The Soccer Scribe

Alex Ferguson Sings Browns Praise Before Pompey Trip

Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise upon oft injured defender Wes Brown ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth this Saturday. Ferguson, who has used Brown as cover for the injured Rio Ferdinand in recent weeks, showered the 30 year old defender with praise ahead of the clash with Portsmouth;

“Wes and Nemanja have been absolutely fantastic in recent games and it just reminds you that Wes, when he is fit, is the best natural defender in the country.

“Wes and Nemanja are natural defenders and they have the experience of course. But Wes is as good as any of them and most people recognise that.

“You have to pay tribute to the lad because he keeps coming back from the injuries that he’s had in his career.

“He’s had two cruciates, a broken ankle and other injuries. Last season, he had a very staggered season in terms of his injuries. But the season before that, he was our most consistent defender on the way to winning the European Cup in Moscow.”

Brown’s importance to United could become even greater over the next few months. With reports that Nemanja Vidic is unsettled at Old Trafford, due to his family being unable to settle in England and rumours that Doctors have informed Sir Alex that defender Rio Ferdinand’s back problem is likely to chronically reoccur throughout the remainder of his career, United look particularly short of cover at the back and although the impressive Johnny Evans has come through the ranks to bolster numbers, it is Brown who Ferguson would like to rely on most, especially in the key games.

Not that Ferguson should require a great deal from Brown and Vidic on Saturday against Portsmouth. Even the appointment of former Chelsea manager Avram Grant to replace the sacked Paul Hart, may not be enough to turn around the fortunes of the cash strapped south coast club. Last season a single Darren Ferguson strike was enough to give United victory at Fratton Park and it seems likely that with Chelsea now five points ahead, Sir Alex would take that ahead of this key game.

Fratton Park has been a traditionally tough place for United to win. Pompey have won three and drawn one of the meetings between the two at Fratton Park, although those victories have come with the team in a much stronger team at present and despite that poor run of results, United will start strong favorites to win the game.

Sir Alex is expected to return to his strongest team for the trip after the midweek defeat to Besiktas when he fielded a largely young and inexperienced side. Dimitar Berbatov should return to the attack from injury in place of Michael Owen, while Anderson should earn a recall to the side.

Portsmouth’s probable team (4-4-2) : James, Ben-Haim, Wilson, Kaboul, Hreidarsson, Brown, O’Hara, Mullins, Boateng, Dindane, Piquionne

United’s probable team (4-4-2) : Van Der Sar, Brown, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Valencia, Berbatov, Rooney

What To Look For In Soccer Merchandise

Whether you’re a soccer player yourself or have children that are playing this very popular sport, you will have the need to purchase soccer merchandise. If you’re new to this sport and think all you or your children will need are soccer jerseys, you are in for a surprise. A quick trip to your soccer store will enlighten you to the many varieties and types of soccer apparel and soccer merchandise available today.

 

While you may not need every soccer item you see, there are some of the basic things you need besides just soccer jerseys. While buying soccer merchandise may involve many accessories, here are some tips on some of the most important soccer items you’ll be getting.

 

Soccer Jerseys

 

Soccer jerseys are probably going to be the first soccer item you buy. You want a soccer jersey that fits well but will allow for shrinkage and growth (for the children). The best way to ensure that you don’t have to buy several soccer jerseys in one year because of shrinkage is to pay attention to the fabric content on the label. For instance, soccer apparel made of 100% cotton can shrink anywhere from 7% to 10%, which can make quite a difference in the fit.

 

A poly/cotton blend may only shrink 2% to 4%, but even that little bit can make a difference. Soccer apparel made of synthetic fabrics will usually not shrink at all, so this may be your best option. Regardless of what type of soccer jersey you buy, consider buying one size larger to be on the safe side. In addition, keep in mind that sizes vary according to cultures. For instance, if you’re in the USA, look for USA sizes. This rule of thumb can apply to all soccer merchandise you purchase.

 

Shin Guards

 

Shin guards are a necessity when you’re playing soccer. As with all soccer merchandise or apparel you buy, comfort should be very important in your selection. When a player is heavy into the game, they absolutely positively must be comfortable. However, protection is also very important in shin guards. Shin guards are available with and without ankle sleeves. Shin guards without ankle sleeves are less restrictive and, therefore, more comfortable. Shin guards with the ankle sleeves are going to offer more protection and will cost a little more.

 

Deciding which type to buy should depend on the age of the soccer player. A younger and less experienced player will need more protection so they should use the ankle sleeves while an older player may opt for more comfort.  Another important factor in all soccer merchandise and apparel is getting the right size. A properly fitted shin guard should not cover more than ¾ of your shin. If you’re uncertain, get help from the sales person at the soccer store of your choice.

 

Soccer Cleats

 

Soccer cleats are also another important accessory for the game. While many people feel that buying name brand soccer merchandise is going to be more expensive, they’re often the best choice for comfort, protection and durability. This is definitely the case with soccer cleats. Soccer cleats can be found in any soccer store, are available for wide or skinny feet, and come in different fabrics. Leather is your best choice because it offers both comfort and durability. Adidas and Nike both offer an excellent selection of soccer cleats as well as other soccer merchandise.

New soccer jerseys for the World Cup

Now that all the teams who will be playing in next summers World Cup in South Africa, soccer fans can start to get ready. There are very few sporting events that capture the imagination of a world wide audience like the world cup, which is why so many people are looking forward to it. Come June, no matter where you are, the streets will be filled with fans wearing the soccer jerseys of the team they are backing.

Even if your own country hasn’t made it to the World Cup, there is still a lot to enjoy. As players are featuring for clubs all over the world, one of your favorite stars may be playing for their own country. This gives every fan the chance to support a team and feel involved with the tournament. Failing that, sitting back as a neutral and enjoying the soccer action from all the teams involved should be enough to satisfy any real soccer supporter.

When you look back on previous World Cups, there are so many things that stick out in people’s memory. The soccer jerseys and shorts have changed with the fashion and tournaments can be aged by what type of kit the players are wearing. The same can be said about the soccer ball that is used and the style of stadiums. As the World Cup only takes place every four years, things can change pretty quickly and everyone is memorable for some reason.

Any game of soccer, not just at the World Cup, is all about the goals and this is why people remember the goal scorers. You can guarantee the names of the strikers who score the most goals in South Africa will feature on the back of the soccer jerseys of countless fans for the year ahead. Not every great players gets to play at a World Cup so if you can go there and score, people will remember you forever.

This is because the World Cup is the pinnacle tournament for a soccer star and it is what every budding player dreams of. Compared to how many soccer players there are around the world, only a very small percentage will get to appear at a major event like the one next year. Just like the Olympics is the major event for an athlete, the South African tournament may be the only chance that some players get to play on the biggest stage of all.

Whether you get the opportunity to go to the matches or you watch it at home, it is easy to get caught up in the action and excitement. It only lasts for one month so it is best to make the most of it. There will be a huge range of soccer merchandise in the run up to the tournament so why don’t you choose a few teams to support and get fully behind them. It will be a full four years before the next World Cup rolls around so be sure to make the very most of the action in South Africa.

Soccer jerseys available for every position

One of the best things about soccer is that all the different positions in a team gives everybody a chance to find where they can play well. It is probably natural that people will want to be a striker as they are the players that score the most goals. Soccer is all about goals and this is why great strikers are hero worshipped by fans everywhere. The best strikers are the players who have their names on the back of the soccer jerseys of their fans.

You will also find that most of the soccer merchandise in the soccer store will be related to strikers. However, if it wasn’t for the rest of the players on the pitch, the strikers wouldn’t be able to do their job. The wingers putting crosses in or the midfielders playing passes through are as vital in making a goal as the player who scores them. If you haven’t got the striking ability to play up front every game, perhaps you will be better suited to playing in a different position.

If you are small or have a slight build, it may well be that playing on the wing is the best position for you. The middle of the park can become congested but having the ability to run fast and move your feet quickly can help when playing as a winger. This is a really skilful position so if you like doing tricks and turns, having the wingers number on the back of your soccer jersey would be perfect for you.

Of course, it is not all about scoring goals, teams have to try and stop the other from scoring too. Defenders may not be as glamorous as strikers but they are as vital to a team. If you do not lose a goal, your team will at least get a draw, which is better than a defeat. Being strong and being able to jump in the air for headers can be important if you are a defender.

A defender may not seem as popular with regards to young fans getting names on the back of their soccer jersey but a real soccer fan will appreciate what they do for the team. And defenders can still score goals. Just think how many goals your favourite team scores from corners and free-kicks, and quite often it is a defender who is heading the ball home to send the ball wide.

And behind the defenders is the goalkeeper, which is becoming an increasingly popular part of the team. If you like to dive about and want the opportunity to use your hands, being the goalkeeper for the team could be a great position.

Dont forget that the goalkeeper wears a unique separate goalkeepers soccer jersey from the team and this is to make them easier to spot. As they are the only player that is able to use their hands in the box, it is helpful for the referee to pick them out easily.

No matter where you want to play on the pitch, there will be a position right for you.