Goal-Line technology to be implemented for 2014 World Cup
GOOOOOOOAAAALLLLL
After a successful trial period at the Club World Cup, the 2013 Confederations Cup and World Cup 2014 will see goal-line technology implemented in matches.
FIFA has decided to use goal-line technology from this summer onwards, starting with the 2013 Confederations Cup.
After what the footballing governing body deemed to be a successful trial at the Club World Cup in December last year, the technology will be used at the upcoming international tournament being held in Brazil this summer.
Subsequently, goal-line technology will be used at World Cup 2014 in the South American nation, and it is safe to assume that if the two tournaments see the technology implemented successfully then it will be used in future competition as well.
FIFA released a statement on Tuesday which said: “The aim is to use GLT in order to support the match officials and to install a system in all stadia, pending the successful installation, and pre-match referee tests.
“With different technologies on the market, FIFA has launched a tender today, setting out the technical requirements for the two forthcoming competitions in Brazil.
“The two GLT providers already licensed under FIFA’s Quality Program for GLT, and other GLT providers currently in the licensing process (that must have passed all relevant tests as of today) are invited to submit tenders.
“Interested GLT companies will be invited to join an inspection visit to the Confederations Cup venues, currently scheduled for mid-March, with a final decision due to be confirmed in early April.”
UEFA president Michel Platini is unlikely to follow the road being trodden by FIFA as he is adamantly against its implementation, which means the likes of the Champions League and the Europa League will not be graced by goal-line technology any time soon.
Pele Movie Biography Coming
Greatest New York Cosmo Of All Time
Pele the movie is expected to play in the next World Cup. Imagine Entertainment is planning a film about the Brazilian soccer superstar to coincide with the 2014 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.
Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, who wrote and directed “The Two Escobars” for ESPN’s 30 for 30, have been tapped to write the film. The movie will be in English with some scenes in Portuguese.
“This will be more of a coming-of-age story that will trace Pele’s childhood until he won his first World Cup in Sweden at the age of 17,” said Imagine’s Kim Roth.
President Obama Turned Down On Kiss Cam
President Obama was in attendance at Monday’s tune-up games for the U.S. men’s and women’s basketball teams vs. Brazil. The “Kiss-Cam” caught President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the first half of the men’s game when the First Lady wouldn’t kiss the president.
In the fourth quarter, President Obama got his shot at redemption as the couple shared a crowd-pleasing kiss.
Canadian Women’s Rugby Team Makes Calendar
TALENT
Rugby is set to be reintroduced to the Olympics in the 2016 Summer Games and the cost to get to any of them can be quite expensive has lead Canada’s women’s national rugby team to produce a calendar.
Not just any calendar though a fully nude, yet tasteful, 16-month, 2012-13 calendar “that celebrates strong athletic female bodies” in order to raise much-needed funds so the team can train and be more-than-adequately prepared when the team makes its debut on the international stage in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in four years.
The team has been producing tastefully done nude calendars since 2004 to cover expenses and on its site it states that “portions of the money raised will go toward the pay to play 15′s national program and a charity that empowers young women to be active and healthy.” You can get your hands on the 2012-13 version HERE.
TALENT
Hope Solo Opens Up About Her Depression
TALENT
While she may be household name after a spectacular performance in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and her run on Dancing With the Stars, U.S. national team goalkeeper Hope Solo hasn’t always been on top.
In the 2007 World Cup, Solo was benched in favor of 36-year-old Briana Scurry for the semifinal against Brazil, despite having allowed only two goals in the United States’ four games.
With Solo on the bench, the U.S. lost 4-0 to end its run in the tournament and Solo, then 26, famously lashed out after the match.
Even before the incident, 2007 was a trying time for the goalkeeper. In a recent interview with Fitness Magazine, Solo talked about what she went through that year:
“First I lost my best friend (who was hit by a car while running) and then my father (who suffered a heart attack), and then I got kicked off the team in the World Cup. I hit an all-time low. I didn’t leave the house. I was in a complete depression. It took putting one foot in front of the other every single day to get through it to the point where I made it back on the team and won a gold medal in 2008. You’re always going to survive the pain of loss. I can live with that confidence inside of me.”
With the disappointment of the U.S. losing the 2011 World Cup final to Japan on penalty kicks behind her, Solo is staying positive about the London Olympics:
“I’ve learned that winning isn’t everything, and it’s more about the journey. But at the end of the day, I just want to stand on the podium with the gold medal.”
MLB Gets First Brazilian Born Player
First
Not only did Yan Gomes become the first Brazilian-born player to reach the major leagues, his debut came against the most famous baseball team in the world.
Born and partially raised in Sao Paulo, Gomes was promoted to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday when slumping first baseman Adam Lind was sent down to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Gomes struck out in his first at-bat against New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes, but lined a single to right field for his first big league hit in the fourth. The ball was taken out of play and saved for him as a memento.
Gomes said he was on “an emotional roller coaster” after learning Wednesday he was headed to the majors. The 24-year-old infielder flew overnight from Las Vegas to Toronto, too excited to sleep.
“It’s a great feeling, absolutely a great feeling,” Gomes said after taking batting practice and fielding grounders at third base, where he started in place of suspended Brett Lawrie.
Gomes overcame long odds to reach the majors after spending his early childhood in soccer-mad South America.
“Growing up in Brazil you would never think of (playing in the majors),” he said. “Coming out here and having it, it seems like it happened so fast, so I definitely have to take it in. I’m really proud of it. It’s an honor to represent my country.”
Gomes fell in love with baseball following a chance encounter his father had on a trip to the grocery store, bumping into a Cuban baseball coach who was putting together a team and looking for youngsters to play. Yan’s father was persuaded to bring his son to a tryout.
“Probably the best thing that he did,” said Gomes, who took to the sport immediately.
Gomes can play third base, first base and catcher. He batted .359 with five home runs, 12 doubles and 22 RBIs at Las Vegas.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Appointed Global Cultural Ambassador
History Class 38,387
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, is now a global cultural ambassador.The State Department announced Abdul-Jabbar’s appointment. Abdul-Jabbar will travel the world to convince young people to help promote diplomacy.
Ann Stock, assistant secretary of state for education and cultural affairs, says the appointment is part of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “Smart Power” that combines diplomacy, defense and development to “bridge the gap in a tense world through young people.”
Abdul-Jabbar will travel to Brazil on Jan. 22 for a number of events centering on education, using his own experiences to help connect with young people.
New Report Raises Questions About Arturo Gatti’s Death
R.I.P.
Former junior welterweight champion Arturo Gatti was murdered two years ago in Brazil a panel of forensic evidence experts said Wednesday after reviewing that the results of a 10-month investigation to challenge the official version that Gatti committed suicide .
“This case must be reopened if authorities in Brazil have an iota of moral, ethical and legal concern for their reputation,” said noted forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht, who also said the version produced by the initial criminal investigation “pure, unadulterated fiction.”
Brazilian authorities initially considered Gatti’s wife a prime suspect and arrested her, but released her soon after and concluded Gatti had hung himself with a handbag strap.
Eduardo Trindade, a lawyer assisting Gatti’s family, said Wednesday he would have the panel’s report translated and presented to prosecutors in Brazil within the next month or two and would push for an indictment of Amanda Rodrigues Gatti.
But the wife told the Canadian Press on Wednesday,a day after the beginning of a civil trial in Montreal that will determine who inherits Gatti’s multimillion-dollar fortune that the findings do not change her opinion.
“You’ll have to wait for the second autopsy,” she said. “But I know it was (a suicide). It would be easier for me to explain to myself that it wasn’t a suicide, but I’m positive it was.”
Rodrigues Gatti dismissed the results of the private probe because it was paid for by Pat Lynch, Gatti’s former manager. She said she’d wait for the release of a news documentary into her husband’s death being conducted jointly by television networks in the United States and Canada.
“I’m sure they’re going to say the right thing,” she said, “because they’re not being paid by me or the other side.”
Using crime scene photos, interviews and autopsy reports as well as computer-generated simulations, the team of experts challenged the official version on numerous fronts. A severe laceration on the back of Gatti’s head couldn’t have happened during a fall to the floor, and the position he was found in, with his head halfway wedged under a cabinet, was not consistent with a hanging, they said. In addition, the handbag strap he allegedly used wasn’t strong enough to hold 78 pounds for more than a few seconds, far shorter than the several hours alleged by police based on interviews with his wife.
Gatti’s fortune is estimated at $6 million.
Rildo de Andrade Felicissimo Kicks Ref After Getting Red Card
In a Brazilian match between Esporte Clube Vitoria and Boa Esporte Clube, Vitoria’s Rildo de Andrade Felicissimo turns and kicks referee Claudio Lima in the midsection after receiving a red card. Rildo could face a six-month ban for the attack.
Soccer Fight Ends With Drop Kick
During a U-20 match in Brazil, Sport Recife goalkeeper Gustavo took a flying kick to the back of the head of Vasco da Gama’s Elivelton. The injured Elivelton was taken to the hospital with cervical spine trauma and Gustavo has been charged with attempted murder.
What If Gus Johnson Called The USA-Brazil Womens World Cup Game
The United States women’s soccer team played in on of the most riveting games in the history of the Women’s World Cup when they defeated Brazil 5-3 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie. Abby Wambach tied it with a magnificent, leaping header in the 122nd minute, and goalkeeper Hope Solo denied the Brazilians.
But imagine the greatness of the game if it had been called by former CBS college hoops announcer Gus Johnson, how would it sound? Here it is, although the game is from Adam Morrison’s game-winning 3-pointer in Gonzaga’s 64-62 victory over Oklahoma State in 2006.
Nike Gives Ronaldo Solid Gold Shoes
Gold Is For The Honeys
As a long time member of the Nike team, the company decided to gift the Brazilian Ronaldo a pair of his legendary R9 Mercurial cleats in solid gold in honor of his retirement from the game.
Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Player: Mexico
Mexico
Every Tuesday Sports Grind Entertainment presents you with the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Player of the Week. This week the recipient of this prestigious honor goes to Mexico for mounting a comeback against the United States to win the Gold Cup. In just a few short minutes, Mexico turned the tables on the United States, then ran away with its second straight Gold Cup win. This win means that Mexico will get to play in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil a year before the World Cup. Pablo Barrera scored twice for Mexico, his first goal in the 29th minute snapped United States goalkeeper Tim Howard’s Gold Cup shutout streak at 351 minutes.
Congratulations Mexico you are this weeks Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Player.
Toronto Raptors Leandro Barbosa Thinking Of Leaving The NBA For Brazil
Hows My Apple Sack Smell
Toronto Raptors Leandro Barbosa averaged 13.3 points per game this year in the NBA and is entering an option year on his contract. The seven year pro though is thought by family and friends to decline his $7.6 million option and leave to go back to his home country of Brazil.
“There is big money in Brazil right now. There are a lot sponsorships opportunities and money is flowing there, so I have to open (Leandro’s) eyes to these opportunities. We love Toronto and the fans and he would love to stay there, but business is business and Brazil is an option we has to consider,” said Arturo Barbosa, his brother.
The team, Flamengo and Corinthians, are the team Barbosa will most likely go to if he were to leave the NBA and not mention the upcoming lockout, it that is to occur.
Bees Interrupt Soccer Match
Bees interrupted a semiprofessional soccer match in Brazil between Corumbaense and Itapora after invading the field. It started with one player going down then suddenly the whole field including the referee.
New England Patriots Tom Brady Dances At Carnival
Yesterday we posted the pictures of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his new ponytail now we show Tom and his dance moves in Rio de Janiero to celebrate Carnival. Brady dances just like he moves in the pocket, step step slide.
New England Patriots Tom Brady Sports A Pony Tail
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was spotted in Rio de Janerio, watching the Carnival Parede with his wife Gisele Bundchen but out in public with a new hair do. Brady, who’s hair was very much front in center of his MVP season in 2010, has let his hair get long enough to sport a ponytail.
Former Brazil Manager Tells Story Of Game When Ronaldo Wore Diapers
3 Time FIFA Player Of The Year
Former Brazil and Real Madrid manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo told an embarrassing story over the weekend about his former player Ronaldo, who announced his retirement from soccer last week. Luxemburgo claimed that Ronaldo wore adult diapers during the 1999 Copa America tournament after the team explored every possible way of getting Ronaldo to lose weight.
“The team doctor gave him medicine, Xenical, which was effective, but it also accelerated his bowel movements,” Luxemburgo said. “So, in order to avoid any ‘incidents,’ the player had to wear diapers, which embarrassed him.”
The soccer star still managed to score five goals and led La Selecao to its sixth Copa America title. He also won the Golden Boot with teammate Rivaldo.
Brazil’s Ronaldo Set To Announce Retirement
3 Time FIFA Player Of The Year
Three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo is reportedly set to announce his retirement from professional soccer on Monday. Plagued by injuries since 2009 the 34-year-old has endured a disappointing campaign with Brazilian club Corinthians.
“It’s time,” Ronaldo was quoted as saying by newspaper Estado de S. Paulo. “I can’t keep going. I wanted to continue but I can’t. I think about making a play but I can’t execute it.”
Corinthians have scheduled a press conference for Monday, where Ronaldo is expected to publicly confirm his retirement.
Voted the world player of the year in 1996, 1997 and 2002, Ronaldo scored 67 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil and won the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea. He scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Germany in the final and remains the leading scorer in World Cup history.
Lionel Messi Wins FIFA World Player
Two Time
Lionel Messi won his second straight FIFA player of the year award Monday for his play for Barcelona. The Argentine forward beat out Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta for the renamed FIFA Golden Ball Award. Messi became the first repeat winner since Ronaldinho in 2004 and 2005.
Messi received 22.65 percent of the votes cast by national team coaches and captains plus selected reporters. Iniesta followed with 17.36 percent and Xavi received 16.48 percent to finish third for the second straight year.
Jose Mourinho was voted men’s coach of the year after leading Inter Milan to the European Champions League title, Brazilian forward Marta was selected women’s player of the year for the fifth straight time and Germany’s Silvia Neid earned women’s coach of the year honors.
The 23-year-old forward scored 58 goals in 54 games for the Catalan club in 2010 and had two in 10 matches with Argentina but failed to score for the Albiceleste at the World Cup.
Brazil vs China Basketball Game Ends With Brawl
I guess no matter what continent basketball is played on, hoopsters still can’t throw.
ESPN Hires Ian Drake To Be Lead Voice Of Soccer Telecasts
Absolute Firecracker
Top British sportscaster Ian Darke, one of the lead commentators during ESPN’s coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will join the network as its lead soccer voice in the United States.
Darke will be the primary play-by-play voice on ESPN’s U.S. networks for Barclays Premier League matches, the U.S. National Teams (Men’s and Women’s), marquee Major League Soccer events, 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He joins ESPN after commentating on Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches for the past 18 years.
Jay-Z & Nike Hook Up For Special Air Force 1 ‘All Black Everything’ Collection
Jay-Z’s first inaugural World Basketball Festival in NYC saw Hova team up with event host Nike to commemorate the event by having five custom Air Force 1’s created to be auctioned off for charity.
The Jay-Z Nike Air Force 1 “All Black Everything” Collection pays homage to the first five countries ever to participate in the festival. USA, France, China, Puerto Rico and Brazil are all represented. Rudy J is tried to get one off eBay but once the price tag went pass $8,000 he quietly bowed out of the running.
50 Cent & Ronaldinho On Stage Together
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho was a surprise guest of 50 Cent’s during his show in Rio de Janeiro last night. Ronaldinho though will be in Italy on Tuesday preparing for AC Milan’s preseason and it’s there he’ll decide if he wants to continue to play the worlds game at a top professional level.
