World Soccer Shop Blog

Nike Introduces the CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly III Soccer Boot

2011-04-18T11:27:00.002-05:00

Sportswear giant Nike has launched the all new black and yellow Cristiano Ronaldo Mercurial Vapor SuperFly III soccer shoe.

It was worn for the first time by global superstar Ronaldo during this weekend's massive
meeting between Real Madrid and archrivals FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu and took center stage when the Portuguese winger slotted home a penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for the hosts. Expect to see more of them when the teams meeting three more times over the next three week in the Spanish Copa del Rey final and in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The new CR7 boot follows the launches of the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III and the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II CR7 Safari Soccer Boots over the past few months.

The Nike CR Mercurial Vapor Superfly III Safari soccer boots are now available at this World Soccer Shop link.

Here's are the details on Ronaldo's new boots from Nike and CR7 himself via an interview on his new playing cleats:

Building on the classic heritage of Nike Safari print featured in Cristiano Ronaldo’s first signature boot and high-performance innovation that is the hallmark of Mercurial, the CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly III features a striking tonal black-on-black safari print, inspired by the Nike Air Safari running shoe introduced in 1987 and still coveted today.

The print has been reinvigorated on the second evolution of Cristiano Ronaldo’s boot, wrapping the entire boot and laces for a bold blacked-out effect, with a distinctive volt green geometric pattern on the heel and trademark swoosh wrapping the forefoot.

Performance innovation for the CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly III also features a unique adaptive traction system where designers incorporated adaptive studs in the forefoot that can extend and retract by up to 3mm, based on ground conditions and pressure exerted by the player. As a result, the boot delivers superb traction and responsiveness to ensure one of the fastest players in the world capitalizes on the tightest of scoring opportunities.

Directionally positioned blades maximize cutting and allow for quick changes of direction, while secondary toe traction provides added toe-off power for those first critical steps. Collectively, these design details allow greater speed and quickness in all directions. Nike Flywire technology incorporated into the boot’s streamlined upper provides a lightweight, strong and more dynamic fit.

The CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly III gives footballers exclusive access to training insights from top players and coaches through Nike Football+. Each pair of boots comes with a unique user code to unlock insider tips and Master Speed training content.

Liverpool adidas 2011/12 Away Kit

2011-04-14T12:39:00.004-05:00

After a disappointing start to the 2010/11 English Premier League season, Liverpool FC has become resurgent and is now up to 6th place in the league standings under the guidance of club legend Kenny Dalglish.

With a good finish to the season, the club has a shot at qualifying for Europe next season in what would be Dalglish's first ever European campaign as manager of the club.

The Reds have now officially launched the Liverpool adidas 2011/12 away kit. The new kit features an adidas design also used for the Seattle Sounders FC 2011 away jersey. It will be available for purchase at the World Soccer Shop Liverpool section.

According to the Liverpool FC website:

The new Liverpool FC Away Kit for the 2011/12 season is solid grey in colour, finished with metallic silver details to create a modern, stylish look. A closer look reveals a single stitch silver pinstripe engineered through the fabric. With an intricate v-neck design and rich metallic silver branding this kit is sure to be a hit with players and fans alike.

There's also an all-new home goalkeeper's strip for the new campaign, coloured black and orange. Both kits will officially launch on May 12th.

Photo Credits: liverpoofc.tv

Chelsea adidas 2011/12 Home Kit

2011-04-14T11:50:00.002-05:00

2009/10 English Premier League and FA Cup champions Chelsea FC have unveiled their adidas 2011/12 home outfield player and goalkeeper kits. Both are now available in the World Soccer Shop Chelsea FC section.

According to the Chelsea FC website:

The shirt takes inspiration from Chelsea's heritage with design features originating from past kits used in the early 80s and reflects this with the shadow striped design on the front panel.

A white colour block has also been added to the sleeves and shorts, resulting in adidas' iconic three stripes appearing in blue for the first time on a Chelsea strip and creating a distinctive and striking design.

The new kit will be worn for the first time at the final home game of the season when Chelsea play Newcastle on 14 May.

In addition to the detailed pictures of the new Blues' kit that you're seeing here, the club has also released an exclusive look at several of the team's players (including Fernando Torres and Frank Lampard) taking part in a photoshoot for the new uniform.

Photo Credits: chelseafc.com

USMNT v Paraguay in Nashville, TN

2011-03-31T16:18:00.002-05:00

We got to go to Nashville on Tuesday night to photograph the match. It was rainy, and the US gave up an unlucky goal to lose the match, but they looked good both in the sporting sense and in their new Red Third Jerseys by Nike:

Japan United Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Soccer T-Shirt

2011-03-16T21:12:00.000-05:00

March 14, 2011 - In the wake of the horrendous earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Sports Endeavors Inc. and its partner companies sought out a way that they, their employees and their customers could help in the relief effort.

Sports Endeavors’ in-house design team created a unique Japan tee to help raise funds, increase awareness and show our support. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of this shirt will be donated directly to Japan via the Red Cross. The shirt will be available and promoted through our consumer sites as well as on social media. It is a small way we and our customers can help the people affected by the deadly earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

In the past through similar T-Shirt fundraisers, Sports Endeavors Inc. has raised funds for 9/11 survivors, Haiti citizens and the people of Chile.

Sports Endeavors Inc. is a family owned and operated business and brings a comfortable, friendly atmosphere to everything it does. The company is very active in promoting sport at the grassroots level and has provided quality equipment, apparel and accessories for more than two decades.

Click here to get your Japan United T-Shirt at World Soccer Shop.

Mexico adidas 2011/12 Home and Away Jerseys

2011-03-16T21:04:00.005-05:00

The national soccer teams of Mexico have a busy summer of 2011 ahead of them with participation in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in June and July (as hosts), at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup shortly thereafter, at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June and at the Copa America in July.

The Mexican women's soccer has qualified for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany and will represent CONCACAF along with the USA and Canada at the tournament in June and July.

With all of this action looming, the La Federación Mexicana de Futbol (FMF) officially launched the Mexico adidas 2011/12 home and away jerseys (both now available at World Soccer Shop) last Friday in Mexico City.

The new Mexico kits will be used for the first times when El Tri meets Paraguay in Oakland, CA on March 26th, 2011 and Venezuela in San Diego, CA on March 29th, 2011 in international friendly action.

On hand to model the new El Tri uniforms were the Mexico Under-17 team (in the away kit) and the Mexico Under-20 team (in the new home kit).

The Mexico adidas 2011/12 green home kit features a brand new adidas design that hasn't been used for any other of the firm's soccer jerseys thus far this year. The black away shirt shares its design with the Seattle Sounders FC adidas 2011 home jersey.

Photos courtesy of adidas.

MLS 2011 Season Preview

2011-03-09T21:49:00.016-06:00

Major League Soccer’s 2011 season kicks off next Tuesday night when league attendance leaders Seattle Sounders FC hosts David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy (9:30 PM ET ESPN). Nine months of the best soccer in the United States and Canada will follow culminating with MLS Cup 2011 in November. In a league known for a great deal of parity, just about any team has a chance of being crowned league champions as the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake have proven over the past two years.

To get you ready for all of the upcoming action, here’s the World Soccer Shop MLS 2011 Season Preview.

New Teams

MLS expands to an eighteen team league in 2011 with the entry of longtime United Soccer Leagues (USL) campaigners the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC to the league. The new entrants join the Seattle Sounders FC in the Northwest United States / British Columbia region and will both play in the MLS Western Conference. The Whitecaps become MLS’ second Canada-based franchise along with five-year old Toronto FC. Finally, the Kansas City Wizards have rebranded themselves as Sporting Kansas City.

Conferences

The 2011 MLS Conference setup changes slightly for 2011 because of the league’s expansion. With Portland and Vancouver joining the Western Conference, the Houston Dynamo now moves to the Eastern Conference. The 2011 MLS Conferences will look like this:

EASTERN CONFERENCE WESTERN CONFERENCE

Chicago Fire Chivas USA

Columbus Crew Colorado Rapids

D.C. United FC Dallas

Houston Dynamo LA Galaxy

Sporting Kansas City Portland Timbers

New England Revolution Real Salt Lake

New York Red Bulls San Jose Earthquakes

Philadelphia Union Seattle Sounders FC

Toronto FC Vancouver Whitecaps FC

League Changes

Playoffs

With more teams and a growing fanbase, MLS has added another round and two more teams to its playoffs. This is the league’s explanation of how the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs will work.

· Ten clubs will qualify for the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs:

· The top three finishers in each conference, based on regular season points (six automatic berths)

· The next best four clubs based on regular season points, irrespective of conference (four wild cards)

· The four wild cards will play single elimination games against each other, with higher seeds hosting (1 vs. 4; 2 vs. 3). These play-in games are part of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

· After the two play-in games conclude, the lowest remaining seed will face the Supporters’ Shield winner in the Conference Semifinals; the other will face the No. 1 seed in the opposite conference from the Supporters’ Shield winner.

The four Conference Semifinals will be decided by two-game aggregate series, with each club hosting one game. The two Conference Championships will be single games hosted by the higher seed. MLS Cup will again be a single championship match hosted at a predetermined site to be announced at a later date.

Reserve League

After a three year absence, the MLS Reserve League will be resurrected. It will feature a 10-game regular season and followed by playoffs. As with the reserve divisions of major European soccer leagues, the MLS Reserve League is designed to give young players development opportunities via regular game action. It will also allow squad fringe players and those returning from injury to see playing time.

MLS rosters will be expanded from 26 to 30 players to now that the Reserve Division is back. Six of the roster spots are designated for players 24 years old and younger. Finally, MLS club’s academy players and those on trial will be allowed to suit up in for reserve teams.

Major Transfers

MLS didn’t see any signings of the magnitude David Beckham or Thierry Henry this offseason. Nevertheless there were signings of several proven internationals, including Mexico’s Omar Bravo by Sporting KC and USA’s Jay DeMerit, along with a few major inter-team moves. These are the biggest of the signings and transfers. The player’s last clubs are in parentheses.

Colorado Rapids: Sanna Nyassi (Seattle Sounders FC)

Columbus Crew: Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas)

Houston Dynamo: Hunter Freeman (IK Start, Norway)

Sporting KC: Omar Bravo (Chivas de Guadalajara)

L.A. Galaxy: Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls)

New England Revolution: Didier Domi (Olympiakos)

New York Red Bulls: John Rooney (Macclesfield Town)

Portland Timbers: Kenny Cooper (1860 Munich)

Vancouver Whitecaps: Jay DeMerit (Watford FC)

Match Schedule

The full MLS 2011 schedule may be found at this link.

Some of the biggest matches of the early season include:

03/15/11: Seattle vs. L.A. Galaxy

03/18/11: Vancouver vs. Toronto FC

05/07/11: L.A. Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls

Where to Watch

Major League Soccer matches will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3.com (21 matches) , Fox Soccer Channel (up to 31 matches) and Galavision / Telefutura (30 matches) in the United States during the 2011 season. TSN will air 24 matches involving Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps for MLS fans in Canada.

Highlights of all matches can be viewed at the MLS Soccer video website while the MLS YouTube channel is updated regularly with interviews, behind the scenes and on the field match footage and even a look back at some classic MLS matches from as far back as the league’s first season in 1996.

Lastly, to whet your appetites for the MLS action starting next week, here are highlights from last week’s CONCACAF Champions League quarter final meeting between the Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake. RSL won the series 4-1 to become the first MLS team to advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.

Photo Credits: Getty Images

Argentina adidas Copa America 2011 Home and Away Jerseys

2011-03-01T21:18:00.006-06:00

The much-anticipated adidas Argentina Copa America 2011 home and away jerseys have officially been launched. Both kits are now available for purchase at World Soccer Shop and will be used by the team during the 2011/12 international season.

The new kits to be worn by the likes of team captain Javier Mascherano and reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi when the Albicelestes host the Copa America in July were launched online at lacamisetadetodos.com and the adidas Argentina national team Facebook page. Messi and Asociación Argentina de Fútbol president, Julio Grondona, participated in the virtual launch. The images shown in the event were taken by kit designer Martín Tibabuzo.

The unveiling of the Argentina Copa America 2011 home and away jerseys was also broadcast to onlookers via an outdoor big screen at the corner of Florida and Corrientes streets in Buenos Aires.

The home jersey should see its first action when Argentina meets Venezuela in a friendly in San Juan on March 16th. The away kit is expected to be used when the team travels to New York to meet the United States in another friendly on March 26th.

The Argentina 2011/12 home and away jerseys will be available in adidas TECHFIT™ PowerWEB and Climacool versions to both players and fans.

Photo Credits: adidas

adidas F50 adiZero Prime

2011-02-27T20:15:00.006-06:00

One of adidas' first soccer boot launches of 2011 is the much-awaited F50 adiZero Prime - now the world's lightest soccer shoe. The new adidas F50 adiZero Prime is the second generation of the adidas F50 adiZero boot that was launched in the Spring of 2010. The shoe went on to becoming the top scoring boot at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is now a favorite among professional players such as Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Daniel Alves, David Silva, David Villa, Samir Nasri, Thomas Müller, Asamoah Gyan, Salomon Kalou, Arjen Robben, Nani, Diego Forlán and Gareth Bale.

Weighing in at only 5.1 oz., the adidas F50 adiZero Prime TRX takes 0.7 oz. off the F50 adiZero and is 0.2 oz. lighter than the previous lightest boot in the world, the PUMA v1.10 SL.

The shoe is developed on a high-speed last with an adiLite single layer design (no foam, no lining) that is soft, lightweight yet extremely durable. It features durable Kevlar laces, an inner contrast-color TPU support bands for stability. The adidas F50 adiZero Prime has two sockliner options, one ultralight and one comfort TPU Sprintframe outsole with Traxion for acceleration and speed and comes with a shoe bag, extra laces and shoe cloth.

Here's a detailed look at the current colorways of the adidas F50 adiZero Prime (Black/White/Electricity and Warning/Black/White) along with video of reigning FIFA World Player of the Year and FC Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi juggling the new boot.

The adidas F50 adiZero Prime soccer boot is now available at the World Soccer Shop adidas Footwear Store.

2011 Carling Cup Final Preview

2011-02-23T21:13:00.008-06:00

Arsenal and Birmingham City clash on Sunday, February 27th in the final of the 2011 Carling Cup (also called the League Cup by many) at Wembley Stadium. The Gunners are seeking their first silverware since a then Thierry Henry-led squad won the 2005 F.A. Cup. Meanwhile, Birmingham is looking for its first title since it won the old Third Division and Football League Trophy (a completion for third and fourth tier English Football League teams) in 1995.

Here is the World Soccer Shop Blog Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to 2011 Carling Cup preview.

Road to the Final

Arsenal
Over the years, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has used to Carling Cup to give fringe and young Gunners competitive runouts. He did start this year’s completion in the same manner but as Arsenal progressed looked like contenders for the cup, Wenger has increasingly fielded his first team regulars.

The Gunners faced and defeated Premier League opposition (including fierce rivals Tottenham) in the first three rounds of the Carling Cup before suffering a shock defeat to Championship side Ipswich Town in the first leg of the semi-finals. However, Arsenal summarily dispatched with the Tractor Boys 3-0 in the return leg to book a spot in the final.

September 21, 2010: Tottenham 1 – Arsenal 4 (Carling Cup Round 3)
October 27, 2010: Newcastle United 0 – Arsenal 4 (Carling Cup Round 4)
November 30, 2010: Arsenal 2 – Wigan 0 (Carling Cup Quarter-Finals)
January 12, 2011: Ipswich Town 1 – Arsenal 0 (Carling Cup Semi-Finals)
January 25, 2011: Arsenal 3 - Ipswich Town 0 (Carling Cup Semi-Finals)

Birmingham City
Without the same quality of reserve players as Arsenal, Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish fielded teams featuring a mix of first team regulars and fringe players early in the cup. As the Brummies move through the rounds the first teamers that feature for the club in English Premier League matches were also starting in Carling Cup fixtures.

The club faced lower league opposition until meeting local rivals Aston Villa in the quarter-finals followed by Premier League strugglers West Ham in the semi-finals.

August 26, 2010: Birmingham 3 – Rochdale 2 (Carling Cup Round 1)
September 21, 2010: Birmingham 3 – Milton Keynes Dons 1 (Carling Cup Round 3)
October 26, 2010: Birmingham 1 – Brentford 1. Birmingham won 4-3 on penalties. (Carling Cup Round 4)
December 1, 2010: Birmingham 2 – Aston Villa 1 (Carling Cup Quarter-Finals)
January 11, 2011: West Ham 2 – Birmingham 1 (Carling Cup Semi-Finals)
January 26, 2011: Birmingham 3- West Ham 1 (Carling Cup Semi-Finals)

Form Guide

Arsenal is currently in fine form having defeated FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League last week and battling it out with Manchester United for top spot in the Premier League. Birmingham, on the other hand, sits towards the bottom of the league table and just three points out of the relegation zone.

There are the last five results for both clubs.

Arsenal
February 23, 2011: Arsenal 1 – Stoke City 0
February 20, 2011: Leyton Orient 1 – Arsenal 1
February 16, 2011: Arsenal 2 – FC Barcelona 1
February 12, 2011: Arsenal 2 - Wolverhampton 0
February 5, 2011: Newcastle United 4 – Arsenal 4

Birmingham City
February 19, 2011: Birmingham 3 – Sheffield Wednesday 0 (FA Cup)
February 15, 2011: Birmingham 0 – Newcastle United 2 (English Premier League)
February 12, 2011: Birmingham 1 – Stoke City 0 (English Premier League)
February 6, 2011: West Ham 0 – Birmingham 1 (English Premier League)
February 2, 2011: Birmingham 2- Manchester City 2 (English Premier League)

Head to Head (Last Two Seasons)

January 1, 2011: Birmingham 0 - Arsenal 3 (English Premier League)
October 16, 2010: Arsenal 2 - Birmingham 1 (English Premier League)
March 27, 2010: Birmingham 1 - Arsenal 1 (English Premier League)
October 17, 2009: Arsenal 3 - Birmingham 1 (English Premier League)

Where to Watch

In the United States, you can see the 2011 Carling Cup Final live on Fox Soccer Channel at 11:00 AM Eastern Time on February 27th.

Injuries

Arsenal – Manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that England international Theo Walcott will miss the Carling Cup final with an ankle sprain picked up during Wednesday’s Premier League win over Stoke City.

Birmingham - Midfielder Alexander Hleb may miss the Carling Cup final following an injury to his knee in Saturday’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Photo Credits: Getty Images

Celebrity Soccer Fans

2011-02-16T20:48:00.001-06:00

Over the years soccer has had its fair share of celebrity fans in its hotbeds of Europe and South America. RomCom king and Fulham fan Hugh Grant, former Brentford FC apprentice Rod Stewart, one-time Watford FC chairman Sir Elton John, Italian actress and lifelong AS Roma fan Sabrina Ferelli, and Oasis rockers and Manchester City supporters Noel and Liam Gallagher are among the pop culture luminaries who have been regulars in executive boxes at stadiums around the world over the years. Now as soccer is at arguably its most popular level ever in the United States, a new generation of celebrity A-List soccer fan has emerged.

Kim Kardashian at a Chelsea FC Club Party

The most visibly and outspoken of America’s current celebrity soccer fans is comedian and actor Drew Carey. A well-known fan of the United States National Soccer Team, Carey could be spotted in the photographers’ box at U.S. matches at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups. He has since gone on to become a minority owner of the Seattle Sounders F.C. and is a regular in the fan March to the Match through the streets of Seattle to Sounders home games at Quest Field.

Will Ferrell meets Chelsea captain John Terry

NBA All Star, future Hall of Famer and current Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash joins Carey as the other A-List Major League Soccer owner. A gifted soccer player in his own right, Nash gave his full support to the Vancouver’s effort to land Canada’s second MLS franchise in the form of the Vancouver Whitecaps F.C. He went on to become a majority owner of the team and holds the annual Showdown in Chinatown charity soccer match that has attracted players like Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea F.C.), Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan) and Ryan Babel (Liverpool F.C.) over the past few years.

Soccer’s popularity among the Hollywood set is also evident in the A-Listers that big matches on U.S. shores now attract. For instance, David Beckham’s first match with the L.A. Galaxy in 2007 attracted big names such as Alicia Silverstone, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Meanwhile, when Chelsea F.C. hits the West coast for pre-season action, their club parties and matches become hot tickets with everyone from Kim Kardashian to Will Ferrell to Charlize Theron.

Charlize Theron gets a Chelsea FC jersey

With the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and other world class soccer leagues now beaming into U.S. homes via television and over the internet, soccer is now more readily accessible than ever before. Led by players like Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo (now regulars on E! TV’s nightly news reports), it is also now an integral part of popular culture around the world and, increasingly, in the United States. Thus it is of little surprise that we are seeing more soccer fans, including celebrities, than ever.

Hugh Grant at the 2010 Europa League Final

Photo Credits: Getty Images

PUMA PowerCat 1.10 Tokyo Soccer Boots

2011-02-10T20:10:00.004-06:00

Sportswear giant PUMA has released a new colorway of the popular PowerCat 1.10 (or PWR-C 1.10) soccer boots . The innovative boot is inspired by the style, popular culture and bright lights of Tokyo, Japan. Fittingly, the boot also incorporates some of the latest soccer boot technology that has seen the likes of Republic of Ireland and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given and England and Manchester City midfielder Michael Carrick favoring the PWR-C 1.10 in recent times.

According to PUMA:

The PowerCat 1.10 Tokyo is the perfect combination of engineering and comfort in a striking design. The injected PUMA 3D Power Shooting Technology (PUMA 3D PST), the fresh Cat branding, and the super soft and thin premium microfiber make the PowerCat 1.10 Graphic the boot of choice for true football players who want stand out on the pitch.

The PUMA PowerLast and the stable yet flexible outsole create a snug and comfortable fit whilst the dual density external heel counter provides protection against outer forces.

The PowerCat 1.10 uses PUMA 3D Power Shooting Technology which delivers unique rebound properties. The Springtech foam in the shark-like gills on the side of the boot are engineered to enhance every shot by putting extra power behind the ball as it catapults off the shoe. This means the boot intentionally does not absorb the typical amount of energy upon impact with the ball, allowing more power to be released with every shot.

The kicking area is made of a soft, thin leather and a synthetic microfiber around the quarter area, keeping the boot lightweight and easy to perform in. The bladed studs are configured to ensure smooth ground penetration and pressure distribution as well as maximum traction and maneuverability.

Check out the World Soccer Shop PUMA soccer cleats section for more on the PUMA PowerCat 1.10 Tokyo and other PUMA boots.

Photos courtesy of PUMA.

Photos: Mexico vs. Bosnia in Atlanta, GA

2011-02-10T18:14:00.000-06:00

We were at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA along with over 50,000 others soccer fans last night for the big Mexico - Bosnia and Herzegovina international friendly. While making the rounds in the Dome, we ran into an assortment of electric fans of both teams, a ton of soccer-loving neutrals, model / sportscaster Ingrid Sainz and former Mexico national team goalkeeper Jorge Campos (both of whom graciously posed for pictures for us).

Here are a few pictures from last night's festivities for those of you who weren't there and for those of you who were and want to relive some of the good times had by all.

Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) 2011 Jerseys

2011-02-09T12:42:00.005-06:00

Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) unveiled the six home jerseys to be worn during the 2011 WPS season at event in Manhattan on February 3, 2011. The league also unveiled custom-designed Project Pink uniforms to be worn during designated games in 2010 to help raise awareness for fight against breast cancer. The WPS season is slated to begin on April 9.

WorldSoccerShop.com will carry the home jerseys for all six teams this season.

PUMA 2011 WPS Kits

Nikki Marshall, Washington Freedom

Keeley Dowling, Atlanta Beat

Allie Long, Sky Blue FC

Alex Scott, Boston Breakers

Tasha Kai, Philadelphia Independence

Becky Edwards, Western New York Flash

Leslie Osborne, Boston Breakers (Project Pink)

Credits: WomensProSoccer.com Photos: Howard C. Smith/ISIPhotos.com

Nike Unveils 2011/12 Brazil National Team Home Jersey

2011-02-01T14:17:00.008-06:00

The Confederação Brasileira de Futebol and Nike have officially launched the Brazil 2011/12 home kit that the Seleção will wear for this summer's 2011 Copa America, FIFA Under-17 World Cup and FIFA Under-20 World Cup (both pending qualification).

The Brazil Nike 2011/12 home jersey is slated to be worn for the first time in competion on February 9th when the Seleção meets France in an international friendly at the Stade de France.

According to kit manufacturer Nike:

Known throughout the world for their artistry on the pitch, the Brasilian National Team combine a unique flair with technical excellence and blinding speed.

With five stars emboldened across the most feared jersey in world football, their legendary style of play is only matched by an unrivaled passion to win… for each other, the team and their country. These hallmarks of their playing style led to the design of the new Brasil National Team kit which combines precision fabrication with bold styling. Nothing but the best for world beaters. The top materials, exquisite design detailing and the bold chest stripe of the new home jersey symbolize the artistry and toughness that define the mighty Canarinhos.

The relentless spirit and unmatched championships evolve with the launch of a technically advanced new Brasil team kit.

Crafted from 13% lighter fabric that uses up to 8 recycled plastic bottles per jersey, the boldly durable design represents pinnacle kit design for Nike Football.

• Crew-neck design provides a comfortable, non-restricting fit.
• Bonded hem offers a streamlined look that reduces the irritation caused by chafing.
• Team crest on the left chest is heat transferred for a bold way to show Brasilian national pride.

• Patriotic screenprint graphics of “Brasil” on the back and the Brasilian flag on the inside of the neck for subtle design details.
• Dri-FIT fabric to wick sweat away and help keep you dry and comfortable.
• Considered Design* for high performance and low environmental impact.

*Considered Design used for the CBF kit represents Nike’s ongoing commitment to design without compromise either to performance or the planet. By continually raising the standards for innovation and sustainability, Nike envisions a “closed loop” future where the shoes you wear today become the shoes, shirts or equipment you use tomorrow. The benchmarks include using less toxics, more sustainable materials and creating less waste.

Photo Credits: Nike

A Guide to the 2011 African Nations Championship

2011-01-31T20:53:00.012-06:00

During January, soccer fans were treated to the excitement of two international soccer competitions with the recently concluded AFC Asian Cup 2011 and the Copa Centroamericana 2011. Now our attention shifts to the soccer hotbed of Africa for the CAF African Championship of Nations (CHAN).

Unlike the more prestigious Africa Cup of Nations, teams participating in CHAN must be comprised only of players participating in a given country’s domestic league system. For example, the Ghana national team must be made up only of players currently playing in Ghana.

The 2011 African Nations Championship is the second edition of the tournament following its debut in 2009. Sudan will play host to the contest from February 4 to 25, 2011. A collection of scouts from European clubs seeking to unearth the next Didier Drogba, Michael Essien or Samuel Eto’o is expected to descend on the Saharan nation during this period.

Here are the groups 2011 African Nations Championship. The tournament schedule is available at this CAF link. We haven’t been able to find a media outlet in the United States showing the competition but match highlights may be available at the 2011 African Nations Championship video site.

Group A: Sudan (Hosts), Gabon, Uganda, Algeria
Group B: Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Niger
Group C: D.R. Congo (Defending Champion), Cameroon , Cote d’Ivoire, Mali
Group D: Senegal, Rwanda, Angola, Tunisia

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rapper Drake and Rio Ferdinand talk Music and Football

2011-01-26T10:47:00.005-06:00

Pretty interesting to hear a Rapper and a Footballer talk about how their jobs are similar. Drake is the Canadian Rapper who's first studio album Thank Me Later was a huge success last year recently toured the UK and made a stop in Manchester to visit United's facilities. Rio made sure to take in a show during the tour and of course got backstage access. "Sports and music are so synonymous. Cause we want to be them and they want to be us." - Drake

[via Hypebeast]

adidas Launches the Neo Collection

2011-01-23T19:24:00.002-06:00

Global sportswear brand and major player in the sphere of soccer, adidas, has launched a brand new fashion label that melds sports with everyday fashion - adidas Neo.

The firm describes the adidas Neo Label as the freshest casual sportswear from adidas. From unique and fun footwear and apparel to a David Beckham-inspired collection, the range has something for everyone.

adidas’ fresh and newest label has sports-inclined and stylish youth in mind . The collection offers the stylish and fashionable different products that inspire individuality and self-expression while offering designs that reflect the latest fashion trends for the season.

adidas Neo offers different sportswear and accessories with vibrant colors, geometric graphics and patterns. What makes it more interesting is that there are customized pockets for MP3 players and holes for headphones worked into apparel and bags for those on the go.

Here’s a look at some of the items in the adidas Neo Fall/Winter 2010 collection as the latest adidas Neo video. Be sure to check out the World Soccer Shop adidas Neo Store for more from the label including the David Beckham range.

Photos courtesy of adidas.

The History of the adidas Samba - A Soccer Icon

2011-01-11T20:30:00.005-06:00

Considered by many soccer aficionados to be the quintessential indoor playing shoes and by fashionistas to be a classic, all-purpose casual shoe, the adidas Samba has become iconic over the last 50 years.

Developed by a fledgling adidas in the late 1940s and first produced in 1950, the Samba was the first soccer shoe designed to allow players to train on hard, icy surfaces. Its then innovative gum rubber outsole made it the first shoe to provide the traction necessary for players to perform drills and run on the frozen fields of Europe in wintertime. This outsole later proved to be the basis of indoor soccer or futsal shoes. In fact, the adidas Samba was one of the few indoor soccer shoes on the market until the 1990s when manufacturers such as Nike, Umbro and Puma entered the genre.

Since 1950, the adidas Samba has sold over 35 million pair to generations of soccer players and sport-inspired shoe lovers. It has made its way into popular culture from being the choice shoe of the 1970s Liverpool football casuals / scally subculture to having a Def Jam 25^th Anniversary edition in 2009. The adidas Samba also became a staple among the punk rock and skater crowds in the 1980s and with the Emo set in the 2000s.

Take a look at Twilight star Robert Pattinson (or vampire Edward for Twihards out there) and you might see him stalking the streets of Hollywood in a pair of adidas Sambas. The shoe also recently appeared on the feet of Shia Labeouf's character Sam Witwicky in the 2009 smash film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Back in the early days of hip hop in the 1980s, the Samba's close cousin, the adidas Superstar, was often a staple of legendary rap group Run DMC.

The adidas Samba Classic has maintained the use of a full-grain black leather upper, three-profile gum rubber outsole, non-folding mid-length synthetic tongue, and three white adidas stripes. However, over the years a number of color schemes and slightly-altered incarnations of the shoe have made their way onto the feet of Samba-lovers. These have included suede-upper Sambas and national team editions such as the current Spain and Argentina editions of the shoe.

While World Soccer Shop celebrates Indoor Week 11 with an unmatched selection of indoor soccer shoes, let’s not forget where it all started – a frozen training pitch in adidas’ hometown of Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1950 – with the Samba.

Check out the World Soccer Shop selection of adidas Samba shoes at this link.

Photo Credits: World Soccer Shop and adidas

A Guide to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011

2010-12-30T23:27:00.009-06:00

The AFC Asian Cup 2011 is the first major soccer tournament of the new year. Following the tournament's qualification process, sixteen finalists will compete for the much-respected title of AFC Asian Champion in Qatar from January 7th to January 29th.

The AFC Asian Cup 2011 winner will qualify for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. With a host of European-based stars such as Tim Cahill (Australia and Everton), Shinji Kagawa (Japan and Borussia Dortmund) and Park Ji Sung (South Korea and Manchester United) on show, the 2011 Asian Cup is definitely one to watch for soccer fans around the world.

Here's the World Soccer Shop Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask Guide to the AFC Asian Cup 2011.

Groups

Schedule

A PDF version of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 schedule is available at the AFC website at this link.

Team to Watch

Australia

Now an Asian powerhouse since moving from the Oceania Football Confederation in search of more challenging opposition, the Aussies are loaded with European-based talent. Following a disappointing run in the 2007 Asian Cup, the Socceroos are among the tournament favorites and will be looking to advance beyond the quarter-final round for the first time.

Big Group Stage Match: vs. South Korea on Janaury on January 14th. This match should determine top spot in a group also featuring Bahrain and India.

Key Players: Tim Cahill (Everton), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham FC), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers)

China

Now rebuilding after surprisingly missing out on the final AFC qualification round for the 2011 FIFA World Cup, China has shown good form off late with friendly victories of Latvia and Estonia. China will have to maintain this form to advance from a tough group featuring hosts Qatar, Uzbekistan and Kuwait.

Big Group Stage Match: vs. Uzbekistan on January 16th. This could be a do or die match for the Chinese.

Key Players: Hao Junmin (Schalke 04), Qu Bo (Shaanxi Zhongjian)

Japan

With the most of the team that came within a penalty kick of the quater-finals of last summer's World Cup called up to represent Japan at the Asian Cup, anything less than a semi-final appearance will come as a shock to Blue Samurai fans. The team has shown fine form since the World Cup with recent friendly wins over Argentina and Paraguay.

Big Group Stage Match: vs. Saudi Arabia on January 17th. This match is expected to determine first place in Group B.

Key Players: Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund), Makoto Hasebe( VfL Wolfsburg)

India

They're not expected to advance beyond the first round in their first appearance in the Asian Cup since 1984. Nevertheless, India's national soccer program has been the beneficiary of significant investment from parties seeking to raise the profile of the sport to a market of over one billion Indian citizens. Good performances could do wonders for the sport in the cricket-mad economic power.

Big Group Stage Match: vs. Australia on January 10th. A good showing by the Indians will spur interest in the world's most second most populous country.

Key Players: Suni Chheteri (Sporting Kansas City), Bhaichung Bhutia (East Bengal)

Iran

The three-time champions and seemingly perpetual semi-finalists will be seeking a return to the final four of the Asian after a disappointing quarter-final exit in 2007 and an equally disappointing 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Big Group Stage Match: vs. neighbors and long-time rivals Iraq on January 11th.

Key Players: Javad Nekounam (Osasuna), Masoud Shojaei (Osasuna)

Iraq

Shock champions in 2007, Iraq will be looking to repeat in 2011 under manager former Werder Bremen boss Wolfgang Sidka. Though they are defending champions and gave a good showing in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup (with two draws and one loss), the turmoil in Iraq has left soccer in the country in a state of disarray and Iraq remains somewhat of an unknown quantity. A recent 1-0 loss to Syria followed by a 1-0 win at Saudi Arabia is indicative of this.

Big Group Stage Match: vs. neighbors and long-time rivals Iran on January 11th.

Key Players: Younis Mahmoud (Al-Gharafa), Nashat Akram (Al-Wakrah)

Saudi Arabia

Either champions or second place finishers in an astounding six of the last seven AFC Asian Cups, Saudi Arabia knows how to find success in the tournament. The team is also looking to re-establish itself as an Asian power after missing out on its first FIFA World Cup since its debut on the world stage at USA 1994.

Big Group Stage Match: vs. Japan on January 17th. The winner should take first place in Group B.

Key Players: Yasser Al-Qahtani (Al Hilal), Mohammad Al-Shalhoub (Al Hilal)

South Korea

Like rivals Japan, South Korea will send most of the team that came within a whisk of a 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final spot to Qatar. Featuring several players currently plying their trade in the English Premier League, Scottish Premier League and German Bundesliga, South Korea are among the favorites to take the cup home.

Big Group Stage Match: vs. South Korea on Janaury on January 14th. Expected to see who tops the Group C.

Key Players: Park Ji Sung (Manchester United), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton Wanderers), Cha Du-Ri (Celtic FC)

Where to Watch

Free highlights will be available at the AFC Asian Cup YouTube Channel. ESPN STAR Sports has acquired the television rights to the tournament in Asia. For the U.S., One World Sports acquired the rights through World Sport Group, the AFC’s exclusive marketing and media partner.

One World Sports has licensed the full event to iN DEMAND, which will distribute the football tournament to Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Charter, Mediacom and a host of other U.S. affiliates; DISH Network; and Avail/TVN, which includes AT&T and Verizon FiOS among its affiliates. Matches can be purchased on a per-game basis through Pay-Per-View. Broadband coverage will be available live via One World Sports Broadband. Mobile coverage is on Verizon Wireless V CAST Video.

Photo Credits: Getty Images

Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II FG Elite Cleats (Black/Circuit Orange/Black)

2010-12-27T21:50:00.008-06:00

Back in October, Nike released the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II Safari Edition of the Cristiano Ronaldo's signature shoe. Now the sportwear giant has released a new colorway of the popular, high-end soccer boot in a Black/Circuit Orange/Black scheme. Expect to see them on the feet of professional-level soccer players over the next few weeks in the world's foremost leagues and at 2011's Asian Cup and Copa America.

Here is more information on the Mercurial Vapor Superfly II Elite FG Men'sSoccer Cleat from Nike:

Benefits

Flywire for ultra-lightweight support and comfort
Revolutionary traction for extra grip
Traction pattern for cutting and instant acceleration
Includes exclusive shoe bag and box
Firm-ground (FG) bladed and conical cleats for use on short-grass fields

Traction
The Mercurial Vapor Superfly II Elite Cleat has firm-ground (FG) molded cleatsfor use on short-grass fields that may be slightly wet, but rarely muddy. It also features Adaptive Traction, a pressure-activated cleat in the forefoot that extends when needed for the relentless grip and acceleration the game demands. Injected studs and a vapor traction pattern allow for effortless cutting and instant acceleration. And, for instant bursts of speed, this cleat features toe-off traction.

Design

For ultra-lightweight support, the Vapor Superfly II Elite features innovative Flywire in a streamlined upper. Made up of super-strong, thin nylon fibers that help hold the foot in place, Flywire reduces the cleat's weight, adjusts to the foot, provides support and increases ball feel. Also contributing to this boot's unprecedented light weight is the carbon-fiber chassis, which strips weight to the absolute minimum while maximizing strength. The contoured design mirrors the shape of the foot for enhanced fit and feel, and the lightweight, perforated sockliner provides low-profile cushioning and support while reducing cleat pressure.

Nike Elite Series
The Mercurial Vapor Superfly II Elite is part of the Nike Elite Series, which optimized four of Nike's key soccer cleats with premium materials, decreasing weight for competition on sports' biggest stage last summer. Available to players of all levels, these super-light and incredibly strong silhouettes have been worn by the world's best.

Nike Soccer+

Each pair of Mercurial Vapor Superfly II cleats comes with a unique code. Go to NikeSoccer.com and enter your code for exclusive access to:
Insider coach and player interviews
Exclusive invitations to Nike Soccer+ events and meet-and-greets
Specialized training programs, drills and practice techniques, both online and in-person
Top players' signature moves, with step-by-step demonstrations to help you master them
Track your progress and share it on Facebook, Twitter and more

Origins
Nike's design team worked closely with athletes including Cristiano Ronaldo,Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Pato throughout the design process to create a cleat that enables toe-off acceleration and minimizes slippage in game-changing situations. Players emphasized that acceleration around a defender is just as important as beating him in a straight line. Through additional research, Nike found there were 845 slipping events over 63 games, or roughly 14 per game—a costly price that designers were determined to minimize with the creation of the Mercurial Vapor Superfly II Elite.

The Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II FG Elite soccer cleats in Black/Circuit Orange/Black are now available at this World Soccer Shop link.

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Draw

2010-12-17T08:51:00.004-06:00

Following several exciting qualification rounds and a group stage that saw the emergence of clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, FC København and FC Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe's foremost club soccer competition, the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League is now set for its knockout stages.

The draw for the tournament's Round of 16 took place took place in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday. As always seems to be the case with UEFA Champions League draws, soccer fans are left with several mouth-watering matchups. The foremost of these include:

Inter Milan and Bayern Munich clashing in a rematch of last season's very entertaining final.
FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC meeting in another rematch. This time it is of the 2006 final that saw Barca triumph.
Impressive UEFA Champions League debutants Tottenham Hotspur returning to the San Siro to face seven-time champions AC Milan. Spurs topped a group featuring fellow San Siro residents Inter Milan in the last round of the competition.
A repeat of last season's Round of 16 series between Real Madrid and Olympique Lyon that resulted in Madrid's elimination from the Champions League.

Group stage runners-up will play the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at home on either the 15th/16th or 22nd/23nd of February, with the second legs taking place on either the 8th/9th or 15th/16th of March 2011.

Here are all of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matchups:

AS Roma (ITA) v FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
AC Milan (ITA) v Tottenham Hotspur FC (ENG)
Valencia CF (ESP) v FC Schalke 04 (GER)
Inter Milan FC (ITA) v FC Bayern München (GER)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) v Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Arsenal FC (ENG) v FC Barcelona (ESP)
Olympique de Marseille (FRA) v Manchester United FC (ENG)
FC København (DEN) v Chelsea FC (ENG)

All matches will be shown in the USA on Fox Soccer Channel. Selected matches are usually shown on regional Fox Sports networks on tape delay on the days that they are played.

Photo Credits: Getty Images

FC Barcelona Signs Shirt Sponsorship Deal with Qatar Sports Investments

2010-12-13T18:42:00.005-06:00

Defending Spanish La Liga champions and current table-toppers FC Barcelona have signed the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in history with Qatar Sports Investments. The deal will run for 5 ½ years until 2016 and is worth €166 million ($222 USD). It was finalized on Monday at the Barca's iconic Camp Nou stadium between representatives of both entities.

The Catalan giants were the last major European club to have a jersey without a shirt sponsor until they started carrying the logo of international children's welfare body Unicef in 2006 as part of a partnership to raise awareness and funds to benefit children affected by HIV and AIDS.

According to a press release from Qatar Sports Investments:

The partnership will see Qatar Foundation, a private, non-profit organisation chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser, as the club's new shirt sponsor from next season.

Qatar Foundation supports Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential through programs in education, scientific research and community development. The announcement follows the historic decision by FIFA to award Qatar the hosting rights for the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East in 2022...

FC Barcelona and Qatar Foundation also remain committed to the club's existing relationship with Unicef. Unicef will continue to have a presence on the FCB shirt and receive significant contributions from the club over the next five years.

Photo Credits: Getty Images

Portland Timbers adidas 2011 Home and Away Jerseys

2010-12-09T20:30:00.005-06:00

The Portland Timbers will move from the United Soccer Leagues (USL) to Major League Soccer (MLS) as a 2011 expansion franchise. In preparation for the new season, the club has hired former Scotland international John Spencer as its manager and is in the process of building its roster. Earlier this week, the club announced the signings of MLS-experienced players Eric Brunner, Peter Lowry, Adam Moffat, and Rodney Wallace.

On Thursday, the Portland Timbers officially unveiled their adidas 2011 home and away kits, apparel and training wear during a “Runway on the Runway” fashion show at the Horizon Air maintenance hangar at Portland International Airport.

According to the Portland Timbers website:

The team’s primary jersey, produced by adidas, the official athletic sponsor and product supplier of MLS since the league’s inception in 1996, features a Ponderosa green that pays tribute to the Timbers’ rich history and exciting future in MLS. The body fabric, which prominently displays the Alaska Airlines logo and Timbers primary logo, is specially engineered with the Timbers signature chevron repeating down the middle, tying together the two shades of green that make up the body of the shirt. The classic look reflects the diversity of color one would see in a lush Oregon forest.

The primary jersey also pays homage to the team’s passionate supporter’s group, the Timbers Army, and further celebrates the team’s unique history with an axe prominently featured on the back of the neck and a subtle, lower-back emboss of a rising sun.

The white sleeves of the primary jersey provide a modern twist to the split-jersey design, while the jersey features adidas’ FORMOTION technology that allows maximum athletic movement as well as CLIMACOOL technology that combines moisture-wicking fabric and mesh construction in the player’s highest heat zones to improve body ventilation and keep the athlete at optimum temperature. Piping around the shoulders and engineered rib give the jersey further definition.

Portland’s primary jersey can be worn with either white or dark green shorts, and the on-field look becomes complete with dark green socks that feature the Timbers axe.

The secondary jersey was inspired by the unrivaled passion and pride in Portland – the Rose City. Also featuring a similar split-jersey design and the familiar Alaska Airlines script, the secondary jersey features two shades of red, with the body fabric specially engineered by adidas with Rose City thorns repeating down the middle and a new Rose City logo badge prominently displayed opposite the team’s primary crest on the front of the jersey.

White sleeves again provide a modern element to the secondary jersey, while the “Rose City” verbiage on the back of the neck and printed thorn back-neck taping further call to its inspiration.

The secondary uniform is rounded out by white shorts with Rose City red adidas stripes and red socks that feature the “Rose City” verbiage.

The Portland Timbers adidas 2011 home jersey is now available at this World Soccer Shop link.

Photo Credits: portlandmls2011.com and the Portland Timbers Facebook page

Nike CTR360 II Maestri Elite Soccer Shoes

2010-12-06T15:58:00.000-06:00

We have the boots that Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas wears.

Introducing the

Nike CTR360 II Maestri Elite FG Soccer Shoes in Challenge Red, White and Black

This boot promises to increase control and passing pace.

It weighs 8.8 ounces and is composed of Kanga-Lite synthetic leather upper which mirrors the properties of natural Kangaroo leather, while offering durability in an easy to care for upper material. Innovative built-in features like dampening pods and asymmetrical lacing deliver maximum ball control and optimal passing-pace. High performance, molded sock-liner with Poron low profile cushioning delivers great under the foot comfort. The sole is made of Carbon fiber with direct-injected bladed studs for traction. The Carbon reinforced chassis is engineered for exceptional energy return and strength.

See the entire line of Nike CTR360 II Soccer Shoes