Nikesoccer

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.

The Manchester Three

Gronamo — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:22:05 GMT

Blistering pace. No-look passing. Sledgehammer shooting. Imagine defending for ninety minutes against one of the best strikers on earth.

Now multiply that by three.

Welcome to the world of the defenders tasked with keeping Manchester United’s striking trio of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez at bay.

And if you thought a strikeforce made up of Portugese, Argentinian and British players would be hampered by communication problems, think again. The threesome’s telepathic link up play produced well over seventy goals last season.

As Wayne Rooney explains, their different cultural backgrounds mean nothing on the pitch. When it comes to football, all three players speak exactly the same language.

Take it to the Next Level

gabejazzy — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:03:34 GMT

In this 2-minute film, Guy Ritchie takes you to the next level, giving you a first person perspective of what it’s like to train, play, score,(and puke) with the world’s best. Featuring the likes of Cristiano
Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and more.

Feel what it’s like to have millions of screaming fans eyeball your every move. What’s even more intense are the looks from Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger.

Experience the insanity when your number is called. No pressure.

What Wayne Knows

Gronamo — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:14:45 GMT

On May 21, Wayne Rooney will be in Moscow gunning for club football's ultimate prize. If he is to bring the trophy back to Old Trafford, Rooney will need to put into practice everything he's learned throughout his career. See what the man himself had to say about getting the edge in and around the box.

Rooney Talks T90

gabejazzy — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:23:41 GMT

Wayne Rooney skipped across the pond recently for a visit to Nike Headquarters, where he put his two cents in on the design of his favorite weapon: The T90

Rooney has been part of the T90's evolution since day one, working with Nike's elite team of researchers to test prototypes and tell the development team just what makes his game tick.

The Challenge

gabejazzy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:25:39 GMT

How badly do you want to be a soccer player?
Sign up for Nike Bootcamp.

Inside the Lab: T90 Laser II

gabejazzy — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:20:28 GMT

Power means nothing without accuracy. Anyone can spank the ball into the stands at terminal velocity, but only the very best can consistently make the stanchion clang like it’s been hit with a guided missile. As the design and research teams behind the new Nike T90 Laser II boot can testify, no one guides that missile better than Wayne Rooney.

According to Nike Innovation Lead Brian Baker, ‘Rooney has always been the embodiment of the T90 identity, so we brought him to Nike headquarters very early on for some extensive testing and trialling. And we feel this boot is a great personification of his attitude and personality.’ Inspired by the striker’s ‘tenacity and relentless fighting spirit,’ the newest incarnation of his weapon of choice is the product of two years of painstaking research, exhaustive testing and the input of a world–class athlete. All these elements have helped turn the Laser II from the Nike designers’ original sketches into what it is today: the most accurate soccer boot Nike has ever made.

We’ve all seen Rooney put it where he wants it. In technical terms, the T90’s newly increased sweet spot and V-twin lacing make for consistent ball-to-boot contact. In reality, this translates into one thing: ball distribution that can be measured in blades of grass, not meters.

The T90’s eVent membrane and newly engineered outsole could have been designed specifically for Rooney’s natural habitat – the legendarily damp Mancunian outdoors. Even when sheets of rain are lashing down, the feet inside a pair of Laser IIs are able to breathe whilst staying dry. Bladed studs offer traction and comfort, whatever the elements do to unsettle your game. And yes, soccer hurts – but not as much as it used to. The Laser II’s reinforced outsole helps support and stabilise the standing leg, making sure that planting your feet at extreme angles and speeds doesn’t mean a loss of accuracy.

A Death Adder’s markings tell you exactly what to expect. As Designer Morgan Stauffer explains, the ‘dark, ominous and sinister’ aesthetic of the new T90 Laser II is punctuated by flashes of color, likewise warning potential prey that they should prepare to be bitten. Stauffer confirms that the Laser II design ‘was driven by the idea of creating brass knuckles for your feet.’ Like Rooney himself, Stauffer continues, ‘we wanted them to be tough with true grit.’

Newly tooled-up strikers like Rooney and Fernando Torres might be hitting the net like a fisherman’s catch, but midfield generals Torsten Frings, Gennaro Gattuso and Owen Hargreaves are also kitting up for conflict in the new T90s. While centre backs Carlos Puyol, Rio Ferdinand and Fabio Cannavaro are spreading Laser-guided passes the length of the pitch, even shotstoppers like Paul Robinson are making devastating use of the T90 from their own penalty box.

The guys in the lab have done their bit. Now let’s see what you’ve got.

The Weekend In Review

gabejazzy — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:33:14 GMT

The ball never stops and neither does the sensational soccer action. Here’s a look at what went down over the last few days. Feed your football craving with a quick dose of the beautiful game.

Man U’s deadly strike force of Ronaldo and Rooney came through with two late goals to save their team from an embarrassing tie against Reading. The duo’s performance got Sir Alex understandably excited and he wasn’t afraid to show it, as he was a boisterous presence on the Red Devil’s sideline all game long. The win keeps United level with Arsenal on top of the Premiership table.

Today, Arsenal paid the price for fielding a young side in their Carling Cup match against Tottenham, as the Spurs beat the Gunners to book their place in the final. Aaron Lennon was lethal all game long with a goal and an assist to his name.

Over on the continent, Ibrahimovic threw Inter a late lifeline when he rescued his team with two goals to seal a 3-2 victory over Parma. The Parma fans were none too pleased about the call that set up the tying PK, but they could have no objections to Ibra’s second that sealed the win.

Those Stateside know all about Landon Donovan’s monumental weekend. The US striker calmly slotted a second-half PK to break the all-time US MNT scoring record with 35 goals. Not bad for a 25 year old. Here’s to another 35!

The Kick Around

gabejazzy — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:36:04 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo may not win the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year award (announced December 17), but after that game-winning crack against Sporting,it looks like he’s already getting his candidacy ready for a 2008 campaign. We’ve got to admit, it looked a bit presumptuous when he was lining the 30-yard free kick up, but when the ball hit the net and our brains rebooted after a moment of sensory overload, all that doubt turned into belief. Cantona anybody? With Rooney out with injury, things have been less than stellar for Manchester United in the Premiership, but in no way has the recent turbulence affected Cristiano’s swagger. His squad is undefeated in Champions League and there’s certainly still time to make a run at Arsenal in league play.

Speaking of Arsenal, if there’s one man who’s matched Cristiano’s brilliance, it’s the Nike Tiempo Air Legend II-wearing Cesc Fabregas. The 20-year-old Spanish midfielder has scored 11 goals so far this season, but more importantly, he’s conducted The Gunners offensive orchestra with more precision, creativity and maturity than ever before. A fascinating player to watch, we hope to see him back in action a recent spell on the injury list.

Barcelona and Inter Milan haven’t been too shabby either. Despite some reason turmoil in the clubhouse, the Catalans sit only four points behind Real Madrid in La Liga. Controversy has swirled around Ronaldinho this season, but with friends by his side, he’s kept that trademark Brazilian allegria, and is quickly finding his top form. For Inter, it’s been all about Ibra. The rangy Swedish forward has already knocked in 12 goals in Serie A, and in his last game showed off the finesse game with a perfectly paced assist.

If you’re looking for US MNT action, be sure to check out the U-17 games this week on FSC.

The Pain of Wayne

gabejazzy — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 20:53:54 GMT

On tour with the Sanchez Boys to find the most deadly accurate soccer player in the universe – where do you start? Rooney Manor’s a sure bet. Cue music and bare buttocks. The boys challenge the pinpoint accuracy of the Wayne in his own backyard.

This Is Team T90

gabejazzy — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:38:20 GMT

How do you build the most talented team in the world and keep it happy? We’re talking Gattuso, Puyol, Diego, Cannavaro, Frings, Rooney, Essien, Marquez, Torres and Malouda. Some of the best defenders, midfielders, and strikers in the game today.

Here’s a hint for all you future owners and general managers out there: money is not the answer.

Precision. Comfort. Style. Technological superiority. These are the tenets of Team T90 and the competitive edge every player wants that the new Nike Total90 Laser provides. It’s not just about highlighting your game. Listen to Team 90 and no matter what language the players are speaking or how they characterize their own style, you’ll hear the same basic message: Comfort leads to precision, precision leads to production, and production warrants notice. Whether you pride yourself on your tenacity, audacity, or consistency, you need to feel good on the pitch to perform your best over the course of a full match, and to feel good you need the right equipment. The players asked for something light yet supportive, with accentuated sweet spots for the areas they use most, whether striking, curling, or volleying the ball. That’s exactly what the Nike designers produced, and then they added a little yellow extra.

So far these professionals have been killin’ it in Champions League and International play with the new footwear. Now the summer is here and it’s finally open to the public. Take advantage and you’ll have the advantage. Play on.

Rooney On Target

gabejazzy — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:52:23 GMT

Rooney takes out a camera from 60 feet. Enough said, watch and learn.