The Benefits of Playing Soccer

The Benefits of Playing Soccer

The game of soccer, or original "football" is one of the most favored sports in the world. Unlike American football or baseball, soccer is a sport that is certainly played all around the world by people of all ages and background. What makes soccer quite popular? It could be the easiness of play and set-up, the belief that it can be played anywhere having a large, flat working surface and needs minimal equipment, occasionally simply a makeshift soccer ball. Besides the fact soccer might be played in nearly any large, flat area, it is also inexpensive.

Soccer makes its approach to the U.S. and such as other wealthier countries like those invoved with Europe, the game of soccer has become a great investment of energy and money. Kids of all ages play soccer from age five up through high school and college. Adult recreation soccer leagues may also be popular.

In the U.S., soccer can be a popular game introducing young athletes to because it's an easy task to learn and team camaraderie is established. Soccer is much more than a pursuit for young kids to use up each of their energy. The act of playing soccer has numerous benefits which makes it great for people of all ages. If you're for the fence about participating in soccer, allow me to share the main advantages of playing soccer:

Soccer Encourages Social Interaction

One can't play and even have soccer practice, or at best a great one, being by one's self. Sure, you'll be able to practice shooting, but without having a goalie, the practice won't be as beneficial. Soccer is a team sport and requires one to effectively listen, contact and obey one's coach and teammates.

Soccer promotes social interaction, which is crucial for young kids. Verbal, comprehension and decision-making skills are improved while playing soccer which assists kids since they become adults.

Soccer Encourages Teamwork as well as a Group Attitude

As mentioned earlier, soccer is a team sport, meaning each player is essential to the team's success. Every player must focus on the skills would have to be the best player they can be to be able to help their team excel. Soccer teaches players discipline and commitment on the team. This power to think about how one's attitude and actions affect others and putting others before one's personal concerns and wants groom kids into adults that can better resolve conflict, be great teammates, coworkers and leaders. Being a part of a soccer team will force players to settle differences, learn compromise and earn amends for that betterment of the team.

Soccer Gets People to Stay Active

Soccer is often a favorite sport for young athletes to obtain involved with as it is often a good way so they can burn off each of their energy. Beginning soccer can also be just the thing for young children since the rules are really simple to understand along with the players could be constantly engaged.

Soccer is a good cardiovascular workout, requiring players to become actively moving. The anticipation of blocking a trial, intercepting a pass or making a wonderful shot on goal motivates players to operate faster and harder than merely taking a regular run. Soccer can indeed distract one from realizing they are getting exercise, which makes the overall game fun for those who would normally not active or into fitness.

Both indoor and outdoor soccer require players to also get off the couch and on the field. The act of "getting out" means a shorter time laying on the couch binge watching TV shows or gaming. The active lifestyle of soccer ultimately boosts one's mood and attitude, improves one's energy levels and mental health insurance and reduces one's risk of medical issues.

Soccer is Good for One's Health

Research shows that playing soccer yields multiple physical, sociological and psychological benefits. Soccer involves cardiovascular exercise that strengthens the heart, improves the circulation of blood, lowers stress, strengthens the lungs and tones muscles which adds to the functioning and correct alignment of the skeletal system.

The sociological important things about soccer helps one better communicate with others and learn valuable skills like teamwork, dedication, responsibility and conflict resolution. The exercise of soccer lowers stress and improves brain functioning and boosts one's mood, making one happier.

Soccer Players Are More Likely to Continue Playing

Those who play soccer are more likely to continue living a wholesome, active lifestyle by continuing to try out soccer. Even as adults, people who was raised playing soccer or who just started playing soccer tend to be devoted to sticking to it than other kinds of exercise including running. There are multiple, possible reasons behind this such as "team" facet of soccer.

Soccer Can Reduce Stress, Especially Among Men

Studies demonstrate that playing soccer reduces one's probability of hypertension, heart disease and falls. Similar reports have also concluded that playing soccer and running yield similar health improvements and mood enhancements. However, by playing a soccer match triggered less anxiety when compared with merely running.

Men, especially experienced more worry when running than playing soccer. Running can be an individual sport, without team responsibility and less camaraderie. By playing soccer, men felt more motivated, involved and happy. Soccer requires participants to take into consideration another play and teammates, which leaves little room and time for players to take into consideration their personal problems and stressors.

Soccer is really a popular world sport for a lot of reasons including its simplicity of play and minimal equipment needed. Researchers have indicated that there are lots of other advantages of playing soccer including social interaction, teambuilding, an active lifestyle and improved physical, mental and emotional health.

Regardless of your respective age or playing abilities, there are soccer clubs and activities accessible in virtually any community. Simply register preventing through your local soccer equipment store to have the ball, cleats and shin guards you will need.

SOCCER CLEATS – How To Choose Them

Soccer is a game played by thousands and loved by millions. Every soccer professional chooses their cleats based on their requirement and condition from the ground. If proper cleats are certainly not worn by the player it might be a huge disadvantage on his side because cleats provide proper grip and adhesion towards ground. Soccer cleats are chosen judging by various factors, some of them are as follows-

  1. ACCORDING TO THE PLAYGROUND SURFACE- If the condition of an ground is rough and not too soft then this player should use firm ground cleats with 12 to 15 studs in other to keep friction and enable flexibility. Studs come in different shapes like conical, blade-shaped, etc. But if the ground surface is wet and muddy, then a player comes for soft surface cleats, so the stickiness of ground won't restrict friction and offers sufficient traction. However, in soft surface cleats, the number of studs is 6-7, structured ideally. And, for hard and rocky ground surface the cleats having flat studs are preferred as they provide maximum grip to take care of balance around the hard surface.
  2. ACCORDING TO THE MATERIAL- Soccer cleats are made of various types of materials like from kangaroo leather, goat leather, synthetic material, mesh, etc. Each one has its own advantage and disadvantage. The cleats made out of kangaroo leather are often preferred as they provide great comfort for your feet and therefore are quite durable. But they are very heavy and expensive so that you can also choose goat leather cleats since they are less costly and offer exactly the same comfort, but you are as heavy because former one. Cleats made from synthetic material can be used widely because they're light weighing and cheap, but they are not suitable for all you weather and are certainly not durable as kangaroo leather cleats. Many companies have started manufacturing artificial leather cleats having water resistant quality and durability.
  3. ACCORDING TO THE COMFORT- Selecting right cleat could be a challenging task because main priority is the comfort. Cleats mustn't be too small or too wide. They should fit properly and never hurt your toes causing blisters. Choose the cleats that may balance your forwards and backwards movements. Your cleats should have a large strike zone so can readily kick the ball. The insoles in cleats needs to be soft and bouncy enough.
  4. ACCORDING TO THE BUDGET- The price of cleats differs from company for the company offering a variety of quality and material. The quality of cleats is classified as top-tier cleats, mid-tier cleats, and low-tier cleats. The professional soccer player chose top-tier cleats while they are manufactured to cater the stress with the player. They are extremely expensive and price around 100$-500$ depending around the manufacturing company. The mid-tier cleats have been in great demand while they are available at cheap pricing and therefore are as durable as top-tier cleats. The low-tier cleats are for that beginner. They are cheap as well as inferior quality.

Football – Losing Its Sporting Spirit?

There is something about association football that is very appealing. The game is played by over 250 million players in over 200 nations and it has the highest television audience in sport. What is it that creates football so popular? Has still took its sporting spirit?

Unfair play
I'm knowledgeable about football in England both in the media and through the stands.

Some maintain that unfair play is spoiling the sport. Pundits talk about the so-called 'tactical foul' as if it were acceptable. As if taking an unfair advantage is okay. Yet, doesn't cheating undermine fair play?

We learn about the 'professional foul' as when it is said with approval 'He took one to the team' with an unfair advantage perhaps stopping a dangerous attack on goal. His offence ended in a yellow card in the referee.

Likewise, 'diving' may be blatant. More difficult to referee could be the player who falls unnecessarily should there be any sort of physical exposure to the tackler. This is more established. When a player is apparently injured simply to get up a bit later and immediately run at full pelt the field, fans get very indignant. This is because feigning injury occurs in order to cause a stop in play and provide team mates a breather or encourages the referee to blandish a red card sending off of the opposing player from the field.

Some argue an attitude of 'winning whatsoever costs' sometimes develops and this is killing the spirit of the overall game e.g. hand-balling the ball in the net. Better to enjoy football for the own sake as opposed to believing the only thing that matters is actually we win or lose.

Being a bad loser damages sporting spirit
It's good to find out opposing players and coaches shake hands from a game with both teams congratulating the opposite for efforts. Likewise, the group claps when a player kicks the ball beyond play if the player around the opposing side is hurt so they can get help.

However, bad losers develop petty complaints about all sorts of things. When winning at all costs rules our hearts, only then do we will feel really fed up after having a loss. Disgruntled with the referee, the substitutions, the unhealthy luck.

But maybe the opposing team deserved to win to be honest. They didn't cheat but showed good skill and energy. How many times have you accepted 'Yes i was we out-played, out-thought, out-run and out-fought: the higher team won.' Everyone is interested in people that seem honest and fair. Even children know very well what fairness is and so are most upset when cheating occurs.

Verbal abuse in football
Football is only a game. But being hidden in a very crowd some individuals desire to be verbally abusive. They openly express hostility provided to players in the opposing team, the match officials, or people of your different race to their own personal. Some fans have been known even going to abuse their very own players who may have made mistakes.

Even inside the amateur game, abuse directed at the referee can continue from some players, coaches and fans. Some parents are already heard to scream at and curse referees looking at their very own children. Sadly, football culture has its vicious side now.

Loss of community sporting spirit
Being part of a stadium crowd could be a wonderful experience. Just being there, and part from the drama and spirit of the game using its thrills and unpredictability is a large part of the fun. Living the 90 minutes having its good and bad and fulfillments and disappointments.

Yet, without any live football on English terrestrial television, people watch the highlights on Match from the Day and seem to be happy just to view the goals and the red cards and penalties and never much else. Even watching live football on pay to see television lacks the communal element of football being a sport. Instead of being part with the crowd, the telly viewer is watching one place removed.

Loss of competition in football
Modern top-flight football in England may be changed by pay to see television. It has thrown billions of pounds into creating astronomical wages, transfer and agents' fees. And to some degree all of this money has bought success about the pitch along with a commercial windfall. Why else would businessmen wish to spend money on mainly the top Premier League clubs? So much so that others can barely compete as well as the same few big clubs are available or there about at the very best in the end from the season.

Income disparities between your various leagues were once narrow giving lower league sides more of the probability of victory due to having good veterans and talented young players with various cup competitions available to them. Now there is an utter gulf between the superior and other tiers of the sport.

When the playing field can be so uneven, it unfortunately reduces unpredictability that is vital for that spirit of sport. Matches featuring one from the wealthiest clubs can sometimes become an exhibition with a forgone conclusion instead of a competition.

Money orientation in football
Average pay within the Premier league is approximately £200,000 each month, £2.5 million each year. Fans are constantly looking to assess player commitment versus income, fees paid against performance. Some commentators suggest consequently football is information on understanding the expense of everything along with the valuation on nothing. If it is true football has grown to be mostly about money, it's spoiling the superior-flight game.

Conclusion about sporting spirit
Sport can be deeply satisfying to try out and watch when the sporting spirit of the game exists. This means, being honest with ourselves about our team's performance, showing consideration for many involved, celebrating ones participation in the shared enjoyment and playing fairly.

"Whatever is great and true, just and fair, as well as honourable, carries a strong and hidden power within it to attract people's minds." (Emanuel Swedenborg, spiritual philosopher)

As a clinical psychologist, Stephen Russell-Lacy has specialised in cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy, being employed by many years with adults suffering distress and disturbance.

The Top 5 Most Successful Rugby Nations


Throughout the history of rugby, two nations have consistently stood head and shoulders above the rest - New Zealand and South Africa. Number one spot should probably go to New Zealand. New Zealand's national side, the All Blacks, is the most revered side in the world of rugby. Any New Zealander, who pulls on the famous black rugby jersey, will take the field with the backing and expectations of the whole country. Failure is not an option. The All Blacks consistently field world-class players, who achieve results that other nations can only envy. Since their first test match in 1903, the All Blacks have played 487 tests, winning a staggering 75%, winning two Rugby World Cups and are the current World Champions. The All Blacks have a long rivalry with the South African Springboks. Rugby in South Africa almost has the status of a religion and the supporters are fanatical. The country has a reputation for producing big, uncompromising players with immense skill and, before the introduction of professional rugby and neutral referees, the South Africans were almost impossible to defeat in a test series on home soil.

The Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup twice, in 1995 and 2007. Since their first international against a British Isles side in 1891, the Springboks have played 407 tests with a win ratio of 63%. Although they are currently listed just above the Springboks, at second in the IRB rankings, the Australian Wallabies fall behind them if history is taken into account. As rugby is not Australia's most popular game, support there is less fanatical than in New Zealand and South Africa. Expectations, however, are just as high and the Wallabies usually deliver. The Wallabies have played the majority of their rugby against the All Blacks and Springboks, which has greatly affected their win-loss ratio. However, this still stands at 52% from 507 matches. They have won the Rugby World Cup twice, 1991 and 1999, and are a force to be reckoned with whenever they play.

Currently ranked fourth in the world by the IRB are England. This is probably a fair reflection of their rugby history. England played their first, and incidentally the world's first ever international, against Scotland in 1871 - and lost. Since then, however, they have been the most successful of the European sides. Overall, England has played 654 internationals with a win rate of 57%. Although this is better than Australia's, it must be remembered that the Wallabies have played the top two sides far more often. England's record is affected by the side's inconsistent performances on tour, some of which have been very poor, in the modern era mainly due to the unavailability of first choice players. At present, England remains the only northern hemisphere side to have won the Rugby World Cup (2003). Rounding out the best five rugby nations is the rugby-mad Welsh. Although ranked at 6 on the IRB rankings list, one place below France, Wales' proud rugby history gives them fifth spot on this most successful nations list. The Welsh are passionate about their rugby but the national side has seen periods of greatness and gloom. The brightest period of Welsh rugby was probably the period from 1969 to 1979, when the Welsh side was considered to be one of the finest sides of all time.

Almost impossible to beat at home, the team provided the majority of players for the successful British Lions tours of New Zealand (1971) and South Africa (1974). Welsh rugby then fell into the doldrums until around 2006, when the national side won the six nations Grand slam. Although Wales have never won the Rugby World Cup, the future is looking brighter.

Soccer – A Wonderful Activity to Watch And Play


Soccer is one of the of-age (oldest) games in the world. It is also known as Football in general term. Football is a game which is given to the world by the Greeks and Romans. As they used to contend (play) many games with the bolls and football is one of them. In the early time football is not as identical (same) is in the today's world. It was made up of cloths and other materials. In the yester years there were no definite rules and regulations for the game. Even there was no fixed size of teams. Over the years, soccer has become a favorite game due to its various features. It is a game that postulates (requires) dense (heavy) physical efforts. It also demands a lot of running in the field. Another most astonishing (amazing) feature of football is that it requires minimum 2 players to play. So any 2 persons can play football even in a small place. Soccer is very popular game in the Europe.

There are lots of clubs in the Europe who play football for their countries and regions. The world famed competition is English Premier League. It is also known as EPL. In this league, 20 clubs compete with each other for the Trophy. EPL is organized from August to May and 380 matches in the season with 38 matches for each club to play. English Premier League was started in the 1888. Since then it is a popular and competitive tournament among the fans of football. There is lot of money involved in this league. This covers TV rights for live telecast and also the highly paid amount to the players. Inter Milan, Everton, and Real Madrid are the popular clubs in the League. People love to watch their matches either on TV as well as in the Stadium. The tickets of the matches of these clubs are available on the Internet on different websites. Anyone can buy tickets either on-line or by visiting the counters of the stadiums.

In these clubs players from around the world play on contract basis. Raul Gonzalez is one of the best players in the Real Madrid. He played more than 700 matches for the club with 323 goals in his pocket. Similarly Neville South hall played for Everton with 750 goals under his belt from 1981 to 1997. Whereas Javier Zanetti is the record breaker for the Inter Milan FC. He is also the oldest player to play EPL. He also played more than 750 matches for the club. Sometimes, there is a violation happened after the result of the match between the fans of both the teams. This shows that how much people love the game. Football is also becoming a national game for some countries in the present scenario. Interested people can get football club matches tickets online like Real Madrid Tickets, Inter Milan Tickets, World Cup ticket, FIFA World Cup tickets, AC Milan Tickets, Inter Milan Tickets, West Brom Tickets and so on.

Wednesday’s Champions League Betting


Wednesday??s Champions League BettingThis evening sees the final eleven games from the second qualifying round of the Champions League. Who will progress to the final qualifying round? BetRepublic previews a selection of games here.Rosenborg v Linfield Soccer Betting Tip :After claiming a shock 0-0 draw last week, the Northern Irish champions are still in this tie and they travel to Norway with a chance of eliminating their more illustrious opponents. Can they do so though? Books don't think so, making Rosenborg 1/12 favourites to win this match in normal time, with Linfield available at 16/1 and the draw at 13/2.With odds that short the bookmakers clearly believe that this game is going to be a walk in the park for the 2009 Norwegian league champions. However, Rosenborg had won eight straight matches prior to the draw with Linfield last week and ended up drawing their second game in a row following last week's fixture in Belfast.At home Rosenborg are a tough proposition having won eight and drawn three of their last eleven games in a run that stretches back to April.

They have also kept seven clean sheets in their last nine home matches, and with Linfield likely to play 4-5-1 again I feel that Rosenborg will win this game to nil as well, but they will have to work hard for it.My money is on the game to be level at half time with Rosenborg going on to win the game at odds of 3/1 and there to be less than 2.5 goals in the match at 13/8.Debreceni VSC v Levadia Tallinn:This tie is another match that is far from certain, with the Hungarian champions bringing back a 1-1 draw from their travels to Estonia last week. Debrecen made the group stages of the Champions League last year, can they beat the Estonian champions and book their place in the final qualifying round this evening? Online sportsbooks make Debrecen the favourites to win in normal time at odds of 2/5, whole Levadia can be backed at 13/2 and the draw is available at 11/4.

The first leg match between these two sides was an entertaining encounter with plenty of chances and action and the Estonian champions looked to have victory sown up as they took the lead on the hour but Debrecen clawed their way back with an injury time equaliser. That goal was the first goal that Levadia had conceded in five matches and they got back to their clean sheet ways again last weekend with a 5-0 away win in the league.Debrecen did not play as their domestic season is yet to begin, but having reached the group stages last season they should have enough quality to win this game, but will they?Levadia will be highly confident form and I feel that they could upset the favourites here, maybe not by winning but by not losing at least.

As a result i'm backing the draw @ 11/4 in this match and splitting my stakes on the correct scores of 1-1 @ 13/2 and 2-2 @ 16/1.FH Hafnarfjordur v BATE Borisov:After a thrilling end to the first leg tie that saw all six goals scored in the second half, and four in the last five minutes, BATE take a commanding lead into this game and look to assured their passage into the third qualifying round. After winning 5-1 and holding a four goal advantage, will they slack off in this game and allow FH Hafnarfjordur to claim an unlikely win?BATE are the 8/11 favourites to win this match within ninety minutes, with FH available at 14/5 and the draw can be backed at 5/2. Will the game go according to these odds though?I don't feel that it will as FH will want to go out of the tournament proving that they are worthy of a place in it and they will play their hardest to get themselves a goal or two, while BATE are comfortable and with their domestic season not having started yet they will treat this more as a training session than a competitive tie. However, BATE still have enough to win this game easily and I see them winning and there being a few goals in the game.

As a result i'll be backing BATE to win @ 5/6 and over 2.5 goals to be scored at odds of 4/6. Recommends:Draw/Rosenborg HT/FT @ 3/1Under 2.5 goals to be scored in Rosenborg v Linfield @ 13/8Debreceni VSC v Levadia Tallinn to end as a draw @ 11/4Split your stakes on 1-1 @ 13/2 and 2-2 @ 16/1 in the Debreceni v Levadia gameBATE Borisov to beat FH Hafnarfjordur @ 5/6More than 2.5 goals to be scored in the BATE v FH game @ 4/6You can check out more tips at Soccer Betting Tip

UEFA Champions League Play-Offs Ready For Second Leg


The winners from each series will make it into the final 32 teams that compose the group stage, which kicks-off September 13-14.There are only ten tickets at stake for Europe's finest football club competition, and none of the 20 teams fighting for one want to be left out from it. The 2011-12 UEFA Champions League Playoffs began this week with several surprises, such as Villareal's 1-0 on the road loss against Odense, which just like the rest of squads that are down in the scoreboard will have to come from behind on leg 2 to claim group stage berth. These decisive games will be disputed August 23-24.German giants Bayern Munich will travel to Zurich with the tranquility of a two-goal lead, thanks to Schweinsteiger's and Robben's goals. The hosts were fully in control of a game that they were going to end without setbacks, as they were able to keep a clean sheet.Despite defeating Udinese at home 1-0 (Walcott) Arsenal left many doubts that night, doubts that will be present next Wednesday at Friuli stadium. Mentally vulnerable after the departure of their captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, and most likely Samir Nasri to Manchester City, the Gunners have serious problems to overcome.With just six more minutes to go Virrareal suffered the goal that has them against the rope versus Odense.

Andreasen scored the winner goal for the home team that could become one of the surprises of the competition if able to defend their lead at Madrigal Stadium next Tuesday.Stunned 3-1 at home by Viktoria Plzen, Copenhagen will have to row against the tide on Wednesday in Czech Republic. Kolar, Pilar and Fillo scored for the visitors' and Ottensen the discount for the hosts that last season reached the knock out stage of the competition.Lyon did make the best from the home field advantage, and overcame an early goal from Rubin Kazan (Dyadyun at minute 3) with three from Gomis, Kvirkvelia and Briad in the 3-1 win.

This two goal lead place the Frenchmen with one foot in the group stage, but they can't relax for Wednesday's game at Russia promises to be a very tough one.An exciting game was lived at the Netherlands between Twente and Benfica, which ended up tied to 2. De Jong gave the visitors the lead early in the game, until Cardozo leveled the score momentarily for The Tukkers, but then Nolito putted things 2-1 for the Portuguese squad, result with which they went to halftime. And with ten minutes to go Ruiz kept Twente's group stage aspirations alive by scoring the definite 2-2.

Next game will be Wednesday.In other results Dinamo Zagreb imposed themselves a home 4-1 over Malmo, results that allows them to travel to Sweden for Tuesday's game with their group stage berth pretty much secured. Wisla will have a tough visit to Cyprus, since they defeated APOEL by 1-0. The s ame goes for Israel's M. Haifa that will travel with the minimum difference to Belguim, where Genk will try to overcome the 2-1 Leg 1 loss on Tuesday. And on Wednesday BATE and Sturm Graz will be breaking the 1-1 tie with which Leg 1 ended.The group stage kick-off September 13-14 with the defending champions Barcelona as the team to beat.

Following The Right Soccer Betting Advice Can Help You Make A Lot Of Cash


Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. There is no country that is not under the soccer fever. On account of the increasing popularity of this sport, betting on this game has been on the rise since quiet some time. There is a reason for the popularity of soccer betting and that is the big amount of money which can be made through it. It is an interesting fact to be noted that the amount of money in the bets can go up to a few million dollars. Therefore winning becomes a very important aspect in the soccer betting system.Bets on sports are made either for fun or for making easy fortune. You can increase the chances of winning by following the right kind of soccer betting advice. Afterall, you cannot simply depend on luck in order to win the bets. There are several other things that are to be kept in mind in order to increase the probability of winning.

1.ObservationYou should take some time observing the technique and form the various teams as well as individual players. Only after being familiar with all such factors, you should place your bets on the desired team and players. You should focus on their strategies and playing methodologies. After doing this, you can place the bets and have the maximum probabilty of winning.

2.Choose the best betsYou should always go for the best bets that ensure the maximum benefit. For this, you should register yourselves with multiple bookies. This is beneficial because you can compare the different deals offered during a specific game and then choose accordingly.

3.PatienceIn case of soccer betting, it is advisable that you should wait untill half time to place the bets. By half time, you can analyse the form and performance of the teams as well as the players and place a safe bet. This is considered as the safest bet. The only factor that might be a bit unfavourable is that the amount of cash on the bets after half time is considerabley decreased.

4.Experience and calculationThe more the experience, the more accurate are the calculations and hence greater chances of winning. There are simple calculations that are done prior to placing a bet.

There are certain factors such as strength, stamina, performance and others that are needed in the calculation and it only gets better with experience.Along with all this, one should not straight off jump into multiple betting. You should first start with placing individual bets and then with the passing of time and experience, you can place multiple bets. Multiple bets in the very beginning can lead to immense loss if the bet is lost. Therefore, one should gradually increase with the number of bets in order to minimize the loss ratio.

Fifa Club World Cup – Barcelona Wins Over Atlante to Seal a Spot in The Final


Barcelona arrived to Abu Dhabi on Sunday creating a lot of expectation among fans and media. And that was just the beginning of a great week for Barcelona, having Messi back from an ankle injury that was bothering him since last week. Messi's comeback was very positive for the team since he leaded them to a victory against the Mexican team of Atlante 3-1 and assured them a spot in the final of the Club World Cup. Messi demonstrated once more on Tuesday why he was designated as FIFA's world player of the year. Coming from this injury he didn't show any negative effects and was able to score when he received a pass from Zlatan Ibrahimovic 54 minutes into the game. But Atlante started strong as they were the first ones to score. They took advantage of Barcelona poor performance at the beginning of the game. They took the lead after just five minutes when Guillermo Rojas advanced through the defense and got to pass goalkeeper Victor Valdes and score.

Barcelona tried to put everything together to find their rhythm and they had several opportunities when Ibrahimovic shot from distance. But it was not until minute 35' when Sergio Busquets tied the game. Xavi's had a corner shot that flicked off to Busquets who shot the ball to the far post. Barca had the opportunity to go to the half time break with a lead; just when the first half was about to finish Alves had a clear opportunity when he fired into the side-netting with only Vilar to beat but it was not enough. Messi came into the game as a replacement for Yaya Toure at minute 53 and while the entire crowd singed and screamed his name.The move from Pep Guardiola was great as 10 minutes later Messi was able to score the second goal for Barca to take the lead 1-2. "We are Barcelona and some people take for granted that we are going to win and it's very hard," said coach Pep Guardiola. "It wasn't a marvelous game but it wasn't too bad." Pedro Rodriguez sealed the victory for Barcelona on minute '66 when he receive a very good pass from Iniesta and fired from a very close range.

Rodriguez is the first player to score in six different competitions in one year. Atlante missed several opportunities to equalize the game. After 73 minutes of play Gabriel Pereyra missed a clear shot in front of Barca's goalkeeper. Guardiola is now a little concern about Andres Iniesta since he left the game with pain in his leg and it is unclear if he will be able to play on Saturday. Barcelona is now moving to the final of the Club World Cup against the South American champions Estudiantes of Argentina on Saturday for the sixth trophy of the year. They have already won the La Liga BBA, the Champions League, Copa del Rey, the Spanish Supercup and the European Supercup respectively.

Around The First Four of The Big Four I


Setback for Barcelona in Gijon On their trip to Gijon, Barcelona tied their second match of the season 1-1 against Sporting for match day 22. La Liga leaders where down by one since minute 16, and with 11 minutes to go before the end David Villa was able to send the ball over golie Ivan Cuellar with a an elegant play to even the score. Barcelona gets to 62 points after leaving behind two points, something from which their closest contender, Real Madrid, would benefit from. An eight-point difference separated Real Madrid from Barcelona prior to their visit to Espanyol. With a win the Whites could reduce that difference to five, which they ended up doing thanks to a lonely goal from Marcelo in the 23rd minute of the first half. From the first play of the game Real Madrid played with ten players after goalie Iker Casillas got a direct red card for a foul on Jose Callejon outside the penalty area. In the fight for the third place Virrareal lost it to Valencia due to their defeat at La Coruna by 1-0 against Deportivo. That result combined with Valencia's on the road 2-1 win versus Atletico de Madrid, via two goals from Joaquin Sanchez, gave them the lead in the standings with 47 points over 45 from Virrareal. Wonderfull Cassano In Italy, Milan got back to the victory lane after tying two games in a row.

Their victim was Parma, whom they defeated at home by a resounding 4-0. Antonio Cassano was the MVP of the game scoring one goal and assisting in both of Robinho's goals. Clarence Seedoorf had opened the score previously. With 52 points Milan continues on top of the Serie A after 25 rounds. Three points away comes Napoli putting more pressure on them. The Azurri defeated Roma on the road by 2-0, both goals scored by their striker Edison Cavani, who reached to 20 goals in the season and is the top scorer of the Serie A. No. 3 Lazio defeated Brescia 2-0 on the road and now has 45 goals where scored by Alvaro Gonzales in the first half and Libor Kozak in the second.

While for the fourth place and defending champions Inter this was a negative round, as they lost on their visit to Turin by 1-0 versus Juventus. Now their city rivals and Serie A leaders have increased to eight points the distance between them, but to their favor is the fact that they have one pending game against Fiorentina, which if won this Wednesday will reduce the difference to five points once again. Rooney's overhead kick wins Manchester's derby In the city of Manchester's derby between the Red Devils and the Citizens one of the best goals of the year was scored. It was an overhead kick by Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, when the game was tied to one in the 78th minute of play time.

Previously Nani had given the lead in the score to the Red Devils with four minutes to go before the end of the first half. Later in the second half David Silva was going to even things up for the Citizens, until Rooney scored the winner goal that gave Manchester United three more points. The Red Devils continue in the first place of the Premier League standings with 57 points and one pending match, while the Citizens remain in third place with 49 points after 27 rounds. Second place Arsenal -who also has a pending game- defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers at home 2-0. Both goals where scored by Robinvan Persie, one in each half. The Gunners reached 53 points withthat victory, keeping alive their chances of winning the Premier League for the first time since the 2003-04 season.

Benefited from Chelsea's tie with no goals against Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur took the forth place away from the Blues with their 2-1 on the road victory against Sunderland. The Spurs overcame an early goal from Asamoah Gyan with two goal from Michael Dawson in the first half, and Niko Kranjcar in the second for the come-from-behind victory.Tottenham is now fourth with 47 points, two more than Chelsea. The leaders lose two points in Kaiserslautern Borussia Dortmund, leader of the Bundesliga with 52 points in 22 games, was only able to tie to one in their visit to Bender goal had put Borussia ahead in the score with nine minutes to go, but a crunch time goal from Jan Moravek evened things up for the home team, frustrating the No. 1 team. Bayer Leverkusen had no problems in their visit to Eintracht Frankfurt and comfortably won 3-0 to put themselves two points closer to the leader Borussia Dortmund, but the distance is still considerable as 10 points separates them.

Simon Rolfes and Renato Augusto in the first half, along with Hanno Balitsch in the second scored the goals. The same situation was experienced by Bayer Munich, who had no problems to overcome their rival TSG Hoffenheim at home by 4-0, but is still far away -13 point difference- from the leaders. The goals were product of Mario Gomes and Thomas Muller in the first half, and Arjen Robben twice in the second one. With the victory Bayern reached to 39 points in Bundesliga and is third. No. 4 Hannover 96 did suffer a setback in their visit to Werder Bremen, as they tied to one a game that they were winning with Didier Ya Konan's goal in the 26th minute of the first half, but a distraction during the second half in a free kick allowed Per Mertesacker to tie the game. With that result Hannover now has 38 points in 22 matches.