tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62525735260372739082024-02-07T08:30:17.026-05:00Footy for the SoulA daily dose of the serious, ridiculous, and scandalous happenings in the world of soccerfootyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.comBlogger304125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-61585690010808375512010-11-20T00:17:00.000-05:002010-11-20T00:17:47.158-05:00footyforthesoul has moved!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaLwE4qSe6Ct3KARxU-C-oEPrLnput1i3SLet9OZoJiwK7vrAgJZGtM1IKg8LxRCQE09l2VEieJtlUwMelLg4kiw6E2BbhiHAHDtrOcz8_9DPsX8tk_zLIue2eiNLWbFC32G-HaahR1DO/s1600/KSKJHSKJFH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaLwE4qSe6Ct3KARxU-C-oEPrLnput1i3SLet9OZoJiwK7vrAgJZGtM1IKg8LxRCQE09l2VEieJtlUwMelLg4kiw6E2BbhiHAHDtrOcz8_9DPsX8tk_zLIue2eiNLWbFC32G-HaahR1DO/s400/KSKJHSKJFH.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">New site. New features. More fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://footyforthesoul.com/"><b>footyforthesoul.com</b> </a></span>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-73462726718029702012010-11-19T10:48:00.000-05:002010-11-19T10:48:51.655-05:00Weekend Couch Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriMUhK9c0Q-Jt-tZVpPUg-4n3YpIuXEtXQgiEJksIYPZxOoLhLwjmMlMeAfj3Vvan15OnLH3BgTu95Ioy_DrIysAh0y23nsxO7hNJuaoHEC7dCzQKgkL8rN6EeQRJB6kGkA_-mWt5Vshc/s1600/al+bundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriMUhK9c0Q-Jt-tZVpPUg-4n3YpIuXEtXQgiEJksIYPZxOoLhLwjmMlMeAfj3Vvan15OnLH3BgTu95Ioy_DrIysAh0y23nsxO7hNJuaoHEC7dCzQKgkL8rN6EeQRJB6kGkA_-mWt5Vshc/s400/al+bundy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
(Apologies, but the ESPN website is "unsure" which matches they will be showing. Be sure to check ESPN Deportes throughout the weekend for a handful more to watch)<br />
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<b><u>Saturday, November 20</u></b><br />
7:30am Arsenal vs Tottenham (ESPN2) <br />
9:30am Schalke 04 vs Werder Bremen (GolTV)<br />
10:00am Manchester United vs Wigan (FSC)<br />
10:00am Birmingham City vs Chelsea (FSC Plus)<br />
12:00pm Roma vs Udinese (FSC Plus)<br />
12:30pm Liverpool vs West Ham (FSC)<br />
2:30pm AC Milan vs Fiorentina (FSC)<br />
4:00pm Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao(GolTV)<br />
4:00pm West Brom vs Stoke City - tape delay (FSC Plus)<br />
5:00pm Bolton vs Newcastle United - tape delay (FSC)<br />
6:00pm Blackpool vs Wolverhampton - tape delay (FSC Plus)<br />
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<b><u>Sunday, November 21</u></b><br />
6:30am Genoa vs Juventus (FSC Plus)<br />
8:30am Blackburn vs Aston Villa (FSC Plus)<br />
9:00am Chievo vs Inter Milan(FSC)<br />
11:00am Stuttgart vs Cologne- tape delay (GolTV)<br />
11:00am Fulham vs Manchester City (FSC)<br />
1:00pm Sevilla vs Mallorca (GolTV)<br />
2:30pm Napoli vs Bologna (FSC)<br />
3:00pm Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid (GolTV)<br />
3:00pm RC Lens vs Olympique Lyon (FSC Plus)footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-15631363527140749602010-11-19T10:03:00.000-05:002010-11-19T10:03:40.483-05:00Five years ago today - a standing ovation for Ronaldinho in Madrid<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZqAFg1WxG-k?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZqAFg1WxG-k?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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On November 19, 2005, Frank Rijkaard took his Barcelona side to Madrid for another incarnation of El Clasico, which the visitors won 3-0. At the time, nobody would have guessed Rijkaard and his side would finish the season hoisting the La Liga and Champions League Trophy. Neither could anyone have foreseen the unprecedented events which transpired on the field.<br />
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A Samuel Eto'o goal 14 minutes into the match put the visitors ahead, but this night would belong to Ronaldinho. The first was a scintillating run down the left flank, leaving Sergio Ramos on his ass, and Iván Helguera and Iker Casillas helpless. For the second goal, he again made Ramos look pedestrian finishing ever so calmly to seal the win. Then the unthinkable - the Bernabéu rose to its feet to give the Brazilian, a <i>Barcelona player</i>, a standing ovation in one of the very few classy gestures in this extremely fierce rivalry.<br />
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Ronaldinho later capped off that season with the FIFA World Player of the Year award.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-62192944706894781112010-11-18T16:56:00.000-05:002010-11-18T16:56:54.797-05:00Worst goalkeeper in the world<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GPWEdsI5uLQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GPWEdsI5uLQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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No questions asked, this guy is the worst. Either he was drunk, or high, or had trouble seeing the ball during a evening match without lights.<br />
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I don't buy the excuses. Anything short of "this guy is embarrassingly bad" won't be accepted.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-944734529521350462010-11-18T10:35:00.000-05:002010-11-18T10:35:02.300-05:00Ronaldo robbed of wonder goal<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/doBLYLC-_Z8?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/doBLYLC-_Z8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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My personal feelings aside, you can't argue with the ability of this guy. Cristiano Ronaldo, in the midst of his country's utter shellacking of World Champion Spain, created one of the most jaw dropping "goals" you will ever see. The problem is, it didn't count.<br />
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After stopping short on Pique, flicking the ball behind him to his stronger right foot, Ronaldo then dragged the ball ever so slightly and chipped a flat footed Casillas. Unfortunately, his teammate thought it important to make sure the goal-bound ball <i>really</i> crossed the line with some gusto and headed it home. Nani flagged for offsides and the goal waved off.<br />
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After watching about fifty replays, and you should too, watch the drag before the chip. Usually Ronaldo adds twinkle toe accessories to his moves for the sake of pissing people off. However, the drag is what kept Puyol and an onrushing Xabi Alonso on edge for that split second to prevent them from blocking the shot. It also occurred to me that if Nani was the shooter, Ronaldo probably would have done the exact same thing by heading the ball into the net.<br />
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But hey, Portugal still won 4-0 and Captain Ronaldo didn't celebrate a single goal with his teammates. Why? Because he wasn't the one who scored them....duh.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-34473326697286190942010-11-18T09:57:00.001-05:002010-11-18T10:35:47.569-05:00Italian racism strikes yet again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkF0aPZT64sCWazlSgBA-F9Zj1tRJdfmyMPTPg7ATkQebDKm21CHsFItoPi9VEy1ulW4gW5iqbGxpoyY6H8WVA8kcdUiuNST7WciW6N2db0wayyaASO8JZ79R0fvQLiOrdDR2mlxuzjHi/s1600/asdfdsafd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkF0aPZT64sCWazlSgBA-F9Zj1tRJdfmyMPTPg7ATkQebDKm21CHsFItoPi9VEy1ulW4gW5iqbGxpoyY6H8WVA8kcdUiuNST7WciW6N2db0wayyaASO8JZ79R0fvQLiOrdDR2mlxuzjHi/s400/asdfdsafd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Mario Balotelli always seems to find the headlines for the wrong reasons. Whether spats with the coaching staff or reckless play on the pitch, the 20 year old never seems to get the benefit of the doubt from anyone. Which is why his most recent comments are a bit baffling:<br />
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<div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><i>Until June I am certainly at Manchester City. I have a five-year contract and can’t say anything.</i><br />
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<i>What do I think of Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Ah, Ibra and I would make a very strong pairing</i> <br />
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</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span>They are not baffling because of the nature of his remarks - a lack of complete commitment to his current squad and always hinting at moving to other clubs. They are baffling because of what awaits him at home, and he is fully aware of it.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span> </span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span>Yesterday's international friendly between Italy and Romania took place in Austria. Balotelli made a much anticipated start for his country, but any pre-match excitement was immediately squashed. Every time he touched the ball, whistles filled the stadium as Romanian supporters spewed racist chants and slogans at the Italian striker born of Ghanaian immigrants. However, this was not even the tip of the iceberg. </span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span>In the 60th minute, Balotelli was substituted off. What happened next speaks volumes of Italian culture and sets society back decades. A small contingent of Italian supporters unfurled a banner that read: <i>"No alla nazionale multietnica" - </i>no to a multi-ethnic national team. Naturally, monkey chants and more disgusting songs followed as he left the field.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span> </span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span>There are two issues here. One, of course, is the racism. Balotelli heard it both in Milan and a number of other cities around the country, and Samuel Eto'o continues to get abused. There is no sense in discussing what <i>should</i> be done, because nothing <i>will</i> be done. The Italians have proven impotent and gutless to address the issue of racism. Yes, referees were given authority prior to this season to stop matches if they heard racist chants. A few weeks ago, the referee stopped the Cagliari vs Inter Milan match, but obviously let it continue after three minutes. The President of Cagliari later said, "I never heard the chants. Our fans are not racist so there is no way the accusations are true." Really?</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span> </span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">The other issue is Balotelli himself, nothing more than a kid at the moment (albeit built like a tank) who needs to get avoid this behavior for his own sanity and development. "Honestly, I don't know what to say," Balotelli told<i> Mediaset</i>. "If I have to hear those chants every time, you can't go forward like that." So why is he stirring up stories about returning to Italy?! What good will come of that?</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">I hope he continues to play for the national team, and he has indicated he will. Quite frankly, he can be as good as some of the best strikers we've seen in a while. But until Italy finds a way to fix this problem - and the excuse that punishing a full stadium for the actions of so few is unfair, is complete bullshit - Balotelli needs to stay in England. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span><i></i></span></div></div>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-29483840218493242552010-11-17T11:43:00.000-05:002010-11-17T11:43:36.899-05:00FIFA unveils Puskas Award shortlist<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ccGvsGOQ2to?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ccGvsGOQ2to?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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FIFA has unveiled the 10 finalists for the 2010 Puskas Award for goal of the year.<br />
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Established only last year at the behest of FIFA President Sepp Blatter, the award is given to the best goal of the year scored by a man or woman. It is named for Ferenc Puskás, captain of the Hungarian national side in the 1950s and scorer of 84 goals in 85 international appearances at one point.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-40306011027077398172010-11-17T09:21:00.000-05:002010-11-17T09:21:16.790-05:00Ibrahimovic and his agent go too far - Barcelona block payments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQoP3Ps1bhmtz2tA25vQ67-Mwl8S7SI5AAJcoeGlaTN2_wac9IBIJdJqsmhY-HhZFHO20C5kQAvGd9zaLoTBM3cI849Ta0EpNExNCaJEX_X5WpPo4TbveX5DJdJu9h9UKPpqEr9culdVN/s1600/Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-Guardiola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQoP3Ps1bhmtz2tA25vQ67-Mwl8S7SI5AAJcoeGlaTN2_wac9IBIJdJqsmhY-HhZFHO20C5kQAvGd9zaLoTBM3cI849Ta0EpNExNCaJEX_X5WpPo4TbveX5DJdJu9h9UKPpqEr9culdVN/s1600/Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-Guardiola.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There has been to decrease of pathetic, classless, insulting remarks from former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his stupid, gluttonous agent Mino Raiola. To start with, the gangly Swede has used every breathe over the past few weeks and months to slander the Barcelona manager and his image.<br />
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He has repeatedly mocked Pep Guardiola calling him a "philosopher" - claiming he is no better than any other manager or player in the game - that he barely had anything to do with Barcelona's success. Just a few days ago, he told reporters that Guardiola thinks of himself as Ghandi. "He seems to think he invented Barcelona's style of play."<br />
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As if that wasn't enough, his agent joined the fray yesterday stating, "I think [Johan] Cruyff and Guardiola should go to a mental institution, shut their mouths, and play cards. They would be doing a great favor to Barcelona and the modern game." <br />
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Enough is enough. For all the bad blood and supposed bust-ups between manager and player, Ibra is long gone and has almost single-handedly carried AC Milan to the top of Serie A. Upon transferring to Milan, he and his agent made out like bandits with Barcelona's money. So why must they keep pestering and badgering?<br />
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There is no rational answer. And luckily, Barcelona Football Club have slammed their fists in response. In an official statement, the club defended their coach and, effective immediately, threw the book at Raiola:<br />
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<i>Futbol Club Barcelona considers inadmissible the recent statements issued by Mino Raiola, which have attacked the honor and moral integrity of our manager, Pep Guardiola, and Mr. Johan Cruyff.</i><br />
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<i>These statements have been published by the Swedish daily newspaper "Expressen" and widely reported by numerous agencies and international media.</i><br />
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<i>In this regard, the Legal Department is considering legal action against Mr. Mino Raiola, including criminal proceedings.Taking effect immediately, FC Barcelona has blocked all outstanding payments to Mr. Raiola as per his contractual agreement</i> <i>with the club</i>.<br />
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I do wish they had mentioned Ibrahimovic in here, but on second thought, that would only bring the club down to his level. Everyone in their right mind knows that the stupidity coming from Ibra's mouth is exactly that. He's the one looking like an ass. Raiola is a different story altogether - a businessman and an agent. He deserves everything the club has threatened him with.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-61419623442171512162010-11-17T00:05:00.000-05:002010-11-17T00:05:03.727-05:00WAG Wednesday Part 13 - Dorien Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSVesRYq6kVRkqRlqpbG13M7C_1pbVfWwxAHIuG2A_bTmJcZheRox48mZe98Ru3UqCdWcK1Ym45cuCmc9eqPvfW6zHmeYqsRTS_6FkwYGp3b31V0KE8tmhFuCdcrx_s8DbyuGfOwRM4kF/s1600/Dorien+Rose+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSVesRYq6kVRkqRlqpbG13M7C_1pbVfWwxAHIuG2A_bTmJcZheRox48mZe98Ru3UqCdWcK1Ym45cuCmc9eqPvfW6zHmeYqsRTS_6FkwYGp3b31V0KE8tmhFuCdcrx_s8DbyuGfOwRM4kF/s400/Dorien+Rose+6.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
And what a lucky 13 this is.<br />
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Barcelona recently secured the services of PSV Eindhoven captain, and Dutch international winger, Ibrahim Afellay. The 24 year brings creativity, skill, depth to Barcelona's depleted squad, and oh yeh, his okay looking girlfriend Dorien Rose.<br />
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The 27 year old former Dutch Playmate of the Year will turn plenty of heads on the streets of Barcelona. She also bears a striking resemblance to Angelina Jolie. Unfortunately, Jolie ain't no WAG so there's no place for her here. <br />
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If Afellay's impact on the sqaud is as good as his girlfriend's looks, Barcelona will be licking their chops for years to come.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSVesRYq6kVRkqRlqpbG13M7C_1pbVfWwxAHIuG2A_bTmJcZheRox48mZe98Ru3UqCdWcK1Ym45cuCmc9eqPvfW6zHmeYqsRTS_6FkwYGp3b31V0KE8tmhFuCdcrx_s8DbyuGfOwRM4kF/s1600/Dorien+Rose+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSVesRYq6kVRkqRlqpbG13M7C_1pbVfWwxAHIuG2A_bTmJcZheRox48mZe98Ru3UqCdWcK1Ym45cuCmc9eqPvfW6zHmeYqsRTS_6FkwYGp3b31V0KE8tmhFuCdcrx_s8DbyuGfOwRM4kF/s640/Dorien+Rose+6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVu4cpLEeJM1WjH0ZXbqNIn1fcvImJEDwm468IFoThxsHkPcZBmJRtc4IAe5J8SLaJNsl8Y2WGXT_X4G0KmQzymtLl0JMsOCj28bf3uy0273l__lqV1lIjeDmqBg9Dcdu_1o9VU6osWI1/s1600/Dorien+Rose+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVu4cpLEeJM1WjH0ZXbqNIn1fcvImJEDwm468IFoThxsHkPcZBmJRtc4IAe5J8SLaJNsl8Y2WGXT_X4G0KmQzymtLl0JMsOCj28bf3uy0273l__lqV1lIjeDmqBg9Dcdu_1o9VU6osWI1/s640/Dorien+Rose+8.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-91090613408318213832010-11-16T12:17:00.000-05:002010-11-16T12:17:22.047-05:00Sporting Gijon supporters let loose on CR7<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kn_JXQC5H7c?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kn_JXQC5H7c?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Over the weekend, Real Madrid traveled to Gijon for an anger fueled match after Gijon's manager Manolo Prediado called Mourinho a "scoundrel." And while Mourinho enjoyed the confines of an enclosed box seat after receiving a two match suspension, his players faced the most vile of vitriol from the supporters who packed El Molinón all evening. <br />
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Needless to say, Cristiano Ronaldo is not one of their favorites.<br />
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If you need more, <b><a href="http://www.as.com/futbol/video/batalla-molinon-ii-parte/dasftb/20101116dasdasftb_8/Ves">right this way</a></b>.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-16915942907319358492010-11-15T14:35:00.000-05:002010-11-15T14:35:40.322-05:00Don't give up on La Liga just yet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpZH5NHsvvkFl-1UmHuwAuMRTj5V1rq7rU1biN-TYUa4l3NBiog8roQW-wPHsckWjkw8dTiMqDviEW5K2nr81MZqmrXRVb9K1RteKJykTxF2Itza6bQ0BQ-CX75f3oDr5v74qZGRGIMlO/s1600/dfgfdgf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpZH5NHsvvkFl-1UmHuwAuMRTj5V1rq7rU1biN-TYUa4l3NBiog8roQW-wPHsckWjkw8dTiMqDviEW5K2nr81MZqmrXRVb9K1RteKJykTxF2Itza6bQ0BQ-CX75f3oDr5v74qZGRGIMlO/s400/dfgfdgf.jpg" width="282" /></a></div> <br />
Only eleven matches in and the gap is six. Villarreal, with a chance to choose contender or pretender, were put to the sword by an emphatic Barcelona. Cynics would look at the result of that match without a blink of an eye and promote La Liga as a two horse race here on out. However, such people would be incredibly dumb to do so.<br />
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Those who watched can tell you it was probably the most artistic and technically gifted match of any played this season in Europe, or the rest of the world. The visitors matched their hosts in every facet of the game - high defensive lines to push forward, neat and tidy possession, wing play and attacking fullbacks. What they lacked, though no fault of their own, was the world class brilliance of <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IDKGcTRt9g">Messi</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH_BBFB1TGk">Villa</a></b> whose goals may go down as the best of the season.<br />
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With that in mind, don't be fooled by the final 3-1 tally. Villarreal taught us more in a loss than you would expect. And if you look ahead to the next few weeks, yesterday's match was but a prelude to the true deciders as to whether this league will be a two or three horse race.<br />
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Pep Guardiola referred to his defeated opponent after the game as ""<i>una joya de equipo</i> (a gem of a team)." Their performance was <i>"brutal" </i>- tough and hard nosed yet pleasing to the eye. Villarreal possess two intelligent and lightning quick forwards who have the third most goals of any two strikers in La Liga. Their midfield of Borja Valero, Bruno, and Jefferson Montero continue to play the beautiful, short pass football ingrained in the squad by former manager Manuel Pelligrini. Throw in sensational captain Santi Cazorla on the wing and a physical defensive back four with attack minded left/right backs, and Villarreal look good enough to beat anyone in the league. They played an excellent match against Barcelona. Unfortunately, they came up against a squad that much<i> </i>better.<br />
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Back at the top of the table, Real Madrid left it late in Gijon to secure a difficult three points. Mourinho also secured the best ever start for a new manager in Spain. Shaking in your boots yet? I surely hope not. Eight of their eleven matches have come against teams sitting in the bottom half of the table. Except for Atletico Madrid (whose resistance against their neighbors has produced a whopping ZERO wins since 1999), they have played <i>nobody</i> - the minnows of La Liga. To say Real Madrid are running away with Barcelona is foolish. To say they are as good as their Champions League matches is also foolish. You don't have to be Einstein to understand that Mourinho, Florentina Perez, and Madrid put continental supremacy as priority over winning a domestic title (which is obviously a must as well).<br />
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Meanwhile, Barcelona are just as good as everyone expects them to be. On a night when a great team showed up at their front door, they were simply greater (to borrow the words of Sid Lowe). Barcelona have already defeated Atletico, Villarreal, Valencia, and Sevilla by a combined score of 12-3.When the top clubs in Spain come knocking, Barcelona often produce sensational clinics to reinforce their role as champion. There should be no doubts about their potential. Real Madrid simply haven't had a chance to show that.<br />
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However, the question remains, did Villarreal waste an opportunity to make the championship race in La Liga enthralling? The scoreline says no. The performance says otherwise.<br />
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<i>El Clasico </i>is two weeks from today. Madrid then face Valencia, Villarreal, and Sevilla in three of their following five matches. Don't draw negative conclusions from Villarreal's defeat yesterday.<br />
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The next month will be the true barometer to the future of La Liga this season.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-56069365271861099892010-11-12T11:03:00.000-05:002010-11-12T11:03:34.836-05:00Must see matches on the weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkKdIjoRBKmbdM41NodP8W8gnvSRy7D3eZeXle35pCnKBceSPVjhhsPEg1gqUCimKSXtUZ9zW7PrEDej1O0jjDD0YU7MojG-Abjss8KGaH0Sa0fN8XGSKdH_P0tMOFML8eCXNGn5F7efT/s1600/derby_Milan_01_300x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkKdIjoRBKmbdM41NodP8W8gnvSRy7D3eZeXle35pCnKBceSPVjhhsPEg1gqUCimKSXtUZ9zW7PrEDej1O0jjDD0YU7MojG-Abjss8KGaH0Sa0fN8XGSKdH_P0tMOFML8eCXNGn5F7efT/s400/derby_Milan_01_300x200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
All eyes turn to Italy this weekend in what is a top heavy fixture list of massive encounters. Quite simply, all of the top six clubs will face each other (including the Milan derby), not to mention the Sicilian derby on Sunday. Not to sell the other leagues short, but aside from Serie A, there is really only one other match of note and that is in Spain where a true test of contender/pretender faces Villarreal. Inasmuch as I obviously support Barcelona, I'm sick of the two horse race and all the flack La Liga receives. Spain <i>needs </i>a Villarreal win or draw, and to be honest it would not be all that bad in my mind.<br />
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But hey, that's why they play the game. Buckle up for a roller coaster Italian style weekend:<br />
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<b>INTER MILAN VS AC MILAN (Sunday, 2:30pm FSC)</b><br />
<i>La Derby della Madonnina</i><b>. </b>Italy's most famous derby finds the "visiting" team sitting atop the table while Inter sit in fourth with an astounding five draws to match their five victories. It will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic's first crack at his old team as he joins a relatively <b><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2010/11/12/2211017/derby-special-zlatan-ibrahimovic-top-10-players-who-starred">short list of players</a></b> to have played for both Milan clubs. That idiot also complained last week that playing alongside his Brazilian teammates decreases his mobility, and that he would prefer Pippo Inzaghi to partner with him up front. Well Zlatan, Pippo is out for the season so your stuck with those terrible Brazilians - Pato, Ronaldinho, Robinho. Life is so tough playing with such horrendous footballers... <i>Prediction: 2-2 </i><br />
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<b>JUVENTUS VS ROMA (Saturday, 2:30pm FSC)</b><br />
After terrible runs of form over the past few seasons, it is nice to finally see these two great clubs back in the fight for the Scudetto. Sitting 5th and 6th respectively, Juventus and Roma look continue their climb up the table for those Champions League spots. Both teams know they can't afford to lose ground on the leaders, so expect a lively attacking game and a fight for the three points. <i>Prediction: 2-1 Juventus</i><br />
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<b>LAZIO VS NAPOLI (Sunday, 6:30am FSC Plus)</b><i> </i><b> </b><br />
Perhaps less sexy than most fixtures, but Lazio has led Serie A the entire season until last week. Napoli continue their resurgence and sit one point behind Lazio in third. Lazio is coming off a frustrating loss to their cross-city rivals last weekend and a week where transfer rumors are abound for star striker <span class="main-content">Mauro Zarate</span>. <i>Prediction</i><b>: </b><i>1-1</i><b><br />
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<b>PALERMO VS CATANIA (Sunday, 9:00am FSC)</b><i> </i><b> </b><br />
<i>La Derby di Sicilia. </i>There are few derbies which pack the intensity and hatred amongst both clubs. For these reasons, away fans have been banned from this fixture a number of times, including 2007 when a police officer was killed in post-match rioting. As for the football itself, both clubs are level on points and sit mid table. Don't miss your opportunity to catch a glimpse of Javier Pastore, Palermo's start attacking midfielder who just recently received a £60 million price tag. <i>Prediction: 1-0 Palermo</i><br />
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<b>BARCELONA VS VILLARREAL (Saturday, 4:00pm ESPN Deportes)</b><br />
Everyone in Spain is pulling for the yellow submarine. Even myself to an extent! They have planted themselves in the fight between Barcelona and Real Madrid and are desperately trying to give Spain something more than a two horse race. Now they have a chance to prove themselves, Saturday evening at the Camp Nou.<b> </b>Barcelona have not had an easy run against Villarreal in the last five encounters winning twice, drawing twice, and losing once. Is Villarreal for real? Perhaps, but I don't think they get it done this weekend. <i>Prediction: 3-1 Barcelona</i>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-1496218012713242192010-11-12T09:17:00.000-05:002010-11-12T09:17:37.479-05:00A Veterans Day Tribute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeidygRJIkzCLZ8IrmVeEnvsWLC_cazBRDj4GxZl5IQm8zOqMcUCoOUZgYgt6rpnem56898faYYj_mKZLqlQum2IfsnLnzbrk_1W0b0h-Ki7vnGNtPvz6vaQ1P9K0Ixjlpr5u1vMk7-66/s1600/poppy-300x231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeidygRJIkzCLZ8IrmVeEnvsWLC_cazBRDj4GxZl5IQm8zOqMcUCoOUZgYgt6rpnem56898faYYj_mKZLqlQum2IfsnLnzbrk_1W0b0h-Ki7vnGNtPvz6vaQ1P9K0Ixjlpr5u1vMk7-66/s400/poppy-300x231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So I'm a day late, relax. I was clearly just looking for the perfect story to honor the veterans of war and now I've got it: <a href="http://www.worldamputeefootball.com/"><b>The Amputee World Cup</b> </a><br />
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This year's tournament was held in Argentina, and for the second straight year, Uzbekistan took home the championship. However, it is the English squad which included a number of men who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. After war, bloodshed, and missing limbs, these men are still able and motivated to compete in a sport that they love. It is truly a heroic and touching tale of human sacrifice and the strength of the human heart.<br />
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(Video courtesy of The Guardian)footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-37091202197154232462010-11-12T00:21:00.000-05:002010-11-12T00:21:00.110-05:00Weekend Couch Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriMUhK9c0Q-Jt-tZVpPUg-4n3YpIuXEtXQgiEJksIYPZxOoLhLwjmMlMeAfj3Vvan15OnLH3BgTu95Ioy_DrIysAh0y23nsxO7hNJuaoHEC7dCzQKgkL8rN6EeQRJB6kGkA_-mWt5Vshc/s1600/al+bundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriMUhK9c0Q-Jt-tZVpPUg-4n3YpIuXEtXQgiEJksIYPZxOoLhLwjmMlMeAfj3Vvan15OnLH3BgTu95Ioy_DrIysAh0y23nsxO7hNJuaoHEC7dCzQKgkL8rN6EeQRJB6kGkA_-mWt5Vshc/s400/al+bundy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>Saturday, November 13</b></u><br />
7:30am Aston Villa vs Manchester United (ESPN2) <br />
9:45am Wolfsburg vs Schalke 04 (ESPN Deportes)<br />
10:00am Manchester City vs Birmingham City (FSC)<br />
10:00am Tottenham vs Blackburn (FSC Plus) <br />
12:00pm Fiorentina vs Cesena (FSC Plus)<br />
12:30pm Stoke City vs Liverpool (FSC)<br />
2:00pm Atletico Madrid vs Osasuna (GolTV)<br />
2:30pm Juventus vs Roma (FSC)<br />
4:00pm West Ham vs Blackpool(FSC Plus)<br />
4:00pm Barcelona vs Villarreal (ESPN Deportes)<br />
5:00pm Newcastle United vs Fulham - tape delay (FSC)<br />
8:30pm Mainz vs Hannover - tape delay (GolTV) <br />
9:30pm Colorado Rapids vs San Jose Earthquakes - MLS Eastern Conference Final (FSC)<br />
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<u><b>Sunday, November 14</b></u> <br />
6:30am Lazio vs Napoli (FSC Plus)<br />
8:30am AZ Alkmaar vs Ajax (ESPN Deportes)<br />
9:00am Everton vs Arsenal (FSC Plus)<br />
9:00am Palermo vs Catania (FSC)<br />
11:00am Mallorca vs Deportivo La Coruña (ESPN Deportes)<br />
11:00am Chelsea vs Sunderland (FSC)<br />
11:00am Zaragoza vs Sevilla(GolTV)<br />
1:00pm Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid (GolTV)<br />
2:30pm Inter Milan vs AC Milan (FSC)<br />
3:00pm Valencia vs Getafe (ESPN Deportes)<br />
3:00pm Olympique Lyonnais v Nice (FSC Plus)footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-81831073627871722152010-11-11T14:20:00.000-05:002010-11-11T14:20:24.655-05:00Man love at the Manchester Derby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8urih78M1aNgPqAGCKI-D_lY5oFYruXy3Oel8uTfJesRsCcsW-jDUhinaml-0KxP0gcgq_bmC2wFqCEpkHtnTyRyXeEmg7rHMClf0lx-rOcvwEk1VK51zeqBOedBbofzPUmY8QGXK8z1/s400/Manchester+derby+man+love+1.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can barely find the words to describe this. It looks like Carlito is looking for a pot of gold up Rio's ass. Or simply a way in...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a side view:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV_NaMQrKUUfWEIlCZkTdQ98i0ZwBqYz-aSplJt-3OlTX6h5MqCzv-5NALC8EljDTKW7CBAPvzXmK-Bvrq7rzJDdtB2oyY5DVMyQRnloGGrx3s6m-3sffO20-C4XFXBR25rHs4JCcYY8c/s1600/Manchester+derby+man+love+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV_NaMQrKUUfWEIlCZkTdQ98i0ZwBqYz-aSplJt-3OlTX6h5MqCzv-5NALC8EljDTKW7CBAPvzXmK-Bvrq7rzJDdtB2oyY5DVMyQRnloGGrx3s6m-3sffO20-C4XFXBR25rHs4JCcYY8c/s400/Manchester+derby+man+love+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-37324213794785046092010-11-11T11:29:00.000-05:002010-11-11T11:29:16.616-05:00El Clásico to be contested on a MONDAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-TeihWZMYGsEAWRTj6jw9XYr1RMpYYCyPhDxocsmcg4Iu1yNtQSnOtrPtJqbEqXy_yM-SFG-jOWnytprncSShgeasp7kZAB_ko2MKkXWJTtYbogoYdx9we4FYosA7RJZtsTHR4eC4bnL/s1600/el-clasico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-TeihWZMYGsEAWRTj6jw9XYr1RMpYYCyPhDxocsmcg4Iu1yNtQSnOtrPtJqbEqXy_yM-SFG-jOWnytprncSShgeasp7kZAB_ko2MKkXWJTtYbogoYdx9we4FYosA7RJZtsTHR4eC4bnL/s400/el-clasico.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
Barcelona, Real Madrid, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have agreed to move El Clásico to Monday, November 29th. On Sunday, the originally scheduled date of the match, Catalan elections are set to be held, and the local authorities had reservations about security for both occasions (and getting people to vote). <br />
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On the one hand, I completely understand why Barcelona did not want the game staged on Sunday. Although it would kick off around 10pm local time at the Camp Nou and polls would be long closed, there is the issue of security. At the stadium itself and around the city, there will be plenty of Madrileños aka targets for violence and vitriol. Security forces will need to be at their fullest capacity. The problem is, 10pm is around the time when results could come in. And even if they came in earlier, there is the issue of celebrations and election parties where security would also be necessary. Frankly, it's a logistical nightmare and the RFEF could ill afford risking a lax in security for one of the most heated derbies on Earth.<br />
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Then we have the RFEF itself who were, in my opinion, too weak to assert any influence here. We all know every decision made in this sport revolves around money, and nothing more. Not the supporters, not attendance levels, not the squads (and in some cases not even security). Money and revenue only. So how could the Federation allow the biggest, and most anticipated game on the planet, to be played on a workday?! When ratings will drop. When interest will dwindle. Catalans would have complained (or at least the candidates would have) were the game held on Sunday. And I doubt many people would have argued with their reasoning to do so. But the RFEF needs to do what is in the best interest of their league - a league with the potential to be the most exciting in Europe. This is their grand spectacle to the world, and most won't be able to watch.<br />
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You could say that having it on a Monday makes it even more engaging. They will have their own Clásico day. That's just crap though. Spain missed an opportunity here to reach a record number of televisions in every corner of the world. I can't think of a bigger inconvenience in history than this.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-52330159986290513692010-11-10T19:26:00.000-05:002010-11-10T19:26:43.669-05:00WAG Wednesday Part 12 - Gina Lisa Lohfink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNR1t2lVSy3DIQIR_MssItX79RbbeDVwliaX_MF0IsZgdz2lN18HrBbZPjsNXjTQDlRPXSF4MTvG1Pt4EXHzuGu9YUJR8eZabMQhhoYihj2HhwslrQpq0yaUUgM2MD9T1rSPTC2_UHWth/s1600/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNR1t2lVSy3DIQIR_MssItX79RbbeDVwliaX_MF0IsZgdz2lN18HrBbZPjsNXjTQDlRPXSF4MTvG1Pt4EXHzuGu9YUJR8eZabMQhhoYihj2HhwslrQpq0yaUUgM2MD9T1rSPTC2_UHWth/s400/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I know you are probably thinking from the name and photo that Gina Lisa <i>must </i>be a porn star name. Okay, so she may have released a sex tape in 2008 and featured in Playboy. HOWEVER, Lisa is a former contestant on Germany's Next Top Model and a notorious serial WAG. <br />
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Her current conquest is VfB Stuttgart's Ivorian left back Arthur Boka.<br />
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Lucky bastard: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddzzKooHryUzDbXCKIm4F7tRaWXArFFk55Xw_QucVBqzBTbN0ZlGGsKcQC3IQUa2fK2qynCQiaIqbIoLIizUOe4dwB04V6foSo-Dqb0a987kIotQ58bHcda-4JGjghUEJIw9vJURtXQVs/s1600/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddzzKooHryUzDbXCKIm4F7tRaWXArFFk55Xw_QucVBqzBTbN0ZlGGsKcQC3IQUa2fK2qynCQiaIqbIoLIizUOe4dwB04V6foSo-Dqb0a987kIotQ58bHcda-4JGjghUEJIw9vJURtXQVs/s640/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobGBq5PEk_-qN-kW7plEL82i2TEYdsD6EQnHdQY0dACujjyk0FSN_Sht9h37wtsLx5m7CmWg8KFo_yBC8iP5-iez1UOQ5YfC_dPNZutn46JZiZIzFt9rXIfmADRIGcdm9FDmbHNw220DT/s1600/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobGBq5PEk_-qN-kW7plEL82i2TEYdsD6EQnHdQY0dACujjyk0FSN_Sht9h37wtsLx5m7CmWg8KFo_yBC8iP5-iez1UOQ5YfC_dPNZutn46JZiZIzFt9rXIfmADRIGcdm9FDmbHNw220DT/s640/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+5.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrAsVXOvbYsJqOHyT_-h98z2u0lK1A_h_I7UNgv9jqSrHDRhgGNS1L1pNfHbNaX_H1FaoebeK2G9P5WySYkLZJFqt1ZeMkey8_jA8YsTkUzPMuOYmruu04DX1aHN-PdMkKbC8p_qIuINS/s1600/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrAsVXOvbYsJqOHyT_-h98z2u0lK1A_h_I7UNgv9jqSrHDRhgGNS1L1pNfHbNaX_H1FaoebeK2G9P5WySYkLZJFqt1ZeMkey8_jA8YsTkUzPMuOYmruu04DX1aHN-PdMkKbC8p_qIuINS/s640/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+6.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTXX0XrZHUtILe-lGLFDMnckJ731pKfeVXqBT0XQMwj-2xD6043C9tdbw_KiiEqi86tg3wZWZSFMswTTCs4r5lo5BnxP0OwQeJpYiAfQzACIMwGkPl2D0zNH9HbnwnanDUfIPi7HZ8G69/s1600/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTXX0XrZHUtILe-lGLFDMnckJ731pKfeVXqBT0XQMwj-2xD6043C9tdbw_KiiEqi86tg3wZWZSFMswTTCs4r5lo5BnxP0OwQeJpYiAfQzACIMwGkPl2D0zNH9HbnwnanDUfIPi7HZ8G69/s400/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+7.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nxz2zzEdCo11P42hx7sF1Sfq7lwhAcNCjjtbJXUlNXvbTGqb7iNNel0lziGDpwJ7WOApNN2RM7y0Uv2HAY8a05h6JZSz77cwqej-W5FkLQuWxqxfOA4EZrKrT7j_om20bBSCXeJlPOXF/s1600/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nxz2zzEdCo11P42hx7sF1Sfq7lwhAcNCjjtbJXUlNXvbTGqb7iNNel0lziGDpwJ7WOApNN2RM7y0Uv2HAY8a05h6JZSz77cwqej-W5FkLQuWxqxfOA4EZrKrT7j_om20bBSCXeJlPOXF/s400/Gina+Lisa+Lohfink+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-37560736781466622962010-11-10T09:07:00.000-05:002010-11-10T09:07:09.193-05:00WAG Wednesday Part 11 - Melissa Castagnoli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ir9hcSA_D0UzF_ZzQ3Mv-FaGj7nJw1NbXLQRAoRBGsKwZboAfboTlwS_daKyR9ln0wpKlCVrK03Cs4tPTmz1Jr1YrnQ5GHZ8NXapzJjF2AGiiWneFYrzZJCvY2m9mITSIUi9BSt518WK/s1600/Melissa+Castagnoli.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ir9hcSA_D0UzF_ZzQ3Mv-FaGj7nJw1NbXLQRAoRBGsKwZboAfboTlwS_daKyR9ln0wpKlCVrK03Cs4tPTmz1Jr1YrnQ5GHZ8NXapzJjF2AGiiWneFYrzZJCvY2m9mITSIUi9BSt518WK/s400/Melissa+Castagnoli.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Mario Ballotelli made his Premier League debut over the weekend with two goals and a red card. The Italian kicked out at an opponent prompting his marching orders, and a three match suspension which unfortunately rules him out of today's enormous derby with Manchester United.<br />
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In his absence over the next few weeks, it seems only fitting to feature his wonderfully adorable girlfriend today, Melissa Castagnoli. The 19 year old former Miss Italy finalist was once brutally attacked by another girl jealous of her looks, resulting in a broken nose and some bruises.<br />
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Looks like she found the right guy to prevent that from happening again any time soon.<br />
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A beautiful and <i>unblemished</i> Ms. Castagnoli after the jump:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRUMnQyLGAtXFbzyxMWSD1_TXVkEMgbcZ0pv-9dD0tm0L-U3cQ5M7rTmApgLDKu0jjXaw0iHq0tusCFXFZQyfqinAE7vRlY_t3npcFHdqyj9vXzzBCViYz7i6nRYw7NhIs7IyJ8Sl_M6n/s1600/Melissa+Castagnoli+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRUMnQyLGAtXFbzyxMWSD1_TXVkEMgbcZ0pv-9dD0tm0L-U3cQ5M7rTmApgLDKu0jjXaw0iHq0tusCFXFZQyfqinAE7vRlY_t3npcFHdqyj9vXzzBCViYz7i6nRYw7NhIs7IyJ8Sl_M6n/s400/Melissa+Castagnoli+8.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-2500574112918317172010-11-09T15:29:00.000-05:002010-11-09T15:29:37.783-05:00Why England won't win Euro 2012Tactics, formations, players, subs, starters, weather, opponents. You can dissect them all and still not find the main reason England will not succeed at the European Championships in 2012.<br />
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All you need is this:<br />
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<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ux5qfj1wveI?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ux5qfj1wveI?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-20832338248673342392010-11-09T11:35:00.000-05:002010-11-09T11:35:00.876-05:00More goalie blundersNobody wants to be a goalkeeper these days. Ever since Robert Green set the position on a tormenting downward spiral during the World Cup into levels of pathetic ineptitude we have not seen in years, other keepers appear to be falling down with him. From those bozos in Morocco, to Heurelho Gomes against Manchester United, to <i>any </i>keeper Arsenal has fielded, the blunders in the net have reached every corner of the globe.<br />
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I figured it would be easiest to condense some of these events, as they appear to take place every weekend in mass numbers. First up is another keeper getting too excited, too early. After watching his opponent lash the ball off the crossbar, the goalkeeper peeled away thanking the heavens. Little did he know, as apparently the penalty kick taker and the referee did, the ball ricocheted straight up into the air and bounced into the back of the net. His reaction upon realizing his mistake is priceless.<br />
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In Moldova, Edgars Gauračs (number 11) showed off his wily and cunning abilities for FC Sheriff Tiraspol. After his teammate missed a PK and the rebound, Gauračs quietly tip-toed out of the net, waiting for the keeper to get rid of the ball. Now, the goalie could have punted the ball instead of dropping it on the ground. He also could have LOOKED OVER HIS SHOULDER to make sure there were no stragglers behind him. Smart goalkeepers with awareness make that a habit like breathing.<br />
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You can imagine what happens next, Gauračs steals the ball immediately and slots home the goal.<br />
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<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yAl8dFRsoP4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yAl8dFRsoP4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-69962304145531772202010-11-09T10:29:00.000-05:002010-11-09T10:29:53.860-05:00Scouse in the City - Kim Cattrall attends Liverpool match<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DCYjM1gShiw33pV6F7N0cG8DgTwtsDt6qxpBU7J9LeLdCCgUolxSpZGzo9TA3ydt4WevwwemZfIG_Bo4GumzaTgu0ERxpSyVHRY-GqXpXCaDCxVLKOeiZLm-V2s-5dt-wjDmBso-hMEc/s1600/Kim+Cattrall+Liverpool+-+Daily+Mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DCYjM1gShiw33pV6F7N0cG8DgTwtsDt6qxpBU7J9LeLdCCgUolxSpZGzo9TA3ydt4WevwwemZfIG_Bo4GumzaTgu0ERxpSyVHRY-GqXpXCaDCxVLKOeiZLm-V2s-5dt-wjDmBso-hMEc/s400/Kim+Cattrall+Liverpool+-+Daily+Mail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Once a scouse, always a scouse. Kim Cattrall, better known as Samantha Jones having more than plenty of sex in the city, re-embraced her childhood roots by attending the Liverpool vs Chelsea match over the weekend at Anfield. <br />
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Liverpool captain Stevie Gerrard invited Cattrall as his guest to sit in his private box, just in front of the skipper's bodacious blonde wife, Alex Curran. And while Curran undoubtedly recognized the Sex in the City star, I can assure you the feeling wasn't mutual. I guess making the back pages for prancing around in Gucci handbags with your children dressed in Louis Vuitton outfits is not breaking news outside of England.<br />
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You're probably unaware of the fact that Cattrall was born in Liverpool and promptly relocated with her family to Canada at 3 months. However, she returned at the age of 11 when her grandmother became ill, until departing once again at the age of 16. The year of her departure saw Liverpool win the English First Division and UEFA Cup, a nice sending off for the aspiring actress.<br />
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Scheduled to perform in a production of Antony and Cleopatra in Liverpool's Playhouse theater, Cattrall could be seen belting out the club's anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone" both before and after the match. And rightfully so, as her club defeated league leading Chelsea 2-0 off two splendid Fernando Torres goals.<br />
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More photos of Kim's afternoon after the jump:<br />
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<i>(Photos courtesy of the Daily Mail)</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-9790605527574363932010-11-08T14:33:00.000-05:002010-11-08T14:33:25.619-05:00It's raining tennis balls in Switzerland!<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uKGWgsXdFhI?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uKGWgsXdFhI?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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We've seen protests in Greece by disgruntled supporters who resorted to <b><a href="http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2010/08/25/hooligans-destroy-soccer-field-photos-video-aek-dundee-at-karaiskaki/">vandalism and destruction</a></b> of their own team's pitch to have games suspended or re-scheduled. Classless and pathetic to say the least. We've also seen supporters in Italy protest lunch time kick-offs by bringing <b><a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/10/25/2182015/parma-ultras-protest-lunch-time-kick-offs-by-having-lunch">packed lunches</a></b> to the matches.<br />
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It appears the Swiss also have a knack for the creative and non-violent approach. On Sunday, Swiss television wished to broadcast the final of the Swiss indoor tennis tournament in addition to the match between FC Basel and FC Luzern, the top two teams in Switzerland's Super League. So, they moved the football match to an earlier than expected 12:45pm kick-off, much to the dismay of Basel fans.<br />
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Their response? Litter the field with tennis balls!! Ultras behind the goal heaved countless tennis balls onto the field, suspending the game for a few minutes until they were cleared. <br />
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You see? Lighting things on fire and trashing cities is not the only way to advertise your disgust and discontent. Sometimes a little humor goes a long way, and at the end of the day the Basel supporters left with a 90 minute equalizer to retain their lead atop the table, and no more balls for their mid-week tennis games at the gym.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-24796039210877426222010-11-08T11:52:00.000-05:002010-11-08T11:52:39.306-05:00Schweinsteiger's topless female doppelgänger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2x-htq-TZhyphenhyphenp7y6VTcQ3vxeJvfkSpKcxLjxuq_w8DmRf7N14146OnYPOyljqGHmz5nLWHXRENgIFfHNl9-i8-8H7umwA8tuuUubvvApOinOU_B3KrBKrfPqtSEglh6cjpO6ue4q7Ez9lD/s1600/Schweinsteiger+doppleganger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2x-htq-TZhyphenhyphenp7y6VTcQ3vxeJvfkSpKcxLjxuq_w8DmRf7N14146OnYPOyljqGHmz5nLWHXRENgIFfHNl9-i8-8H7umwA8tuuUubvvApOinOU_B3KrBKrfPqtSEglh6cjpO6ue4q7Ez9lD/s400/Schweinsteiger+doppleganger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Germany's <i>Bild </i>is running a doppelgänger campaign for a number of players and managers both in Germany and the rest of Europe. Of them all, the above takes first prize.<br />
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Bastian Schweinsteiger has never been cast in such embarrassing light, or at least not since he bleached his <b><a href="http://medias.lepost.fr/ill/2008/06/05/h-20-1202980-1212652426.jpg">hair white</a></b> to resemble Paul Bettany as <b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/media/rm658214656/tt0382625">Silas</a></b> in The Da Vinci Code. Nor has Schweiny been one to flatter the cameras either (probably why he clings to his girlfriend at every opportunity). <br />
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I just hope that isn't a picture of his mother from her college years as a free-spirited topless sunbather surrounded by storm troopers in motorcycle boots (don't worry - she's actually a woman on a postcard in Ithaca, Greece and a creepy farmer with a handlebar mustache looking down on her.)<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.bild.de/BILD/sport/2010/11/07/blonder-klon-von-bastian-schweinsteiger/weitere-sport-stars-und-ihre-doppelgaenger.html">Click here</a></b> and scroll down for the rest of the doppelgängers (FYI - the above picture isn't censored on the site).footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-48090641741760032742010-11-05T12:43:00.000-04:002010-11-05T12:43:18.264-04:00Facebook has spoken: Puyol will play until 40<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXiLHxuc3NIHz7KQA8oIsN_KAtlHM5Fw-E581pk3swgX6tOpJAzpyv-7xPPv0vvJgSUPnBdUo6z0VIXncjCYq_iK1loOSGMVHiQWfKT-9KL5VjovAMnzHGGF9UE3uvCuu7t5qQQDGp6Fy/s1600/puyol+facebook.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXiLHxuc3NIHz7KQA8oIsN_KAtlHM5Fw-E581pk3swgX6tOpJAzpyv-7xPPv0vvJgSUPnBdUo6z0VIXncjCYq_iK1loOSGMVHiQWfKT-9KL5VjovAMnzHGGF9UE3uvCuu7t5qQQDGp6Fy/s400/puyol+facebook.bmp" width="366" /></a></div> <br />
About a month ago, reports claimed that Carles Puyol had confided in a friend that he would play until 40 if a Facebook group for the cause attracted 250,000 followers. Well, it appears the power of Facebook has succeeded once again.<br />
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As of today, November 5th, the group named <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carles-Puyol-Si-esto-consigue-250000-fans-me-retiro-a-los-40/142665945745939?v=info&ref=ts">Carles Puyol: "If this gets 250,000 I will retire at 40"</a></b>, has surpassed the benchmark and currently boasts 251,082 followers. Carles has not released an official statement as of yet, but Barcelona, Spanish, and giant hair supporters around the globe will be thrilled with the opportunity to watch the Rock of Gibraltar compete for another EIGHT years.<br />
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Why not? The guy still plays at an extremely high level and his partnership with Pique has grown exponentially in a relatively short period of time. He does not appear to be slowing, nor has Guardiola ceased to put him at right back when needed. It's safe to assume that Facebook or not, Puyol probably anticipated playing a few more seasons as long as injuries did not get in the way (and he has been pretty healthy over the past few years).<br />
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I attribute his endurance to <b><a href="http://footyforthesoul.blogspot.com/2010/10/wag-wednesday-part-7-malena-costa.html">Malena Costa</a> - </b>his young brand new, super hot girlfriend.footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6252573526037273908.post-25627382462873097952010-11-05T11:59:00.014-04:002010-11-05T12:23:56.249-04:00Must see matches of the weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tKFL7WsEJbBuao1xlsmS0__9zWuy9ql6KjaEU9MMPCLwaLY8QcP5Gjd50zQrgVgnI-sRNml57t7Ez-rujD2EQgsUsNw1EiPemAtYqNGNHxoiaYhEzNimt60dmblD5MuKKBWhhgk-6hUz/s1600/sdfsdaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tKFL7WsEJbBuao1xlsmS0__9zWuy9ql6KjaEU9MMPCLwaLY8QcP5Gjd50zQrgVgnI-sRNml57t7Ez-rujD2EQgsUsNw1EiPemAtYqNGNHxoiaYhEzNimt60dmblD5MuKKBWhhgk-6hUz/s400/sdfsdaf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We've got a few derbies of note coming up. Midweek European hangovers will surely be in effect, taking the bite out of a number of clubs over the weekend (put ALL your money on Bolton to defeat Tottenham). Most people may see this weekend as simply a layover before the colossal tussle between Manchester United and Manchester City on Wednesday.<br />
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But don't sell it short! There is plenty of action you cannot miss over the next two days so let's get right into it starting with Liverpool and Chelsea.<br />
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<b>LIVERPOOL VS CHELSEA (Sunday, 11:00am FSC)</b><br />
Since Chelsea beat Liverpool in the 2009 Champions League Quarterfinals 7-5 on aggregate, both clubs have moved in completely different directions. Liverpool are lucky to currently sit mid-table after occupying relegation spots for much of the season, while Chelsea continue to march on atop the league<b>. </b>The past seven encounters have produced 24 goals. Liverpool need this one more, but Chelsea are much too good. <i>Prediction: 3-1 Chelsea</i><br />
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<b>REAL MADRID VS ATLETICO MADRID (Sunday, 3:00pm GolTV)</b><br />
This is quite possibly one of the most lopsided derbies on the planet. Atletico last defeated their crosstown rival way back on October 30, 1999. Since returning to La Liga in 2003, they have played Real Madrid 17 times recording eleven defeats and six draws. Not to mention the fact that Mourinho has not lost a home league match since February 23, 2002 when Beira Mar beat Porto in his sixth game in charge. Still, there is absolutely no love lost between the clubs and for the first time in a <i>very </i>long time, Atletico have a European trophy to boast. For what it's worth, Madrid have played NOBODY to date in the league - every opponent sitting in the bottom half of the table. Rival journalists already prepared themselves with a <b><a href="http://www.marca.com/tv/?v=UAHhHiTS9Oc">foosball competition</a></b>. <i>Prediction: 2-1 Real Madrid</i><br />
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<b>LAZIO VS ROMA - </b><i><b>Derby della Capitale</b></i><b> (Sunday, 9:00am FSC)</b><br />
Speaking of no love lost, these two Roman clubs HATE each other. Francesco Totti, suspended for the match, has already began the <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=838844&sec=europe&cc=5901"><b>pre-match "tough talk</b>"</a> claiming Roma will lose. Lazio currently sit top of the league and will remain there no matter what happens as they enjoy a four point lead over Inter. They will attempt to avenge a winless campaign against their crosstown rivals last season. <i>Prediction: 2-2 </i><br />
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<b>PARIS ST GERMAIN VS MARSEILLES - <i>Le Classique</i> (Sunday, 3:00pm FSC Plus)</b><br />
How hardcore is this derby? Away fans have been banned from traveling for both meetings this season, after violence has ravaged previous encounters. Marseilles has defeated their fierce rival the past four matches, but both clubs are moving their way towards the top of the table this season.<b><br />
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<b>CARDIFF VS SWANSEA - </b><b>(Sunday, 12:30pm - tape delay FSC Plus)</b><br />
It is being dubbed the biggest south Wales derby in history - so much for lowered expectations. But why not?! Gareth Bale has put Wales on the map, Cardiff top the English Championship at the moment, and Swansea sit third. Both clubs have never sat so high in the table simultaneously for one of these clashes<b>, </b>as they attempt to move to England top flight together for the first time in history<b>.</b><br />
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<b>BARCELONA B VS VILLARREAL B - </b><b>(Saturday, 1:00pm)</b><br />
On first look, you may be wondering why I would mention a reserve team match between scrubs? Not the case folks. Spain allows B teams to compete in the main football system. These two sit in Spain's second division - and Barcelona actually hold 4th position which would qualify them for promotion playoffs. Not surprisingly, A and B teams cannot compete in the same league so the B squads simply play for pride and experience. A win could move Barcelona as high as 2nd.<br />
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</b>footyforthesoul [at] gmail [dot] comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01653773756962603808noreply@blogger.com1