Similar posts: news soccer

Similar posts: news soccer

By DAVID ESPO Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama stepped into the thicket of Mideast politics Wednesday, declaring that neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians are strong enough internally to make the bold concessions necessary for peace. Obama said he would work to bring the two sides together starting from the minute Im sworn into office.

Similar posts: news soccer

Euro 2008: Part 2 Joel Rookwood in Austria and Switzerland


Austria and Switzerland might serve as a convenient central location for this summers European football championships, but for most actual (as opposed to ) of football, the selection of hosts for UEFAs latest showcase tournament has been nothing but problematic. For a start, the stadiums are a farce, with maximum capacity rarely exceeding 30,000 for any of the eight venues selected to host games. Then there is the match schedule, with games played in the respective nations on alternating evenings, rendering it virtually impossible to get to a decent number of matches in a short space of time without resorting to airborne travel.

When the draw was made for the group stages, and I predictably lost the ticket lottery, I realised then that it was always going to be difficult to gain entry into stadiums. UEFA think that their deserve preferential treatment and supply tickets by the bucket-load to anyone with corporate connections. Next in line are probably the fans of the respective nations and a few locals, which I guess you cant complain at. But at the last European Championships, many of the festival followers decided to avoid the long trip to Europes most westerly nation. Instead Portugal was invaded by a mix of corporates and football fanatics, with many of the take it or leave it crowd opting for the latter preference and staying at home. Austria and Switzerland however, share a land border with virtually every country in the continent. And so it seems that for the current tournament, every man and his town have descended on one of the joint host nations, to sample some football, probably for the first and last time in their lives, before returning home to jump on another bandwagon.

Despite not qualifying for tickets via any source (surely a rather fluid term in the context of UEFAs relationship with supporters), I decided, along with David, Faz, Richie and Mick, four other hopefuls from Liverpool, to head out for the event. We were unperturbed by minor details like tickets or hotel accommodation. And so, three days after the ridiculously weird and over-elaborate opening ceremony, we flew to Milan, for no particular reason, picked up a hire car, and headed north. Staying true to our reputation as cheeky Scousers, we managed to convince the charming staff of the unnamed car hire operators that an upgrade to a top of the range Mercedes should come as standard, and at no extra cost. Spurred on by our first unexpected success, it was agreed moments later that this would prove a memorable tournament, for five lads who for circumstantial reasons will probably never travel again as a group.

Night fell soon after we passed Milan, and it wasnt long after that before fatigue began to set in, and so we decided to call it a day. Now, our choice of sleeping venues on this trip usually fell somewhere between spontaneous, ridiculous and illegal. Occasionally our selection was to border all three during the days that followed. For the opening night, the Italian location was equidistant between a road, a mountain and a fast-flowing river. This was to ensure that we could get straight on the road the following morning, that our tents and their contents would be sheltered from the wind, and that we could get a wash before setting off. We awoke the next morning, and discovered the plan had been a success. By 09:00am we were (much to the shock of some horrified and amused observers), and on the road to Geneva.

In keeping with the overly negative tone of this article, it has to be said that Geneva was a ridiculous choice of venue. An attractive, popular city it undoubtedly may be, but a football city it undoubtedly is not. Football fans reading this will understand the term football city. A place where you just know the people live and breathe the game. The likes of Seville, Marseille or Liverpool these are football cities. Geneva is good for a cheese fondue, a boat ride on the lake and a new Rolex, but it is no place to watch football. And sure enough, for us, it proved to be no place to watch football. For only the second time in my life, I failed to gain entry into a football stadium for a match.

The Portuguese were in town to play the Czechs, and unfortunately this attracted lots of Portuguese and Czech fans. Crazy, I know. Worse still, they seemed to have bought nearly all of the tickets. The North African/French and British touts were predictably making a killing from the tickets that remained, shamelessly shifting on their spoils for eleven times the market value. Some people say touts dont do much harm and that it is just a business like anything else. Those people are idiots. At 400+ Euros for a 45 Euro ticket, the slimy, scruffy no marks made their money, and denied a group of dejected and disillusioned Scousers entry to the stadium.

With the prospect of watching the game in a fanpark proving rather unappealing to five battle-hardened fans from Liverpool, we were keen to vacate the city. UEFA, the corporates and the touts had won round one. But then, to make matters worse, the second battle didnt even commence. For soon after the game in question, I had been outvoted in the decision of whether we would drive nine hours to Klagenfurt for the next days (closest) game between Germany and some other nation we had no interest in. The other four inhabitants of the car voted in favour of avoiding the long-haul journey, and instead making a more leisurely trip to Zurich for the Italy Vs Romania game the day after that. I was naturally disappointed, but took it on the chin. Then, I did what any Liverpudlian in my position would have done. I went in search of mischief.

Of course, the journey from Geneva to Zurich was never going to be direct. As with any European away trip with our beloved Liverpool, there is always some adventurous detour to occupy a free evening. A quick glance at Europes least accurate map seemed to reveal little at first. In fact, I think Austria was still the same country as Hungary when this tatty map was produced. However, on closer inspection it did highlight one key location: Sion. Liverpool had played FC Sion in the European Cup Winners Cup in the autumn of 1996, and the name was immediately recognisable to the five of us. Liverpool won the memorable second leg 6-3, but whilst the five of us could not agree on the final score of the first game in Switzerland, what we could agree on however, was the location of our next stop after Geneva.

We arrived at the sleepy town to find it nestled in behind a collection of picturesque mountain tops. We found FC Sions ground before even locating the city centre, which is always a good sign, and headed straight for the pitch. Even with our frame of reference, entry into the stadium was relatively simple, and so the customary kick around and photo with the flag on the pitch commenced. We then began to feel the effects of a long first day in Switzerland. Painfully aware that we had not yet selected a place to pitch our tents for the night ahead, there were some heavy sighs from the boys as the final shots nestled into the open goal. We sat on the lush turf, with the realisation that from four possible matches in the tournament, we could now only go to a maximum of two before having to catch our flight home.

Although it was a disappointing reality to be faced with, we Scousers are optimistic by nature. Despite some early setbacks therefore, we decided that Euro 2008 would be a tournament we would look back on with fondness. Consequently, all talk of negativity was banished from that moment. All moaning about touts and UEFAs greed and incompetence was replaced by a cheeky demeanour, and a decision to apply our civic education, and the requirement to be buoyant and resourceful irrespective of circumstantial strain. With the light fading fast, we needed a place to camp. With the trip fading fast, we wanted a story tell. Almost immediately, we looked at each other, realising in unison that the solution to both our problems lay beneath our feet. We were going to camp in FC Sions stadium, on their pitch. And do you know what? We did as well.


If you want to discover whether we escaped punishment for this latest act of impudence, or if we manage to gain entry into either of the two games remaining, keep an eye out for my third and final piece of the Euro jigsaw. Until then, keep an eye on the Dutch. They look a bit special.

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Wizards Weekly and News Conference
Ok, just watched the News Conference and Wizards Weekly. First off Coach Onalfo and Jack Jewsbury were only interviewed for a total of 12 minutes seriously, twelve minutes at the News Conference. Then the entire news conference was replayed. Sorry but how the heck do you not have more questions when the team has: cut Eloy, drawn in TFC, play RSL next, play Carolina in USOC, wont be in town for NEXT weeks news conference, then play FCD on July 4th and possibly another USOC game the following Tuesday. Oh yeah, no questions on Josh Wolff, or anyone other possible player for that matter. I am so disappointed.
Coach was asked about Carlos Marinelli not playing and if hed be playing on Saturday. Coach called him one of the best passers in the league. That for now hes a great option off the bench late in the game. And at TFC he felt it wasnt the right game for him based on how TFC plays. I am guessing the turf had something to do with it too.
Coach said that part of his pre game speech for Saturday will have to do with not disappointing the fans.
Complimented Jack and Davy on their play on the right side. Feel they work good together.
Said that Aaron Hohlbeins aerial game is one of his best qualities.
Jimmy Conrad has something wrong with his foot and that he will be a game time decision. Commented that at least it wasnt broke.
Feels that RSL will use the same lineup as last time against KC. Thinks they have found a rhythm. Have good passing Midfield and play direct.
I think he said that against Carolina KC will use some non-traditional starters. They have scouted Carolina via the internet. (Pretty sure they scouted them live too I hope).
Ok, that was 7 minutes. Thankfully its almost 15 minutes long on Wizards Weekly.
Next up was Jack Jewsbury. He talks about redeeming themselves in front of the home fans. Talked about how much he appreciated the fans. He is very comfortable working with Davy. That they just know where each other is going to pass the ball to. Attributes it to last year. He feels that versatility is one of his greatest strengths and has kept him on the field more because of that. Said that the team needs to continue to put pressure on defenses and that goal scoring was a mindset. This was about 3 or 4 minutes long. Amazing. I think you can get a lot of good stuff from Jack.
Next up I watched Wizards Weekly. Porter asked Coach about Euro 2008. He had originally picked Italy to win. Funny exchange between Coach and Porter in regards to Luca Tonis mustache. Coach said that if KC score 5 goals in a game hell wear a Luca Toni mustache.
When they started talking about Toronto game Coach said that KC took the game to TFC and that they played well enough and created enough chances to win so he was disappointed not to leave BMO Field with three points.
They discussed Roger Espinoza and his red card. Coach was disappointed and said Roger was too. He put a positive spin on it in that Roger, or any rookie, need to re-focus the anger/aggression(Roger was fouled) by scoring a goal. I think at one point said something about getting back at the player/team later in the game as opposed to immediately.
See below for Coaches comments on release of Eloy Colombano from Wizards Weekly.
Porter asked replacing Eloy and brought up Wolff. Peter Vermes trip to Hungary was brought up. Basically Coach gave a party line that he and Vermes were always looking to improve or enhance the team.
Next up was Aaron Hohlbein. He too was asked about Euro2008. Aarons dad was born in Germany so you know who hes pulling for.
There was some talk about his growing up in Wisconsin and his adjustment to MLS last year. All stuff we have heard before: speed, length of season and so on. This year better but still adjusting. Some talk about him playing with veterans Jimmy and Kevin.
Aaron made a comment about difference in playing on turf versus grass. On grass you can play more soccer, on turf you play kickball.
Ended with his focus being to improve his performance on attacking set pieces. He was good at this in HS and College. But yet really for KC.
Heres the official preview. Zavagnin is questionable and Trujillo is probable. Souter is still out. Nothing on Jimmy Conrad. Of course no Roger Espinoza due to suspension. For RSL, they will be without Sturgis and Espindola. Movsisyan and Findley are probable. The weather for the game will be sunny and low 80s with winds at about 10mph.
If you read the daily news stories then you might already know that it seems that Claudio Lopez will be starting on the left midfield while Ivan Trujillo and Scott Sealy start up top. Victorine and Zavagnin (or Morsink(?) if KZ cant go) in the middle and Davy still on the right. Same back four as last week. Of course that formation doesnt necessarily mean anything. Funnily enough, this is yet another topic that could have been asked about at the news conference.
Prediction I am going to call for a 1-1 draw. I just cant really pick the Wizards to win again until they actually do.
Coach Onalfo on Eloy Colombano
During Wizards Weekly Brad Porter asked Coach Onalfo about the release of Eloy Colombano. Coach said that the release was mutual. Then went on to say he wasnt happy with Eloys production. Eloy was a player that Coach couldnt count on. Hed make one good play and nine bad ones. Basically he was inconsistent.
Coach Onalfo did wish Eloy all the best with his family and career back in Argentina. I guess he had to temper his negatives on Eloy with something positive.
Kurt Morsink
Happy Birthday to Kurt Morsink.  He turns 24 today (Friday).  Kurt is in his second season with the Wizards.  Morsink has appeared in 32 games so far with 15 starts.  He has no goals or assists so far.
When it comes to the fan community he is a very polarizing figure.  Fans range from him being a pet of Coach Onalfo and that he downright sucks on the field to him being a serviceable backup to Kerry Zavagnin.  He does seem to commit a lot of fouls, 40 in 1462 minutes, and when he takes a shot, it goes high.
I happen to think that the fans just need a whipping boy and Kurt Morsink is it.  Gotta be somebody right? I suppose so.  Hes in his second season and I think he can improve and help the team.   Anyway, Happy Birthday to you Kurt.
Kansas City Brass
The Brass are going to be very busy starting on Friday. They have three games in four days, all at home.
First up Friday night are the Des Moines Menace. The game is at 8pm at William Jewell. Brass have Saturday off then on Sunday at 5pm they take on the first place Colorado Rapids U-23 team. Finally the third game will be against Thunder Bay Chill on Monday at 8:30 pm.
This is an important stretch for the Brass. They can make a big move in the standings or they can end up watching all three teams pull away. After these three games KC will have four more in the month of July and only one will be at home.

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With an 0-4-1 skid in USL First Division play behind them, there was a definitive sense of relief on the Carolina RailHawks' sideline after Friday's 1-0 win over Portland at WakeMed Soccer Park.

"The relief is knowing we were good," said Carolina coach Scott Schweitzer, whose team remains unbeaten (3-0-3) at home. "We just need to play. Forget about everything else, just play, and have fun, enjoy it, play for each other, attack and play soccer."

In a team meeting earlier in the week, players and coaches de-emphasized the team's standing in the league table (ninth of 11 teams entering Friday's match) and focused on the things they could control, such as their play.

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This is one of those 'believe at your own risk' stories but here goes: Madrid basednewspaper AS is reporting that Real Madrid have bid 68million for Cristiano Ronaldo. Straight up cash on the table no player trade involved. Since Ferguson is still on vacation I'm not sure if this is true unless the details are being ironed out without Sir Alex's input. But then again with technology and all maybe they just sent him a text. Other reports have the figure as high as70million and that the deal will becomplete on July 7th, while other reports are still bandying about a player trade involved with the likes of Sneijder or Robinho making way, but Sneijder himselfrecently said there isn't enough money in the world to make him leave Real Madrid. So the just of all thisis, we still don't have a definate conclusion to the saga.

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The arsecast features match reviews and previews, Arsenal news, phone calls, readers questions, competitions and me talking to other Arsenal bloggers such as Goodplaya.com, Gunnerblog.com or Eastlower.co.uk as well as special guests such as Amy Lawrence from the Observer, pop stars like Wang Chung, former players such as Perry Groves, Peter Marinello, Bob Wilson, Danny Karbasiyoon and very special guests like Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood who spoke to Arseblog exclusively last season.

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When you get to the semi final of a major tournament, you need your best players available to assist you in the task in front of you. Youre facing one of the most consistent international sides of the last 50 years, a side whose reputation is forged in steel and who have reached 10 international finals in those 50 years. What you do not need is to only have 14 players, two of whom are goalkeepers, fit enough to play. Tonight this is the size of the task facing Turkey. It is no understatement to say that if Turkey win here tonight, they will have pulled off the most miraculous win in football history.
Coach Fatih Terim has worked wonders in these championships with substitutions and tactical changes that have seen his side come back from the dead in 3 successive matches but they face a very different opponent tonight. Germany thrive on international competition, the cut and thrust of world class football and they have shown once again that you write them off at your peril. After defeat to Croatia, they looked to heading for a humilating defeat to Portugal in the knock out stages, but once again they proved their class at this level.
In the Quarter Finals they tactically outclassed Portugal and made them look ordinary, beating them with a game plan focussing on finely tuned set pieces that left the Portuguese clueless in defence. Dont be fooled by the rhetoric blaming Chelsea and Real Madrid, Germany beat Portugal with a game plan and its as simple as that. Germany are unchanged from the side that started against Portugal so Podolski and Klose start up front, with Schweinsteiger keeping his place in midfield. I expect them to set off at a high tempo to try and push any aching and patched up Turkish muscles to breaking point as early as possible and then turn the screw.
Germany know that theyll never have an easier time to play Turkey than tonight, but sometimes when things become so heavily weighted toward one side, strange things can happen in football. Turkey must feel unbeatable at the moment. They know that until the very last second of any game now, they can still pull something out the bag. As soon as Semih equalised in the 120th minute against Croatia, they were through. Croatia were out on the floor, shell-shocked by the late goal and couldnt pull themselves up in the ensuing penalty shoot out. This game will require nerves of steel from the Turks and theyll be giving passion by the bucket load in this match. What is crucial is that they dont suffer anymore injuries. 4 of the players on the bench arent fit, so any Turkish players that go down can only be replaced by one of three subs. We could see third choice goalkeeper Tolga Zengin play out of position in field. What odds on him to pop up and score the winner in the last minute?
Whatever happens tonight, Turkey should be congratulated on their fighting spirit and attitude in these championships. I just hope that the lack of fit players doesnt cost them too much at this point of the competition when they need quality the most. Lets hope we have a match to fit this part of the tournament and a game to savour.

Americano new top 10 >>> news soccer

Americano new top 10 >>> news soccer

Top 10 richest football players

This year, France Magazine has compiled a top 10 soccer player rich list based on annual income, which is topped by none other than David Beckham.

The full top 10 list is set out below:
1. David Beckham 24.7m ($49.4m)
2. Ronaldinho 19.2m ($38.4m)
3. Lionel Messi 18.3m ($36.6m)
4. Cristiano Ronaldo 15.5m ($31m)
5. Thierry Henry 13.4m ($26.8)
6. John terry 11.08 ($22.16m)
7. Michael Ballack 11 ($22m)
8. Ronaldo 10.6m ($21.

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Gaby comes to Auburn from Tophat 08 Gold where she was a 2003 Georgia State Champion, a 2004 CASL Champion and a 2005 Disney Showcase Champion. A Georgia State ODP Team member, she was the leading scorer for Bill Perry's team at Marietta High School in 2005-06. She has also been voted the team's best offensive player and an honorable mention all-county as a freshman.

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Amanda Cromwell recently traveled to California for the U.S. Soccer Under-20 Training Camp in April, and she again will hit the road May 12-27 as a member of the coaching staff. Cromwell helped select 26 players from the California camp, and now rejoins the team in Clemson, S.C., for a two-week training session as the program hopes to advance to the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile.

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Borrajo started all 18 contests for Mason last season, leading a defensive unit that posted four shutouts during the season. Chaves led the team in points (8), tied for the team lead in goals (3), and finished tied for second in assists (2). He scored the game-winning goal off of a penalty kick in the 80th minute of a 2-1 Patriot victory at Richmond on Sept. 22.

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Even though it's hard knowing that the end of soccer is in sight, I can't wait to experience every moment of it. This includes winning every battle and even those moments when we are conditioning and just want it to be over. I can't wait to play for my coaches and learn even more about myself and the game. I can't wait to play on that beautiful soccer field for one more season. And finally, I can't wait to play with my team and, most importantly, my friends. These girls will push me to be my best on and off the field and I appreciate every single one of them. My teammates will be there for me and help to make my last season of soccer one of the best, most memorable seasons in my life.

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Even though it's hard knowing that the end of soccer is in sight, I can't wait to experience every moment of it. This includes winning every battle and even those moments when we are conditioning and just want it to be over. I can't wait to play for my coaches and learn even more about myself and the game. I can't wait to play on that beautiful soccer field for one more season. And finally, I can't wait to play with my team and, most importantly, my friends. These girls will push me to be my best on and off the field and I appreciate every single one of them. My teammates will be there for me and help to make my last season of soccer one of the best, most memorable seasons in my life.

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We fully embraced the event and each had snow cones and cotton candy with the kids. It was great to see all the smiles on the faces of all the kids that were there at the event. We thought that this was a great event and we are very proud to have been a part of it. As a team we feel as if giving back to the community is very important and love to be role models for the young ones in our community. Overall we had a great time and realized how much of a difference a small group of people, such as our team, can have on the community. Thank you to Armando Quintanilla for allowing us to be a part of this project! We appreciate all your hard work you put into making this event a success.

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The first game vs. Austrailia, which was delayed an hour due to heavy rain and thunderstorms concluded with three goals in the last six minutes, thrilling spectators. A goal from Natasha Kai followed by another one from Abby Wambach gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead. Not leaving without a fight, Australia scored twice in three minutes, quickly tying the game. An error from the Australian goalkeeper, Lydia Williams, set the stage for Carli Lloyd's game winning goal. The win marks the first domestic victory for head coach Pia Sundhage and improves the team's record to 11-0-1.

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will always be my home away from home. It's an amazing place that made me the man I am today. Coach Joseph and his staff have operated and maintained a Division I caliber program that vastly improved me both on and off the field. I will never forget my time as a Jacket and will be forever indebted to the University and its' people for it," concluded Souter.

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Berkeley, Calif. - Playing away from home for the first time this spring, the Pacific soccer team had a strong showing at the Cal 7v7 tournament, going 3-2 on the day. The Tigers finished first in their bracket of the tournament before eventually falling to the tournament champions, the California Storm, in the semifinals. The Storm defeated Cal in the championship game to claim the tournament.

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