FootballFilter Blog

World Cup refs learn 20 English swear words

With the 2010 Football World Cup fast approaching you would have thought referees would have better things to do than learn how to swear in English, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.

According to Brazilian official Carlos Simon, he and his two assistants have been boning up on no fewer than 20 expletives as they prepare to take charge of the match between England and USA.

Speaking to the Brazilian broadcaster Globo Sport, linesman Altemir Hausmann explained the thinking behind the plan.

He said: “We have to learn what kind of words the players say. All players swear and we know we will hear a few.”

However, he admitted that it would be impossible to learn a list of words for each of the languages being used at the tournament and had decided to focus on English. Is this something that could affect FIFA World Cup betting though?

His comments will certainly have a particular resonance for the Three Lions after Wayne Rooney was booked for swearing at the referee during the side’s warm up match against the Platinum Stars. According to Jeff Selogilwe, the official during that game, the striker would have been sent off had the incident taken place during the World Cup proper.

With his warning ringing in his ears, Rooney will do well to keep his wits about him as England take on the USA, especially with the Brazilian officials seemingly prepared for his antics.

However, American coach Bob Bradley has also revealed that, contrary to some reports, his side won’t be looking to wind up Rooney during their opening Group C game.

This seems to be good news for England fans, although it seems doubtful that the Plantinumn Stars would have gone out of their way to rile the striker, who seems more than capable of blowing his top with little outside assistance.

Football Filtered

Hello and welcome to my latest look at what has been passing through the Football Filter this week. Starting with a round-up of the latest World Cup news.
With Fabio Capello set to name his final 23 this week THE GUARDIAN reports that the FA are confident the Italian will stay with the Three Lions despite rumours linking him with the Inter Milan Job.
Given the state of the FA at the moment you could forgive Capello for wanting to look elsewhere. WHEN SATURDAY COMES looks at the current power vacuum at the heart of English football following the Lord Triesmann scandal.
Meanwhile, any England fans feeling a sense a de-ja vu heading into this tournament will not be encouraged by the news that the perennially failed midfield partnership, Gerrard and Lampard, is back. THE INDEPENDANT reports that Capello will play the due in the opening game against the USA and is convinced, just like Steve McClaren and Sven Goran Eriksson before him, that he can make it work.

In one of the more stand out results from the latest round of international friendlies New Zealand caused a shock by beating World Cup dark horses Serbia. The home fans were so incensed at the defeat they started a riot, with captain Nemanja Vidic having to calm them down. See the video over at DIRTY TACKLE.
Fancy a retro moment? The check out FOURFOURTWO’S review of Bulgaria’s 1994 World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the semi-finals (knocking out Germany along the way!) and contain of of the greatest players of all time – Hristo Stoichkov.
A further step back in time took place in Madrid this week where the likes of Maldini, Zidane, Figo, Cafu and Rui Costa took part in a legends charity match. Highlights can be seen over at THE OFFSIDE. George Weah wins the John Barnes award for biggest post retiring midriff!

The special one is on the move again, this time to Real Madrid with THE GUARDIAN reporting the shock news that Mourinho his keeping his mouth shut – only about potential transfers that is.

And finally….

It is D-day for Crystal Palace according to THE MAIL. A consortium trying to buy the London club is desperately trying to come to an agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland regarding future revenues from the sale of Selhurst Park. If not deal is reached by a self imposed deadline of 3pm on Tuesday the Eagles could go bust. Though we have seen clubs on the brink before, only to survive at the last minute, the demise of Chester earlier this year showed that the threat of liquidation among financially stricken clubs is very real. It would be a tragic failure of the system if the Eagles, a Championship club don’t forget, suffer a similar fate.

Soccerpro Review

Once again the lovely guys at Soccerpro sent me some equipment to review for you lucky people. First off I had a pair of Adidas Samba World Cup Edition trainers.

Now I admit from the off, I am a fan of Adidas trainers, so my review is always going to be tainted with favouritism but I will do my best. First off the Samba design, once of one Adidas’ earliest football shoe designs, is now a classic casual footwear design in its own right. And this latest incarnation is no exception. The modern twist is, of course, the colouring of the iconic three stripes which, in tribute to the upcoming World Cup, is yellow and gold for the countries of Brazil, Australia and Ghana. Not that I will be supporting any of those countries mind, but I think they look good anyway!

The colours are, of course, personal taste but as the Samba shoe can be bought in a variety of colours you can disregard the colours for the rest of the review.

It is a good job these are for leisurewear as its comfort and design upon wearing is not suitable for sport at all. They fail to offer the support for physical activity and quickly picked up scuff marks. My previous Sambas have also done this, becoming worn and marked very quickly.

However, if you’re watching the match rather than playing in it or you fancy a few drinks with your mates and you want to look good as well as feel comfortable, you can’t go wrong. They look smart but are also extremely comfortable to wear, as you would expect with a brand such as Adidas. They come highly recommended.

Details

Adidas Samba Leather World Cup Countries – Brazil, Ghana, and Australia UK size 8/US size 9 $47.99 to buy go to Soccerpro’s Soccer Shop

Next up was a black and white Adidas Condivo Fleece Top. Being a black and white fleece it was never going to receive any design awards and I certainly did see it as a fashion statement. Therefore I placed functionality above looks with this piece of Soccer Apparel.

Given my limited footballing ability (much to my eternal regret) this came in hugely handy when sitting on the bench for my football team (well, we don’t really have a bench of sorts, so I just sat on the grass!). The fleece is well made, with subtle white piping giving a classier design than those with just the traditional three stripes down the sleeves. Functionality wise it did the job, keeping my extremely warm for much of the game, before my five minute cameo at the end.

How does it compare with other cheaper fleeces? It’s hard to say, it certainly looks and feels better than cheaper designs but whether it keeps me warmer is open to debate. At $60.00 I do feel you are paying a premium for the name, but it also guarantees you excellent design, warmth and comfort. And if that prevents you from freezing your ass off on the touchline, then it is a fair price to pay.

Details
Adidas Condivo Fleece Top – Black with White:$60.00
To buy these products and more Soccer gear please go to www.soccerpro.com/

Is Maradona the right man?

After the Champions League demolition of Arsenal, Barcelona fans and other fans around the globe were left wondering just how Argentina are not favourites for the World Cup given that they boast the genius that is Lionel Messi.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney have both had great seasons for their clubs as well, there is little doubt that Messi’s season have propelled him to the summit of that particular mountain.

Messi broke through the 40-goal mark for the season in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Ronaldo’s Real Madrid team but it is possible he will be the closest thing to a one-man team when Argentina head off to South Africa in June.

Once considered by World Cup Betting experts as  a feared international giant , the Argentinians are no longer in that class despite having Messi to rely on. Perhaps it is down to the rest of their squad lacking in ability or maybe it’s down to coach Diego Maradona not being of the required standard to take on the likes of Fabio Capello, Dunga and Vicente del Bosque.

Sadly for Maradona, Barcelona would probably have as good a chance to succeed in the World Cup than his Pumas, who certainly do not have the quality of Xavi and Andres Iniesta in midfield to provide for Messi.

Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano is a dependable soul, but dependable is not really what is required to succeed against the Brazils and Spains of the world and, as yet, Barcelona’s maestro has struggled to match his club performances internationally.

They had a real struggle even to secure their place in South Africa, which does appear a little strange for a squad that could also include Gonzalo Higuain, Pablo Aimar, Carlos Tevez, Walter Samuel and Martin Dimichelis.

So, maybe it is down to the somewhat strange tactics Maradona chooses to apply to such an attacking line-up, like using Martin Palermo as his main striker for example.

Although Palermo scored some massive goals down the stretch in South American qualifying, including the vital strike against Peru, his recall was ridiculed in his homeland after 10 years in the wilderness – a moment of madness from a coach beginning to clutch at straws.

And if Maradona starts clutching at similar straws in South Africa, when he faces the tough Nigerians and Greece, as well as a sneakily decent South Korea, in Group B, World Cup odds suggest he could find himself on his way home early and looking for a new job.

Football Filtered 23/04/10

Hello and welcome to my latest look at what has been passing through the Football Filter this week.

First up and the most viewed story of the week was another tale of rich footballers failing to control what’s in their trousers. THE GUARDIAN reports on a deepening sex scandal in France involving Franck Ribery, Sidney Govou, Karim Benzema, Hatem ben Arfa and a teenage prostitute – well at least John Terry wasn’t involved! Still, the allegations could dent France’s World Cup 2010 odds.

Next up the craziness at Man City knows no bounds as they launch a £50 million bid for Fernando Torres, again according to THE GUARDIAN. With Arab riches behind them it is easy to believe they could be planning a bid, but it would cause shockwaves through the league if the deal did happen. With so much uncertainty at Liverpool involving the owners, the manager and players, a £50 million cheque may be too much to resist.

More stupid footballers – this time Charles N’Zogbia, who thought it would be a good idea to let someone else take his driving theory test. His manager at Wigan Roberto Martinez strangely praised him in THE INDEPENDENT but he surely must be having serious words with the former Newcastle man for this indiscretion.

Transfer news now, and one of England’s brightest young stars, Jack Rodwell, could be on his way to Arsenal according to THE TIMES. The 19-year-old England Under-21 international has had an impressive season at Everton and the club are keen to tie him to a new deal that would more than double his already substantial £20,000 wages. Valued at £25million, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners could afford him. Given the side really need a striker and a goalkeeper, it’s also doubtful if Rodwell would have pundits making Arsenal a Premier League title tip for next season.

List time, we all love a list, and with Fulham and Liverpool embarking on European road trips this week THE INDEPENDENT has given us the ten best European semi-finals. Good stuff.

After 25 years of almost unparalleled success Sir Alex Ferguson could be set to retire from football next summer – and he has recommended David Moyes as his successor according to THE SUN.  There are other contenders of course, with Jose Mourinho among them, but whoever it is they will have a tough job filling the Scotsman’s boots after such a golden period for the club.

And finally…

Back to Liverpool and Fulham and after the volcanic ash flight debacle the two English clubs had to go to Europe the hard way with planes, trains and the odd luxury coach taking them to their Europa League ties. I have to admit I had a laugh when the clubs said they were worried about the players being “tired” from their journey – welcome to the real world guys, it isn’t all first class lounges and fold out beds for the rest of us you know. BACK OF THE NET NEWS has another amusing take on the whole subject.

Football Filtered 26/03/10

Hello and welcome to my latest look at what has been passing through the football filter this week.

The most read news story of the week on the site was in THE GUARDIAN with Rafa “it’s everyone’s fault but mine” Benitez once again finding fault with the opposition. In this case it was Antonio Valencia, for his apparent dive for Man United’s penalty in their clash with the Reds last Sunday. The fact that Javier Mascherano was tugging at Valencia’s shirt and could have actually seen red rather than yellow escaped the Spaniard, who continues to ignore his own side’s failings. His smug, sarcastic rants are starting to wear thin.

Video of the week was undoubtedly the shot of Roberto Mancini roughing up David Moyes in the closing stages of City’s clash with Everton on Wednesday. Angered at Moyes’ apparent time wasting tactics the usually uber-cool Italian lost it and attempted to wrestle the ball from the Scot. THE MIRROR’S reporting of the incident proved popular on the site, though in the cold light of day it was just a bit of handbags and warrants no further action.

THE TELEGRAPH has details of Wayne Bridge’s court date with ex-partner Vanessa Perroncel. The former model, who infamously had a relationship with Bridge’s former team-mate John Terry, is apparently demanding £20,000 a month and a house in London to look after their son, rather than the £3,000 offered. The very fact I am writing this makes me wish football could return to the good old days when none of this nonsense made the papers.

Tony Mowbray’s brief reign at Celtic came to a predictable end after that nightmarish defeat at St Mirren which brought back memories of their infamous defeat to Inverness ten years ago. That defeat saw the end of John Barnes and this one put paid to Mowbray. THE INDEPENDENT had the inevitable countdown of disastrous managerial reigns.

Football and finance is another hot topic and THE TIMES has a worrying article that reveals 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs are on a credit blacklist. I can’t say I understand the details, but it doesn’t sound good.

As England players drop like flies ahead of the World Cup suitable candidates are starting to appear thin on the ground. So much so that people want to pinch other countries’ players. In Footballs Up’s case – Mikel Arteta. The site wants the uncapped Spanish Everton midfielder, who qualified for England through residency last year, to turn out for the Three Lions. As much as England need a player like Arteta right now I just can’t see it happening and I’m sure he will focus instead on somehow trying to force his way into Spain’s dream midfield. However, the World Cup 2010 odds make Spain favourites without Artera and he’s unlikely to get anywhere near the squad.

Soccer Saturday has become a bit of an institution, but people who don’t watch the programme are bemused by the popularity of it. It is essentially  four blokes watching a match you can’t see, but therein lies its genius, and RUN OF PLAY has an American’s reaction to watching the show for the first time.

And finally…

I couldn’t go without mentioning Lionel Messi. The Argentina is in the form of his life after hitting eight goals in three games and is set to light up the World Cup. FOURFOURTWO reports on how Argentina will adapt their style of play to suit the Barca player, and rightly so. It certainly wouldn’t do their FIFA World Cup odds any harm.

World Cup player to watch – France

Ask any Republic of Ireland fan who the French player to watch this summer will be and the answer will inevitably be Thierry Henry. The Barcelona man’s infamous handball in the World Cup qualification play-off second leg has made him public enemy number one in Ireland, but there will be plenty of neutral football fans following Henry’s fortune sin South Africa to see if he gets what he deserves – a legitimate goal disallowed perhaps.

There is a case for suggesting opposing players should also keep their closest eye on Henry, as he is still Les Bleus’ main goal threat and focal point of attack. However, Henry’s days of individual brilliance are behind him and he now relies purely on midfield service for his goals.

Yoann Gourcuff is the midfield maestro most likely to create his team’s chances according to World Cup In-play betting. A rejuvenated figure since leaving Milan for Bordeaux, Gourcuff is recognised as one of the most talented attacking players in Europe and can be credited being the biggest factor in his team’s rise to the top of the Ligue 1 table and Champions League quarter finals.

The label ‘new Zinidane Zidane’ is surely going to become one of French sport’s great millstones and Gourcuff is the current player to be given the tag. His dribbling skills, clever movement and probing passing from an attacking midfield position mean comparisons to the great man are inevitable.

Gourcuff is the current French player of the year, a reward which puts him in esteemed company – the previous four players to earn the award are Franck Ribery, Thierry Henry, Zidane and Patrick Vieira.

He has the ability to star at a major international tournament in the manner those four French legends have done, although as a 23-year old with 17 caps, his best days might lay further ahead of him. Nonetheless World Cup odds suggest that French success in South Africa appears to depend heavily on the form of Gourcuff.

Football Filtered #21

Hello and welcome to my latest look at what has been passing through the Football Filter this week.

Time has run out for Pompey. THE BBC are reporting that the South Coast club are preparing to go into administration on Friday. It will mean a nine point deduction and almost certain relegation but given the alternative was a winding-up hearing on Monday, it was the lesser of two evils.

Sunday sees the first domestic cup final of the season with Aston Villa taking on holders Manchester United at Wembley.  Villa will be looking to repeat the achievements of the 1994 side who beat a treble chasing United 3-1 at the old stadium. To bring back the memories THE INDEPENDENT brings us the ten best League Cup finals of years gone by.

To complete Fabio Capello’s month from hell he was given another headache when Wayne Bridge declared himself unavailable for this summer’s World Cup. THE TELEGRAPH carries the details, though THE STAR is more scathing in their opinion of Bridge’s decision. With Ashley Cole injured, England could be without their two best left-backs this summer, something that will have an impact on their World Cup 2010 betting odds.

This presents the inevitable question of who will replace him? There are a number of blogs covering this issue though FOTBALLSUP managed to get in there fist.

If you fancy a bit of respite from England’s latest crisis 3NIL gives us a list of footballers who look like super-villains. Chucky, King Kong and sloth from the Goonies make it onto the list – but who do they resemble?

An interesting piece in WHEN SATURDAY COMES discusses their implementation of neutral sections at Craven Cottage to accommodate your non-London based football fan. Is it something that could be introduced lsewhere?

And finally…

Fancy doing you bit for the environment? Well THE GUARDIAN is reporting that Brazil will wear shirts made out of recycled plastic at this summer’s World Cup. The shirts will also be worn at the finals by the teams of the USA, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Serbia, and Slovenia. It’s good to see teams doing their bit.

Football Filtered

Hello and welcome to my look at what has been passing through the Football Filter this week.

Where else to start but the John Terry saga? The deposed England captain has had his fair share of headlines in recent weeks but appeared to put that behind him in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Arsenal. Terry jets off to Dubai this weekend to try and patch things up with his wife and his mind was already there instead of at Goodison on Wednesday as the league leaders crashed to a 2-1 defeat. Everyone has had their say in the subject, from managers and former players to MPs. But what about the Chelsea fans? BRIDGE VIEWS has sought the opinions of Blues supporters on the issue, with varying results.

The High Court is not usually associated with football but that is where Portsmouth found themselves on Wednesday as they bid to stave off liquidation. They have been given a week to save themselves and avoid becoming the first ever Premier League side to go bust. It is a sorry and complicated tale, but THE INDEPENDENT answers any questions about the saga – including what would happen should Pompey go to the wall before the end of the season. Even if they survive, Portsmouth’s Premier League odds suggest they are destined to be relegated.

After staving off one England crisis Fabio Capello will have another headache to deal with after Ashley Cole fractured his ankle in the defeat to Everton. THE GUARDIAN reports that Cole could miss the World Cup, meaning a certain Wayne Bridge could be starting alongside John Terry. Interesting.

One of the most popular stories came from SOCCERLENS where an article asks if, in the wake of newspaper stories linking Barcelona with Frank Ribery and Cesc Fabregas, the Catalan club needs to buy superstar Galacticos like their bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Sunday is, of course, Valentine’s Day, a day where you show your love to your partner and shower them with attention and gifts. But what if your second (or more probably first) love football, is also scheduled for the same day? IN THE STANDS has some advice for those in that tricky position.

And finally…

Homophobia in football is one of the last taboos to be kicked out of the game – proven by the fact there are no openly gay footballers in England. After successfully clamping down on racism in football the Kick It Out campaign and the FA began an initiative aimed at tackling the issues of homophobia in football. But when approached by the campaign to front a video no players came forward. A video was produced without the help of the players but was pulled earlier this week. The video can be found at THE OFFSIDE while THE INDEPENDENT highlights the issue of homosexuality in football.

Away from football, racing experts are eagerly awaiting the Grand National 2010, which is shaping up to be as exciting as ever.

Football Filtered

Hello and welcome to my latest look at what has passing through Football Filter this week.

Where else to start this week but the pulsating Manchester derby at Old Trafford where United prevailed over their “noisy neighbours” to reach the Carling Cup final thanks to an injury time Wayne Rooney header.

Contrasting emotions across the Manchester divide were obviously felt with THE STRETTY RANT full of praise for United’s performance while THE OFFSIDE reflects on what might have been for Roberto Mancini’s men.

Manchester United’s Carling Cup odds make them favourites to lift the trophy.

To make things worse for City unsettled Brazilian striker Robinho, the player who signing was meant to symbolise the Sky blue revival, joined his old side Santos on loan for the rest of the season. The ironically titled blog WE’VE GOT ROBINHO mourns his departure.

Another week, another collection of stories detailing the growing crisis at Portsmouth. Now it is the club website that has fallen victim to their financial woes, shutting down for a period this week due to unpaid bills. THE TELGRAPH and THE TIMES have all the grim details.

Pompey aren’t alone though, Championship side Crystal Palace fell into administration this week, admitting defeat in their quest to repay debts of around £30 million according to IN THE STANDS. A ten-point deduction has also seen them tumble down the table.

Happier news now and the spectacular and rapid rise of Chris Smalling made headlines this week. The Fulham defender was playing non-league football two years ago but will join Manchester United in the summer in a deal worth around £7million. THE DAILY MAIL charts his Roy Of the Rovers-esque rise to the top.

And finally…

List time everyone (you know you love ‘em!) If anyone needs anymore convincing that David Beckham deserves a place in England’s World Cup squad SOCCERLENS lists five reasons why Becks should be on that plane to South Africa. He’ll boost England’s World Cup chances, after all.

But you already know why didn’t you?