Soccer Training Info - News & Videos

It's All About Euro 2008

2008-06-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Sadly, the tournament is coming to a close, but we've still got the semifinals and final to enjoy. Here are a few of our past articles on Euro 2008:

Sexy Soccer - Euro 2008

Italy Versus France Takeaways

The Turkish Comeback

Euro 2008 Girls

Luka Modric

A Draw with Argentina

2008-06-08T19:59:00.001-07:00

My quick thoughts on the U.S. versus Argentina friendly; what with Argentina coming out and smoking Mexico a few days earlier, I would have thought the U.S. would suffer a similar thrashing. There was an intensity to the first half and the game from the get go. Kasey Keller received some kind of honor before the game – perhaps a big gold watch for his services, a retirement present.

Eddie Johnson finally showed up – at least a little bit. He’s got to show more fight though. Adu and Edu both should have played the whole game. Dempsey got a little pissed off and played better than he has in quite a while. Think he’s got a bad back though, saw him holding it and stretching it before the second half started.

The crowd at Giants Stadium looked wild and ‘fight club’ like as the rain started to come down – believe they were on their feet for a majority of the game. Tim Howard saved the U.S. on at least four occasions. Messi came off in the second half – the U.S. giving a collective thank god. If he’d stayed in his good for at least a goal or setting someone up for a goal, especially as players tire. Heath Pearce is the real deal at left back. Technically, the Argentine side is like no other, they are dazzling with their skill.

Landon Donovan is turning into the leader of this team and he’s a fighter. The U.S. should walk through the qualifying phase of things, however, they do need to bring Brian McBride back into the fold or find a forward who can score goals. I have no idea why Pablo Mastroeni received his red card. Sacha Kljestan came on and was a big spark. Adu still needs to be humble – he did get whacked a few different times towards the end but he’s got to just concentrate on playing, look at Messi, he never gets ruffled no matter how many times he’s chopped down. Let your teammates take care of the complaining to the referee and revenge.

This has got to be a big boost to the confidence of the U.S. team. They had a rough game against England, improved some against Spain, and then showed some heart and potential against Argentina. But, if Howard doesn’t make the early saves then this is an entirely different game. Momentum and confidence is so important.

The Ass Pass

2008-05-30T12:40:00.003-07:00

There’s the safe back pass to the keeper to clear the ball. There’s the brilliant and clever back (body part) pass by Ronaldinho. But now there's something more, we have Blanco’s pass with his own back side.

Yes the ‘ass’ pass. Skip to the end of the video below to see the highlight clip. The pass is at the 10 minute mark. Sure, Blanco's got a bit more 'ass' to shield the ball with but you probably didn't think he could use it to pass. I wonder if Kim Kardashian could use her booty like this.

See the video...

Red Beats Blue: Manchester United Win

2008-05-22T01:57:00.000-07:00

A few themes that I came away with...

Peter Cech saved The Blues and the posts saved The Reds. I’d call it even. This game was a battle from the get go. I loved it and would watch the game again. The quality and intensity of the game puts the EPL on the top of the heap of world football, if it wasn’t there already.

Below are a few themes that I came away with from the game, but I'd say you should try to watch the game if you missed it or catch a majority of the highlights. It was that good. Or if anything, watch the penalty shoot out.

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MLS: Chivas Battle Back

2008-05-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Chivas 3 DC United 1

A surprising turn of events, and the kind of turn around that can lift a club to bigger heights—give the club a boost of confidence for the ensuing games and potentially the entire season.

Preki exudes an intensity that must filter down to his players. His eyes are always darting around whenever the camera catches him on the sidelines. This might be a leap, but in the past, the bulk of the MLS coaches were a haughty bunch, thinking they new everything. Now, the MLS has a strong group of former players who know the game, who played the game well, and know how to treat players.

Gallardo cut the ball back and accurately laced home the first goal for DC, but the second half was all Chivas. Jesse Marsch will be all over the TV and Internet highlight clips as he was caught diving in on this goal.

The classy Gallardo is a quite a few notches above everyone around him. He was fouled blatantly a few times and his passes were too sharp and fast for his own teammates—he’ll have to tone it down a bit. He’s not playing with on the Argentine national team anymore. Marsch, who would score later to redeem himself, is tireless and a fighter, the kind of guy you want on your team. And, to give Marsch a bit of a let off, he was playing out of position, as Preki tried a 3-4-3 system to start things off as they were low on defenders but switched at half to the usual 4-4-2.

Atiba Harris had his hand in all three goals for Chivas. And Flores, who came on for Ante Razov, is becoming much more than just a good story but the real deal:

Flores, the original Sueno MLS winner who had a goal and an assist in a recent swing through England with the U.S. under-20 national team, scored his first career MLS goal in the 82nd minute when he ripped a shot from the left side of the penalty area, set up by a cross-field pass by Harris after he was sprung free with a long ball over the top from Kljestan.

Own Goal of the Year: The own goal of the year goes to Riley of the San Jose Earthquakes, a miscommunication and a bit too much mustard on this header and his got the own goal of the year in the bag. In terms of importance though, he’s got nothing on Liverpool’s Riise. San Jose is going to have a tough time getting out from under two tough losses in a row, and they play Houston next week in a sort of divorced family of a game.

Ben Olsen Is Loved

2008-05-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Ben Olsen as media maven, Anti-Beckham, tireless worker, wedding ceremony performer, and Bride pic proof that the MLS has made it....

I always used to say you’d know the MLS had made it when you started to seeing beer and car commercials on Fox Soccer Channel and GOL TV. You know, ads for Bud and Benz rather than the much loved and becoming but kitschy ads like the Sauna Twin, Kick Medic, and the Perfect Push Up.

Now there’s another sign that the MLS is an accepted part of the American sports world, Ben Olsen’s wedding pictures in Bride magazine. Yeah, Ben Olsen’s wedding pictures in Bride magazine are a signal and proof that the MLS has ascended into the American lexicon of sport. This isn’t Beckham wearing his under wear in an ad hovering over an LA freeway ramp, this is Ben Olsen – the now missing, injured, little engine that could for DC United. I’m just saying that when players who might not be the league’s stars start having their wedding pics in the glosses then the league is well on its way.
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Juggling in the Game

2008-05-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

A few new articles and videos to check out this week. Here we focus on the art of juggling and actually using it in the game. Take a look at these videos and see how it's done:

Messi's Flick Over Evra

Dennis Berkamp Juggling Goal

Ronaldinho Juggling

Manchester Will Face Chelsea in Title Game

2008-04-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Chelsea 3 Liverpool 1

Michael Essien is a machine. I was hoping he’d score on that maze like run but maybe he should have crossed it instead of trying to slot into the near post. But the real deal today was Drogba, perhaps the pre-game trash talking by Benitez turned him from the flopper to the strong goal scorer he once was. He nailed the ball into the lower corner on the first goal and proceeded to run to the corner flag and slid on the ground. That wasn’t the end of his celebration though, thought better of it and slid on his knees in front of the Liverpool bench.

Michael Ballack cracked a shot from forty or so yards away that Pepe Reina pushed wide. Ballack never seems to sprint or make any quick moments, always straight-backed posture as he jogs along the pitch. I guess he doesn’t need to sprint when he’s reading the game rather than diving in. He's a player that doesn't seem to be doing anything and then scores off a header or long range shot.

It was a lively match, good possession play by both clubs, but Chelsea deserved to win the match what with the great play from Essien, Drogba, Carvalho, Lampard, and so on. I think overall their collective play, positioning, role players, and general desire were much higher than The Reds.

Javier Mascherano deserves praise—he’s a solid piece to build any team around.

Early on in the game Torres had a chance to score, Gerrard had put him through with a sharp pass but he dribbled in too close and didn’t get the shot off early enough. If they’d scored then the game might have swung their way.

Now Chelsea and Manchester United will battle for the EPL title and then the Champions League title. Ferguson looked on from the stands, wonder who he was rooting for.

Turquoise Blue Period for Barca

2008-04-30T01:56:00.000-07:00

Manchester United 1 Barcelona 0

Barcelona was decked out in their turquoise blue, a beautiful color for a jersey, but with the end result being they failed to advance it more symbolized the somber blue period for this once renowned Barcelona club.

As the camera scanned the players during the Champions League anthem, Eto’o gave a wink. He would also race off the pitch when he was substituted out for Bojan with about twenty minutes to go. I just like his forthrightness, his seriousness and his joy of the game. I was hoping that we’d see more of Eto’o and his wink and smile, but it wasn’t to be. Not many clear cut chances for Barca again with all the possession.

It was a day for Paul Scholes, who at 33 years old doesn’t have too many finals left in him. Scholes latched onto a poorly cleared ball from Zambrotta (centered right into the middle) and knuckled the ball into the far corner on the hop. You never see much emotion form Scholes but it was all over his face after this one. He was like a child at a surprise party with his face all joy and disbelief at his good fortune.

I think the game deserved another goal, and one from Messi or from his magic wand so to speak. As the announcer said, he was a wizard with the ball, cutting up Manchester United at times, slipping past and around defenders, or straight up dicing them as he did Paul Scholes in the corner towards the end of the game.

One thing did show through, Barcelona did battle to the very end, all the players showed respect and heart in the game, but they just lacked that extra punch. Messi never seemed to be phased, no matter the stage of the game, he just kept plugging away but didn’t have enough help. If there was anyone who didn’t get involved as much he normally does it was Iniesta.

Alex Ferguson referred to Barcelona’s style as the ‘passing carousel’, and said they wouldn’t change their game. He was right, there was no change and there were moments that it looked like Barcelona might nip on in for a goal. But there was no momentum for Barcelona, nobody that lifted the game’s emotion. Messi was steady and deadly. Deco was clever and shifty but that extra something wasn’t there. In some ways it’s like they just need or are used to Ronaldinho adding that something else—the older brother taking things on the chin. Stepping up to take the free kicks and score important goals.

Perhaps Gudjohnsen would have been a smart player to start, used to the English game having played with Chelsea?

It was a sparkling match from the get go, and Manchester was lucky to get a break and thankful for Scholes exceptional finish. Before, the first fifteen minutes were all Barca, looking like a repeat of the game at the Nou Camp. But once the Scholes’ goal was in they were off and running, momentum on their side and a new spirit in the team.

If you look at all the players from both clubs you can’t really find fault with any of them. Henry, even though he played a short time, did create and have a few chances on goal. He’s never been one to score with his head. Henry, even more than Eidur Gudjohnsen should have been given the start since he knows the English league so well. Maybe he’d add that spirit.

One player that stands out though from both teams is Tevez. He holds on to the ball so well, knows when the team needs to win a corner, knows amazingly how to use his body and let the ball bounce where it needs to and scoop it up, he’s always steering the ball into his own space and then laying it off. What I loved though is when he chased back and slid in and won the ball.

The emotion was clear in Cristiano Ronaldo; a few times he drove at Barcelona and ended up with good chances on goal. But he also mopped about and complained, even earning a yellow card as Zambrotta shielded him off the ball.

Giggs came on late and settled things, but did try to force a lofty through ball over to Tevez. He’d just come on though, and had to get a sense of the game. I’d say if there’s one thing that’s different about Giggs and then Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s that he’s more apt to make that extra pace or cross when he should. A few times Ronaldo or Nani had broken free exceptionally well, dragging the defender in on the dribble and then cutting back out for their shot. But there were moments when they’d done all this, drawn all the attention, and there was an unmarked teammate on the far post wide open. I just see Giggs seeing those players—he’s the wise old veteran and these players will soon learn to find the player. Look out when they do. Both teams really are full of incredible young players.

Ji-Sung Park is what Dirk Kuyt is for Liverpool, a tireless workhorse who plays smart soccer. Only Park is a bit more skillful I’d say.

The crowd at the Theater of Dreams was loud and boisterous, more so than they have been, with flags waving and songs being song. In the past they’ve been castigated for being too sedate and posh, there was nothing but noise form them today.

On to Moscow to face The Blues or The Reds—the EPL is quite good it seems.

Landycakes Celebrates a Bit Too Much

2008-04-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

He may be MLS Player of the Week, but Landon Donovan didn’t earn any style points with his ridiculous antics over the weekend. Here’s the video clip – you can see it right after the first L.A. goal. There’s Donovan, screaming at his marker who has fallen on the play.

Now the defender wasn’t some scoundrel, it was Patrick Ianni. The same Patrick Ianni who would be a priest if he wasn’t playing professional soccer. And there he was, on the receiving end of a remarkable verbal lashing from the man considered to be the best active American soccer player.

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Gary Neville is Back

2008-04-10T22:09:00.001-07:00

Manchester United 1 Roma 0

It was good to see Gary Neville back in a Manchester United uniform after 13 months on the sidelines. He pulled up the captain's arm band when he entered the pitch with great satisfaction I'm sure. He even got in a tough tackle near midfield as it looked like he was playing sort of a left sided central midfielder.

But the match was about Tevez and Hargreaves. Tevez scored on a marvelous header from a cross by Owen Hargreaves--who should make all Canadians proud. He's fit in nicely with the Red Devils and had a good game against Roma. Hargreaves was everywhere, and got the assist on the winning Tevez goal. His cross bending in perfectly for Tevez to glance home with his head--Tevez did make a savvy dive to meet the ball, but a cross worthy of Beckham.

Oh how bad must Roma feel these days, Manchester has made their lives very frustrating and woeful. What a match lies ahead in the semifinals, Barca versus Man U, let's hope Messi is fit to play but sadly, Ronaldinho I hear is gone for the year.

Tevez Header

I Have a Competition In Me

2008-04-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

"I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people."

Liverpool 4 Arsenal 2

It was either the 'competition' line from There Will Be Blood for the title of this piece or 'I've abandoned my boy', think the competition line fits this game better, as both teams never gave up, nobody abandoned nothing.

I was thinking I’d much prefer to watch the Barcelona match on Wednesday, seeing how these clubs have just played one and another the game would be a hunkered down one goal type of conservative stalemate—Benitez going the route of advancement by any means possible. But this was a back and forth game from the first whistle.

Crouch got the start. Both he and Henry are two forwards that are seemingly destined for the trading block and will be looking for new homes next year.

How helpful would it be for Arsenal to have the services of Rosicky? The dynamic Czech midfielder adds that extra spice to a side that controls the ball so well, but he’s lost for the season.

Best third installment since Empire Strikes Back. Think Derek Rae was right with this introduction. A ‘wall of sound’ from the Liverpool faithful that watched on.

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LA Won't Fold Yet

2008-04-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

LA Galaxy 2 San Jose 0
What a difference a few days make, and what a difference an early goal makes, and what a difference playing a poor team who's just been brought back into the league makes. Momentum equals confidence and LA refuel their confidence with nutmeg goal by Beckham ($5,500,000.08). If San Jose's goal early on wasn't offside, this game could have been much different.

The Galaxy got off to a marvelous start against San Jose through the hustle and pressure of Donovan, who won the ball and setup Becks to the point he could not but score. Sure, sometimes those chances are so easy they give you too much time to think. But Beckham has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and England--he's the real deal.

San Jose is a team that's going to have a tough go this year if this game is any early indicator, as they failed to piece much together in this first game. There were moments that Beckham didn't even touch the ball and the Galaxy were slicing around the Earthquakes with near flair. For the majority of touches by Beckham, he was able to initiate a number of dangerous attacks and that's what sets him apart. The Galaxy need a forward badly, or need Gordon ($72,504.00 per year) to turn into Van Nistelrooy quick like. But that's like Henry joining Seattle, it won't happen.

Looking on in the crowd were Posh and the kids and Kobe Bryant and his wife's ring and the rest of the family in tow. The Galaxy put on a smart display of football--they looked cohesive and Donovan ($900,000.00) is a player that you'd love to see in Europe. Since he has a full array of talents but is playing in a Sunday league when you compare his abilities to those he's plying his trade against day in and day out. If he could play in Europe he'd really prove he's a star, right now he's just a star in a lower level league when compared to the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, and so on.

But don't knock Donovan for any lack of toughness. He's a player who battles, and is always srunning and getting into the mix. In the past he has had games where he fads into the background, but those are much more rare these days. In one moment, Nick Garcia met Donovan's upper leg with his foot as both players didn't hold back from going for a fifty fifty ball near the half line.

Two players who'd you expect to have an impact on the game didn't, Romiro Corrales and Ronnie O'Brien, neither had their names called enough. O'Brien did whip in a cross across the goalmouth but there was no one there. Kei Kamara, a tall forward who was active throughout the game, held the ball up for San Jose fairly well but didn't have much help or there was no communication between him and the other forward. This is just the first game for this club though and in the MLS you just need to win ten or eleven games to get into the playoffs. I think they'll struggle but come together if they keep up the fighting spirit.

So the story is LA's on the rebound and have a lot to build off of. Their coach remember has played for a few good teams in his day. Oh how great it would be to be a young player joining this side. Ruud Gullit was drinking a lot of water on the sidelines, his eagerness and desire clear, he wants to win. Look for LA to pick up a few more players and go on a good run. The absence of Xavior was probably a blessing for this club too.

Extra: LA's defender Brandon McDonald ($12,900.00), yes that's his salary, needs Becks to throw a few dollars his way now and again.

MLS Watch: Shielding

2008-03-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

Don’t watch the EPL and then the MLS

I caught some of the first MLS games of the season, here are some quick thoughts. It all comes down to each team’s new signings, good ones and terrible ones and or players they shouldn’t have let go.

I caught these games after watching the EPL, something that I wouldn’t recommend doing, since there’s no way the MLS can compete with that league and won’t and just makes the MLS games frustrating—but the MLS games still drew me in, the league does keep getting better. It just takes time.

One thing that stood out in the EPL was the way players hold on to the ball like it was gold, and no matter what the score was or at what point in the game they were trying to keep the ball. Tevez and Anderson for example, they both shielded the ball late in the game with an infectious intensity. Tevez on the sidelines holding up the ball to win a throw, and then Anderson in the corner to win a corner, both with such fight you’d think it meant much more, it was a game within a game, and they were up 4 nil. It’s kind of like king of the mountain, and not letting the other team get any glimpse of the top peak. That’s why Manchester United will win the league and a basic reason why the EPL is better than the MLS, and that’s not because of all the other obvious reason—high flying action from end to end with fans nearly on the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo, Torres and so on.

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Poland Friendly

2008-03-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

United States 3 Poland 0

All goals from set pieces. Carlos Bocanegra got a goal off a free kick from out wide by Donovan. The ball glancing off his head and then shoulder and dribbling into the side corner. Oguchi Onyewu also scored off a corner from Donovan—battling with the Poles for positioning (all the Polish players where big and strong). And Eddie Lewis struck a nice free kick with his left foot.

It was a very casual match, not much fight from Poland despite the whistling crowd. They might have underestimated the Americans and got caught on the early set piece goals.

Sorry but Eddie Johnson hopefully just played his last game for the United States.

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Extra: Bojan Magic

Liverpool Versus Inter Milan

2008-03-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

Where would Atletico Madrid be if they still had Fernando Torres? Wow. They’d be quite a side, and they’re already near the top of La Liga, but if they didn’t sell him, they might not have been able to buy the players they have now. That’s another story that’s in the works, but for today, let’s recap some bits and pieces of the Champions League game that put through the fourth English side into the quarterfinals.

It’s was simply this, Fernando Torres took a pass and turned in what seemed to be the opposite direction of where he should have turned his body when he was at the top of the box, and stroke the ball home decisively with his right foot. The ball hung in the air for a second and then was in the net. 1-0 to Liverpool.

El Nino turned his back as if he was or could have laid the ball off to someone making a trailing run at the top of the box, as he turned the ball was shielded from the keeper. He could have trapped the ball with his left foot and struck it with his left. But what he did was perfect and deceptive, and surprised everyone, the turn away from the goal threw everyone off.

Inter has a few good chances early on, but Liverpool’s keeper was ready, deflected a strong shot and was cat like in holding on to a close in flick after a ball was cut back on the six yard box. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was off his game, sending at least three free kicks over the goal, wasting good chances for Inter.

Can’t wait for the next Champion League matches.

EXTRA: He's captain of the Serbian national team and the winner of the name of the game: Stankovic.

What I Saw This Weekend in Soccer

2008-03-10T00:45:00.000-07:00

I only caught bits of pieces of football (soccer) this weekend. I did catch the entire last episode of The Wire though. I couldn’t miss it. Sad to see it end, but sometimes it’s good for a good thing to walk away at the top, a la Seinfeld. Plus, it’s time to sort of lead your own life, and not have your mood tied to the ups and downs of a fictional Baltimore city life, as moving, smart, and funny as The Wire was. I miss Bunk, Bubs, McNulty and the Avons, Marlos, Michaels, and Snoops. Now, it’s all about football, Champions League, Euro 2008, EPL, La Liga and even the MLS will start up in a few weeks.

The great joy for me is not just goals, and underdogs beating giants, or giants pulling out the win in the last seconds, it’s the shared joy of the players when their combined efforts result in a goal. The one twos and give and goes and four or five passes that lead to a goal.

I didn’t see a whole lot of that this weekend though.

I caught part of the Fulham versus Blackburn match, which turned out to not just showcase American field players, but also an American based keeper battle, Keller versus Friedel. The battle ended in a draw, 1-1, as Fulham tied the game off another Bullhard free kick in the late minutes.

Eddie Johnson struggled in this game, as though he can’t get his feet under him correctly and then doesn’t know when to go at goal or lay the ball off right away. He’ll learn quickly if he wants to stick around, and this all could be the best thing for him in terms of his growth as a player. He’s probably learned more in this short time in England as he has his whole life. It will be interesting to see where Dempsey, McBride, and Bocanegra end up when Fulham goes down. Those three are class players. Hopefully they’ll land at another EPL club.

Over in Barcelona, where you’d expect to see wonderful give and goes and sublime passing, there wasn’t enough. It was old Arsenal teammates taking on one another as Barcelona met Villarreal at the Camp Nou, with Henry facing his former French partner Robert Pires. No Messi on the pitch, as he’s out with a hamstring injury. Messi tearfully departed the pitch last week. Xavi scored again, he’s on a goal scoring tear, after an Iniesta cross from the byline from a give and go with Ronaldinho to get down the line. This goal tied the score 1-1, after a first half penalty kick for Villarreal. Villa, in third place, are a strong side, and they went ahead after a series of short, sharp passes enabling Tomasson to almost walk in. 2-1 Villarreal was the final.

Ronaldinho hit the post on a superbly struck free kick late in the game, just wasn’t to be. He was eager from the moments I saw of the match, calling to his teammates to raise their game. Wearing the captain’s arm band, I even saw Dinho slid to win the ball near the corner. Let’s hope that Barca can recover from this and still push Real Madrid for the title.

Extra: Dos Santos came on in the dying minutes, blue Nikes on his feet I think. I have more people searching the site for what type of soccer shoes he wears than most other players.

Mourinho Speaks

2008-03-06T22:12:00.001-08:00

Not too nice but what would you expect from the Special One. If he ain't dancing down the sidelines as if he's scored, he's going to speak his mind. I think the goal that Porto scored in the Champions League, a free kick that knocked out Man U and Tim Howard was unable to save, was the start of the Jose Mourinho adventure. He's competitive and what do you think he's going to say about playing Chelsea again, but where is he going to coach next year. That's the big question. Is it Barcelona?

I hope to play them next season in the Champions League,' said the Portuguese, speaking in Valencia at the official global launch of MiCoach.

'If I play them in the Champions League, I want to go there and kill them - that's my message.'

I can't wait to hear word from the Jose Mourinho Puppet on this topic, haven't heard from him in a while, below is an old but good video.

Jose Mourinho on Setanta

Cantona Backs Man U

2008-03-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

A legend during his time at Manchester United, Cantona has a lot of respect for Ferguson and backs this years squad as the team to win the Champions League title:

Cantona went on to explain that the Scot's thirst to consistently hit new heights was behind his longevity, insisting he remains 'the greatest'.

'He always sets new goals for his players. If he wins the Champions League this year, he will find a new target for next year.

'That is why he has been at Old Trafford for 21 years. He always finds something more after a win, that is why he is the greatest.'

Reflecting on his time under Ferguson, Cantona said: 'I will never forget anything about my time there and the way the fans treated me, and until the last minute of my life I will have this club in my heart.'

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EXTRA: It's closer to summer here in the United States, not Christmas, but this is too good not to post. Jose Mourinho wishes all a Merry Christmas.

Barcelona & Real Madrid Split Screen

2008-03-01T21:59:00.000-08:00

Atletico Madrid 4 Barcelona 2

Real Madrid 3 Recreativo 2

Henry nearly collided into the keeper twice. He was one and one and miss trapped one ball and then miss timed another, as Messi looked on from the bench, and Deco too. Messi came on later but it was too late. Henry again has yet to shine in Barca and he’s scoring goals, it’s just that the demands are high for him.

Atletico Madrid, with the Uruguayan Forlan and the Argentine Maxi, are in fourth place in La Liga and you can see why. Barcelona went ahead after an incredible overhead kick by Ronaldinho. Guess who’s back. Well, let’s hope. But Atletico fought back and won the game 4-2. They have a lot of skillful players in Maxi, Simao, Forlan, and a youngster named Aguero.

Puyol struggled in this game and was more of a help to Atletico. He was involved in three of the goals for Atletico. One a deflection, so he’s excused on that one, but on another he lost the ball and the ball was picked up and after a few feints, nailed pasted the keeper. The scorer of both of these goals was Sergio Aguero, a young Argentine, both strong and quick, and short and squat like Maradona. Top clubs like Bayern and Liverpool where in the hunt for this player but Atletico scooped him up for a record payout for the club. And then Puyol also caused the penalty, as he fell from behind on top of Aguero who was about to shoot free and clear in front of the goal. Not a good night for the Barca lion.

Gol TV did something I hadn’t seen before; they flipped back and forth between the Real Madrid and Recreativo game and the Barcelona game. Raul went up against the keeper bravely as a cross came in and won the header, tying the game as Recreativo got an early goal off a corner. Later, Recreativo had two players sent off and Madrid one. Enter Robinho. Within minutes of his entrance into the game he scored. It was a solid strike into the near post as the ball popped back to him. On his second, he flipped the ball over the keeper after he was put through. He was all smiles after scoring both goals after a quick thumb sucking gesture in honor of his baby, but the ease to which he plays, scores, and beats defenders is unmatched right now.

Jose Antonio Reyes came on as a substitute late in the Barca game. Where has he been? He scores the goal that wins the title for Real Madrid last year and disappears. His transfer from Sevilla has in some ways I’m sure enabled the revival of Sevilla as a club, giving the club money to buy other players, but I’ve just not heard much from him of late.

Manchester Versus Newcastle

2008-02-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

Man U 5 Newcastle 1

Newcastle have two wonderful wingers in James Milner and Damien Duff. Milner more so than Duff, as he was cutting and turning marvelously at times, only to not shoot when he should have and then missing out on the his intended target when he did cross. He’d set himself up with a fake cross or cut back—the defender sliding past him, but fail to truly make something happen.

On the other end, for Manchester United, they have a little known player called Cristiano Ronaldo, and with one cut back and cross, he was able to pick out Rooney free and clear at the far post for an easy tap in volley with the inside of his foot. One zero to Man U. Ronaldo burst down the line and then cut the ball back sharply and served a perfect ball to Rooney.

Manchester seemed to have a bit more bite, decisive when they were going to goal, and winning the fifty fifty balls when they were on the defensive end.

Newcastle, with two former Manchester United players in the midfield, the red haired Nicky Butt, although he’s got less and less of the red hair now and he’s currently has the most yellow cards in the EPL. And then the white haired Allen Smith, who’s not afraid of getting a few yellow cards here and there either. Both appeared understandably frustrated, as they get used to playing on a losing side.

Along with the bite, there’s a bit more of a click ability within the Manchester United side, players know where one another are, whether that’s just good football or they’re a team that’s begun to gel, but they knew where their teammates were running and exchanged the ball with a certain seamlessness. Click. Click. Click. Goal.

As one of the announcers of the game on Fox Soccer Channel said:

There’s no jealousy. They all want one another to score. When you’re with a top club, it’s all about the team.

Early on in the first half, before Manchester United got their first goal, Michael Owen was setting up for a volley, in clean and one on one with the keeper, only to have Rio Ferdinand get his leg in to break it up and tumble Owen over. There was no call, but it could have been a penalty. Ferdinand did unbalance Owen enough to warrant a call. But there have been much worse no calls, Rio did get a piece of the ball as he stuck out his leg.

Later, Michael Carrick charged forward on the dribble and stroked a through ball along the pitch as Ronaldo zipped past and behind his defender. He raced on the well weighted ball and was one on one with the keeper, slotting the ball home easily. The play was a bit of a counter attack, straight up the throat of the defense, and an early ball and great run by Ronaldo made for a smart goal for Man U. 2-0.

When you’re near the bottom of the table, stuck in thirteenth place as Newcastle is, momentum is hard to hold on to, especially when you’re down two goals at the half.

It was more of the same in the second half.

Another through ball to Ronaldo, he touched the ball around the on rushing defender and scored his second. 3-0 Man U.

Newcastle was able to pull a goal back by way of a pile up after a missed header (the free ball smashed home) but late goals from Rooney (a superb bending ball into the upper corner) and a Saha strike near the penalty spot put the total to 5 for Man U an 1 for Newcastle. The title chase is still on as Arsenal could only come up with a draw.

Milan Versus Arsenal

2008-02-20T17:54:00.000-08:00

AC Milan 0 Arsenal 0

Pato, the eighteen year old new prodigy for AC Milan, got his first start in the Champions League. He is fast and had a few clever touches early on, flicking the ball over a defender to take a shot. He looked sharp and tough, as he held the ball up for the club, but went off late with a calf cramp, it looked like.

Kaka constantly pushed forward with every touch, there’s no hesitation with him. He’s simply a dazzling player and AC Milan could have notched a counter attack winner. Arsenal held most of the position, and had a few near misses. Shooting the ball directly at the keeper, their team lacks a clinical finisher. They’re top of the league in England but if they had someone who could finish, they’d be unstoppable. That said Emmanuel Adebayor is the leading goal scorer in the EPL. They just create so many scoring chances as is. If they had someone else, or someone else steps up, they could win a lot of trophies.

I love when Arsenal makes the extra pass, but at times that’s exactly what hinders them from scoring. However, I’d rather see them try it, that neat extra pass separates them from all the other teams. When they’re running on all cylinders, those passes produce loads of goals. Momentum and confidence is so much part of soccer. As this team grows and matures, they’ll be even more dangerous. They also just miss a player like Van Persie.

Late in the game, a few seconds left in stoppage time, Emmanuel Adebayor hit the cross-bar after Walcott beat his defender down the line. Walcott had just come on and went directly at the defender, dusting by him.

One player that stood out was Gael Clichy, who they said has interest from Juventus, I can see why. He’s everywhere on the pitch, from defense to the attack, and he’s just a left back.

For some reason, a few fashion bits:

No nifty scarves around the necks of the Italian side even though it looked like a cold night in England. Gloves were worn though, no scarves around the necks as I saw last week on many of the Italian players in their matches. An odd ski like scarf that seemed only appropriate on an Italian pitch. In England, with snow on the ground they probably will just wear short sleeves.

Carlo Ancelotti who's been head coach of AC Milan since 2001, wore a coat with more shiny zippers on it than a young raver, as he looks to repeat as CL champs and add one more Cup to Maldini’s retiring total.

Sadly, Ronaldo was not part of this match, his career most likely over, out for a year at least with another knee injury.

Other

Something that jumped out at me, and is easier said than done, is when coming on to the ball to shoot you have to square your hips towards the goal.

Alex Ferguson, let it slip that Cristiano Ronaldo had a tummy ache and would miss out on a game, and then said he had a bit of diarrhea as well. Seemed a little bit too much information.

AC Milan’s nickname: Rossoneri (Red-Blacks)

Nike Inspiration: Becoming Legendary

2008-02-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

When you talk about inspiring commercials, you might think of some of the now almost legendary Nike ads. Ads that are normally at a slow pace, with few words and powerful music. They’re the epitome of the combination of good art—words, music and images combined to make a point or tell a story. Nike has been consistent in their out pouring of inspiring commercials, from Just Do It to Michael Jordan's classy ads. The Nike ads are less ads then an idea or concept, a way or plan.

The ads don't make me want to run out and buy Nike gear, and I like Nike gear, but they do make me want to do something, put some work in so to speak. Get better at whatever it is I'm doing.

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Site Focus

2008-01-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

We've decided to focus mainly on our soccer portal site, please take a look at our site, I'm sure you'll find some useful tips, videos and or insight into the world's game.

Other Moments in a Soccer Players Life

2007-12-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

By way of Dunord, funny post from Mcsweeny's. Sort of along the lines of the Italian players training camp:

It's the off-season. Sergio stands before Sheri, his gorgeous cocoa-skinned girlfriend of nearly one week. They're in his South Beach mansion's movie room. She claims that she loves him ... but she really wants to choose the movie tonight.

"Please, Sergio? I love-love-love Brad Pitt and George Clooney," she says.

Sergio falls to the fine carpet, screaming, holding his hands over his heart as if he had been kicked there. The pain is too much for him to bear! He might not be able to take it one second longer!

Sheri relents.

"Fine. You pick what we watch," she sighs.

The pain suddenly erased from his heart, Sergio stands and kisses Sheri on the cheek.

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