FIFA World Cup 2010 Screens — Team Italia
Friday, January 29, 2010
EA’s released a set of four new screenshots today highlighting the Italian soccer team in their upcoming World Cup game, FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa. What more is there to say? They’re Italian, they wear blue, they won the last World Cup.
Check out the screenshots at the gallery .
posted @ 8:47 AM,
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Mumbai lands 2011 World Cup final
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium will stage the final of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, which is being co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Indian board has announced the eight venues for the 29 matches it is hosting - including Mohali, which will stage one of the semi-finals.
Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which has not hosted a one-day international since 2007, will stage four games. The other venues are Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Nagpur.
Sri Lanka will host 12 games, while Bangladesh will stage eight matches, as well as the opening ceremony in Dhaka on 18 February.
Original co-hosts Pakistan were stripped of their scheduled games by the International Cricket Council earlier this year because of security problems in the country.
Teams will play everyone in their group once, with the top four teams in each group qualifying for the quarter-finals - making a total of 49 games.
posted @ 4:11 PM,
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FIFA 2018 World Cup Bids
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A deal is being discussed whereby only European nations would bid to host the 2018 World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Monday.
Russia and England have applied separately to stage the 2018 and/or the 2022 World Cup while Spain and Portugal and Netherlands and Belgium have made joint bids for one or both.
Australia, Japan and United States have also bid for the 2018 and/or 2022 edition and South Korea, Indonesia and Qatar have all applied to host only the 2022 version.
Blatter said he had talked over the deal proposal with Michel Platini, president of European soccer's governing body UEFA. Reuter
"There is a movement at the moment among the various candidates that in the end it would be a good solution ... if the candidates for 2018 would only be those from Europe," said Blatter at a news conference.
"It's not been finally decided but it's the idea, also to make the work of FIFA easier and especially that of the executive committee," he added after meeting Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in Madrid.
"It would also possibly make the work of the different organisations applying for the World Cup easier."
World soccer's ruling body FIFA need bid documentation by the end of May and will study them in June and send out groups of specialists to visit candidate nations and assess their ability to stage the event successfully, Blatter said.
FIFA will announce which nations will host both tournaments in Zurich in December.
(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Tony Jimenez)
Labels: FIFA 2018
posted @ 2:24 PM,
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FIFA World Magazine
All eyes are on Africa this month, as the December issue of FIFA World previews Cape Town’s staging of the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and assesses the chances of the African teams participating when our flagship competition makes its debut appearance on African soil next year.
While looking ahead to the Final Draw, we also take the chance to look back at some memorable draws of the past, and also consider some of the potential FIFA World Cup match-ups that have yet to take place.
For those not lucky enough to be travelling to South Africa next year, our news section contains information on how the South Africa experience may instead be coming to you – as the FIFA Fan Fests prepare to go global.
Our features section this month also continues the African theme, starting with an appraisal of the six African teams taking part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as judged by a host of African football experts. At a time when African players and teams are making such great strides, we also ask why the continent’s coaches still seem to be widely overlooked. As always in FIFA World, we also consider football’s impact off the pitch, this month by examining the footballing and social legacy the tournament aims to leave behind and by reviewing the inspirational role football played in the lives of the Robben Island prisoners during the dark days of apartheid in South Africa.
The last remaining highlights of the FIFA year are of course not forgotten, either, as we round off the magazine with a look ahead to December’s FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA World Player Gala.
By clicking on the links below you can read an online version of the magazine or download it. You will also find links and documents on the right-hand side providing further information on the stories featured in the magazine, an archive section below allowing you to access back issues of the magazine, along with details on how to subscribe to the magazine’s printed version.
As always, we are keen to hear what you think about the magazine, so please send us your comments via the feedback link.
We hope you enjoy reading FIFA World and wish you a successful month. {#]
Labels: FIFA Publications
posted @ 12:49 PM,
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World Cup
Monday, January 25, 2010
World Cup is a type of sporting competition.
World Cup commonly refers to:
* FIFA World Cup (men's football)
* Cricket World Cup
* Rugby World Cup (rugby union)
World Cup can also refer to:
* Alpine Skiing World Cup
* AMF World Cup (ten-pin bowling)
* Artistic Gymnastics World Cup
* Australian Football International Cup
* Baseball World Cup
* Biathlon World Cup
* Bobsleigh World Cup
* Boxing World Cup
* Davis Cup (tennis)
* Dubai World Cup (horse racing)
* Fed Cup (women's tennis)
* FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup
* FIFA Club World Cup (men's football)
* FIFA Futsal World Cup (indoor football)
* FIFA Women's World Cup (women's football)
* FIFA Women's Club World Cup (women's football)
* FINA Diving World Cup
* FINA Swimming World Cup
* FINA Water Polo World Cup
* FIS Cross-Country World Cup
* FIS Nordic Combined World Cup
* FIS Ski Jumping World Cup
* FIS Snowboard World Cup
* Hockey World Cup
* IAAF World Cup in Athletics
* ICC World Twenty20 (cricket)
* IFAF World Cup (American football)
* Indoor Cricket World Cup
* ISSF World Cup (shooting)
* ITU Triathlon World Cup
* Luge World Cup
* Orienteering World Cup
* Paralympic World Cup (multiple sports)
* PBR World Cup (bull riding)
* Rowing World Cup
* Rugby League World Cup
* Rugby World Cup Sevens
* Short Track Speed Skating World Cup
* Show Jumping World Cup (equestrian)
* Skeleton World Cup (toboggan)
* Speed Skating World Cup
* Speedway World Cup (motorcycle)
* Touch Football World Cup
* UCI World Cup (various cycling world cups)
* VIVA World Cup (non-FIFA nations football)
* Volleyball World Cup
* Women's Baseball World Cup
* Women's Cricket World Cup
* Women's Rugby League World Cup
* Women's Rugby World Cup
* Women's Hockey World Cup
* Women's World Cup of Golf
* World Cup (men's golf)
* World Cup in Ski Orienteering
* World Cup of Hockey (ice hockey)
* World Cup of Pool
* World Cup of Softball
* World Team Cup (tennis)
* World X Cup (professional wrestling)
Labels: World Cup
posted @ 11:04 AM,
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Matthaus joins the party in India
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The second leg of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola kicked off today in Calcutta, which lived up to its nickname in India as 'the City of Joy'.
The star attraction, aside from the Trophy itself, was Germany legend and FIFA World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus, who led the unveiling at the Trophy’s first-ever visit to India. Matthaus said: “It is a great pleasure to travel to India with the FIFA World Cup Trophy and I would like to share my personal experience with young footballers and to motivate them to play football.”
Among the hopefuls who may well be inspired by Matthaus were 16 of India’s most promising young footballers who, having attended the Trophy’s unveiling, will now join up with the Coca-Cola International Football Camp in South Africa during the FIFA World Cup later this year.
Atul Signh, President and CEO of Coca-Cola India, said that Calcutta was the perfect choice for the event. “Calcutta is chosen to be the first stop in Asia because it is a football crazy city,” he said. “Coca-Cola is proud to share the passion that fans have with football around the world.”
Kanti Ganguly, the West Bengal Government’s Minister of Sports, also revealed that the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will enable 80,000 local people to see the Trophy and gain a great knowledge and appreciation of football. Furthermore, media coverage should bring news and footage of the visit to millions.
The Trophy’s three-day Indian sojourn is also to be marked by a mass fan celebration and experience in Calcutta’s Salt Lake Stadium, including a 3D film showcasing experience, souvenir photo-taking with the Trophy, interactive displays and other entertainment .
The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will travel 83 countries in 225 days, covering 138,902 kilometers, before concluding in South Africa ahead of the eagerly-anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup.
posted @ 12:43 PM,
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Learn to Excel
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sports are the best and healthiest human activities around the world. Many play them and most of us watch them and enjoy but everyone loves to talk about all time favorite baseball. Young people are interested in learning baseball fundamentals and improving their skills and drills . Best thing is that parents also encourage their children to engage in healthy activities and excel through baseball coaching .
Thanks to Zoned is a Baseball and Softball Academy in Bridgewater that they offer training in various sports and help people of all ages to improve their skills at their state of the art indoor facility under the coaching and direct supervision of their staff who are former professional and collegiate players. Zoned’s claim to fame are their baseball camps . Explore the neatly laid out and users friendly site and wee what they are offering and how they can help you improve your baseball drills . Better still see their class schedule and event calander and join them.
Labels: Baseball, Sports, Training
posted @ 9:29 AM,
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African Elite Set to do Battle
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Every two years, the CAF African Cup of Nations sheds a vibrant light on the passions roused by the beautiful game in Africa. Tucked in at the start of the calendar year, the upcoming edition in Angola could almost be mistaken for a late Christmas present, with former winners Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and Tunisia all eager to boost their trophy tally when the actions gets underway between 10 and 31 January.
Adding spice to the mix, the first ever FIFA World Cup™ to be held on African soil now lies just five months away, all of which should make for a special atmosphere around the host cities of Luanda, Cabinda, Benguela and Lubango.
FIFA.com now takes a closer look at the five South Africa 2010 contenders gearing up to vie for honours in Angola, a list of sides that excludes Bafana Bafana themselves after they failed to seal their place. From favourites to outsiders, all will be hoping to make an early statement.
Tipped for glory
Cameroon: The highest placed African team in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, the Indomitable Lions nonetheless struggled before finally sealing their passage to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, having lived through a difficult spell after losing the 2008 African Cup of Nations final 1-0 to Egypt. They took just one point from their first two outings in the last round of qualifiers and opted for a change of coach, replacing Otto Pfister with Paul Le Guen and earning reward for that decision when the former Lyon trainer helped them end their campaign with a run of four impressive wins.
With Samuel Eto’o at the summit of his art and captain of a side boasting gifted and combative youngsters like Alexandre Song and Stephane Mbia, the Lions can certainly afford to be optimistic. “You can’t say that the African Cup of Nations is a warm-up for the World Cup,” explained Le Guen recently. “It’s a competition you need to go into with a lot of ambition. We want to do well, go as far as possible and why not come out winners?”
Ghana: Since marking their first ever FIFA World Cup finals appearance with some eye-catching displays in Germany four years ago, when they ultimately fell to Brazil in the Round of 16, the Black Stars have continued their upward trajectory. Hosts of the African Cup of Nations under Claude Le Roy in 2008, they came in third – their best finish since losing the 1992 final – and the appointment of coach Milovan Rajevac in the wake of that tournament further fuelled their progress.
Led by European-based talents such as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Richard Kingson, Ghana were unstoppable in qualifying and were one of the first teams to stamp their ticket. That was shortly followed by a global title for their U-20 squad, which will be well-represented in Angola with adidas Golden Ball and adidas Golden Shoe winner Dominic Adiyiah joined by seven of his team-mates from Egypt, including Daniel Agyei, Samuel Inkoom, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Andre Ayew.
Eager to impress
Algeria: Until a few months ago, the once-regal Fennecs (Desert Foxes) still seemed to be hibernating. Absent from the two previous editions of the African Cup of Nations, they had only memories of their heyday in the 1980s to give them hope, but that all changed with their almost perfect route through qualifying for South Africa 2010, which culminated in a dramatic duel with Egypt, continental champions twice in a row.
“It won’t be easy because all of the qualified teams are excellent,” explained coach Rabah Saadane. “We want to go as far as we can in this competition, which will be a crucial preparation for the World Cup.” Once their bid in Angola begins, the likes of Madjid Bougherra, Nadir Belhadj, Karim Matmour and Abdelkader Ghezzal will set out to show why they have been making such a name for themselves of late.
Côte d'Ivoire: A quick glimpse at the list of players available to coach Vahid Halilhodzic makes it obvious why the Elephants are considered among the true heavyweights of African football. Emmanuel Eboue, Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba: all ply their trade at powerhouse European clubs. Getting those illustrious individuals to function as a team is a different matter altogether, however, as the 2008 African Cup of Nations highlighted all too clearly.
Tipped to go all the way and impressive on their route to the semi-finals – winning their first four games, scoring 13 goals and conceding just one – Gerard Gili’s men then suffered a heavy 4-1 reverse at the hands of Egypt and were promptly beaten 4-2 by Ghana in the match for third place. Their supporters unsurprisingly expect better this time out and the players themselves are motivated to deliver. “We’ll fight with honour and dignity to win,” said Drogba.
Desperate for encouragement
Nigeria: The third highest African team in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking and the only side from the continent along with Cameroon to have reached four of the last five FIFA World Cup finals, Nigeria have nonetheless lost much of their lustre in recent years. The likes of Rasheed Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Jay-Jay Okocha and Sunday Oliseh have given way to Onyekachi Apam, Taye Taiwo, John Obi Mikel and Obafemi Martins, a skilled crop of players who have yet to find any sort of consistency.
There is a lack of competition for places too, best illustrated by the continued importance of 33-year-old Nwankwo Kanu to coach Shaibu Amodu’s plans, and the Super Eagles needed to dig deep to attain their place at South Africa 2010, having missed out on Germany 2006 and finished uninspiring quarter-finalists at the 2008 African Cup of Nations. Angola therefore represents a perfect chance to silence the critics, with the under-pressure Amodu daring look no further ahead than the continental showcase, which Nigeria have not won since 1994. “My principal concern is the African Cup,” he said. “Only after that will I think about the World Cup.” {#}
posted @ 7:32 PM,
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Scotland want return of England international
Friday, January 15, 2010
Gordon Smith has insisted the Scottish Football Association remain fully committed to the first Scotland v England international for more than a decade.
Scotland Secretary Jim Murphy told MPs this afternoon he had spoken to the SFA about the return of the fixture, adding: "Bring it on''.
At Commons question time, Murphy also pointed to the imminent return of the Home Internationals, with the Republic of Ireland replacing England.
Murphy claimed the SFA withdrew from an agreement for Scotland to play England in a friendly two years ago.
SFA chief executive Smith, who has long championed the return of the fixture, said: "There has long been a debate on the viability of restoring the historic Auld Enemy fixture against England but many circumstances have prohibited this, not least available dates on an already congested domestic and international fixture schedule.
"It is my wish that the game can be revived in some form in the near future and, indeed, we came close to reaching agreement with the Football Association in England to organise a friendly match two years ago.
"Nothing has changed in that regard since then but we are, as always, willing to engage in open dialogue with our English counterparts.
"The Scottish FA has always been receptive to new ideas, culminating in the conception of the Four Nations tournament - incorporating Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - which is scheduled to commence next year.''
The annual football tournament between the UK's national teams lasted for a century until 1984.
Responding to a suggestion from independent MP Andrew Pelling (Croydon Central) that the promotion of Scottish culture throughout the UK could be encouraged by having the Old Firm play in the English leagues, Murphy said: "What I do think would enhance cross-border cultural exchange would be a return of the Scotland versus England friendly football matches.
"The Home Internationals will return shortly I think, with Ireland replacing England, but I think there's now a commitment for a return of the Scotland v England football matches.
"I've spoken to the SFA about it; there was an agreement to have it in 2008 but Scotland withdrew from that. I think it would be a remarkable sporting event and a highlight of the football calendar so bring it on.''
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I like Scotland-England games like anyone else. If there are friendly games with England - if the SFA organises these - I'll be delighted to see them.
"But remember what Jock Stein always said. He said, 'Look, one of the problems with Scotland is we're too focused each year on beating England and not focused enough on establishing our place across the world'.
"Some generations of Scots were quite happy if we beat England - it didn't matter about all the other things. Well, the other things really matter: the European Championships, the World Cups are what we want to qualify for.
"We want to be taking on England, not just in friendlies; we want to be taking on England in the later stages of these competitions. That should be our target, not absorbed with the be-all and end-all of a match against England.''
Any attempt to revive regular friendlies would not fit in with the FA's current strategy, but they are keen on occasional one-off meetings.
An FA spokesman said: "We are aware of the significance of an England-Scotland fixture and the high level of interest it would generate. We tried to arrange one in 2008 but unfortunately it could not take place.
"Our focus around the England team at this time is building towards this summer's World Cup.''
The two teams last met in 1999 at Wembley in a play-off for a place at Euro 2000. England won the tie 2-1 on aggregate.
Former Scotland midfielder Paul McStay, who played in more than one match against England in the 1980s before the annual fixture was scrapped, was sceptical about the game being brought back on anything other than a one-off basis.
McStay, who also gave his full backing to new national team boss Craig Levein, said: "Great occasions but I'm not sure where they'd fit it in. I think the fans would love it, the players would enjoy it.
"Against that is the reality of having to fit it into a very, very tight schedule." {#}
posted @ 10:58 AM,
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FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour
To date, nearly 200,000 fans across the African continent have attended the Trophy Tour events and been given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their photo taken with the authentic FIFA World Cup™ Trophy. Joining the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour celebrations, 37 heads of state have greeted the Trophy’s arrival in their country, including Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba, President of Namibia, John Agyekum Kurfour, President of Ghana and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia.
Somali hip-hop artist K’NAAN will be performing his hit ‘Wavin Flag – Coca-Cola Celebration Mix’ at select FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour events giving fans an exclusive live preview of the song which is the anthem of Coca-Cola’s 2010 FIFA World Cup™ program. The African-inspired track will be widely used as the music element throughout Coca-Cola’s FIFA World Cup™ marketing campaign.
The tour, which began its journey from the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, September 21, 2009, will visit 83 countries travelling in total 138,902 kilometers (86,304 miles) or more than three times the circumference of Earth. The Trophy Tour was developed through an exclusive partnership between FIFA and Coca-Cola, a FIFA Partner and one of the organization’s longest-standing corporate partners.
“The response to the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola in Africa has been incredible, we have been greeted by thousands of passionate fans who have welcomed us to their countries and expressed their excitement and celebrations at our events,” said Emmanuel Seuge, group director, worldwide sports and entertainment marketing, The Coca-Cola Company.
During the Trophy Tour, fans are given the chance to enjoy a rare close-up view of the authentic FIFA World Cup™ Trophy. Free tickets to the 2009/10 Trophy Tour are available to consumers via Coca-Cola promotions in countries on the route. At events in each city, fans will have the opportunity to have a souvenir photo taken of themselves with the trophy, view a special 3-D movie showcasing memorable moments of the FIFA World Cup™, participate in interactive displays and enjoy other entertainment.
“Teaming up with Coca-Cola has allowed us to embark on the most ambitious tour of the FIFA World Cup™ to date and we have been delighted by the number of people who have greeted its arrival and displayed their rich culture and passionate support,” said Jérôme Valcke, FIFA Secretary General. “We look forward to taking the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy to even more fans in 2010.”
Football fans wanting to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola can follow each stage of its epic journey in 2010 by downloading The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour widget. Feeding the latest news and images from the global tour the widget is available to download on the official FIFA website www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/trophytour.
The 2009/10 FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour draws on the huge success of the first global Trophy Tour held in 2006. In 2006, the tour visited 31 cities in 29 countries, covering 102,570 kilometers (63,734 miles) with millions of fans around the world enjoying the chance to have a closer look at football’s most famous prize.
The authentic, FIFA World Cup™ is awarded to the winning nation at each tournament. The iconic trophy measures 36.8 centimetres (14.5 inches) high, weighs in at 6,175 grams (13.61 pounds) and is made of solid, 18-carat gold. The winners retain it until the next tournament and are awarded a replica that is gold-plated, rather than solid gold. The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite, while the bottom side of the Trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since 1974.
The Coca-Cola Company has had a formal association with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) since 1974 and an official sponsorship of FIFA World Cup™ that began in 1978. Coca-Cola has had stadium advertising at every FIFA World Cup™ since 1950 and is a long-time supporter of football at all levels, from grassroots to the FIFA World Cup™.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
Labels: Trophy
posted @ 10:56 AM,
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Fifa to factor in SA fans
The complicated online ticketing system has been blamed for poor ticket sales for Bafana Bafana's matches and those of other African teams.
New Safa chief executive Leslie Sedibe has said that the ticketing process would be discussed with Fifa at a meeting scheduled for later this month.
"One thing we need to do is identify a simpler way of ensuring they [South African fans] have access to the tickets. We are meeting Fifa before the end of this month, where the issue of tickets will also be discussed," Sedibe said.
Sedibe said he was disappointed that most World Cup tickets bought in the country were for teams like England, Germany, Italy, and Argentina.
This after Local Organising Committee chief executive Danny Jordaan announced this week that tickets for Bafana's matches were not even in the top 10 rankings. If the trend continues, the country would be the first host nation in the 80-year history of the Fifa World Cup not to top the ticket sales list.
As with the Confederations Cup event last June, pressure is mounting on the organising committee to persuade Fifa to allow over-the-counter ticket sales, which suits South African fans who are used to that ticketing process.
While Fifa will open over-the-counter sales to fans by April 15 at official ticketing centres in each of the host cities, it might be too late.
Chairman of the Fifa ticketing sub-committee Horst Schmidt said: "It seems that in South Africa this method [over-the-counter] has a higher importance than it did four years ago [in Germany]."
He did not, however, say that the over-the-counter sales would begin sooner.
Joe Mcgluwa, the Independent Democrats spokesman for sport, said: "It's as simple as bringing services to the people. Surely we have reached desperate times? Fifa needs to take into consideration that the majority of this country's population cannot access the same mediums as used in previous World Cups."
He added: "The organisers really need to be more tolerant and understand that this is the first time in the continent that such a massive event is being staged, so as a developing nation all possible resources will need to be used to carry out a successful World Cup."
Schmidt said, however: "The South African market requires us to take into account that a lot of people do not have access to the Internet or have credit cards, so Fifa added the opportunity to apply for tickets through FNB branches where tickets can be bought with various payments including cash."
He added: "It is true that at previous events the host nation's team tickets were usually the most popular within that particular host city, but we do hope that in the next few days South Africans make their applications to support the hosts."
Germany's Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said that country's football federation has sold only about 1000 of the 21,000 tickets for the three group games against Australia, Ghana and Serbia.
The English and Dutch associations, which traditionally have large followings, have also not managed to sell their ticket allocation.
The Dutch, who have sold between 2000 and 3000 tickets per group match but had reckoned up to 10,000 would be sold, have now asked Fifa to extend the deadline.
Fifa's media officer, Delia Fischer, said that right now there was "no chance" of an extension for national football associations to sell tickets. She did reveal that meetings were scheduled to discuss the matter further.
posted @ 10:54 AM,
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Superbowl XLIV
Let me start this article with a question to sports fans? What you will be doing on February 7, 2010 when Superbowl XLIV comes to Miami, FL once again? My assumptions are, given choice you will be there. Interested users are already looking for more information on different places on the Internet including Sportsbook reviews.
The Super Bowl, just the name is enough to lift the spirits of sports fans. There are only a few sport events that can truly be described as an unforgettable experience and the Super Bowl is certainly at the top of that short list. The Superbowl XLIV is set to kick off for 6:28 pm EST. Fans may already remember that this is the 10th time that Miami has hosted the Super Bowl.
On February 7, 2010, over 75,000 people will convene in Miami for Super Bowl XLIV in Dolphin Stadium. Those who are not lucky enough to be at the stadium will also be able to watch in digital format on CBS and listen to the commentary on Westwood One Radio Sports (in English) or Univision Radio (in Spanish).
This is just about the time when you start planning to attend one of the biggest sports even on earth? Pack your bags and make arrangements to avoid any last minute disappointments.
Labels: Superbowl XLIV
posted @ 10:46 AM,
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FIFA 10' Kicks Excitement Up a Notch
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Soccer's not one of my favorite sports. Actually, it's not even in the top five after basketball, football, baseball, badminton and bowling. Soccer's probably like seventh or eighth, depending on where I'm placing horseshoes.
That's how I know Electronic Arts' "FIFA 10" is one heck of a futbol game.
It sucked me in more than "Madden." Its gameplay is the equal of the seminal "NHL '10," and only a few matches in I was screaming "Gooooal" louder than the overly excitable announcers on Telemundo.
I also realized I have a lot to learn about professional soccer. The extent of my knowledge was that Landon Donovan and David Beckham play for the L.A. Galaxy in Major League Soccer — and that there's a team actually named "The Red Bulls."
So, FIFA's glut of leagues from across the world came as a shock. Not that they exist, but that all of them are in the game. I started to get just as excited over a Manchester United vs. Manchester City Premier League match as I would over any NFL showdown.
Told you this game was good.
The manager mode is great, and recalls the glory days of "Madden's" owner modes. The entire team is at your fingertips, and your bosses judge you harshly and may fire you if goals aren't accomplished. It's up to you to put a winning squad on the pitch and keep everybody happy.
The controls are also spot-on this year. By pulling the left trigger and using the right stick, a Pele-like assortment of moves are literally at your fingertips. Using the right moves at the right time with the right player to score a goal gives a sense of satisfaction few games match.
The graphics and overall presentation are what keep the game from being a classic. In some ways I understand why they're lackluster. There are so many players, so many stadiums, it's not like everything can have Sistine Chapel-like detail. The pitch is a big place, so the camera has to be zoomed out so you can see everyone. I get that. Still, when I lined up for a corner kick, the immersion factor drops a notch because of the bland players and surroundings.
Another gripe I have again seems to be unavoidable given the nature of the sport, but it's an issue nonetheless. "FIFA 10" automatically switches you to the closest defender to the ball. Oftentimes you'll be taking a great angle for a tackle only to have the game switch to another player at the last second.
However, it wouldn't surprise me if EA spruced up the atmosphere and fixed the minor control quirks for next year. Until then, "FIFA 10" is the best soccer game out there. {#}
posted @ 9:56 AM,
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Top 10 Soccer Personalities to Watch in 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor
At the dawn of a new year, once again it's time to ask questions of 10 personalities (and even an inanimate object) to watch in 2010.
So, here they are, locally and nationally:
1. Landon Donovan
Can he continue his quality of play and duplicate his superior performance at the FIFA Confederations Cup at this summer's World Cup? If he does, then the U.S. has a chance of reaching the second round. After that? Who knows?
2. Erik Soler
Can he put together the right formula for success -- on and off the field for the Red Bulls -- and find the right people to run things in the organization? If he does, he will perform something that hasn't been done in at least five years, when the team was called the MetroStars.
3. Red Bulls coach
Can the right coach be found to resurrect a team that finished at a pitiful 5-19-6 last season? If the right man is discovered, this could be a fun season in Harrison, N.J.
4. Bob Bradley
Can Bradley make sure the U.S. team did not peak at the Confederations Cup and play well for several weeks in South Africa and reach the second round or even quarterfinals? If he does, sign him up for a second term.
5. Oguchi Onyweu
Can this U.S. international central defender return from his knee injury and get match fit in time for South Africa? Forward Charlie Davies, who suffered multiple injuries from a car accident in which he was a passenger, is a long shot to return. For the U.S. one out of two will do.
6. Juan Pablo Angel
Can Angel, who turns 35 this season, continue his goal-scoring prowess (45 goals in 72 games in his first three MLS seasons) and help the Red Bulls out of their hole? If he can, it will be a fun season in Harrison, N.J.
7. Tim Howard
Can the former MetroStars goalkeeper, voted the top keeper at the Confederations Cup, play near perfect soccer to help the U.S. out of the opening round of the World Cup? If he can, the U.S. could make the second round. After that? Who knows?
8. Mystery Red Bulls midfielder
Can the Red Bulls find a midfielder who can run the show and get the ball to Angel and the forwards on a regular basis? If he can, sign him up to a multi-year contract.
9. Christie Rampone
Can the former interim coach who guided Sky Blue FC to the Women's Professional Soccer title, help the team play more consistently as a defender after she returns from maternity leave in June? If she can, Sky Blue could go far in the playoffs again.
10. Red Bull Arena
OK, not a true personality, but it will be the centerpiece of the Red Bulls' revival attempt this season? Can the new, 25,000-seat stadium help revive the Red Bulls' fortunes and be sold out from March 27 throughout the MLS playoffs? If that happens, it should be a fun season in Harrison, N.J.
Labels: FIFA
posted @ 9:56 AM,
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The arc bobs against a god.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The arc bobs against a god.
posted @ 4:13 PM,
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Disclosure Policy
This blog is a collaborative blog written by a group of individuals. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.
This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.
posted @ 4:10 PM,
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History of the Cricket World Cup
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The first cricket Test match was played in 1877 between Australia and England. Cricket was contested at the 1900 Summer Olympics where Great Britain defeated France by 158 runs. However, the International Olympic Committee cancelled cricket as an Olympic sport afterwards.
The first attempt at arranging an international cricket competition was the 1912 Triangular Tournament. It was a Test cricket tournament played in England between all three Test playing nations at the time; England, Australia and South Africa. Due to poor weather and a lack of public interest, the experiment was not repeated. From then on, international test cricket teams only generally engaged in bilateral series as opposed to tournaments or leagues involving more than two nations.
In the early 1960s, English county cricket teams began playing a shortened version of cricket, which only lasted for one day. Starting in 1962 as a 4-team knockout competition known as the Midlands Knock-Out Cup, and the Gillette Cup in 1963, one-day cricket grew in popularity and in 1969 a national league called the Sunday League was created. The first One Day International came about from a rain-aborted Test match at Melbourne between England and Australia in 1971 and was played on the final scheduled day. The forty over match (eight balls per over) was used to fill the time as compensation for the frustrated crowd.
The success and popularity of the domestic one-day competitions in England and other parts of the world as well as the early One-day Internationals prompted the International Cricket Council to consider organising a Cricket World Cup.
posted @ 12:00 PM,
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Big Year for Soccer
It is a big year for soccer both worldwide and locally – the FIFA World Cup in South Africa this June, and the NCAA College Cup at UCSB in December – and 2010 is starting out with an international match at Harder Stadium.
The Under-23 teams of Mexico and Denmark will clash at the UCSB pitch on Sunday, January 17, at 2 p.m. According to the match promoter Rudy Ybarra, both countries may tap their U-23 rosters to fill out the squads that will compete in the World Cup.
Tickets for the game are $20. They are available at local merchants Aggressive Soccer, Xtreme Soccer, Guadalajara Market and Taqueria Rincon Alteño. Tickets can also be purchased online at sbsoccerent.com.
HAYDEN HONORED: UCSB goalkeeper Sam Hayden has been named the LA Soccer News Men’s College Player of the Year. He also is among the finalists for the Soccer News Network National Player of the Year.
Hayden, junior transfer from Arizona’s Yavapai College, recorded a 17-5-2 record in his first season with the Gauchos. He recorded a school and Big West record 16 shutouts in the goal for UCSB and his goals against average of 0.74 ranks 23rd nationally and third all-time in the Gaucho record books.
PONTIUS PROMOTED: Former UCSB soccer star Chris Pontius was named to the U.S. National Team’s 30-man training camp roster by head coach Bob Bradley. The camp is underway this week at USA. Soccer’s National Training Center at The Home Depot Center in Carson.
The 30 players will prepare for the USA’s first match of 2010, a friendly against fellow World Cup finalists Honduras on January 23 at The Home Depot Center. The match will broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision beginning at 6 p.m.
Pontius, UCSB’s top goal scorer in 2008, completed his first season with D.C. United of Major League Soccer as a Rookie of the Year finalist. The national training camp includes primarily players on domestic clubs in their off-season.
Labels: FIFA
posted @ 8:55 AM,
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The Pakistan Cricket Board
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is responsible for all major cricket including Test cricket played in Pakistan. It controls and organizes all tours and matches undertaken by the Pakistan national cricket team.
Following the establishment of Pakistan as an independent state in 1947, major cricket commenced the same year as the local infrastructure had already been established when the country was part of India. Even so, it was not until 1948 that a Board of Control was formally instituted and matches were arranged informally until then. Pakistan was admitted to the International Cricket Council in July 1952 and has always been a full member, playing Test cricket. The team's first Test series took place in India between October and December 1952.
Labels: PCB
posted @ 10:11 AM,
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FIFA Fans in South Africa
Monday, January 4, 2010
Every South African is being asked what they are going to do to welcome the world to South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, according to the Daily News newspaper in the coastal city of Durban.
Danny Jordaan, the chief executive of FIFA's local organizing committee in South Africa, told the newspaper that for five years the country had worked hard to prepare for the World Cup.
Five of the 10 football stadiums for the tournament had been built from scratch and plans for the support infrastructure were on track.
"What is needed is greater public enthusiasm... the challenge now is to mobilise the nation," he said.
The country needed South Africans in their workplaces and their communities "to stand up and decide what they are doing to welcome the world ... every South African must ask: 'What am I doing to be a good host?' "
More than 15 000 volunteers from 52 countries would soon be selected and begin training to help the country deliver the games and host the multitudes of visitors, he said.
From now on people must "play their part" in ensuring that we "come together as one nation to deliver the best Fifa World Cup ever".
The successful hosting of the event was the responsibility of all South Africans.
"This is the year when as a nation we will open our doors, hearts and sporting spirits to the world. This is our time. This is our year."
Jordaan's spokesman, Rich Mkhondo, said: "There are many ways that people can help. Are they learning Spanish and French so that they can greet visitors? What about volunteering to be a marshal at a public viewing area?" .
Deputy mayor of Durban Logie Naidoo said that since the final draw at the beginning of December "you can already feel the excitement and vibe".
He was heartened by the fact that he had already seen multi-racial audiences at the Durban's massive Moses Mabhida Stadium.
"This is an indication that we are uniting as a nation around soccer and preparing for 2010."
Durban would be launching a publicity campaign to promote the event and the city, and South African Tourism would be holding a celebration at the 100-days-to-go mark (in March) "to get the whole country involved".
More than three million people will attend the 64 matches in the tournament, of whom 450 000 will be from overseas.
More than 300 broadcasters and 18 000 journalists will cover the games, which will be watched by a cumulative audience of 26 billion around the world. {#}
Labels: Fans, FIFA, South Africa
posted @ 8:40 AM,
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ICC Champions Trophy 2009
Sunday, January 3, 2010
ICC President David Morgan today termed the ICC Champions Trophy 2009 that has just concluded in Johannesburg as "a huge success" and has praised the efforts of the large number of people who made it possible.
Mr Morgan said he was pleased that the short and sharp event had been appreciated by the players, spectators and other observers.
"I'm delighted with the quality of the tournament and the level of cricket that has been played throughout this competition. It has been a huge success," said Mr Morgan.
"The cricket was enthralling and the feedback on the event from the players and followers of the game has been overwhelmingly positive. I believe the cricketing world thoroughly enjoyed this re-branded competition as I did.
"I think it's fair to say that, we have been royally treated over the past 14 days in Johannesburg and Pretoria which provided five-star facilities for the players and spectators at The Wanderers and Centurion. The players brought this tournament alive with their passion, commitment and will to win," Mr Morgan said.
"The level of organisation and the praise the event has received from the all the top cricketers speaks volumes of the success of the event. I think most experts of the game and the opinion-makers are now convinced the ICC Champions Trophy definitely has a place in the cricket calendar.
"It also gives me immense pleasure to say the quality of cricket we have seen in the last 14 days proves that 50-over format can comfortably co-exist with the traditional five-day Test and the short 20-over formats.
"In that light I would like to congratulate Ricky Ponting's side for successfully defending the title. Congratulations are also due to New Zealand which played excellent cricket and despite missing top players due to injuries produced excellent performances to reach the final.
"The spirit in which the games were played was magnificent with no instances of players overstepping the mark of what is deemed acceptable behaviour in our great game. England captain Andrew Strauss recalling Angelo Mathews and New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori withdrawing the run-out appeal against Paul Collingwood reflect the spirit in which the matches were played.
"Cricket South Africa has been a great partner for the ICC in putting on this event in a short time. From the very start of this process it was clear that we were dealing with a committed group of people - led by our excellent tournament director Don McIntosh - who were determined to put on the best possible event and they were clearly successful.
"I would also like to thank all our global, official and local commercial partners, including ICC's broadcast partners ESPN STAR Sports for their continued patronage and support. Without their support, the ICC cannot put up these great events and I look forward to their similar cooperation in future events.
"I also want to thank the dedicated staff and executive team at the ICC who have been working hard on this event for a long time. It is also important to recognize the positive contribution of our match officials whose excellent performances helped to make the event the success it was.
"The successful staging of the last three events - ICC World Twenty20 2007, ICC World Twenty20 and ICC Champions Trophy 2009 - has also proved that the ICC has learnt from previous programming experiences.
"Now with the ICC Champions Trophy 2009 over, the quest for putting up another world class event - the ICC World Twenty20 2010 in the West Indies - begins and I have no doubt that it will be another memorable event for the spectators and the players alike.
posted @ 11:08 AM,
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South African Prepration for FIFA World Cup
Saturday, January 2, 2010
South African authorities say they are ready to deal with the threat of a terror attack during the 2010 World Cup next summer.
Reassurances were made after aviation security at major airports and on airlines around the world was stepped up following the foiled Christmas Day bomb attack on a U.S. airliner. Some 450,000 football fans are expected to visit South Africa for the June 11 to July 11 tournament.
While South Africa is not a major terrorist target, national police spokesman Vish Naidoo said that "in view of the 31 other countries participating in the games there is the potential for the threat of a terror attack".
"To counter this we have launched proactive and reactive plans which include the intervention and the assistance of Interpol in the creation of databases of dangerous and disruptive persons,” he told the Pretoria News.
"These databases will include all persons involved in all forms of organised crime, ranging from terrorism to gun smuggling and hooliganism. No one whose name is on the database will be allowed into the country."
Naidoo also said many terrorist-simulation exercises had been conducted for various scenarios, including chemical, biological and radioactive attacks.
More than 50,000 security personnel are to be deployed during the World Cup, he added. The South African government is also in entering into agreements with participating countries, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to boost security planning.
He said security preparations started when the country was awarded the World Cup in 2004, insisting “if anyone asks us to host the competition tomorrow, from a security perspective, we are more than ready”.
Danny Jordaan, CEO of the World Cup organizers, has spent the past year offering reassurances over security and safety for players, officials and football fans at the first ever African World Cup.
He has emphasised time and again the country’s experience in hosting world-class sporting events including the rugby and cricket World Cups, which passed without major security incidents.
Naidoo said South Africa always planned “for any eventuality and don't need a wake-up call”.
Experts from South Africa’s Institute for Security Studies say terror attacks on the country could be mounted by local or internationally linked groups. Recently there have been rumours of the potential presence of Al Shabaab, a Somali youth militia group with supposed links in South Africa.
University of Pretoria criminologist Christiaan Bezuidenhout told the newspaper that the FBI had alerted South African authorities to the presence of people in the country who might be associated with terrorist cells. "The threats facing South Africa, which are very probable, are by both visible enemies using bombs and guns and by unseen attackers using cyber terrorism,” he said.
Written by Mark Bisson (mark@worldfootballinsider.com)
Labels: South Africa
posted @ 7:22 PM,
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