SoccerWorld

Soccer tournaments in California are numerous compared to other state in the country. It also boasts some of its top players in the sport. Among them are members of the renowned US National team like Joe Max More, Eric Wynalda, Lando Donovan and Brandi Chastain. Most of them spent their early career in California fields. Because of the good weather with a 70 degree climate which can be experienced all throughout the year, California is a perfect place for sports competition and events as well as a great tourist destination for travelers. One of the most prestigious soccer tournaments in California is the Surf Cup which is in San Diego. This tournament had attracted a lot of teams around the country...

European soccer is one of the first groups of organization who joined the World Cup. They have the most popular clubs and players and they are the 2nd most watched in Europe and the world. Here are the four teams who have the most wins. Manchester United - This club is one of the most successful in the Premiere League. They won the title 10 times. They have also the most number of great players like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Edwin Van Der Sar, Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand and many others. AC Milan - AC Milan is definitely one of the best; they have also won various titles in the European Super Cup, the Cup Winners Cup and have reached the UEFA Cup finals. Popular players include Kaka...

Can you teach defending concepts to younger players? When teaching defending to developing soccer players we should keep two things in mind. There is the "concept of defending" and the "skills of defending". Here, we will take a brief look at some of the concepts and thoughts. While we don't want to start teaching 9 year olds about the thirds of the field, it does help expose them to the theory that we act or behave differently in these areas. A simple explanation about the field being three parts is good enough for any age. The defensive third has its own set of rules. We should follow the rules at all times. Rule 1: We are not trying to win the ball; we are trying to protect the goal. Defenders...

winning vs. Winning in youth soccer       So you won the league championship, you got the trophy the praise and all the hoopla that goes with it.  But what did you really win?  Could your team compete and win against the best European and South American sides your age?  Would a top youth coach classify your competition as top notch?  If so you are definitely going in the right direction and have done a great service to your young players.  If not you may want to rethink your game strategy.  Is winning every game more important then concentrating on developing individual and team skills that will last a life time?  I tend to think that up until u14 or u 15 developing individual and team...

There are different affordable youth soccer drills and player requirements that go along with different styles of soccer. Both styles can be equally effective if taught properly. It's very important to have your players understand basic concepts of both philosophies, but make sure they know the style your team is using in depth. The two styles we are going to be focusing on are: 1-Brazilian (Possession) 2-English (Direct) Brazilian's play a very attractive brand of soccer. They possess the ball extremely well and make the opposing team run ragged in attempts to win it back. It's a very patient style of play. These young players from this country are given affordable youth soccer drills from their...

In my earlier article "MLS in Atlanta? Why Not Make it a Double?" I brought up quite a few areas that warrant further exploration. Several of the discussion points centered around how to make soccer in America as popular a spectator sport as it is a participation sport. My ideas I'm sure are not new, but there seems to be a paucity of information out there for the interested, yet unknowing, average American sports fan. Bringing that information to light, I believe, will help frame a more enlightened discussion. Going in to this discussion, I realize that MLS is working...albeit slowly...but working nonetheless. The founding fathers of MLS learned from the catastrophic mistakes of its 1970's...

has big discounts on officially licensed club and federation apparel. Currently, they are offering an up to 50 percent off coupon code. Simply click the link below to activate this coupon code: Click Here to Visit and Get up to 50% off Soccer Season may be over and the next world champion may be crowned (congratulation to Spain on their World Cup Victory) but the game never ends.  Now you can celebrate the joy of your favorite team while saving a lot of cash when you visit, World Soccer Shop at   This site is a great place to find everything you are looking for to keep the excitement of the game you love alive year-round. At World Soccer Shop you can easily shop for your merchandise by team...

When I started to play soccer I didn’t had a clue of what to eat before and after my practice or games. In fact, I didn’t even know how important proper nutrition was for my performance on the field. However, I was aware of that eating properly helped me to perform better, but I wasn’t able to figure out what to eat. I thought that eating pizza and drinking coke before a game was the ultimate soccer food. Today I feel pretty dumb but we all learn from our mistakes :-) In this article I will give you valuable soccer player nutrition tips that will help you avoid making same mistakes as I did. Let’s start… Soccer Player Nutrition Tips - Carbohydrates Eating quality carbohydrates is vital for...

If you are going to purchase puma soccer cleats, there are a variety of things to keep in mind. You'll probably spend a good bit of time wearing these cleats, so they need to be the right ones for you. Here is your buying guide to help you make sure you get a great pair of cleats that will help you play your best at your soccer games. Probably one of the most important things to consider when purchasing puma soccer cleats is to consider the comfort. You definitely want to make sure that your feet feel great when you are out there playing on the field trying to win the game. You'll want a tight fit when you purchase, since they will expand a bit as you wear them. Consider what type of playing surface...

A lot of brands have invaded the world of sports. From shirts to headgears and footwear, these brands are becoming more and more popular because of their line in sports wear. Adidas is a well known brand, and a lot of people choose this brand because of the quality it carries. Below are the Adidas soccer shoes for women that are available, with brief descriptions. · Kissella III TRX FG - This pair of shoes is made of materials that can let feet have comfort even for a continuous and furious play of 90 minutes. Along with ease in putting them on, this pair is sure to be a favourite. · Taipa Light - The style of this pair speaks of both fashion and comfort. Its...

Nike and Adidas are top rated shoes worldwide and so for soccer boots. Having their shoes worn by these winning teams are ways for them to get good sales. I was watching a fashion show to get new trends of shoes. Wonder how some manage to buy them. Were they reliable enough? Is it worth spending? Or is it just as ordinary as others used to wear? Well, that goes along with soccer footwear. It may not be trendy or fashionable but soccer players rely on it. It's the one that will get them ran fast and kicks the ball right into the net! Such kind of shoes deserves to be on sports. I used to remember how soldiers looked good with their combat shoes. Helped then stand firm, walk tall and run fast. These...

Ultimate control is provided to the elite player with the Samba Vulc. This Adidas masterpiece is ingrained with fine quality defining properties. These range from the full grain leather used to the gum rubber impressed to make a mark with the Adidas Samba Vulc. The whole sports feel experience is taken to a whole new level with the world class rubber and comfort elements that make every Vulc special. Put A Little Pep In Your Step! The Samba Vulc can be used for all kinds of sports though it rules the roost when it comes to indoor soccer. These shoes are just what you need for putting just a little pep into your step, whether you want to walk in style or whether you are up for a game. They...

A question that often pops up when buying football boots (soccer cleats) is whether to choose boots made from leather or synthetic materials. Both types of boots have their pros and cons but it's difficult to judge whether one is better than the other. Read on to find out which type of boot is suitable for you. Up until the turn of the century, leather boots were considered superior than their synthetic counterparts and not surprisingly worn by the majority of professional players. At that time, leather boots were far more comfortable and better feel and provided better control. But due to the advancement in technology, synthetic boots are now considered equal if not better than leather boots. Even...

The construction of modern day football boots is much more advanced compared with how they used to be manufactured. In the past soccer shoes were very basic and there was only a small amount of difference between the leading manufacturer's products. The only visible identifying factor was the logo or brand that each manufacturer included on the boot. The main football boot materials were black leather and plastic. Nowadays sportswear giants have a huge budget to spend on design and development of new soccer shoe designs. Extensive research goes into how improvements can be made by using certain materials. The aim is often to make the boots more lightweight while still providing ample protection for...

Adidas soccer cleats are made for hard ground and firm ground. Cleats are made for playing soccer; the shoes have studs to be firm on the ground and will have control. This is on the bottom of the shoe to prevent players from sliding and for them to have foot control. There are many brands to choose from when it comes to soccer cleats. What I like most is the soccer cleats of Adidas brand because it is durable and strong. It holds firmly on the ground and the shoe has great designs too. One of the most popular endorser of the product is David Beckham. As we can see it is obviously Becks favorite kind of brand. It is comfortable to wear and very light. A lot are choosing the brand because it is more...

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world amongst people of all ages and genders. If you play soccer, you probably understand the importance of wearing the right kinds of shoes while you play. However, it is not always easy to figure out which shoes are best for you. If you are having a hard time finding the right womens soccer shoes, this article may be able to help. Not everyone needs to invest in soccer shoes. There are some cases in which you really only need a good pair of running shoes or sneakers. For example, if you do not play the game competitively, you probably do not need them. Also, if you play on concrete, sneakers may work better. If you prefer playing soccer while wearing...

There can always be a debate as to which are the best soccer shoes available today. Different people may have different opinions about the same based on their personal experience. Some may argue that Adidas Predators and the Nike Mercurials are the best of the lot. While some others may claim that Nike Air Legends are their favorites. There are many factors that come into consideration while selecting the best soccer shoes. Of course comfort come first and the next in line is the weight. Many players today prefer light weight shoes. You might need a completely different pair on muddy days or if you are playing on artificial turf. Wearing regular shoes on turf can cause knee injuries. You need...

World Cup 2010 is approaching and the whole world become crazy for it. The fans show the overwhelming enthusiasm. The grand occasion warms the heart of people and also pushes the Wholesale Jerseys business. If a fan is more interested in showing support than wearing the authentic jerseys, a replica  soccer jersey may be a better choice. Those jerseys offer the same styling as the authentic jerseys, but they are less expensive and a bit more comfortable. Get your own soccer jersey, and you will feel like part of the excitement and no one will make fun of you for not being a true fan! You can find jerseys at a number of places, you can either shop at apparel stores or you can take your World Cup...

Soccer is one of the most popular games all over the world and the craze for cheap soccer jerseys has captured people of all ages around the world. This has lead to manufacturing of cheap soccer jerseys by even the most famous brands in the world. These jerseys are easily available in stores and can be purchased at decent rates. With the world cup starting the next year, companies have paced up the manufacturing of such kinds of jerseys. A month or two before the world cup these jerseys are sold in large numbers and at times jerseys of the local teams also go out of stock. So if you are looking to support your favorite team this world cup, this is the perfect time to purchase a sports jersey...

Major League Soccer has been trying for years to gain traction in the heart of American sports fans, but they've re-amped their efforts following a wildly successful World Cup. The South African games had more viewers than any previous Cups. Major League Soccer managers and players are hoping that the soccer fever had more to do with the sport than the vuvuzelas, and that excitement for the game will carry into their current season. With this new American understanding of the sport and its power players, MLS teams are scurrying to sign some of those names to their rosters. Thierry Henry was one of the first players to accept the trade or loan to MLS. The newest player to come to the land of the free...

England's isolated Soccer Worldcup triumph was a home win in 1966. However this glory is now a vague recollection as the team neglected to attest their title as predicted, in 1970. Their failure to qualify in three world soccer qualifying games has also impacted the team's overall success. However, after a chain of feeble performance under Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren, there seems to be a refreshing boost of energy in the team thanks to coach Fabio Capello. With a new gleam of faith for the Three Lions' squad, the team needs to recuperate their stature. With their existing display of confidence and the fact that the weather conditions throughout the South Africa Worldcup 2010 will be in...

Carlos Bocanegra is the American national soccer team captain. The centre back currently plays for Rennes, a Ligue 1 French team. Though his name stays largely out of the papers, with the American success in the first round of the World Cup he's become a bit of a minor celebrity in the in recent days. Bocanegra played as a UCLA Bruin before being signed into the professional leagues. He was drafted by Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire in 2000. That year the Fire won the U.S. Open Cup, and Bocanegra was awarded the title Rookie of the Year. He played with the Fire until 2004, and won Defender of the year in 2002 and 2003. In 2004 he was signed by Fullham Football Club, in one of the Burroughs of...

One of the most anticipated football clubs in the world is the Mexico National Soccer Team. Mexico, a beautiful country with its passionate, loving, friendly, and warm people, is home to breathtaking and exciting games. Young and old, the people of this country consider the sport as a challenging and beneficial activity. Being the most popular and most watched game in the entire planet, football is widely played in Mexico. Everywhere in the state, various tournaments are held and are participate by the aspiring clubs across the country. A large part of the soccer enthusiasts in Mexico are the young people or children. They learn the techniques and skills of the game at an early age hoping to be...

The Honduras soccer team or the Honduras National Football Team that goes by the moniker Los Catrachos is the nation's official soccer team. The team is under the management of Federacion Nacional Autonoma de Futbol de Honduras. They were emerging with power in the CONCACAF since there third place wrap up in the Copa Americana in 2001. Their participation in the said cup can be considered an untimely one because they just only replaced Argentina when the latter backed out of the league a day before the kick off. Honduras was able to qualify only once for the World Cup, that was in 1982. The team had managed to get a draw against two opponents, the host Spain and another with Northern Ireland, a...

El Salvador soccer team goes with many nicknames. The team was invariably called Seleccion Cuscatleca, La Azul, La Selecta and Cuscatlecos. The head coach of the team is Carlos de los Cobos and the team captain is Afredo Pacheco. The player who garnered the most caps is Luis Guevara Mora and the team's top scorer is Jorge "Magico" Gonzales. Their home ground is Estadio Cuscatlan. They ranked number 50 on FIFA in 1992 (their highest FIFA ranking) and in 2006, they plunged to the ranking of 169, their lowest FIFA ranking. Their first international match happened in Guatemala City, Guatemala in September 14, 1921 against Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans dominated the game with the score of 7-0. The biggest...

Manchester United, arguably the most popular soccer team in the history of the sport, is based out of Old Trafford, United Kingdom. The Red Devils, or "The Reds", as their fans affectionately call them, is the most profitable club in the world, thanks to their huge fan base. In addition, they are the richest and most valuable soccer team in the world, according to Forbes List. While hosting such players as David Beckham (Cristiano Ronaldo) and Wayne Rooney, popular players aren't the only things that make Manchester United such a great team. They are currently ranked as number one in the Premier League, the highest division of soccer in England, with 87 points. To put this into perspective to those...

Italy soccer team or most commonly known the Azzurri team is one of the best soccer team in FIFA World Cup history. Team members are; Alessandro Costacurta, Alessandro Del Piero, Alessandro Nesta, Christian Vieri,Dino Zoff, Franco Baresi, Francesco Totti, Gianni Rivera, Gianfranco Zola, Giampiero Boniperti, Gianluigi Buffon, Giancinto Facchetti, Giuseppe Bergomi, Giuseppe Meazza, Gigi Riva, Paolo Maldini, Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio, Sandro Mazzola, Silvio Piola, and last but not the list Valentino Mazzola. Azzurri team means "azure" or blue the traditional color of the Italian team. It has a connection to the Italian dynasty since 1861when Italy was unified. Azzurri marked to the people of Italy...

USAFA Soccer Team is a part of the athletic team of the academy. Many schools and state colleges include the sport soccer as part of their athletic curriculum. This curriculum aims to provide students not only academic knowledge but as well as physical fitness. The United Air Force Academy is one of the colleges which provide this curriculum. The academy is one of the colleges which are accredited to provide education for officers of the US Air Force. As part of its fitness program, all cadets are required to take part in the schools athletic program. Because of the nature of work of the cadets in the Air Force, physical and mental fitness is of great importance. A fitness test is also regularly...

A participant of Major League Soccer, America's top caliber soccer league, D.C. United Soccer Club is a club that can be found in Washington D.C. The club itself is well thought-out as the United States' most triumphant club in the history of American soccer. The club had won in the U.S. Open Cup and they were holding a record of four MLS Cups, a feat unsurpassed in American soccer record. They also hold a record for four MLS Supporters' Shields. Aside from these feats, they were also the only club that has been awarded back-to-back with MLS Supporters' Shield in 2006 and 2007 respectively. They were also the first and only club that has been awarded back-to-back again with MLS Cups in 1996 and 1997...

Many coaches start a soccer season with a specific formation in mind. Whether it be 4-4-2, 4-3-3, or any other, they know it has worked in the past, and they are confident it will work in the future with any team they coach. Is this a correct approach? Will this attitude lead to success? This will explore that thought process. While having an idea in mind of how you would like your team to play is great, having an open mind along with that is a necessary foundation for success. The best and most successful coaches in any level of soccer do not select a desired formation prior to knowing their players. They build their formation and system around what their players' various skills and abilities are...

What is the storm soccer bowling ball? Is it used for soccer or bowling? This unique bowling ball is used for bowling. The appearance of which may be very deceiving as it looks like much of a soccer ball than a bowling ball It is made of a high quality ultra-clear polyester wrapped around the core of a soccer ball which gives it the under glass look. For a while, it would make you wonder whether you are going to roll or kick it. This ball is not drilled. It has gained Sur-D ratings of 85 to 90. It provides straighter roll than a corner kick which is very important for its tremendous durability and ultimate control. The manufacturer of this ball had a lot to offer to bowl enthusiasts. They have a...

His full name is John George Terry. He was born in London, England on 7 December 1980. Terry is a professional soccer player of England. His playing position in the field is as a centre back. In the Premier League, he is the captain of Chelsea club. Terry is considered as one of the best defenders in European soccer. And in the 2005 UEFA Champions League, he was chosen as best defender. From August 2006 until February 2010, He was captain of the England national football side as well. In August Terry was established as the England captain, and will captain England in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. But On 5 February 2010, following accusations about Terry's personal life, Fabio Capello publicized...

As we watch the 2010 World Cup, Americans are amazed at how intense the fans are throughout the world. Is absolutely incredible, and even though soccer today is not as big as football, basketball, and baseball, it surely will be in the future. It turns out that the 2010 census is revealing that there are an ever increasing number of Hispanic folks in the US, and they are the fastest-growing demographic segment - and on average; they love soccer. Indeed, so do I, as I played soccer for seven years as a young man, and nowhere near the level of these incredible players in the World Cup of course, but enough to understand the game, and love it for what it is. The team work, the training, the agility...

Dragon Ball Z games are improving day by day and at present they address concerns and complaints of players to create a high quality playable product. Games use flash work for playing them, which is appreciated by children. Special techniques have been incorporated retaining the better flavors of previous games and the ability to fight the dragon has been increased. The assault command has been altered with various effects to make the battle more interesting. Newer setups have been introduced to give a new shape to fighting dragons and use of artillery power. Dragon Ball Z. provides strong appeal to kids with the sense of facing challenges in a fantastic environment with contesting spirit remaining...

Soccer is still considered a very exciting and action-packed sport. From the cunning strategies the players use, to the unexpected outcomes, soccer is every bit a thrill. That's why an increasing number of soccer lovers and even mere sports enthusiasts are attracted to online soccer betting. Online betting for soccer operates just like other sports bets. However, it requires more skill and knowledge in placing a bet. So, you need advanced strategies to be successful in soccer waging. Here are 3 online soccer bet tips to boost your chance of bagging that victory. Tip #1 - It will be very helpful if you will subscribe to online soccer bet tips. Most professional soccer gamblers publish monthly tips to...

The Adidas F50 soccer shoes are some of the most popular soccer footware ever made. There are many different variations on the F50 shoe, but they all have some similarities: each is lightweight, durable, and has interchangeable soles for long wear. Frequently, they also have replaceable soccer cleats and a covered lace placket for a flat kicking surface. Also touted for the thin but sturdy materials they are made from, these football shoes allow excellent feel of the ball. Unlike the old F50 soccer shoes (Adidas F50 TRX)Newer varieties of the Adidas F50 soccer shoes are made with Sprintskin, a ground-breaking microfiber that gives the fit of a second skin. Shortly after his return to Bavaria from...

England's isolated Soccer Worldcup glory was a home win in 1966. However this glory is now a vague memory as the squad failed to maintain their trophy as anticipated, in 1970. Their non-qualification of three world soccer qualifying tournaments, has paid it's price on the team's overall success. But, after a suite of modest performance under Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren, there seems to be a refreshing boost of energy in the team thanks to coach Fabio Capello. With a new glimmer of faith for the Three Lions' squad, the team needs to restore their stature. With their recent display of confidence and the fact that the weather conditions throughout the South Africa Worldcup 2010 will be in...

Spain clinched their spot at the FIFA 2010 World Cup with the same record as their close European counterparts England; an unblemished 8-0. The Spanish national team made their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1934, but thanks to both the Spanish Civil War and World War II they did not play in the competition again until 1950 - when they achieved their best ever finish - fourth place. Years of decline followed though, even though at various sides have included the incredible Alfredo Distefano and the legendary Raul. In 2007 though, under the guidance of Jose Villalonga, a whole new Spanish team began to emerge, led by Fernando Torres, the 23 year old who is also considered one of the English...

These moments are not in any order but a symbol of how they enhanced the beautiful game. 1. Togo's players celebrating their first goal in the world cup against South Korea in their opening match. No one can guess that they are not being paid for playing in the world cup. 2. Philip Lahm perfect goal against Costa Rica in the 6th minute led way to a high scoring World Cup. 3. Argentina second goal against Serbia & Montenegro arguably one of the best goals in world cup history. It constitutes 24 passes, a backheel to create space in the 18 yard box, 8 outfield players touched the ball in the move and a superb finish by Cambiaso. 4. Maxi Rodriguez superb volley in extra time to dispose off...

Outright Odds: 150/1 Group G Winners: 4/1 Switzerland qualified from the same group as Group F opponents France and also remained unbeaten in 10 qualifying matches, with four wins and six draws. After finishing in runners-up spot they faced Turkey, a side they had beaten just once in their history, in the play-offs. After winning the first leg 2-0 they almost lost their nerve and needed to rely on the away goals rule as Turkey won the return 4-2. The line between success and failure was a narrow one in the tightest of all the European groups. Switzerland finished level on points with Israel, but made the play-offs due to a superior goal difference. Manager Jakob "Kobi" Kuhn has revived the national...

Outright Odds: 1500/1 Group B Winners: 50/1 Trinidad & Tobago will be looking to cause a few upsets after qualifying for the World Cup finals for the very first time at the eleventh attempt. The 'Soca Warriors' beat Bahrain 2-1 across a two-legged play-off to reach Germany but also beat Mexico, ranked seventh in the world, along the way. Dennis Lawrence headed in the decisive goal in Bahrain but it was the final North, Central American and Caribbean Zone group match against the 40/1 (Bet365) Mexicans that will be best remembered. Trinidad & Tobago needed a win in order to beat Guatemala to the precious play-off spot but fell a goal behind and even missed a penalty before a Stern John double...

> With the 2006 FIFA World Cup nearly upon us excitement is building to see which country will come out on top. WC2006B offers up to date betting information as well as a fantastic free World Cup Electronic Wallchart and Sweepstake Kit. The Germany hosted 2006 FIFA World Cup is nearly upon us and excitement is building to see which country will come out on top and claim footballs greatest prize. If you want to keep up to date with all of the goings on throughout the tournament, then is the one stop shop for all of your World Cup requirements. The website looks great, is easy to use and boasts the best odds and free bet promotions available from a range of online...

Outright Odds: 50/1 Group B Winners: 9/4 Sweden battled their way through an awkward qualifying group which included Croatia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Iceland and qualified as one of the two best placed runners-up. The Swedes lost narrowly 1-0 to Croatia both home and away but eight wins out of eight against the rest of their opponents saw them level on points. The Swedes boast excellent organisation at the back and their defence shipped just four goals in 10 qualifying matches. Goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson was a revelation in qualifying, arguably making one mistake against Iceland in a match Sweden won comfortably. The Rennes stopper is a worthy replacement for the veteran Thomas Ravelli who won over...

Outright Odds: 200/1 Group B Winners: 8/1 Paraguay have qualified for their third successive World Cup finals, but like fellow South American qualifiers Ecuador, their route to Germany was an inconsistent one. After leading the group early on, just one win from seven games in 2004 followed. However, this was levelled out overall with eight victories, four draws and six defeats, seeing them finish in fourth position with a round of fixtures to spare. Viewers will no longer be treated to the talismanic goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert, the veteran captain and dead-ball specialist who has now retired. He failed in his attempt to become the first goalkeeper to score in the finals but was superb at...

Outright Odds: 250/1 Group E Winners: 12/1 After winning four African Cup of Nations titles and producing players of the calibre of Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah, the Black Stars have qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time in 10 attempts, stretching back to 1962. Despite being a force in African football between the 1960s and 1980s, qualification for the World Cup was never a serious exercise and more recently the country suffered from poor management both on and off the pitch to scupper their attempts to reach the 1994, 1998 and 2002 finals. However, this problem was eradicated under new manager Ratomir Dujkovic. The Serbian took over in December 2004 after Portuguese coach Mariano...

Red hot favourites Brazil received a favourable draw as the group stage of the 2006 World Cup was announced on 9 December. The 16/5 favourites were drawn into Group F with Croatia, Australia and Japan. Hosts Germany also has a relatively easy group with opposition provided in the form of Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador. However, not everyone was so lucky. Groups C and E have "group of death" credentials with Argentina, Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro and Holland facing each other in the former, while Italy, Ghana, USA and the Czech Republic will battle it out in the latter. GROUP A Germany 7/1 Costa Rica 500/1 Poland 125/1 Ecuador 200/1 Germany should be able to qualify from Group A comfortably...

Outright Odds: 9/1 Group C Winners: 5/4 Following a dismal World Cup four years ago which saw first round elimination, Argentina will look to make a serious impact at this year's finals. Again, they enter as one of the favourites to win the tournament but there are still doubts as to whether they can compete with great rivals Brazil when it really matters. Argentina were the first side to qualify from the pool of South American teams vying for a place in Germany, although a defeat to Uruguay in the final match saw them finish second on goal difference to Brazil. Argentina managed to beat Brazil 3-1 at home but lost by the same score earlier on in qualifying. However, a single win against the...

All 32 teams have played two matches as the World Cup groups have started to take shape. Some teams have qualified for the knockout stage while others will sweat on the last match. This is a short round-up of Groups A to D, of the results as they stand after two matches. Group A 1. Ecuador 6pts, 2. Germany 6pts, 3. Poland 0pts, 4. Costa Rica 0pts Ecuador are the unlikely leaders of Group A and have secured their place in the last 16 with a convincing 3-0 win over rock-bottom Costa Rica. Second goals of the tournament from Tenorio, Delgado and one from former Crystal Palace flop Kaviedes saw a good value bet at 11/10. Germany, on the other hand, were 1/2 odds-on jollies to beat a disappointing Poland...

The Achilles tendon is an important connection between the calf and the heel and once of the strongest in the body. If it ruptures, it can be catastrophic...especially for athletes. On March 14, soccer player David Beckham tore his left Achilles tendon during a match against Chievo Verona. The Achilles tendon has an important function to allow you to stand on your toes, a motion that is called plantarflexion. A rupture or tear of the Achilles tendon limits mobility as you are not able to push off your toes. This limits and restricts your ability to walk and run. At the site of rupture you will see signs of swelling, tenderness and bruising along where the tendon tore. Injuries to the Achilles are...