Soccer Tricks

                

 

Everyone loves Soccer tricks!

Ronaldinho the soccer player probably has the best soccer tricks in the game at the moment but it is worth checking out some other soccer players as their soccer moves are also outstanding. Brazil soccer fans will claim to have the most famous player in the world, Ronaldinho and there is no doubt he is a hard man to beat.

Here are some other players famous for their soccer tricks.....

George Best

The late George Best could do anything with a ball in his prime, indeed you would often think that the ball was tied to his foot with a piece of string! He had pace, skill and could play with both feet.

Pele

Brazil soccer fans have another hero in Pele ! The famous Pele scored over 1000 career goals and had a variety of soccer tricks to display. At the age of 17 he scored a wonderful goal in the 1958 world cup final when he beat 2 defenders and chipped the ball over their head to volley home!

And who could forget the famous " dummy" in the 1970 World cup finals when he fooled the goalkeeper!

Johan Cruyff

What a player the Dutch had in the majestic Johan Cruyff! He could anything with the ball and in his prime was part of the Dutch total football team who reached two consecutive world cup finals in 1974 and 1978 . Famous for the soccer trick called the "Cruyff" turn where he dips his shoulder and fakes a cross while back heeling the ball past the defender!

Maradona

Another genius who captained Argentina to world cup glory. The Maradona goal against England in the 1986 world cup goal is one of the all time greats. If you watch any Maradona videos you will realise he was a little box of soccer tricks as he could do almost anything with the ball and especially his magic left foot.

The history of Maradona is certainly complex but he is right up there with the very best, did you know he can do keepie ups with a golf ball ? How difficult would that be? Maradona could do any soccer trick!

Soccer moves are a joy to watch and all the players above played the game with a smile on their face and that's what soccer fans will gladly pay money to see!

Kevin McNally offers soccer tips and tricks and soccer information including soccer tricks at http://www.worldcupsoccerfacts.info

Argentina and Culture - Soccer as an indicator?

                

 

Every country is unique in a certain way. And to understand the culture of a country you must have experienced this culture. Culture is something that is so extent, that in order to opinion about it you need to be very focused. For example, by comparing one specific aspect of the culture with the culture you know best -- that of you native country.

Without this focus, Argentinean culture would give an enormous amount of views. Ask for example someone in the street about Argentina and you will hear: Tango. And maybe also, Buenos Aires, Evita, Military Coups, Borges, Once one of the Wealthiest countries or ... Maradona, Soccer.

Culture is about what keeps people together in a community or society (the internal aspect). How strong is this internal binding? But culture is also about how this group interacts with others groups and cultures. For the first aspect it is important to know that Argentina is a country with a very high historic immigration level:

• "In the peak period of the world?s oversee migration, 1821-1932, six countries absorbed 90 per cent of the total, and among these six, Argentina ranked second in the number of immigrants, with a total of 6,405,000. Between 1857 and 1958 the main source of immigrants to Argentina were Italy and Spain accounting for 46 and 33 percent, respectively, of the total. (www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1990/1/90.01.06.x.html)

Despite this high level of immigration, the Argentinean culture is quite (and comparatively) strong. For the second element -- the interaction of the group with / against others -- Argentina is very much a competing culture, whereas the Dutch culture is much more consensus based and cooperative. The fighting spirit -- so to say -- is much more part of the Argentinean culture that that of the Dutch.

Argentina won the world cup twice. The first time they could celebrate in 1978 (against The Netherlands) and the second time in 1986, they were too strong for West Germany. Holland participated twice in the world cup finals. In both cases they finished second best. This is where they could learn from the Argentinean Culture.

Hans Bool is the founder of Astor White a traditional management consulting company that offers online management tools. Have a look at some of our free management tools

Barcelona Soccer

                

 

Barcelona, as a city, enjoys and promotes sports. Today, thanks in large part to the 1992 Olympic Games, a quarter of the city's population now regularly does some type of sport and has included physical exercise in their habitual activities. The people of Barcelona have seized the city's public spaces, squares, parks and new beaches, and turned them into focal points for sports activities. The City Council promotes and stimulates sport at all levels - from amateur to professional, from school to retirement, from 'fun runs' to summer activities ? by building and remodeling facilities, equipping districts and educational centers. Soccer is the favorite sport of Barcelona.

FC Barcelona is not only Barcelona?s pride and joy, but also the favorite of soccer fans all over the world. Arguably the best football club in Spain, Bar?a is an incredible team. It has an impressive record, with the most wins of any team in the world. Also, it is the only team in Europe to have competed in the European Cup since the beginning of the tournament in 1955. Bar?a also boasts the most wins in the Copa del Rey, Spain?s own tournament.

The team colors of FC Barcelona are maroon, royal blue and gold. These are also the most popular colors in Barcelona. Fans outfit themselves from head to toe in Bar?a gear and personalize their mobile phones to ring the Bar?a hymn, update them with breaking team news and give them live game updates if they have to miss a match.

Barcelona is also home to not only one of the largest football museums in the world, but also the most visited museum in Catalonia. Knowing the names of every player on the team roster and wearing a jersey on game day (or every day!) are also ways in which one can quickly integrate into Barcelona culture.

Barcelona provides detailed information on Barcelona, Barcelona Hotels, Barcelona Soccer, Barcelona Weather and more. Barcelona is affiliated with Spain Golf.

Soccer Channel Fox

                

 

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Ronaldinho - World's Greatest Soccer Player

                

 

Ronaldinho is one of the world?s greatest soccer players. You probably have seen his Nike commercial where it shows him as a young boy, and also shows him at his present age. It shows him kicking the ball up in the air and making defenders look like fools, and then at the very end he rolls the ball in with his head. The amazing thing about this commercial is that it is not much of an embellishment of the skills that he possesses. I have seen matches when he displays some of these same skills, and makes the defenders look just as bad.

Ronaldinho grew up in a poor village in Brazil. His father died when he was only 8 years old, and his family remained poor until his brother Roberto signed to play professional soccer. Ronaldinho first gained notoriety when he was 13, and scored 23 goals against a local team. Even though, Ronaldinho is the world?s greatest soccer player, he is still very humble. His humility makes he very appealing to me, because I do not like cocky players. Some reporters recently commented that he was the greatest soccer player in the world, and he told them he did not even think he was the best player in Barcelona. He has also been asked what he does with all of his money, and he says that he gives it to his mother. The reporters then asked if she was managing it for him, and he said no it is her money. He has also been quoted as saying that even if he was not paid any money, he would still play just the same. In 2005, he was the highest paid soccer player in the world, at $29.5 million, including salaries and merchandising. His image is worth an estimated $60.3 million, which is the most valuable in the world. Ronaldinho is associated with many brands throughout the world, but Nike is probably the most well known of the brands.

Visit http://www.ronaldinho.cc/ for more on Ronaldinho

3 Fundamental Skills For Junior Soccer Goalkeeping Success

                

 

Soccer goalkeepers have a unique position. One which entails highly tuned skills and great athletic ability. One of the fundamental mistakes that soccer clubs make at a grass roots level is not seriously training their young goalkeepers in the fine art of goalkeeping...It is an art form. It is possible that some trainers do not have the specialized skills to train young goalkeepers. Whatever the reason may be, training goalkeepers the fundamental skills they require to succeed at an early age should be a focal point in any team?s success.

Following are some points to remember when training the junior or youth goalkeeper, to help maximize their success in their role as a goalkeeper playing alongside their team mates:

- Footwork: One of the most fundamental skills any young goalkeeper should learn revolves around footwork. Just like Muhammad Ali, goalkeepers should train to be light on their toes and move fluidly around their goal area. Great footwork helps a goalkeeper to attack the ball effectively and defend their goal more efficiently.

- Angles: Understanding how to cut angles is an important skill to learn for any goalkeeper. For example, in one on one situations where a goalkeeper must stop an oncoming attacker, simple movements such as running to meet the attack utilizing momentum and footwork will help close off the attackers ability to strike on goals.

- Communication: Learning how to be vocal in the goal area is a fundamental skill. Understanding how to control your defense is one of the most neglected, and often most important skills a junior goalkeeper lacks. If you do not know how to communicate with your defense, then you are just one goalkeeper in a sea of attackers. Communication is also a vital life skill, something a junior goalkeeper can take away and utilize throughout their whole lives.

The above 3 points are extremely important for the junior or youth goalkeeper to utilize for greater goalkeeping success. Obviously, there is a whole sea of knowledge a goalkeeper will come across in their playing careers. To maximize your young goalkeepers knowledge, take the time to practice these three fundamental skills at home.

John Stevanja runs http://www.keeper-skool.com blog for fitness tips and nutrition information for the competitive goalkeeper. Join the Keeper Skool Newsletter the latest information for the soccer goalkeeper.

Can Soccer Stay Alive in the US?

                

 

Soccer became a part of American history in 1609 when in the colony of Jamestown, (established by the country of Britain) started playing a game that was similar to what we now know as soccer. However, it wasn?t until 1862 that it became a sport, when Ivy League schools formed a conference. There is a controversy brewing, that it is not widespread enough to still be considered a sport.

Salisbury, a journalist writer from Pennsylvania, along with his colleagues believes that Soccer will never be popular enough throughout United States. According to a poll conducted this past year by the sports world, Football was rated as the most popular sport in the United States followed by Basketball, Baseball, and Soccer. In order for Soccer to break into the top three sports, some cultural changes would have to take place in the United States. The Soccer Industry Council of America had already successfully predicted that by the end of the 1980s about 12 million Americans under the age of 19 (37% of them girls) were playing organized soccer. This ranked soccer third among all sports, behind basketball (first) and volleyball (second). Further, soccer for children under the age of 13, it ranked second under basketball. Before further growth and popularity of soccer to take a stronger hold on the youth they needed to have professional role models to follow. Therefore, a professional organization had to be formed.

Since the early 1960's, the United States has had professional soccer leagues. There were two leagues during the 1960's; however, The National Professional Soccer League couldn't exist on their own so they merged with The National American Soccer League. The National American Soccer League (NASL) was created in order to raise the popularity of the sport in the United States. The leagues president Charlie Zarzour would make the major decision that affected the growth of soccer in the United States. The league recruited the elite players from Europe and Africa to play and train American players. As the NASL grew to 21 teams across the United States, attendance grew strong with an average of 15,000. A recent poll conducted this past year by Fox Sports Net states that the most watched sports on television today are basketball, football, baseball, and then soccer. This should prove to skeptics that the popularity of the sport is actually here in America but just over looked.

Those in attendance found it easy to learn, less injurious than U.S. football, and equally enjoyable for both boys and girls. The NASL was recruiting top player out of Europe to come and play for the teams in the States. The top players in the NASL were European, but were brought to the United States to become teachers and role models for the youth in America. Europeans have dominated the sport of soccer; however, Americans are making a bigger presence due to the growing popularity of the sport in the United States. These players were sparking more interest in the youth across the states. Americans now a day are adopting soccer as sport in the United States just like golf was adopted into the culture in the United States. An argument put forth by Salisbury, all though contradictory to his beginning statement, stating that soccer in the U.S. is as old as baseball and is no more foreign than golf.

Soccer is not a sport were a game will end up in double digits in scoring, although if a one-sided match occurs it is possible. A cultural trend now a day in the United States shows that a vast majority of people can not spend long periods of time sitting and watching a game without becoming fidgety. Research done by Universal Attention Disorders, Inc has shown that anywhere between 5 % and 15 % of the youth today have attention disorders. With the growing rate of ADD and other attention disorders, Soccer seems to be considered as impossible to watch. There is a huge contrast of cultural differences between the youth in the United States and the youth in Europe. Europeans were not brought up around the video games and explosive television shows that the youth in the United States thrive on. The video games and television shows create an aspect to children that sports, let alone soccer, can fulfill.

Other then the aspect of American culture, Soccer is considered to repetitive, slow to watch, and considered to be a sport that lacks skill. Soccer has other interesting aspects that add to the enjoyment of the sport. There are certain skills player's need to use to either kicks a ball perfectly across a 50 yard field or to slide at a player running at full speed and only kicking the ball away from him without colliding into the player. Soccer is also very exciting when it deals the skill used to beat a player one on one. There are specific camps run today in the States teaching kids how to dribble and how to do moves to beat a player one on one. Youth in America watch And 1 Mix Tapes, a street basketball tape that go through inner cities displaying moves, not to see the amazing amount of points scored, but to watch the moves and the skill put forth by the players. Soccer has aspects in the game that are interesting to all people. Those who like football and hockey because of the hard hitting would enjoy soccer because of the hard physical contact and the lack of protective pads. Those who enjoy basketball for the sleek moves would also enjoy soccer for the same reason. And for those who like baseball, well, there really is not anything inside soccer that is like aspects of baseball.

Mary Anne Winslow is a member of Essay Writing Servicecounselling department team and a dissertation writing consultant. Contact her to get free counselling on custom essay writing.

A Look At UK Soccer

                

 

The FA Premier League Partnership, also known as UK soccer, was first founded in 1992 and is a league that is reserved for the top UK soccer clubs in the English system. This distinction makes it England?s primary soccer competition. Each year, 20 teams compete for the league championship but, oddly enough, only four teams have been crowned. Why? Because these four teams have dominated UK soccer since it?s inception. These include Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Manchester United. Of these four UK soccer clubs, Manchester United has been the most successful after having won the championship title on eight occasions. The current league champions are Chelsea, who clinched their second consecutive title during the 2005-06 season.

The sport of UK soccer hasn?t always been as popular as it is today. In fact, the 1980s marked a particularly low point for the sport. Stadiums were crumbling, which left spectators facing poor facilities. As attendance dropped and conditions worsened, UK soccer was banned from European competition. By the time the 1990s rolled around, things were beginning to change and the ban formerly preventing English teams from competing was lifted.

At the conclusion of the 1991 season, a proposal for a new league was presented and was one that would bring additional revenue into the sport. The Founder Members Agreement, which was signed in July 1991, established the basic foundation for the FA Premier League. The new division was given a license to negotiate broadcast and sponsorship agreements, which was a necessary part of successful competition. In 1992, the FA Premier League was formed as a limited company and operated out of an office at the former headquarters of the Football Association.

The 1992-93 season marked the first of many competitions for the new face of UK soccer. Due to the rules governed by the FIFA, the number of teams was reduced to twenty in 1995. Today, the FA Premier League is a corporation that is owned by the 20 member clubs of UK soccer. Each team is considered to be a shareholder and has the opportunity to vote on important issues, including rule changes and contracts. Each team has the power to elect a Chairman, Chief Executive and Board of Directors to oversee their day-to-day activities. The Football Association is not directly involved with these operations, but it does have veto power during team elections.

Today, a typical UK soccer season consists of 20 teams competing against one another on two separate occasions. One half of the season is dedicated to home games and the second half, which repeats the same schedule as the first, entails each team playing their competitors for a second time at a different location. For instance, the first half of a season may be comprised of home games and the second half would be played on the competitors home turf. At the conclusion of each season, the champions are named according to points awarded throughout the season. If a tie occurs, a one match playoff is held to determine which top four teams will qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

For additional information on the FA Premier League and/or UK soccer, fans may visit their official website at http://www.premierleague.com. Current standings, news, updates, photos, historical profiles and league news is available online. A professional design with colorful appeal make this a very popular website among UK soccer fans. Soccer, itself, remains a popular sport throughout the world and is celebrated in many different countries. With legions of fans worldwide, it appears that soccer players will be kicking high for many years to come.

Read the latest Arsenal soccer news, Aston Villa soccer news or any other UK soccer news on http://www.sportsnews24h.com/Soccer/England/

Soccer Definitely has it's Kicks

                

 

Soccer is one of the most interesting and popular sport played by people all over the world. There are hundred millions of soccer fans all around the world. Soccer is the most popular game in Soviet Union. It is also called soccer. The term soccer first appeared in the 1880s as a slang abbreviation of Association soccer, often credited to Charles Wreford-Brown.

Soccer is a game played with a ball on a rectangular grass field, 100 yards in length (occasionally on an artificial grass field), with goal lines and goal posts at either end. Soccer is governed by soccer law, which is administered by national soccer associations, who, in turn, must answer to Fifa.

Each team consists of a maximum of eleven players (excluding substitutes), one of whom must be the goalkeeper. A goalkeeper is the player of a team who is set into position to try to block shots into the goal.

Opposing teams of 11 players each attempt to gain possession of the ball and advance it by means of running and passing plays entirely across the opponent's goal line. A team doing so then scores a Goal.

The object of the game is to score by maneuvering the ball into the opposing goal. The predominant feature of the sport is that players other than the goalkeepers may not use their hands or arms to propel the ball in general play. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to play the ball with their hands or arms, but they are only allowed to do so within the penalty area in front of their own goal. Though there are a variety of positions in which the outfield (non-goalkeeper) players are strategically placed by a manager or coach, these positions are not defined or required by the Laws. The winner is the team that has scored more goals at the end of the match.

The rules of soccer were codified in England by the Soccer Association in 1863, and the name association soccer was coined to distinguish the game from the other forms of soccer played at the time, specifically rugby soccer.There are seventeen Laws in the official Laws of the Game. The same Laws are designed to apply to all levels of soccer, although certain modifications for groups such as juniors, seniors or women are permitted. The Laws are often framed in broad terms, which allow flexibility in their application depending on the nature of the game. In addition to the seventeen Laws, numerous IFAB decisions and other directives contribute to the regulation of soccer.

Soccer is also a dangerous game as a lot of injuries are involved. A soccer player is twice as likely to sustain a minor injury as a basketball player, and five times as likely to sustain a minor injury as a skateboarder. Soccer was found to be the riskiest sport for children and teens as regards to minor injuries. But regardless of the dangers involved it still remains to be one of the most popular and favorite sports.

Jeffrey Meier of Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.Jam727.com offers information about many topics and articles of interest. For other games of sports please visit http://www.gamesofknowledge.com.

Soccer in the USA

                

 

Soccer is one of the most popular and loved game and sport worldwide. It is one of those games that has the biggest audience of fans both who play it and support it. However this is not so true for the whole world. For example, the United States of America are not that crazy about it, Americans are more fond of American football.

Soccer, or football (or foosball or football), as it is called by the rest of the world outside the United States, is surely the most popular sport in the world. Every four years, the world championship of soccer, the World Cup, is watched by literally billions all over the world, beating out the United States professional football's Super bowl by far. It is estimated that 1.7 billion television viewers watched the World Cup final between France and Brazil in July of 1998. And it is also a genuine world championship, involving teams from 32 countries in the final rounds, unlike the much more parochial and misnamed World Series in American baseball (that doesn't even involve Japan or Cuba, two baseball hotbeds). But although soccer has become an important sport in the American sports scene, it will never make inroads into the hearts and markets of American sports the way that football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and even tennis and golf have done. There are many reasons for this.

Recently the New England Revolution beat the Tampa Bay Mutiny in a game played during a horrid rainstorm. Nearly 5000 fans showed up, which shows that soccer is, indeed, popular in the United States. However, the story of the game was buried near the back of the newspaper's sports section, and there was certainly no television coverage. In fact, the biggest reason for soccer's failure as a mass appeal sport in the United States is that it doesn't conform easily to the demands of television. Basketball succeeds enormously in America because it regularly schedules what it calls "television time-outs" as well as the time-outs that the teams themselves call to re-group, not to mention half-times and, on the professional level, quarter breaks. Those time-outs in the action are ideally made for television commercials. And television coverage is the lifeblood of American sports. College basketball lives for a game scheduled on CBS or ESPN (highly recruited high school players are more likely to go to a team that regularly gets national television exposure), and we could even say that television coverage has dictated the pace and feel of American football. Anyone who has attended a live football game knows how commercial time-outs slow the game and sometimes, at its most exciting moments, disrupt the flow of events. There is no serious objection, however, because without television, football knows that it simply would not remain in the homes and hearts of Americans. Also, without those advertising dollars, the teams could not afford the sky-high salaries of their high-priced superstars.

Mary Anne Winslow is a member of Essay Writing Service counselling department team and a dissertation writing consultant. Contact her to get free counselling on custom essay writing

Rules of Soccer

                

 

Playing soccer is easy; being good at soccer takes a bit more effort. To be competent on the sport, the only way is to practice and play.

Like basketball, soccer players that are on the game field have their own designated positions. In the game of soccer there are eleven designated soccer positions on each team in the playing field. A single soccer team on the playing field has one goalie or goalkeeper and ten outfielders to play a variety of defensive, attacking and midfield positions. Each of these soccer positions has their own role and area of operation and certain set of skills are required in each of these soccer positions.

Defensive Positions or Defenders
Defenders are the players that are behind the midfielders. The main responsibilities of players designated in these soccer positions are to provide defensive support to the goalie and prevent the opposing team from scoring. Defenders usually stay on their side of the field.
* Centerback ? the centerbacks? main responsibility is to stop the opposing team from scoring or more particularly the strikers and to get the ball out of the penalty area as much as possible.
* Sweeper ? sweepers are the adaptable type of centerbacks. They sweep the ball if the opponents manage to break through the defensive line. A sweeper must have excellent ball handling, ball control and ball passing abilities to counter any attacking moves that the opponent does.
* Fullback ? fullbacks are the players that prevent the ball from crossing or cutting back into the penalty area.

Midfielders
Midfielders are positioned midway between the strikers and defenders. Their primary responsibilities are to make sure that they have possession of the ball, take the ball from the opposing team?s defenders and pass it to the strikers. Being a midfielder is one of the most exhausting soccer positions because midfielders? duties are broad. They are either called back into defensive position or sometimes attack the opposing team along with the strikers.
* Defensive midfield ? duties of players with these soccer positions is to take the ball away from the opposing team?s attackers.
* Attacking midfield ? players with in these positions are responsible for creating scoring opportunities.

Strikers or Forward or Attackers
Players with these soccer positions are the ones nearest to the opposing team?s goal. Their main duty is to score goals. The other duty of players with these soccer positions is to set up goal for their team mates. Most well known soccer players are strikers because strikers tend to score more than any of their team mates.

22 players and 11 members per team play soccer. Positions can be variable depending on the soccer formation and strategy employed, but usually a team roster includes a goalkeeper and a couple of defenders, midfielders and attackers.

Passing the Ball
Passing the ball is very easy, though the hardest part of passing accuracy. This is the starter player?s handicap. To do a standard rolling pass, you should kick the ball with the inside of your foot (instep and toe part). Your kick should hit the lateral part of the ball for it to travel in a roll. Kicking with the inside part of the foot also allows accuracy, wherein the arch is used to provide the ball direction. Ok, try it. Kick the ball with modest force with the arch providing direction.

Intermediate Passing and Shooting
The link also featured how to do a high pass. Notice how his foot made contact with the ball. For the ball to fly, the bottom of the ball should be hit while kicking. And to provide direction, the inside part (the toe part) of your foot should be the main contact of the bottom (of the ball)
Shooting the ball is the same as passing by a high ball. Even a rolling pass is considered shooting if it is used to score a goal. So now you see the importance of passing.

Playing soccer is easy; being good at soccer takes a bit more effort. To be competent on the sport, the only way is to practice and play. To be better, yet more practice and playing. But to be the best, again practice and play.

For more visit Evalin Tonara

Public Relations for Soccer Teams

                

 

Public relations for professional and amateur soccer teams at the higher level is not is easy as it might seem. The sports channels are filled with baseball, basketball, football and other popular sports. Even a golf tournament will take priority in the time slot on a major sports news network. Public relations for soccer teams in the United States of America is a lot different than it might be in other countries were soccer is the most popular sport and where football (our type), basketball and baseball are somewhat nonexistent.

Public relations for a soccer team should include community goodwill, autograph signing and promotion of the game of soccer itself. It is important to have constant communication with all major media outlets and promote the soccer players as the epitome of sportsmen with good sportsmanship, no drugs and good old family values. Luckily for soccer teams this is not too difficult because most all the soccer players are dedicated athletes and are not taking steroids.

This does not mean that public relations for soccer teams is easy, as it is hardly easy. However, public relations for professional and amateur soccer teams is not utterly impossible if the publicity team and public-relations specialists understand how things work. Promoting the individual players as superstars will go a long way to promoting the game of soccer and the professional team itself. It also brings more people to watch the games and uplifts the game of soccer in the United States. Please consider all this in 2006.

Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.

UEFA Cup Soccer Games Group Stage 2nd round

                

 

UEFA Cup Soccer Games Group Stage 2nd round. There are 8 groups, with 5 football teams in each. The second UEFA Group games take place on 2 November, Thursday. Ecobika sportsbetting picks tries to figure out the chances and of course, to pick the most likely results. As there are 5 teams, 1 team will not play. Let's see the menu:

Group A: Partizan v Livorno LIVESTREAM betting Very hard to predict, because Italian teams are very hard to beat. And this game is Partizan's first game int he group stage. UNDER 2.5 goals seems a good bet! Rangers v Maccabi Haifa Haifa won againts Auxerre 2 weeks ago, the moemntum is their side, but no question, which the better team is: Rangers to win

Group B: Tottenham v Club Brugge Though Tottenham is not the best yet int he Premiership, won in Turkey 2 weeks ago in the UEFA Cup, meanwhile Bruges and Leverkusen ended draw. This game is crystal clear: Ecobika picks home win Dinamo Bucuresti v Besiktas Dinamo's first game int he group. Besiktas after the fiasco at home versus Tottenham, Dinamo is the favorite of this game, but not sure win, therfore under 2.5 goals seems better bet for me with these great odds.

Group C: Grasshoppers v AZ Alkmaar If AZ: over 2.5 goals. The Swiss team not yet played int he group. Many goals? Ecobika pick OVER 2.5 goals. Braga v Slovan Liberec Both teams are defensive enough. this game is crying for picking UNDER 2.5 goals with these odds!. Group D: Heerenveen v OB Odense The Dutch team played draw 2 weeks ago in Osasuna - not bad! -, meanwhile Odense lost against Cup-specialist Italian team Parma. Ecobika thinks that this game a home banket, even if it will be difficult. Lens v Osasuna Osasuna missed the opportunities at home against the Dutch team, and most likely this will not their game neither. Lens to win their first match int he group

Group E: Blackburn v Basel Theoretically the odds of Blackburn will drop, but Basel is a dangerous team. Hard to predict, but maybe the best bet is under 2.5 goals. Nancy v Wisla Cracow The bettors will be united backing Nancy, and really, home win is a good try.

Group F: Zulte-Waregem v Sparta Prague The small Belgian team made one of the biggest upset beating Austria Wien in Vienna 2 weeks ago. The same time Sparta - surpisingly for Ecobika - lost at home versus Espanyol. Theoretically Sparta is better, but maybe under 2.5 goals is better bet, than away win. Ajax v Austria No comment needed here, Ajax - though disappointed - a class above Austria Wien. Ecobika pick: home win.

Group G: Hapoel Tel-Aviv v Rapid Bucuresti The odds will be against Hapoel, and Rapid Bucharest's phylosophy is crystal clear: winning against the weaker teams, and draw against the better teams. Away win

Mlad? Boleslav v Panathinaikos The first game of the Czech team int he group stage. UNDER 2.5 goals seems good bet here.

Group H: Palermo v Newcastle Two winners from the 1st round int he group. Italian talent against English bulldogs. Home win is widely expected, buti t is no tan easy bet!

Celta v Eintracht Frankfurt Frankfurt is the weakest team int he group, so Celta must win this game to keep the tempo with Palermo and Newcastle. Ecobika pick: home win

The odds are subject to change. The picks of Ecobika only reflect opinion, not surebets! Good luck!

UEFA Cup Soccer Games Group Stage 2nd round. There are 8 groups, with 5 football teams in each. The second UEFA Group games take place on 2 November, Thursday. Ecobika sportsbetting picks

Tips to watch soccer online

                

 

How to watch soccer online

Are you upset because the tickets for your favourite soccer-club are sold out? Are you at work when your favourite soccer-club has to play? No problem at all anymore, in this article I will give you tips where, when and how to watch soccer online.

First you have to know that there are several free channels to watch soccer online at the internet. The channels TVAnts and Sopcast are well-known. You have other programs too, like: PPLive, PPStream, PPMate, TVUplayer and TVKoo. The most of this programs are Chinese but it isn't difficult to change the language. The only problem is to download the software. It can take hours if you want to download all this software for free. Therefore I set up a site to get all the software in a minute for only 1.60 euro, the software-packet is divided into 2 parts of 5MB both. One euro and sixty cent to watch soccer free online the rest of your live! You can download the programs after you have made a call, it's very simple. Look here ->

http://tinyurl.com/yl9cwl

TVAnts is the one with the most sportchannels; A must have for all the sportfanatics who wants to watch free sport. GoalTV2 sends out soccer all day long. The best matches you will see there.

This site will give you a good schedule of what games will be played on which channel -> http://www.voetbalinbeeld.nl/zaterdag.htm (Matches on Saturday) -> http://www.voetbalinbeeld.nl/zondag.htm (Matches on Sunday).

Sometimes the connection will be slow. It's easy to speed-up your connection with this program -> http://www.voetbalinbeeld.nl/files/betterSP2.zip. Change the TCP/IP Limitation from 10 to 50. Then click apply and restart your computer. The peer 2 peer televisionchannels will work better now.

If you have too many problems with watching soccer online for free there are some paid services that you can use. These have the best connections as far as I know. A good option to look at is this: SharedTVSite!. It's unbelievable to see how many sport they send out every day.

I hope I gave you enough information about how to watch soccer online. Just download the software through my link (http://tinyurl.com/yl9cwl), then download the speed-up program. Search for GoalTV2 and you can watch soccer online everyday!

GameMaster lives in Holland and will tell you everything about how to watch soccer online!

You have permission to use this article as long as the content stays the same!

Awesome Soccer Moves - How To Learn and Teach

                

 

We both know that it's not easy to teach and learn soccer moves without easy step-by-step instructions and video clips, so the players and kids can easily understand how they are performed... and learn.

I think the easiest way to learn and teach new soccer moves easily, is to watch video clips of a specific soccer move and follow step-by-step instructions at the same time.

Here's an example:

1. ?Step-over 180? turns" (using inside/outside of the foot)

You can see the video clip of me performing this move here:
http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/freemove1.mpg

Step 1: Begin as though you were going to do in-betweens, with the ball between your feet.

Step 2: Put your weight on your left foot and bring your right foot up over the ball, turning counter clockwise and placing it on the ground to the left of the ball.

Step 3: Next, pivot on the right foot in a clockwise direction so you are facing the ball again and you can move in the other direction.

Sounds easy enough?

You could also fake the step-over and just ouch your right foot down before spinning back around and taking the ball with the outside of the right foot in a new direction.

This step-over is one of the greatest soccer moves for fakes and feints. The key is to make the step-over look like a shot, pass, or lunge.

Another example...

2. "Double Scissors"

Check the video clip here:
http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/freemove2.mpg

Step 1: Begin by dribbling the ball between your feet.

Step 2 : Place your right foot to the right of the ball and swing your left leg in a counter clockwise direction from the inside of the ball to the outside of the ball.

Step 3 : Repeat in the other direction with the other foot.

Step 4 : This is an inside-to-outside step-over with the left foot. From here you will move the ball back to the right with the outside of the right foot and accelerate in this direction.

You can perform and teach these soccer moves to the front of the ball, front side scissors, or from the back with the step-over mostly behind the ball, back side scissors.

Key Point: The key is to make your opponent believe the step-over is truly a move to the left.

Now go out there and try it and come up with your own variations. Good Luck!

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer moves and drills. His web site, http://www.soccerdrillstips.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on how to improve soccer skills and make training more fun and interesting

drunkensoccer.com,Myspace Killer

                

 

We all know that myspace.com is a mega gaint in the community portal business, and better yet the best there is online today. However, someone thinks the opposite,and that some one is dennis lee of drunkensoccer.com. to just say it in one word i think that he is insane. first of all the site that he is promoting is a soccer portal, that he claims gives more options to its users than myspace.com. his crazy concepts or out of this world. to be short and to the point let me tell you what he claims will happen within the next 4years of drunkensoccer.com,and what will be the fall of this mega gaint, myspace.com dennis claims that drunkensoccer.com will be one of the internet most fastest growing community website online that gives members more options to ?? create and most of all to make money and not waste their time pimping their page and fulling myspace pocket. His site will not only show the secret of Drunkensoccer but also share secret soccer tricks. There will also be options for members set themselves free. This site will also gives it members the latest cutting edge information online in money making secrets. A place for sport fans and social networking of ideas and skills with other members aroung the world.

How myspace will fall?

1) Popularity? Yes the rate is too high for a short term. meaning the growth is too rapid. Yes it sounds stupid but it is not.

For reason it everyones knows about it. with all this banning and law suits with members.

2) Cycling system is not as strong as they want us to believe? You might be saying what is this? Their marketers knows what i am talking about. And by law i can't tell you in this article.

3) Members are being pupets on strings but can't see it.

Member have no freedom. only an illusionary ones. let me stop here for now???

So that was so of what this insane young man claims, I also heard that dennis is an up coming internet guru that has saved 1000s of internet business online with his usual business insights.

Well to see more of his concepts in action just visit drunkensoccer.com and see that you too can create your own mega gaint!!
was broke,without an hope but made it with my zero to cash money making techniques online with out using my own cash!

Soccer Positions

                

 

As with basketball, soccer is a game with players who perform a specific role. A team is comprised of eleven positions. There is one goalkeeper or goalie, and ten others who have to defend attack or take up midfield positions. Each role has a specific set of skills and a specific area to deal with.

Goalie or Goalkeeper

It is the goalie?s who has to prevent the opponents from scoring a goal. This person is the only one who can touch the ball with their hands and they can only move within a certain area of the field.

Defenders or Defensive Positions

These positions help the goalie prevent opponents from scoring a goal. Like the goalie, they are restricted to a certain area of the field.

*Centerback-the centerbacks try to stop the opponents particularly the strikers of the opposing team from scoring. They try to keep to ball out of the penalty areas.

*Sweepers- sweepers go after anyone from the opposing team who breaks through the defense line. A sweeper should be able to control the ball and pass it well and counter any moves that the attacking team brings.

*Fullback- These players try to prevent the ball from entering the penalty areas

Midfielders

These players are located between the strikers and the defenders. They try to get the ball from the defenders on the opposing team and pass it to their strikers. This is a position that requires a lot of energy because they have to keep an eye on many things at once. They can be switched from a defensive stance to attacking pose at any time during the game.

*Defensive midfield- the purpose of this role is to get the ball from the attackers on the opposing team

*Attack midfield- these players must try to open avenues for their team to score goals

Strikers or Attackers or Forward

These team members are located close to the opposing team?s goal. They are the ones who score goals. Another role they play is to try and help others on their team score a goal. Most familiar soccer players are found in this position because they score the most goals.

Gavin Sanderson provides articles on sports. Visit soccer-kick.com to find more of his work.

Soccer Uniform Buying Guide

                

 

There are many things to consider when buying those necessary soccer uniforms. The following is a breakdown of the factors to consider when purchasing them.

Show your true colors

Color is usually one of the major factors in determining ones choice in uniform. The reason for this is that color could most probably hinder or help you in your game plan or your cause.

Most of the more poplar colors include white/red, white/blue, white/black, white/navy. This is because these colors are a lot easier to find than black/orange or white/purple.

It would be best if you firstly decide the specific colors you would want to see yourself in before heading off to the shop and buying everything off.

Know that are available, or not

It is also highly advisable if you go on and check the availability of a few stocks before deciding on that items to purchase. Usually, the levels of inventory fluctuate during one whole year that checking-it-twice (as a Christmas song suggests) is a wise thing to do during the process of selection.

It would also be best if you provide you dealer with at least three possible options in order to maximize your chances of getting the uniform you most probably prefer.

If the price is right

Fortunately, there are sites that provide calculations on the price of your uniform via the assessment of a number of factors. One of the most important factors that help determine the total value in retail of any of your soccer uniform purchases is the number of your purchases and how much each item costs.

Usually, discounts are provided depending on the total value in retail of your purchase. A ten percent discount is provided when the purchase totals anywhere between $100 and $199. A fifteen percent discount is provided if the purchase amounts to anywhere between $200 and $499. A twenty percent discount is given if the purchase falls anywhere between $500 and $999. A twenty two percent discount then applies if the purchases accumulate to $1000 and $2499. A twenty five percent discount applies to purchases that occur between $2500 and $4999.

Also, do not forget that there are companies that are more than willing to offer an incentive special program to high schools, colleges and clubs. Sometimes, when the school is more prolific, the incentives given are a whole lot better. Or, the bigger a particular club, the more willing a vendor will get to offer a concession that will fit that specific club.

What is your style

Usually, most people are quick to criticize the style of a particular teams uniform. It is therefore very important to understand the particular needs of your club or team. What kind of style do you want to look for? Are you gearing towards a uniform that is more custom-made? Do you have a plan b just in case the uniform you are planning to have will be discontinued? Up to how many seasons do you plan to wear that uniform? Do you plan to buy back any of your old uniforms in case you drop or add a few players or so? Would boy and girl players be wearing the same kind of uniform?

As much as possible, never believe any of the dealers when they claim that a particular style will be around for all time. With todays ever competitive market, it is always safe to assume that nothing is definitely certain.

Soccer socks, socks for soccer

It is very important to be just as discerning if not discriminating when it comes to choosing socks for use in soccer. Firstly, socks provide a whole lot of support for a players ankle, protects the feet from getting blisters and holds in place shin guards.

It is highly advisable then that socks to be bought are sturdy ones. This is because children usually are great in wearing socks out as well as in outgrowing them. Socks that are of good quality usually last a lot longer and are great in adding support for the feet.

Also, try be keen in fibers. Socks that are in the lower-end kind are usually made out of 100% polyester, acrylic and cotton. Of course, socks that belong to a higher-end kind usually has microfibers that assist in keeping perspiration off from the skin.

These higher-end types of socks have yarns that are elasticized for additional support and durability. Some socks even have foot beds that are padded and with arch supports.

All in all, a good soccer uniform is one that best suits your particular needs, style and budget. It all depends on the choices you make, so make the best ones.

For more great soccer uniform related articles and resources check out http://socceruniform.info

Soccer Drills - How To Improve Soccer Passing Skills

                

 

Passing and receiving a soccer ball is more than just kicking it back and forth. These are soccer skills that involve communication, organization, and vision. What follows are some simple, yet effective soccer drills you can use to have your team practice the skills of passing and receiving.

These passing soccer drills effectively works on passing technique and combines this with training on receiving, fitness, and movement:

- Create a rectangle 4 yards by 10 yards with a pylon at each corner.

- Have one player stand behind each pylon.

- The drill begins when player 1 passes to player 2 and then player 1 switches places with player 4. Player 2 passes to player 4 and then switches places with player 3.

- They then repeat this drill on the other side.

- Then passing takes place between players 3 and 4.

If it sounds a little confusing you can see the diagram here: http://soccerdrillstips.com/passingsoccerdrills.html

One great variation is to have two balls going at once so that while player 1 is passing to player 2, player 4 is passing to player 3, then they switch and pass the ball back and switch again.

Use your imagination and come up with other ways to vary this game and your own soccer drills.

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer drills and coaching. His web site, http://www.soccerdrillstips.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on how to improve soccer skills and make training more fun and interesting

Soccer Moves - How To Teach Step-Over 180? Turns

                

 

We both know that it's not easy to teach and learn soccer moves without easy step-by-step instructions and video clips, so the players and kids can easily understand how they are performed... and learn.

I've recorded a collection of video clips of me perfoming a variety of awesome soccer moves to help you out.

Here's an example:

1. "Step-over 180? turns" (using inside/outside of the foot)

You can see the video clip of me performing this move here: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/freemove1.mpg

Step 1: Begin as though you were going to do in-betweens, with the ball between your feet.

Step 2: Put your weight on your left foot and bring your right foot up over the ball, turning counter clockwise and placing it on the ground to the left of the ball.

Step 3: Next, pivot on the right foot in a clockwise direction so you are facing the ball again and you can move in the other direction.

Sounds easy enough?

You could also fake the step-over and just ouch your right foot down before spinning back around and taking the ball with the outside of the right foot in a new direction.

This step-over is one of the greatest soccer moves for fakes and feints. The key is to make the step-over look like a shot, pass, or lunge.

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer moves and drills. His web site, http://www.soccerdrillstips.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on how to improve soccer skills and make training more fun and interesting

Soccer Coaching - How to Motivate Soccer Players or Kids

                

 

On soccer coaching, the key to motivating soccer players is to help them to motivate themselves.

First, you need to set the example. This means that you need to use the Golden Rule and speak to them the way that you wish them to speak to you and the way you hope they speak to themselves.

Using positive reinforcement will go a long way to helping players feel good enough about themselves and their soccer game to want to strive for more. How? It is really very simple. Focus on the positive things and do not focus on the negative things.

We live in a rat race society and we tend to compare ourselves to others much of the time. Children go through school constantly being compared to others and then move to their post-secondary education looking to be the best so they can receive scholarships and awards.

They want to please their parents and they want to do well. They often focus on what they did wrong or what they did not do. In the end they can feel very frustrated, angry, and can even feel like a failure and this attitude can be carried onto the soccer field.

Using positive reinforcement means focusing on the positive or what went right. There is no need to look at what a player did not do properly. You may ask, how do you help a player correct poor technique or improve their soccer game without looking at what they did improperly.

On soccer coaching, the key is to look at what they did right and say that you want to see them do it again. Instead of saying, "That was a good kick, but when you kick the ball, place your foot here," try, "Hey, on that last penalty kick you had great follow through and made the shot. Let's see that again and this time try placing your foot here."

This is much more effective. Instead of feeling frustrated that they are not getting it right they will feel good about themselves for getting at least part of it right and they will be eager to do it again.

Of course there are times when they will get part of a technique right and not do something else in the proper way. Begin with pointing out the areas in which they performed well and then tell them you want to see it again with another part added in.

This way they will try again from the positive outlook that they can do it and they just need to adjust something. For example, instead of saying, "that was a good try, but when you kick the ball you need to kick through the ball. You are stopping short," try saying, "Great kick! You foot positioning was bang on.

Now let me see it again and this time kick your foot all the way through the ball and see how much farther it will go." Whether you are working with kids of adults, they will respond to this sort of encouragement.

It is also important to teach the players to positively reinforce their soccer team-mates and to encourage each other. In this way, players will feel even better about what they have accomplished, especially when they are nearing adolescence and their peers begin to have a greater influence on them than the adults in their lives do.

Motivating soccer players is about helping them feel good enough about themselves and what they are doing that they desire to strive for more. They will want to improve themselves and their game from the positive frame of mind that they are good players who are improving all the time, instead of feeling that they are inadequate and need to improve their game to become good enough.

Follow these soccer coaching tips and I'm sure you'll motivate your players or kids to love the game.

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer coaching drills and tips. His web site, http://www.soccerdrillstips.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on how to improve soccer skills and make training more fun and interesting

Soccer Lessons - How To Kick a Soccer Ball Properly

                

 

One of the most important soccer lessons and the first thing to know on kicking a soccer ball is what not to do. Do not kick a soccer ball with your toes, unless you are poking the ball to steel it from an opponent. There is not enough surface area on the toes to be able to aim the ball properly.

When kicking the ball the most powerful place to strike the ball with is the instep of your foot (the place where the shoelaces are). You will use this kicking technique most often.

Your supporting foot should be in line with the ball and the leg should be slightly bent. Once you strike the ball, follow through with a sweeping motion.

The inside of the foot is also used to kick the ball. The supporting foot should be pointed at the target and in line with the ball. Swing your kicking foot through the ball using a sweeping motion. The ball should move smoothly along the ground.

A more advanced kick is achieved by using the outside of the foot

The supporting foot should be angled at about 15? from the target.
You need to be sure your foot is firmly locked before striking the ball.
Yours in soccer,

Andre Botelho
http://www.soccerdrillstips.com


Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer lessons and coaching. His web site, www.soccerdrillstips.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on how to improve soccer skills and make training more fun and interesting

How To Improve Footwork Soccer Skills

                

 

Anyone can improve footwork soccer skills by performing easy and simple footwork soccer drills.

Here's an example of a soccer drill to improve footwork soccer skills:

ZigZag Drill (speedwork)

Set up a series of five to seven cones, flags, or other objects as markers in a zigzag and mark the beginning and end of the course with two pylons at each end.

Step1: There should be five yards between the beginning of the course and the first zigzag marker, between each of the zigzag markers, and between the final zigzag marker and the end of the course.
Step2: Have two players run the course together.
Step3: When they start, they sprint to the each marker and they must touch beside the marker with their near foot (the left foot for P1 and the right foot for P2).
You can see a diagram of this drill here:
http://soccerdrillstips.com/footworksoccerdrills.html

You can change the angle of the turn the players make by widening out the markers, so you can have them practice turning at more acute angles.

The ability of a player to change directions quickly is fundamental to the game of soccer and this will help them learn to adjust their stride to compensate for foot placement and turning. In this drill, they need to see every marker as a ball.

Yours in soccer,

Andre Botelho

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of footwork soccer and coaching. His web site, www.soccerdrillstips.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on how to improve soccer skills and make training more fun and interesting

How To Play Soccer- The Basics

                

 

Whether you are a novice soccer coach or parent, or a seasoned soccer player just starting to learn how to play soccer, it is always in your best interest to keep up with teaching soccer techniques, soccer drills and soccer moves so that your game will be top notch.

There are some basic steps you should focus on:

Step 1 - How To Bounce, Bend, and Curve a Soccer Ball
To bend and curve a soccer ball are incredible soccer techniques because they allow you to get the ball around defenders in order to maintain possession and take shots on goal that are concealed from the goalkeeper.

It is also useful for corner kicks and crosses into the box.

When bending the ball, you will either use the inside or outside of the foot, depending on which foot you are kicking with and which direction in which you want the ball to go.

If you are using your right foot, then to bend the ball to the left you want to use the inside of your foot to make contact with the right side of the ball. You can swivel slightly on your support foot to get a better kick.

If you want to curve the ball to the right, then you need to bring the outside of your foot in contact with the left side of the ball.

Step 2 - How To Pass a Soccer Ball
On learning how to play soccer, passing is crucial to keeping possession of the ball during a game. While any kick that ends with the ball in the possession of a team-mate is passing, there are proper techniques to use to pass effectively and accurately.

Short passes are most effectively executed by using the inside of the foot because of the large surface available for accurately aiming the ball.

If you are passing long, then the instep is the most effective kick to use. If you need to pass behind, your heel is the used.

Don't ever forget that passing involves communication between the passer and the receiver.

Yours in soccer,

Andre Botelho
http://www.soccerdrillstips.com

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of footwork soccer and coaching. His web site, www.soccerdrillstips.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on how to improve soccer skills and make training more fun and interesting.

The Ultimate Soccer Experience For Greeks

                

 

During the 2004 summer, my home country, Greece had the privilege to be the protagonist in two extremely important and prestigious events in the nation's sports history; the EURO 2004 Soccer Championship and the 2004 Olympic Games. In the EURO 2004 Soccer Championship, the National Soccer Team of Greece gained the title as the new European Soccer Championship and by hosting successfully the 2004 Olympic Games, has proven to the world that it can surpass even the wildest expectations of its critics.

When Theodoros Zagorakis, the Greek national soccer team captain, lifted the Cup of the EURO 2004 Championship, every Greek, all over the world, felt proud to belong to this nation. It is difficult to describe the overwhelming feeling everyone felt that night when the Greek soccer team managed to defeat the national Portuguese soccer team in their homeland, at the national stadium in Lisbon, with a single goal. That hot summer evening, every Greek, man or woman, child or elder, was viewing the most anticipated game in the Greek sports history. The strong heartbeat everyone felt that night was one of the most important moments in every Greek's life.

Soccer is still the beloved sport of Greece and with this unexpected result soccer has managed to overcome social obstacles of age, politics and gender, shaping a new game identity. Nothing similar has ever happened to Greeks. Nothing as powerful, as that single scream of joy, has ever in the contemporary Greek sports history, united so dynamically this nation. For days after this accomplishment, Greeks were still unable to believe the outcome of their national soccer team's efforts and everyone felt the need to celebrate again and again their enormous success. For many critics, extremely important, if not more than the players' efforts, was the presence of Mr. Otto Rehhagel, the German coach of the Greek national soccer team, who managed to become the most familiar and friendly face in the Greek public surpassing the fame and status of all of his Greek soccer colleagues. His management style, his personality and his persistence, became a new national anthem for Greeks, who have made his profile the modern icon for an ancient Greek god.

In this particular meaningful sport event, every Greek felt like their support was projected in the field and their presence felt by the players, influencing every result in the series of the games played, reaching its peak during the final. From the known myths of sports, the 12th man was the classic illusion that promoted the spectators' wishing, screaming and cheering. The eleven contemporary heroes of the Greek national soccer team extended Greece's political culture to its undiscovered limits and cultivated the publics' belief in the 'hidden star-quality' that could illuminate once again everyone's life, as long as opportunity evolves and timing is right. These eleven stars, won a distinct place in the hearts of every Greek, transforming themselves to role models, resembling to the fame and prestige of ancient warriors. From the battlefields of this European Soccer Championship, this team's perseverance, effort and consistency, played the most crucial role in the turnout. Thus, the Greeks will value every minute of those athletes' accomplishment, in many years to come.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Sports, Fitness, and Games

Just Play Beach Soccer

                

 

One friend of mine asked me recently why all men are crazy about playing football or what is known in United States as soccer. I am sick of explaining things that you can only understand based on personal experience. But although I managed to provide her with a luminous answer, she came back stating yet another question. "Is it different to play soccer on the grass than to play it on the beach?" That was a good one. "Of course it is different," I replied. Beach soccer, as you can tell by its name, is a sport played on the beaches; preferably during spring or summer time. Although it has been played informally for decades, it was given its official name and rules only recently and specifically in 1992. Since then it managed to become a rather popular sport and I believe that if you really want to learn something about soccer you should better start playing it on the beach.

Playing soccer on the beach is considered by many fans as the paradise of the apprentice. The soft-sand playing surface can correct some usual mistakes for a beginner, as the ball often stacks on it. Actually, the element of sand does only facilitate the efforts of new players, but it is considered a heavy obstacle even for those experienced ones that wish to show off their abilities. Plus the compact pitch -measuring 28 x 37 meters if there is an official beach soccer facility- is by far smaller than the grass field and makes scoring easier, even for players who decide to try it for the first time.

A great advantage of beach soccer is the fact that one needs no special equipment to play it. An adequate size ball and the sand of the beach are more than enough for one to begin exploring this game's unique character. Even when no organized facility on the beach exists, those interested to play beach soccer need only two canes to symbolize the area of a goalpost. Canes or just a pile of clothes are preferable in comparison to heavy stones or even huge blocks of rocks, which can be very dangerous for feet injuries, as shoes are not allowed in this game. Thus, if you are on a sandy beach, it is a sunny day, and you have nine friends willing to join you, you can start playing beach soccer. When you do experience it, let me know if you liked it. Most importantly, let your girlfriend know!

When I finished my lecture about beach soccer my friend seemed excited. "I will play it every single weekend," she said. But before you ask yourselves how much time should you invest in practicing this sport, before you can consider yourselves good soccer players, try playing it for awhile. Since you cannot play beach soccer all year around, unless you move to California or Florida every time you have a beach soccer need, you have to exercise your soccer playing abilities on the actual lawn ground. Believe me when I tell you that it is not that easy there too!

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Outdoors, Recreation, and Fitness

How to Motivate Soccer Players or Kids

                

 

The key to motivating soccer players is to help them to motivate themselves.

First, you need to set the example. This means that you need to use the Golden Rule and speak to them the way that you wish them to speak to you and the way you hope they speak to themselves.

Using positive reinforcement will go a long way to helping players feel good enough about themselves and their soccer game to want to strive for more. How? It is really very simple. Focus on the positive things and do not focus on the negative things.

We live in a rat race society and we tend to compare ourselves to others much of the time. Children go through school constantly being compared to others and then move to their post-secondary education looking to be the best so they can receive scholarships and awards.

They want to please their parents and they want to do well. They often focus on what they did wrong or what they did not do. In the end they can feel very frustrated, angry, and can even feel like a failure and this attitude can be carried onto the soccer field.

Using positive reinforcement means focusing on the positive or what went right. There is no need to look at what a player did not do properly. You may ask, how do you help a player correct poor technique or improve their soccer game without looking at what they did improperly.

The key is to look at what they did right and say that you want to see them do it again. Instead of saying, ?That was a good kick, but when you kick the ball, place your foot here,? try, ?Hey, on that last penalty kick you had great follow through and made the shot. Let?s see that again and this time try placing your foot here.?

This is much more effective. Instead of feeling frustrated that they are not getting it right they will feel good about themselves for getting at least part of it right and they will be eager to do it again.

Of course there are times when they will get part of a technique right and not do something else in the proper way. Begin with pointing out the areas in which they performed well and then tell them you want to see it again with another part added in.

This way they will try again from the positive outlook that they can do it and they just need to adjust something. For example, instead of saying, ?that was a good try, but when you kick the ball you need to kick through the ball. You are stopping short,? try saying, ?Great kick! You foot positioning was bang on.

Now let me see it again and this time kick your foot all the way through the ball and see how much farther it will go.? Whether you are working with kids of adults, they will respond to this sort of encouragement.

It is also important to teach the players to positively reinforce their soccer team-mates and to encourage each other. In this way, players will feel even better about what they have accomplished, especially when they are nearing adolescence and their peers begin to have a greater influence on them than the adults in their lives do.

Motivating soccer players is about helping them feel good enough about themselves and what they are doing that they desire to strive for more. They will want to improve themselves and their game from the positive frame of mind that they are good players who are improving all the time, instead of feeling that they are inadequate and need to improve their game to become good enough.

Yours in soccer,

Andre Botelho
http://www.SoccerDrillsTips.com


Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer drills. His web site, www.SoccerDrillsTips.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on how to improve soccer skills and make training more fun and interesting

Brazilian Soccer

                

 

Brazilian Soccer.

The soccer madness that has never relaxed its hold on Brazil began at the turn of the century, caused the entire nation to plunge into depression in 1950, later lifted it to peaks of euphoria between 1958 and 1970, contributed to the malaise caused by the political, social, and economic difficulties afflicting the country in the 1980s, and in 1994 gave Brazil's collective self-esteem a badly needed boost.

Global and Brazilian Soccer 2006

Sport is almost a secular religion with its myths, rules and revered heroes, often competing with religion when games are played at the same time as church services, say two Brazilian researchers. "Football and politics, the construction of a national identity".

Their conclusion that soccer is like a secular religion is one of the findings in the book dealing with class, race and geography in sport.

As the soccer teams from around the world converged on Germany for the soccer World Cup ? there is no question that the game forged and reinforced national identity in Brazil where the love of soccer is palpable.

Brazil is the only nation that has participated in every World Cup since the inception of the tournament in 1930.

Bulletin:

2006:

The Brazilian soccer confederation has hired former captain Dunga as coach of the national team.

Dunga, who was the captain of Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning team, replaces Carlos Alberto Parreira, who quit after Brazil was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals of this year's World Cup in Germany.

"The choice of Dunga will fully satisfy the desires of Brazilian fans who want an enthusiastic coach on the national team," CBF president Ricardo Teixeira said on the confederation's Web site.

Dunga will make his debut when Brazil faces Norway in an exhibition Aug. 16 in Oslo.

History of soccer in Brazil and around the world.

After Brazil became a republic in 1889, the sport was the first time that poor, black and mixed-race people were integrated in social institutions like clubs, street teams and schools, and even into a national team.

Maybe soccer has not won elections or helped overcome social injustice, still the game has been used in Brazil by the State in the pursuit of its own interests and to consolidate its support.

President Vargas used the soccer sport as a tool to build national identity in Brazil, much as was done in Germany in the 1930?s promoting national pride in physical education. The World Cup tournament can be seen as an example of the largest number of people on the planet paying attention to an event of global reach. Nowhere was the enthusiasm greater than in Brazil.

The soccer World Cup is an event where national identities are upheld, presented and celebrated.

The oft-used expression "Soccer Country" defines Brazil as accurately as the descriptive "Carnival Country."

Indeed, the game "Brazilian Soccer" has managed to captivate Brazilians in every comer of the land, from Amazonia to the deep south, with an equal measure of devotion; in fact, it has sustained a degree of popularity that even Carnival has never been able to match.

The sport "brazilian soccer" has played a major role in unifying both nation and community. In Brazilian Soccer everyone follows the national team and takes great pride in its successes. Newcomers, whether from abroad or from another part of the country, are able to integrate themselves into the social life of a city or town by becoming fans of a local Brazilian soccer team or by participating in the game themselves.

Ivaldo is a soccer enthusiast and he follows the Brazilian soccer team and Brazil in general. Hence a website born out of his passion. It offers enthusiastic information. Perhaps you have a passion or hobby you'd like to write about. Discover how to turn it into a website like Ivaldo has. Visit http://passion.sitesell.com/ivaldo.html to learn

Soccer Team Logo And Gear

                

 

Soccer is one of the famous sports played in the United States, hence it is very demanded among every one who is the fan of Soccer. One of the exciting news is that people no longer have to spend a lot of money for the team logo and gear. Soccer team logo and Gear has many team logo and gear such as, Brandy Chastain, Galaxy, Pele, Freddy Adu, and Mia Hamm etc.

Soccer team logo and Gear are very famous around the Globe. It is said that the demand for soccer wear is much higher in the U.K when compared to other countries. Soccer team logo and gear are often used as gifted items to the loved ones, who are the lovers of Soccer.

The Young generation is crazy after the team logo and gear of Soccer. Some of the best sold Team logo and gear are:

2005 upper deck Major League Soccer Trading cards priced at $65.00 (This is a game for those interested)

Brandi Chastain on knees 8x10 photograph priced at $76.00 (Brandi Chastain is known to be one of the best athletes of today)

Brazil vs Italy 1994 World cup Soccer at the Rose Bowl Framed unsigned Panoramic photograph priced at $125.00 (the measurements for the Panoramic are 16 ? x 42 ?)
MLS Soccer Ball bag priced at $24.00

( it is a best soccer bag to carry soccer ball to the field)
Soccer 12 oz Wheaties box (Display case) priced at $49.00 (Manufactured in U.S.A)
Soccer 18 oz Wheaties box (Display case) priced at $50.00(Manufactured in U.S.A)
Soccer 22 oz Wheaties box (Display case) priced at $56.00(Manufactured in U.S.A)
Soccer cleats Display case up to size 13 priced at $84.00

(Case accommodates size 13 shoe, Manufactured in U.S.A)
Soccer cleats Display case up to size 17 priced at $85.00
(Case accommodates size 17 shoe, Manufactured in U.S.A)
Soccer cleats Display case up to size 23 priced at $110.00
(Case accommodates size 23 shoe, Manufactured in U.S.A)

Above mentioned are some of the famous sold team logo gear products. Approximate sizes and brief description is explained to help to buy these products easily. Best of all, these products are available on the Internet. It?s great being a fan of soccer or even knowing how to play the game with family and friends. But it is even greater when one can celebrate this exciting sport by wearing the latest clothing and gear available.

Dana Bradley writes about Sports fun gear and Fans Edge Coupon Codes

Soccer Goal Keeping Accessories

                

 

The main accessories for safe goal keeping in soccer games consist of helmet, gloves, elbow and knee pads, mouth, ankle and shin guards. Goalies also have apparels tailored to suit their preference.

Colorful jerseys are available for $20. Goalie shorts range from $13 to $20 depending on the brand and the material used. Padded compression shorts for both men and women are priced at around $30. Knicker pants, Long pants and Full trainer pants can also be obtained within a price range of $30 to $40.

There is tremendous choice with respect to the gloves. Sondico Pro Player made from German Latex and having Elastic with Velcro closure is probably the most reasonably priced at $10. Gloves with super soft palm foam marketed by Adidas, Lanzera Livorno and are a little over $100. For proper maintenance of the gloves, bags and gloves wash solution form an integral part of the gloves accessories.

Shin guards range from $6 to $35. The shin guards along with their accessories consisting of athletic, medical tape are important safety aids.

Footwear for the goalkeeper depends on the firmness of the ground. Nike, Adidas and Kelme Master specialize in customized footwear for hard ground. These provide maximum speed, stability and ball control. Along with these companies, footwear from Puma, Diadora and Umbro X300 cater to games on soft ground.

Goals of various sizes form the most important part of training sessions. These include futsal and indoor goals as well as lightweight and pop-up goals. 6 foot pop-up goals and the portable, adjustable, folding goals are most convenient for a game anywhere.

One of the best methods for keepers to increase the strength in their forearms and fingers is the use of hand grip gels. Originally developed for mountain climbers these are fast becoming popular among aspiring goal keepers. Not only are they great stress-busters, the soft hand grip gels are also terrific finger and hand strengtheners.

There is a wide variety of books and videos available elucidating the various strategies involved in goal keeping. Who wouldn?t want to watch a DVD of ?202 Great Saves? for just under $27? The breath taking maneuvers are quite possible to effect in a field game. All it takes is to meticulously follow the drills and exercises specified in the training software designed for beginners and intermediates. The Soccer GoalKeeper ? a set of 3 tapes for $71 lists out a series of exercises exclusively for goal keepers to increase their fitness level as well as master the technique of goal keeping!

Dana Bradley writes about Sports fun gear and Fans Edge Coupon Codes.

Soccer Trophies

                

 

Football, or Soccer as it is known in America, is the most popular team sport played professionally and by amateurs worldwide. Soccer players are revered as icons and soccer teams sign millions of dollars as endorsement deals.

Soccer is a game between two teams of 11 players, each trying to net the most goals in the opposite side?s goal post. Players are forbidden to use their hands, except for the goalkeeper, who can prevent a goal with his hands. So each team tries to prevent the other from scoring while trying to score itself. A standard match consists of two sessions of 45 minutes each, separated by a 15-minute break called half time. Extra time and penalty shootouts are allowed by the referee under special circumstances to decide an undecided match.

Soccer is played professionally all over the world, in stadiums where millions of fans throng to watch a match. Such matches are also watched on television. Amateurs also play soccer. A survey by Federation Internationale De Football Association (FIFA? soccer?s governing body) revealed that in 2001, over 240 million people worldwide in more than 200 countries played the game.

Six regional confederations are associated with FIFA. These include the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Confederation of African Football (CAF), Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), Union of European Football Association (UEFA), Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and Confederacion Sudamaricana de Futbal (CONMEBOL representing South America).

Soccer trophies are awarded for matches of all sizes, from local playgrounds to huge stadiums packed with fans. The most prestigious is the World Cup, organized by FIFA. It takes place every four years, and about 190 national teams vie to qualify to play the finals. The finals now involve 34 national teams. Soccer has been a part of the Summer Olympics since 1900, except for the 1932 games in Los Angeles. Currently, it is played at an under-23 level, so it is less prestigious than the World Cup. A women?s football tournament was also started for the 1996 Olympics.

The major international tournaments are as follows: FIFA World Cup, European Championship, UEFA champions league, Copa America, African Nations Cup, CAF Champions League, Asian Cup, AFC champions League, CONCACAF league and championship cups and Oceania Nations Cup.

Soccer trophies are made of metal, pewter, gold, silver or other materials, and depict the shape of a soccer ball or a player in action.


Award Trophies provides detailed information on Award Trophies, Baseball Trophies, Custom Trophies, Football Trophies and more. Award Trophies is affiliated with Award Plaques

Make good use of soccer tipster services

                

 

The key to winning a wager is to lay the wager correctly. In order to do this, there is a lot you need to keep track of; for example you need to be aware of the positions of the various teams in the points table, the leading players, their current form, goal difference, and most importantly how and why the odds fluctuate in a given competition. It can get tough for the average working Joe to keep track of every little factor that can potentially decide whether you hit jackpot or get disappointed. Most people are recreational punters; even the serious bettors do so because of the pleasure that the activity provides.

Granted, winning is a big high but if preparing for a win is like you were going to give an entrance exam, then it can be a bit of a spoiler. This is where soccer tipster services come in. Soccer tipster services are provided by online betting sites and gambling portals. You can visit these sites to gather tips on whom to bet on and whom to give a wide berth. It's a great way to gain information on what others feel about a team or a player and the best part is that these tips are free. Of course, there are bound to be differences in opinion and the weight given by different tipsters to different teams will vary; however even this has a positive, you can gather tips and arrive at your own conclusion based on them. Over a period of time, this practice of reading tips and co-relating them to the reality of the game can develop into a useful skill that will stand you in good stead as you progress and grow as a skillful punter.

The manner in which the tips are arrived at is both objective and subjective; skilled tipsters offer their tips based on their observations and at the same time the websites use complex algorithms to arrive at a tip. These algorithms factor in various aspects such as the current form of a team, goals scored - for and against, leading players, etc. More weight is accorded to an away win as against a home win. The tremendous amount of historical data available also makes it possible to draw trends and forecast based on them by making use of statistical tools.

If you fancy yourself as a punter you too can try your hand at providing tips. Your tips will be published at an online betting site or you can even set up your own site. You could stand to make some good money, especially if you have access to insider information and you can offer insider tips. As more and more people benefit from your tips, they will frequent your website more regularly; which can lead to advertising revenue. So whether you're a Bundesliga fan or your follow the English Premier League, you can beat the bookmaker and make the most of your bets, all you need to do is to make good use of the soccer tipster services provided online and at the same time use some of your own understanding of the game.

Florian Koerner runs a popular free online football betting tips website.Visit SoccerBetting.info every week or subscribe to his free soccer betting tips by email.