MLS to add 4 more teams by 2020

Don Garber says the MLS will expand to 24 teams by the end of the decade.

It's a show of faith from Major League Soccer, and great for the game in the US. 

MLS All-Stars vs AS Roma Preview

The MLS All-Stars (probably 9 starters that you've never heard of) are playing AS Roma tonight in Kansas City. The format is foreign opposition against the American (and Canadian) league’s very best. It has an exhibition game feel and tempo, but that's because it is an exhibition game. It's not that no-one cares, but it's a pre-season game for the Italian side, and hard to convince players like Thierry Henry and Marco Di Vaio that they should go all-out. Some players may be trying to impress foreign scouts, and to prove that they can compete.

The showcase was awarded to Kansas City last year following a successful rebranding and subsequent passionate fanbase culture that has led to its 18,000-seat stadium constantly selling out. The all-star festivities--with citywide parties, charitable causes, activities and a state-of-the-league conference with the league commissioner, Don Garber--mirrors that of what the Big 3 sports usually produce annually.

It's also a way to celebrate the US winning the Gold Cup (7 of that team are in the squad), and a good way to show the progress the MLS is making.

They'll be plenty of flag waving and people with faces painted, but unfortunately the majority of American 'sports fans' will be watching game 107 out of 162 in the regular season of baseball or talking about how many snaps Tim Tebow will get in pre-season NFL games!  

Get ESPN2 on at 9pm (US Eastern time) for the game (you'll never guess what's on regular ESPN at that time). 

Tricks of the Trade

Seen this move on the dancefloor a few times. Usually ends up with alcohol on the floor and a few stitches in the chin. No problem with the latter, but learn to hold your drink. Have been a little harsh on defenders and goalkeepers recently, but if they could actually play then they would be midfielders or strikers!

Still one of the best goals I've ever seen

Who doesn't love Paolo Di Canio?

Ok, there we don't have enough space to answer that question

He's a strange, passionate, Italian nutcase, but there is no doubting his talent. The technique on this volley is unbelievable. People may remember him for pushing the referee over, his fascist salutes, his crazy sulking, slapping his own player, sliding on his knees in an expensive suit etc. 

Ignore all that. Watch this and remember what a great talent he was.

Geezer of the Day

Some people just considered him a marketing tool

Hidetoshi Nakata is our Geezer today. Got away with some ridiculous haircuts and fashion sense, even making Pele's Top 100 top living players (the only blemish on Nakata's career). 77 caps and 11 goals for Japan, a good goalscoring record in Italy and this link suggests he's moving into the alcohol-producing field. How can Hide not be a Geezer?

Phil Babb may never have kids

I have no idea if he has kids, or even could, but this is pretty painful whatever his situation

Phil Babb won 35 caps for Ireland, was born in Lambeth, played for Millwall, Liverpool and Sunderland (among others) and, in my opinion, was generally awful everywhere. He's now taken over as Manager of Hayes & Yeading tho, so he's back on my Christmas card list.

Liverpool's PR office as leaky as its defense

Deadspin says it will make you giggle, but not sure about that

Plenty of pretty offensive words in this note

I was just sent this link, but who knows if it's true. The Luis Suarez incident with Patrice Evra must have them on edge,  but this would be another embarrassing episode for the 'once famous' club. Can I call them that now? They haven't been famous for a while if you measure success and fame together - although actually achieving something doesn't seem to count for much these days. You just have to look good - and Liverpool also don't succeed in that department either.

Although I admit 'knob-jockey' and 'pikey' are words I use - usually to describe Wayne Rooney or John Terry.

Stupid stuff makes me laugh

Just give the ball back

The Coach was probably arguing over a throw-in on the halfway line

There are plenty of coaches who think it's all about them. No names Jose. Stop your whining, give the ball back and then get fired when your team loses 5 in a row! My only regret is that this wasn't Harry Redknapp or Alex Ferguson.

Geezer of the Day

I forgot yesterday, but the Geezer of the Day is back. Today is a man who scored a hat-trick for Barcelona against Real Madrid, won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup, has never been given a red or yellow card in any game, and once thought that this was a good look.

Don't sweat it Zlatan, it happens to the best of us

Hug it out, and laugh at yourself

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has skinned enough defenders to know things don't always work out

Amazing own goal

He actually broke his nose doing this!

Chris Brass did this in a Bury vs Darlington game - I can't stop watching it

Stupid quotes

"Sporting Lisbon in their green and white hoops, looking like a team of zebras." 
                                                                           - Commentator Peter Jones proves to be an idiot 

Souness didn't want to be outdone (UPDATE)

So, we've had some pretty awful tackles on the site in the last couple of weeks. I was a little surprised this morning when Graeme Souness emailed me* to express his disappointment at not being featured. As he explained, he got clipped first, that's why his timing was off. Sorry Graeme, here's your clip (reposted with a GIF)...

*he didn't email - I blocked his number years ago when he kept applying for a job with my pub team.

Is that meant to be a diving header?

Not sure that he's doing it right

I still can't work out what he's trying to do

So please comment on this - I have seen this before and have the same question everytime. What is he trying to do? Or what was he doing that got him in that position? 

I can't work it out. All help appreciated.

Should Spurs sell Gareth Bale?

They should take the money and run, in my opinion

No-one is bigger than the team

Ok, people who know the Geezer will tell you I’m not a huge Spurs fan, not even a little bit of one in all honesty. And as much as I’d love them to sell their best player to make them worse, I also think it makes sense.

Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo would be amazing for Real Madrid, and in that weak Spanish league they would probably both score 40+ a season. It’s not the best test of Bale’s talents, but he would get to compete in the Champions League every year, for the La Liga title, and not have to go to places like Stoke and Hull and get kicked every week. (They have dirty players in Spain too, but everything seems more glamorous than working class English towns!).

And for Spurs, take the $150 million or whatever stupid money is being offered. Rebuild the stadium, and most importantly, the team. Other clubs will no doubt overcharge you knowing how much money you have, but get in a handful of top quality players for $25 million each. Get a proper striker or two, a creative midfielder and a centre-back.

Football all over the world needs to remember (especially the players), that no one player is bigger than the club. I’m looking at Rooney, Falcao, Ibrahimovich, even Ronaldo at Manchester United. As fans we never think they’ll be replaced, but they always are. Different stars emerge, and we move on – and it gives us another player to shout at when they come back and score against our teams!

UPDATE: The American

US wins first Gold Cup final since 2007

Match with Panama was repeat of 2005 final (which the US won on penalties)

(Just a small Update, but The American almost got it right - but then, who else was he going to pick?!)

Brek Shea scored just 42 seconds after coming into the final as a substitute, and his goal in the 69th minute gave the US a 1-0 victory over Panama in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. It is the fifth Gold Cup title for the U.S., but it's first since 2007. The victory also extended the Americans' winning streak to a record 11 games, four more than their previous best.

(Here's the original post)

Is there any team in the world as good as the Americans right now??

I didn't have access to a television on Wednesday night and wasn't able to watch the US-Honduras game, so I had to rely on Twitter updates. Soon after the game started, tweets started scrolling across my screen saying things like Eddie Johnson makes it 1-0!!! 

A few minutes later: Donovan scores!, US up 2-0!!!

I emailed the Geezers and wrote what any red-blooded American would say: U-S-A! U-S-A!

With the Stars and Stripes' 3-1 semifinal win over Honduras, coupled with a loss by arch-rival Mexico, the US is in prime position to capture the CONCACAF Gold Cup, its first since 2007.

This begs the question: Is there any team in the world as good as the Jurgen Klinsmann's team right now??

Okay, come back. That is not a serious question. Yes, of course there are; better in fact. But that's what happens when you rip off a team-record 10-straight wins while channeling our nation's government by imposing their will on other countries; confidence gets high, so Americans get cocky.

And I know all this because 1) I'm an American and we get excited when we win anything. And 2) I read it somewhere. ESPN maybe?

Now, nobody is suggesting the Americans would go right out and play at this high a level against Brazil or Spain. However, it's fun to get excited about your national team and dream a little bit bigger.

On Sunday, the US will take on Panama--a rematch of the 2005 Gold Cup final. I know a little about soccer and even less about Panama the country. Therefore, any prediction presented herein is completely biased by my own national pride.

But screw it. US wins it 3-1. U-S-A! U-S-A!

                                                                                  - Nick Hatcher

Monday morning warm-up

Who needs coffee?

After a heavy weekend, this is how I warm-up for a long week. 

It's not as good as Diego's warm-up, but them what is?!

(can always watch that again here - as I do every day, just to remind myself why he's the best ever.)

When you're a free agent, this is one way to get noticed

Probably not the smartest move

Nile Ranger proves that some footballers are as stupid as they look

So you've been released by Newcastle, arrested on suspicion of rape and already have other convictions (including serving time for street robbery). What is the best way to prove you deserve another chance? How do you keep yourself in the minds of managers looking to strengthen their teams? Get a tattoo of your own name on your face of course! 

Soccer fans are the best in the world

So you're 2-0 up at home, then find yourself 3-2 down with less than 5 minutes to go. Do you do what Miami Heat 'fans' did when they left early when their team were in the Finals? (check out these idiots here)

Or do you stick by your team, equalize, then grab an injury time winner?

Thanks to Dax McCarty of the New York Red Bulls for posting this video.

Shows the passion of real fans - and that's why football fans are the best in the world.

All for equality - Women's football makes me laugh too!

Why not? Women's college soccer in the US. The geezer laughs at everyone equally!

Love how she wipes her face at the end - your nose isn't broken, the red, hot flush in your face is called embarasment!

Weekend Geezer

Have to stop going back to the World Cups i grew up with, but hard to ignore this face.

By no means prolific in Serie A (although he scored a few for Messina in the lower leagues), Salvatore 'Toto' Schillaci won over fans all over the world at the Italia '90 World Cup. The excitement in his face when he scored reminded me of a kid in a playground.

The weekend is here

It's Friday, kick back, relax, and then get on it

Everyone needs a little football in their life

Bob Marley loved a bit of keepy-uppy/kick-ups/game of donkey in the dressing room before a concert. Am sure there are other things he loved to do too, but trying to keep this a family site. Keep Jammin' with the Buffalo Soldiers and all your geezers this weekend.

Clément Grenier Volley for Lyon vs Real Madrid

Great volley from yesterday's 2-2 friendly between Lyon and Real Madrid.

Technique is fantastic. It's pre-season, but who doesn't love goals!

Images

Who said Germans don't have a sense of humor

Podolski and Mertesacker model Arsenal's new away kit

Geezer of the Day

Remember this goal from the 1986 World Cup?

Noticed we've picked up a few Russian viewers of Football Geezer

Ok, so Vasily Rats was from the Ukraine, but played for the Soviet Union in both the 1986 and 1990 World Cups. Not sure why, but i remember this goal against France in Mexico. Maybe just his name stuck with me - I wonder what he's up to now.

Brazil 2014 Mascot

Not horrible compared the Korea/Japan ones

Can't say that many World Cup mascots are memorable - can probably add this one to the list

Here's the official launch on the FIFA website.

Ronaldinho's Atletico Mineiro win Copa Libertadores

"This is why I came back to Brazil."

Not long ago people were saying that I was done but we showed today that isn't the case. Let them talk now."                    - Ronaldinho


Got to give it to him. Many of us thought he was done a few years ago, but he's still winning trophies - maybe not as explosive as he once was, but he still has that no look pass in his locker.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan star was delighted to have joined a prestigious group of players to win both the Copa Libertadores and Champions League

Images

You're not helping yourself ref

The best referees are the ones you don't notice, not like this one

Non-Geezer of the Day

A little break from our Geezers to bring you this. Apologies in advance. Alvero Negrado, I'm calling you out. Manchester City paid a lot of money for you, and sure the wages aren't too shabby either. You can't replace Mario Balotelli for shock value. This is inexcusable to me. Sorry everyone, but jorts are making in onto the site!

May as well hand out the trophies now

I miss football too, but let's not go too far

Pre-season is all about getting ready for the real season, only Arsenal fans care about winning a trophy!

Bayern Munich beat Barcelona 2-0 at the Allianz Arena in a pre-season game. Stop the press. Write headlines about how Pep Guardiola got one over on his old teams due to his inside knowledge. Ribery and Robben are still too much for Barca, and Bayern are odds-on favorites to repeat their successes from last season. I think people are missing the point. IT’S A PRE-SEASON GAME.

Xavi and Iniesta didn’t play, I’ve never heard of most of the players (on both teams) who played in the second half.

Manchester United lost to Yokohama Marinos (Moyes off to a shaky start); Arsenal scored 7 against both Indonesia and Vietnam (they are title contenders); Real Madrid beat Bournemouth 6-0 (Ronaldo is set to eclipse Messi this year); and Serie A teams are still on summer holidays (they’re not well-prepared to cope with the rigors of the Champions League this year).

IT’S PRE-SEASON. As long as my team signs some decent players, doesn’t lose our other decent players, there are no injuries, no scandals and unless a Middle-Eastern businessman shows some interest in investing, then I don’t care that much.

Back pages need to be filled, but give it a rest.  

Rant over.

Does age really matter?

Is Radamel Falcao really 29 and not 27?

We'd all like to be a little younger - lying about your age never really hurt anyone

The Colombian stiker joined Monaco this summer for about $80 million after scoring 52 league goals in the last 2 seasons with Atletico Madrid. Rumors have circulated, which Falcao denied on Twitter, that the goal-machine was registered with FIFA as being born in 1984 (making him 29, not 27). Check this image out…  

It made me think of Roger Milla and Kanu (don’t think his first name would make it through the filters – it’s Nwankwo). Both of them were meant to be older than they declared. But ultimately, who cares? If you’re scoring goals, taking the arthritis drugs and not bothering anyone else in the retirement home, then carry on.

I'm not Cristiano's biggest fan, but this is pushing it

Real Madrid striker Ronaldo breaks 11 year-old's wrist

Sensational headlines attract more viewers!

You're sat behind the goal, you're 11, and probably don't have a career as a goalkeeper. Sorry, but no sympathy for the kid. He got a signed shirt, his picture in the paper and probably will milk it for years. Check out the story and video here. 

Is this why Wayne Rooney is confused?

No wonder Arsenal let him go

Robin van Persie scored 26 in 38 for Manchester United last year, and was probably the main reason they strolled to the title. But we should still laugh at any airshot, especially when he takes that little touch with the left foot first!

  

Images

They don't wear pads or a cup in this football - maybe they should

Don't tell me your hand didn't move towards your crown jewels/junk (depending on where you live) to check they were safe!

The Gold Cup - that summer trophy every player dreams of

Klinsmann Finally Facing Some Selection Questions

Teams finally begin to challenge the US/Mexico monopoly on the Gold Cup

If there’s a time for the U.S. to lift the Gold Cup trophy, it’d be now. Sure, they’re deploying a ‘B’ team and wins over Cuba and Belize won’t exactly light a fire in any other international tournament but this is still a competition---a win will send them to the next Confederations Cup slated to be in Russia in a few short years. And the U.S. side looked and played dynamic in their wins over Costa Rica and El Salvador.

Now’s the real test: Honduras in the semifinals. The Catrachos have risen in the ranks of CONCACAF, especially after qualifying for the World Cup in 2010 and subsequently sending their best players to top leagues. They beat the U.S. in the first round of the hexagonal qualifying stages earlier this year, the last time the U.S. suffered a loss in nine matches in 2013. And they haven’t been to the Gold Cup final since 1991, where they lost to the U.S. in penalties.

The U.S. is still reeling from its 4-2 loss to Mexico in the 2011 edition. But their wave of confidence at the moment should help them to not only lift the trophy this year but also provide manager Jurgen Klinsmann with a headache when planning to see how his ‘B’ team players will fit into his ‘A’ side come the World Cup next year.

Canada are the only team other than the US or Mexico to have won the Gold Cup (in 2000), but with the Klinsmann trying a few players out and El Tri (who play Panama in the other semi-final) struggling for form, maybe times are changing in the Gold Cup.

                                                                                                         -Tio Pelotas

"Whatever we do, don’t cancel the mini-ponies"

How can you not read a post with that headline?

Interesting NY Times article about how Kansas City became a major player in the MLS

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/24/sports/soccer/soccer-in-the-us-heartland-kansas-city-transformed.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2  or follow this link

Who taught you to tackle?

Is this a football clip?

Not sure what league this is, but I don't think a 'high foot' really explains what's going on

I didn't think it could get much worse than the Wellington Smith clip from last week, but this is up there. Really up there, up by his earhole up there!

Tricks of the trade

Slow it down, watch it 20 times, it's unreal

Juan Mata amazes his Spanish teammates - and he can't even get in their starting XI

Geezer of the Day

So I hope I didn't alienate any female readers with our explanation of the offside rule. As a little bit of an apology, today's Geezer is David Ginola. I think we were all a little jealous of him at some stage, but then he moved to Spurs and we felt sorry for him.

I'm sure he scored a great volley against Manchester United too, but couldn't find it. So here's the one away at Barnsley - bit of a change from the Parisian catwalks, but answers the question 'He's got talent, but could he do it on a wet night at Oakwell?' - Not that many people ever ask that question!

Offside; A response

In response to Offside confusion, an article published earlier this week, we got a great response from an oil rig in the Philippines, Malaysia, Kazakhstan or somewhere that Dave Hanson is currently working.

It's in layman terms for the uninitiated, simple, or Man City/Chelsea fans (all of whom must be new as they had no-one before the money showed up!).

Thanks Dave - simplified it for a lot of us

(initially written to explain to women, but works for all criteria):

You're in a shoe shop, second in the queue (line) for the till (register). Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have.


The female shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing them with desire. Both of you have forgotten your purses.
It would be rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes.


The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.


Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma.


She prepares to throw her purse to you. If she does so, you can catch the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes!


At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and "whilst it is in flight" you could nip around the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes!

BUT, you must always remember that until the purse has "actually been thrown", it would be plain wrong for you to be in front of the other shopper and you would be OFFSIDE!


*added in some American explanations!

Brazil 2014 World Cup Posters

FIFA has released some posters of the host cities for next summer's World Cup. I think the Sao Paulo one is my favorite, but can make you own mind up if you follow this link.

It's better than the mascot - it's armadillo that looks like a pokemon (someone had to explain to me what that was!)

Landon Donovan looking for a new sponsor?

US National team plays Honduras on Wednesday night

Donovan making a play to be first player to wear Google Glass during a game?

Landon Donovan has been in good form for the US recently after being recalled to the squad for the Gold Cup. Seems he may be mellowing a little in his old age too - he usually looks like he's sucking on a lemon, but has shown some emotion (other than arrogance) in this year's tournament.

I'm pretty sure the assistant wanted those glasses for himself too!

Quotes

So I stole this from Football365, but I am childish, so had to re-post here. Maybe it's that time I spent abroad, or just the way my mind works!

"Hopefully there will be a happy ending for everyone by him staying at Liverpool" - Lucas Leiva conjures up an unpleasant image of Luis Suarez.

Probably not a booking, just 6 months for indecent assault!

The ref doesn't look that bothered by this.

That said, I have seen some challenges that warrant a GBH charge (that's grievous bodily harm to my American friends), so seems like the law doesn't apply on the football field.

The referee's reaction is great. Actually an official that used some common sense for once!

Homeless soccer in Times Square

Street Soccer USA hits the Big Apple

Inspiring story of using sport to inspire, motivate and support those living on the streets

So I was alerted to an article on Time.com this morning (here's the link). It's really inspiring to see people using football as a tool to educate, inspire and help. Football gives so much to so many, and it's great to see this charity giving hope to so many. 

Check them out at http://www.streetsoccerusa.org/

(Here are a few pics from the event, and check out this video from Nick Hatcher.) 

Geezer of the Day

There's no denying this man was cool. Socrates was part of the great Brazil team from the early 1980s that most people thought would win the 1982 World Cup.

He passed away in 2011, but the headband, beard and aura lives on in the memory. And because of that, he gets both a picture and a video!

Just to add a little more confusion to the offside rule

Was he in line when the ball was played?

Goal line technology may be on people's minds, but debate on the offside rule rages on

With some new changes to the offside rules coming in this season, there could be even more confusion (and hence more heated debates among geezers). FIFA has slightly changed the wording of the 'Interfering' section of Law 11, as well as the 'Gaining an Advantage' section.

I used to think that people were just not making any effort to understand what is a relatively simple rule, but now I'm a little perplexed myself. Is the player coming back from an offside position? Are they interfering? Is there daylight? Was his left ankle offside when the ball was played?

Here's FIFA's PDF on the definition of offside.

Gone are the days of sitting around with the ketchup bottle, salt shaker and HP sauce - no one really knows the rules anymore, including referees. It's been made far too complicated and I think it's the inconsistency of the decisions that infuriates players, managers and fans. It's easy to tell when Pippo Inzaghi is offside (the answer is 'always'), but how the assistant referees (linesmen) can make that call in a split second is beyond me.

Big time in the back garden

We all think we're Messi, Maradona or Gervinho when we're in the back garden (ok, no one really thinks they can be Messi!)

Thanks to Lewis 'Broski' Bradshaw for this. Have to question whether he should be allowed to be a parent though, as he was laughing about this far too much.

(Updated with slow-mo at the end!!)

Tricks of the trade

Ok, not sure anyone could ever do this again, but fair play to him for even considering it.

Most of us would miss the corner flag and get laughed at!

Sunday Funday

Get outside in the sunshine, have a kickabout with your mates, then laugh about things like this in the pub afterwards.

The MLS expansion rolls on

About to be 20 teams, but how many more?

Seems that Major League Soccer is here to stay

Interesting article in Sports Illustrated about the cities who want to get in on the action.

Here's the link.

Don't dive in, don't dive in

Zlatan is a fantastic talent, there's no denying that

He's not lazy, you just wish you could see him produce all the time

The Swede was the first player to score 30 goals in France's top division since 1989-90 when Jean-Pierre Papin did it. And he was mustard.

The overhead kick he scored against England in the 4-2 win was special, but think I prefer this. 

Quotes

Two talents that we never really got to see the best of.

"I once said Gazza's IQ was less than his shirt number and he asked me: "What's an IQ?" - George Best on Paul Gascoigne

Geezer of the Day

He's not done anything that special today, but how can he not be our Geezer today after I found this quote...

"The day I was born, God laid eyes on me and said: 'He's the man.'"

The greatest finisher I can remember. Ladies and Gentlemen, Romario.

Brazil 2014 ticket prices revealed

Available to work/blog/be the tea boy

Fifa reveals the cost of tickets for next summer's World Cup

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23377890 or click here

90 dollars, 60 quid or 70 euros for the cheapest ones.

You should be smiling

It's the weekend, the weather is great, a few beers will be flowing and (hopefully) the geezer has kept you a little entertained this week, so no reason not to be happy.

If none of the above are true, I know that you'll have to crack a smile when you see this pic.

Tito Vilanova to step down; Luis Enrique is my pick

Barcelona coach facing throat cancer battle

Missed two months of last season after travelling to New York for treatment

The Guardian (and others) reporting the 44 year-old coach Tito Vilanova is stepping down to continue his fight against cancer. Here's the story.

I think former Real Madrid and Barcelona player Luis Enrique is the favorite, but he's currently manager of Celta Vigo. Sure they could work something out. 

Tricks of the trade

Helping out the defenders a little here.

If he's going to skin you, at least make him look like an idiot for wearing baggy shorts!

A great gesture, but still have to watch a team managed by Mark Hughes

Stoke City offering free travel to away games

Coach travel to watch a really unattractive team may not be as good as it sounds

Now to say I am not a fan of Stoke City is an understatement. I just don't think they have played any proper football during the Tony Pulis years. Yes they've had some good results, beat some very good teams and scored some great goals - Peter Crouch's volley against Man City stands out. They hoof it, punt it, launch it forward, even hurling it in from throw-ins. It's about as attractive as Silvio Berlusconi in a thong - unless you're into that (and seems like some people are).

But today they turned me into a fan. Not of how they play, not of Rory Delap's long throws or Kenwyne Jones' backflips (although I do like those), but because they offered free travel to every away game next season. 

Here's the news on Sky Sports, but it has been widely reported.

It may be a publicity stunt. It may be due to the fact even Stoke fans don't want to watch a team managed by Mark Hughes. It may be the face they only won 2 of their 19 away games in the Premier League last year (scoring just 13 goals, the second worst in the league behind West Ham with 11). 

Football is not cheap. I could reminisce about paying GBP3.50 (no pound sign on my keyboard!!) to watch my first game, but I won't. Any help getting real fans to games home or away is appreciated. Watching a game on TV is nothing like watching it live. So fair play to Stoke, now their fans just have to remember it's free travel to watch Stoke - maybe it's not worth it after all.

Geezer of the Day

German goalkeeper Bert Trautmann dies aged 89

Manchester City's former prisoner of war broke his neck in 1956 FA Cup Final

Trautmann played more than 500 times for City, and his broken vertebrae in the 3-1 Cup Final victory should make modern players even more embarrassed to roll around on the floor only to jump up seconds after getting the free-kick.   

Images

I've heard of swapping shirts at the end of the game

Lucky he borrowed Frank Lampard's shorts

Is the ball going into the shorts? Or are some balls about to escape the shorts?

An explanation of the name

Ok, so here's a little breakdown of where the name comes from - make of it what you will ! This is taken from Urban Dictionary

geezer 

• In the U.K.: A guy, a bloke, a person in general. The British equivalent of the American slang word "dude".

• In the U.S.: An old man, particularly one who is either cranky or eccentric. Rather derogatory term.

But the site also includes this...

• The word given to a cockney male (East Londoner). A typical geezer is a man who dabbles in a bit of illegit business. Also with possible links to organised crime. Most likely place to see them is at a pub talking business with other geezers, they love a pint.

Take a few bits of each and it sounds about right

Geezer of the Day

A year after retiring, Juan Sebastian Veron returns to the pitch for one last shot

Will donate salary to youth divisions

'La Brujita' hung up his boots last June after six years playing for Estudiantes de la Plata, his boyhood club, and became a club director. But it now appears he'd rather rock a kit than a suit.

Veron, 38, recently began training with the team ahead of Argentina's domestic season, which kicks off in a couple of weeks. Today, he made it official, signing with Estudiantes and agreeing to give a good chunk of his checks to the club's youth teams.

Veron played for Sampdoria, Lazio, Parma and Inter Milan in Italy and Manchester United and Chelsea in England before returning to Argentina about six years ago.

The American

"High Kicking, Low Scoring"

I swear not all Americans think of soccer as a "high kicking and low scoring" affair...but most do. 

As usual, the Simpsons hit the nail on the head with the following clip parodying the average American's perception of  the game itself with Springfield getting its first taste of soccer.

And there's no reason why even the most hardcore fans can't find this amusing while still appreciating the games of Adiaga, Adiaga II, Badiaga, Aruglia and Pizzoza.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the Mexico-Portugal match.

Tricks of the trade

Great piece of footwork - no shame in being beaten by this.

The best name in football?

Could be a commentator's nightmare

This kind of answers the question posed in the previous post

So who has the greatest name in football? Past and present there are great contenders. Sven Bender is my current favorite (sorry for the spelling). He's also part of the Bender brothers, so that elevates him in the list. Then there is Stefan Kuntz,  Danny Shittu, Rod Fanni and Paul Dickov, but my favorite has to be this Dutch defender from the 80s and 90s…

Childish I know, but makes me laugh, so I don't care!

Got any better suggestions?