Ah, Friday. MLS players supposedly voting to strike, the league talking about progress, nothing at all happening, pre-season matches continuing as usual. Gotta love it. None of us over here are expecting a work stoppage. I think it’s just some last minute hardball before some signature pages get executed. But what do I know. Fans are excited about new teams, new arenas, and the energy is palpable. So let’s just wrap up. Okay?
If you love perms or Didier Drogba, you’ll love the Les Éléphants shirt …
Spain is trying to conquer the world again. This time, they might succeed.
Is the Fix in or is the Fix in?
Many crazy things happened over the weekend. Nigeria came from behind to beat Kenya, while Tunisia fell to Mozambique, thus sending Nigeria through to the first WC on the Continent (my new point of Africa, since so many refer to it as if it were a country…I digress). Ireland squandered multiple opportunities and lost to a lackluster France squad 1-0 in the first leg of their play-off. Bosnia-Herzegovina missed two glorious chances to score a tying goal and lost 1-0 in the first leg of their play-off against Portugal.
As amazing as all these games were, none were as riveting as the happenings before and during the Egypt v Algeria match in Egypt.
Upon arrival in Cairo, it was reported (and supported with some video footage) that the Algerian team bus was attacked by rowdy Egyptian fans.
Tomorrow France, Portugal, Russia and Greece will be seeded in the playoffs to determine the final four European spots at the 2010 World Cup. The four nations will be paired against the four non-seeded teams—Ukraine, Ireland, Bosnia and Slovenia— and the qualification will be decided over a two-legged affair. We all recognize that there is no crime in seeding the four highest-ranked of the playoff teams as per the FIFA world rankings… I am just astonished there wasn’t uproar after FIFA decided to move the goalposts to favour influential European teams when creating seeds for at the last minute.
With all the razzle dazzle with super cleats (or boots) that cook you dinner, make reservations for you, make balls stop in mid-flight, Tweet, double as canteens, light your cigarettes, etc., we shouldn’t neglect those quality boots that got us here.
Hear ye, hear ye, enter PUMA KINGS!! (trumpets blaring)
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In Part I, I alluded to the Nationalist Party’s policies laying the foundations for South African sport to develop along racial lines. Understanding the development of apartheid policies provides some key insights into why South African sport has developed into what it is today. Granted, South African sport has come a long way since the mid 20th century. But delving into the complex journey of sport in South Africa, particularly football’s journey and its seemingly odd dynamics to outsiders, offers vivid insights into the South African experience and the countless challenges that have led South Africa to where it is today.
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Football for Change is a feature in which Nutmeg Radio highlights work being done by organizations across the globe using soccer to promote development.
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Social Change
Imagine if Leo Messi Belonged to Poverty
by Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq.
Kaka is a name well known to the football masses. And we all know how much he loves Jesus. In addition to wearing a shirt that says, “I belong to Jesus” that he frequently displays after scoring goals, the phrase “God is faithful” is stitched into the tongues of his boots. Regardless of what one’s take is on religion, the fact that such a prominent player displays his deeply held convictions quite literally on his chest (and feet) is a powerful testament to the role that top players can play in promoting messages beyond your average product endorsement deals.
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