Ryan Giggs – A True United Legend

What is there to say about Giggs but he’s simply the greatest premiership player of all time, having been discovered playing for his local side Deans FC he signed up to Manchester Citys school of Excellence. While playing for Deans he was watched regularly by local newsagent and Old Trafford steward Harold Wood who personally spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson about this young lad who duely sent a scout to have a look, the scout was impressed enough to offer Giggs a trail, The following November on Ryan’s 14th Birthday he signed schoolboy forms.

Giggs made his league debut in the 1991/92 season against Everton in March, the following season (also the first Premier League season) Giggs was firmly established as United’s first choice Left winger. He was afforded many opportunities which were not normally offered to footballers at his young age, such as hosting his own television show, Ryan Giggs’ Soccer Skills, which aired in 1994. A book based on the series was also released. Giggs was part of the league’s attempt to market itself globally, re-forging its image after the hooliganism-blighted years of the 1980’s and was featured in countless football and lad mags covers, becoming a household name. Despite his aversion to attention, Giggs had also become a teenage pin-up at the time and was once described as the “Premiership’s First Poster Boy”, and the “boy wonder”- where he was arguably the original footballer who catapaulted the term into the public lexicon. He was hailed as the first football star to capture the public imagination in such a popular way, unseen since the days of George Best, and the irony was that Best and Bobby Charlton used to describe Giggs as their favourite young player, specially turning up at The Cliff training ground to watch him, where Best once quipped, “One day they might even say that I was another Ryan Giggs.”

With his career coming to an end and age catching up on Giggs, he again started to shine in a new role within United, starring in central midfield, putting in some dazzling performances, defying people who were saying he should think of hanging up the boots. And there’s no saying Giggs is ready to stop with United pushing on another three trophies this season having already secured the Club World Cup and Carling Cup this season.

With all his achievements Giggs has become the most successful player in English Football, winning countless team and individual honours.

HONOURS

Manchester United

* Premier League (10): 92/93, 93/94, 95/96, 96/97, 98/99, 99/00, 00/01, 02/03, 06/07, 07/08
* FA Cup (4): 93/94, 95/96, 98/99, 03/04
* Football League Cup (3): 91/91, 05/06, 08/09
* FA Community Shield (7): 93, 94, 96, 97, 03, 07, 08
* Uefa Champions League(2): 98/99, 07/08
* Uefa Super Cup (1): 91
* Intercontinental Cup (1): 99
* FIFA Club World Cup (1): 08

Individual

* PFA Young Player of the Year: 1992, 1993
* Bravo Award: 1993
* BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year: 1996
* Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award: 1997–98
* Intercontinental Cup
* MOTM: 1999
* Premier League Team of the Decade: 2003
* English Football Hall of Fame: 2005
* Wales Player of the Year Award: 1996, 2006
* FA Premier League Player of the Month: September 1993, August 2006, February 2007
* PFA Team Of The Century: 2007
* PFA Team of the Year: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2007
* Only Manchester United player to have played in all ten Premier League-winning teams and only player to win 10 league titles
* Only Manchester United player to have played in all three League Cup-winning teams
* Only player to have scored in eleven consecutive Champions League tournaments
* Only player to have scored in thirteen different Champions League tournaments
* Only player to have scored in every Premier League campaign since its inception

Orders and special awards
* OBE for services to football.
* Awarded an honorary Masters of Art degree from Salford University on 15 July 2008 for contributions to football and charity work in developing countries
Author: RED till i DIE

Article Source : manutd talk

Cristiano Ronaldo Will Never Be a Manchester United Legend

"You can argue as much a you like Miles but Ronaldo will never ever be a Man Utd legend!"

This was the scathing and agitated response I got from a mate who happens to be a Manchester United fan through and through. As a modest Charlton Athletic supporter it beggared belief that this thought could be the consensus amongst Reds fans, so here beings the investigation.

Firstly I refuse to patronize the footballing masses by trawling through the various achievements, trophies and accolades amassed by Cristiano Ronaldo under Sir Alex Ferguson.

What is fact is that the right winger scored 118 goals in 292 appearances and what is obvious is that he was United's most influential and important player, as well as being certified as officially the best player on the planet at the peak of his United career.

For a midfielder his scoring record was exceptional and his goals per game ratio eclipses that of any other midfielder let alone right winger to have ever played for Manchester Untied. A prolific dead ball specialist, an accomplished dribbler, a deft finisher from range, a predator in the box and in the air he scored all types of goals and in important matches too.

He netted several crucial goals in Premier League matches in three seasons of dominance for the north east team including goals in an FA Cup Final, a League Cup final and a Champions League final to boot. The talisman also topped the assists charts setting up his team mates as often as he found the back of the net himself.

The exclusive group of players that go down in folklore at Manchester United are never disputed and this is probably why Ronaldo rouses so much debate in this field. Many fans feel he treated the club that made him with disrespect by openly pursuing his dream move to Real Madrid in what would turn out to be a world record breaking £80 million fee.

Others point to some of his on field antics as a reason he may not be appreciated as much as he should be. Everyone bar opposing defenders enjoys the silky skills of the Portuguese superstar, playing his game with a cocky arrogance which in fact is an undeterred belief and confidence in himself to be the best he can possibly be.

But when things were not going so well United fans were exposed to a different Ronaldo. Diving to win free kicks or going down too easily, arguing with officials, sulking and moaning, choking when he needed his composure the most.

In the eyes of some United fans that alone restricts him from sitting side by side with the greats to have pulled on the red shirt but to me it washes as a senseless and weak argument typical of the modern football fans selective memory bank.

His ability is unquestionable but it's when you throw the likes of Bobby Chalrton, Mark Hughes, Roy Keane or George Best into the mixer that the debate intensifies. An 11 year old United fan would not try to pretend that Eric Cantona or Denis Law are they're favourite players to have donned their teams colours. So there is a great number that would feel Ronaldo would probably be the best player they have ever seen in United colours.

But for a 60 year old veteran supporter, opinion would surely differ. But that insight into the understanding of the clubs history should not distort the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is amongst some of the best players to have played for that club in decades.

Article Source : bleacherreport.com

Football legends pay tribute to Sir Bobby

Some of the biggest names in football have come together to give thanks for the life of Sir Bobby Robson.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, England coach Fabio Capello and Sir Bobby Charlton were among the 1,000 guests who filled Durham Cathedral to pay tribute.

Former England players including Gary Lineker, Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer and Stuart Pearce also attended the memorial service, held seven weeks after Sir Bobby died aged 76 at home in nearby Langley Park.

Lineker, who played in Sir Bobby's Italia 90 England World Cup side, praised his "hugely supportive and fiercely loyal" former coach, telling the congregation: "Sir Bobby Robson, we will miss you but we will never, ever forget you." Everton manager David Moyes said: "All the Premier League managers look up to Sir Bobby."

Sir Bobby fought cancer five times and devoted his final years to helping others with the disease.

8 International Football Legends

Many have been called ‘great’; however, there are a few who can be called ‘legendary’. We have tried to compile such a list of football players. These men have astounded us; they captured our imagination and became the best at what they do. Most of them have of course gone beyond playing football: they elevated the sport.

Here is our list of 8 men who became legends:

Edison (Edson) Arantes do Nascimento aka Pelé

Pelé is one of the most well-known football stars and even those who do not know much about this sport, recognize his name. He once compared himself to Beethoven and the International Olympic Committee named him the Athlete of the Century in 1998. He became famous as 17 and led the Brazilians to victory in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

Diego Armando Maradona aka Maradona

Maradona and Pelé are the two greatest FIFA soccer players of the 20th century. Maradona was the South American Footballer of the Year in 1979 and 1980. He is a controversial figure in international football and has managed to capture the entire world’s attention. He played in 4 World Cups and is known for his Hand of God and Goal of the century.

Cristiano Ronaldo

He is still young but has captured international attention, especially when FIFPro named him their World Player of the Year 2008. He is the first United player to win the Golden Ball that the European Footballer of the Year receives since George Best in 1968.

Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry received the Légion d’Honneur, which is the highest decoration in France, for his role in the 1998 World Cup. He won the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2006, which is unrivalled. Arsenal fans call him their greatest player and Henry managed to popularise ‘Va va voom’ so much that it got included in the Concise Oxford English Dictionary.

Roberto Baggio

Baggio, or Il Divin Codino, scored 9 goals in 3 World Cup Finals and is one of the FIFA 100. Baggio was FIFA Player of the Year in 1993 but his fame could be mostly because he ‘lost’ Italy the 1994 World Cup. He made up for it with a penalty shot in 1998, though. A 2001 internet poll named him the Most Loved Player.

Paulo Roberto Falcão

Falcão, a FIFA 100 member, is one of the most talented midfielders ever. He played midfield for Brazil in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. He won 3 Brazilian National Championships — 1975, 1976, and 1979 – and people called him ‘8th king of Rome’.

David Beckham

Beckham is one of ‘Britain’s Greatest Ambassadors’ and only the 21st player to score in 3 World Cups. He received entry into The English Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and is one of the most recognisable football stars. He and his wife have become somewhat of an industry.

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite aka Kaká

This young football star is better known as Kaká and was FIFA World Player of the Year and European footballer of the year in 2007. He is the midfielder of AC Milan and also plays for the Brazilian national team.

Article Source : http://www.borntoredefine.com/8-international-football-legends/

Amri hailed alongside local football legends

PETALING JAYA: Mohd Amri Yahyah will become a legend and a folk hero of Malaysian football.

The 28-year-old from Tanjong Karang will be hailed alongside some of the former greats, among them the late Mokhtar Dahari and R. Arumugam, “Raja Bola” Datuk Abdul Ghani Minhat and Matlan Marjan, who scored two goals against the visiting England team in the 1980s.

Amri will be a household name and remembered for his double strike in the national team’s spirited showing against English Premier League giants Manchester United in the first match of the Red Devils’ pre-season Asian Tour, which Malaysia lost 2-3 in Kuala Lumpur on July 18.

More so, the classic volley when he surprised United No. 1 goalkeeper Edwin van dar Sar from 40 metres out. He also rounded United’s former England goalkeeper Ben Foster to put Malaysia on level terms.

“It feels like being in a different world now,” said Amri yesterday.

“Whoever I meet, they talk of the two goals and congratulate me. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am happy to have left behind something for the fans to remember.

“In fact, I need to thank national coach K. Rajagopal for giving me the break to don national colours after a three-year break.”

The Selangor skipper has been going great guns and has been playing consistently well for the Red Giants this season.

Selangor have won the Charity Shield (defeating Kedah 4-1) and the FA Cup (defeating Kelantan 4-1 on penalties).

Last night, Selangor clinched the Super League title when they thrashed Police 6-1 at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium.

Rajagopal should also be credited for taking a bold step in naming only four seniors in the national team, comprising Under-23 players preparing for the Laos SEA Games in December. Besides Amri, the other seniors in the team were Indra Putra Mahayuddin, skipper Norhafli Zamani Misbah and V. Thirumurugan.

“This is the team for the future and there is a lot of work to be done. These players need matches and having played against United would surely motivate them to raise their playing level,” said Rajagopal.

Although Malaysia went down 0-2 to United in the rematch on Monday, it was still a good effort by the team, who were assembled for barely 10 days.

Rookie goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Marlias from Perlis was also outstanding, pulling off several daring saves in the two matches.

Skipper Norhafiz again proved that he could still be counted on to hold the Malaysian fort.

Rajagopal has got to get cracking on the team for the SEA Games and work on the flaws, especially the finishing.

The national Under-23 strikers Mohd Zaquan Abdul Razak, Norsharul Idlan Talaha, Mohd Farderin Kadir, Stanley Bernard Samuel and S. Kunalan certainly need to sharpen up.

These Four (4) Exercises Will Increase Any Soccer Player's Speed

In order for a soccer player to increase their speed, there are several factors which will contribute to their speed increasing on the soccer field. Proper running mechanics is certainly one factor which will help increase speed, while another is lower body strength training. Learn four of the best lower body strength exercises a soccer can player can do to increase their speed.

Specifically, a soccer player will want to get their posterior chain of muscles stronger. The posterior chain of muscles are many of the muscles you can't see when you look at yourself in the mirror. Those muscles include the back, the glutes, the hamstrings and the calf. Getting the posterior chain of muscles stronger will absolutely get a soccer player faster and increase their speed.

Here are Four (4) excellent exercises for a soccer player to do to isolate these muscles and allow for their speed to be released:
# Tire Flip or Log Flip
# : Take an old tractor tire (or wooden log) and bend down into a squat with both hands cupped underneath the tire. In a powerful movement, lift the side of the tire where your hands are off the ground and then push the tire forward with both hands so that it now falls forward and is laying on the ground again. Quickly repeat this process for up to 10 flips. This movement is great for developing explosive power in the posterior chain of muscles.Sled Drags:
# Take a weighted sled and attach two "D-handle" cords to it. Place some weight on it and then grab the handles in such a way that you are facing forward and the sled is behind you. Keep your arms relatively straight and walk forward so that your cords or rope are tight through this resistance. Then march forward using a simple high knee, linear lunge walk. Work up to 20 -30 yards of dragging the sled in this manner. This exercise is a great way to get the lower body stronger explosively allowing the soccer player to gain valuable speed.Forward Broad Jumps:
# With both feet about shoulder width apart, jump out forward as high and as far as you can. Upon landing, bend the knees and drop your hips...in other words cushioning the jump. Have the soccer player gather themselves and repeat that jump. Continue repeating for up to 5 jumps in a row. Work up to 3-5 sets of 5 jumps. This exercise is a wonderful way to create loads of explosive, quick movements for the soccer player.Let Go's:
Let go's are simply resisted sprints. Have two players work together. One lines up behind the other player and grabs their waist with both hands. The player in the front gets into a good acceleration position and starts to run forward. The player in the back holds on and resists the player in the front from moving too quickly forward event though they are trying to do so. After about 5 yards of this resistance, the person in the back releases the person in the front. This person will feel like they have been shot out of a cannon. Remind the person in the front about that so that they are ready for that quick burst being released and they do not stumble and fall. This is a great exercise to add speed to any soccer player.

These four exercises will without a doubt add strength to the lower body of any soccer player which in turn will increase their speed.

I hoped you enjoyed reading about these four excellent exercises for enhancing speed on the soccer field.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Christopher

Vidic is Happy Staying on at Man U

The 27-year-old joined Man U from Spartak Moscow in the year 2006 for a fee that was rumored to be £7million. Apparently, Vidic was the most expensive defender in the history of the Russian Premier League, before he shifted to Man U. Known for his aggressive defending style, he teamed up with Rio Ferdinand to form an impregnable defense for Man U. As a matter of fact, this duo is considered to have formed the best central defensive partnership in the Premier League, with Vidic standing as a solid rock at the back.

As far as Vidic is concerned, he proved his loyalty and commitment to Man U during the 5:0 win against Wigan. He clarified, ''I've never said anything about Barcelona or Real Madrid or AC Milan - or any club. I never speak about my future so I don't know why someone else does. I showed at Wigan on the pitch how happy I am at this club. Any fan of United only has to see how I played to know how committed I am." The 'someone else' Vidic referred to is his agent Paolo Fabbri, who claimed that he was considering a move to Barcelona. As of now, Vidic is under a two year contract extension that keeps him at Man U until 2012.

The Serb also forms an integral part of his national team's famous four defense line-up. Vidic made a strong impact during the Serbia and Montenegro effort to make their way to the 2006 World Cup finals. This year, Serbia tops Group Seven with 18 points from seven matches, putting it ahead of France, Lithuania, Austria and Romania. Earning a place in the 2010 World Cup finals is all the more poignant and special for the Serbians since it would be their first attempt to reach a major tournament as an independent nation. Their World Cup Group Seven qualifier against France on September 9th is being billed as the 'match of the decade' in Belgrade, with 55,000 tickets selling out in a couple of hours! The Serbian national team's coach, Radomir Antic, is ready to take on France with full force on home soil.

Victory against France would ensure Serbia's berth in next year's finals in South Africa, if France fails to defeat Romania. During a recent news conference, Coach Antic declared, "We've had a great run so far and we want to put the icing on the cake of our qualifying campaign against the French... We need to turn the national euphoria into positive energy on and off the pitch... Our strategy is to win every match and establish ourselves as a force to be reckoned with." He specially mentioned captain Dejan Stankovic and Nemanja Vidic as key players and recognized Vidic's role as the backbone of Serbia's defense.

Looks like we will be seeing a lot of Vidic in action in his Man U soccer shirt and the Serbian national team's World Cup soccer uniforms! After all, he has a reputation to uphold as one of the top defenders in the world of soccer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brono_Pisino

Maradona to Coach Argentina For 2010

Now, 48 years of age, Maradona is a seasoned man with a look of having been through it all and survived it. Beset by addiction problems, he seems to have fought his demons hard and won over them. He's even cheated death on occasion! As Maradona himself admits, the worst has already happened... His daughter actually pulled him out from the bottom of the sea... His fans and countrymen have every reason to rejoice as he takes the field again to teach the younger lot. After all, who can forget this legend's on pitch skills?

Maradona enjoyed the years when he was playing for Argentine the most, but now duty calls, duty to his country, to his team and to himself. A confident Maradona is sure that Argentina will sail through the 2010 World Cup qualifications. He considers coaching his country a dream come true, though explains that he's only had the boys together for about 40 days since he joined. But Maradona being who he is, he plans to make the most of it. He should have all his players together for 20 days before the World Cup and that's when he plans to lay the foundation and work towards becoming world champions. So, if you're an Argentinean fan, get your world cup soccer jerseys ready for the big event in South Africa!

Coach Maradona's strategy for the team is to vigorously press up front, thereby decreasing the space between attack, midfield and defense. And he's quick to point out that when his team loses the ball, it should be on top of the other team right away without losing precious time. Considering Argentina has an enviable possession rate, it needs to make the most of it.

This soccer uniform number 10 is driven by a dream to win the World Cup once again and to meet Nelson Mandela while in South Africa! He fondly remembers the first time he held the World Cup Trophy... He touched it kissed it and wouldn't let go! That according to Maradona is the 'most beautiful thing'. And that's what he's been telling his players - 30 days of sacrifice to win the World Cup are nothing in a man's life... kissing that trophy is like touching the sky...

Which brings us to something else in Maradona's life that makes him feel like he's touching the sky - his grandson. Yes, this legend is a grandfather! And for him, nothing compares to watching his grandchild... Maybe, it's Maradona's turn to live a calm and smooth life after much struggle and adversity. We are with him... Go Diego!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brono_Pisino

Premier League 2009 and 10 Season Preview

The new English Premier League season is nearly upon us. Football fans have been waiting all summer long for the season to start, not just in England, but worldwide; with the English Premier League being the most popular and viewed football league in the world.

Manchester City have been the big spenders this summer, already bolstering their attack with the signings of Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor. Desperate to make an impact this season after failing to make much of an impression last season despite the big money signings that included Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips. Mark Hughes is facing pressure as he knows his team must perform this season otherwise he could be out of work by the end of the season.

Rivals Manchester United have seen their squad weakened by the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo for a world record fee to Real Madrid. Arguably the best player in the world, he seems irreplaceable and United fans will be wondering how much of an effect this will have on their team this season. Their new winger is Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic, a proven player in the Premier League who has impressed during his time at a smaller Premier League side. Can he handle the pressure of a top 4 side? While he doesn't have a very good goalscoring record, certainly not near Ronaldo's, Manchester United have brought in Michael Owen on a free transfer to replace Carlos Tevez who they were unable to sign when his loan expired. The England international has a proven record despite struggling over recent years with injury problems. If he can shake them off, expect him to make an impact in Manchester this season.

Down in London, Arsenal and Chelsea have been reluctant to sign many new players, with the Gunners biggest signing being Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax for a fee in the region of £10,000,000. They have however sold Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure for a combined price of over £40,000,000 that should leave manager Arsene Wenger with some cash to spend. Chelsea's biggest name signing under new manager Carlo Ancelotti has been Yuri Zhirkov for CSKA Moscow, while the Italian has also brought in two young Englishmen; Ross Turnbull and Daniel Sturridge.

Last season's runners up, Liverpool have brought in Glen Johnson for what many feel to be overpriced at £17,500,000. Alvaro Arbeloa has headed off to Real Madrid, and Sami Hyypia left for Bayer Leverkusen when his contract expired.

It seems once again it could be the same top 4 teams qualifying for Champions League next season, unless Manchester City transform into competitors after their summer spending spree. We'll have to wait and see how they get on, whilst Aston Villa and Everton may miss out again without strengthening their squads dramatically this summer.

The Premier League welcomes Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Burnley this season following their promotion from the Championship last season. All eyes will be on those and others down the bottom as they fear the drop and the big loss of earnings that relegation brings upon three unfortunate teams.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barrie_Smith

Farewell Dwight Yorke

Dwight Yorke, the former Manchester United forward whose goals led the club to 1999 treble glory, has retired from football at the age of 37 and intends to become a coach. He is to take up the post of assistant manager of the Trinidad and Tobago national team as a first step into coaching. Yorke's contract with Sunderland - his final club - was not renewed at the end of last season.

"It's time to hang up my boots," said the striker who scored 64 goals in 151 appearances for United.

"While I'm still in great shape, I'm not getting any younger. I've had the time of my life. I hope people will say that I played the game in the right way with a smile on my face.

"I've been blessed really. I've played alongside some of the greatest players the Premier League has ever seen in Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Peter Schmeichel, and played for the greatest manager in Alex Ferguson."

Yorke eventually fell out with Sir Alex Ferguson over the player's excessive lifestyle, but the player contributed fully to one of the most successful periods in United's history between 1998 and 2002. In the player's first three seasons the club won an unprecedented three Premier League trophies in a row and the 1999 European Cup.

It was Yorke's partnership with Andy Cole that the Trinidad and Tobago international will be best remembered for. Yorke finished top scorer in the 1999 season and the combination proved devastating. Famously the pair one-two'ed its way through the Barcelona defence on way to United's 3-3 draw in the Noup Camp.

It was a great return for Yorke, the man from the tiny island, who arrived at Old Trafford after nearly 10 years at Aston Villa. Despite leaving the club for United in a contentious GBP12.6 million deal - and later playing for Birmingham City - Yorke is still held in high esteem at Villa Park as one of their greatest ever players. So he should be. Yorke has always been the player with a smile on his face. Talented but also very much a man of the people.

Yorke's off-the-field activities and the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy put paid to his United career after four seasons. The forward's relationship with 'model' Jordan, with whom he had a son, was played out in the public through the tabloids - a scenario that Ferguson is never happy with.

The player was eventually sold for GBP2 million to Blackburn in the summer of 2002 but it was a sad end to a wonderful, if short, United career. He played out his days with Blackburn, Birmingham, Sydney FC and then Sunderland - reinventing himself as a deep lying midfielder late in his career.

But for such patriotic man it is perhaps the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany that was Yorke's proudest moment. He captained the tiny Trinidad and Tobago to thier first tournament.

"I'll always count myself lucky," said Yorke.

"I was a boy on a beach from a little Caribbean island that got the chance to fulfil his dream of winning trophies at the highest level and captaining his country in their first ever World Cup Finals."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Barker

Famous Soccer Players and Their Nicknames!

Perhaps the most popular of all football monikers is Pele or the Black Pearl, as the greatest footballer of all times, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is known. Winner of three FIFA World Cups, he was latter dubbed O Rei (The King) for this outstanding achievements. Pele was a name the legend picked up in school, though even he wasn't too clear as to how he got the name! Whatever you call him, he will always be remembered as the ultimate when it comes to football.

If Pele was The King, Germany's Franz Beckenbauer was The Emperor (Der Kaiser). He dominated world football wearing the number 5 soccer shirt in 1974 and later went on to become the national team's coach. His teammate was another legend, Gerd Muller, who gained a formidable reputation as The Bomber for his goal scoring capacity - 365 in 427 Bundesliga matches and 68 in 62 international matches!

Carrying on with titles both royal and military, Hungarian Ferenc Puskas, was referred to as The Galloping Major! It was the player's actual rank as well as his nickname in the Hungarian army team. This three time UEFA Cup winner with Real Madrid was also dubbed the Cañoncito (Little Cannon) by adoring fans. And then, of course, there was Eric 'The King' Cantona and 'Guv'nor' Paul Ince, who became the first black player to captain England's national team. Brazilian Adriano Leite Ribeiro, was fondly called L'Imperatore (The Emperor) and even 'The Bulldozer' at different points of his prolific career!

Moving on to names more 'beastly', who can forget Brazil's Edmundo, who came to be known as 'O Animal' after his exploits on the pitch! Years before him, the dazzling dribbler Garrincha was dubbed Little Bird, and ended his career as The Joy of the People or Alegria do Povo.

Argentinean legend, Maradona, who made the number 10 soccer shirt a much sought after inheritance, began with the nickname Fluffy due to his untidy mop! Thankfully, he didn't get stuck with the sobriquet, and moved on to an extremely flattering one - The Golden Child or El Pibe de Oro. But when it comes to Diego Maradona can that be enough! He became the only player in the world whose body part has been given a nickname - The Hand of God - after his infamous goal during the 1986 FIFA World Cup!

One of the most interesting pet names by far has to be The Baby Faced Assassin! Norwegian footballer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, spent his best years at Manchester United, where he scored 126 goals, earning him a reputation as The Baby Faced Assassin for his lethal goal scoring skills, matched with his misleading 'babe in the woods' look!

These diminutives have become so popular, that most fans don't even know their favorite players actual names! Actually, their real names are nothing short of confusing. As a diehard football fan would you know Ricardo Leite is our very own Kaka? Didn't think so! Guess that's why these nicknames have stuck on the players soccer team shirts... Thank God for that!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G_Pirelli

When Soccer Came to Brazil

The history of Brazilian soccer is a disorganized one and it comes as no surprise that its origins has many a version! This British sport is said to have arrived in Brazil during the end of the nineteenth century.

One version of the advent of soccer in Brazil claims it all started with the arrival of British and Dutch sailors to the country. The locals learned the ropes of the game from these sailors on the beaches of the north eastern coastline. Another version gives credit to a certain Mr. Hugh as the 'father of Brazilian soccer'. It seems Mr. Hugh was the first person to teach the game to the workers of the São Paulo Railway back in 1882. Yet another version prefers a Mr. John as the first coach of soccer, who taught the skills to a team of Leopoldina Railway workers sometime in 1875.

Now, if that's not confusing, what is? Well, there's one more version that most people espouse as the 'true story'. According to this popular version, Brazilian soccer owes Charles William Miller for bringing the game to the country. Born in Brazil in the year 1874, Charles left for England for his studies at the age of 10. It was there that he was first came in contact with the sport. Charlie was a natural and soon became a deft dribbler and a free kick and header specialist. An accomplished striker, he won school honors that gave him entry into Southampton Club, and later, the Hampshire County team.

On his return to Brazil in 1894, he brought with him some soccer gear, a rule book and his skill. He formed the first Brazilian football club, the Sao Paolo Athletic Club (SPAC), and even came up with a few new rules! SPAC went on to win the first three championships with Mr. Miller at the helm. His football skills were far superior than his team mates and the 'Chaleira' - a football move invented by him saw him flick the ball with his heel - was named in honor of him. This move is still used by the legends of Brazilian football! The greatest names of the game, Pele, Socrates and Rivelino owe a lot to this pioneer of Brazilian football...

The first official match in Brazil was played in São Paulo back in 1894. Charles Miller had invited the English football teams from Southampton and the Corinthians Club to play against SPAC and other local teams. Charles had so much respect for the Corinthians sense of fair play, he even named a local team after them! And with that, one of Brazil's most popular club was born... It went on to become Brazilian Champion in the year 2005 and had some of the best players Brazil has seen on its roster.

In 1988, SPAC commemorated its centenary with a match against the English Corinthians! The final match had legends like Socrates and Rivelino on the local Corinthian side playing against their English counterpart. The local team was leading 1:0, when Socrates, in the spirit of Corinthian fairness, agreed to change his soccer jersey to play for the English team!

Well, those were the early years of Brazil's love affair with football. It went on to make history as five time World Cup champion and is the only country to have qualified for all 17 World Cups in the tournament's history! Until 2002, Brazil had lost only one World Cup qualifier in 70 years of playing! With its elegant dribbling, lightening speed passes and precision scoring, Brazilian Futebol has been likened to ballet dancing, and more recently, to the rhythmic samba!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruno_Pisano

John Barnes - the palyer who stunt Brazil

Former England International John Barnes looks back on his wonder goal against Brazil in 1984 ...

It was at 10 June 1984 when Barnes scored one of the most breathtaking individual goals ever seen, when he outpaced and out-thought several Brazilian defenders before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into an empty net.

The goal brought him worldwide fame .

Giggs reveals Liverpool legend as football idol

Manchester United’s longest serving player Ryan Giggs has told Inside United Magazine one of his football idols was Liverpool legend John Barnes.

"I always used to look out for left footers and John Barnes and Diego Maradona were always the ones that I looked up to when I was a kid.

"Barnes because he played in the same position as me – whenever Liverpool played United in the 80’s I’d watch John Barnes pretty closely.

"During that period, at the end of the late 1980’s he was probably the best and most exciting player in Britain."

In addition to Barnes, Giggs also reserved special praise for Argentinean idol, Diego Maradona.

He said: "And Maradona just because he was such a great player.

"I remember Maradona in the 1986 World Cup. That goal he scored against England – not that Hand of God goal – was absolutely amazing."

Man United legends back decision to sell Ronaldo

MANCHESTER: Manchester United's decision to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world record 80 million pounds (RM465 million) has been backed by some of the club's former idols.

Mark Hughes, currently in charge at local rivals Manchester City, enjoyed two successful spells as a player at Old Trafford and is adamant Sir Alex Ferguson has only agreed to let Ronaldo go because he believes it is in United's best interests in the long-term.

"Obviously Manchester United feel it is good business for them," Hughes said on Thursday. "Sir Alex Ferguson makes key decisions very quickly and I suspect he will have been very much involved in what has happened.

"He has made what he thinks is the right decision for the club and we have to respect that.

"It is a significant amount of money and I am sure Real Madrid will be very pleased with the business they have been able to do as well."

Meanwhile, Tommy Docherty, who was United's manager for five years in the 1970s, told Sky Sports News: "I think United should cut their hands off and run and don't even consider about it at all.

"I can only think Sir Alex has come to the conclusion - and I think he's quite right - to get rid of him because the same problem is going to arise next year again and the year after.

"I think he (Ronaldo) has fallen out with him (Ferguson) once or twice.

Not Sir Alex's fault I might add, I think the problem is between Ronaldo and his agent Mendes that leads to a fall-out.

"When you fall out with Sir Alex, whatever may be the reasons - (David) Beckham did it as well with the entourage he carried with him - they're on their way.

"You can't have this disharmony brought upon the players and the club every year and I think United can give Real Madrid the problem of handling Ronaldo from now on in.

Alan Shearer Football Legend

Always remembered by many with that famous right boot wearing the black and white of Newcastle or white of England he was a true great english player one im sure that will turn to a manager in the future. Shearer was rejected by Newcastle as a schoolboy at the famous Wallsend Boys Club and instead signed as an apprentice with Southampton at the age of 16. He made his debut as a substitute against Chelsea in 1988, before prompting national headlines with his full debut a month later when he scored a hat-trick against Arsenal. At the age of 17 years and eight months, he broke the record for the youngest hat-trick scorer in top-flight football which had been held for more than 30 years by Jimmy Greaves.He never became truly prolific for Southampton until 1992, when he slammed home 13 goals from 41 appearances. Having become a regular for the England team at under-21 level the previous year, scoring 13 goals in just 11 matches, this potent spell by Shearer was noticed by Graham Taylor, coach of the senior team, and Shearer made his debut against France in February 1992.Like his full debut at club level, his full debut in international football was memorable. Shearer scored a poacher’s goal in the first half as England won 2-0, with the other goal coming from Gary Lineker, who was retiring in the summer after Euro 92

Blackburn Rovers manager Kenny Dalglish who, armed with unlimited funds from club benefactor Jack Walker, offered Southampton an irresistible 3.6 million pounds for their prized asset, and Shearer made his move,man utd where also in the picture to buy him.Shearer settled down and became the most feared goal scorer in the Premiership. He rattled in a huge 31 goals from 40 games in the 1994 season as Blackburn finished a close second in the table behind Manchester United he also won footballer of the year that season.in 1995/96 42 games, he scored a phenomenal 34 goals as Blackburn took the Premiership title on the last day of the season at anfield even thou they lost the game.

After the success of Euro 96, Shearer rejected lucrative offers from other top clubs to fulfil his childhood dream of playing in the black-and-white jersey. “All I ever wanted to do was play for Newcastle. I’d stand on the terraces dreaming of the day I would walk out on that hallowed turf.” That day arrived on August 6 1996, when Shearer’s return home shattered records worldwide, making him the world’s most expensive player at £15m. But it was a move made for sentiment and not money as Shearer not only returned to his roots but got to play under idol Kevin Keegan. The move was a crowning glory for Geordies and a remarkable part of English football history as 15,000 people stood in a rainstorm just to watch him wave.

Sadly, Shearer’s Newcastle seasons have been plagued by injury woes and by the sudden departure of Keegan. His rather quick recovery from a career-threatening injury suffered in 1997 helped his team avoid relegation. But as always he did score some great strikes for Newcastle and the famous one hand celebration we will never forget!

Off the pitch, Shearer has been deemed bland and boring. His deadbat television technique and taciturn PR skills are largely responsible for this tag. One magazine described him as having “all the personality of a suet pudding” while 2 infamous Newcastle directors, labelled him ‘Mary Poppins’. Former Blackburn team-mate Tim Flowers too has dubbed him ‘Mr Mogadon’ while another has commented that he kept Shearer’s season diary next to his bedside as it put him to sleep. Shearer was once challenged by team-mates to incorporate the title of an Abba song into an interview. So he answered a question with: “Yes, but the winner takes it all.” In a now famous comment

Mark Lawrenson who worked with Shearer at Newcastle says, “That’s Shearer. Put a microphone under his chin and a camera in front of him and he switches off. But I can tell you now that he has got one of the most outstanding personalities in football.”

A true great and yes he is good for match of the day beu would make a great Newcastle manager. Here is a video showing some great footage it kicks in after 30 seconds enjoy!

Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona appointed new coach of Argentina

Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona was named coach of the national side here on Tuesday according to 1986 World Cup winning coach Carlos Bilardo after he came out of a meeting with Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona.

The 48-year-old - who almost singlehandedly led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup trophy - won crucial support last week in his bid to become the next Argentina coach when the man charged with finding Alfio Basile's successor threw his weight behind the World Cup winning skipper.

“I'd like Maradona to be the next coach,” said Noray Nakis, the president of the Argentina Football Association (AFA) selection commission.

Basile resigned a fortnight ago after a World Cup qualifying defeat to Chile.

Maradona faced competition for the job from Carlos Bianchi, the former coach of Boca Juniors, whom he led to four national league titles, San Lorenzo coach Miguel Angel Russo and Sergio Batista who took the Under-23 squad to Olympic gold in Beijing in August.

What Does it Take to be Called a Legend of Football?

Through the years we have seen plenty of players with the ability to amaze us with their skill and tremendous talent.

Players like Zinedine Zidane, Diego Armando Maradona, Dennis Bergkamp, Pele, Roberto Baggio, Romario, Jurgen Klinsmann, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Zico, Ruud Gullit, Marco Van Basten, Georghe Hagi, Hristo Stoitchkov, and many more stand out from the rest with their exquisite skill.

But that brings us to the point where we could ask ourselves a few questions. What has really made them into the great players—legends, even—they are considered to be today? What does it take to be a legendary player? Is skill enough or is it something more?

In my opinion, it is the latter.

One factor that could be a catalyst in the development of a player’s career is his character. The character of footballers, as in real life, can either help the player gain fame, or bring him to his downfall.

We have witnessed cases in which a footballer with breath-taking skill has been booed by fans and hated by the media, simply because his character is somehow contradictory to the publicly accepted values.

I could not stress more the importance of a player’s loyalty towards a club or his country, as well. If a player is not loyal towards a club of his choice throughout his career, then that would surely damage his image with the public.

The same goes if a player is not loyal to his country. Even if he shows spectacular talent and skills he would still be looked at in doubt and disrespect.

A typical example of this is Nicolas Anelka, who undoubtedly has a tremendous amount of talent but his lack of loyalty towards any team, and his poor decisions throughout his career, remain the main reasons why he would never join the ranks of the greatest players.

Some people would ask how the lack of loyalty towards a club can really matter on the football field.

When the players are down there, it comes to being eleven versus eleven, and a ball. So how could a decision made by the player, who is not pledging his loyalty to a club, possibly affect him and his team on the pitch?

I think it matters exactly how you behave on that field. It is on that football field where you can see the real character of a man.

Nothing can be hidden there. The lack of loyalty or commitment can be easily seen on the football pitch. The state of mind of any of the players can also be easily sensed. At the end of the day, it comes to the things that really matter: your god-given skills and your way of using them.

Sometimes though, it is not that simple. Sometimes there are outside factors that could influence a player’s performance on the field.

The truth is that no matter how good a footballer may be at playing the game, he would always remain under the restrictions of how he should behave on the field and, indirectly, outside of it. Crossing those boundaries will further him from being accepted in any society, thus inevitably damaging the player’s career and reputation.

Do you remember Paolo Di Canio’s Fascist salutes? Do you remember Joey Barton’s misbehaviour on the field, or outside of it?

There are some things that a player, however talented, simply should not do, like attacking a fan, or behaving too aggressively towards his opponents or teammates. That would just damage the reputation of the player, no matter how good he is. It is never simple in the world we live in.

I doubt if a young boy who is making his first steps in football would want to become like footballers of such quality.

A legendary player has to have the necessary qualities to be an example for the next generations of footballers. He has to epitomize the ideal footballer, to which future talents will strive to become.

That can be achieved not only by having a unique and impressive style of play on the field, but also by showing a socially acceptable and admirable behaviour outside of it.

A great footballer has to burden himself with the responsibility that comes with being one.

He has to know that all eyes are turned towards him and in response; he must attempt to act as an example for younger players and future generations of footballers. Only then he can he become a legend.

Maybe that is why some footballers will never be legends. They would be remembered as just one of many others who possessed talent. Nevertheless, those who carry the responsibilities on their shoulders can never be forgotten.

Footballers such as Thierry Henry, Johan Cruyff, Pele, Bobby Charlton, Ferenc Puskas, Franco Baresi, Michel Platini, Dennis Bergkamp, Paolo Maldini and many, many more are footballers who will always be in the hearts of fans and the people who enjoy football.

This is not simply to the fact these people have raised the level of football from a practical point of view but they have also contributed to the improvement of the ethics of football.

They have put a mark on the world with their characters and have revealed to the younger generations a successful path to glory.

Zimbabwe football legend Tauro dies

HARARE, June 19 -- Zimbabwe football legend Shackman Tauro has died on Wednesday, just 11 days shy of his 50th birthday.

The former CAPS United and Zimbabwe national striker passed away at Harare's St Anne's Hospital Wednesday night after a short illness.

Popularly known as "Mr Goals", Tauro is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced Zimbabwean football. Zifa chairman Wellington Nyatanga, who announced Tauro's death on Thursday, described him as a "legend" and a "hero" of local football.

Tauro's heyday was during the 1970s, when his extraordinary goal-scoring instincts illuminated the local soccer scene while he was turning out for CAPS Rovers, who later changed their name to CAPS United.

Tauro helped CAPS Rovers to gain promotion into the then first division in 1977, five seasons after the club's management had spotted his potential while the team was still playing in the lower divisions.

In fact, Tauro joined CAPS in 1972 when the club was in third division and at that time he was receiving his primary school education at Rusvingo School in Harare's high-density suburb of Highfield.

And on his very first outing for CAPS, Tauro, whose soccer career blossomed at Zororo Youth Centre in Highfield, grabbed a hat-trick.

That was a remarkable achievement because Tauro had only turned 14 a few weeks before the match.

In fact, he was lucky to make the team on that day because one of CAPS Rovers officials had objected to his selection because of his youth.

His role in CAPS United's success was first recognized by his becoming the Soccer Star of the Year in 1979.

After that, he was one of the first players to don the senior national team jersey soon after the attainment of Independence on April 18, 1980.

A then hard-up youngster from Highfield, Tauro was the toast of the newly-born independent State of Zimbabwe.

He hammered in two goals in Zimbabwe's 6-0 trouncing of Mozambique, and nodded home the winner in the four-nation Independence Tournament final against Zambia on April 21, 1980 at Rufaro.

In the match against Zambia, Tauro grabbed a moment of soccer glory for himself and the nation when he headed in Zimbabwe's winning goal in the final minute to send an estimated 40,000 crowd ecstatic at Rufaro.

Tauro's most memorable footballing moment, though, came on June 2, 1977, when he banged in six goals against Kaizer Chiefs during a North Zone Select team match against the South African glamour side.

Tauro became popularly known as "Mr Goals" in 1982 after he notched 28 goals to clinch the Mr Strong Top Goalscorer of the Year award.

Tauro won numerous caps for Zimbabwe, scoring more than a dozen goals for the senior national side until a knee injury forced him to hang up his boots in 1988.

May 1996 saw Tauro moving on to the now-defunct Premiership side Arcadia United, joining them as head coach only for him to rejoin CAPS United in June 1997.

He subsequently had spells with lower division side Circle United and the women's national team — the Mighty Warriors.

At the time of his death, Tauro was involved in running Premiership side Shooting Stars.

Do you see Ronaldo as a Man United Legend

Will Ronaldo go down as a Man United Legend?


Man United sign a 18 year old ronaldo for £12m in the summer of 2003, picured here alongside another magnificent talent - kleberson.



Ronaldo signs a contract extension till 2010 in the summer of 2004



Ronaldo looses out on the young player of the year to rooney to seasons in a row between 2004-2006




In euro 2006 Ronaldo apparently played a part in Rooney's sending off and his infamous wink made him extremely unpopular with united fans. Real came knocking on the door and Fergie only just kept him at united, convincing him he still has a future in england.




Ronaldo finally wins the league for the first time in may 2007, scoring 28 goals in the process making him PFA player and young player of the year for the first time in his career. He also signed a contract until 2013 fending off Madrid's intrest



March 2008 vs Bolton, Ronaldo captains united for the first time, breaking george best's 40 year old record in the process. That season he scored 42 goals in 49 games!! He was PFA player of the year for the second year running, was 3rd in the world player rankings.




Despite scoring a header for united vs chelsea in the CL final, ronaldo misses his penalty. Luckily for him Terry and anelka did no better.


2009- Ronaldo agrees with blatter on comments that he is a slave, again trying to force a move to madrid. Instead he stays and wins the premier league for the 3rd year running and becomes world player of the year.




Ronaldo plays his last game for united, in an all white strip. United lost, he later took off his loser's medal in discontent and slammed fergie's tactics. In total he had made 292 appearances for united, scoring 118 goals.

Quote:

Honours

Club

Manchester United

* Premier League: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09
* FA Cup: 2003–04
* League Cup: 2005–06, 2008–09
* FA Community Shield: 2007
* UEFA Champions League: 2007–08
* FIFA Club World Cup: 2008

Individual

* UEFA Euro 2004 Team of the Tournament
* FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year: 2004–05, 2005–06
* Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 2006–07
* UEFA Team of the Year: 2003–2004, 2006–07, 2007-08
* FIFPro World XI: 2006–07, 2007–08
* PFA Young Player of the Year: 2006–07
* PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08
* PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08
* PFA Premier League Team of the Year: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09
* FWA Footballer of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08
* Barclays Player of the Season: 2006–07, 2007–08
* Barclays Player of the Month: November 2006, December 2006, January 2008, March 2008
* Barclays Golden Boot: 2007–08
* Barclays Merit Award: 2007–08
* European Golden Shoe: 2007–08
* UEFA Club Forward of the Year: 2007–08
* UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2007–08
* FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2007–08
* Ballon d'Or: 2008
* FIFA World Player of the Year: 2008
* FIFA Team of the Year: 2008

Orders

* Officer of the Order of Infante Dom Henrique
* Medal of Merit, Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (House of Braganza)[67]

Italian masters and pasta disasters

With Carlo Ancelotti on his way to Chelsea, we take a look at how his fellow Italians have fared in English football.

GIANFRANCO ZOLA
The diminutive sardinian was idolised at Chelsea as a player. He was one of the first Italians to join the Premier League when he was signed by Chelsea in 1996 and his considered by fans at the Bridge to be one of their greatest ever players.
Zola returned last year when he was appointed West Ham manager in September to replace Alan Curbishley. Despite little coaching experience, having only been Italy Under-21 assistant coach for less than two years, the Italian steered West Ham away from relegation to a ninth place finish.
Verdict : bellissimo (Very Beautiful)

MASSIMO TAIBI
Highly-rated Taibi moved to Old Trafford from Italian side Venezia for 4.4m in 1999. But the keeper endured a nightmare stay-highlighted by a howler against Southampton when he let a Matt Le Tissier strike nutmeg him.
Things got worse for the hapless Italian when he was blamed for two of the five goals United leaked during a humiliating away day at Chelsea.
Verdict : dispiace (A Mistake)

CLAUDIO RANIERI
Ranieri joined Chelsea in 2000 with a lofty reputation after achieving European and domestic success with Valencia. His lack of English proved a problem initially, though, and the Blues finished sixth in his first season in charge.
In 2001 he made one of the most important transfers in the club's recent history-signing Frank Lampard.
Ranieri did not improve on the league placing the following season (2001/02) but led the team to the FA Cup final, where they lost to Arsenal. Fortunes improved in 2002/03 with the Blues qualifying for the Champions League, but the arrival of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich put Ranieri's job in jeopardy as speculation grew that Sven-Goran Eriksson was being lined up as a replacement.
Ranieri lasted another year, though, during which time he splashed out millions on rebuilding his squad, bringing in the likes of Claude Makelele, Wayne Bridge, Glen Johnson and Hernan Crespo.
Chelsea were runner-up in the league-their best finish for 49 years-and they reached the Champions League semifinals, but it was not enough for the italian to stay put, and he was replaced by Jose Mourinho.
Verdict : bellissimo (Very Beautiful)

ANDREA SILENZI
Silenzi became the first Italian to play in the Premier League when he was signed up by Nottingham Forest in 1995. Let's just say he didn't lay much of a benchmark.
He made just 20 appearances and scored only two goals. He was loaned out but when he refused to return from his spell at S.S.C. Venezia, it is alleged that Forest manager Dave Bassett tore up his contract.
Verdict : dispiace (A Mistake)

PAOLO DI CANIO
The king of controversy may have split opinions but no-one could argue that he was a magnificent footballer. When he wasn't pushing referees he was scoring wonder goals for West Ham that have secured his status as a legend at the club.
Verdict : bellissimo (Very Beautiful)

ATTILIO LOMBARDO
Lombardo was named caretaker player-coach alongside Tomas Brolin as Crystal Palace in early 1998 for the remainder of that season. He could not save the club from relegation, however, and left in January 1999.
Verdict : dispiace (A Mistake)

ROBERTO DI MATTEO
Di Matteo adapted superbly well to his English surrounding after his move to Chelsea from Lazio. The Italian was the main catalyst behind Chelsea's 1997 and 2000 FA Cup successes and won a total of six trophies in his six seasons at Stamford Bridge.
He's now turned his attention to management with the MK Dons, where he's been quietly going about his business and getting his team playing the type of football that you would expect under an Italian manager.
Verdict : bellissimo (Very Beautiful)

ROLANDO BIANCHI
Sven Goran Eriksson shelled out close to 9mil. to sign the Reggina star for Manchester City, and Bianchi looked to be well worth the money after scoring on his debut and then hitting a 20-year screamer in the Carling Cup.
After that though, the goals dried up. He scored five goals in 24 games before being firmly strapped into his seat on the plane and returned to Italy.
Verdict : dispiace (A Mistake)

GIANLUCA VIALLI
The Chelsea striker had a tempestuous relationship with manager Ruud Gullit during his playing days and was often forced onto the bench, but Vialli was to have the last laugh when he replaced the Dutchman as manager in 1998.
In his first few month in charge Chelse won the Coca-Cola Cup and the European Super Cup, as well as finishing third in the Premier League.
The following season Vialli led his team to the quarterfinals of the Champions League on their debut, but they finished a disappointing fifth in the Premier League.
Vialli did guide Chelsea to an FA Cup final triumph over Aston Villa, however, and started the 2001/01 season brightly with a defeat of Manchester United in the FA Charity Shield-the Italian's fifth trophy in less that three years.
Five games into the season, though, Vialli was sacked.
Verdict : bellissimo (Very Beautiful)

Dream Teams: Newcastle

SHAY GIVEN
Goalkeeper
Newcastle United 1997-2009; 457 appearances
It is so long ago that most Newcastle fans have forgotten but, once upon a time, Shay Given's acrobatics propelled the red-and-white Mackems from Sunderland to the 1996 First Division title and promotion to the Premier League.

He was on loan at Blackburn at the time, where Kenny Dalglish had signed him as a youngster and, luckily for Newcastle, one of Scotsman's first pieces of business on being appointed manager at St. James' was to pay his old club £1.5m for the 21-year-old stopper.

No other Newcastle player has played in more European games for the club and when Newcastle's inner-turmoil finally took its mortal toll on Given's time at the club, he was just 34 games short of breaking the club appearance record, held by fellow keeper, Jamie Lawrence.

BOBBY MONCUR
Defender
Newcastle United 1962-1974; 356 appearances, 8 goals
Bobby Moncur signed for Newcastle when he was just 15 and would make his debut less than three years later against Luton in the old Second Division.

Six years later he scored three times over the two legs of the Fairs Cup Final, as he captained the side to European glory - a remarkable feat of goal-scoring prolificacy given that he would only score five other goals in his other 355 appearances for the club.

Like so much that has left Newcastle fans weeping into their Newcy Brown over the last few seasons, the club's lack of commitment to its younger players (cf. Titus Bramble and James Milner) has been particularly damaging. A fact laid bare by the realisation that a modern Bobby Moncur - who initially struggled to win a regular place in the side - would already have been shipped on by now. But, back in the 1960s he would go to become one of club's greatest ever captains.

JOE HARVEY
Defender
Newcastle United 1945-1953; 247 appearances, 12 goals
Joe Harvey - who would later go on to manage the club to European glory - began his career in the inside-forward position but his intelligence and sheer-blooded commitment found him far better suited to the more defensive half-back position.

If Alan Shearer had all these players at his disposal for Sunday's must-win game at Villa Park, he would surely have been tempted to line up with a back three, containing Booby Moncur at its heart and Harvey and Frank Clark flanking either side of him.

After captaining the side to back-to-back FA Cup victories in 1951 and 1952, Harvey's final game for the club was against Aston Villa in 1953 and how Newcastle fans would love for Newcaslte to replicate the score-line of that day this weekend - a 1-0 win to Harvey's Toon Army.

FRANK CLARK
Defender
Newcastle United 1962-1975; 464 appearances, 2 goals
Frank Clark, unlike so many of Newcastle's recent players, was born down the road in Consett and, while such a birthplace would ordinarily predetermine red-and-white blood in his veins, Clark's unflappability at left-back made him a Newcastle legend.

In this Dream Team he takes up a place on the left of a three-man defence but the fact that he spent the whole of his Newcastle career developing a telepathic understanding with his Dream Team defensive partner Bobby Moncur, should help keep things tight at the back.

Clark's Newcastle career is strangely book-ended; the club spotted him playing non-league football for Crook Town but after leaving Newcastle he would confirm the platinum talent in his legs by going on to League and European success at Nottingham Forest.

CHRIS WADDLE
Left-wing
Newcastle United 1980-1985; 191 appearances, 52 goals
Another local-born star - a far cry from the current set-up - who joined the club as a teenager, Chris Waddle cost Newcastle just £1,000 (or one per cent of Michael Owen's weekly wage). Even better for those of a black-and-white persuasion, Waddle had already been turned down by Sunderland after a trial and was making ends meet by working in a local sausage factory.

He would turn out to be one of the club's greatest bargains, forming an irresistible combination with two other magicians, Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley. His goals from midfield and his arrogant assurance on the ball provided the launch pad for the top-flight success that now seems an ethereal memory.

Before Spurs came in to pay 590 times his original transfer fee and take him down South, Waddle's performances had taken his side up to the First Division and seen him make his England debut and there's no doubt Alan Shearer would love to call on his creativity this Sunday.

PAUL GASCOIGNE
Midfield
Newcastle United 1984-1988; 107 appearances, 25 goals
Once upon a time, those in the know at St. James' Park consistently demonstrated the sort of judgement so keenly lacking in today's administration and the results of one of their exercises in good judgement resulted in the untapping of Paul Gascoigne's potential.

Ipswich, Middlesbrough and Southampton were all guilty of turning down Gazza before his beloved Newcastle offered him a YTS contract. He made his debut under Jack Charlton before he had even signed professional terms and just weeks after captaining the youth side to FA Cup success.

In 1985 Newcastle's development was set back at least a decade as they sold Chris Waddle, by then the heartbeat of the team. The move sent out all the wrong signals to the talent already at the club and, the summer after winning young player of the year, Spurs pipped Manchester United to the young superstar's signature.

KEVIN KEEGAN
Midfield
Newcastle United 1982-1984; 85 appearances, 49 goals
Kevin Keegan, now crowned King Kev of Tyneside, played at St. James' Park for only two seasons but what a couple of seasons they were. If available for this Sunday's encounter, there would be no midfield mediocrity, no lack of energy and no absence of effervescence.

Luckily for Newcastle, Keegan feel out with Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy and headed to the North-East for one last challenge - to drag Newcastle out of the Second Division.

Keegan did so much more than drag the club to their seemingly elusive top-flight goal. His style of football and infectious enthusiasm turned the team into winners and, more importantly for the St. James' Park crowd, turned them into entertainers.

Keegan's pictured here being embraced by fans after scoring on his debut.

PETER BEARDSLEY
Right-wing
Newcastle United 1983-1987 and 1993-1997; 324 appearances, 119 goals
Newcastle made the mistake of rejecting a young locally-produced impish footballer called Peter Beardsley, but some things are just meant to be. After the initial rejection, Beardsley ended up back at St. James' Park via the transatlantic combination of Carlisle and Vancouver.

Beardsley was good enough to play anywhere along the front six but in this Dream team he lines up on the wing to make room for the abundance of pure goalscorers and the overflow of midfield creativity.

Whoever played alongside Beardsley - Kevin Keegan, Gary Linekar, Andrew Cole - they all scored goals for fun. He served them up with chances, not just on plates, but on dishes fit for kings.

In his first spell at the club, he helped maintain Newcastle's reputation for adventurous football - and also their place in the top-flight - while in his second spell he helped turn Newcastle into every football fan's second team. Oh, how those times have changed.

HUGHIE GALLACHER
Forward
Newcastle United 1925-1930; 174 appearances, 143 goals
With his stunted height, lightweight frame, dazzlingly dextrous ball skills and fierce shooting off either foot, Hughie Gallacher was a 1920s footballing antecedent to Lionel Messi - and oh, how Newcastle to do with his guile and eye for goal on Sunday.

No player in the history of the club has a more prolific scoring record, one that once drew comparison with his great contemporary and Dream Team rival, Everton's William Dean.

In fact, Gallacher made his debut against Dean's Everton in the sort of game that until recently was synonymous with Newcastle - a thrilling 3-3 draw in which Dean grabbed a hat-trick and the debutant wasn't far behind with two for Newcastle. At just 23, Gallacher captained the club to the 1927 League Championship but as is so often with the club, they lost their hottest talent when he moved to Chelsea in 1930.

JACKIE MILBURN
Forward
Newcastle United 1943-1957; 397 appearances, 200 goals
A true No9 in every sense of its traditional English meaning, Jackie Milburn grew up down the mines and brought pit-taught stoic qualities to his football. Marking Milburn was a nightmare, despite his reputation as a modest, shy man off the pitch, on it he was a terror.

Like Alan Shearer, who treaded in his footsteps, Milburn's goals were never quite enough to lead Newcastle to the league title but, in Milburn's case, they were enough to secure three FA Cup trophies in five seasons in the early '50s.

Together Shearer and Milburn would terrorise defences and if only the Newcastle manager could conjure up the spirit of Milburn to sprinkle over his players this Sunday, Newcastle might, juts might, have a chance.

ALAN SHEARER
Forward
Newcastle United 1996-2006; 405 appearances, 206 goals
Undoubtedly the least skilful player of this Dream Team front six but also without doubt the most committed to the Toon Army cause. This weekend, Alan Shearer almost unwittingly finds himself in charge of his boyhood club for what is the biggest game in the club's history.

After scoring goals for fun and winning the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle, now managed by Shearer's schoolboy hero, Kevin Keegan, gazumped Manchester United to sign the bulldozing striker for a mammoth £15m in 1996.

The league proved all-too elusive for Newcastle, although Shearer's goals took them close on a number of occasions but he did lead them to two FA Cup finals - the closest the club had come to major silverware since 1969. Newcastle fans could not care less about silverware right now, with Shearer now at the helm, their only wish is for three points this Sunday.

Basic Soccer Rules

Well, the answer is pretty simply; if you don’t know the basic soccer rules you will not either know how to play soccer. However, you will not need to remember every soccer rule as many of them will not give you any advantage on the field. In this article I have only selected the most necessary ones that you need to learn in order to perform well.

No Rules = An Unfair Game
The game of soccer would be unfair if only your opponents had permission to set the rules for the match. And if both your and the opposing team had permission to make the rules, there would probably be so much discussion about every situation that you, your teammates and the opposing players would not care about how the match ended.

That’s why players, coaches and soccer associations over the whole world have decided which soccer rules should be followed. The referees just make sure that you and other players are following the soccer rules. But what if you get angry at the referee if he/she makes a wrong decision? Like giving the opposing team a penalty kick when their player was not even in the penalty area (also known as the the box and 18 yard box).

Well, keep in mind always that it is the referee who decides if it is a foul or not. Don’t ever get angry at a referee, even if you do not agree with his/her decision about some particular situation on the soccer pitch. This will result in the referee getting even more stressed and confused, which will lead to more wrong decisions. The referee is also a human being who make mistakes and despite that he knows all the soccer rules perfectly he will still make mistakes. So, lead my advice; spare yourself unnecessary arguing and focus on your game.

How to calm down
Sometimes it is hard to not get angry at the referee, but keep in mind that there is no reason to complain because a referee will never change his/her decision afterwards. Use your energy to performing well and push yourself to work harder on the soccer field instead. I know this is easy to say when you are not upset on the field, but I usually count to 10 when I get angry at the referee, and after a while I feel better and so will you. I promise :-)

A match begins…
A match begins with a handshake between you (if you are the captain of the team) and the opposing team captain. Usually players say hey to each other and wish the referee and the other team good luck. The official soccer rules state that a game must start with a kick off from the centre of the soccer pitch.

End of the match
The match is over when you and your teammates say "thanks for the match" (this is not a must but the official soccer rules state that this is fair play and should be adapted by all teams) and both teams’ captains handshake the referee and say "thank you for the game" (even if no one is satisfied with the referee’s decisions during the match).

The 17 Fundamental Soccer Rules You Should Learn

Before we start, I just want you to keep in mind that it is not necessary to learn these rules in one day. Instead, reflect over them while you are watching a soccer game and try to memorize at least one of them per week. Now, let’s study these rules in more detail.

---

The Free Kick

---

A soccer freekick is a great scoring opportunity. It is often occurred when one of your opponents commits a foul on either you or one of your teammates (for example; pushing, tripping or missing a slide tackle). The referee may also reward your team with a free kick if one of your opponents touches the ball with his hands.

---

Dimensions of a Soccer Field

---

I know by experience that soccer field dimensions can be pretty confusing, especially if you have recently started to play soccer. However, I know also that many people that have been played soccer many years do not know the size of a regular field. So, how big is a soccer field? Well, the minimum length is 100 yards and maximum 130 yards. The width can be maximum 100 yards or minimum 50 yards.

---

Size of The Ball

---

In soccer, there are generally three sizes of soccer balls. Size 5 which is the most common one, size 4 is generally used for U 12 and size 3 for U4. However, there are also custom made balls that are only used for inside play. These balls can’t bounce especially high and are easier to control then if you were playing with an outside ball. An official ball must weigh somewhere between 410 to 450 grams. To get more facts about this rule (e.g. how many leather panels does a soccer ball have or the general mass) click on this link.

---

The Number of Players

---

So, how many players on a soccer team is allowed in a game? Well, accoring to the official soccer rules, a team can have 10 outfield players and one goalie on the field. The amount of substitutions may vary but in official competition games there are only 3 substitutions allowed per team. In other type of games like friendly games or inside soccer the coach is usually allowed to perform an unlimited amount of substitutions. In youth games there are generally 6 outfield players and a goalie. The field and goals are also smaller than the regular ones.

---

The Equipment You Need To Have

---

The most basic soccer equipment you need to wear in order to play in a competition is a jersey, a pair of shorts and socks. You also need a pair of boots and approved shin pads. You will generally need to purchase the last two mentioned of your own money, beside that you don’t need anything more in order to play a soccer game. The colors of your team can’t be the same as the colors of your keeper.

---

The Soccer Referee

---

Being a soccer referee can be pretty though sometimes. Beside knowing all the soccer rules, the referee need also to keep his calm and make right decisions during the whole game. That’s why it is so important to treat the referee with respect. My experience is that if you show respect against the referee, he will do the same against you. But, don’t criticize his decisions as he is also a human being and we all make mistakes. You will never win anything by arguing with him about his decisions; you will just make him more unsecure which will impact on his performance.

---

The Assistant Referee

---

An assistant referee do not acutally make any binding deciisons. During a regualr soccer game two assistant referees oversees the touch lines on each side of the field. The assistant referees were called lines men but in 1996 FIFA changed the soccer rules and came up with a new name to better reflect the modern role of these officials. Still, many people like to referee to them as "referee's assistants" or the "linesmen". The main referee may discuss his decision with the assistant referee but as I said before, he can also refuse them if he believe that they are not correct.

---

Duration of The Game

---

The duration of the match is different and depends on what competition you are participating in. If you play a regular soccer game (11 vs. 11), the time is 45 minutes per half plus overtime. However, in a cup there can also be extra time, 30 minutes (15 minutes per half). However, if you are playing an inside game the time is usually much shorter (about 12 minutes in futsal).

---

The Restart of Play

---

The most common situations where restart of play occurs are following; start of the game, after a goal is scored, at the start of the second half or extra time, a throw in, goal kick and a free kick. You should also know that it is possible to score directly from a kick-off. I’ve seen one of my teammates score few times so I know it is possible.

---

Ball in and Out of Play

---

According to the official soccer rules, a soccer ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the goal or touch line independently on whether the ball is on the ground or in the air. The ball is in play at all other times, plus these; when it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar or a corner flag and remains on the field. It is also in play when it rebounds from the referee (assistant as well).

---

Method of Scoring

---

In order to score a goal you need to send the whole ball over the goal line, between the goalposts and also under the crossbar. If not, then the referee might not approve the goal. If your team scores more goals then your opponents, the victory will be yours. However, if the game ends without goals or if both teams score an equal number of goals, then the match will end as draw. In some competitions, the soccer rules are little different as a game cannot end as a draw. Instead, an extra time is added. If the game ends as a draw even after the extra time a penalty shootout is used to determine the winner of the game.

---

The Offside

---

Many people see the offiside rule in soccer as something very complicated and hard to understand. However, I ensure that it is not more harder to learn than any other of the soccer rules presented in this guide. So, let me give you some examples on some common offside situations. You will be in offside if you are nearer your opponent’s goal line than your second last opponent and the ball. However, you will not be in offside if you are nearer your own half, in level with the second and also in level with the last two opponents.

---

Fouls and Misconduct

---

According to the official soccer rules of FIFA, you will be cautioned and the referee will show you the yellow card if you commit any of the following offences; You are delaying the restart of play. The referee found you guilty for unsporting behavior. You are throwing or kicking the ball away after the referee blows his whistle. You are entering or re entering a game without referees permission. Leaving the field without referee’s permission will also get you a yellow card. There are more things that may give you a yellow card but the above mentioned are the most common things players are punished for.

---

The Penalty Kick

---

The soccer penalty kick rule is a type of kick that is taken from twelve yards (about 11 meters) out from the goal line of your opponents. The goal kick taker, keeper and the referee are allowed to stand inside the 18 yard box. However, all other players must remain outside the 18 yard box until the ball is kicked. A player is allowed to kick the ball another time if the ball rebounds back to him. However, during a penalty shootout this rule is not available.

---

The Throw in

---

A soccer throw in is a method for restarting a soccer game. Your team will be awarded with a throw in when some of your opponents is the last player on the ball before it leaves the side line. It is also important to keep in mind that the whole ball must be completely over the side line (also known as the touch line).

---

The Goal Kick

---

Your team will be awarded with a goal kick when the ball has completely crossed the goal line. The ball must also be touch by one of your opponents. The official soccer rules state that as a goalie, you will have 6 seconds from placing the ball onto the ground to sending it upon the field. If you refuse to take the kick during the six seconds, the referee may punish you with a yellow card or an indirect free kick. You can also score a goal directly form the goal kick. However, you really need to have powerful kicks in order to succeed with that.

---

The Corner Kick

---

A soccer corner kick is another way of restarting a soccer game. It is also a very good scoring opportunity; in fact, many goals are scored from this type of kick. When taking a corner kick you need to control that your opponents are at least 10 yards from the ball. Keep in mind also that as soon as you touch the ball it will be counted as being in play.