As Euro 2012 approaches, Italian striker Mario Balotelli has made the news because of his reasonable response to the potential racist atmosphere in Poland and the Ukraine and now he's featured in the new Nike line of Football commercials - My Time is Now:

Can the outpouring of love and support from our fans aimed at the new, resilient Arsenal help RVP stay at the club? I only ask because there are some intriguing quotes from the flying Dutchman in last night's match programme for the dramatic 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle.

You could be forgiven for thinking that Van the man – who showed just how much he cared for the club with his sheer joy at the win and his run-in with time-wasting Toon keeper Tim Krul – used his notes to drop the biggest hint yet that he will sign a new deal for Arsene Wenger in the summer.

In the absence of any match report or tweets every few seconds from saturday's FA Cup Final between Kelantan and Sime Darby at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, here are the thoughts of Kelantan's coach Bojan Hodak.
'Great atmosphere, 2 hours before game was almost full stadium, in this atmosphere we couldnt lose
Today I read that Kelantan didnt play so well, problem is that everyone expect 3-0 4-0 but Sime Darby played 8-1-1, after they conceded the goal they changed to 8-0-2.

Submit Oldham playlists

How would you like to play your part in shaping the pre-match and half-time atmosphere at Anfield and, in turn, help inspire the players before kick-off and the second half?

View the full story here: Liverpool FC

A news article on 2012-01-02 08:42:16 from: Liverpool FC

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

For the full quote sheet, click here:
U.S. Men's National Team head coach JURGEN KLINSMANN On the game against Panama:
"I think we saw a very close game, a very tight game which we luckily won because Panama didn't finish off the chances that they had.

The young Japanese star Ryo Miyaichi is enjoying his loan period at Bolton, and after being denied a goal on his 45 minute debut last week, the Arsenal loanee promised that he would score in the next game he played. The 18 year-old kept his promise with a brilliant individual effort for Bolton early on [.

Their Words "The fans were brilliant. They came out in their thousands and the atmosphere was brilliant, so all credit to them. They helped inspire a great team performance, although it got a little nervy towards the end, which can happen away from home, but we clung on." Fulham's Andy Johnson. Other Sources Tucson courting MLS as spring site - from The LA Times' Kevin Baxter: Only his idea has nothing to do with baseball.

The Emirates has often been accused of being antiseptic, lacking atmosphere. This Arsenal fan put that to rest celebrating wildly after RVP's goal leveled the scores in the north London derby. A few more unhinged fans like him and the Gunners should have no problems ending their title drought.

The best Champions League atmosphere on Wednesday was in Toronto

After APOEL beat Lyon on penalties and Lionel Messi destroyed Bayer Leverkusen, another Champions League set the stage. It was the CONCACAF Champions League, a competition between the best clubs in North America.

Look for the Philly Soccer Show podcast with guest Sebastien Le Toux later this morning.

Philadelphia Union

The Union had a live feed of Peter Nowak's weekly press conference on Wednesday on the club website, which is the first time that's happened as far as I can remember.

There was hardly a better way for Derry born James McClean to mark his first start for Sunderland as Ji Dong-won scored a last-minute winner against Manchester City.
The 22-year-old Irish flyer starred on the left wing for Sunderland, who recorded their third win in five games thanks to Dong-won's 93rd-minute goal.

Working alongside Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is acting as a learning curve for midfielder Jordan Henderson.
The England Under-21 international is still finding his feet at Anfield after his summer move from Sunderland.
He has made 22 appearances, 18 of which have been from the start and he has played the full 90 minutes in Liverpool's last eight matches.

Oldham playlist: Vote now

Earlier this week, Liverpool FC called on supporters to help shape the pre-match and half-time atmosphere at Anfield by submitting their match-day playlists and we can now reveal the contenders for the Oldham game.

View the full story here: Liverpool FC

A news article on 2012-01-04 11:29:47 from: Liverpool FC

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

In celebration of Mr 'What you call...underdogggssch' McClaren's new job, we thought we would bring you some Steve McClaren translations... What you call...underdoggssch An interview ahead of FC Twente's Champions League qualifier with Arsenal I Always wanted to coach abroad An interview with inspiration from the great Bobby Robson.

The atmosphere was upbeat and the play was fast-paced as the defending 2011 NASL Champion Minnesota Stars kicked off their 2012 preseason by hosting a combine at the National Sports Center Fieldhouse on Friday. Although the combine was targeted for Minnesota players, several candidates from other states and counties, even as far away as France, [.

Should be a cracking atmosphere with this cat in town.

Team news and the like from 9:45am EST.

Team sheets
Chelsea
TBA

Portsmouth
TBA

Streaming:
My P2P
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Sport Lemon

If Sporting Kansas City's season had a title, it would be "Night and Day". A tough start to the season, no doubt spurred on by the never-ending road trip, saw the team open Livestrong Park and use its great atmosphere ...
Visit http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com for the rest of the story.

LFC: Submit your Stoke playlists

How would you like to play your part in shaping the pre-match and half-time atmosphere at Anfield and, in turn, help inspire the players before kick-off and the second half?

View the full story here: Liverpool FC

A news article on 2012-01-11 08:35:21 from: Liverpool FC

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

All eyes will be on the famed Giuseppe Meazza this weekend as Inter take on Milan in the Derby della Madonnina. While the atmosphere of derbies in the past have been heightened by the on field personalities, the latest edition of the Milan derby will certainly be white hot due to the psychological warfare that has been waged by both clubs.

Jan Molby believes Liverpool will face a different type of challenge to the one they overcame midweek against Manchester City when they meet Stoke at Anfield on Saturday.
The Dane, who made 292 appearances for the club, also believes Andy Carroll has an important part to play, both in attack and defensively, if the Reds are to take all three points.

Obviously, the atmosphere at a derby held in such high esteem such as that of 'Derby della Madonnina' is meant to blow you off your feet. Unfortunately, besides Diego Milito's wonder strike for Inter in the 54th minute (there's no denying him, really) the game last night was .

By Alan Duffy

Gooners desperately hoping that Arsene Wenger will finally open his dusty old cheque book and splash out on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar or Lukas Podolski might have to hold that thought, as, according to the Guardian, the Arsenal boss is keen on signing up Robin Van Persie's five-year-old boy, Shaqueel (surely he'll be a basketball player?

By Alan Duffy

Gooners desperately hoping that Arsene Wenger will finally open his dusty old cheque book and splash out on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar or Lukas Podolski might have to hold that thought, as, according to the Guardian, the Arsenal boss is keen on signing up Robin Van Persie's five-year-old boy, Shaqueel (surely he'll be a basketball player?

No Shaq attack for Gunners Robin Van Persie's son has snubbed a move to Arsenal in favour of his local junior football team. Arsenal fans might be more concerned about keeping Van Persie Senior on their books, but the Gunners had invited five-year-old Shaqueel Van Persie to join their youth ranks. OTP isn't sure what [.

Saturday's match against Stoke didn't provide much in the way of top quality individual performances to look back on over the longest break between games in December or January, but amongst the many disappointing showings was yet another quality outing for Martin Skrtel. Six months ago fans impatiently waited for Phil Jones or Scott Dann to arrive on the transfer market and bump the Slovak down the depth chart, and now all the rugged defender does is turn in one man of the match calibre performance after another.

That must be the weirdest Arsenal article I've read for a while. It's in the Sun today and has Theo Walcott reckoning that the atmosphere in the Arsenal dressing room is brilliant right now (how old was this interview?). With Arsenal preparing to face Man United at home, where they are unbeaten since the opening [.

Its on again, the clash of the Football Titans, this time the 1º leg of the SPANISH CUP ( Copa del Rey ). At 22.00 hrs (10.00pm) Spanish local time REAL MADRID plays FC BARCELONA at the "Santiago Bernabeu" Stadium. Although the "atmosphere" is less tense than previous ocassion it is certainly the talk of the town & of the Football World.

Photo: Nate Monahan

The Philadelphia Union announced today that 34-year-old Serbian striker Veljko Paunovic has called an end to his 16 year professional career.

In the press release from the Union announcing his retirement, Paunovic praised both the Union fans and the Union organization.

The Philadelphia Union's Veljko Paunovic has decided to announce his retirement from professional soccer for the second time, according to the team. His beginning in Philadelphia wasn't a celebrated one, but by the end of his time in the city, he was appreciated.

"It is with great sadness that I announce my retirement from soccer due to family reasons but I will never forget the Union fans and the atmosphere at PPL Park every game," Paunvoci said to PhiladelphiaUnion.

Arsenal could be set to join Aston Villa and their Villa Park plan to introduce a safe-standing area by replicating the scheme at the Emirates.

Villa will put forward their suggestion at a meeting of the Premier League later this season. And if given the go-ahead, the club hope to have the safe standing zone in place in the Holte End by the 2013/14 season.

Veljko Paunovic released an open letter to Philadelphia Union fans through Twitter. The Brotherly Game asked the now retired player if the letter could be republished here, upon the site. With Paunovic's blessing, here's the full text of his letter:

I want to thank the great Union family for welcoming me from the very first day that I came here.

The one thing we love more than drinking beer and watching some soccer is being able to share said beer with people. We do it all the time and so do the fine men and women that subscribe to the of the Free Beer Movement Philosophy. We share our beer with our friends, family, and co-workers who desperately need some education on the soccer front to understand the passion that drives our connection to the sport of soccer.

As if today's disappointing result wasn't enough to elicit anger, we now have news that a section of Chelsea supporters were reported to authorities after allegedly making racist remarks about Anton Ferdinand as they were traveling back from Norfolk via train.

Chelsea Football Club is concerned to hear that a small number of fans travelling back by train from Norwich were alleged to be involved in racist chants and comment.

SPANISH FOOTBALL this afternoon-night with the continuation of Round 1 ( the retake of the "players strike" at the start of the season) with five matches scheduled. Here is a brief summary of all the main events, the final results & the goal scorers. Osasuna-Valencia CF OSASUNA drew 1 - 1 against VALENCIA CF in a very rough & aggressive match at Pamplona.

Having already confirmed to miss out the whole season due to a serious knee injury, Lucas Leiva decided to return back in England for his rehabilitation process, leaving Brazil where he previously received treatment.

Lucas revealed that his recovery process is right on schedule and getting back to Liverpool would be much better for him since he can stay close with his teammates and also fans, who have been very supportive during his tough times.

By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jan 25, 2012) US Soccer Players -- The United States takes to the road for the second game of 2012. The match at Panama City's Estadio Rommel Fernandez is aimed at simulating the atmosphere players will experience during World Cup Qualifying. The dress rehearsal serves the younger players called up by coach Jurgen Klinsmann for January camp as well as the coach himself, giving them a firsthand look.

Their Words "We wanted to take the players out of their comfort zone and give them a different experience." US National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Other Sources Juergen Klinsmann puts U.S. soccer on fast track - from The LA Times' Kevin Baxter: "There is still a lot of catching up to do." Tougher challenge awaits United States - from FoxSoccer's Ives Galarcep: The atmosphere will be a unique national team experience for most of the.

Their Words "We wanted to take the players out of their comfort zone and give them a different experience." US National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Other Sources Juergen Klinsmann puts U.S. soccer on fast track - from The LA Times' Kevin Baxter: "There is still a lot of catching up to do." Tougher challenge awaits United States - from FoxSoccer's Ives Galarcep: The atmosphere will be a unique national team experience for most of the.

The New England Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl. Before making the trip to Indianapolis, the Patriots said goodbye to their faithful fans at a pep rally held in Gillette Stadium. About 25,000 fans showed up to cheer on their heroes.

Said Tom Brady: "We have the greatest fans in America.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has urged the Stamford Bridge crowd to seek inspiration from the club's traveling support at Loftus Road on Saturday to change the anxious vibe at the Blues' home ground.

The West Londoners were nearly unbeatable at home not too long ago but have appeared extremely vulnerable under Villas-Boas, who is hoping that the recent return to form improves the atmosphere at the Bridge.