South Africa World-Cup 2010

It's less than 365 days till the next World Cup in South Africa. No doubt, it will be as heated as, or even more, as Wolrd Cup 2006, where Italy won the finals game in Germany. Even with the change in scenery and the loss of european comforts, it will be unlikely that international spectators will decrease in number. South Africa believes that even though there is an international economic crisis in the world right now, this will not hinder the fans from 'paying' to see their home teams play for their countries.

The World Cup is indeed one of the biggest and most prestigious tournaments in football. From

all over the world, countries get their best players and assemble a team which, supposedly, is far

better than any other team in their land. This is not always the case but let's talk about that some other time. Most often than not, the team members are member from local professional clubs that play in their local professional tournaments such as

the English Premier League and the Bundesliga.

As of now, there are six qualified teams, namely Japan, Korea Republic, Korea DPR, Australia,

Netherlands, and the host country, South Africa. More countries will be added to the list as

qualifying rounds end. Hopefully, Spain and Portugal are able to enter the world tourney in the

south of Africa as these are the teams I am rooting for.

If the Philippines did not fail to register for the tournament, I would be rooting for it. Sadly, it is part of the three countries under the AFC that have failed to register. I feel really proud of my home country, even though there are a lot of bull that's happening in the government nowadays. Even with these, I am still proud to be a Filipino and to any Filipino who is able to represent the

country. Let's just stay away from politics as it will make this entry very long.

The host country, South Africa, has done major renovations and constructions to accomodate the games of World Cup 2010. They renovated their five major stadiums and have started on constructing five more. These will serve as the house under which the World Cup will stage its games. Large amounts of fans are expected to pour into South Africa, which will in turn boost its tourism sector.

Here are some of the stadiums that are going to be used for the World Cup in 2010.

Soccer City, Johannesburg, Newlands, Cape Town, Ellispark Stadium, Johannesburg, Lotus Versfeld, Pretoria (pictures following respectively)

images from www.stadiumguide.com

How was South Africa chosen as the sponsor of the World Cup in 2010?

"As the host nation, South Africa qualifies automatically for the tournament. However, South Africa is the first host since 1934 to participate in World Cup qualifiers. This is because the CAF qualifiers also serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2010 African Cup of Nations, for which South Africa had to qualify separately. Like the previous tournament, the defending champions Italy do not qualify automatically." - wikipedia.com

I can't wait till the World Cup in South Africa on 2010 starts! Even though I can't go, I'll be sure to keep up with what's happening in that part of the world!

Paulino Alcantara: The unsung hero in Philippine football

image from gmanews.tv
. . . he was and will always be a Filipino.

That's right boys and girls. Barcelona FC's all-time top scorer is none other than, Paulino Alcantara, a filipino.

Paulino Alcantara was born in Iloilo, Philippines on October 7, 1896. At age 15, he began to play for the Barcelona after he was scouted. He ended his debut game with three goals, which earned him the nickname of "net breaker". Now, isn't that something? I always knew that Filipinos had something in their blood. Haha. Joking aside, Paulino was able to retire from football with 357 goals in 357 games. It's like a one is to one ratio. He then moved on to become a doctor, and then a club director for his club team

.

I first heard of this "unknown legend" back when I was still in High School. I can remember my brother bragging to me about this filipino football player who was supposedly the first asian to play in a European club. Anyway, at first, I did not believe him. I though he was joking but when I searched the internet for some information about Paulino, what welcomed me was an array of websites dedicated to him. There was also a video tribute to him, from his nephew.

This incident had a particularly good effect on me as my earlier thoughts on why the Philippines couldn't make it big in the international level of football disappeared and what replaced them was a sense of hopefulness. If one of us was able to make it, why can't we do it again?

It's good that Paulino had come from Iloilo because if he had not been born there he might not have been fully exposed to and influenced by football. He might not have pursued football as other sports were rampant in the other parts of the Philippines. Until now,even though football is more widespread, basketball is still more influential.

image from photobucket.com

Sports in the Visayan region is a different story - especially in Iloilo, where football players are like weeds.

Anyway, Paulino Alcantara will always be an inspiration to both old and new football players, no matter where they may be. It would be good to see the Philippines use his name to build up the football scene. If only he were alive today, we could might just be able to "David Beckam" the Philippines with one of our own.

Steven Gerrard gets in a Brawl!

Heads up people. Liverpool FC's top midfielder, Steven Gerrard was arrested last monday, at around 2.30am.

Why? Here comes the good part.

Apparently, the football star got into a fight with Marcus McGee, the DJ of a club in southport. The fight started because Steven Gerrard, who might have drank too much, took it badly when the DJ refused to give him access to the sounds system.

If Gerrard were in the right mind, he would have stopped insisting after asking McGee to change the music.

Gerrard was charged with assault.

Let's hope this doesn't affect his still-rising football career, and his game in the Liverpool FC vs Preston North End game.

Here's a video from youtube that shows a CCTV feed of the alleged brawl caused by Steven Gerrard.

ManU: English Champs!

Even though Chelsea won their final game, it was still Manchester United who went home with the title and the trophy! Kudos to the REDS! UNITED!

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The aftermath

SEMI-FINALS: THE AFTERMATH

After the Semi-finals of UEFA, only two teams were left: Manchester United and Chelsea FC.

Before anything else, I would like to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't know what's happening to him. Before the semi-finals, he was a very intense player, but now, I don't know what's up with him. Maybe he's just saving his strength for the Finals? We don't know. But for me, I want to see the Ronaldo that played with fiery rage a couple of fixtures back. If he is truly the best player of our generation, he better show that he deserves the title. Don't get me wrong. I like Cristiano Ronaldo, but it just pains me to witness only above average performance from a very very excellent player.

Anyways! I guess Eto'o's claim that they will score against Manchester in their away game was not fulfilled as they lost because of Scholes' magnificent long-shot.
Final score was (1-0)

Chelsea has really made a comeback. They showed that they were not just some team that was there to fill up the space. They showed that they can stand up from disaster games(Fenerbahce 1st leg) in a past. And now, they beat Liverpool, even when people thought that they won't be coming back from their poor performance in the first leg. Drogba, who scored 2 goals, and Lampard, who scored 1 (at last), certainly stepped up and put out an amazing performance. At first, I thought that Liverpool will be the one to advance because they started out strong. I guess Chelsea proved me wrong. They beat the team that defeated them and went on to collect the Championship Trophy two seasons ago. Final score was (3-2).

The finals are next. Who will win? Both of the teams are the best, or else they wouldn't be in this stage.

My bet is Manchester United! Although the finals isn't only for one game. Each game should be looked at one at a time. It was proved in the past that the outcome of one game does not decide the outcome of the next.

Well I guess only time will tell who will be this year's Champion!


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SO VERY UNEXPECTED

MANCHESTER UNITED AND BARCELONA FC's game was so unexpected. I was hoping for Manu to win though we can expect that both teams will give their all. Both teams came on very strong and this resulted to a draw.

Too bad for Cristiano Ronaldo - He missed a penalty kick which could've given the reds the lead.

Meanwhile, Eto'o warns ManU that they can score even in away games. Home or away, it doesn't matter. He says that they will score.

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SEMIFINALS First leg: Chelsea vs Liverpool

The semi finals are really filled with surprises. Everything was going well for Liverpool. They were leading 1-0 the whole game. The advantage came from Dirk Kuyt. It was a slight advantage and at any moment, the blues could've equalized at any time.

And equalize they did! Although this didn't come from any of their players. Five minutes into injury time, John Riise, Liverpool's defender, gave away an header own goal which gave the Blues a chance to get back in the game.

Chelsea's performance wasn't as high as we expected it to be. Even though they had some decent attempts, it was seen that they weren't in their zone.

Chelsea looked tentative with Frank Lampard's set-pieces unproductive and Petr Cech unusually hesitant between the sticks. - goal.com

It was seen that after the first half, Chelsea's team of top players were being overshadowed by Liverpool Mids Gerrard and Alonso, as they were the ones who were dictating the game's movement.


Here is something that's really inspirational.

The midfielder told LiverpoolFC.tv, "Obviously we're disappointed with the late goal but it's done. We've got to pick ourselves up. We've got to get a result at the weekend then give it everything we can at Stamford Bridge. We know this tie is not over.

"It's my job as captain to pick the boys up and make sure we're ready for next week.

"Let people say Chelsea are favourites, let them. We've got to block that out and do what we've got to do. We are confident we can beat Chelsea on their patch."

Take A Chance

He continued, "We've created the better chances against them here. I don't think Pepe had anything to do besides pick the ball out late doors.

"Petr Cech has had to pull off two or three great saves. To be honest, we'd have been disappointed if this game had ended 1-0 when it could have been 2-0."

"Criticism of Kuyt? I haven't heard him get any stick. We don't listen to any of that (the media). Dirk has been fantastic for us, he's worked his socks off for us again tonight and deserved his goal. He is well respected in the dressing room."

On Riise's own goal, he said, "These ties are decided on small details and Chelsea have had a bit of luck here at the end, but maybe we'll get that luck at Stamford Bridge. This team wins, loses and draws together.

"It's the second leg of the European Cup semi-final – if you can't motivate yourself for that you shouldn't be playing football." - Goal.com

The semifinal leg is already here. Ever player of every team should be able to play at that level. No matter what happens, may it good or bad, the players should be able to pick themselves up and get themselves ready for the next series of battles for the Cup.

Teams:

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Gerrard, Torres.Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Riise, Benayoun, Crouch, Pennant, Lucas.

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Joe Cole, Drogba, Malouda.Subs: Hilario, Shevchenko, Obi, Kalou, Alex, Belletti, Anelka.

-goal.com

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The Semi Finals

This season's semi finals will be very exciting as the top clubs in the Uefa will be playing their hearts out for a slot in the Finals. It is true that the four teams remaining are really the best at this point in time and that what will happen in the next couple of day will be up to their "want" for the win. The championship will go to whoever really and whole-heartedly wants to win.

Well, for me, the championship will go to Manchester United since it was seen how much they wanted to get it. Although we won't know until we see the teams play in the semis

Go reds!

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I signed up for PPP!

A couple of weeks ago, summer break started. This thought was exciting at first, but after a few days of doing nothing, except for bumming around, I decided that I wanted to blog. So I signed up for blogger.com’s free blog hosting site. A few minutes later, I was writing reviews about anything football. After a while, I researched about blogging through google and I found out that I can actually earn money! I was surprised since never in my life have I thought that by merely blogging, I would be able to make some income. I then proceeded to go to Payperpost.com’s website. I was excited at the thought of making money through blogging. After signing up, I continued on to have my blog approved. That was it, I have entered the world of blog marketing/advertising.

A couple of days later, I found out through an email that my request wasn’t approved. I was puzzled because I didn’t know that there were requirements for a blog to be approved. For Payperpost to approve my blog, it had to be 30 days old and it had to contain at least 10 posts in that period. With this knowledge, I started to plant my blog with posts about what I thought about what was happening in the football scene.

Of course, it wasn’t all about the money, although it would be fun to blog about things that I love and earn some money from doing that. I started blogging about football, or soccer, as Americans call it, because it was something that I was truly passionate about. Ever since I stepped into the pitch, I had a hard time getting off it. Anyways, I learned, or rather the idea that I can earn and have fun was enforced into my mind.

After getting my blog approved, I felt the same excitement that I felt weeks before. I am really having fun writing about what I love and earning a little on the side!

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Sorry!

Guys!
I'm sorry I haven't been updating that much. I've been busy with some stuff. Well, I'll try to update as much as I can in the following months! Thanks!

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Latest UEFA FIXTURES

uefa.com



Liverpool VS Chelsea
Barcelona VS Man. United


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The Games Have Begun.

The games have truly begun! The first leg of the quarter finals, for Chelsea, Fenerbahce, Arsenal, and Liverpool, were nothing compared to what was witnessed in the second leg. The games were more intense and everyone was trying their best to fight for the ball.

There was one saying that I got from my coach in college. "Kung kaylangang magpakamatay para sa bola, gawin niyo!" This means that we should do whatever is needed to get the ball, provided that we don't play dirty.
This was really seen in how the players showed their hunger for the ball and the win. Even though Fenerbahce Istanbul and Arsenal FC lost in this game, they still showed top-quality football. It's just that they had a problem with goal conversion.

Chelsea FC vs Fenerbahce Istanbul

The match was started off by Chelsea's Michael Ballack when he converted a great header from a well placed free-kick by Frank Lampard. This started off Chelsea's momentum. As seen in the game, the first half was almost completely dominated by the Blues. After the 33rd minute, the shots on target was 4 for Chelsea and 0 for Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce's goal keeper was constantly bombarded by attempts from Drogba, J. Cole, who by the way almost goaled using an outside foot shot. There were also some attempts from Kalou, who was a regular threat with his dribbles and passes. On the Yellow Canary's side, there were also a few decent attempts from Alex and Lugano, although they weren't on target. I'm sure if they were on target, the ball would have passed through Chelsea keeper Cudicini. Speaking of Cudicini, he went out of the game because of a right hamstring injury, with Hilario, replacing him. Frank Lampard sealed the deal on the 87th minute by scoring a goal. The final result is 2-0, which sends Chelsea FC to their 4th UCL Semi-finals in 5 seasons.

Arsenal FC vs Liverpool FC

This was one for the books!
Abou Diaby opened the game with a goal that gave the Gunners an early lead. This gave Arsenal a much needed encouragement in their match against the club giant Liverpool FC. But then, Sami Hyypiä made the equalizer and put Liverpool back in the game. No one was able to stop the magnificent header. By this time everyone was in it for the win. 69 minutes into the game, Fernando Torres, who was playing in top form almost all season, converted and the Reds took on the League. The Gunners' Emmanuel Adebayor wouldn't stand for this and gave them leveled ground to play on. This was certainly anyone's game! Then suddenly, Kolo Toure was penalized for a foul which gave Steven Gerrard the chance to score the penalty. And score he did! This gave the Reds the edge to win the game. Babel ended the game by putting the cherry on top of a magnificent game.

All the teams faught and "died" for the ball. Each team showed that they deserved the semi-finals spotby bringing out their fiercest game. This night surely was a great one. We can expect better performances in the next matches.


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Cristiano Ronaldo: A show off?

- Manchester United FC's Official Site
04/04/2008 21:30, Report by Ben Hibbs
Carry on Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended Cristiano Ronaldo’s showmanship and insists the Portuguese winger would never disrespect his opponents.

Roma’s combative midfielder David Pizarro claimed the United star is “arrogant”. He was quoted in the English press, saying: "Despite the fact that he is a great champion, he is arrogant. This is the ugliest thing for a player. In the return leg, I will have something to say to him."

Sir Alex feels that Ronaldo’s flicks and tricks should be understood as an expression of talent rather than needless flamboyance. The same way a quick player uses his pace to the fullest, or a tough-tackling midfielder won’t pull out of a 50-50 challenge. Ronaldo’s skill is the only way he knows how to play.

“He just tries to express his talent,” said the United boss. “The boy has the confidence and courage to do it and, as far as I'm concerned, he can carry on doing that. People pay £40-£50 to see him play. That may be annoying to an opponent because he’s prepared to take the ball to them and show his talent.

“But at the end of the day he is a winner. You can’t kick him out of the game because he will always get up and play. The most important message he is giving out is that this is a great player that isn’t afraid to take the ball and beat men. That’s what he’s saying. And in whatever fashion he does it, I don’t care.

"It’s about having the ability and expression in his play to be able to do it. We encourage it with all the players here. In the modern day it’s a breath of fresh air to see players that won’t be intimidated by opponents. I say keep on doing it.”

Ronaldo’s fellow countryman, Nani, was accused by Arsene Wenger of disrespecting Arsenal’s players by juggling with the ball during United's 4-0 FA Cup win at Old Trafford earlier this year. At the time Sir Alex sympathised with Wenger, but has since watched the footage again and says there was nothing wrong with it.

“I looked at the video again, and I don’t see that Nani was showboating,” he said. “He was under pressure and he kept the ball up. I’ve seen many players do that. Thierry Henry did it against Southampton in a cup final if I remember correctly. We don’t encourage our players to humiliate opponents - that’s important. But fans want to see players show talent like his. It’s great to see players developing their game so that they can use skill in a big game. We don't want that to change.”

- Manchester United FC's Official Site

I agree with this article. He isn't showboating or disrespecting fellow players. He's just playing his own style of football, the way he has played since his career started. People shouldn't criticize him for doing what he loves, in style.

Side note:
Why is is that when Steve Nash, Lebron James, or even Michael Jordan did their creative jumps, passes, dunks and shots, they weren't accused of "disrespecting" their fellow players?

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Woes of the Red Devils

Manchester united's top defender, Rio Ferdinand, has just joined ManU's injury list. This happened while they were trying to get a decent lead in the Premier League in their match against Middlesbrough. This is truly a big blow for players of Old Trafford, now that they are in a high position in both the EPL and UCL. I think that this will increase their determination to win and to fight fiercer battles. I think that they will take this on as a road block that's waiting to be destroyed. We'll just have to see if the devils can rise from this and still perform their A-game.


With the absence of great players such as Ferdinand, Totti, Ronaldinho and Messi in this late stage of the UCL, we can expect more interesting games. We'll see if Barcelona and Manchester United will still have what it takes to push through the second match. We have seen Barcelona defeat Shalke; although this ended with a low final score of 1-0. Well, I think that we could expect scores like these since all of the teams are competent enough to reach the quarter finals.

This will surely be interesting.


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Let's "David Beckham" the Philippines.

When David Beckham went to the U.S., all of us were surprised. Many of us thought, "Why would he leave his top club, Real Madrid, to go to the U.S?" "What the hell is he thinking?" "How much did he get paid?" "What are his motives?" "He's out of his mind!"

Well, L.A. Galaxy, Beckham's club, got him to "take football in the U.S. to another level." They got him for the exposure. They got him so that American fans would come to watch MLS games. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, it was a great step forward for Beckham. Even though he isn't seen that much anymore, since the more famous leagues(UEFA, English Premier League, Spanish Laliga, etc.) get more air-time through out the world, he made the humbling step to promote football in a place where Basketball, Hockey, Golf, and American Football are the top sports.

Now, if only the Philippines did something like that, get a well-known football player to play in loval leagues. That would surely promote football here. When the Younghusband brothers went here, football got a boost, but it only lasted for so long. If only the Philippines saw the potential opportunities in football, rather than looking blindly at basketball; if the Philippines saw the potential that our players had, especially the youth, then the Philippine football would be in a better state. I know that the Philippine football is a neglected sport that has a lot of potential and opportunities that's waiting to be tapped. If only.

Kudos to you David Beckham! Great work! Maybe you'll consider going here sometime! Haha

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UEFA QUARTER FINALS 2ND GAME FIXTURES

Here are the fixtures for the second game of three of the quarter finals of the UCL.
I hope that the matches will be better than what were shown last time!


-UEFA
Quarter-finals 2nd leg
8 Apr
Chelsea 20:45 Fenerbahçe
Liverpool 20:45 Arsenal
9 Apr
Barcelona 20:45 Schalke
Man. United 20:45 Roma


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What's up with Fenerbahce?

Fenerbahce Istanbul - Underdog, Overachieving

Fenerbahce Istanbul has really heated themselves up. They have gone through a lot in the UCL. Now, they are emerging as possibe champions in the league. Even with less super stars in their teams, compared to the others, they have responded to obstacles and downsides in their games with much intensity and determination. They are surely a force to reckon with and are a threat to the other clubs who are vying for the trophy. They prove that hard work and determination can defeat skill.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Fenerbahçe – Alex

Alex is a star. The Brazilian attacking midfielder failed to make a splash in his first spell in Europe, but he’s certainly made waves this time around. The Yellow Canaries’ No20 has been the star several times in Europe this season and is the man Chelsea need to watch. Having scored both goals against Besiktas at the weekend, he’s definitely in form.

-Goal.com

Team Line up:

Name and position	No	Joined in	Former team	Birth date	Citizenship
Goalkeepers
Volkan Demirel	1	2002	Kartalspor	27 October 1981
Serdar Kulbilge	22	2005	Bursaspor	7 July 1980
Volkan Babacan	88	2005	Fenerbahçe PAF	11 August 1988
Mert Günok	89	2007	Fenerbahçe PAF	1 March 1989
Defenders
Diego Lugano	2	2006	São Paulo	2 November 1980
Roberto Carlos	3	2007	Real Madrid	10 April 1973
Yasin Çakmak	5	2007	Çaykur Rizespor	6 January 1985
Wederson	6	2007	Ankaraspor	22 July 1981
Can Arat	17	2001	Fenerbahçe PAF	21 January 1984
Önder Turacı vice-	19	2004	Standard Liège	14 July 1981
Edu Dracena	36	2006	Cruzeiro	18 May 1981
Gökhan Gönül	77	2007	Gençlerbirliği OFTAŞ	4 April 1985
Midfielders
Stephen Appiah	4	2005	Juventus	24 December 1980
Kemal Aslan vice-	7	2003	Gaziantepspor	24 October 1981
Mehmet Aurélio	15	2003	Trabzonspor	15 December 1977
Ali Bilgin	18	2007	Antalyaspor	17 December 1981
Alex	20	2004	Cruzeiro	14 September 1977
Selçuk Şahin	21	2003	İstanbulspor	31 January 1981
Deniz Barış	24	2004	Gençlerbirliği	2 July 1977
Uğur Boral	25	2006	Gençlerbirliği	14 April 1982
Gürhan Gürsoy	32	2004	Adanaspor	24 September 1987
Claudio Maldonado	33	2008	Santos	3 January 1980
Strikers
Colin Kâzım-Richards	8	2007	Sheffield United	26 August 1986
Mateja Kežman	9	2006	Atlético Madrid	12 April 1979
Semih Şentürk vice-	23	1999	Fenerbahçe PAF	29 April 1983
İlhan Parlak	38	2007	Kayserispor	19 January 1987
Deivid	99	2006	Sporting Lisbon	22 October 1979

-Fenerbahce Istanbul Official Site

This is a video of the long-shot screamer of Deivid again Chelsea FC in the Quarter Finals League of UCL.






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