by Kerry Bates
With each season that has passed since the departure of Jose Mourinho, there is a growing desperation within Chelsea to taste the sweet success of being English Premier League champions again. This season has the club welcoming their fourth manager in three seasons with Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian moved from AC Milan to Chelsea over the summer and has been tasked with restoring glory to the club not experienced since their Portuguese coach left under acrimonious circumstances. With half the season played, Ancelotti appears to be doing a fine job. Chelsea continues to lead at the top of the Premier League and there are a few key reasons why they could remain there come the end of the season.
1. The manager Carlo Ancelotti. Without a doubt, teams that have become champions over the years have had one similar trait and that is the presence of a great manager. Carlo Ancelotti has already proven himself both in Italy and Europe as a whole. Once dubbed the nearly man in Italian football, Ancelotti went on to win all the honours available domestically and internationally with AC Milan. It is this same resume on which Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich chose to hire him to lead the club after previous manager Guus Hiddink left.
2. Flourishing strike partners Chelsea used to play with only one striker upfront. That was the system that Mourinho implemented during his reign and found great success with. Subsequent coaches came and tried to impose their own ideals without success. It was not until Ancelotti came in that the team now plays with a more conventional two strikers upfront, with great results to show for it. The Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has struck up a strong partnership with Frenchman Nicolas Anelka with both hitting double digits at this stage of the season. There is no doubt that if both players remain fit and available, they will fire the club to the title.
3. John Terry scandal Many are expecting the scandal that John Terry has found himself in to cause friction in the squad and also lead to unwanted distraction in the title chase. However, most of the players have been reported to be supportive of the defender. Terry is well known for being a mentor for other players in terms of their fortunes on the pitch. That gesture could be returning to him in kind in a positive manner. The opposite individual involved in the scandal is also not a part of Chelsea. The whole situation could lead to an even more united team at Stamford Bridge which could translate to even better performances on the field.
There are many possible reasons why Chelsea should top the Premier League at the end of May, but the above three are the most important of them all. Rarely would a team enjoy a trouble-free season on their way to success and it is often the most difficult situations that would turn them into an indomitable side. Chelsea are now coincidentally going through such a period and with strong mental character, a return to being English football champions is within reach.
About the Author
Kerry Bates is a lifelong Chelsea FC supporter. He is maintaining a Chelsea FC blog that provides cutting edge views on the latest happenings at the English Premier League club. Find out more about his thoughts on the John Terry scandal by visiting his site.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The New Soccer Ball World Cup 2010
by Vladimir Kraev
To be selected for a ball such world-class competition, it must meet several requirements. The company works started up soccer balls in 1963 and now Adidas is a leading company in their production. Winner this year is Jabulani, the new Soccer ball World cup 2010.
Tests were conducted at The Adidas Innovation Team (A.I.T) of the most rigid laboratory conditions. Then was given and the club teams and professional players to try out the playing field. One of the leading institutions in the world - the Sports Technology Research Group of the University of Loughborough have also conducted research. All tests carried out proved that Jabulani Adidas has a stable flight and is more round than any other ball in various competitions.
Quality criteria, which was built by FIFA, ensuring the highest standard of the best players in the most popular sporting event. All tests carried out by Loughborough University and Adidas football laboratory in Scheinfeld prove that Soccer Ball World Cup 2010 not only meets, and is much better than all the criteria! The tests that were made are: Circumference Test, Water Absorption Test, Permanent Roundness Test. All of them, the Soccer ball World cup 2010 meets the world level!
Circumference Test: In order to achieve optimum results in keeping or dribble to calculate the average circumference of each ball, as measured in 10 different points.
* FIFA-Approved Standard: 68.5 cm - 69.5 cm
* Adidas Jabulani: 69,0 cm (+/- 0,2 cm)
Water Absorption Test: If a ball is heavy and wet, the conduct of the football field is totally different from a dry one. Low bounce, dribble hard and fly slowly. The new patented technology for thermal bonding makes the Soccer ball World cup 2010 almost impermeable. For the water absorption test, it will be placed in a container with water. Pressure and rotates 250 times, and then measure its weight. Test shows that it behaves in the same manner as dry.
* FIFA-Approved Standard: Water absorption: no more than 10% weight increase
* Adidas Jabulani: Water absorption: 0% weight increase
Permanent Roundness Test: One player can fully demonstrate their abilities only if the ball is perfectly round. 3-D panels reduce the formation of corners and they shift the energy balance. Large panels offer a wide range of kick. To be measured 16 different locations on the ball and is considered average diameter. The difference between the smallest and largest diameter should be strictly defined limits.
* FIFA-Approved Standard: Maximum 1.5% difference
* Adidas Jabulani: Maximum 1.0% difference.
Finally, some interesting features:
* High-quality materials in the cover, backing, and bladder allow the ball to fly exceptionally true
* Made with 100% polyurethane; received the highest FIFA rating
* Ball passed tests on weight, water uptake, shape, and size retention
* Official match play size 5
* Official FIFA Soccer ball World cup 2010
About the Author
The new Soccer ball World cup 2010 is really wonderful and I invite you to visit my page for more information: http://www.squidoo.com/world-cup-soccer-ball-2010.
To be selected for a ball such world-class competition, it must meet several requirements. The company works started up soccer balls in 1963 and now Adidas is a leading company in their production. Winner this year is Jabulani, the new Soccer ball World cup 2010.
Tests were conducted at The Adidas Innovation Team (A.I.T) of the most rigid laboratory conditions. Then was given and the club teams and professional players to try out the playing field. One of the leading institutions in the world - the Sports Technology Research Group of the University of Loughborough have also conducted research. All tests carried out proved that Jabulani Adidas has a stable flight and is more round than any other ball in various competitions.
Quality criteria, which was built by FIFA, ensuring the highest standard of the best players in the most popular sporting event. All tests carried out by Loughborough University and Adidas football laboratory in Scheinfeld prove that Soccer Ball World Cup 2010 not only meets, and is much better than all the criteria! The tests that were made are: Circumference Test, Water Absorption Test, Permanent Roundness Test. All of them, the Soccer ball World cup 2010 meets the world level!
Circumference Test: In order to achieve optimum results in keeping or dribble to calculate the average circumference of each ball, as measured in 10 different points.
* FIFA-Approved Standard: 68.5 cm - 69.5 cm
* Adidas Jabulani: 69,0 cm (+/- 0,2 cm)
Water Absorption Test: If a ball is heavy and wet, the conduct of the football field is totally different from a dry one. Low bounce, dribble hard and fly slowly. The new patented technology for thermal bonding makes the Soccer ball World cup 2010 almost impermeable. For the water absorption test, it will be placed in a container with water. Pressure and rotates 250 times, and then measure its weight. Test shows that it behaves in the same manner as dry.
* FIFA-Approved Standard: Water absorption: no more than 10% weight increase
* Adidas Jabulani: Water absorption: 0% weight increase
Permanent Roundness Test: One player can fully demonstrate their abilities only if the ball is perfectly round. 3-D panels reduce the formation of corners and they shift the energy balance. Large panels offer a wide range of kick. To be measured 16 different locations on the ball and is considered average diameter. The difference between the smallest and largest diameter should be strictly defined limits.
* FIFA-Approved Standard: Maximum 1.5% difference
* Adidas Jabulani: Maximum 1.0% difference.
Finally, some interesting features:
* High-quality materials in the cover, backing, and bladder allow the ball to fly exceptionally true
* Made with 100% polyurethane; received the highest FIFA rating
* Ball passed tests on weight, water uptake, shape, and size retention
* Official match play size 5
* Official FIFA Soccer ball World cup 2010
About the Author
The new Soccer ball World cup 2010 is really wonderful and I invite you to visit my page for more information: http://www.squidoo.com/world-cup-soccer-ball-2010.
Can Tottenham Hotspur Finally Qualify For The Champions League?
by Pete Whittingham
It has been a target they have since longed for and Tottenham Hotspur might finally be on ther verge of qualifying for the Champions League next season. However, from a more optimistic vantage point a few months ago, things are not looking so bright at the moment. While Spurs are still sitting pretty in fourth place, which is the last berth available for English Premiership clubs to get into the premier European football tournament, they actually face some disadvantage compared to the three other teams that are competing against them for the treasured spot.
For one, Spurs have played a couple of games more than the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester City. In that respect, they also do not have a huge lead over the two clubs in terms of points. The North London club could be easily overtaken by those two if they were to pick up maximum points from their games in hand. Liverpool is the other club in contention for the prestigious competition, and they have experience in their favour. Compared to the Reds, Spurs have never qualified for the Champions League since its inception, and nerves could be jangling when the race goes down to the wire in the final months.
However, there are some points that might swing the balance in favour of Tottenham Hotspur in their bid to reach the Champions League. These are discussed below and could prove to see Spurs making history and reaping the benefits, mostly financial, of a maiden appearance in the tournament next season.
1. Maturity of the players Spurs used to be accused of lacking in mental aptitude. Many a times they were tipped to be serious title contenders but the team would fail and falter under pressure. After current manager Harry Redknapp took over the reins last season, there have been clear signs that the players are maturing with each game. This can only serve them well when the going gets tough nearer the finishing line.
2. Better team effort The club has been famous for all the great individual players in the past. Football geniuses like Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker were the fabric of Spurs legends. However, this often led to prima donna attitudes and also a lack of team play and discipline. The club does not lack great players currently - Luka Modric and Jermain Defoe would spring to mind, but Redknapp has also instilled proper teamwork and a willingness in the players to work hard for each other.
3. Healthy club finances Unlike many of the other English Premiership clubs currently facing a myraid of financial problems, Tottenham Hotspur balance their books well. Despite a constant flurry of activity in the transfer market, the club is well funded through various revenue generating businesses and proper management within. It has thus allowed the manager to reinforce the team with quality players to move the club forward on the pitch.
While it would be classically Spurs to have one brilliant individual footballer to lead the club into the Champions League, the reasons above show that there is a greater emphasis on the team in modern times. It is also this main factor that will finally allow the sleeping North London giant to finally join the ranks of the football bigwigs and evolve into an even bigger presence on the European stage.
About the Author
Pete Whittingham is a football journalist based in North London. It is clear that Pete's affiliations are with Tottenham Hotspur and he often shares his love for the club on his site.
It has been a target they have since longed for and Tottenham Hotspur might finally be on ther verge of qualifying for the Champions League next season. However, from a more optimistic vantage point a few months ago, things are not looking so bright at the moment. While Spurs are still sitting pretty in fourth place, which is the last berth available for English Premiership clubs to get into the premier European football tournament, they actually face some disadvantage compared to the three other teams that are competing against them for the treasured spot.
For one, Spurs have played a couple of games more than the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester City. In that respect, they also do not have a huge lead over the two clubs in terms of points. The North London club could be easily overtaken by those two if they were to pick up maximum points from their games in hand. Liverpool is the other club in contention for the prestigious competition, and they have experience in their favour. Compared to the Reds, Spurs have never qualified for the Champions League since its inception, and nerves could be jangling when the race goes down to the wire in the final months.
However, there are some points that might swing the balance in favour of Tottenham Hotspur in their bid to reach the Champions League. These are discussed below and could prove to see Spurs making history and reaping the benefits, mostly financial, of a maiden appearance in the tournament next season.
1. Maturity of the players Spurs used to be accused of lacking in mental aptitude. Many a times they were tipped to be serious title contenders but the team would fail and falter under pressure. After current manager Harry Redknapp took over the reins last season, there have been clear signs that the players are maturing with each game. This can only serve them well when the going gets tough nearer the finishing line.
2. Better team effort The club has been famous for all the great individual players in the past. Football geniuses like Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker were the fabric of Spurs legends. However, this often led to prima donna attitudes and also a lack of team play and discipline. The club does not lack great players currently - Luka Modric and Jermain Defoe would spring to mind, but Redknapp has also instilled proper teamwork and a willingness in the players to work hard for each other.
3. Healthy club finances Unlike many of the other English Premiership clubs currently facing a myraid of financial problems, Tottenham Hotspur balance their books well. Despite a constant flurry of activity in the transfer market, the club is well funded through various revenue generating businesses and proper management within. It has thus allowed the manager to reinforce the team with quality players to move the club forward on the pitch.
While it would be classically Spurs to have one brilliant individual footballer to lead the club into the Champions League, the reasons above show that there is a greater emphasis on the team in modern times. It is also this main factor that will finally allow the sleeping North London giant to finally join the ranks of the football bigwigs and evolve into an even bigger presence on the European stage.
About the Author
Pete Whittingham is a football journalist based in North London. It is clear that Pete's affiliations are with Tottenham Hotspur and he often shares his love for the club on his site.
Buying the right soccer equipment
by Mark Ray
Playing soccer is a great way to keep active. Playing soccer keeps you on your toes and helps you to work out your muscles and fat and keeps you in shape. It makes you use your limbs as well as your brains at the same time, as you have to follow and some times even build up a strategy on the spur of the moment. If your child likes to run around and play with a soccer ball, then half your problems are over. In any case all you really need for playing soccer is a ball. You could run down to any store and get your child a soccer ball to start with.
Apart from a ball, you will need to buy a good pair of sport shoes which fit well and have a good grip. In case, your child normally plays on grass, you must get cleats for the shoes as grass get very slippery when wet and soccer does involve a couple of sharp turns here and there to save a goal. These shoes help to the player to keep his or her balance and prevent any kind of unwanted injuries like twisted ankles or hamstring pulls. The old adage of penny wise pound foolish does apply when buying sports shoes as they will be subject to harsh handling. So buy a good pair even if you need to spend a few extra bucks.
Soccer is a sport which involves running and ducking and occasional contact with other players. It may be a good idea to get your child shin guards and elbow guards. When buying shin guards, make sure they are firm yet flexible and allow the child to move. Buying the correct size is important, so take your child for a trial before buying one. It does sound a bit overwhelming to buy so much of equipment for a sport but it is always better to play with the correct equipment rather than play with less than perfect stuff and get injured in the bargain.
If your child is not playing alone and is part of a neighborhood team, perhaps there may be some uniform for the team members. Most neighborhood teams have generic uniforms but there could be some specific design or logo to identify one team from another. Then you will need to buy the required color shorts, top and cap. If your child is in the growing stage and outgrows his or her clothes fast, then you could think of getting a neighbors' hand me down.
Regarding the soccer ball, these are available in different sizes for different ages. So make sure that your child practices with the correct size. The other soccer equipment includes a practice soccer goal, a soccer equipment bag and a few soccer cones for practice. These items are not essential and one can manage to learn the game without them too. Buying all the equipment in the first go may seem too expensive but it will be worth it in the long run.
About the Author
If you want to find out more about Soccer Shirts and Soccer Kits, you can visit Soccer-box.co.uk for more information.
Playing soccer is a great way to keep active. Playing soccer keeps you on your toes and helps you to work out your muscles and fat and keeps you in shape. It makes you use your limbs as well as your brains at the same time, as you have to follow and some times even build up a strategy on the spur of the moment. If your child likes to run around and play with a soccer ball, then half your problems are over. In any case all you really need for playing soccer is a ball. You could run down to any store and get your child a soccer ball to start with.
Apart from a ball, you will need to buy a good pair of sport shoes which fit well and have a good grip. In case, your child normally plays on grass, you must get cleats for the shoes as grass get very slippery when wet and soccer does involve a couple of sharp turns here and there to save a goal. These shoes help to the player to keep his or her balance and prevent any kind of unwanted injuries like twisted ankles or hamstring pulls. The old adage of penny wise pound foolish does apply when buying sports shoes as they will be subject to harsh handling. So buy a good pair even if you need to spend a few extra bucks.
Soccer is a sport which involves running and ducking and occasional contact with other players. It may be a good idea to get your child shin guards and elbow guards. When buying shin guards, make sure they are firm yet flexible and allow the child to move. Buying the correct size is important, so take your child for a trial before buying one. It does sound a bit overwhelming to buy so much of equipment for a sport but it is always better to play with the correct equipment rather than play with less than perfect stuff and get injured in the bargain.
If your child is not playing alone and is part of a neighborhood team, perhaps there may be some uniform for the team members. Most neighborhood teams have generic uniforms but there could be some specific design or logo to identify one team from another. Then you will need to buy the required color shorts, top and cap. If your child is in the growing stage and outgrows his or her clothes fast, then you could think of getting a neighbors' hand me down.
Regarding the soccer ball, these are available in different sizes for different ages. So make sure that your child practices with the correct size. The other soccer equipment includes a practice soccer goal, a soccer equipment bag and a few soccer cones for practice. These items are not essential and one can manage to learn the game without them too. Buying all the equipment in the first go may seem too expensive but it will be worth it in the long run.
About the Author
If you want to find out more about Soccer Shirts and Soccer Kits, you can visit Soccer-box.co.uk for more information.
World Cup 2010 : Qualifying process and Qualified teams
by worldcuplive2010.com
A total of 204 teams entered the qualification process of FIFA world cup qualifying matches were played on 25 August 2007 and qualification concluded in 18 November 2009.
Africa
Africa (CAF) had a preliminary round to reduce teams to 48, followed by 12 groups of 4. 12 winners and 8 best runners-up divided into 5 groups of 4, the winners of these groups qualified for the final rounds of FIFA World Cup 2010.
Qualified Teams : Cameroon,Nigeria,Algeria,Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire
Asia
The preliminary rounds of Asia (AFC) qualifying tournament narrowed the teams down from 42 to 20, which are then split into 5 groups of 4. Winners and runners-up moved on, and these 10 teams are then put into 2 groups of 5. The winner and runner-up of each group qualifies, with the two 3rd placed teams played a playoff against each other. The winner of this game then gone into a playoff with the 1st placed OFC team.
Qualified Teams: Australia,Japan,Korea Republic and Korea DPR
Europe
Europe (UEFA) qualification tournament had 8 groups of 6 teams and 1 group of 5. Winners are qualified, the eight best second-placed determined the other 4 spots with a home and away play-off.
Qualified Teams: Denmark,Switzerland,Slovakia,Germany,Spain,England,Serbia,Italy,
Netherlands,Slovania,Greece,France and Portugal
CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean)
North,Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF) had two preliminary rounds to narrow the number of teams from 35 to 12. There were then 3 groups of 4. Winners and runners-up then entered to the final group of six, where the top 3 teams qualified. The 4th placed team entered into a playoff with the 5th placed team from CONMEBOL.
Qualified Teams: USA,Mexico and Honduras
Oceania
The top 3 of the South Pacific Games (Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia) joined New Zealand for the OFC Nations Cup. The winner of this entered in to a play-off with the 5th placed from AFC.
Qualified Team : New Zealand
South America
10 teams in a single group (round robin), teams from 1st to 4th position are qualified, the 5th placed entered into a two legged play-off with the 4th placed team from CONCACAF.
Qualified Teams: Brazil,Chile,Portugal,Argentina and Uruguay
world cup 2010 video
Refernce:http://www.worldcuplive2010.com/qualification
About the Author
worldcuplive2010.com world cup 2010
A total of 204 teams entered the qualification process of FIFA world cup qualifying matches were played on 25 August 2007 and qualification concluded in 18 November 2009.
Africa
Africa (CAF) had a preliminary round to reduce teams to 48, followed by 12 groups of 4. 12 winners and 8 best runners-up divided into 5 groups of 4, the winners of these groups qualified for the final rounds of FIFA World Cup 2010.
Qualified Teams : Cameroon,Nigeria,Algeria,Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire
Asia
The preliminary rounds of Asia (AFC) qualifying tournament narrowed the teams down from 42 to 20, which are then split into 5 groups of 4. Winners and runners-up moved on, and these 10 teams are then put into 2 groups of 5. The winner and runner-up of each group qualifies, with the two 3rd placed teams played a playoff against each other. The winner of this game then gone into a playoff with the 1st placed OFC team.
Qualified Teams: Australia,Japan,Korea Republic and Korea DPR
Europe
Europe (UEFA) qualification tournament had 8 groups of 6 teams and 1 group of 5. Winners are qualified, the eight best second-placed determined the other 4 spots with a home and away play-off.
Qualified Teams: Denmark,Switzerland,Slovakia,Germany,Spain,England,Serbia,Italy,
Netherlands,Slovania,Greece,France and Portugal
CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean)
North,Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF) had two preliminary rounds to narrow the number of teams from 35 to 12. There were then 3 groups of 4. Winners and runners-up then entered to the final group of six, where the top 3 teams qualified. The 4th placed team entered into a playoff with the 5th placed team from CONMEBOL.
Qualified Teams: USA,Mexico and Honduras
Oceania
The top 3 of the South Pacific Games (Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia) joined New Zealand for the OFC Nations Cup. The winner of this entered in to a play-off with the 5th placed from AFC.
Qualified Team : New Zealand
South America
10 teams in a single group (round robin), teams from 1st to 4th position are qualified, the 5th placed entered into a two legged play-off with the 4th placed team from CONCACAF.
Qualified Teams: Brazil,Chile,Portugal,Argentina and Uruguay
world cup 2010 video
Refernce:http://www.worldcuplive2010.com/qualification
About the Author
worldcuplive2010.com world cup 2010
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