The All New Mercurial Vapor Superfly II: CR7 Safari

So to the request of one of our visitors, here is a look at the newest Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II. The CR7 Safari.

Now there is no new technology in this shoe, thus making it the same as all the other Superfly models. The only main distinguisher of the new CR7 Safari is the patterned design.

The CR7 Safari is set to make its competitive debut in the Madrid Derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid on November 7th.

Nike markets this cleat as being made to the "exact specifications of Ronaldo", but really it is really just another design. The CR7 Safari will be available for retail on November 15.




Personally, I think Nike should have restructured the Superfly and made this one different from all the rest.

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree, the truth is that some people won't mind paying the above premium price for this shoe, and others will look at the retail price and shake their heads that anyone in their right mind would pay such an amount for a soccer shoe.

Personally I think this shoe might make a better collector's item than it will as an actual boot for use on the fields.

ESPN: Ballon d'Or Analysis

Nike Secret Tournament-The Cage(full)

This is arguably the greatest soccer commercial of all time!!

Amazing Skill of Ronaldinho Gaucho - Backheel Panna vs. Chievo 16/10/10 ...

Liverpool: The Merseyside Nightmare

In the past few weeks, Liverpool, one of the most successful club soccer teams in the history of the game has already sent its supporters to hell and back. It seems that the bumpy ride isn't over. Having switched owners following the sale of the club to New England Sports Ventures, it seemed as if the shaky start to Liverpool's season was over and done with, and that Roy Hodgson's squad would be able to turn their luck around.

Think again.

Liverpool were up against their arch-rivals Everton. The game was highly contested and it was Liverpool who got the chances early on. Fernando Torres continues to struggled to find his form after a disappointing World Cup in Africa. He has just one goal so far this season in 8 games. Torres saw his effort on goal turned over the crossbar by Tim Howard. Just over the half-hour mark of the first half, the Toffees took the lead through a Tim Cahill stike following a run to the touchline by Seamus Coleman. It was the Australian's 4th goal of the season. 

Things just seemed to get worse for Liverpool when Mikel Arteta doubled the lead just after half time. Unfortunately for the Reds, Steven Gerrard, Raul Meireles, and Fernando Torres were unable to get the team firing at full potential.

The game finished 2-0 leaving Liverpool in the relegation zone. It has been the worst start to a season for Liverpool since the 1953/1954 season, in which they also got relegated.

Will history repeat itself, or will Roy Hodgson and the boys be able to turn their season right around and make a run for a European club spot?

Diarra : Real Madrid Midfielder Frustrated with Lack of Playing Time

It may not come as a surprise to many that Lassana Diarra hasn't seen much playing time at Real Madrid this season. With the arrival of Sami Khedira, Diarra has been option number 2. This is normal seeing as Jose Mourinho insisted on bringing Khedira in to the fold.


Now it's not surprising to hear about certain players not being happy about riding the bench at Real Madrid; after all, there are more big names on the team than those that can be fielded at any given moment. Whenever someone is rumored to be going to Real, the debate goes on whether they'll be a starter or just another bench warmer.


Though it is normal for players to get frustrated about lack of playing time, especially when they have the desire to play for their country as well, it is never a good thing to come out and voice their concern about it as it may imbalance the team. That being said, Real looked very convincing in their last match and have been able to string together a series of positive results.

Photo originally from http://www.theoffside.com

Post Game Analysis: Real Madrid vs Espanyol (Tuesday, September 21, 2010)

Tuesday's match between Real Madrid and Espanyol took place at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid has not been performing at their best and this game started off in the same manner. Espanyol got the first scoring opportunity. Real Madrid did however start to string together quicker and sharper passes. In the 28^th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo helped the team take an early lead from the penalty spot. As the first half came to closer to an end, Espanyol had numerous chances to tie up the game but Real Madrid kept control of the ball for most of the half.

After half time Espanyol looked more alive as a team and was certainly looking for an equalizer. Espanyol’s chances to get a point fromt he game looked better when Pepe received his second yellow. Unfortunately, that man-advantage came to an end when Ernesto Galan was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo. A few minutes later Real Madrid had a couple of great opportunities to double their lead and in the 79^th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo sent it Gonzalo Higuain who netted his first of the new term to make it 2-0. Espanyol’s spirit took yet another blow in the 87^th minute when Karim Benzema scored the 3^rd and final goal of the game leaving Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, one point clear of Valencia who has a game in hand.

Real's form away from the Bernabeu hasn't been all that convincing, but Mourinho will argue that the only thing that matters is the result. Higuain, Benzema, and Ronaldo each netted their first goals, so can they fire Real into success this season?

Only time will tell.

Replacing Management : Quick Fix or Easy Way Out?

In the past couple of weeks, even months, we've seen various coaches fall mercy to the hands of the media.
We've seen Raymond Domenech scowled and torn apart by the French.
Most recently we saw former Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz ridiculed by the Portuguese media.
After what looks like a forth straight season in which Toronto FC will fail to mark their presence in the MLS Playoffs, they have dismissed Mo Johnston and Preki Radosavljevic.

Now not all changes have proven to be successful. Toronto FC has just appointed Nick Dasovic as its 5th manager in 4 years and Laurent Blanc has seen France's FIFA ranking drop to 27th, France's worst ever ranking since they were first introduced in 1993.

Apart from those who have already seen their fates determined by owners and federations, more names
are being shortlisted. Claudio Ranieri seems to be in turmoil amongst Romanistas after their dismal start to the season. Roma are winless in their first 3 Serie A matches, most notable their 5-1 defeat at the hands of Cagliari. Roma now sit in the 17th position of the table, only one spot clear of relegation.

Most fans are quick to point fingers, and sadly a managers great achievements are quickly forgotten when times get rough. How can a team like Roma, who have had very few changes to a lineup that almost won the scudetto last season, taking Inter to the last matchday, struggle so much to get going this season?

Is Ranieri doomed? Or will he be able to get Roma firing on all cyclinders once again?