By Ollie Irish
The concept behind this new Nike World Cup campaign is not new one wrong pass and your career
goes to the sh*ts, you end up living in a caravan park and you grow a massive beard. We've all been
there. Fray Bentos pie tins on the floor, Stella cans full of cigarette ends.
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C-RON'S supermodel beard girlfriend Irina Shayk (see above for details) must get very bored with
him talking about his job, as she has zero interest in football.
In an interview for the latest issue of GQ we say interview, but it's more about the photos, of
course the Russian catwalk queen said: "I'm not a fan of soccer, for sure not!
By Jordan Beard
With 48 matches about to take place in the group stage of the World Cup, one must focus his
viewing on a select few. Well, not "must", but rather "might have to". Of the 8 groups in South
Africa, here are my top matches to look out for in each group.
I usually leave the soccer aggregating up to this guy. How he finds the time while doting on
that epic beard, I'll never know – but he does.
But I wanted to call attention to a couple of Jim Dandies.
A lot of sites dish the dime on U.S. players abroad. But Avi Creditor's report at SI.
Interview by Eric and Jordan Beard
After a truly heartbreaking last-minute 2-1 defeat, courtesy of Rosana's 93rd minute penalty, to
Sky Blue FC at Harvard Stadium Sunday evening, Boston Breakers playmaker Kelly Smith talked about
how tough the loss was to take because the Breakers were clearly the better side throughout the
entire first half.
Thanks to those at the excellent Kickette for bringing this very odd
development to our attention. For as long as we can remember Real Madrid and Spain keeper has
sported a beard of some description, but now he has done away with it and frankly he looks weird.
We don't think we can ever get used to it and are hoping that he is one of those who can grow
facial hair at the speed of light.
We went picture spam crazy over Barcelona's trip to Seoul, South Korea. I know it may be a bit
over board but that is how we do it when it involves the best club in the world, BOOM!
New guy taking notes of wisdom from Dani. You better listen to him, boy.
Dani knows what he's talking about.
The strangest place you've played football? Avoiding the Drop outlines their experience in
Esteli, Nicaragua, a place close to AFR as our own Jordan Beard was there over the summer eating
ungodly amounts of beans and doing charity work with his school.
Do Alex & John Terry's injuries leave a massive weakness in Chelsea's squad?
The travel rosters for the ODP teams going to Phoenix have been announced. We want to recognize the
hard work put in by all the ODP players in December to earn a spot for the upcoming trip and extend
sincere congratulations to the following players: Every one of Sodium's '96 ODP players were
selected for the roster: Lexi Frey Mac Kearney Jadyn McMillan Andrea Theriau Taylor Moscoe Eli
Beard
In this series, we look at some of the truly amazing heads of hair that have graced the
field for the U.S. over the years...
Former USA defender/rhythm guitarist Alexi Lalas works his way onto our list with his
two-pronged attack flowing ginger mane coupled with a wispy goatee. Lalas would be a candidate
with either one, so the combination of the two made him a lock.
You are never a true man until you are able to grow a beard: Fact!. Have you ever wondered why
we even grow facial hair; there is no advantage to it you say, well its written into the gene pool
because it is advantageous to us in life. In short, the generations before us kept the beard due
the alluring powers it has on the ladies.
View full size photo »
I usually leave the worldwide aggregating and linking duty to Bruce McGuire and DuNord. How he
finds the time to ferret out all those great soccer articles between extensive beard grooming
sessions, I'll never know.
By Eric & Jordan Beard
We were lucky enough to take in a wonderful Women's Premier Soccer (WPS) match at the historic
Harvard University stadium Friday night between the Boston Breakers and FC Gold Pride. Now this was
personally our first WPS match we've attended, but there was quite a bit of hype surrounding it
because it was billed as a match between "The Two Best Players in the World.
Tim Howard isn't a player who needs bulletin board material, least of all in a World Cup, but
even he had to deliver some forceful words after hearing that Slovenian Andrej Komac's guarantee
that Slovenia would beat the United States in their World Cup match on Friday.
"Talk is cheap," Howard said of the guarantee.
Good morning from a sultry London. At least, I expect it to be sultry later on, or I want my
money back. The shorts are on, perfectly complementing the hairy white legs, and I even got the
electric fan out the loft last night it was so warm. That's as big a meteorological death wish as
you'll ever see – it will be grey and dull within days.
Images via CARL DE SOUZA/Getty Images.
In a move created by David Beckham and perfected by Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael van der Vaart is
on the fast track to Robin van Persie's bromantic heart.
Whether he's the antagonizing brolestor, or on the receiving end of van Persie's cheeky kisses,
RVDV is RVP's object du jour.
Everton's Jack Rodwell. Thank heavens for pre-season training.
It's been a long time coming, ladies, but as our some of our favourite boys trickle back into
training we're pleased to report that our campaign work has paid off! The ‘Kickette Guide to
Player Etiquette – Skin Edition' is now being successfully implemented on training grounds across
the globe.
OK folks, I know you are all gearing up for the Spain-Holland World Cup final today on ABC, but if
you have a few moments this afternoon, give a listen to Episode 18 of the Seeing Red! podcast,
featuring rookie sensation Tim Ream and his new hillbilly beard. Keep the player interviews coming
fellas!
Nike would have us believe that Rooney,with all his dreams of knighthood,of having babies named
after him, of beating Roger Federer in table tennis and of getting a hug from the queen all
shattered and in smoke and ashes headed off to live in a caravan somewhere in England,where he grew
a beard and then proceeded to eke out a meagre existence drawing lines in chalk on some football
field.
Few moments in our history are as big as this. Cristiano becoming a baby daddy. The Iker
beard-shaving incident. Victoria Beckham wearing flat shoes.
Deep breaths.
So, let's just state the obvious: our beloved Sergio Ramos has cut his hair. He debuted his new
look on Twitter today, and we're thinking that perhaps he took along a picture of an old school Zac
Efron on his way to the hairdressers.
Now that Schalke's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has your full attention, we'd like to ask all members of
the Kickette Army to form an orderly queue to get an update on our new comment system and updated
house rules.
(Btw, if you are new to the site or if you comment, we recommend pushing and elbowing your way
to the front of the line like it's a Harrod's sale.
Sodium players across the map have been making an impact at the High School level. Eli Beard
controlling the play for St. Mary's. Easton Kawawaki battles through traffic for Columbia River. If
you have photo's of your favorite Sodium player in High School action, don't hesitate to send them
to me via email and I will post them.
The Jared Montz Soccer Podcast is courtesy of Jared Montz Soccer.
Jared Montz is a former pro and the founder of Online Soccer
Academy and College Recruiting Website .
Another look-a-likey for you, comparing a hollywood actor to a quality centre
back...
If you don't know Ryan Reynolds he is the former lucky basterd currently in the middle of a
divorce with Scarlett Johansson and star of a lot terrible chick flicks as well as Van Wilder
and Smoking Aces.
If this doesn't give you goose bumps, nothing will. Notice the last words on the screen; Rise Up
Think about what than means Sodium. Who will Rise Up this Spring season? Who will have worked the
hardest, who will have improved the most and lead the team? Will it be the old guard; Camp, Cook,
Coon, Owens, Sonnen, Lautenbach, McMillan or Reid?
According to Ken Dyer & Matthew Beard at the London Evening Standard, West Ham
United are interested in Aston Villa defender Luke
Young.
Members of an Italian mafia group have been arrested after police uncovered their plans to
abduct none other than Senhor Mourinho! What were they thinking? He'd win them all
over in quindici minuti! "Giovanni, I like your spirit but you are not listening
to me no?
Don't you think that Signore Borriello is a carbon copy of Roberto
Baggio from that angle? Naturally, all he needs to do is to grow out that hair and he can
start to make special appearances at the flower festival with it! Mamma mia, could these
two be long lost gemelli (twins)?
With promotion to the EPL confirmed this weekend for Newcastle United, we are thrilled to
welcome the return to our radar of this man. Yes, it's Alan ‘Smudger' Smith, a man whose er...
charms are abundant for all to see.
However, upon closer examination, we have noted that Alan has hidden talents too – namely the
ability to make even the most horrifying grooming/fashion debacles look not only ok, but darn
sexy.
With promotion to the EPL confirmed this weekend for Newcastle United, we are thrilled to
welcome the return to our radar of this man. Yes, it's Alan ‘Smudger' Smith, a man whose er...
charms are abundant for all to see.
However, upon closer examination, we have noted that Alan has hidden talents too – namely the
ability to make even the most horrifying grooming/fashion debacles look not only ok, but darn
sexy.
What is going on here? He's supposed to be 21, not 46... did someone say Beard? / via Globo
A little video update to get the day going. But who is the horrible camera operator? At least you
get a nice close up of my beard!
Sorry folks, but I have not figured out how to embed this video, so until I do, just go to this
link and enjoy.
Sodium starts the second half with a Eli Beard assist to Easton Kawawaki for a 2-0 lead!
By Jordan Beard
Joining the already star-studded roster of artists who are involved in the music campaign for
this summer's fiesta, Shakira is back once again with a brand new song. In 2006, the bilingual
Colombian superstar dropped her hit single, "Hips Don't Lie" on the world.
Police are appealing for information following an "incident of concern" in Westcliff, which
happened on Saturday (May 8th).
Officers received details of a woman being placed in to a vehicle in Ceylon Road, by a man who
appeared to have restrained her.
Another woman was also put in the vehicle, which then drove off towards London Road at about 11pm.
By Ollie Irish
News that won't surprise many people (any people?): West Ham have sacked manager
Gianfranco Zola (having put him in an almost untenable position by refusing to
back him at all or so it seemed).
A lifeless statement on the Irons' website read: "The Board of Directors would like to thank him
for his contribution and wish him well for the future.
Nothing says "I'd rather be eating donuts" than staring at the ceiling. Praying for the presser to
be over doesn't work either. Nevertheless, his beard is working for us. Images via AFP Photos.
We've mentioned the travel blog by Chuck Blazer (the General Secretary of CONCACAF and a member
of FIFA's Executive Committee) previously, but it's worth reminding you to check the link and
bookmark it as we approach the World Cup, and, we can only presume, a full photo/video diary of
Chuck's VIP wanderings during the tournament to come.
Made by Eric and Jordan Beard
Who is the most physically dominant attacking force in all of football? Why yes! It is Didier
Drogba. Ever want to know how you can be as awesome as the Ivorian? Well, all it takes is a few
things to call a "disgrace", some skills with a football at your feet skills, the opportunity to
dance with Akon, a celebration that will make Ronaldo jealous, and a bit of anger.
Photo: AP
One of my favourite things about the World Cup are the golden nuggets of knowledge you learn
about each nation supports their team. In England right now it's all flags of St. George either
attached to cars or hanging out of bedroom windows, and people wearing football shirts that don't
flatter their physique.
