FOOTBALL MANIAC

Football and its fans

2008-09-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

by: Marcia Henin

Football has always comprised strong emotional reactions. Thousands of football fans watch with growing enthusiasm the on-going process of game, fully involved in a battle presented in front of them on a football field. This enjoyment of public games, presented in front of the viewers, goes back to the ancient games of the Chinese, which originally included kicking leather balls and win highest Football scores. Today, football is the most known sports game, attracting millions of viewers, which leads to the creation of thousands fan clubs around the world.

As the game proceeds, the excitement grows and sometimes becomes difficult to control. The excitement and enthusiasm is heated by the fact that no one knows how the game will end. The viewers make different bets, sometimes on large sums of money, and watch impatiently as the game proceeds, listening to updates in the Football coverage, hoping to hear that they won. Fans of different football groups are tracking the players’ movements and criticize or praise their moves. The atmosphere becomes tenser towards the end of the game, when every second counts.

Emotional involvement in the game often brings to rivals between fans. At the mass brawl in May 2007, up to hundred Liverpool fans fought each other in Athens, hoping to get a single Champions League ticket. As a result, two supporters were injured and taken to a nearby hospital. The police didn’t succeed in putting an end to the riots. History of football remembers many similar cases with even worse injuries, sometimes even resulting in deaths of the excited football fans.

Football news has always maintained a foothold in the enthusiasm of fans around the world. Important competitions, like Champions League, attract audience all over the world, enjoy publicity and media attention. However, the importance of controlling the public’ emotional reactions has become an everyday issue next to the success of specific football groups. It is important to raise awareness of the violence among football fans, in order to minimize the problem and simply enjoy good football games.

Mia Hamm

2008-09-05T01:55:00.000-07:00

Women's soccer never would have been the same if Mia Hamm hadn't started up soccer when she was little. She had such an impact on women's soccer that she is often thought to mean as much for it as Pele or Cruyff meant for men's soccer. But before being a great soccer player and athlete that broke down almost every possible record at her level, Mia Hamm is a great person and I'd like you to meet the human behind the soccer god in this Mia Hamm biography.

If you're like me, you're probably wondering how and when did Mia Hamm start playing soccer and what events drove her to become a super star of women's soccer. Mia Hamm's childhood circled around sports and athleticism and as her brother recalled, she was faster and more athletic than most of the boys on the block, so she was able to play competitively with and against them.

After taking up youth soccer training at her school's football team when she was only 12 years old, she learned the basics of soccer and started enjoying the sport more and more. Little did she know that three years later, when she was just 15, she would be called up for the United States national women’s soccer team, becoming the youngest player ever to play for her country at that level (one of her first broken records).

That was kind of a weird situation, since Mia Hamm was a soccer player for her national squad but didn't have a fully professional playing contract with a club. But after seeing her performances, the North Carolina Tar Heels quickly signed her and they made quite a deal, since Mia Hamm stayed with the club for 4 seasons, scoring over 100 goals during her time here.

Probably one of Mia Hamm's most important accomplishments is that she managed to bring women’s soccer to a level close to what men are playing. She is one of the two women named in Pele’s "List of 125 Best Soccer Players of All Times" and she is a symbol of women's sports throughout the World.

She also holds two FIFA World Player of the Year awards, which she got in 2001 (the first year the trophy was given) and 2002. Unfortunately, she would have gotten a lot more of these awards, but with the World Player of the Year awards being granted for women when Mia Hamm was already nearing the end of her career, she didn't really have a chance to widen her trophy room.

In numbers, Mia Hamm was the United States top goal scorer, with 158 goals in 275 matches, a remarkable record that will probably dust and rust before it is beaten. She scored more goals than any man or woman for her national team, although many soccer specialists will agree that the level of women's soccer is still in an early grade and cannot be compared to men’s soccer yet.

She won the Women's World Cup twice, in 1991 and 1999 and also put the US national team through a Gold Medal at the Olympic Games in 1996. All these titles, records and awards make Mia Hamm one of the most important players in women's soccer and the fact that Pele considered to put her on the same list as legendary male players such as Maradona, Cruyff, Platini or Beckenbauer says a lot about the influence she had in the game.

Alexandre Pato

2008-09-02T02:41:00.000-07:00

Full Name : Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva
Place and Date of birth : Pato Branco, Brazil, September 2, 1989
Soccer playing position : Striker
Nickname : New Ronaldo
Senior Soccer clubs :
Internacional (2006-2007)
AC MILAN (2007 - ……….. )
List of honours

Internacional

Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20: 2006
FIFA Club World Cup: 2006
Recopa Sudamericana: 2007

Brazilian national football team

2007 South American U-20 Championship

Deco

2008-09-02T02:34:00.000-07:00

Full Name :

Anderson Luís de Souza
Place and Date of birth (Nationality):
Brazil, August 27, 1977
Football playing position :
Midfielder, Playmaker
Skills :
Long Shoot, Dribbling
Nickname :
Da Little Magician, The Bus Conductor
Football Club Career :
Corinthians 1996–1997
Corinthians (AL) 1997
FC Alverca 1997–1998
Salgueiros 1998–1999
FC Porto 1999–2004
FC Barcelona 2004–2008
Chelsea 2008–

DECO : Personal Awards
FIFA World Club Cup Golden Ball: 2006
UEFA Champions League MVP: 2004
UEFA Best Midfielder Award: 2004, 2006
European Silver Ball (Second position of the European Player of the Year Award): 2003/04
Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 2004
Portuguese Golden Ball: 2003

Bojan Krkic

2008-09-02T02:31:00.000-07:00

Full Name :
Bojan Krkic Pérez
Place and Date of birth (Nationality):
Linyola, Lleida, Spain, August 28, 1990
Football playing position :
Striker
Skills :
Dribbling
Football Club Career :
FC Barcelona 2007 -

Andrei Arshavin

2008-09-02T02:26:00.000-07:00

Full Name :

Andrei Sergeyevich Arshavin
Place and Date of birth (Nationality):
Leningrad, May, 29 1981
Football playing position :
Attacking midfielder, Second striker
Main Skills :
Dribbling, Timing, Free kicks, Left Corner, Right Corner
Football Club Career :
Zenit Saint Petersburg

Andrei Arshavin Individual Awards

Russian Footballer of the Year: 2006
Man of the Match: for his performance in the UEFA Cup final of Zenit versus Rangers (May 14): UEFA Cup 2007–08
Man of the Match: for his performance in the third Group Stage Game of Russia versus Sweden (June 18): UEFA Euro 2008
Man of the Match: for his performance in the Quarter-final Game of Russia versus Netherlands (June 21): UEFA Euro 2008

Arsenal

2008-09-02T02:19:00.000-07:00

Emmanuel Adebayor seems certain that the post-Henry years will yield the same attacking style football and the same appeal that they had even before he left. Clearly, as I have the Gunners at 6th, I am a bit of a skeptic. Or maybe not, maybe they’ll play that attractive sort of football but that certainly doesn’t guarantee results. Eduardo da Silva, the Brazilian-Croat, has been brought in to effectively replace Thierry Henry, knowing full well he’s irreplaceable (to the left, to the left). Emmanuel Eboue will most likely shift up to right midfield as preseason results have established. In the back, Bakari Sagna has been brought in from Auxerre to help counter the loss of French influence that left with Henry. He will shore up the defense consisting of trusty William Gallas and Kolo Toure with wildcard Clichy. Fellow Frenchman Armand Traore is one year closer to that left-back position. The 17-year old is slowly growing into his body, but his veteran mentality is already there. If Gael Clichy falters a bit, you could see Traore get a look. Other youngsters on the right track to the Gunner first team include Brazilian Denilson, Dane Nicklas Bendtner, and Spaniard Fran Merida. Theo Walcott will also figure more into the first-team this year as a youthful Arsenal squad looks to take on the world. It’s cliche but not enough veteran presence and ‘lead-by-example’-ness to push them above 6th. And I could be very wrong here, but 6th might even be a stretch.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Kolo Toure will have to man that back four and push maturity quickly or else Arsenal’s defense will continue to be streaky. Gallas and Toure were fantastic last year but it was the inconsistencies of Senderos and Hoyte that hurt them. We’ll see Bakari Sagna can do.

Predicted Line-up
GK: Jens Lehmann
LB: Gael Clichy
CB: William Gallas
CB: Kolo Toure
RB: Bakary Sagna
LM: Tomas Rosicky
CM: Gilberto Silva or Alexander Hleb
CM: Cesc Fabregas
RM: Emmanuel Eboue
ST: Robin Van Persie
ST: Emmanuel Adebayor (if injured, which is possible, then Eduardo da Silva)

Portmounth

2008-09-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

Portsmouth helped themselves to yet another summer shopping spree, one when mixed with the parts already in place could potentially form a squad - on paper - that could compete with the upper echelons of the English Premiership. Sulley Muntari comes in from Udinese and looks to quarterback that midfield with the likes of Pedro Mendes. Preston North End’s goal-hound Dave Nugent finally got his Premiership wish and will join up with Stade Rennes’ recruit John Utaka, and already proven goal-scorer Lomano Lua-Lua. Last year’s sympathy signing of former Man Utd stud Andy Cole was quickly nixed, firmly shutting down any milestone chances Cole has (I think 200 goals was what he was looking for). Charlton defender Herman Hreidarsson joins back up with a Premiership outfit and looks to firmly challenge for best Icelandic defender in the league (extreme competition from Reading). With Muntari, Mendes, and Kranjcar in the middle the midfield is their strong suit. The productivity of the striker crew is what this squad’s league position hinges on. Overall, their strengths are spread out and the weaknesses not particularly glaring. A solid team, if you will. We’ll see if it holds up but a hot start is most likely what is needed to put Pompey in the part of the standings I have them in.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Niko Kranjcar, had a great first season in the English Premiership, supplying most of the creativity seen on the field for Pompey. That, and his rocket shots. The Croatian ’son of the coach’ will make an even bigger splash this year as he now is accustomed to the physicality of the brutish Premiership defenders.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: David James
LB: Lauren
CB: Sol Campbell
CB: Sylvain Distin
RB: Herman Hreidarsson
LM: Sean Davis
CM: Pedro Mendes (could move out to the left, once Kranjcar comes back from injury)
CM: Sulley Muntari
RM: Gary O’Neil
ST: Dave Nugent
ST: Nwankwo Kanu

Tettenham

2008-09-02T02:16:00.000-07:00

The Hotspur come into this season with even higher expectations than the last. With Dimitar Berbatov now a proven Premiership goalscorer and Robbie Keane still producing, you would think the offense would be the last on their most-wanted list. Not the case, as Tottenham splashed over $30 million for the prolific Charlton Athletic striker Darren Bent while also holding onto the immensely talented but currently underused English international Jermain Defoe. Defoe was linked to Man Utd for a while, but as of late, the talk has faded. Between Liverpool and the Hotspur you would have to reference child-labor laws as both have deemed themselves in need of significant youth talent. The Spurs sprung for young German starlet Kevin Prince-Boateng from , Southampton wunderkid Gareth Bale, a permanent deal for Lens midfielder Adel Taarabt, Leeds young’un Danny Rose, and Lille native defender Dorian Dervite. The French connection continues, as well, with a more-established French bruiser in the form of AJ Auxerre’s Younes Kaboul. All are 21 years old or younger. You add this to the already burgeoning youth crop of Tom Huddlestone and speedster Aaron Lennon, the team looks poised to make its’ biggest fuss a couple years down the road from now. Stalwarts Ledley King and Wigan recruit turned White Hart Lane success Pascal Chimbonda would like this youth to transition to wins though and with a bolstered defense, this could be the year to make a push for the top three.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Gareth Bale, no one is sure as to how much the Southampton jewel is going to play. A left back by trade, the opening is their but Martin Jol might not want to season the youngster so soon. Ricardo Rocha could fill in their or Paul Stalteri (which might be why they’re hanging on to the Canadian).

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
GK: Paul Robinson
LB: Gareth Bale or Ricardo Rocha
CB: Younes Kaboul (as Ledley King is out injured for the start of the season)
CB: Michael Dawson
RB: Pascal Chimbonda
LM: Aaron Lennon (who might be out injured, if so expect Wayne Routledge)
CM: Didier Zokora
CM: Jermaine Jenas
RM: Steed Malbranque
ST: Dimitar Berbatov
ST: Darren Bent or Robbie Keane (from the looks of pre-season, Bent)

Liverpool

2008-09-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

The Hicks and Gillett era began with a bang with stadium plans, roster turnover, and BIG, expensive transfer targets. Key players shown the exit were Robbie Fowler, the volatile Craig Bellamy, Jerzy Dudek, Bolo Zenden, attacking midfielder Luis Garcia, and striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle. Rafa Benitez did his homework, though, and picked up what he thought necessary to rescue this Reds franchise from Premiership title purgatory. The biggest of the bunch was Fernando ‘el Nino’ Torres, who had a up-and-down year for Atletico last year, but looks to use his new surroundings to reinvigorate his young career. Yossi Benayoun was brought in to serve as that Ribery-type figure mentioned above, as he has served as the lifesaver many times before with West Ham United. Ukrainian Andrei Voronin will share time with the fearsome foursome of Peter Crouch, Torres, and Dirk Kuyt, while Dutch youngster Ryan Babel will mostly serve his time on the left wing considering that depth at the striker position. Babel was snapped up from Ajax, while Voronin joined in a pre-arranged transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. A host of youngsters have been scouted by Rafa and signed up to join the pool of future stars he’s already got brewing. The list including promising young’uns from Hungary (Andreas Simon and Kristian Nemeth) , Brazil (Lucas Leiva), Argentina (Sebastian Leto), Spain (Miki Roque), Bulgaria (Nikolay Mihaylov), and finally a little domestic flavor, Ryan Crowther. Add that to current Reds young’uns Paul Anderson, who could see some time on the wing this year, and Argentine Emiliano Insua and you’ve got some scary looking future prospects. Javier Mascherano could be the difference maker this year as his productivity was somewhat mired by lack of playing time at West Ham and legal issues involving his transfer to both West Ham and then to Liverpool. Look for him to be a big force this year though. Unfortunately, despite the expenditures - and Liverpool’s normal lack of consistency involving form - I don’t think they’ll be cracking that top two, but I would certainly like to see it happen.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Alvaro Arbeloa, if Steve Finnan falters (although his form near the end of last season proved otherwise) expect this Spaniard to fill in; not quite a ‘Riise of the right side’ but Arbeloa is certainly capable of moving forward, overlapping, and adding an offensive pop every once in a while

Predicted Line-up
GK: Pepe Reina
LB: Jon Arne Riise
CB: Daniel Agger
CB: Jamie Carragher
RB: Steve Finnan
LM: Harry Kewell
CM: Xabi Alonso
CM: Steven Gerrard
RM: Javier Mascherano
ST: Dirk Kuijt
ST: Fernando Torres

Chelsea

2008-09-02T02:13:00.000-07:00

Undoubtedly, based on the strength of their line-up, the Blues should win this year’s Premiership title. Unfortunately, it comes down to…..what do you call it…..chemistry. Chelsea’s morale drops at the hint of failure and this year could be no different. Mourinho has good faith in new striker Claudio Pizarro, who has impressed in recent preseason matches. The Portuguese skipper has also added Tal Ben-Haim from Bolton to bolster the backline, especially since Khalid Bhoulahrouz has been sent on loan to Sevilla. If Andrei Shevchenko can improve ever so mildly on his “botched” freshman season (it really wasn’t THAT bad, it just wasn’t 40 goals in 35 matches good), Chelsea can win it all. John Terry has signed on for good at a hefty price while Frank Lampard announced his intentions to do the same. A framework has been set and the roster turnover is lighter this year with the other acquisitions keeping tame monetarily, including Reading project, Steve Sidwell and former Lyon wing midfielder Florent Malouda. Malouda should influence this team more than oft-injured and speculated-to-leave winger Arjen Robben. Didier Drogba will need to have help this year on the scoring end - if he receives it, we could see Chelsea lifting the Premiership title among other things. To do that, tremendous progress will need to come from the young’uns Jon Obi Mikel and Solomon Kalou. Injuries to Frankie Lampard, Didier Drogba, and John Terry have hindered squad progress, but their showing against a stronger ‘on-paper’ Manchester United should have them somewhat hopeful. Before this weekend, I wouldn’t expect any more signings…but once the first games pass and Mourinho can assess the squad in competitive fashion - we could see one or two more faces. Their failed bid to sign Franck Ribery earlier in the summer could prove key to Chelsea’s fate this season as his tenacity and ‘balls-to-the-wall’ nature is really something they could have used.
CHI’s Player to Watch: Florent Malouda, we saw his skill and technical prowess in the Community Shield but he has been known to be fragile in his Lyon days and fragility is not something that Jose Mourinho can endure right now. He needs to start investing in some hard-nosed, durable players.

Predicted Line-up
GK: Petr Cech
LB: Ashley Cole
CB: John Terry
CB: Ricardo Carvalho
RB: Tal Ben-Haim
LM: Florent Malouda
CM: Michael Essien
CM: Frank Lampard (if injured for the beginning of the season, Jon Obi Mikel)
RM: Joe Cole or Shaun Wright-Phillips
ST: Andrei Shevchenko
ST: Didier Drogba

MU

2008-09-02T02:11:00.000-07:00

Man Yoo has strengthened their squad significantly over the summer and has begun to trim off the excess fat - in the form of Kieran Richardson to Sunderland, Alan Smith to Newcastle, and striker Guiseppe Rossi heading to Villareal - as they try and make room for their new acquisitions. With Nani and Anderson coming in, the young talent looks to learn from the best in Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes with the hope to one day inherit their everyday spots. The price was steep, but an injection of renewed competition and youth into the line-up is probably the best thing Sir Alex could do for them. For an added veteran presence, Ferguson picked Owen Hargreaves out of Munich and the England international should fit easily into center of the field with Carrick, Scholes, and Darren Fletcher. A solid back-up for keeper Edwin Van der Sar in Tomasz Kuszczak arrived on a permanent basis. Their efficient off-season, however, has been tarnished by two pending disturbances, the Gabriel Heinze saga that still pushes on and the Carlos Tevez transfer, who for all intensive purposes IS a Red Devil but it’s just a matter of when he arrives and for how much. If the Heinze to Liverpool issue doesn’t escalate and the Tevez legal issues don’t infiltrate the locker room, we could see a repeat Championship year out of this squad.
Because I Think’s Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, last season was nothing short of phenomenal. No Champions League glory, though, and it will be interesting to see if Ronaldo can follow up last season with another of respectful proportions. He’s got added support this year so look for the snazzy playmaker to take more chances.

Predicted Line-up
GK: Edwin Van der Sar
LB: Patrice Evra
CB: Nemanja Vidic
CB: Rio Ferdinand
RB: Gary Neville
LM: Ryan Giggs
CM: Michael Carrick or Paul Scholes
CM: Owen Hargreaves
RM: Cristiano Ronaldo
ST: Louis Saha (it is most likely Ronaldo will be up here, with Anderson at RM)

REAL MADRID

2008-09-02T02:05:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid (1st place in La Liga in 2007)

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeau

Interesting Fact: Real Madrid brings in the most revenue of any football club in the world, with an estimated revenue of €292.2 million each year.

In: Soldado (Osasuna) Balboa (Racing) Metzelder (B. Dortmund)Baptista (Arsenal)Pepe (Oporto) Dudek (Liverpool)
Saviola (Barça) Schorch (Hertha Berlín) Drenthe (Feyenoord) Sneijder (Ajax) Heinze (Manchester Utd.)
Robben (Chelsea)

Out: Roberto Carlos (Fenerbahçe) Beckham (L. A. Galaxy) Diego López (Villarreal) Miñambres (Hércules) Pavón (Zaragoza) Raúl Bravo (Olympiakos) Pablo García (Murcia) Fabio Capello (entrenador) Mejía (Murcia) Helguera (Valencia)
Reyes (Atlético de Madrid) Cassano (Sampdoria) Emerson (Milan)Cicinho (Roma)
As if they didn’t have enough quality players

Real Madrid has never been shy in bringing in new players. This season was just insane in the number and caliber of players they brought in. The newbies will be the key to Madrid’s success this season. Javier Saviola didn’t have that great of a pre-season in his new colors, but will look to be back to form come the end of August. Soldado comes back from loan at Osasuna where he had a great season. Christoph Metzelder comes over from Germany and looks to take over for Roberto Carlos in the back. Two dutch signings in Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe look to spice up things at Madrid. Look for Drenthe to be running around on the left come this season. Also, with the signings of Arjen Robben and Gabrien Henize, Madrid has the firepower to deal out some punishment this season. Not to mention they also signed Jerzy Dudek and Pepe.

Yeah, I am out of mind, and here is why. Real Madrid have some spots to fill with the departure of Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Jose Antonio Reyes and Ivan Helguera. Roberto Carlos will be missed the most out of that bunch and will not be able to be replaced easily. Beckham brought a different type of play last year in his best matches, serving up some great balls in the air and also playing great balls forward while controlling the midfield. These four will be hard to replace.

I’ve been hanging around…

Real still have talent left at home, with the likes of Guti, Robhino, Sergio Ramos and Cannivaro. And having Iker Casillas as your keeper isn’t half bad either. The veterans at Real Madrid will hold the fort down this season.

Put me in coach, I’m ready to play

Unlike at most clubs, at Real Madrid, winning the La Liga title does not guarantee your job for the next season, just ask Fabio Capello. Real’s philosophy is that if a better coach comes available, they will not pass it up. So, bring in Bernrd Schuster from Getafe. Getafe had a great showing in La Liga last year, and also made it to the Copa del Rey final with a shocking 4-1 victory against Barcelona to get to the final. Schuster was rumored to be heading to the Bernebeau for weeks before it happened, so it didn’t come as much of a surprise.

He will have to change up his style to fit in with Madrid. He will need to play attacking football EVERY game, and not take any weeks off with the tough team that Barcelona brings.

Survey Says

Madrid have the manpower and the will to win this season, but will they succeed or falter under Schuster. Madrid will finish second or third as they are falling to the ‘galaticos’ realm in signing anyone that they can get their hands on.

SEVILLA FC

2008-09-02T02:02:00.000-07:00

Sevilla FC (3rd place in La Liga in 2007)

Stadium: Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan

Nicknames: Sevillistas, Rojiblancos

Interesting Fact: Sevilla is the current holder of four major trophies, the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the Copa Del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup

Haven’t had enough have we?

I’m sure I will be chastised for placing my beloved Sevilla in second place in La Liga next season. But honestly, why not? Much like Barcelona, Sevilla has lost two players in the off-season. Aitor Ocio went to Athletic Bilbao and Kepa Blanco left for Getafe. As of now, Dani Alves is still in the Rojo y Blanco, but he has expressed heavily his desire to move to Chelsea this season. Most are calling for the deal to be done soon, but I’m not so sure Sevilla will let him leave that easily.

That brings the point that we are returning the majority of our team from last season. That is the team that won the UEFA Cup for the second year in a row, finished third in La Liga AND won the Copa del Rey last season. That’s a double if you were counting at home, and not half bad. I should mention that we were in the La Liga hunt until the last moments, and had our chances at the top of the table during the season. If it wasn’t for our inability to win ‘easy’ games when it counted, we very well could have been champions of Spain.

FC Sevilla…Attack!

Sevilla wasn’t short of goalscorers last season, as the attacking corps are headed by former Premier League dud Fredi Kanouté, who finished with 21 goals in La Liga. Kanouté looks to win the Pichichi (highest Goal Scorer in Spain) this season. The other striker position will be filled by Luis Fabiano, or Ernesto Chevantón who were flip-flopped by Juande Ramos last season.

The Midfield will feature Jesus Navas and Poulson, who both shined last season. I hope that Diego Capel gets his chance this season for the ‘A’ team and we get to see who Sevilla have been grooming these past 3 years. Throw in the arrival of Khalid Boulahrouz on loan from Chelsea at a Defensive Midfielder position and Sevilla has a 6 player deep midfield that will be solid this season.

Andres Palop returns as keeper for Sevilla after having been impressive last season, even scoring a goal to keep Sevilla in the UEFA Cup.

Juande…don’t leave us

Rumors have had Sevilla skipper Juande Ramos moving to Tottenham this season, but Jose Maria del Nido has nicked that rumor stating that he will stay in Sevilla until at least July. Juande has been the leader in bringing Sevilla into it’s most successful years ever.

Survey Says

With a pre-season supercup win against Real Madrid on a 5-3 aggregate, Sevilla have looked even better than last season. The Sevillistas will continue to have success but cannot falter against lower clubs as they have in the past. They will finish at least third this season and will have a good run in the Champions League this season.

BARCELONA FC

2008-09-02T01:58:00.000-07:00

FC Barcelona (2nd place in La Liga 2007)

Stadium: Camp Nou

Nicknames: Barça, Culés

Interesting Fact: Barcelona was founded by Swiss, English and Catalan men in 1899.

In: Henry (Arsenal), Touré (Mónaco) Abidal (Lyón) Gabi Milito (Zaragoza)

Out: Van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord) Saviola (Real Madrid) Giuly (Roma) Maxi López (FC Moscú) Belletti (Chelsea)

Arrivals, but few departures.
The Catalans are bringing an absolutly tremendous team into La Liga this season. They had numerous world-class arrivals to the Camp Nou this summer, including Thierry Henry (Arsenal) Yaya Touré (from Monaco) Eric Abadal (Lyonnais) and Gabriel Milito (Real Zaragosa). All four of these players could start at any club in Europe and the four of them are now complimenting an already deep (and thats an understatement) Barcelona team from last year. Giovani Dos Santos is also a new arrival from the Barcelona ‘B’ team and has had an excellent pre-season scoring three goals in four games and has been praised by Rijkaard for his efforts. Dos Santos now does not have to get citizenship as Ronaldinho will become a Spanish citizen, allowing Dos Santos to count as one of the three non-EU players to have a roster spot on the team.

The only high-profile losses for the Catalans were Saviola, who ended up in Madrid as I predicted upon his departure from Barça, and Giuly who went to AS Roma. Both fell out of favor with Frank Rijkaard last season and their off-season departures were predicted early on.
Like a Rock

Oh yeah, I forgot about that good team they had last season. You know, that one with Ronaldinho, Puyol, Eto’o, Messi, Zambrotta. Yeah, that one. And yes, they are that good. They are actually scary good. Ronaldinho had a ‘rough’ last year, but will look to rebound this season with a TH14 by his side. Lionel Messi continues to improve with every passing moment, coming off of a great Copa America where he showed his flair and poise this summer. Carles Puyol aka ‘el tiburon’ is one of the best center backs on the planet and will anchor a Barça back four capped off by Victor Valdez in net.

Having names is not enough

Last season when Barça struggled, it was because of their lack of teamwork through the season. When Barça plays bad, it is completely obvious to see. They stop giving crisp passes and look to do to much individually. If Rijkaard can right the ship this season and help the team to play together, Barça will not have to come from behind to attempt to win La Liga this season.

Survey Says

Barça have too much firepower to be beat this year in my opinion. With the starting XI that they are able to field, and the ability to pull first-class players off the bench at a moments notice, the Catalans will be too tough and will take the La Liga crown this season.

MANCHESTER UNITED

2008-09-02T01:49:00.000-07:00

Manchester United Football club is one of the most successful and rich clubs in English football. The club was established in 1878 by the workers of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, and was called Newton Heath LYR. In 1885, the club has reached the final of Manchester Cup competition, and won it the following year. In 1902, the club was renamed and became Manchester United Football Club. John Henry Davies, a wealthy brewery owner, bought the team, saving it in time from large debt, and replacing its colors to the famous kit we today tend to associate with the club: red shirt and white trousers.

Man utd has won its first league in 1908; then followed many other trophies, starting from FA Cup in 1909. During its long history Manchester United Football Club has won the Premier League 16 times, and became the first English club to win the European club. The attacking style of their game brought them success; in the 90’s, Manchester United won the Premiership, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup. The number of their FA Cup titles amounts to 11. The club is known as one of the most lucrative football clubs in the world.

The club is based at the Old Trafford stadium in Trafford, Manchester; the capacity of the stadium is 76, 312 people. The manager of the club since 1986 is Sir Alex Ferguson. Manchester United is considered by many people as the most popular football club, having 50 million supporters around the world.

A big part of Watching Manchester united news is the interest in the Manchester united transfer rumous. The transferring of players and couches is one of Man utd most popular news updates.

CHELSEA

2008-09-02T01:37:00.000-07:00

The nearest tube station to Chelsea is Fulham Broadway which is on the District Line and is a 5 minute walk from the ground. The nearest mainline station is West Brompton which is a 15-20 minute walk to the ground. It is not recommended to drive to Stamford Bridge as like many London stadiums the surrounding area has a series of parking restrictions on match days and you may find yourself parked quite a long way from the ground, a more sensible idea would be to park on the edge of town and to catch the tube to Chelsea FC.

If you wish to stay near Stamford Bridge then look no further than the Millennium & Copthorne Hotel, built onto the site of Stamford Bridge. This hotel is a must for any die-hard Chelsea supporter. The onsite restaurant is called 55, a name inspired by the year that Chelsea first won the league.

The Millennium & Copthorne Hotel is one of over 800 in London so are you never short of choice. If you want to stay closer to the centre of London try the glamorous five star Savoy Hotel on The Strand; or for a more reasonable price point, try the conveniently located Ascot Hyde Park Hotel near Paddington.

Central London is only 20-30 minutes away by bus and has a plethora of night-time entertainment ranging from clubs, pubs to theatres and cinemas.

Chelsea’s fabulous Kings Road has plenty of places to wine and dine after the game. Of the many restaurants, Bluebird and Henry J Beans are recommended, or if you fancy splashing out try Restaurant Gordon Ramsey. For a few drinks and a dance, head down to Crazy Larry’s at 533 Kings Road – it really is crazy!. For more information visit http://www.MatchHotels.com

LIVERPOOL

2008-09-02T01:12:00.000-07:00

Liverpool Football Club is an English professional football club, the most successful club in the history of English football. Its traditional colors are red and white, and Liverpool’s current kit white shirts, black shorts and white socks with red trim. The traditional liver bird, which is placed inside a shield, is Liverpool’s symbol. Home stadium of Liverpool club is Anfield; its capacity is 45, 362. Liverpool’s hymn is “You’ll never walk alone”; this line is written on the stadium gates.

This Football Club has a history of more than 100 years: it was found on 1888. John Holding, the owner of “Anfield” stadium, has decided to create a new football team, after Everton F.C., the former team, has moved to another location. The name of the new football club was supposed to remain Everton, but the football association refused to accept it under the former name, therefore it was changed to Liverpool, after the name of the city. Liverpool won their first Football League championship in 1901, and won a second championship in 1906.

Liverpool's longest standing rivalry is with Merseyside team Everton, after a dispute with Everton officials. Another well-known rivalry is with Manchester United, as a result of a success both clubs share. Liverpool football club has won five European Cups, and record eighteen English League titles. Liverpool also became the first English club to win three major trophies in a single season — the League title, the League Cup and the European Cup. Media also favors Liverpool – TV and newspapers regularly publish Liverpool news as the most famous football team in England. The city of Liverpool is associated with a variety of sport activities; however, football has proved to be the most successful.

ARSENAL

2008-09-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

by: marcia henin
Arsenal – professional football club, also known as “The Gunners”. Based in North London, this successful English football team is known as one of the leading football clubs in England. Arsenal was founded in 1886 by the group of workers at the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory. In 1891 the Club turned professional and changed its name to Woolwich Arsenal; the club joined the Football League in 1893. They won their first major trophies thirty years later, which included five League Championship titles and two FA Cups. Arsenal set a UEFA Champions League record by going ten matches without conceding a goal in the season of 2005-2006.

The team was initially based in Woolwich, but in 1913 moved to Arsenal Stadium, Highbury, and then to their current location, the Emirates stadium, which contains 60,432 people. Arsenal football club colors are red and white, their symbol depicting a canon, as a symbol of Armament factory. Arsenal's home colors have been the inspiration for at least three other clubs.

Arsenal keeps an on-going rivalry with Tottenham Hotspur and with several other football teams, with whom they compete. The manager of “Arsenal” is Arsenal Wenger; the club belongs to the company “Arsenal Holding”. Arsenal often appears in the media, in sports news and on TV. Arsenal games on-line attracts millions of viewers; Arsenal clips present the moments of victory. The club includes top players from different countries, such as Spain, Netherlands, France and Switzerland. Fans collect pictures of the group and watch videos of “Arsenal” on-line; this leading football club enjoys public’s attention all over the world.

team player 2008/09