SeeTheCup.com

Can Liverpool get back among big guns?

John — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:13:05 +0000

The 2011/12 season is going to go down in the annals at Liverpool as one of disappointment, when it comes to the Premier League, but Daniel Agger remains confident the Reds can get back to challenging for the Premier League title in their next campaign.

Kenny Dalglish has guided Liverpool to their Carling Cup triumph and the FA Cup final, where they lost out to Chelsea, but when it comes to their league campaign, it has been one of displeasure and anguish around Anfield.

After a summer of heavy investment, punters who like to bet on the Premier League had tipped the Merseysiders to push for a Champions League place.

However, they have struggled to show any consistency, and just lost too many games in front of their home fans, which means their dreams of finishing in the Premier League top four were extinguished months ago, and cup success was their only hope for triumph.

Liverpool have almost lost as many games at home as they have won, with that not being good enough for a side who spent big during last summer.

Joining the £50 million-plus spending on Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, the previous January, Dalglish brought in Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam for big money. None of these big signings, bar Suarez, have really justified their cost.

Danish international defender Agger has begun looking ahead to next season, and he reckons there are real signs of growth and progress being shown around Anfield and that means they can challenge the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal in the 2012/13 campaign.

“Can we challenge the top teams next season? Yes, of course”, he told the club website. “We have moved forward a lot this season but right now the only feelings are of disappointment.”

With Dalglish having spent so big over the last 18 months, and with so many of these signing proving ultimately disappointing, it remains to be seen how much money the Liverpool owners will commit to spending, this coming summer.

If Liverpool really want to get into the Premier League top four and challenge for the title, then a massive improvement job must go on around Anfield.

Don’t forget: with an exciting final day of Premier League action, as well as the Football League play-offs, the Champions League final, and Euro 2012, make sure you check out all the live football, this summer.

Opening Your Own Football Hangout

Jesse — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:41:48 +0000

According to the U.S. Soccer Federation, soccer, known as football in the rest of the world, continues to grow in popularity in the United States. Millions of children play and watching is a growing trend too. In fact, Time reports that American businessmen, recognizing this opportunity, have even invested in English teams, such as Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United. With new stadiums opening in the U.S. and Canada, what can a potential restaurant owner do to capitalize on this? With a little market research, you can successfully open your own restaurant or pub that attracts current fans, including your buddies, and makes some more in the process.

Business Planning

Use the tips and resources provided by U. S. Small Business Administration Starting and Managing a Business to create a business plan that describes a three to five year vision for your own soccer-themed hangout. The plan should include an executive summary of your intentions. Describe the types of food you plan to serve, including sandwiches and other easy-to-eat items like chicken wings and hamburgers. Describe the decor, such as soccer memorabilia, that you plan to put on the walls or how you will hang football nets and use balls to enhance the atmosphere. Investors use these details to decide whether to loan you money so make your description compelling and visually appealing since you’ll probably need a loan to purchase restaurant supply equipment and rent or buy a space. Your plan should also include a market analysis, management structure and marketing plan. As you put the plan together, take some simple steps to think things through.

Planning Tips

Figure out some ways to make people stay and watch. To attract a group of friends to hang out for a long time, think about the types of specials you could run. For example, feature beer and food from the countries playing that day. If there are similar establishments in other cities or towns near you, go in and see what they offer. Do you have a local team? Honor them too by naming specials after star players!
Imagine yourself as a customer of your own place. Make a list of what you would look for and the price you would be willing to pay for it. Design a simple menu to complement watching soccer. The types of food and drink will determine the types of restaurant supply equipment that you’ll need to rent, buy or borrow.
Decide how many people you think you could attract. This will help you figure out the number of seats, tables and other items including dishes, glasses and silverware you’ll need. Starting small with a solid vision makes more sense than overwhelming yourself and your staff. You probably want your restaurant to make your customers feel like they are at home, and to cultivate that kind of atmosphere, you can’t skimp on service or quality.
Ask around your community to get a sense for interest in a soccer-watching hangout. Use social media technology, such as blogs and forums, to announce your new restaurant and draw in customers. Create an email newsletter and offer coupons.

If you’re an avid fan, opening your own restaurant that appeals to football fans is a dream come true. What better way to spend your days and nights than around the people who have the same passion for the sport you do? Have some fun with menu and offer fish and chips when English teams play and soups and snacks to match other countries. Dress your servers in football apparel and even your managers or bartenders can play along as referees. Making your hangout a reality takes planning. With dedication, you’re sure to make the winning goal.

Staying Healthy as a Footballer

Jesse — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:26:59 +0000

In America it’s known as soccer, but the rest of the world refers to it as football. No matter what you call it, there’s no denying that football is an enduring global pastime. Not only is football played professionally almost everywhere around the world, but the arenas are packed with screaming, chanting fans. The sport of football is enjoyed by a large and diverse audience, children and adults both enjoy playing on a recreational basis as a way to exercise and stay active. Health insurance for individuals who compete in athletics is important at any level.

Like any sport, there’s always the chance of an injury when playing, especially if you’re playing competitively and the stakes are high. But by following a few simple guidelines, you can stay safe and have less risk of injury whether you’re playing soccer on a team or just out with friends at the park.

First, staying healthy when playing sports starts with a good diet. Eating a diet with plenty of variety is one of the best ways to keep your body strong. Make sure you get enough protein, vegetables and whole grains.

Avoiding junk food and the empty calories from soft drinks can go a long way towards a healthy body. If you’re at a good weight for your height and body type, you will have less risk of injuries while playing sports as well. Being at that target weight can put less pressure and strain on your joints and it will help increase your stamina. Also, make sure you are drinking enough water both on and off the field. While David Beckham may have advertised for Pepsi, you won’t catch him drinking it on the field; instead, he might have a sports drink if he feels he needs the additional sodium and sugar after burning energy and sweating.

Another important way to stay healthy and reduce the risk of injury is to have an intense training regimen. While drills and lifting weights may not be as much fun as playing the game, these activities can help your body learn the correct way to handle situations that can pop up during play. Your body will learn to respond better and you may be less likely to suffer injuries. That’s why it’s important to practice with the same speed and force you would play with in a game.

This is especially important if you’re bouncing back from an injury. Jamie Smith of the Colorado Rapids recently suffered from a torn ligament in his right knee; during his recovery, he’ll probably start with drills and other light workouts before stepping up the intensity and ultimately getting back into a real game.

Soccer isn’t as physical as American football, but it’s definitely a contact sport. If you want to have success on the field, it’s important that you take the game seriously and protect yourself.

If you don’t take care of your body in the off-season, you can’t expect to stay healthy and be productive during your games. Make adjustments to your diet and training program to build your body up and to help you get a physical and mental edge on the competition.

Can Moyes Cap off His Ten Years At Everton With The FA Cup?

John — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:51:02 +0000

David Moyes celebrated ten years in charge of Everton just a couple of weeks ago, and wouldn’t it be fitting that the Scotsman can win his first piece of Silver wear for the club as his team focus on the FA cup in a land mark season for Moyes.

It is no more than Moyes deserves. He has done an incredible job in his time at the club, and is one of the best managers in the Premier League. He has taken Everton from seasonal relegation battles to consistently top 7 finishes in the Premier League in his time at the club. He has even qualified for the Champions League only to disappointingly lose out to Villareal in the qualifiers. What is more impressive with these stats is the fact that he has done all of this on very limited funds in contrast to other Premier League clubs. Anyone who follows the football betting will know his efforts have been amazing.

Moyes wouldn’t have been happy with his team’s performances this season as question marks began to be raised on whether Moyes has taken the club as far as it can go. He probably has in all fairness, unless the club find an owner who can invest heavily into the squad it will be difficult for Everton to break into the top 5/6 teams, but once again Moyes relishes that challenge.

He has turned the fortunes around this season as Everton have climbed into their usual top 9 place in the league, and he has his sights set on a Wembley semi final with Mersey side rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup and the football betting odds show the side are in with a chance.

The hype has already started to begin around the clash with Liverpool, but Moyes has great experience and a good set of players that won’t be fazed by locking horns with their City rivals in such a big game.

On a shoestring budget Moyes has spent very well, and a win in the FA cup would take his side to the next level once again. Now that really would be an incredible achievement.

Spurs sneak past Bolton

John — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:31:48 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur found an inspired goalkeeper in their path but eventually found a way past Bolton Wanderers to book an FA Cup semi-final meeting with London rivals Chelsea.

Bolton keeper Adam Bogdan was in stubborn mood at White Hart Lane – frustrating Spurs time and time again before Ryan Nelsen finally broke the deadlock 16 minutes from time.

Gareth Bale doubled the home side’s lead before Kevin Davies gave Bolton hope in the final minute. Louis Saha made sure with a 20-yard strike deep into injury time. People who bet on football will have been surprised by the late flurry of goals.

The win was Tottenham’s first in any competition since their 3-1 victory over Stevenage in the last round and boss Harry Redknapp is relishing his third Wembley trip in five years.

Redknapp, who led Portsmouth to an FA Cup victory in 2008 and Spurs to a semi-final two years later, said: “I am looking forward to it, it will be a great weekend. I wouldn’t like to pick a winner from either tie – Liverpool and Everton are both capable of winning the Cup.

“It is an even game – you couldn’t pick a winner between us and Chelsea.”

Spurs’ season has fallen away of late after a string of disappointing Premier League results. Resurgences from Arsenal and Chelsea have left Spurs hanging onto their Champions League place and those who bet football money will be wondering if they can now push on..

Redknapp was pleased to find relief in the cup and get the breaks he feels Spurs had been missing of late.

“I was pleased with us again tonight, but I have not been displeased with how we have been playing recently. Sometimes you get the breaks and sometimes you don’t,” added Redknapp.

Everton will face Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the first semi-final on Saturday, April 14, with Spurs taking on bogey side Chelsea on the Sunday. It has the makings of an exhilarating weekend of FA Cup football.

Football Fit: Getting Back into Shape to Hit the Pitch

Jesse — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:06:27 +0000

Unlike many other sports, soccer requires swift movements and a significant amount of running. To make sure they are adequately prepared for the rigors of the game, players should perform aerobic and anaerobic training, as well as agility and coordination exercises.

Strength-training and conditioning help players build the necessary stamina and endurance needed for training and games. In addition to these exercises, consider getting assistance from a health and fitness specialist to help you get the most out of your training. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive proposition. Many offer fitness coupons to help you get started on your journey.

Here are some exercise routines that a fitness specialist may guide you through to get you in top soccer shape.

1. Running

Running at moderate intensity without rest for 60 minutes every day, 6 days a week develops aerobic endurance, while interval training develops anaerobic endurance. Run at high-intensity speeds for 30 seconds, followed by low-intensity spurts that last 1 minute. Continue to increase the intensity of your aerobic and anaerobic exercises to boost lung and heart efficiency.

2. Jumps

You can gain leg strength by jumping over a short bench (8 to 10-inches high). Jump over the bench once from left to right, followed by a jump from right to left. Repeat this jumping exercise 8 times. These jumps will build leg strength and players will notice the lactic acid burn.

3. Circuit Training

Quickly develop endurance and strength by engaging in circuit training a minimum of 4 times per week. Each exercise should be performed for a predetermined period of time before quickly moving on to the next exercise. Repeat this 3 times. Choose exercises that are soccer specific, such as jumping, kicking and twisting lifts.

4. Shuttle Runs

Perhaps the most effective drill for soccer players is shuttle runs, which condition players to run at top speed in brief spurts. Set up cones every 10 yards until you have reached 50 yards. Run to the first cone and back to the starting line, to the second cone and back, and so on until you have completed the fifth set at the 50 yard mark.

5. Plyometric Exercise

Soccer players can develop explosive speed by engaging in plyometric exercises twice a week. Practice jump-running exercises by running slowly, while landing on alternate feet. Achieve as much distance and height as possible with each stride. Perform 8 repetitions a total of 15 times.

6. Dribbling

Every player should work on his or her ability to dribble the ball within an enclosed area. Two players of equal ability go into a 10-yard field. One player dribbles throughout the designated area and tries to keep the ball away from the defender. The goal for the person dribbling is to make it to each corner of the 10-yard square within a 1-minute period. Repeat this drill a total of 3 times.

7. Agility Drills

Improve your coordination and foot speed through a variety of agility drills. Partner with a player of equal ability and have that person run randomly around the pitch, changing direction constantly. Stay several yards behind your partner and shadow every move.

8. Weight Training

Build muscle and improve overall strength through weight training. Use the leg-press machine to strengthen leg muscles and increase endurance. Find the maximum weight you are able to lift with the machine and lift 60 percent of that weight a total of 10 times. Rest for 1 to 2 minutes and repeat the exercise.

9. Yoga

One of the best disciplines a soccer player can engage in is yoga. Not only does it provide a tremendous workout, but yoga also increases balance and flexibility. Practice poses such as Child’s Pose and Downward-Facing Dog, as well as deep lunges with rotation. Perform balance drills such as the single-leg squat.

10. Stretching

Perform total-body stretching techniques for 10 minutes after each exercise is complete. Stretching helps to improve range of motion, flexibility, decreases risk of sport-related injury and lengthens leg stride. Always stretch the body while it is still warm from your workout.

Soccer is an intense sport that requires the player to have excellent fitness levels, advanced agility, muscular endurance and explosive power. Many believe that just participating in the sport itself is enough, but this is far from the case. To perform competently, players need to develop these skills through a regular, well-rounded exercise routine. Plan your workout and get started today!

Can Chelsea win the Champions League?

John — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:51:55 +0000

You would say that Chelsea have been the weakest team out of the four British teams that qualified for the Champions League this season, but yet they are the only team left in the competition.

It’s difficult to look beyond Barcelona or Real Madrid as potential winners though. They seem to be head and shoulders above the rest, especially with the form of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The quarter-final tie against Benfica is absolutely massive for Chelsea with their fight for 4th taking a big hit against Manchester City last night, winning the Champions League could be their only way of being in it next year.

Benfica are a very good side though. They have proved this in previous rounds of the competition and they are competing for another La Liga title.

Chelsea on their day are a world class side, there is no denying that and they are a match for absolutely anyone if Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata and co are all on song.

Chelsea will probably go into the tie against Benfica slight favourites although the Portuguese side will be full of confidence after a 3-2 win against local rivals Porto.

If Chelsea manage to come out better against Benfica, the odds are they will be playing Real Madrid in the next round and it is difficult to see them getting anything.

In order for Chelsea to progress and possibly win the Champions League, Torres has to show some kind of form, and start to prove himself at the highest level again.

Torres – who scored two against Leicester in the FA Cup – and Drogba could be a real handful in this competition and there is no reason why they can’t click. If they do, Chelsea could end up turning this disappointing season into one of their best yet with the most prodigious piece of silverware the game has to offer.

In many ways, the pressure is off Chelsea as no-one is looking past the two Spanish giants for the trophy, so they could turn out to be a surprise package.

Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien have all had the experience of a Champions League final in 2008 and none of them would want the hurt of losing again. It could also prove to be many of these players’ last shot at winning the trophy.

Chelsea fans will be praying to get past Benfica and prove that they are still a world class side. In order to win the Champions League, they will have to play some of the best football they have played for years and hope that Barcelona and Real Madrid are not quite at the races.

Elsewhere, why not look for the latest Nascar tickets for sale?

Bring the English Pub to Your Own Home

Jesse — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:39:03 +0000

While Soccer still isn’t the USA’s most popular sport, it’s definitely gaining popularity on this side of the pond. Years ago, men were building in-home bars with NFL and NBA logos, but today, more and more guys are focusing on their favorite soccer teams as the theme of their man caves. While adding a whole English-style soccer pub to your basement might be out of budget, the following tips offer some affordable tips to making your man cave the pub your buddies having been longing for to watch the next World Cup.

The Bar

Like any English pub, the bar will be the focal point of your soccer man cave. Bars might be expensive to buy, but if you grab a buddy and get to work for a weekend, you can have a custom bar you made yourself. If you aren’t the handiest guy, you can pick out a bar design online and follow the easy-to-use building plan.

Once you’ve applied a dark finish for the classic pub look, order a decal from your favorite MLS team or international club. You can even order a banner from the US National team’s website for a more authentic pub look. Add four or five swivel bar stools to the front of the bar, and it will be ready to use. If decals weren’t your thing for the bar or you like multiple teams, you can utilize them here and order smaller decals to place on the stool tops.

Soccer Memorabilia

Memorabilia is essential in decorating your pub. Frame up a Landon Donavon jersey to show your U.S. pride or order classic football scarves from Real Madrid, Manchester United or any of your favorite teams. You can even order team soccer balls to display in glass cases behind the bar. A signed ball might be expensive, but it will become a priceless keepsake overtime, so your wife may give in and let you splurge on this piece. Whatever you decide to invest in, memorabilia will probably mean the most to you, so spend some time researching before you make final purchases.

Barware

Another pub essential is barware. It might be too expensive to order custom etched beer mugs, but you can always use the decal technique here as well. Order inexpensive glass mug sets and apply your team’s decal for a custom look. It might not look as cool as the etched designs, but when one of your buddies breaks one during a rowdy moment, you won’t be too upset, and you can easily replace it.

Behind the Bar

Another good investment to make is in a mini fridge. While they aren’t cheap, they are certainly less expensive than installing a keg tap in your bar. You may be drinking bottled beer, but for a big game you can splurge for a nicer brand without breaking the bank. Also, a mini fridge will require much less maintenance than an installed keg.

Furniture

Check CraigsList or EBay for cheap couches, a pool table or poker table. You don’t need tons of extra furniture. A comfy couch and one entertainment table should do the trick. If you don’t like the colors of the fabric or wood, you can always add a slipcover to the couch or stain the table to match the bar.

Doing a lot of the work yourself and checking second-hand sites and stores will save you a ton of money when designing your own pub. While you’ll still be spending money, you and your friends can enjoy the next MLS season and World Cup in European style.

Suarez wants second cup win

John — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 02:07:04 +0000

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez believes a second cup final appearance of the season would send out a strong message to their rivals ahead of next season.

The Carling Cup winners are one game away from the FA Cup final after beating Stoke City 2-1 to book a place in the semi-finals. Neighbours Everton or Sunderland await at Wembley in the last four. Those looking at Bet Victor will know a tough game awaits against either side.

Liverpool’s penalty shootout victory over Cardiff City last month was the Reds’ first Wembley appearance since 1996 and Suarez wants the place to feel like a second home by the end of the season.

“I think after such a long period, to get to two finals in one season would be great for the club, a real positive,” said the controversial forward.

“It would show just how the team are getting used to the manager’s system and style of play, as well as how well the new arrivals have settled into the side. That’s a good sign for next season, too.”

The Uruguay star joined Liverpool in January 2011 and has 11 goals during his first full season for the club. Suarez admits a second winner’s medal would be a dream come true and the online betting at Bet Victor suggests it could happen.

“It would be something really special. To be just a season-and-a-half with a club and win two medals would be great. It’s just a case of trying to keep calm and collected, and waiting for the game to come around,” added Suarez.

“If we get the chance to win it, then we can enjoy it, because winning trophies is never easy, especially here in England.”

While Liverpool have been exceptional in cup competitions this season, their league form has been disappointing. They will be desperate to build on this year’s success with a Premier League title tilt next term.

Chelsea Proved A Bridge Too Far for Andre Villas-Boas

Richard — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:52:26 +0000

“Who will be next in line?” is the question every Chelsea supporter will be asking after their club’s Chairman and owner, Roman Abramovic, brought an end to the tenure of Andre Villas-Boas (AVB) as Chelsea manager.

The sacking hardly came as a surprise, AVB had been made a clear short priced favourite in the Premier League’s Sack Race betting for some weeks and the continued wretched form of his team finally cost him his job, with the 1-0 defeat at the hands of West Brom seemingly the final straw. Just three Premier League wins from the last ten together with a win percentage of just 48% from his forty games in charge was clearly not good enough for Abramovic who now needs to find the club’s seventh manager in the four years since he sacked Jose Mourinho in September 2007.

Abramovic clearly was not inclined to allow AVB the potential of a reprieve by allowing him to remain in control for Chelsea’s FA Cup fifth round replay against Birmingham this week or the Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg against Napoli next week, in which they trail 3-1 from the first leg. Instead, he has handed the team over to former Chelsea star and AVB’s assistant, Roberto Di Matteo on a temporary basis. Should a miracle occur of course and Di Matteo guides the team to the next round in both competitions then the Italian could be in the running to take over full time. However, to do that, the Chelsea players must rapidly cast off whatever misgivings they held against AVB, roll their sleeves up and be prepared to work furiously to redeem their own flagging reputations.

Abramovic has made the point that it was the players, particularly the long established players that made AVB’s job at Stamford Bridge impossible. Their lack of respect for the manager has been well reported and has done nothing to enhance the overall reputation of top flight professional footballers. In some cases, these players clearly forgot who was in charge, believing that their contributions to the club down the years were enough to allow them the freedom to act as they have. That attitude, if Abramovic’s latest comments are to be believed, will change in the summer after he stated that there will be massive changes to the playing staff at Stamford Bridge.

This will almost certainly mean the exit from Stamford Bridge of Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba and Ashley Cole, plus one or two more, quite possibly the £50m flop, Fernando Torres.

The sacking, as club management sacking always does, has created huge speculation as to who Abramovic will appoint to eventually replace AVB. Ridiculously, Pep Guardiola of Barcelona has already been linked to the vacancy but what one has to ask, why would he want to move from Barcelona to Stamford Bridge in the current climate?

The same argument applies to former boss, Jose Mourinho, who is now in the process of winning the La Liga with Real Madrid. The “Special One” has already crossed swords once too often with Abramovic in the past and reparation of their relationship would take an awful long time.

Rafael Benitez of course has been linked, so has former temporary boss, Guus Hiddinck, even Fabio Capello has earned a quote of 10/1 to take charge.

Whoever takes over will be all too aware of the task at hand and it is one that comes with a huge amount of pressure to succeed, especially in the Champions League, a competition that Abramovich seems determined to win, often being citied as the reason for past managerial dismissals. After all, the man who Villas-Boas replaced, Carlo Ancelotti, won the League and Cup double in his first season in charge but failure in Europe saw him pay the ultimate price.