Nikesoccer

Havana Here We Come

Gronamo — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:20:08 GMT

In the world of professional soccer there is no rest for the weary. Leagues across Europe are at full throttle, the MLS is gearing up for playoffs and the guys on the U-23 team are still recovering from a run of bad luck in China. But if there's one man who doesn't feel sorry for them it's Bill Bradley. Coach Bradley has one goal and one goal only: Qualify for South Africa.

The next step on the road to 2010 is an historic match-up this Saturday in Havana against Cuba.

The U.S. is coming off a big win against Guatemala in a very hostile environment. And, Saturday's game will be no different. So for the guys to find success against the Cubans it will start in the backline. Fortunately, the defense has been ironclad with Bocanegra, Gooch and Howard shutting down all opposing attacks.

The U.S. has only lost once in seven matches against Cuba, and the last time they met the U.S. walked away with a 4-1 victory off goals by Dempsey, Beasley and a brace by Landon. Donovan obviously likes playing the Cubans - in 2003 he became only the fourth U.S. player in history to slot home four goals in one game (the U.S. won 5-0). Let's hope that history repeats itself this Saturday. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET and you can catch the game on ESPN Classic and Galavision.

Then before the players even have a chance to say adios they're off to Chicago, where they'll face Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday, September 10.

The race is on and the finish line is South Africa 2010.

How to Build a Great Player

Gronamo — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:30:05 GMT

Having earned a reputation for unearthing and nurturing some of the most exciting young players in the world, Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about what makes a player great.

Watch the Arsenal manager's expert opinion on how great players are built, not born. Find out how the perfect balance of talent, intelligence and motivation can mean the difference between a few promising performances and a glittering career in football's upper echelons.

Dutch Master

Gronamo — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:21:36 GMT

The whistle blows for a free kick just outside the box. You're handed the ball. So what's it going to be? Power or placement?

For Wesley Sneijder, the answer is easy. Don't choose between the two when you can deliver a killer combination of both.

Give Sneijder a set piece and his brain's already whirring. How far out is it? How hard is the ball? What's the angle? The wind speed? What boots is he wearing?

Being one of Europe's dead ball masters isn't easy. But when free kick magic happens this often, you know it's not coincidence anymore. It's next level skill.

Next Level: Behind the Scenes

Gronamo — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:07:01 GMT

You've seen the TV ad as it followed the evolution of a non-league player into a European star. Now watch the banter flow behind the scenes as the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Wesley Sneijder give their advice on how to make next season your best.

Nike Live: The Fabio Cannavaro Show

Gronamo — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:56:36 GMT

Ever since Cesc Fabregas took all the plaudits with his very own TV show, fans across the globe have been wondering who'll be next to hit the silver screen.

Now the wait is over, as the lovely Giorgia Surina and comic trio The Three Medusas kick off part one of "The Fabio Cannavaro Show." First up, Il Capitano himself reveals the pre-match rituals that have brought him so much success. His top tip? Don't wind up Gennaro Gattuso.

Juve legend Ciro Ferrara rolls up to discuss Fabio's early days in part two, while celebrity ballboy Fulvio Varnacano gets the crowd on his side with the hilarious story of his career on the sidelines.

Part three sees Fabio, Marco Materazzi and co. take part in a studio strength challenge. With the crowd begging for more, even Giorgia flexes her muscles.

Gianluca Zambrotta crashes part four to explain what it takes to be a Captain Marvel like his compatriot Fabio, and three young hopefuls compete to prove that they've got what it takes to be the next Cannavaro.

Finally, world-conquering Italian coach Marcello Lippi joins the part five party to discuss that penalty shoot out and relive Fabio's finest hour in front of the studio audience.

It's what you've been waiting for. It's Nike Live: The Fabio Cannavaro Show.

Press play for part one.

10R: The Fight Behind The Flair

gabejazzy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:59:08 GMT

Ronaldinho is truly a once-in-a-generation talent. He possesses a rare mix of speed and technique, resulting in defense-smashing runs and stunning free kicks that can silence a stadium full of 80,000 opposing fans.

Before joining mighty AC Milan this season, Ronaldinho went on a tour of Japan, China, and South Korea. See how his deadly combination of tenacity and skill sends his adoring fans into a football frenzy.

Find out more about the fight behind the flair.

Grit and Grind

Gronamo — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:05:51 GMT

For the US MNT, no game in Central America is ever a walk in the park. And we definitely had our hands full against Guatemala in our World Cup qualifier.

In Guatemala City's Estadio Mario Flores, the noisiest crowd to watch Guatemala play in years gathered 25,000 strong to remind the US MNT that they hadn't won in Guatemala in two decades. Our boys definitely felt the hostility from the get go.

And that's what made the victory so fitting. On a day that saw forty fouls and two ejections, it wasn't necessarily elevated play, but old-fashioned grit and heart that made the difference.

When a second yellow card led to a US ejection, it looked like the Guatemalan pressure would overwhelm us. Then, out of nowhere, Beas to the rescue. After drawing a foul for a free kick in a dangerous spot, Landon played a beautiful ball into the middle of the box, which Gooch put a head on to force the best save of the day from the Guatemalan keeper.

Taking the ensuing corner, DaMarcus didn't hesitate to provide a top-notch ball straight to Bocanegra's head. ‘Los finished far post and the American defense, led by Tim Howard, held on with stellar play for the win. The road to South Africa continues in Havana, Cuba September 6 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN Classic.

One step closer to the cup.

USA All the Way

gabejazzy — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:20:24 GMT

With the championship game tied at zeros in the 96th minute, Carli Lloyd receives the ball twenty-five yards from goal. Without thinking, without hesitating she takes one touch to the top of the box and fires a shot at the Brazilian net. The goalkeeper reacts and lunges to her left. Too late, there is nothing she can do; the ball rips into the side netting. And, the US WNT goes up 1-0.

Inspired by Lloyd’s laser, the defense rallies around Hope Solo’s goal and endures a barrage of attacks by the desperate Brazilians. The South Americans throw everything they’ve got at the US in a last gasp effort, but Solo stands tall in goal. And, after 120+ minutes of brilliant soccer, the whistle blows and the US WNT has done it again – against all odds the USA defends their Athens gold and wins their third overall.

Perseverance in the face of adversity is Next Level.

Become Legends

Gronamo — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:34:49 GMT

The 2008/9 season will be the 20th anniversary of the famous night at Anfield when Arsenal went to Liverpool, on the last day of the season, needing to win 2-0 to snatch the title. Liverpool seemed destined to succeed, but against all the odds, Arsenal won the league. This season's new away kit commemorates this and challenges the new Arsenal squad to step up and become legends.

On www.becomelegends.com hear legends from the 1989 winning side Michael Thomas, Paul Merson, Steve Bould, Alan Smith meeting with the current squad Fabregas, Walcott, Adebayor, Van Persie, Gallas, Almunia and Toure to share the spirit and inspiration that is needed to "Become Legends."

Download images of the legends and current squad and relive the drama and tension as described by those that were there on the famous night at Anfield. Also, listen to the opinions of the legends on the talent and potential of the current squad, as well as their aspirations for the forthcoming season.

Michael Bradley on Inside Training

gabejazzy — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:38:50 GMT

If turning pro at sixteen years old isn’t enough, Michael Bradley is also the youngest player in America to sign with a foreign club. His father--a college soccer coach at the time of his birth--immersed Michael in the game as much as possible. And in no time at all, Michael quickly went from having a childhood dream of playing at the top level to actually living it.

Michael will tell you that it doesn’t happen over night. That’s why he’s so adamant about honing his skills when he’s not in a game. Everything he does, no matter how small it may seem at the time, is another opportunity to improve his playing. Listen to Michael share his insight about immersing yourself in the sport, and understanding the importance of training so you can take your game to the next level.

Freddy Adu on Inside Training

gabejazzy — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:37:22 GMT

In a few years, Freddy Adu, the nineteen year old attacking midfielder, may very well be one of the best players in the world. And it’s the weight of that expectation that goes with Freddy into every game. So far though, he’s been able to prove himself worthy every time his cleats have touched the pitch, and Freddy knows why--He never stops training.

Whether he’s with his team or on his own, Freddy tries to spend as much time as possible with the ball. Every time his cleat connects with the ball he knows his game is getting better. Hear one of soccer’s most remarkable young players spill his guts on how to take your game to the next level.

United Colors of Carli

Gronamo — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:00:32 GMT

Creativity is one of the most essential components of a soccer player. You can run till you’re blue in the face, but the difference between being good and being great comes down to a few moments of creative magic.

For the US WNT, Carli Lloyd is one of those midfield magicians. She has the vision and ingenuity to see gaps where others see stone walls, to see victory where others see defeat.

But, for Carli, it doesn’t stop at the sideline. Off the field, she is just as creative as she is on it. And it is because of this unique combination of attitude, style and imagination that Carli has been chosen as a NIKEiD featured athlete. As such, she created three stunning versions of her Mercurial boots on NIKEiD.com, which she will wear throughout the Olympics.

For the first pair, which Carli will be sporting in group play, she chose the colors red, white and blue to demonstrate her national pride. She also emblazoned the word ‘courage’ on her boots “to help remind me to stay the course regardless of the obstacles I may face.”

During the knockout stage, Carli will be wearing her custom-designed orange Mercs that say, ‘belief,’ because as the New Jersey native explained, “We are only as good as we believe we are.” These boots also have Carli’s boyfriend’s initials, B.H. (Brian Hollins), which represent his continual support and contribution to the design process.

If all goes according to plan and the women make it to the final, Carli will bust out her red and white Mercurials, which are dedicated to her personal trainer, James Galainis. “If it weren't for him Galainis, I wouldn't be playing on the U.S. team,” said Lloyd. “He has guided me and pushed me to limits I never imagined.”

So take a cue from Carli, soccer is all about conjuring up those creative moments of brilliance. And now, thanks to NIKEiD, you don’t have to leave your creativity on the pitch.

Go to NIKEiD.com to create your own customized boot.

The Olympics Heat Up Early

Gronamo — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:58:01 GMT

Though the official Opening Ceremonies, slated to be the most expensive and lavish in history, don’t begin until August 8, the US WNT will kickoff the actual competition on Wednesday night in Qinhuangdao (MSNBC, Wednesday, 7:45 AM ET) against the Norwegians. Like the men’s U23 squad, who will see their first test the following day (MSNBC and Universal HD, Thursday, 5:00 AM ET), the WNT is packed with skill and has high hopes for a podium appearance.

The WNT has already faced Norway twice this year, routing them on both occasions. The combination up front of speed, tenacity and air-prowess, will create a multi-faceted attack that will do its best to fill the Wambach void.

And despite the lack of goals, it’s clear that the men’s offensive weapons are lingering on the threshold of lethal. Freddy continues to create space and chances with almost every touch, and McBride is due for a bullet header in the back of the frame. Finally having a size advantage against the Japanese, we could see some serious changes.

Both American squads have rock-solid defenses. There’s no lack of talent. With the final touches applied, there’s potential for some serious precious metals.

So tune in early or set the Tivo. The Olympics are heating up early this year, and it won’t be one to miss.

Adu vs Bradley - Crossbar Challenge

gabejazzy — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:02:37 GMT

Freddy Adu decides to take on fellow teammate, Michael Bradley. The challenge: Be the first to hit the crossbar from center circle.

Watch it go down.

NIKETOWN Chicago Hosts FC Barcelona

Gronamo — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:30:24 GMT

On Friday afternoon, the historic Catalan club FC Barcelona visited NIKETOWN Chicago and were greeted by a sea of fans in red and blue. Hours before the squad arrived, Barca fans packed themselves into the main floor around the stage. The energy in the room was fantastic – football fans were eagerly waiting to see some of today’s biggest stars, while passionately chanting, “Barca, Barca, Barca!”

The time finally came when the club roster took the stage and they didn’t disappoint. Over twenty of Barcelona’s first team and reserves were waving to the crowd – on U.S. soil! Imagine walking into NIKETOWN, seeing a graphic of your heroes Bojan, Iniesta, Puyol, Marquez and Abidal, looking across the room and seeing them in person. NIKETOWN Chicago went ballistic.

Captains Carlos Puyol and Rafael Marquez, who the crowd referred to as Mr. Barcelona, were the first to speak. They reminded Chicago’s Barca followers that FCB is more than a club, with a strong desire to contribute back to the local community. Barcelona then made a generous donation to the Urban Initiatives non-profit program, which will help provide local children and schools with a better future, education and healthy environment. The donation was followed by a Q&A session, where the young members of Urban Initiatives each had a chance to ask these world-class players a question or two.

An hour later, it was time for the team to head off for a training session and they had to say goodbye. The crowd cheered them off and the memorable experience of seeing these La Liga all-stars up close and personal made a lasting impression on everyone who was there. Chicago football fans walked away with a great FC Barcelona encounter.