An explanation: Why footballers exchange shirts (Reading Class)

An explanation: Why footballers exchange shirts

Ah, the post-match (and sometimes halftime) tradition of players exchanging sweat-soaked shirts with members of the opposing team. According to FIFA, the first recorded instance of this ritual was in 1931 when the French team requested their English opponents' shirts to "commemorate their historic 5-2 victory at Colombes." Yet, the most famous swap -- and the one that sparked the modern craze -- was when legends of the game Pele and Bobby Moore did it after the 1970 World Cup match between Brazil and England. 
But why do they do this?!
No, it's not a perverse means of guilting an opponent into disposing of your dirty laundry, it's actually a display of sportsmanship. After battling on the pitch for 90 minutes, the shirt exchange is a way of showing respect and camaraderie between combatants. Of course, some footballers decline to trade shirts because, well, they just don't want some other guy's perspiration-drench shirt. Others, meanwhile, go the opposite way and even wear the stank-moistened garment they've been handed as the ultimate sign of high regard. Or the desperate desire to wear any shirt, no matter how soiled.
Teams issue fresh kits for every match, so giving away shirts isn't a big deal for players. When Pele played for the New York Cosmos, he would be provided with as many as 25 or 30 shirts to accommodate all the requests he would get -- an extreme example of how the shirt of the opposing team's best player is usually the one most desired. But aside from a legend like Pele or a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo, shirt exchanges are usually a random affair done with the nearest opponent or one who provided a particularly praise-worthy performance.

Some players collect shirts as mementos of their careers and some probably use them for a variety of regifting, cash-raising and decorative purposes.
But even after 79 years, the practice has yet to take hold in other walks of life, despite what Jozy Altidore's SportsCenter ad may lead you to believe. Even still, perhaps one day it will migrate to offices, theaters and birthday parties everywhere.


Special Thanks to:
Source:
yahoonews.com

Mary Had a Little Lamb (Kinder Class/Nursery Rhymes)

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Mary had a little lamb,
Little lamb, little lamb,
Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow

And everywhere that Mary went,
Mary went, Mary went,
Everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go

It followed her to school one day
School one day, school one day
It followed her to school one day
Which was against the rules.

It made the children laugh and play,
Laugh and play, laugh and play,
It made the children laugh and play
To see a lamb at school

And so the teacher turned it out,
Turned it out, turned it out,
And so the teacher turned it out,
But still it lingered near

And waited patiently about,
Patiently about, patiently about,
And waited patiently about
Till Mary did appear

"Why does the lamb love Mary so?"
Love Mary so? Love Mary so?
"Why does the lamb love Mary so?"
The eager children cry

"Why, Mary loves the lamb, you know."
Loves the lamb, you know, loves the lamb, you know
"Why, Mary loves the lamb, you know."
The teacher did reply

Star Light, Star Bright (Kinder Class/Nursery Rhymes)

Star Light, Star Bright

Star Light Star bright,
The first star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight.

Twinkel, Twinkle, Little Star (Kinder Class/Nursery Rhymes)

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

 

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

How I wonder what you are!

Up above the world do high,

Like a diamond in the sky!

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

How I wonder what you are!

                 

     Four Little Stars 

               Four little stars

            Winking at me,

            One shot off,

            Then there were three.

            Three little stars

            With nothing to do.

            One shot off,

            Then there were two.

           

            Two little stars

            Afraid of the sun,

            One shot off,

            Then there was one.

           

            One little star

            Not having any fun,

            It shot off,

            Then there were none.

    There’s a Tiny Little Star Song

                    There’s a tiny little star

                    Way up in the sky.

                    A tiny little star,

                    Up so very high.

                    She twinkles brightly

                    Through the night,

                    But during the day

                    She is out of sight.

                    There’s a tiny little star,

                    Way up in the sky.

                    A tiny little star.

Hickory Dickory Dock (Kinder Class/Nursery Rhymes)

Hickory Dickory Dock

Hickory Dickory Dock, The mouse ran up the clock. The clock struck one, The mouse ran down! Hickory Dickory Dock. Hickory Dickory Dock, The bird looked at the clock, The clock struck two 2, Away she flew, Hickory Dickory Dock Hickory Dickory Dock, The dog barked at the clock, The clock struck three 3, Fiddle-de-dee, Hickory Dickory Dock! Hickory Dickory Dock, The bear slept by the clock, The clock struck four 4, He ran out the door, Hickory Dickory Dock! Hickory Dickory Dock, The bee buzzed round the clock, The clock struck five 5, She went to her hive, Hickory Dickory Dock! Hickory Dickory Dock, The hen pecked at the clock, The clock struck six 6, Oh, fiddle-sticks, Hickory Dickory Dock!

Hickory Dickory Dock, The cat ran round the clock, The clock struck seven 7, She wanted to get 'em, Hickory Dickory Dock! Hickory Dickory Dock, The horse jumped over the clock, The clock struck eight 8, He ate some cake, Hickory Dickory Dock! Hickory Dickory Dock, The cow danced on the clock, The clock struck nine 9, She felt so fine, Hickory Dickory Dock! Hickory Dickory Dock, The pig oinked at the clock, The clock struck ten 10, She did it again, Hickory Dickory Dock! Hickory Dickory Dock, The duck quacked at the clock The clock struck eleven 11, The duck said 'oh heavens!' Hickory Dickory Dock! Hickory Dickory Dock, The mouse ran up the clock The clock struck noon He's here too soon! Hickory Dickory Dock!

 

Fifa World Cup Matches (Free Talking Class)

Special Thanks to:
Source:
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/32countries

Uruguay (Reading Class)

Country: Uruguay
Nickname: La Celeste. Also called the Charruas (after an indigenous tribe)
Once one of the great soccer nations, Uruguay is today an afterthought. This is a bitter coda for a country with deep European roots, and a hard-fought legacy as the first winners of the World Cup. Uruguay once was synonymous with football. Today, it is a relic.

URUGUAY

---

World Cup schedule

June 11: vs. France (Cape Town)
June 16: vs. South Africa (Pretoria)
June 22: vs. Mexico (Rustenburg)

---

 Home     Away

---

Key players

Diego Forlan, Forward
Luis Suarez, Forward

---

Best WC result: Winners in 1930, '50
FIFA World Rank: 18

Nestled between far bigger Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is also the most prosperous and most developed nation in South America. Located on the Atlantic seaboard, the nation has spectacular geography, a wonderful climate, and is known for having the highest quality of life on the continent.
It's also tiny. Just 3.5 million people live there. Here's a stat for you: the state of Connecticut has more people.
Uruguay is by far the smallest nation ever to win the trophy, and, given their lack of resources, Uruguay's success then -- and their continued, if fleeting, relevance in South American football today -- is astonishing.
Soccer here is considered a birthright. The fact that Uruguay's teams and clubs are now badly faded is a bitter blow to a nation that considers itself as much a part of Europe as France or Spain does. Uruguayans wonder if their early success was some sort of cosmic joke, placing their nation on the map only to wipe it off.
This is too bad, because Uruguay has a lot going for it. It's a gorgeous place to visit, has great food and a vibrant arts and literary scene. In many ways, it's top dog on the continent ... just not in what many Uruguayans feel matters most.
PAST WORLD CUP SUCCESS: Uruguay hosted and won the first World Cup ever played, in 1930. They followed that up by winning in 1950 against bitter rivals Brazil, still regarded as the biggest upset in a final. This is their 11th appearance in the finals; their most recent foray was in 2002 when they failed to get out of the first round. Best finish in the modern era was in 1990, when they made the knockout stage. They finished fourth in the 1997 King Fahd Cup, which is now called the Confederations Cup.
REGIONAL SUCCESS: Lots. Perennial contenders in the Copa America, they are 14-time champions. Most recently, they finished 4th in 2007; they won their last championship back in 1995.
LEAGUE OVERVIEW: The 16-team Primera. It's 110-years old, and it's seen better days. Top clubs are Nacional, Penarol and Defensor. Like many South Americans league, it is a two-stage competition with an Apertura and Clausura. The league also suffers from money problems (it doesn't have much) and hooliganism (it has too much). Like many South American leagues, it bleeds players to Europe. Uruguay tried to stop this by switching to a European season in 2005, but it failed. The tournament reverted for the 2008-09 season.

MANAGER: Oscar Tabarez. This is his second stint with Uruguay -- he was the manager of the team at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. He's got a long track record, including stints with AC Milan, Boca Juniors and Velez Sarsfield.
KEY PLAYERS: They don't have a lot. Fucile (Porto) was one of the better players on a scattershot Porto team; he's a defender who roams forward and can create. He'll line up with Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), a solid centerback who was at one time considered the continent's best. Striker Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid) is the big name; he's deadly but mercurial. Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo) is really showing his age, but he'll be on the roster because he still scores goals. Luis Suarez is going to get a look because of his play at Ajax; he's got a deft touch but a hot temper.
FIFA RANKINGS: 18th. A tad high. Highest was 12th (1994), lowest was 56th (1998).
FIRST ROUND OPPONENTS: France, Mexico, South Africa
HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST FRANCE: They've met five times, twice in the group stages of the Cup. In 2002, they played to a 0-0 draw at Busan; in 1966 Uruguay edged the French 2-1 in London. Their other meetings were friendlies. The most recent was in 2008, at St. Denis, where they played to a 0-0 draw.
HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST MEXICO: Uruguay has a 7-7-3 edge lifetime against Mexico, having played them 17 times since 1952. That comes with a warning: Mexico has never lost a meaningful game to this team. The two sides met at the Cup in 1966, playing to a scoreless draw. The most recent match saw Mexico shock Uruguay in the third place game of the 2007 Copa America 3-1.
HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA: Uruguay has never lost to South Africa, beating them 4-3 in a wild 1997 Confed Cup game, and drawing with them 0-0 at Johannesburg in a 2007 friendly.

HOW THEY QUALIFIED: They had to face Costa Rica in a playoff as the fifth-place team in CONMEBOL. They almost missed out with a final-day loss to Argentina, but were saved when Chile beat Ecuador.
PERCENTAGE CHANCE TO PROGRESS: 15%. I'd rate them higher if they could defend, but they haven't demonstrated any ability to link up back-to-front. On paper, they're not as good as France, probably weaker than Mexico and will have a tough game against the hosts.
TO WATCH: How many goals they concede. If they can keep it close, Uruguay can wear down an opponent. If they get behind, gaps open up right away, and they can be put to the sword.

ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Lazio), Juan Castillo (Deportivo Cali), Martin Silva (Defensor Sporting)
Defenders: Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), Diego Godin (Villarreal), Andres Scotti (Colo Colo), Jorge Fucile (FC Porto), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Mauricio Victorino (Universidad de Chile), Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica)
Midfielders: Walter Gargano (Napoli), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Penarol), Sebastian Eguren (AIK Stockholm), Diego Perez (Monaco), Alvaro Pereira (FC Porto), Alvaro Fernandez (Universidad de Chile), Jorge Rodriguez (River Plate), Alvaro Gonzalez (Nacional), Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia), Nicolas Lodeiro (Ajax)
Forwards: Luis Suarez (Ajax), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo), Edinson Cavani (Palermo), Jorge Martinez (Catania), Sebastian Fernandez (Banfield)

Special Thanks to:
Source:
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/32countries

South Korea vs. Nigeria World Cup 2010 (Reading Class)

South Korea vs. Nigeria World Cup 2010 – South Korea was able to advance to the next round of the 2010 World Cup tournament with a 2-2 draw on Tuesday. The match was their final group game. Both Lee Jung-soo and Park Chu-young were able to score for South Korea in the game. Nigeria had briefly held the lead on a goal from Kalu Uche, which came in the 12th minute of the match. The team would then even the score on a 69th minute penalty kick.
The two teams played hard throughout the game, and showed that they would like to finish this round on a positive note. With Argentina securing the Group B victory after beating Greece 2-0, Nigeria was in a position to advance if they could win their game against South Korea, despite poor performances in their first two games of the World Cup 2010.


The Nigerian coach said that he was disappointed with his team’s inability to finish the match strong and secure a win for his squad.
“The players have done really well. They worked hard over time,” he went on to say.
Ultimately, Nigeria was unable to capitalize on several opportunities that were presented to them throughout the game. While they did score twice, they were unable to continuously create offensive pressure on goal, and ultimately their defense failed to stop South Korea from scoring two first half goals.
Yakubu did miss a chance to tie the score in the 66th minute. He had nothing but open goal in front of him, but hit the ball wide on the shot. He later said that he was surprised that he missed the goal and was confident right up until the point that he saw the ball fly wide of the post.

Special Thanks to:
Source:
yahoonews.com

Spain (Reading Class)

Spain

Country: Spain
Nickname: La Furia Roja (Red Fury)

SPAIN

---

World Cup schedule

June 16: vs. Switzerland (Durban)
June 21: vs. Honduras(Johannesburg)
June 25: vs. Chile(Pretoria)

---

 Home     Away

---

Key players
Fernando Torres, Forward
Xavi, Midfielder

---

Best WC result: Semifinalists in 1950
FIFA World Rank: 2

Spain is one of the great faded powers of Europe: an empire that became an also-ran due to both its failure to modernize and an abiding belief in its own greatness. Despite having an immense swath of the world under its influence via language alone, Spain has had to play catch-up to the rest of the EU after a brutal civil war (1936-39) and struggles with unemployment and Basque separatists (called ETA, with stands for “Basque Homeland and Liberty”).
This is a real shame because Spain, such a lovely and exciting country (the cuisine is top notch, and so is the scenery and art world), is being hauled down by bad economic decisions that threaten to stifle what really is a great place.
As you would expect, soccer is the country's main sport, though Spain also excels in jai-alai, badminton, basketball, golf, handball and cycling. The country hosted the Olympics in the 1992 Barçelona games.
Unfortunately, while soccer has always been the nation's passion, when it actually comes to winning games, Spain has a track record of collapse. And by collapse we mean tragicomic. Case in point: Spain famously went on a 35-match undefeated run from 2007-2009 ... which was snapped ignominiously by the U.S. at last year's Confederations Cup. That stung. Spain hoped they'd gotten the monkey off their back by winning the 2008 Euro, but it seems defeat is always waiting when victory seems logical. It's psychological.
PAST WORLD CUP SUCCESS: None, and you'd think they would have in their previous 12 appearances, right? The Spanish are kinda weird in that that the closest they've come was 4th place in 1950. Maybe 13 times is lucky. In any case, they haven't missed a Cup since 1978.
REGIONAL SUCCESS: Spain is the reigning European champion. That was their second title, the first coming in 1964. They were runners-up in 1984.
LEAGUE OVERVIEW: La Liga is arguably the best league in Europe, running neck and neck with England's Premier League. Dominated by Real Madrid and Barcelona, Spanish football has found global popularity.

MANAGER: Vicente del Bosque. Two-time European Cup winners with Real Madrid (as well as being a defensive stalwart as a player), del Bosque led Real through arguably its greatest period in modern times ... and then the club decided not to renew his contract. Not a smart move. Anyway, his record with Spain is fantastic: 23 wins and only one loss at the time of writing.
KEY PLAYERS: Keeper Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) may be the world's best. The back line of Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona) and Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) are pretty imposing. Xavi and Andres Iniesta (both Barcelona) are arguably the two best creators in the game, and this is one of the rare teams that would see Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) come off the bench. David Villa (Barcelona) and Fernando Torres (Liverpool) are two of the best forwards on the planet. Now, the caveats: Cesc, Xavi, Iniesta and Torres all have various degrees of injuries. Del Bosque is wagering they'll be fit. He better be right, or this team suddenly loses a lot of oomph.
FIFA RANKINGS: 2nd. Highest was 1st (2009), lowest was 25th (1998).
FIRST ROUND OPPONENTS: Chile, Honduras, Switzerland
HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST CHILE: Spain owns them, beating them six times in seven meetings. They last met at the Cup way back in 1950 at Rio, with Spain winning 2-0. More recently, Spain crushed Chile 3-0 in Villarreal in a 2008 friendly. Chile's best result was a 1-1 draw in Santiago back in 1981.
HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST HONDURAS: The Central Americans famously drew 1-1 with host Spain in 1982 at the World Cup. That's their only meeting.

HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST SWITZERLAND: Spain has played Switzerland 15 times over the years, and the Swiss haven't won yet. Most recently in World Cup play, Spain knocked the Swiss out in 1994, 3-0. That was also the most recent meeting; the Swiss aren't exactly an attractive friendly opponent, so they stopped all that in 1989.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED: They went 10-0-0, taking maximum points in a group with a couple of minnows, Bosnia & Herzegovinia, and Turkey.
PERCENTAGE CHANCE TO PROGRESS: 100%. C'mon. Switzerland?
TO WATCH: If the four key injured players can recover in time. If they can, this team could be special. If not ...

ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javier Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)
Forwards: Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juanma Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Barcelona)

Special Thanks to:
Source:
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/32countries

Nigeria (Reading CLass)

Nigeria

Country: Nigeria
Nickname: The Super Eagles

Nigeria is a kleptocracy that milks the most populous African nation. Oil wealth has made this massive African nation one of the most dangerous, most corrupt, most impoverished and straight-out saddest countries on earth. Despite billions and billions of dollars in annual oil revenue, virtually none of it reaches the general population, instead lining the pockets of one "big man" after another.

NIGERIA

---

World Cup schedule

June 12: vs. Argentina (Johannesburg)
June 17: vs. Greece (Bloemfontein)
June 22: vs. South Korea (Durban)

---

 Home     Away

---

Key players

Mikel Jon Obi, Midfielder
Aiyegbeni Yakubu, Forward

---

Best WC result: Last 16 in 1994, '98
FIFA World Rank: 21

Adding to the discord is the legacy of colonization and the North-South split in the nation along religious lines: Christians to the North, Muslims to the South. What passes for government in Nigeria is usually an uneasy balance between the two religions. However, since that government seems to exist only to leech off its populace and mineral wealth, it is predictably ineffective. War is a regular occurrence in Nigeria, and drug and arms smuggling have made it an almost-failed state.

The only thing that unifies the country is the national football team. And sadly, it reflects its state all too well.

The local league is hopelessly corrupt, with games that are routinely fixed. The youth national teams have been successful -- but too often tainted by accusations of cheating. African and some Asian players have routinely lied about their true ages in order to play in the age-eligible competitions, and until FIFA began cracking down on it, Nigeria was known as one of the worst offenders. In fact, prior to the U-17 World Cup that Nigeria hosted last year, FIFA announced it would begin conducting bone scans on all players in an effort to stamp out the practice. The day after, 16 Nigerian players -- half the squad -- dropped out of camp.

The sad part about all this is that corruption seems so endemic in Nigerian culture that it threatens to obscure the fact that some Nigerian players are world class. They play a gorgeous, flowing style of soccer when they are on, and some of their players have justifiably become legends, with Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha being two prime examples. Sadly, the team tends to dissolve into pointless squabbles over the usual, venal matters. Bonuses aren’t paid, roster choices are always suspect and being a coach in Nigeria requires a hefty cash deposit up front, because you're not likely to see any more.

If Nigeria could get its act together, it could be one of the great footballing powers on the planet. Since it cannot, it won't.

PAST WORLD CUP SUCCESS: This is Nigeria's fourth Cup. Best showing was in America in 1994, where many observers feel they could have won the whole shebang. (Obviously, they didn't.) Recent history is a bit tougher: They stunk it up in Japan and failed to qualify for Germany.

REGIONAL SUCCESS: Two-time winners of the African Cup of Nations (1980, 1994). At the Olympic level (which is an Under-23 competition), they took gold in Atlanta (1996) and silver in Beijing (2008). See above for the caveats.


MANAGER: Lars Lagerbeck. The former coach of Sweden quit after that country failed to qualify for the Cup. If he actually makes it to the Cup, it'll be something of a miracle as he's already had one run-in over non-payment, and Nigeria has a habit of firing their foreign coaches on the eve of a major tournament to reward some politically connected local hack.

KEY PLAYERS: Kanu, allegedly 33, is still playing in England for Portsmouth. Despite the fact that he may actually be closer to 42, he's going to play. Defender Joseph Yobo (Everton) is very solid as is his counterpart at Bolton, the unfortunately named Danny Shittu. The star is John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), who has been transformed from a foul-prone hothead into one of the better holding midfielders in the game. Yakubu (Aikegbeni; he goes by one name at Everton) and Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg) are the target men up top, running off the erratic Victor Anichebe (Everton).

FIFA RANKINGS: 21st. Top was 5th in those heady days of 1994; lowest was 82nd in 1999.

FIRST ROUND OPPONENTS: Argentina, South Korea, Greece

HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST ARGENTINA: Nigeria has a long history against Argentina, but mainly at the youth level -- where Nigeria holds a firm edge. At the senior level, however, Argentina dominates. They have met twice in the World Cup, and lost to the Albicelestes both times. In 1994, Nigeria fell 2-1 in Foxboro; in 2002, Argentina got the better of them in Japan, 1-0. They played to a scoreless draw at the 1995 Confederations Cup.

HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST GREECE: Nigeria whipped 'em in the game that mattered, 2-0 back at Foxboro in the 1994 World Cup. They dropped a friendly by the same score in Greece five years later after most of their top players failed to show up.

HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST SOUTH KOREA: Never met.

HOW THEY QUALIFIED: Barely. They needed a big win over Kenya on the final day. Had Tunisia won its game, Nigeria wouldn't have made it at all. That said: Nigeria didn't lose a game (9-3-0) in qualifying. And yet, there was a lot missing.

PERCENTAGE CHANCE TO PROGRESS: 75%. If Nigeria cannot get out of this group, on African soil, there's something deeply wrong. Since we've already noted that there are, in fact, many things deeply wrong with this side, if/when they flop out, don't say we didn't warn you.

TO WATCH: First off, see if a coach actually shows up. Next, see if the players take the field. After that, see if the guys talk to one another. If you get all three, this team has a good shot.

ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Dele Ayenugba (Beni Yehuda FC), Bassey Akpan (Bayelsa United), Austine Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva)

Defenders: Taye Taiwo (Marseille), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow), Onyekachi Apam (Nice), Joseph Yobo (Everton), Daniel Shittu (Bolton), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam), Rabiu Afolabi (Salzburg), Peter Suswan (Lobi Stars)

Midfielders: Kalu Uche (Almeria), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Sani Kaita (Alaniya), Lukman Haruna (Monaco), Ayila Yussuf (Dynamo Kiev), Peter Osaze (Lokomotiv Moscow)

Forwards: Yakubu Ayegbeni (Everton), Victor Anichebe (Everton), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg), Ideye Brown (Sochaux), Ikechukwu Uche (Zaragoza), John Utaka (Portsmouth), Peter Utaka (OB Odense), Victor Obinna (Malaga)

Special Thanks to:
Source:
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/32countries

Banning Vuvuzela (Reading Class)

FIFA rules out banning vuvuzela horns


JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – World Cup organisers Monday ruled out a ban on the vuvuzela horns that have been driving some players and broadcasters mad, with FIFA president Sepp Blatter defending the instrument on Twitter.

After the chairman of the tournament's South African organising committee had said he would consider a ban on the monotone trumpets, Blatter axed the idea of a ban in comments posted to the short-form web site.

"I don?t see banning the music traditions of fans in their own country. Would you want to see a ban on the fan traditions in your country?" Blatter wrote.

"I have always said that Africa has a different rhythm, a different sound."

The comments were intended to draw a line under speculation that the horns could be shown the red card, sparked by an interview given by organising committee chief Danny Jordaan.

Asked by the BBC if a ban was an option, Jordaan said: "If there are grounds to do so, yes."

"We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or during stadium announcements. I know it's a difficult question," he added, saying that "we're trying to manage the best we can."

Jordaan's comments came after complaints from players and broadcasters who said their commentators are struggling to make themselves heard above the noise, which has been compared to a hornets' nest.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was the latest World Cup star to voice unease about the trumpet, telling reporters that it affected players' focus.

"It is difficult for anyone on the pitch to concentrate," the Real Madrid star told reporters. "A lot of players don't like them, but they are going to have to get used to them."

A recent survey found the sound emitted by a vuvuzela could reach 127 decibels -- louder than a drum's 122 decibels, or a referee's whistle at 121.8 decibels.

But hitting such ear-piercing noise levels takes some practice.

A group of fans at Japan's World Cup opener against Cameroon on Monday was having trouble getting any noise out of the instrument.

"Last night we bought some vuvuzela but it is hard to blow them," said Mitsutaka Kurata.

A group of security guards at Bloemfontein's Free State Stadium was teaching the Japanese fans how to blow the controversial instruments.

Vuvuzelas are modern spin-offs of traditional instruments made from spiralling kudu horns. Neil van Schalkwyk, a partner at Masincedane Sport, said he developed a plastic version after spotting the original horns being blown at games.

Following the welter of complaints, Van Schalkwyk's company has come up with a quieter version.

"We have modified the mouthpiece, there is now a new vuvuzela which will blow noise that is 20 decibels less than the old one," Van Schalkwyk told The Star newspaper.

"We hope to sell these at park-and-ride areas and public viewing areas," added Van Schalkwyk, whose company owns the vuvuzela trademark.

The company says it has sold 1.5 million vuvuzelas in Europe since October, and expects the tournament will generate sales of up to 20 million rand (2.1 million euros, 2.6 million dollars).

Vuvuzela (Reading Class)

Vuvuzela

A black and yellow striped vuvuzela.

The vuvuzela (English pronunciation: /vuːvuːˈzeɪlə/ voo-voo-ZAY-lə), also known as lepatata (its Tswana name) and stadium horn, is a typical 65 cm (2 ft) plastic blowing horn that produces a loud, distinctive monotone (B♭3) note. A similar instrument, known as the corneta, is used in Brazil and other Latin American countries. Many types of vuvuzela, made by several manufacturers, may produce varying intensity and frequency outputs. The intensity of these outputs depends on the blowing technique and pressure exerted.
The vuvuzela is most used at football matches in South Africa. It has become a symbol of South African football as the stadiums are filled with its loud and raucous sound that reflects the exhilaration of supporters. The intensity of the sound caught the attention of the global football community during the 2009 Confederation Cup in anticipation of South Africa hosting the 2010 World Cup, though its frequent usage during sporting events raised health and safety concerns.
The vuvuzela has been the subject of controversy. Its high sound pressure levels at close range can lead to permanent hearing loss for unprotected ears after extensive exposure. A study found the maximum sound output varied between 113 and 131. In response to the controversy, a new model has a modified mouthpiece that reduces the volume by 20 dB. However, international commentators, players and audiences call to ban vuvuzelas at football matches.

2010 FIFA World Cup

A user blowing a vuvuzela at a football tournament.

As part of its marketing campaign for the World Cup, Korean automaker Hyundai and a local South African advertising agency called Jupiter Drawing Room created the largest working vuvuzela in the world—114 feet (35 m) long—on an unfinished flyover road in Cape Town. The giant vuvuzela is powered by several air horns attached at the mouthpiece end, and it was intended to be blown at the beginning of each of the World Cup matches; however Reuters reported that by 18 June 2010, a week into the World Cup, it had not yet sounded a note during the tournament because of a dispute between the operator and the city authorities over its noise level.
During the opening ceremony the announcer had to ask fans using vuvuzelas to be quiet as he could not be heard.
On 13 June 2010, the BBC reported that the South African organising chief Danny Jordaan was considering a ban of the vuvuzela during matches. Jordaan noted that "if there are grounds to do so, yes [they will be gotten rid of]" and that "if any land on the pitch in anger we will take action." On 15 June, it was reported that 545 complaints had been made to the BBC concerning the noise being made by vuvuzelas during coverage. BBC is reportedly considering an alternate broadcast stream that filters out the ambient noise while maintaining game commentary. During the event many competitors have criticised and complained about the noise caused by the vuvuzela horns, including France's Patrice Evra who blamed the horns for the team's poor performance. He also claimed that the sound of the vuvuzelas away from the stadiums hampered the ability of the players to get their rest. Other critics include Lionel Messi who complained that the sound of the vuvuzelas hampered communication among players on the pitch, and broadcasting companies, who complained that commentators' voices were being drowned out by the sound. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo went on record to state that the sound of the vuvuzelas disturbed the teams' concentration.
Others watching on television have complained that the ambient audio feed from the stadium only contains the sounds of the vuvuzelas and the natural sounds of people in the stands are drowned out. A spokesperson for the ESPN network said it was taking steps to minimize the noise of the vuvuzelas on its broadcasts. There are some that see their use during the performance of the national anthems as disrespectful. Other critics have also noted that it is seen as disrespectful to be "dismissive of the cultures of the guest team supporters".The World Cup organizing committee chairman, Danny Jordaan, said on 14 June 2010 "the vuvuzelas are being evaluated on an ongoing basis and that a ban is an option if there are grounds to do so."

Some vuvuzelas carry a safety warning graphic.

Vuvuzelas have also been blown outside of matches, leading to a ban by some shopping centres. Some World Cup football players complained that they were being awoken in their hotel rooms by the instruments. Demand for earplugs to protect from hearing loss during the World Cup outstripped supply, with many pharmacies running out of stock. Neil van Schalkwyk, manufacturer of the plastic vuvuzela, began selling earplugs to fans.
A German sound engineer has offered for sale 45-minute MP3 downloads which, it is claimed, will cancel out the noise of the vuvuzelas during broadcast television matches by means of active noise control. Scientific commentators have expressed scepticism about the possibility of this being effective.
The instrument produces notes around the 235Hz (mostly) and 465Hz frequencies and filtering these frequencies out might limit the noise in broadcasts.

Controversy

The use of vuvuzelas by so many supporters has attracted controversy.

Vuvuzelas have been controversial. They have been associated with permanent noise-induced hearing loss and cited as a possible safety risk when spectators cannot hear evacuation announcements, and they may spread colds and flu viruses on a greater scale than coughing or shouting.Vuvuzelas have also been blamed for drowning the sound and atmosphere of football games. Commentators have described the sound as "annoying" and "satanic" and compared it with "a stampede of noisy elephants",an elephant passing wind,"a deafening swarm of locusts", "a goat on the way to slaughter", "a giant hive full of very angry bees",and "a cow being given a surprise enema"
Some commentators have defended the vuvuzela as being an integral and unique part of South African football culture and say it adds to the atmosphere of the game. BBC sports commentator Farayi Mungazi said the sound of the horn was the "recognised sound of football in South Africa" and is "absolutely essential for an authentic South African footballing experience". He also said there was no point in taking the world cup to Africa and then "trying to give it a European feel". The Daily Telegraph's chief sports reporter Paul Kelso described critics of the vuvuzela as "killjoys" and said they should "stop moaning".
In response to criticism of the horn's use, President of FIFA Sepp Blatter commented, "I have always said that Africa has a different rhythm, a different sound. I don't see banning the music traditions of fans in their own country. Would you want to see a ban on the fan traditions in your country?"
On June 19, 2010 at a Major League Baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Florida Marlins, the first 15,000 fans were given miniature vuvuzelas as part of a promotion. Widespread criticism from fans and players could possibly lead to a ban at MLB events.

How to Avoid a Yellow Card in Soccer (Reading Class)

A yellow card in soccer is akin to a yellow light on a traffic signal; it signifies caution. There are 17 Laws of the Game in soccer and a yellow card is given out for breaching the twelfth law: misconduct. It's extremely important to avoid receiving a yellow card. Multiple yellow cards will cause a player to be ejected from the game. The player may also be excluded from subsequent league or tournament play.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Play to Avoid a Yellow Card in Soccer

1. Step 1
   Know the specific reasons for which a yellow card can be handed out as listed in Law 12 of the laws governing soccer play. Avoid a yellow card by following the Laws of the Game.
   
2. Step 2
   Proceed with play in a timely fashion. Wasting time as a game tactic can result in a yellow card.
   
3. Step 3
   Show respect for the decisions of the officials. Verbal or physical displays of disagreement are grounds for a yellow card.
   
4. Step 4
   Stay an appropriate distance away from opposing players when they are engaged in a free kick, an indirect free kick, a corner kick or a throw in.
   
5. Step 5
   Inform the appropriate official of your entry or re-entry into the game and wait for a signal allowing you to enter.
   
6. Step 6
   Leave the game only with the permission of the official.
   
7. Step 7
   Do not remove clothing such as your jersey in response to a goal being scored by you or your team.
   
8. Step 8
   Behave in a sportsmanlike way whether you are winning or losing. Do not celebrate unduly or attempt to gain an advantage in a deceitful manner.
   
9. Step 9
   An official can give a yellow card for an offense which may not be specifically listed in The Laws of the Game.
   
10. Step 10
    Understand the procedure for receiving a yellow card. The official will physically hold up a yellow card while standing next to the offending player.
    
11. Step 11
    Consider what happens after a yellow card is given out. Officials carry books in which they write down the name of the player who received the yellow card and the offense that was committed.
    
12. Step 12
    Be aware that in some circumstances yellow cards carry over from one game to another. In some tournaments, if a player receives two yellow cards during the course of the tournament, not just during the course of a single game, he may be ejected.
    
    
    Tips & Warnings

    • Do not assume that you have one chance at unsportsmanlike conduct. Players can be ejected from a game even though they have not received one or more yellow cards.
    
    

How to Avoid a Red Card in Soccer (Reading Class)

There are very few penalties in popular American sports that are equivalent to receiving a red card in soccer. In all sports when a key player "fouls out" the consequences can be dire. In soccer when a player receives a red card it doesn't just signal the loss of a single person; it hobbles the team as a whole. For the benefit of the team, players must control themselves and avoid receiving the powerful red card.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Play to Avoid a Red Card in Soccer

1. Step 1
   Understand the procedure for awarding and receiving a red card. After the official has held up the red card, the player must immediately and without disagreement leave the soccer field.
   
2. Step 2
   A red card can be given even if no yellow card has been previously given.
   
3. Step 3
   Understand the team consequences for receiving a red card. Red cards seriously and unnecessarily hamper your team and place it at a numeric disadvantage to your opponent.
   
4. Step 4
   Note the individual consequences for receiving a red card. You may be prohibited from playing in the next game in a tournament situation or from league play.
   
5. Step 5
   Avoid receiving a red card by knowing the offenses for which it can be given.
   
6. Step 6
   Receive two yellow cards and a red card is automatic.
   
7. Step 7
   Play in a way that does not endanger the safety of your teammates or the opposing players. Unsafe play can result in a red card.
   
8. Step 8
   Refrain from violence, spitting and language and/or gestures that are rude, violent and/or offensive in nature.
   
9. Step 9
   Deliver an apparent foul to stop an undeniable goal and you will receive a red card.
   
10. Step 10
    Block a goal with your hands deliberately and you may face a red card. Only the goalkeeper may use hands on a ball.
    
11. Step 11
    Respect the right of the official to give out a red card at any time for an offense that may not be specifically stated in the rules. Those who do not play soccer in the spirit of the game may be ejected at any time.
    

Tips & Warnings

• Players who receive red cards and are thus ejected from the game cannot be replaced. The team plays from that time on minus a player.
• Even the goalkeeper can receive a red card and must immediately leave the field. If a goalkeeper must leave the field after the maximum number of substitutions has been made, then a person currently at play on the field will have to go to the goal.
• If a red card ejection causes the team to fall below the minimum number of players needed to play, the team will have to forfeit the game.

Definition of Red Card in Soccer (Reading Class)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Crveni_karton.jpg, Nikola Štuban

Red cards are one of the most feared objects in soccer and the cause of much angst between both players and fans. Read on to find out more about red cards, how they're used and why they're needed.

Definition

1. A red card is a tool used by the referees of a soccer match to maintain order on the field. Players shown a red card must leave the field without a replacement.

Comprehensive Cards

2. A red card is given to a player who has received two yellow cards.

Flagrant Fouls

3. Players receive yellow cards for overly aggressive fouls.

Goal Interference

4. A player will receive a red card if he uses his hands or commits a foul to deliberately prevent a goal.

Conduct

5. A red card is received when a player spits, becomes violent or overly aggressive or uses offensive or threatening language.