9 August 2012 READ MORE >
photo from photos4travel.com
The thought of watching futbol in Brazil really makes my adrenaline pumping hard! I know nothing about the south american country except the fact that the people there live and dream futbol. As a fellow futbol lover, its my dream to be there at the amazing mix of nature, urban jungles, and walking among futbol lovers!
According to the official media release just yesterday, FIFA, the Local Organising Committee and the Brazilian government presented ‘All in one rhythm’ / ‘Juntos num só ritmo’ as the Official Slogan for World Cup Brazil 2014!
Aktuell, a Brazilian communication agency, is the one responsible for the development of this Official Slogan. They explained the slogan will not only just represent the underlying mindset running through all aspects of the tournament organisation. It will also influence the development of themes for events such as the FIFA Fan Fest and the opening and closing ceremonies, briefings of event staff and volunteers, and FIFA, LOC, Host City, state and Federal Government campaigns.
“The Official Slogan is the result of a joint effort between Brazil and the world of football to find a unifying message which represents the unique flavour that Brazil will bring to the FIFA World Cup. Based around the central idea of ‘rhythm’, it will unite fans in Brazil and abroad, around what will be a colourful and vibrant celebration set to a uniquely Brazilian rhythm,” commented FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke at the presentation.
So have you thought of playing futbol at the beach surrounded by bikini girls, walking down the busy streets of Rio de Janeiro in a Brazil top, get yourself wasted in a pub while talking about the Neymar, Kaka, Hulk…. that sounds too amazing, isn’t it! Gonna start saving now!
30 May 2012 READ MORE > | 1 note
photo from bleacherreport.com
The Tango 12 Finale — Official Match Ball for the UEFA Euro 2012 Final — has just been unveiled by the safest pair of hands in football: Iker Casillas.
According to official Adidas Press Release, the ball was in fact unveiled on stage during the UEFA Euro 2012™ finals draw by former Ukrainian Olympic pole vaulter Sergey Bubka last December. Based on the classic Tango design used during both the FIFA World Cup™ and UEFA Euro™ tournaments during the early 1980s, the adidas Tango 12features a modern interpretation of the design including a coloured outline inspired by the flags of the two host nations - Poland and Ukraine. Etched into the Tango design are three bespoke graphics which celebrate the decorative art of paper cutting, a tradition in the rural areas of both host countries and link to the key characteristics of soccer - unity, rivalry and passion.
Complementing the design, the adidas Tango 12 features a series of triangular panels that are thermally bonded together to ensure a true, stable flight path. Covering each panel of the ball is a grip texture which supports boot to ball contact and enhances ball control. Beneath the outer surface of the ball lies a woven carcass and a new bladder for increased air retention and reduced water uptake.
Although the ball will be placed at £130, its certain that the technology behind in the creation of the ball will be witnessed and acknowledged in Euro 2012!
12 May 2012 READ MORE >
17 April 2012 READ MORE > | 3 notes
3 February 2012 READ MORE > | 15 notes
I always feel particularly excited, to an extend it sets my adrenaline pumping real hard and fast, whenever I read about any futbol article which reports Asian players moving to the bigger leagues in Europe!
This morning while I was on my way to work, I chanced upon an article which reported QPR boss, AirAsia CEO, Tony Fernandes, promised to bring Singaporean (players) to England for trials. Probably its the underachievement of Asia or rather, I should say its Singapore’s futbol which gives me such a narrow-minded perspective?
Back in the nineties, there wasn’t much Asians plying their trade in Europe probably only Miura Kazuyoshi, who’s also famously known as King Kazu, to all his fans, became the first Asian ever to play in Italian Serie-A. Kazu did not have a successful spell with Italian’s Genoa netting only1 goal in all his outings. He returned to the J-League in less than a year.
After the success of France World Cup 1998 champaign, the rest of the world witnessed what Asians could do and the scenes of European clubs snapping up top Asian players unfolded. Asian players started to be recognized by European clubs. Constantly on their clubs’ radar, Asian players did well to secure permanent move to the bigger European leagues. Paths to bigger leagues are established and more top-notch Asian players were realizing the Asian dreams.
One of the earliest Asian players to ride on the success of the France World Cup 1998 champaign, was Iran’s Ali Daei who turned out for Bayern Munich in 1998 where he scored 6 goals from his 23 outings. Together with him knocking on European doors, was his fellow country mate, Mehdi Mahdavikia who was loaned to VfL Bochum. Another successful export from Asia was Japan’s Hidetoshi Nakata who enjoyed success with A.C. Perugia where he scored 10 goals in his first Serie-A season! Other than solely just merchandizes’ benefit, China’s Fan Zhiyi and Sun Jihai also had great playing times at Crystal Palace when the duo transferred to England in 1998. And especially Fan Zhiyi, he enjoyed a total of 88 outings with 6 goals!
True enough, the above are classic examples of the exports from Asia’s power houses, how about ASEAN countries near us? We do have our fair shares of excitements too!
India’s favorite futbol son, Baichung Bhutia did well in the region which saw him securing a move to England’s Bury F.C in 1999. Thailand’s own “Zico”, Kiatisuk Senamuang, turned out for Huddersfield Town in 1999. One of those most recent transfers in our backyard included Thailand’s Suree Sukha’s move to Manchester City in 2007!
Over the years, Asian’s futbol has been improving so do ASEAN’s futbol. After doing some quick calculations, there are about 11 Japanese, 9 South Koreans, 3 Bahrainis, 2 Chinese, 2 Iranians, 2 Lebanese and 2 Uzbekistanis plying their trade in Europe. Not to forget there are many more other Asian players in the slightly lower European leagues too. Many futbol associations understand the need to give their players’ higher level of futbol exposures, therefore sending their potential players oversea especially to Europe hoping players could return with a contract or if not valuable experiences.
In search of future success, Singapore has been doing the same by sending players oversea as well. Singapore’s top striker, Indra Shadan Daud underwent a training with Chelsea FC in 2003 and attended a trial with Major League’s Real Salt Lake in 2008 where he nearly landed himself a contract. Compatriot, Noh Alam Shah, went on trial with Notts County in England and Skonto Riga in Latvia between 2006-2007. Youngster Hariss Harun was sent to Barcelona’s famed academy, La Masia, for training in 2007 and he returned with a MVP award. Subsequently Hariss went on trial with Chinese Super League’s Shanghai Shenghua in 2010 but cited chinese environment as his main obstacle upon his return. Former Asian Footballer of the Year Award nominee, Singapore’s custodian, Lionel Lewis, was invited to train with Manchester City in 2007 and had a trial at Swiss Super League club, Grasshopper-Club Zurich in 2008.
Effort to send players to the best clubs and leagues will not only benefit futbol player themselves, it will also benefit Asian futbol. Regardless what, as an Asian, let’s continue to support Asian futbol and hopefully in times to come, we could repeat what the Japanese Women’s team has done (first) - do Asian futbol proud by lifting the World Cup trophy!
