BBC reporter Victoria Gill met up with France scientist Christophe Clanet and his team that were researching probably the best free kick ever taken.
The team explains Roberto was at a perfect distance, hit the ball hard enough, and with the correct spin, to give the ball the ability to fly the way it did....and that it could be done again.
If the ball would have continued it's path, it would have ended up in what is called a "snail shell" shaped trajectory. The distance is what allowed us to see the ball fly at it's potential trajectory, if it were any shorter, then the play would probably never have been talked about again. Mythbusters would have loved this.
Enjoy
Football Cooler Talk and Every Day Shenanigans
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Is Newcastle's Andy Carroll really Kevin Federline in disguise?
Decide for yourself Geordies.
I won't be surprised in a few months to see The Northern Echo reporting Mr. Carroll backup dancing down at the Quayside...or busting out rhymes like this.
All kidding aside, it's nice to see a hometown kid do well in the black and white stripes. It feels good to see Newcastle back at the top tier and I hope they stay up for a while. It doesn't even feel like they left. The key to their success this year is the big man Carroll up front combined with Joey Barton's mustache.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Arsenal fans ALWAYS have hope
Freaking Goooners....
I don't know how many times I've seen it. Enough times where I would feel safe to throw down some money and bet on it.......and probably win 75% of the time. What exactly would this bet be?
Arsenal ALWAYS score in the last five minutes of a match....but only if they are trailing. Over the past 2-3 years I have noticed it more and more and today they struck again in the 90th minute against my beloved Liverpool. They are the only team that does this on a consistent basis. It's amazing.
I went to the watch the game at Brits Pub in downtown Minneapolis with my girlfriend. The game was getting in the later minutes and I turn to my girl and say, "you can never trust a lead against Arsenal, they always are a threat to score in the last 5 minutes." Sure enough, a ball gets sent into the box and Pepe bobbles it... it proceeds to roll right in the back of the net. Like clockwork.
If anyone who reads this is a betting man and is looking for a little late drama, don't even think twice about NOT putting a bet down on Arsenal leveling or taking the lead in the last 5 minutes. I won't be able to log into Paddy Power fast enough.
There are 37 more league games to go and who knows how many cup/tournament games Arsenal have left....but chalk today down as the first of the season. We here at Calcio Covenant headquarters will keep a tally for you.
I don't know how many times I've seen it. Enough times where I would feel safe to throw down some money and bet on it.......and probably win 75% of the time. What exactly would this bet be?
Arsenal ALWAYS score in the last five minutes of a match....but only if they are trailing. Over the past 2-3 years I have noticed it more and more and today they struck again in the 90th minute against my beloved Liverpool. They are the only team that does this on a consistent basis. It's amazing.
I went to the watch the game at Brits Pub in downtown Minneapolis with my girlfriend. The game was getting in the later minutes and I turn to my girl and say, "you can never trust a lead against Arsenal, they always are a threat to score in the last 5 minutes." Sure enough, a ball gets sent into the box and Pepe bobbles it... it proceeds to roll right in the back of the net. Like clockwork.
If anyone who reads this is a betting man and is looking for a little late drama, don't even think twice about NOT putting a bet down on Arsenal leveling or taking the lead in the last 5 minutes. I won't be able to log into Paddy Power fast enough.
There are 37 more league games to go and who knows how many cup/tournament games Arsenal have left....but chalk today down as the first of the season. We here at Calcio Covenant headquarters will keep a tally for you.
Monday, August 9, 2010
My Premier League Predictions
Alright, the Community Shield game was this past Sunday which everyone knows acts like the pep rally to kick-off the new Premier League season. Congrats to Man U for winning their 18th shield....they are getting closer to being able to use all those shields as dinner plates for a pre-match feast.
I am going to warn you now, if you are looking for incredible insight and nights of research and pints poured into this pre-season prediction list, your going to be disappointed. It's just a simple list you can compare with yours. At the mid point of the season I'll review this to see how if I'm an incredible football mind, or if stink at making predictions.
I am basing these predictions off of a few things: Past performances, players bought and sold, player fitness, and schedule. Here is my prediction for the outcome of the 2010-2011 Premier League season. Below the table are my predictions for the awards. Enjoy
20. Blackpool
19. Wolves
18. West Brom
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17. Newcastle
16. West Ham
15. Wigan
14. Fulham
13. Stoke
12. Bolton
11. Sunderland
10. Birmingham
9. Blackburn
8. Aston Villa
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7. Everton
6. Tottenham
5. Arsenal
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4. Liverpool
3. Man U
2. Man City
1. Chelsea
There ya have it, love it, hate it, it's all good. the Big 4 are becoming the big 5 or 6 pretty quick.
Individual Awards
Player of the year - Joe Cole
Golden Boot - Fernando Torres
Golden Glove - Shay Given
Manager of the year - Roy Hodgson
Friday, July 30, 2010
Bristol City sign David James & Freddy Adu just can't find a club
Championship side Bristol City FC are having quite the busy signing day. Along with sealing up defensive pair Nicky Hunt and Damion Stewart, they captured England's World Cup keeper David James. Not a bad day I'd say.
James lives in Exeter, which is located in the southwest corner of England, and explained that this more important to him that staying in the Premier League.
"I've had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football for the right club and be a family man,"I love the fact he is going to this team to help them win promotion to the Premier League and for family reasons. If Bristol succeed in that venture they would be the southwest team in the Premier League. He's going to be introduced during Saturday's friendly with Blackpool.
Liverpool's David N'Gog scored twice in yesterdays Europa League win over Rabotnicki.
Congratulations to Mark Hughes for becoming Fulham's new manager. He's already going after his old club Man City for Ireland, Santa Cruz, and Bellamy.
Robinho is on his way back to Eastlands.
Five thousand of Frank Lampard's 24-carat iPods are going to be melted down because they can't be sold. They will be re-created to Hello Kitty iPods. Frankie....why not just go to one of those cash for gold stores.
Will Freddy Adu ever be on a team for more than a season? Dude, just come back to the US.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Barcelona has real financial mess and more fun things in football
BBC reports that Barcelona suffered a loss of 77m euros last season. That puts their debt at 442m euros. How can this be? They are always deep in the Champions League competition which pays out generously, TV rights, winning the league, worldwide popularity and merch flying off the shelves. How do they expect to bring in huge names like Cesc Fabregas at a whopping 35m euro fee, or even Villa who they already signed for 33.4m. They must be printing their own money in some back room ant the Nou Camp.
Joan Laporta, who was in charge of the previous board said the team was 11m in the good at the end of June. Well that sounds great until accounting firm Deloitte went ahead with a second audit under new president Sandro Rosell. Their findings show that the cost of running the club last year was at 400m pounds and an income of only 341.7m pounds. I'm not an economics major or anything but generally to NOT be in debt, your operating costs need to be LESS than your income. It's not like Barca is a new club and need a few years before they profit. They have been around since 1899. To add more salt to the wound, they had to take out a 125m pound loan to help pay their players.
This is not good and the club really needs to take a step back and get their feet back on the ground. Not just Barca either, teams all over Europe. Players are being transferred all over the place for ridiculous prices (James Milner). Players and teams should honor their contracts and take advantage of free transfers. I don't mind the wages of players...it's the transfer fee's that are really killing these clubs. This would save hundreds of millions every year. Maybe teams would slow down the changing of uniforms too, fans can't pay $60-70 a year to upgrade to the new jersey, seriously...it's dumb. That is another topic for a different day.
I understand that the world of football has changed and it's more of a "must win trophy's right now" world instead of the slow, steady, and smart way. It's sad to see. How many more Leeds and Portsmouth's do we need to see before owners, teams, and players honor contracts and stop racking up the bill and giving the tab to the fans.
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This is one of the best celebrations I have ever seen. hahahaha.
Javier Mascherano really really wants to leave Liverpool. - Soccernet - He looks to be heading to Inter Milan so he can nuzzle next to Rafa Benitez.
Premier League has some new squad rules. Here is a great explanation of them.
Paul Scholes is regretting not going to the World Cup. - Daily Mail -
Pitch Invasion has some information on the largest American soccer crowds. Stats are always fun.
Wayne Rooney with Jedward...a set of twins with hi-top hairdo's that one Simon Cowell's X-Factor and covered Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby" - The Sun -
Rio Ferdinand always has great question/answer sessions on his twitter account. Follow him.
Steve Cherundolo is going to be Hannover's captain this season. - Yanks Abroad - Congrats Stevie!
September 4th, my birthday, is non-league day.
In other sports, Christophe Lamaitre, a French sprinter, became the first white man to run 100m in under 10 seconds. Nice work buddy.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Whats involved in a Premier League fitness test, France suspended, Derby players cliff jumping
BBC reports The France Football Federation suspended all 23 members of their World Cup squad....for one game. That game happens to be against Norway, in Oslo on August 11th. The "Hand of Henry" is proving to be quite the bad luck charm. Keeper Hugo Lloris had this to say;
"We went too far. It was a very awkward decision, a big mistake. It was completely stupid. But there were so many problems.
Someone at the FFF needs to get themselves a rabbit's foot or a schedule a witch doctor. We all know that Karim Benzema and Frank Ribery could use some better luck....or just better decision making. Your professional footballers...why are you paying for a night of debauchery?
Richard Dunne had a laugh at the expense of France.
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Ever wonder what taking a Premier League fitness test is like? Well BBC shows us what it takes to be registered "fit" for competition.
Thierry Henry continues to haunt Spurs and during his debut for the New York Red Bulls last night it took him 25 minutes. Here it is.
Derby players are jumping off 40ft cliffs as part of their training - Mirror - Nothing like a huge cannonball to raise team spirit or get you prepared for playing against the world's greatest in a months time.
Scotland's new away jersey - BBC -
Man City make final offer for "get me outta here" Aston Villa man James Milner - Guardian -
If you like FC St. Pauli...this is a good article on their tactics and what to expect in their return to the Bundesliga. - TimHi -
Go here for sweet scarves. - Ruffneck Scarves -
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Little Football News....Some Soccer Information.
Champions League is adding two refs for this seasons campaign after the World Cup saw it's share of goal line disputes.
FIFA refuses to give us a World Cup all-star team....and won't give us a reason. Seems to be a popular method of communication in FIFA.
David Beckham's top 10 hairdo's according to The Spoiler.
Ryan Babels shorts buying escapade on Twitter. - Pies -
Sir Alex Ferguson has high hopes for the future of soccer in the USA.
Cristiano Ronaldo rumored to be tying the knot with model Irina Shayk...well played Ronaldo. - Deadspin -
ESPN's Brent Latham gives us his report card for the halfway mark of the MLS season
Japan gets a morale boost for there World Cup 2022 bid after FIFA praises the country for having a quality inspection. - Soccernet -
The revolving door keeps on spinning at Liverpool. Dutch and AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could be signing for Liverpool with Ryan Babel going to AC Milan. They also sealed up Rangers 18 year old defender Danny Wilson who won the Scottish Football Association Young Player of the Year award last season. Disgruntled winger Albert Riera is on his way out with a move to Greek side Olympiakos. The reds are also rumored to be chasing Man City's left-back Wayne Bridge, which is a position they need to fill. Hodgson didn't wait to start making an impact at Anfield. I'm liking these new signings more each day.
Martin Jol turns down Fulham job offer to stay with Ajax. Does this mean Bob Bradley is back in the running? - BBC -
Roberto Mancini confirms his interest in Captain America Landon Donovan.
A look at West Ham's new digs for this season. - EPLtalk - A lot of these new jersey's are crisp and simple. I hope this trend stays.
A blatant kick to the chest. This gets my vote for "Best Nigel de Jong Impression - 2010"
FIFA refuses to give us a World Cup all-star team....and won't give us a reason. Seems to be a popular method of communication in FIFA.
David Beckham's top 10 hairdo's according to The Spoiler.
Ryan Babels shorts buying escapade on Twitter. - Pies -
Sir Alex Ferguson has high hopes for the future of soccer in the USA.
Cristiano Ronaldo rumored to be tying the knot with model Irina Shayk...well played Ronaldo. - Deadspin -
ESPN's Brent Latham gives us his report card for the halfway mark of the MLS season
Japan gets a morale boost for there World Cup 2022 bid after FIFA praises the country for having a quality inspection. - Soccernet -
The revolving door keeps on spinning at Liverpool. Dutch and AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could be signing for Liverpool with Ryan Babel going to AC Milan. They also sealed up Rangers 18 year old defender Danny Wilson who won the Scottish Football Association Young Player of the Year award last season. Disgruntled winger Albert Riera is on his way out with a move to Greek side Olympiakos. The reds are also rumored to be chasing Man City's left-back Wayne Bridge, which is a position they need to fill. Hodgson didn't wait to start making an impact at Anfield. I'm liking these new signings more each day.
Martin Jol turns down Fulham job offer to stay with Ajax. Does this mean Bob Bradley is back in the running? - BBC -
Roberto Mancini confirms his interest in Captain America Landon Donovan.
A look at West Ham's new digs for this season. - EPLtalk - A lot of these new jersey's are crisp and simple. I hope this trend stays.
A blatant kick to the chest. This gets my vote for "Best Nigel de Jong Impression - 2010"
Monday, July 19, 2010
Joe Cole Joins Liverpool, Giggs greater than Pele? and Other News!
Picture this...but in glorious Liverpool red.
Liverpool FC today received a huge boost to their roster and their hopes to rejoining Champions League football at the end of the season. High fives all around!
Joe Cole signed a four-year deal with Liverpool that is still subject to a medical, and while the word medical was just typed, let's hope Joe can stay away from the medical table during his tenure with the club. He comes over after a free transfer from Chelsea which is also a wonderful thing considering the financial turmoil at Anfield. The man is fit and has proven that he can be one of the top players in the league when playing a full schedule (won Chelsea player of the year in 2008 and was on Premier League Team of the Year in 2006).
I'm going to beat this point to death but, this is a great step in the right direction for Liverpool. A possible midfield of Maxi, Gerrard, Aqua, and Cole....awesome. Now they need to focus on picking up a left-back and that first game against Arsenal doesn't look so bad after all. You can read the rest of the story here. Also, Liverpool fans didn't wait to long to write a few songs for him.
If you asked 1000 people who they think is the all-time greatest player who ever lived, 999 of them would most likely say Pele, Maradona, or Cruyff. So who is the one person would of the thousand that wouldn't say that, well that would be Manchester United's Wes Brown. When asked who the greatest player is, Wes had this to say.
"I know it is going to sound daft this but I would have to say Giggsy"There is the initial knee-jerk reaction of this comment and say that he is crazy, but he defends himself.
"Of course, you have got the likes of Maradona and Pele who were world-class players, but for me it is Giggsy. His overall game and his achievements are just incredible.
"You get one-offs every now and again and he's certainly one of them. To have performed consistently well at the top level for such a long time and stayed with one team is amazing. It is difficult to think of anyone else like Ryan; Sir Bobby (Charlton) is probably the only other player to compare with Giggsy."I think it is safe to say that Ryan Giggs has endured a career that every player and fan of the game would love to duplicate; titles galore, loads of silverware, one team, record holder for most games played for that team, the ability to stay healthy and play at the highest level, and great chest hair. It is a very impressive resume that's for sure, but the 999 other people who say Pele, Maradona, and Cruyff have the upper hand on the "greatest ever" argument. Story at Eurosport.
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Bob Bradley WAS in the running to become Fulham's new manager....until Martin Jol stepped in. - BBC - Also, could Suarez be following Jol to Fulham? - Eurosport -
Ronaldinho on stage with 50 Cent in Rio. The crowd doesn't exactly go crazy.
Joey Barton says, "I'm as good as anyone in this country". Bold statement Joey. I would love to see him prove it this season with Newcastle. Howay The Lads! - Pies -
Hilarious article onWesley Sneijder tying the knot with Dutch hottness...wears little suit. - The Spoiler -
If you like Champions League football and are curious when the draws and matches will be held, I have your cure...here is a list courtesy of UEFA.com. The fun has already begun so don't miss anymore action!
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