Soccer Fan Club

I know, you guys are busy watching World Cup these days. But have you ever laughed while watching serious soccer no naa, then you just check these funny soccer clips - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaFm47lsL2g . I am sure you will burst into laugh.

Quarter Final matches of World Cup 2006
Sl/no.	Date	Grp								Grp
I-9	30 Jun’06	I-1		Germany	1	vs.	1		Argentina “PS”-(Ger 4-2 Arg)	I-2
I-10	30 Jun’06	I-5		Italy	3	vs.	0		Ukraine	I-6
I-11	1 Jul’06	I-3		England	0	vs.	0		Portugal “PS”-(Eng 1-3 Por)	I-4
I-12	1 Jul’06	I-7		Brazil	0	vs.	1		France	I-8

Note:- “PS” = Penalty Shootout.

Round of 16
Sl/no.	Date	Grp		Winner					Runner	Grp
I-1	24 Jun’06	A		Germany	2	vs.	0		Sweden	B
I-2	24 Jun’06	C		Argentina	2	vs.	1		Mexico	D
I-3	25 Jun’06	B		England	1	vs.	0		Ecuador	A
I-4	25 Jun’06	D		Portugal	1	vs.	0		Netherlands	C
I-5	26 Jun’06	E		Italy	1	vs.	0		Australia	F
I-6	26 Jun’06	G		Switzerland	0	vs.	0		Ukraine “PS”-(swz 0- 3 ukr)	H
I-7	27 Jun’06	F		Brazil	3	vs.	0		Ghana	E
I-8	27 Jun’06	H		Spain	1	vs.	3		France	G

Note:- (PS) = Penalty Shootout.

Did you know?
Two years before the inauguration of the FIFA World Cup in 1930, French sculptor Abel Lafleurwas assigned the task of sculpting a new trophy? But unfortunately the little Cup had a hazardous existence. The Italian Vice President of FIFA, Ottorino Barassi, hid it in a shoebox under his bed throughout the World War II to protect it, from occupying troops. But the cup disappeared in 1966 and was found buried under a tree by a little dog called “Pickles”. In 1983 it was stolen in Rio de Janeiro! Today’s cup is only a replica of the real trophy.

In soccer, referee’s judgment is the final judgment. I know referee works hard to run the match successfully. But what if when the referee supports a team, which is strong. Strong in the sense, they have been participating in World Cup finals since long time. Let’s take example of yesterday’s match between Brazil vs. Australia. I know Brazil was 5 time champions. But in yesterday match Australian played comparatively well than Brazil. Unnecessarily fouls were given to Brazil. I have seen when Brazilian was not able to come up with the ball, they just fell down on the field and referee peep the whistle. So, this way referee makes the game a one sided. I don’t know why referee do this. Do they get biases with the name of Brazil? Or felt some sort of pressure from top official? Whatever, if this trends continues, the new team which comes up with new skills and spirit to participate in World Cup Finals. They might think thousands times before participating.

In another match between Italy vs. USA, which was draw (1-1), during the match the Americans were penalised for 24 fouls, 18 in the first half. Italy was punished 13 times in the whole game.

After the match Head coach of the US team Bruce Arena stated that “It’s natural. The powers of the game get a little more respect. One day the US will get some of those calls.”

That was another Example of bad refereeing. Some referees are spoiling the spirit of world cup’2006.

The latest football which is being used in world cup’2006 found not a goalkeeper friendly. Most of the goalkeepers have minor irritations about this ball. It’s a very light ball. The difference is only a fraction of a second but it’s a big difference. This ball has a wobble. It’s not an easy ball to catch. And a sports scientist at the University of Bath in England believes that the ball, designed by Adidas, has 14 panels instead of the 26 or 32 that traditionally create the hexagonal pattern and Ken Bray which makes the ball behave more like a baseball. England’s goalie Paul Robinson states that the ball is “goalkeeper-unfriendly”. But this ball is perfect for attackers.