Nike Total 90 Omni ball introduced

Nike's red and white Total 90 Omni is the official Barclays Premier League match ball for the 2008/09 season.
Barclays Premiere League official website has announced.

The ball has been engineered to set new performance standards for consistency, accuracy and visibility, having been tested and proven over two years - in computer simulations, in Nike research labs, and with some of the world's biggest clubs and best players. Its new, innovative panel geometry is designed to give players consistent response and touch wherever they strike the ball. Engineered hexagons and pentagons fit precisely together to create a nearly perfect sphere.

fly faster

It is more predictable and more powerful wherever it is hit. Significantly, players say it gives them added confidence when they approach the ball.
Nike's answer to shots and passes that drift off their intended mark is an exclusive, aerodynamic micro-grooved PU casing. It was developed in the wind tunnel, and designed to fly faster and truer to the target.
To help players make better split-second judgments, Nike introduced performance graphics and colour to the game in the original Total 90 Ball. The new ball takes the idea to the next level. A new, red asymmetrical band encircling the ball generates a more powerful visual signal as it rotates, providing a quicker read on ball location, spin rate, speed and trajectory from any angle. It is designed to help players make better decisions at top-speed, when the pressure is on.

Top 20 in Fifa rankings

 Spain head the Fifa world rankings after triumphing at Euro 2008 in style.

1. (4) Spain
2. (3) Italy
3. (5) Germany
4. (2) Brazil
5. (10) Netherlands
6. (1) Argentina
7. (15) Croatia
8. (6) Czech Republic
9. (11) Portugal
10. (7) France
11. (24) Russia
12. (12) Romania
13. (13) Cameroon
14. (20) Turkey
15. (9) England
16. (17) Scotland
17. (18) Bulgaria
18. (8) Greece
19. (14) Mexico
20. (16) Ghana

Manchester City in spending spree are still hopeful over Ronaldinho

BBC has reported that Man City are still in the race to get Ronaldinho. 

Manchester City executive chairman Garry Cook remains confident they can convince Brazilian star Ronaldinho to sign for the club.

The 28-year-old is set to leave Barcelona and City have been in talks with Ronaldinho's representatives about bringing him to Eastlands.
Ronaldinho, who struggled with form and fitness problems last season, has also been linked with a move to AC Milan and Chelsea, but Cook said City are genuine contenders in the race to capture one of the game's biggest names.
Brazilian striker Jo joined Manchester City from CSKA Moscow on Wednesday for what the English Premier League side said was a "club record" undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old forward, capped once by Brazil, signed a four-year contract and in the process became Mark Hughes's first major signing at Eastlands since he replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson as City manager.
Jo, full name Joao Alves de Assis Silva, is a left-footed forward who joined several fellow Brazilians at CSKA in 2006 when he moved from Corinthians.
It had been reported that City expected to pay around 19 million pounds (38 million dollars) for the striker, who scored 44 goals in 77 matches for the Russian club.The club are keen to pair him with the former World Player of the Year.

Grant Wahl Euro 2008 prediction

"Germany knows how to convert set-pieces. How many times have we seen the Germans be outplayed on the field, only to win the game on a ruthlessly converted set-piece goal? It happened again in the quarterfinals against Portugal, and this Spanish team reminds me a lot of its Iberian counterpart. Marchena and Puyol are not nearly as tall as Germany's Miroslav Klose, Schweinsteiger and Christoph Metzelder, and the goals that Spain has allowed in this tournament have come on balls in the air. Spain may outplay the Germans, but they will not out-set-piece them."

A look at Euro 2008 super semi-finalists

Germany: German assistant coach Hans Dieter Flick summed up his team nicely by saying they were “a real tournament team”; however they did leave more to be desired with some of their performances in the group stage, where they lost to Croatia and scraped past Austria. They booked a quarter-final date with Portugal courtesy of wins over Poland and Austria, the first time since 1996 that the Germans have managed to survive the group stages in European competition. That year they went on to lift the trophy. The quarter-final itself was a straightforward affair with the Germans playing an attacking game with their two star wingers Bastian Schweinsteiger and Luckaz Podolski. Inspirational captain Michel Ballack also showed his class in a more attacking role as he scored the crucial goal in a 3-2 win.

This will be Germany’s sixth semi-final in European competition and so far their record is impressive, winning four out of five. Their only loss came on home soil in 1988. The Germans have been involved in six penalty shootouts across past competitions and have won five of them; their only defeat was in 1976.

The Germans have no players suspended, and three players are expected to return from injury. These include influential midfielder Torsten Frings who should play despite a fractured rib and defender Martin Jansen who overcame a shoulder injury. The Germans will field a full strength squad, and they also have history on their side. They are favorites to progress to the final on June 29.

Turkey: The Turks have been the undisputed comeback kings of the tournament. They were not expected to go past the group stages after having been drawn with the likes of Portugal and the Czech Republic. But they came from behind to win against Switzerland and the Czechs and ensured their passage to the quarter-finals, where they met the Croats. During the course of the game the Croatians huffed and puffed, eventually scoring in the 119th minute, but even then German striker Semih Senturk found a way through. The ensuing penalty shootout, the first-ever for the Turkish side, saw them win 3-1 with replacement 35-year old keeper Rustu Recber producing a fine save.

Turkey have only ever played in one semi-final, in the 2002 FIFA World Cup against Brazil, which they lost 1-0. Key players include Nihat Kahveci, Arda Turan and Semih Senturk, all of whom have been influential in their victories so far.

They do however have a lot of injury and suspension worries. Midfielders Arda Turan, Tucay Sanli and defender Emre Asik are suspended while Nihat Kahveci is injured. Brazil-born Midfielder Mehmet Aurelio will also return for the game. In their absence it can only be said that their coach Fatih Tehrim will attempt to unite the team and hope their determination will see them through.

Russia: Russia’s 4-1 mauling at the hands of Spain in their opening game of the tournament seems to have been forgotten, and why not, with the kind of slick passing football they have displayed? It is no surprise that they have gone so far in the competition. In the final two group games they defeated defending champions Greece and Sweden to book a meeting with tournament high-fliers the Netherlands. They pressed forward continuously and frustrated the Dutch strike force with some determined performances, eventually winning 3-1 in extra time.

Russia’s tournament came alive when midfielder Andrei Arshavin overcame injury in time for the final group match against Sweden. He brought added freshness and creativity to the Russian midfield which left many top sides defeated. His close control, passing, penetrative running and an ability to spot and deliver the perfect pass have been key factors in his team’s journey to the semi-finals. Performances from striker Pavlyuchenko and midfielder Torbinski have also proved vital. Torbinski and defender Kolodin will however miss the game against Spain through suspension, picking up yellow cards in the last game.

This is Russia’s first appearance in a major semi-final as an independent nation. In the days of the USSR, they were champions in 1980 and runners-up in 1964, 1972 and 1988.

Spain: For once, Spain have lived up to their pre-tournament ‘favourite’ tag. They are the only remaining team in the tournament with a 100 percent unbeaten record. They went through the group stage with convincing victories, and found themselves rewarded with a quarter-final meeting with world champions Italy. In a game in which both teams had world-class goalkeepers, it was fitting that they were the ones who eventually settled the affair, with Spanish keeper Iker Casillas saving twice from the penalty spot. In doing so the Spanish have broken their June 22 jinx – they have previously lost quarter-final penalty shootouts to Belgium, England and South Korea on the same date in the past.

Spain have twice reached the European Championship semi-finals, where they have a perfect record. They have only once gone on to win the tournament, however, in 1968. They have been involved in six penalty shootouts, of which they have won three. Spain’s most potent player is striker David Villa who is also the top scorer in the tournament. Apart from scoring goals he has provided a number of assists, free kicks and penalties. Other star players include the midfield trio of Cesc Fabregas, Marcos Senna and Xavi Hernandez. They have no suspension or injury worries for the game, on top of which defender Carlos Puyol and winger David Silva have been declared fit to play.

On paper there is a good chance we may get to see a dream Germany-Spain final but with the presence of Turkey and Russia who have shown determination and class throughout the tournament there is no telling who will play in Vienna on June 29.

More stars in english premier league

There is going to be cluster of stars in English Premier League. Look at the list. I hope Fifa's 6+5 policy is implemented.

CRISTIANO RONALDO, MAN UTD
The Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo will be offered a staggering pay package by Real Madrid of £9.5m a year after tax - £182,000 a week, making him the world's best-paid footballer by far. Manchester United have been reported as willing to pay him £150,000 a week and may need to up their offer to keep hold of their star player. (Daily Telegraph: 13/6/08)

KAKA, AC MILAN
The Fifa World Player of the Year Kaka is thought to be at the top of Luiz Felipe Scolari's wishlist for Chelsea, with the Brazilian playmaker expected to cost the London club £60m. The 26-year-old has been a long-term target for the Stamford Bridge club and it's believed Scolari, the former Brazil coach, could lure his one-time charge. (Guardian: 13/6/08)

FERNANDO TORRES, LIVERPOOL
Having been told by club boss Roman Abramovich that money is no object, Scolari is linked to an audacious bid for Liverpool's Spanish striker Fernando Torres. The 24-year-old, who scored 33 goals for the Anfield side, is happy at his current club but Chelsea will hope to exploit tensions between the two American owners of their rivals. (Times: 13/6/08)

LUKAS PODOLSKI, BAYERN MUNICH
The German international striker has admitted he is interested in leaving Munich. Man City are prepared to pay £20m for the 23-year-old. (The Times: 12/6/08)

GARETH BARRY, ASTON VILLA
Liverpool will have to offer at least £18m in cash for Aston Villa's England midfielder Gareth Barry. After lower offers of £10m-and-players, £12m and £15m were all rejected by the Midlands club. Barry's agent has confirmed that his client wanted Champions League football next season, which appears to leave Villa seeking the best deal possible. (The Sun : 12/6/08)

ANTON FERDINAND, WEST HAM
Anton Ferdinand, brother of England captain Rio and former U-21 international, is being tracked by Tottenham Hotspur. The 22-year-old came through the same West Ham academy as his brother and spent five years at the club. His London switch is expected to cost Spurs £6m. (Times: 11/6/08)

GIOVANI DOS SANTOS, SPURS: £4.7M
Barcelona's teenage sensation Giovani Dos Santos has signed for Spurs for £4.7m rising to a potential £8.6m depending on appearances and subject to the player agreeing terms with the north London club. The Mexican international will link up with fellow new signing Luka Modric in what could be a formidable attacking line-up for Spurs. (Guardian: 11/6/08)

AARON RAMSEY, CARDIFF CITY
Cardiff City's £5m-rated wunderkind Aaron Ramsey, dubbed the 'new Ryan Giggs', is believed to have chosen Arsenal over Manchester United and Everton, the three clubs pursuing him, after he and his family were flown to Switzerland for a meeting with Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal boss reassured the Welsh international that he would be allowed to develop his talents at Arsenal and would not be sent out on loan, possibly back to his old club. (Guardian: 10/6/08)

SAMUEL ETO'O, BARCELONA
The first clash between Chelsea and their former manager Jose Mourinho is looming, and will take place over Barcelona attacker Samuel Eto'o. Mourinho wants to sign the 27-year-old for Inter Milan, and is more than happy to derail the Londoners' £22m bid for the Cameroon striker. (Sun: 10/6/08)

RONALDINHO, BARCELONA
The unlikely spectacle of Ronaldinho in a sky blue Man City shirt seemed closer as Barcelona accepted City's offer of £13m and granted the Eastlands side permission to speak with the former World Footballer of the Year. The 28-year-old is reported to have told friends in Brazil that he is moving to the Premier League side. (Times: 9/6/08)

DECO, BARCELONA
Barcelona's Portuguese midfielder Deco looks set to move to Chelsea in a tranfers that could set off a domino chain of related deals. The 30-year-old, who was born in Brazil, could move for £15m, and may signal that his national team coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, may be on his way to Stamford Bridge after the Euro 2008 tournament. (Daily Mail: 9/6/08)

PATRICK VIEIRA, INTER MILAN
It doesn't quite rival Man City's bid for Ronaldinho, but Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp would have pulled off quite a coup should he manage to lure Patrick Vieira to Fratton Park. The Inter Milan midfielder could reunite with his ex-Arsenal teammates Sol Campbell, Lauren and Nwankwo Kanu in a £4m transfer that would see the 31-year-old offered £100,000 a week wages. (Daily Telegraph: 9/6/08)

EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN, BARCELONA
Icelandic hitman Eidur Gudjohnsen has been told that he can leave Barcelona, causing a scramble among Premier League teams eager to sign the former Chelsea striker. Newcastle and West Ham have inquired after the 29-year-old, who will cost around £4m. The Hammers bid for the player last year but the Spanish giants wouldn't sell then. (Sun: 6/6/08)

ANDREA DOSSENA, UDINESE
Liverpool will shortly sign the Italian left-back Andrea Dossena from Udinese for a fee thought to be around £7m. The Merseysiders gave the defender, who has one national cap, a medical on Wednesday and will pay £1m less than the Series A club originally demanded. (Times: 5/6/08)

ROQUE SANTA CRUZ, BLACKBURN
With Mark Hughes departed as manager, Blackburn Rovers face a fight to keep hold of their goal sensation Roque Santa Cruz. Manchester City, Hughes' new club, are obvious favourites to sign the 26-year-old, who scored 23 goals last season, but their city rivals United are also in the market for the Paraguayian attacker, according to the player. (Sky Sports: 5/6/08)

PABLO AIMAR, REAL ZARAGOZA
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan could swoop for the Argentinian attacker Aimar after his club put him on the market with a £6.5m price tag. Zaragoza were relegated from La Liga this season and have to cut their wages bill. (Daily Mirror: 3/6/08)

JO, CSKA MOSCOW
Yet another Eastlands target, Brazilian striker Jo is expected to sign for Manchester City later this week in a deal that could come in at close to £20m. The 21-year-old has a solitary cap for his country and would be the club's record signing. (Guardian: 3/6/08)

WAYNE HENNESSEY, WOLVES
North London rivals Arsenal and Spurs are both on the trail of Wolves' highly rated young goalkeeper Hennessey. Arsene Wenger is believed to be ready to pay £3m for the 22-year-old Welsh international whose heroics against Holland recently impressed. (Daily Mirror: 3/6/08)

Bayern Munich Football club scores in cricket crazy India

Bayern Munich, the reigning German soccer champion and four-time European Cup winner, faced more than an Indian club when it played in Kolkata today. It was trying to overcome a cricket culture and England's Premier League.

Bayern won the game 3-0 with Jan Schlaudraff scoring twice and Zé Roberto grabbing the other. A defensive blunder allowed Schlaudraff to score the opener after 18 minutes, before Zé Roberto curled in a free kick on 37 minutes after Mohun keeper Sangram Mukherjee had handled outside the area.
Bayern’s third goal arrived six minutes into the second half when Jan Schlaudraff fired home from close range following good work from Christian Lell.

Bayern, which beat Mohun Bagan 3-0 in front of 120,000 fans, is seeking to convert consumers in India -- the world's second most-populous nation with 1.1 billion people -- to soccer from cricket and overcome a bias to English teams among those who already follow the sport.

Indians have traditionally favored cricket, the game brought there by the British when it was the colonial power. Broadcast rights to a new six-week cricket tournament, featuring some of the world's top players and promoted by Bollywood movie stars, were sold to India's Sony Television Network and the Singapore-based World Sports Group for $1 billion, according to the Australian newspaper.

David Beckham's 70 yard goal against Kansas

How C Ronaldo and others can win treble this year

A nervy two week countdown starts on Saturday as the 16 Euro 2008 finalists put the finishing touches to their squads ahead of the opening game between co-hosts Switzerland and the Czech Republic in Basel.

The June 7-29 European footballing extravaganza offers Manchester United quintet Patrice Evra, Edwin van der Sar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Mikael Silvestre a shot at a unique Premier League-Champions League and Euro treble.

While for beaten Champions League finalist Chelsea's Claude Makelele, Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Ballack, Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka and Petr Cech the tournament represents a chance of wiping away the tears of that drama-laden penalty shoot-out defeat.

France manager Raymond Domenech will be relieved to hear that full-back Evra resisted the temptation to join the rest of his celebrating United colleagues in painting Moscow's Red Square even redder after Wednesday night's heroics.

Man United: Ferguson wants Owen for next season

Manchester United have made an informal approach to Michael Owen’s agent regarding a possible summer move to Old Trafford, according to the News of the World.

Sir Alex Ferguson has wasted no time as he tries to strengthen his forward line for the upcoming season and the possibility of a cut-price US$14 million deal for the England hitman would make a good investment and allow the Scotsman more funds to bid for his other transfer targets.

"We will buy," said the Scot. "Along with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, we may need experience in one forward position, somebody to take over from Ryan Giggs eventually."

Owen’s move to United is seen as a straight replacement for the often crocked French striker, Louis Saha, but the United coaching staff are said to have fears that not only will Owen replace Saha’s bench role but also take over his place on the Old Trafford treatment table.

Ferguson has countered these worries by coming up with an incentive-based contract which will see Owen being paid by the amount of games he plays and also number of goals scored.
If the deal does go through, Newcastle and Liverpool fans will be an angry bunch as Tyneside has only just begun seeing the full potential of a fully fit Owen while the Liverpool fans will be angered by the fact that their former prodigy has chosen to join one of their biggest rivals in the English game.

What is with Manchester City

Manchester United could take some help from it's neighbour City. City needs to win or at least draw with Chelsea, so that Man Utd get a breathing space at the top of the table. But Chelsea are heading for a win and trimming the point difference to 2 before United's match tomorrow. They are 2-0 up at the at 68 min.

Real Madrid coach- Christiano Ronaldo is the best

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is better than AC Milan's world player of the year Kaka, according to Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster.
The 23-year-old scored against Roma on Tuesday to take his tally to 36 goals for the season, while Kaka's form has dipped in Serie A.
"Ronaldo has already overtaken Kaka after (the Brazilian's) recent slump," said the German coach.
"Right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world."
Kaka beat Ronaldo into third place in the voting for Fifa's world player of the year award last December, with Barcelona's Lionel Messi in second.
But Ronaldo's mesmeric form this season has seen the Portuguese winger move to the top of many observers' lists.
Schuster added that he would like to sign Ronaldo, although he accepted United were unlikely to let him leave in the immediate future.
"He's the star at Old Trafford and until they win the Champions League and another league title or two then they aren't going to let him go," he said.
"So in the short term I don't think it will be possible to sign him.
"But in a couple of years, yes, I believe he could be wearing the white shirt at the Bernabeu."

Champion's league last 16 prediction

AC Milan vs Arsenal - AC Milan
Inter Milan vs Liverpool - Liverpool
Real Madrid vs AS Roma - Real Madrid
Manchester United vs Lyon - Manchester United
Barcelona vs. Celtic - Celtic
Chelsea vs. Olympiakos - Chelsea
Schalke vs. FC Porto - sorry no idea
Fenerbahce vs. Sevilla - Sevilla

Why Christiano lost to Kaka

Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Manchester United lost both world and european player of the year 2007 to Kaka of Brazil and AC Milan. Ronaldo had a great 06-07season. The only reason why he lost might be because of his antics on field. His repeated diving inside the box to gain penalty might have gone against him.
You might also remember that Ronaldo did not win Gillete youth player of Fifa world cup 2006. The honour went to Podolski of Germany.

La Liga history repeating in English Premiere league

This EPL season seems to be heading the previous seasons la liga way. Barca was trampling over other clubs but suddenly their form dipped and they failed to win any title and Real Madrid clinching the la liga . This time around I think Arsenal will go the same way. Their unbeaten streak has ended.And I predict Manchester United clinching the title like Real.

P.S.: I am a MAN U fan,so,pls bear with me for my prediction.

Goal a must watch for soccer fans

Goal is not a bad film but at the same time not a unique film either despite the focusing on a sport attempted very few times in India. However, the film isn’t a complete waste. In football terms its something like a midfield. Football is a sport witnessed very few times in Indian cinema and somewhere you can call it a brave attempt. The sports and the setting is unique but the plot however as mentioned before has been witnessed a number of times.
The biggest risk while attempting to make a sports film is that unless you make that extra effort to flow against the tide while writing the screenplay, it can get too predictable. And that’s exactly the problem with Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal .
Soccer lovers might prefer to watch the film as well as John Abraham fans. So if you aren’t too keen on watching Madhuri Dixit’s comeback next week then Goal is a safe bet. Or else just pick up the DVD of Chak De India !

IPL or ICL whatever!!! will fail

The media is abuzz with reports that ownership of teams of BCCI backed Indian Premiere league is being sought after several industrialist and teams of English Premiership league and National Basketball Association. But I feel that the league will fail as in case of other sports club matches are played more than than international matches . Whereas in cricket more interntional matches are played . In soccer hardly four international matches are played in a month and most of matches are qualifiers.So there is craze for club matches. In cricket, there are three format. So International matches plus club matches together will in end kill the passion for the game.
For IPL to survive it will have to eat into the market of international cricket especially of test matches .

Sir Alex Ferguson gets all sentimental

It comes to something when Sir Alex Ferguson gets all sentimental about Arsène Wenger, but the distinct lack of genuine competition his side have encountered these past few weeks appears to have left him feeling that way.

Ferguson was reminiscing in his programme notes about "old times before Chelsea muscled in on the act" when Arsenal and United would take it in turns to go top of the Premier League. Much as Wenger had been relishing "the last question mark" which Arsenal's trip to Liverpool yesterday represented, the United manager evidently cannot wait to try out his new strike force against Wenger's side on Saturday.


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Andrew Symond abuse was not racist

Andrew Symonds who was subjected to monkey chants was not racist. I was part of the crowd . It started when just to create some noise every one was making some sounds . The monkey chant is the only one which sounds good in union and every one started chanting it. It was particularly targeted at symonds because of his long hairs and whatever-he-applies on his lips. We indians wouldn't taunt coloured men since we are the same.
This chant is connected to racism in european football ,hence,it was mistaken that we were racially abusing symonds.

What is the stature of Twenty20 cup?Is it important

India has won the cup,but is it really worth the euphoria exceeding the 50 over world cup. ICC have shown in the past that they can give and take importance to a tournament when they scrapped the champions trophy. And this cup will be played again after 2 years. So how important is it?In contrast there was no euphoria when we won Hockey asia cup. This tournament has its importance . ICC should like FIFA world cup give a stature to a tournament.