Ten Quotes Applied to The Beautiful Game

1. Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. By Henry Ford 

    Sometimes as a striker you have to ball on your feet, you either have to dribble to make space to shoot or decide to make a pass really quickly. Either way, sometimes you can and sometimes you can’t but something has to happen.

2. Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.  By Albert Schweitzer.

This is why I enjoy watching and playing the beautiful game, and when I am at the soccer field I enjoy the breeze as the game gets underway.

3. If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. Anonymous.

This is certainly true in the sense that practice makes better. Some athletes, train and train and do extra exercises more than their teammates and for that reason they have more endurance, some are faster and so on.

4. A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. By William G. T. Shedd. 

As a fan, you watch your team struggle and you wonder why the coach is not doing any substitutions when there are really good players sitting at the bench.

5. You cannot step twice into the same river. By Heraclitus

Some players are tricky and they want to show off for the crowd, but sometimes they can’t mess around with the same opponent as the they can’t fool them twice.

6.  Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. By Winston Churchill

There are some star players that have a contagious and positive attitude towards the game that even make their not-so-good teammates look good on the pitch.

7.  Houston we have a problem. By John Swigert of Apollo 13

When you’re favorite team is being eliminated from an important tournament or is down by 3 goals. It is a big problem.

8. If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. By Milton Berle

In some occasions teams play tight on defense or as some would say they like to park the bus. For that reason, long-range shots from outside the box are necessary in order to put the ball inside the net.

9.  Nothing is permanent in this world, not even our troubles. By Charles Chaplin

Fans waste time arguing about who is the best player ever. It truly doesn’t matter because they will go and others will come; and that is how it goes.

10.  Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of   small things brought together. By Vincent van Gogh

That is what happens in a play that stars with the goalkeeper to the defenders and the ball keeps rolling into the midfield as it makes its way to the best-positioned striker. Then, there it is! A fantastic goal! 

Excited About the World Cup?

Are you excited about the World Cup? I know I am! It is fascinating to watch the atmosphere at matches in different locations. Since 2006 the FanFest has been one of the best things that have happened to modern FIFA world cups. I simply enjoy seeing so many fans showing up with their flags, their chants, their customs to support their countrymen. It is an spectacular ambiance.

I know I am excited about the World Cup, and my schedule of things to do simply has to be done around the matches. I have seen the surprises so far such as Iceland being able to stop Messi and Argentina. And who would have thought that Mexico would finally be able to defeat Germany or that Brazil one of the favorites was going to be stopped by Switzerland.

Cristiano was amazing against Spain though both teams tied 3-3 and walk away with one point, meanwhile Russia put a good show for their fans at home with their 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Great goals overall, this tournament is just warming up and I feel like we should be prepared for more surprises ahead.

The unexpected turns so far in Russia with shocking results is what this beautiful game is all about. I simply do not mind the underdogs putting some pressure on the big guns.  So far so good!


A lot of fun at the World Cup Fan Fest 2018

Who Else is Excited About the Champions League?

Who else is excited about the Champions League? Whenever there are some important games of our beloved sport showcasing the best players out there we cannot help it but patiently wait for that whistle to start the game.

The stakes are high and it’s the most competitive tournament, the players have to be at their best because when you lose there is no tomorrow. One of the characteristics of the Champions League is that winning is the only option and rarely there are some occasions when teams are able to turn around a losing leg.

Though some teams are able to bounce back from having lost their first leg. The individual stars that make the difference could have a day of luck and show up for big challenges when their team needs them the most. Sometimes teams can have a bit of luck or call it what you wish as they are able to perform and astonish everyone. But that is part of the excitement of games of such high caliber; when that so called small teams are able to knock out the so-called big teams.

In order to keep advancing towards the final; fans expect their team to perform at their best. One mistake could cost them a goal and one goal could cost them the elimination. There is a lot of pressure for the players, as there is a lot of nail biting on the stands or at home. The Champions League is simply the tournament that keeps camping in the minds of so many fans of the beautiful game around the world.

That Fantastic Bicycle Kick by Ronaldo

That Fantastic Bicycle kick by Real Madrid’s Ronaldo against Juventus is one of the best goals I have ever seen. It was an incredible feat at a high caliber game as the Champions League quarterfinals and for that reason alone is one to be kept at the museum of goals.

Bicycle kicks are impressive to watch, as they are one of the most acrobatic and iconic but not so common features of the beautiful game. We as spectators enjoy what high caliber players have to offer on the pitch and we always expect them to perform at the highest levels as we are used to seeing them do. Unfortunately; that’s not always the case for a lot of players. But Cristiano Ronaldo keeps flying high and his goal against Juventus’ veteran goalkeeper Gigi Buffon proves that he is in a different level and that he is not slowing down any time soon.

So what it is just another goal! What’s the big deal? Well it certainly is another goal that counts the same as one that crosses the line and goes in as a tap in. But this one is placed at a high category not only because it happened away at a Champions League quarterfinal in Turin at the home stadium of Club Juventus but also because it was scored by one of the best players of all time. And for that reason this goal has been the talk of soccer fans around the world that makes it a candidate to be revisited in years to come as one of the best bicycle kicks ever.

It was a wonderful goal and the opposite fans gave Ronaldo a standing ovation. Fans are quick to recognize greatness when they see it. And that day; as they were wowed by what they just have witness, Juve fans had no choice but to applaud the Portuguese superstar. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was so taken aback that he checked his baldhead to see if his hair was coming back. His reaction on the sidelines was priceless.

How come are we so wowed by a bicycle kick anyways? It naturally depends on all the circumstances surrounding the game. The quality of the player who is able to surprises us with such skill. It might be the ability to observe the ball on the air coming towards you and being able to time the jump for the effective kick. And for some it might be the acrobatic movement of scissor-like kick that simply looks spectacular to watch from many different angles. It is certainly not an easy goal to make as some players including Ronaldo himself have gotten injured trying to score like that. Goals via Bicycle kicks are simply impressive and we don’t get those pretty often and we enjoy them more whenever they come around.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Joins LA Galaxy

Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not join LA Galaxy, this is more like LA Galaxy joined him. What a thrilling moment that must have been for the fans in the stands seeing their new star perform at the highest level on his debut! This guy’s career has been filled with an extraordinary talent, fantastic goals, and confidence on the pitch that has earned him a reputation of its own.

Los Angeles Galaxy is home to one of the most talented footballers the world has seen in the last decade. Ibrahimovic arrived on Thursday night where he was met by a lot of chanting fans. And on Saturday at the derby vs neighbor rivals LAFC he was ready to give them what they asked for “I heard the fans chanting ‘we want Zlatan, we want Zlatan’ so I gave them Zlatan” said Ibra in a post game interview.

Normally, when a guy of this caliber comes off the bench the momentum of the game changes quickly. And Saturday night was not going to be the exception as Ibra stepped in the pitch LA Galaxy was trailing LAFC by 3 goals. But that would not last for too long as the hungry lion has been released.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the key player that helped LA Galaxy for a astonishing come back. His amazing volley in the 77^th minute was not only beautiful but also one of the most memorable goals MLS fans have ever seen. Now the score was 3-3 but there was more to come from Ibra. As he said it himself “the lion is hungry” hungry for goals that is because in stoppage time he towered defenders and put it in the net to seal the victory for his new club.

What a fantastic night to be a LA Galaxy fan! What a thrilling ride Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave everyone in the stands! And undoubtedly there is more to come from this superstar. He is a player that has been with the best clubs around the world, competing with the most talented guys out there. He is certainly a big deal and he will fit really well in Los Angeles.

Find the Space

It is important to find the space to receive a pass, to help your pressed teammate or to run on a given go pass to take a long-range shot. It seems like a simple thing to do but many amateur soccer players fail to understand where they belong on a given moment in the pitch.

 When you understand your space and when you and your teammate can see the play before it happens, that’s when you are prospering and getting better at this game. Receiving a short or long pass and being able to control the ball right away is a skill that can define a match result sometimes. The ball can bounce off to your opponent; and your team could be at risk of a counterattack, but that doesn’t happen when you make the right moves on the pitch and find the needed space to receive the pass and control that ball.

Some teams like to attack and press their opponents in order to recapture the ball and control the game at their pace. For that reason it is important to play the beautiful game with the mind and visualizing your teammates’ moves a few seconds earlier. Some defenders are really good at this; that when pressed they pass the ball (to the back) to that teammate who is in a better space to get out of trouble. The ball then circulates a triangular path towards the midfield creating a play of attack that sometimes puts the ball in the net.

Finding the space is an essential part of the game that needs to be learned and practiced in order to find better match results. As a spectator or simply watching your favorite team on television you usually find a player in a better position to receive a long pass across the pitch and attack. That’s when you agree with the narrator when he says, “he should have passed to the guy in the left”.

Teams with the mindset of vertical attacks are really good at long balls and counterattacks. They are usually dangerous not only because of their speed but also their ability to spot opportunities to strike their opponents who get caught off guard by players that know exactly how to move on the pitch to find that desired space.

However, often times it is said that teams that control the midfield control the results of the match. While that statement sometimes it’s true depends much on the possession of the ball rather than controlling the mid. Possession is the result of players that know how to sync and are capable of connecting impossible passes.

A lot can be accomplished on the pitch just by being a player able to find the space. Whether you will help your pressed teammate get out of trouble; whether you will make a triangulation and then counterattack, or whether you go for the long-range pass or shot. All are great plays that simply depend on movements created by those that know how to find the space.

Fifteen Reasons I Enjoy the Beautiful Game

Fifteen Reasons To Love This Game

1.     I love the this game because it’s just simply beautiful. This game is what life is all about. You pass the ball around; find challenges but work together with your teammates to ultimately find the so desired goal.

2.     When you follow the Champions League and you are ready to witness a great match and the anthem is playing as the formation of both teams takes place.

3.     I love this game because I have played when it was really cold, I played it when it was raining, and I played and got really dirty but it didn’t matter because it was so much fun.

4.  The beautiful game taught me the importance of teamwork, competition, fitness, cooperation and community.

5.      When you get hooked with the different tournaments or different matches you get to learn about the people of such places and their culture, language, geography. It’s just fantastic to see how so many things and places are connected to a team’s crest.

6.   Different coaches approach with unique strategies of the game. Some apply more defensive tactics and counterattacks, while others try to keep the ball as much as possible until they find that pass that penetrates defenders. It is definitely interesting as a soccer fan to see when different strategies clash in big matches.

7.     I enjoy seeing different types of goals; except for penalty kicks though some are not so bad. The free kicks, long-range shots, off the post, headers, scissors kick, bicycle kick, back heel. There are so many ways a ball can end inside the goal line and they all make so many souls scream like crazy.

8.     Actually; the misses are enjoyable too, especially when the missed goal was in favor of your team. They hit the post, the keeper put a hand on it, or the defender slide tackle to push the ball out of bounds, a defender heads if off for a corner kick.

9.     Have you seen a funny goal? Yes, those happen sometimes and they do count. Sometimes a goal hits the top bar and bounces to the goalkeeper’s head and goes inside. Sometimes a defender tries to head it off bound but deflects inside the net instead.

10.  When you grow up watching and playing this game; you know different generations of players and it is really cool to talk about them with strangers at bars.

11.  When my team beats my friend’s team and I earn the bragging rights.

12. When I get together with family and friends to watch an important match. Ten minutes later there is an early goal and we all start jumping and giving high fives.

13.  The likes of Argentina vs Brazil, England vs Germany, Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Chelsea vs Manchester United are great matches of clubs and countries. They are so much fun to watch because of their trajectories, history and so on.

14. In today’s world watching a game or not, you cannot miss what’s going on via Twitter or Facebook. It is so much fun to see what some people writes when they talk trash to other teams or commentators via social media. 

15.  Last but not least; it is sport that breaks the barriers of language, culture and whatever your beliefs are. Everyone from different backgrounds gather at a pick up game to enjoy the beautiful game. 

Should Teams from La Liga Cheer for Each Other?

Should teams from La Liga cheer for each other when they play in the Champions League? As suppose to cheering for the English Premier League?

It is fascinating or should I say dumb that fans from the same league from the same country want their league teams to lose (like Barca vs Real Madrid fans) when the point of the tournament is to showcase that your league is better than the other country’s league. Do you get that? Maybe not but I’m just saying.

When Nature Calls

When nature calls everyone is obligated to respond and Sergio Ramos is not the exception. According to Zinedine Zidane; Real Madrid's manager, Sergio had to run to the bathroom and leave the team with 10 men during the match SD Eibar. It was an unusual or awful situation as seen in the video below.

La 'urgencia' de Sergio Ramos. pic.twitter.com/Gz7mFXAJSM

— La Casa del Fútbol en Movistar+ (@casadelfutbol) March 10, 2018

What is Like Being at a Barca vs Atleti Game

In 2016 I have the opportunity to experience the great ambiance of a Barca vs Atleti game. The people, the chants and everything in between made it an unbelievable and an unforgettable experience.

The rise of Atleti in recent years and its appearances in Champions League finals have made this team a fascinating one to watch. It has become one of the strongest teams in La Liga and as of now is only five points behind the leader FC Barcelona.

This Barca vs Atleti game is a must watch for soccer fans around the world. It will undoubtedly be an intense match where the victor can have a big step in their quest to claim La Liga title because Barca has 66 pts whereas Atleti has 61.

Either Barca manages to capture those three points and be a step closer to the title or Atleti could become a clear contender as well.  What is definitely true is that this game is of gigantic importance for both teams, which in turn will create an ambiance at the Camp Nou that will not be easily forgotten.

When I was at the Camp Nou for this game two years ago I remember tons of people gathering outside the Stadium. Some were enjoying a beer and snacks at the local bars while others were buying souvenirs. But some were at the gate entrance waiting to catch a glimpse at the Barca players when they arrived.

The memories of an experience like watching an important live game at the Camp Nou can truly last a lifetime.

Weekend Forecast More Rain.... More Soccer

The weekend forecast predicted more rain... So I started to watch and enjoy some games...


When I started watching the Barca game vs Girona

Then I happen to see something lingering on my social media accounts

And then I remembered that I happen to watch an old episode of Jerry Seinfeld. And I was like... That  guy looks like Ibrahimovic

Happy Valentine's

Happy Valentine's on Champions League tonight at the Bernabeu; t's a date that can not be missed between the current title holders and the aspiring French team. Though it is February 14, Real Madrid vs PSG will not be showing love for one another on the pitch. It will be a classic battle for the three points for Real Madrid as they have been ousted from Copa del Rey and are 17 points behind from La Liga rivals Barcelona. 

On the other hand; PSG is an extraordinary team that wants to win everything this year. Not only are they a fast team at counterattacks but also they have built a trident of skillful players that can be quite dangerous once they find the spaces. This Champions League match is quite a feast! It is simply a must watch for soccer fans!

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