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Get ready for Pro Combat

DonJulio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:11:30 GMT

Wayne Rooney knows, before you wade into combat, you must be prepared – mentally and physically.

Because in every game, Wayne leaves every ounce of energy on the pitch. He runs furthest. Shoots fiercest. Tackles hardest. That’s the definition of a Pro Combat player.

It’s not about scoring every week. It’s about sacrificing yourself for the team, doing the hard work that holds it all together.

Watch Rooney’s Physical Edge video. And check back soon to find out how you can vote for your Pro Combat Player of the Week.

Back from the brink

DonJulio — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:11:00 GMT

They’ve done it. They made it tough for themselves in qualifying, but last night Portugal showed every ounce of their fighting spirit to book a place in next summer’s tournament.

The confidence, desire and determination of the 2006 semi-finalists proved decisive as they scored in the second half to make it 2-0 on aggregate.

No way back for Bosnia. No stopping Portugal. Next stop South Africa.

Front runner

DonJulio — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:00:10 GMT

All eyes were on Rooney and Fabiano. But Brazil's newest star in the making never turns down an opportunity to shine.

With a point to prove, Nilmar attacked England’s back line on Saturday and showed the game-changing pace that will cause destruction in South Africa.

Speeding through the defence, Nilmar arrived first and angled a precise header past the keeper to take victory for Brazil.

Brazil’s forwards will set alight the South African stage. Nilmar wants to be one of them.

Test against the best

DonJulio — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:45:40 GMT

Brazil, five-time winners of football’s greatest prize. The most successful team in the competition’s history. The perfect test for a promising England team.

Brazil face England this weekend. It’s the perfect chance for each side to test their potential as they continue preparations for South Africa.

Who will come out on top?

Have your say on the Nike Football Facebook page

A dream 27 years in the making

DonJulio — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:56:36 GMT

Ryan Nelsen was just five years’ old last time New Zealand reached the world’s largest football tournament in 1982. Five.

This Saturday, the All Whites take on Bahrain at home for a spot in South Africa 2010. And only a win will do.

Can Ryan put 27 years of hurt behind him?

Have your say on the Nike Football Facebook page

The return of Iniesta

DonJulio — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:53:51 GMT

Andres Iniesta can Make the Difference against any team in the world. And after missing Spain’s last tournament through injury, he’s hungry to triumph in South Africa.

Spain’s next opponents are Argentina. Look out Argentina.

Train with Iniesta.

New world champions needed

DonJulio — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:48:04 GMT

With Italy already qualified for South Africa, now’s the time to find new blood – fresh and hungry players, ready to defend the cup.

So it’s all on the line for Giampaolo Pazzini, Raffaele Palladino, Salvatore Bocchetti, Riccardo Montolivoi and Daniele Galloppa.

A spot in the squad is theirs to play for. And it starts today when Italy U21s face Hungary.

Step up.

The moment you train for

DonJulio — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:08:49 GMT

Lassana Diarra is used to defying the odds. Not the tallest, the largest or the strongest, he’s carved a role for himself in Les Blues midfield, from sheer determination and committed training.

Every second of his preparation will be tested, if he gets his chance to show what he can do against the Irish. There’s a spot in South Africa at stake.

Watch the video to see Lassana in training.

It’s all on the line

DonJulio — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:51:16 GMT

After a tough qualifying campaign, Portugal have the chance to book their spot in South Africa. Now is the time to step up and Make the Difference.

But Bosnia stand in their way. Win and the 2006 semi-finalists get a crack at world glory in 2010. Lose and they get a summer of pain.

Will Portugal make it through and give the reigning World Player of the Year the chance to perform on the game’s biggest stage?

Have your say on the Nikefootball Facebook Page

Bojan back with a bang

DonJulio — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:57:11 GMT

When you’ve been waiting for an injury to heal and watched the last few games from the bench, just getting on the pitch is enough.

But for Bojan, enough is never enough. Last night he scored twice to help Barça to a 5-0 win and on to the next round of the cup.

This is just the beginning.

SEE BOJAN'S PLAYER PAGE.

A battle for first

DonJulio — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:35:58 GMT

Before you wade into combat, you must be prepared – mentally and physically.

Rooney is ready. Ready to take on the in-form blues and ready to take United to the top of the table.

Prepare for combat.

Call it a comeback

DonJulio — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:07:48 GMT

Did you ever doubt him? Ronaldinho continued his irresistible resurgence as he earned his side a draw to keep them at the top of their European group.

1-0 down, 10R blasted away any pressure as he almost burst the net with a confidently taken penalty lashed into the top corner.

The comeback rolls on.

Ignition point

DonJulio — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:57:08 GMT

Sometimes the most important goal is not the winner.

Six minutes left, 3-1 behind. All heads down. Except one. Scholes rose high to nod in the cross, instill belief in his team and ignite the comeback.

Minutes later, they were level and through to the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.

SEE THE MAN UTD PAGE

Young gun proves deadly

DonJulio — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:15:48 GMT

When you’re young, you think you can take on the world – sometimes you’re right.

With his team 2-0 down to Juventus, Marek Hamsik decided enough was enough.

On 58 minutes, he slotted in at the far post to ignite the comeback. But that was just the beginning.

Less than 10 minutes to go, 2-2. Marek ran onto a perfectly cushioned ball and lashed a shot into the top corner for all three points.

Just wait until he’s unleashed in South Africa next year.

Bitter rivals, sweet victory

DonJulio — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:56:38 GMT

Cesc stands in the centre circle. His first North London derby as captain. His team 1-0 up. Time to kill the game.

The match re-starts. Cesc bursts out of the traps. Steals the ball, dances past one player, two, three. Then, with the goal at his mercy, calmly strokes the ball home.

SEE CESC'S PLAYER PAGE
SEE ARSENAL'S PAGE