: 28.2 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 115.7 million euros

Commercial: 52.6 million euros

10 (7) AC MILAN

Total revenue: 196.5.

Income from ticket games: 33.4 million euros

Broadcast Rights: 99.0 million euros

Commercial: 64.1 million euros

Wayne Bridge is not going to South Africa

2010-02-26T20:58:00.002+07:00

Wayne Bridge issued a statement that could be jerking the British public. Manchester City defender asserts himself closed the door to national team calls that come to him.

Bridge previously expressed no desire to be on the same team with John Terry. This is because of the discovery of an affair between a former lover Terry Bridge, Vanessa Perroncel.

City manager Roberto Mancini went on to say the belief that his men would continue to receive calls the English national team.

But now desperate to see the Bridge and Terry work together to mobilize defenses The Three Lions lost, after Bridge said he could not strengthen the squad.

The statement was delivered by Bridge through his lawyer.

"I have thought long and hard about my position in the national team events associated with the last few weeks," the statement said as quoted from Soccernet.

"Playing for England has always been an honor. But after looking at all things, I believe that my position in the national team squad is now untenable and potentially very divisive."

"With sadness I have decided to not accept the call for the national team, for the team and to avoid things that are not desirable."

"I've told management about this decision. I hope to have the best team in South Africa later."

Elegant Signal Hill

2010-02-23T21:55:00.003+07:00

Signal Hill is a landmark in Cape Town next to Table Mountain and Lions Head. Signal Hill separates suburban Green Point and Sea Point from the downtown area City Bowl.

Signal Hill to go, you can through the Military Road, Bo Kaap, who previously had to pass through security at Buitengracht Street.

Hill which was originally named 'Rump Lion' is a popular place to visit for the tourists in Cape Town. Called 'Butt Lions' because the lion's head right behind it.

On a sunny day, you can up the hill by foot or vehicle to view the magnificent scenery, ranging from the Beach area of Victoria and Alfred, Table Mountain, Devil's Peak, Robben Island and the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, you can observe directly the Green Point Stadium - site of one of the party's 2010 World Cup semi-final - which appeared small.

As reported by Cape Town Magazine, Signal Hill became the location for you who want to enjoy the panoramic sunsets at the end of the Atlantic.

From the point of view of Signal Hill, you will also find weapons 'Noon Gun'. In the past, a number of cannon used to warn residents when a ship is problematic. Flag signals are used to deliver weather warnings and provide a guide for the ships back in Cape Town harbor in order to prepare for any extreme weather.

There is a Cape Town community tradition that has lasted a very long time every day (except Sundays and holidays) on Signal Hill. Exactly 12 hours every day, "Noon Gun 'is fired as an opportunity for people about to set the clock. This tradition has existed since 1902 and accounted for more than 63,000 times fired to date.