MORE ABOUT SUPER EAGLES GROUP F CONTENDERS

Let's talk more about Super Eagles' three group stage opponents and forecasts what the summer might bring for the Super Eagles in Group F

Nigeria will make her fifth FIFA World Cup appearance in Brazil, 20 years after making her debut under the stewardship of Dutchman Clemens Westerhof and captain Stephen Keshi. 

The Super Eagles are drawn with Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Argentina in Group F and will open their campaign against Iran in Curitiba. 

Argentina are clear favourites to top the group but the African champions are definitely up there to make it out of Group F and into the next round. 

Let us, then, take a close look at the group, making the rounds of their opponents, examining what we can expect when play starts on June 16 as the countdown continues to the start of the tournament. 

Game 1: Iran, 16 June, 8:00pm WAT*, Curitiba. 

Does Queiroz hold the key to Iran's summer?

Nickname: Team Melli  

FIFA World Ranking: 43

Highest / Lowest FIFA ranking: 15 (July 2005) / 122 (May 1996) 

World Cup Titles: 0 (Best Finish: Group Stage, 1978, 1998, 2006) 

AFC Asian Cup Titles: 3 (Winners; 1968, 1972, 1976) 

Coach: Carlos Queiroz 

Captain: Javad Nekounam 

Key Players: Javad Nekounam, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Masoud Shojaei, Ashkan Dejagah. 

Record vs. Nigeria: 0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss 

Nigeria and Iran will open Group F of the 2014 World Cup on June 16 with both teams knowing that a bad start will spell doom for their campaign, particularly with Argentina lying in wait. 

The Iranian national side head to Brazil as Asia's top dog, but their preparation for the tournament has been less than impressive. They played one international friendly match in June 2013, against Guinea in Tehran, which they lost 2-1.

Neymar Gives Brazil All the Scoring It Needs

Brazil held its collective breath after it fell behind, 1-0, in the 11th minute when Marcelo tipped the ball into his own goal. But 18 minutes later, the host nation could exhale again when Neymar evened the score with a left-footed shot that found its way just inside the right post. 

 for more Statistics go to The New York York Times

BRAZIL 2014: PARAPLEGIC TO TAKE THE FIRST KICK IN "IRON MAN-LIKE EXOSKELETON AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

The Iron Man-like suit a paraplegic will wear to kick first ball of the World Cup, created by Brazilian scientist Miguel Nicolelis and his team in Sao Paulo, Brazil (AFP Photo/Ho)

The 2014 World Cup opening ceremony will feature all the pageantry and decadence to be expected from a FIFA production. There will be dancers and pop stars and lights and choreography just baffling enough to make you forget that it all precedes a football tournament that has little to do with any of it. But before Brazil play the first match against Croatia, a marvel of scientific innovation will be demonstrated on the pitch that should make it all worthwhile.

A paraplegic whose identity has been kept secret will leave their wheelchair behind and get into what's being described as an Iron Man-like exoskeleton that will allow them to take the tournament's first kick using signals from their brain. The robotic bodysuit was developed by Brazilian doctor Miguel Nicolelis and 156 scientist from around the world and is the product of 30 years of work. It's being unveiled at the World Cup's opening ceremony in Sao Paulo's unfinished stadium as an attempt to show that Brazil is investing in science and things beyond football — which the millions of Brazilian protestors who have been bitterly opposed to their government squandering billions on this World Cup and the 2016 Olympics would dispute.

From the AFP:

Electronic circuits in the device's "feet" will send a return signal to the user via an artificial skin worn on the arm, conveying the sensation of movement and contact.

"It's the first time an exoskeleton has been controlled by brain activity and offered feedback to the patients," Nicolelis, a neuroscientist at Duke University, told AFP.

"Doing a demonstration in a stadium is something very much outside our routine in robotics. It's never been done before."

Here's a video from the National Science Foundation that explains it a bit further...

BRAZIL 2014: 50 MOST SHOCKING WORLD CUP MOMENTS

SIT BACK, RELAX AND ENJOY... 50 MOST SHOCKING WORLD CUP MOMENTS

BRAZIL 2014: WORLD CUP OFFICIAL SONG, LYRICS AND VIDEO

Pitbull ft. Jennifer Lopez – We Are One lyrics | 2014 FIFA World Cup

Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Claudia Leitte perform at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

2014 FIFA World Cup Song – We Are One || Lyrics

Feature cast – Pitbull ft. Jennifer Lopez

Song Vocals by – Jennifer Lopez & Pitbull, Claudia Leitte

Produced by – Dr. Luke

Year – 2014

We Are One Song Lyrics || Jennifer Lopez & Pitbull, Claudia Leitte

BRAZIL 2014: LET THE GAME BEGIN......... OPENING CEREMONY

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE OPENING CEREMONY

 

Fans from around the world can finally stop counting down the days as the 2014 World Cup is actually upon us, set to begin with an exciting opening ceremony.

Like the Olympic Games, this international event cannot begin without fanfare. As the hosts, Brazil has planned an extraordinary show that will remind onlookers of the nation itself.

While fans expect to be entertained by the ceremony, it really just signifies the start of the biggest sporting event in the world. This means that there will be plenty of excitement just with the anticipation of the first kick-off between Brazil and Croatia.

Here is a look at all the information you'll need leading up to the opening ceremony and first match.

---

When: Thursday, June 12
Where: Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Opening Ceremony Time:

CRAZIEST FREE KICK

Featuring a long line of dummies

 

What do you have to say about this Free kick?
Comments and tell us your thought about what you observe......

TSS Global Resources
It's all about Sports..

BRAZIL 2014 COUNTDOWN: Overall World Cup Stats

Most Tournament App.: Brazil - 19 Tournaments 

Champions Record: Brazil - 5 Times 

Highest Scoring Game: Austria vs. Switzerland 7 - 5 (1954, Quarter Final) 

All Time Top Scorer: Ronaldo, Brazil - 15 Goals

Best Scorer in 1 game: Oleg Salenko, Russia - 5 Goals

Most Appearances: Lothar Matthaeus, Fed. Rep. of Ger. and Germany - 25 Appearances

Most WC Tournaments:Antonio Carbajal, Mexico

Lothar Matthaeus, Fed. Rep. of Ger. and Germany - 5 Tournaments

Total Attendance: 34.028.166

Record Attendance: 3.587.088 (1994)

Highest Attendance: 199.854 (Uruguay vs. Brazil, 1950 Final Round)

Avarage Attendance: 44.077

BRAZIL 2014 COUNTDOWN: Brazil's 23-man squad

Brazil's 23-man squad for the World Cup is announced as Luiz Felipe Scolari leaves out Philippe Coutinho, Lucas and Kaka

• Six Premier League players in Luiz Felipe Scolari's 23-man squad, including five of the seven midfielders.
• No room for Liverpool pair Lucas Leiva and Philippe Coutinho, nor Kaka.
• Robinho, Miranda, Lucas Moura and Felipe Luis other notable absentees.
• Tournament begins in Sao Paulo on 12 June and runs until 13 July, with Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon in Group A with Brazil.

Vincent Enyeama nominated for Ligue 1's best goalkeeper award

 

Nigeria's interim captain and number one shot-stopper has been listed for the Marc-Vivien Foe award by the Ligue 1 players following his impressive performance in goal for Lille

 

Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has been nominated by the Professional Union of French Players (UNFP) for the best goalkeeper award in the French Ligue 1.

The former Enyimba goalkeeper made the list of nominees for the most outstanding players in France this season which comes to an end in May after keeping clean sheets in 21 out of 35 matches for third placed Lille.

He has also played 3,150 minutes of first-team football this season, conceding only 21 goals in 35 games.

Nigeria international Enyeama is favourite to grab the top goalie award, having failed to concede a goal in 1062 minutes of action this season.

The 31-year-old will contend with Steve Mandanda of Olympique Marseille, Salvatore Sirigu of leaders Paris Saint Germain and Stephane Ruffier of Saint-Ettiene for the golden glove.

Enyeama's expliots in goal for Lille secured him the best player award in Ligue 1 for the months of October and November.

World Cup Greatest Moments: Jürgen Klinsmann dives into infamy, 1990

 

Italy 1990

 

West Germany v Argentina, Rome, Final

 

West Germany's meeting with Argentina was the worst World Cup final of all time, but featured one of the greatest dives the game has seen. On 65 minutes, Jürgen Klinsmann surged down the right, and Argentine defender Pedro Monzon tracked over to tackle him. The German striker threw himself to the ground with a remarkable dive that scored highly for both difficulty and artistic impression.

 

When he hit the deck, Klinsmann produced a brilliant body pop move off his shoulder, writhing his body off the ground like a break-dancer. Flamboyant referee Edgardo Codicil was definitely buying what Klinsmann was selling, and Monzon - who had only been on as a sub for 20 minutes - became the first man to be sent off in a final. Soon after that, teammate Gustavo Dezotti became the second, dismissed for a second yellow shortly after Andreas Brehme scored the only goal of a bad-tempered, dull game with a penalty.

 

A final to forget, but the legend of the diving Klinsmann – who later made fun of his reputation by celebrating goals with a tumble – was assured.

BRAZIL 2014 COUNTDOWN: Bosnia name 24-man provisional squad

Nigeria's Group F opponents at the 2014 World Cup, Bosnia Herzogovina on Monday named a provisional squad for the tournament which starts in 38 days time.

Coach Saset Sucic has 24 players listed in the roster which means one player will be dropped before the World Cup kicks off.

There are no surprises in the team except for the recall of Muhammed Besic to the fold.

The squad boasts of stars like Manchester City's Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic from AS Roma, Vedad Ibisevic of Vfb Stuttgart and Senad Lucic who stars for Serie A side; Lazio that also parades Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi.

FIFA had given Saturday, 10 May as deadline for the submission of the provisional squads by all the 32 teams that will play at this summer's World Cup while the final squad of 23 must be submitted to the world football governing body by June 3, 2014.

 Bosnia's Provisional Squad List
GOALKEEPERS:
Asmir Begovic

BRAZIL 2014 COUNTDOWN: Honduras 23-man Squad

Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez has announced his 23-man squad for the World Cup.

 

   

 

Suarez has included six British-based players in his list for next month's tournament in Brazil, with Hull defender Maynor Figueroa, Stoke midfielder Wilson Palacios, Wigan duo Roger Espinoza and Juan Carlos Garcia, plus Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre and Rangers midfielder Arnold Peralta all selected.

Suarez: Announces squad in Tegucigalpa



Suarez said: "I ask the ones who have not been called up to understand. A lot of players were part of this process, but only 23 can be called. I cannot keep everybody satisfied."

Twenty-year-old Luis Lopez, meanwhile, pipped a number of prospective rivals to earn himself one of the three goalkeeping berths in the squad thanks to his good form for Real Espana this season.

"This (domestic) league has had good keepers such as Yul Arzu, John Bodden, Jose Mendoza... Luis has enormous potential and soon will r

BRAZIL 2014 COUNTDOWN: Nigeria Provisional 30 Man List

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi on Tuesday released a 30 man provisional list for the the World Cup in Brazil, reports Completesportsnigeria.com

 

Keshi has included Stoke City striker, Osaze Peter Odemwingie in his provisional list. It can be recalled that the former West Brom forward ignited a long-standing row with the Eagles coach over his national team blackout for some time. But Osaze apologized to the Eagles coach in good time before the 2014 World Cup provisional list decision.

 

Skipper of the team, Joseph Yobo who lost his place in the centre back position at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations was also named in the side.

 

Remarkably, Keshi left out Villarreal of Spain striker, Ike Uche. The Eagles boss also had a row with the player. And with Uche refraining from making an apology like  Osaze Odemwingie did, Keshi has axed him from his World Cup squad.

 

The final squad for the World Cup will be released on June 2.

Eagles 30 Man Provisional List:
GOALKEEPERS: Vincent

Eden Hazard does not sacrifice himself for Chelsea - Mourinho

 

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has questioned midfielder Eden Hazard's commitment during matches.

Mourinho suggested that the Belgian should have tracked Juanfran in the build-up to Adrian Lopez's equaliser in the 3-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid.

Hazard, 23, has claimed that the Blues are only set up to counter-attack.

"When the comments come from a player like Eden it's normal because he's not the kind of player to sacrifice himself for the team," said Mourinho.

"He's not mentally ready to look to his left-back and leave his life for him.

"Normally you get these kind of comments from players like him, from players that can't resolve a problem like we had with the first goal.

Play media

Jose Mourinho criticises Eden Hazard's 'sacrifice'

"If you see Atletico's first goal, you completely understand where the mistake was and why we conceded that goal."

Striker Fernando Torres had put Chelsea in front in the 36th minute, but eight minutes later Spanish forward Lopez swept in from Juanfran's cutback.

The away goal gave Atletico a precious advantage, on which they built when Diego Costa and Arda Turan scored twice more for the Spanish side.

In February, Hazard, recently named Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year, told BBC Sport that Mourinho has turned him into a "team player".

But the Chelsea manager believes Hazard can still make more progress.

He added: "I'm not happy. I've tried to improve him all season."

Diego Simeone's Spanish league leaders, Atletico, will play city rivals Real in the Lisbon final on 24 May, while Chelsea face their first season without a trophy since 2010-11.

BRAZIL 2014 COUNTDOWN: FLASH BACK

17 years old Pele sets the world alight, 1958

 

Sweden 1958

Brazil v Sweden, Stockholm, Final

The most exciting talent in football arrived at the World Cup in Sweden a 17-year-old unknown. In the days before mass media, Pele's renown had not yet spread. This was just a kid from the slums. And his debut in the competition was delayed by injury. Moreover, his coaches, initially suspicious of his youth, had brought him along solely to pick up experience by watching from the sidelines. He was one for the future. But one glimpse of him in training had his colleagues insisting he be

BRAZIL 2014 COUNTDOWN: 49 DAYS TO KICK OFF

High demand as final ticket window opens

Governing body Fifa on Tuesday opened the final sales phase for World Cup tickets and reported 126 837 of 199 519 available for 54 of the 64 matches were snapped up within four hours.

Brazilian nationals bagged two thirds of the latest sales, Fifa said, accounting for 80 496 tickets with 46 341 tickets going to fans outside the host nation on a first-come, first-served basis via the Fifa website.

Fifa added its ticketing pick-up centres in the 12 host cities would open from Friday, save for Brasilia and Porto Alegre, where they will only be available from next month.

The organisation explained fans who have bought tickets can make an appointment for collection via Fifa.com.

From June 1, through to the final on July 13, Fifa said tickets can also be purchased over the counter at designated Fifa Venue Ticketing Centres in the host cities.

The ten matches sold out prior to

BRAZIL 2014 COUNTDOWN: 49 DAYS TO KICK OFF

REVIEWING THE GROUP DRAWS FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP +Brazil 2014 world cup 

Spain, the Netherlands, Chile and Australia being grouped together at the 20th FIFA World Cup™ caught many headlines with the South Africa 2010 finalists paired, while Uruguay, Italy, England and Costa Rica will comprise another intriguing pool.

Germany, Ghana, USA and Portugal will make up Group G, while hosts Brazil have Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon for company in Group A,

Colombia, Greece, Côte d'Ivoire and

Pep Guardiola Shows Satisfaction

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola insisted he was proud of his team even though they lost the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. The European champions had 72 per cent of possession over the course of the game but were beaten by Karim Benzema's first-half goal, the result of a lightning-quick counter from Real.

Carlo Ancelotti's side created more goalscoring chances than the visitors, and could have been 3-0 up at half-time had Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria taken their chances. Bayern's best opportunity fell to substitute Mario Gotze with five minutes remaining, but his effort was repelled by Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

However, Guardiola insisted he was

Barcelona's Ban Suspended; FIFA

FIFA suspend Barcelona's transfer ban pending outcome of appeal

 

FIFA have announced that Barcelona's transfer ban has been suspended pending the outcome of the club's appeal.

The Catalan giants were hit with the sanction after breaching rules in relation to the acquisition of under-18 players.

Barcelona lodged an official appeal

Champions League continues Today!!!

Eight became four in the Champions League earlier this month as the thrilling quarter-final stage came to a close. Just Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich remain, with their dreams of claiming Europe’s most coveted trophy very much alive.

 

This week will see Europe’s elite competition take to the Spanish capital, as Atletico and Real welcome Chelsea and Bayern, respectively, looking to set up the first all-Spanish final since the 1999/2000 campaign.

David Moyes Sacked, Ryan Giggs to take charge

David Moyes was sacked as Manchester United manager on Tuesday after the club’s owners, the Glazer family, decided to end the Scot’s disastrous tenure at Old Trafford.

Ryan Giggs, with Nicky Butt as his assistant, will take charge until the end of the season. Giggs has served as player-coach under Moyes while Butt has worked with the reserves. 

The Glazers handed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward the mandate to dismiss Moyes less than 12 months into his £4million-a-year, six-year contract after United’s defeat at Everton on Sunday confirmed their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League. 

A statement on the club website read: "Manchester United has announced that

World Number One Over Shadowed by SIMON SANTOSO

Unseeded Indonesian Simon Santoso pulled off a major shock when he thrashed badminton’s world number one Lee Chong Wei to win the Singapore Open for the first time on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, considered a rank outsider against Malaysia’s imperious Lee, upset the form book in style with an emphatic 21-15, 21-10 victory in just 48 minutes in the Singapore final.

Santoso reeled off nine straight points to stifle Lee’s second-game revival and take the match, dropping his racquet to the court and raising his arms in celebration in front of a bemused crowd.

The third Superseries tournament win for the 52nd-ranked Santoso cements a stirring comeback by the former world number three, who dropped out of the top 100 last year following back problems.

“I am really satisfied with my performance especially after beating one of the best players, Lee Chong Wei, in the final. I am really happy and proud,” Santoso said.    

 “I am really happy (because) it’s been a while since I beat Chong Wei and also because I fought hard from the qualification rounds here in Singapore.”

It was only Santoso’s second win in 11 matches against the All-England champion, who had lost just once this year.
But Lee, 31, downplayed the loss, saying it was “only the Singapore Open”.

“This is just a Super series, there are still many other important tournaments. I just take care not to get an injury at the competition,” the 33-time Superseries tournament winner told reporters.

“I just tried and just enjoy for Singapore and not go so hard,” Lee said.

FULL MATCH VIDEO

Amazing shot by LEE Chong Wei in 2014 Singapore Badminton Open

What an astonishing Shot it is from the Badminton World Number One.

Even if you are not a Badminton Fan you need to see how much fast and reflex a badminton play must have to be on top of his game.

Michael Phelps is Back!!!

Swimmer Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian in history, is set to end his retirement.  

The 28-year-old American, who has won 22 Olympic medals, is expected to compete at a meet in Arizona at the end of April. 

"He's just going to test the waters a little bit and see how it goes," said long-time coach Bob Bowman. "I wouldn't say it's a full-fledged comeback."

Phelps quit after winning his 18th Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games.

The Baltimore Bullet also has the record for most gold medals at a single Games, winning eight in Beijing in 2008 to eclipse the mark set by compatriot Mark Spitz in 1972.

Michael Phelps - Career record

58 gold medals: 18 Olympic, 27 World Championship, 13 Pan Pacific 

11 silver medals: 2 Olympic, 6 World Championship, 3 Pan Pacific 

3 bronze medals: 2 Olympic, 1 World Championship 

Bowman said Phelps is entered in three events - the 100 butterfly and the 50m and 100m freestyle - during the three-day meet in Mesa that starts on 24 April, but could also compete in the 50m butterfly "just for fun". 

Britain's Steve Parry, who finished third to Phelps in the 200m butterfly at the Athens Games in 2004, is surprised his former rival is making a comeback.

"I cannot believe he has made the decision to get back in the water," said Parry. "He has got nothing left to prove in the sport."

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL AND FINAL DRAWS OUT!!!

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL AND FINAL DRAW

The much anticipated draws for this year's Champions League Semi-Final and Final draw is finally out.

The draw:

Champions League Schedule.... Best of Soccer Starts Today.

2013/2014 English Premier League Mock exams

 (Attempt all questions)

1. Discuss the fall of Manchester United and the rise of LIVERPOOL FC in relation to season 2013/14 (20mks)

 

2. Using Arsenal as an example. Describe the force of gravity?? (15mks)

 

3. Chelsea first signed Nemanja Matic for 25m, sold him to Benfica for 2m and later re-signed him for 24m....Prepare a profit and loss account (12mks)...

 

4. Differentiate between 'the special one' and the 'chosen one' (4mks)

 

5. Write an essay on this proverb ''old is gold,'' in relation to Old trafford (20mks)

 

6. Calculate the probability of Manchester

FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2013, How Far Have They Gone?

The FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2013 was announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or  ceremony in Zurich's Kongresshaus on 13 January 2014.

 

The FIFA/FIFpro World XI 2013
Manuel Neuer, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos, Philipp Lahm, Franck Ribery, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo.

What would you say so far about the selection and

Suarez Leaves Ronald Behind

The Uruguayan attacker enjoyed a successful weekend, while Lionel Messi and Alan added three more goals to their respective tallies, too.

Liverpool attacker Luis Suarez has taken a two-goal lead over Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the European Golden Shoe, but Lionel Messi's fine form for Barcelona in recent weeks has seen last year's winner storm into the top five.

Suarez netted a hat-trick in his side's 6-3 win over Cardiff at the weekend to take his tally for 2013-14 to 28 goals.

Elsewhere, Ronaldo scored once in Madrid's 4-3 defeat against Barcelona, while third-placed Diego Costa also found the net once as Atletico bagged the full three points against Betis.

Messi, meanwhile has climbed to fourth place following yet another hat-trick in Sunday's Clasico and the Argentine has now scored 21 times in La Liga.

Other notable performers this weekend were

Lack of Playing Time Worries Keshi; Mikel and Moses

Keshi, Super Eagles Coach is worrisome at the lack of regular playing form of Nigeria's two Key players Mikel Obi of Chelsea and Victor Moses of Liverpool.

Stephen Keshi, Nigeria's chief Coach has expressed worry at the inability of his star players to get important playing time at their clubs ahead of the World Cup in June.

Midfielder John Obi Mikel and winger Victor Moses have seen a reduction in their contributions at Chelsea and Liverpool this year.

List of Highest Paid Sportsman 2013-14

 Forbes List of Top 10 Highest Paid Sportsman 2013-14

#	ATHLETE	YEARLY INCOME	SALARY/WINNING	ENDORSMENTS
1	Tiger Woods

HIGHLIGHT OF MATCHES YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE MISSED

CHELSEA VS ARSENAL (6-0)

 

Chelsea showed their Premiere League contenders they are no match to paly them as they trashed the Gunners 6-0. What a way to celebrate Arsene Wenger's 1000th goal as Manager of Arsenal.

Champions League Quarter-Final Draw: Live Results

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

The draw: