What’s Up with the 2014 World Cup

With the 2014 World Cup just months away, everyone are undoubtedly hungry for updates on the premiere event. So, what’s the latest buzz about the event? Here are a few that will definitely whet your appetite.

Brazil All Ready for the World Cup

One of the biggest worries in recent months is that host country Brazil might not be able to get preparations on time. This is partly due to several incidents that happened near the venues where the matches are to be held.

One such is the temporary stoppage of work at the Arena de Baixada in Cuntiliba in October, after a judged sent out a ruling that there might be a serious risk of accidents for workers in the venue. While the order has since been lifted, it caused the refurbishment schedule to be delayed further, as it is already lagging behind.

On the other hand, a fire at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba also delayed the construction of the 44,000-spectator stadium. 

However, FIFA Marketing Director Terry Weil quickly allayed these fears. “We are good to go. We had six stadiums ready from the Confederations Cup which cover two thirds of the volume of all tickets because they are the bigger stadiums.” He tells in an interview by Sky Sports.

Weil further assured they are continuously working on the current issues and making sure that they meet the Dec. 31 target set by the committee.

Ronaldo Optimistic About 2014 Brazil World Cup

Esteemed Brazilian kicker Ronaldo says that he is very optimistic that the upcoming Brazil World Cup next year will be a big game-changer for the country. In an interview with BBC sports, he says that the event is a great opportunity for the country to attract more investors.

Ronaldo says that "In terms of the World Cup, we made huge strides, with great results and great investments - not only in stadiums, but also in infra-structure, urban mobility, airports. These are important investments for Brazil.”

The star player also said that, despite concerns, he believes that majority of Brazilians support the events. He points out that the latest polls show that 90% of Brazilians are enthusiastic about the event. That, he adds, is a good sign that the public sees the World Cup as an important step in developing the country.

Brazil 2014 chief executive officer Ricardo Trade supported Ronaldo’s statements. “The government says that they will be prepared.” He assures the public. 

Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24836441

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12027/9009971/world-cup-news-fifa-insists-brazil-remains-on-course-to-hold-2014-tournament

Get to Know the World Cup Top Scorers

While soccer might seem like a low scoring game, with matches sometimes ending with no points scored at all, a lot of fans are still excited to know who leads the player scoreboards. Indeed, this is one of the most watched aspects of the game. So, let’s get to know the guys who are on top of the Word Cup scoring charts.

Ronaldo-15 goals

By now, everybody is familiar with what the legendary Brazilian kicker can pull off. Ronaldo’s scoring record still stands after a decade. Not surprising since he is well known as a force in the field. Because of his performance, Ronaldo has amassed plenty of accolades.

Miroslav Klose-14 goals

This prolific German player has seen action in the World Cup three consecutive times. Klose is well known for coming as a runner-up to Ronaldo in the 2006 Brazil World Cup. He also was instrumental in Germany’s crucial win against Saudi Arabia during his debut. 

Gerd Muller-14 goals

Klose’s compatriot lorded it over the World Cup scoring charts for more than 30 years, his record only broken by Ronaldo in 2006. Muller also had a heated scoring competition with renowned player Lionel Messi, being able to tally 85 goals in a single calendar year.

Just Fontaine-13 goals

While Fontaine’s record has long since been broken, the manner at which he was able to achieve it is still considered legendary. The French booter was able to post all those points in a single edition: the 1858 World Cup in Sweden. Because of that, Fontaine is still considered as one of the best strikers of all time.

Pele-12 goals

No list is complete without mentioning the name of legendary Brazilian kicker Pele. His ingenious plays on the field are considered as some of the most awesome moments in the game. He is also still very much considered as the greatest player ever produced by the sport, despite not holding the position of top scorer. 

Jurgen Klinsmann-11 goals

Aside from the goals he registered, the German is well known for his athletic celebrations for every victory. Klinsmann was considered one of the cornerstones of the then-powerhouse West German team. He was also instrumental in the team’s domination and eventual win at the European Championship. After retiring his cleats, Klinsmann went on to lead the German team to victory in 2006 as their manager. 

Sandor Kocsis-11 goals

The Hungarian player is considered as one of the most prolific players of all time, being a member of the legendary Hungry Magyars of the 1950’s. Kocsis was able to register 75 goals in 68 games. He went on to become a soccer manager, but untimely died of cancer at a young age of 49.

Sources:

http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/internationals/tp/World-Cup-Top-Scorers.htm

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/06/01/1954022/top-15-world-cup-goalscorers-of-all-time

Why Americans Are Starting To Love Soccer?

American Soccer Supporters, credits to the source

While soccer is considered as the world’s most popular sporting event, it has always been thought that Americans are not very fond of it. But that is obviously changing, as more and more fans from the United States are showing their support in recent years. So, why the big shift?

Why many think America hate soccer
One of the most common reasons many point as to why Americans dislike soccer is that it supposedly is not for the big boys. As this article aptly points out, a lot of the top soccer players around the world, like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, barely reach the six-foot mark. Contrast that with sports like American football and basketball, where the game is often dominated by huge guys, and you can get a picture of why Americans seem to shy away from soccer.

Another popular argument thrown in as to why Americans are not enamoured with soccer is the idea of tied matches. As observers explain, Americans tend to want a decisive result in the games they follow. But with more than 30 percent of soccer matches ending in a draw, it isn’t that easy. And this can be very frustrating to many American viewers.

So, what will Americans love here then?
Just like any sports-viewing nation, America loves to see the drama unfold in any competition. And soccer certainly has lots of it. Just a single match can lead many to tears. And the World Cup is certainly something to look forward, as teams and spectators go all out in this once-every-four- years event.

Another thing that will surely get even American spectators all hyped is the action. Sure, the score might be just 1-0 after the end of the match, but the intense gameplay, as players from both teams dash to make that elusive point, is more than enough to get anyone onto the edge of their seats. And one should not forget the amazing display of athleticism shown by such players as Ronaldinho as they do amazing kicks.
The American soccer fan emerges

Many wrongly thought that with the growth soccer’s popularity, hooligan culture is undoubtedly soon to follow. However, even if hooliganism has sadly become a visible aspect of the soccer fandom, American fans like Danny Beerseed are happy to report that this is not the case with American soccer aficionados. Beerseed said that, while theirs isn’t all that sanitized, they are not that rowdy either. “We rather share beer than fist fights,” he says.

Beerseed also stressed that joining others in rooting for their favourite teams is what’s important to them. He shares that they regularly organize caravans to follow their teams to every match. This, he says, is what sets American fans apart from the rest of the soccer fandom.

Sources:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/793444-5-reasons-why-americans-should-like-soccer/page/3
http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2012/11/16/3650028/lionel-messi-european-soccer
http://www.thefreebeermovement.com/blog/entry/why-american-soccer-supporters-supporting-supporters/
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/793444-5-reasons-why-americans-should-like-soccer/page/3