Manchester City have successfully signed the Ivory Coast player Yaya Toure from Barcelona on a five-year deal for about £24m. The midfielder who is 27 year old, played for Ivory Coast at this summer’s World Cup in south Africa. Yaya was released by Catalan club last week, before Manchester City grab him on five years deal. Manager Roberto Mancini told the club website during the interview “This is another fantastic signing for Manchester City” Yaya’s arrival follows deals for Spain midfielder David Silva and Germany defender Jerome Boateng.
Yaya Toure
However, new club mate Mancini backed Yaya to help Manchester City build on last season’s fifth-place finish in the English Premier League. “Everyone knows Yaya is a player that we have admired for a long time,” Mancini said. “We would like to welcome him to Manchester City. He has played at the top level with top clubs like Barcelona and I am sure his experience and ability will be very useful for us for to break into English Premier League top 4.
Yaya played every minute of Ivory Coast’s campaign in the world cup and scored in the 3-0 victory against North Korea, when they need to win by 7-0 in other to beat Portugal by goal different, but with the 3-0 victory Portugal beat them to qualify with +4 goal different into the rounds of 16, which also include Brazil. And that disappointment came after a frustrating season at Catalan, where he lost his regular place as the team’s holding midfielder to Sergio Busquets and played the full 90 minutes only nine times in the Spanish league season of 38 games.
England will take some comfort from the fact that an apology was made by Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president over the disallowed goal scored by Frank Lampard. The FIFA President made this apology saying that this serious error has convinced him to rethink on making use of technology at the goal-line going forward and said that he would take it up at the board meeting to be held in the month of July. The Football Association received this apology. Despite his stinging shot clearly crossing the goal line, Frank Lampard was denied this goal and England ultimately lost to Germany 4-1. Blatter also had to apologise to Mexico due to another error from the referee in allowing a clear offside goal from Carlos Tevez of Argentina. Here again Mexico lost to Argentina 3-1. The two men who were involved in these errors have however been retained to conduct proceedings for the rest of the tournament. They were referee Jorge Larrionda from Uruguayan and referee Roberto Rosetti from Italy. If the strike from Lampard had been allowed, then the score at that stage would have read 2-2 and would have boosted England’s morale substantially. This serious error on the part of the referee has led to a strident demand from FifPro, the international player union to introduce technology at the goal-line so that the referee can have the benefit of this technology to make the right decision. Blatter has indicated that this point will be seriously taken up at the IFAB board meeting next month. IFAB stands for the International FA Board and is responsible for deciding upon the manner in which the game should be played and the laws that should govern it. Blatter admitted that it was high time that the file on this provision of technology at the goal-line was revisited and referred to the disturbing experiences at the current World Cup as enough reasons to do so.
Frank Lampard's goal
The off-side Tevez goal which contributed to Argentina’s win over Mexico was shown on the stadium screens a number of times and that resulted in the Mexican players as well as the officials and coaches getting into clashes. Blatter went on to add that though he is aghast and surprised at such mistakes made by the referees, he feels that these things do happen in sport and the tournament as well as the game of football must carry on. He has also expressed his apologies to both the football federations of England as well as Mexico and conveyed his empathies to them at the turn of events. He reiterated that this issue about technology being made available for goal-line calls will surely be taken up at the business meeting in the month of July. This commitment from Blatter comes within four months of Jerome Valcke – the Fifa general secretary saying that they had decided against the inclusion of goal-line technology through any video replays on the basis of the issue having been put to vote at the IFAB meeting. That decision was arrived at after watching elaborate presentations delivered by Cairos as well as Hawk-Eye – the two state of art technology systems being used in tennis as well as cricket. Blatter was also of the opinion that though such errors were not acceptable, the game of football had to go on and live with such human errors.
He further added that there could not be different rules for this game in different parts of the world and it was the simplicity and universal appeal of this game that made it so popular. Since the ultimate decision had to be taken by a human being even after using technology, he felt that it was the referee on the field who should take the decision for good or for bad. The Fifa President was enjoying the match and was part of the crowd at the Free State Stadium even as Jorge Larrionda, the referee along with his assistant Mauricio Espinosa could not see that the shot of Lampard had cleared the goal-line by a fair distance and disallowed a legitimate goal. However, the German media feels that it is atonement for the goal that was allowed to Geoff Hurst in the 1966 tournament final and feels that even then, it was not clear whether the ball had crossed the goal-line and yet the goal was allowed. Blatter of course feels that a similar incident should not have taken place 44 years later and added that when he apologized to both the affected teams, the English were philosophical about it, saying that it happens in the game and the Mexicans too took it in their stride and were pretty magnanimous about it. Brian Barwick however had a different take on this saying that the stakes were just too high for Fifa to go on continuing with practices that are no longer relevant and should adopt technologies already in use in both tennis and cricket. He was talking to BBC Sport and was wondering how the game would have gone on if there was such a game played in the last 16 and England was 2-1 down. He felt that it was a clear goal and if the referee could not see it, then there was no harm in taking the help of technology that is available.
He went on to add that after the replay of that moment, everybody in the world knew that England had scored legitimately and it was a pity that four men did not quite see it that way. The judgment error was just too serious, he said. Howard Webb, who was one of the referees in the Champions League final last month and is also a World Cup referee fully supports the use of technology since it would help referee take the right call. He clarified that he had an open mind on anything that helps referees perform well and without errors. He also said that he would be using his immense experience and the right tools to take decisions and feels that just because technology is used, his position would not get undermined. He added saying that in England, they already work and learn from officials of other sports like rugby league, cricket and try to imbibe the good practices that they are following taking care to see that the fluid nature of football is not compromised
Blatter however confirmed that the IFAB would only revisit the issue of technology at the goal-line and would not be taking up the issue of any help for assistant referees, while referring to the offside goal of Tevez from Argentina.
He said that the fast paced nature of the game should not be compromised by giving teams a chance to look at replays ever so often and felt that the Mexico game certainly did not merit any interference from technology. Blatter has also indicated that Fifa would be initiating a movement to ensure that better refereeing standards are followed and would bring in a model by the month of November in this regard. He said that they would also discuss how better control can be exercised over the match by the referees and said that though he would not like to divulge everything, there was a definite need for change.
The World Cup is firmly underway so all you fashion fans can support your favourite World Cup teams in a slightly different World Cup competition – the Very World Cup fashion face-off!
Yes, you heard right! It seems a common misconception these days that girls can’t be football fans as well as stylish – well I beg to differ and I for one will be keeping one eye on the pitch and the other eye on the WAGs fashion so I was pleased to see fashion site very.co.uk getting in on the World Cup action.
World Cup Fashion Face-Off
If you haven’t already heard about the World Cup fashion face-off over at Very World Cup fashion then here’s the lowdown. Each World Cup team has a distinct fashion look that represents their unique national style – so for England we have festival chic, a mix of festival ready clothes and retro accessories, while the Netherlands is represented by plenty of floral patterns.
It’s up to all you fashion (and football!) fans out there to vote for your favourite looks. England are already through to the quarter finals but keep an eye out for their next face-off and make sure you vote to get them through to the next round!
Of course it’s all a bit of light hearted fun and there are actually some really good looks for the World Cup countries that you might prefer. Personally I love Korea’s utility chic style which is absolutely rocking the military trends that have been on the High Street this season while the Netherlands cute and girly floral style is a gorgeous mix of vintage style and flower power! Kooky and cool Japan might be more up your street – elegant pastel pinks mixed with bright fuchsia blend with cute bunnies and Hello Kitty for a really unique style.
So, if you’re as much of a fan of fashion as you are of football then head over to Very World Cup fashion to vote for your favourite World Cup look!
It is World Cup Soccer time and there is soccer mania everywhere. Not only adults but kids too want to play the game after looking at some of their soccer stars on television battling it out for their individual teams.
This game is an excellent way for children to keep fit. In times like this when child obesity is a concern for everybody, if there is one game that can help children maintain their physique, it is the wonderful sport of soccer. Playing this game for an hour daily will keep the child physically and mentally fit. It will boost cardiovascular and muscle tenacity and help kids to sleep much better. This sport also has the ability to ensure that the child’s spatial awareness, reaction time and co-ordination between the various organs in the body are at its optimum. The sport also provides children the opportunity to develop social as well as other leadership skills. They learn to work in a team and that will enable them to get along with other kids in the school and in the neighborhood. It is thus very important for their personality development.
Now that you are aware of the benefits of the game of soccer for your junior and want to enroll him into a team, your first step should be to look for one. You can contact your county FA who will be able to inform you about the various teams near your neighborhood. It is then just a matter of contacting them and enrolling your junior into the team.
The next step is to look for a suitable junior team kit pack that is ideal for your child. The kit that you select must go well with the team motif, colors, design as well as the image. The fabric used must also reflect that ethos. Your choice must also suit your pocket. Looking for such a combination is thus a difficult task and it would be therefore advisable for you to use the internet and search for it online. You are more than likely to come across many online companies who would be able to offer you a tremendous variety of styles, patterns, colors and fabric at good competitive rates to enable you to take a decision.
Usually the selection of the junior team kit pack has to be consistent with the traditional colors of the team and the only option you would have is the possible mixing and blending of colors without disturbing the overall look of the fabric. That is why it is so important to choose an appropriate online company who can provide the necessary variety, choice and quality so that the kit lasts for the entire season. Such companies work as a consultant to the customer in coming out with designs and options out of which one would definitely be suitable.
The criteria and points that you must keep in mind when choosing your junior team kit pack is the distinctive look it can provide to the team and present them as a striking unit. That can only be achieved through the use of attractive colors and designs along with an appropriate logo.
After the exit of the special one
Mourinho set to quit Inter from the European raining champion side Inter Milan, Milan has being shopping for a suitable replacement and they have finally settled for former manager of Liverpool Rafael Benitez who resign just about 7 days ago has Liverpool manager. Rafael Benitez has been confirmed as the new boss of Italian giants Inter Milan. He signed a two-year contract to take charge at the reigning European champion and Serie A champions.
Nerazzurri new Rafael Benitez
Rafael Benitez received a nice welcome at Inter and the club has set to introduced him as the new coach in a news conference on Tuesday, 22 June. Benitez left Liverpool after 6 years in charge, and replaces Jose Mourinho who has joined Real Madrid about 2 years ago. Benitez won two La Liga titles and a Uefa Cup with Valencia before moving to Anfield and winning the Champions League the following year in 2005. He also took Liverpool to the 2007 final.
Now at Inter Milan, Benitez will face a tough task following the special one Mourinho successful 2 year at San Siro. Mourinho won the Serie A champions in his first year in Italy and in the second year, he won a thriller, by claiming the Serie A, Coppa Italia and the European Champions League, Benitez will have to build on this vandation. And before Mourinho took charge, Inter had won three consecutive titles under the new Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini. Towards the end of the season, lots of people having being thinking that Benitez regain in Liverpool is likely to come to an end after the season, and he was strongly linked with Inter Milan rivals Juventus, before they appointed Luigi del Neri as the manager. Liverpool finished the season with 6th position in the English premier league.
Some of Benitez players at Liverpool believe he is a good and the best replacement for the special one at Nerazzurri and achieve lots of success in Italian Serie A. “Only Benitez could take the place of a coach like Mourinho,” said Mascherano. “He is a great coach. He has charisma, personality, and a winning mentality. “Moreover, he will find himself brilliantly in Italy because of the tactical game. Rafa studies everything on the table and directs the team from the bench like an orchestra conductor. “After Mourinho, he is the only man capable of continuing Inter Milan winning formula.”
With appointment of Rafael Benite as the new manager of Inter Milan, I wish him all the best and he can start his winning formula back at Nerazzurri.
If you are a keen sportsman or follow sports with passion, then you can think of converting this passion into something profitable. That can be done by taking to sport betting and if you are wise and learn the tricks as well as nuances of sport betting, you can end up making some money on the side. You will thus be able to make good use of your interest and passion in sports and profit from it.
However, as with any betting option, you need to be cautious and cannot be reckless. Playing hunches should strictly be avoided and you must take a bet only after careful study and after considering the various indicators. Betting has no place for emotions and your aim should be to make profits over time, rather than go for a quick short term gain.
Sport betting involves strategy and knowledge about the different betting odds. You must get acclimatized with the various odds that are followed and practiced by different bookies. Before placing a bet on a player or a team, it is advisable to do a thorough study of the past performance and other parameters that can influence performance. Since you are a keen follower of the game as well as its players, this should not be difficult and all you need to do is make use of your own knowledge and combine it with some research before placing bets.
You need to start small and only after getting a reasonably good idea of the sport betting procedures should you wager for high amounts. Once you start making some money, you can invest that money back into betting and then try for bigger gains. You must not place too many sport bets on either one sport or on one player as that will be similar to placing all eggs in one basket. While that strategy may win you big money, it can also prove disastrous and lose you money big time.
Online sports betting is one of the most popular activities in the online gambling world, as it is so diverse. No matter what sport you are interested in, online sports betting websites give you the ability to bet on the game of your choice! This is a definite advantage to taking part in sports betting online, but it also means that there is quite a bit of information to keep up with if you want to be at the top of your game. That’s why Sport Extra is here, to keep you updated with all of the latest sports news that will have an effect on your sports betting experience. With all of the information you need under your belt, you can be a successful online sports bettor, and Sport Extra is here to help.
As Mourinho set to quit Inter, Real Madrid have finally announce the sacked of there Manager Manuel Pellegrini, in other to give way for the coming of the special one. Mourinho who won historic Treble, for Inter Milan in a season has been having problem with Italian football; he was fined on two different occasions with £16,000 and £35,000 by the Italian Football Federation for criticising officials. Since than he has been looking for ways to leave Italian Football. Mourinho who have passion for English Premiership has been linked with a return to Premier League side, where he won the title twice with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool were the possible destinations for the special one, before Real Madrid show interest. Mourinho decide to manage Real Madrid after he won the Champions Cup for Inter
Real Mardrid presidents Florentino Perez after announce the sack of Pellegrini said “I’m ready to admit to some mistakes but Mourinho’s hiring is an opportunity that Madrid could not miss.” Pellegrini, has been under pressure after failing to win a trophy in the year with all the best players at he disposal. Real lost the Primera Liga title to Barcelona with 3 point and were knocked out of both the Champions’ League and the Spanish Cup.
However, Inter president Massimo Moratti has suggested that Mourinho’s departure could be a protracted affair, and the Italian club is demanding £13.5m in compensation given the Portuguese coach’s contract at the San Siro runs until 2012. “What is still left to resolve is the interpretation, between Mourinho and the club, of his contract,” said Perez.
From all indication it is sure that the special one is leave the European champion side, Inter Milan, the club he won Treble for in season and the new home is Santiago Bernabeu where he won the European Champion for the second time. Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti was unable to confuse the manager Jose Mourinho to remain with the Champions League winners after he has brought lots of glory to them within two seasons.
Jose Mourinho "The special one"
Inter Milan president invited Mourinho for a chat on Monday to try and persuade the Portuguese to stay for another season at Nerazzurri. But when he was asked if Mourinho’s working relationship with Inter was over, Moratti said: “I believe so. The approach of the coach is that of someone who is already thinking of going to Real Madrid.” Therefore the special one who is just 47, is now expected to become name as Real Madrid boss anytime from now, after he guiding Inter to an historic Treble, Inter Milan champions league title.
Jorge Mendes who is Mourinho’s agent has being held series of meeting with Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano and sporting director Miguel Pardeza since yesterday, according to Spanish media. It was reported that Mourinho will sign a four-year deal with Real worth £8.5m annually, though Inter want £13.7m in compensation as the Portuguese’s contract with the Serie A side runs until 2012.
Mourinho became the third coach to win Europe’s top prize with two different clubs side. “I’m so sad as almost for sure it’s my last game with Inter,” stated Mourinho after the Nerazzurri beat Bayern Munich in Madrid. “If you don’t coach Real Madrid then you always have a gap in your career. It was difficult to leave Chelsea and it will be sad to leave Inter. Inter is my house in the same way Chelsea was my house. But that’s life, that’s football. Now I have two houses, Stamford Bridge, San Siro and now a third house – probably the Santiago Bernabeu. Only Real are interested in me but I haven’t spoken with anyone and I haven’t signed anything yet. I promised I’d speak after the final.
Mourinho continue, “I believe my target now is to win another championship that I’ve never won and win Champions League with a third club and then come back to England. Everybody knows that English football is my passion and I will go back to Englandone day. When I win I don’t stop and here [in Italy] I have won everything. I’ve won the Champions League with two clubs and I can do it with three,” he reflected. There are many things in Italy that I haven’t liked and for three to four months I’ve been thinking of going. I’ve entered into Inter’s history, I don’t want to speak much because if I do I’ll cry and I don’t want to do that. I want a different challenge in my career, now is the time to decide. What’s important for Inter is that [President Massimo] Moratti and [Captain Javier] Zanetti stay.”
Think it is a good opportunity for Mourinho to go to Real Madrid, now that the club is parading some of the best players are round world and with the money Real Madrid spend last season in transfer market in other to win the Spanish league and Champion Cup. Mourinho is the best man for the job and am sure he will deliver the result with two seasons in Santiago Bernabeu.
The self acclaim special one, Jose Mourinho, really become true special one yesterday night at the Bernabeu, after his wrote his name in the Guinness book of record, World soccer book of record and Inter Milan book of record. Yesterday night at the Bernabeu Jose Mourinho won the European Champions League with Inter Milan and become the third Manage to do so with different two clubs. The special one also becomes the first Manage to win all Italia soccer championship in a season: the Serie A, Coppa Italia and the European Champions League, what a special one indeed.
European Champions League 2010
Moreover, it is very important to mention Diego Milito who inspired the Inter Milan side to Champions League glory against Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu with two beautiful goals.
The special one Mourinho, who won the Champions League with Porto in 2004, made history to joins Ernst Happel and Ottmar Hitzfeld in earning that remarkable success at the age of 47 years and, in doing so, ends a wait of more than 45 years for the Nerazzurri to regain Europe’s top prize. Mourinho was brought propose to win the Champions League for Nerazzurri after 45 year Inter Milan has won the European championship and provide the cup for them in just his second season, what a special one!!!
Italian Serie A 2009/2010 Season
Inter beat Bayern Munich 2-0, the side that is managed by Mourinho mentor, Louis van Gaal, both manager worked together when Gaal was Barcelona manager in the 1990s, in the process only served to complete the ultimate season of personal vindication for the Portuguese.
Everyone has describe Mourinho as a defensive tactician, all the match was played in Inter Milan half, Mourinho’s side’s tactics were clearly to stay strong defensive match and pounce on the counter attack anytime they have the ball. But for many time, they played it right into Bayern’s hands. With Robben gives Inter left-back Christian Chivu a torrid time and Mark van Bommel pulling the strings in midfield, the Germans completely dominated the match both first half and the second half.
Here comes the goal in the 34 minutes, Milito collected, Inter keeper Julio Cesar long clearance down to Schneider and then dashing on to the Dutchman’s smart return to clip home a wonderful shot to finish the ball the Germans net.
The second goal by Militon come in the 70 minute in of the game, when he collected a pass from Samuel Eto’o, Milito was not to be denied and turned defender Mark van Buyten brilliantly though far too easily before side-footing a sensational second goal to seal the season on a remarkable note. Militon also score the only goal in the last match of Serie A season that give Inter Milan the Serie A title.
History was made and record was lay by the special one Jose Mourinho, almost all the soccer lover and fans around the World just believe that Mourinho is a special one when it comes to football tactics. Moreover, I believe Mourinho will have won the European Champions League with Chelsea, if he has not been sack by the Chelsea chairman.
Finally Arsenal has secured the signing of the long awaited Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh on an unspecified long-term deal. Marouane Chamakh has been linked to Arsenal since last season, but Bordeaux did not release the 26 year old striker, as he still have a season to spend at Bordeaux before he become a free agent. It was reported that Arsenal offer £7.5m for the Morocco striker last season which was rejected by Bordeaux, who want £15m on Chamakh, who have only one season left on his current contract with them. And since the striker is willing to play for Arsenal and has made it know to the club, but the want more than what Arsenal offer for the start striker. Gunner’s manager Arsene Wenger is not willing to increase the offer on the player and decide to wait till the end of the season when the player become a free agent and can sign him freely. Two other Premier league clubs were also show interest in the Morocco born striker in along with Arsenal. Without any hesitation, Arsenal was he preferred club, s he have being dreaming about it for a long time.
Marouane Chamakh
“My goal was to join Arsenal out of all the English clubs because it is a club that makes me dream and I have been a fan since I was a child,” he continued. We have many great players at Arsenal and I will be giving everything to help the team win trophies next season.”
Marouane Chamakh was part of the Morocco team that reached the final of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations and has scored 27 goals in 53 appearances for his country.
According to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said “Chamakh is a striker of real quality and has all the attributes suited to come to England, to player good football and do very well. He is also a fighter, not only a good football player, but a fighter as well. He is very good in the air and also a good team player. He is a great addition to our squad.”
Gunner’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis added that he was “delighted” the north Londoners had beaten off much competition especially Premier league clubs to sign Chamakh. “Arsene has been following his progress for some time and has identified him as a player that will add significant strength to our squad,” Gazidis said on his club’s website.
“We’re delighted that Marouane has chosen Arsenal ahead of the many other clubs that were interested in him.”
Chamakh is going to be a good additional for Arsenal has they have started a build-up to the next season. It has been three season in the English Premier league without and Arsenal have not won any trophy, notwithstanding Arsenal still remain one of the best three club in the premiership.
