Great Players That Would be Missing The African Nations Cup 2012

Pin It Now! The Orange African Nations’ Cup kicks off on the 21st of January 2012, with several important players expected to be missing in action following the inability of their national teams to qualify for the biennial event coming up at Equatorial Guinea/Gabon. The absence of these guys would somehow take the shine off the soccer fiesta.

Some of the players that won’t be donning the jerseys of their nations include:
Samuel Eto’o Fils who is arguably the king of the African Nations Cup. He currently holds the record of the all time highest goal scorer with 18 goals in about 6 editions (2000 to 2010). He is obviously the most experienced player in the Cameroonian team; he has won several laurels for his country and club sides and is currently the highest paid footballer in the world. The absence of this energetic, highly intelligent attacker is a minus for this year’s event.

Alexander Song is one of the core players for Cameroon and he also plies his trade at Arsenal FC of England. He is one of the emerging footballers in the African continent right now. He plays a pivotal role in the Cameroonian national team midfield. He would be unavoidably absent following the failure of Cameroon to qualify for the tournament.

Vincent Enyeama the number one goal keeper for Nigeria and arguably Africa’s best goal keeper right now would also be missing in action after Nigeria was knocked out by Guinea. The former best player in the Israeli League was outstanding at the 2010 world in the match between Nigeria and Argentina. He has attended up to 4 editions of the Nations cup.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni no doubt is Nigeria’s most reliable striker, though he performed woefully at South Africa 2010. Ever since he disappointed his country, he has been out of favour with the national coaches. But right now he is on fire in the EPL where he is banging in goals every week. This would have been an opportunity to win back the confidence of his fans and country. He would be missing in action at Equatorial Guinea/Gabon.

Ikechuckwu Uche is one of Nigeria’s key strikers at the moment. He plays in the LaLiga and has scored vital goals for his nation. Unfortunately he was not at South Africa 2010 as a result of injury. This edition would have been an opportunity to showcase his skills; unfortunately, Nigeria would not be there.

Mohammed Aboutrika, former Africa’s best Home-based player of the year has been instrumental to Egypt’s runs in the last 4 editions of the continental fiesta. He has banged in several vital goals for his country and club side but this time he would not be wearing the colours of the Pharaohs because the defending champions would not be there to defend the trophy they won in Angola 2010.

Mohammed Zidan would also not be there to do services for his country Egypt. The striker would be missed by his fans and other football enthusiasts for his beautiful runs and strikes.


Siphiwe Ts

habalala of South Africa was outstanding at the 2010 World Cup hosted by his country and would always be remembered for his volley that gave Bafana Bafana opening goal of the tournament. However, Shabalala would not be at this year’s Nations Cup due to his country’s failure to qualify for the competition.

Great Players That Would be Missing The African Nations Cup 2012

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Cristiano Ronaldo And Why He Is A True Soccer Legend

Pin It Now! Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos Aveiro is one of the few players that can be regarded as a legend as far as the game of soccer is concerned. His great achievements speak for him; his personal and team records cannot be waved aside.

To start with, Cristiano Ronaldo is the sportsman with the highest number of facebook fans. As at the time of writing this article, his facebook fans were 34,731,503, which is arguably the highest by any athlete. The likes of Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Nani, Kaka, Andres Iniesta, Tiger Woods, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Usain Bolt, Ashafa Powell, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, The Williams sisters, etc do not have fans half his number.

What makes Cristiano Ronaldo Thick?
Born on the 5th of February, 1985, Ronaldo has played for the two biggest and most influential club sides in Europe – Manchester United of England and Real Madrid of Spain, just at the age of 26 years. In 2010-11 seasons, he scored 41 goals in the La Liga, breaking Telmo Zarra’s record which was set in 1951. He ended up scoring a total of 53 goals in all competitions for the season, thereby breaking Ferenc Puskas’ record of 49 goals for a season.

He currently holds the record of the most expensive transfer in soccer history: he was transferred from Manchester United to Real Madrid for the sum of ₤80,000,000 (€94M or $132M), and earns ₤11M per year (for 6 years, from the year his current contract was signed).

In his youth career, Ronaldo played for Andorinha (1993-1995), Nacional (1995-1997) and Sporting CP (1997-2001). In his senior career, he has played for Sporting CP (2001-2003, with 25 appearances and 8 goals), Manchester United (2003-2009, with 196 appearances and 84 goals) and Real Madrid (2009 to date).

His national team records include playing for Portugal’s U-17 (2001-2002) with 9 appearances and 6 goals, U-20 (2003) with 5 appearances and 1 goal, U-21 (2002-2003) with 6 appearances and 3 goals, U-23 (2004) with 3 appearances and 1 goal; and the senior national team (2003 to date) with 78 appearances and 25 goals.

Awards
Cristiano Ronaldo’s awards include: English premier league (with Manchester United) in 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons; FA Cup (2003-04). Others include League Cup (2005-06, 2008-09), FA Community Shield in 2007. He has also won the UEFA Champions’ League title in 2007-08 and FIFA Club World Cup 2008.

Individual awards
Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos Aveiro has won several personal awards in the field of soccer. Some of his awards include: Bravo Award 2004, UEFA Euro 2004 Team of Tournament, FIFPRO special Young Player of the year 2004-05, 2005-06; Portuguese Footballer of the year 2006-07, UEFA Team of the year 2003-04, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09; Sir Matt Busby Player of the year 2003-04, 2006-07, 2007-08; FIFPRO World XI 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09; PFA Young player of the year 2006-07, 2007-08; PFA Fans’ Player of the year 2006-07, 2007-08; PFA Premier Team of the year 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08; UEFA Champions’ League top scorer 2007-08, 2008-09 and FWA Footballer of the year 2006-07, 2007-08

His other individual awards include Premier League Player of the month Nov. 2006, Dec. 2006, Jan. 2008, March 2008; Premier League Golden Boot 2007-08, Barclays Merit Award 2007-08, European Golden Shoe 2007-08, UEFA Club Forward of the year 2007-08, FIFPRO World Player of the year 2007-08, FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball 2008, Onze d’or 2006, 2007, 2008, World Footballer of the year 2008, FIFA Perenc Puskas’ Award 2009 and Ballon d’or 2009, making him the first Manchester United player to win it in 40 years.

Some personal attributes that have contributed to Ronaldo’s success on the pitch include his Bullet speed, his dribbling ability and his penchant for learning. He is such a player who is ever hungry for success: after winning several awards he is still zealous of winning more. If he continues with his current form and appetite for success, he might end being the greatest footballer ever.

Most soccer fans want to identify with Ronaldo; this they have demonstrated by flocking to his facebook fans page. He is a player with a sex appeal – he’s got a sexy physique, great height, flat muscular abdomen, a great athletic figure and character. Everyone loves Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo And Why He Is A True Soccer Legend

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Liverpool Wins, Arsenal Draws and Man U Loses

Pin It Now! The English premier league was full of action during the week with major upsets recorded and the gap at the top of the table narrowed a little following a loss by the leaders Manchester United.

The match of the week was played on Sunday afternoon at Anfield where the leaders Manchester United were disunited by Liverpool FC. The Red Devils lost the match by a whooping 3-1 to remain at 60 points. Dirk Kuy was obviously the man of the match as his hat trick (33rd, 39th and 64th minutes) was all it took to defeat the red devils. Manchester United was only able to pull one back through Javier Hernandez in the 90th minute. Liverpool now occupies the 6th position with 42 points from 29 matches.

In the other match played on Sunday, Wolverhampton Wanderers drew 3-3 against Tottenham Hotspurs at the Molineux stadium. The home side’s three goals were scored by Doyle (brace) and Fletcher; while the visitors scored through Jermain Defoe (brace) and Pavlyuchenko. Tottenham is now in the 5th position with 44points; and Wolverhampton Wanderers now sits in the 19th position with 29points.

In the matches earlier played on Saturday, Manchester City defeated Wigan Athletics by a lone goal courtesy of David Silva’s goal which mistakenly slipped through goal keeper Ali Al Habsi’s hands in the 38th minute. Manchester City now occupies the 3rd position with 53 points while Wigan is at the bottom of the table with 27points.

Bolton Wanderers defeated Aston Villa 3-2 at the Reeboek stadium after the visitors had gone up twice. Bolton scored through Gary Cahill (45th and 74th minutes) and Ivan Klasnic (86th minute); while Villa’s goals were scored by Darren bent in the 15th minute and Marc Albrighton in the 64th minute. Unfortunately, a chance to seal victory for the visitors was wasted when Ashley Young lost a penalty kick in the 70th minute when his side was leading 2-1. This now leaves Bolton in the 7th position with 40 points while Aston Villa is in the 13th position with 35points.

Westbromwich Albion defeated Birmingham City 3-1 away at St. Andrew’s. westbromwich Albion overrode their host through Youssuf Mulumbu (46th minute0, James Morrison (57th minute) and Paul Scharner (72nd minute); while the host got their consolatory goal through Jean Beausejour in the 48th minute.

West Ham United walloped Stoke City 3-0 to keep their hope of playing in the premiership next season alive. West overwhelmed their visitors through goals from Demba ba (21st minute), Manuel Da Costa (29th minute) and Hitzlsperger (82nd minute). This victory now places West ham in the 17th position on the league table with 31 points while Stoke now occupies the 12th position with 34 points.

Fulham defeated Blackburn Rovers 3-2 at the Craven Cottage to remain in the 11th position with 35points. Goals from Damien Duff who got a brace (36th and 58th minutes) and Bobby Zamora (89th minute penalty) were enough to dash the visitors’ dream. Blackburn Rovers were able to pull two back through Grant Hanley ($5th minute) and Junior Hoilett (65th Minute). Blackburn is now in the 14th position with 32 points.

New Castle United was beaten 2-1 at home at St. James’ Park by Everton. The home team’s only goal was scored by Best in the 22nd minute while goals from Leon Osman (31st minute) and Phil Jagielka (35th) helped the visitors to subdue their host team. New Castle now occupies the 9th position with 36 points while Everton sits in the 10th position with same 36 points but New Castle has superior goals difference.

Arsenal FC could only manage a goalless draw against Sunderland at the Emirates to remain in the 2nd position with 57 points from 28 matches; while Sunderland occupies the 8th position with 38 points from 29 matches.

Liverpool Wins, Arsenal Draws and Man U Loses

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Chelsea Slips Again - Draws Against Fulham

Pin It Now! Chelsea FC Monday night slipped further on the premiership table as they played a barren draw against Fulham FC in an away match thereby dimming their hope of winning the league this season.

Having lost their last match against Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge the previous week, everyone thought the Blues would do everything humanly possible to win this crucial match to avoid further gap in between them and the league leaders Manchester United. This was not to be as they fired blank throughout the 90 minutes of play.

It was a night the premiership most expensive player Fernando Torres was arguably the worst culprit as he lost chance upon chance for the duration of 70 minutes he was in the match. Several times he had the opportunity to put the visitors ahead but failed to do so.

In the 28th minute, Frank Lampard failed to connect a pull out by Ivanovic from the right flank. He only managed to shoot the ball over the bar. Again in the 31st minute, Florent Malouda shot over the bar. Ivanovic’s volley was parried by the goal keeper in the 32nd minute.

The first yellow card of the night went to Ivanovic for his rough play in the 38th minute.
Steve Sidwell got a yellow card for fouling Michael Essien in the 43rd minute of the first half. The centre referee wasted no time in flashing a yellow in his face because the foul was committed right in his front.

In the 44th minute, Fernando Torres missed an opportunity to put the Blues ahead. He fired blank right in the yard box. At added time of the first half, Torres once again casually pushed the ball into the waiting hands of the Fulham goal keeper. That would have given the visitors a half time goal advantage.

Chelsea clearly dominated in the first half with ball possession at 59% to 41% in their favour. They also led on shots at goal; but they could not convert any of their begging chances.

Second half resumed with more hopes as the visitors piled more pressure on the host by increasing their ball possession to 61%; yet no goal came. The first anxious moment of the second half came when Fernando Torres nodded a cross over the bar right in the 18 yard box.

Torres came close to scoring again in the 51st minute but also shot over the bar in the yard box. He seemed to be jinxed in the match or like he was not really settled. His kicks were unlike those of an experienced and quality striker that he’s known to be.

The home side occasionally went on the counter thereby creating some transient moments of tension on the side of the visitors. In the 64th minute, Salcido’s direct shot was parried and then held by Petr Cech.

Nikolas Anelka got substituted for Salomon Kalou in the 65th minute after an average performance. The coming of Kalou did not change things much as the home side kept defending their territory against invasion by the Blues.

In the 67th minute, Florent Malouda was pushed down in the 18 yard box by Hangeland for what was obviously a penalty offence, but the centre referee waved play-on.

Fulham also effected some changes on their side as they tried to step up their game to prevent the visitors from running away with the three points at stake. In the 74th minute, Simon Davies replaced Andrew Johnson while Gudjonsen also replaced Mousa Dembele in the 84th minute.


Didier Drogba finally replaced Fernando Torres in the 71st minute but he could not turn the table around as everyone seemed to be too heavy to shoot properly at goal. Michael Essien, Ramires, Frank Lampard, etc all got their chances to make the difference but failed to connect.

Petr Cech came to the rescue of the Blues in the 82nd minute as he was there on time to parry Dempsey’s shot that could have done the damage to his side.

In the 3rd minute of injury time Fulham got the golden opportunity to put the match beyond Chelsea as David Luiz fouled Dempsey in the yard box and the home side had a penalty awarded in their favour. However, the penalty kick was taken by Dempsey; but was gallantly blocked by Petr Cech.

Chelsea Slips Again - Draws Against Fulham

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