Daily Archives: January 17, 2015

Algeria favourites for an open Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea

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Storm clouds gather over the Bata stadium in Equatorial Guinea, the host nation of the 2015 tournament.
“The still of early afternoon in Malabo was abruptly shattered. A pick-up screeched to a halt at a crossroads, a couple of dozen Malian fans clinging to the back, waving shirts and flags and blowing whistles. It was followed by another and then another and another until finally there were six in the convoy, all swaying dangerously from side to side, horns tooting. Workers on a nearby building site, grinning in bemusement, wandered to the kerb and waved. Spontaneous excitement of this nature, one suspects, is not a common sight in Equatorial Guinea.” Guardian – Jonathan Wilson

Doesn’t Brendan Rodgers Deserve Some Credit?

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“As Liverpool took on Newcastle United in the last match of the Premier League last season, everyone was sure that Manchester City would wrap things up and win the league. But in the facilities of Anfield, there was a Premier League trophy present, just in case West Ham United miraculously did one over the Citizens and Liverpool beat Newcastle. While the unexpected did not prevail, this was after a long, long time that the Reds came that close to the league trophy. It was credit to both the team and the manager that a squad of virtually 14 or 15 players managed to compete with the side that has been spending to win for a while now.” Outside of the Boot

5 Young Players to Watch at the African Cup of Nations 2015

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“Often described as the hotbed of footballing talent, the AFCON represents an opportunity for the world to cast their views on the footballing talents of the vast African continent. Though plenty of the participants venture into Europe fairly early, many escape the popular views despite playing in some of the more established leagues. The African Cup of Nations provides a platform to see the beauty the continent has to present. The following five young players stand-out among the 16 participating nations who could make an impact in Equatorial Guinea.” Outside of the Boot

NBC created Tinder for soccer fans

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“As you may know, soccer dating is a topic I find particularly funny, and potentially lucrative. Internet dating is as close to mainstream as its ever been, with a variety of options to help you find whatever it is you’re looking for in a prospective soul mate. Why can’t we apply this to soccer? There’s JDate and Christian Mingle for religiously inclined. Black People Meet and Latino People Meet for folks with a ‘type,’  too afraid to luxuriate in the racial deliciousness of our nation. Farmers Only for people who really aren’t down racial deliciousness, but prefer to say so in coded language, and Tinder, for people who want to pretend that the possibility of sex isn’t the only reason they’re leaving the house that night.” Soccer Gods

Copa del Rey’s lopsided draw has Spain’s underdogs dreaming of Cup glory

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“One by one, Valencia’s players filtered through the mixed zone on Tuesday, each one looking as dejected as the next. Outside, beery-eyed Espanyol fans filled bars surrounding the club’s Cornellà El-Prat stadium on the outskirts of Barcelona, their faces wearing ear-to-ear smiles. Their team had just knocked Los Che out of the Copa del Rey, result that had them dreaming of reaching the final. Back in Valencia, a storm had begun. The newspaper Super Deporte said the club’s supporters felt ‘defrauded’ by professionals they expect much more from.” Soccer Gods

The story of Blyth Spartans’ epic FA Cup run

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“Exaggeration seems to be common place in modern day football doesn’t it? For example saying Manchester City are a club in crisis after going two games without a win or calling Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard England greats after consistently failing to make an impact at a major tournament? Actually, throw hypocrisy into that opening line. Can the FA really blame grassroots football for underachievement at the top level when there is a serious lack of real investment in the game at that level? Or can top clubs really bemoan the attendances at FA Cup fixtures when they use the greatest domestic club competition in the world as a reason to play fringe players in their squad?” The Football Pink”>Football Pink

Burkinabe Rapper Art Melody’s Playlist For Les Étalons (Afcon 2013 Playlist N°3)

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“Later today we play against Zambia for a place in the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations. We are first in our group, we just need to handle it well. Zambia has to win, we need at least a draw. I’m convinced we can qualify. Let’s just remember: ‘Ensemble soutenons les étalons à la conquête du ballon rond’ (together, let’s support the Etalons in their conquest of the round ball”). Here’s some songs to build morale ahead of the clash.  Black So Man’s ‘Les étalons’ was the anthem in the 1998 Afcon, but shortly after Black So Man had an accident, he passed away before attending the cup. To this day it remains the national soccer anthem, there are many other ones, but this is the best.” Africa Is A Country (Video)