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

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.

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?

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.

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.