Interesting Facts about Soccer

20 red cards were shown during a 1993 game between Sportivo Ameliano and General Caballero in Paraguay.

ASEC Abidjan of Cote D'Ivoire went unbeaten for 108 games between 1989 and 1994.

Carlos Caszely of Chile was the first player red carded in a World Cup tournament on June 14, 1974.

European Teams have reached the final of every World Cup except in 1930 and 1950.

Jabulani

 Goalkeeper Arthur Wharton was the first black professional soccer player. He was born in Ghana (then Gold Coast) and played for English League team Rotherham United in 1889.

In 1950 India withdrew form the World Cup because FIFA refused to let their team play barefoot.

In 1954 Turkey knocked out Spain from during a World Cup qualifier by drawing straws. Blindfolded Italian boy Luigi Franco Gemma picked the straws to decide the winner.

In 1957 with only 30 minutes remaining, Charlton Athletic game back from a 5-1 deficit to defeat Huddersfield Town 7-6.

In 1968, Penarol of Urugauy conceded only five goals in 18 games on the way to an unbeaten season.

In 1996 George Weah paid for his teammates uniforms and expenses so that Liberia could enter the African Nations Cup.

In 1997 Nigerian international Celestine Babayaro broke his leg while celebrating a goal in his Chelsea debut during a preseason game.

In 1998 English referee Martin Sylvester sent himself off after punching a player during a game in the Andover and District Sunday League.

In the 1938 World Cup semifinal, Guiseppe Meazza of Italy's shorts fell down as he was taking a penalty shot. He held his shorts up and calmly scored past Brazil's Valter.

In the 1970s legendary coaches Jock Stein and Brian Clough both had 44 day stints at Leeds United.

Jean Langenus of Belgium wore a suit jacket, golfing plus fours and a red striped tie when he refereed the 1930 World Cup final.

Torres: We know how to beat Arsenal

Jose Mourinho's men beat the Gunners at the Emirates in the Capital One Cup in October and the Spaniard is confident that his side can repeat the feat in the Premier League.

Mou

Fernando Torres is confident that Chelsea will consign Arsenal to a third consecutive defeat on Monday night, given the Blues have already beaten their London rivals this season.

Jose Mourinho's men dumped the Gunners out of the Capital One Cup in October with a 2-0 win at the Emirates and will be eager to heap further misery on a side routed 6-3 in their last Premier League outing against Manchester City, just days after a Champions League reverse at Napoli.

Spain striker Torres is bullish over Chelsea's chances of securing another win in Arsenal's backyard, which would see them climb above Arsene Wenger's side and move level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Why do Children take up and play football

Children become interested in sport and start to play football for a number of reasons, but the most predominant factor is because of the influence of adults. This is particularly true for younger children, between the ages of 5 and 10 years.  

 

Football is a fun activity for kids

• Children will take up football if their parents or other adult has encouraged them to do so.
• Junior school age children are also affected by peer pressure and may be interested in playing football if their friends play.
• Television plays a big role in out children's lives and they may want to emulate the stars they see in the Premier League.
• There may be a club close by and the child is motivated what they have to offer.
• They may be interested in the lure of receiving trophies and medals for winning football matches and competitions.

Adults encourage children to play football also for a number of different reasons. They may have played football themselves and want to pass on their experience to the child or they may also have a nee to fill a gap in their own footballing career and see the child as a way of making for their own failures. Parents also understand both the physical and emotional benefits children gain from playing a team sport.