Europa League quarter finals

Three Premier League sides successfully avoided each other in the last eight of the Europa League. The following are the fixtures for the quarter finals of the competition. All the first-leg matches will be played on Thursday, 4th of April with the returns a week later on the 11th of April.

Europa League


Chelsea Vs Rubin Kazan

Tottenham Vs FC Basel

Fenerbahce Vs Lazio

Benfica Vs Newcastle United

Stadium Profile: St. James' Park

Official Name: Sports Direct Arena (renamed from St. James' Park in 2011)
Year Built: 1892
Capacity: 52,387
Home team: Newcastle United of the English Premier League
Location: St. James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Earliest football match: 1880
First Newcastle United match: 1892
Pitch size: 105 meters (344 feet) by 68 meters (223 feet)

Milan brings down Barca

Amazing how the world is stunned when Barcelona loses.  But this was no fluke.  With 2 second half goals, Milan earned a 2-0 win over the Catalans during the first leg of their round of 16 match up. 

Unlike other teams who sit and wait for Barcelona to make their way to the 18 yard box, Milan brought the pressure to Barcelona to keep them at the center of the field.  A great physical and tactical effort by Milan was on display as Iniesta and Messi were shut out of the game.  Messi, playing on the wing, never got into a good attacking rhythm.  Iniesta was double, triple teamed even and was not able to create the chances we are accustomed to seeing.  Barca ended with 66% possession, but only 2 attempts on goal.  Yes they were being properly defended but  Barca showed no urgency going forward until they received some goals which is dissapointing to see from this side.

FIFA approves goal line technology

The days of goal-line controversies could be coming to an end after football's governing body, FIFA approved the use of goal-line technology ahead of the 2014 World Cup to be held in Brazil.

FIFA made the decision today, clearing the way for goal-line technology to be used in the 2013 Confederations Cup and then the World Cup.

As many as four different companies are expected to make bids for the contract to design and implement the technology, which will be expected to be able to identify when a ball has gone completely over the goal line.

In a news presser, FIFA president Sepp Blatter cited Frank Lampard’s controversial non goal in the 2010 World Cup as the catalyst for FIFA to act on a subject that has been controversial for years.

A statement on the FIFA website reads: “The aim is to use GLT in order to support the match officials and to install a system in all stadia, pending the successful installation, and pre-match referee tests.”

So will these technologies be beneficial? The debate will surely continue to rage on and there will be arguments for either side. But perhaps a fairer game will attract more to the sport and deem it legitimate. Suitors are to approach FIFA with ideas on what they think best for GLT, however it is widely expected that either Hawk-Eye or GoalRef technologies will be used as they were the ones utilized during the Club World Cup in Japan in December.

@PrimeStrikeAcad

De Gea: A keeper from zero to hero

David De Gea, 22-year-old Spanish footballer, starting keeper for Manchester United, and subject of much scrutiny stitches together a sparkling performance in Madrid.

The waxing and waning success of De Gea's young career was once again highlighted in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid. De Gea put together a world class match against one of the best teams in the world, giving up just one goal off of an un-stoppable header by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid Vs. Manchester United round 1

Manchester United got a pivotal 1-1 draw away at Real Madrid today in the first leg of their Champions League match-up.

The two teams will play again in Manchester two weeks from now to decide who moves on to the quarterfinals.

Danny Welbeck opened the scoring in the 20th minute on a headed goal off a corner kick.
Ten minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo got a free header in the box and smashed it home to tie it 1-1.
After that, Real Madrid had all the possession in the world but couldn't find the cutting edge in the box.

It was an enthralling match all the way until the end. It looked like Real Madrid would come close to taking a late lead when Ronaldo cut inside on to his left foot inside the 18 but passing instead of shooting, finding Mesut Ozil who hung on to the ball for too long, like someone trying to score the perfect goal in FIFA. When his pass inside met Sami Khedira, he shot straight at David de Gea leaving it all tied at 1-1.

Tuesday, 5 March.

Get that date in your diaries, if it's not already scribed in. That's the return date at Old Trafford where Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says "It's still 50/50". And if it is anything like the first 45 minutes especially of tonight's game we are set for some knockout gold.

Early Development of a Soccer player in the US vs. Mexico

Mexico has been outplaying the US at the national youth levels.  Since June 2011 Mexico has won the U-17 World Cup, Pan-American Games, Toulon Espoirs tournament, Northern Ireland Milk Cup, finished 3^rd at the 2011 U-20 World Cup and obtained an Olympic Gold medal to top it off.  How has Mexico, a country has with fewer people and resources, out shone us at every turn lately and over the years?

pressure on players in big clubs

the amount of pressure put on a star player for playing a quality team that is losing is great. Within the past few months Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his interest in no longer playing for Real Madrid. In some cases he has been caught on camera crying about it. Most people would say that it is the management and how they are treating him. Truth is i believe they cater to his every need.

UMNT: International Soccer and World Cup Qualifiers!

This week in Soccer there are three televised international games.

We see England host Brazil at 2PM EST Wednesday on Fox Soccer. The England squad are with out Danny Sturridge after a slight hamstring problem picked up over the weekend. 

The US begin their World Cup qualifying run on the road to Honduras after a dissapointing draw against Canada last week. With a better squad and more pressure on the table we hope to see the States live up their expectations and get a win. However, Honduras if given the opportunity will score unlike the last weeks favorable match up Canada. An interesting addition that could get the goals flowing is the return of Jozy Altidore to the squad. That game is set to kick off at 4PM EST on BeIN Sport. 

Major (Feeder) League Soccer

In recent memory, many of the United States' finest players have often packed their bags and set out for Europe to "play with the big boys". Landon Donovan, Michael Beasley, Clint Dempsey, and Brian McBride are just some that come to mind. This poses two questions, is the MLS a feeder league for the larger, more established leagues in Europe? And, is this good or bad for the league as a whole?

Striking out

Coaches,

Teach your players to strike the ball properly……..please!

 

Striking a ball correctly is one of the most basic and important skills that an emerging player needs to learn. Sadly though, it is potentially the most neglected of all fundamental skills. In some cases the only instruction a developing player will receive is, “Kick the ball with your laces.” That’s like coaching little league and simply telling your kids to hit the ball with the bat. Alas, “How very wet this water is.”

Creating Barcelona - La Masia

Barcelona has given the world something special these past 5 years.  Aside from winning 14/19 competitions since 2008, Barcelona has given the world beautiful football for 90 minutes week after week.  This playing style is truly unique and effective as Pep Guardiola saw only 21 defeats in 247 games with Barcelona. 

Stadium Profile: San Siro (Stadio Guiseppe Meazza)

At the end of the number 16 tram line in Milan, you will find yourself in the western portion of the city face to face with one of the world’s most spectacular soccer stadiums. The San Siro is one of Italy's most recognizable stadiums and is home to not one, but two of Serie A's most decorated teams.

The Great Debate: MLS Relegation and Promotion

If I said to you what do Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all have in common what would you say? Maybe that in the past god knows how many years they have dominated the top division in English football? You’d be right to say that, but no, what I mean is that at one point in their long club histories they have all suffered the heart break of relegation.

FA Cup Fifth Round Matchups

Fifth Round FA cup matchups.

Arsenal v Blackburn

Manchester City v Leeds

Manchester United v Reading

Middlesbrough v Brentford/Chelsea

Huddersfield/Leicester v Wigan

Keeper's Blog, Episode 2

  

Goalie glove review…..

Reush, Toruk SG Elite

In an attempt to keep our students and readers informed about the best goalkeeper equipment on the market. I will periodically use my keeper’s blog to review available products, goalie gloves in particular.

Donovan Approaching Retirement

Landon Donovan, the 30-year-old LA Galaxy midfielder, has been absent from the Galaxy’s preseason training camp. According to a Fox Soccer report he is expected to return, but many are beginning to speculate as to when Donovan will hang up his boots permanently.

2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Venues

The venues for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup have been announced!

Games for the 22nd CONCACAF competition will be held in the following stadiums and cities;

• Atlanta - Georgia Dome (Atlanta, GA)
• Baltimore - M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD)
• Chicago - Soldier Filed (Chicago, IL)
• Dallas - Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX)
• Denver - Sports Authority Field at Mile High (Denver, CO)
• Hartford – Rentschler Field (East Hartford, CT)
• Houston – BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston, TX)
• Los Angeles – Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)
• Miami – Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
• New York – Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ)
• Portland – Jeld-Wen Field (Portland, OR)
• Salt Lake City – Rio Tinto Stadium (Sandy, UT)
• Seattle – CenturyLink Field (Seattle, WA)

The competition is scheduled to begin on July 7, 2013 and the final will take place on July 28, 2013.

MLS' TV Problem

As an emerging sport in the United States, soccer has definitely become something television networks, advertisers and fans alike are all watching. But what are they watching? Not the MLS. And with a desire to be a respected and dominant league in both the western hemisphere and the globe, the face they present leaves more to be desired.

Lets step back for a minute, and look at the structure of MLS. 19 teams covering the four largest media markets in America; New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia. Also, three teams in what is arguably MLS' most vibrant region, the Pacific Northwest. These areas alone should be targeted hard and often for advertisement of the league and it's matches on Television. Walk around some of these cities and you will be guaranteed to find fans of the game. The beautiful game isn't the most popular and most watched sport in the world for no reason. But then ask them who their favourite team is, or who they most often watch. Chances are it isn't an MLS team. Many answer with Manchester United, Chelsea, AC Milan, Barcelona or Real Madrid. Why? People have seen them on TV, They have seen the success and the glamour that surrounds them. The MLS teams? Ragged step child like teams who you may "follow" but could care less if they won or lost.

Keepers Blog, Episode 1

                 

                Welcome to the first edition of my goalkeeper’s blog. (Clever title forthcoming)

                As a goalie with over 20 years of playing experience, I’m excited to use this platform to offer advice to parents, aspiring young goalies and their coaches. Here I’ll discuss all things goalie, including theory, strategy, drills, coaching tactics, etc.

The Use of Futsal in Player Development

Futsal is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the world. It makes sense though its fast high scoring for soccer and it really brings out the technical abilities in players, for that 'flash' people desire to see.

Many people still do not understand what Futsal is though, and in my best effort I will try educate you all on what it is and why it is so popular.