http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer Recent articles about Soccer en-us Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has named Lionel Messi in his squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite the Barcelona forward's hamstring injury. Messi has not played since aggravating the muscle against Atletico Madrid earlier this month but has been named in a 23-man list by Sabella alongside fellow forwards Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. Aguero's Manchester City team-mate Pablo Zabaleta is also in the squad, as is Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini. Roma and Anderlecht midfielders Erik Lamela and Lucas Biglia have also named in a squad made up entirely of overseas-based players, with a handful those playing in Argentina expected to be added on Monday. Argentina will play Colombia on June 7 and Ecuador four days later, before visiting Guatemala for a friendly international on June 14. Full Argentina squad: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania); Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Federico Fernande Fri, 24 May 2013 07:56:17 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/messi_named_in_argentina_squad/13685120 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/messi_named_in_argentina_squad/13685120 Messi named in Argentina squad http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/messi_named_in_argentina_squad/13685120 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/3/f3a31f01f1c44863076d040e73442f7deeebc972/mini/uefa-champions-league.jpg David Beckham might bid adieu to soccer Sunday from the bench. The 38-year-old Beckham, who said last week he will retire from the sport after the season, will be with French champion Paris Saint-Germain when the team travels to Lorient for the season finale. But PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti said it is unlikely Beckham will play, although it has not been officially decided yet. ''It's been a very special place for me,'' Beckham said of being on the field. ''After 22 years of playing football I'm going to take a few months to enjoy time with my family.'' When PSG clinched the league title May 12, Beckham became the first English player to win the championship in four countries after success with Manchester United, Real Madrid and the Los Angeles Galaxy. He also played on loan with AC Milan and made 115 appearances for his country, a record in England for someone other than a goalkeeper. ''I just feel that it's the right time. I feel that I've achieved ev Thu, 23 May 2013 16:18:46 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/david_beckham_bids_au_revoir_to_soccer/13681346 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/david_beckham_bids_au_revoir_to_soccer/13681346 David Beckham bids au revoir to soccer http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/david_beckham_bids_au_revoir_to_soccer/13681346 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/5/45eee36520439315f416b18acfeff0577e363a54/mini/Western_Conference_Championship_b960.jpg Rio Ferdinand has signed a new one-year contract with Manchester United that will take him into a 12th season at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old defender retired from international football last week to concentrate on his club career. Ferdinand has made 432 appearances for United since his debut in 2002, winning a sixth Premier League title this season. He says ''who wouldn't want to play in this fantastic team in front of 76,000 fans each week? It has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue.'' New United manager David Moyes says ''it is clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of his best seasons with the club and I think even from the outside you can see what a big character Rio is around the dressing room.'' Thu, 23 May 2013 09:32:38 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/rio_ferdinand_signs_new_1_year_deal_with_mu/13677851 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/rio_ferdinand_signs_new_1_year_deal_with_mu/13677851 Rio Ferdinand signs new 1-year deal with MU http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/rio_ferdinand_signs_new_1_year_deal_with_mu/13677851 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/d/3df0f2d7916830388bc08a6ac2ed4ff68d3c8062/mini/PicImg_Football__Manchester_7697.jpg David Beckham will give the world one last chance to see him on a football field on Sunday. The 38-year-old Beckham, who said last week he will retire from the sport after the season, will be with French champion Paris Saint-Germain when the team travels to Lorient for the final round. ''It's been a very special place for me,'' Beckham said. ''After 22 years of playing football I'm going to take a few months to enjoy time with my family.'' Although PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti said it is unlikely Beckham will play, it has not been officially decided yet. When PSG clinched the league title on May 12, Beckham became the first English player to win the championship in four countries after success with Manchester United, Real Madrid and the Los Angeles Galaxy. He also played on loan with AC Milan and made 115 appearances for his country, a record in England for someone other than a goalkeeper. ''I just feel that it's the right time. I feel that I've achiev Thu, 23 May 2013 09:32:37 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/david_beckham_bids_au_revoir_to_football/13677845 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/david_beckham_bids_au_revoir_to_football/13677845 David Beckham bids au revoir to football http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/david_beckham_bids_au_revoir_to_football/13677845 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/f/9fdfb52fae610e90772b8973e802b103ebd88bdd/mini/2009_MLS_Western_5f7b.jpg Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes Gareth Bale is "in the right mold" to be a star player at the Bernabeu should he ever sign for the Spanish giants. There has been considerable speculation about the future of the Wales international after Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League, with Madrid the most likely destination. Quoted in The Sun, Ramos said: "Gareth Bale is a Real Madrid-quality signing. He has had an exceptional season. He can punish any team in the world and has the footballing qualities we look for in Madrid. "I am sure Madrid will not be the only team that want to sign him - but he is the right mold for us." Bale rounded off a remarkable year on Sunday by scoring his 26th goal of the season, but his wonder winner against Sunderland was not enough to earn the club Champions League qualification. The club are understandably keen to hold on to their star man and manager Andre Villas-Boas recently called on the forward to end speculation about his fu Thu, 23 May 2013 08:19:10 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/ramos_wants_bale_at_real_madrid/13677404 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/ramos_wants_bale_at_real_madrid/13677404 Ramos wants Bale at Real Madrid http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/ramos_wants_bale_at_real_madrid/13677404 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has refused to rule out the possibility of Roberto Mancini making a return to the Italian giants. A disappointing season for Inter saw them fail to qualify for Europe and their ninth-place finish has cast doubts over the future of current manager Andrea Strammaccioni. Mancini, who was recently sacked by Manchester City, spent four years in charge at the San Siro and Moratti would not dismiss a return for the 48-year old. "Mancini as a possibility? Everything is possible in football," he told Football Italia. However, he was quick to deny suggestions of a move for former Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri. "The signing of Mazzarri? That has no truth to it. This rumour is probably circulating, but it's not true," said Moratti. "Strammaccioni? There is nothing to announce," he added. Thu, 23 May 2013 08:19:09 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/inter_wont_rule_out_mancini_move/13677392 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/inter_wont_rule_out_mancini_move/13677392 Inter won't rule out Mancini move http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/inter_wont_rule_out_mancini_move/13677392 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Midfielder Tomas Rosicky and goalkeeper Petr Cech have been included in the Czech Republic squad for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Italy next month. The Czechs need to do well in the June 7 game in Prague to keep their hopes alive to qualify for the tournament in Brazil. Italy leads Group B of European qualifying with a three-point advantage over Bulgaria. The Czechs are third, five points behind Italy. Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek will stage a training camp next week for players whose season is over. Rosicky, who helped Arsenal qualify for the Champions League with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, will be among them. Rosicky has only played the past two qualifiers, and the Czechs have badly missed his creativity for the majority of qualifying. --- Squad: Goalkeepers: Petr Cech (Chelsea), Jaroslav Drobny (Hamburg), Tomas Vaclik (Sparta Prague) Defenders: Theodor Gebre Selassie (Werder Bremen), Michal Kadlec (Bayer Leverkusen), Tomas Kalas (Vitesse Arnhem), David Limbersky (Vikt Thu, 23 May 2013 08:19:09 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/rosicky_cech_in_czech_squad_for_italy_qualifier/13677395 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/rosicky_cech_in_czech_squad_for_italy_qualifier/13677395 Rosicky, Cech in Czech squad for Italy qualifier http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/rosicky_cech_in_czech_squad_for_italy_qualifier/13677395 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/3/a3f83fa4d27cdb8614cfdad45ccef99be7de1405/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f71556612.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF193DADD97B58D4678D04195C6FA50DFD71B.jpg Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa were picked Thursday in Japan's 26-man squad for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Australia next month. Japan has 13 points in Group B of Asian qualifying and can clinch its fifth straight World Cup appearance with a draw against Australia on June 4 at Saitama Stadium. Australia is third with six points and needs to do well in its remaining three matches to secure a top-two placing to guarantee qualification for the tournament in Brazil. Honda has been struggling with injuries and wasn't in the lineup when Japan lost 2-1 at Jordan on March 26 for its first qualifying defeat. Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo has also been dealing with injuries but was included in the squad. Honda and Stuttgart players Shinji Okazaki and Gotoku Sakai will join the squad the day before the Australia game. Honda is set to play in the Russian Cup final, while Okazaki and Sakai will compete in the German Cup final. ''I am not exactly sure what kind of shape they'll be in Thu, 23 May 2013 05:36:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/japans_honda_kagawa_picked_for_wcup_qualifier/13677038 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/japans_honda_kagawa_picked_for_wcup_qualifier/13677038 Japan's Honda, Kagawa picked for WCup qualifier http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/japans_honda_kagawa_picked_for_wcup_qualifier/13677038 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Chelsea players seem pleased Jose Mourinho appears headed back for a second stint as manager, even after he failed with Real Madrid. Midfielder Juan Mata said Wednesday prior to the first of two U.S. friendlies against rival Manchester City that the 50-year-old Mourinho has been a winner in several countries. The move has been widely reported, although there's has been no official announcement. ''We don't know what's going to happen but if he comes he's welcome because he's one of the best,'' Mata said. ''Chelsea always wants to be a top squad and I think if he comes we're going to be happy to have him.'' Mata wasn't about to judge Mourinho's shortcomings with Real Madrid. He won two major titles, the 2011 Copa del Rey and the 2012 league championship, but couldn't produce a European Cup. ''You have to be there to understand everything,'' Mata said. ''What I know is Madrid is a massive club and there's a lot o Wed, 22 May 2013 23:13:31 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/chelsea_players_ready_for_mourinho_return/13675808 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/chelsea_players_ready_for_mourinho_return/13675808 Chelsea players ready for Mourinho return http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/chelsea_players_ready_for_mourinho_return/13675808 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png We don't have background information on this video, but it's obvious that a player in a green uniform takes a beating in this sequence. After he gets taken down by a player in red and falls on top of the ball, the player in red gets back up and starts kicking him, then two of his teammates join in. Finally the referee blows the whistle and takes the player in green out of his misery, but no word if any of the players in red were penalized. DISCLAIMER: Holdout Sports does not condone this behavior. H/T Dirty Tackle. Visit us at holdoutsports.com and follow us on Twitter @HoldoutSports. Wed, 22 May 2013 23:03:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/soccer_player_knocked_over_kicked_by_three_opponents_video/13675811 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/soccer_player_knocked_over_kicked_by_three_opponents_video/13675811 Soccer player knocked over, kicked by three opponents (Video) http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/soccer_player_knocked_over_kicked_by_three_opponents_video/13675811 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Originally posted on Top-soccer.comLike every top teams in Europe big leagues, most or if not all of them either have Nike or Adidas as their kit sponsor except for  Manchester City who was one of the few that weren’t sponsored by neither the American or German well-known brand. Now that City has realized to compete on the same font as their city neighbor Manchester United or even Chelsea on a global scale, they need to reach a broader fan base. With the announcement of their new kit deal with Nike yesterday in New York City they certainly can level that playing field and have their brand reach beyond the shores of Europe and into different markets through Nike enormous market distribution.   image source Let us know what you think about the new kit in the comments section below. The post An attempt to build Fan base globally: Manchester City Launched new Nike kit. appeared first on Top-soccer. Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:31 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/an_attempt_to_build_fan_base_globally_manchester_city_launched_new_nike_kit/13670695 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/an_attempt_to_build_fan_base_globally_manchester_city_launched_new_nike_kit/13670695 An attempt to build Fan base globally: Manchester City Launched new Nike kit. http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/an_attempt_to_build_fan_base_globally_manchester_city_launched_new_nike_kit/13670695 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Despite a long season there have been some great memories for the Chelsea soccer club, including their Europa League triumph. But perhaps the most adorable moment came after Sunday's 2-1 home victory over Everton, when Ross Turnbull's son, Josh, scored on a breakaway in front of the crowd. Paulo Ferreira, leaving the club after nine years, was busy giving his farewell speech in the center circle while players and their children stood on the pitch to watch. All except one. Without a coach in sight, little Josh dribbled the ball from the middle of the pitch towards the goal, with anticipation building among supporters. He stopped near the penalty spot and committed a handball - seemingly unnoticed by officials - and eventually managed to find the net. At first he was taken aback by the roar of the crowd, pausing to take the moment in. Then he raised his hands up in deserved celebration. As the little tyke stood in triumph, Chelsea fans chanted,  "Sign him up, sign him up, sign him up Tue, 21 May 2013 10:55:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/chelsea_soccer_goalies_son_scores_adorable_goal_that_sends_fans_wild/13662679 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/chelsea_soccer_goalies_son_scores_adorable_goal_that_sends_fans_wild/13662679 Chelsea goalie's son scores adorable goal http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/chelsea_soccer_goalies_son_scores_adorable_goal_that_sends_fans_wild/13662679 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/1/41e5a552aafc5ecc0d5cea1c6e543bdbd6b96b5a/mini/chelsea.jpg One of world soccer’s most legendary managerial careers came to a close Sunday when Sir Alex Ferguson toed the touch line for the final time as Manchester United closed its 2012-13 season. Ferguson’s final match was an away draw with West Bromwich Albion 5-5. It came on a Survival Sunday where nearly everything has been decided, including the Red Devils clinching yet another Premiership title weeks ago. With 13 league championships, five FA Cup titles, four League Cup wins, and two Champions League crowns, how does Sir Alex’s career compare to American coaching icons such as Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, John Wooden, Pat Summitt, or Bob Knight? For one, staying 26 years with one club speaks volumes. Yes, managing a team with one of the world’s largest war chests probably made things easier. But having a talented squad on paper comes with enormous expectations. Chelsea is one of Man U’s fellow heavyweights in the English Premier League, they are currently looking for their ninth manag... Sun, 19 May 2013 19:20:38 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/sir_alex_ferguson_a_look_back_at_the_managers_incredible_career/13651339 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/sir_alex_ferguson_a_look_back_at_the_managers_incredible_career/13651339 Looking back at Sir Alex Ferguson's incredible career http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/sir_alex_ferguson_a_look_back_at_the_managers_incredible_career/13651339 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/7/27806140a2b996f195eeeab8123c3e092b3268dc/mini/saf.jpg A man who was planning to dribble a soccer ball from Seattle to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup died on Tuesday after being hit by a car just 14 days into his trip. 42-year-old Richard Swanson was walking down highway 101 in south Lincoln City, Ore., when he was hit by a car from behind around 10:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to The News Guard. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. A father of two sons, Swanson, a Seattle native, lost his job as a graphic designer last year and had trouble finding another job. In a video posted on the site where he was chronicling his trip, Swanson explained that he was bummed out and thinking about what he wanted out of life. He said one thing he wanted to do was see a World Cup. So without having too many responsibilities like a job and kids to raise, he decided to sell his house and make the trip. “Screw what happens, I don’t even care,” Swanson said of the plan, via Dirty Tackle. “As crazy as the idea sounds, that... Wed, 15 May 2013 01:02:57 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/man_dribbling_soccer_ball_from_seattle_to_brazil_for_world_cup_dies_after_being_hit_by_car/13620137 http://network.yardbarker.com/soccer/article_external/man_dribbling_soccer_ball_from_seattle_to_brazil_for_world_cup_dies_after_being_hit_by_car/13620137 Tragic end to soccer fan's World Cup trek http://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/man_dribbling_soccer_ball_from_seattle_to_brazil_for_world_cup_dies_after_being_hit_by_car/13620137 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/0/80fdfdb4f9d8ef89959cabafb93cd3b1f9c277a1/mini/richard-swanson-soccer.jpg