Adidas Predator X Images!

Found this earlier today, even though the Predator X and images are not supposed to be officially released until this coming Monday (10-26-09), we found a site that was listing the images, as well as the option to pre-buy them! Check them out below.




Images via: Shoebuy

Save 20% With World Soccer Shop Coupon

I just received this coupon from WorldSoccerShop that is good until 10-25-09...or until this Sunday! If you spend $75 or more, you can get 20% off by using the coupon WSS1025. If you are on the market for some new gear this might be the deal you have been waiting for!

FIFA and World Cup Playoff Seedings

So, this is one that has definitely touched a nerve with me! Fifa, the world governing organization for soccer, decided 2 weeks before the final round of European qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup, that the teams that qualified for the playoffs would be seeded! This meant that out of the 8 teams that qualified, 4 would be seeded as higher rankings and not have to play each other (ie France would not have to play Portugal). In my opinion, this is what it is all about! Since there was a chance that the above teams, Portugal and France, would be drawn against one another, Fifa decided to 'alter' the rules in order for them to avoid being paired up. By having them play together, there would be one less power nation involved in the World Cup. Why not just draw from the 8 team like was the initial plan?
I am Irish and this is one reason why I am upset with the decision. In the draw, Ireland got France. Probably the toughest pairing in the playoffs. But I am not complaining about that. Even if all 8 teams were drawn from one hat we could have got France anyway. It is just the way in which Fifa announced it. The Irish team and coaching staff was also fuming about the decision. In particular goalkeeper Shay Given was unhappy. Given even went as far as to suggest that the decision, which was announced last week, was driven by the voices of the biggest nations at the top of the Fifa hierarchy. "There are people high up in delegations," said Given, "and maybe their countries are needing a hand to qualify."
Check out this English poll, that asked 'Is Fifa's seeding system fair'? The result was pretty conclusive with over 87% of respondents saying the system was flawed. Need I say more?

Adidas Predator X About to be Unleashed

Adidas Predator X - It is the talk of the town right now and is about to be released onto the US market. There are a lot of positive things being said about the cleat, and after getting to test a pair I would agree. Actually, in my opinion they will probably be one of the more sought after cleats come the Christmas rush. And that will be no easy feat as Nike have raised their game with recent releases. The Predator X has many new technological developments, including 'Optifit', a system that allows for a more durable and long lasting cleat. Basically, Adidas have worked to shore up some of the problem areas where you often see other cleats (including previous versions of the Predator) tearing. Another cool aspect is the Predator Zone. This time around, adidas have used a silicon plastic mix that is designed to help with control, accuracy and power.
Right now, if you are brave enough, the cleats are available to pre-order for $220!

USA CONCACAF Champions in Dramatic Style!

It has been a qualifying campaign full of twists and turns, and the final round of games was no different! It took a goal from Jonathan Bornstein in the 94th minute to claim a 2-2 draw for the US mens soccer team against Costa Rica. Because the US tied, Mexico would have they beaten T&T. There game finished in a 2-2 draw also. If the US had lost the game, Mexico would have been crowned CONCACAF Champions, but Bornstein ended up scoring the much needed goal. Robbie Rodgers came on for the last 20 minutes, and in my opinion put in a man of the match performance, and was involved in both goals. In fact, less than 60 seconds after coming into the game, Rodgers whiped a fantastic cross into the box that Conor Casey probably should have scored. One negative was that Oguchi Onyewu went off with what looked to be a serious injury in the second half. He seemed to twist his left knee or ankle as he challenged for a ball on the back post. At first, I actually thought he had broken his leg, as he was in serious agony. After seeing some replays, it looked like his left ankle or knee buckled as he fell. Watch out for more on his injury.

Finally, I think Charlie Davies will be proud of the team after their brave performance. It was a difficult game for the team to have to play, especially with all the media attention surrounding the team in the past 36 hours, but they battled and got the result they needed. A tribute was given to Davies after the game as the team met in the center circle with a banner. As an update, Davies was making some improvement today, and according to sources, he was responsive to doctors. A positive beginning to what will be a difficult and testing recovery. We wish Charlie a fast and full recovery, and we would like to offer our condolances for the life lost in the crash.

Ryan Gigg's Benifits From Half-Time Snacks

Whatever happened to half-time oranges? Fig rolls are the half-time snack fit for champions, it has been claimed. The secret behind everlasting life for Manchester United veterans such as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes is apparently a hit of the fruity biscuit. Gone are the days of the humble citrus fruit and even the next generation Jaffa Cake - an orange on a cake - is passe in the Old Trafford dressing room. "The players have to watch everything they eat and drink," a club 'source' told The Sun. "A lot of the players used to have Jaffa Cakes for their half-time energy fix, but that's all changed now. Many have switched to fig rolls. Our team of nutritionists and dieticians have identified them as the perfect interval snack for footballers.
'They are high in carbohydrates, low in fat and the lads love the taste of them. They're perfect for football.'

Story comes via the Daily Mail.