The Soccer Locker

Ronaldo will stay with Man U

2006-07-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Manchester United want to keep Ronaldo...

After the whole sending of Wayne Rooney was blamed on Ronaldo, England fans everywhere basically hate him. That is why everyone was wondering where Ronaldo would go seeing as Manchester United could get some bad slack from it....

"Cristiano recently signed a new contract until 2010 and the club fully expects him to honour that contract. The club will not listen to any offers for Cristiano"

So it's official the 'booing' will continue in Old Trafford. Manchester United have decided to keep in, personally I would have liked to see him go somewhere else like Real Madrid but I guess it's just not to be.

What do you think about this?

Contribute to some lively chat! Josiah

The 'headbutt' incident to be investigated by FIFA

2006-07-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

FIFA are having an investigation into the circumstances surrounding France captain Zinedine Zidane's head-butt on Italy's Marco Materazzi during the World Cup final.

There has been a lot said by the media and it is hard to think what might have happened, people have said that Materazzi insulted Zidane's mother or sister or that he called Zidane a terrorist!

Materazzi denies this saying that he did throw an insult but it is one that is heard on the pitch dozens of times.

UPDATE: On a talkshow Zidane said that Materazzi said something that involved his mother and sister and that he repeated the phrase 3 times!
Who knows if this is true, I wonder if we will ever find out??

It is all quite contraversial, what do you think happened and what do you think might happen??

The guy who is wishing the World Cup never ended, Josiah

The World Cup comes to an end

2006-07-11T00:14:00.000-07:00

Well it's sad to say but the World Cup has finally come to an end.

We can thank Germany the host nation as they did an extremely good job, the organisation efforts were great and I am really impressed, it has been one of the most successful World Cups if you look at it.

What have I gotten out of this World Cup? Well I learnt that the best teams don't always win, fans definitely don't like divers (yes I'm talking about C.Ronaldo, nothing against him though he is still a great player) and probably most importantly; don't say anything to Zidane in extra-time when the game is tied up and there is pressure galore!

The Awards:

Klose took the Golden Shoe for scoring a total of 5 goals in the tournament! It's the lowest winning total since 1962 and I think that is because global Soccer is improving so much and international and or domestic team's defence is just getting so hard to breach. So congrats to Mirsolav Klose!

Buffon takes the Lev Yashin, the Lev Yashin goes to the best goal keeper at the World Cup finals, I definitely think he deserves it. He made some fantastic saves and I think without him Italy might not have even made it to the Finals. He showed why he is the best keeper in the world in this tournament and he was very deserving of the award.

Ronaldo breaks Gerd Mueller's all time Fifa World Cup scoring chart with 15 goals, OK so its not an award as such but it still worthy of the 'Awards Chart'. Ronaldo managed to score 3 goals this World Cup and my favourite would have to be the one where he was one on one and performed a Step over to beat the keeper. Yay for Ronaldo the top scorer of all time in the World Cup!

Contraversially the golden ball went to Zinedine Zidane. I think he played very well in the tournament, I especially liked his dazzling skills in the France-Brazil game. It was very sad to see him end his career like he did. But still he played well in the World Cup and I guess he deserved it so Congrats Zidane!

Brazil and Spain take the fairplay award...Well what can I say? Brazil and Spain played very fair thats one thing they have in common another thing is the both came out of the tournament fairly early. I think they deserved to go further in the tournament but atleast they both won something to in a way... make up for the loss.

The World Cup games had an estimated total of 30 billion watchers which proves that Soccer is growing on a global scale!

To conclude I have to say that the 2006 World Cup was absolutely brilliant,I loved it! Germany did very well as hosts and well it was near perfect! Oh yeah and before I forget......

CONGRATULATIONS TO ITALY!! 2006 WORLD CUP FINAL CHAMPIONS!!

What are your thoughts on this World Cup?

Until South Africa 2010, Josiah ;)

Zidane gets golden ball despite 'headbutt incident'

2006-07-10T03:42:00.000-07:00

Zinedane Zidane is named player of the tournament ahead of Fabio Cannavaro and Andrea Pirlo!

Past winners of the golden ball have been Oliver Kahn, Ronaldo and Maradona to name a few.

Zidane, who put France ahead with a penalty in the opening minutes of the World Cup final was given a red card after a vicious headbutt into Materazzi's chest during the tense second period of extra time.

Personally I thought the golden ball should have gone to Fabio Cannavaro but I admit Zidane still played well in most of his World Cup games.

At least this means Zidane can end his world cup on a more positive note....

Who do you think the Golden ball should have gone to?

Josiah

Zidane's headbutt - A shocking end to a fabulous career

2006-07-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

Zidane retaliates and headbutts Materazzi.....It was his final ever game and I can't believe it ended like this.... I am hoping that he does not retire yet because that would be a horrible way to end it.

It is just so sad to see such a legend end his glorious career like this. To me his was a fantastic soccer player and I just cannot see why he would want to end it like this!

It is just really sad to see him go like this, many were hoping that Zidane could end his legacy by winning the World Cup but it was not to be...

His headbutt was not called for but I still want to farewell Zidane on a good note lets face it, he was a brilliant soccer player, I just hope that people remember him for how he played and not the way he acted today.

What do you think about this?

Josiah

ITALY wins the World Cup for the 4th time!!

2006-07-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

It's official Italy has won the world cup!!! Italy are now World Champions once again winning the World Cup for the 4th time. Italy won on penalties 5-3 after a 1-1 draw in Berlin.

This is how the game went down, Italy seemed to dominate in an early start but six minutes into the first half it was France that took the lead! As Malouda went down suspiciously in the box, the ref blew his whistle and Zidane finished it off with a chip to beat Buffon.

I thought it was an unfair goal and was hoping for Italy to come back.....which they did! In the 19th minute a great corner from Pirlo which was met by a great climb by Materazzi, Redemption for Italy!!

Italy had many more chances in the first half and were in control which showed by their possession, but in the second half it was France who were the dominant ones.

Italy played more of a defensive game with Cannavaro being at the heart of the Italian defence.
France attacked time and time again but Italy kept the score at 1-1, this continued throughout the second half with Italy rarely attacking. Italy's greatest chance came in the 78th minute with a 25 yard free kick from Pirlo that just spiraled away from the bottom left corner! The game ended 1-1 and Italy and France faced extra time!

France again dominated extra time with Italy playing more of a defensive game. In the 104th minute a brilliant header from Frances Zinedane Zidane produced an amazing save from Buffon which showed why he is arguably the best keeper on earth!

A shocking twist in the 111 minute saw Zidane sent off for an uncalled for headbutt on Materazzi which was disappointing as it was his final game :(

The game continued with France being in control and Italy keeping up its tight defense, which meant the game was to go down to the dreaded penalty shootout.

Their was now an enourmous amount of pressure placed on the shooters and the keepers......

Italy did it!!! They scored 5 from 5 and defeated France 5-3.

In conclusion: Italy deserved it on the day, from their early attacking and brilliant defending it was just magnificent. I still feel for France because they persevered until the end but could not get through the Italian defence! Italy needed this win to uplift their sprits from the match fixing scandal and they did it!

Congratulations ITALY, The 2006 Fifa World Cup World Champions!!!

For a full match summary visit click here.

What are your thought on the match? Leave a comment below :)

Have a nice day, I know I will. Josiah

Germany defeat Portugal 3-1

2006-07-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Germany takes home 3rd place in the Soccer World Cup with a stunning 3-1 win over Portugal!

In the first half Portugal was the better team with dominant possession and more chances but the tables were turned in the second half with Germany creating a lot of chances.

It was Bastian Schweinsteiger night when he scored Germany's first goal in the 56' by beating a couple of defenders and slicing it into the back of the net.

In the 61' minute a free kick from Schweinsteiger was deflected from Petit and unfortunately went into his own net. In the 78' minute Schweinstegier produced a similar and magnificent goal with a vicious goal that Ricardo had no chance of stopping!

Portugal did not give up though and were finally rewarded with a great ball by Figo which was met by Nuno Gomes head and hit into the back net passing Kahn who had a terrific night also!

The game was great! I admired Portugal who never gave up but the night belonged to the host nation Germany. I also farewell Figo in what was his final international appearance ( I have a feeling he will be back though!)

On July 9th, 2006, millions of Soccer fans around the world will grab their comfiest chair, tune into their TVs to watch one of the most anticipated finals in 4 years!If there is one Sports final you watch this year make sure it is the World Cup final I believe it will be a spectacular game!

July 9th, 2006 Italy vs France

Happy Viewing!! Josiah

P.S. You have to watch this game!!! :) Who do you think will win? Post a comment :)

Portugal vs Germany!

2006-07-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

Well folks The Germany and Portugal game is coming up to decide who will be placed 3rd and 4th in the Soccer world cup, I'm rooting for Portugal but we will just have to see what happens..... I also can't wait for the Soccer World Cup final!

Anways there has been a lot of brilliant goals in the Soccer World Cup and to date here is my number one favourite goal of the Fifa World Cup 2006!

Maximum Maxi!

Argentina tied 1-1 with Mexico in overtime when Argentina Midfielder Maxi Rodriguez scores the goal of the World Cup. He catches a 60-yard pass with his chest, bumping the ball up into the air to setup a one-time, left footed volley from 20 yards which dips right into the upper far post! WOW! It was a brilliant goal that got Argentina out of some hotwater.

Stay tuned for the Portugal vs Germany game, who do you think will win? Post a comment :)
I think it will be a great Soccer game!

Happy Viewing! Josiah

A very inspiring video of Ronaldinho!

2006-07-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho Best World Player 2005

This video is awesome ! It just inspires me to play with all my heart and that is why I thought I would share it with you guys! Please watch it you will not regret it!

Ronaldinho is one of my favourite Soccer players because he just has such enormous skill! He is always smiling and I believe he is always playing to the best of his ability. Some may argue that he has not done well in the Soccer World Cup and I think that this is true as he did lose his form in the Soccer World Cup but he is still, in my eyes one of the best players in the world.

Josiah Happy Viewing :)

What do you think of it? Comment below

France through to the Final!

2006-07-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

OK so the game was not exciting as yesterdays but it was still a great game.

I thought overall Portugal played better than the French which showed by their possession but the France deserved the win showing their great defense.

France's goal came in the 33' when Henry was fouled in the box, this gave Zidane the chance to score the first goal which he did brilliantly against Ricardo.

From then on Portugal battled to score a goal but could not get through the strong defence of France. France was lucky to escape a near goal by Figo in the 78' minute when C.Ronaldo's free kick was parried away by Barathez and given to Figo who barely missed the goal from a header.

Disappointing result for Portugal who deserved a goal for their efforts. But congratulations to France who have now made it to the final!

Played of the day goes to Lilian Thuram who was the mastermind of the French defence!

Who will win the Final on July 09 2006 Italy vs France ? Post a comment :)

Happy viewing, Josiah

Italy wins 2-0! Italy Scores in last 2 Minutes!

2006-07-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

WHAT A GAME!!! Congratulations to Italy who definitely sealed their victory in the last minutes.

It started off relatively slow with the two giants battling back and forth. They both had a few good chances but after 90 minutes the game remained at 0-0.

The World Cup game then went into extra time and in the opening minute Gilberto Gilardino dribbled past the defense and took a small pass in shot which beat Lehman and.... hit the woodwork !

Then about 60 seconds later Zambrotta had a wonderful 20 yard strike that, guess what?............ it hit the post as well ! After this the game died down a little with both teams having a few chances.

Germany best chance came in the 111' when Podolski took a shot in the box which produced an absolutely magnificent save from Buffon!

The game then died down for awhile until there was only about two minutes left, I was beginning to think it would end up being a penalty game until.... Pirlo gave the ball to Grosso in the box and he curled it brilliantly past Lehman to make the score
1-0 with a minute to go!

Germany desperately tried their last attack but the ball was collected by Italy who quickly went on the offense ..... Gilardino was in Germany's box when Del Piero arrived Gilardino gave him a sneaky pass which Del Piero finished brilliantly. (2 goals in the final 2 minutes, crazy!)

That has to be one of the best games this World Cup and I recommend you watch the highlights of it here.

By the way, who do you think will be in the World Cup Final against Italy.

Happy viewing, Josiah

Happy Independence Day!

2006-07-04T04:13:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

Happy Independence Day to you Americans and I hope you enjoy it.( and Happy World Cup month!)

I don't really have much to say today so I am going to give you an article I found on the official website of the World Cup

Click here for the article.

Ohwell I guess most of us are just waiting in anticipation Italy - Germany Game.

Happy viewing, Josiah

Waiting patiently for the World Cup

2006-07-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hey people,

There is no World Cup games over these next few days so all the soccer fans from around the world will be waiting anxiously just like me............

Anyways to try and fix your World Cup cravings lets play a little quiz. The quiz can be found here. What did you get on your test, I only got one wrong so I got 98% !

Still bored? Well I got no more solutions for now........but you can come back later.

Wait ! Answer me this... In what year did the World Cup first begin?

First one to comment with the correct answer wins.......................... nothing, but they get my respect and get to show off their World Cup knowledge. Now who can argue with that? :)

I think when this blog gets more 'noticed' I am going to start giving away prizes! SO spread the word about this blog please

Bye for now, Josiah

The World Cup is getting exciting!

2006-07-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

I regret starting this blog during the World Cup and probably should have started earlier but better late then never

Anway this month I have been glued to my T.V. watching all the soccer world cup games live like about one billion others around the world!

Today in the World Cup action England were defeated by Portugal 3-1
The game was a very even battle but England fell under pressure in the penalty box. Though I cant blame it all on England's 'pressure' because Ricardo made some GREAT saves. Did you know that England has never won a game on penalties!

Also Brazil, the World Cup favourites somehow lost to France with a goal by Theirry Henry. It was a close game but Brazil failed to impress and couldn't get the tempo flowing. With player of the match being Zindine Zidane who played some brilliant soccer.

Next Soccer World Cup Game is The great Italy vs The hosts Germany and right after that it will be France vs the classy Portugal, these games should be great, and I can't wait ! Heres a schedule

Who do you think will make it to the greatly coveted World Cup final ? Post a comment :)

Happy Viewing, Josiah

Welcome to 'The Soccer Locker'

2006-07-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

Welcome to 'The Soccer Locker' (quite catchy ain't it?) My name's Josiah Humphrey and I am Crazy about Soccer, Yep I'm a Soccer Fanatic and proud of it! (I'm also not that bad at playing the game either).

While your here why not take a look around my Soccer blog....check out the Soccer links, bookmark the site and check back daily for all your soccer action.

Don't forget to leave a comment and contribute to some lively soccer chat!

Josiah