Friday, July 30, 2010
Coach Carlo Ancelotti Deserves to Be Praised
Coach Carlo Anceltti is a man who knows his onions when it comes to football: he has contributed positively to the round leather game both as a player and as coach. He deserves to be praised for his exploits in the world's most popular sports.
Carlo Anceltti who was born on the 10th of June 1959 in Reggiolo province of Reggio Emilia, Italy has proven with time that he is one of the best coaches the world has ever known. His achievements speak volume and distinguish him as one who knows how to use available resources to get enviable results. He has been tested by different club sides and found to be capable and reliable.
He played for this national team (Italy) and was capped 25 times during his play days, including 2 world cup appearances (Mexico 86 and Italia 90). He also represented his country at the U-21 level. As a professional player he played mainly in the Italian Serie A, notably for AS Roma where he won the Coppa Italia in 1979/1980, 1980/81, 1983/84, 1985/86, and serie A in 1982/83 season.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti, while playing for AC Milan won the serie A in 1987/88, 1991/92; Italian super cup 1988, European Cup 1988/98, 1989/90; Super Cup 1989, 1990; and intercontinental cup 1989 and 1990. He had a total of 338 caps and 35 goals as a professional player.
He has had no mean achievement as a manager. His first coaching stint was with Reggiana in 1995 where his major achievement was making sure the club got promoted to the serie A. He soon left for Parma in 1996 where he had no special record. As the coach of Juventus for 2 years his only record was a two time runners up in the Italian league. His main breakthrough came as the coach of his former club AC Milan which he started to coach in 2001. He got to the semifinal of the UEFA Cup 2001/02 and eventually emerged 3rd place. He also won the Champions League 2002/03, Coppa Italia 2003, Scudetto 2004, Super Cup 2004 Serie A runners-up 2004/05, 2005/06; runners-up 2005 Champions League; Champion League 2007 (making it the second time as a coach and 4th time overall); FIFA club world cup 2007. He eventually left AC Milan on 23rd May, 2009. At least for the period he was with AC Milan he won the major titles you could think of - Scudetto, Super cup, Champions league, Coppa Italia and FIFA Club world Cup. Combine this with his titles as a player and you see that Ancelotti has won virtually almost all available titles in the soccer world.
Aucelotti became the coach of Chelsea FC of England in July 2009 and won his first silver ware on Aug. 9, 2009 by beating Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out to claim the Community Shield after full time had ended 2-2. On the 9th of May 2010 he lifted the Premiership title just in his first season as the coach of Chelsea. He made it the third silverware in a season after beating Portsmouth FC 1-0 at the Wembley stadium on 15th May 2010 to lift the FA Cup. Carlo Ancelotti, you are truly a great coach.
Carlo Anceltti who was born on the 10th of June 1959 in Reggiolo province of Reggio Emilia, Italy has proven with time that he is one of the best coaches the world has ever known. His achievements speak volume and distinguish him as one who knows how to use available resources to get enviable results. He has been tested by different club sides and found to be capable and reliable.
He played for this national team (Italy) and was capped 25 times during his play days, including 2 world cup appearances (Mexico 86 and Italia 90). He also represented his country at the U-21 level. As a professional player he played mainly in the Italian Serie A, notably for AS Roma where he won the Coppa Italia in 1979/1980, 1980/81, 1983/84, 1985/86, and serie A in 1982/83 season.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti, while playing for AC Milan won the serie A in 1987/88, 1991/92; Italian super cup 1988, European Cup 1988/98, 1989/90; Super Cup 1989, 1990; and intercontinental cup 1989 and 1990. He had a total of 338 caps and 35 goals as a professional player.
He has had no mean achievement as a manager. His first coaching stint was with Reggiana in 1995 where his major achievement was making sure the club got promoted to the serie A. He soon left for Parma in 1996 where he had no special record. As the coach of Juventus for 2 years his only record was a two time runners up in the Italian league. His main breakthrough came as the coach of his former club AC Milan which he started to coach in 2001. He got to the semifinal of the UEFA Cup 2001/02 and eventually emerged 3rd place. He also won the Champions League 2002/03, Coppa Italia 2003, Scudetto 2004, Super Cup 2004 Serie A runners-up 2004/05, 2005/06; runners-up 2005 Champions League; Champion League 2007 (making it the second time as a coach and 4th time overall); FIFA club world cup 2007. He eventually left AC Milan on 23rd May, 2009. At least for the period he was with AC Milan he won the major titles you could think of - Scudetto, Super cup, Champions league, Coppa Italia and FIFA Club world Cup. Combine this with his titles as a player and you see that Ancelotti has won virtually almost all available titles in the soccer world.
Aucelotti became the coach of Chelsea FC of England in July 2009 and won his first silver ware on Aug. 9, 2009 by beating Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out to claim the Community Shield after full time had ended 2-2. On the 9th of May 2010 he lifted the Premiership title just in his first season as the coach of Chelsea. He made it the third silverware in a season after beating Portsmouth FC 1-0 at the Wembley stadium on 15th May 2010 to lift the FA Cup. Carlo Ancelotti, you are truly a great coach.
Paolo Maldini - A Second Generation of Greats
As Cesare Maldini's auspicious craeer was beginning to peter out, Paolo's was starting to show the potential that would lead to greatness, reaching heights that not only his father but the finest soccer players from all over the World could only hope to aspire to.
Maldini junior spent all of his 25 seasons as a footballer wearing the red and black striped of A.C. Milan, eventually hanging up his boots at the age of forty. During his playing career, Paolo's Milan won seven Italian Serie A championships, one Coppa Italia and five Supercoppa Italiana. On the European scene, Paolo added five UEFA Champions League Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and one FIFA Club World Cup winning medals to his collection.
Maldini made his league debut in 1985 at the age of 16. and such was his talent that he became a regular in AC Milan squad in season 1986/87
With the eighteen year old Maldini holding down a regular place in the first team, Milan won the 1987-88 league championship (Scudetto) his first trophy, in an incredible career and one that saw Maldini go on to break many records on the domestic club scene. His first came on the 25th September 2005, when Paolo Maldini broke the Serie A appearance record, playing in his 571st league match, breaking goalkeeper Dino Zoff's record. By February 2008, Maldini had made 1,000 senior appearances at club and international level.
Playing for Milan, Maldini took part in no less than eight UEFA Champions League finals, a record bettered by no less than Francisco Gento, of Real Madrid. As captain of the club, Maldini has lifted the trophy five times, as well as holding the record as the player to score the fastest-ever goal in a European Clubs' Cup final just 51 seconds into the match, as well as the oldest player (37) with the same goal in the final against Liverpool in 2005
On the international level, Paolo Maldini, played for the Italian national team for fourteen seasons, from his debut in 1988 till retiring in 2002. During that time he made 126 international appearances and notched up seven goals.
Maldini enjoyed the distinction of being was called up by his father Cesare to become part of the Italian U-21 side, where his defensive midfielder talents stood out, when he played twelve times, scoring five goals. There was no holding the young Maldini back and made his national team ( Azzurri )debut at the age of nineteen on 31 March 1988,.
He was awarded the captain's armband for 1994 World Cup, which he wore with distinction till he retired as an international player at the end of the 2002 World Cup, having worn the armband a record 74 times Sadly Maldini never won or led Italy to an international trophy as Italy's most capped player.,.
Maldini announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2008-09 seasons. On 17 May 2009, Maldini played his 900th game, appearing for Milan in a league game against Udinese and his last game as an active player was on 31 May 2009, in the last match of the season, against Fiorentina, which Milan won 2-0.
When Paolo Maldini retired, so did his number 3 shirts, with the promise that it will only be worn if one of the third generation of Maldinis make it to the AC Milan first team squad. So far, Paolo Maldini's oldest son and Cesare Maldini's grandson Christian is shaping up well to take up the challenge. Just seventeen he is currently a member of the Milan youth squad, displaying the sterling defensive talents that made the Maldini dynasty so long a feature at Milan and on the Italian international scene
Maldini junior spent all of his 25 seasons as a footballer wearing the red and black striped of A.C. Milan, eventually hanging up his boots at the age of forty. During his playing career, Paolo's Milan won seven Italian Serie A championships, one Coppa Italia and five Supercoppa Italiana. On the European scene, Paolo added five UEFA Champions League Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and one FIFA Club World Cup winning medals to his collection.
Maldini made his league debut in 1985 at the age of 16. and such was his talent that he became a regular in AC Milan squad in season 1986/87
With the eighteen year old Maldini holding down a regular place in the first team, Milan won the 1987-88 league championship (Scudetto) his first trophy, in an incredible career and one that saw Maldini go on to break many records on the domestic club scene. His first came on the 25th September 2005, when Paolo Maldini broke the Serie A appearance record, playing in his 571st league match, breaking goalkeeper Dino Zoff's record. By February 2008, Maldini had made 1,000 senior appearances at club and international level.
Playing for Milan, Maldini took part in no less than eight UEFA Champions League finals, a record bettered by no less than Francisco Gento, of Real Madrid. As captain of the club, Maldini has lifted the trophy five times, as well as holding the record as the player to score the fastest-ever goal in a European Clubs' Cup final just 51 seconds into the match, as well as the oldest player (37) with the same goal in the final against Liverpool in 2005
On the international level, Paolo Maldini, played for the Italian national team for fourteen seasons, from his debut in 1988 till retiring in 2002. During that time he made 126 international appearances and notched up seven goals.
Maldini enjoyed the distinction of being was called up by his father Cesare to become part of the Italian U-21 side, where his defensive midfielder talents stood out, when he played twelve times, scoring five goals. There was no holding the young Maldini back and made his national team ( Azzurri )debut at the age of nineteen on 31 March 1988,.
He was awarded the captain's armband for 1994 World Cup, which he wore with distinction till he retired as an international player at the end of the 2002 World Cup, having worn the armband a record 74 times Sadly Maldini never won or led Italy to an international trophy as Italy's most capped player.,.
Maldini announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2008-09 seasons. On 17 May 2009, Maldini played his 900th game, appearing for Milan in a league game against Udinese and his last game as an active player was on 31 May 2009, in the last match of the season, against Fiorentina, which Milan won 2-0.
When Paolo Maldini retired, so did his number 3 shirts, with the promise that it will only be worn if one of the third generation of Maldinis make it to the AC Milan first team squad. So far, Paolo Maldini's oldest son and Cesare Maldini's grandson Christian is shaping up well to take up the challenge. Just seventeen he is currently a member of the Milan youth squad, displaying the sterling defensive talents that made the Maldini dynasty so long a feature at Milan and on the Italian international scene
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
World Football's Top 10 Stadiums
A football match is not just about the 22 players on the pitch. Spectators play a huge part in the occasion. The design of a stadium and the atmosphere it generates can have an intimidating effect on players and officials which can even influence the result. As new stadiums start to dominate the sporting skyline around the world, this list pays homage to great venues which have stood the test of time.
1. Maracana, Rio De Janeiro
Home to the Brazilian national side and Rio's Vasco De Gama club, the first side back in the 1920's to sign African players. The Maracana was built for the 1950 World Cup Finals and at one time crowds of 200,000 were not unknown. Today capacity has been reduced to 96,000 but the stadium still retains a great aura.
2. Nou Camp, Barcelona
Home to FC Barcalona, the Nou Camp has a capacity of just under 100,000 and has hosted many great games, including European finals and World Cup matches. It was completed in 1957 and with various enhancements the tiered structure now reaches to a height of 48 metres in one side of the ground.
3. Santiago Bernabau, Madrid
Built in 1947, the Santiago Bernabau stadium is the home of Real Madrid, one of the world's most famous clubs. It was also the host for the 1982 World Cup Final and various European club finals over the years.
4. Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
The Azteca has played host to two World Cup finals, one of which was the great Brazil v Italy match in 1970. The Mexican national team play here as does the Club America side. It was inaugurated in 1966 and has a capacity of 105,000. An imposing venue, it is known as "Il Coloso de Santa Úrsula" (the Colossus of Saint Úrsula).
5. San Siro, Milan
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as the San Siro, is home Inter Milan and AC Milan, historically two of Europe's most successful club sides. The stadium has a capacity of 80,000 fans, and is one of the largest stadiums in Italy. A common feature at matches are flares, banners and chanting from the Ultras.
6. Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
The home of Borussia Dortmund, the Westfalenstadion is officially know as Signal Iduna Park, the name of it's sponsor. It is one of Germany's largest sporting venues and has a fanatical support base, regularly selling over 50,000 season tickets. It is famous for it's unique "Südtribüne" (Southern Stand), where 24,000 fans populate Europe's largest standing terrace.
7. La Bombonera, Buenes Aires
Based in the Boca neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, La Bombonera is home to the Boca Juniors, the team that brought us Diego Maradona. Not the prettiest stadium in the world but the steep banking and closeness to the pitch create a very special atmosphere. The local derby against River Plate is not for the faint hearted.
8. Wembley Stadium, London
The fame of Wembley spreads beyond the world of football. Originally built in the 1920's, the reconstructed Wembley opened for business again in 2007 at a cost of £800 million. It has hosted the Olympic Games, a World Cup final and many European club finals. It now has an all seater capacity of 90,000 and features not just football but many other sporting and non sporting events.
9. Azadi Stadium, Tehran
The Azadi Stadium is home to the Iranian national team and has a capacity of 100,000. It is an intimidating venue for visiting teams and is home to Tehran's two major football clubs, Perespolis FC and Esteghlal FC. The atmosphere at games between these two sides at the Azadi (known as the Sorkhabi) rivals anything offered by big city derbies the world over.
10. La Casa Blanca, Quito
Estadio de Liga Deportiva Universitaria, commonly called La Casa Blanca is the home ground of LDU Quito. It's a rogue entry in this top ten list as it was only finished in 1997. With a capacity of 55,400, it is only the second largest stadium in Ecuador but it enters our top ten because at 2800 metres, the altitude confers a significant advantage for the Ecuador national team in international competition.
1. Maracana, Rio De Janeiro
Home to the Brazilian national side and Rio's Vasco De Gama club, the first side back in the 1920's to sign African players. The Maracana was built for the 1950 World Cup Finals and at one time crowds of 200,000 were not unknown. Today capacity has been reduced to 96,000 but the stadium still retains a great aura.
2. Nou Camp, Barcelona
Home to FC Barcalona, the Nou Camp has a capacity of just under 100,000 and has hosted many great games, including European finals and World Cup matches. It was completed in 1957 and with various enhancements the tiered structure now reaches to a height of 48 metres in one side of the ground.
3. Santiago Bernabau, Madrid
Built in 1947, the Santiago Bernabau stadium is the home of Real Madrid, one of the world's most famous clubs. It was also the host for the 1982 World Cup Final and various European club finals over the years.
4. Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
The Azteca has played host to two World Cup finals, one of which was the great Brazil v Italy match in 1970. The Mexican national team play here as does the Club America side. It was inaugurated in 1966 and has a capacity of 105,000. An imposing venue, it is known as "Il Coloso de Santa Úrsula" (the Colossus of Saint Úrsula).
5. San Siro, Milan
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as the San Siro, is home Inter Milan and AC Milan, historically two of Europe's most successful club sides. The stadium has a capacity of 80,000 fans, and is one of the largest stadiums in Italy. A common feature at matches are flares, banners and chanting from the Ultras.
6. Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
The home of Borussia Dortmund, the Westfalenstadion is officially know as Signal Iduna Park, the name of it's sponsor. It is one of Germany's largest sporting venues and has a fanatical support base, regularly selling over 50,000 season tickets. It is famous for it's unique "Südtribüne" (Southern Stand), where 24,000 fans populate Europe's largest standing terrace.
7. La Bombonera, Buenes Aires
Based in the Boca neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, La Bombonera is home to the Boca Juniors, the team that brought us Diego Maradona. Not the prettiest stadium in the world but the steep banking and closeness to the pitch create a very special atmosphere. The local derby against River Plate is not for the faint hearted.
8. Wembley Stadium, London
The fame of Wembley spreads beyond the world of football. Originally built in the 1920's, the reconstructed Wembley opened for business again in 2007 at a cost of £800 million. It has hosted the Olympic Games, a World Cup final and many European club finals. It now has an all seater capacity of 90,000 and features not just football but many other sporting and non sporting events.
9. Azadi Stadium, Tehran
The Azadi Stadium is home to the Iranian national team and has a capacity of 100,000. It is an intimidating venue for visiting teams and is home to Tehran's two major football clubs, Perespolis FC and Esteghlal FC. The atmosphere at games between these two sides at the Azadi (known as the Sorkhabi) rivals anything offered by big city derbies the world over.
10. La Casa Blanca, Quito
Estadio de Liga Deportiva Universitaria, commonly called La Casa Blanca is the home ground of LDU Quito. It's a rogue entry in this top ten list as it was only finished in 1997. With a capacity of 55,400, it is only the second largest stadium in Ecuador but it enters our top ten because at 2800 metres, the altitude confers a significant advantage for the Ecuador national team in international competition.
Monday, July 19, 2010
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