December 13, 2009
December 12, 2009
December 11, 2009
Lehmann being Lehmann LINKS
Not only is the German 'keeper in hot water for getting caught peeing during a game, he's also facing reprimand for calling out Stuttgart for its coaching switch.Vintage form Mr. Lehmann.
Vintage form.
To the links:
- Fulham/Ghana to battle over defender. [Yahoo!]
- Ronaldinho named player of the decade. [FOX Sports]
- Serbian hooligan sentenced 30 years for murder. [SI]
- Sweden/Norway bid for 2016 Euro Cup fails. [USA Today]
- Dean Ashton set for retirement? [Guardian]
- Tottenham gets no cash for Jan. moves. [Daily Mail]
- Chelsea/Barca dominate African award noms. [BBC]
- Ankle knock will keep Messi out this weekend. [ESPN]
Hurry-up transfers
Quick, the weekend's almost here.- Ives is calling the Landon-to-Everton link a done deal.
- Carlos Vela gets new Arsenal deal.
- Liverpool wins service of Icelandic 16 year old.
- Mascherano coy about his extension talks.
- United's Campbell move applauded by Redknapp.
- Raul looking at MLS?
- Auxerre might keep Jeff Cunningham.
- Robinho vows to stay at Man. City.
- Fulham is interested in DMB.
VIDEO: Internacional fans get bad news
The Brazilian club's fans thought they were in the title hunt.
Then they got the word that Flamengo scored.
Enjoy their misery.
Friday's best photography
1. Cruise and pals take in a game -- via TOW
2. Holy floating field -- via The Offside
3. Festive Man. City boys -- via Off the Post
4. Tim Howard loves his fans -- via Pies
5. Vicky Becks = Carmen Sandiego? -- via Kickette
2. Holy floating field -- via The Offside
3. Festive Man. City boys -- via Off the Post
4. Tim Howard loves his fans -- via Pies
5. Vicky Becks = Carmen Sandiego? -- via Kickette
Interview roundup
Great collection of journalism out there (not here). Be sure to check this stuff out if you have the time:- Grant Wahl does a Q&A with MLS commissioner Don Garber in Seattle. [SI.com]
- Stuart Holden answers some questions of his own regarding his future. [Goal!]
- ESPN's Jeremy Schaap catches up with Charlie Davies for his first post-accident interview. [ESPN]
- Our country's finest paper catches up with one of the remaining players from the 1950 U.S. team that beat England. [NY Times]
MLS combine invitees
No Washington Huskies sadly. Here's the list:GOALKEEPERS (5): Brooks Haggerty (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill); Jovan Bubonja (University of Illinois-Chicago); Frederick Hall (Quinnipiac University); Brian Perk (University of California - Los Angeles); John Moore (Stanford University).Hope the Sounders FC gets a gem or two.
DEFENDERS (18): Kevin Tangney (University of Maryland - College Park); Olukorede Aiyegbusi (North Carolina State University); Tim Ream (Saint Louis University); Kwame Watson-Siriboe (University of Connecticut); Phil Edginton (University of Louisville); Ben Clack (St. Johns University); Justin Morrow (University of Notre Dame); Ofori Sarkodie (Indiana University); Martin Hadevag (University of California - Santa Barbara); Chad Borak (California State University, Northridge); Chris Schuler (Creighton University); Julien Edwards (Drake University); Kris Banghart (University of Denver); Nick Cardenas (San Diego State University); Tyler Barry (University of California - Berkeley); Adam Welch (Lehigh University); Steven Kinney (Elon University); Ryan Peterman (University of San Diego)
MIDFIELDERS/FORWARDS (39): Samuel Appiah (Boston University); Carlos Villa (University of Hartford); Zack Schilawski (Wake Forest University); Zach Loyd (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill); Austin da Luz (Wake Forest University); Drew Yates (University of Maryland - College Park); Ronnie Bouemboue (North Carolina State University); Ross LaBauex (University of Virginia); Joseph Noone (Temple University); Isaac Kissi (University of Dayton); Mike Seamon (Villanova University); Othaniel Yanez (University of Louisville); Steffen Vroom (Depaul University); Fred Braun (University of Louisville); Michael Thomas (University of Notre Dame); Toni Stahl (University of Connecticut); Mike Pezza (University of Connecticut); Nelson Becerra (St. John's University); Bright Dike (University of Notre Dame); Jason Yeisley (Penn State University); Mauro Fuzetti (University of Michigan); Eric Alexander (Indiana University); Irving Garcia (University of California - Irvine); David Walker (University of California - Santa Barbara); Andrew Hoxie (College of William & Mary); Nane Joseph (Old Dominion University); Two-Boys Gumede (University of Alabama - Birmingham); Andre Akpan (Harvard University); Craig Henderson (Dartmouth College); Nick Elenz-Martin (Brown University); Kwaku Nyamekye (Harvard University); Seth Sinovic (Creighton University); Justin Davis (University of New Mexico); Kyle Nakawaza (University of California - Los Angeles); Michael Stephens (University of California - Los Angeles); David Estrada (University of California - Los Angeles); Adam Welch (Lehigh University); Conor O'Brien (Bucknell University) Collen Warner (University of Portland); Conor Chinn (University of San Francisco).
Theo Walcott wrote some kids books
It's autobiographical, Terrell Owens-style I think. Beckham had a series released recently too.The books come out next year and will be published by Random House.
The adventures involve little Arsenal fan "TJ", which was Theo Walcott's nickname growing up.
The 20-year-old Walcott said Thursday that he was excited to work on this series because "books played an important part in our family life as I was growing up.''Good stuff. At 20 years old, I certainly wasn't thinking like that.
Philippa Dickinson, who works for publishers Random House, said "we are thrilled to be publishing his books.''
Good for him.
VIDEO: Kid goal celebration
Late-night entertainment courtesy of 101 Great Goals.
This is a quality celebration, regardless of the age group.
December 10, 2009
VIDEO: Another GK goal in the UCL
That's two in the last couple days.
There's only one determination to get from this, goalies need to push up more often...
More swine flu LINKS
Manchester City was hit with the loss of two players this weekend to swine flu: Craig Bellamy and Vladimir Weiss.I would have bet Bellamy had had it by now.
But whatever.
To the links:
- Foundation set up in Enke's name. [SkySports]
- QPR has a player-coach incident. [SI]
- An old, revered ref dies. [USA Today]
- USL suing NASL teams? [WV Hooligan]
- A team of the decade. [Footy Factor]
- There's only one Tom Cruise. [Dirty Tackle]
- League meets with Montreal dudes. [MLSnet]
- Liverpool alums fear meltdown. [TribalFootball]
- CSKA users can stay in UCL. [BBC]
- Portsmouth hoping for a loan. [ESPN]
- Colo Colo earns 29th Chilean title. [Yahoo!]
Dump of transfers
Another mess of rumors:- Everton closer to sealing up Landon Donovan?
- Sol Campbell nears United move.
- Some AC Milan dude is/isn't going to City.
- Carew to Fenerbahce link played down.
- Chelsea getting/not getting Luis Suarez.
- Bofo back to MLS or Chivas?
- Fulham is ready to offload EJ.
- Babel/Pavlyuchenko swap coming?
VIDEO: Blindfolded keepy-uppy
This is awesome stuff. Whoever came up with this idea needs a pat on the back and a plate of nachos.
Well done sir or madam.
Thursday photo shoot
1. Holden has the Euro look -- via The Offside Rules
2. Monaco ad w/ players & fans -- via Futbolita
3. Scholes looks uncoordinated -- via Dirty Tackle
4. Spot the player (Pique?) -- via Kickette
5. Mikey Owen taping up -- via Daily Mail
6. Kobe and Nike? -- via The Original Winger
7. WTF scorpion jersey -- via Unprofessional Foul
2. Monaco ad w/ players & fans -- via Futbolita
3. Scholes looks uncoordinated -- via Dirty Tackle
4. Spot the player (Pique?) -- via Kickette
5. Mikey Owen taping up -- via Daily Mail
6. Kobe and Nike? -- via The Original Winger
7. WTF scorpion jersey -- via Unprofessional Foul
VIDEO: Jens Lehmann takes a pee break
During the game. On the field, or close enough to it.
He adds to his already interminable legacy grows.
USA v. Mexico friendly upcoming?!?!?
Yes! Bring it!Whether it's for money and/or World Cup preparation, I don't care.
This is a specially venomous and entertaining rivalry that needs to be played once a year.
Could be coming in February.
Can't wait!
UCL roundup (final 16 set)
Group E1. Fiorentina, 2. Lyon,
This one was all but settled before yesterday, but the Reds went and lost again, 2-1 at home to the group leaders to finish 2-3-1. The French club had the biggest result of the day, rolling into the second round with a 4-0 win.
Group F
1. Barcelona, 2. Inter Milan,
This was probably the tightest group coming into the final day. The cream definitely rose to the top. Barca capped the group win with a 2-1 win in the Ukraine, and the Italians got goals from Eto'o and Balotelli in a 2-0 victory.
Group G1. Sevilla, 2. Stuttgart,
The group-leading Spanish side and the Germans with a new coach capped their trips to the round of 16 with big wins on Wednesday. DaMarcus Beasley started and played 45 minutes for his team, but it clearly wasn't enough.
Group H
1. Arsenal, 2. Olympiakos,
Both top teams had already clinched advancement, so Arsene Wenger started a Gunners kid squad over in Greece. After a 1-0 win, the Olympiakos coach criticized the EPL power for not taking the UCL seriously. Psh!
December 9, 2009
VIDEO: Brazilian conspiracy
A) Apparently this Gremio sub's lips appear to tell his teammates to stop shooting.
B) Then some guys are covering their mouths in a secret conversation.
C) Then a guy missing an open net.
All three are contentious points to those in Brazil that think Gremio let Flamengo win the league championship.
I'm not buying it because A) I don't speak Portuguese, B) Adriano's breath explains the mouth covering, C) that's a damn tight angle to expect a goal.
Thanks to 101 Great Goals for the late-night entertainment.
Striking LINKS
The Seattle Soccer Examiner addresses this issue, and I think it's certainly time to start talking about it.Are we nearing a strike in Major League Soccer, as the two sides of the labor negotiations appear to be way off?
That possibility must be addressed.
Now for some links:
- Wenger defends Arshavin's honor. [ESPN]
- Rugby killing the Aussies' World Cup bid. [Can. Press]
- Philly Union still need a shirt sponsor. [MLS Daily]
- Shared Liverpool stadium OK with Moyes. [LDP]
- Mexico league title v. bullfight. [USA Today]
- Dick Advocaat to AZ Alkmaar. [SkySports]
- China fights match fixing. [Yahoo!]
- Serbian W.C. hopes helped by Bora M. [GSN]
- ESPN gets FA Cup television rights. [Daily Mail]
- Aguirre among highest paid W.C. coaches. [SI]
- Japan gov't approves W.C. bid. [Japan Today]
- Ten Cate leaves Panathinaikos. [Guardian]
- Some stuff on the St. Loius NASL team. [WV Hooligan]
- Stoke player headbutted by naked Pulis? [Dirty Tackle]
- Ex-politician attacks kid's coach. [TPM]
- Quotes/chants of the week. [Sanford's Soccer Net]
- Landon stops and chats. [Unprofessional Foul]
- Your W.C. team nicknames. [The Offside]
Packing up transfers
As I continue my move, it's as though I've been transferred:- DMB leaving Rangers finally?
- Everton taking a look at our Landon Donovan.
- Sol Campbell to save United's defense?
- Liverpool says Aquilani isn't frustrated.
- Fabregas wants a target man at Arsenal.
- EPL is tempting Adriano.
- Emilio option declined by D.C. United.
- Barca to reject Arsenal's Krkic advances.
- Yaya Toure is happy at the Catalan club.
- Gunners to give Rosicky a new deal.
Wednesday photo album
1. Footie players and golf gallery -- via Pies
2. Del Piero fans -- via Dirty Tackle
3. MLS expansion potential -- via WV Hooligan
4. Soccer rules Saturday -- via The Original Winger
5. Luggaga and Louis Vuitton -- via Kickette
6. Sunshine Maxi Lopez -- via Futbolita
2. Del Piero fans -- via Dirty Tackle
3. MLS expansion potential -- via WV Hooligan
4. Soccer rules Saturday -- via The Original Winger
5. Luggaga and Louis Vuitton -- via Kickette
6. Sunshine Maxi Lopez -- via Futbolita
UCL roundup (8 of 16 down)
Group A 1. Bordeaux, 2. Bayern Munich,
The French side skated to a group win with a workmanlike 1-0 win over the Israelis, who set a dubious UCL record with six shutout losses. Bayern got a PK goal from its goalie (Jorg Butt) and dominated the Italians 4-1 to grab the final berth into the knockout stage.
Group B
1. Manchester United, 2. CSKA Moscow,
Mikey Owen went for a rare hat-trick to lead the Red Devils to a 3-1 victory over the Germans to end their UCL dreams. Despite some recent failed drug tests, the Russians advanced to the next round with a 2-1 away win.
Group C1. Real Madrid, 2. AC Milan,
On the only cable-televised game we get this week, Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace to lead the Spanish side to a 3-1 win in taking the group. The loss by the French clinched their exit, as the Italians didn't need a point but got one in a 1-1 draw in the finale.
Group D
1. Chelsea, 2. FC Porto,
All was settled here, but the Blues hardly dazzled in the first-round finale, drawing 2-2 with the group's worst side. The Portuguese had also clinched a berth in the next round finished of the sorry Spanish 3-0.
Kim Jong-il censors the beautiful game
North Korean soccer fans likely won't be able to watch much of the World Cup.Their evil dictator Kim Jong-il is censoring the broadcast from South Africa. No live games will be shown. Only highlight packages from wins, played hours if not days after the fact.
Any losses in the tournament will be ignored by the state-run media.
And considering the strength of the team's group (Brazil, Portugal, Cote d'Ivoire), there's a good chance that North Korea's highlights will be as plentiful as its nation's civil liberties.
But that's not all:
All advertising in the stadiums will also be blurred out – along with opposition fans, The Sun newspaper reported.So bizarre.
VIDEO: A special goal
Very few players in the world can score a free kick of this quality.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of them, as much as we like to kid...
December 8, 2009
Happy birthday LINKS
No John Terry, I don't want you dead, I just enjoyed the picture. Kickette reminds us the English defender turned yesterday.He's 29, but that receding hairline isn't helping any.
Here's some blog love to the other hard-working folk:
- The tale of the genius bank robbers. [Dirty Tackle]
- Clarence Seedorf Q&A. [Goal! NY Times]
- Newcastle dude in a bar fight. [Unprofessional Foul]
- World's top 25 club teams. [Soccer Source]
- Who knew Darius Vassell had a blog? [Pies]
- USMNT v. Honduras friendly? [Soccer by Ives]
- D.C. United narrows short list. [Goff]
Talking transfers
Some new stuff here that will surely never happen:- Inter Milan looking at Luca Toni?
- Jack Wilshere might be loaned out by Arsenal.
- MLS getting some dude named Niko Gkionis?
- Bojan Krkic and the Gunners?
- United ruling out Dzeko move?
- Phillip Lahm to Manchester City?
- Fenerbahce and John Carew?
- Adriano and West Ham?
- Celtic and Robbie Keane?
Tuesday's photo assignment
1. Messi gets his trophy -- via Times of Malta
2. Don't fight the police -- via Pies
3. Arshavins at a wax museum -- via ONTD
4. Obama fan look-a-like is back -- via Futbolita
5. New Red Bulls GM -- via SBI
6. Swinging DeRossi -- via Kickette
7. Congrats to UNC -- via Unprofessional Foul
8. Liverpool gallery -- via The Guardian
9. Bathing in beer -- via The Original Winger
10. Bullard in pain -- via 101 Great Goals
2. Don't fight the police -- via Pies
3. Arshavins at a wax museum -- via ONTD
4. Obama fan look-a-like is back -- via Futbolita
5. New Red Bulls GM -- via SBI
6. Swinging DeRossi -- via Kickette
7. Congrats to UNC -- via Unprofessional Foul
8. Liverpool gallery -- via The Guardian
9. Bathing in beer -- via The Original Winger
10. Bullard in pain -- via 101 Great Goals
News and notes
Mario Balotelli is quite the lightning rod for a 19 year old. The Inter Milan kid was again a side story in his team's bout with Juventus over the weekend.And again, the Turin-based club was fined for crowd abuse.
Which begged the question to be asked over at Goal.com: is it time for Super Mario to leave Italy? For Arsenal perhaps.
I think I'd agree with that. Here are some other news bits:
- Nigeria and Argentina will never be coached by Guus Hiddink.
- US Soccer to discuss USL/NASL separation.
- Ryan Babel vs. The Sun newspaper.
- Real/Barca sweep the FIFA World POY nominees.
- Red Bulls hire Soler in the front office.
- FIFA is super loaded with cash.
- Rooney slept through the W.C. draw.
- Stoke's manager is fighting his players.
- Dunga says he'll resign after S. Africa.
- Roma/Lazio fined over fireworks.
- No more Sweden games for Zlatan.
Moving day!
Ugh, I'm in the process of moving.
Today is a particularly busy one.
Updates will be heavy on links and videos.
VIDEO: World Cup promos
I saw these over at the Seattle Soccer Examiner. There are more over there you should check out.
1. Animals love the beautiful game
2. Bright sun = bright ball
3. No ball, no problem
1. Animals love the beautiful game
2. Bright sun = bright ball
3. No ball, no problem
December 7, 2009
Unimpressed LINKS
Martina Navratilova seems disinterested while watching some English Premier League action.No surprise, she's on the Sunderland side of things.
Who lost 1-0 to Fulham.
I'd be yawning too.
To the links:
- Looking into the Chelsea kit curse. [Footy Factor]
- Beckham might miss W.C. squad. [Daily Mail]
- Stuttgart fires its coach. Hires another. [Telegraph]
- Flamengo wins the Brazilian league title. [Soccerway]
- UNC: your NCAA women's champion. [Herald Sun]
- A future coach? Ben Olsen. [Goal.com]
- Look at MLS labor negotiations. [ESPN]
- Fireworks delay Serie A action. [SI]
- Tear gas going on in Greece match. [Yahoo!]
- Denis Hamlett dirt comes out. [Chicago Tribune]
- Sounders FC postseason awards. [Seattle Times]
- Belgian designer soccer fashion. [SSE]
- USMNT v. Northern Ireland friendly. [BBC]
- Jay Demerit is nearly healthy. [Soccer by Ives]
- Americans react to W.C. draw. [Goal! NY Times]
Back to the transfers
Some old names and new names here:What will the surprises be next month, I wonder?
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