Nikesoccer : January 2012

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1

The Chance: Moon Goes Pro

Posted by AlejandroHeist Jan 31, 2012

Seon-Min Moon knows every game is an opportunity.

The determined midfielder pushed through the grind the of the SPARQ tests at The Chance trials to impress the scouts and coaches with his commitment and winning mentality. After joining the Nike Academy to prove he could cut it in European professional football, The Chance winner’s superb performances against a host of English clubs and Inter Milan caught the eye of Swedish scouts and earned Moon a two-year contract.

Nike Academy Coach, Jimmy Gilligan said: "Moon’s talent, playing style and potential to progress make him a valuable player. On behalf of all at the Nike Academy, I wish him every success. This is the beginning of his career in professional football."

Moon proved himself in The Chance, excelled in the Nike Academy and now he’s going professional. Every game is an opportunity. Congratulations Moon.

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez is an inspiration to millions.

Driven by dedication, the young Mexican has a sixth sense when it comes to finding time and space in the penalty box. He’s alert, sharp and has a first touch that never lets him down even in the tightest space.

In front of goal, Chicharito is a natural. He’s banged in goals at every level of the game, from junior leagues in Mexico right up to international tournaments. He’s got two good feet, he’s good in the air and he always makes an impact.

Chicharito has the killer instinct to get ahead of his marker and he’ll do whatever it takes to get the ball over the line. When there’s an opportunity to score, Hernandez takes it. Every time.

Hard-working and energetic, Chicharito is the ultimate team player, but in front of goal he’s in a class of his own.

Meet your match: Hernandez and the Tiempo

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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1

Next Wave: The Wall

Posted by NSblog Jan 29, 2012

Yann M'Vila is an opponent to be feared.

The young French international is a fiercely competitive player with a winner's mentality. Success at junior level has already given M'Vila a taste for trophies and he's hungry for more.

M’Vila is a rare breed of midfielder whose strengths lie both in attack and defense. He's the defensive shield and the offensive launch-pad and he can turn a match on its head in an instant.

Immense in the tackle, imaginative in possession and precise with his distribution, M'Vila dictates the flow of matches and hurts opponents when their guard is down.

He controls the tempo and shapes the result.

Meet Your Match: M'Vila and the CTR360

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.

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Next Wave: The Menace

Posted by NSblog Jan 29, 2012

For defenders, Bojan Krkic is a troublemaker.

Defences can’t relax even for a second when Bojan is around. He causes havoc amongst opponents and makes them pay for the slightest lapse in concentration.

A graduate of the world-famous La Masia, Bojan has the pedigree and the attitude to go right to the top.

His pace, agility and vision stormed the Barcelona youth ranks and his skill, trickery and knack of scoring important goals helped the club win everything the domestic game has to offer.

A bold, fearless competitor on the field, he’s not afraid to make career-changing decisions. Driven by a desire to prove himself, he left Spain to terrorise Italian defences. His quest to achieve greatness will never stop.

Meet Your Match: Bojan and T90

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Next Wave: The North Star

Posted by AlejandroHeist Jan 28, 2012

Sydney Leroux is hungry for the future to be now.

She scored her first full international goal in just her second game for the USWNT, which was played this week in her hometown of Vancouver, Canada. She also scored her fifth goal in that same game. It would appear Leroux got her wish.

Leroux, who was born to a Canadian mother and American father, switched national affiliations in 2008. The feisty forward has proved to be a dynamic presence at every level on which she has competed.

After winning the 2011 U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year award, she is now looking to break through at the highest levels of the women's game.

Learn more about Sydney's boot of choice, the Mercurial Vapor Superfly III, in the bootroom

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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Next Wave: The Finisher

Posted by NSblog Jan 26, 2012

Alex Morgan was born to be a striker.

She plays fast and runs hard, bringing an energy to the field that boosts her teammates and brings down opposing defenses.

She scored seven times in her first 16 games for the USWNT. Her late game-winning goals proved vital during last year's qualification games and then again during the team's run to the final in Germany.

As we saw with her Perfect Strike, Alex needs little time or space to make it count. Before you know it, she is past you and eying the goal.

If she gets any better, goalkeepers don't stand a chance.

Check out Alex's boot of choice, the T90 Laser IV, in the bootroom.

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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Hard Work Never Stops

Posted by NSblog Jan 25, 2012

After excelling at The Nike Academy and impressing a number of watching scouts, Tom Rogic stepped up to make his pro debut for his new club last weekend.

From The Chance to the top of the Australian league in less than a year, Tom's success is just beginning.

His hard work never stopped.

Learn more about the Academy and its players at the team's Facebook page.

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.

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1

André Ayew is relentless.

The wing sensation is a full-back’s worst nightmare. With the ball at his feet he’s lively, direct and unpredictable and without it his work-rate and positional sense stifle his opponent’s every attacking intent.

The Ghanaian moves at speed with the ball under his spell. He can take a defender on the outside or cut in-field and attack the goal. He’s deadliest from out wide but he can play anywhere across the front line.

Ayew is technically gifted and blessed with speed, agility and ruthless finishing skills. He may be young but he already boasts international tournament experience.

He’s a formidable all-round forward. And he’s getting better.

Meet your match: Ayew and the Tiempo

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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2

The Nike CTR360 Maestri II Elite is designed with one objective: control.

On the pitch, you want to dominate. Every touch should be perfect. Every pass: total precision.

New pass and receive pads give added traction on the ball for clinical distribution.

Dampening pods help cushion the pass for a flawless first touch to ensure you stay a step ahead of the game.

The new CTR makes its debut this weekend.

It's time to rule.

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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0

Next Wave: The Bullseye

Posted by AlejandroHeist Jan 22, 2012

Iker Muniain takes no prisoners.

The young Spaniard was born in the world-famous bull-fighting town of Pamplona and he’s inherited a bullish tenacity which is at the heart of his game.

Imaginative, attack-minded and fiercely driven, Muniain has all the attributes to succeed at the top level and he has the technical gifts to back up his tireless work rate.

Small in stature, big in presence, Muniain terrorises defenders from across the front line. His keen instincts, powerful right foot and targeted precision constantly turn half-chances into goals.

Still only 19 years-old, future glory is in Muniain’s sights and he’s ready to strike.

Meet your match: Muniain and the T90

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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Making History #Counts

Posted by NSblog Jan 21, 2012

#makeitcount with the game-winner.

Make history with a hat trick.

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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3

Royal Battle Begins

Posted by NSblog Jan 18, 2012


Two matches, one winner.

90 minutes to get the edge.

The royal battle begins.

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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Next Wave: The Wild One

Posted by NSblog Jan 18, 2012


Mario Balotelli is special.

Anything is possible when it comes to the tenacious Italian striker. On and off the pitch, Balotelli demands the spotlight. He burst onto the scene in Italy with blistering displays and spectacular goals and since arriving in England he’s got even more destructive.

With an arsenal of unpredictable tricks and turns, Balotelli seizes control of the game when it counts. His formidable combination of towering height, intimidating strength and quick feet give him the edge over defenders.

He’s an unpredictable genius and one of the brightest prospects in the game.

Balotelli and the CTR360.

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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0

Next Wave: The Whizz Kid

Posted by NSblog Jan 17, 2012

Juan Mata is a phenomenon.

Mata’s footballing brain is quick. He makes split-second decisions on when to dribble, pass or shoot and he makes the right call time after time.

He backs up big on-pitch decisions with the ability to execute them at high speed.

He disorientates defenders with rapid swerving runs with the ball under complete control. He cuts in and out, twisting and turning away from trouble and his final ball is always bang on.

Mata has the pace and movement to trouble any defence in the world and he’s smart enough to use it when it can hurt opponents most. He can unlock defences with intelligent passes, darting dribbles or searing strikes from distance. However he chooses to attack, he’ll be quick and ruthless and he’ll get results.

Meet Your Match: Mata and the Mercurial

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2

Next Wave: The Chosen One

Posted by NSblog Jan 16, 2012

Thiago Alcántara do Nascimiento knows pressure.

Big things have been expected from the dynamic midfielder since he was a young boy. Both of his parents were professional athletes and, at Barcelona, he's seen a string of stars dazzle the Nou Camp. Now it's his turn.

Pressure has been his making. Even in the most hostile football environments, nothing puts him off his game. His pinpoint passes never miss their target and his thunderous drives from distance rain down on goal.

Thiago is unpredictable on and off the pitch. He plays the game his own way and he makes his own decisions. He chose Spain over his father's native Brazil and he's already started to shine for the current world champions.

His destiny is to become a footballing great. His goal is to fulfill that destiny. He's right on target.

Meet your match: Thiago and the T90

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.

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4

Next Wave

Posted by NSblog Jan 12, 2012


Next Wave players are an exciting new breed of young footballer with a brilliance that can't be learnt, instincts that can’t be taught, and innovative methods of overcoming opposition.

It takes boldness and daring to do things differently and Next Wave players are driven by a confidence and conviction to fearlessly attempt the unexpected.

A select group of young players that thrive in hostility, shine under pressure and act on split-second impulse, their potential has evolved into game-changing ability.

From the confident young leaders setting the example, the raw speed demons leaving experienced defenders for dead, and the fresh-faced goal assassins living to hit the back of the net, Next Wave athletes have exploded onto the scene with dazzling debuts and standout performances.

For these future stars, excelling for their clubs and beginning to make an impact for their country, 2012 is their stage. They are Next Wave.

Have your say and join the conversation with Nike Soccer on Twitter and Facebook. Watch all the latest videos from Nike Soccer on Youtube.


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