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Diego Maradona Attacks Lionel Messi, Warns Football Fans Against Worshipping Him Like A God
ADMIN posted a blog entry in FDF Online News
Arguably one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi has probably won everything there is in the world of football. From smashing goal-scoring records to winning coveted trophies, the Argentine has become one of the highly sought after players in club football. And, the fact that he has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or on a record-tying five occasions goes on to show how good he has been in the past decade. But, despite shattering one record after another in club football, Messi's prolific career is often marred with his inability to win a prominent trophy with Argentina. The Barcelona talisman has often come close to bagging a trophy for his country, but somehow he has always found himself on the losing side - something that continues to dent his reputation as the GOAT. The latest criticism for Messi came from his fellow countryman and footballing great Diego Maradona. The former Argentina footballer, who has shared a good rapport with Messi, hit out at the Barca forward while claiming that he is not a leader on the pitch and should not be considered a footballing God. © Reuters Highlighting Messi's contrasting fortunes with Barcelona and Argentina, Maradona claimed: "We shouldn't deify Messi any longer," Maradona said in an interview with Fox Sports. "He's Messi when he plays for Barcelona. Messi is Messi when he wears that shirt and he's another Messi with Argentina. He's a great player but he's not a leader. It's useless trying to make a leader out of a man who goes to the toilet 20 times before a game, he added." Maradona said in an interview with Fox Sports. Messi has spent his entire professional career with Barcelona, where he has won 33 trophies, including nine La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and six Copa del Reys. A prolific goalscorer and a creative playmaker, the 31-year-old holds the records for most official goals scored in La Liga (388), a La Liga season (50), a club football season in Europe (73), a calendar year (91), El Clasico (26), as well as those for most assists in La Liga (151) and the Copa América (11). © Reuters But, when compared with his stint with Argentina, Messi has struggled to replicate his club success with his national team. He has been on the losing side in all four of his finals with Argentina - three in Copa America and at the 2014 World Cup. To make matters worse, he has not scored in four World Cup knockout stages, while his outing with Argentina in the recently-concluded World Cup once again left his fans disappointed. Argentina, with a new-look side, have enjoyed a three-match unbeaten run since their early exit in Russia. They recently defeated Iraq 4-0 in an international friendly, but Lionel Scaloni's men will face a sterner test when they take on Brazil sans Messi on 16th October. -
Did you know the fastest man on earth is now a footballer? Yeah, me neither, but Usain Bolt is out there taking over another sport because why not? Usain Bolt made his debut as a substitute for A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners a couple of months back and now he's scored not one but two goals for a professional football team. There's only one way we can expect him to celebrate anything – with his trademark lightning pose, of course – and he did not disappoint. Here it is, @usainbolt, the footballer, scores his maiden Mariners goal. What a moment! Don't think limits! â¡ï¸ #SWSvCCM #CCMFC ð¥@FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/X7zrqmrYCZ — Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) October 12, 2018 So great! He joined the Mariners for an “indefinite training period” and also said, “dreams become reality through hard work”. He also added, “My first start and scoring two goals, it's a good feeling. I'm happy I could come here and show the world I'm improving. I'm keen to be a Mariner, to play my best and get into the team.” People on Twitter were also quite impressed. what a time to be alive — Ben Mc (@McElstuff) October 12, 2018 Yep, all the greats! The Earth is billions of years old, and I'm gladly alive to live in the era of Messi, Ronaldo and Usain Bolt?! ð — adem6 (@crnasrpska) October 12, 2018 Congrats! That's Awesome, congratulations Bolt @usainbolt — Taylor Corry (@TayCorry) October 12, 2018 But, this was just the beginning; not long after the first one, he managed to score his second goal for the night. Well, he really is quick with whatever he does. BOLT HAS HIS BRACE! â¡ï¸ That's two goals tonight for @usainbolt!! What a moment in sport, don't think limits! #CCMFC ð¥ @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/0NeIH9i49V — Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) October 12, 2018 Everyone's happy when Bolt's happy. Nice seeing him being happy. A dream come true! — John Wahlborg (@Joaxwa) October 12, 2018 Literally anything can happen 2k18. It's 2018 and @usainbolt is out here scoring â½ï¸ð¤ pic.twitter.com/e79tjUlS1g — B/R Football (@brfootball) October 12, 2018 Terrific is the word. What a finishð®ðð» Usain Bolt scores his FIRST football goal for a professional side. Terrific finish @usainbolt ðð¿ pic.twitter.com/PHTtRlIYB1 — Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) October 12, 2018 What a way to celebrate! Usain Bolt taps in a second and follows it up with a #Fortnite celebration! ðª ð¥ @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/mcPg42xMDy — Goal (@goal) October 12, 2018 So, it's safe to say that Usain Bolt, the footballer is happy and thriving!
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Sir Alex Ferguson's Return To Old Trafford After Brain Surgery Elates Football Fans
ADMIN posted a blog entry in FDF Online News
After beginning the season with two losses in their first three English Premier League (EPL) games, Manchester United turned their campaign around and repaid the faith of their fans with a much-improved showing against Burnley and Watford in their next games. But, on 22nd September, the EPL giants once again stuttered and ended up losing points against Wolverhampton Wanderers at home. Going into the game having won three successive away games, the Red devils took the lead against the EPL newcomers Wolves through Fred who made full use of Paul Pogba's assist. However, spirited Wolves somehow managed to earn a point when Joao Moutinho equalised after Pogba lost possession. © Reuters The result was definitely not what Jose Mourinho's men and their fans expected as the 13-time champions (in Premier League era) slumped to the seventh spot - eight points behind leaders Liverpool - in the points table this season. If losing points wasn't enough, the fact that Mourinho slammed his players by saying they weren't "motivated" as their opponents further left their fans feeling low. But, amidst all that, there was one silver lining for Man Utd and their fans. The 1-1 draw between United and Wolves saw Sir Alex Ferguson in attendance at the Old Trafford after his tense brain surgery. Arguably one of the greatest football managers of all time, Sir Alex was given a standing ovation and a rousing welcome on his return to the hallowed stands. A special moment at Old Trafford. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/vU8YWstnk1 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 22, 2018 The Scot waved at the fans and smiled amid a roaring Old Trafford crowd which stood in applause as he arrived to take his seat in the Director's box. Earlier this year, Sir Alex underwent a surgery for brain haemorrhage and was later spent several days in the intensive care unit. The news of his emergency operation had sent shockwaves across the footballing world with both players and fans wishing him a speedy recovery. Despite a mediocre show from Man Utd, the football fans across the globe expressed their excitement after watching the 76-year-old enjoy football again. Apart from a deserving welcome at Old Trafford, Sir Alex also got heartfelt messages on the social media. Welcome back boss ðð» https://t.co/VGMLO39Fw7 — Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) September 22, 2018 From a @ManCity fan, welcome back to football Sir Alex — Mick Wildman (@mickey_blue_66) September 22, 2018 Rivalry put to one side for the return of a legend and a true champion! ðð¼ — Mick Wildman (@mickey_blue_66) September 22, 2018 I'm a rugby fan but even this made me well up! No matter your team or sport... respect is respect and a legend is always a legend — Bumbling&Bemused (@RaufR) September 23, 2018 Doesn't matter what team you support, you've gotta appreciate this manðð» — Sam Hadwen (@sam_hadwen) September 22, 2018 I was gonna say I'm not crying but i would be lying. Welcome Back Sir Alex â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸ — Taylor W. (@_TaylorMonet) September 22, 2018 As a lifetime Gooner I must admit it's great to c the great man back and looking well — gooner topcat (@topcatgooner) September 22, 2018 -
Watching their city rivals clinch the Premier League title last season, missing out on key players in the transfer window and a tumultuous relationship between their manager and chief executive officer; Manchester United and their fans have almost faced it all in recent times. But, their troubles are far from over. The Red Devils finished at 81 points last season (19 points behind rampant Manchester City) and the ongoing edition of the Premier League is proving a bit tough early on for Jose Mourinho's men. While the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea have made it four wins in as many games, United has already lost two- including the shock loss against Brighton- and are currently placed 10th in the points table. To make matters worse, their glorified manager - who has already attracted a lot of criticism for his theatrics - has now accepted a one-year prison sentence in a bid to settle a tax evasion case in Spain. According to reports, the prosecutors had accused Mourinho of a 2.9-million-pound tax fraud. © Reuters A report in El Mundo - a Spanish daily - claimed that the Portuguese has accepted two six-month jail sentences for defrauding the Spanish Tax Office off 2.9 million pounds in 2011 and 2012 relating to image rights. But, the big question is: will he serve time in jail? Sadly, the answer is no. The Spanish law states that a sentence of under two years for a first offense can be served on probation. Moreover, the report suggested that the 55-year-old has agreed to pay a fine of 1.78 million pounds amounting to 6 per cent of the alleged amount defrauded. And, with Mourinho pleading guilty, the investigating court in Madrid is likely to suspend his one-year jail term. Mourinho will also accept to "render opaque the benefits derived from his image rights" and the data which he produced "does not correspond to reality with the aim of obtaining illicit profits". However, this isn't the first such case in Spain as earlier this year, former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, too, settled with the Spanish tax authorities to serve two years in prison and pay an 18.8 million euro fine in a tax evasion case. © Reuters While Man Utd and their fans might have taken a sigh of relief over Mourinho's case, the football fans made full use of the opportunity to poke fun at the Portuguese and his current club. So here we have a criminal managing an English football institution. Guilty of tax fraud and Gaol time. That must be good for the image of football. "There you go son strive to cheat the people out of their tax benefits when you grow up like your hero" — 001harry (@001harry) September 5, 2018 bit like his team GOING DOWN — MrKevin (@kevin_mrkevin) September 5, 2018 At least he can't blame anybody here. — Vito Andolini (@OQuadruple) September 5, 2018 Tax cheat given jail sentence but still appears on TV every week https://t.co/omUhY9PfvB — Paul Lewis (@paullewismoney) September 5, 2018 Says an Arsenal fan. pic.twitter.com/Mi1sLh8O1D — Abdulsamad Umar (@justabdulsamad) September 4, 2018 Gets away with it because of who he is — Emily â¤ï¸ð NUFC (@NaughtyEmilyB) September 4, 2018 Maybe Jose will cheer up now Tom, now he's avoided a custodial sentence for tax evasion in Spain!? ð — Maurice Kilbride (@MauriceKilbride) September 4, 2018 Does that mean he now has a criminal record, and couldn't enter the US for future Utd tours? — Duncan Lightfoot (@duncancfcfan) September 4, 2018 Deary me if that were you or i we would be locked up money talks — Paula m (@PaulaRossi47) September 4, 2018 Hope he will get 'respect' as a criminal. — Sidharth (@Sidart61_ssd) September 4, 2018 I think he would be happier in prison — Michael Darmody (@MichaelDarmody) September 4, 2018
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Barcelona U-14 Players Consoling Their Opponents After Quarterfinal Loss Is Why We Love Football
ADMIN posted a blog entry in FDF Online News
In the ever-competitive era of modern-day sports, every athlete is hell-bent on edging past their respective opponents to register a win. But, sports is not just about winning. No matter, whether you play for your society's shitty team or represent your country on the global stage, the one thing your coach must have (read: should have) stressed on more than winning is respecting your opponent. Without respect, we all might just be the bots, going about our business without any conscience, emotions and feelings. That's exactly why one of the world's most popular football clubs - FC Barcelona - has been seen instilling their motto 'more than a club' in the players over generations. Barca's philosophy runs right through the club from the first team down to the academy comprised of newbies. While their playing style is known across the globe, their strong belief in a way of living was in full display during an under-14 tournament recently. Plying their trade in the Junior Soccer World Challenge, Barcelona's U-14 stars locked horns with Japan's FC Persimmon in the quarterfinals. After the two sides failed to break the deadlock at 0-0 in normal time, the game progressed into penalties. With some hits and misses from both sides, the match was eventually decided by Adrian Gill's winning penalty that paved way for Barca's 11-10 win over the Japanese. Respect Effort Ambition Teamwork HUMILITY ð U14B @FCBmasia ðµð´ #Values #MoreThanAClub pic.twitter.com/pGI65r0LjK — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 25, 2018 It was understandably a heartbreaking result for the team from the city of Kawasaki. But, while many would generally unveil wild and animated celebrations after their win, the U-14 crop of Barcelona, despite their tender age, produced a heartfelt gesture - one that will surely make Lionel Messi and his boys feel proud. Barca's match-winner Gill immediately consoled the opposition goalkeeper, grabbing and helping him towards the centre circle. On the other hands, other Barcelona players were seen hugging and offering their congratulations to the members of the losing side. Their effort was lauded by FC Persimmon's technical staff and the spectators who were overwhelmed with emotions. The Spanish club shared the touching video on Twitter while lauding their U-14s for their respect, effort, ambition, teamwork and humility - all virtues of a successful team. And, the football fans across the globe took notice of the exploits of the budding footballers and showered praise on the microblogging website. We need more of that.This young stars should be taught how to love each other â — Khani prosperity (@Khaniprosperity) August 25, 2018 Senior team should learn from them — Veipunii Lana (@VeipuniiL) August 26, 2018 aww I've watched it like 6 times...More Than A Club indeed #Humility — Fatwi k3k3 ð¬ð (@yelvis_corni) August 25, 2018 This is very sweet.⺠— S-L-I-M-E a slime (@TeeManCool_AF) August 25, 2018 This is very touchingð ð¥ððâ¤â½ — CalvinfutureTau (@calvinfuture) August 26, 2018 That's one of the big reason "why I love BARCA" — Amar sharma (@Amar_sharma0410) August 26, 2018 More than a club ♥ï¸ð pic.twitter.com/k44TnH0suK — Dee (@I_am_debor) August 25, 2018 -
Lionel Messi Training With Hulk Is Proof That Even His Dog Plays Football Better Than Us
ADMIN posted a blog entry in FDF Online News
The 2018 FIFA World Cup is over, but I am sure most of us are still reeling from the shock that this football tournament left us with. In the beginning, the battles of the fans were clear and our biases were more or less figured out - Ronaldo vs Messi. But, after the unexpected exit of Portugal and Argentina in the round of 16, all our hopes and cheers got divided between the remaining teams. © Instagram Post the World Cup exit, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Juventus and Lionel Messi is currently busy spending some quality time practicing football with Hulk, his giant Dogue de Bordeaux. People say a dog is a man's best friend, but if you have one of the greatest footballers in the world by your side, chances are that the dog will be better in the sport than most of us. And this 30-second video, right here, is proof of the same. © Insatgram While you feel proud and enroll yourself for the post of President of the 'Dogs' BFF' society when your dog fetches the ball; Messi isn't your regular dog owner, so clearly, Hulk has to go through this kind of training. ð¦â½ï¸ A post shared by AntoRoccuzzo88 (@antoroccuzzo88) on Jul 30, 2018 at 4:29am PDT In fact, Hulk even found a fan in one of Messi's kids (Mateo and Thiago). While one was heard saying, "He (Hulk) is very good at playing football"; the other one said, "Yeah, but dad is better." This video was shared by Messi's wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, on her Instagram. -
While Kohli & Co Brace For Tests, MS Dhoni Flaunts His Crazy Football Skills With Ishaan Khatter
ADMIN posted a blog entry in FDF Online News
After proving their mettle in the Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), the Indian cricket team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of a rejuvenated England in the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series. Despite taking a 1-0 lead in the ODIs, Virat Kohli and his men lost the next two games on the trot that saw England staging a comeback in the much-anticipated tour. Amongst some misfiring Indian cricketers, MS Dhoni was heavily criticised for his inability to score freely and aid his side in the hostile conditions. So much so, that it even fuelled rumours that the former Indian captain might end up retiring from international cricket. But, those rumours quickly subsided and normalcy resumed - both for Dhoni and Indian cricket fans. © Reuters Now, as the Indian team gears up for the highly-awaited five-match Test series, all eyes are on Kohli & Co, who will have to be at their prolific best if they intend to avenge the 3-1 loss they endured against England in 2014. But, while the Indian fans get ready to cheer for their side in Tests, Dhoni elated them with his football skills. Retired from the longest version of the game, Dhoni returned to India and was seen spending time with his family. The Jharkhand cricketer recently attended the wedding of Poorna Patel - daughter of former Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel - in Mumbai with his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva. A post shared by Sakshi Singh Dhoni (@sakshisingh_r) on Jul 25, 2018 at 10:45am PDT And, more recently, our 'Captain Cool' was seen taking a break from cricket and flaunting his football skills in what looked like a low-key charity game in Mumbai. The 37-year-old played football with Bollywood actor and 'Dhadak' movie star Ishaan Khatter. Despite playing against each other, Dhoni was seen giving tips to Shahid Kapoor's younger brother. Ranbir Kapoor, who recently impressed everyone with his acting skills in Bollywood flick 'Sanju', was also seen playing alongside Dhoni in his team. Ishaan Khatter and MS Dhoni play football pic.twitter.com/0HxJmSt5k4 — vicky koire (@vickykoire2012) July 25, 2018 Dhoni spotted playing football in Mumbai.!! â½ pic.twitter.com/E5BYHOq1FI — DHONIsm™ ð (@DHONIism) July 23, 2018 Click from yesterdays football match. pic.twitter.com/D1azlvR9Vv — #MSDhoniFC (@i_mMSDhoni) July 24, 2018 While it was his football skills that wowed the fans, Dhoni also notched a personal milestone in international cricket recently. During the recently-concluded ODI series against England, the right-hander added another feather to his cap, after becoming the fourth Indian and 12th overall to reach 10,000 runs in the history of ODI cricket. He achieved the unique feat in the second ODI against England at Lord's. In the process, he has now joined the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara, Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya on the elite list. -
The Thai Football Team Was All Smiles In Their First Public Appearance After The Rescue
ADMIN posted a blog entry in FDF Online News
On 23rd June, 12 young Thai boys and their 25-year-old coach headed into a cave and didn't think twice about it, after all, this was something they had done plenty of times before. They probably didn't plan on staying there for more than an hour or so but as we all know, they emerged from there about two weeks later. 10th July is the day no one will ever forget, especially not them. After the whole ordeal, all of them were safely rescued and everyone celebrated the happy ending. It was truly a miracle that all 13 of them were safe and sound after two weeks in that cave. Reuters Now, it's been a week or so and all of them have recovered enough for their first public outing. Everyone was waiting to see them and here they are, happy to have survived something like that. They were all smiles as they waved at everyone and offered traditional 'wai' greetings during a national broadcast in the northern province of Chiang Rai. https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH: All 12 Boys of the Wild Boars soccer team who spent more than 2 weeks trapped in Tham Luang cave showcase their football skills before the press briefing https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thailand?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thailand https://t.co/VVWXhlmW1R">pic.twitter.com/VVWXhlmW1R — ANI (@ANI) https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1019551346440179713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2018 All of them showed up in T-shirts emblazoned with a red graphic of a wild boar – the name of their team – and carried footballs. Talking about their experience, one of the boys described being found as a 'miracle'. During the press conference, 14-year-old Adul Sam-on said, “It is a miracle.” Coach Ekkapol Chantawong said, “We tried to dig out as we thought we cannot only wait for authorities to get us.” Reuters One of the members also told everyone they drank water that fell from the rocks to survive before all of them were found by the British divers. They also talked about how much they actually learned from this horrific ordeal. One promised to be “more careful and live my life the fullest”. Another said, “This experience taught me to be more patient and strong.” Reuters The boys have gained roughly 3kgs of weight each since the rescue and had been going through confidence building exercises before today's event. Justice Ministry official Tawatchai Thaikaew also asked for everyone to respect the boys' privacy during this tough time because media attention could affect their mental health. He said, “We don't know what wounds the kids are carrying in their hearts. The media know the children are in a difficult situation, they have overcome peril and if you ask risky questions then it could break the law.” Reuters -
World Cup host Putin gives Trump football made in Pakistan
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
Russia's President Vladimir Putin gives a football to US President Donald Trump. Photo: AFPHELSINKI: Russia's President Vladimir Putin tried to lighten the mood at a post-summit news conference with US President Donald Trump on Monday by giving... -
Royal Rumble! 5 Times Football Stars Turned The Playing Field Into A War Zone
ADMIN posted a blog entry in FDF Online News
Football, being the wonderful sport that it is, remains a contact sport despite a few denying this fact. With all the adrenaline rush that goes on, tempers often soar high and lead to unsavory incidents on the pitch. While this World Cup may not have had too many such incidents, footballers do not always manage to keep their composure. Teammates, coaches, opponents and even referees have gotten involved in such untoward instances, which have etched their name in infamy. Here are some of the most heated fights that have taken place on the football pitch: 1. Arsenal Vs Chelsea (2007) © Twitter Let's be honest, nobody cares about the League Cup anymore. However, in 2007, it was a significant moment as Arsenal came up against Chelsea. The two teams had had quite a few feisty encounters at the time, and their managers Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho constantly had a go at each other. Chelsea scored a late goal and led 2-1, and with the match deep into injury time, the ball broke free in midfield and Jon Obi Mikel and Kolo Toure both tore into each other to get the possession. Before we knew it, Toure and Mikel were at each other's collars. Players from both teams got involved and it soon became a street fight, resulting in both the alarmed managers invading the pitch in an effort to calm things down. The match ended with Mikel, Toure, and Adebayor being sent off. The FA wasn't going to let this slide and handed out massive punishments to both the clubs. All the suspensions were held, with Adebayor and Eboue being suspended for four instead of three games. The clubs were fined GBP 100,000 for failing to control their players and both the managers were reprimanded for their ungraceful remarks about the officials. Overall, it was a total shit-show. 2. Kieron Dyer Vs Lee Bowyer (2005) © Twitter This one is actually quite funny. It was 2005 and Newcastle's glory days were few and far in between. In a regular Premier League match against Aston Villa, Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer, who were both midfielders for Newcastle at the time, decided to revisit their school days. The pair got into an argument about passing the ball to each other and in a split second, they were at each other's collars. Punches rained from both sides as they had to be separated by the opposition players and their own teammates. In the fracas, Bowyer had his shirt ripped and didn't look like he was done with Dyer. Consequently, Newcastle lost the match 3-0 and ended the game with 8 men, as Steven Taylor had been sent off before the incident. Both players were handed out massive fines and suspensions by the club and the Premier League. This was as hilarious as it was shocking! 3. Portugal Vs Netherlands (2006) © Twitter It's not really a football match when the entire match is a brawl. In the Round of 16 match between Portugal and Netherlands at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, 16 yellow cards and 4 red cards were handed out, as both sides ended the match with 9 men. Cristiano Ronaldo was kung-fu kicked by Khalid Boulahrouz and was forced off through injury. Luis Figo headbutted an opponent and was elbowed in the face sometime later. Even the benches of both the teams got involved. Portugal, eventually, did emerge as winners at the end of what seemed more like a Royal Rumble. 4. Sergio Ramos Vs Barcelona (2010) © Twitter How could we leave Sergio Ramos and El Classico out of this? In 2010, Barcelona were 5-0 up against Real Madrid. With Messi going on one of his trademark runs deep into injury time, frustration got the better of Ramos as he kicked Messi to knock him down. As Messi's Barcelona teammates aggressively surrounded Ramos, he shoved Carles Puyol, his national team captain in the face, exchanged a few words with Gerard Pique, kicked off a brawl which involved all players and supporting staff and on his way to the dugout, shoved Xavi Hernandez along the way as he nonchalantly entered the tunnel, leaving others to clean up his mess. Yes, he's always been a moron. 5. Manchester United Vs Arsenal (2003) © Twitter Matches between Arsenal and Manchester United have always paved the way for exciting duels. But, in 2003, the football madness - generally offered by these two sides - was shockingly complemented by some absolute shithoussery from the likes of Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Paul Scholes and Martin Keown. In one such match at Old Trafford, Ruud van Nistelrooy acted to perfection and got Patrick Vieira sent off. With the tempers flaring, Manchester United were awarded a penalty which van Nistelrooy missed. As the final whistle blew, five Arsenal players surrounded Van Nistelrooy and pushing, shoving and verbal tirades followed. The match ended in a draw and Arsenal went on a 49-game unbeaten run. A year later, Manchester United ended that run and a sour Cesc Fabregas threw a pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson for it. Those were the days! -
Darkest Hour! Tragic Deaths In Football That Sent Shockwaves Across The Globe
ADMIN posted a blog entry in FDF Online News
Despite their superhuman strength, unbelievable goals and breathtaking display on the field, the much-decorated footballers are just as human as the rest of us. While most professional footballers die years after leaving the sport, some aren't deemed lucky enough in that regard. In fact, there have been various accidents and scenarios that have led to players dying on the pitch itself, or a few days later due to injuries suffered in those incidents. And, that's not all. Football has also witnessed some stars losing their life to gruesome murders and other bone-chilling incidents. Here's a list of footballers who tragically died and left the game too early: 1. Piermario Morosini © Reuters Italian midfield man Piermario Morosini died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match between his club Livorno and Pescara in 2010. Morosini collapsed in the 31st minute of the encounter, made an effort to get up, but fell right back on the ground. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. Right after the death of the 25-year-old, it was being reported that if the ambulance had reached a minute earlier, the case could've been different. Although, later it was confirmed that it wouldn't have made any difference. Astonishingly, the three doctors who tended to Morosini were found guilty of manslaughter years later. All three of them were handed suspended prison time for failing to abide by the laid down medical protocol. It is also questioned as to why a defibrillator wasn't used despite the stadium having two of them. Many reputed medical experts believe that the player's life could've been saved if a defibrillator was used. 2. Daniel Jarque © Reuters The famous Andres Iniesta celebration in the World Cup of 2010 always brings back the memory of the late Espanyol defender Daniel 'Dani' Jarque. Jarque spent his entire senior career at the Catalan club after joining them in 2001. Aged 26 at the time, he was named the club's captain in 2009, but one month later, Jarque tragically passed away at the team's training base in Coverciano during Espanyol's pre-season tour in Italy. The news stunned all of Spain, and Iniesta, in particular, who was left emotionally traumatized after his close friend's passing. One year later, the ex-Barcelona man scored the only goal in the World Cup final against the Dutch. An emotionally gratified Iniesta dedicated the most important goal of his career to Jarque when he demonstrated his undershirt which said: "Dani Jarque siempre con nosotros" (Dani Jarque, always with us) written on the front side. 3. Andres Escobar © Reuters The darkest hour in Colombian football surfaced when Andres Escobar was shot dead upon his return from the 1994 World Cup. Escobar played for Atletico Nacional and Young Boys in domestic football, and also represented the Colombian national team on 51 occasions. His rise to the global stage provided a glimmer of hope to the poverty-stricken people of his hometown Medellin. He was the nation's heart and soul, but things took an unexpected turn in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. In a match against USA, the defender scored an own goal after getting his slide to cut off a pass horribly wrong. The host nation went on to win the game 2-1 and Escobar was being scapegoated unlike any other player in the past. After returning from the World Cup, Escobar, despite several warnings, stepped out to meet with friends on the bone-chilling evening of 1st July 1994 and visited two pubs in town. Later that night, he was surrounded by three men and a woman in the parking lot of El Indio bar. Pretty soon an argument ensued, and Escobar pleaded for his innocence, claiming that the own goal was a mistake. But despite his protests, two of the men pulled out their guns and shot him six times. After the incident, reports claimed that one of the killers had clamored "Gol!” after every single shot. Escobar's legacy though, still lived on as his funeral was attended by over 120,000 people. The shooting took a heavy toll on many of his teammates, as some quit the national team while many hung up their boots altogether. 4. Marc-Vivien Foe © Reuters Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe died after suffering a heart attack during the Confederation Cup final of 2003 against Columbia in Lyon, France. Foe, who was 28-years-old at the time, collapsed in the 72nd minute of the match and was stretchered off after various failed attempts to revive him on the pitch. The medical staff tried both CPR and oxygen, yet all efforts were in vain. He was taken to the medical center in Gerland Stadium, barely alive, but passed away moments later. The cause of his death was not known at the time, but a second autopsy stated that a condition called “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy”, known to substantially increase the chances of death during any intense physical activity, was the reason behind Marc-Vivien Foe's death. -
Football 'definitely' coming home, Prince Harry predicts on Irish trip
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, smile as they prepare to meet Ireland's President, Michael Higgins, on their second day of a two-day visit to Dublin, Ireland July 11, 2018. Photo: Reuters DUBLIN: Britain's Prince... -
Ticket offers, tributes as football world toasts Thai cave boys' rescue
ADMIN posted a blog entry in Geo News Blog
A board showing "Welcome home, boys", is seen after rescue efforts began for the 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach trapped in Tham Luang cave, in Chiang Rai, Thailand, July 9, 2018. Photo: Reuters With victory dedications, soccer shirts and... -
EPL's Dominance At 2018 World Cup Bolsters Its Reputation As The Mother Of All Football Leagues
ADMIN posted a blog entry in FDF Online News
We've had all sorts of victories in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018, ranging from England's comfortable win over Sweden, to Croatia's thrilling penalty encounter against a gritty and determined Russia. All the games have been as different as cheese and chalk, but there's still a binding factor to all these inconsistencies – the English Premier League (EPL). Of the 92 players that make up the squads of four semifinalists, a staggering 40 plied their trade in the Premier League last season. Also, 3 of the 4 managers have either played for or managed English clubs in the past. Southgate (England) is an EPL veteran, having spent 11 years in the league. Deschamps (France) played for Chelsea, whereas Martinez (Belgium) managed both Wigan and Everton. © Reuters Too often in the recent past, Premier League clubs have been accused of splurging extravagantly. But looking at this FIFA World Cup, we can say that Premier League clubs have made some sound choices. The EPL rakes in $1.5 billion from foreign viewership rights, followed by a distant La Liga in the second place at $700 million. The moolah being raked in every year allows clubs to land some of the best players every summer. And the transfers are not just limited to players. EPL clubs have brought in some of modern football's best managers - Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, and Carlo Ancelotti. Between them, they have several tens of league titles, UEFA Champions Leagues, and a plethora of domestic and individual awards. Their role in attracting the best of the talent to the EPL and subsequently grooming them cannot be undermined. © Reuters When Belgium face France in the first semifinal on 10th July, the former will have eight EPL stars in their starting XI, whereas the French will boast of Man United's record signing Paul Pogba, Chelsea's league winning midfielder N'Golo Kante, and keeper of one of the best defences in the Premier League Hugo Loris of Spurs. In the other semi-final, we have the English squad that's entirely made up of domestic league players. If England wins the World Cup, it will be the second time after Italy since 2006 that a team, made up entirely of domestic league players, will lift the World Cup. But regardless of whoever lifts the World Cup, the Premier League will be the real winner.
