Diego Forlan Receives Standing Ovation from Kolkata Football Fans

Uruguayan striker and World Cup Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan received a standing ovation from thousands of Kolkata's (India) soccer crowd on Sunday (1st Aug, 2010). Diego is in Kolkata to co-host a football reality show for private TV channel Mahuaa Bangla, which concluded with the exhibition match between The Challengers and city soccer giants Mohun Bagan


World Cup's Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan was Sunday accorded a standing ovation by thousands of soccer fans as he appeared in an exhibition soccer at the Salt Lake Stadium here. 31-year-old Diego Forlan assisted 1994's winning Brazil defender Branco in coaching The Challengers.

The match ended 2-0 in favor of Mohun Bagan, where goals came from Isfaq Ahmed and Santosh Oraon.

"I love this city and the people for giving me this chance to come here," Forlan told the crowd in broken English.

Wearing blue T-shirt with white stripes and blue jeans and sneakers Forlan opened the game for Challeger by passing the ball from center.

Image Courtesy: Indiablooms.com

Wesley Sneijder Staying With The Nerazzurri

Soren Lerby, agent of Wesley Sneijder has told that his client will not move from Italian club Inter Milan this season. The runner-up member of this year's football World Cup was previously linked with two Manchester Clubs, City and United.

However, Lerby insists there is no reason to leave, and is fully confident his man will remain at the club.

Wesley Sneijder was even linked to Spanish giant Real Madrid as former Inter coach Jose Mourinho is now in charge of the Spanish side. However, Sneijder himself at one point during the summer seemed open to the idea of returning to Madrid but it is now can be said that he is staying with the Nerazzurri.

"This is one of those years in which everything is beautiful and perfect. It's difficult that Wesley will forget everything that has happened this year," the agent told Calcionews24.com.

"He has made history and everyone is happy for that. His future? That is with Inter, there are no doubts or problems about this."

Israeli Midfielder Biram Kayal Signs for Celtic

Maccabi Haifa's Biram Kayal has signed for Celtic club on four-year contract. This was possible after he sucured a work permit. Earlier this week chief executive of the Scottish club Celtic, Mr. Peter Lawwell had a talk with 22-year-old Biram in Glasgow.

Biram Kayal plays in mid-field and has made more than 100 appearances for Maccabi Haifa and 13 appearances for his country Israel.

Biram is now Neil Lennon's seventh summer signing after Efrain Juarez from Pumas and Joe Ledley from Cardiff City.

Continental, Sponsoring Partner of Bayern Munich

German football giant Bayern Munich has got Continental (German manufacturer of tyre and automotive components) as its sponsoring partner till 2015.

Nikolai Setzer, Continental’s executive board member and the head of the Passenger and Light Truck Tires division said, “We are delighted with the attractive possibility our role as exclusive tyre partner offers to link two premium brands, Continental and FC Bayern Munich. This adds a further component to our international football sponsoring strategy. Hooking up with Germany’s most successful football club and the one best known around the world boosts the image of the premium Continental brand as a tyre renowned nationally and internationally for its safety and braking performance.” He added that, “After achieving a further double victory and making it into the final match of the Champions League this past season, FC Bayern Munich now plays in televised Bundesliga (Germany’s national football league) action to a growing fan community in the millions in- and outside of Germany. This certainly includes viewers in growth markets we have targeted in Asia. The team’s numerous international appearances outside of regular competition further boost FC Bayern Munich‘s very high degree of visibility in connection with our premium Continental brand. FC Bayern Munich stands for a highly professional and impassioned approach off the playing field, too. These are attributes that perfectly match our products and our brands.” (as reported by Eufootball.biz)

Continental will be sponsoring DFB football cup competition in Germany and has announced a deal with Major League Soccer in the US also recently.

Diego Maradona Resigns as Argentine Football Coach

Thus ends the role of Diego Maradona as coach for Argentine National Football Team. His contract was ended yesterday (27th July, 2010). This decision was taken by the country's soccer association, AFA, because Maradona wasn’t prepared to accept changes to his coaching staff.

The Argentine Football Association’s executive committee “unanimously resolved” not to renew the deal after AFA President Julio Grondona relayed details of his meeting with Maradona a day earlier, the governing body said in a statement.

Differences between Maradona and Grondona “were impossible to resolve,” association spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo told reporters in Buenos Aires. Maradona, 49, said on Argentine television this week that he wouldn’t continue in the post he took in late 2008 if the association insisted on him changing his coaching staff.

Diego Maradona had led Argentina through some impressive performances during the World Cup 2010 before being demolished by Germany 0-4 in the quarter-finals.

Mano Menezes is New Brazilian Football Coach till 2014 World Cup

Brazil has named its new football coach. Mano Menezes is now the new coach of Brazil's National football team. Brazil has named Menezes name on Saturday and signed him till 2014 World Cup that would be held in Brazil.

Earlier Muricy Ramalho was the first choice to replace Dunga, but he turned down the offer and opted to stay in Brazilian club Fluminense.

Menezes coached Brazilian club Corinthians from 2008-10. He was released from his contract with the club to become Brazil's new manager. Menezes previously coached Brazilian club Gremio.

"I have always dreamed of one day becoming the national team's coach, and that day came sooner than I expected," Menezes told a news conference.

Menezes led Gremio to promotion to Brazil's top division in 2005. He also led the team to second place in the Copa Libertadores, which is South America's top club event, during his tenure. Menezes also returned Corinthians to the top flight and claimed the Brazilian Cup last season with the club.

Brazil will play its first match under Menezes on Aug. 10 against the United States.

After 16 Years Raul Gonzalez Leaves Real Madrid

After 16 years....33-year-old Raul Gonzalez Blanco leaves Spanish giants Real Madrid. He is heading for German club Schalke 04 to play in Bundesliga. An era of achivements ends in Real Madrid.

He was just 17 when he joined Real Madrid and won six leagues, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, one European Super Cup and four Copa del Rey in 15 seasons at the club. Raul has opted for the German club in order to increase his tally of 66 goals record in the Champions League.

Since 1994, he played 700 official games between league and international cups for Real Madrid.

We hope a great career in Schalke 04 too. You have made Real and Spain proud. Good Luck Raul!

Thierry Henry Scores in his Debut MLS

Thierry Henry after his debut MLS goal

Ex-French international Thierry Henry scored in his debut for his new MLS club New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. Thierry Henry scored in the 25th minute of the match against EPL side Tottenham Hotspur, which the Red Bulls lost 1-2. Henry played for 45 minutes. He is also expected to play again in an exhibition match against another EPL side Manchester City on Sunday.

Image Courtesy: AP

One Night Stand: Mom of Jr. Cristiano Ronaldo is an American Waitress

Junior Cristinao Ronaldo's mom has been revealed. She is an American waitress who became pregnant after a one-night stand with the Portuguese football superstar Cristinao Ronaldo last year.

It was supposed to beleive that Ronaldo used a surrogate mother to have his baby – but the truth was revealed on 19th July, 2010. Reports said that Ronaldo had paid the waitress $15 million to keep quiet and give up rights to the child on the condition that she would not reveal her identity and would hand the child over to Ronaldo's family.

Ronaldo has given his own first name to the newborn, and will not tell him details about his mother until his 18th birthday. (as per Sports.globaltimes.cn)

This Portuguese international met her in a Los Angeles restaurant during a trip to the U.S. last summer, charming her with the line: 'Me, you, **** ****', it was reported.

When she failed to understand his direct approach, Ronaldo drew a love heart on a misted-up window and said: 'Me, you, kiss!'

They slept together at his hotel later that night and when she discovered she was pregnant she tracked him down through his agent, Jorge Mendes, according to the Sunday Mirror.

Image Courtesy: Socialitelife.celebuzz.com

Dutch Star Wesley Sneijder Marries TV Presenter Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen- Pictures

26-year-old Dutch football star Wesley Sneijder married 25-year-old tv presenter and actress Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen in Tuscany, Italy on Saturday 17th July, 2010.

The couple were accompanied by Sneijder's four-year-old son from his first marriage plus a host of football and showbiz friends.

They were married in a church in the Church of San Giusto e Clemente in Castelnuovo Berardenga, about nine miles from Siena.
Yolanthe arrived in a horse-drawn carriage and the couple released doves during their ceremony.

Check some of Wesley Sneijder's Wedding Photographs below:

Wesley Sneijder's boy Jessey at his Father's Wedding Ceremony

Wesley Sneijder and Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen

News and Image Courtesy: Worldshowbiz.info and Dailymail.co.uk

Thierry Henry Retires from Internation Football, Signs for New York Red Bulls

Thierry Henry Signs for New York Red Bulls

Thierry Henry shakes hands with head of Red Bulls Global Soccer Dietmar Beiersdorfer (L)

The Major League Soccer club has announced that French striker Thierry Henry has signed for the New York Red Bulls.

Henry joins from Barcelona, where he spent three seasons and won two Spanish league titles as well as the European Champions League. The 32-year-old is France’s leading goalscorer having netted 51 times for his country. His signing on a “multi-year contract” represents a major coup for the Red Bulls and for the MLS. Henry will become one of the most high-profile names in the league, alongside England international David Beckham.

He has signed a multiyear contract ( 4 years) and Henry is expected to make his Red Bulls' debut next Thursday in an exhibition against Premier League club Tottenham.

"Some people might think I am going to go there for vacation - I do actually go there for vacation - but it won't be for vacation this time," Henry, 32, said in a video interview on the club website. "I'm a competitor, and I don't like to lose."

Good Luck Henry!

Photo Credit: Reuters
News Credit: SFGate.com

"Paul" Predicts Germany's Exit From Semi Finals

Heres Paul again!...The Oracle Octopus that lives at the Oberhausen’s Sea life Aquarium has predicted Germany's exit from the semifinal of the world Cup 2010. This Octopus has been giving accurate predictions of every Germany's match in this World Cup. Paul, now forecasts that the Germany will lose to Spain in the semifinals.

How does he make predictions? Everytime they wanted to know about Paul’s forecast, they randomly place two boxes of food in the octopus’ tank. One is with the German flag; the other with the opponent’s. To tell the psychic’s prophecy, they must see what box does Paul’s legs crawl and eat the food on it. Paul predicted Germany's win over Australia, Ghana, England and Argentina. Paul also forecasted Germany’s loss to Serbia.

"The Beautiful" Larissa Riquelme Watching "The Beautiful Game"

Football's most famous,glamorous and "super sexy" fan Paraguay's model Larissa Riquelme has vowed that she will run naked if Paraguay wins the World Cup. See how Larissa Riquelme (in pictures) is enjoying the World Cup Football with other fans.

After seeing her, I have changed my mind. I now wish Paraguay to win the World Cup this year and I wish to know the model of her mobile. Any guesses guys?

"The Beautiful" Watching The Beautiful Game- Larissa Riquelme

Too Little Too Late

So in the end the Socceroos finish on the same amount of points as they did in 2006. Except then they were making their way to the Final 16. Now they are on their way out. Of course goal difference is the big factor. Now it was the four goal loss that blew them out of the water – this provided a huge mountain which they just couldn’t overcome.

It was a shame as Australia are a pretty good team and one that could have gone far in the tournament.

So where did it all go wrong for Australia? First of all, they were far too negative against Germany. Not only did they lose the game and not only did they get thumped but it was the manner in which they lost which was the most upsetting. Australia should have backed itself and that could have resulted in a far better outcome. Instead they meekly surrendered. Live betting hammered them in the opening game with no-one betting on them once the game began.

It didn’t help for Australia that they finished two games with 10 men. They only took one point from these two games. Against Ghana they could have won but it was hard with 10 men and hard without the suspended Tim Cahill. Australia did well to take four points from the final two games but like South Africa and Slovenia they will bow out.

The next assignment is for Australia to find a coach. It is alleged that the replacement will be one of the other 31 coaches at the World Cup. The successor to Pim Verbeek needs to be more aggressive and needs to have greater faith in the A-League. Verbeek was ok but he wasted opportunities. Now he heads to Morocco.

Four years ago, following the departure of Guus Hiddink, Australia went to the Asian Cup without a coach. Graham Arnold was the caretaker and Australia paid the penalty. Hopefully they learned that lesson. Australia are in a group containing South Korea, India and Bahrain. Obviously South Korea will be tricky but Australia should have no problem taking maximum points from the other two games. It isn’t an easy tournament and hopefully the new coach will have the reins to steer some of the next generation through.

The thing about tournaments is that you never know what is going to happen next. You can recreate what you had and when they are four years apart they are even more previous.

Darren Albert writes for this blog. He also writes about online betting.

Raymond Domenech- A Shameless French Manager

French manager Raymond Domenech refuses to shake hands with South Africa's manager Carlos Alberto Parreira- A Shameless French. France deserves to be out of World Cup. 1st Thierry Henry "single handed"ly made France to the WC Finals and now their shameless manager.

Carlos Alberto Parreira Explains "Why" that Shameless French Refused to Shake Hands

6-4-0 Tactics? Greece Should Play 2 Goalkeepers

Yesterday, while watching the match between Argentina and Greece, I thought what on Earth did their coach put Samaras in striker position, even Samaras was defending. There were 4 center backs, and add to that 2 full-backs, I mean that was their do or die match and coach Oto Rehegaal made them play such an ultra defensive game? The full backs were sometimes finding it really difficult to pass forward as all the players were in their half and in the same line. There was even a miss kick from their goalkeeper directly to the body of their own defender.

One real chance Greece got though Samaras was miskicked by the player...I mean you know your player's quality and taking that into account, you planned an ultradefensive strategy. Greece, in real sense was playing with 6-4-0 tactics. Even a FIFA 105 Ranked team, North Korea was not soooooo defensive with Brazil or Portugal. They have put North Korea to shame also. Even a 37-year old Palermo scored a goal against that worse defensive strategy Greece.

I think what would be the scoreline if any day Greece plays with Italy? I think all the FIFA ranked nations should appeal to FIFA to give Greece the permission to play 2 goalkeepers in any international match, atleast then the strikers would have some job to do. How on earth Greece made it to the WC finals..God knows!

So, in the end, I would like to briefly summarize the match:

1) Greece was playing with 4 center backs and 2 full backs...and they were playing in a do-or-die game.

2) Their striker was also defending.

3) All nations should appeal to FIFA to make Greece play 2 goalkeepers in a match.

4) Greece was playing 6-4-0 game.

5) Even North Korea was also not that defensive against Brazil or Portugal.

6) With that defensive strategy also, Greece concedes a goal from a 37-year old Argentine sriker Palermo.

7) How on Earth, Greece made it to the WC finals?

8) I want to apply for the position of Greece National Team coach. :D

The above article has been an idea of iPhone Application Development Company [X]CubeLabs

Teams Strategy Revealed...Ooops!

Teams Strategy Revealed

World Cup 2010 Official Song "Waka "Waka" by Shakira: Full Lyrics

The song "Waka Waka" is based on a Cameroonian hit called Zangalewa by the Golden Sounds.

SONG

You're a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
And back in the saddle
You're on the frontline
Everyone's watching
You know it's seriousv We're getting closer
This isnt over
The pressure is on
You feel it
But you've got it all
Believe it
When you fall get up
Oh oh...
And if you fall get up
Oh oh...
Cuz this is Africa
This time for Africa
Listen to your god
This is our motto
Your time to shine
Dont wait in line
Y vamos por Todo
People are raising
Their Expectations
Go on and feed them
This is your moment
No hesitations
Today's your day
I feel it
You paved the way
Believe it
If you get down
Get up Oh oh...
When you get down
Get up eh eh...
Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka Waka eh eh

World Cup 2010: Kicks With Chicks : Female Football Fans!

Kicks With Chiks : Fanatic Female Football Fans!

Argentina Female Football Fan

Australia Female Football Fans

Brazil Female Football Fans

Denmark Female Football Fan

England Female Football Fans

France Female Football Fans

German Female Football Fans

Greece Female Football Fans

Holland Female Football Fans

Iran Female Football Fans

Italy Female Football Fans

Mexico Female Football Fans

Paraguay Female Football Fans

Portugal Female Football Fans

South Korea Female Football Fans

Spain Female Football Fans

Sweden Female Football Fans

USA Female Football Fans