Griechenland Trikots

What makes Ronaldinho one of the most successful soccer players in world today? Is it his skills with the soccer ball? His uncommon techiniques to impress the fans with the way he dribbles around the soccer field? The fact that he has appeared in many Nike commercials? His good looks? Or the fact that he has won many “World Player of the Year” awards?

The answer is: all of the above, and more. Ronaldinho, or as he is known in Brazil, Ronaldinho Gaucho, has been in the public eye since 1999, but it wasn't until around 2002, when this great Brazilian star “got his break”. Since then, the star of Ronaldinho Gaucho has only been getting bigger and bigger through the years.

Ronaldinho first became famous in Brazil under the name Ronaldinho (little Ronaldo) Gaucho (meaning he is from the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul), in order not to be confused with another Brazilian soccer star, Ronaldo (formally known as Ronaldinho in Brazil). However, when Ronaldo moved to Europe, he became well known only as Ronaldo, allowing Ronaldinho Gaucho to drop the “Gaucho” and be well known only as Ronaldinho.

In his adult life, Ronaldinho has been in three major soccer teams including Brazil's Gremio, France's Paris Saint-Germain, and Spain's always great Barcelona.

He is also one of a very few number of players to ever “play at every footballing level, for he has played at under 15, under 17, under 20, under 23, and senior level. He made his first ever appearance for Brazil playing against Scotland on 7 March1995 in an under 15s match, Brazil lost the game 1-0.” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldinho. He was also part of the first Brazilian team to ever win the under 17s championship, which took place in Egypt, 1997.

He then went on to become a part of the under 20s Brazilian team that played on the Fifa World Cup in 1999, and eventually made his first appearance in Brazil's national team that same year in the 1999 Copa America, in which Brazil won.

Since then, Ronaldinho has collected many awards such as “FIFA World Player of the Year” in 2004 and 2005, “World Soccer Player of the Year”, also in 2004 and 2005, “FIFPro World Player of the Year” in 2005 and 2006, “UEFA Clube Footballer of the Year” in 2005 and 2006, and many many others.

Ronaldinho's personality has also helped him become the star he is today. Even with top name awards under his belt, he still remains a very humble, down to earth guy. When asked about his status as the number one soccer player in the world, he simply said: “I don't even feel I'm the best at Barça.” (Barcelona), FourFourTwo magazine.

So there we go, Ronaldinho has clearly made his mark in the world of soccer, and continues to be a great star representing Brazil in a world wide level. What does the future have in store for Ronaldinho? His contract with Barcelona ends in 2010, other than that, all we have to do is simply just keep watching, as this boy from Rio Grande do Sul keeps re-writing soccer history.

from: Taloris Weblog
Ciarans Weblog

Hello there from N.C. State, where I finally overcome some internet issues (operator error, no doubt) to get on line and provide updates from tonight’s game between Hoggard and North Mecklenburg for the 4-A state girls soccer championship.

We’ve got about 8 minutes left in the first half and North Meck is leading 1-0 on a goal by Alison Stearns in the 11th minute.

Other than the goal – which came on a play in which Stearns settle a ball 18 yards out from the goal, turned and fired a shot high into far corner of the net — the game has been remarkably even. And well-played. Hoggard has had its share of chances, including a cornerjust a moment ago, but as yet, it has yet to cash in. …

I thought the NCHSAA had rules about uniformity. Apparently not. Otherwise, the Vikings’ Sarah Clinard wouldn’t be allowed to wear those gl0w-in-the-dark green shoes she’s wearing with her white and light blue uniform. Clinard isn’t the only one making a fashion statement with her feet. North Meck’s Lisa Myers is wearing a pair of even brighter yellow soccer boots. …

Hoggard’s Blythe Rhodes just prevented some further damage in the final minute of the first half by racing to block a shot by North Meck’s Carly Williamson after Williamson had somehow found a seam in the Vikings’ defense and was wide open directly in front of goalie Sarah Downing. …

It’s halftime and Hoggard still trails 1-0.  …

By the way, FYI … both teams are nicknamed the Vikings,  the school colors for both are blue and white and both are trying to win their first state girls’ soccer title. …

Second half underway and North Meck got the first real chance right off the bat. Hoggard was outshot 4-3 in the first half. …

Hoggard’s defense has definitely started tightening up and the Vikings are steadily pushing the ball upfield and building an attack. They’ve maintained possession for most of the past few minutes and look determined to get the equalizer. …

31 minutes still left … not time to panic yet. …

Coach John Teller is changing things up by putting Olivia Robertson, Madyson Marshburn and Caitlin Whitehead into the lineup. Looking for a little more offense, perhaps? …

It’s starting to get physical out there, but the ref is letting them play on. That’s good news for Hoggard, which is clearly the aggressor right now. The Vikings have North Meck back on its heels .  …

Kristin Busby just made a great run that would have resulted in a goal had the North Meck goalie not beaten her to the ball at the last moment. …

And now an exquisite cross by Christy Murphy that sailed just over Busby’s head as she came flying through the box. 23 minutes left. Still 1-0 North Meck. …

Morgan Edwards and Kelsey Hamm back in for Hoggard. 20:37 left …

HOGGARD GOAL!!!!

The Vikings were finally rewarded for pressing the attack for nearly the entire second half.  The goal came off a free kick from about 35 yards out. Left back Morgan Tilley put a beautiful ball into the box, where Madyson Marshburn outjumped two North Meck defenders for the perfect header into the back fo the net with 19:01 left. …

Hoggard is right back on the attack, nearly scoring again on a scrum in the box. The Vikings also had another free kick from about the same spot as the one that led to the goal, but this one was blocked by the North Meck wall. …

Clock  stopped with 12:30  to go for an injured North Meck player. … The good news is that Melissa Williams is coming off the field on her own and looks to be okay. …

Ten minutes left and Hoggard is still pressing the attack. The Vikings look like the fresher team right now, illustrated by the way Liz Lace just blew past the North Meck defense, forcing goalie Emily Rusk to come way out of her box to beat her to the ball. …

Hoggard corner with 7 1/2 to go …

A good effort, but Hailey Piepmeyer’s kick from about 5 yards out to the right of the goal sailed high, over the net. …

Hoggard goalie with a potential game-saving play. With North Meck’s Morgan Byrne racing in to pick up a loose ball in the box, Downing came sliding out to smother the ball and keep the game tied at 1. Give Downing credit. It’s tough to be standing back there watching for as long as she has with the ball at the other end of the field and then suddenly be tested. But she came up big …

Three minutes left. Looks like we might be heading to overtime. …

Downing with a routine save on a long shot by Byrne. Then again, can any save be called routine with less than two minutes left in a tie game for the state title? …

Looks like North Meck is getting its second wind. …

End of regulation, Hoggard 1, North Mecklenburg 1. … We’re headed for overtime. …

The format is two 10 minute periods, to be played no matter how many goals are scored. If we’re still tied after that, we’ll play two five-minute sudden death periods. After that, it’s the dreaded shootout. I don’t think it’s going to come to that that, though. …

Shots in the second half: North Meck 3, Hoggard 1. The Vikings are being outshot 7-4 for the game. But that’s not the stat that counts. …

Olivia Robertson came about an inch from scoring the go-ahead goal with 7:30 left in the first overtime. Her shot from close range was headed inside the left post, but goalie Emily Rusk dove in to save it at the last second. Even after she stopped it, the ball still amost rolled over the goal line. It was so close that several Hoggard players raised their hands thinking it was in. …

Now a near-miss for North Meck as Stearns, the goal-scorer, launched a high shot just over the net …

North Meck has taken the attack away from the Vikings. It has threatened a couple of times here in overtime since Hoggard’s close call. Fatigue and humidity may be starting to take its toll …

That’s the end of the first overtime, and the break couldn’t come at a better time for Hoggard. The Vikings are starting to look tired and can use the break. Even though it’s only a short one. …

The teams have switched ends and we’re playing in the second overtime. Not trying to be a naysayer, but both goals so far have been scored in the net at which North Meck is currently shooting. …

Hoggard’s Morgan Tilley is down. Looks like a leg cramp. That’s a tough loss for the Vikings. Not only is she a top defender, but she’s also great on those long free kicks … like the one she served up to Marshburn for the Hoggard goal.

…

Two golden opportunites for Hoggard with 6 minutes left in the second OT. The first one came on a free kick by Marshburn from just outside the box. It looked ticketed for the top far corner, but goalie Rusk punched it over the crossbar. Then off the ensuing corner kick, Rusk came up big again on a shot from close range. …

With 3 1/2 left another close call. This time Marshburn, in a full sprint, blocked a clearing attempt by the goalie. The  ball caromed off her back toward the net and trickled just outside the far goal post. …

Great stuff here! …

The Hoggard fans in the stands are going crazy as the Vikings contiue to press the issue. Then, just like that, North Meck’s Katherine Rusk got behind the Hoggard defense and rocketed one just wide ride with 1 minute left in the second OT. …

And we’re going to sudden death! …

Whew! …

Next goal wins. Sudden death has begun. …

That’s the end of the first 5-minute golden goal period. Five more minutes to go, then penalty kicks. Man, that’s a horrible way of deciding a championship game. I know it’s not good for a reporter on deadline, but I wish they’d let them play until somebody scores a goal … no matter how long it takes. That’s the only fair way of doing it. …

Second sudden death period off and running, and just 30 seconds in Busby fires a shot from the top of the box and sails it high. …

And  Busby gets another chance, arriving a split second late before Rusk comes out and knocks the ball away. …

Now skill is taken out of the equation and it becomes a matter of luck.  We’re going to penalty kicks. …

How even is it?  Both teams have 10 shots. Both goalies have four saves. Hoggard has 4 corners to 3 for North Meck. …

Hoggard will go first in the shootout. There are five rounds. I’ll keep you posted as the shots are taken. …

First up, Hoggard’s Kristin Busby. GOAL!!!!

North Meck’s Byrne … Goal

Next up for Hoggard, CHelsea DeLiberto … GOAL!!!!

North Mecks’ McAnaulty, goal

And Hoggards Tilly SCORES!!!

North Meck’s Robinson scores .. 3-3

Hoggard’s Piepmeyer is denied by goalie Rusk. Vikings in trouble

But wait, North Meck’s Williamson hits the cross bar and Hoggard’s Marshbun SCORES!!!!!

Rusk, the goalie’s sister scores to tie it at 4. .. and we go to sudden death in the shootout.

Next up for Hoggard, Liz Lace… GOAL!!!!

Lyndey Byrne scores for North Meck ..

Whitehead up for Hoggard .. GOAL!!!

Shalon keeps it alive for North Meck

Rhodes is stopped by Rusk. Uh oh …

And Christy Murphy, the girl with the yellow shoes, scores in the eighth round of the shootout to give the state title to North Meck.

Just a terrible way to end the game and the season. It’s a shame it came down to that. Hoggard deserved better.

The Rock Bridge girls soccer team advanced to the title game of the Class 3, District 9 tournament with a 3-0 victory over tournament host Timberland on Tuesday in Wentzville.

The Bruins (10-11-2) will play Troy Buchanan (9-11-1) at 5 p.m. Thursday in Wentzville in the championship game. Troy Buchanan beat Hickman 3-0 in the late semifinal Tuesday. The Kewpies end their season at 7-12.

Lexi Bumby* scored twice for Rock Bridge in the victory over Timberland. She netted the Bruins first goal off a throw-in from Brett Fuller in the 22nd minute of the first period. She scored her second goal in the 60th minute of the second period, rebounding a shot on goal by Mary Bowman.

Kelsey Reimler had the other Rock Bridge goal, scoring off a Morgan Pitchford in the 45th minute. Goalkeeper Carrie Levy earned the shutout with four saves.    

Simon Rolfes Trikots bestellen

December 6, 2006 

After some struggles to earn promotion to the Bundesliga 1, Munich 1860 signed another American, reports Kicker. Striker, Josh Wolff, will be relied on to score goals in close matches to help the team escape second division soccer.

The Lions are currently only four points short of earning promotion. The team counts on a strong backline led by American defender, Gregg Berhalter, who appeared for the U.S. National Team in World Cups 2002 and 2006.

The former captain of Energie Cottbus helped the East German team climb into the Bundesliga 1 last season, only to remain in the Bundeliga 2 by signing with Munich 1860.

Wolff will join his American comrade after several successful campaigns in Major League Soccer. Wolff was a Fire original and played 84 matches for Chicago. While in the Windy City, the young striker tallied 32 goals.

After his success in Chicago, the Georgia native moved to Kansas City to play for the Wizards. While with the Wizards, Wolff put in 27 goals in 80 matches. 

In 2003, Wolff suffered a meniscus tear and ankle injury which slowed his blistering pace significantly. However, the forward finished his last three MLS seasons healthy. Wolff scored 25 goals in the past three seasons with the Wizards and all but maxed out his salary under the league's tight cap.

Like most European teams, 1860 only signed the striker to an 18 month contract. The reasons for the short contract are multi-fold.

Few European teams will give any player pushing 30 more than a one year deal. The belief is by that age most players, especially forwards, are finished. Wolff is 29.

Munich 1860 also struggles with budget issues. Despite the team's recent success, previous pushes toward the “Big Show” have hurt Munich's funds. The team simply can't afford to issue a big contract.

Wolff is an American. Although signing American players is becoming more common in Europe, it is still viewed as a gamble. Despite appearing in two World Cups, Munich will keep in mind that he only scored once in both.

For Wolff, this move is elementary. His salary is largely fixed in the MLS, and he's still fairly young. For the forward to start preparing for retirement, he needed to go abroad. This move will help him further develop his on-field smarts and ideally help him establish a comfortable nest egg.

from: Khyas Weblog

With just 20 days until the FIFA 2010 World Cup kicks-off at Soccer City, SI Online shines the spotlight on the 32 teams vying for soccer supremacy. Our first port of call is the 2010 World Cup hosts themselves.

 

Team: South Africa.

 

Profile: Nicknamed Bafana Bafana, the South African team will face a tough task on their home soil. Ranked a lowly 90th on the official FIFA World Rankings, they are only higher than one other qualifier, North Korea (106). However, when the men from the rainbow nation take to the field, rankings will go out the window. A swarm of Vuvuzela-blowing, Makarapa-wearing fanatics will undoubtedly spur them on to greater heights. This is South Africa’s third World Cup appearance.

 

Their group: Bafana were drawn as one of the eight seeded teams for the first football World Cup on African soil. However, this hindered rather than helped them as they share Pool A with previous World Cup winners France, Uruguay and the in-form Mexico.

 

Opening match: As hosts, Bafana Bafana enjoy the honour of kicking off the tournament against Mexico on June 11 at the home of South African football, Soccer City. The African calabash is likely to hold a melting pot of vociferous fans cheering on the host nation and to a lesser extent their rivals. Expect plenty of noise, and Mexican waves on offer.

 

Star man: It’s hard to look past the slightly built Steven Pienaar. Everton’s player of the Year was in scintillating form this season in the Premier League. His ability to pick a pass and cut open a defence with his silky running style, is mesmerising to watch. The boy from Westbury in Johannesburg is South Africa’s talisman, and midfield playmaker. His teammates are likely to look to him for inspiration.

 

One to watch: Striker Katlego Mphela announced his arrival on the world stage with a thunderbolt of a strike against Spain during last year’s Confederations Cup. Top shotstopper Iker Casillas had no chance of stopping the superbly taken free kick. Mphela is in good goal-scoring form at present and most recently scored a brace in a friendly international against Thailand. He will be aiming to carry that form into Africa’s first World Cup.

 

The coach: Brazilian Carlos Alberto Gomes Parreira is the man tasked with guiding the host nation’s hopes. The experienced mentor, 67, has been to two previous World Cups and knows first-hand what it takes to prove a success at the soccer showpiece. He won the coveted gold trophy with Brazil in 1994 and while he is not expected to repeat the feat with his current charges, he is a proud man intent on getting Bafana to play to the best of their ability.

 

Provisional 30-man World Cup squad:

 

Goalkeepers:  Itumeleng Khune, Shu-Aib Walters, Rowen Fernandez, Moeneeb Josephs

 

Defenders: Matthew Booth, Bevan Fransman, Siboniso Gaxa, Innocent Mdledle , Bongani Khumalo Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena, Bryce Moon, Anele Ngcongca, Siyabonga Sangweni, Lucas Thwala.

Midfielders: Surprise Moriri, Franklin Cale, Lance Davids, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Thanduyise Khuboni , Steven Pienaar, Macbeth Sibaya.

Forwards: Benni McCarthy, Katlego Mphela, Siyabonga Nomvete, Bernard Parker.

Likely starting XI: Khune, Gaxa, Mokoena (C), Booth, Masilela, Sibaya, Pienaar, Modise, Tshabalala, Mphela, McCarthy

World Cup prediction: Unlikely to progress past the group stage.

 

With just 20 days until the FIFA 2010 World Cup kicks-off at Soccer City, SI Online shines the spotlight on the 32 teams vying for soccer supremacy. Our first port of call is the 2010 World Cup hosts themselves.

 

Team: South Africa.

 

Profile: Nicknamed Bafana Bafana, the South African team will face a tough task on their home soil. Ranked a lowly 90th on the official FIFA World Rankings, they are only higher than one other qualifier, North Korea (106). However, when the men from the rainbow nation take to the field, rankings will go out the window. A swarm of Vuvuzela-blowing, Makarapa-wearing fanatics will undoubtedly spur them on to greater heights. This is South Africa’s third World Cup appearance.

 

Their group: Bafana were drawn as one of the eight seeded teams for the first football World Cup on African soil. However, this hindered rather than helped them as they share Pool A with previous World Cup winners France, Uruguay and the in-form Mexico.

 

Opening match: As hosts, Bafana Bafana enjoy the honour of kicking off the tournament against Mexico on June 11 at the home of South African football, Soccer City. The African calabash is likely to hold a melting pot of vociferous fans cheering on the host nation and to a lesser extent their rivals. Expect plenty of noise, and Mexican waves on offer.

 

Star man: It’s hard to look past the slightly built Steven Pienaar. Everton’s player of the Year was in scintillating form this season in the Premier League. His ability to pick a pass and cut open a defence with his silky running style, is mesmerising to watch. The boy from Westbury in Johannesburg is South Africa’s talisman, and midfield playmaker. His teammates are likely to look to him for inspiration.

 

One to watch: Striker Katlego Mphela announced his arrival on the world stage with a thunderbolt of a strike against Spain during last year’s Confederations Cup. Top shotstopper Iker Casillas had no chance of stopping the superbly taken free kick. Mphela is in good goal-scoring form at present and most recently scored a brace in a friendly international against Thailand. He will be aiming to carry that form into Africa’s first World Cup.

 

The coach: Brazilian Carlos Alberto Gomes Parreira is the man tasked with guiding the host nation’s hopes. The experienced mentor, 67, has been to two previous World Cups and knows first-hand what it takes to prove a success at the soccer showpiece. He won the coveted gold trophy with Brazil in 1994 and while he is not expected to repeat the feat with his current charges, he is a proud man intent on getting Bafana to play to the best of their ability.

 

Provisional 30-man World Cup squad:

 

Goalkeepers:  Itumeleng Khune, Shu-Aib Walters, Rowen Fernandez, Moeneeb Josephs

 

Defenders: Matthew Booth, Bevan Fransman, Siboniso Gaxa, Innocent Mdledle , Bongani Khumalo Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena, Bryce Moon, Anele Ngcongca, Siyabonga Sangweni, Lucas Thwala.

Midfielders: Surprise Moriri, Franklin Cale, Lance Davids, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Thanduyise Khuboni , Steven Pienaar, Macbeth Sibaya.

Forwards: Benni McCarthy, Katlego Mphela, Siyabonga Nomvete, Bernard Parker.

Likely starting XI: Khune, Gaxa, Mokoena (C), Booth, Masilela, Sibaya, Pienaar, Modise, Tshabalala, Mphela, McCarthy

World Cup prediction: Unlikely to progress past the group stage.

 

Your Comment:

Karlsruher SC Trikots

Rolling Thunder is the wheelchair power soccer team that I play for. The name itself describes the fun, wild adventure, and mayhem which will ensue. This game allows many people having an assortment of disabilities, to become competitive again for at least a couple of hours. The requirements are simple enough; fall under the age category of 5 – 105 years, drive a power chair, are disabled and yet still posses a spirit for competition. When you come to a game you will find out quickly why they call us: “the fastest things on four wheels since a grocery cart at a shopping spree!”

Last summer I found out about this zany soccer team when I needed some routine maintenance done on my power-chair. My loyal friend Patrick (from the local medical equipment branch) had come by to get it done for me and had brought with him an article from the next-county-over's newspaper. This paper had in it a celebrated and inspirational story which was highlighted by the rising sport of power-soccer. After talking with Patrick and reading this article, I was ready to explore these untested and dry waters.

1] This story shared a wealth of information with me and here are a few of them:

Ø Male and female players are often on the same team as well as opposing sides.

Ø The game is usually played in a gymnasium or on a regulation basketball court.

Ø Two teams of four power chair users attack, defend, and maneuver an oversized soccer ball in an attempt to score points on a goal.

Ø Power Soccer is a true dynamic development. It is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users.

Ø This action packed team sport combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of the wheelchair itself.

Ø Participants include persons with: quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, head trauma, stroke and other disabilities.

Ø Whoever has found the will to win, and has the competitive spirit of an athlete is in no way limited or diminished because of confinement to a wheelchair.

Ø Practices are held twice a month all year, with an organized game happening once per month.

Ø Competitive games are from September through May and national tournaments are held 1-2 times per year.

So I got a schedule and rolled on down there. The moment that the pit crew had bolted on the guard to my leg-rests, I knew that I was in for a treat. The teams were divided into two groups and away we went— smash, bang, ram, and we hadn't even scored a goal yet! This rush of action gave me a feeling of excitement, importance, unbridled freedom, and of course, a power— which I hadn't felt since before my car accident. After shaking out some much needed apprehension, the two coaches huddled us all together and went over a few guidelines and rules.

In a memorable game for me a few weeks ago, I assisted on two goals to a fellow teammate and had my first 'hat-trick,' in which I scored three goals. The cheerleaders it appeared, had shown this jubilant side of themselves before, 'cause they were doing all sorts of screaming and dancing and bringing the crowd to their feet. Our team ended up winning that game but our celebratory attitudes were short-lived. The reason being: it truly doesn't matter who wins or loses; the fact that we are all out there getting involved in something is reward enough!

It is my feeling that disability is a state of mind; a person's spirit needs to be awakened, enriched, and exercised in order to feel separation from that which binds us. I would love to see some of my fellow wheelers just get out there and find something which puts them into a euphoric feeling again. After all, life is not a dress rehearsal waiting for the big show— rather, a gift not to be wasted on the sidelines watching others.

Ref:

1] www.powersoccer.net

from: Leannas Weblog

Shorecrest trailed for the first time all season before coming back to win the semifinal game. Everett’s David Gebert scored on a free kick in the third minute and the Seagulls held off Shorecrest until the 36th minute. Eric Baker and Sam Schober were in goal for Shorecrest.
While listening to NPR last night, I heard that Garfield High has a fantastic Jazz program and that both Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools are finalists again this year in the 2010 Essentially Ellington national jazz competition. I am proud of our neighborhood kids! Go Garfield!Here's more about the competition:The annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival is one of the most innovative jazz education events in the world. Each year, high school musicians from across North America travel to New York City to spend three days immersed in workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals and performances at the “House of Swing,” Jazz at Lincoln Center's home, Frederick P. Rose Hall.The Competition & Festival, held each May, is the culmination of the year-long Essentially Ellington program, during which members are invited to submit a recording and 15 finalist bands are selected through a rigorous screening process. Each finalist band receives an in-school workshop in their community led by a professional musician before coming to New York to put up their Dukes and perform before Wynton Marsalis and a panel of esteemed judges. In the past, finalist bands have had the privilege to work with such workshop clinicians as trumpeter Terell Stafford; Ronald Carter, the widely respected jazz educator; Justin DiCioccio, director of Jazz Studies at Manhattan School of Music; saxophonist Loren Schoenberg; Reggie Thomas, pianist and educator; as well as Jazz at Lincoln Center's own Victor Goines. Among the past judges have been former Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra conductor and arranger David Berger; Gunther Schuller, who, according to All Music Guide, “is composer, conductor, horn player, jazz performer, writer, administrator, publisher, and teacher, all wrapped up into one tiny bundle of seemingly endless energy”; Pulitzer Prize-nominated jazz musician and composer David Baker; and who else but Wynton Marsalis himself.The festival concludes with a final evening Concert and Awards Ceremony open to the public at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall featuring the three top-placing bands and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

Was released this week the list of players invited to the World Cup in South Africa.
The list has no big surprises. What surprised most was the convocation of Grafite, who plays for Wolfsburg in Germany. Adriano was out.
Dunga, who has never coached football before the Brazilian Team, spoke about his belief that the general population does not agree. With Dunga in the Brazil team is going through a phase, which we call here the pot, where only the players that the coach has sympathy, and how they like to say, team spirit, they are part. he talks a lot of confidence, but he should worry about the confidence in choosing his wife, selecting what is important is the football pitch. Therefore, and for being a very rude and stubborn people, just called this group. A request for players who are in a better time yielded nothing.

In this list there are several players who did not pass a good time and not even close, are the best at their positions. Now we can only hope.

Julio César (Internazionale)
Gomes (Tottenham)
Doni (Roma)

Maicon (Internazionale)
Daniel Alves (Barcelona)
Michel Bastos (Lyon)
Gilberto (Cruzeiro)

Lúcio (Internazionale)
Juan (Roma)
Luisão (Benfica)
Thiago Silva (Milan)

Felipe Melo (Juventus)
Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos)
Ramires (Benfica)
Elano (Galatasaray)
Kaká (Real Madrid)
Josué (Wolfsburg)
Julio Baptista (Roma)
Kleberson (Flamengo)

Robinho (Santos)
Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)
Nilmar (Villarreal)
Grafite (Wolfsburg)

Waiting list

Alex (Chelsea)
Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim)
Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Milan)
Sandro (Internacional)
Ganso (Santos)
Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Diego Tardelli (Atlético-MG)

WM Trikot bestellen

If you are an American soccer fan then you have probably heard about Major League Soccer at one point or another. Major League Soccer is the largest professional soccer league in North America. The league hosts an array of professional franchises from America as well as Canada. Started in 1995, the league is still small and only has fifteen teams. However, MLS expansion franchises are being added on fast that have new soccer specific stadiums such as Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Either way, Major League Soccer is a league that has just started to grow in recent years and has a rich history.

The Format of Major League Soccer

The format of Major League Soccer is very different from the way in which European leagues are formatted. At the end of each season the top 4 teams from each conference advance to the MLS Playoffs. These teams are ultimately competing for the MLS Cup which is the trophy that is awarded for winning a national championship in Major League Soccer. At the end of each year, the MLS Cup is usually hosted at the Home Depot center, a soccer specific stadium, in Carson California.

International Cups

Teams from Major League Soccer compete in an array of different competitions including the CONCACAF Champions League, the Pan Pacific Championship, Copa SudaAmerica, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The MLS Cup

The MLS Cup has been awarded to teams a total of thirteen times throughout the history of Major League Soccer. DC United is the team that has managed to win the most MLS Cups, a total of four. As of yet there are many teams that participate in Major League Soccer that have yet to win the cup at all.

MLS Television Partnerships

Despite the young age of the league, Major League Soccer has forged many television deals with major broadcasting networks. Some of the television & broadcasting companies that Major League Soccer has partnerships with include ESPN, ESPN 2, Telefutura, Fox Soccer Channel, CBC, & Gol TV Canada.

Either way, Major League Soccer still remains to be the most recognized professional soccer league in North America hosting over fourteen teams each year. Chances are that there is an MLS team in your area that you can support. If you want to find out more about Major League Soccer then you can check out the Official Website of Major League Soccer now.

from: Cains Blog
Kymaras Site
Millanas Blog

An extraordinary article from the BBC web site says:

The BBC can reveal, for the first time, the full scale of the remarkable tax concessions that the world football authority Fifa demands of countries that wish to host a World Cup competition.

This Friday, 14 May, in Zurich in Switzerland, representatives of footballing countries around the world will submit their bids to host either the 2018 or 2022 tournaments.

The bidding nations have been asked to comply with a wide variety of conditions that Fifa has laid down – and which it would like to keep confidential.

Among them is that the entire event should be free of tax for Fifa.

"Any host country requires a comprehensive tax exemption to be given to Fifa and further parties involved in the hosting and staging of an event," said a Fifa spokesman.

This means that to be successful in its bid, the UK government must agree to forgo tens of millions of pounds in tax for the benefit of Fifa, which – as a charitable organisation – pays hardly any tax to its home country of Switzerland.

It also appears to mean that the tournament income of the players, some of whom are among the highest paid earners in the world, should also be exempt from tax.

This is extraordinary.

Take, for example, the case of South Africa. It has spent a fortune building facilities for the Wold Cup and it seems unlikely that FIFA will be allowing it any return at all.

This is straightforwardly abusive, and abusive in the private interests of an enormously wealthy elite.

Right around the world people should be profoundly disgusted at this abuse of developed and developing countries alike.

Richard Murphy Tax avoidance

EA has revealed it's to release a new FIFA game, FIFA Superstars, on the world-dominating social networking site, Facebook.

The game's being developed by Playfish and will feature multiplayer gameplay through the FB network. As EA Sports president Peter Moore explains on his blog: "Leveraging our football gaming knowledge and marrying it with the social gaming expertise of our partners at Playfish is sure to provide more great opportunities to bring hundreds of millions of new fans to compete against their friends to win the FIFA World Cup through an engaging interactive football experience.

Without revealing any real specific details, Moore promises "more to come on FIFA Superstars coming soon".

Fifa has injected an extra US$100 million into the World Cup budget to ensure training grounds in South Africa are ready for the 32 teams.

Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke told BBC Sport that the game's governing body signed off the 25 per cent budgetary increase at an executive committee meeting in March. He added that the extra funds would be more than covered by the US$3.2 billion expected to be generated by next month’s tournament.

South Africa’s organisational budget has now increased from around US$420 million to some US$520 million.

Danny Jordaan, head of South Africa's World Cup organising committee, said Fifa had agreed to fund the increase out of its own revenue from ticket sales.

“We have not gone on our knees pleading for money, said Jordaan. “We've got enough money.

“What we've agreed with Fifa, if there are additional items … we will sit down and between us agree Fifa funds it or we will fund it. In this case Fifa has agreed to fund it.”

“We know we had to add some money for the team base camps where some teams were unhappy about the level of the services or the level of the pitches,” Valcke said.

“That's a cost Fifa took over to ensure things were delivered on time.”

FIFA World Cup 2010: Nigeria Name Provisional Squad

Nigeria – The Super Eagles – have named their provisional squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Lars Lagerback, the coach, has selected 30 players from which his final squad of 23 will be selected. This is the coach’s first tournament since taking over from Shaibu Amodu who was sacked following Nigeria’s Afircan Cup of Nations third place.

Nigeria will meet Argentina, Greece and South Korea in their tricky Group B.

Nigeria World Cup 2010 Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel), Bassey Akpan (Bayelsa United, Nigeria)

Defenders: Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Onyekachi Apam (OG Nice, France), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Daniel Shittu (Bolton Wanderers, England), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), Rabiu Afolabi (SV Salzburg, Austria), Terna Suswan (Lobi Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders: Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany), John Utaka (Portsmouth, England), Brown Ideye (FC Sochaux, France), Peter Utaka (Odense Boldklub, Denmark), , Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Sani Kaita (Alaniya, Russia), Haruna Lukman (AS Monaco, France), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, England), Victor Anichebe (Everton, England), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany), Ikechukwu Uche (Real Zaragoza, Spain), Victor Obinna Nsofor (Malaga, Spain)

Mexiko Trikots

Flamengo has won its sixth Brazilian Championship by beating Gremio 2 x 1, to tie Sao Paulo for the team with the most Brazilian national soccer tournaments in history.

Adriano, the former Inter Milan striker, who had a serious career low just a few months ago, has resurrected his career in grand style, not only winning the most coveted tournament in Brazil, but also concluding the competition as its top scorer with 19 goals.

While living in Brazil in the 80s, I was one of the few fortunate people who had the priviledge to see up close the Flamengo Golden generation of Zico, Junior and Leandro, and I was lucky enough to be there in Maracana when Flamengo won that 1982 Brazilian championship.

Last August, I visited Brazil and met with Adriano and several members of theFlamengo team at their training camp in Rio. At that point, Flamengo was in 17th place in the “Brasileirao”, and if I had told anyone at that time that I tought they would end up as champions just three months later, no one would have believed me.

Being a former striker myself, I clearly remember my chat with Adriano as we discussed ways to dodge markers and how to improve the team's midfield to forward connection and other aspects of the game.

As one of the most die-hard Flamengo fans you can ever find, I could not be any happier to see that not only did Adriano figure out how to dodge those markers, but I am also happy that the team has found its compass and has combined extremely well, and went on to do the impossible: to move from 17th to 1st place in the most important national-level soccer tournament in the whole of South America, in a time span of only three months.

That night in August, as I used to do so many times back in the 80s when I was living in Brazil, I had the pleasure of accompanying the team to Maracana Stadium, and watched as Flamengo beat Atletico Mineiro, which was at that time the team that was in first.

That day in August I had no idea, but that very same game I watched was to be the first of a series of a spectacular comeback performances, not only for Adriano but also for Flamengo.

Today after winning the championship match, Adriano stated that “this is a dream, to be a champion again and, above all, to be happy” . And, his feeling is shared by millions of Brazilians, who are fans of the largest Club in Brazil: CRF (Clube the Regatas do Flamengo).

Adriano, who has earned the nickname “The Emperor” while playing in Italy, was once, not very long ago, the most feared striker in the world.

After having a series of personal problems, the Emperor was released by Inter Milan and joined Flamengo, the team that had discovered him for soccer. There he regained his old form and even managed to reclaim a spot on the Brazilian National squad during the World Cup qualifiers.

It remains to be seen if this performance on the Brasileirao will be enough to earn Adriano a spot in the 2010 World Cup team. But regardless, Adriano has written a major page in his personal soccer story, and helped Flamengo regain its status as one of the greatest teams, if not the greatest, in the history of Brazilian soccer.

from: Desilyns Blog
Janeas Site

Ah, the famous yellow shirts of Brazil. Canary yellow to be precise. After the disaster of 1950 Brazil abandoned their white shirts with a blue collar, and adopted yellow with gold trim that’s so famous today via a national competition. With five World Cups wins, it’s now the most successful colour scheme in international football. Well done designer Aldyr Garcia Schlee.

Read on for a closer look at the Brazil home and away jerseys for World Cup 2010, and for an example of just how difficult it is to review a shirt with no real distinguishing features.

Brazil Home Shirt

Want one? Find your Brazil home jersey in our store.

Earlier Brazil home shirts have been a bit more adventurous with the green trim. The 2004/5 version for example. Brazil’s World Cup 2010 home shirt is much more of a classic. Simple yellow, minimal green. I like.

I also like that it’s one of the few Nike World Cup shirts not to feature those horizontal stripes near the sleeves. Said stripes aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s too much of an average thing. So well done to Brazil for avoiding that.

Other unique features include the breathable mesh (and by “breathable mesh”, I of course mean holes) down the sides and this rather nice detail on the inside of the collar/back of the neck:

For those who don’t speak Portuguese (or don’t know about Google Translate) “Nascido Para Jogar Futebol” means “Born to Play Football”.

The final thing I’ll say about this new Brazil jersey is that – from a design perspective – it already has too many stars on it. If Brazil wins another World Cup this July, then the people at Nike are going to have serious problems fitting six stars above the crest for 2014.

Brazil Away Shirt

Want one? Find your Brazil away jersey in our store.

The Brazil away jersey is much more of a deviation from the norm. The same basic shape as the home shirt, and dark blue like most recent Brazil away shirts, but with a pattern of yellow dots.

I think we can agree that blue with yellow dots sounds like the worst idea for a football shirt. Maybe ever. But the size and colour of said dots means that Nike get away with it. The dots are visible, but nor prominent, and it’s an original way of incorporating the more famous home colour into a different coloured away kit.

Is Robinho approving of the new away jersey? Or is he approving of the lady he’s with? Maybe both? Either way, I agree. Though I’m glad only of those things is covered in yellow spots.

That’s my take on Brazil’s World Cup 2010 jerseys. What do you think?

Copy & paste this code into your blog, MySpace, Friendster or anywhere else you can add HTML.

Embed
<embed width=”640″ height=”360″ src=”http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:ifilm:video:spike.com:2769726″ quality=”high” bgcolor=”000000″ name=”efp” align=”middle” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” pluginspage=”http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer” flashvars=”autoPlay=false” allowfullscreen=”true”> </embed> <div style=”font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px; background-color: #000; width: 640px; padding: 3px 0; color: #fff;”><a href=”http://www.spike.com/blog/people-who-love/95404″ style=”color: #ffcc35; margin-left: 5px;”>Soccer-Loving Johns Excited to Welcome 40,000 Prostitutes to World Cup</a> | <a href=”http://www.spike.com/channel/sports” style=”color: #ffcc35″>Sports</a> | <a href=”http://www.spike.com/” style=”color: #ffcc35″>SPIKE.com</a></div>

I would like to flag this content as inappropriate.

Your Email:

Reason:

I would like to flag this comment as inappropriate.

Your Email:

Reason: