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There have been evidence from many ancient societies such as the Chinese, Greek, Maya, and Egyptian, reveals that kicking games were a part of those cultures. The modern game of soccer (for the Americans but football to the international scene) began in the 19th century in England, when a variety of football games developed, all of which involved both handling and kicking the ball. Australia, being one of the colonies of the United Kingdom, also developed an enjoyment and love for the said game.

However, the actual origin of the sport is still both in doubt and in dispute since there had been numerous accounts that the aborigine natives of Australia have already been playing the game even before the English came to colonize the area. On the other hand, some accounts also suggest that the convicts who were moved to Australia for their crimes and other immigrants started the game by playing some crude version of football. One thing that is certain though, in regards to the existence of football, or footy for some, in Australia is its rules which are better know as the ?Australian Rules? or simply ?Aussie Rules?.

It was in 1858 when Tom Wills and Henry Harrison formally codified ten rules from the various games that were being played in the colony. This said code has features common with the traditional English football, the Aboriginal game named Mam Grook and Gaelic football. The aim in solidifying the code for the Australian football, as stated Will?s letter in ?Bell’s Life in Victoria & Sporting Chronicle?, is to keep the cricketers fit during winter. (Cricket is another different sport that is also being played in Australia.)

The Aussie rules are unique in a sense that both the ball and their playing field are oval in shape and in addition to that are the following Aussie rules:

• No more than 18 players of each team are permitted to be on the field at any time. Up to four interchange (reserve) players may be swapped for those on the field at any time during the game.
• There is no offside rule nor are there set positions in the rules?unlike many other forms of football?players from both teams disperse across the whole field before the start of play.
• A game consists of four quarters. The length of the quarters can vary from 15 to 25 minutes in different leagues. In the AFL, quarters are 20 minutes, but the clock is stopped when the ball is out of play, meaning that an average quarter could last for 27 to 31 minutes.
• Games are officiated by umpires.
• Unlike other forms of football, Australian football begins similarly to basketball. After the first siren, the umpire bounces the ball on the ground, and the two ruckmen (typically the tallest man from each team), battle for the ball in the air on its way back down.
• The ball can be propelled in any direction by way of a foot, clenched fist (called a handball or hand pass) or open-hand tap (unlike rugby football there is no knock-on rule) but it cannot be thrown under any circumstances.
• A player may run with the ball but it must be bounced or touched on the ground at least every 15 meters. Opposition players may bump or tackle the player to obtain the ball and, when tackled, the player must dispose of the ball cleanly or risk being penalized for holding the ball. The ball carrier may only be tackled between the shoulders and knees. If the opposition player pushes a player in the back whilst performing a tackle, the opposition player will be penalized for a push in the back.
• If a player takes possession of the ball that has traveled more than 15 meters from another player’s kick, by way of a catch, it is claimed as a mark and that player may then have a free kick (meaning that that the game stops while he prepares to kick from the point at which he marked).
• Apart from free kicks or when the ball is in the possession of an umpire for a ball up or throws in, the ball is always in dispute and any player from either side can take possession of the ball.

Australians like to do things their way so it?s little to no wonder how they were able to come up with a game that is internationally played and well-known but they still managed retain their own identity by incorporating their own sets of rules.

Now that you know the basics of one of the well-played game in the ?land down under?, why don?t you go outside and play some ?footy? now?!

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Brazil soccer fans are famous throughout the world for their carnival atmosphere at World Cup finals. The brazil soccer team are famous for their attractive football as they play with flair and imagination and it is no surprise that Brazil soccer fans also contribute to the party atmosphere when Brazil play!

Brazil soccer players respect the fans and this is no surprise when you watch big games with teams such as Santos that attract massive crowds. Many soccer managers will often claim that soccer fans can act as an extra man and this is certainly the case when Brazil play in front of over 100,000 brazil soccer fans at the famous Maracana Stadium.

The famous Maracana stadium was built in 1950 for the World cup finals and is famous throughout the world due to the massive attendance figures in the past (200,000 Brazil soccer fans attended the 1950 game against Uruguay).

Soccer fans are passionate but when things go wrong you can also expect criticism , the Brazil national soccer team were not welcomed home with open arms after they were eliminated at the 2006 soccer world cup! Ronaldinho the soccer player and other star names including Kaka and Ronaldo failed to retain the world cup despite the usual passionate support of the Brazil soccer fans.

The Brazil soccer team are also fortunate to have one of the most attractive female fans in the world! You will often see the fans dressed in stylish gear while doing the samba and supporting the team!

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Kevin McNally offers soccer tips and tricks and soccer information including information
Brazil soccer fans will love at

http://www.worldcupsoccerfacts.info

Goal Keeper – Oliver Kahn (Germany)

The Golden Ball winner of last edition has to sit ignominiously on bench due to Lehmann choice as number 1 goalkeeper by coach Klinsmann. The performance against Portugal did prove that he is the most talented under bars to sit on bench.

Left Back - Da Sa Gilberto ( Brazil)

He got a very limited opportunity to showcase his class in the world cup but the goal against Japan has proved whatever has been said about him. Now with tiring Roberto Carlos retired he will be a regular feature in Brazilian team.

Center Back – Materazzi ( Italy)

Tough he got his chance to be in first 11 due to Nesta injury otherwise he would have been sitting on bench as the best reserve defender in the tournament. His aerial threat to score goal will certainly help in rattling defenders on the other end of the field.

Center Back – Jamie Carragher ( England )

Sven tried him as holding midfielder in the friendly matches before world cup and as right back in world cup due to injury to Gary Neville. Mr Reliable from Liverpool is my choice for the second best defender in the reserves and his performances for the reds in Europe prove his billing.

Right Back – Ferreira (Portugal)

It must have been so enticing to pick the Real Madrid Cicino but consistency for Chelsea turns the decision into Ferreira’s side. He wonderfully marked Samuel Eto in the Champions League clash while the Real Madrid man failed to do so. Technically Ferreira is more into defensive mould compare to Cicino and fits the bill as we have good attacking midfield to open up the defenses.

Holding Midfielder - Owen Hargreaves ( England)

He played his heart out in the Quarter Finals against Portugal and showed at the international level the fortitude which made me fall in love with him when he man marked Luis Figo at 19 years of age in Champions League. His German club grooming also ensures that he is the only Englishmen to know how to score in penalty shootout.

Right Midfield - Aimar – (Argentina)

The English must be shouting for David Beckham as he should be on the bench rather than in starting 11. Lennon played beautifully from bench but the vote goes to Aimar as he is wonderful when he goes to the right hand side of the field and taking players on. Unlike Lennon he has quality to cut back inside and score goals.

Central Midfield - Juninho Pernambucano ( Brazil)

Without doubt the victim of coach inflexibility. Arguably one of the finest free kick takers in the world and if anybody has doubts, refer to last season first Champions League match against Real Madrid. Beating Cassillas from 30 to 40 yards twice in match require some skill. Would have been in the starting line up of any other team.

Left Midfield - Lionel Messi ( Argentina )

We all know what he can do with football, how miserable he can make defenders to feel about themselves – testimony Del Horno. Injury did play some role in him being on bench, hopefully with years on his side he will mesmerize us on world stage as he so often does in Barcelona colors.

Striker - Louis Saha (France)

Saha should consider him unlucky not to play any major role in this world cup due to coach Domenech conservative strategy. He had wonderful season for Manchester United and expected to achieve greater heights but in the end it not to be and he is suspended for the finals.

Striker - Filipo Inzagi (Italy)

Finally a poacher of highest quality who can present himself in scoring position with wonderful talent around him to make chances.

Coach – Arsene Wenger , who else all these players can play attractive football and he is the best man around to make attractive football happen.

Anand Mann is a football fan, he decided to write for write term papers on this year global event. He has previously covered FIFA 2002 in Korea and Japan. You can contact him at http://writetermpapers.com Get the latest updates on world cup in daily newsletter from write term papers

The day has arrived for which 196 countries dreamed to be part of when the first qualifying match commenced for FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany. Now we are left with best two who are all set to give their all to take the coveted trophy back home. Will it be France guided by resurgent Zidane or Italy managed by the ‘Master’ Lippi.

This is one of the better world cup tournaments in some 20 years and deserves a fitting finale. The final will be a classic encounter between the players’ dynamism vs Manager’s planning.

The players’ batten is handled by France ‘The Entertainers of Europe’ while Italy will rest on its traditional qualities of holding and hitting on counters. The battle is a mouth watering prospect. If we compare one on one in every third of field we will graced by few of best ever to grace this game. The small battles among the big battle will hold key in deciding which team will be taking the Holy Grail to its native land.

Luca Toni vs Henry

These are two of the best inform strikers in Europe, while Henry won the golden boot in Premiership Luca Toni became the first striker to score thirty goals in Serie A for over four decades. Both have their own distinctive styles while Henry thrives on pace and skill, Luca Toni scores most of his goals through head and his sheer presence in the six yard box.

Zidane vs Totti

As per Lippi this match will be the last for both Zidane and Totti. Though no formal confirmation from Totti but the ‘Zen Master’ Zidane will certainly have his last swansong in Berlin tonight. The role of both the players has acquired even more significance as these are two best teams defensively in the tournament and need moment of magic from one of these two stalwarts to out thought the other’s defense.

Pirlo & Gattuso vs Viera & Makalele

Of the six matches played so far by Italy, Pirlo has been Man of the Match in two of them while Gattuso has gone ahead with fierce and hard nosed tackling. On the other side the French midfield engine is run by Viera who has scored two crucial goals with his aerial prowess and Makalele the master destroyer we so often see in Chelsea colors.

Thuram vs Cannavaro

This is the contest between two partners in the heart of Juventus defense. Both has played with each other for years and right now must be sharing those crucial notes to help their team mates to unlock rival defense. So far Cannavaro has not put a foot wrong in the tournament and to my mind is the best defender of the tournament.

Battles as enthralling as prospect, it’s really hard to wait for the Sunday evening when the fruit of years of endeavor will unfold itself.

Anand Mann is a football fan, he decided to write for write term papers on this year global event. He has previously covered FIFA 2002 in Korea and Japan. You can contact him at http://writetermpapers.com Get the latest updates on world cup in daily newsletter from write term papers

… Excuse me, it’s again about the World Cup … but it seems more real than life itself:

After beating Holland and England, Portugal is finally stopped by France. A very important detail matters. The French style also helped, but most of all, Portugal’s productivity wasn’t just enough; they were too much focused on sales.

• Sales and football? In a normal game each player tries to be productive. Sales and football is about convincing (the referee) that you have been hurt by your opponent. The best sales deal is when you fake a tackle in the penalty area and you receive a penalty you didn’t deserve.

The match between the Dutch team and Portugal was a big shame. For those of you who have seen it will understand. Besides the 16 yellow cards and four reds, there was no productivity. Instead both teams were competing for a golden globe – who’s the best actor in faking being tackled (in the penalty area) or hurt when not even touched. Both teams excelled in this. But Portugal won (and they deserved it).

England, that met Portugal after the Dutch, was obviously not prepared for this of game. Rather than sticking to their own rules they were distracted and lost because of lack of discipline. Most of this could be set on account of one player, receiving a red card when the team cannot afford it:
“It is not the first time that the 20-year-old has let his temper get the better of him to the detriment of his team.”(from “Red card and penalties sink England against Portugal” - http://www.desifans.com/news/2006988)

Now the detail. This happened just now, when Portugal played against France. For the detail you had to observe Zidane the captain of the French team. He embraced Figo who he knows very well for they both played in Real Madrid. This little understanding that initiated Zidane was not without a meaning. Zidane – a real gentlemen – hinted the captain of the Portuguese team to a fair play. An important detail.

The sales was not out of this game however. Many tried to fake a fall in the penalty area, but besides this, there were no real incidents. Other than a real tackle by the Portuguese which led to a real penalty.

From that moment onward, the productivity of the Portuguese team wasn’t sufficient; although they tried, they didn’t get even.
The (business) lesson from all this is that in the end, the quality of the product beats the sales energy.

Do not try to sell (a quality) that you can’t produce.

© 2006 Hans Bool

Hans Bool is the founder of Astor White a traditional management consulting company that offers online management advice. Astor Online solves issues in hours what normally would take days.
You can apply for a free demo account

It has to be a titanic match and it lived up to the expectations. Italy started with pace in park and creating early openings. With both teams willingness to attack early the match seems to be an open match rather than a tactical stalemate.

Totti astute pass to Perrotta created the first clear opening of the match but Perrotta’s first touch left much to be desired and took the ball away from him and invited Lehmann to make a brave save.

Midway through the half as the game slowly and steadily turning into a midfield mudsling Pirlo pass was intercepted and Klose released Schneider for a clear shot on goal. Unfortunately for Germany he blown it away, no wonder he has just scored one goal in 70 odd matches.

Italy bright start and dominant possession had one bleak side that they failed to translate it into goals before the half time.

The second half was all together a different story. Germany came out as a team possessed and clear in its thought of what has to be done to dispose the Italians. Ballack start imposing himself on the game and substitute Odonkor send some beautiful crosses.

One of those crosses was well held by Podolski on a turn but the shot was brilliantly saved by Buffon. With attack few and far between from the Italian side it seemed that they are happy to play for the extra time.

In the extra time the Italian came out blazing hitting the crossbar and post in the first three minutes of extra time. German goal was living its charmed life, defense was all over as Juaquinto regularly beating Lahm on the flanks to create opportunities.

At the end of the first half of extra time Germany got its best opportunity of the match. Podolski received a free header in front of goal from a cross by Odonkor. Nobody in the stadium believed he missed it.

In the second half of the extra time the game totally opened up. There was no midfield of note and teams are either attacking or defending. Germany made early inroads and Podolski thunderous shot was brilliantly saved by Buffon.

As the match seemed to going to penalties Pirlo fired a shot at Lehmann , which was easily diverted to corner. On the resulting corner slack defending led to the impossible. A brilliant curling left foot shoot from Grasso ending into the back of the German goal. I will be surprised if it won’t be among the best goals of the tournament.

Two minutes to left Germany went for broke to equalize and Del Piero took the advantage on brake and scored Italy’s second with the last kick of the match.

Germany’s dream is shattered and nightmares of 1982 are back.

Anand Mann is a football correspondent in Germany, he decided to write for write term papers on this year global event. He has previously covered FIFA 2002 in Korea and Japan. You can contact him at http://writetermpapers.com Get the latest updates on world cup in daily newsletter from write term papers

This World Cup year more than any other, the eleven lionhearted men that Sven Goran Eriksson chooses to represent us on the field in Germany will stand a better chance of winning the competition than any of those that have stood before them. So why not give them our full support, wave the England flag with pride and cheer on our boys in achieving glory which most of us will be lucky to see once in our lifetime.

A recent UK-wide sample implies that the best part will support England – a major 83% of the Welsh and 76% of the Northern Irish intend to back Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men. If your team qualifies the World Cup occurs once every four years, so when it does eventually come round then it is the highlight of the year for a majority of football fans and patriotic supporters.

At the moment there is a lot of speculation surrounding the issue of flying the flag around the country. Cab drivers are being told they must remove stickers pledging support for their World Cup team from their cars but have vowed to stand up to the request. If you look around the houses and roads where you live you will undoubtedly see the strength of support and togetherness the World Cup brings to our neighborhoods.

However there is positive news for taxi drivers in Cheltenham for example after the council overturned their original decision to ban flags that caused “public safety issues”. Public outcry at the decision brought about the u-turn by the town council who now state that flags may be displayed as long as they do not involve any form of branding and are placed in safe place so as not to compromise the safety of the passengers.

Many drivers have displayed flags in their vehicles in spite of the ban in a unified showing of patriotism and support of Sven’s men.

You may reprint this article on your site or in your ezine as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and the resource information remains intact.

Please visit Piggotts website for the chance to buy flags

http://www.piggotts.co.uk/

England has failed again in penalty shoot-outs at major competition. I saw Stuart Pearce, Southgate, Gareth Batty, Bechkam, Lampard, Gerrard missing from the spot. Why England keep loosing it in the shoot-outs. What goes wrong?

Penalty Shoot-out as Lottery

How often the English media keep on describing the penalty shoot-outs as lottery, where the luckier team will go through and unluckier will go home. Trust you me after playing and following football for number of years I can safely say that it is not lottery but a skill. A skill which in not much practiced on the island.

If it is a lottery than why teams like England keep on loosing it and teams like Germany and Argentina keep winning them. The Argentines never lost in penalties in world cup before they did in Berlin against Germany.

Keeping Calm

Second most important aspect of taking penalty is keeping the cool. I have seen numerous players over the years who usually fail to keep cool on field during 90 minutes missing penalties. E.g. Pearce in 90, Stam in Euro 2000 etc.

Third is guile to send the keeper in wrong direction

With increasing footages and video replays it is getting more and more difficult to beat goalkeepers in penalties. Days are gone when goal keeper came across unheard player and don’t know what they will do and had to choose one way in hope they proved right.

Today teams have come up with the technology support to guess where the player will shoot even before he landed on field. What are his normal scoring ratio, which areas he favors, where he is more likely to go under pressure, and what sort of hip movement while running suggests the direction of the kick etc.

What should England do to start winning in Penalties

If they able to come with solution of above three things I believe they will find it relatively easier to score penalties. It has to ingrained in the system that penalty wins you matches, secondly new coach Steve McClaren has to make believe the new team that they are different from the teams before and can remove the tag of penalties chokers.

Anand Mann is a football correspondent in Germany, he decided to write for write term papers on this year global event. He has previously covered FIFA 2002 in Korea and Japan. You can contact him at http://writetermpapers.com Get the latest updates on world cup in daily newsletter from write term papers

The World Cup is down to eight countries as we approach the business end of the tournament. This is what happened the four quarter finals and who will be squaring off against who in the semis.

In a match billed as the 1990 World Cup final replay, hosts Germany ousted second favourites Argentina on a penalty shoot-out. Roberto Ayala headed Argentina in front four minutes into the second half and Jose Pekerman’s side looked to have booked their place in the last four until leading goalscorer Miroslav Klose levelled 10 minutes from time. No more goals were scored and the impeccable Germans maintained their 100% penalty record in a major finals by defeating their opponents 4-2 from the spot. A large brawl broke out after the final spot kick and Pekermen resigned in the aftermath of defeat.

Italy vs Ukraine was expected to be a low scoring affair but the Italians stepped up a gear and swept the World Cup first timers aside 3-0. Italy were out of the blocks early and Zambrotta broke the deadlock after just six minutes. Luca Toni, tipped by many as a dark horse for the World Cup Golden Boot, finally scored his first of the tournament, heading in after 59 minutes and netted another 10 minutes later to set up a semi-final clash against Germany.

Arguably the biggest shock of the tournament was France against Brazil. The ageing French side who had surprisingly got this far after an unconvincing group stage performance were expected to lose against pre-tournament favourites Brazil. However, an inspired performance by veteran Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry’s goal after 57 minutes was enough to see France through to the final four. Before they met Spain in the second round, France were 20/1 outsiders but now see themselves as 2/1 second favourites behind hosts Germany.

Whereas France’s victory over Brazil was a shock, the most dramatic match of the quarter finals was unquestionably England vs Portugal. England had arguably better of the chances until the crucial turning point after XX minutes when Wayne Rooney was sent off. Rooney apparently stamped on Ricardo Carvalho and Manchester United team-mate Ronaldo gestured to have the striker sent off. Rooney pushed Ronaldo away and duly received his marching orders. Sven Goran Eriksson had no more ideas to call upon, despite banking £25 million during his five year tenure and with the score still 0-0 after 130 minutes, the match was to be decided by the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

Simao scored but Frank Lampard’s was saved by goalkeeper Ricardo. Hugo Viana hit the post and the impressive Owen Hargreaves scored. Armando Petit struck his effort wide but with the chance to put England in front, Steven Gerrard saw his tame effort saved. Helder Postiga converted from the spot but Jamie Carragher saw a third penalty saved by Ricardo. Ironically, it was Ronaldo who netted the third crucial penalty to send Portugal into the semi final by a 3-1 scoreline.

David Walker runs a free bets website. You can watch live football online.