PortuGoal.net Editor Talks Up and Coming Portuguese Players

With everyone abuzz over the latest Arsenal Developments and the upcoming Chelsea match, it’s only fitting that we keep our eyes focused on Europe. There is a wealth of new talent ready to make a transition to the global stage, and my in-depth conversation with PortuGoal.net Editor touched on that quite nicely. Check out who Kundert thinks will be the names we will be talking about in the not-so-distant future.

Soccer In The Streets Heads to South Africa

In case you missed the latest episode of Eat Soccer Radio, we had the good fortune of haveing Jill Robbins, Executive Director of Soccer In the Streets, join us. She provided some invaluable information for those listeners who want to begin grassroots soccer programming in their area of the world. Also, she let everyone know that a delegation from their program will receive a once-in-a-lifetime experience to participate in 2010 World Cup programming in South Africa. A journey that far doesn't come without a NICE price tag so pitch in and help these deserving youth on their transatlantic voyage! Click here to learn more about SITS and submit your donation.

P.S. To listen to the interview with Jill Robbins, click on the audio player above.

Bafana Beats Me to Brazil

In the midst of taking care of a few loose ends for an upcoming trip to Brazil, I happened to learn that Bafana Bafana is doing its World Cup 2010 preparations in Teresopolis! The selection of the Brazilian training ground, which serves as a training site for the Brazilian sides, only makes perfect sense because this is the home turf of Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

Having a good dose of Teresopolis high altitude, mixed with the energetic environment of Joga Bonito, will serve South Africa’s national side well. The team has several practice matches scheduled with area clubs Volta Redonda, Boavista, Fluminense, Cruzeiro and Botafogo.

Calendar Note: Catch Messi with Argentine Squad in US

After World Cup fever subsides, there still could be another opportunity for you to catch some live international action stateside. According to a published comments from a spokeswoman at Cardenas Marketing network, Lionel Messi alongside his Argentine teammates are slated to play in the U.S.

Although no dates are confirmed, the exhibtion game will fall during the international fixture periods when clubs are required to release players to national teams. These periods include Aug. 11, Sept. 3-7, Oct. 8-12 and Nov. 17.

Stay tuned!

ALL ACCESS REALITY: BUDWEISER'S 2010 World Cup BUD HOUSE

As mentioned on my most recent installment of Eat Soccer Radio, Budweiser is underwriting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 32 individuals to spend 5 weeks in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.

As part of their sponsorship of the 2010 World Cup, Budhouse is a reality show that will allow its participants to attend World Cup matches, live in a luxurious compound of some kind in Cape Town, take a number of excursions throughout Southern Africa, participate in charity work, meet FIFA soccer/football stars, and have unprecedented backstage access.

It's my understanding that this is not a classic competition. There are likely to be some opt-in contests for prizes along the way, but this is not going to be your typical Big Brother/ Road Rules grueling- feats-of- endurance fest. It's also not currently set up to be filmed 24/7, but rather when there are games or activities occurring that production wants to cover.

If you a)know someone who's a huge soccer/football fan b)know someone who is *from* one of the 32 qualifying countries for the World Cup (listed below) and c)speaks English, please pass this along to them.

Deadline to submit your completed online application at Budhouse is Friday, February 26th. Don't miss out!!

Musician Sting Promotes Hope Is A Game Changer

Musical legend Sting joins the blogosphere for the very first time as a contributor to ReadersDigest.com. Sting's blog details his work with philanthropist Bobby Sager.

Sting's blog, "Sting and Sager Deliver Hope for the Holidays," is the magazine's first foray into celebrity blogging. Sting's words will also be translated for the magazine's global websites, including Reader's Digest Poland, Singapore, Germany, Spain, Portugal, India, Taiwan/Hong Kong, and Canada.

The blog entry petitions readers to look inward and ask themselves whether they are doing enough to help someone else in the world. Sting tells of his own deep connection to the Hope Is a Game Changer project, which he founded with Sager to deliver thousands of indestructible soccer balls to children in need around the world.

Within the blog, Sting describes his relationship with Sager and his book The Power of the Invisible Sun, the proceeds of which go entirely toward the Hope Is a Game Changer project. "Bobby and I share the unwavering belief that hope really is a game changer, especially for children," Sting writes. "We believe that each indestructible ball delivered will come to represent a lasting symbol of hope. A light no matter how small--that is the power of the invisible sun."

To view Sting's blog, visit www.ReadersDigest.com/Sting.

Walmart Officially Joins the World Cup 2010 Team

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has announced that it will join the World Cup 2010 sponsorship team. The global, low price retailer will operate 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Official Event Stores in nearly all of its retail markets around the world. The retailer will feature FIFA event branded shops inside select stores that will offer exclusive FIFA World Cup(TM) official licensed products and host special events leading up to the games.

All 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) branded merchandise will be customized for the country where it will be sold. With everything from hats and bags, to soccer balls and T-shirts, fans who visit the shops will be able to support their team like never before.

Sony Ericsson Mash Up: World Cup 2010 + Twitter = Twitter Cup

On December 4th, Sony Ericsson, the Official Mobile Handset of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM), introduced a new way for soccer fans in the Unites States to get behind their team online through a unique social networking initiative.

The Sony Ericsson Twitter Cup will see the 32 teams competing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, battle it out in an online tournament where the fans decide who will win. Fans will be able to participate in this exciting competition either online or via their mobile handset.

To get team your squad through each round, fans need to show their support by tweeting. The team with the most Tweets in each round will prevail and go on to the next stage, regardless of how the real team fares in South Africa.

Join the Mash Up at Sony Ericcson Twitter Cup.

Brandon Culpepper Mentors Footballers on Courage

For the second episode of my international radio broadcast Eat Soccer!, I had the wonderful opportunity to introduce the listeners to one of the most courageous, motivated athletes I know. Brandon Culpepper is an American football player, and he took time out of his busy NFL schedule to give soccer players tips on how they can develop the courage to pursue their dreams to play soccer.

In my own personal soccer journey, I have received advice and mentorship from athletes, business moguls, ministers, trainers, massage therapists, bus drivers, computer geeks...you name it! I believe everyone can teach you something.

So although Brandon's football is oblong and our football is circular, the actions that he has taken, to build and act on his courage to approach NFL coaches and further his professional sports career, is something we can all learn from.

If you want to continue following Culpepper in his courageous NFL journey, follow him on his blog Culpepper's Dreams and Goals Are Reality or become his friend on Facebook.

The new episode (2) is loaded on the podcast player above. Enjoy the interview!

Soccer History: Soccer Comic Strip Billy's Boots

Although I didn't have the pleasure of reading lots of comic books growing up, I have plenty of friends who are die hard comic book fans. While flipping through the stacks at Heroes, the ultimate comic bookstore in Charlotte, I wondered if any of these publications featured soccer. After a little research, I located Billy's Boots. Billy's Boots is a British comic strip about Billy Dane and his magical football boots. For all of my football and comic strip fiends, this entry is for you. Enjoy!

Soccer Tutorial: Shooting Accuracy

Help A Soccer Club & Win the Belles Lotto!

Soccer isn’t immune to the rocky economic climate. Argentina’s first division clubs are off to a late start and without a television licensing deal. Moreover, recent articles reported that a few clubs in the newly created Women’s Professional Soccer league have lost up to $2 million dollars in its inaugural season.

To stave off the possibility of closing their club, Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC, a FA Tesco Women’s Premier League club, has enlisted the services of Sport Driven to develop a creative way to raise funding.

Sport Driven has launched a sponsorship lottery campaign. The company is selling 100 lottery tickets to businesses for approximately $500. The lottery winner will receive a business sponsorship package with Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC that is valued at approximately $24,000.

If you want the opportunity to promote your business to local, regional and national consumers in England, please download the brochure: http://www.sportdriven.co.uk/belleslotto.pdf

Aguero, Open Space & A Ball

Who dares to leave this guy with open space and a ball?

Refs Seeing Red

On Sunday, those of us who watched the AC Milan vs. InterMilan match witnessed a moment of confusion and comedy. During the course of play, international star Ronaldinho was flashed by the referee with a red card.

Fortunately, in a moment of card waving flare, the referee mistakenly showed the wrong color. A yellow card for the fancy footed showman and a laugh for all who watched.

However, Ze Carlos of the Brazilian club Cruzeiro did not receive an mercy from the referee on July 12th. His send off time--12 seconds. It was a Brazilian record but not an international one. That title belongs to David Pratt of Chippenham Town. His time was a swift 3 seconds!

Since we couldn't get a clip of David's, enjoy watching Ze Carlos' twelve seconds of fame!

Good Samaritans Do Get Perks

In a time when society rewards those who rentlessly pursue self-serving goals, this Wednesday may prove to be a one-up for those who seek to help others in Atlanta, Georgia.

AC Milan is slated to to put forth their best showing against Club America. Ronaldinho, Oguchi Onyewu and Pavel Pardo will be in the building!

So where do the Good Samaritans fit into the equation? Project A.L.S. is the official charity for the World Football Challenge. If you volunteer to pass the collection boxes during the 2 intermissions, you will have the opportunity to watch the game for free. A free World Football Challenge t-shirt, free ticket to see international superstars go head to head and helping a wonderful cause. Now that is what I call a come-up!

Volunteer Contact:

Julianne Hoffenberg, Co-Founder

Project A.L.S.

juleshoff@gmail.com