Kamis, 23 Februari 2012

Josep Guardiola - World's Best Soccer Coach





The name Josep Guardiola I. Sala may not have made much impression on so many people years ago, but today it is the name on the lips of every soccer follower. Success, they say, has many friends. His records at FC Barcelona have brought him fame and recognition.

Guardiola's record has shown that it is not until one has had decades of experience that one could achieve a feat. I am by no means encouraging mediocrity but I wish to say that one should be given an opportunity to prove oneself if there are prospects. Before now Josep Guardiola had not coached any football team except Barcelona team B which he handled between 2007 and 2008.

Coach Josep Guardiola I. Sala was born on the 18th January 1971 in Santpedor, Spain. He rose up to be a defensive midfielder having started his career at about the age of 13. He played for the Spanish U-21 team (1991-92), Spanish U-23 team (1991-92), the national team (1992-2001) scoring 5 goals with 47 caps and Catalonia team (1995-2005) with 7 caps.

He had a very successful club career having played for FC Barcelona (1990-2001), Brescia (2001-2002), Roma (2002-2003), Brescia (2003), Al-Ahli (2003-2005) and Sinaloa (2005-2006) scoring great goals during his campaigns. Apart for playing for clubs he had some individual awards in his playing days which include: Won gold for Spain at the Barcelona 92 Olympics, Olympics Spain best player 1992, won UEFA Champions' league with FC Barcelona in 1991-92, Bravo award 1992, and UEFA All star team 1992 and 2000.

Guardiola's first coaching job was with Barca team B (2007-2008), winning their Tercera Division group and qualified for the 2008 Segunda division B playoffs. He finally became the coach of Barceloa in 2008. In 2008/2009 season he won 6 trophies for his club- Laliga 2008-09, Copa del Rey 2009, SuperCopa de Espana 2009, UEFA Champions' league 2008-09, UEFA Super cup 2009 and FIFA Club World Cup 2009. He won virtually all the titles that were available. I really don't know of any coach that has achieved this great feat; at least not in this decade.

His personal honours as a coach include: IFFHS World's Best club coach of the year 2009, Don Balon Award for Best coach of the year 2009, Onze d'Or for Best European coach 2009, Miguel Munoz trophy for Best Coach of the year 2009, World Soccer award for Best coach of the year 2009, and UEFA team of the year for Best coach of the year 2009. What was left for other coaches to claim? This kind of record is not for a non-experienced coach (as some would want to call him), considering he was barely one year as coach of Barca. Josep Guardiola still keeps adding to his records; he has not lost any match in the Spanish Laliga this season. We all salute you and say more power to your elbow Coach Josep Guardiola I. Sala.           

Top 10 Youngsters of World Football




The topic that everyone seems to want to question. Who are the best young players, player comparisons and most importantly is whether they will live up to their potential. There have been numerous youngsters in the past five years alone. Pablo Aimar and Javier Saviola were supposed to be the new Diego Maradona, Antonio Cassano the new Roberto Baggio. The list could go on for failed potential. Here I am going to list the top 10 players in the world.

10) Mario Balotelli

Current Club: Inter Milan

Nationality: Ghana, Italy

Age: 17

Position: Striker

Player Comparisons: George Weah

A player with big potential. A big, strong and pacy forward who is a specialist set piece taker. At just 17 he has been called up to an senior international call up by his home country Ghana, though this has been declined due to his preference to play for Italy once he reaches his 18th birthday. Baloteli is one to look out for the future.

9) Giovani Dos Santos

Current Club: Tottenham

Nationality: Mexico

Age: 19

Posistion: Attacking Midfielder (Left, Right)

Player Comparisons: Ronaldinho

Giovani Dos Santos comes to Tottenham with a huge reputation. At Barcelona he had the likes of Messi, Ronaldinho, Henry, Bojan and Iniesta competing with him for a first team spot. A skilful winger who can be just as strong playing on the right as he can on the left. The £4.7 million Tottenham paid Barcelona could prove to be a massive bargain as he plays his trade in the Premiership next season.

8) Karim Benzema

Current Club: Lyon

Nationality: France, Algeria

Age: 20

Position: Striker

Player Comparisons: Nickolas Anelka

The young French forward has just had a fantastic season in France finishing top scorers with 24 goals ensuring Lyon were to win the League for the 7th year in a row. His quality has interested the likes of Man Utd and Real Madrid though he has underlined his determination to stay with the French champions for the time being. His reputation around Europe has increased around Europe to the point that some fans were already predicting he would become the top scorer at Euro 2008, although this was not to happen.

7) Theo Walcott

Current Club: Arsenal

Nationality: England

Age: 19

Position: Right Midfielder, Striker

Player Comparisons: Ryan Giggs

It seems like the young England forward has been around for forever. It was when he was just 16 playing for Southampton that he convinced Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to sign him beating off some tough competition. He was then brought into the England squad for the 2006 World Cup without playing a single game for Arsenal, though he did not feature in the tournament. Since then he has slowly progressed and will this year be hoping to push himself into the Arsenal starting line up.

6) Carlos Vela

Current Club: Arsenal

Nationality: Mexico

Age: 19

Position: Striker

Player Comparisons: David Villa

Bought by Arsenal after receiving the player of the tournament in the u17s World Cup for Mexico. He has since spent his time on loan in Spain awaiting a work permit. A player who is very similar to Valencia start David Villa due to his pace and finishing ability. Like Tottenham signing Dos Santos he will be looking to make an impact in his opening season in English football.

5) Lulinha

Current Club: Cortinthians

Nationality: Brazil

Age: 18

Position: Attacking Mid

Player Comparisons: Kaka

The only player in the list playing outside of Europe will show how highly rated this player is. A hugely talented player who could be set to become one of the next Brazilian greats. Clubs like Chelsea are known to have made an enquiry though the Brazilian club will not let him go unless an offer of £24 Million comes in.

4) Alexandre Pato

Current Club: Ac Milan

Nationality: Brazil

Age: 18

Position: Striker

Player Comparisons: Samuel Eto'o

When people discuss the most deadly forward lines which they do with AC Milan, then for a 18 year old considered to be in that forward line is some fete. It was not until January where he could make his first team appearance for AC Milan. It was when people started realising why he was so talked about prior to his debut. Despite being injured and missing a few weeks off injury, Pato still managed to score 9 goals for the club. The club displayed so much confidence in him that they started him in the Champions league game against Arsenal ahead of the likes of Flippo Inzahgi. He is currently at the Beijing Olympics where he has already spoke off his desire to finish as top scorer.

3) Anderson

Current Club: Man Utd

Nationality: Brazil

Age: 20

Position: Central Midfield

Player Comparisons: Diego Simeone, Paul Scholes

Bought for a fee believed to be around £18 million. Utd have very high hopes for Anderson and will be one of the only youngsters in the world deemed worthy enough to fill in Paul Schole's boots. A very all rounded midfielder who passed better then any player on this list. He can also tackle and dribble which is rare nowadays for a player of his talent. One issue with Anderson is that he has been quite prone to injuries so he will need to do his best to ensure this doesn't damage his career.

2) Bojan

Current Club: Barcelona

Nationality: Spain

Age: 17

Position: Striker

Player Comparisons: Raul

800 youth goals for Barcelona should be enough to talk about for Bojan. Already given the number 11 shirt for Barcelona which might suggest he will be in the starting eleven for next season. He scored 12 goals in his 1st senior season for Barcelona. He seems like he wants to stay at the club for his whole career so he could break every goalscoring record the club has much like Bojan did at youth levels.

1) Sergio Aguero

Current Club: Athletico Madrid

Nationality: Argentina

Age: 20

Position: Striker

Player Comparisons: Romario

Seen along with Lionel Messi, the future of Argentinian football. Moving to Athletico Madrid was seen as a massive coup for the club due to the European teams being interested as well. He came to the club with a big reputation and it took him a year to settle in at Madrid where he could show glimpses of his true talent. It was in his second year where he unleashed his full talent terrorising defences everywhere in Spain becoming the La Liga player of the year. Joining Lionel Messi to become the youngest winner of the award in history. Bigger things are expected of him next season as the club are in the Champions League where he can have the perfect stage to demonstrate his talent to the world.

The question however remains as to how many of these players will live up to there potential. It is impossible to answer.           

Who Has Scored the Most Goals in World Cup Soccer History?





Almost every culture around the world has some type of connection to the history of football/soccer. Such cultures as the Ancient Greeks, Persians, Vikings, The Chinese, Japanese, and much more, played a game that is much like today's football/soccer. For instance, The Chinese played "footballer" games dating as far back as about 3000 years ago. However, it was in England that soccer / football really began to grow in popularity. After becoming popular in England, soccer became a widely loved sport throughout the world. The celebrated FIFA World cup led the way to the rise of soccer stars, and conferred world soccer records holders such as the player who has scored the most goals in world cup soccer history.

Brazilian professional footballer Ronaldo Nazario de Lima has scored the most goals in Fifa World Cup history. Ronaldo Luís Nazario de Lima, more generally known as Ronaldo, was born in September 18, 1976. In 1993, Ronaldo began his professional soccer/footballer career playing for Cruzeiro. In his single year with Cruzeiro, he accumulated 12 goals in 14 games and led the team to win their first Copa do Brasil championship. After playing with Cruzeiro, in 1994, he joined with the Dutch football team PSV. In 1996, in his final year with PSV, Ronaldo aided the team to win the Dutch Cup.

Ronaldo is also an established national footballer for Brazil. He has played in 97 international games, accumulating 62 goals and standing 15 goals away from the Brazilian national scoring record. He was a member of the Brazilian team that won the 1994 and 2002 World Cups. During the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo became the highest goal scorer in the history of the World Cup with his fifteenth goal.

Nicknamed 'O Fenômeno,' which is translated as ""The Phenomenon" in English, Ronaldo made the number 9 famous and made it tantamount with the position of center forward. During his footballer career in Europe, Ronaldo became one of the most celebrated 'strikers' throughout the world after he won his first Ballon d'Or as the European Footballer of the Year in 1997, and then once more in 2002. He is also one of only two players to have won the FIFA Player of the Year award three times. In 2007, he was named as one of the best starting eleven of all-time by France Football and was named to the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest footballers compiled by his fellow Brazilian soccer star, Pelé.

To many contemporary footballers, Ronaldo is a living icon who has been credited with encouraging a stronger marketing interest in soccer throughout the world, particularly because of his relationship with Nike who had in the past spent their marketing resources and time primarily on Basketball.

The soccer that we know today was shaped during the 1960s. Increased media coverage and TV broadcasts has made the game more popular than ever. With soccer stars such as David Beckham in the spotlight, the popularity of soccer will continue to grow.           

10 Greatest Football (Soccer) Players Ever



1. Diego Armando Maradona (1976-1997)
Born: October 30, 1962
Playing Position: Supporting Striker, Attacking Mid-fielder
Clubs: Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell's Old Boys

Diego Maradona won the 1986 World Cup almost single-handedly and took Argentina to the final four years later. He also took unfancied Napoli to its only two Italian titles. Maradona was controversially voted best player of all time in an internet poll held by FIFA. No one can deny the fact that Maradona was the best ever dribbler of the ball. He proved as much, when he scored what was arguably the greatest ever World Cup goal in 1986 (Awarded : "GOAL OF THE CENTURY" by FIFA in 2002). Maradona picked up the ball on the halfway line and promptly proceeded to leave half the England team for dead before slotting the ball into the net. That game was also the one in which he scored his infamous 'Hand of God' goal. He repeatedly refused to admit openly to handling the ball. In the nineties his career hit a downward trajectory.

In Rosario city, Argentina, fans organized the "Church of Maradona." Maradona's 43rd birthday in 2003 marked the start of the Year 43 D.D. - "Después de Diego" or After Diego - for its founding 200 members. Tens of thousands more have become members via the church's official web site.

2. Pele (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) (1956-1977)
Born: October 23, 1940
Playing Position: Forward
Clubs: Santos, New York Cosmos

In the eyes of many, if in fact not most, football fans Edson Arantes do Nascimento is the greatest footballer ever, and there is a lot to be said for that opinion. There is certainly no denying his pedigree. Pelé, because that's who we are talking about, has won three world cups with Brazil and scored more than 500 league goals.

Pelé made his debut in the Brazilian league at the age of 16, and promptly went on to become the league's top scorer, scoring 36 goals in 29 matches. The next season was every bit as impressive as the youngster produced 58 goals in 38 matches. His overwhelming debut earned Pelé a place in Brazil's 1958 World Cup squad, where he and his team-mates ended up lifting the trophy. Pelé scored two goals in the final, as the world sat up and took notice. At age 17 Pele was, and is to this very day, the youngest ever World Cup winner.

His impact on the 1962 and 1966 tournaments was negligible due to injuries, but at the 1970 Wold Cup Pelé once again shone resplendidly. Playing in what many consider to be the greatest ever football team, Pelé was universally acknowledged as the world's best player. His deft touch, dribbling skills and tremendous scoring ability, would see him notching up more than 500 league goals. In 1975 Pelé joined the North American Soccer League, where he became a goodwill ambassador for football. It's a role Pelé has been playing ever since.

3. Johan Cruyff (Johan Hendrikus Cruijff) (1964-1984)
Born: 25 April 1947
Playing Position: Attacking Mid-fielder, Forward
Clubs : Ajax, FC Barcelona, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante, Feyenoord

A superb dribbler of the ball, George Best undoubtedly the most naturally gifted British player of his generation. A combination of lightning pace, perfect balance, and ability to produce goals with both feet, meant Best was a handful for even the best of defenders.

Helping Manchester United win the European Cup in 1968 was his greatest achievement. That year Best was voted European Player of the Year. But in the years to follow Best the player would increasingly be eclipsed by Best the rock and roll celebrity, as problems with gambling, womanising and alcoholism overshadowed El Beatle's achievements on the field.

In 1974 George Best left Manchester United, effectively ending his career at the highest level at the age of 27. The Belfast Boy would play on for nearly ten more years at a number of lesser clubs, showing occasional signs of his former greatness.

4. Ferenc Puskas (1944-1966)
Ferenc Puskás (1927) was the outstanding player of the marvelous Hungarian national team of the early 1950s. In 1952 they had won Olympic Gold in Helsinki and the "Magical Magyars" arrived at the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland undefeated in four years. Their most resounding victory to date had been achieved the previous year when they were the first non-british team to defeat England at Wembley. In one of the great upsets of football history, Hungary were pipped at the post by Germany, with Puskas playing in spite of an injury picked up early on in the tournament. Puskas fled Hungary in the wake of the Soviet invasion of 1956 and went on to play for Real Madrid well into his 30's. At Madrid he teamed up with the likes of Di Stefano and Gento to win numerous trophies.

5. Franz Beckenbauer (1964-1984)
This list of top 10 greatest ever football players is heavily biased towards forwards, as all these kind of lists tend to be. We make no apologies for that as it is those players that bring joy to the crowds all over the world with their goals and artistry. However, this list would not be complete without Franz Beckenbauer (1945). Nicknamed 'der Kaiser', Beckenbauer was the mainstay of Bayern Munich's triple European Cup winning team of the mid Seventies. He also captained his country to the 1974 World Cup, held in Germany. An elegant sweeper, Beckenbauer was known for his outstanding technique and tactical insight. As a manager, he steered the German national side towards their 1990 World Cup win in Italy.

6. Eusebio (1958-1978)
Eusébio da Silva Ferreira (1942) won 10 Portuguese league titles, plus the 1962 European Cup with Benfica, scoring two goals in the final. He virtually single-handedly took Portugal to third place in the 1966 World Cup, scoring nine goals. Eusebio's trademarks were his speed (he was the under-19 Portuguese champion of 400, 200 and 100 metre races), quick dribble and a powerful and accurate right-footed strike. Eusébio scored an incredible 727 goals in 715 matches wearing the Benfica jersey, and until recently was the all-time leading scorer for Portugal, with 41 goals in 64 matches.

7. George Best (1963-1984)
A superb dribbler of the ball, George Best (1946) was undoubtedly the most naturally gifted British player of his generation. A combination of lightning pace, perfect balance, and ability to produce goals with both feet, meant Best was a handful for even the best of defenders. Helping Man U win the European Cup in 1968 was his greatest achievement. That year Best was voted European Player of the Year. But in the years to follow Best the player would increasingly be eclipsed by Best the rock and roll celebrity, as problems with gambling, womanising and alcoholism overshadowed his achievements on the field. In 1974 Best left Manchester United, effectively ending his career at the highest level (although he would play on until 1984).

8. Michel Platini (1973-1987)
Three times European Footballer of the year, Michel Platini (1955) led France to two World Cup semi-finals and the 1984 European Championship title. Platini started at French club Nancy-Lorraine before moving on to Saint-Etienne, where he won the league title in 1981. In 1982 he moved to Italian club Juventus. One of the greatest passers of the ball in the history of the game, Platini was also a master of the free kick, a skill which he perfected using a row of dummies during training. Despite nominally being a midfielder, Platini displayed a remarkable goalscoring prowess. He scored 68 goals in 147 league games for Juventus, and was crowned top scorer of the Serie A no less than three times.

9. Alfredo di Stefano (1943-1966)
Two-time European Footballer of the Year, Alfredo Di Stéfano (1926) led Real Madrid to five consecutive European Cups. Incredibly versatile, many believe he is the best all-around player in history. Di Stéfano was a powerful forward blessed with stamina, tactical versatility, and above all vision that allowed him to act as the conductor to Real's symphony of attacking football. Di Stéfano won numerous domestic league and cup titles with Real, but like George Best, he never graced a World Cup. He moved to Espanyol in 1964 and played there until hanging up his boots at the age of 40.

10. Zinedine Zidane (1988-2006)
Whether Zinedine Zidane (1972) or Michel Platini is the greatest ever French player is up for discussion. That Zidane belongs in this list of truly great players surely isn't. The outstanding player of his generation, he led France to World Cup glory in 1998 and to the European Championship in 2000. He was a superb passer of the ball first and foremost, an outstanding playmaker that fed his forwards with great passes. But Zidane could produce goals himself as well, most notably the winning goals in the 1998 World Cup Final and the 2002 Champion's League Final. Zidane was named European Footballer of the Year in 1998, and FIFA World Footballer of the Year in 1998, 2000, and 2003.

##We would like to know, if we missed some Great players or you have a different list of the Greats. Please let us know.           

World Player of the Year 2009 Cristiano Ronaldo





Christiano Ronaldo is a kind of player who can impress you only through his presence on the field. No doubt, he has great talent and super control on the ball. He becomes FIFA World player at its last even. He beat his biggest rival Argentina's Lionel Messi by Quite a big margin of votes. Who has better talent you cannot judge them easily. Because, on their given they are equally dangerous.

Christiano Ronaldo came to Manchester United as a 17 years old young boy. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson brought him into the team in place of super star footballer David Beck ham. At that time, nobody could expect that this boy can full fill the lacking of David Beck ham. However, Ronaldo proved them wrong and not only full filled David's lacking but become even bigger superstar of football.

He has great sense of the game. He understands the game so well and reacts so quickly according to the situation of the game. He has very good skill of dribbling with the ball and super speed of run through the field. One more great skill he has and that is his ability of scoring goals from free kicks. Whenever he gets a chance to score from free kicks, he gets success most of the time.

In 2007-08 sessions, he scored over 40 goals but not as a striker. His actual position in the field is winger. He can use both of his legs effectively and get success to score with his both legs. He can produce lot of chances to others to score goals also. Some football critics say he is the best professional footballer at present. He started his carrier as winger. However,now he is a successful striker of the game. The way he is playing these days, which is forcing people to become his fans. We can see he is easily the most famous footballer on earth today. Last year two of the biggest and richest clubs of football planet were fighting each other for him to get him in the Team. At last, everything settled down quite nicely. Now Christiano Ronaldo is happily playing for his club Manchester United.           

French Soccer Players



The French soccer team is the most competitive soccer team in international football. France is a multi cultural country and the national team includes French soccer players of all origins and playing styles. The French soccer team is famous for their tradition playing style that includes strong defense and lot of common sense. The French soccer team won the FIFA world cup in 1998 and prestigious European Championship in 2000. Also, they reached the semi finals in 1958, 1982, and 1986.

The top six French soccer players of all times are Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Fabien Barthez, and Didier Deschamps. The French soccer era can be divided into Platini age and Zidane age.

Michel Platini was born on June 21, 1955 in Joeuf. As a soccer player, he started his career at the age of 17. His remarkable performance in the club matches opened the gates for him in the national team in 1976. By 1977, Platini was known as the rising star in French soccer. Soon he was appointed as the captain of French soccer team and he managed to improve the French record in FIFA world cup. France finished fourth in 1982 and third in 1986. It was under his captaincy France managed to win Euro cup in 1984 and Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles. He was the top goal scorer and was declared as the best player of the tournament in 1984 Euro cup. Michel Platini is on the top of the list in French soccer players.

Zinedine Zidane was born on 23 June in 1972 in Marseille. He is best known as an attacking mid fielder and is regarded as one of the greatest players in the world. He is a true magician and is perhaps the best talented player after Pele. Zidane is regarded as a genius in French soccer players. It was the result of his perfect technique the French team won the world cup finals in 1998. The world champion Brazilian team were amazed by his game and stood effortless in the hands of Zidane. Also, they won the runner up trophy in 2006 world cup. Zidane was also a crucial member of world famous Spanish club, Real Madrid. The famous acrobatic goal in 2001 allowed his team to win the Champions League final.

Didier Deschamps was another excellent defensive midfielder in French line up. Thanks to Zidane, it was under his captaincy that the French team was declared as the world champions in 1998. Soon the same year French team managed to win the Euro cup, and hence this great player became the first captain in French soccer playersý history to win two major trophies in single year.

Eric Cantona was popular, compelling, and brilliant player in French line up. He played most of his career for Manchester United and nearly scored 64 goals in 140 matches. Thierry Henry is another rising star in French soccer players list. His technique, incredible speed, nasty shots has made him the best striker in French squad.

The list of French soccer players is long and never ending. As a soccer-playing nation, the team has good prospects in the future. The young players are hard working and committed to follow the footsteps of Zidane and Platini.           

The Best Soccer Goalie



Soccer goalie also called goalkeeper, the defender of the team. The score of the team defends on them. He must be in good vision, know different tactics of the attackers, physically fit, and always alert that's why goal keeper is very important. The skills and training of the goal keeper is different to other player of soccer.

Here are only few best goalkeeper of the world.

Brad Friedel- "Man of the Match" that's what they called him. He incredibly saves the game and win against Tottenham Hotspur in 2002 League Cup Final. He is goalkeeper for Blackburn Rovers of American International Football. He represents the country at FIFA World Cup from 1992-2005.

Zach Thornton - His nicknamed "The Beast/ The Bear" because of his height and his built. His height stand at 6'3 with 230 pounds unusual size of average soccer goalie. He is chosen to be a goalkeeper for 2008 of Red Bull New York. In 1998, he played for the first time with US National team against Australia.

Lev Yashin - FIFA polls named Yashin as the sole goalkeeper in World Team of the 20th Century. He started the style of goalkeeper sweeping, punching balls out instead of catching the ball. He died year 1990 but still his contribution will never forget. He awarded as best goalkeeper at 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Mary Harvey - 1991 First FIFA World Champion Team of American Goalkeeper. She started as goalie for Women's National Team for U.S. since 1991 and Olympic Gold Medalist 1996.

Also check our today's top goalkeeper Petr Cech, Gigi Buffon, Edwin Van Der Sar, Dida, and Iker Casillas.