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Cesc takes control on Facebook

DonJulio — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:26:05 GMT

Want to know the secret of Cesc’s game-winning control?

On Thursday 22 October at 6:30pm, he’ll be taking over the Nike Football Facebook page.

It’s your chance to see behind-the-scenes photos, hear his football insights and ask your own questions.

So we need you to get involved. Post your questions to the event wall. Cesc will pick his favourites and answer them on the night.

Join the event

Two minutes

DonJulio — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 07:59:34 GMT

In what was to be a routine match against Malawi, the Elephants left their biggest names on the bench and found themselves down 1-0 in the 63rd minute.

Enter Didier Drogba.

Two minutes on the pitch and the Ivorian superstar equalized, sending his homeland into the finals for the second successive time.

Two minutes.

Make the Difference.

Keep believing

DonJulio — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:56:42 GMT

You’re deep into injury time and you’re drawing. Not a bad result. Your legs are heavy and you’ve given it everything. Do you settle for what you’ve got?

Not if you’re Wesley Sneijder.

The Dutch star fired in the winning goal deep into injury time to give Inter a vital three points in the dying seconds of their game.

Because that’s what champions do.

Speed kills

DonJulio — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:30:23 GMT

Strikers are judged on goals.

But on Sunday, Drogba demonstrated the importance of every area of a centre forward’s game.

His electric pace and storming power laid on the two goals that gave his team all three points and left them standing at the top of the league.

In total control

DonJulio — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:15:55 GMT

The CTR360 is the ultimate control boot. Developed for players who pull the midfield strings. Players who specialise in killer through-balls. Players like Cesc.

On Sunday, Cesc wore the CTR360 for the first time, getting a chance to see how the boot would improve his game.

Over 90 minutes Cesc gave a stunning masterclass in the art of midfield play – setting up four of Arsenal’s six goals and netting one himself. No arguments who made the difference.

Want to dominate the game like Cesc?

Explore the CTR360

Start training now

The bigger they are...

DonJulio — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:55:11 GMT

When a team arrives steeped in legends of masterful victories in Europe’s elite club competition, you can look on in awe, or find inspiration in plotting their downfall.

Stevan Jovetic struck twice to gun down the red half of Merseyside, proving it’s not your opponents’ ability that makes the difference - it’s yours.

Aguero vs. Alves

DonJulio — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:46:28 GMT

At one end stands one of the world’s fastest rising strikers. At the other, a tough-tackling defender, determined to shut him out.

Tonight’s European showdown sees Sergio Aguero desperate to avenge his teams’ elimination from last year’s competition. While Bruno Alves is eyeing a repeat performance.

See who goes home happy.

Defenders: read it and weep

DonJulio — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:21:35 GMT

Four league hat-tricks in three seasons.

Five goals in his last two league games.

Fernando’s got his eye on the 2009-2010 golden boot.

Be warned.

Control is everything

DonJulio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:10:28 GMT

You don’t need to score to change games. It’s all about pulling the strings.

On Saturday, Cesc showed the impact of his game-winning control as his inch-perfect through-ball laid on the goal that won the three points.

Be the player, behind the player.

Own the ball

DonJulio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:13:31 GMT

You spend hours training, fighting for the ball. But what about once you get it?

Pierre Barrieu, fitness coach for the US national team has helped his players improve their control and move up the world rankings. Now they’re a team to be feared.

Watch how he teaches the team to improve ball control in tight spaces, find a pass and get on the end of it for a crisp finish.

Transform your game.

Time to progress your training

DonJulio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:10:49 GMT

So you nailed your SPARQ training. Built a body to face the fiercest of local derbies. Now work on your ball skills with the coach of one of the world’s fastest rising teams.

Pierre Barrieu is the fitness coach for the US national team. He’s part of the reason they beat the reigning European champions.

So when he shares his expertise on spotting runs, picking out teammates and playing a game-changing pass, you pay attention.

Watch the video.

Business as usual

DonJulio — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:19:25 GMT

When all eyes are on you, what do you do?

If you’re Cristiano Ronaldo, you do what you’ve always done.

Just 27 minutes into his European debut, he fired in a trademark free kick. Then added another in the second half.

Same again next time?

Take your chance

gareth.nettl — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:30:28 GMT

Sometimes football’s about waiting. Patiently waiting for your chance so you can Make the Difference. When it comes, you better grab it.

After four years out of the national team, Nilmar stepped up in his comeback. Replacing Robinho in the starting XI, he bagged his first international hat-trick against Chile, and played a part in Brazil’s fourth.

The wait is over.

Arshavin At The Wheel

gareth.nettl — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:45:31 GMT

Sometimes the difference maker in a game doesn’t show up on the score sheet, but he always appears in the memories of those who bear witness to his artistry. In Russia’s 3-1 victory against Wales on Wednesday, Andrei Arshavin did both, displaying his footballing brilliance in the offensive half of the field the entire match and collecting the decisive assist for the first goal. Riding the Arsenal midfielder’s relentless attack, his nation is well positioned for an invitation to South Africa.

There is no part of a match Arshavin cannot dominate. The road for any team to South Africa is strewn with obstacles, but for Russia, as long as their biggest star is driving, there always appears to be a path to victory.

Turan on target

DonJulio — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:51:23 GMT

Playing quick is thinking quick. Pass? Dribble? Shoot? Make the call before the onrushing defender crunches into you.

Arda Turan got it spot on with a stunning goal and crucial role in Turkey’s 4-2 win over Estonia this weekend.

Watch Arda Turan stay ahead of the game.