Nikesoccer : October 2008

Previous Next
0

This November 8 one of the biggest rivalries in all of football will go down. The Red Devils of Man United versus the Gunners of Arsenal. It’s the type of match where heroes are born, and where fans live and die by their every touch.

Do you bleed the colors of your team? If so, tell us who’s going to score the first goal and in what minute it will occur. If you successfully predict the goal-scorer and are within three minutes of the actual time it happens, you’ll win that team’s Nike replica club jersey. Just so we’re crystal clear, if you say Rooney in the 83rd and he scores anywhere from the 80th to the 86th you’ve won yourself a ManU jersey. If you say Walcott and get the time right, you just got yourself an Arsenal top. And the same goes for all the players.

If you think you’ve got the answer than go to the t-1910 and post your player and the time he’s going to score. Remember we need your response before kickoff on Saturday, November 8 (t-1910).

So now, the question you gotta ask yourself is do you feel lucky? Well do ya?

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Back on the Attack

Posted by Gronamo Oct 30, 2008

The US WNT has had a well-deserved month off from dominating the international scene. Not only did they win the gold medal, but they also achieved it with a cross-country international friendly tour. And in case you forgot, they still have some achieving to do. And, speaking of which, Shannon Boxx and Hope Solo are looking to overachieve by bagging Player of the Year honors. Both are in the running against the world’s top players, so keep your fingers crossed for another US win.

After sweeping the Irish back in September, the WNT is back at it to take on the South Koreans in an upcoming three-game series – the second installment of the Achieve Your Gold tour. The first was no let-down, as the girls showed why they came home with the loot when they held the Irish scoreless in three consecutive games.

The first game kicks-off in Richmond, VA on November 1st, 6 p.m. ET. That’s right, the day after Halloween. But you can be sure that Angela Hucles and the rest of the crew won’t need a scare to get after it once the opening whistle blows.

After all, they’re gold-medal gamers.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

The Midas Touch

Posted by Gronamo Oct 29, 2008

Everything King Midas touched turned to gold. A quick glance at the list of Landon Donovan’s accolades might give one the same idea about America’s most talented and decorated footballer.

And the list just got longer. Netting his 20th goal of the season, Landon locked up the MLS Golden Boot trophy on Sunday afternoon when he found the back of the net to secure a 2-2 tie against FC Dallas.

Landon also led the league in multiple goal games (6) and hat tricks (2), while finishing top-ten in assists. But Landon’s lustrous play has bigger ramifications than just MLS stardom. European clubs have been courting the US captain, and Donovan has been entertaining them. Not to mention with South Africa around the corner, Landon’s peak playing couldn’t have come at a better time.

Landon’s dynamic play and impeccable touch are as golden as ever. If he keeps this up, who knows, he could be lifting even more illustrious hardware abroad.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Carli’s Criteria

Posted by gabejazzy Oct 28, 2008

Every athlete has their preferences when it comes to apparel – what they look for in a product, how they like it to perform. For Carli Lloyd only the best will do. So what does it take for a product to make it into her soccer bag?
Check out more Nike Pro.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

The Mental Game

Posted by gabejazzy Oct 28, 2008

Like any sport, soccer is a test of your mental toughness. Weather can be a factor, unless you eliminate it with the right apparel. With Nike Pro, Carli keeps her mind focused where it should be – on performance.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Anywhere, Any Weather

Posted by gabejazzy Oct 28, 2008

Carli Lloyd trains and competes the world over, and she’s not about to let conditions get in the way of her progress. Here Carli explains how the right apparel keeps her body ready to perform at peak levels.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

The Man at City

Posted by Gronamo Oct 27, 2008


Change of direction. For many, that’s the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the name Robinho. That man at City has got more than enough footwork at his disposal. A pedalada that leaves defenders completely shook. The type of flash that only makes one sound—ZOOM! On Sunday, however, Robinho posted a hat trick against Stoke because of his movement off the ball (not to mention some clinical finishing). Take a look at the second goal, and the slight way he changes the angle of his run at the last second, patiently staying onside while slipping past the defender and into the perfect passing lane. Goals win games, pure and simple, but sometimes it’s the small stuff that really makes the difference, if not the highlight. Nice to see Robinho’s finding his form in England.

What else went down? Liverpool edged Chelsea in the most publicized match of the weekend, Deuce Dempsey squared Fulham with Portsmouth, Barcelona’s offense exploded for five and, to nobody’s surprise, Cristiano Ronaldo walked away with some well-deserved Player of the Year hardware.


0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Rooney’s Renaissance

Posted by Gronamo Oct 23, 2008

How good is Wayne Rooney playing right now? After losing to Man United 3-0 in Champions League on Tuesday, Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said this:

“He is unplayable. We tried everything. When you see players like that, you’ve got to hold your hands up and say ‘I’ve just seen a world-class player.'”

23 years old. 99 goals. Rooney is already in the form of his life. What explains it? Difficult to say, although training with great managers and teammates for club and country surely couldn’t hurt. The tireless work rate and passion for the game have always been there, but now Rooney’s scoring goals and imposing his presence like never before. Heads up Cristiano, looks like this year you’ve got some award competition on your own team.

What else went down in European tournament action? Theo Walcott continues his rapid coming of age for Arsenal, which overpowered Fenerbahce; Barca trounced Basel in Switzerland and in probably the biggest match up for the week, Juventus versus Real Madrid, the Bianconeri came up huge.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
4

http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikefootball/en_US/commerce/nikeid_custom_kits?hf=4294967140^4294961543^12002^4294961469^35015&p=PWP&t=Replica%20Jersey#?ll=en_US&ct=US

4 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

http://twitter.com/nikesoccer


0 Comments 0 References Permalink
1

Frings Hits Bootcamp

Posted by Gronamo Oct 16, 2008

You can’t be a top player until you’re in the right physical condition. Fact.

With a trophy cabinet already stuffed with professional honors, midfield enforcer Torsten Frings certainly knows the value of being an
athlete on the pitch – and a winner when the final whistle blows.

His number one tip? Hit Bootcamp.

1 Comments 0 References Permalink
1

When soccer clubs across the world take the weekend off, the game just gets busier, and the stakes are raised. All the big names were on call with vital qualification points at stake: Rooney for England, Robinho for Brazil, Cristiano and Ibra in the Portugal vs. Sweden match-up. Here’show it all went down.

In England’s 5-1 pounding of Kazakhstan in London, it was all about the Man in the Middle. With Rooney rediscovering his scoring touch for club and country, these types of offensive explosions might be more frequent for a talented squad known for making things difficult for themselves. Having had to sit out Euro, England looks to be in the clear for the next stage of qualification.

Brazil followed suit against Venezuela, putting the pressure on their opponents early and often, including two goals from the fast and powerful feet of Robinho. It wasn’t the pedalada this time, but a long-range strike. When Ronaldinho’s back from injury, that oft-mentioned Brazilian samba will be that much hotter.

Portugal and Sweden tied in a close affair. Both Cristiano and Ibra had their share of scoring chances, but neither could find the mark. Too bad the Swedish striker will be sitting out the rematch because of yellow-card accumulation.

France didn’t exactly get the outcome they were hoping for against Romania, but at least Franck Ribery helped the FFF level up. The highlight of the match came in the 69th minute when Ribery’s teammate crushed a dipping shot from 35 yards out. One word: Dirrrrty.

1 Comments 0 References Permalink
1

Smokin’ the Cubans

Posted by Gronamo Oct 13, 2008

Creativity. Accuracy. Domination. Anyone who watched the MNT qualifier vs. Cuba on Saturday knows what were talking about.

DaMarcus Beasley opened the scoring and finished with two goals, an assist and Man of the Match honors. Despite the impressive numbers, though, it wasn’t just the Beas show. It was the America show. Literally. Every score for the U.S. in the 6-1 route of Cuba was assisted. The goals came from all over the box, in all different ways.

To no one’s surprise, though, the prettiest one started and finished with Landon. It was a six-pass beauty of a set-up, ending with Landon streaking toward the goal and tapping in a perfectly played ball. Coach Bradley sent in the young guns late in the second half and they didn’t hesitate to shoot off some fireworks either. Freddy had a picture-perfect cross for a 90th minute Onyewu header goal, which was finished with some good ol’ Gooch power.

Yep, Gooch put his penalty-area supremacy on display in both the attacking and defending halves, giving Tim Howard little to do in the cage.

The boys have now cemented a spot in the final round of qualifying. Look to see some younger talent get burn in the next match-up vs. Trinidad & Tobago (Oct. 15, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN).


1 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikesoccer/2009/10/12/how-to-enter-your-code-to-access-elite-training

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=332116195&mt=8

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

The Great Wall of Defense

Posted by Gronamo Oct 9, 2008

Throughout the MNT’s 2008 campaign to qualify for South Africa the defense has given up zero goals. Zip. Zilch. Nada. That’s right, they’ve been absolutely perfect.

The U.S. will take this unblemished record into this Saturday’s game in D.C. when they take on Cuba for a chance to secure passage to the Final Round of qualifying (ESPN Classic & Galavision at 7 p.m. ET). The Cubans most likely won’t put too much pressure on our rearguard, so the opportunity should be ripe for our attacking players, like Landon, Adu and Dempsey, to crank up the offense.

We know our D is solid, but we need to get our offense firing on all cylinders. As we advance in qualifying our attacking players will need to take the pressure off our defenders and force teams to play both sides of the field.

The foundation is laid with our incredible defense, anchored by Howard, ‘Los, Gooch and Bradley in midfield. Now we just need to build on top of that with some offensive fire power. As we look down the line to the likes of Mexico and Costa Rica, we’re going to need the total package if we plan to be in South Africa in 2010.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Celebrating in Style

Posted by Gronamo Oct 7, 2008

Normally people accept presents on their birthday; they’re not the ones handing ‘em out. Apparently that’s not the case with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, or at least not this year. On Saturday, day number two as a 27-year-old, the supremely talented target striker treated the soccer-loving world to a no-look, backheel goal that punctuated an exciting Inter Milan win. Ibra has improved his game in every aspect, and he’s high in the running for best striker in the game today.

That, of course, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t acknowledge the competition—especially a certain Spaniard in the Liverpool red. After his team put together a less than stellar first half against a Robinho-led Man City, Fernando Torres responded in the second 45 with the type of performance that brought this summer’s Euro to mind. With burning speed and pure instinct, The Kid is simply killing it right now.

Cesc did his fair share of rescuing as well. With the whistle seconds away from sounding and Arsenal trailing 1-0, Fabregas headed in the equalizer to salvage a point for the Gunners. And, a final shout out to Wayne Rooney, who took another step closer to fully recovering form for United.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

American Invasion

Posted by Gronamo Oct 6, 2008

Even Landon, the stronghold of American-born, American-based talent, is talking about a move abroad. Europe is where the top-level competition is at, and a trip across the Atlantic is often necessary to elevate your game. But it’s no longer uncharted waters. The boys overseas have made their way onto the pitch and into the headlines in every major league in Europe.

So where to begin? How about the core of the MNT – the rock solid D. Tim Howard and Oguchi Onyewu have more than proved their worth overseas. Gooch’s squad, Standard Liege, currently stands atop the Belgian Jupiler League thanks to an Onyewu-anchored backline. Howard has gotten the nod every game this season for a perennially strong Everton squad.

What’s more, the two American-lead defenses were pitted against each other on the world’s stage in a UEFA Champions league match played on October 2nd. That’s something you don’t see too often.

And of course, you can’t forget Freddy. Freddy might not be getting a ton of burn right now, but he is getting onto the pitch for some PT. And, Monaco is starting to turn to their younger players for goals, so look to see Freddy get some starts as the season wears.

Deuce Dempsey might not be getting a ton of PT for Fulham either, but he’s certainly getting some recognition. Give him some time already – you know he’s got the talent. And they like the Yanks in Fulham. Remember Brian McBride?

The American talent is staring the world in the face. The US guys are playing all over Europe. It’s been a long journey to garner this much acknowledgment, but it’s far from over, and the road remains a difficult one. But, we’ve got the skill and we’ve got the heart.


0 Comments 0 References Permalink
1

Tiempo: A Touch of Class

Posted by Gronamo Oct 1, 2008

If you want to control the game you must first control the ball. Well, that task has just gotten a whole lot easier.

Introducing the all new Air Legend II. The maestro’s boot of choice is crafted with one goal in mind – ultimate touch. The Tiempo combines super-soft leather with lightweight stitching for a stronger, lighter, more responsive boot.

Master your touch. Control the game.


1 Comments 0 References Permalink