England Win in Real Style!

England looked for a solid performance Saturday in their warm up to Wednesday nights big World Cup qualifier with the Ukraine. And they did it in style with an excellent 4-0 win over a strong Slovakia side, also preparing for a mid week game. Wayne Rooney capped off a fine performance bagging two late goals and the man of the match award. Emile Heskey opened the scoring on 7 minutes, while Frank Lampard got the 3rd goal of the game.

But the real talking point was the new England Jersey. Umbro create the jersey with absolute style. The jersey features an embroidered England team badge and the Umbro logo. Created with an open fabric collar design, using climate controlling technology that helps pulls sweat away from the skin. Another unique feature is shoulder darn for an improved fit. Anatomically tailored sleeves give the jersey an old school look, while giving excellent feel.

Also to add to the day, David Beckham beat Bobby Moores international cap record, and now has the most caps of any England outfield international(109). Beckham looked good in the game, and got a fantastic assist for Wayne Rooneys first goal, crossing from the right. We have a picture of becks sporting the New England Jersey. The Jersey really has that 60's feel and look about it, and no doubt England will be looking to bring back the glory days of 1966!

Nike's New Vapor Range Available

The full range of Nike's Vapor V and Superfly is now available to purchase. The Superfly is the centerpiece of the collection, weighing in at 6.4oz, it is one of the lightest soccer cleats ever created and is priced at just over $300. For those that can't spend big, the more feasable option is the Vapor V, priced at just over $200. This cleat is similar to the recent Vapor IV range that was so popular at the start of 2009. Nike have added some upgrades, including the color! Next up is the Talaria, probable the best money for cleat around, which ranges around $100. The cheapest version is the Vapor Steam V, at $75. The Talaria is the replica version of the Superfly, while the Steam is the replica of the Vapor V. The Superfly, and especially the Vapor V are likely to sell out pretty quick, so get them while they are hot and still available.

The best full selection we found was at Soccer.com.

Also, if you are looking for some coupons to help you save on your purchase of cleats or runners check out Save on Soccer Cleats!

Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly

Great news! The Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly is ready for the release. After the success of the Mercurial Vapor IV, Nike are excited to get this latest installment in the range on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo will be the first to debut the cleats on March 11th, it has been announced. Weighing in at 6.8oz, the Superfly is one of the lightest soccer cleats ever. This is because of the FlyWire technology that Nike use in their construction. Basically, FlyWires run across the top of the boot, acting like weight stabalizers just as the cables do on bridges. This allows Nike to create an extremely light upper.
After the success of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV range, Nike are sure to be expecting huge sales. Again, like the Vapor IV Berry, the Superfly will sell out fast, and cleats are sure to be in huge demand.
Right now there is an opportunity to pre-order through soccer.com. If you want to get your order in, Click Here.

Manchester United Win Carling Cup

In what was a pretty low key final between two teams with many of their regular starters watching from the stands, it took penalties to find a winner. Alex Ferguson commented after the game that he did not want the game to go to extra time, just as his Tottenham counterpart Harry Redknapp would not have wanted the extra playing time with both having big Premier League games on Wednesday night.

As it turns out, Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster proved to be the Man of the Match, and the game winner with his performance and save off the first penalty. It was Jamie O' Hara who agonizingly saw Foster dive to his left and palm the ball away from goal on Spurs first spot kick. Anderson stepped up to score the winning penalty after David Bentley had stroked his penalty low and wide of Fosters goal. Stars such as Wayne Rooney and Dmitar Berbatov for Manchester United, and Wilson Palacios, Robbie Keane and Jonathan Woodgate had to watch the cup from the sideline, spectators! The game never opened up with little opportunities for either side, Ronaldo's shot that hit the post the closest either team came to winning.

One issue I had with this game, and games that go into extra time in particular, is the substitution rule. Like in any game, 90 minutes should have 3 substitutes for each team. Once these three subs are made, each team should have the option to make one more substitution in extra time. Dawson went down early in extra time for Spurs. He played on but at what cost? Like any player that does not want to let his team down, Dawson played on with the injury. Why not allow each manager the opportunity to make one extra time substitution? Especially since every team going into extra time have tired legs. Its a simple move that could help energize a game late on, and save players from getting unnecessary injuries. Just my opinion, but listen up Sepp Blatter!