"The El Clasico With Nothing to Play for" or So They Said

The match ended with 4 goals, 8 yellow cards, a red card and lots of controversies. Pretty explosive for an El Clasico with no stakes.

The El Clasico has always been one of the most awaited football matches that features FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of the biggest football clubs on the planet. The clash is not just limited to the contrasting football styles of the clubs as it is also seen as a clash between Spain and Catalunia. With such importance attached to the match, it has always lived up to the expectation of football fans. Emotions run high on the field as tempers flare and controversies and fights ensue. This Sunday’s El Clasico had been described as a damp affair even before its start as Barcelona had already won the league while Real Madrid were being cautious in preparation for the Champions League Finals. The fact that this was Iniesta’s last Clasico was the only reason most fans looked forward to the football match. There were others who reminded the fact that Barcelona had remained unbeaten during the league and cup season so far and a defeat would mean they would fail to go the full season unbeaten.

But all of that damp El Clasico talk turned into dust as Barcelona took an early lead through Luis Suarez who perfectly connected with a Sergio Roberto cross. Real Madrid soon equalized as Cristiano Ronaldo connected with Benzema’s headed pass that was set up by Toni Kroos. Both teams continued to threaten each other’s goals as chances were being created left and right. Ronaldo also picked up an injury that saw him hobbling during the rest of the half. By the end of the 40th minute, two of Real Madrid’s defenders were shown yellow cards and so were Barcelona’s Messi and Saurez. But the real controversy started when the referee failed to notice Gareth Bale’s horrible challenge on Samuel Umtiti that should have earned him a straight red card.

Things soon started getting heated up as half-time approached. A Real Madrid attack on the left flank saw a clash between Marcelo and Sergio Roberto. The latter lost as cool and threw his fist into Marcelo’s face. The referee had a clear view of this clash and showed a straight red to Roberto just at the half-time break. This meant that Barcelona had to play the entire second half, one man down.

While Barcelona were down to 10-men, Real Madrid had to substitute Ronaldo due to his first-half injury that caused a swollen ankle. Real Madrid dominated the half but were not able to create many chances. Barcelona once again took the lead as Messi scored from Suarez’s pass. There was a fierce protest from Real Madrid players as Saurez had fouled Varane in the lead up to the goal but got away with it. Real Madrid struggled to find the equalizer against a 10-man Barcelona and it was Gareth Bale who curled it in the 72nd minute to level the scoreline.

Barcelona continued to attack as a super effort from Lionel Messi was beautifully saved by Navas. Messi once again ended up close to scoring as a curling shot from him ended just wide from the post. Real Madrid too were starting to take advantage of 10-man Barcelona. Marcelo was brought down inside Barcelona’s box but the referee once again made a controversial call as Real Madrid were denied a clear penalty. Barcelona, having given a clear lifeline, continued to resist all advances from Real Madrid and hang on to dear life. Nelson Semedo brought on for Coutinho to take up Roberto’s position in defense, impressed with his speed and stamina. Finally, Semedo cleared the ball with a header as the referee blew the final whistle.

Andres Iniesta’s final El Clasico had exploded into life early on and lived up to the billing. There was applause all around has the Maestro took his one last bow.

Despite all the controversies and bad refereeing decisions, everyone was satisfied with the result. Barcelona’s manager Ernesto Valverde later exclaimed that it would have hurt if the unbeaten streak had been broken by Real Madrid, so a draw was a fair and acceptable result. As they say, even a draw means unbeaten. Everyone who saw Sunday’s El Clasico will agree that the players took to field as if everything was at stake, contrary to the belief that nothing was.

Foot Scrubs Can Avoid Cracket Feet

Every day we walk, hop, skip, jump, run and jog, each of us uses our foot in any manner we want. Our foot is one of the most important parts of our body and our lower extremities are very much in use just like our upper extremities.

Basically our feet is designed or being given unto us for many reasons and purposes, with good and well formed foot, we can p[perform activities of daily living as free and comfortable as we want. We can go to places we desire, can experience nature tripping, mountain and rock climbing, that is why our foot is very much in need and useful to us.

A lot of salon, spa and well centers are offering relaxation and hygiene care for everyone to enjoy. What is in demand right now, or I should say is most enjoyed accommodation, they are offering are foot spa and foot scrub, through this, individuals both man and woman, kids, adults and elders are fun and enjoy this accommodation, relaxation and hygiene care in one.

Cracked feet is one of the common problems we have, due to our work and activities; hence we can avoid cracked feet from happening.

You can have a regular visit at the spa and have some foot scrub, foot scrub can help smoothen your foot thus dry skin won’t be present preventing cracked foot to happen. After work, have time to rest your foot, have it relaxed for 5-7 minutes before you take a bath, when taking a bath you can use soft loofa, or towel in cleaning your foot avoid rubbing too much, dirt will be cleaned even if you rub it gently. Lastly you can purchase a foot spa creams; you can do it in your house anytime you want.

Our foot should be well taken care of, we need to do so not only for it to look good, but also for us to feel good and look good. Any open pores and wounds ( cracked foot) might cause contamination thus will later lead to infection and later to illness. Avoid it now.

FIFA World Cup 2010 – Team Profile – Brazil

Brazil are the only team to have figured in every World Cup final from the time the event began, in 1930. In this year’s edition, the five times champions are arguably placed in the toughest group G, along with Ronaldo-led Portugal, Drogba inspired Ivory Coast, and North Korea.

Brazil will aim to head their group, so as to meet the second team from group H, most likely, Chile. They will be tested by Ronaldo-led Portugal, and should they fail the test, will probably have to face Spain, in the second round. Incidentally, European champions Spain are the bookmakers’ favourite at this world cup, and Brazil could face the prospect of an early exit. Assuming that the South Americans do head their group, and meet Chile, their strongest challenge is likely to be the Netherlands, in the quarter final, possibly followed by England in the semi-final.

Barring a 2-1 defeat by Bolivia, Brazil had an excellent campaign en route to qualifying for the 2010 finals. The 2009 Confederation Cup was the icing. Coach Dunga who is yet to announce the final squad of 23, has an embarrassment of riches, to choose from, with the likes of Luis Fabiano and Robinho in the forward line, Kaka and Luis Ramires in midfield, and Julio Cesar in goal. That a midfielder of the calibre of Ronaldinho is not assured of a place in Dunga’s team is sufficient proof of Brazil’s strength.

Can you blame Brazil’s army of fans for licking their lips in anticipation?

English League Is the Best Among Football Leagues

In every football-playing country, there is a league system. The most competent clubs play in the top division league. The sport being the most popular one in the world, top-tier football leagues are watched by the crazy fans from all over the globe. In fact, the most exciting league matches find the highest number of viewers. These five leagues are as follows:

· Barclays Premier League

· Spanish League or La Liga

· Italian League or Serie A

· German League or Bundesliga

· French League or Ligue 1

Among these five leagues, Barclays Premier League is considered the most exciting one. A decade ago or so, Serie A was widely considered the most competitive league in the world. However, things have changed over the last few years since Manchester United lost their monopoly. The Red Devils – Man U are often referred to as their famous nickname – were simply unstoppable under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson. Once their golden era is over, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal are some of the big names dominating the English Premier League landscape.

This 2015-16 season, Leicester City have emerged as the Premier League champions. Premier League is no longer predictable like what we have been watching in Serie A or Bundesliga where Juventus and Bayern Munich have been champions for several years in a row. In addition to the above-specified names, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Southampton are other big names in the first-division English League. Tottenham have finished their campaign second on the league table. Chelsea have suffered a lot and failed to make a great start to the last campaign. It led to sacking of their manager Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea or the Blues managed to drive themselves back from their woeful run under manager Guus Hiddink but due to their earlier drop, they failed to break into the top four. According to reports, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the 20 wealthiest clubs in the world. These leagues are most televised in a number of countries. The TV rights earn the clubs millions of pound. The prize money earned by the league winner is the best in any country. The players earn the most attractive wages that can be offered in any league.

History of English League

English League has become the giant one after starting as a small one in the 19th century. They have also earned success in the European competition. Years ago, the star players from Brazil and Argentina used to prefer playing in the Serie A or La Liga. They did not think twice to snub offers from Premier League in order to show their skill in other countries. The story is completely different now. Both the Brazilian and Argentinean players now love to ply their trade in the Premier League. In fact, the star players from several football-playing countries are now eager to prove themselves in England.

English football league is marked by both pace and skill. Every year, a new club wins the Premier League title and that makes the charm of watching the league alive.

Frank Lampard Signs New 5 Year Chelsea Deal

Frank Lampard has signed a new 5 year contract which keeps him at Chelsea until 2014. This is, at last, great news for the club and means Lampard will see out his career at Chelsea, when he will be 35 years old.

Of course all the hype in the media about football contracts might lead you to believe that they are a waste of time but as far as I see it this is pretty much a guarantee that Lampard will be staying with Chelsea.

I see it as my final big contract and I will play out my days at Chelsea, I want to finish my career at Chelsea.

It is something I’ve said many times and, after signing this contract, I am very happy and positive I will finish as a player here.

I’ve had seven great seasons here and now I can have many more. (Well 5 at least!)

It’s been a difficult summer for many reasons and that was one of them. A lot of things were said that were untrue, some things were said that were slightly true and that was frustrating.

Now we can put that to bed and concentrate on football.

I’m sure we’ll win the title this season, with Scolari in charge there will be no messing and no time for players who think they’re bigger than the club.

Of course every football club has or has had a player that thinks they are above and beyond everybody and everything simply because they are paid so much and they’re loved by football fans. Now I think fans and clubs are changing and they should demand the service and loyalty from players that their wages demand.

How to Turn Around a Losing Soccer Team

Below is a letter I received from a soccer coach who was losing and wanted to know how to improve his team.

Hi SoccerHelp,

Since my original letter we have had varied success. The next soccer game we played, we won 3-0. I moved player 3 back to stopper for half the game and used player 9 at stopper in the second half. The boys played great and I thought that I’d finally cracked the code on where to have the different boys play.

But the next week we lost again. We were scheduled to play a team that by all means, we could have played even, or based on our play the previous week, beat. We lost 5-1. My boys played with no energy at all and I found it extremely frustrating watching them rotate in place as they watched the other team run between them. At least half if not more of the team was playing as spectators. Most of the soccer goals were scored because my defenders were out of soccer position and not attacking the ball.

We lost our game this last weekend by 8-0. I started off playing my stronger players in the opening quarters to try and keep the score down and the morale up. We were playing the number one team and we started off playing them fairly evenly, but we couldn’t convert on anything in front of the soccer goal, because our offensive players weren’t in position and we gave up three goals in the first half because our soccer defenders were out of position. Once again, we had a lot of spectating on the field and after a while the defenders I had, who weren’t playing very aggressive to begin with, stopped playing completely. I had to take one player out because he actually stopped moving, it was like watching the Bad News Bears play soccer. Towards the end, even my good players were giving up.

I am obviously not being very effective in my soccer coaching. What are some activities I can do to try and help the boys play their positions? We cover it in soccer practice regularly but it doesn’t seem to be sinking in? Also, what are your thoughts on even play for the kids? I have enough good players that I could mount a fairly good team, but usually half the team at any one time is on the not so skilled side. I’m trying to give everyone close to equal time, but when kids are not trying I think I should take them out (I have not been doing this as it would mean some players are going to sit almost all the time).

Coach T

Hi Coach T,

I want to encourage you not to get too discouraged by your loss to the number one team. It’s very important for you to be realistic — keep in mind that you were SUPPOSED to lose to that team. What happened was that your team saw they couldn’t win and gave up in the second half. It’s not pretty, but it’s understandable, and practical (Why keep killing yourself if you can’t possibly win? That just saps your energy. I think it’s better to just admit that it isn’t your day and mentally focus on the next game. Save your best efforts for the teams you have a chance to beat). I suggest telling your team that they are improving but that the opponent was just better that day and losing that game is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s very important for you to be realistic about your team and their potential. You aren’t a miracle worker and can’t do the impossible. All you can do is do the best with the talent, speed, aggressiveness, and practice time you have. You are SUPPOSED to lose to a better and faster team – all you can do is minimize the damage and try to not let your team’s morale and confidence suffer too much.

I have some ideas for you to consider:

1. Do you scrimmage at practice? If you do, stop scrimmaging. kids play with more enthusiasm in their real matches if they don’t scrimmage at practice.

2. I notice that you use the iron-on patches with your team. Your biggest needs are aggressive play, defense and scoring, so I would only give patches for those 3 things. I would give a patch NOT ONLY for actually scoring, but also for BEING IN POSITION TO SCORE – if your players do the right things, they will start to score. Once they learn to score, you might want to stop giving patches for goals, but for now you need to do that to teach them how to score. Your team must also develop a DESIRE TO WIN. If you get more patches, buy the V and A patches… when you win, make a big deal of it. Don’t give patches for participation – give them for effort, achievement and aggressiveness. The exception might be a patch for practice attendance, but you can give one for each 2 or 3 practices attended. Practice attendance is critical to the success of your team.

3. To keep yourself motivated, try the Motivational quotes on Premium… I read them myself.

4. Do you play Dribble Around Cone & Pass Relay Race Practice Game? Use it to teach Aggressive Receiving – this is important – your players need to get more aggressive about winning the ball. Play it with pairs and give the winners a patch. You will get better, faster results from focusing on Aggressive Receiving than you will from focusing on passing – Aggressive Receiving is more important to teach.

5. Do you play Dribble Across a Square at every practice? This is important — play it at the start of practice as a warm-up — twice with a 10 step wide square and then twice with a 14 step wide square.

6. Don’t try to emphasize passing yet, except by playing the Dribble Around Cone & Pass Relay Race game — tell your scorers to try to score and teach them to look for rebounds and to be aggressive. Tell defenders to kick it hard straight ahead and teach Forwards to Win the Ball and give them a patch if they do.

7. Do you have sports drinks and water at the games? If not, try that — it can make a difference (there’s a good article about Hydration on Premium)

8. Play the Shoulder Tackle and Strength on the Ball Game to toughen up your players.

9. Regarding equal playing time: Most leagues require each player to play 50% of the game – check to see what your league requires. If a player won’t try or hustle or do as you ask, they shouldn’t expect to play as much as someone who does — I think that’s a fair approach. You have an obligation to the players, but also to the Team.

10. Have you taught Coaching Rule # 3? It’s worth 2 goals per game at U-9

11. Have you taught First Defender/Second Defender? How to teach it is at Quick Team Improvement.

12. I recommend that you make a BIG DEAL of BRAVERY and give a Red patch for it and ONLY for that — the BRAVERY patch (also called the Blood Patch) — believe me, that works — I used that myself.

13. You’re right – you MUST have brave players at Fullback and Stopper — that is CRITICAL. If you Defend Deep they don’t have to skilled or fast, but they MUST be brave.

14. If you Defend Deep (if you leave your Fullbacks deep), think about letting your tough Fullbacks play most of the game or even the entire game (perhaps rotating 3 players at those 2 positions).

15. Try the Win the 50/50 Ball Game and use it to teach players to slow down the attack if they can’t win the ball.

I think you are closer than you think. The key is to motivate your players to play hard. Don’t judge your progress by the 8-0 loss — that loss is understandable — it was like an avalanche, once it got started you couldn’t stop it — it was best to just try not to get hurt by it.

Please let me know which of these ideas helps and other ideas that help you.

What Are the Qualities of a Football Team Defender?

Who is a defender in a football team? Are there various kinds of defenders? Are there certain qualities that a defender must possess? Read on and you will find out.

A defender is a player that helps to protect the goal area of a football team. He or she does most of the work that the goalkeeper would have done if he or she were not there. A defender takes care of the opponent ever before he or she gets to the goal area. A defender makes sure that the opponent does not find a chance to shoot the ball or attempt to score a goal.

There are various kinds of defenders. Some defenders are called left full backs because they take care of the left flank of the team’s area. Some of them are called right full backs because they are in charge of the right side of the team’s area. There are also some defenders that are called central defenders and sweepers.

Now, look at the qualities:

1. Stamina: A good defender should be very strong on the ball. He or she should not let go easily; he or she should have enough strength to mark the opponent especially when the opponent is heading towards the goal area. A good defender should be determined to resist the opponent at any time during a football match. A good defender should be resilient. This is why a defender should be 100% fit before a match.

2. Speed: He should be swift. This is one quality that makes a very good defender. He should not allow the opponent to outrun him or her. A good defender should be able to go front and come back with relative ease especially at this time of modern football when a team defends en masse and attacks same.

Are Chelsea’s New Signings Just A Burden On Abromavich’s Pocket

William Gallas had a fallout with Mr .Mourinho and during the much publicized purchase of Ashley Cole, Gallas was offered in exchange as an icing on the cake.

Mourinho might have thought that Gallas did not do much but since he left, Cole has not yet quite filled his shoes. On the other hand Gallas is doing much more as a left back than Arsene Wenger might have ever dreamt of.

When rumors of Andriy Shevchenko’s move to Chelsea reached the press, everyone including Chelsea’s fans were thrilled at the thought of Andriy and Drogba teaming up. This dream just… well, just stayed a dream because we have seen nothing yet. Drogba and Shevchenko flow together the way water and fire would.

Even though this happened I myself thought the former European footballer of the year might just pull it off without Drogba but he has not adapted to the lightning quick pace of English football. We may just have to wait for a season or two before he finally clicks (I don’t think he is quite in a hurry to leave if you consider he is being paid 120,000 pounds per week).

Michael Ballack left his beloved homeland of Germany (also for the price of 120,000 pounds per week) for England to use his experience as a midfielder to help Frank Lampard in the Chelsea midfield. This seemed like another duo that would have greatly prospered together considering their talent and exposure but they just have not clicked yet. Just like Shevchenko, Ballack has also been slow to learn the English style of playing (is it something to do with their hefty wages?). For your information Ballack has already been sent off once.

The only people who seem to be consistent are the Africans who play for Chelsea. Didier Drogba has never fallen short of goals, Michael Essien is doing a good job filling in for John Terry, the young talents of Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel seem to be growing in stature day by day and not to forget the good job done by the Frenchman Claude Makelele.

PS: Have you noticed of late how Abromavich doesn’t seem as happy as he seemed before when Chelsea were winning every game? There have even been disturbing rumors that this is Mourinho’s last season at Stamford Bridge.

What Are the Qualities of a Football Team Midfielder?

If you ask me I would say that the midfield is the most important part of any football team. It then follows that the midfielders are the engine room of any football team.

The best teams in the world are those teams that have the best midfielders. Take a look at the Spanish national team. Take a look at the German national team. Take a look at the Argentine, Italian, English and Brazilian national teams. All these teams have something in common – powerful midfield.

Now, what are the qualities of a good midfielder? A good midfielder should be able to hold the ball. It might interest you to know that winning a match most times depends on ball possession. That is, the ability of a team to hold on to the ball more than the opponent. It is a special characteristic of a good midfielder. He or she holds on to the ball in order to prevent the opponent from getting the ball and creating chances that may result in goals because a team can only score a goal if they possess the ball.

A good midfielder should be able to give accurate passes. Chances to score goals are created by giving sublime and accurate passes. There is no way a team can win a match if they pass the ball to the opponent. And it is the function of the midfielders to supply the accurate passes to his or her teammates.

A good midfielder should be able to see very well. This is an exceptional quality of the world’s best midfielders such as Frank Lampard of Chelsea Football Club of England. This kind of midfielders scores goals from unbelievable distance. They win matches for their team by turning things around in a split second.

Choose the Best Team in the Soccer League

The field of football, as one of England’s most popular sport, has gone under different changes since its beginning. From including an astounding number of teams and football clubs, the English Soccer League has transformed into the elite football organization that it is today. As of present time, it is one of England’s multi-million dollar industries, what with all the advertisements and investment deals that this sport has spurred.

As a matter of fact, its popularity is no longer confined to the territory of the country which it originated from. The English Soccer League has managed to attract the attention of soccer and football enthusiasts from all over the world. As a matter of fact, quite a big number of people are also making money out of it, without actually being involved in the game.

Sports better from all over the world have come to recognize English football as the fruitful betting platform that it is. For this reason, hundreds and hundreds of betting sites have been put up with the purpose of helping betters connect with each other during English soccer seasons. Millions of dollars trade hands as the games progress, while most betters place their money on the teams that have the biggest chances of winning.

Different betting techniques are used to calculate the winning-losing odds of the different teams involved in the English Soccer League. There are different factors that affect people’s betting choices, all of which are included in the calculations made. While it is simpler to place your bets on your favorite teams, this practice is very much discouraged. After all, there are different resources that you can use to compare a certain team’s statistics against that of the others. By taking all of these resources leads together, there should be no way for you to not be able to place your money on the best bet.

The teams’ past performances, along with the statistics of every single one of their players, are used to lend integrity to the comparison. Those that have good win-loss ratios and who have skilled players naturally ranks well in all forecasts resources. As a matter of fact, there are certain teams that have managed to consistently make it to the list of the best picks, for quite some time now.

One of these teams is Manchester United. MU has consistently managed to rank high in almost every soccer league in England, thanks to its wealth of home-grown and imported players. As a matter of fact, Manchester United is perhaps the most popular soccer team in England, as far as opinion polls are concerned.

The Liverpool Team is also a popular betting choice, because of its proven ability to win back to back games. Kay players score astounding records in almost all of their game, which makes placing your bets on this team a sound choice.

Another team that consistently manage to get into the betters’ picks is Manchester City. This team has a roster of good players, which makes almost every game an easy win.