Football took off in the 1920s in Hyderabad, the city of the Nizams. Football there received the patronage of the royalty, especially of the Nawab of Tarband and the Maharajas of Kakinada and Rajamundhri. Hyderabad Football Association was formed in 1939. Its first President was late Gulam Mohammed. Late SM Hadi was the first secretary of HFA. Ahmed Mohiuddin was a great sports lover and he was instrumental in starting almost every sports association in Hyderabad.

In 1942, SM Hadi became the President of Hyderabad Football Association and the legendary coach, SA Rahim, its Secretary. He was hailed in that post until his death in June1963. Till 1958, Hyderabad and Andhra were regarded as separate bodies by the AIFF. From 1959, these two bodies came under one banner, Andhra Pradesh Football Association. To do this Rahim Saheb took major initiative.

The most famous team to emerge from this city was the black and yellow shirted Hyderabad City Police. They were known as the "City Afghans", in accordance with the name of the police force during the reign of the Nizam of Hyderabad and which was renamed as Hyderabad City Police after independence. The team had a string of successes in the pre-independent era.

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One famous game, which brought HCP into limelight for the first time, was the Ashe Gold Cup final in Bengaluru in 1943. The City Afghans, won 2-1 against Royal Air Force, the team included England?s cricket and football international Denis Compton. The City Afghans trailed by a single goal for most part of the game, but rallied to a dramatic win with two late penalties by Norbert Andrew Fruvall.

Later Fruvall had moulded Hyderabad City Police into one of the best teams in the country. Under his captaincy, HCP won 1950 Durand Cup football, the first after Independence in 1947 (tournament was not held from 1941 to 1949), in a memorable final against Mohun Bagan. That was their first win in Durand Cup.

Playing with determination and receiving quite negligible rewards for their performances, the club was popular all over India and came to be identified as the team of the common man. In the period just after independence, HCP came to symbolize the philosophy and spirits of the age, the will to sacrifice, overcome odds. Their popularity transcended regional and religious identities.

From mid 40s to mid 60s, teams from Hyderabad either won or left lasting impressions in the tournaments they participated from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari and from Guwahati to Bombay. Apart from Hyderabad City Police, there were several outstanding teams from Hyderabad. The teams were 'A' Battery, Ordnance Depot, Railway Recreation Club (now Central Railway), Central Police Lines (B team of HCP), Road Transport Recreation Club, DBB Mills, L Motiram Club, Hyderabad Nationals, Hyderabad Sporting, Raiders Club, Hyderabad Athletic Club, Maisram Star, Bolaram Sporting, Secunderabad Blues, City College Old Boys, Hyderabad Rovers, Hyderabad Arsenal, Grass Hoppers, Hyderabad Heroes, Secunderabad Dynamos, Eleven Hunters, Andhra Sporting, Abbas Union, Hyderabad Telephones, All Saints Old Boys and Vehicle Sub Depot.

About 15 teams were there from Hyderabad in late '50s. They played in different tournaments throughout the country. Even in 1965 DCM Trophy final, Hyderabad City Police, the then Andhra Pradesh Police and its 'B' team Central Police Lines, fought with each other for the honour. Central Police Lines beat formidable Mohammedan Sporting Club in semi-final.

Yusuf Khan, Syed Naeemuddin, Sathyanarayan, Saleh (Jr), Shafeeq, represented APP, while Jafar. Rasool, Kaleemuddin, Pandhari, Saleh (Sr), and Md. Saleemullah were in the Central Police Lines team. APP won the final. In 1954 IFA Shield, almost all Hyderabad City Police players played for Hyderabad Sporting but lost in the final to Mohun Bagan.

During that period there were some very strong College teams, such as Osmania Unversity, Nizam College, City College, Science College and Saifabad Govt. Technical College. The college authorities used to encourage and motivate the footballers. These colleges helped to keep constant flow of good footballers to the clubs. Rahim Saheb was a graduate of Osmania University.

School and college teams were so strong at that time that Hyderabad City Police had to sweat for its victory against them in practice matches. In this regard, the name of late Md. Ghousuddin should be mentioned here. He was the coach and an influential person in the Selection Committee of Osmania University. Later on, he became Secretary of Andhra Pradesh Football Association after the death of Rahim Saheb. Being a close friend of Rahim Saheb, he learnt many finer points of training and coaching from him. His coaching was scientific and methodical.

Prof. V.M. Sham Raj of Engineering College of Osmania University, who also played for the state team in Santosh Trophy, once wrote in an article about his working experience with Md. Ghousuddin, "I was then student of Osmania University and eagerly looking forward for the selection in the football team. We were to take part in the All India Inter University Tournament to be held in Tirupathi in the month of November 1957".

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It was very difficult to get chance in the University team. Ghousuddin Saheb was the Coach and manager of the team. After the initial selection trials I was selected in the 14 members team. The moves planned for a match, were first theoretically explained in the classroom, using black board and coloured chalk pieces. In those days video and other visual aids were not available. The same moves were put in practice many times till they were perfected. After the practice session in the morning, we used to have regular practice matches with other teams like the reputed Hyderabad City Police and E.M.E. Centre.

During the time of Ghousuddin Saheb, Osmania University was almost unbeatable in the All India Inter University Football in the later part of '50s." Osmania University won All India University Football in 1954, 1955 and 1959. They also won several All India level tournaments. Schools from Hyderabad won All India Inter School tournaments from 1955 to 1959 and subsequently on three more occasions.

The period from 1945 to 1965 was believed to be the Golden Era of Hyderabad Football. Incidentally, the period between 1951 and 1962 was supposed to be the Golden Period of Indian Football. During this time, the world started to recognise India as one of the football powers.

Interestingly, in this period Rahim Saheb was the national coach and except winning the gold medal in 1951 Asian Games, India's all achievements came under his training and coaching. It would not be irrelevant to say that as long as the 'Messaih of Indian Football' Rahim Saheb and Hyderabad Football were at the hail of national arena, India accomplished its dream to a great extent. India's record to achieve forth position in Olympic (1956 Melbourne Olympics) was still unmatched by any other Asian nation. For the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Rahim Saheb was selected as the coach and the team participated at Helsinki without much training. The thrashing of Indian team there by Yugoslavia by 10-1 made him ponder over the reasons for the defeat. He studied continental football closely and adopted new systems and formations.

Returning from Helsinki, he changed the formation of the state team from the well-known roving centre half to 'W-formation'. He worked hard on this formation, unmindful of criticism. The Indian team, with Rahim as its coach, beat Pakistan in the Quadrangular Tournament at Dacca in 1952 adopting the new formation.

The famous double Olympian (1956 & 1960) T Balaraman was apparently distressed at the state of football, both in Hyderabad and Kolkata. "The standard of football is deteriorating every day everywhere," he asserted. As student of Bolarum High School of Secunderabad, Rahim Saheb first spotted him. Balaraman's joy and tension, in replacing his role model and first guru Susaih (Jr) in the State team, knew no bounds. He became reminiscent, "Rahim Saheb took me home, showed the silver medal won by Andhra Pradesh in the Senior Nationals earlier and then told me, now it is in your hands to win the gold in the Santosh Trophy.

How many coaches could do that? He was God to me and to most of the footballers then. I was yet to see any coach showing such commitment, dedication, sincerity and objectivity in selections." He continued, "When Hyderabad had nine members in the 1956 Olympics team, that itself was a great tribute to the great coach."

Balaraman recalled vivid memories of his illustrious coach, "He was suffering from pleurisy. Nonetheless, he was always there at the ground. His pep talk, 'You are the privileged 11 chosen to play for the country. Give something back to the country, remember the soldiers who sacrifice so much. It is time we make the country proud by winning the gold. I never wanted anything from you. Today give me and the country that piece of gold.' And we did so, beating South Korea 2-1 in the final with P.K. Banerjee and Jarnail Singh being the scorers."

The Present State of AP Football. It was a shocking experience for anybody when one did not find any team from Andhra Pradesh even in the qualifying round of 2nd Division National League. There were teams from Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, but not a single team from Hyderabad, what was once known to be the nursery of Indian Football. Even after 15 years of National Football League, presently rechristened as I League, not a single team represented the state. Football in AP had hit rock bottom and it was not hard to come across this decline. The game was badly affected by politics, groupism, ego clashes and sheer lack of administrative power and efficiency.

Hyderabad produced as many as 14 Olympians and many internationals. S.K. Moinuddin, Noor Mohammed and SK. Azizuddin represented 1952 Helsinki Olympics. There were eight Hyderabadis, such as Noor Mohammed, SK Azizuddin, SA Salam. T Balaraman, SA Latif, Peter Thangaraj, Ahmed Hussain and Zulfiqaruddin in the national team, which managed the fourth position in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Balaraman, SA Latif, Zulfiqaruddin, Yusuf Khan, SS Hakim, Syed Habibulla Hassan Hamed and Dharmalingam Kanan of Hyderabad represented the country at the Rome Olympics.

Azizuddin played for the country regularly from 1949 to 1958 and Noor Mohammed from 1950 to 1958. They played for the country in two Olympics and three Asian Games (in 51, 54 and 58). Aziz was the captain of India at Tokyo Asian Games in 1958. Hyderabad also produced international footballers like DMK Afzal (1962 Jakarta Asian Games), Syed Naeemuddin, Md.Habib, Md. Akbar, Sabbir Ali, Victor Amalraj, Md. Fareed Et al. We can only hope, if not hoping against hope, one day in near future Hyderabad Football will revive to its own glory. (excerpt from "History Indian Football" by Nirmal Nath)

NIRMAL NATH, KOLKATA.Author of the football Book : "HISTORY OF INDIAN FOOTBALL"nath_nirmal2008@rediffmail.comwww.kolkatafootball.com
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As always, the English Premier League is going to be a fantastic watch this season. Key fixtures involving top sides Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool sell out like hot cakes. English football enjoys a significant international reputation, thanks to the success of the Premier League and the scale of sponsorship it attracts. In 1992 the leading clubs in England's Football league decided to break away from the 1st division, and the Premier League was formed.

The 1980's was a low point in English football history, with hooliganism and a lack of investment in facilities contributing to the hard times faced by clubs Added to this, English teams were banned from European competitions after the tragic events at the Heysel stadium when riots by English fans led to 39 deaths. Following the Hillsborough tragedy, all football clubs in England were required to make their grounds all-seated, at significant cost.

Realising that they could not meet these costs alone, the top ten clubs broke away from the Football league and sold TV rights to Sky. The new league was very popular, despite fans having to pay to watch their teams on TV, and the move created enormous wealth. The new league was very popular with fans, despite having to pay to watch their team on TV for the first time, and significant financial rewards were reaped by all involved. Carling, Barclaycard and Barclays Bank have all sponsored the competition.

Having broken away to make more money as valuable commodities, the Premier League clubs are now criticised for spending so much on their players. With more money available following the formation of the new league, clubs are now criticised for spending too much on their players. Clubs invest significant sums in transfer fees and wages for the best players, making football an expensive business. Several clubs have struggled with finance and in February 2010 Portsmouth went into administration. Not all clubs have been successful in the finance stakes, and in February 2010, Portsmouth FC went into administration.

The League's most successful club is Manchester United, under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson. Always a top three finisher, Manchester United have won the Premier League 11 times. Last season however, Chelsea won through to beat them in a dramatic Premier League final. In a dramatic finale to last year's championship, Chelsea overcame a strong United challenge to win the league.

Defending their title against all their old adversaries, the spotlight is now on Chelsea. Can Chelsea defend their title against their old adversaries? Chelsea vs Manchester United tickets will be in great demand. Everything is at stake and anything could happen at this early stage in the competition. All is to play for and an upset could be significant at this early stage of the competition. The entertainment value of the Premier League provides excitement, heated discussions and high emotions for months on end. The Premier League provides great entertainment for months on end, with heated discussions and high emotions keeping fans excited. The antics of the players and managers, both on and off the pitch, keep everyone entertained. There is much enjoyment to be had, watching the antics of the players and managers, both on and off the pitch.

But nothing can beat the thrill of being at a world class Premier League match, watching the best teams, like Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool, demonstrating the art of the beautiful game. Nothing can compare with the thrill of watching world class players, in the best teams, like Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool, demonstrating the art of the beautiful game in the Premiership. Make sure you don't miss out on tickets to big matches such as Manchester United vs Chelsea or Liverpool vs Arsenal. Get your hands on the tickets for the big matches such as Liverpool vs Arsenal and Manchester United vs Chelsea.

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Barcelona FC meets Shakhtar Donetsk at home in the Champions League football match on Wed 06th April kicks off at 18:45 GMT Camp Nou. UEFA Champions League

FC Barcelona comes in this match, as a total favorite and has won ten of the preceding twelve European Cup quarter-finals. Barcelona has recorded four victories, a draw and two losses against Shakhtar.

In the Champions League groups, Barcelona has recorded one victory back in 2004 in Group F with 3-0 score and a loss in 2008 in Group C with 2-3 score at Camp Nou.

FC Barcelona has played fifteen Spain Primera Division matches this season on Camp Nou. On home ground, Barcelona has won thirteen, drawn one and lost one matches and this ranked the Barca 2nd in home team performance in the Spain Primera Division.

A Champions League victory will be the fourth in their history. Their second under Pep Guardiola, who in his debut season, as manager of Barcelona won a sextuple of trophies, however David Villa has not scored a single goal from the last six games for the club, but will be looking to break that drop on Wednesday.

The Argentine World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in the Champions League this season and a fabulous 42 goals in general with a bit of the season yet to play. Carles Puyol will be missing this match as he is still recovering from his knee injury, while the good news is that Maxwell is vigorous and back in action.

Barcelona will be looking to attack from the start and make their home fans cheerful, before travelling to Ukraine to play the return leg next week.

Shakhtar do not look anywhere close to as strong as their opponents. But, they are coming out in this game optimistic. The side believes they have a real shot to proceed and this match can be won.

They currently have won nine of their last ten European matches. But, they will find it difficult to keep that good run unbroken, when they travel to the most startling team at Nou Camp. Also, they have won the most recent game on Camp Nou with 2-3 score another interesting facts are that the side has eliminated Arsenal in the past seven seasons and has lost their next knockout match.

Shakhtar Donetsk has played twelve Ukrainean premier matches this season away from home. On away ground, Shakhtar has won nine, drawn one and lost two matches and this ranked the Gornyaki (Miners') 1st in away team performance in the Ukrainean Premier.

Finally, I can say the two sides are playing the prettiest football in Europe. Barcelona, the best squad in football history and the top 3 players of the world are in the same club. But, Shakhtar is doubtful. Nobody knows what this team hides and what matches they play. I don't believe that they will surrender easily.

Everything is possible in the game!

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English Premier League was founded in 1992 and will complete its 17th seasons as, of the end of the 200809 seasons. Seasons run from August to May. All teams play 38 games each. The league held its first season in 199293. Initially there were 22 teams in the league, however it was the intention since the inception to cut that back to 20 and as of now that is how many there are. The first ever Premier League goal was scored by Brian Deane of Sheffield United in a 21 win against Manchester United. The English Premier League is without a doubt, the most lucrative football league in the world. The Premier League clubs are among the richest in the world. The Premier League is operated as a corporation and is owned by the 20 member clubs. The premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The English Premier League has become the world's most watched sporting league. The English Premier League currently has some of the worlds most famous players and oldest clubs. According to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), the English Premier League is the top football league in the world for the second consecutive year.

Three of the final four teams in the Champions League semi-finals are from the EPL, and it has been like that the last 3 years. EPL is the strongest and most sought after club league in the world. The English top flight is a massive worldwide product that is ever increasingly difficult to quantify. 42 clubs have graced the top flight since the breakout of the Premier League of which only 11 of the 42 have managed a top 4 finish in 16 years. 4 clubs have won the title in the 16 seasons of competition. 15 of the 16 titles have been won by Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. The present champion of this league is Manchester United. They won the ninth title in 2006-07. No team has ever won the title for this number of times. The top English clubs are now massive sports franchises that dominate the global game. Top players are lured to the Premier league by riches that no other league can rival. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have consistently occupied the top four positions with complete domination in four of the past five seasons with the sides taking the top places on 19 out of 20 opportunities. Each of the clubs in the league is considered to be a part owner in the league. The league continues to grow and become a force in the world of football. The top four teams qualified in the Premiership graduated and now play in UEFA Championship League

The 2008/09 season has given us one of the best and closest starts to a season in many years. Liverpool has begun to prove them as a consistent force. Last weekends 2-1 win to Arsenal has well and truly brought them back into calculations, even at this early stage in the Premier League season. With Manchester United expected to win their game in hand, it brings the big 4 that much closer together.

As of 2008, it was ranked as the highest grossing league with La Liga, Spain and Serie A, Italy trailing behind. The Premier League will continue to dominate world football for years to come. Through hard work and effort the Premier League was able to rise to the top. England's most improved club Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool. the English Premier League Tickets is considered as the planet's most popular and most-viewed professional football league, and is seen across the globe by an estimated half a billion people. There are many websites those sell Premier League tickets.

The author providing information about english premier league is a football fan and provides latest information regarding football matches, football tickets, football travel packages all over the world. For more information on English Premier League Tickets visit http://www.worldfootballtravel.com/

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Football is a phrase that is confusing and entertaining and a activity that epitomized the pride of a nation and the power of an athlete. In other areas, football is a game recognized as soccer in America. Football in America is in which the quarterback throws the ball to a receiver and everybody is working about the gridiron. And football in Europe and other areas of the earth implies soccer, the place guys run around the area tossing a ball all around their knees and head. Whew! That was perplexing. So who definitely invented football?

America

The "Father of American Football", Walter C. Camp was a football coach and a sports author and the an individual who invented football. His name grew to become is legend in the American Football history. He took the rugby game to the upcoming degree and invented football. He borrowed phrase from the rugby game and applied it to football in rugby, five guys lined-up and are referred to as scrum in football, he transform the 5 guys to seven guys forming the offensive line, this is called the Line of Scrimmage. Get it? Scrum and scrimmage?

CANADA

Some claims the football is actually a Canadian game and it was a Canadian who invented football. Invented by the replacement for British troops entering Quebec in the 1600's. Canadian Universities then introduced the game to American Colleges. It is mentioned that by the time The united states 1st heard of football, Canada already has their qualified health insurance football league of kinds.

CHINA

Some say that football was invented by Chinese a thousand many years back. The historic Chinese had been mentioned to have kick a ball back again and forth for training and amusement. It is stated that the English only re-invented the activity following explorers visited this far away land. So was it really the Chinese who invented football?

ROMANS

They say it all started out in Rome. Romans commenced taking part in football very differently at that time, it is mentioned credit card that they originally toss and throw the pig's head about staking a declare on it. They discovered it entertaining and engaging hence it grew to become a activity and thus it was them who invented football.

ENGLAND

It was the English who invented the football, or did they? It has been noted that forms of football have been played as early as 1200 in England. As proof, they pointed out a game seen played in historical Greece, it is thought to be the predecessor of football. But this game is this great articles was read for the first time in the said to be forbade by The King Henry VI and by the 19th century, dental health it was split into two video games the soccer and the rugby. And mainly because American football developed from the rugby, the English are essentially staking a declare on both equally football sports activities.

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FC Barcelona is one of only three clubs never to have been relegated from La Liga and the most successful club in Spanish football after Real Madrid, having won nineteen La Liga titles, a record twenty-five Spanish Cups, eight Spanish Super Cups, four Eva Duarte Cups and two League Cups. They are also one of the most successful clubs in European football having won fourteen official major trophies in total, including ten UEFA competitions. They have won three UEFA Champions League titles, a record four UEFA Cup Winners' Cups, a record three Inter-Cities Fairs Cups (the forerunner to the UEFA Europa League), three UEFA Super Cups and one FIFA Club World Cup. In 2009, Barcelona became the first club in Spain to win the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League. The club is also the only European side to have played continental football in every season since its inception in 1955. FC Barcelona became the first football team ever to win six out of six competitions in a single year thus completing the sextuple, comprising the 200809 La Liga, 200809 Copa del Rey, 2009 Supercopa de Espaa, 200809 UEFA Champions League, 2009 UEFA Super Cup and 2009 FIFA Club World Cup.

The club's stadium is the Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe with a capacity of 98,772 seats. Barcelona enjoys a high rate of popularity; about 25.7% of Spanish population support the club, while according to a recent survey Barcelona is the most popular football club in Europe with around 44.2 million fans. With 170,000 socis (members) in September 2009, the Catalan club is also placed among the top football clubs in the world with the most registered members, and the number of penyes, the officially registered supporter clubs, reached the number of 1,888 worldwide in August 2009. The fans of FC Barcelona are known as culs. The club shares a great rivalry with Real Madrid and contest in one of the most famous football matches worldwide, known as El Clsico.

During the 200708 season, FC Barcelona was the third richest club in the world with a revenue of 308.8 million. It was also one of the founding members of the now-defunct G-14 group of the leading European football clubs and its modern replacement, the European Club Association. The club also operates a reserve team, FC Barcelona Atltic, while there was a youth team until 2007, FC Barcelona C. As of July 1, 2009, FC Barcelona was ranked first in UEFA team ranking. According to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), Bara has been the most consistently successful club in the world since the organisation began collecting statistics, in the period 19912008.

Some of the upcoming matches for FC Barcelona are scheduled as follows:
Tue Feb 23 '10
19:45
VfB Stuttgart Vs Barcelona
Mercedes Benz Arena, Stuttgart, Germany

Wed Mar 17 '10
19:45
Barcelona Vs VfB Stuttgart
Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain

For more details you can visit ticket4football.com where you can buy football tickets for all the major events of the soccer.

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Gifts are worthy to add value an occasion and also make a person feel special. But you should be savvy while selecting the perfect gift to surprise the recipient. For persons who are football lovers, presenting them gifts related to football is unquestionably a perfect idea. Football gifts are fashionable and admirable and can be easily grabbed from any gift shop.

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Football Memorabilia Book opens with montage of legendary players and depicts the glorious wins and misses of some well-known football teams that carry historical significance. The reports are written by persons who have witnessed the events so readers can have a clear vivid perspective of the past moments. It is presented in a beautiful gift pack and with options to personalize it. You can also consider amazing items like the framed photos and shirts of players duly carrying genuine signatures on it. Own a share is another way to make feel the football nut proud. The real shares empower the recipient to attend share holder meetings, vote on important issues, get annual reports etc. and make feel the person as a part of the team. You can either select add the football gifts as collection or present them to football fans and surprise them.

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If you are inquisitively looking for gifts for a football fan then consider the collection of football gifts. Football gifts collection constitutes of fascinating and genuine gifts that is sure to make the recipient feel proud. The gifts can be easily purchased from any sports store. Are you seeking for some exceptional and rare football gifts? If so then consider the online shopping. Online provides you the flexibility to choose among the wide range of collection at competitive rates. While browsing the shopping sites you will come across gifts that are majestic and genuine making the receiver feel more enchanted. For example: football history book, signed framed photos, signed football shares, football season books, signed football shirts of legendary players are few to be cited. Football history book refresh and animate the past glorious moments of famous football teams or players. The football memorabilia book is beautifully presented in handmade leatherette. Signed football shirts let the football lovers to own something authentic of their favourite player. The signed shirts are rare because they are signed by players and come with certificate of authenticity. A football share also qualifies as alluring football gift. The own a share gift item empowers the recipient to attend shareholder meetings, vote on important issues, get annual reports etc. The share comes with a welcome note, explanation of the share booklet and a personal registration certificate. Football season is another football gifts that capture interesting and amazing news about football leagues, teams and legendary players. This season book is bound in A4 high-quality glossy soft back cover that gives an unbeatable look for all occasions.Football gifts can be presented for all occasions like birthday, weddings, anniversary, fathers day and surprises. To cheer up a person and make an occasion memorable, football gifts might play a vital role. The gifts hold the significance of bringing instant smiles on the face of the recipients face. So, to amuse the football lover pick a best football gift.

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Whether you are a fan of the most successful teams in football history, or the cursed few desperate to make the playoffs, it's certain that you wear your teams' colors with pride. Unlike other sports events that attract moderate fan bases and casual viewers of the game, American Football fans tend to be an intense and passionate group of people. They watch the games with intent, and never veer too far from the television screen during the commercial breaks.

For these devoted fans, watching the game in the highest quality is an essential part of reliving the football experience. Most true American Football fans are regular devotees of high definition football broadcasts. They remark on the improved quality and vibrancy of the game, which in turn creates a more real and intimate experience with the action of the game. From pre-season through the playoffs, Football fans young and old have become avid viewers of HD television in an effort to recreate the experience of actually being at the game, right next to the action.

With more football fans than ever tuning into satellite TV to catch all their favorite games, it seems that the intellectual fanatic has taken over the scene. Casual viewers no longer stand a chance when bar room discussion about faulty plays, bad calls, and new rookies begin to take over the evening. Those interested in the game can still bask in the glory of a hard fought victory, can celebrate their teams' success and mock the other's failure, but the pure energy that the true fans possess has taken on a whole new level of intensity.

As more of these avid fans come into the limelight, more are discovering the benefits of such television packages like the NFL Sunday Ticket. Unlike other sports programming packages, the Ticket' provides comprehensive coverage of virtually all the pro football leagues regular season games. In addition, the ticket' provides alternative coverage of college games and the most sought after bowl games. If you've ever dreamed of raising the stakes when it comes to your fanaticism, then this is certainly a good chance for you to do so.

Satellite TV is offering more variety in more ways than ever. With the introduction of new comprehensive sports packages to meet your needs and your desires, you'll see the difference immediately. Win or Lose, your devotion as a fan is something that stays with you forever. For some people, loyalty to a particular team comes from where they grew up. For others, it may be a kind of inheritance that's been passed down from previous generations. Still others don't even know why they became diehard fans; it may have been some childhood fascination or a favorite player that changed the course of their fanaticism forever. No matter the case, it has become unquestionable that the big football fans in this country need to take part in the games in some way or another. That's why watching the action in stunning clarity is the only way to go.

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Team BIO for This Match:
Portugal : Group G
Manager: Carlos Queiroz
Star Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
World Cup Appearances: 5

WATCH NOW LIVE

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North Korea : Group G
Manager: Kim Jong-Hun
Star Player: Jong Tae-Se
World Cup Appearances: 2

Venue : Green Point Stadium

Portugal Vs North Korea DPR Team Profile:
Portugal :FIFA World Ranking: 3rd
Seleccao das Quinas are a team in transition as coach Carlos Queiroz attempts to blend experience with youth, along with one Cristiano Ronaldo, to have a successful World Cup 2010. Portugal managed to get into South Africa via a play-off against Bosnia & Herzegovina, a team they only edged out 1-0 home and away, highlighting the team's inability to finish off opponents despite superior skills and talent.Portugal's poor form and inconsistency on the big stage has led many to write them off as serious contenders, especially given the group draw. However, a look at the squad sheet will reveal that, at least on paper, they are capable of challenging most top sides. Defenders Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Paulo Ferreira and Bruno Alves have all proven themselves at club level, and will not be easy to score against. Protected by the under-rated Raul Meireles, who has been in excellent form for club and country, it is doubtful that they will be at the end of any thrashings. In midfield, the Portuguese will rely on the creative brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo, but along side him, Chelsea's Deco will have to regain the form he showed a few years ago if the Portuguese are to repeat their 2006 feat of reaching the semi-finals.On the wings, the team has plenty of pace and guile Manchester United's Nani looks much improved this season, and Atletico Madrid's Simao Sabrosa will be confident after winning the Europa League with his club. Up front, strikers are the biggest question mark for Carlos Queiroz's team Hugo Almeida has been underwhelming even after the many opportunities presented to him, while veteran Liedson hardly strikes terror into the hearts of opposition defences. A bigger worry will be the fact that the Portuguese rarely seem to live up to their potential as a team, as their tedious qualification process highlighted.

Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

The most expensive player in football history, Cristiano Ronaldo is widely considered one of the world's best footballers, and will captain Portugal at this year's World Cup despite being just 25. Real Madrid signed him for 80 million last summer, and he is also rumoured to be the world's highest-paid player. Ronaldo has won numerous personal and club honours, claiming the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup with former club Manchester United. Blessed with explosive pace, sublime dribbling skills, and one of the most-feared shots on the globe, Ronaldo is capable of tearing apart a defence on his own, and he will have to reproduce some of his brilliant performances at club level for Portugal if they are to stand a chance in South Africa.

What they said
"The World Cup is short, not a lot of time to make an impression. Portugal will need to get together as a team quickly." Portuguese legend Eusebio is apprehensive yet hopeful ahead of what he expects to be a great tournament.

What we think
As a group the current generation does not quite compare to that of Luis Figo, Rui Costa et al but in Ronaldo, they possess arguably the finest player on the planet. Would be disappointed not to get to the last eight in South Africa.

North Korea :FIFA World Ranking: 105th
To the romantics, North Korea's qualification is the big story of the 2010 event in South Africa. Coach Kim Jong-Hun has moulded a disciplined side whose first priority is not to concede goals, and then try to hit on the counter-attack.In winger Mun In-Guk and Japan-based striker Jong Tae-Se, they have the players who can sneak a goal but, as their group rivals will be relieved to hear, the North Koreans don't attack much. That will put enormous pressure on Pyongyang City keeper Ri Myong-Guk and his fellow defenders, and while they were able to use this to their advantage in the Asian qualification process, whether they can do the same against top class opponents like Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast. Another man to watch is midfielder Nam Song-Chol, a versatile 27-year-old who can play the holding role, but also has a blistering left foot.

Key Player: Jong Tae-Se

Sometimes referred to in the press as "Asia's Wayne Rooney", Jong Tae-Se is an unknown quantity outside AFC circles, but is well known by fans of the J-League. He plays his club football for Kawasaki Frontale, and has scored 42 goals in 103 appearances for the side. He has also scored 15 times in 22 appearances for the North Korean national team, and will certainly be the frontman as North Korea attempt to show the world that they have deserve their place in South Africa.

What they said
"We are likely to meet European teams once more at South Africa 2010 and I hope we can repeat the feats of our predecessors." Coach Kim Jong Hun hopes that his team can match the 1966 quarter-final appearance made by the DPRK.

What we think
Plenty of attention will fall on the North Koreans, who for political and social reasons will be one of the great curiosities of the finals. On the pitch, their qualification was secured thanks to a tight defence and while they are highly unlikely to get to the last 16, it is equally difficult to imagine them losing their shape at any point and getting hammered.

Portugal Vs North Korea DPR Live Streaming online broadcast internet tv coverage fifa world cup Monday 21st June 2010.Portugal Vs North Korea DPR.

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Portugal Vs North Korea DPR Live Streaming online broadcast internet tv coverage fifa world cup Monday 21st June 2010.
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Association football is one the most prominent sport in Brazil. The national team of this wonderful country has won the FIFA World Cup tournament on a record number of five times in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. It is also the only team to succeed in the qualifying rounds for every World Cup competition. Thirdly, Brazil is amongst the favorites to win the trophy every time they have made it to the competition.

Pele, one of the most recognized footballers in history, led Brazil to three World Cup wins and is the top scorer of all time in the sport. After Brazil won its third World Cup, they kept the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently within their garb. All of the contemporary talents in the national team prominent in the football world include Robinho, Ronaldinho, and Kaka, as well as Marta in the women's game. Some of these players can be considered as super-stars, achieving a celebrity-like status on the international level. All these stars have signed whopping sports contracts with regional clubs, along with advertisement and endorsement contracts to the tune of millions of Euros.

Once the residents of Brazil return to their home town this summer, they will be welcomed by nothing less than a jovial chaos and celebrations in the streets of Rio. This is because June the 15th marks the day when soccer's ultimate powerhouse will start its quest for a sixth World Cup title when it faces North Korea in the group stage of South Africa 2010.

Brazil is one of those parts of the world where football truly is life. People in Brazil forget everything when it comes to soccer. The rivalries are strong and the fans are fanatical, the weather, the beaches of Rio, everything in the country is perfect for football. Everyone in Brazil aspires to grow up and be a football star, sometimes these amazing young players settle for simpler lives, but once in a while a superstar does rise to acclaim international glory. Those with academic ambitions leave the country for greener pastures aboard otherwise they stay in Brazil and pursue their football dreams.

One of the most memorable achievements by a Brazilian include superstar striker Ronaldo's dominant eight goal performance in the 2002 World Cup helping Brazil win its record-setting fifth title in football history. He conquered everything he could possibly achieve as a player, gaining so much popularity that only Michael Jackson could imagine. He set a new world cup record with his 15 World Cup goals in 2002. The 2002 victory capped a string of three straight appearances in the final stages of the FIFA World Cup, beginning in 1994 with a championship followed by a loss to France in the 1998 final. The streak ended in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup when France defeated the Brazilians in a heart-breaker for the South American nation. It was that loss that led to a restructuring of the team.

Shortly after the tournament, Dunga who was the 1994 World Cup captain for Brazil was named the head coach for the team. Since his appointment, he led Brazil to the 2007 Copa America Cup, the team's fourth South American title in the past five tournaments and a whopping achievement of eighth championship wins. Dunga also coached Brazil to its second consecutive Confederations Cup title in 2009. For South Africa 2010, Dunga has collected some controversial choices when the former captain revealed the 23-man squad for South Africa 2010. Many household names including Ronaldinho, Adriano, and Ronaldo, were overlooked to make room for a new generation of stars led by Real Madrid midfielder Kaka along with strikers Robinho and Luis Fabiano, of Santos and Sevilla respectively. But despite the big name omissions, Brazil still has a number of savvy veterans including the Inter Milan trio of defenders Lucio and Maicon and goaltender Julio Cesar, who won the recent Champions League.

To win, the yellow-blue-and-green-clad team that gave the world Pele will firstly need to advance through to the second round of the Cup. Many football pundits have called Brazil's group as the "Group of Death," which includes Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea. Brazil always comes in with a strong group but they usually go up the ladder as the favorites to clinch the trophy. In the last World Cup, Brazil did not have a mental preparation and a winning attitude. However, this time for South Africa 2010, Brazil have a new coach whose mentality seems much stronger.

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The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) that represents Brazil in international football competitions. They are the most successful national football team in the history of the World Cup, with five championships (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). A common quip about football is: "The English invented it, the Brazilian perfected it." Currently ranked second by FIFA, Brazil is consistently among the strongest football nations in the world and is the only team to have played in every World Cup.

The first match of the Brazil national football team is generally considered to be a 1914 match between a Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo select team and the English club Exeter City. Brazil won 20 with goals by Oswaldo Gomes and Osman, whilst others claim a 33 draw. In contrast to future successes, the nation's early appearances were far from brilliant, partly due to internal strife within Brazilian football over professionalism, which rendered the Brazilian Football Confederation unable to field full-strength teams.

For the 1954 FIFA World Cup, in Switzerland, the Brazilian team was almost completely renovated, so as to forget the Maracan defeat, but still had a group of good players, including Nlton Santos, Djalma Santos, and Didi. Brazil didn't go very far though. The quarterfinals saw the favorites Hungary beat Brazil 42 in one of the ugliest matches in football history, which would become infamous as the Battle of Berne.

Brazil, to the surprise of many, went 24 years without winning a World Cup or even participating in a final. Their struggles ended at the 1994 tournament in the United States, where a solid, if unspectacular side headed by the likes of Romrio, Bebeto, Dunga, Taffarel, and Jorginho won the World Cup for a then-record 4th time. Highlights of their campaign included a 10 victory over the hosts in the round of 16, a sensational 32 win over the Dutch in the quarter-finals (often cited as the game of the tournament) and a 10 win over the Swedes in the semis. This set up a classic confrontation, Brazil vs. Italy, in the final. After a dour and unexciting 00 draw, penalty kicks loomed, and when Roberto Baggio lifted his spot kick over the crossbar, Brazil were champions once again. A new era of dominance had begun.

Brazil finished runner-up in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. After a very respectable campaign during which they beat Netherlands on penalties in the semi-final following a 11 draw with goals from Ronaldo and Patrick Kluivert, the team lost to hosts France 30 in a problematic final game. Brazilian marking at defensive set pieces was poor, and Zindine Zidane was able to score two headed goals from France's corner kicks. Also, Brazilian star Ronaldo suffered an epileptic seizure a few hours before the match. Many criticized the decision to reinstate Ronaldo into the starting lineup as he put in a poor performance.

Fuelled by the scintillating play of the "Three R's" (Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho), Brazil won its fifth championship at the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in South Korea and Japan. When the groups were drawn, Brazil seemed to have been lucky; Their adversaries would be Turkey, China and Costa Rica. At the end, it turned out that Turkey finished the tournament in third place. Brazil went on beating all three opponents, scoring 11 goals and conceding only three, and topping the group.

In Brazil's opening game against Turkey, Rivaldo fell to the ground clutching his face after Turkey's Hakan nsal had kicked the ball at his legs. Hakan nsal, who had already been booked, was sent off while Rivaldo jumped to his feet and continued playing. Rivaldo escaped suspension but was fined 5,180 for play-acting, he became the first player to be punished in FIFA's crackdown on "simulation" and "diving".

Next they defeated Belgium 20, in the most difficult match for Brazil in the tournament. Against England in the quarter finals, Brazil won 21. Ronaldinho scored the winner with a remarkable lofted free kick and also assisted teammate Rivaldo for their first goal, but was sent off for stamping on the right ankle of England's Danny Mills. The semifinal was against Turkey, which Brazil had faced in their group. Again, this match was difficult, as Brazil won 10 with a goal by Ronaldo. Rivaldo had scored one goal each in all five game up to this one but did not manage to hit the target in the sixth. He had seemed all set to repeat Jairzinhos great achievement in 1970 when he scored in every game of the World Cup.

The final was between two of the most successful teams in the competition's history: Germany and Brazil. Incredibly, the teams had never played each other in the World Cup before, besides a match between Brazil and East Germany in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn had been the tournament's best keeper, but could not maintain that level of play, as Ronaldo vanquished his France '98 demons, scoring both goals in the Brazilian 20 triumph.

The Brazilian team won the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. Although they started with a shaky victory over Egypt with a 43 win with a last minute penalty as Egypt is also credited as the only African team to score three goals against Brazil, they comfortably beat the USA, as well as Italy, both with a 30 scoreline. After beating South Africa in the semi-final with a late free kick, they went on to a rematch against USA in the final which they won 32, after coming in 20 down at half-time, to seal their third Confederations Cup title. Kak was named as the player of the tournament and Lus Fabiano won the top goalscorer award with five goals in five matches.

Brazil does not have a home national stadium like many other national teams and as such rotate their home World Cup qualifying matches through various venues: the Estdio do Maracan or Estdio Olmpico Joo Havelange in Rio de Janeiro, the Estdio do Morumbi in So Paulo, the Mineiro in Belo Horizonte, the Estdio Man Garrincha in the capital Braslia and the Estdio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre. Some smaller provincial stadia were used in the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Since September 2006, Brazil have played many international friendlies at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in London. After their initial 3-0 win over Argentina drew a near sell-out attendance and was screened live on BBC Two, Brazil have returned to the ground regularly, facing Portugal and Sweden and lastly against Italy in February 2009.

Brazil's first team colours were white with blue collars, but following defeat in the Maracan at the 1950 World Cup, the colours were criticised for lacking patriotism. With permission from the Brazilian Sports Confederation, the newspaper Correio da Manh held a competition to design a kit incorporating the four colours of the Brazilian flag. The winning design was a yellow jersey with green trim and blue shorts with white trim drawn by Aldyr Garcia Schlee, a nineteen year old from Pelotas. The new colours were first used in March 1954 in a match against Chile, and have been used ever since.

The use of blue as the away kit colour dates from the 30s, but it became the permanent second choice accidentally in the 1958 World Cup final. Brazil's opponents were Sweden, who also wear yellow, and a draw gave to the home team Sweden the right to play in yellow. Brazil, who travelled with no spare kit, hurriedly purchased a set of blue shirts and sewed on emblems cut from their yellow shirts. Now lets have a look over Brazil traditional rivalry.

The Argentina and Brazil football rivalry is a highly competitive sports rivalry that exists between the national football teams of the two countries, as well as their respective sets of fans. Games between the two teams, even those that are only friendly matches, are often marked by notable and sometimes controversial incidents. This Rivalry is also called 'The Battle of the South Americans'.

The origins of the football rivalry between Argentina and Brazil can be traced to before football became so popular in both countries. During the colonization of the Americas, Spain and Portugal often fought each other to gain control over vast territories.

Today few remember wars and other political confrontations between both countries, and only recall matches, victories, goals and other sport-related incidents. Their rivalry is found in almost all sports, but a men's football match between Argentina and Brazil is one that neither side wants to lose, and often acquires more importance than the championship within which it takes place. To exemplify the intensity of this rivalry, is enough to remember that after the 1946 incidents, the two teams did not play against each other for ten years; either team would decline to play a given cup so that they would never have to play against the neighbouring country.

After a 3-1 victory over Argentina in Rosario, on September 5, 2009, Brazil qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. To watch the thrill now fans can get the Brazil world cup tickets online.

Brazil have always been a toughest team among the other soccer nations, and got billions of fans all over the world. Fans can get the football tickets for the FIFA world cup 2010 and can enjoy the mega event live into the play ground.

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The New York Jets began play in 1960, when they were known as the New York Titans. They were a founding member of the American Football League. They spent their first few years as a mediocre team before becoming one of the AFL's top teams in the late 60s under the direction of star quarterback Joe Namath.

The Jets were instrumental in the merger between the AFL and NFL. In 1968, the Jets defeated Oakland in the AFL Championship game, allowing them to play against the NFL champion Baltimore Colts. The game was being referred to for the first time as the "Super Bowl." The Jets were thought to be overmatched by their counterparts from the superior NFL. Namath was undeterred, guaranteeing a Jets victory. He then went out and backed up his claim by playing in one of the biggest upsets in football history, defeating the Colts 16-7. The game proved that the AFL was capable of competing with the NFL.

In 1968 the Jets were also a part of one of the most famous moments in television history. After the Jets took a 32-29 lead with 1:05 left against the Oakland Raiders, NBC cut to commercial and then began to show the movie Heidi. Fans were outraged, with so many calling the network that they knocked out the NBC switchboard. Although NBC decided to show the conclusion of the game, it could not be communicated and the movie aired as planned.

The fans were even more outraged when the game ended with the Raiders ahead 43-32. The game resulted in sports leagues and networks changing their rules so that all games would be broadcasted until the game was officially over, even if that cut into network programming.

The Super Bowl of 1968 ended up being the pinnacle of Joe Namath's career. The charismatic quarterback suffered from many injuries throughout the 70s, causing the Jets to struggle in the immediate years following the merger. He was let go following a dismal 1976 season in which he threw for 4 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He eventually signed with the Los Angeles Rams, where he would retire after just four games.

In 1981, the Jets enjoyed their first winning season since Namath's departure. They were led by quarterback Richard Todd and defensive linemen Mark Gastineau and Joe Klecko. The two defensive linemen combined for over 40 sacks in 1981 and would come to be known as "The New York Sack Exchange." They would go on to make the playoffs, eventually lose to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card game.

In 1983, the Jets upset the defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals in the first round. They would go on to defeat the top-seeded LA Rams to earn a spot in the AFC Championship game. They played against the Miami Dolphins in Miami following severe rain storms in Florida, causing the field to be a muddy mess. The muddy field had a negative effect on both offenses, with neither team gaining over 200 yards in total offense. The game, known as the "Mud Bowl," ended with the Dolphins on top.

The 1998 season resulted in the Jet's greatest success since the days of Namath. Coach Bill Parcells led them to a 12-4 record. They ended the season by playing in the AFC Championship game against the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.

Looking forward, the Jets have a bright future. Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez exceeded all expectations this year by taking the Jets to the AFC Championship game. Coach Rex Ryan has done a great job getting his team to focus on running the ball and playing defense. Those are two of the core ingredients for success for playoff football. The Jets will build on last year's success and should be a contender in the AFC for years to come.

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Any conversation about who the greatest pro football player is could go in several different directions. How many ways are there to judge who is the "best"? Which player has been on the team with the most wins, or perhaps the player with the most amazing personal stats?

Or you could just try to find the one player who excelled overall, and who has become a legend. One example of such a perfect player is Jim Brown.

One of the most amazing things about Jim Brown is that he only played in the NFL for 9 seasons, and yet he is still talked about 42 years after his retirement. Even in just 9 seasons, he accumulated an amazing 12,312 rushing yards (an NFL record at the time). Brown also had the single season record for rushing with 1,863 yards. Add to that more records for rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns and all-purpose yards.

Even after all these decades, he is still the Cleveland Browns record-holder for rushing yards in a single season (1,863). Not one single other franchise in the league has a record that has held so long. Jim Brown also was awarded the league MVP award 3 times during his time with Cleveland.

What made Brown a spectacular player was that was more than just a good football player. He was an excellent athlete by all accounts. Physically, he was definitely a gifted play but he also had the mental ability to pick up and overcome any athletic challenges that came his way.

His skill was not overlooked. When he graduated from his Long Island high school, he got 42 offers for college scholarships due to his athletic performance. He decided on Syracuse University, where he earned All-American honors in lacrosse as well as football.

Many of Jim Brown's statistics have been surpassed by other NFL players since his retirement, mainly because Brown only played for nine seasons. Most modern day running backs have longer careers that than, giving them the statistical advantage when you look at overall numbers. That doesn't mean their talent is any greater.

He retired in 1966, leaving the game while still in his prime. Unfortunately, that means his name won't always be on the all-time list of great running backs in the NFL. Nevertheless, Jim Brown should be considered one of the best players in football history.

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The German national football team is the football team representing the country of Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association DFB (Deutscher Fuball-Bund) which was founded in 1900.

From 1950 to 1990, the team was called West Germany in English, as since World War II, the DFB is based in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) which was commonly referred to as West Germany from 1949 to 1990. The DFB continues to field the German national team that had been fully reinstated by FIFA after the 1950 FIFA World Cup, retaining all records and traditions. Under Allied occupation and division, two other separate national teams had also been recognized by FIFA, the Saarland team (19501956), and the East German team (19521990). Both have been absorbed into the current national team, along with their records (caps and goal scorers). The official name and code "Germany FR (FRG)" has been shortened again to "Germany (GER)" since 1990.

Germany is one of the three most successful national teams at international competitions, having won a total of three World Cups and three European championships. They are also one of the most consistent teams. Aside from winning three world and continental titles, they were also runners-up three times in the European Championships, four times in the World Cup and won 3rd place in the World Cup three times as well. East Germany won Olympic Gold in 1976. Germany is the only nation to have won both the men's and women's World Cup.

In 1971, Franz Beckenbauer became captain of the national side, and he led West Germany to great success as they became both the European and World Champions. They won the European Championship at their first attempt in Euro 72, after beating the Soviet Union 3-0 in the final. Then as hosts of the 1974 World Cup, they won their second World Cup, after beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the final at the Olympiastadion.

Two matches in the 1974 World Cup stood out for West Germany. The first group stage saw a politically charged match as West Germany played a game against East Germany. Both teams already were qualified for advance to the next round, and the East Germans won 1-0. The West Germans adjusted their line up after the loss and advanced to the final which was the other outstanding match, against the Johan Cruijff-led Dutch team and their brand of "Total Football". Cruijff was brought down early in the German penalty area following a solo run before any of the German players had even touched the ball, and the Dutch took the lead from the ensuing penalty with just a minute gone on the clock. However, West Germany managed to come back, tying the match on a penalty scored by Paul Breitner, and winning it with Gerd Mller's goal just before half-time. A second goal by Mller was ruled offside.

Prior to 1988, Olympic football was an amateur event, meaning that only non-professional players could participate. Due to this, West Germany was never able to achieve the same degree of success at the Olympics as at the World Cup, with the only medal coming in the 1988 Olympics, when they won the bronze. West Germany also reached the Second Round in both 1972, and 1984. This is in contrast to the success of East Germany which won a gold, a silver and two bronze medals (one representing the United Team of Germany)

Between 1899 and 1901, prior to the formation of a national side, there were five unofficial international matches between different German and English selection teams, which all ended as large defeats for the German teams. Eight years after the establishment of the German Football Association (DFB), the first official match of the Germany national football team was played on 5 April 1908, against Switzerland at Basel, with the Swiss winning 5-3. Coincidentally, the first match after World War I in 1920, the first match after World War II in 1950 when Germany was still banned from most international competitions, and the first match in 1990 with former East German players were all against Switzerland as well. Germany's first championship title was even won in Switzerland.

At that time, the players were selected by the DFB as there was no dedicated coach. The first manager of the Germany national team was Otto Nerz, a school teacher from Mannheim, who served in the role from 1923 to 1936. The German FA could not afford travel to Uruguay for the first World Cup staged in 1930 during the Great Depression, but finished third in the 1934 World Cup in their first appearance in the competition. After a poor showing at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Sepp Herberger became coach. In 1937 he put together a squad which was soon nicknamed the Breslau Elf (the Breslau Eleven) in recognition of their 8-0 win over Denmark in the then German city of Breslau, Lower Silesia (now Wroclaw, Poland).

Germany has won the World Cup three times, behind only Brazil (five titles) and Italy (four titles). It has finished as runners-up four times, two more than any other side. In terms of semifinal appearances, Germany leads with 11, one more than Brazil's 10, which had participated in two more tournaments. In the last 14 World Cup tournaments, Germany has always reached at least the stage of the last eight teams. Germany has also qualified for every of the 16 World Cups it has entered it did not enter the inaugural competition in Uruguay of 1930 for economic reasons, and could not qualify for or compete in the post-war 1950 World Cup as the DFB was reinstated as a FIFA member only two months after this tournament.

Germany has also won the European Championship three times (France and Spain are the only other multiple-time winners with two titles), and finished as runners-up three times as well. The Germans have qualified for every European Championship tournament except for the very first EC they entered in 1968. For that tournament, Germany was in the only group of three teams and thus only played four qualifying games. The deciding game was a scoreless draw in Albania which gave Yugoslavia the edge, having won in their neighbor country.

Germany played in the FIFA Confederations Cup twice, in 1999 (first round exit) and in 2005 (third place) as hosts.

The England and Germany football rivalry is a highly competitive sports rivalry that exists between the national football teams of the two countries. Matches between the two nations often attract much media attention, public interest and comment in both countries, but especially in England. Although the footballing rivalry began in earnest after the 1966 FIFA World Cup, it was fed by non-footballing events that had taken place between the two countries in previous decades, particularly memories of the Second World War. This has given the rivalry a highly competitive and sometimes unpleasant edge, particularly in English media, although players on both sides have usually attempted to downplay such negative associations.

The Netherlands national football team has rivalry with the Germany national football team that dates back to the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where the Netherlands lost to Germany in the final despite being favoured.

When the Dutch failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, Germans fans often rejoiced with singing "Ohne Holland fahr'n wir zur WM" ("Without Holland we're going to the World Cup"). In the 2006 World Cup documentary Deutschland. Ein Sommermrchen, the early elimination of the Dutch team is illustrated by showing an Autobahn sign "Netherlands, exit right". After the elimination of Germany in Euro 2004, Dutch supporters went to the German fan zone and hung up a sign saying "Zimmer Frei" ("Open vacancy" in German). When Germany hosted the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Dutch musicians de Toppers scored a hit in the Netherlands with the song "Wir Sind die Hollnder" which heavily referenced the rivalry between the countries, including the fact that many Dutch still mockingly complain about the Germans "stealing our bikes", referring to Nazi Germany confiscating Dutch bikes during World War II. The Dutch supporters are also known to chant "Jetzt geht's los" to the German side, meaning "It's about to go down".

Germany is considered as the most tough and most title winning team on the earth. They produce toughest players ever, People not only from the home town but from all over the world accept that Germany has always been a greatest source of entertainment in the football history. Their fans enjoy and experience the thrill during their match live in the ground. Now you can get Germany worldcup tickets and World Cup tickets onilne.

Roy brown
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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/football-articles/germany-in-fifa-world-cup-2010-1531851.html

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The premier league English football club Manchester Uniteds home ground is called Old Trafford that resides in Trafford, Manchester. Affectionately known as The Red Devils, they boast over 300 million international fans.

Managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, the Man-u team has won 21 major titles since being under his reign from 1986 becoming one of the most successful football teams in English football history.

During Manchester Uniteds remarkable history, many famous players have run out in the just as famous Manchester united shirt, which can trace its roots back to when the football club was named Newton Heath Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Football Club.

During the Newton Heath days (1878-1892) The shirts were made of Yellow and Green sections (that reappeared a century later) before toying with blue shorts and red/white shirt combo (1892-1894) and then briefly white shirt and a red sash. At the turn of the century the Manchester United kits were experimented with, with the colour scheme and design changing significantly. Blue and White stripes, Red and White stripes and even white shirts featuring a large bolded red V which saw the 1909 FA cup final out.

Most of the old shirts have been recreated for the public to wear them as retro tops

It was in 1928, that the Manchester United football team permanently switched to Red, Black and White colours that they have become famous for and has been the basis of the home kit ever since.

The away strip is White shorts and socks and black shorts. The most notorious Man U kit was the all grey kit, notorious because they did not win a single game whilst wearing it during the 1995-1996 season. The players claiming it was because team-mates could not see eachother and the colour grey was too dull and muted to stand out! The Manchester United Third Strip is an all-blue ensemble out of respect to the kit used in the 1968 European Cup triumph.

The Manchester United shirt worn for current home games is red with a single white stripe running down the back. The words "The Red Devils" features on a patch. The team's devil mascot image is sewn on the bottom-left of the shirt.

The club logo adorns inside a red shield on the left breast. The emblem has been changed over the years but takes inspiration from the crest of the City of Manchester. The words "Red Devil" were added in the 1960s after Matt Busby overheard the phrase being used by a local rugby club. The away shirt in today is white with blue piping at the edges. It has red trim on the neck and the club emblem is on a white background on the left breast.

Manchester United football shirts available from Subside Sports. Retailer of football shirts

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/football-articles/looking-at-the-manchester-united-football-shirt-871046.html

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Football Party

2006 World Cup Final produced one of the most famous moments in football history, when Zidanes head-butted on Italian defender Marco Materazzi. It was Zidanes last international appearance for the French national team and 3 billion people around the world were watching it. The next day newspapers all over the world were not writing about how Italy won their 4th World Cup title, but they were writing about how Zidane pulled the 'stunt' on Marco. Definitely that was one of the biggest moments in the history of football.

January 11th 2007. It was confirmed that David Beckham will be leaving Real Madrid to play for the United States 'soccer' club, Los Angeles Galaxy. Beckhams decision was a shock to many, as one of the worlds best football players moves to United States of America, where 'soccer' is not that popular. He was the first big player to enter Major League Soccer.

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While betting on sports is only legal in a few places in the United States, such as Las Vegas, millions of office workers are involved in sports pools every week now that the football season has arrived.

When you know that more than $700 million can be bet on one game the Super Bowl in only Las Vegas, then you understand that billions were bet illegally on the Super Bowl last year in the United States and in offshore sports books around the world.

Folks in the gaming business know that more than a billion dollars is wagered on every Monday Night Football game during the season.

For those who wager, it may be helpful to put some science on your side when you wager, and one of the best places to do that is with the Sagarin College Football Ratings.

Created by Jeff Sagarin, a 1970 MIT mathematics graduate, these computer ratings are for Division I-A (what the NCAA now calls the Football Bowl (FB) Subdivision) and Division I-AA (what the NCAA now calls the Football Championship (FC) Subdivision) teams.

You will have to forgive the NCAA for taking titles that have been used for years and are perfectly clear, then renaming them and creating confusion in the process.

If there is a way for the NCAA to assert its superior power, it does so by making everything more difficult and confusing, similar to your United States government and its IRS tax code which could reduce a sane person to tears just reading it.

Anyway, the Sagarin rating is a numerical measure of a team's strength.

A hypothetical victory margin is determined by comparing the rating of the two teams after adding 2.93 points to the home team. The home edge will vary during the season.

Only Division I (both A and AA) are counted for rating and schedule strength during the season.

A diminishing-returns principle exists to prevent teams from building up ratings by running up large victory margins against weak teams. Instead, it rewards teams that do well against good opponents.

The BCS (Bowl Championship Series) does not factor in scoring margin. For Sagarin ratings and more detailed information go to: www.usatoday.com

USA Today, the largest circulation newspaper in the United States, is the nation's daily newspaper and carries the Sagarin College Football Ratings. The ratings are updated following each week's games and published in USA Today on Wednesdays.

Following the first week of college football action, here are some facts that interested me about Sagarin's first-week ratings:

1) Washington, one of the poor to mediocre teams in the country the last several years, was rated No. 31 after hammering Syracuse 42-14 in its home opener.

2) Michigan State, another short end of the stick team for far too long, was rated No. 36 after steamrolling over UAB 55-18 in its home opener.

3) Appalachian State, a AA school, was rated No. 38 following its upset of mighty Michigan 34-32 on Michigan's home field. The win was the biggest upset in college football history as no AA team had ever beaten a ranked team.

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9. 1996 - African Challenge. 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, The most surprising gold medals went to the hands of Nigerian football stars after they overcame Brazil in thrilling semi-finals, with a 4-3 score. The finals was between Argentina and Nigeria, well over 2 billion people were watching it, of course most of them thought that Argentina will have no problems getting the gold medal, but most of them were wrong. Argentina was in the drivers seat after leading 1-0. The goal came on a 3rd minute, scored by Claudio Lopez, on the 28th minute Nigeria managed to equalize, as Babayaro scored a perfect finisher. So it was 1-1 on half-time. In the early second half Hernan Crespo gave Argentina the lead again and Argentina was on the way to get the gold medals, but 'not so fast' said Amokachi as he scored the equalizing goal and again gave Nigeria hope. Match was almost over and everybody thought it was going to be decided by the penalty shoot out. 90th minute and Amunike gave the lead to Nigeria, it was a shock for Argentina, time was almost over, Argentina had no chance, so it ended with a final score 3-2. Nigeria won the gold medal, for the first time in Olympic Games history.

8. 1960, First ever UEFA European Football Championship (EURO) held in France. It was won by the USSR, beating Yugoslavia 2-1 in a tense final in Paris. It is however quite interesting to note that earlier in the competition Spain had withdrawn from its quarterfinal match against the USSR due to political reasons. As an interesting fact, USSR also scored the first goal in the EURO history, during the qualification games.

7. 1998/1999 English Premier League season, Manchester United got all trophies possible that season. They became the first ever team in football history to do so in one season. First they got the Premier League title, finishing first in the league table, then they took the F.A. Cup title by beating Newcastle United 2-0, and of course the most famous UEFA Champions League final, when United managed to come back from a 1-0 defeat, and score not one but two goals in an injury time beating Bayern Munich 2-1; it was considered to be one of the greatest comebacks ever witnessed.

6. 2002 World Cup, Korea/Japan. Korean fans will never forget that historic moment, when Guus Hiddink took them all the way to the Semi-Finals of 2002 World Cup. Korean national football team became the first ever Asian national football team to reach semi-finals of World Cup. Nobody expected the underdogs to go that far, as they beat Portugal 1-0 in a group stages, then a famous 2-1 win over Italy, drawing with Spain in a quarter-finals and then beating them 5-3 on penalties. In the end however they couldnt take on Germany in semi-finals, and they lost 1-0. In the game for the third place Korean team met Turkey, but again they lost. Eventually the Republic of Korea finished 4th in the 2002 World Cup, which was still a great success for the countrys football team.

5. June 2003, Chelsea FC was bought by the Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich for a record fee of 140 million pounds. Back then it was the biggest sale of an English Football club. Straight away Roman wanted to make Chelsea the best and strongest club in the world. He began buying players for a record braking transfer fees. First season with a new owner Chelsea FC finished as a runner-up. But next year, the 2004/2005 English premier league season, Chelsea became champions of England, for the first time since 1954/1955 season. 2005/2006 Season they took the premier league trophy again as they were crowned the champions of England for the second time in a row. These 2 seasons were the most successful 2 years in the clubs history.

4. January 11th 2007. It was confirmed that David Beckham will be leaving Real Madrid to play for the United States 'soccer' club, Los Angeles Galaxy. Beckhams decision was a shock to many, as one of the worlds best football players moves to United States of America, where 'soccer' is not that popular. He was the first big player to enter Major League Soccer.

3. 6th February 1958, the Munich air disaster. It was the darkest day in Manchester United Football Club history. On the board of the plane was Manchester United football team along with the club supporters and journalists. 23 of the 44 passengers on board died. Captain James Thain, the pilot tried to take off twice, but both attempts were aborted due to engine surging. When a third take off was attempted, the plane failed to gain adequate height and crashed into the fence surrounding the airport and then into a house. Now every year on this day Manchester United holds a memorial to the people who lost their lives in the Munich air disaster.

2. 2006 World Cup Final produced one of the most famous moments in football history, when Zidanes head-butted on Italian defender Marco Materazzi. It was Zidanes last international appearance for the French national team and 3 billion people around the world were watching it. The next day newspapers all over the world were not writing about how Italy won their 4th World Cup title, but they were writing about how Zidane pulled the 'stunt' on Marco. Definitely that was one of the biggest moments in the history of football.

1. Edison Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pele, the worlds most famous name in football. Football is probably the most famous sport in the world, and Pele is the man who made it what it is today. Pele made 669 appearances in club football, scoring 626 goals. He also made 92 appearances for Brazilian National football side and scored 77 goals. He made his first club appearance when he was just 15 years of age. He made his first international appearance for Brazil when he was 16, and won his first World Cup when he was just 17.

Pele is hailed in Brazil as a national hero. The number one moment in football history is when Pele managed to score his first international goal for Brazil, just three month before his 17th birthday. Provided by My Love Calculator.

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