1. Review: FIFA ‘09 for the xbox 360

    September 27, 2008 by Jordan

    I had the chance to download the FIFA ‘09 demo for the xbox 360 and gave it a shot.  I’ve been a huge fan the FIFA series since it came out on the original xbox.  The ‘09 futbol game looks better than ever.  The graphics are incredible, as usual, and the gameplay is smoother than any other game in it’s history.  

    In last year’s game, the speed seemed off and the passing wasn’t as real as it could’ve been.  There were times when I would have the ball in the middle of the field and look to make a strong pass on the ground to a winger only to find the ball intercepted because the pass was incredibly weak.  This year’s game has a strength meter for not only the shots, but all passes as well.  Fantastic.  No more weak sauce passes from one defender to another.

    Two years ago I complained that the ability to make moves with the feet didn’t exist.  Last year they put it in but it was somewhat sloppy and hard to use.  The ‘09 game features easier to use ball skills but it’s still not quite perfect.  It passes, though.

    The shot system is fantastic and very realistic.  I went into a penalty shootout against Real Madrid and to put the ball in the upright corner is much harder than last year.  In the ‘08 version, you could put the control stick all the way to the right or left and you were almost guaranteed a corner shot.  This year, if you do that, you’ll miss the goal by 4 feet.  When you choose the right way to dive with your keeper, you actually have a chance to make the save.  

    The appearance of the game is unreal.  I think futbol video games are the most realistic and best looking sports games out there and FIFA ‘09 in no exception.  From the different stadiums to the player’s faces and the mud on their uniforms after getting tackled or tackling somebody else.

    So, overall, I loved the game.  To be fair, it was just a demo and I only had the chance to play with a couple teams that were featured, but it seems like it will be another great addition to the FIFA lineup.

    Ratings 0-10 (10 is highest)

    Graphics - 10

    Gameplay - 9.5

    Passing - 9

    Shooting - 10

    Foot Skills - 8.5

    Stadium Looks - 10

    Overall - 9.5

    Tags: , , , , , | Comments (0)

  2. Landon Donovan to play in Germany?

    September 26, 2008 by admin

    Landon Donovan, arguably the best player the United States has ever produced may be leaving the MLS for another shot at playing in Europe.  Bayern Munich has reportedly expressed interest in Donovan, to which Donovan replied, ”That’s one of the best teams in the world.  As of now, I’ve got to worry about what’s going on here, but if January rolls around and there’s interest, and the league is willing to discuss it, I would be excited to talk about it.”

    Certainly not the news LA Galaxy and MLS fans want to hear!  However, fans of the United States Men’s National Team may find comfort in knowing that the skilled forward would be under the tutilage of one of the greatest forwards ever, Jurgen Klinsman, who coaches for Bayern Munich.  While the talent gap between the MLS and European leagues is narrowing, it is still very apparent that the quality of soccer is much greater overseas.

    Donovan isn’t hiding his feelings towards the idea.  

    “It’s up to my relationship with the league and the Galaxy and if they’re willing to let that happen,” Donovan said. “There have to be teams interested, so there’s a lot of ifs, but if a team like Bayern Munich came calling, you don’t really turn them away without thinking about it.”

    “I would love for it to happen,” Donovan said of a move to Bayern Munich. “It’s up to the league, it’s up to the Galaxy and it’s up to me. I feel like I have a good relationship with all those parties, and if it were to happen, I think that would be great.”


     

    Should Landon Donovan play for Bayern Munich?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...

    Tags: , , , | Comments (0)

  3. How-To’s: Free Kicks

    September 25, 2008 by admin

    This video clip (although a bit long…9:40) is a tutorial given by David Beckham to a group of youth soccer players.  Those looking to improve their free kick skills ought to take 10 minutes to watch.  There is a lot of good information and ideas on how to practice free kicks without having anything but a ball and a goal.

    Plus, learn how to really “bend it like Beckham”!  Enjoy…


    YouTube Preview Image

    Tags: , , | Comments (0)

  4. 2010 World Cup Mascot Announced

    September 24, 2008 by admin

    It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s Zakumi!

    Named by taking the first two letters of the host country’s name in Afrikaans, Zakumi the friendly, cuddly, leopard was publicly unvieled on Monday, September 22.  The mascot was created by Cape Town native Andries Odendaal

    “Zakumi represents the people, geography and spirit of South Africa, personifying in essence the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We are certain we will have a lot of fun with him in the lead-up to and during the FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup,” said FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke.


     

    Check out the video…If you ask me, it’s pretty funny!

    YouTube Preview Image

    What do you think of Zakumi?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...

    Tags: , | Comments (0)

  5. Celtic May Sign U.S. Goal Keeper Dominic Cervi

    by Jordan

    According to si.com’s soccer page, Celtic is looking to sign U.S. Keeper Dominic Cervi after having had him on trial since April.  Gordon Stratach has been in the market for a while looking for a keeper to really challenge the #1 keeper Artur Boruc who’s personal life has made him shaky between the posts lately.

    Cervi was taked by the Chicago Fire in the MLS Superdraft this year, but rejected the chance to play in the U.S. with hopes of taking his talents to Europe.

    Tags: , , , , | Comments (0)

  6. Call For The US Team To Play With More Sophistication

    September 21, 2008 by Jordan

    I recently read an article by Frank Dell’Apa off of ESPN Soccernet that talked about the lack of sophistication shown by the US Soccer Team.  He wrote about CONCACAF and how the teams within the group don’t help the USA, nor Mexico for that matter, advance in the World Cup.  His point is this: the USA will never be as good as the Europeans or South Americans if they don’t have better challengers in CONCACAF for World Cup qualifiers.

    I agree with him.  So far, the US Team has outscored it’s opponents 14-0, which is great, but only if you don’t read who they’ve played so far.  Those 14 goals have come against opponents such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Cuba.  I wouldn’t call those countries powerhouses in the world of futbol.  

    Dell’Apa even went so far as to compare the structure and formation that the US National Soccer Team plays with other known powerhouses like Spain and Argentina.  The US normally uses a two-striker formation while the rest of the world, it seems, only has one true attacking forward.  The two striker formation has provided dividends so far during this qualification season, but it has done so against inferior teams.

    So the questions I have and pose to you all is, how does the US Soccer Team get out of the doldrums they find themselves in?  Is it simply a matter of waiting for the teams around them in the CONCACAF to get better or do we try to get more and more friendlies against better European and South American teams?

    It is clear that the US is not as good and sophisticated as it could be.  Watching the Premier League is a joy.  Watching the MLS is tough - almost like comparing watching Varsity and Junior Varsity teams at a high school.

    Tags: , , | Comments (0)

  7. Best Goalkeeper Ever

    September 20, 2008 by admin

    With so much of the attention in the world of soccer pointed toward the players playing in the midfield and striker positions, we felt the need to highlight the blue collar work horses known as goalkeepers.

    The goalkeeper plays an interesting role in the game of soccer.  Few players find themselves in the position that the goalkeeper does, with the game on his/her shoulders.  Few players can singlehandedly decide the fate of a game like the goalkeeper can.  Few players ever feel the pressure that a goalkeeper feels throughout the course of a close game.

    Sure, a striker may be given an opportunity to win the game with a goal, but the consequences aren’t nearly as severe if the striker makes a mistake.  For the goalkeeper, there is no room for error.  It is the one position on the field where consistency and perfection is not just expected, they are imperative to a team’s success.

    I am often much more impressed with an incredible save than I am a beautiful shot.  Fewer things in soccer are prettier than a goalkeeper diving to make a save.  Below is a clip of what one fan believes to be the Top 10 Goalkeepers of all time.  I’ll warn you in advance…the music is kind of annoying, but the saves are amazing.  Take a look and cast your vote.  

    Feel free to submit your opinions in case we leave anyone out and we will be sure to write about the Best Goalkeeper Ever as chosen by our readers.  Enjoy!


    YouTube Preview Image

    Who is the best goalkeeper of all time?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...

    Tags: , , , , , , , | Comments (3)

  8. Continued: Ronaldo or Ronaldinho?

    September 19, 2008 by admin

    I recently posted a short video showcasing both Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. In the video (http://worldplayeroftheyear.com/?p=108), displays each in a less formal setting for the majority of the clip as they perform a series of very impressive tricks. After inviting the readers to vote who they thought was better, I was surprised that over 70% of you voted for Ronaldinho.

    Now, I understand that this may be due to the fact that the actual tricks performed in the clip may have been cooler or more impressive from Ronaldinho, but the results lead me to another question: Who is the better player, Ronaldo or Ronaldinho?  Or in other words, was the World Player of the Year Award Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded as “deserved” as the media claimed it to be?

    Take a look at the video below.  It shows some of the raw talent which Ronaldo displays on a daily basis in the games.  It’s pretty impressive.  I originally wasn’t much of a fan of the pretty boy from Portugal, but the more I watch, the more of a fan I become.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

    YouTube Preview Image

    Is Cristiano Ronaldo the best player in the world?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...


    Tags: , , | Comments (0)

  9. Best Striker Ever?

    September 17, 2008 by Jordan

    After having the discussion about who the best midfielder is, we decided to take a poll about who the best striker ever to play the game is/was.  Again, we will list 5-6 players (current and past) who we think deserve consideration.  Let us know who we are missing and let’s start a discussion/argument!  There are/have been a ton of great strikers and they all have/had different strengths and weaknesses.  Here is the list.  Again, voice your opinion and let us know who we’ve left out!

    Who Is The Best Striker Ever?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...

    We have included clips of goals from each striker on the list.  Take a look and let us know what you think!  The clips run between 3:00 - 4:30 each.  They’ve got some really sweet goals and moves on them.

    Péle

    Ronaldo

    Wayne Rooney (The action starts at about the 0:58 mark)

    Thierry Henry

    Marco Van Basten

    Comments (0)

  10. Best Midfielder Ever?

    September 15, 2008 by Jordan

    With all the talk surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and his recent award winning play, it brought to my mind the question of who the best midfielder ever is/was.  I’m fairly certain that Ronaldo would put himself ahead of everybody else, but we want to know what you all think.  I’ll list a group of about 6 different midfielders who I think deserve to be in the discussion, but I guarantee I’ll miss somebody.  Please comment on how ridiculous my list is and who I am missing.

    Who is the best midfielder ever?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...


    Tags: , , , , , | Comments (0)