It happened so fast that I didn’t even get to hold my breath. I couldn’t savor the tension or flirt with ecstatic thoughts of reaching the semi-finals. All I remember were four-worded expletives leaving my mouth and being trapped in a delusional nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. And it’s all Asamoah Gyan’s fault.

I was never confident in Asamoah Gyan’s penalty-taking capabilities. Even though he is a good striker in open play, his penalties have always been sketchy. People say I’m being negative but let me recall that this is the same striker that missed a penalty against Czech Republic to go two goals up four years ago.

Yes, I know it was Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez that villainously handled the ball and denied us the winner but he got what he desereved with a red card. To tell you the truth, I don’t blame him for cheating because it’s natural and I’ve seen a lot of players handle the ball on the goal line especially when the pressure mounts up. It’s not right but that doesn’t mean that they won’t do it.

What I didn’t expect was Asamoah Gyan to miss the most important penalty in his career. Penalties can be missed but I believe the statistical odds are with the player behind the ball. In Gyan’s case, it was supposed to be a game-winning penalty but he missed it. Seriously, ask yourself- did you think he was going to miss it? I sure didn’t. Ultimately, we shouldn’t have been in that situation.

What’s even worse is that the psychological baggage from the penalty miss carried over to the rest of the Ghanaian squad and affected their performance. John Mensah’s horribly tame effort at the penalty kick. Adiyah’s inexperience and opening of his body tipped off Uruguay goalkeeper into making an easy save.

But overall, Ghana has had a good run at the World Cup and there is no use in dwelling on what could have been. If only that idiot Suarez didn’t handle the ball on the goal line and Asamoah Gyan didn’t miss that penalty. Ok, I’ll end it here. Just like Ghana’s World Cup campaign.

On sale from Thursday 29thJuly, the 70s style shirt is made up of a block red body with a white round neck collar, and white sleeves. Inside the shirt on the back of the club crest is inscribed Arsenal’s motto: “Victoria, Concordia, Crescit”. The shorts and socks are white.

While the design is traditional, the technology is cutting edge. Every shirt is made entirely from recycled polyester, crafted from up to eight plastic water bottles as part of Nike’s ‘Considered Design’ programme, which sees discarded plastic bottles diverted from landfills  to be used in the manufacturing process.**

The improved Nike Dri-Fit fabric, now 13% lighter than previous kits, helps to quickly evaporate moisture by drawing it through the fabric to the surface, to keep players dry. Ventilation zones on the sides of the jersey and back of shorts enhance breathability by up to 7%. And the double knit structure of the jersey gives it 10% more stretch.

The classic design and ethical makeup of the kit has already proved a big hit with the Arsenal players.

Alex Song said: “The shirt is traditional, it’s red and white which the fans love, and it shows the history of the Club.

“I watched Arsenal on TV lots when I was young and just saw red and white. If someone told me six or seven years ago I’d be able to wear these colours it would have been unbelievable, so today I’m so happy to wear this shirt and to do my best for this shirt.”

Thomas Vermaelen agreed, saying: “I really like this new kit. It’s the typical colours for Arsenal, white and red, and it’s really nice. Every club has their own traditional colours. For Arsenal it’s red and white and that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”

Theo Walcott summed the new kit up: “The colours are very traditional, it feels nice and it’s made from recycled plastic bottles so what more can you ask for?! It fits and feels nice, and that’s the most important thing. I think it’s important that you feel comfortable in it.”

Those who pre-order the new home shirt at arsenal.com or an official Arsenal store, will receive a redcurrant Arsenal polo neck t-shirt in the same size, worth £20***, absolutely free while stocks last!

The new Arsenal home shirt is priced £45 for adults (£50 long sleeved) with children’s shirts at £35 (£40 long sleeved). The Armoury, All Arsenal, Finsbury Park and Enfield stores will be open 9am – 5.30pm on Thursday 29th July. Further information for activities taking place on kit launch day will be posted on www.arsenal.com in due course.

New 2010/11 Home kit

Obviously, I am passionate about the World Cup especially since it is taking place in Africa and that Ghana’s Black Stars have qualified for the second cosecutive time. I am passionate about the Vuvuzelas, the  stadium horns that joyously blow their unique African flair onto the fields (Even, though they are actually noisy). I am passionate about the Jambulani soccer ball which represents the time of celebration. The main point is I have always been passionate about every aspect of soccer. The intensity, the pace, the Premier League, Arsenal, my favorite players, and the MLS (Yes the MLS).

Unfortunately, in the United States, I feel like I am usually alone in my passion for soccer and can’t have anyone to genuinely share that passion with. Let’s face it, in the U.S. traditionally, nobody cares about soccer.

But when the World Cup comes around, suddenly everyone is a soccer fan and starts to ride World Cup bandwagon all of a sudden. To the posers, if you didn’t care about soccer before the World Cup why are you all hyped up after four years?

I won’t make harsh accuastions just yet. One reason why soccer is not big in the U.S. is  mainly because of one reason. Sour grapes- the U.S. have never been able to dominate in soccer and they won’t, not for a long time at least. Ever since the birth of the World Cup, the U.S. have a really poor record. They have the most of 22 losses in World Cup history, failed to reach group stages in their own host tournament in 1994, finished dead last in the France 1998 World Cup and have always been second best to Brazil in the CONCACAF federation.

As a result, there is not a lot of support behind the U.S. team. Even why bother? Especially when they dominate in other sports such as  basketball, baseball and football then crown themselves ”World’ Champions” when they only play against each other in their domestic leagues.

And if you want to say soccer is making headwaves in America since David Beckham’s $250 million signing to L.A. Galaxy in 2007, then that’s that sad. I think what genuinely sparked a revolution in U.S. soccer was when Mia Hamm and the rest of U.S. Women’s national squad won the World Cup in 1999.

And the men’s side can do just as well because the U.S. national team is actually good. The team is, according to the FIFA World Rankings, ranked 14th in the world and first in CONCACAF. and has appeared in the last six FIFA World Cups

The team’s best finish in the FIFA World Cup came in the inaugural 1930 tournament where it finished third. More recently, They also reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup after being kicked out by Germany. The United States has won the CONCACAF Gold Cup four times in ten tournaments, second only to Mexico. The USA had enjoyed a 58-match unbeaten home streak against CONCACAF opponents until July 2009, when arch-rivals Mexico thrashed them 5-0 in the final of the Gold Cup.

The team reached its first FIFA international final at the 2009 Confederations Cup, beating reigning European champions Spain 2-0 to advance to the finals but suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss after Brazil staged fiery comeback. A lot of U.S. fans knew about soccer that day when they beat Spain 2-0 that day but I didn’t hear much coverage from ESPN after that 5-0 drumming from Mexico. I’m just saying,  you are not a real fan of a team if you only support them when they win.

If you want to be a real American  soccer fan, you have to support the MLS, know at least 5 players from your national squad and that these are people that represent you at the World Cup and try playing soccer once in a while. If you don’t like it, you don’t like it but don’t just wait every four years and pretend you have some appreciation for it when you actually don’t. It makes no difference.

Michael Essien

Ghana captain and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has been ruled out of the World Cup due to an injury  he picked up in Decemeber. Most people believe that is a dampening blow to the Black Stars’ hopes of the tournament in South Africa. However, I don’t see it that way. 

Essien hasn’t been fit since his injury in December but was still in the squad in hopes he would recover in time for the World Cup.

Unfortunately, the midfielder has not been able to spring back into form according to the  Ghana Football Association.

“An evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the Ghana Football Association and Chelsea Football Club revealed that Essien will not make full recovery until the end of July,”   

Even though Ghana has lost a great player, I still believe  Ghana has the quality to do well in the World Cup at least.

Ghana has Inter Milan midfielder and UEFA Champions League winner Sulley Muntari. The 26-year-old is a quality player and impressed in the 2006 World Cup after he fired home a powerful strike against Czech Republic. With a total number of 16 caps. He’s been Ghana’s best player with numerous assists and a goal against Bosnia in a match friendly in March 2010.

Newcomer and former German forward  Kevin-Prince Boateng, who currently plays for Portsmouth, was named by the Serbian coach after deciding to switch nationality. He has great potential and will from a great striking partnership with Asamoah Gyan.

The Portsmouth player was born in Germany, who he has represented at under-21 level, but has a Ghanaian father and his uncle has played for the Black Stars.

Ghana Coach Milovan Rajevac also named John Mensah in his preliminary squad. Mensah is a top defender and a rock in the heart of the Ghanaian defence.

 ”You just see Mensah and you look and think, ‘That’s a bit of quality’. He has got that arrogance that top players have got, he is quick, powerful, he jumps, heads the ball well, he’s tough. That’s why he is captain of his country.” Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said.

However, Mensah is heavily and inconveniently injury-prone and has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career at Lyon and Sunderland. He has been haunted by a calf injury arising from a physical complication which has plagued him in recent years.  Ghana is just lucky he is currently fit for this year’s World Cup. For now.

But that’s the least of Ghana’s troubles. Injuries aside, the main problem is that well, Ghana sucks right now.

With a  loss to Bosnia in March 2010 and a demoralising lost of 4-1 to Netherlands, Ghana is not looking good for the World Cup. The last two games were only friendlies but I believe they are still reflective of the performance Ghana will show at the tournament. There’s only a couple days left and the coach and the rest of the squad have to step up.

“Whatever happens, we cannot drop our heads, we have to continue with our preparations.  We have a tough group, a very tough group. But we have to do well and play our football. The most important thing is for this group of players to be healthy and ready,” Rajevac said.

Better be ready soon.

.

South Africa 2010

After 76 years of failed attempts to reach the World Cup, Ghana finally made history after a famous 3-0 victory against South Africa to enter the most prestigious tournament in the world in May 2006. That day, so many dreams came true.  There was so much joy and jubilation in the crowded streets of Accra. I had never been more proud to be a Ghanaian that day.

There have been some great moments in African football, including Ghana’s youth squad winning the Under-17 World Cup in 2009. The fact that the 2010 World Cup will be hosted in South Africa is also groundbreaking even though it has been past due.

Despite the great achievements, there are still some problems I think need to be addressed or at least pointed out.

In Ghana, football is more than just a sport. Like baseball in America, football is Ghana’s past time; it is passion that flows through every Ghanaian’s veins. It spreads infectiously; No matter where you are, you are exposed to it. It becomes a part of you.

“Nobody can deny football. Passion for football is among the children, everybody from the schools to the streets, even the blind man, they want to play football,” Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi said.

I remember growing up in Accra, any game between Hearts of Oak and Kotoko FC on a Sunday is the most exciting time of your life. You sit with your friends and debate which team is the best, then you go and play football right afterwards.

Football also gives hope, not only in Ghana but in Africa too. There is a big, untapped pool of talent. Millions of African children are looking for an opportunity to succeed in life through football.

Since poverty hits hard in most African countries, including Ghana, football is the strong and persistent belief that it is the only way to escape poverty.

“I like football so much, I’m looking forward to playing in Europe, to play in any part of the world,” Kofi Asamoah said, wearing a LA galaxy shirt. He plays in a local league hoping he will be picked up by a scout from the other side of the world.

“If I can sign a professional contract, I can give money to my parents so that they will use it to take care of my sick sister,” 9-year-old Evans Mensah said,

I admire the fact the African youth are chasing their dreams and trying to better lives for themselves. But should trying to be a footballer the only thing that they should aspire to?

 Their dreams to become footballers become ultimately unrealistic given the state of African football. Sadly, some children give up education because they believe they will be picked up by scouts from Europe.

Football in Africa is not in the best state. It needs to improve and it needs to be utilized to its maximum potential and other opportunities should be available to the African children other than football.

One major problem some countries such as Sierra Leone is that the local leagues are dwindling. There is lack of revenue coming in due to corruption by the organizers and supervisors. African footballers are only seen as cheap commodities. They do not get paid and cannot provide for their families. So there is no incentive to stay and play in Africa. As a result, there is an exodus of African players trying to get into Europe and the local game is constantly robbed of quality talent.  In addition to that, African football is seen as completely inferior to the forces of powerful foreign leagues such as the English Premier League (EPL) and the Italian Serie A.

Resources in most African countries are allocated to cable and coverage of these foreign leagues. Local villagers are all about the craze of the foreign football and spend most of their money via pay-per-view especially to watch the EPL. All that money goes to back the EPL, they get bigger and the support or structure behind the local leagues gets smaller.

I’m not saying ban the EPL from being shown in Africa. It is very popular and is a great league to watch. I just think African governments and African football associations should focus resources on developing our own local leagues. We should cut off the corruption that is preventing African football from thriving

South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) is a structured and commercialized league that is broadcasted all over Africa and even several other countries. Players are paid well, treated fairly and are treated like heroes the way English fans treat Wayne Rooney.

Countries like Ghana and Nigeria should follow suit because I believe it is in the general interest if we all want African football to be on the same level of that England, Spain or Italy

Most importantly, we also need to educate people that football is not the only way out of poverty. We have to show the children that they can be doctors, teachers, pastors, lawyers and so on by encouraging them to go to school. I am certain if we commit to these beliefs, African football will thrive and prosper even more in addition to the recent achievements. Who knows maybe Ghana will win the 2010 World Cup.

IMS sports team celebrate their win after a soccer game

When logging in to Facebook and playing Xbox got boring, Liberty University Freshman Mario Evans figured he needed a better distraction. One that kept him fit and his senses sharp, so he decided to sign up with Liberty University’s (LU) Intramural Sports (IMS) program.

Evans played soccer in high school but never got to make the team so an opportunity that was as competitive seemed worthwhile.

“I play for the fun and to improve my skills as a soccer player,” Evans said. Most of the time, Evans is at the LU Indoor Soccer Complex making darting runs across the artificial turf field, pulling off quick dribbles with his lime-green Nike Mercurial cleats and taking vicious shots at the goalkeeper.

“For me, it’s the most free-flowing sport; I love the passion and energy in the game. I just love it,” Evans said.

 IMS are organized recreational sports leagues that allow students at Liberty to participate in a variety of team and individual sports. Competition exists, but the real focus of intramural sports is health and exercise, social interaction, stress reduction, sportsmanship, and teamwork according to the Ultimate LU Web site. It has cemented itself as a natural and part of college life since 1986.

“The IMS program has allowed students the opportunity to participate in numerous sports leagues, alleviate stress from academics, and provides another chance to exercise,” IMS Supervisor Deanna Dewitt said who oversees and enforces the rules and regulations within IMS.

She has held this position since August 2009 but the first full-time employee position was not established until 2000. Dewitt was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  She attended Liberty University from 2005 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Business in May 2009. She is currently working on her MBA from Liberty as well. Over the years, IMS has expanded by adding new sports.

“We try to add sports that the students want to be involved in and with the highest interest,” Dewitt said.  

Team sports ranging from Basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball to softball rank as some of the most played in IMS.

She also added the IMS program strives to make noticeable improvements by updating and upgrading its facilities, adding new facilities and making other changes deemed necessary. “We really do our best to give students what they want,” Dewitt said.

“I heard they were going to add horseback riding, isn’t that crazy?” Freshman Carson Meares says to his friend.

“No man, somebody would fall and break their neck. It’s Student Activities that provide that,” Vincent To said, he also works as volleyball staff for IMS.

“Well, I still think it’d be cool if we had horseback riding,” Meares said with a chuckle.

Nonetheless, the IMS offers a vast array of sports that range from dodgeball, paintball to ultimate Frisbee.

Even though Evans enjoys playing intramural sports, he and other students feel that there is more room for improvement for IMS here at Liberty.

“I started playing this semester; I like it because everyone gets to play but the organization, the refs in particular show a lot of inexperience and that makes me angry sometimes. They could do better,” Evans said. Referees and regulations fair among the biggest complaints about IMS program.

“I swear some of the refs have it out for me and my team. Some of them are on an ego power trip so there is not much you can do,” Sophomore and basketball player Derick Robinson said, frustrated over a call he felt that cost his team a regular season game.

While IMS gives students the opportunities to be active and provides them with more things to do, another constraint may be the fact that there is always the factor of time-management. As a result, students have to prioritize.

“It interferes in a way because the games are set up during class times or conflict with class times. It’s hard because you really want to play. I even know some students who have skipped exams just to play a game. That’s really bad because for me, my academics come first,” Evans said.

Freshman and Evan’s teammate Gregory Adejinle also said the sportsmanship and behaviors of some other players are very hostile.

“I like to be competitive but there are some times when things get out of hand. Fights break out, people calling each other names, you can literally smell the hate between two teams when you are playing on the field and that’s sad, considering the fact that we are in a Christian school,” Adejinle said, reflecting on one time an opponent called him a faggot.

However, these are fairly common complaints, IMS has received its fair share of criticisms but the recreational organization looks for ways to always improve and that they always the enforce rules and regulation of IMS.

 “We cannot make everyone happy with the decisions we choose [regarding the games]. However, our goal is to provide the best service possible to the student body,” Dewitt said after she and the IMS staff receive a flood-in of complaints about the refs and several regulations.

It is one of the stressful parts of her job but the staff Dewitt works with makes it all worthwhile. “It has been a pleasure working for the Intramural Sports staff thus far. Our staff is very friendly but also passionate and committed to their work. It’s a great experience working for the IMS Department.  

Apart from the organization, competition and the games, it is more of way to just hang out, spend time with some friends or make new ones. Most students know about the IMS through word-of-mouth that spreads infectiously.

“When I saw Mario chest and volley a ball from 26 yards out and score I had to get him on my team, “Adejinle said.

 Since then, they do not only play together on the team. They often eat together at the Rot and talk about Manchester United or help each other out with Math.

“Many students have also become lifelong friends from playing together within the program,” Dewitt said.

Sophomore Hillary Duncan did not have much to do until her friend persuaded her to get into volleyball.

“We were working out together in the gym and she just asked me to join her team and that sounded like fun to me,” Duncan said.

“I like the fact that we can play an organized sport but it’s more loose and relaxed than playing on a school team,”  Sophomore and Hillary’s friend Robin Tapken said.

For both friends, IMS gives them something to do, keep them in shape and has become a necessary part of life.

“When you are at the rot, you hear a lot of people talk about their games and their teams. It’s a big part of LU. So I think it’s very important to have something like that because it gives us something to do,” Tapken said.

“Even though you may not be really good at sports, I think it’s a great way to meet people so I’d definitely recommend to anyone to pick it up,” Evans said before he was on his way to his play-off game with his friends.

 For more information on IMS, students can visit www.liberty.edu/ims.

So back to the game against Everton; the referee had blown the whistle and the kick-off was a reminder that Arsenal’s make-or-break season was well on its way. Both clubs looked strong in the opening minutes of the game. Suddenly, Arsenal was in the lead with a stunning 25-yard curler from Brazilian midfielder Denilson 26 minutes into the game. Then new signing Thomas Vermaelen scored his debutant goal by sneaking in an uncontested header from a freekick in the 37th minute. Arsenal would then be up by three with a goal from defender William Gallas in the similar pattern four minutes later. I thought that was enough to silence the critics and naysayers about Arsenal, but the trashing did not stop there.

In the second half, Arsenal were just cruising through with the fourth goal. An attack by Everton was cut short and led to a counter attack by Arsenal with a string of passes that found captain Cesc Fabregas breaking through the middle of Everton’s defence to slot it through goalkeeper Tim Howard’s legs. A typical Arsenal goal but I was ecstatic as I did the robot and shouted my head off with joy. Fabregas would later score again in the 70th minute as he casually dribbled the ball just outside Everton’s 18-yard box to blaze it into the back of the net. Five goals to nil. Then it later became six goals by Arsenal as Eduardo tapped in Arshavin‘s unlucky rebound off the goal post. Six goals! Six goals by the team that  supposedly did not have a chance of contending for the championship.

The game ended with an emphatic 6-1 win by Arsenal. The scoreline is nothing short of poetic justice and a big “Fuck You!” to all the critics and all the two-faced Arsenal supporters. The scoreline is an emphatic “Shut up!” to the doubters who opened their mouths with rubbish spewing all over the place before they assesed the what a team like Arsenal is capable of.  

Even though it’s only the first game of the season, it’s a massive confidence boost for the Arsenal squad. It shows that this young team has matured and the team chemistry is coming together. So to the media and the arrogant sports critics that seem to think senseless expenditure of money and big-name signings is the only way to become a championship team should think again. Arsenal is a team that’s being built from the ground up and it’s only a matter of time before we win a trophy or cup title. Which we will. Gunners for life!

Arsenal Demolish Everton

“I think Patrick is a legend here and he would always like to come back to this Club. That would be his first choice but we are nowhere near to making a decision like that. But it is a possibility. We don’t rule it out and we don’t say we will do it. That’s my decision at the moment,” Wenger said.

I think it is great that Viera may come back. It will bolster our midfield with the depth of experience he has. Most Arsenal fans will will happily welcome him back because he’d be the first player that has ever come back to Arsenal. But there is one problem. At 33-years-old, Viera is way past his prime and I think he’s lost that edge and power he had during his nine years at Arsenal. Even Inter Milan coach Jose Murinho has no use for him as he is just surplus to his plans for the upcoming season. So it’s not much of a good thing but it’s definitely not bad either.

Nonetheless, it will be great to have him back as vital role player and he could teach Diaby and Song a thing or two. I can’t wait for this season to start because it is the season that can make or break Arsenal. Gunners for life!