Monthly Archives: January 2010

Time to Use Technology to Assist the Soccer Referee

January 22, 2010
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Yesterday, Thierry Henry escaped being punished for his infamous handball offence in the 2010 World Cup finals playoff against Ireland. FIFA claims that they are ‘powerless to punish the 1998 World Cup winning striker because their rules forbade them to do so if the original misdemeanor had not been seen by the match officials.’ For an organization that can demand up to $100million dollars of broadcasting rights from any country for the coming World Cup in South Africa, it is indeed a fiasco to be deemed ‘powerless’ under such circumstances. The fact is that, this kind of controversy will...

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January Transfer Window Latest – Fear of ACL injuries and similar affecting January Transfers

January 21, 2010
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The football January transfer window is now open, but clubs are far from rushing to bolster their squads. One of the main factors seems to be the current financial climate and the fact that clubs can no longer risk signing new players that may get injured. Two main examples of this are Bolton and West Ham. Both clubs have gone through a bad start to the season due to injuries, but cannot afford to dip into the transfer market. One of Boltons biggest signings in the summer was Sean Davis. Signed from Portsmouth, Sean Davis would strengthen Boltons midfield,...

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Soccer Predictions by Bookmakers. Part I: Top European Leagues 2008/2009

January 18, 2010
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Advanced soccer prediction models help bookmakers to avoid paying out for match favorites. However, in top European leagues the favorites are very unpredictable, especially at the beginning and the end of the season, and the question remains, how accurate are their soccer predictions? The answer lies in comparing between the betting odds and the real outcome of soccer matches. This article summarizes the statistics of soccer predictions made by bookmakers during 2008/2009. The statistics are based on average betting odds from major European soccer leagues. Statistics Summary According to the statistics below, the outcomes of more than 50% matches...

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Five Players to Look Out For in South Africa This Summer

January 13, 2010
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The 2010 Soccer World Cup is upon us. Here we discuss the five key players to look out for in South Africa, in no particular order. 1. Wayne Rooney A young player who is already on the track to earning a place as one of the great strikers of his time, and perhaps one of England’s greatest in memory, Rooney first came to worldwide attention in the last World Cup, in which his blurring speed, shooting ability and ruthless passion for the game and for victory cemented his place as a global name. Since then, he has led Manchester...

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Sir Alex Ferguson to quit?

January 8, 2010
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Sir Alex Ferguson to quit?

Considered as one of the greatest managers ever in the game, Sir Alex Ferguson is the second longest serving manager in the proud history of Manchester United. The seasoned Glaswegian has been the manager of Manchester United for over 23 years, making them the most successful side in the history of British soccer.  However, Sir Alex Ferguson’s future retirement has hit the national newspaper headlines once again, leaving numerous Manchester United supporters to inquire about the future of the club when he eventually decides to call it a day. According to his son Darren, Sir Alex will leave Manchester...

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Manchester United To Buy Slovakian Star Midfielder

January 7, 2010
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Manchester United To Buy Slovakian Star Midfielder

Midfielder Marek Hamsik it appears, has caught the attention of Alex Ferguson for the January transfer window. Many critics believe Manchester United’s biggest weakness is the midfield and the fact that Paul Scholes form hasn’t been great and Ryan Giggs is not getting any younger may convince Alex Ferguson to make some new player transfers come January. With interest from Liverpool and Chelsea as well, the signing of Hamsik would add attacking ability to Manchester United’s midfield. Starting his career with Slovan Bratislava the Slovakian international quickly proved his ability and was bought by Brescia. He shone in Italy...

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Beckham Back In Italy!

January 7, 2010
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Beckham Back In Italy!

He´s back,plying his trade in Europe, David Beckham  returned  to the Rossoneri on Wednesday helping his teamates in a 5-2 win over Genoa, pushing Milan up to second place in Serie A . Back on loan to Milan for the second year running, Beckham playing on the right side of an attacking trio, due to injuries, went close to scoring in the first half, but his long-range strike hit the side netting. Goals from Ronaldinho and Huntelaar, a couple from Borriello plus a great strike by Silva gave Milan the win, while Sculli and Suazo scored the consolation goals...

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Ribery Out Again!

January 4, 2010
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Ribery Out Again!

The French midfielder from Bayern Munich, Franck Ribery, had to leave today´s training session with the team due to problems with both his big toes sustained in the first training session of the new year in Munich, requiring removal of the nails on both toes. The player will not take part in team training in Dubai for the time being, working out in the stadium fitness centre instead under the supervision of the team sports rehab coach. Ribery, who is one of the most desirable players on the international scene being linked with possible moves to Real Madrid and...

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Soccer predictions – how can you beat the bookies?

January 3, 2010
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While the bookies constantly improve their soccer prediction methods and try to avoid paying out, we can still find holes in their predictions. The question is how. There is no one million-dollar answer. Nevertheless, there are two ways that will allow you to beat the bookies. One way is to analyze non-measurable match information. Another way is to improve on statistical prediction models used by bookmakers. The first method requires you to analyze data such as match type or priority, which is not used in statistical models. Among the most prominent factors that might influence the outcome of a...

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