USA Hosting World Cup?

Since news of the upcoming voting and selecting for the next few World Cups came out, many people in the US went out and ran campaigns in order to bring the cup here. USA was the host of the World Cup in 1994, and soon after soccer boosted throughout the country. Though dwarfed by other sports in this country only, the US Women's team had a championship run in the 1999 Women's World Cup and the men's team became a regular cup participant. If the World Cup were to be held here in 2022, as many people hope for, it would instinctively arouse many people into growing fond of the sport. However, there are still many doubts as to whether it will be hosted here or not. Many people, like Clinton are rising to the challenge of bringing the cup here. If you're an American, I think what you want is for the rest of the world to believe that we bear them no ill will, that we're basically pulling for them, that we share their aspirations and that we get them. I think that the World Cup gives us a chance to do that." Aside from all the legal and economical issues that are in the way, I feel that many other countries would enjoy it much more. The cup in South Africa changed the lives of many of its poor people, and perhaps the Americans wouldn't notice how important hosting the cup is.

The Ultimate Showdown

            People have different names for the same things. The Barcelona / Real Madrid game will always carry hundreds of varying labels. Call it the “Superclasico” or even “Derby.” It does not matter. All that matters is the result and what team not only takes the three points but the respect from millions and millions around the world. This game seemed like a movie, as the two goalies that battled for a starting position in the Spain team faced off. Not only this, but the two best attacking players in the world, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, shared the field. Two different styles, Messi is the more humble and innocent one who never seems to disappoint. He always comes through on important games. On the other side, Cristiano often shows fancy footwork, which sometimes leads to goals or assists. It sometimes doesn’t. It surely doesn’t as often as Messi’s simpler, effective, yet elegant style does. Based on the result of the match (Barcelona 5- Real Madrid 0), many would think that Barcelona and Messi are superior to Real Madrid and Ronaldo. Here are two videos for you to compare. (Messi Video, Ronaldo Video)

Why the Name Soccer?

From the way of measuring everything to sports, the United States has always been independent in their ways. For example, inches are considered useless in anywhere else in the world, and centimeters are used. It is no question why centimeters are used in scientific research. They just make more sense. Similar to our counting system, it is all based around the number 10. A meter is made up of 100 centimeters. In an opposite manner, it is 12 inches that make up a foot, three feet that make up a yard, and 5,280 ft that make up a mile. This part of the culture is truly original to this country. Likewise, nowhere else is this sport called soccer. That is saying a lot, considering it is the most popular sport in the world. I have often thought of where the name soccer came from, and took it upon myself to find the answer. The word soccer comes from a shortening of "Association Football," which is the official name of the sport. It does make sense, but I don't see it as a very practical use of the name.

Argentina vs Brazil

Here we have the ultimate rivalry. Two of the best teams in the world, and certainly of South America, squared off today in the Khalifa International Stadium. The match seemed to be in favor of Brazil since the beginning. Their only setback is that the team is very young. Some see them as too young, while others see the glass half full. They perceive it as being a positive, fresh lineup. However, Argentina was debuting their new head coach, Batista, replacing Maradona. Many players suffered injuries and were unable to play. These included Cambiasso, Walter Samuel, both the Milito brothers, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero. Nevertheless, the match went on. After battling for 90 minutes, Messi scored in the last minute. Critics who say he doesn't work as well for the Argentina team in comparison to Barcelona were quiet after this late goal. For a video of the goal, click here.

R.I.P "Paul the Octopus"

Everyone loves their pets, but no one can say they are phsyic. During the Euro Cup 2008, a humorous attempt was made to have an octopus predict the outcome of the games that Germany participated in. It guessed all but two of them right. People were shocked! After all, that is a very unlikely coincidence. Recently, the Octopus was called back into action for the World Cup. Same as before, two boxes were placed for the creature, and both had food in them. The octopus would choose just one. During the World Cup, the octopus was not wrong. Not even once. He correctly predicted every Germany game, followed by selecting the winner of the final, Spain. Spain won. Everyone was puzzled. Call it coincidence or mystery, it is a great story. However, it does not have a happy ending. The octopus recently died under the age of 3. Soccer fans never thought they would be so concerned over the death of an octopus. For a link of the whole story, follow this link. 

An Unexpected Hero

It was a normal day for sophomore Christian Silveira from Archbishop Mitty High School. He was an average kid trying out for his high school soccer team. Jason Perez, the coach ordered the kids to jog around the field to warm up. Consequently, the kids jogged. After a few minutes, the kid jogging with the group collapsed to the floor. His family knew of a genetic defect that he had, just like his father. However, it wasn't expected to affect him until he was about 50 years old. When another player called to coach Perez, the coached started jogging over to the scene. Upon realizing the severity of it, he broke into a sprint. He was also a paramedic, and quickly began giving the unconscious chest compressions. The child is now safe, after having a close brush with death. However, he will no longer be able to play. This devastated the teenager, but he's determined to get through it. This is a realistic reminder of how safety, above all things, should be taken into consideration. For the whole story, follow this link.

Maradona's New Shoes

If you haven't yet heard of the famous Maradona, you have a lot to learn about the world of soccer. As a little boy raised in extreme poverty in Argentina, he began showing signs of great talent at an early age. At just 13 years old, he would get invited by professional clubs to juggle the ball, which is repeated small kicks upwards, not letting the sphere touch the ground. However, he wouldn't do it just for the players. He would juggle during the halftimes, in front of the thousands in the stadium and the rest watching it on TV. This was quite a while ago. Actually, a little over 35 years ago, as he is now celebrating his 50th birthday. The company Puma has released a new edition of the same cleats he used to win the hundreds of titles he won. The colors are of the Argentinian flag, white y light blue. They are called the Puma King Diego Finale. He certainly deserves it.

A Last Minute Goal

            Today, November 3, 2010, two great teams faced off in a shocking match. This match is part of the famous Champions League, the most important and prestigious European football league in the world. Every great team, from every corner of the continent, dreams of stepping into the pitch for a shot at the title. Today, AC Milan faced off a successful Real Madrid. Both having great records in this league, it was bound to be a fight. The game started off with a goal from Real Madrid, towards the end of the first half. It was scored by Argentine striker Higuain. The second half was a complete different ballgame, as Milan scored two back to back goals with its substitute Filippo Inzaghi. This veteran, now fairly old, was not expected to be as useful as he proved to be. However, the needed win was denied by a last minute goal by Real Madrid. Now, Milan hopes to continue competing by coming in 2^nd in their group, behind a powerful Real Madrid.