football
Kick around about all things soccer; explore football's storied history, current events in the soccer sphere, the intricacies of the game and more.
"Can We Join You Guys?". Top Story - August 2018.
Soccer, the most beautiful sport in the world, has gained an outstanding popularity here in the US over the last decade. It's also one of the simplest, yet, most complex sports known to athletes. It only consists of a ball, a goal, and the willpower to improve. Over the past few weeks, I've been hearing the statement, "Soccer is a rich, white kid sport." Me being an African-American who enjoys playing soccer, can both, support and combat this statement.
By Mark Howard7 years ago in Cleats
Who Is Maurizio Sarri?
Chelsea started life under a new Italian manager with an impressive 3–0 win away at Huddlesfield on Saturday, which, for many Chelsea fans, came as a surprise, as Sarri indicated that it would take three months for "Sarri Ball" to integrate into the new system at Chelsea.
By Callum Cook7 years ago in Cleats
Financial Fair Play
There is an old saying that goes, “you don’t have to be sick to get better.” More on this later. Paris Saint Germain pulled off the transfer of the century last summer after signing Neymar for a record fee $263 million. From the player perspective this was an opportunity to step out of Lionel Messi’s shadow and take his place as the best in the world. From the fan perspective, we are left collectively scratching our heads at how this is actually possible. In 2010, UEFA began setting the table for a new policy that would require clubs to remain solvent in their pursuit of new talent via the transfer window. This new policy was Financial Fair Play.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson7 years ago in Cleats
Completed Transfers and Rumours for Summer 2018
It came as a surprise that Barcelona signed Arturo Vidal. The 31-year-old Chilean who previously played for Bayern Munich seemed happy on German soil. But new head coach Niko Kovac has decided that he needs younger players and has given him the green light to leave. Arturo, an experienced midfielder will be helpful to Barcelona and will surely make it to the starting XI in almost every game of the Blaugrana. What are the other signings in this transfer season and what could happen until the end of the summer?
By Ivan Neychev7 years ago in Cleats
The Next Galacticos?
After the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo it seems as if Real Madrid’s Galacticos have come to an end. The second generation of football players recruited under this name featured the likes of Kaka, James Rodriquez, Angel Di Maria, and Gareth Bale. The generation started in 2009 when Real Madrid bought Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo for a total of 161 million euro. But today, the Welsh winger, who joined in 2013 for a record-breaking 100 million euro, is the only one who still plays for the Los Blancos. What is the possible transfer policy in the club? And what are the options that new coach Julien Lopetegui would consider in the quest for new players?
By Ivan Neychev7 years ago in Cleats
Future of Juventus FC. Top Story - July 2018.
Today, Juventus are taking on Benfica in the International Champions Cup. Fans will probably neither witness the eagerly awaited debut of Cristiano Ronaldo in the white and black shirt, nor will they see the top players of the club perform, but Juventus will be a team any neutral soccer supporter must follow in the upcoming season.
By Ivan Neychev7 years ago in Cleats
UK's Lower Leagues - Where Soccer's Heart Remains
The metaphorical penny dropped from the scaffolding above the old St. James Park grandstand, clanging against the floor of Exeter City’s temporary ‘press area’. Or what’s left of the stand anyway; thanks to shrewd financial planning, City have secured the necessary funds and began work to replace the stand entirely, as well as selling the land behind the Big Bank standing section to a developer of student houses. The grandstand now stands as a hollow shell, with no seats and only bare wooden planks to house the visiting press and watching Exeter staff. The sound rang clearly, above the singing of the fans and the trains snaking behind the stadium—lower-league football, at least at Exeter City, still captures the romance of the beautiful game that the higher quality leagues seem to have lost.
By Charlie Morgan7 years ago in Cleats
Mesut Ozil Waves Goodbye to Germany
It was a disappointing World Cup for the German national team and German fans everywhere. Not a single German player performed to a high enough level and it saw them take an early exit from the tournament. Much like Arsenal fans do, the German fans singled Mesut Ozil out and blamed him for the failures of the team. Now, I am a strong believer of the fact that you win as a team and you lose as a team, so the fact he is being singled out is ridiculous in my opinion. But being singled out isn't a reason to never don the jersey again, is it? Well, for Ozil it seems to be more than enough reason and I can't say I blame him.
By Karl Hoscik7 years ago in Cleats
Visca Barca
Now, many may think well, of course, he likes the team that always wins! Do they though? The last three years Barcelona have not won the Champions League, and even failed to make it to the finals. They've been in the back seat watching their arch-rivals win it consecutively. Holy crap, if that doesn't infuriate you as a Barcelona fan, then I don't know what does. In actuality, if you're a true soccer fan, that should be so upsetting to see. Real Madrid has made history, and it should be respected, but at the same time being a fan of other clubs, it's sickening to see one club win the best trophy three times in a row!
By David Puca7 years ago in Cleats
Best American Soccer Bars
The FIFA World Cup is over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite game on a big screen with a beer anymore. In August, all major European leagues will kick-off, and you will be watching your favorite teams and stars every weekend. Throw on your favorite soccer jersey of all time, grab some buddies, and head out to one watch the game on some big screens. If that’s your idea of a fine weekend, then you should check out our list of best American soccer bars that serve the best craft beers and stunning goals at the same time.
By Brayden Simmons8 years ago in Cleats
Hazard or Salah
This is only my opinion when I say this but I think many people would agree with it. When you look at the two players they have both performed fantastically. However, Hazard opted to play for Chelsea for six years in the hardest and greatest league on the planet. Having won PFA player of the year and winning titles at Chelsea, arguably he is the better player. The debate come to light when regarding his actual performances and how he influences games.
By Josh Richardson8 years ago in Cleats
