From the category archives:

World Cup

Pele Urges Neymar Not To Join Chelsea

by Philip Mboya on August 16, 2010

Arguably one of the greatest players of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento aka Pele is the latest to chip in on Brazilian starlet Neymar’s transfer saga. The 69 year old legend is apparently trying to persuade the teenager to remain in Brazil at least until his game has matured enough.

After watching one of the country’s best talent (Robinho) under perform in Europe, Pele is not prepared to see another talent ruined and neither am i. The Santos forward is regarded as the Selecao’s main hope when they host the World Cup in 4 years time.

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Germany Crowned Champions

by Philip Mboya on August 2, 2010

Germany beat Nigeria 2-0 yesterday to win the FIFA’S Women’s U-20 World Cup on home soil. Korea also beat Colombia 1-0 to clinch the Bronze in the third attempt at this stage of the competition.

Germany’s victory however is the main talking point as the hosts finished the tournament with a perfect record winning all their matches. It was alos a momentous occasion for Nigeria’s despite their loss.

The Falconets became the first African nation to win a medal in a FIFA women’s tournament. This is Germany’s second title-their first one coming 6 years back in Thailand.

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D-day For Hosts Germany

by Philip Mboya on August 1, 2010

Today another FIFA final will be staged in the city of Bielefeld where Germany will take on surprise finalists Nigeria in the Women’s U-20 World Cup. After nearly three weeks of football and 90 goals, the curtains come down on tournament that has largely been billed as a dress rehearsal for next year’s senior event.

As hosts, Germany are favourites to win the match although the Falconets of Nigeria cannot be ruled out. Both Germany and Nigeria have  perfect records going into the final and that should provide for an entertaining match.

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Menezes Names 24 Man Squad For August Friendly

by Philip Mboya on July 27, 2010

In his first major action as Brazil coach, Mano Menezes has released the names of his 24 man squad that will face the USA in a friendly next month. I have to warn you though, it is not short of surprises. Of course what everyone wants to know is whether Dinho made the cut.

Unfortunately the Milan star along with Ronaldo and Adriano were not so lucky. However, what is even more surprising is the fact that Kaka, and Inter‘s treble winning goalie Julio Cesar are not in the squad. Now, i know that this is a new era in Brazilian football however, that does not mean you cut off your key players.

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Defending Champions USA Crash Out In Germany

by Philip Mboya on July 26, 2010

Mention Women’s Soccer in the USA and the first thing that comes to many people’s mind is Mia Hamm. For as long as i can remember Mia Hamm was the face of American Women’s soccer and rightfully so because the 38 year old former striker’s career is one of the most decorated not only in the women’s category, but in the entire history of the sport.

Yeah i know that thats a pretty bold statement but once you consider Hamm’s achievements, you will realise just how talented she was.  Hamm’s international career spanned 17 years where she scored 158 goals in 275 appearances for the United States.

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Meet Brazil’s New Coach

by Philip Mboya on July 25, 2010

The CBF has named Mano Menezes as Brazil‘s new coach. The 48 year-old replaced Carlos Dunga as the Selecao’s new coach after he accepted the Brazilian football confederations offer yesterday morning.

Now, i will be frank and say that i do not know anything about Mano. In fact the first time i heard of him was only a few days ago. My only question and i know i echo many people’s concern when i say this, is whether Mano can do what Dunga could not.

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U-20 Women’s World Cup Quarter Finalists Known

by Philip Mboya on July 22, 2010

The FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup quarter finalists are now known. The 8 teams that will battle it out for for a place in the semi finals are: hosts Germany, Colombia, Sweden, Korea DPR, Mexico, Nigeria, USA and People’s Republic Korea.

Going into the last match day for the group fixtures, a lot of focus was on Group C and Group D where all teams stood a good chance of qualifying. In Group C, however, it was a all about who would top the group as both Mexico and Nigeria were virtually guaranteed a quarters slot after both teams won and drew their opening two games.

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The just concluded FIFA Mens World Cup was a major success much that it stole the limelight from another equally important FIFA tournament that begun only days after the historic 2010 Finals.

The FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup in Germany has already seen the likes of Korea Republic , Korea Democratic People’s Rupublic and hosts Germany qualify for the Quarter finals. Now, i was  just as shocked as you are right now when i found out about this just a few days ago.

For those of you thoroughly interested in all aspects of the beautiful game, i can assure you that you have not missed much ok may be  a few breath taking goals, however,  there are still plenty of games and goals to come.

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Rajevac Keen On Staying On As Ghana Coach

by Philip Mboya on July 15, 2010

Ghana’s  history making national football team coach Milovan Rajevac has voiced his desire to stay on as the Black Stars manager despite receiving lucrative offers from a number of European club’s. It was rather obvious that after such a successful display from his youthful squad, the 56 year old Serbian international would attract offers from the games finest club’s and countries.

However, Rajevac has stated that he has no intentions to leave the West African nation just yet. The Black Stars were Africa’s heroes despite their painful quarter-final loss to Uruguay (although it felt a lot worse after the final whistle).

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My Best World Soccer Blogs

by The Yank on July 14, 2010

one worldOver the last 30 months, I have provided you with plentiful posts about the world and the way people play that crazy game with your feet all over it. Whether you call it soccer, football, futbol, calcio or kick the kiwi, it is the same beautiful game. Over the years, I have written about all the earth’s major leagues and tourneys, like the Champion’s League and the World Cup, and I have always done so with integrity. Um, wait. Nope, I actually mostly wrote about WAGs.

Here are my 10 Best World Soccer Blogs/Series:

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